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1. Implementing a physical activity project for people with dementia in Germany-Identification of barriers and facilitator using consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR): A qualitative study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Cardona MI, Monsees J, Schmachtenberg T

BACKGROUND: Despite physical activity (PA) health benefits, people with dementia (PwD) continue to report low levels of PA engagement compared with healthy older adults. Evidencing that PA initiatives still not reflect effective practice and outcomes. Previous studies have shown that several factors can mediate PA initiatives implementation in this population. However, most prior research have not use implementation science frameworks to outline in-depth barriers and facilitators that enables improved PA strategies in PwD. Therefore, a more holistic understanding of mediating factors is still needed. OBJECTIVE: To identify multilevel barriers and facilitator factors, applying the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to orient a systematic evaluation of one PA project in PwD and provide evidence-based evaluation results to enhance PA implementation efforts for PwD. METHOD: A qualitative study implemented in 4 German sports associations that applied a PA project for PwD. A total of 13 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants, project leaders (PLs) and sports trainers (STs). The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used as an evaluation framework to orient both the data collection and analysis. RESULTS: A total of 13 interviews were conducted with 21 participants. The CFIR guided the identification of barriers and facilitating factors that need to be targeted at different levels for successful implementation. Barriers were identified, especially in the external level, as more solid networks and funding for sustainable proposals are still needed. Other barriers were low participation rates, stigma around the disease and the COVID 19 pandemic. On an individual and structural level facilitators were found like motivated appointed leaders, established planning process, and external organizations supporting sports associations in the implementation. CONCLUSION: Sports projects for PwD can benefit from structuring their interventions based on the CFIR framework as it helps identify multilevel factors that may influence their success and promote PA among PwD. Future efforts should continue working on implementing frameworks that facilitate and reduce the complexity of implementing sustainable PA projects for PwD.

2. Sp1 mediated the inhibitory effect of glutamate on pulmonary surfactant synthesis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Li XH, Fu JJ, Shi XJ

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that the release of endogenous glutamate (Glu) participates in lung injury by activating N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), but the mechanism is still unclear. This study was to investigate the effects and related mechanisms of Glu on the lipid synthesis of pulmonary surfactant (PS) in isolated rat lung tissues. METHODS: The cultured lung tissues of adult SD rats were treated with Glu. The amount of [3H]-choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine (PC) was detected. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the changes of mRNA and protein expression of cytidine triphosphate: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase alpha (CCTα), a key regulatory enzyme in PC biosynthesis. Western blot was used to detect the expression of NMDAR1, which is a functional subunit of NMDAR. Specific protein 1 (Sp1) expression plasmids were used. After transfected with Sp1 expression plasmids, the mRNA and protein levels of CCTα were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot in A549 cells. After treated with NMDA and MK-801, the mRNA and protein levels of Sp1 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot in A549 cells. RESULTS: Glu decreased the incorporation of [3H]-choline into PC in a concentration- and time- dependent manner. Glu treatment significantly reduced the mRNA and protein levels of CCTα in lungs. Glu treatment up-regulated NMDAR1 protein expression, and the NMDAR blocker MK-801 could partially reverse the reduction of [3H]-choline incorporation induced by Glu (10-4 mol/L) in lungs. After transfected with Sp1 plasmid for 30 h, the mRNA and protein expression levels of CCTα were increased and the protein expression of Sp1 was also up-regulated. After A549 cells were treated with NMDA, the level of Sp1 mRNA did not change significantly, but the expression of nucleus protein in Sp1 was significantly decreased, while the expression of cytoplasmic protein was significantly increased. However, MK-801could reverse these changes. CONCLUSIONS: Glu reduced the biosynthesis of the main lipid PC in PS and inhibited CCTα expression by activating NMDAR, which were mediated by the inhibition of the nuclear translocation of Sp1 and the promoter activity of CCTα. In conclusion, NMDAR-mediated Glu toxicity leading to impaired PS synthesis may be a potential pathogenesis of lung injury.

3. Examining the linkages between maternity services and postpartum modern contraceptive adoption among young women in India: Insights from the 2015-16 and 2019-21 National Family Health Survey.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Biswas M, Banerjee A.

4. Modelling and robust controller design for an underactuated self-balancing robot with uncertain parameter estimation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Choudhry OA, Wasim M, Ali A

A comprehensive literature review of self-balancing robot (SBR) provides an insight to the strengths and limitations of the available control techniques for different applications. Most of the researchers have not included the payload and its variations in their investigations. To address this problem comprehensively, it was realized that a rigorous mathematical model of the SBR will help to design an effective control for the targeted system. A robust control for a two-wheeled SBR with unknown payload parameters is considered in these investigations. Although, its mechanical design has the advantage of additional maneuverability, however, the robot's stability is affected by changes in the rider's mass and height, which affect the robot's center of gravity (COG). Conventionally, variations in these parameters impact the performance of the controller that are designed with the assumption to operate under nominal values of the rider's mass and height. The proposed solution includes an extended Kalman filter (EKF) based sliding mode controller (SMC) with an extensive mathematical model describing the dynamics of the robot itself and the payload. The rider's mass and height are estimated using EKF and this information is used to improve the control of SBR. Significance of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing simulation results with the conventional SMC under different scenarios as well as with other techniques in literature. The proposed method shows zero steady state error and no overshoot. Performance of the conventional SMC is improved with controller parameter estimation. Moreover, the stability issue in the reaching phase of the controller is also solved with the availability of parameter estimates. The proposed method is suitable for a wide range of indoor applications with no disturbance. This investigation provides a comprehensive comparison of available techniques to contextualize the proposed method within the scope of self-balancing robots for indoor applications.

5. Climate, race, and the cost of capital in the municipal bond market.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Smull E, Kodra E, Stern A

6. The impact of higher education on high quality economic development in China: A digital perspective.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Bing B.

7. First discovery of parasite eggs in a vertebrate coprolite of the Late Triassic in Thailand.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Nonsrirach T, Morand S, Ribas A

8. Identification of novel lactic acid bacteria with enhanced protective effects against influenza virus.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Sugimoto A, Numaguchi T, Chihama R

9. Clinical and allelic heterogeneity in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa- lessons from an Indian cohort.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Gupta D, Jayashankar C, Srinivas M

BACKGROUND: Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is due to variation in the COL7A1 gene. The clinical phenotype and severity depends on the type of variation and domain of the affected protein. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the spectrum of COL7A1 variations in a cohort of DEB patients from India, to correlate these findings with clinical phenotypes and to establish a genotype-phenotype correlation. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study involving patients with DEB diagnosed on the basis of clinical manifestations, Immuno-fluorescence antigen mapping (IFM) and genetic analysis. A genotype-phenotype correlation was attempted and observations were further explained using IFM on skin biopsies and molecular dynamic simulations. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS version 20.0 with P values of <0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: We report 68 unrelated Indian DEB patients classified as RDEB-Intermediate (RDEB-I), RDEB-Severe (RDEB-S) or DDEB based on the EB diagnostic matrix, immunofluorescence antigen mapping and genetic data. Of 68 DEB patients, 59 (86.76%) were inherited in a recessive pattern (RDEB) and 9 (13.24%) in a dominant pattern (DDEB). Limbal stem cell deficiency was seen in four cases of RDEB-S very early in the course of the disease. A total of 88 variants were detected of which 66 were novel. There were no hotspots and recurrent variations were seen in a very small group of patients. We found a high frequency of compound heterozygotes (CH) in RDEB patients born out of non-consanguineous marriage. RDEB patients older than two years who had oral mucosal involvement, and/or deformities, were more likely to have esophageal involvement. Genotype phenotype correlation showed a higher frequency of extracutaneous manifestations and deformities in patients with Premature Termination Codons (PTCs) than in patients with other variations. Molecular simulation studies in patients with missense mutations showed severe phenotype when they were localized in interrupted regions of GLY-X-Y repeats. CONCLUSION: This large study of DEB patients in South Asia adds to the continually expanding genetic database of this condition. This study has direct implications on management as this group of patients can be screened early and managed appropriately.

10. Adherence to hemophilia patients with prophylaxis: Veritas-Pro and psychometric properties adapted to Turkish.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Mehrekula Demirci Z, Demiral Yilmaz N, Bulbul H

11. Comparative anatomy of the felid brachial plexus reflects differing hunting strategies between Pantherinae (snow leopard, Panthera uncia) and Felinae (domestic cat, Felis catus).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Hall MI, Lindvall T, Suarez-Venot A

12. A retrospective evaluation of the effect of oclacitinib (Apoquel) administration on development of surgical site infection following clean orthopedic stifle surgery.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Motz AK, St Germaine LL, Hoffmann DE

13. Attention-grabbing news coverage: Violent images of the Black Lives Matter movement and how they attract user attention on Reddit.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Henn T, Posegga O.

14. Component of sexual health services for vaginismus management: A qualitative study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Banaei M, Kariman N, Ghasemi V

BACKGROUND: Provision of sexual health services requires gender-sensitive management, facilities, and staff, as well as planning for gender-sensitive caregivers and education. Couples suffering from vaginismus face many types of barriers to accessing sexual health services. This qualitative study was conducted to explain the needs of sexual health services in women with primary vaginismus in Iran. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted through the participation of 20 participants including service providers, women with vaginismus and their husbands in 2022, Iran. The samples were selected using purposive sampling method and considering the maximum variation. For data collection, in-depth semi-structured individual interviews were conducted and continued until data saturation was reached. The collected data were analyzed in MAXQDA10 software using conventional content analysis approach based on the criteria proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. RESULTS: Data analysis led to the emergence of three main themes: 1) Comprehensive preventive sex education which included the three categories of sex education in the education system, premarital sex education through the health system, and sex education through the media with scientific content; 2) Efficient sexual health clinics which included three categories of therapist's skills, empowerment of sexual therapist, and structural features of sexual health clinics and cultural considerations in establishing sexual health clinics; and 3) Protocol for management and treatment of sexual problems which consisted of sexual education and counseling content, treatment requirements, and sex education approaches. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the study, comprehensive preventive sex education through the education system and the Ministry of Health can improve the attitudes of adolescents and young people. Moreover, it can take a fundamental step in solving sexual problems by providing the infrastructure necessary for the establishment of efficient sexual health clinics and protocols required to manage and treat such problems.

15. 10-channel phased-array coil for carotid wall MRI at 3T.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

de Buck MHS, Jezzard P, Frost R

16. Analytical sameness methodology for the evaluation of structural, physicochemical, and biological characteristics of Armlupeg: A pegfilgrastim biosimilar case study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Deshmukh A, Goyal R, Sundaram K

Pegfilgrastim is administered as an adjunct to chemotherapy to reduce the incidence of febrile neutropenia and associated infectious complications. Lupin's Pegfilgrastim is a proposed biosimilar to the U.S.-referenced Neulasta®. Demonstration of biosimilarity requires extensive physicochemical and functional characterization of the biosimilar, and demonstration of analytical similarity to the reference product, in addition to clinical studies. This work is a case study for demonstrating the analytical similarity of Armlupeg (Lupin's Pegfilgrastim) to Neulasta® with respect to structural and physicochemical attributes using several robust, orthogonal, and state-of-the-art techniques including high-end liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy techniques; circular dichroism; differential scanning calorimetry; nuclear magnetic resonance; analytical ultracentrifugation; and micro-flow imaging. Functional similarity was demonstrated using an in vitro cell proliferation assay to measure relative potency and surface plasmon resonance to measure receptor binding kinetics. Furthermore, comparative forced-degradation studies were performed to study the degradation of the products under stress conditions. The product attributes were ranked based on a critical quality attributes risk score according to their potential clinical impact. Based on criticality, all analyses were statistically evaluated to conclude analytical similarity. Lupin's Pegfilgrastim was comparable to Neulasta® as demonstrated via structural, functional, and purity analyses. Lupin's Pegfilgrastim complied with the quality and statistical ranges established using Neulasta®. Both products follow the same degradation pathways under stress conditions as observed in the forced-degradation studies. No new impurity or degradation product was observed in Lupin's Pegfilgrastim. These data conclusively demonstrate the analytical similarity of Lupin's Pegfilgrastim and Neulasta®.

17. Systematically uncovering the absorbed effective substances of Radix Scutellaria-licorice drug pair in rat plasma against COVID-19 using a combined UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis and target network pharmacology.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Wen X, Xie W, Gao J

Radix Scutellaria-Licorice drug pair (RSLDP), a frequently used herbal pair with the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, is the commonly employed drug pair in TCM prescriptions for the treatment of COVID-19. Until now, the metabolism feature and anti-COVID-19 mechanism of RSLDP have not been fully elucidated. In this study, a sensitive and rapid method was developed for the separation and identification of the absorbed constituents of RSLDP in the rat plasma by UHPLC-QTOF-MS. Additionally, we optimized the conventional methodologies of network pharmacology and proposed a new concept called target network pharmacology (T-NP). It used the absorbed constituents and the corresponding targets to generate a compound-target network, and compared to conventional network pharmacology, it could reduce false-positive results. A total of 85 absorbed constituents were identified or tentatively characterized in dosed plasma, including 32 components in the group of Radix Scutellaria, 27 components in the group of Licorice, and 65 components in the group of RSLDP. The results showed that the compatibility of Radix Scutellaria and Licorice increased the number of components in vivo. We found that 106 potential targets among the 61 active compounds in RSLDP were related to COVID-19. And 12 targets (STAT3, AKT1, EGFR, HSP9AA1, MAPK3, JUN, IL6, VEGFA, TNF, IL2, RELA, and STAT1) could be core targets for RSLDP in treating COVID-19. Results from these targets indicate that RSLDP treatment of COVID-19 mainly involves response to chemical stress, response to oxygenates, positive regulation of cytokines, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway for diabetic complications, virus-related pathways such as novel coronavirus and human cytomegalovirus infection, inflammatory immune-related pathways, and so on. The metabolism feature of RSLDP in vivo was systematically uncovered. The combined use of the T-NP method could discover potential drug targets and disclose the biological processes of RSLDP, which will clarify the potential mechanisms of RSLDP in the treatment of COVID-19.

18. Use of outpatient healthcare services before and after the onset of unemployment: A register-based propensity score matched study from Finland.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Rinne H, Blomgren J.

19. Polypharmacology guided drug repositioning approach for SARS-CoV2.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Jamir E, Sarma H, Priyadarsinee L

20. Interventions targeting children and young people's physical activity behavior at home: A systematic review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Seims AL, Hall J, Bingham DD

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Increased time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased children's physical activity. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of children's home-based physical activity interventions, and identify 'active ingredients' underpinning these. METHODS: Databases searched-AMED, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science, from inception until June 2022. Eligibility criteria-children aged 2-16 years, targeting home-based physical activity, a control group, and physical activity measured pre- and post- intervention. Studies were excluded if it was not possible to identify change in physical activity at home. The review was written following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidance. Study quality was evaluated using the quality assessment tool for quantitative studies. Study design, intervention characteristics, outcome data, behavior change theory, Behavior Change Techniques (BCTs) and process evaluation data were extracted and discussed using narrative syntheses. RESULTS: 13 studies (including 1,182 participants) from 25,967 were included. Interventions primarily involved active video games, with the addition of coaching or telehealth support (n = 5). Three of the 13 studies significantly increased children's physical activity (1 = Moderate to vigorous physical activity, 2 = total volume, P<0.05). The largest effect size (d = 3.45) was for moderate to vigorous physical activity. 29% of BCTs were identified across included interventions; the most common being adding objects to the environment. The most effective intervention scored strong for design quality, incorporated telehealth coaching, and included the most commonly coded BCTs. Variation among studies and insufficient reporting of data made a meta-analysis unfeasible. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 emphasized the importance of the home for physical activity. Whilst effectiveness of interventions was limited, building social support and self-efficacy are mechanisms that should be explored further. The review provides recommendations to improve the design and evaluation of future interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Prospero registration number: CRD42020193110.

21. Small molecule inhibitor of tau self-association in a mouse model of tauopathy: A preventive study in P301L tau JNPL3 mice.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Davidowitz EJ, Lopez P, Jimenez H

22. High circulating endocan in chronic kidney disease? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Khalaji A, Behnoush AH, Mohtasham Kia Y

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Endothelial dysfunction has been suggested to be involved in the pathophysiology of CKD. Endocan, as an endothelial factor, has been shown to increase in several diseases. The current systematic review and meta-analysis was performed with the aim of determining the association between endocan levels and CKD. METHODS: Four international databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies. Afterward, screening and extraction of data were performed. We conducted a random-effect meta-analysis to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to compare circulating endocan levels between patients with CKD (including patients undergoing hemodialysis) and healthy controls. Subgroup analysis based on the specimen in which endocan was measured (serum or plasma) was also performed. RESULTS: After screening by title/abstract and full-text review by the authors, 20 studies were included. Meta-analysis revealed that serum endocan is higher in CKD patients compared to healthy controls (SMD 1.34, 95% CI 0.20 to 2.48, p-value<0.01). This higher endocan level was also observed in the subgroup of studies that measured plasma endocan while this was not the case for the subgroup of studies assessing serum endocan. Meta-analysis was also performed for comparison of CKD patients without other comorbidities and healthy controls, which resulted in the same conclusion of higher endocan levels in patients with CKD (SMD 0.74, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.95, p-value<0.01). Moreover, endocan was associated with cardiovascular diseases in CKD. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that endocan is significantly increased in patients with CKD. This can have clinical implications as well as highlight the need for future research investigating the diagnostic and prognostic role of endocan in CKD.

23. Theoretical and semi-analytical simulation for a two-predator-one-prey model during the mating period.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Aljahdaly NH.

24. Artificial intelligence directed development of a digital twin to measure soft tissue shift during head and neck surgery.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Männle D, Pohlmann J, Monji-Azad S

25. Contamination of the marine environment by Antarctic research stations: Monitoring marine pollution at Casey station from 1997 to 2015.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Stark JS, Johnstone GJ, King C

The contamination of the marine environment surrounding coastal Antarctic research stations remains insufficiently understood in terms of its extent, persistence, and characteristics. We investigated the presence of contaminants in marine sediments near Casey Station, located in the Windmill Islands of East Antarctica, during the period spanning from 1997 to 2015. Metals, hydrocarbons, PBDEs, PCBs, and nutrients were measured in sediments at anthropogenically disturbed sites, including the wastewater outfall, the wharf area, two former waste disposal sites, and various control locations. Sampling was carried out at three spatial scales: Locations, which were generally kilometres apart and formed the primary scale for comparison; Sites, which were 100 meters apart within each location; and Plots, which were 10 meters apart within each site. Consistently higher concentrations of most contaminants, and in some cases nutrients, were observed at disturbed locations. Some locations also exhibited an increase in contaminant concentrations over time. The spatial distribution of sediment properties (such as grain size and organic matter) and contaminants displayed intricate patterns of variation. Variation in grain size depended on the size category, with fine grains (e.g., <63 μm) showing the greatest variation at the Location scale, while coarse grains exhibited minimal variation at this scale. Contaminant levels demonstrated significant differences between Locations, accounting for approximately 55% of the overall variation for metals, while the variation within the 10-meter scale generally exceeded that within the 100-meter scale. Residual variation among replicate samples was also very high, demonstrating the need for adequate replication in studies of sediments and contaminants around stations. Some contaminants exceeded international guidelines for sediment quality, including metals, hydrocarbons, and PCBs. We conclude that Antarctic research stations such as Casey are likely to pose a moderate level of long-term ecological risk to local marine ecosystems through marine pollution. However, contamination is expected to be confined to areas in close proximity to the stations, although its extent and concentration are anticipated to increase with time. Raising awareness of the contamination risks associated with Antarctic stations and implementing monitoring programs for marine environments adjacent to these stations can contribute to informed decision-making and the improvement of environmental management practices in Antarctica.

26. How socioeconomically disadvantaged people access, understand, appraise, and apply health information: A qualitative study exploring health literacy skills.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Stormacq C, Oulevey Bachmann A, Van den Broucke S

27. Relationship between aging population, birth rate and disposable income per capita in the context of COVID-19.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Yang G, Zhang L.

28. The contribution of work and health-related lifestyle to educational inequalities in physical health among older workers in Germany. A causal mediation analysis with data from the lidA cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Rohrbacher M, Hasselhorn HM.

29. Babies, bugs and brains: How the early microbiome associates with infant brain and behavior development.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Hunter S, Flaten E, Petersen C

Growing evidence is demonstrating the connection between the microbiota gut-brain axis and neurodevelopment. Microbiota colonization occurs before the maturation of many neural systems and is linked to brain health. Because of this it has been hypothesized that the early microbiome interactions along the gut-brain axis evolved to promote advanced cognitive functions and behaviors. Here, we performed a pilot study with a multidisciplinary approach to test if the microbiota composition of infants is associated with measures of early cognitive development, in particular neural rhythm tracking; language (forward speech) versus non-language (backwards speech) discrimination; and social joint attention. Fecal samples were collected from 56 infants between four and six months of age and sequenced by shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Of these, 44 performed the behavioral Point and Gaze test to measure joint attention. Infants were tested on either language discrimination using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS; 25 infants had usable data) or neural rhythm tracking using electroencephalogram (EEG; 15 had usable data). Infants who succeeded at the Point and Gaze test tended to have increased Actinobacteria and reduced Firmicutes at the phylum level; and an increase in Bifidobacterium and Eggerthella along with a reduction in Hungatella and Streptococcus at the genus level. Measurements of neural rhythm tracking associated negatively to the abundance of Bifidobacterium and positively to the abundance of Clostridium and Enterococcus for the bacterial abundances, and associated positively to metabolic pathways that can influence neurodevelopment, including branched chain amino acid biosynthesis and pentose phosphate pathways. No associations were found for the fNIRS language discrimination measurements. Although the tests were underpowered due to the small pilot sample sizes, potential associations were identified between the microbiome and measurements of early cognitive development that are worth exploring further.

30. Genomic screening of allelic and genotypic transmission ratio distortion in horse.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Laseca N, Cánovas Á, Valera M

31. Does the introduction of a cobot change the productivity and posture of the operators in a collaborative task?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Bouillet K, Lemonnier S, Clanche F

32. A new acquisition protocol for conducting studies with children: The science camp research experience.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Márquez-García AV, Doesburg SM, Iarocci G

33. Inference on the stress strength reliability with exponentiated generalized Marshall Olkin-G distribution.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Salah Youssef Temraz N.

34. Spatial mapping of b-value and fractal dimension prior to November 8, 2022 Doti Earthquake, Nepal.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Tiwari RK, Paudyal H.

35. Combination therapy with budesonide and acetylcysteine alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury via the miR-381/NLRP3 molecular axis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Yu H, Lv M, Zhang S

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) usually has a high morbidity and mortality rate, but the current treatment is relatively scarce. Both budesonide (Bud) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) exhibit protective effects in ALI, so we further investigated whether they have a synergistic effect on ALI when used together. METHODS: Establishment of a rat model of ALI with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Bud and NAC were administered by nebulized inhalation alone or in combination. Subsequently, HE staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in lungs of rat. Evans blue staining was implemented to assess alveolar permeability, and the pulmonary edema was assessed by measuring the ratio of wet to dry weight of the lung. Moreover, a TUNEL kit was served to test apoptosis in lung tissues. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were analyzed for expression of scorch-related proteins and NLRP3 in lung tissue, respectively. ELISA was implemented to detect inflammatory factor levels in BALF. and RT-qPCR was utilized to assess the expression level of miR-381. After stable transfection of miR-381 inhibitor or OE-NLRP3 in BEAS-2B treated with LPS, Bud and NAC, miR-381 expression was assessed by RT-qPCR, scorch death-related protein expression was measured by western blot, cell proliferation/viability was assayed by CCK-8, apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, and ELISA was implemented to assess inflammatory factor levels. Furthermore, the Dual-luciferase assay was used to verify the targeting relationship. RESULTS: Bud and NAC treatment alone or in combination with nebulized inhalation attenuated the increased alveolar permeability, pulmonary edema, inflammatory response and scorching in LPS-induced ALI rats, and combined treatment with Bud and NAC was the most effective. In addition, combined treatment with Bud and NAC upregulated miR-381 expression and inhibited NLRP3 expression in cellular models and LPS-induced ALI rats. Transfection of the miR-381 inhibitor and OE-NLRP3 partially reversed the protective effects of Bud and NAC combination treatment on BEAS-2B cell proliferation inhibition, apoptosis, focal death and the inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: Combined Bud and NAC nebulization therapy alleviates LPS-induced ALI by modulating the miR-381/NLRP3 molecular axis.

36. Ooencyrtus pitosina (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)-A natural enemy of Samoan swallowtail butterfly Papilio godeffroyi (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Polaszek A, Noyes JS, Lugli EB

37. Assessing the spatial structure of the association between attendance at preschool and children's developmental vulnerabilities in Queensland, Australia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Areed WD, Price A, Arnett K

38. Recommendations for finite element modelling of nickel-titanium stents-Verification and validation activities.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Bernini M, Hellmuth R, Dunlop C

The objective of this study is to present a credibility assessment of finite element modelling of self-expanding nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) stents through verification and validation (VV) activities, as set out in the ASME VV-40 standard. As part of the study, the role of calculation verification, model input sensitivity, and model validation is examined across three different application contexts (radial compression, stent deployment in a vessel, fatigue estimation). A commercially available self-expanding Ni-Ti stent was modelled, and calculation verification activities addressed the effects of mesh density, element integration and stable time increment on different quantities of interests, for each context of use considered. Sensitivity analysis of the geometrical and material input parameters and validation of deployment configuration with in vitro comparators were investigated. Results showed similar trends for global and local outputs across the contexts of use in response to the selection of discretization parameters, although with varying sensitivities. Mesh discretisation showed substantial variability for less than 4 × 4 element density across the strut cross-section in radial compression and deployment cases, while a finer grid was deemed necessary in fatigue estimation for reliable predictions of strain/stress. Element formulation also led to substantial variation depending on the chosen integration options. Furthermore, for explicit analyses, model results were highly sensitive to the chosen target time increment (e.g., mass scaling parameters), irrespective of whether quasistatic conditions were ensured (ratios of kinetic and internal energies below 5%). The higher variability was found for fatigue life simulation, with the estimation of fatigue safety factor varying up to an order of magnitude depending on the selection of discretization parameters. Model input sensitivity analysis highlighted that the predictions of outputs such as radial force and stresses showed relatively low sensitivity to Ni-Ti material parameters, which suggests that the calibration approaches used in the literature to date appear reasonable, but a higher sensitivity to stent geometry, namely strut thickness and width, was found. In contrast, the prediction of vessel diameter following deployment was least sensitive to numerical parameters, and its validation with in vitro comparators offered a simple and accurate (error ~ 1-2%) method when predicting diameter gain, and lumen area, provided that the material of the vessel is appropriately characterized and modelled.

39. A sub-chronic feeding study of dual toxin insect-resistant transgenic maize (CEMB-413) on Wistar rats.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Liaqat A, Salisu IB, Bakhsh A

40. Predicting climate-change induced heat-related illness risk in Grand Canyon National Park visitors.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Buttke DE, Raynor B, Schuurman GW.

BACKGROUND: The climate crisis is the greatest public health threat of the 21st century. Excessive heat is responsible for more deaths than any other extreme weather event, and the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events are increasing globally due to climate change. Exposure to excessive heat can result in heat related illnesses (HRIs) and long-term poor health outcomes. Physical exertion, sudden exposure to excessive heat, and the lack of physical or behavioral adaptation resources are all associated with greater HRI risk, which is expected to increase for visitors to Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) and other public lands as climate change worsens. OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to understand 1) the relationship between weather and HRI in GCNP visitors, 2) how future HRI rates may change, and 3) how land management agencies can update risk mitigation strategies to match changing risk and better manage an increased HRI burden. METHODS: We utilized previously published data on HRI in GCNP visitors, and records of daily visitation, temperatures, and maximum and minimum daily humidity from the same study period to develop a model estimate for HRI risk. We then used future climate projections from the World Climate Research Programme's Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 multi-model dataset to model future HRI risk under different climate scenarios. RESULTS: The incidence of HRI was significantly associated with maximum daily temperature and minimum relative humidity, and was more common in the shoulder season months. We estimated that HRI will increase 29%-137% over 2004-2009 levels through 2100, assuming no change in visitation. DISCUSSION: Climate change will continue to increase HRI risk for GCNP visitors and poses risks to public land managers' mission to provide for safe recreation experiences for the benefit of this and future generations in places like GCNP. Excessive risk during the shoulder season months presents an opportunity to increase preventative search and rescue and education efforts to mitigate increased risk.

41. Optimal government and manufacturer incentive contracts for green production with asymmetric information.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Xu J, Cao J, Kumar S

42. Functional connectivity varies across scales in a fragmented landscape.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Bird KIT, Uden DR, Allen CR.

43. Trajectories of physical activity during COVID-19: A longitudinal analysis of UK young adults.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Thorpe WJR, Gutman LM.

44. Validation study of case-identifying algorithms for severe hypoglycemia using hospital administrative data in Japan.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Osaga S, Kimura T, Okumura Y

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of algorithms for identifying cases of severe hypoglycemia in Japanese hospital administrative data. METHODS: This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational study conducted at 3 acute-care hospitals in Japan. The study population included patients aged ≥18 years with diabetes who had an outpatient visit or hospital admission for possible hypoglycemia. Possible cases of severe hypoglycemia were identified using health insurance claims data and Diagnosis Procedure Combination data. Sixty-one algorithms using combinations of diagnostic codes and prescription of high concentration (≥20% mass/volume) injectable glucose were used to define severe hypoglycemia. Independent manual chart reviews by 2 physicians at each hospital were used as the reference standard. Algorithm validity was evaluated using standard performance metrics. RESULTS: In total, 336 possible cases of severe hypoglycemia were identified, and 260 were consecutively sampled for validation. The best performing algorithms included 6 algorithms that had sensitivity ≥0.75, and 6 algorithms that had positive predictive values ≥0.75 with sensitivity ≥0.30. The best-performing algorithm with sensitivity ≥0.75 included any diagnoses for possible hypoglycemia or prescription of high-concentration glucose but excluded suspected diagnoses (sensitivity: 0.986 [95% confidence interval 0.959-1.013]; positive predictive value: 0.345 [0.280-0.410]). Restricting the algorithm definition to those with both a diagnosis of possible hypoglycemia and a prescription of high-concentration glucose improved the performance of the algorithm to correctly classify cases as severe hypoglycemia but lowered sensitivity (sensitivity: 0.375 [0.263-0.487]; positive predictive value: 0.771 [0.632-0.911]). CONCLUSION: The case-identifying algorithms in this study showed moderate positive predictive value and sensitivity for identification of severe hypoglycemia in Japanese healthcare data and can be employed by future pharmacoepidemiological studies using Japanese hospital administrative databases.

45. Are car safety systems associated with more speeding violations? Evidence from police records in Israel.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Vertlib SR, Rosenzweig S, Rubin OD

46. Integrated analysis of human DNA methylation, gene expression, and genomic variation in iMETHYL database using kernel tensor decomposition-based unsupervised feature extraction.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Taguchi YH, Komaki S, Sutoh Y

47. Refractory inflammatory arthritis definition and model generated through patient and multi-disciplinary professional modified Delphi process.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Chaplin H, Bosworth A, Simpson C

OBJECTIVE: Various definitions have been proposed for Refractory Disease in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis; however, none were generated for Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or involving adult and paediatric multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and patients. The study aim is to redefine Refractory Disease, using Delphi methodology. METHODS: Three rounds of surveys (one nominal group and two online (2019-2020)) to achieve consensus using a predetermined cut-off were conducted voting on: a) name, b) treatment and inflammation, c) symptoms and impact domains, and d) rating of individual components within domains. Theoretical application of the definition was conducted through a scoping exercise. RESULTS: Votes were collected across three rounds from Patients, Researchers and nine multi-disciplinary healthcare professional groups (n = 106). Refractory Inflammatory Arthritis was the most popular name. Regarding treatment and inflammation, these were voted to be kept broad rather than specifying numbers/cut-offs. From 10 domains identified to capture symptoms and disease impact, six domains reached consensus for inclusion: 1) Disease Activity, 2) Joint Involvement, 3) Pain, 4) Fatigue, 5) Functioning and Quality of Life, and 6) Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug Experiences. Within these domains, 18 components, from an initial pool (n = 73), were identified as related and important to capture multi-faceted presentation of Refractory Inflammatory Arthritis, specifically in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Feasibility of the revised definition was established (2022-2023) with good utility as was applied to 82% of datasets (n = 61) incorporating 20 outcome measures, with two further measures added to increase its utility and coverage of Pain and Fatigue. CONCLUSION: Refractory Inflammatory Arthritis has been found to be broader than not achieving low disease activity, with wider biopsychosocial components and factors incorporating Persistent Inflammation or Symptoms identified as important. This definition needs further refinement to assess utility as a classification tool to identify patients with unmet needs.

48. Prevalence, clinical presentation and factors associated with chronic lung disease among children and adolescents living with HIV in Kenya.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Maleche-Obimbo E, Attia E, Were F

INTRODUCTION: Children and adolescents with HIV (CAHIV) may experience recurrent and severe respiratory disease and are at risk of residual lung sequelae, and long-term morbidity from chronically damaged lungs. With improved survival due to increased access to effective antiretroviral therapy there is an increasing population of CAHIV who require optimal life-long care. Chronic lung disease in CAHIV is an under-recognised problem in African settings. We sought to determine the prevalence, clinical presentation and factors associated with chronic lung disease (CLD) among CAHIV in Kenya. METHODS: CAHIV aged ≤19 years in care at a public hospital in Nairobi were enrolled into a longitudinal cohort study. Sociodemographic and clinical information were obtained through interview, medical record review, physical examination and six-minute walk test. CD4 counts and viral load were determined. Enrolment data was analysed to determine baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Prevalence of CLD defined as presence of ≥2 respiratory symptoms or signs at enrolment was computed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate for association between various factors and presence or absence of CLD. RESULTS: We enrolled 320 CAHIV of median age 13 (IQR 10-16) years, 80 (25%) were <10 years, 46% were female, 31% lived in a one-room house and 51% used polluting cooking fuel. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was initiated after age five years in 56%, 43% had prior pneumonia or tuberculosis, 11% had low CD4 count and 79% were virologically suppressed. Common respiratory symptoms and signs were exertional breathlessness (40%), chronic cough (23%), chest problems in the preceding year (24%), tachypnoea (52%), finger clubbing (6%), exercise limitation (59%) and oxygen desaturation during exercise (7%). CLD was present in 82 (26%) participants, and adding the six-minute walk distance <70% of predicted (exercise limitation) identified an additional 28 (9%) CAHIV with CLD. CLD was more common among older teenagers (odds ratio (OR) 1.95), those who had prior TB or pneumonia (OR 2.04), delayed initiation of ART (OR 2.60), cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (OR 3.35) or TB preventive therapy (OR 2.81). CLD was associated with viraemia (OR 2.7), lower quality of life (OR 12.7), small houses (OR 2.05), caregiver having fewer years of education (OR 2.46), outdoor pollution exposure (OR 3.31) and lower use of polluting cooking fuel indoors (OR 0.26). Adjusted analysis revealed CLD to be associated with prior tuberculosis or pneumonia (adjusted OR (aOR) [95%CI] 2.15 [1.18-3.91]), small house (aOR 1.95 [1.02-3.73]), lower use of polluting cooking fuel (aOR 0.35 [0.13-0.94]) and negative impact on health-related quality of life (aOR 6.91 [3.66-13.03]). CONCLUSIONS: CLD is highly prevalent across the age spectrum of CAHIV, and most are symptomatic with cough or exertional breathlessness. CLD is associated with prior tuberculosis or pneumonia, socio-environmental factors, and lower quality of life. Structured interventions are needed to provide optimal care specific to their needs.

49. Management of plant nutrient dynamics under alkaline soils through graded application of pressmud and gypsum.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Dotaniya ML, Meena MD, Choudhary RL

50. The impact of prescription drug insurance on cost related non-adherence to medications in Canada: A Heckman sample selection approach.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Zhang Q, Laporte A.

51. The effect of heatwaves on the number of visits to national parks and reserves.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Barnett-Itzhaki Z, Sar-Shalom A, Cohn L

52. Evaluation of sea turtle morbidity and mortality within the Indian Ocean from 12 years of data shows high prevalence of ghost net entanglement.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Himpson K, Dixon S, Le Berre T.

53. A 104-Ma record of deep-sea Atelostomata (Holasterioda, Spatangoida, irregular echinoids) - a story of persistence, food availability and a big bang.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Wiese F, Schlüter N, Zirkel J

Deep-sea macrobenthic body fossils are scarce due to the lack of deep-sea sedimentary archives in onshore settings. Therefore, hypothesized migrations of shallow shelf taxa into the deep-sea after phases of mass extinction (onshore-offshore pattern in the literature) due to anoxic events is not constrained by the fossil record. To resolve this conundrum, we investigated 1,475 deep-sea sediment samples from the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern oceans (water depth ranging from 200 to 4,700 m), providing 41,460 spine fragments of the crown group Atelostomata (Holasteroida, Spatangoida). We show that the scarce fossil record of deep-sea echinoids is in fact a methodological artefact because it is limited by the almost exclusive use of onshore fossil archives. Our data advocate for a continuous record of deep-sea Atelostomata back to at least 104 Ma (late early Cretaceous), and literature records suggest even an older age (115 Ma). A gradual increase of different spine tip morphologies from the Albian to the Maastrichtian is observed. A subsequent, abrupt reduction in spine size and the loss of morphological inventory in the lowermost Paleogene is interpreted to be an expression of the "Lilliput Effect", related to nourishment depletion on the sea floor in the course of the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) Boundary Event. The recovery from this event lasted at least 5 Ma, and post-K-Pg Boundary Event assemblages progress-without any further morphological breaks-towards the assemblages observed in modern deep-sea environments. Because atelostomate spine morphology is often species-specific, the variations in spine tip morphology trough time would indicate species changes taking place in the deep-sea. This observation is, therefore, interpreted to result from in-situ evolution in the deep-sea and not from onshore-offshore migrations. The calculation of the "atelostomate spine accumulation rate" (ASAR) reveals low values in pre-Campanian times, possibly related to high remineralization rates of organic matter in the water column in the course of the mid-Cretaceous Thermal Maximum and its aftermath. A Maastrichtian cooling pulse marks the irreversible onset of fluctuating but generally higher atelostomate biomass that continues throughout the Cenozoic.

54. Breastfeeding patterns are associated with human milk microbiome composition: The Mother-Infant Microbiomes, Behavior, and Ecology Study (MIMBES).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Holdsworth EA, Williams JE, Pace RM

The human milk microbiome (HMM) is hypothesized to be seeded by multiple factors, including the infant oral microbiome during breastfeeding. However, it is not known whether breastfeeding patterns (e.g., frequency or total time) impact the composition of the HMM. As part of the Mother-Infant Microbiomes, Behavior, and Ecology Study (MIMBES), we analyzed data from naturalistic observations of 46 mother-infant dyads living in the US Pacific Northwest and analyzed milk produced by the mothers for its bacterial diversity and composition. DNA was extracted from milk and the V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced. We hypothesized that number of breastfeeding bouts (breastfeeding sessions separated by >30 seconds) and total time breastfeeding would be associated with HMM α-diversity (richness, diversity, or evenness) and differential abundance of HMM bacterial genera. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations between HMM α-diversity and the number of breastfeeding bouts or total time breastfeeding and selected covariates (infant age, maternal work outside the home, frequency of allomother physical contact with the infant, non-household caregiving network). HMM richness was inversely associated with number of breastfeeding bouts and frequency of allomother physical contact, but not total time breastfeeding. Infants' non-household caregiving network was positively associated with HMM evenness. In two ANCOM-BC analyses, abundances of 5 of the 35 most abundant genera were differentially associated with frequency of breastfeeding bouts (Bifidobacterium, Micrococcus, Pedobacter, Acidocella, Achromobacter); 5 genera (Bifidobacterium, Agreia, Pedobacter, Rugamonas, Stenotrophomonas) were associated with total time breastfeeding. These results indicate that breastfeeding patterns and infant caregiving ecology may play a role in influencing HMM composition. Future research is needed to identify whether these relationships are consistent in other populations and if they are associated with variation in the infant's gastrointestinal (including oral) microbiome.

55. Real-life safety of Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide/Bictegravir.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Squillace N, Ricci E, Maggi P

INTRODUCTION: Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) are one of the most prescribed drug classes for the treatment of HIV infection worldwide. Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide/ Bictegravir (FTC/TAF/BIC) has been evaluated in randomized clinical trials; few studies have verified tolerability and safety in clinical practice. Our aim was to investigate the metabolic and hepatic safety in a real-life setting of FTC/TAF/BIC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive people living with HIV infection (PLWH) enrolled in the SCOLTA project, switching to or initiating their first antiretroviral treatment with FTC/TAF/BIC were included. PLWH with HBV co-infection were excluded. Metabolic and hepatic variables were collected at T0 and T1, were defined as baseline and 6-month follow-up respectively, and their modifications were analysed using the paired t-test and the analysis of variance. RESULTS: Five hundred and thirty-nine PLWH with at least one follow-up visit were included in the analysis. Mean age was 48 years (±12.1), 74% were male, 16.1% were naïve to antiretrovirals (ART). At T1, ART-experienced PLWH showed a significant reduction of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides, and a slight increase in blood glucose (BG) and ALT. On the contrary, in ART-naïve PLWH blood lipids significantly increased, although with an unaffected TC/high density lipoprotein (HDL)-c ratio, while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) decreased significantly, mainly in those with altered baseline level. The treatment interruptions were 45 (8.4%) over the whole observation period, 13 (2.4%) due to AEs. The most frequent AEs were related to the central nervous system (6 events of depression, insomnia, headache, agitation) and 3 PLWH discontinued the regimen because of grade 1-2 weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: In ART-experienced PLWH switching to FTC/TAF/BIC a significant improvement of lipid profile occurred but with significant BG and ALT variation without clinical relevance. In ART-naïve PLWH, blood lipids increased even though lipid profile did not worsen, and a trend towards normalization of liver enzymes was suggested. FTC/TAF/BIC is well tolerated in the real life setting.

56. Reconstructing past migratory behaviour of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus): Insights from geometric morphometric analysis of proximal phalanx morphology from extant caribou populations.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Galán López AB, Pelletier M, Discamps E.

57. Heuristic-enabled active machine learning: A case study of predicting essential developmental stage and immune response genes in Drosophila melanogaster.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Aromolaran OT, Isewon I, Adedeji E

Computational prediction of absolute essential genes using machine learning has gained wide attention in recent years. However, essential genes are mostly conditional and not absolute. Experimental techniques provide a reliable approach of identifying conditionally essential genes; however, experimental methods are laborious, time and resource consuming, hence computational techniques have been used to complement the experimental methods. Computational techniques such as supervised machine learning, or flux balance analysis are grossly limited due to the unavailability of required data for training the model or simulating the conditions for gene essentiality. This study developed a heuristic-enabled active machine learning method based on a light gradient boosting model to predict essential immune response and embryonic developmental genes in Drosophila melanogaster. We proposed a new sampling selection technique and introduced a heuristic function which replaces the human component in traditional active learning models. The heuristic function dynamically selects the unlabelled samples to improve the performance of the classifier in the next iteration. Testing the proposed model with four benchmark datasets, the proposed model showed superior performance when compared to traditional active learning models (random sampling and uncertainty sampling). Applying the model to identify conditionally essential genes, four novel essential immune response genes and a list of 48 novel genes that are essential in embryonic developmental condition were identified. We performed functional enrichment analysis of the predicted genes to elucidate their biological processes and the result evidence our predictions. Immune response and embryonic development related processes were significantly enriched in the essential immune response and embryonic developmental genes, respectively. Finally, we propose the predicted essential genes for future experimental studies and use of the developed tool accessible at http://heal.covenantuniversity.edu.ng for conditional essentiality predictions.

58. Factors associated with one-year mortality after hospital discharge: A multicenter prospective cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Liechti FD, Bütikofer L, Mancinetti M

59. Distinguishing ChatGPT(-3.5, -4)-generated and human-written papers through Japanese stylometric analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Zaitsu W, Jin M.

60. Integrated bioinformatics analyses identifying potential biomarkers for type 2 diabetes mellitus and breast cancer: In SIK1-ness and health.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Durrani IA, Bhatti A, John P.

The bidirectional causal relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and breast cancer (BC) has been established by numerous epidemiological studies. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Identification of hub genes implicated in T2DM-BC molecular crosstalk may help elucidate on the causative mechanisms. For this, expression series GSE29231 (T2DM-adipose tissue), GSE70905 (BC- breast adenocarcinoma biopsies) and GSE150586 (diabetes and BC breast biopsies) were extracted from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and analyzed to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The overlapping DEGs were determined using FunRich. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Transcription Factor (TF) analyses were performed on EnrichR software and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING software. The network was analyzed on Cytoscape to determine hub genes and Kaplan-Meier plots were obtained. A total of 94 overlapping DEGs were identified between T2DM and BC samples. These DEGs were mainly enriched for GO terms RNA polymerase II core promoter proximal region sequence and its DNA binding, and cAMP response element binding protein, and KEGG pathways including bladder cancer, thyroid cancer and PI3K-AKT signaling. Eight hub genes were identified: interleukin 6 (IL6), tumor protein 53 (TP53), interleukin 8 (CXCL8), MYC, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), beta-catenin 1 (CTNNB1), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) and interleukin 1 beta (IL1β). MMP9 and MYC associated unfavorably with overall survival (OS) in breast cancer patients, IL6, TP53, IL1β and CTNNB1 associated favorably, whereas NOS3 did not show any correlation with OS. Salt inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) was identified as a significant key DEG for comorbid samples when compared with BC, also dysregulated in T2DM and BC samples (adjusted p <0.05). Furthermore, four of the significant hub genes identified, including IL6, CXCL8, IL1B and MYC were also differentially expressed for comorbid samples, however at p < 0.05. Our study identifies key genes including SIK1, for comorbid state and 8 hub genes that may be implicated in T2DM-BC crosstalk. However, limitations associated with the insilico nature of this study necessitates for subsequent validation in wet lab. Hence, further investigation is crucial to study the molecular mechanisms of action underlying these genes to fully explore their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for T2DM-BC association.

61. Real-world application of a scalable school-based physical activity intervention: A cross-sectional survey of the implementation of The Daily Mile in Greater London primary schools.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Ram B, van Sluijs E, Chalkley A

School-based physical activity interventions are considered ideal given their potential to reach most children. They can help children achieve the recommended guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. The Daily Mile is a popular school-based active mile intervention with a global reach. It recommends ten core principles for successful implementation, three of which are key for effectiveness: that it is quick (15 minutes), the whole school participates, and that it takes place in the school day during lessons (excluding physical education lessons and scheduled breaks). Studies assessing the impacts of The Daily Mile do not often report implementation of the ten core principles which is crucial to identifying the potential impact and feasibility of scalable interventions in real-world settings. Our aim was to assess adherence to The Daily Mile's ten core principles in Greater London primary schools. We created and distributed a survey to 1717 primary schools during September 2020 and achieved a 21% (n = 369/1717) response rate by September 2021. Our sample was representative of Greater London primary schools with responses from every London borough. A total of 196/369 (53%) schools reported implementing The Daily Mile but none of them reported adherence to all ten core principles. Adherence to at least 6/10 principles in various combinations was reported by 54/196 (28%) schools. Only 19/196 (10%) schools that reported implementing The Daily Mile reported adherence to the three key principles recommended for effectiveness. Despite its popularity and global reach, our findings suggest that an implementation gap exists when The Daily Mile is adopted in real-world settings which is likely to challenge its intended purpose. Further research in school settings is needed to understand factors that can improve adherence to increase the potential public health impact of The Daily Mile and other similar interventions.

62. Diabetes self-management education (DSME) for older persons in Western countries: A scoping review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 9

Camargo-Plazas P, Robertson M, Alvarado B

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic health condition affecting millions globally. Diabetes is a growing concern among aging societies, with its prevalence increasing among those aged 65 and above. Enabling disease self-management via relevant education is part of high-quality care to improve health outcomes and minimize complications for individuals living with diabetes. Successful diabetes self-management education (DSME) programs usually require tailoring for the intended audience; however, there is limited literature about the preferences of older persons in Western countries concerning DSME. As such, a broad overview of DSME for older persons was an identified need. To map the available evidence on DSME for persons aged 65 years and older in Western countries, the JBI methodology for conducting and reporting scoping reviews was used. In this scoping review, we considered all studies about DSME for older persons with T1D and T2D in Western countries where lifestyles, risks, prevention, treatment of diabetes, and approaches to self-management and DSME are similar (e.g., North America, Western and Northern Europe and Australasia). Systematic keyword and subject heading searches were conducted in 10 databases (e.g., MEDLINE, JBI EBP) to identify relevant English language papers published from 2000 to 2022. Titles and abstracts were screened to select eligible papers for full-text reading. Full-text screening was done by four independent reviewers to select studies for the final analysis. The review identified 2,397 studies, of which 1,250 full texts were screened for eligibility. Of the final 44 papers included in the review, only one included participants' understanding of DSME. The education programs differed in their context, design, delivery mode, theoretical underpinnings, and duration. Type of research designs, outcome measures used to determine the effectiveness of DSME, and knowledge gaps were also detailed. Overall, most interventions were effective and improved clinical and behavioural outcomes. Many of the programs led to improvements in clinical outcomes and participants' quality of life; however, the content needs to be adapted to older persons according to their culture, different degrees of health literacy, preference of education (e.g., individualized or group), preference of setting, degree of frailty and independence, and comorbidities. Few studies included the voices of older persons in the design, implementation, and evaluation of DSME programs. Such experiential knowledge is vital in developing educational programs to ensure alignment with this population's preferred learning styles, literacy levels, culture, and needs-such an approach could manifest more substantive, sustained results.

63. Factors associated with pentavalent vaccine coverage among 12-23-month-old children in Afghanistan: A cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Frozanfar MK, Hamajima N, Fayaz SH

64. The impact of expanded access to direct acting antivirals for Hepatitis C virus on patient outcomes in Canada.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Chu C, Gomes T, Antoniou T

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has high global prevalence and can lead to liver complications and death. Access to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in Canada increased following several policy changes, however the real-world impact of expanded DAA access and increased use of these drugs is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the early change in rates of HCV-related hospitalizations overall and HCV-related hospitalizations with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after expanded DAA access. METHODS: We conducted a population-based time series analysis using national administrative health databases in Canada. Rates of HCV-related hospitalizations and HCV-related hospitalizations with HCC were enumerated monthly between April 2006 and March 2020. We used Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models with ramp functions in October 2014 and January 2017 to evaluate the impact of policies to expand DAA access on hospitalization outcomes. RESULTS: Rates of HCV-related hospitalizations in Canada increased between 2006 and 2014, and gradually declined thereafter. The decrease after October 2014, or the first policy change, was significant (p = 0.0355), but no further change was found after the second policy change in 2017 (p = 0.2567). HCV-related hospitalizations with HCC increased until end of 2013, followed by a plateau, before declining in 2016. No significant shifts were found after the first policy change in 2014 (p = 0.1291) nor the second policy change in 2017 (p = 0.6324). Subgroup analyses revealed that those aged 50-64 and males had observable declines in rates of HCV-related hospitalizations in the year prior to the first policy change. CONCLUSIONS: Expanding DAA access was associated with a drop in HCV-related hospitalizations in the overall Canadian population coinciding with the 2014 policy change. In light of the time required for HCV-related complications to manifest, continued ongoing research examining the real-world effectiveness of DAAs is required.

65. Evaluation of attraction and spatial pattern analysis of world cultural and natural heritage tourism resources in China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Zhang H, Long S.

66. N-dihydrogalactochitosan reduces mortality in a lethal mouse model of SARS-CoV-2.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Weiss CM, Liu H, Ball EE

67. Prevalence and correlates associated with early childbearing among teenage girls in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Liga AD, Boyamo AE, Jabir YN

68. The added value of haemoglobin to height, age, and sex to predict DLCO in subjects with preserved exercise capacity.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Priel E, Diab N, Patel M

69. The influence of superstitions and emotions on villagers' attitudes towards striped hyena in southwestern Iran.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Moures-Nouri F, Hemami MR, Rezvani A

70. Correlation between cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of polystyrene micro/nanoplastics in HeLa cells: A size-dependent matter.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Ruan Y, Zhong Z, Liu X

71. Nuclear DNA segments homologous to mitochondrial DNA are obstacles for detecting heteroplasmy in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Taniguchi E, Satoh K, Ohkubo M

Heteroplasmy, the coexistence of multiple mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences in a cell, is well documented in plants. Next-generation sequencing technology (NGS) has made it feasible to sequence entire genomes. Thus, NGS has the potential to detect heteroplasmy; however, the methods and pitfalls in heteroplasmy detection have not been fully investigated and identified. One obstacle for heteroplasmy detection is the sequence homology between mitochondrial-, plastid-, and nuclear DNA, of which the influence of nuclear DNA segments homologous to mtDNA (numt) need to be minimized. To detect heteroplasmy, we first excluded nuclear DNA sequences of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) line EL10 from the sugar beet mtDNA sequence. NGS reads were obtained from single plants of sugar beet lines NK-195BRmm-O and NK-291BRmm-O and mapped to the unexcluded mtDNA regions. More than 1000 sites exhibited intra-individual polymorphism as detected by genome browsing analysis. We focused on a 309-bp region where 12 intra-individual polymorphic sites were closely linked to each other. Although the existence of DNA molecules having variant alleles at the 12 sites was confirmed by PCR amplification from NK-195BRmm-O and NK-291BRmm-O, these variants were not always called by six variant-calling programs, suggesting that these programs are inappropriate for intra-individual polymorphism detection. When we changed the nuclear DNA reference, a numt absent from EL10 was found to include the 309-bp region. Genetic segregation of an F2 population from NK-195BRmm-O x NK-291BRmm-O supported the numt origin of the variant alleles. Using four references, we found that numt detection exhibited reference dependency, and extreme polymorphism of numts exists among sugar beet lines. One of the identified numts absent from EL10 is also associated with another intra-individual polymorphic site in NK-195mm-O. Our data suggest that polymorphism among numts is unexpectedly high within sugar beets, leading to confusion about the true degree of heteroplasmy.

72. Relationship between Toxoplasma gondii infection and psychiatric disorders in Iran: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Montazeri M, Moradi E, Moosazadeh M

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous parasitic protozoan, may be an important cause of neurological and psychiatric diseases. The present systematic review and meta-analysis, therefore, was conducted to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the potential association between T. gondii infection and psychiatric disorders in Iran. METHODS: We systematically reviewed articles from world-wide databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Iranian national databases up to July 30th, 2021. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of included studies. The common odds ratio (OR) was estimated using inverse variance and a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the χ2-based Cochrane test (Q) and the I2 index. Also, sensitivity analyses and publication bias were calculated. Moreover, subgroup analysis was performed based on the type of disorder and quality score of different eligible studies. RESULTS: 16 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Our meta-analyses found that the OR of the risk of anti- T. gondii IgG and IgM in psychiatric patients compared to the control group was 1.56 (95% CI; 1.23-1.99) and 1.76 (95% CI: 1.19-2.61), respectively. Subgroup analysis based on the type of disorder showed that the OR of the risk of anti- T. gondii IgG in Iranian schizophrenia patients and other psychiatric disorders compared to the control group were 1.50 (95% CI; 1.09-2.07) and 2.03 (95% CI: 1.14-3.60), respectively, which are statistically significant. Also, the OR of the risk of anti- T. gondii IgM in Iranian schizophrenia and depression patients compared to the control group was 1.54 (95% CI; 0.9-2.64) and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.2-5.24), respectively, which are not statistically significant. Additionally, subgroup analysis based on quality scores showed no significant influence on the results according to the moderate quality studies. However, this association was significant according to the high quality studies. The obtained results of Egger's test were 1.5 (95% CI; -0.62-3.73, P = 0.15) and 0.47 (95% CI; -0.82-1.76, P = 0.45), respectively, indicating publication bias. The significant results of the heterogeneity analysis confirmed a high level of heterogeneity in the IgG test (P = 0.000, I2 = 66.6%). However, no significant results from the test of heterogeneity were detected in the IgM test (P = 0.15, I2 = 27.5%). The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that the impact of each study on the meta-analysis was not significant on overall estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited number of studies, these outcomes supported a possible link between T. gondii infection and psychiatric disorders in Iran. However, more high-quality investigations are needed in the future.

73. Nonadherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment, reasons and associated factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in the communities in Indonesia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Lolong DB, Aryastami NK, Kusrini I

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is the world's major public health problem. We assessed the proportion, reasons, and associated factors for anti-TB treatment nonadherence in the communities in Indonesia. METHODS: This national coverage cross-sectional survey was conducted from 2013 to 2014 with stratified multi-stage cluster sampling. Based on the region and rural-urban location. The 156 clusters were distributed in 136 districts/cities throughout 33 provinces, divided into three areas. An eligible population of age ≥15 was interviewed to find TB symptoms and screened with a thorax x-ray. Those whose filtered result detected positive followed an assessment of Sputum microscopy, LJ culture, and Xpert MTB/RIF. Census officers asked all participants about their history of TB and their treatment-defined Nonadherence as discontinuation of anti-tuberculosis treatment for <6 months. Data were analyzed using STATA 14.0 (College Station, TX, USA). RESULTS: Nonadherence to anti-TB treatment proportion was 27.24%. Multivariate analysis identified behavioral factors significantly associated with anti-TB treatment nonadherence, such as smoking (OR = 1.78, 95% CI (1.47-2.16)); place of first treatment received: government hospital (OR = 1.45, 95% CI:1.06-1.99); private hospital (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.38-2.72); private practitioner (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.56-3.23); socio-demographic and TB status included region: Sumatera (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.05-1.98); other areas (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.30-2.61); low level of education (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.27-2.03); and current TB positive status (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.26-3.73). CONCLUSIONS: Nonadherence to anti-TB drugs was highly related to the personal perception of the respondents, despite smoking, current TB status, a place for the first treatment, education, and region. The position of the first TB treatment at the private practitioner was significantly associated with the risk of Nonadherence to treatment.

74. Determination of residue levels of rodenticide in rodent livers offered novel diphacinone baits by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Goldade DA, Siers SR, Hess SC

75. Developing a comprehensive model of home-based formal care for elderly adults in Iran: A study protocol.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Mobasseri K, Kousha A, Allahverdipour H

BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing Iran's aging population, designing a home care model is necessary. However, the data on designing the home care model for elderly adults among developing countries are limited. This study will be carried out to develop a formal home-based care model for elderly adults in Iran. METHODS: This multi-method study will include three phases: First, Mixed-methods sequential explanatory study including two steps: One, survey to determine the prevalence of dependence on formal and informal caregivers among people aged ≥ 60 years living in Tabriz metropolis; and two, content analysis approach includes face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with the older adults receiving formal care at home, their caregivers and relevant key informants on the characteristics of care and caregiver, challenges and expectations of standard care. In phase 2, a scoping review will be used to find out the components of home care in other countries, such as care provider organization, caregivers training, and financing. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google scholar databases and grey literature will be run to retrieve relevant evidence using proper MeSH terms. In phase3, the triangulation method (using the results of the previous phases, reviewing national upstream documents and the focus group discussion) will be done to reach consensus and design the initial model for the Iranian context. In the following, a Delphi study will be conducted on the validation and feasibility of the developed model. DISCUSSION: The current health infrastructure in Iran is focused on caring for younger people, despite the near future population aging. Most studies have addressed the challenges of geriatric care, but no study has addressed the various dimensions of home care in Iran and how to provide this service to elderly adults. Providing a comprehensive model of home care for the elderly can improve the quality of life and satisfaction of the elderly and their caregivers.

76. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Rickettsia species infection in humans in Mongolia, 2016-2020.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Ganbold D, Uudus B, Nyamdavaa N

77. Establishment and health management application of a prediction model for high-risk complication combination of type 2 diabetes mellitus based on data mining.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Luo X, Sun J, Pan H

In recent years, the prevalence of T2DM has been increasing annually, in particular, the personal and socioeconomic burden caused by multiple complications has become increasingly serious. This study aimed to screen out the high-risk complication combination of T2DM through various data mining methods, establish and evaluate a risk prediction model of the complication combination in patients with T2DM. Questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, and biochemical tests were conducted on 4,937 patients with T2DM, and 810 cases of sample data with complications were retained. The high-risk complication combination was screened by association rules based on the Apriori algorithm. Risk factors were screened using the LASSO regression model, random forest model, and support vector machine. A risk prediction model was established using logistic regression analysis, and a dynamic nomogram was constructed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, harrell's concordance index (C-Index), calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and internal validation were used to evaluate the differentiation, calibration, and clinical applicability of the models. This study found that patients with T2DM had a high-risk combination of lower extremity vasculopathy, diabetic foot, and diabetic retinopathy. Based on this, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, 2-hour postprandial blood glucose and blood urea nitrogen levels were screened and used for the modeling analysis. The area under the ROC curves of the internal and external validations were 0.768 (95% CI, 0.744-0.792) and 0.745 (95% CI, 0.669-0.820), respectively, and the C-index and AUC value were consistent. The calibration plots showed good calibration, and the risk threshold for DCA was 30-54%. In this study, we developed and evaluated a predictive model for the development of a high-risk complication combination while uncovering the pattern of complications in patients with T2DM. This model has a practical guiding effect on the health management of patients with T2DM in community settings.

78. First description of the male genitalia in a short-tailed whipscorpion (Arachnida: Schizomida), description of the female, and comments on pygidial glands and cuticular ultrastructure of Surazomus algodoal Ruiz & Valente, 2017.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Ruiz GRS, Valente RM.

79. Correction: Cardiometabolic outcomes of women exposed to hyperglycaemia first detected in pregnancy at 3-6 years post-partum in an urban South African setting.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

PLOS ONE Staff.

80. Intrusive social support among Black and White individuals with type 2 diabetes: A "Control issue" or a sign of "Concern and love"?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Naqvi JB, Liu RS, Helgeson VS

81. Cognition and education benefits of increased hemoglobin and blood oxygenation in children with sickle cell disease.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

MacEwan JP, King AA, Nguyen A

BACKGROUND: Among individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD), decreased hemoglobin is associated with lower oxygen saturation (SpO2) and increased risk of stroke, both of which are associated with lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. Thus, increasing hemoglobin and SpO2 in individuals with SCD may increase IQ and educational attainment. METHODS: A cohort simulation model was built to determine academic performance and educational attainment based on cognitive function (measured by IQ) of a pediatric SCD cohort randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. The model contained two key stages: childhood (<10 years) and adolescence (≥10 years). In stage 1, increased hemoglobin and increased SpO2 (assigned to the treatment group) were determinants of higher IQ, prevention of IQ deterioration over time. Increased hemoglobin was also a determinant of decreased stroke risk. In stage 2, improvement in adolescent IQ as a result of treatment was a determinant of academic performance. RESULTS: In a simulated cohort of 2000 children and adolescents with SCD (52.5% female, 50% treated), stroke incidence was predicted to be 44.4% lower among the treated group than the untreated group (4.5% versus 8.1%, respectively). The average IQ among the treated group was estimated to be 91.1 compared with 82.9 in the untreated group (a 9.9% difference; P<0.001). Finally, high school (≥12 years of education) completion rates were estimated to be 64.7% higher among the treated group: 76.1% of the treated group was projected to complete high school compared with 46.2% of the untreated group. CONCLUSIONS: Our model predicts that an average improvement in hemoglobin of 1.1 g/dL (11 g/L) among individuals with SCD may be associated with improved neurocognition and educational outcomes. These improvements may also generate benefits not captured by our model, including improved quality of life, employment, and income.

82. Integrated brain and plasma dual-channel metabolomics to explore the treatment effects of Alpinia oxyphyllaFructus on Alzheimer's disease.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Sun Z, Zhang Y, Zhang M

83. LIGHT (TNFSF14) promotes the differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into functional hepatocyte-like cells.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Heo SK, Yu HM, Kim DK

Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment option for patients with acute or chronic liver failure. However, the applicability and effectiveness of this modality are often limited by a shortage of donors, surgical complications, high medical costs, and the need for continuing immunosuppressive therapy. An alternative approach is liver cell transplantation. LIGHT (a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily) could be a promising candidate for promoting the differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) into hepatocyte-like cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of LIGHT on hBM-MSC differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells. Our previous results showed that LIGHT receptor lymphotoxin-β receptor (LTβR) is constitutively expressed on the surface of hBM-MSCs. Upon treatment with recombinant human LIGHT (rhLIGHT), the phenotype of hBM-MSCs changed to round or polygonal cells. In addition, the cells exhibited high levels of hepatocyte-specific markers, including albumin, cytokeratin-18 (CK-18), CK-19, cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 (CYP1A1), CYP1A2, CYP3A4, SRY-box transcription factor 17 (SOX17), and forkhead box A2 (FOXA2). These results indicate that rhLIGHT enhances the differentiation of hBM-MSCs into functional hepatocyte-like cells. Furthermore, rhLIGHT-induced hepatocyte-like cells showed a higher ability to store glycogen and uptake indocyanine green compared with control cells, indicating functional progression. Additionally, treatment with rhLIGHT increased the number, viability, and proliferation of cells by inducing the S/G2/M phase and upregulating the expression of various cyclin and cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) proteins. We also found that the hepatogenic differentiation of hBM-MSCs induced by rhLIGHT was mediated by the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and STAT5 pathways. Overall, our findings suggest that LIGHT plays an essential role in promoting the hepatogenic differentiation of hBM-MSCs. Hence, LIGHT may be a valuable factor for stem cell therapy.

84. Rehabilitation exoskeleton torque control based on PSO-RBFNN optimization.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Li J, Tai Y, Meng F.

85. Heart and brain: Change in cardiac entropy is related to lateralised visual inspection in horses.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Felici M, Reddon AR, Maglieri V

86. Associated risk factors for skin alterations in dairy cattle kept on small scale mountain farms.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Alrhmoun M, Zanon T, Poulopoulou I

87. Assessing the quality of bee honey on the basis of melissopalynology as well as chemical analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Shakoori Z, Mehrabian A, Minai D

88. Genome-wide analysis highlights genetic admixture in exotic germplasm resources of Eucalyptus and unexpected ancestral genomic composition of interspecific hybrids.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

de Oliveira DA, da Silva PHM, Novaes E

Eucalyptus is an economically important genus comprising more than 890 species in different subgenera and sections. Approximately twenty species of subgenus Symphyomyrtus account for 95% of the world's planted eucalypts. Discrimination of closely related eucalypt taxa is challenging, consistent with their recent phylogenetic divergence and occasional hybridization in nature. Admixture, misclassification or mislabeling of Eucalyptus germplasm resources maintained as exotics have been suggested, although no reports are available. Moreover, hybrids with increased productivity and traits complementarity are planted worldwide, but little is known about their actual genomic ancestry. In this study we examined a set of 440 trees of 16 different Eucalyptus species and 44 interspecific hybrids of multi-species origin conserved in germplasm banks in Brazil. We used genome-wide SNP data to evaluate the agreement between the alleged phylogenetic classification of species and provenances as registered in their historical records, and their observed genetic clustering derived from SNP data. Genetic structure analyses correctly assigned each of the 16 species to a different cluster although the PCA positioning of E. longirostrata was inconsistent with its current taxonomy. Admixture was present for closely related species' materials derived from local germplasm banks, indicating unintended hybridization following germplasm introduction. Provenances could be discriminated for some species, indicating that SNP-based discrimination was directly proportional to geographical distance, consistent with an isolation-by-distance model. SNP-based genomic ancestry analysis showed that the majority of the hybrids displayed realized genomic composition deviating from the expected ones based on their pedigree records, consistent with admixture in their parents and pervasive genome-wide directional selection toward the fast-growing E. grandis genome. SNP data in support of tree breeding provide precise germplasm identity verification, and allow breeders to objectively recognize the actual ancestral origin of superior hybrids to more realistically guide the program toward the development of the desired genetic combinations.

89. Differential expression of gluconeogenesis-related transcripts in a freshwater zooplankton model organism suggests a role of the Cori cycle in hypoxia tolerance.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 8

Malek MC, Behera JR, Kilaru A

90. Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging after experimental moderate and severe traumatic brain injury: A longitudinal correlative assessment of structural and cerebral blood flow changes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Sanchez-Molano J, Blaya MO, Padgett KR

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a worldwide problem that results in death or disability for millions of people every year. Progressive neurological complications and long-term impairment can significantly disrupt quality of life. We demonstrated the feasibility of multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities to investigate and predict aberrant changes and progressive atrophy of gray and white matter tissue at several acute and chronic time points after moderate and severe parasagittal fluid percussion TBI. T2-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) were performed. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were imaged sequentially on days 3, 14, and 1, 4, 6, 8, and 12 months following surgery. TBI caused dynamic white and gray matter alterations with significant differences in DTI values and injury-induced alterations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) as measured by PWI. Regional abnormalities after TBI were observed in T2-weighted images that showed hyperintense cortical lesions and significant cerebral atrophy in these hyperintense areas 1 year after TBI. Temporal DTI values indicated significant injury-induced changes in anisotropy in major white matter tracts, the corpus callosum and external capsule, and in gray matter, the hippocampus and cortex, at both early and chronic time points. These alterations were primarily injury-severity dependent with severe TBI exhibiting a greater degree of change relative to uninjured controls. PWI evaluating CBF revealed sustained global reductions in the cortex and in the hippocampus at most time points in an injury-independent manner. We next sought to investigate prognostic correlations across MRI metrics, timepoints, and cerebral pathology, and found that diffusion abnormalities and reductions in CBF significantly correlated with specific vulnerable structures at multiple time points, as well as with the degree of cerebral atrophy observed 1 year after TBI. This study further supports using DTI and PWI as a means of prognostic imaging for progressive structural changes after TBI and emphasizes the progressive nature of TBI damage.

91. Explainable artificial intelligence toward usable and trustworthy computer-aided diagnosis of multiple sclerosis from Optical Coherence Tomography.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Hernandez M, Ramon-Julvez U, Vilades E

92. Machine learning models of healthcare expenditures predicting mortality: A cohort study of spousal bereaved Danish individuals.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Katsiferis A, Bhatt S, Mortensen LH

BACKGROUND: The ability to accurately predict survival in older adults is crucial as it guides clinical decision making. The added value of using health care usage for predicting mortality remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate if temporal patterns of healthcare expenditures, can improve the predictive performance for mortality, in spousal bereaved older adults, next to other widely used sociodemographic variables. METHODS: This is a population-based cohort study of 48,944 Danish citizens 65 years of age and older suffering bereavement within 2013-2016. Individuals were followed from date of spousal loss until death from all causes or 31st of December 2016, whichever came first. Healthcare expenditures were available on weekly basis for each person during the follow-up and used as predictors for mortality risk in Extreme Gradient Boosting models. The extent to which medical spending trajectories improved mortality predictions compared to models with sociodemographics, was assessed with respect to discrimination (AUC), overall prediction error (Brier score), calibration, and clinical benefit (decision curve analysis). RESULTS: The AUC of age and sex for mortality the year after spousal loss was 70.8% [95% CI 68.8, 72.8]. The addition of sociodemographic variables led to an increase of AUC ranging from 0.9% to 3.1% but did not significantly reduce the overall prediction error. The AUC of the model combining the variables above plus medical spending usage was 80.8% [79.3, 82.4] also exhibiting smaller Brier score and better calibration. Overall, patterns of healthcare expenditures improved mortality predictions the most, also exhibiting the highest clinical benefit among the rest of the models. CONCLUSION: Temporal patterns of medical spending have the potential to significantly improve our assessment on who is at high risk of dying after suffering spousal loss. The proposed methodology can assist in a more efficient risk profiling and prognosis of bereaved individuals.

93. Green synthesised AuNps using Ajuga Bracteosa extract and AuNps-Free supernatant exhibited equivalent antibacterial and anticancerous efficacies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Raja SA, Andleeb S, Javed A

The current study is designed to synthesize gold nanoparticles using Ajuga bracteosa extract, which is a highly known medicinal herb found in the northern Himalayas. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were initially characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, SEM, FTIR, pXRD, and, GC-MS. Antibacterial efficacy of A. bracteosa extract, AuNps, and AuNps-free supernatant activity was checked against highly pathogenic clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa via agar well diffusion method, assuming that supernatant might have active compounds. The Nps-free supernatant showed the maximum antibacterial activity against E. coli (20.8±0.3 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (16.5±0.5), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13±0.6). While green synthesized AuNps showed effective antibacterial activity (Escherichia coli (16.4±0.3mm), Staphylococcus aureus (15.05±0.5mm), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.07±0.6mm)) which was high compared to A. bracteosa extract. Anticancer activity was assessed by MTT assay on U87 and HEK293 cell lines. Aj-AuNps have an antigrowth effect on both the cell lines however Aj-AuNps-free supernatant which was also evaluated along with the Aj-AuNps, showed high toxicity toward HEK293 cell line compared to U87. Further, the GC-MS analysis of supernatant showed the presence of resultant toxic compounds after the reduction of gold salt, which include Trichloromethane, Propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, methyl ester, Methyl isovalerate, Pentanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-4-methyl-, Benzene-propanoic acid, and alpha-hydroxy. Based on the observation small molecular weight ligands of Ajuga bracteosa were analyzed in-silico for their binding efficacy towards selected membrane proteins of our target pathogens. RMSD is also calculated for the best docked protein ligand pose. The results revealed that among all listed ligands, Ergosterol and Decacetylajugrin IV have high virtuous binding affinities towards the membrane proteins of targeted pathogens. The current findings revealed that the Aj-AuNps are good antibacterial as well as anticancerous agents while the Nps-free supernatant is also exceedingly effective against resistant pathogens and cancer cell lines.

94. Is the profitability of Islamic and conventional banks driven by the same factors?-A study of banking in the Middle East.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Sobol I, Dopierała Ł, Wysiński P.

95. Care to share? Experimental evidence on code sharing behavior in the social sciences.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Krähmer D, Schächtele L, Schneck A.

96. Modulating prospective memory and attentional control with high-definition transcranial current stimulation: Study protocol of a randomized, double-blind, and sham-controlled trial in healthy older adults.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Schmidt N, Menéndez-Granda M, Münger R

97. CYLD stimulates macrophage phagocytosis of leukemic cells through STAT1 signalling in acute myeloid leukemia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Huyen NT, Ngoc NT, Giang NH

98. How does fintech affect bank efficiency in Taiwan?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Liao CS.

99. Cross-frequency coupling between slow harmonics via the real brainstem oscillators: An in vivo animal study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Kawai Y.

100. Expanding the FurC (PerR) regulon in Anabaena (Nostoc) sp. PCC 7120: Genome-wide identification of novel direct targets uncovers FurC participation in central carbon metabolism regulation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Sarasa-Buisan C, Guío J, Peleato ML

101. Ethnic minority women's empowerment in agriculture in the central region of Viet Nam.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Le TT, Phan SV, Nguyen DT

102. Data driven mixed effects modeling of the dual process framework of addiction among individuals with alcohol use disorder.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Everett RA, Lewis AL, Kuerbis A

103. Construction and optimization of macromolecular structure model of Tiebei lignite.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Jia J, Xiao L, Wang D

104. Comprehensive approaches for assessing extinction risk of endangered tropical pitcher plant Nepenthes talangensis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Yudaputra A, Astuti IP, Handayani T

It has been 23 years since the conservation status of highland tropical pitcher plant Nepenthes talangensis was assessed in 2000. A number of existing threats (anthropogenic and environmental) may be increasing the risk of extinction for the species. A better understanding of the ecology and conservation needs of the species is required to manage the wild populations. Specifically, better information related to population distributions, ecological requirements, priority conservation areas, the impact of future climate on suitable habitat, and current population structure is needed to properly assess extinction risks. A better understanding of the requirements of the species in its natural habitat would benefit for successfully securing the species at Botanic Gardens. We have identified 14 new occurrence records of N. talangensis in Mount Talang. Study on the ecological requirement using Random Forest (RF) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) suggested that elevation, canopy cover, soil pH, and slope are four important variables. The population of N. talangensis was dominated by juvenile and mature (sterile) individuals, we found only a few mature males (7 individuals) and females (4 individuals) in the sampled areas. Our modelling of current conditions predicted that there were 1,076 ha of suitable habitat to very highly suitable habitat in Mount Talang, which is 14.7% of the total area. Those predicted habitats ranged in elevation from 1,740-2,558 m. Suitable habitat in 2100 was predicted to decrease in extent and be at higher elevation in the less extreme climate change scenario (SSP 1-2.6) and extreme climate change scenario (SSP 5-8.5). We projected larger habitat loss in the SSP 5-8.5 compared to the SSP 1-2.6 climate change scenario.. We proposed the category CR B1ab(iii,v), C2a(ii) as the new conservation status of N. talangensis. The status is a higher category of threat compared to the current status of the species (EN C2b, ver 2.3). Nepenthes talangensis seedlings and cuttings established in a Botanic Garden have relatively high survival rate at about 83.4%. Sixty percent of the seeds germinated in growth media successfully grew to become seedlings.

105. Nuances in intensity deviant asymmetric responses as a biomarker for tinnitus.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Yukhnovich EA, Alter K, Sedley W.

106. Health facility availability and readiness for family planning and maternity and neonatal care services in Nepal: Analysis of cross-sectional survey data.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Rai P, Ackerman IN, O'Connor DA

OBJECTIVES: To determine the availability and readiness of health facilities to provide family planning, antenatal care and basic emergency obstetric and newborn care in Nepal in 2021. Secondary objectives were to identify progress since 2015 and factors associated with readiness. METHOD: This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional Nepal Health Facility Survey (NHFS) data collected in 2015 and 2021. The main outcome measures were availability and readiness of family planning, antenatal care, and basic emergency obstetric and newborn care services. Readiness indices were calculated using WHO-recommended service availability and readiness assessment (SARA) methods (score range 0 to 100%, with 100% indicating facilities are fully prepared to provide a specific service). We used independent t-tests to compare readiness indices in 2015 and 2021. Factors potentially associated with readiness (rurality setting, ecological region, managing authority, management meeting, quality assurance activities, and external supervision) were explored using multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: There were 940 and 1565 eligible health facilities in the 2015 and 2021 surveys, respectively. Nearly all health facilities provided family planning (2015: n = 919 (97.8%); 2021: n = 1530 (97.8%)) and antenatal care services (2015: n = 920 (97.8%); 2021: n = 1538 (98.3%)) in both years, but only half provided delivery services (2015: n = 457 (48.6%); 2021: n = 804 (51.4%)). There were suboptimal improvements in readiness indices over time: (2015-21: family planning 68.0% to 70.9%, p<0.001, antenatal care 49.5% to 54.1%, p<0.001 and basic emergency obstetric and newborn care 56.7% to 58.0%, p = 0.115). The regression model comprising combined datasets of both NHFSs indicates facilities with regular management meetings and/or quality assurance activities had significantly greater readiness for all three indices. Similarly, public facilities had greater readiness for family planning and basic emergency obstetric and newborn care while they had lower readiness for antenatal care. CONCLUSIONS: Readiness to deliver family planning, antenatal care and basic emergency obstetric and newborn care services in Nepal remains inadequate, with little improvement observed over six years.

107. Experimental analysis on impact load of flash flood against a passable structure.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Wang S, Zheng H, Huang E

108. Exploring Hikikomori-like idiom of distress a year into the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Oman: Factorial validity of the 25-item Hikikomori Questionnaire, prevalence and associated factors.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Al-Sibani N, Chan MF, Al-Huseini S

BACKGROUND: Existing literature that examines the Hikikomori-like idiom of distress (HLID) initially labelled this phenomenon as a culture-bound syndrome. However, the increasing number of reports from other parts of the world suggest that HLID could instead be a culture-reactive idiom of distress, originating from biopsychosocial disequilibrium and cultural upheaval. The impact of imposed social withdrawal due to the Coronavirus 2 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on the growing prevalence of HLID has not yet been adequately explored. Aims: The first objective is to examine the factorial validity of the 25-item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-25) in Oman. Second, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of HLID following the lifting of SARS-COV-2 restrictions in the Arabian Gulf country of Oman. The third related objective is to examine factors associated with the variation of HLID. METHODS: This cross-sectional online survey was widely distributed across the diverse socio-demographic population residing in Oman. After the validation of the questionnaire and the factorial validity, the Arabic version of HQ-25 was used to explore the prevalence and factors associated with HLID. RESULTS: A total of 1529 participants were included in the study (response rate = 76.5%), of whom 44% (n = 673) expressed HLID. We randomly split it into half, one for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (n = 764) and the other half for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (n = 765). From the EFA results, a three-factor model was found for the Omani version of HQ-25, which represented 52.87% of the variance with good internal reliability (Overall Cronbach's: 0.92; Socialisation: 0.92; Isolation: 0.84; Emotional support: 0.73). The CFA results report acceptable goodness-of-fit indices (χ2/df = 17.92, p < .001; CFI = 0.90; TLI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.04, 95% CI 0.02-0.07; SRMR = 0.05) of the three-factor model of the collected samples. All 1529 data were used in the respondents. The results of the logistic regression showed that married marital status (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.12-2.03, p = 0.007), older age (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99, p = 0.008), living in an urban area (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56-0.91, p = 0.006), unemployed occupational status (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.30-2.88, p < .001), screen time (7+ hours vs. <4 hours: OR = 4.50, 95% CI: 3.16-6.41, p < .001; 4-7 hours vs. <4 hours: OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.61-2.70, p < .001), history of mental illness (OR = 3.70, 95% CI: 2.29-5.91, p < .001), and adverse childhood experiences (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 2.03-3.20, p < .001) were significant risk factors for HLID. CONCLUSION: The factorial validity of the HQ-25 performed in this study appears to mirror the previously reported 3-factor structures. Some of the associated factors appear to support and, conversely, dissent from the findings of previous studies. These are discussed in terms of the attributions of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, demographic trends in Oman, and sociocultural factors specific to the region of interest.

109. Intestinal permeability and peripheral immune cell composition are altered by pregnancy and adiposity at mid- and late-gestation in the mouse.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Ribeiro TA, Breznik JA, Kennedy KM

It is clear that the gastrointestinal tract influences metabolism and immune function. Most studies to date have used male test subjects, with a focus on effects of obesity and dietary challenges. Despite significant physiological maternal adaptations that occur across gestation, relatively few studies have examined pregnancy-related gut function. Moreover, it remains unknown how pregnancy and diet can interact to alter intestinal barrier function. In this study, we investigated the impacts of pregnancy and adiposity on maternal intestinal epithelium morphology, in vivo intestinal permeability, and peripheral blood immunophenotype, using control (CTL) and high-fat (HF) fed non-pregnant female mice and pregnant mice at mid- (embryonic day (E)14.5) and late (E18.5) gestation. We found that small intestine length increased between non-pregnant mice and dams at late-gestation, but ileum villus length, and ileum and colon crypt depths and goblet cell numbers remained similar. Compared to CTL-fed mice, HF-fed mice had reduced small intestine length, ileum crypt depth and villus length. Goblet cell numbers were only consistently reduced in HF-fed non-pregnant mice. Pregnancy increased in vivo gut permeability, with a greater effect at mid- versus late-gestation. Non-pregnant HF-fed mice had greater gut permeability, and permeability was also increased in HF-fed pregnant dams at mid but not late-gestation. The impaired maternal gut barrier in HF-fed dams at mid-gestation coincided with changes in maternal blood and bone marrow immune cell composition, including an expansion of circulating inflammatory Ly6Chigh monocytes. In summary, pregnancy has temporal effects on maternal intestinal structure and barrier function, and on peripheral immunophenotype, which are further modified by HF diet-induced maternal adiposity. Maternal adaptations in pregnancy are thus vulnerable to excess maternal adiposity, which may both affect maternal and child health.

110. High blood pressure prevalence, awareness, treatment, and blood pressure control among Ugandans with rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Kibone W, Bongomin F, Okot J

111. Complexity in the dengue spreading: A network analysis approach.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Lima LL, Atman APF.

112. Concurrent exercise training induces additional benefits to hydrochlorothiazide: Evidence for an improvement of autonomic control and oxidative stress in a model of hypertension and postmenopause.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Ferreira MJ, Santos Ferreira Silva MPD, da Silva Dias D

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether exercise training could contribute to a better modulation of the neurohumoral mechanisms linked to the pathophysiology of arterial hypertension (AH) in postmenopausal hypertensive rats treated with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). METHODS: Female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) (150-200g, 90 days old) were distributed into 5 hypertensive groups (n = 7-8 rats/group): control (C), ovariectomized (O), ovariectomized treated with HCTZ (OH), ovariectomized submitted to exercise training (OT) and ovariectomized submitted to exercise training and treated with HCTZ (OTH). Ovarian hormone deprivation was performed through bilateral ovariectomy. HCTZ (30mg/kg/day) and concurrent exercise training (3d/wk) were conducted lasted 8 weeks. Arterial pressure (AP) was directly recorded. Cardiac effort was evaluated using the rate-pressure product (RPP = systolic AP x heart rate). Vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist, losartan and hexamethonium were sequentially injected to evaluate the vasopressor systems. Inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated in cardiac tissue. RESULTS: In addition to the reduction in AP, trained groups improved RPP, AP variability, bradycardic (OT: -1.3 ± 0.4 and OTH: -1.6 ± 0.3 vs. O: -0.6 ± 0.3 bpm/mmHg) and tachycardic responses of baroreflex sensitivity (OT: -2.4 ± 0.8 and OTH: -2.4 ± 0.8 vs. O: -1.3 ± 0.5 bpm/mmHg), NADPH oxidase and IL-10/TNF-α ratio. Hexamethonium injection revealed reduced sympathetic contribution on basal AP in OTH group (OTH: -49.8 ± 12.4 vs. O: -74.6 ± 18.1 mmHg). Furthermore, cardiac sympathovagal balance (LF/HF ratio), IL-10 and antioxidant enzymes were enhanced in OTH group. AP variability and baroreflex sensitivity were correlated with systolic AP, RPP, LF/HF ratio and inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters. CONCLUSION: The combination of HCTZ plus concurrent exercise training induced additional positive adaptations in cardiovascular autonomic control, inflammation and redox balance in ovariectomized SHR. Therefore, combining exercise and medication may represent a promising strategy for managing classic and remaining cardiovascular risks in AH.

113. Association between early preterm birth and maternal exposure to fine particular matter (PM10): A nation-wide population-based cohort study using machine learning.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Choi ES, Lee JS, Hwang Y

Although preterm birth (PTB), a birth before 34 weeks of gestation accounts for only less than 3% of total births, it is a critical cause of various perinatal morbidity and mortality. Several studies have been conducted on the association between maternal exposure to PM and PTB, but the results were inconsistent. Moreover, no study has analyzed the risk of PM on PTB among women with cardiovascular diseases, even though those were thought to be highly susceptible to PM considering the cardiovascular effect of PM. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of PM10 on early PTB according to the period of exposure, using machine learning with data from Korea National Health Insurance Service (KNHI) claims. Furthermore, we conducted subgroup analysis to compare the risk of PM on early PTB among pregnant women with cardiovascular diseases and those without. A total of 149,643 primiparous singleton women aged 25 to 40 years who delivered babies in 2017 were included. Random forest feature importance and SHAP (Shapley additive explanations) value were used to identify the effect of PM10 on early PTB in comparison with other well-known contributing factors of PTB. AUC and accuracy of PTB prediction model using random forest were 0.9988 and 0.9984, respectively. Maternal exposure to PM10 was one of the major predictors of early PTB. PM10 concentration of 5 to 7 months before delivery, the first and early second trimester of pregnancy, ranked high in feature importance. SHAP value showed that higher PM10 concentrations before 5 to 7 months before delivery were associated with an increased risk of early PTB. The probability of early PTB was increased by 7.73%, 10.58%, or 11.11% if a variable PM10 concentration of 5, 6, or 7 months before delivery was included to the prediction model. Furthermore, women with cardiovascular diseases were more susceptible to PM10 concentration in terms of risk for early PTB than those without cardiovascular diseases. Maternal exposure to PM10 has a strong association with early PTB. In addition, in the context of PTB, pregnant women with cardiovascular diseases are a high-risk group of PM10 and the first and early second trimester is a high-risk period of PM10.

114. Urban human settlements' resilience measurement and characteristics and their mechanism model in China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Zhou X, Ao R, Zhu Y

115. The role of EII complex in the bacterial responses to the glucose-survey in clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Horng YT, Panjaitan NSD, Tsai YJ

116. The Dysarthric Expressed Emotional Database (DEED): An audio-visual database in British English.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Alhinti L, Cunningham S, Christensen H.

117. Coverage survey of typhoid conjugate vaccine among children aged 6 months to 15 years in an urban slum settlement of Lyari Town Karachi, Pakistan.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Batool R, Qureshi S, Haq Z

118. Risks of urgent cesarean delivery preceding the planned schedule: A retrospective cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Danieli-Gruber S, Shalev-Rosenthal Y, Matot R

119. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with vitamin D supplementation: A cross-sectional online community survey of adults in the UK.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Tanna NK, Karki M, Webber I

OBJECTIVE: Assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of a diverse population. Identify barriers and facilitators that inform routine vitamin D supplementation and self-care in the community setting. DESIGN: Cross-sectional online voluntary survey. Electronic survey link published on college Qualtrics platform and advertised widely. Study information provided with Participant Information Sheet. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: 556 community dwelling adults across the UK. METHODS: The overarching study included two phases, incorporating quantitative and qualitative methodologies. This paper reports findings from the first phase of the FABCOM-D (Facilitators and Barriers to Community (Healthy) Vitamin D status) study. Online survey questions were iteratively developed after background literature searches and piloted to ensure clarity and ease of understanding. Survey responses summarised using frequencies and percentages, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression models explored for any association. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys guided reporting. Statistical analysis performed using IBM SPSS software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Awareness of vitamin D information sources, health benefits and testing. Attitudes to supplementation, sun exposure and fortification. RESULTS: Three quarters of the community had some awareness of vitamin D and around half were taking supplements. The two most trusted sources of information included health professionals and the NHS website. Participants were willing to pay for supplements, supporting a self-care agenda. With increasing age, there was significant reduced intake of vitamin D supplements. This aspect needs to be explored further as this could be a concern in deficiency status in the elderly. There was acceptance of food fortification but uncertainty on how to balance food intake with supplementation. CONCLUSION: We were successful in eliciting views on KAPs around vitamin D from a community population including a large proportion of Black and Minority Ethnic individuals. The community wanted information and guidance to help manage individual vitamin D status, especially for high-risk groups, and on balancing supplementation, food fortification and sun exposure.

120. Influence of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification on cell phenotype in Alzheimer's disease.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Ni P, Pan K, Zhao B.

OBJECTIVE: Recent research has suggested that m6A modification takes on critical significance to Neurodegeneration. As indicated by the genome-wide map of m6A mRNA, genes in Alzheimer's disease model achieved significant m6A methylation. This study aimed to investigate the hub gene and pathway of m6A modification in the pathogenesis of AD. Moreover, possible brain regions with higher gene expression levels and compounds exerting potential therapeutic effects were identified. Thus, this study can provide a novel idea to explore the treatment of AD. METHODS: Differential expression genes (DEGs) of GSE5281 and GSE48350 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were screened using the Limma package. Next, the enrichment analysis was conducted on the screened DEGs. Moreover, the functional annotation was given for N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification gene. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) analysis and the visualization analysis were conducted using STRING and Cytoscape. The hub gene was identified using CytoHubba. The expression levels of Hub genes in different regions of brain tissue were analyzed based on Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database and Bgee database. Subsequently, the candidate drugs targeting hub genes were screened using cMAP. RESULTS: A total of 42 m6A modified genes were identified in AD (20 up-regulated and 22 down-regulated genes). The above-described genes played a certain role in biological processes (e.g., retinoic acid, DNA damage response and cysteine-type endopeptidase activity), cellular components (e.g., mitochondrial protein complex), and molecular functions (e.g., RNA methyltransferase activity and ubiquitin protein ligase). KEGG results suggested that the above-mentioned genes were primarily involved in the Hippo signaling pathway of neurodegeneration disease. A total of 10 hub genes were screened using the protein-protein interaction network, and the expression of hub genes in different regions of human brain was studied. Furthermore, 10 compounds with potential therapeutic effects on AD were predicted. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the potential role of the m6A modification gene in Alzheimer's disease through the bioinformatics analysis. The biological changes may be correlated with retinoic acid, DNA damage response and cysteine-type endopeptidase activity, which may occur through Hippo signaling pathway. The hub genes (SOX2, KLF4, ITGB4, CD44, MSX1, YAP1, AQP1, EGR2, YWHAZ and TFAP2C) and potential drugs may provide novel research directions for future prognosis and precise treatment.

121. Proteomic insight into human directed selection of the domesticated chicken Gallus gallus.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Schmidt CJ, Kim DK, Pendarvis GK

122. Detection rate of contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cognitive impairment.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Joo L, Suh CH, Shim WH

123. The friendships of children and youth with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Spender K, Chen YR, Wilkes-Gillan S

BACKGROUND: Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience substantial difficulty maintaining meaningful friendships, which has implications for social functioning and mental health. No systematic review has investigated their friendship difficulties. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review and methodologically appraise the quality of existing studies reporting on friendships of children with ADHD. To compare their friendships to typically-developing children, and examine associations between friendship and children's social-emotional wellbeing and mental health. METHOD: Six databases were searched. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the QualSyst appraisal tool and the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. Aspects of friendships measured were charted, along with comparisons between children with ADHD and typically-developing children and the associations between friendships and social-emotional wellbeing and mental health. RESULTS: Twenty-three cross-sectional studies and one longitudinal follow-up study were included. Studies included 1509 participants with ADHD, with 1197 typically-developing participants used as a companion in 19 of the 24 studies. Friendship quantity was the most investigated aspect of friendship. Children and youth with ADHD had significantly fewer friends, lower quality friendships and poorer friendship interactions. There were mixed findings from studies investigating the role or impact of friendship on social-emotional wellbeing and mental health. Twenty-two had strong methodological quality. CONCLUSION: Limited longitudinal studies, small sample sizes and variability in measurement restrict the interpretations of friendship over time and the causal impact of friendship on social and emotional outcomes. Further research should investigate the role and impact of friendships on the social-emotional wellbeing of children and youth with ADHD.

124. Environmental drivers of size-based population structure, sexual maturity and fecundity: A study of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) in the Mediterranean Sea.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Marchessaux G, Gjoni V, Sarà G.

125. SliDL: A toolbox for processing whole-slide images in deep learning.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 7

Berman AG, Orchard WR, Gehrung M

126. High-throughput screening identifies cell cycle-associated signaling cascades that regulate a multienzyme glucosome assembly in human cells.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Schmitt DL, Dranchak P, Parajuli P

127. Testing the mutant selection window hypothesis with meropenem: In vitro model study with OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Alieva KN, Golikova MV, Dovzhenko SA

128. Warming and Wetting will continue over the Tibetan Plateau in the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Deng H, Ji Z.

129. Locating perpetrators of violence against women in India: An analysis of married men's characteristics associated with intimate partner violence.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Chandra R, Srivastava S, Singh A

130. Supporting the wellbeing of caregivers of children on the autism spectrum: A qualitative report on experiences of attending group dance movement psychotherapy.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Aithal S, Karkou V, Makris S

Caregivers of children on the autism spectrum can carry a significant amount of practical, psychological, and social demands and responsibilities that are highly stressful. A group Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) was offered to facilitate the wellbeing of caregivers. In this article, we explore the experiences of the therapeutic processes and outcomes of the intervention from the perspectives of caregivers, the therapist, and the researcher/co-facilitator. METHOD: Four clusters of caregivers of children on the autism spectrum (N = 20 Mean age = 39.25 years) took part in five group DMP sessions lasting 90 minutes delivered across two special educational needs settings. Twenty reflective focus groups took place in total, with each taking place at the end of each DMP session. Participants were invited to capture their experiences through arts-based drawings, while therapist and participating researcher/co-facilitator kept session-based notes and arts-based reflections. These arts-based and verbal data were grouped to generate themes. RESULTS: Six overarching themes emerged from the arts-based and verbal data with multiple subthemes that describe the contribution of DMP towards promoting caregivers' wellbeing and identified key challenges in implementing the intervention. These themes are: (1) Beholding within and around; (2) Reflecting and reinforcing strengths; (3) Exchanging views; (4) Looking back and carrying forward; (5) Core benefits; and (6) Challenges to engage in DMP. CONCLUSION: Caregivers talked about their experience of participating in the DMP groups as positive and acknowledged the helpful and challenging aspects of taking part in DMP intervention. They appreciated the creative and expressive nature of the intervention to promote their emotional and social wellbeing. The challenges identified in the study indicate that further awareness is needed within school environments about the contribution arts therapies can make towards establishing appropriate and sustainable interventions for caregivers.

131. The interaction of ammonia and manganese in abnormal metabolism of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: A comparison metabolomics study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Liu XF, Lu JJ, Li Y

132. Spatio-temporal comprehensive measurement of China's agricultural green development level and associated influencing factors.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Cheng L, Gao Y, Dai X.

Green development is an inevitable trend in the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, and promoting the green development of agriculture has always been an important measure for China's sustainable growth. However, due to the influence of diverse regional environments and the wide range of landscapes in China, a largely agricultural country, China is facing ongoing challenges in improving the overall level of agricultural green development and narrowing regional differences, which has recently garnered worldwide attention. This study aims to measure and analyze the agricultural green development level of 30 provinces in China (Tibet, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan are not included in the target areas of this research due to a lack of data). Here, we applied GIS technology, an entropy-TOPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) model, quantitative analysis methods such as global spatial autocorrelation analysis, coldspot and hotspot analysis, and a spatial Durbin model to construct measurement models and index systems, after which we performed a comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis of China's agricultural green development level. Furthermore, the present study also analyzed the factors that influence agricultural green development in China. The present study demonstrated that: (i) between 2005 and 2020, China's overall level of agricultural green development exhibited a fluctuating upward trend, with significant improvement and enhancement in most provinces. However, the overall level of China's agricultural green development remains low, and differences at the provincial level are particularly prominent, with the main regions displaying the following descending development pattern: Eastern > Central > Western regions. (ii) The level of China's agricultural green development shows clear signs of spatial aggregation, characterized by spatial dependence and heterogeneity. Although this phenomenon is gradually weakening over time, the high levels of agricultural green development in the eastern regions and low levels in the western regions are likely to persist in the near future. (iii) Green agricultural structure, technology supply, agricultural mechanization level, and arable land area are the key factors influencing China's level of agricultural green development. Among these factors, technology supply, agricultural mechanization level, and arable land area have the largest direct impact, whereas green agricultural structure has a positive spatial spillover effect on the level of agricultural green development. Technology supply has both a positive direct impact and a negative indirect impact on the level of agricultural green development. Therefore, further improving technology supply and agricultural mechanization level can directly promote China's agricultural green development.

133. Is "earth" an animate thing? Cross-language and inter-age analyses of animacy word ratings in European Portuguese and British English young and older adults.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Félix SB, Poirier M, Pandeirada JNS.

134. Socioeconomic and demographic risk factors of autism spectrum disorder among children and adolescents in Bangladesh: Evidence from a cross-sectional study in 2022.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Faruk MO, Rahman MS, Rana MS

135. The association between COVID-19 preventive behaviors and mental health conditions.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Wachira E, Chavan B, Nganga-Good C

BACKGROUND: An unintended consequence of COVID-19 quarantine preventive measures, is the increased prevalence of anxiety and depression. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between COVID-19 preventive behaviors and mental health conditions. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data collected weekly from US adults aged 18 and older nationwide as part of the COVID-19 Household Impact Survey (CIS) from the University of Chicago. Logistic regression examined associations between COVID-19 preventive behaviors (wearing a face mask, washing or sanitizing hands, and keeping six-feet distance from those outside their household), mental health conditions (self-reporting feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge, feeling lonely, and feeling hopeless about the future and a history of a mental health condition) and demographic factors. RESULTS: Majority of study participants were under 60 years (62.2%), female (55.8%), and non-Hispanic White (72.2%). Overall, participants more likely to have followed all three COVID-19 measures were those who reported high psychological distress compared to those with low distress for feeling anxious (adj. OR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06-1.28, p = 0.002), lonely (adj. OR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.23, p = 0.019) or hopeless (adj. OR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00-1.21, p = 0.043) for more than a day during the past 7 days. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight that individuals with mental health conditions reported more psychological distress. Specifically, feeling depressed, anxious, lonely, and hopeless were triggered and exacerbated as a result of the pandemic and may have long-term effects on general well-being and productivity. Therefore, our findings have important implications on the need to include mental health promotion as part of pandemic response efforts. This includes developing policies and allocating funding so as to ensure sustainable mental health interventions and support, public and provider education on the importance of screening for mental health issues.

136. Perceived dignity is an unrecognized source of emotional distress in patients with rheumatic diseases: Results from the validation of the Mexican version of the Patient Dignity Inventory.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Pascual-Ramos V, Contreras-Yáñez I, Cuevas-Montoya M

137. The prevalence of pediatric asthma hospitalizations at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis study protocol.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Abdelrahim R, Gao Z, Smith MJ

138. Assessing spatiotemporal trends of total and extreme precipitation in a subtropical highland region: A climate perspective.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Ghanim AAJ, Anjum MN, Rasool G

139. Drip irrigation and sulphur fertilization influenced fodder yield, quality and water use efficiency of groundnut in arid region.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Gautam P, Bhunia SR, Sahoo A

Availability of ample and nutritious fodder for livestock is always a challenge in arid region. Choice of crops such as groundnut that can fulfil the requirement of fodder with its crop residues along with human needs can be a viable option to bridge the gap between availability and requirement of fodder. The fodder yield and quality largely depend on soil moisture and nutrient supply especially sulphur (S), a key nutrient for improving groundnut fodder quality. However, no researchers have given emphasis on coupling effect of drip irrigation (DI) and sulphur on fodder yield, quality, digestibility and water use efficiency (WUE). Therefore, the study was conducted to determine the effects of different regimes of DI and S on productivity and quality of fodder. Results revealed that higher regimes of DI i.e. 0.8 +1.0 PE(pan evaporation) and 1.0 PE level of irrigation along with 40 kg S ha-1 significantly improved the yield, primary quality traits (crude protein, ether extract and ash), digestibility indices and significant reduction in Fibers which indicates improvement in quality of fodder. Fodder productivity was 27.0 and 25.6% higher in 1.0 PE and 0.8+1.0 PE level of irrigation, respectively, as compared to 0.6 PE level (lower water regime) of irrigation, although 0.6 PE level of irrigation recorded higher WUE and was at par with 0.8 PE and 0.6 +1.0 PE level of DI. By changing the levels of DI from 1.0 PE to 0.8+1.0 PE, considerable water can be saved without affecting the yield and quality of fodder. Similarly, crop responded to S up to 60 kg ha-1 but at par with 40 kg S ha-1 indicating that application of extra S after 40 kg did not warrant any extra benefit in terms of fodder yield, WUE and quality of fodder. Thus, adjusting the PE levels of DI for water saving and optimal S application can be a sustainable strategy to improve the productivity and quality of groundnut fodder in arid region.

140. Amygdalar activity measured using FDG-PET/CT at head and neck cancer staging independently predicts survival.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Hassan MZO, Tawakol A, Wang Y

IMPORTANCE: The mechanisms underlying the association between chronic stress and higher mortality among individuals with cancer remain incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that among individuals with active head and neck cancer, that higher stress-associated neural activity (ie. metabolic amygdalar activity [AmygA]) at cancer staging associates with survival. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic Medical Center (Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston). PARTICIPANTS: 240 patients with head and neck cancer (HNCA) who underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging as part of initial cancer staging. MEASUREMENTS: 18F-FDG uptake in the amygdala was determined by placing circular regions of interest in the right and left amygdalae and measuring the mean tracer accumulation (i.e., standardized uptake value [SUV]) in each region of interest. Amygdalar uptake was corrected for background cerebral activity (mean temporal lobe SUV). RESULTS: Among individuals with HNCA (age 59±13 years; 30% female), 67 died over a median follow-up period of 3 years (IQR: 1.7-5.1). AmygA associated with heightened bone marrow activity, leukocytosis, and C-reactive protein (P<0.05 each). In adjusted and unadjusted analyses, AmygA associated with subsequent mortality (HR [95% CI]: 1.35, [1.07-1.70], P = 0.009); the association persisted in stratified subset analyses restricted to patients with advanced cancer stage (P<0.001). Individuals within the highest tertile of AmygA experienced a 2-fold higher mortality rate compared to others (P = 0.01). The median progression-free survival was 25 months in patients with higher AmygA (upper tertile) as compared with 36.5 months in other individuals (HR for progression or death [95%CI], 1.83 [1.24-2.68], P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: AmygA, quantified on routine 18F-FDG-PET/CT images obtained at cancer staging, independently and robustly predicts mortality and cancer progression among patients with HNCA. Future studies should test whether strategies that attenuate AmygA (or its downstream biological consequences) may improve cancer survival.

141. Response of the competitive balance model to the external field.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Oloomi F, Kargaran A, Hosseiny A

142. Chinese yuan interest rate swap yields.

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2023 Aug 4

Akram T, Mamun K.

143. Diabetes diminishes muscle precursor cell-mediated microvascular angiogenesis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Acosta FM, Pacelli S, Rathbone CR.

144. Electrocardiogram and echocardiography findings and the outcomes of patients with myocardial infarction: Retrospective study in tertiary care hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Tsega W, Awoke W, Sendekie AK

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction (MI) is diagnosed when there is a rise in cardiac biomarkers along with supportive evidence in the form of typical symptoms, suggestive electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, or imaging evidence of a new loss of viable myocardium or a new regional wall motion abnormality. The data regarding the use of ECG and echocardiography (Echo) findings and their impact on mortality are still lacking in Ethiopia. This study assessed the utilization of ECG and Echo findings and outcomes of patients with MI in tertiary care hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with MI who were admitted to the adult intensive care units (ICUs) of two selected hospitals between January 2018 and July 30, 2021. Data was entered and analyzed using the SPSS 25 software. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between in-hospital mortality and other variables. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Among the 203 participants, 67.5% were male, and the mean age of the participants was 59 (13.8). Around two-thirds (66.5%) of patients had STEMI and a regional all-motion abnormality. More than half (54.1%) of the cases were in the anteroapical region. For MI, there was a 23.2% inconsistency between ECG and Echo findings. The rate of in-hospital mortality for patients with MI was 23%. Pulmonary hypertension [AOR = 7.8, 95% CI: 1.72-34.93], inferobasal regional wall motion abnormality [AOR = 7.9, 95% CI: 1.340-46.093], Killip's classes III and IV [AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.103-6.314], infection [AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.108-10.65], and ischemic stroke [AOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.091-5.222] were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality compared with their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality of patients with MI in this study was higher than in other reports. Killip's class, pulmonary hypertension, infection, ischemic stroke, and inferobasal regional wall motion abnormalities were significantly associated with the in-hospital mortality of the patients with MI. There was a higher degree of inconsistency between ECG and Echo findings. The treatment of patients with MI should be tailored to their specific risk factors and causes.

145. In silico analysis and experimental validation shows negative correlation between miR-1183 and cell cycle progression gene 1 expression in colorectal cancer.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Fatima SA, Nasim MT, Malik A

146. Predictors of help-seeking behaviors in women with urinary incontinence: Based on Iranian women's lens.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Rashidi Fakari F, Hajian S, Darvish S

Urinary incontinence has an undeniable impact on the quality of life of affected women; however, talking about incontinence is not comfortable for many women, and they often hide it and do not seek treatment. Predictors affecting women's decisions to seek treatment in communities can be different. This study was designed to identify predictors of help-seeking behaviors among Iranian women with urinary incontinence. METHODS: This cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted on 199 women with urinary incontinence who met the inclusion criteria by convenience sampling from the beginning of 2020 to the middle of 2021. The Incontinence Severity Index, Bradley's Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis, Medical Embarrassment Questionnaires, Brief-Illness Perception Questionnaire, Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire, Barrier to Incontinence Care Seeking Questionnaire, Medical Help Seeking Scale, and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey were all self-administered data collection tools used in this study. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the relationship and prediction of help-seeking behaviors by other variables. To analyze the data, SPSS software version 20 was used. RESULTS: The variables of shame, barriers to care, social support, quality of life, and age were found to be predictors of help-seeking behavior in the research population of women with urinary incontinence. Help-seeking had a direct relationship with quality of life and an inverse relationship with other factors. Among these factors, shame has the greatest impact (P = 0/001, β = - 0/37). CONCLUSIONS: The extracted predictors, especially the variable of "shame" as the most important negative factor related to the treatment decisions of women with urinary incontinence, will help to health service providers to take into account these factors in the regular service provision programs that promote women's health, which are effective in facilitating the help-seeking of sufferers and correct guidance towards treatment or rehabilitation.

147. In vivo Polycystin-1 interactome using a novel Pkd1 knock-in mouse model.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Lin CC, Menezes LF, Qiu J

148. Assessment of health-related quality of life among patients with obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relationship with multimorbidity.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Shah S, Abbas G, Aslam A

Obesity, hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are among the multifactorial disorders that occur at higher prevalence in a population. This study aims to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with obesity, HTN and T2D individually and in the form of multimorbidity. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the patients in 15 private clinics of Punjab, Pakistan. A stratified random sampling technique was used to collect the data from patients with obesity, HTN and T2D or their comorbidity. A total of 1350 patients responded by completing the questionnaire. The HRQoL of these patients was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire (a standardized instrument for measuring generic health status). Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Multivariate linear regression model was used to model the visual analogue scale (VAS) score. In total, 15% of patients had combined obesity, HTN and T2D; 16.5% had HTN and T2D; 13.5% had obesity and HTN and 12.8% had obesity and T2D. Only 15.8% of patients had obesity, 14.3% had HTN, and 12% had T2D. Mann Whitney-U test gave the statistically significant (p = <0.001) HRQoL VAS score55.1 (±23.2) of patients with the obesity. HRQoL VAS scores of patients with obesity were found to be higher when compared to patients with both T2D 49.8 (±15.4) and HTN 48.2 (±21). Diagnosis of one, two and three diseases showed significant results in VAS with all variables including gender (p = 0.004), educational level (p = <0.001), marital status (p<0.001), residence (p = <0.001), financial situation (p = <0.001) and monthly income (p = <0.001). The most frequently observed extremely problematic dimension was anxiety/ depression (47%) and the self-care (10%) was the least affected. Patient HRQoL is decreased by T2D, HTN, and obesity. The impact of these diseases coexisting is more detrimental to HRQoL.

149. A health terminological system for inherited retinal diseases: Content coverage evaluation and a proposed classification.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Sabbaghi H, Madani S, Ahmadieh H

150. Measurement and driving factors of carbon productivity in China's provinces: From the perspective of embodied carbon emissions.

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2023 Aug 4

Liang C, Gao P.

151. Improved USER cloning for TALE assembly and its application to base editing.

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2023 Aug 4

Zhou J, Wang J, Chen F

152. Context-dependent memory recall in HMD-based immersive virtual environments.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Chocholáčková M, Juřík V, Ružičková A

153. Arthroscopically assisted internal fixation for treatment of acute ankle fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Zhuang C, Guo W, Chen W

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) allows for the assessment of joint congruity following anatomic reduction, identification of occult intra-articular lesions, and treatment of traumatic intra-articular pathologies. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide evidence on whether ARIF is an alternative treatment protocol for ankle fractures. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched independently by two investigators from the inception dates to October 9, 2022, for comparative studies. The risk-of-bias tool of the Cochrane Collaboration for Randomized Controlled Trials and the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) were used for assessing the methodological quality. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, post-operative complications, arthroscopic findings, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, and operation time. Cochrane Review Manager Software 5.4 was used to perform the statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 10 trials involving 755 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results revealed that ARIF for ankle fractures was superior regarding functional outcomes and VAS scores when compared with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). No significant difference was noted in the post-operative complication rate and the operation time between the ARIF and ORIF groups. A high incidence of chondral or osteochondral lesions (OCLs), ligamentous injuries, and loose bodies with ankle fractures was found by ankle arthroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: ARIF for ankle fractures might be beneficial to offer superior functional outcomes and VAS score than ORIF. Orthopedic surgeons should take a high incidence of OCLs and ligamentous injuries into consideration for the treatment of acute ankle fractures. We believe that with the increase in surgical experience, the occurrence of post-operative complications and the extension of operation time will no longer be a potential concern for surgeons.

154. Examining the influence of information overload on consumers' purchase in live streaming: A heuristic-systematic model perspective.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Zhang G, Cao J, Liu D.

155. Pharmacotherapy problems and associated factors among type 2 adult diabetic patients on follow up at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Welday Kahssay S, Demeke NF.

BACKGROUND: Over the past few decades, drug therapy problems (DTPs) have become a significant public health concern worldwide. DTPs in patients with diabetes are responsible for uncontrolled glycemia, disease worsening, early development of complications, high healthcare expenses, prolonged and recurrent hospitalizations, and mortality. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of drug therapy problems and determine the associated factors among patients with type II Diabetes Mellitus at a University Teaching Hospital in Southwest Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2022. Data were collected through medical record reviews and interviewer-administered structured questionnaires, which were then analyzed using SPSS version 26. Cipolle's method was adapted for classification of DTPs. Bivariate followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between predictor variables and the outcome variable. P-value ≤ 0.05 was employed as a cut-off point to determine statistical significance. RESULT: Among 117 participants, 172 drug therapy problems (DTPs) were identified, with an average of 1.47 DTPs per patient, and83 (70.9%) participants had at least one type of drug therapy problem. Of the seven DTPs identified, need additional drug therapy was the most common, 50 (42.7%), followed by non-compliance with medication, 45 (38.5%) and ineffective drug therapy, 25 (21.4%). Occupational status and comorbidity were factors that associated with the occurrence of DTPs. Farmers were approximately four times more likely to develop DTPs than housewives were (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.12-11.38, P = 0.03). The odds of drug therapy problems were twice as high in those with four comorbid conditions than in those without comorbidities (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 0.90-3.76, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: In the current study, the proportion of type 2 diabetes patients with drug therapy problems was high. This potentially lead to uncontrolled glycemia and early development of comorbid conditions, increasing morbidity and mortality rates. This could be attributed to the failure to effectively integrate clinical pharmacy services in different hospital wards, which is the case in virtually all hospitals in Ethiopia.

156. Photoacoustic and absorption spectroscopy imaging analysis of human blood.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Tsai WY, Breimann S, Shen TW

157. Prevalence of overweight/obesity and related factors in Keerqin District, Tongliao City: A cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Zhuang H, Wang L, Wang F

158. COVID-19 resilience index in European Union countries based on their risk and readiness scale.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Aboelnaga S, Czech K, Wielechowski M

159. Association of cyclooxygenase-2 expression with endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy in triple-negative breast cancer.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Lee H, Jung S, Gong G

160. The minimum required overlap length for tendon transfer A biomechanical study on human tendons.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Wachtel N, Englbrecht MA, Micheler C

161. A data-driven model for early prediction of need for invasive mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care unit patients.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Bose SN, Defante A, Greenstein JL

RATIONALE: Acute respiratory failure is a life-threatening clinical outcome in critically ill pediatric patients. In severe cases, patients can require mechanical ventilation (MV) for survival. Early recognition of these patients can potentially help clinicians alter the clinical course and lead to improved outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To build a data-driven model for early prediction of the need for mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients. METHODS: The study consists of a single-center retrospective observational study on a cohort of 13,651 PICU patients admitted between 1/01/2010 and 5/15/2018 with a prevalence of 8.06% for MV due to respiratory failure. XGBoost (extreme gradient boosting) and a convolutional neural network (CNN) using medication history were used to develop a prediction model that could yield a time-varying "risk-score"-a continuous probability of whether a patient will receive MV-and an ideal global threshold was calculated from the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. The early prediction point (EPP) was the first time the risk-score surpassed the optimal threshold, and the interval between the EPP and the start of the MV was the early warning period (EWT). Spectral clustering identified patient groups based on risk-score trajectories after EPP. RESULTS: A clinical and medication history-based model achieved a 0.89 area under the ROC curve (AUROC), 0.6 sensitivity, 0.95 specificity, 0.55 positive predictive value (PPV), and 0.95 negative predictive value (NPV). Early warning time (EWT) median [inter-quartile range] of this model was 9.9[4.2-69.2] hours. Clustering risk-score trajectories within a six-hour window after the early prediction point (EPP) established three patient groups, with the highest risk group's PPV being 0.92. CONCLUSIONS: This study uses a unique method to extract and apply medication history information, such as time-varying variables, to identify patients who may need mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure and provide an early warning period to avert it.

162. Brownfield land and health: A systematic review of the literature.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Wang W, Dack S, Mudway I

BACKGROUND: Brownfield land is vacant or derelict land that was previously used for industrial or commercial purposes. Brownfield land is increasingly being targeted for housing development, however, depending on the previous use and remediation activity, it might pose potential risks to the health of residents on or in the vicinity of redeveloped sites. This systematic review of the literature synthesises the empirical evidence on the associations between brownfield land and health. METHODS: We systematically searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, Global Health, Web of Science, Scopus and GreenFile using a study protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022286826). The search strategy combined the keywords "brownfield" and its interchangeable terms such as "previously developed land", and any health outcomes such as "respiratory diseases" and "mortality". Publications identified from the search were screened for eligibility by two authors, and data were extracted from the selected articles. Study quality was assessed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Of the 1,987 records retrieved, 6 studies met the inclusion criteria; 3 ecological studies, 2 cross-sectional studies, and 1 longitudinal study. There was considerable heterogeneity in the exposure metrics and health outcomes assessed. All studies found significant positive associations between brownfield land proximity or density with at least one health relevant outcome, including poorer self-reported general health, increased mortality rates, increased birth defects, increased serum metal levels, and accelerated immune ageing. CONCLUSIONS: Brownfield land may negatively affect the health of nearby residents. The epidemiological evidence on health effects associated with brownfield land in local communities, however, remains inconclusive and limited. Further studies are required to build the evidence base to inform future housing policies and urban planning.

163. Avoiding scar tissue formation of peripheral nerves with the help of an acellular collagen matrix.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Aman M, Mayrhofer-Schmid M, Schwarz D

INTRODUCTION: Extensive scar tissue formation after peripheral nerve injury or surgery is a common problem. To avoid perineural scarring, implanting a mechanical barrier protecting the nerve from inflammation processes in the perineural environment has shown promising results for functional recovery. This study investigates the potential of an acellular collagen-elastin matrix wrapped around a peripheral nerve after induction of scar tissue formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, 30 Lewis rats were separated into three groups and sciatic nerve scarring was induced with 2.5% glutaraldehyde (GA-CM) or 2.5% glutaraldehyde with a supplemental FDA-approved acellular collagen-elastin matrix application (GA+CM). Additionally, a sham group was included for control. Nerve regeneration was assessed by functional analysis using the Visual Statisc Sciatic Index (SSI) and MR neurography during the 12-week regeneration period. Histological and histomorphometry analysis were performed to evaluate the degree of postoperative scar tissue formation. RESULTS: Histological analysis showed an extensive scar tissue formation for GA-CM. Connective tissue ratio was significantly (p < 0.009) reduced for GA+CM (1.347 ± 0.017) compared to GA-CM (1.518 ± 0.057). Similarly, compared to GA+CM, MR-Neurography revealed extensive scar tissue formation for GA-CM with a direct connection between nerve and paraneural environment. Distal to the injury site, quantitative analysis presented significantly higher axon density (p = 0.0145), thicker axon diameter (p = 0.0002) and thicker myelinated fiber thickness (p = 0.0008) for GA+CM compared to GA-CM. Evaluation of functional recovery revealed a significantly faster regeneration for GA+CM. CONCLUSION: The supplemental application of an acellular collagen-elastin matrix showed beneficial effects in histological, radiological, and functional analysis. Therefore, applying a collagen-elastin matrix around the nerve after peripheral nerve injury or surgery may have beneficial effects on preventing scar tissue formation in the long run. This represents a feasible approach to avoid scar tissue formation in peripheral nerve surgery.

164. Analysis of altered level of blood-based biomarkers in prognosis of COVID-19 patients.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Shrestha MR, Basnet A, Tamang B

165. Methods for improving participation rates in national self-administered web/mail surveys: Evidence from the United States.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

West BT, Zhang S, Wagner J

In the United States, increasing access to the internet, the increasing costs of large-scale face-to-face data collections, and the general reluctance of the public to participate in intrusive in-person data collections all mean that new approaches to nationally representative surveys are urgently needed. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for faster, higher-quality alternatives to face-to-face data collection. These trends place a high priority on the evaluation of innovative web-based data collection methods that are convenient for the U.S. public and yield scientific information of high quality. The web mode is particularly appealing because it is relatively inexpensive, it is logistically flexible to implement, and it affords a high level of privacy and confidentiality when correctly implemented. With this study, we aimed to conduct a methodological evaluation of a sequential mixed-mode web/mail data collection protocol, including modular survey design concepts, which was implemented on a national probability sample in the U.S. in 2020-2021. We implemented randomized experiments to test theoretically-informed hypotheses that 1) the use of mail and increased incentives to follow up with households that did not respond to an invitation to complete a household screening questionnaire online would help to recruit different types of households; and 2) the use of modular survey design, which involves splitting a lengthy self-administered survey up into multiple parts that can be completed at a respondent's convenience, would improve survey completion rates. We find support for the use of mail and increased incentives to follow up with households that have not responded to a web-based screening questionnaire. We did not find support for the use of modular design in this context. Simple descriptive analyses also suggest that attempted telephone reminders may be helpful for the main survey.

166. Non-linear links between human capital, educational inequality and income inequality, evidence from China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Xu M, Chen S, Chen J

167. Assessment of pathogens in flood waters in coastal rural regions: Case study after Hurricane Michael and Florence.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Usmani M, Uprety S, Bonham N

168. Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation reduces opioid use and improves nutritional support in children with debilitating pancreatitis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Heinzman C, Hornung L, Lin TK

169. Indications, techniques, and graft survival of mini and corneo-scleral tectonic keratoplasties: A retrospective single-center case series.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Wiedenmann CJ, Böhringer D, Maier P

PURPOSE: Tectonic keratoplasties (TK) are used to treat corneal and scleral perforations and to prevent the loss of the eye. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed indications, surgical procedures, and outcomes of eccentric mini and corneo-scleral tectonic keratoplasties with respect to anatomical survival and clear graft survival rates to identify risk factors for graft failure. METHODS: This retrospective study includes 33 eccentric mini (graft diameter <6 mm) and/or corneo-scleral TK of 32 consecutive patients of a total of 41 TK carried out between 2005 and 2020 in the Eye Center, University of Freiburg, Germany, making up 0.7% of all keratoplasties performed during this period (n = 5557). Patient and graft specific data were extracted from medical files. Anatomical survival-defined as achieving integrity of the globe without further surgical interventions-and clear graft survival-defined as persisting graft clarity-were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. We also fitted Cox proportional hazard models to account for factors influencing anatomical and clear graft survival. RESULTS: Median duration of anatomical success was 72.5 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 18.1-infinite (inf.)) and median duration of clear graft survival was 29.6 months (95% CI 12.5-Inf.). The 1-year survival rate for anatomical survival was 67.6% (95% CI 52.2% - 87.6%) and for clear graft survival 66.4% (95% CI 50.5%- 87.1%). No enucleation was necessary during this time-period. Non-inflammatory primary causes (n = 14) presented a trend towards better anatomical survival rates (median remained above 0.75 during follow-up) compared to inflammatory primary causes (n = 19, median 18.1 months (95% CI 2.8 - inf.)) and longer clear graft survival (median 29.6 months (95% CI 12.5 - inf.) versus 13.1 months (95% CI 3.2 - inf.)). Corneo-scleral grafts (n = 18) compared to corneal grafts (n = 15) showed a trend towards better anatomical survival (more than 50% of eyes did not fail during follow-up period (95% CI 21.9-Inf. months) versus 18.1 months (95% CI 2.4-Inf.)) and clear graft survival (median 29.6 months (95% CI 12.6-Inf.) versus 6.2 months (95% CI 2.8-Inf.)). Old age (n = 11, 75.2 - 90.1 years) compared to young age (n = 11, 6.2 - 60.2 years) was the only hazard ratio (hazard ratio 0.04 (95% CI 0.002-0.8)) that reached the level of significance (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Eccentric TK is helpful in the successful treatment of a variety of severe eye diseases. Patients at young age, with pre-existing inflammatory conditions or corneal TK are at higher risk for anatomical failure as well as clear graft failure and therefore need to be monitored closely.

170. Using ecotourism boats for estimating the abundance of a bottlenose dolphin population in south-eastern Australia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Lacetera P, Mason SJ, Tixier P

171. Which aspects of job determine satisfaction among pharmacists working in Saudi pharmacy settings?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Islam MA, Naqvi AA.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of several employment-related aspects on overall job satisfaction among pharmacists working in Saudi pharmacy settings. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted for a period of 1-month (December 2020) among pharmacists working in community pharmacies located in 3 cities of Saudi Arabia. Convenience sampling was employed, and the data was collected using the English version of Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) questionnaire. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics such as mean ([Formula: see text]) and 95% confidence interval range were used to report continuous data; frequency (%) and sample counts (N) were used to report categorical data. Bivariate analyses were conducted using chi square (χ2) test. A multiple linear regression model was formulated to report the employment aspects that determined overall job satisfaction of pharmacists. The study was approved by an ethics committee. RESULTS: A total of 241 samples were analyzed. Less than a quarter of pharmacists (N = 54, 22.4%) were satisfied with their job. The overall job satisfaction score was 130.74 out of 199. The sub-scales for co-workers and communication had scores > 15.8 out of 24; subscale for operating conditions had score > 12.5 out of 20. The subscales for promotion and rewards had scores < 14 out of 24. The aspects of communication, fringe benefits and nature of work had the highest contribution towards overall job satisfaction. For a unit increase in score for communication, fringe benefits, and nature of work, the overall job satisfaction score increased by 0.204, 0.2, and 0.199, respectively. CONCLUSION: A very small number of pharmacists seemed satisfied with their job. Satisfaction with communication, nature of work and fringe benefits contributed the most toward overall job satisfaction. Results of this study could provide the means for human resource managers and organizational policy makers to delve into the determinants of satisfaction among pharmacists working in community settings.

172. Morphometric characterization and temporal temperature measurements during hepatic microwave ablation in swine.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Varble NA, Bakhutashvili I, Reed SL

PURPOSE: Heat-induced destruction of cancer cells via microwave ablation (MWA) is emerging as a viable treatment of primary and metastatic liver cancer. Prediction of the impacted zone where cell death occurs, especially in the presence of vasculature, is challenging but may be achieved via biophysical modeling. To advance and characterize thermal MWA for focal cancer treatment, an in vivo method and experimental dataset were created for assessment of biophysical models designed to dynamically predict ablation zone parameters, given the delivery device, power, location, and proximity to vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MWA zone size, shape, and temperature were characterized and monitored in the absence of perfusion in ex vivo liver and a tissue-mimicking thermochromic phantom (TMTCP) at two power settings. Temperature was monitored over time using implanted thermocouples with their locations defined by CT. TMTCPs were used to identify the location of the ablation zone relative to the probe. In 6 swine, contrast-enhanced CTs were additionally acquired to visualize vasculature and absence of perfusion along with corresponding post-mortem gross pathology. RESULTS: Bench studies demonstrated average ablation zone sizes of 4.13±1.56cm2 and 8.51±3.92cm2, solidity of 0.96±0.06 and 0.99±0.01, ablations centered 3.75cm and 3.5cm proximal to the probe tip, and temperatures of 50 ºC at 14.5±13.4s and 2.5±2.1s for 40W and 90W ablations, respectively. In vivo imaging showed average volumes of 9.8±4.8cm3 and 33.2±28.4cm3 and 3D solidity of 0.87±0.02 and 0.75±0.15, and gross pathology showed a hemorrhagic halo area of 3.1±1.2cm2 and 9.1±3.0cm2 for 40W and 90W ablations, respectfully. Temperatures reached 50ºC at 19.5±9.2s and 13.0±8.3s for 40W and 90W ablations, respectively. CONCLUSION: MWA results are challenging to predict and are more variable than manufacturer-provided and bench predictions due to vascular stasis, heat-induced tissue changes, and probe operating conditions. Accurate prediction of MWA zones and temperature in vivo requires comprehensive thermal validation sets.

173. Selective DNA-binding of SP120 (rat ortholog of human hnRNP U) is mediated by arginine-glycine rich domain and modulated by RNA.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Miyaji M, Kawano S, Furuta R

174. PHRF1 promotes the class switch recombination of IgA in CH12F3-2A cells.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Lee JY, Chou NL, Yu YR

175. Enterprise resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of business environment.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Fu L, Shi Y, Yang X

176. Seismic response analysis of double-trough aqueduct considering fluid-structure interaction effect.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Huang L, Li H, Lupunga MA

177. Variations in echolocation click characteristics of finless porpoise in response to day/night and absence/presence of vessel noise.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Ogawa M, Kimura SS.

Small odontocetes produce echolocation clicks to feed and navigate, making it an essential function for their survival. Recently, the effect of vessel noise on small odontocetes behavior has attracted attention owing to increase in vessel activities; however, the effects of the surrounding environmental factor, vessel noise, and day/night on echolocation click characteristics have not been well studied. Here, we examined the effects of vessel noise and day/night on variations in echolocation clicks and click trains parameters. Passive acoustic monitoring of on-axis echolocation clicks produced by free-ranging finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri) was performed at two sites in Japan, Seto Inland Sea and Mikawa Bay, in June-September 2021 and March-August 2022, using A-tag and SoundTrap 300HF. Generalized Linear Model was used to elucidate the effect of vessel noise, day/night, and surrounding environmental factors (water temperature, synthetic flow velocity, and noise level) on echolocation click and click train parameters. Echolocation click and click train parameters were strongly affected by day/night, whereas the absence/presence vessel noise did not exhibit statistically significant influence. Particularly, -3 dB bandwidth was wider, click duration was shorter, and inter-click intervals in a train were shorter at night, which may facilitate information processing at night, thereby compensating for the lack of visual information. The interaction between day/night and the absence/presence of vessel noise affected the source level of finless porpoises, with higher levels observed in the absence of vessel noise during the daytime compared to other conditions at the site with low vessel traffic. Overall, these results suggest that echolocation clicks by finless porpoise were likely to fluctuate to adapt with surrounding complex environmental conditions, especially day/night.

178. Using gamma-band transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to improve sleep quality and cognition in patients with mild neurocognitive disorders due to Alzheimer's disease: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Lu H, Li J, Yang NS

179. Safety outcomes of ticagrelor among patients with STE-ACS post streptokinase therapy-a retrospective observational study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Ueapornpanith P, Buranakiti B, Chotayaporn T

From the restriction of access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention, about 46% of patients with ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (STE-ACS) received fibrinolytic therapy as a reperfusion strategy; streptokinase is frequently used in Thailand. Despite the guidelines recommending potent P2Y12 inhibitors among these patients, the data are limited, especially among patients with STE-ACS post streptokinase therapy. The study was proposed to describe factors for P2Y12 inhibitors selection and evaluate outcomes of pharmacoinvasively treated STE-ACS receiving ticagrelor compared with clopidogrel in Thailand. We performed a retrospective observational study of patients with STE-ACS post streptokinase therapy followed by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with coronary stent placement and receiving ticagrelor or clopidogrel as P2Y12 inhibitor treatment from January 2017 to June 2021. The primary outcomes described factors for P2Y12 inhibitor selection and evaluated safety outcomes with inverse probability weight (IPW) adjustment. The secondary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction and stroke. The median time from streptokinase therapy to initiating ticagrelor in the switch group was 25.7 (IQR, 1.9-4.4) hours. The factors related to switching from clopidogrel to ticagrelor included young age, history of coronary artery disease (CAD), dose of streptokinase and use of intravascular imaging. Any bleeding events occurred among 83 patients (41.71%) in the switch group and 83 patients (41.09%) in the no switch group (adjusted HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.75-1.44; p = 0.826). The composite of efficacy outcomes occurred in 6 patients in the switch group (3.02%) and 12 patients (5.94%) in the no switch group (adjusted HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.21-1.57; p = 0.279). Conclusion: In real practice, ticagrelor switching among patients with STE-ACS post streptokinase therapy did not differ regarding safety outcomes and composite of efficacy outcomes compared with clopidogrel.

180. Fine-scale vertical relationships between environmental conditions and sound scattering layers in the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Assunção R, Lebourges-Dhaussy A, da Silva AC

181. Whole exome data prioritization unveils the hidden weight of Mendelian causes of male infertility. A report from the first Italian cohort.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Quarantani G, Sorgente A, Alfano M

182. Increased frequency and quantity of mucosal and plasma cytomegalovirus replication among Ugandan Adults Living with HIV.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

McClymont E, Bone J, Orem J

183. Two opposing gene expression patterns within ATRX aberrant neuroblastoma.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

van Gerven MR, Schild L, van Arkel J

184. Norms in action? On the channels through which Poland's historical partitions may still contribute to divergent educational achievements in the country's regions.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Herbst M.

185. Anthropogenic threats to owls: Insights from rehabilitation admittance data and rodenticide screening in Texas.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Gomez EA, Prestridge HL, Smith JA.

Owls (Strigiformes) provide myriad ecosystem services and are sentinels for ecosystem health. However, they are at continued risk from anthropogenic threats such as vehicle collisions, entanglement with human-made materials, and exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs), a widespread pesticide known to affect owls. Texas is an important region for numerous migratory and non-migratory owl species in the United States (US), yet assessments of threats owls face here are lacking preventing the development of informed conservation strategies. This study coupled assessment of admittance data from two wildlife rehabilitation centers in Texas with AR liver screening to (1) identify which species of owls are commonly admitted, (2) evaluate seasonality of admittance, and (3) assess causes of admittance for owls in Texas. Between 2010 and 2021, 1,620 owls were admitted into rehabilitation, representing eight species of which the Great-horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) was the most common. For all owls combined admittance rates were highest in the spring, driven by an influx of juveniles (n = 703, 43.40%). The leading cause of admittance amongst species was 'no apparent injury' (n = 567, 34.94%). Where clear diagnoses could be made, the leading causes of admittances were 'entrapment in human infrastructure' (n = 100, 6.11%) and 'collision with vehicles' (n = 74, 4.56%). While the admittance data did not reveal any cases of AR poisoning, liver screening demonstrated high incidences of AR exposure; of 53 owls screened for ARs, 50.94% (n = 27) tested positive with 18 showing exposure to multiple ARs. Brodifacoum was the most frequently detected AR (n = 19, 43.18%) and seven owls (25.93%) tested positive within lethal ranges. Our results suggest that owls in Texas are at risk from myriad anthropogenic threats and face high exposure rates to ARs. In doing so, our results can inform conservation strategies that mitigate anthropogenic threats faced by owls in Texas and beyond.

186. Impact of vaccination and risk factors on COVID-19 mortality amid delta wave in Libya: A single center cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Alhudiri I, Abusrewil Z, Dakhil O

187. Effects of the nitrate and ammonium ratio on plant characteristics and Erythropalum scandens Bl. substrates.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 4

Ma D, Teng W, Yi B

Erythropalum scandens Bl. is a woody vegetable with high nitrogen demand that inhabits southern China. Ammonium and nitrate are the two main forms of inorganic nitrogen that plants directly absorb. A pot experiment was performed to determine the growth, physiological responses, and preferences of 12-month-old E. scandens seedlings for ammonium and nitrate. Aboveground and underground growth indexes, biomass, physiological and biochemical indexes (chlorophyll [Chl], soluble sugar, soluble protein and free proline contents), and substrate pH and nitrogen contents were determined under different nitrate and ammonium ratios (0 NO3-: 100 NH4+, 25 NO3-: 75 NH4+, 50 NO3-: 50 NH4+, 75 NO3-: 25 NH4+, and 100 NO3-: 0 NH4+), and the control (0 NO3-: 0 NH4+). The results showed that ammonium and nitrate improved the growth and physiological status of E. scandens seedlings in most of the treatments compared to the control. The aboveground growth status and biomass accumulation of E. scandens seedlings were significantly better under the 0 NO3-: 100 NH4+ treatment during fertilization compared with all other treatments. However, the growth status of the underground parts was not significantly different among treatments. Significant differences in osmoregulator content, except for soluble sugars, and Chl content were observed. Soluble sugars and soluble proteins were highest under the 0 NO3-: 100 NH4+ treatment at the end of fertilization (day 175). However, free proline accumulated during fertilization and the increase in NO3- indicated that excessive use of NO3- had a negative effect on the E. scandens seedlings. The order of accumulating nitrogen content was leaves > roots > stems. The highest N accumulation occurred in the aboveground parts under the 0 NO3-: 100 NH4+ treatment, whereas the highest N accumulation occurred in the underground parts under the 50 NO3-: 50 NH4+ treatment. Substrate pH increased at the end of fertilization (day 175) compared with the middle stage (day 75), while total nitrogen, ammonium, and nitrate were highly significantly different among the treatments. Total nitrogen and NH4+ content were the highest under the 0 NO3-: 100 NH4+ treatment, while NO3- content was the highest under the 100 NO3-: 0 NH4+ treatment. In conclusion, 12-month-old E. scandens seedlings grew best, and had better physiological conditions in NH4+ than NO3-. The 0 NO3-:100 NH4+ treatment (ammonium chloride 3.82 g/plant) resulted in the best growth and physiological conditions. Most of the growth and physiological indexes were inhibited with the increase in nitrate.

188. Probiotics: Can it modulate fracture healing?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Wang Y, Agenor A, Clement A

OBJECTIVE: Fractures remain a huge burden and their management adversely affects individuals' function and productivity during the lengthy healing period. Gut microbiota exerts a systemic influence on diverse aspects of host physiology, including bone. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate if oral probiotic treatment before or after a fracture in a mouse model could increase cytokines and biomarkers essential for bone healing with subsequent improvement in the biomechanical properties of the healed callus. METHODS: Femoral osteotomy and intramedullary pinning were performed on C57BL/6 mice. Group 1 received either control PBS or probiotic via oral gavage for 5 weeks before fracture (pre-fracture). Group 2 received equivalent treatments for 4 weeks only after fracture (post-fracture). Fracture calluses were harvested on day 3 and 7 for RT-qPCR to quantify osteogenic-related inflammatory cytokines and bone biomarkers. Fractured femurs were evaluated day 28 post-osteotomy via microstructural analysis (μCT) and biomechanical testing (torsion). RESULTS: Mice treated with probiotics pre-fracture (group 1) showed significantly increased gene expression on day 3 of cytokines TGF-β, IL-6 and IL-17F and a corresponding increase in gene expression on day 7 for Col1 and Runx2. Significant improvement was also seen in bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, tissue mineral density, maximum yield torque, stiffness and strain energy. Mice treated with probiotics post-fracture (group 2), demonstrated no changes in cytokine or bone marker gene expression with no significant changes on microstructural analysis. However, significant increases were seen in twist angle at failure and strain energy, with a corresponding reduction in torsional stiffness. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that oral probiotic administration, before or after a fracture, may sufficiently alter the gut flora microenvironment leading to improved bone healing biomechanical properties. The use of probiotics may provide a cost-effective and low-risk adjunctive therapy to improve fracture healing.

189. Nudging accurate scientific communication.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Allard A, Clavien C.

190. Western Australian medical students' attitudes towards artificial intelligence in healthcare.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Stewart J, Lu J, Gahungu N

INTRODUCTION: Surveys conducted internationally have found widespread interest in artificial intelligence (AI) amongst medical students. No similar surveys have been conducted in Western Australia (WA) and it is not known how medical students in WA feel about the use of AI in healthcare or their understanding of AI. We aim to assess WA medical students' attitudes towards AI in general, AI in healthcare, and the inclusion of AI education in the medical curriculum. METHODS: A digital survey instrument was developed based on a review of available literature and consultation with subject matter experts. The survey was piloted with a group of medical students and refined based on their feedback. We then sent this anonymous digital survey to all medical students in WA (approximately 1539 students). Responses were open from the 7th of September 2021 to the 7th of November 2021. Students' categorical responses were qualitatively analysed, and free text comments from the survey were qualitatively analysed using open coding techniques. RESULTS: Overall, 134 students answered one or more questions (8.9% response rate). The majority of students (82.0%) were 20-29 years old, studying medicine as a postgraduate degree (77.6%), and had started clinical rotations (62.7%). Students were interested in AI (82.6%), self-reported having a basic understanding of AI (84.8%), but few agreed that they had an understanding of the basic computational principles of AI (33.3%) or the limitations of AI (46.2%). Most students (87.5%) had not received teaching in AI. The majority of students (58.6%) agreed that AI should be part of medical training and most (72.7%) wanted more teaching focusing on AI in medicine. Medical students appeared optimistic regarding the role of AI in medicine, with most (74.4%) agreeing with the statement that AI will improve medicine in general. The majority (56.6%) of medical students were not concerned about the impact of AI on their job security as a doctor. Students selected radiology (72.6%), pathology (58.2%), and medical administration (44.8%) as the specialties most likely to be impacted by AI, and psychiatry (61.2%), palliative care (48.5%), and obstetrics and gynaecology (41.0%) as the specialties least likely to be impacted by AI. Qualitative analysis of free text comments identified the use of AI as a tool, and that doctors will not be replaced as common themes. CONCLUSION: Medical students in WA appear to be interested in AI. However, they have not received education about AI and do not feel they understand its basic computational principles or limitations. AI appears to be a current deficit in the medical curriculum in WA, and most students surveyed were supportive of its introduction. These results are consistent with previous surveys conducted internationally.

191. Correction: Vegan versus meat-based dog food: Guardian-reported indicators of health.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Knight A, Huang E, Rai N

192. cis-Decalin-containing tetramic acids as inhibitors of insect steroidogenic glutathione S-transferase Noppera-bo.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Kato N, Ebihara K, Nogawa T

193. Morphological and molecular diversity in mid-late and late maturity genotypes of cauliflower.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Rana N, Sharma A, Rana RS

194. Structure of BTK kinase domain with the second-generation inhibitors acalabrutinib and tirabrutinib.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Lin DY, Andreotti AH.

195. Growing up with a sibling with depression: A qualitative study in Israel.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Levkovich I, Labes M.

196. Methyl vinyl ketone impairs spatial memory and activates hippocampal glial cells in mice.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Sato RY, Kotake K, Zhang Y

197. Mortality after emergency unit fluid bolus in febrile Ugandan children.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Rice B, Hawkins J, Nakato S

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric fluid resuscitation in sub-Saharan Africa has traditionally occurred in inpatients. The landmark Fluid Expansion as Supportive Therapy (FEAST) trial showed fluid boluses for febrile children in this inpatient setting increased mortality. As emergency care expands in sub-Saharan Africa, fluid resuscitation increasingly occurs in the emergency unit. The objective of this study was to determine the mortality impact of emergency unit fluid resuscitation on febrile pediatric patients in Uganda. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used data from 2012-2019 from a single emergency unit in rural Western Uganda to compare three-day mortality for febrile patients that did and did not receive fluids in the emergency unit. Propensity score matching was used to create matched cohorts. Crude and multivariable logistic regression analysis (using both complete case analysis and multiple imputation) were performed on matched and unmatched cohorts. Sensitivity analysis was done separately for patients meeting FEAST inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The analysis included 3087 febrile patients aged 2 months to 12 years with 1,526 patients receiving fluids and 1,561 not receiving fluids. The matched cohorts each had 1,180 patients. Overall mortality was 4.0%. No significant mortality benefit or harm was shown in the crude unmatched (Odds Ratio [95% Confidence Interval] = 0.88 [0.61-1.26] or crude matched (1.00 [0.66-1.50]) cohorts. Adjusted cohort analysis (including both complete case analysis and multiple imputation) and sensitivity analysis of patients meeting FEAST inclusion and exclusion criteria all also failed to show benefit or harm. Post-hoc power calculations showed the study was powered to detect the absolute harm seen in FEAST but not the relative risk increase. CONCLUSIONS: This study's primary finding is that fluid resuscitation in the emergency unit did not significantly increase or decrease three-day mortality for febrile children in Uganda. Universally aggressive or fluid-sparing emergency unit protocols are unlikely to be best practices, and choices about fluid resuscitation should be individualized.

198. Inhibition of α-hemolysin activity of Staphylococcus aureus by theaflavin 3,3'-digallate.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Goc A, Sumera W, Rath M

199. Influential factors of tuberculosis in mainland China based on MGWR model.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Ma Z, Fan H.

200. Contrasting speed and accuracy approaches to measure executive functions in three low-and middle-income countries.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Wray C, Kowalski AJ, Mpondo F

201. Intertemporal environmental efficiency assessment in China: A new network-based dynamic super-efficiency measure.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Lin R, Li Z.

202. Potential of GJA8 gene variants in predicting age-related cataract: A comparison of supervised machine learning methods.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Zafar S, Khurram H, Kamran M

203. Development of a urinometer for automatic measurement of urine flow in catheterized patients.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Lafuente JL, González S, Puertas E

Urinary flow measurement and colorimetry are vital medical indicators for critically ill patients in intensive care units. However, there is a clinical need for low-cost, continuous urinary flow monitoring devices that can automatically and in real-time measure urine flow. This need led to the development of a non-invasive device that is easy to use and does not require proprietary disposables. The device operates by detecting urine flow using an infrared barrier that returns an unequivocal pattern, and it is capable of measuring the volume of liquid in real-time, storing the history with a precise date, and returning alarms to detect critical trends. The device also has the ability to detect the color of urine, allowing for extended data and detecting problems in catheterized patients such as hematuria. The device is proposed as an automated clinical decision support system that utilizes the concept of the Internet of Medical Things. It works by using a LoRa communication method with the LoRaWAN protocol to maximize the distance to access points, reducing infrastructure costs in massive deployments. The device can send data wirelessly for remote monitoring and allows for the collection of data on a dashboard in a pseudonymous way. Tests conducted on the device using a gold standard medical grade infusion pump and fluid densities within the 1.005 g/ml to 1.030 g/ml urine density range showed that droplets were satisfactorily captured in the range of flows from less than 1 ml/h to 500 ml/h, which are acceptable ranges for urinary flow. Errors ranged below 15%, when compared to the values obtained by the hospital infusion pump used as gold standard. Such values are clinically adequate to detect changes in diuresis patterns, specially at low urine output ranges, related to renal disfunction. Additionally, tests carried out with different color patterns indicate that it detects different colors of urine with a precision in detecting RGB values <5%. In conclusion, the results suggest that the device can be useful in automatically monitoring diuresis and colorimetry in real-time, which can facilitate the work of nursing and provide automatic decision-making support to intensive care physicians.

204. Detailed characterization of Redondovirus in saliva of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Charlys da Costa A, Mendes-Correa MC, Tozetto-Mendoza TR

205. Hierarchical growth in neural networks structure: Organizing inputs by Order of Hierarchical Complexity.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Leite S, Mota B, Silva AR

Several studies demonstrate that the structure of the brain increases in hierarchical complexity throughout development. We tested if the structure of artificial neural networks also increases in hierarchical complexity while learning a developing task, called the balance beam problem. Previous simulations of this developmental task do not reflect a necessary premise underlying development: a more complex structure can be built out of less complex ones, while ensuring that the more complex structure does not replace the less complex one. In order to address this necessity, we segregated the input set by subsets of increasing Orders of Hierarchical Complexity. This is a complexity measure that has been extensively shown to underlie the complexity behavior and hypothesized to underlie the complexity of the neural structure of the brain. After segregating the input set, minimal neural network models were trained separately for each input subset, and adjacent complexity models were analyzed sequentially to observe whether there was a structural progression. Results show that three different network structural progressions were found, performing with similar accuracy, pointing towards self-organization. Also, more complex structures could be built out of less complex ones without substituting them, successfully addressing catastrophic forgetting and leveraging performance of previous models in the literature. Furthermore, the model structures trained on the two highest complexity subsets performed better than simulations of the balance beam present in the literature. As a major contribution, this work was successful in addressing hierarchical complexity structural growth in neural networks, and is the first that segregates inputs by Order of Hierarchical Complexity. Since this measure can be applied to all domains of data, the present method can be applied to future simulations, systematizing the simulation of developmental and evolutionary structural growth in neural networks.

206. Descending interneurons of the stick insect connecting brain neuropiles with the prothoracic ganglion.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Goldammer J, Büschges A, Dürr V.

Stick insects respond to visual or tactile stimuli with whole-body turning or directed reach-to-grasp movements. Such sensory-induced turning and reaching behaviour requires interneurons to convey information from sensory neuropils of the head ganglia to motor neuropils of the thoracic ganglia. To date, descending interneurons are largely unknown in stick insects. In particular, it is unclear whether the special role of the front legs in sensory-induced turning and reaching has a neuroanatomical correlate in terms of descending interneuron numbers. Here, we describe the population of descending interneurons with somata in the brain or gnathal ganglion in the stick insect Carausius morosus, providing a first map of soma cluster counts and locations. By comparison of interneuron populations with projections to the pro- and mesothoracic ganglia, we then estimate the fraction of descending interneurons that terminate in the prothoracic ganglion. With regard to short-latency, touch-mediated reach-to-grasp movements, we also locate likely sites of synaptic interactions between antennal proprioceptive afferents to the deutocerebrum and gnathal ganglion with descending or ascending interneuron fibres. To this end, we combine fluorescent dye stainings of thoracic connectives with stainings of antennal hair field sensilla. Backfills of neck connectives revealed up to 410 descending interneuron somata (brain: 205 in 19 clusters; gnathal ganglion: 205). In comparison, backfills of the prothorax-mesothorax connectives stained only up to 173 somata (brain: 83 in 16 clusters; gnathal ganglion: 90), suggesting that up to 60% of all descending interneurons may terminate in the prothoracic ganglion (estimated upper bound). Double stainings of connectives and antennal hair field sensilla revealed that ascending or descending fibres arborise in close proximity of afferent terminals in the deutocerebrum and in the middle part of the gnathal ganglia. We conclude that two cephalothoracic pathways may convey cues about antennal movement and pointing direction to thoracic motor centres via two synapses only.

207. Quantitative proteomic analysis of super soft kernel texture in soft white spring wheat.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Aoun M, Orenday-Ortiz JM, Brown K

208. Perceived challenges in implementing halal standards by halal certifying bodies in the United States.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Al-Mahmood OA, Fraser AM.

209. Multimorbidity patterns in COVID-19 patients and their relationship with infection severity: MRisk-COVID study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Lleal M, Corral-Vazquez C, Baré M

210. Elevated liver glycogenolysis mediates higher blood glucose during acute exercise in Barth syndrome.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Schweitzer GG, Ditzenberger GL, Hughey CC

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder due to mutations in the Tafazzin (TAFAZZIN) gene that lead to cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction. Previous studies in humans with BTHS demonstrate that the defects in muscle mitochondrial oxidative metabolism result in an enhanced reliance on anaerobic metabolism during exercise to meet energy demands of muscular work. During exercise, the liver normally increases glucose production via glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to match the elevated rate of muscle glucose uptake and meet the ATP requirements of working muscle. However, the impact of Tafazzin deficiency on hepatic glucose production and the pathways contributing to hepatic glucose production during exercise is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify in vivo liver gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis in Tafazzin knockdown mice at rest and during acute exercise. METHODS: Male TAFAZZIN shRNA transgenic (TG) and wild-type (WT) mice completed exhaustive treadmill running protocols to test exercise tolerance. Mice underwent 2H- and 13C-stable isotope infusions at rest and during a 30-minute treadmill running bout to quantify hepatic glucose production and associated nutrient fluxes under sedentary conditions and during acute exercise. Circulating and tissue (skeletal muscle and liver) samples were obtained during and following exercise to assess static metabolite levels. RESULTS: TG mice reached exhaustion sooner during exhaustive treadmill running protocols and exhibited higher plasma lactate concentrations after exhaustive exercise compared to WT mice. Arterial glucose levels were comparable between genotypes at rest, but higher in TG mice compared to WT mice during exercise. Consistent with the higher blood glucose, TG mice showed increased endogenous glucose production owing to elevated glycogenolysis compared to WT mice during exercise. Total gluconeogenesis, gluconeogenesis from glycerol, gluconeogenesis from phosphoenolpyruvate, pyruvate cycling, total cataplerosis, and anaplerotic fluxes were similar between TG and WT mice at rest and during exercise. However, lactate dehydrogenase flux and TCA cycle fluxes trended higher in TG mice during exercise. Liver glycogen content in TG was higher in TG vs. controls. CONCLUSION: Our data in the Tafazzin knockdown mouse suggest that elevated anaerobic metabolism during rest and exercise previously reported in humans with BTHS are supported by the finding of higher hepatic glycogenolysis.

211. Indicators for the evaluation of musculoskeletal trauma systems: A scoping review and Delphi study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Dworkin M, Agarwal-Harding KJ, Joseph M

BACKGROUND: Trauma is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. Musculoskeletal trauma results in the majority of post-traumatic morbidity and disability globally. The literature has reported many performance indicators relating to trauma care, but few specific to musculoskeletal injuries. STUDY OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to establish a practical list of performance indicators to evaluate and monitor the quality and equity of musculoskeletal trauma care delivery in health systems worldwide. METHODS: A scoping review was performed that identified performance indicators related to musculoskeletal trauma care. Indicators were organized by phase of care (general, prevention, pre-hospital, hospital, post-hospital) within a modified Donabedian model (structure, process, outcome, equity). A panel of 21 experts representing 45 countries was assembled to identify priority indicators utilizing a modified Delphi approach. RESULTS: The scoping review identified 1,206 articles and 114 underwent full text review. We included 95 articles which reported 498 unique performance indicators. Most indicators related to the hospital phase of care (n = 303, 60%) and structural characteristics (n = 221, 44%). Mortality (n = 50 articles) and presence of trauma registries (n = 16 articles) were the most frequently reported indicators. After 3 rounds of surveys our panel reached consensus on a parsimonious list of priority performance indicators. These focused on access to trauma care; processes and key resources for polytrauma triage, patient stabilization, and hemorrhage control; reduction and immobilization of fractures and dislocations; and management of compartment syndrome and open fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The literature has reported many performance indicators relating to trauma care, but few specific to musculoskeletal injuries. To create quality and equitable trauma systems, musculoskeletal care must be incorporated into development plans with continuous monitoring and improvement. The performance indicators identified by our expert panel and organized in a modified Donabedian model can serve as a method for evaluating musculoskeletal trauma care.

212. Motility provides specific adhesion patterns and improves Listeria monocytogenes invasion into human HEp-2 cells.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Abdulkadieva MM, Sysolyatina EV, Vasilieva EV

213. Practices and motives behind antibiotics provision in drug outlets in Tanzania: A qualitative study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Ndaki PM, Mwanga JR, Mushi MF

Dispensing antibiotics without prescription is among the major factors leading to antimicrobial resistance. Dispensing of antibiotics without prescription has negative impact at the individual and societal level leading to poor patient outcomes, and increased risks of resistant bacteria facilitated by inappropriate choice of antibiotics doses/courses. Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health threat which is projected to cause 10 million deaths by 2050 if no significant actions are taken to address this problem This study explored the practices and motives behind dispensing of antibiotics without prescription among community drug outlets in Tanzania. Finding of this study provides more strategies to antibiotics stewardship intervention. In-depth interviews with 28 drug dispensers were conducted for three months consecutively between November 2019 and January 2020 in 12 community pharmacies and 16 Accredited Drug Dispensing Outlets (ADDOs) in the Mwanza, Kilimanjaro and Mbeya regions of Tanzania. Transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically using NVivo12 software. Majority of dispensers admitted to providing antibiotics without prescriptions, selling incomplete courses of antibiotics and not giving detailed instructions to customers on how to use the drugs. These practices were motivated by several factors including customers' pressure/customers' demands, business orientation-financial gain of drug dispensers, and low purchasing power of patients/customers. It is important to address the motives behind the unauthorized dispensing antibiotics. On top of the existing regulation and enforcement, we recommend the government to empower customers with education and purchasing power of drugs which can enhance the dispensers adherence to the dispensing regulations. Furthermore, we recommend ethnographic research to inform antibiotic stewardship interventions going beyond awareness raising, education and advocacy campaigns. This will address structural drivers of AMR such as poverty and inadequate government health services, and the disconnect between public messaging and/or policy and the public itself.

214. How do middle-aged patients and their healthcare providers manage multimorbidity? Results of a qualitative study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Dinh TS, Brünn R, Schwarz C

BACKGROUND: It is particularly difficult for healthcare providers to deliver optimal medical care to multimorbid middle-aged persons because patients' professional activities, family lives, and other everyday responsibilities hinder them from making necessary lifestyle changes. Our aim was to find out how patients and healthcare providers view and manage the problems of dealing with multimorbidity in middle age. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This qualitative study consisted of three steps. First, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15 purposively sampled middle-aged persons living with multimorbidity to explore the experiences of care in the context of their leisure time, family lives, and work. Second, further individual interviews were carried out to find out the views of 14 healthcare providers. Third, the results of the interviews with patients and healthcare providers were presented to and discussed with four healthcare providers at an interprofessional workshop. Interview data was coded using an inductive-deductive approach and analyzed using content analysis. While patients reflected on challenges in several life domains, healthcare providers differentiated between levels of challenges. Both shared recommendations for better care including i) helping patients cope, ii) providing relief in activities of daily living, iii) continuity of care, iv) interprofessional cooperation, v) health promotion/prevention, vi) expansion of health services and vii) general system-level changes. Furthermore, the healthcare provider workshop highlighted the importance of increasing patient-centeredness, reducing complexity through a care coordinator and promoting interprofessional cooperation/networking. CONCLUSIONS: To further improve the care of patients living with multimorbidity, barriers to managing multiple chronic conditions and facilitators to navigating complex care scenarios should be explored not only for people beyond working age, but for individuals in their mid-life specifically.

215. Genetic diversity and population structure of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua in China using SSR markers.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Liu H, Cheng H, Xu J

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Polygonatum genus, belonging to the Liliaceae family, with significant medicinal and nutritional value. In China, this species is a traditional medicinal and edible herb with a long history of application and is widely appreciated by the people. However, as the demand for medicinal herbs continues to grow, excessive harvesting has led to the depletion of wild resources and the risk of genetic erosion. In addition, the chaotic cultivation of varieties and the lack of high quality germplasm resources have led to inconsistent quality of medical materials. Therefore, it is urgent to conduct genetic diversity evaluation of this species and establish a sound conservation plan. This study assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 96 samples collected from seven regions in China using the simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular marker technology. In this study, a total of 60 alleles (Na) were detected across the 10 polymorphic SSR markers used, with an average of 6.0 alleles generated per locus. The values of polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.3396 to 0.8794, with an average value of 0.6430. The average value of the effective number of alleles (Ne) was 2.761, and the average value of the Shannon's information index (I) was 1.196. The population structure analysis indicates that the Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua germplasm can be classified into three subpopulations (JZ, QY, JD) at the molecular level, which corresponds to the previous subgroups identified based on individual plant phenotypic traits. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) showed that 74% of the genetic variation was between individuals within populations in different regions. The phylogenetic analysis of the 96 germplasm samples divided them into three main populations. The QY and JD subpopulations are largely clustered together, which could be attributed to their mountainous distribution and the local climate environment. The genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst) value was low at 0.065, indicating relatively low population differentiation. The ratio of the genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst) between the JZ population and the other two populations (QY and JD) is much higher than the ratio between the QY and JD populations. Based on the clustering results and the ratio of the genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst), it can be inferred that the genetic relationship between the QY and JD subpopulations is closer, with a certain degree of genetic differentiation from the JZ subpopulation. This study supports the conservation of germplasm resources of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua in China and provides new parental material for germplasm genetic improvement and breeding programs.

216. Higher Mixed lineage Kinase Domain-like protein (MLKL) is associated with worst overall survival in adult-type diffuse glioma patients.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Vergara GA, Eugenio GC, Fleury Malheiros SM

217. Association between arthritis and hand grip strength indices combined with anthropometry in an older Korean population.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Chi JH, Lee BJ.

218. Biochemical evidence that the whole compartment activity behavior of GAPDH differs between the cytoplasm and nucleus.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Tang HS, Gates CR, Schultz MC.

Some metabolic enzymes normally occur in the nucleus and cytoplasm. These compartments differ in molecular composition. Since post-translational modification and interaction with allosteric effectors can tune enzyme activity, it follows that the behavior of an enzyme as a catalyst may differ between the cytoplasm and nucleus. We explored this possibility for the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Homogenates of pristine nuclei and cytoplasms isolated from Xenopus laevis oocytes were used for whole compartment activity profiling in a near-physiological buffer. Titrations of NAD+ revealed similar whole compartment activity profiles for GAPDH in nuclear and cytoplasmic homogenates. Surprisingly however GAPDH in these compartments did not have the same behavior in assays of the dependence of initial velocity (v0) on G3P concentration. First, the peak v0 for nuclear GAPDH was up to 2.5-fold higher than the peak for cytoplasmic GAPDH. Second, while Michaelis Menten-like behavior was observed in all assays of cytoplasm, the v0 versus [G3P] plots for nuclear GAPDH typically exhibited a non-Michaelis Menten (sigmoidal) profile. Apparent Km and Vmax (G3P) values for nuclear GAPDH activity were highly variable, even between replicates of the same sample. Possible sources of this variability include in vitro processing of a metabolite that allosterically regulates GAPDH, turnover of a post-translational modification of the enzyme, and fluctuation of the state of interaction of GAPDH with other proteins. Collectively these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the environment of the nucleus is distinct from the environment of the cytoplasm with regard to GAPDH activity and its modulation. This finding warrants further comparison of the regulation of nuclear and cytoplasmic GAPDH, as well as whole compartment activity profiling of other enzymes of metabolism with cytosolic and nuclear pools.

219. Factors contributing to poor COVID-19 outcomes in diabetic patients: Findings from a single-center cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Al-Azzam N, Al-Azzam S, Khassawneh B

220. COVID-19 health information sources and their associations with preventive behaviors: A typological study with older residents in Seoul, South Korea.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Jang Y, Jung J, Park NS

221. Factors influencing nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, and infection management behavior for emerging respiratory infectious diseases: A cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Park HY, Yeom IS.

222. Reduced reward responsiveness in treatment resistant depression of middle-aged adults: Association with carotid artery stiffness and tetrahydrobiopterin.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Barhwal KK, Parida B, Pattnaik J

223. Epidemiology of syphilis infections among pregnant women in Tanzania: Analysis of the 2020 national representative sentinel surveillance.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Sunguya B, Mboya EA, Mizinduko M

BACKGROUND: Syphilis has detrimental effects on the health of the mother and that of both fetuses and newborns exposed in utero or at delivery. Understanding its local epidemiology is essential for policies, planning, and implementation of targeted preventive interventions. Using data from the 2020 National Sentinel Surveillance of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANCs) in Tanzania we determined the prevalence and determinants of syphilis among pregnant women in Tanzania mainland. METHODOLOGY: The ANC surveillance was conducted in 159 ANC sites from all 26 regions of Tanzania's mainland from September to December 2020. It included all pregnant women 15 years and above on their first ANC visit in the current pregnancy during the survey period. Counseling for syphilis was done using standard guidelines at the ANC and testing was done using rapid SD Bioline HIV/Syphilis Duo test kits. Analysis was done using both descriptive statistics to determine the prevalence and characteristics of syphilis, whereas, logistic regressions were used to examine the independent association between syphilis and dependent variables. RESULTS: A total of 38,783 women [median age (Interquartile range (IQR)) = 25 (21-30) years] participated in the surveillance. Of them, 582 (1.4%) tested positive for syphilis. A wide regional variation was observed with the highest burden in Kagera (4.5%) to the lowest burden in Kigoma (0.3%). The odds of syphilis infections were higher among older women and those with no formal education. Compared with primigravids, women with 1-2, those with 3-4 and those with more than four previous pregnancies had 1.8 (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.5), 2.1 (aOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4-3.1) and 2.6 (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.7-3.9) higher odds of syphilis infection respectively. CONCLUSION: Syphilis is still prevalent among pregnant women in Tanzania with a wide regional disparity. Efforts to prevent new infections, screen pregnant women, and treat those infected should be strategized to include all regions and renewed emphasis on regions with high burden, and importantly among women who are multipara, with a low level of education, and advanced age.

224. How race, sex and age interact in association with COVID-19 outcomes over time: An analysis of Michigan data.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Nguemeni Tiako MJ, Browne A.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on racial and ethnic minorities compared to White people. Studies have not sufficiently examined how sex and age interact with race/ethnicity, and potentially shape COVID-19 outcomes. We sought to examine disparities in COVID-19 outcomes by race, sex and age over time, leveraging data from Michigan, the only state whose Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) publishes cross-sectional race, sex and age data on COVID-19. METHODS: This is an observational study using publicly available COVID-19 data (weekly cases, deaths, and vaccinations) from August 31 2020 to June 9 2021. Outcomes for descriptive analysis were age-standardized COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates, case-fatality rates by race, sex, and age, and within-gender and within-race incidence rate ratios and mortality rate ratios. We used descriptive statistics and linear regressions with age, race, and sex as independent variables. RESULTS: The within-sex Black-White racial gap in COVID-19 incidence and mortality decreased at a similar rate among men and women but the remained wider among men. As of June 2021, compared to White people, incidence was lower among Asian American and Pacific Islander people by 2644 cases per 100,000 people and higher among Black people by 1464 cases per 100,000 people. Mortality was higher among those aged 60 or greater by 743.6 deaths per 100,000 people vs those 0-39. The interaction between race and age was significant between Black race and age 60 or greater, with an additional 708.5 deaths per 100,000 people vs White people aged 60 or greater. Black people had a higher case fatality rate than White people. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 incidence, mortality and vaccination patterns varied over time by race, age and sex. Black-White disparities decreased over time, with a larger effect on Black men, and Older Black people were particularly more vulnerable to COVID-19 in terms of mortality. Considering different individual characteristics such as age may further help elucidate the mechanisms behind racial and gender health disparities.

225. The efficacy and safety of sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate injection in the treatment of unstable angina pectoris: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Wu X, Fan M, Wei S

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Sodium tanshinone ⅡA sulfonate injection (STS) in the treatment of unstable angina pectoris (UAP). METHODS: CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase were searched by computer. The research covers the clinical randomized controlled trials of STS in the treatment of unstable angina pectoris published from the establishment of the library to January 31, 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data and evaluated the risk of research bias, and then conducted meta-analysis with RevMan5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of 37 randomized controlled trials were included, involving 3926 patients in total. Meta analysis results showed that, compared with conventional western medicine alone, STS combined with conventional western medicine could reduce the frequency (SMD = -2.61, 95%CI[-4.27, -0.96], P = 0.002) and duration (SMD = -4.01, 95%CI[-6.18, -1.84], P = 0.0003) of angina pectoris, improve ECG efficacy (OR = 3.61, 95%CI[2.79, 4.68], P<0.00001) and clinical symptom efficacy (OR = 4.02, 95%CI[3.32, 4.87], P<0.00001), reduce TG(SMD = -0.60, 95%CI[-1.04, -0.16], P = 0.008), TC(SMD = -3.86, 95%CI[-6.37, -1.34], P = 0.003), and LDL-C(SMD = -1.54, 95%CI[-2.67, -0.42], P = 0.007), decrease plasma viscosity(SMD = -1.02, 95%CI[-1.58, -0.47], P<0.0003), whole blood low shear viscosity(SMD = -0.85, 95%CI[-1.21, -0.49], P<0.00001), whole blood high shear viscosity(SMD = -0.82, 95%CI[-1.44, -0.20], P = 0.009), and erythrocyte aggregation index(SMD = -1.00, 95%CI[-1.75, -0.25], P = 0.009), and bring down CRP(SMD = -1.39, 95%CI[-1.91, -0.86], P<0.00001). The incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (OR = 2.26, 95%CI[1.06, 4.85], P = 0.04). Neither of the two groups suffered from abnormal liver and kidney function during the study process. CONCLUSION: STS combined with routine treatment has a definite clinical efficacy and certain safety in the treatment of UAP, but it needs to be further confirmed by high-quality and low-bias randomized controlled trials in the future.

226. Research on the bearing behavior of single pile in self-weight collapsible loess areas.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Gao D, Zhao K, Ma B

227. Use of preferred contraceptive method among young adults in Texas and California: A comparison by state and insurance coverage.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Hopkins K, Yarger J, Rossetto I

BACKGROUND: Young people's ability to use their preferred contraceptive method is an indicator of reproductive autonomy and healthcare access. State policies can hinder or facilitate access to a preferred contraceptive method. OBJECTIVE: This study compared use of preferred contraceptive method in Texas and California, states with contrasting health policy contexts that impact health insurance coverage and access to subsidized family planning services. METHODS: We used baseline survey data from an ongoing cluster randomized controlled trial of sexually active students, assigned female at birth, ages 18-25, at 29 community colleges in Texas and California (N = 1,974). We described contraceptive preferences and use, as well as reasons for nonuse of a preferred method. We conducted multivariable-adjusted mixed-effects logistic regression analyses for clustered data, and then calculated the predicted probability of using a preferred contraceptive method in Texas and California by insurance status. RESULTS: More Texas participants were uninsured than Californians (30% vs. 8%, p<0.001). Thirty-six percent of Texas participants were using their preferred contraceptive method compared to 51% of Californians. After multivariable adjustments, Texas participants had lower odds of using their preferred method (adjusted odds ratio = 0.62, 95% confidence interval = 0.48-0.81) compared to those in California. Texas participants in all insurance categories had a lower predicted probability of preferred method use compared to California participants. In Texas, we found a 12.1 percentage-point difference in the predicted probability of preferred method use between the uninsured (27.5%) and insured (39.6%) (p<0.001). Texans reported financial barriers to using their preferred method more often than Californians (36.7% vs. 19.2%, p<0.001) as did the uninsured compared to the insured (50.9% vs. 18.7%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings present new evidence that state of residence plays an important role in young people's ability to realize their contraceptive preference. Young people in Texas, with lower insurance coverage and more limited access to safety net programs for contraceptive care than in California, have lower use of preferred contraception. It has become urgent in states with abortion bans to support young people's access to their preferred methods.

228. Population genetic testing and SERPINA1 sequencing identifies unidentified alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency alleles and gene-environment interaction with hepatitis C infection.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Schuler BA, Bastarache L, Wang J

229. Protocol for secondary data analysis of 4 UK cohorts examining youth adversity and mental health in the context of intersectionality.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Hosang GM, Havers L, Shuai R

BACKGROUND: Youth adversity (e.g., abuse and bullying victimisation) is robust risk factor for later mental health problems (e.g., depression and anxiety). Research shows the prevalence of youth adversity and rates of mental health problems vary by individual characteristics, identity or social groups (e.g., gender and ethnicity). However, little is known about whether the impact of youth adversity on mental health problems differ across the intersections of these characteristics (e.g., white females). This paper reports on a component of the ATTUNE research programme (work package 2) which aims to investigate the impact and mechanisms of youth adversity on depressive and anxiety symptoms in young people by intersectionality profiles. METHODS: The data are from 4 UK adolescent cohorts: HeadStart Cornwall, Oxwell, REACH, and DASH. These cohorts were assembled for adolescents living in distinct geographical locations representing coastal, suburban and urban places in the UK. Youth adversity was assessed using a series of self-report questionnaires and official records. Validated self-report instruments measured depressive and anxiety symptoms. A range of different variables were classified as possible social and cognitive mechanisms. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS: Structural equation modelling (e.g., multiple group models, latent growth models) and multilevel modelling will be used, with adaptation of methods to suit the specific available data, in accord with statistical and epidemiological conventions. DISCUSSION: The results from this research programme will broaden our understanding of the association between youth adversity and mental health, including new information about intersectionality and related mechanisms in young people in the UK. The findings will inform future research, clinical guidance, and policy to protect and promote the mental health of those most vulnerable to the negative consequences of youth adversity.

230. ChatGPT- versus human-generated answers to frequently asked questions about diabetes: A Turing test-inspired survey among employees of a Danish diabetes center.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Hulman A, Dollerup OL, Mortensen JF

Large language models have received enormous attention recently with some studies demonstrating their potential clinical value, despite not being trained specifically for this domain. We aimed to investigate whether ChatGPT, a language model optimized for dialogue, can answer frequently asked questions about diabetes. We conducted a closed e-survey among employees of a large Danish diabetes center. The study design was inspired by the Turing test and non-inferiority trials. Our survey included ten questions with two answers each. One of these was written by a human expert, while the other was generated by ChatGPT. Participants had the task to identify the ChatGPT-generated answer. Data was analyzed at the question-level using logistic regression with robust variance estimation with clustering at participant level. In secondary analyses, we investigated the effect of participant characteristics on the outcome. A 55% non-inferiority margin was pre-defined based on precision simulations and had been published as part of the study protocol before data collection began. Among 311 invited individuals, 183 participated in the survey (59% response rate). 64% had heard of ChatGPT before, and 19% had tried it. Overall, participants could identify ChatGPT-generated answers 59.5% (95% CI: 57.0, 62.0) of the time, which was outside of the non-inferiority zone. Among participant characteristics, previous ChatGPT use had the strongest association with the outcome (odds ratio: 1.52 (1.16, 2.00), p = 0.003). Previous users answered 67.4% (61.7, 72.7) of the questions correctly, versus non-users' 57.6% (54.9, 60.3). Participants could distinguish between ChatGPT-generated and human-written answers somewhat better than flipping a fair coin, which was against our initial hypothesis. Rigorously planned studies are needed to elucidate the risks and benefits of integrating such technologies in routine clinical practice.

231. Improved sparse domain super-resolution reconstruction algorithm based on CMUT.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Wei Z, Bai Y, Cheng R

232. Evaluation of the initial timing of infection control pharmacist-driven audit and monitoring of vancomycin therapy in patients with infectious diseases: A retrospective observational study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Sugita H, Okada N, Okamoto M

BACKGROUND: Early monitoring and feedback on the treatment of infectious diseases are some of the methods for optimising antimicrobial treatment throughout the treatment period. Prospective audits and feedback interventions have also been shown to improve antimicrobial use and reduce antimicrobial resistance. We examined the appropriate use of antimicrobials by focusing on the initial timing for audits and feedback intervention of antimicrobial prescription by Infection Control Team pharmacists. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study in a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan from 1 January 2019 to 31 May 2021. We retrospectively enrolled patients with infections and those patients suspected of having an infection, who were administered vancomycin and assessed at our hospital. The definition of primary outcome was the maintenance of target vancomycin trough blood concentrations of 10-20 μg/ml during treatment. Multivariable logistic regression and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to test the effectiveness of the initial timing of the intervention by Infection Control Team pharmacists as the explanatory variable. RESULTS: A total of 638 patients were included in this study, with a median age of 69 years (interquartile range: 54-78 years). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the maintenance of target vancomycin trough concentrations was not associated with the timing of the audit and the initiation of monitoring by Infection Control Team pharmacists (adjusted odds ratio: 0.99, 95% confidence interval: 0.99-1.00, p = 0.990). Multivariate linear regression revealed that the duration of vancomycin administration was significantly correlated with the timing of initiation of monitoring by Infection Control Team pharmacists (adjusted estimate: 0.0227, standard error: 0.0051, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that early initiation of a comprehensive audit and monitoring by Infection Control Team pharmacists did not affect the maintenance of the target vancomycin trough blood concentration. However, it reduced the duration of vancomycin administration.

233. Sports resources utilization efficiency, productivity change, and regional production technology heterogeneity in Chinese Provinces: DEA-SBM and Malmquist Index Approaches.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Zhang H, Shi Y, Jiang X

234. Teacher mental health and workplace well-being in a global crisis: Learning from the challenges and supports identified by teachers one year into the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia, Canada.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Gadermann AM, Gagné Petteni M, Molyneux TM

235. Exploring user and stakeholder perspectives from South Africa and Uganda to refine microarray patch development for HIV PrEP delivery and as a multipurpose prevention technology.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Ismail A, Magni S, Katahoire A

BACKGROUND: Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective, but alternative delivery options are needed to reach more users. Microarray patches (MAPs), a novel drug-delivery system containing micron-scale projections or "microneedles" that deliver drugs via skin, are being developed to deliver long-acting HIV PrEP and as a multipurpose prevention technology to protect from HIV and unintended pregnancy. We explored whether MAP technology could meet user and health system needs in two African countries. METHODS: Researchers in South Africa and Uganda conducted 27 focus group discussions, 76 mock-use exercises, and 31 key informant interviews to explore perceptions about MAPs and specific features such as MAP size, duration of protection, delivery indicator, and health system fit. Participants included young women and men from key populations and vulnerable groups at high risk of HIV and/or unintended pregnancy, including adolescent girls and young women; female sex workers and men who have sex with these women; and men who have sex with men. In Uganda, researchers also recruited young women and men from universities and the community as vulnerable groups. Key stakeholders included health care providers, sexual and reproductive health experts, policymakers, and youth activists. Qualitative data were transcribed, translated, coded, and analyzed to explore perspectives and preferences about MAPs. Survey responses after mock-use in Uganda were tabulated to assess satisfaction with MAP features and highlight areas for additional refinement. RESULTS: All groups expressed interest in MAP technology, reporting perceived advantages over other methods. Most participants preferred the smallest MAP size for ease of use and discreetness. Some would accept a larger MAP if it provided longer protection. Most preferred a protection duration of 1 to 3 months or longer; others preferred 1-week protection. Upper arm and thigh were the most preferred application sites. Up to 30 minutes of wear time was considered acceptable; some wanted longer to ensure the drug was fully delivered. Self-administration was valued by all groups; most preferred initial training by a provider. CONCLUSIONS: Potential users and stakeholders showed strong interest in/acceptance of MAP technology, and their feedback identified key improvements for MAP design. If a MAP containing a high-potency antiretroviral or a MAP containing both an antiretroviral and hormonal contraceptive is developed, these products could improve acceptability/uptake of protection options in sub-Saharan Africa.

236. Factors associated with oral health care behaviors of pregnant women in a northeastern province in Thailand: A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Bunnatee P, Abdulsalam FI, Phoosuwan N.

237. Autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue in the treatment of atherosclerosis patients with knee osteoarthritis in geriatric population: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Li W, Guo H, Wang C

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis are closely related. However, no high-quality studies have investigated the potential of micro-fragmented adipose tissue to treat patients with atherosclerosis accompanied by osteoarthritis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANFANG DATA, and CQVIP were searched for potentially eligible studies published before October 13, 2022. Due to the statistical limitations of the existing relevant literature, it is not possible to make direct statistics on the patients with osteoarthritis accompanied by atherosclerosis treated by micro-fragmented adipose tissue. The primary outcome consisted of two parts: 1) Correlation between atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis; 2) Scores of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). And secondary outcomes were pain assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric rating scale (NRS), quality of life (QoL) (assessed using tools apart from the KOOS), and adverse events (AEs). Random meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 14.0. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included. The metaanalysis evidenced a positive association between atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis (OR 1.17, CI 1.01-1.36). The mean absolute difference in KOOS subscale scores between pre- and post-treatment (mean with 95% confidence interval [CI]) was 19.65 (13.66, 25.63), 14.20 (4.64, 23.76), 19.95 (13.02, 26.89), 25.23 (14.80, 35.66), and 26.01 (13.68, 38.35) for pain, symptoms, activities of daily living (ADL), sports/recreation, and quality-of-life (QOL), respectively. The mean differences in VAS, resting VAS, activity VAS, and NRS between pre- and post-treatment was -8.24 (-10.66, -5.82), -3.61 (-4.49, -2.72), -4.17 (-4.89, -3.44), and -2.17 (-4.06, and -0.28), respectively. The mean difference in score of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), EQ-5D, and University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) between pre- and post-treatment was -24.81 (-40.80, -8.82), 0.07 (0.02, 0.12), and 0.30 (-0.42, 1.02), respectively. The mean difference in Tegner score and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between pre- and post-treatment was 0.67 (-0.62, 1.97) and 13.70 (6.35, 21.04), respectively. The use of micro-fragmented adipose tissue was associated with risk of bruising, bleeding, hematoma, drainage, infection, soreness, swelling, pain, and stiffness in harvest and injection sites. CONCLUSION: Atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis share common risk factors and comorbidity. And the use of micro-fragmented adipose tissue may benefit for improving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis accompanied by atherosclerosis although may lead to some mild adverse events. Randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are necessary for further evaluation because many limitations of this meta-analysis cannot be ignored.

238. Implementation evaluation of a medical student-led intervention to enhance students' engagement with research: Findings and lessons learned.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Haroon MA, Noorali AA, Khan AS

INTRODUCTION: Medical colleges globally have student organizations that serve to enable students' involvement in research. However, details of their approach and activities are seldom published to serve as learning for student organizations in other settings. The Student Research Forum (SRF), a student organization based at a private medical school in Pakistan aims to facilitate students in acquiring research skills. Following the observation of a downward trajectory of student initiative and interest, SRF leadership restructured the organization and improve its impact. This study describes the development and implementation evaluation of the interventions. METHODOLOGY: The operational framework was revised using the Theory of Change by the core group. Major interventions included enhanced social media and outreach coordination, research workshops, journal clubs, and mentorship to increase research output, mentorship opportunities, and knowledge of medical research; ultimately improving quality in research. The outcomes generated over the course of the study's duration from July 2019 to September 2021 were analyzed using the process metrics of reach, adoption, and efficacy. RESULTS: As a result of the interventions, SRF expanded its reach by conducting a total of 41 events during the duration of the study, facilitated by social media growth on each of SRF's online platforms, with a 300% increase in followers on Facebook, and a nationwide network of 91 student ambassadors. An annual workshop series taught research skills to more than 3800 participants. Students leading their own events, SRF featuring international speakers, and the abstracts submitted to SRF's annual conference, along with the conference's reach of 10,000 students, are seen as improvements in the ToC-informed interventions' adoption. The efficacy of the interventions manifested as the REACH program allocated 56 research projects to vetted applicants. CONCLUSION: The applied interventions have accelerated SRF's progress towards achieving its long-term outcome of increased quality in research as translated by increased research output quantity, mentorship, and knowledge of medical research. Further evaluation is required to assess the success of the ToC. As SRF continues to grow, a continued analysis of the implementation outcomes is imperative to gauge its effectiveness.

239. The bacterial profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern in respiratory tract samples from art-experienced HIV-positive adults in Uganda.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Lubega G, Abaasa A, Ochola W

240. Monitoring rural-urban transformation in the coastal region of Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, Morocco.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Loulad S, Nguyen TT, Simou MR

241. HPOSS: A hierarchical portfolio optimization stacking strategy to reduce the generalization error of ensembles of models.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Ozelim LCSM, Ribeiro DB, Schiavon JA

Surrogate models are frequently used to replace costly engineering simulations. A single surrogate is frequently chosen based on previous experience or by fitting multiple surrogates and selecting one based on mean cross-validation errors. A novel stacking strategy will be presented in this paper. This new strategy results from reinterpreting the model selection process based on the generalization error. For the first time, this problem is proposed to be translated into a well-studied financial problem: portfolio management and optimization. In short, it is demonstrated that the individual residues calculated by leave-one-out procedures are samples from a given random variable ϵi, whose second non-central moment is the i-th model's generalization error. Thus, a stacking methodology based solely on evaluating the behavior of the linear combination of the random variables ϵi is proposed. At first, several surrogate models are calibrated. The Directed Bubble Hierarchical Tree (DBHT) clustering algorithm is then used to determine which models are worth stacking. The stacking weights can be calculated using any financial approach to the portfolio optimization problem. This alternative understanding of the problem enables practitioners to use established financial methodologies to calculate the models' weights, significantly improving the ensemble of models' out-of-sample performance. A study case is carried out to demonstrate the applicability of the new methodology. Overall, a total of 124 models were trained using a specific dataset: 40 Machine Learning models and 84 Polynomial Chaos Expansion models (which considered 3 types of base random variables, 7 least square algorithms for fitting the up to fourth order expansion's coefficients). Among those, 99 models could be fitted without convergence and other numerical issues. The DBHT algorithm with Pearson correlation distance and generalization error similarity was able to select a subgroup of 23 models from the 99 fitted ones, implying a reduction of about 77% in the total number of models, representing a good filtering scheme which still preserves diversity. Finally, it has been demonstrated that the weights obtained by building a Hierarchical Risk Parity (HPR) portfolio perform better for various input random variables, indicating better out-of-sample performance. In this way, an economic stacking strategy has demonstrated its worth in improving the out-of-sample capabilities of stacked models, which illustrates how the new understanding of model stacking methodologies may be useful.

242. Identification of people with low prevalence diseases in administrative healthcare records: A case study of HIV in British Columbia, Canada.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Emerson SD, McLinden T, Sereda P

INTRODUCTION: Case-finding algorithms can be applied to administrative healthcare records to identify people with diseases, including people with HIV (PWH). When supplementing an existing registry of a low prevalence disease, near-perfect specificity helps minimize impacts of adding in algorithm-identified false positive cases. We evaluated the performance of algorithms applied to healthcare records to supplement an HIV registry in British Columbia (BC), Canada. METHODS: We applied algorithms based on HIV-related diagnostic codes to healthcare practitioner and hospitalization records. We evaluated 28 algorithms in a validation sub-sample of 7,124 persons with positive HIV tests (2,817 with a prior negative test) from the STOP HIV/AIDS data linkage-a linkage of healthcare, clinical, and HIV test records for PWH in BC, resembling a disease registry (1996-2020). Algorithms were primarily assessed based on their specificity-derived from this validation sub-sample-and their impact on the estimate of the total number of PWH in BC as of 2020. RESULTS: In the validation sub-sample, median age at positive HIV test was 37 years (Q1: 30, Q3: 46), 80.1% were men, and 48.9% resided in the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. For all algorithms, specificity exceeded 97% and sensitivity ranged from 81% to 95%. To supplement the HIV registry, we selected an algorithm with 99.89% (95% CI: 99.76% - 100.00%) specificity and 82.21% (95% CI: 81.26% - 83.16%) sensitivity, requiring five HIV-related healthcare practitioner encounters or two HIV-related hospitalizations within a 12-month window, or one hospitalization with HIV as the most responsible diagnosis. Upon adding PWH identified by this highly-specific algorithm to the registry, 8,774 PWH were present in BC as of March 2020, of whom 333 (3.8%) were algorithm-identified. DISCUSSION: In the context of an existing low prevalence disease registry, the results of our validation study demonstrate the value of highly-specific case-finding algorithms applied to administrative healthcare records to enhance our ability to estimate the number of PWH living in BC.

243. Scaling behavior and text cohesion in Korean texts.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Kim H, Park S, Jeong M

244. The effect of tranexamic acid on intraoperative blood loss in patients undergoing brain meningioma resections: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Yu H, Liu M, Zhang X

245. Duration and dosing of systemic corticosteroids for acute exacerbation of COPD, protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized trials and cohort studies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Yin R, Wang Y, Ying Y

PURPOSE: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a leading cause of deterioration in patients with otherwise stably controlled COPD. Treatments of AECOPD often require the use of corticosteroid therapy in conjunction with bronchodilators and antibiotics. However, the duration and dosage of corticosteroids still remain unclear. We propose to perform this systematic review and meta-analysis of all available randomized control trials (RCTs) and observational cohort studies to comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of different corticosteroid duration and dosing regimen in the current body of evidence. METHODS: We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL via Ovid as well as CINAHL and Web of Science for available literature comparing different corticosteroid duration and dosage in the treatment of AECOPD. We will perform title and full text screening in duplicate, then extract relevant data using a pre-piloted extraction form. We will define short duration as less than 14-day duration of treatment and long duration as greater than 14-day treatment. We will report mortality difference as our primary outcome, with additional comparisons in incidence of re-exacerbation, hospital length of stay, lung function, incidence of hyperglycemia and infection. We will perform risk of bias assessment using the ROB2.0 and ROBINS-I tool, as well as the GRADE assessment to assess the quality of evidence. RESULTS: We will publish the full results of our systematic review and meta-analysis in a peer-reviewed journal. DISCUSSIONS: To our knowledge, this represents an updated and most comprehensive review of the literature comparing different duration and dosing regimen of corticosteroid treatments in AECOPD, as we will include both RCTs and observational studies without date or language restrictions. We aim to validate prior meta-analyses and study findings on the efficacy of short duration corticosteroid therapy over longer treatments and to inform future research directions in dosing regimens.

246. Elaboration of massage technique for semen collection and examination of semen characteristics in chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Babarczi B, Drobnyák Á, Barna J

The practice of artificial insemination for the long-tailed chinchilla has not been fully elaborated to date, and existing data available regarding their reproduction properties is contradictory. Until now, the collection of semen for chinchillas has been most-commonly obtained using electro-ejaculation methods exclusively. The primary objective of this study was the development of a manual technique for semen collection which meets all animal welfare requirements. An additional aim was to determine the basic spermatological parameters, such as motility, concentration, type and ratio of morphological abnormalities and live/dead cell ratio, under typical northern-hemisphere conditions, in Hungary. Over a 3 month period, a special massage technique was developed for the study, and using this method, the sperm parameters of 46 males were subsequently analyzed weekly for a period of one year. Approximately 66% of chinchillas responded positively to this technique, with the success rate of semen-collection attempts showing no variation between seasons. Average sperm concentration for the whole year was 935.17 million/ml using this method. Total cell motility was the highest in winter (90.3%), and the lowest in spring (84.3%). The proportion of live, intact cells were above 80% on average for the year, while the ratios of live, morphologically abnormal and dead cells were 6% and 14%, respectively. We found that midpiece abnormalities occurred in the highest proportion (0.95%-3.38%), while the head abnormalities showed the lowest ratio (0.01%-0.15%). Standard deviation among the parameters was relatively high, with the spring season proving to be the weakest in terms of sperm quality. This study has demonstrated that, semen can be successfully collected without the use of electro-ejaculation or anesthesia. Furthermore, although spermatological parameters do exhibit some fluctuation for the different times of the year, semen collected is nonetheless suitable for the purpose of artificial insemination of chinchillas at any time.

247. Using individual-based bioenergetic models to predict the aggregate effects of disturbance on populations: A case study with beaked whales and Navy sonar.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Hin V, de Roos AM, Benoit-Bird KJ

248. Backup transcription factor binding sites protect human genes from mutations in the promoter.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Brown JC.

This study was designed to test the idea that the regulatory regions of human genes have evolved to be resistant to the effects of mutations in their primary function, the control of gene expression. It is proposed that the transcription factor/transcription factor binding site (TF/TFBS) pair having the greatest effect on control of a gene is the one with the highest abundance among the regulatory elements. Other pairs would have the same effect on gene expression and would predominate in the event of a mutation in the most abundant pair. It is expected that the overall regulatory design proposed here will be highly resistant to mutagenic change that would otherwise affect expression of the gene. The idea was tested beginning with a database of 42 human genes highly specific for expression in brain. For each gene, the five most abundant TF/TFBS pairs were identified and compared in their TFBS occupancy as measured by their ChIP-seq signal. A similar signal was observed and interpreted as evidence that the TF/TFBS pairs can substitute for one another. TF/TFBS pairs were also compared in their ability to substitute for one another in their effect on the level of gene expression. The study of brain specific genes was complemented with the same analysis performed with 31 human liver specific genes. Like the study of brain genes, the liver results supported the view that TF/TFBS pairs in liver specific genes can substitute for one another in the event of mutagenic damage. Finally, the TFBSs in the brain specific and liver specific gene populations were compared with each other with the goal of identifying any brain selective or liver selective TFBSs. Of the 89 TFBSs in the pooled population, 58 were found only in brain specific but not liver specific genes, 8 only in liver specific but not brain specific genes and 23 were found in both brain and liver specific genes. The results were interpreted to emphasize the large number of TFBS in brain specific genes.

249. Is there an association between intimate partner violence and the prevalence of cervical cancer screening in Jordan?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Urquhart G, Maclennan SJ, Guntupalli AM.

BACKGROUND: Major health inequalities exist surrounding the utilisation of cervical cancer screening services globally. Jordan, a low- and middle-income country, has poor screening rates (15.8%), with barriers to accessing services, including lack of education. Emerging studies demonstrate that intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts reproductive health decisions. As a large proportion of Jordanian women have reported experiencing IPV, this study examines the association between IPV and cervical cancer screening in Jordan, the first of its kind using national-level data. METHODS: Using Jordan's Demographic Health Survey 2017-18, cervical cancer screening awareness and self-reported screening were estimated in participants who answered questions on IPV (n = 6679). After applying sample weights, Heckman's two-stage probit model determined the association of awareness and utilisation of cervical cancer screening with experience of IPV, adjusting for the socio-economic factors. RESULTS: Of the women with privacy to answer the IPV module, 180 (3.4%) were found to be victims of sexual violence, 691 of physical violence (12.6%) and 935 (16.2%) of emotional violence. Women subjected to sexual violence were less likely to admit to having awareness of a Pap smear test; however, this did not impact screening rates. Victims of emotional violence were more likely to be screened than non-victims. No association between physical violence and cervical cancer screening was found. CONCLUSIONS: A significant association between cervical screening awareness and IPV demonstrates that cancer screening policies must consider IPV among women to improve screening awareness. The paper further sheds light on the paradoxical association between emotional violence and screening. It is acknowledged this situation may be far worse than reported, as women without autonomy were unlikely to answer IPV questions that may endanger them-targeted surveys on cervical cancer screening warrant further investigation.

250. Is serotonin transporter brain binding associated with the cortisol awakening response? An independent non-replication.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Conradi J, E Svensson J, V Larsen S

BACKGROUND: Serotonergic brain signaling is considered critical for an appropriate and dynamic adaptation to stress, seemingly through modulating limbic system functions, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis. This interplay is of great interest since it holds promise as a target for preventing stress-related brain disorders, e.g., major depression. Our group has previously observed that prefrontal serotonin transporter (5-HTT) binding, imaged with positron emission tomography (PET), is positively associated with the cortisol awakening response (CAR), an index of HPA axis stress hormone dynamics. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to replicate the previous finding in a larger independent group of healthy individuals. METHODS: Molecular imaging and cortisol data were available for 90 healthy individuals. Prefrontal 5-HTT binding was imaged with [11C]DASB brain PET. Non-displaceable 5-HTT binding potential (BPND) was quantified using the Multilinear Reference Tissue Model 2 (MRTM2) with cerebellum as the reference region. CAR was based on five serial salivary cortisol samples within the first hour upon awakening. The association between CAR and prefrontal 5-HTT BPND was evaluated using a multiple linear regression model adjusted for age and sex. Further, we tested for sex differences in the association. Finally, an exploratory analysis of the association, was performed in 8 additional brain regions. RESULTS: We observed no statistically significant association between 5-HTT binding and CAR corrected for age and sex in the prefrontal cortex (β = -0.28, p = 0.26). We saw no interaction with sex on the association (p = 0.99). CONCLUSION: We could not confirm a positive association between CAR and prefrontal 5-HTT BPND in this independent dataset. Also, sex differences in the association were not apparent. Our data do not exclude that the serotonin transporter system is involved in the regulation of stress responses in at-risk or manifest depressed states.

251. Correction: Development of plasma and whole blood taurine reference ranges and identification of dietary features associated with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers: a prospective, observational study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

PLOS ONE Editors.

252. Factors associated with the quality of death certification in Brazilian municipalities: A data-driven non-linear model.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Zimeo Morais GA, Miraglia JL, de Oliveira BZ

Studies evaluating the local quality of death certification in Brazil focused on completeness of death reporting or inappropriate coding of causes of death, with few investigating missing data. We aimed to use missing and unexpected values in core topics to assess the quality of death certification in Brazilian municipalities, to evaluate its correlation with the percentage of garbage codes, and to employ a data-driven approach with non-linear models to investigate the association of the socioeconomic and health infrastructure context with quality of death statistics among municipalities. This retrospective study used data from the Mortality Information System (2010-2017), and municipal data regarding healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic characteristics, and death rates. Quality of death certification was assessed by missing or unexpected values in the following core topics: dates of occurrence, registration, and birth, place of occurrence, certifier, sex, and marital status. Models were fit to classify municipalities according to the quality of death certification (poor quality defined as death records with missing or unexpected values in core topics ≥ 80%). Municipalities with poor quality of death certification (43.9%) presented larger populations, lower death rates, lower socioeconomic index, healthcare infrastructure with fewer beds and physicians, and higher proportion of public healthcare facilities. The correlation coefficients between quality of death certification assessed by missing or unexpected values and the proportion of garbage codes were weak (0.11-0.49), but stronger for municipalities with lower socioeconomic scores. The model that best fitted the data was the random forest classifier (ROC AUC = 0.76; precision-recall AUC = 0.78). This innovative way of assessing the quality of death certification could help quality improvement initiatives to include the correctness of essential fields, in addition to garbage coding or completeness of records, especially in municipalities with lower socioeconomic status where garbage coding and the correctness of core topics appear to be related issues.

253. Barriers and facilitators of physical activity among Latina immigrant and Mexican mothers living in the US and Mexico: A qualitative study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Pérez-Flores NJ, Pineros-Leano M, Damian K

254. Defaunation is known to have pervasive, negative effects on tropical forests, but this is not the whole story.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Boiten G, Dekegel S, Tagg N

Ecosystem functioning and integrity are affected by the loss of large-bodied animals, and comprehending when and how ecosystems are affected is an important goal of defaunation ecology. Despite considerable investigation, our understanding is incomplete. Previous research is biased towards the study of seed dispersal in the Neotropics. This study examined whether and how defaunation affects stem density, species diversity, species composition, spatial distribution, and dispersal mode composition of young understorey plants in an Afrotropical setting. Rectangular plots along transects and wedge-shaped plots under focal trees of five mammal-dispersed species were used to compare three sites representing a defaunation gradient in the Dja faunal reserve in Cameroon. Results showed no change in stem density. Woody plant diversity was highest in the most defaunated site, and compositional differences were noted. Under focal trees, the overall abundance of both seedlings and juveniles was similar. The most defaunated site had the highest number of seedlings far from parent trees. More juvenile stems occurred near parent trees in the least defaunated site. This surprising trend might result from fruit dispersal by small, surviving animals and humans more easily collecting fruits, for food or medicinal purposes, in defaunated, more accessible sites. Negligible or no differences in the abundance of animal-dispersed species and other dispersal modes emerged. This study highlights the roles of extant taxa as surrogate providers of ecological services in defaunated Afrotropical forests. Hence, functional compensation is a serious possibility. Additionally, conceptual models of defaunation consequences that exclude the role of humans may not reflect real-world situations. Overall, these investigations suggest that tropical forests, especially those where ecological niches are less partitioned, may be more resilient to defaunation pressures than is often assumed. Effectively conserving extant, and perhaps less iconic, animal species provides hope for defaunated forests.

255. Emotional overeating affected nine in ten female students during the COVID-19 university closure: A cross-sectional study in France.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Constant A, Fortier A, Serrand Y

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the proportion of female university students reporting overeating (EO) in response to emotions during the COVID-19 university closures, and to investigate social and psychological factors associated with this response to stress. DESIGN: Online survey gathered sociodemographic data, alcohol/drugs use disorders, boredom proneness and impulsivity using validated questionnaires, and EO using the Emotional Overeating Questionnaire (EOQ) assessing eating in response to six emotions (anxiety, sadness, loneliness, anger, fatigue, happiness), whose structure remains to be determined. PARTICIPANTS: Sample of 302 female students from Rennes University, France. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Frequencies of emotional overeating. ANALYSIS: The frequency of emotional overeating was expressed for each emotion as percentages. Exploratory Factor analyses (EFA) were used to determine EOQ structure and provide an index of all EOQ items used for further analysis. Linear regression models were used to explore relationships between EO and others covariates. RESULTS: Nine in ten participants reported intermittent EO in the last 28 days, mostly during 6 to 12 days, in response to Anxiety (75.5%), Sadness (64.5%), Happiness (59.9%), Loneliness (57.9%), Tiredness (51.7%), and to a lesser extent to Anger (31.1%). EFA evidenced a one-factor latent variable reflecting "Distress-Induced Overeating" positively correlated with internal boredom proneness, tobacco use, attentional impulsivity, inability to resist emotional cues, and loss of control over food intake, and negatively with age and well-being. EO was unrelated to body mass index or substance abuse. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Nine in ten female students reported emotional overeating during the COVID-19 university closure. This response to stress was related to eating tendencies typical of young women, but also to personality/behavioral patterns such as boredom and impulsivity proneness. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying EO in response to stress and lack of external/social stimulation would improve preventive interventions.

256. Country-level institutional quality and financial system efficiency: An international evidence.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Khan MA, Khan MA, Khan MA

257. Unraveling the roles of aromatic cluster side-chain interactions on the structural stability and functional significance of psychrophilic Sphingomonas sp. glutaredoxin 3.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Tran TV, Hoang T, Jang SH

258. Study the muti-bolt fastening under different load positions in gear rack drilling rig.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Wang J, Shi L, Feng D

259. Research on the safety HME-CM approach of cranes in their service life cycle.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Chen Y, Jin L.

260. Factors influencing the utilization of doctoral research findings at a university in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Views of academic leaders.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Damba FU, Mtshali NG, Chimbari MJ.

BACKGROUND: Translation of health research findings into policy remains a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Factors influencing health research utilization are poorly described in literature. Therefore, identifying factors that influence the utilization of research findings for policy formulation is essential to facilitate implementation of evidence-based interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore the views of academic leaders as to why doctoral research is not adequately used in policymaking. METHODS: In-depth interviews were held with purposively selected key informants from the College of Health Sciences. An open-ended interview guide aimed at exploring college leadership views on factors influencing utilization of PhD generated knowledge into policy was used. Data was analysed thematically using NVivo 12 software. Thematic analysis was used to generate themes around the factors influencing utilization of doctoral research into policy. RESULTS: Factors such as inaccessibility of research results, lack of funding, poor quality of research, lack of continuity in translating research into policy, lack of timeliness of research results and lack of collaboration between researchers and policymakers hindered the utilization of PhD generated knowledge. Participants recommended engagement with the Department of Health/policymakers, collaboration with Department of Health/policymakers, increasing enrolment of South African citizens into PhD program, making final research products available to Department of Health/policymakers, and provision of funding for dissemination of research results. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that final doctoral research results are mainly disseminated through journal articles and theses. Participants cited inaccessibility of research findings, lack of funding and poor-quality research as the most common factors hindering utilization of doctoral research findings. The study also recommended availing adequate funding for dissemination of research results, collaboration between researchers and policymakers, facilitation of policymaker-researcher engagement to find best ways of using research findings to influence policy and making final research products accessible to policymakers. Further research to gain the perspective of policymakers as to why doctoral research is not adequately used in policy formulation is recommended.

261. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawn survival and the influence of landscape characteristics on fawn predation risk in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, USA.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Edge AC, Rosenberger JP, Yates CJ

In the Southern Appalachian region of the United States, harvest data has indicated the occurrence of low deer densities while exposing a trend of declining white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations over the past several decades in northern Georgia. A triumvirate of increasing fawn predator populations reside in the Southern Appalachian Mountains including coyotes (Canis latrans), black bears (Ursus americanus) and bobcats (Lynx rufus). This region is also characterized by a homogenous landscape composed of mature forests and sparse understory vegetation, likely lacking adequate cover to offer fawns refugia from predators. Our objectives were to estimate survival and cause-specific mortality rates of fawns while assessing a possible link between mortality risk, intrinsic fawn characteristics (i.e., birth mass, Julian birth date, sibling status), and landscape features within fawn usage areas. During 2018-2020, we radio-collared 71 fawns within the Chattahoochee National Forest of northern Georgia, USA and monitored survival to 12 weeks of age. We observed low fawn survival (cumulative = 0.157, 95% CI = 0.091-0.273; vaginal implant transmitter = 0.196, 95% CI = 0.096-0.403) with predation as the leading cause of all known mortalities (45 of 55 mortalities; 82%) due primarily to coyotes (n = 22), black bears (n = 12), and bobcats (n = 7). Relationships between landscape features and fawn predation risk were minimal with only one informative covariate. Increasing amounts of early successional land cover within fawn usage areas decreased fawn mortality risk within the first 20 days of life, but elevated mortality risk thereafter. All fawns with any amount of early successional land cover in their usage areas died of predation (n = 13) at various time intervals, suggesting limited areas of potential fawning cover may be targeted by predators. However, fawn predation risk seemed to be high regardless of landscape covariates due to the limited number of surviving fawns. Coyote-caused mortality occurred over a longer period at a consistently higher magnitude than all other forms of mortality, indicating possible delayed prey-switching behavior and coyote predation as an important factor of fawn survival. The low recruitment of fawns influenced by high predation rates and homogenous habitat conditions is likely the cause of deer population declines in the region.

262. Effect of preparation conditions on the properties of nano ZnO powders during ultrasonic assisted direct precipitation process.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Wang J, Ji H.

263. How does the import of environmental intermediate goods affect CO2 emissions? theoretical and empirical research of prefecture-level cities of China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Yuan W, Lu W, Zhang J.

264. Can location factors moderate the effects of the demographic composition of SME's owner managers on the rate of mobile marketing technology (MMT) adoption?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Eze SC, Awa HO, Chinedu-Eze VC

265. Anchialine pool shrimp (Halocaridina rubra) as an indicator of sewage in coastal groundwater ecosystems on the island of Hawai'i.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Marrack LC, Beavers SC.

Groundwater is a primary pathway for wastewater and other pollutants to enter coastal ecosystems worldwide. Sewage associated pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and other emerging contaminants pose potential risks to marine life and human health. Anchialine pool ecosystems and the endemic species they support are at risk and provide an opportunity to sample for presence of contaminants prior to diffusion in the marine environment. In this study, we tested the potential use of nitrogen isotopes in the tissues of a dominant anchialine pool grazing shrimp (Halocaridina rubra), as a bioindicator for sewage in groundwater flowing through their habitats. Water quality parameters and shrimp tissue isotopes (N and C) were collected from pools exposed to a range of sewage contamination along the West Hawai'i coastal corridor from 2015 to 2017. Data were used to test for spatial and temporal variability both within and among pools and to examine the relationship between stable isotopes and water quality parameters. Within 22 pools, mean δ15N from whole tissue samples ranged between 2.74‰ and 22.46‰. Variability of isotope values was low within individual pools and within pool clusters. However, δ15N differed significantly between areas and indicated that sewage is entering groundwater in some of the sampled locations. The significant positive relationship between δ15N and dissolved nitrogen (p<0.001, R2 = 0.84) and δ15N and phosphorus (p<0.001, R2 = 0.9) support this conclusion. In a mesocosm experiment, the nitrogen half-life for H. rubra tissue was estimated to be 20.4 days, demonstrating that the grazer provides a time-integrative sample compared to grab-sample measurements of dissolved nutrients. Ubiquitous grazers such as H. rubra may prove a useful and cost-effective method for δ15N detection of sewage in conjunction with standard monitoring methods, enabling sampling of a large number of pools to establish and refine monitoring programs, especially because anchialine habitats typically support no macroalgae.

266. Global sensitivity analysis of parameters based on sPCE: The case study of a concrete face rockfill dam in northwest China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Ran L, Yang J, Ma C

267. Developing a South African curriculum for education in neonatal critical care retrieval: An initial exploration.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Williams W, Theron E, Khan W

BACKGROUND: Owing to limited or centralised neonatal critical care resources, the interfacility transfer of neonates is inevitable. In many high-income settings, dedicated Critical Care Retrieval Services (CCRS) with additional education and training undertake neonatal critical care retrieval (CCR). In South Africa, however, these transfers are mostly conducted by advanced paramedics with limited education in neonatal care, and this may lead to high adverse event rates. In SA, a shortage of skilled neonatal interfacility transport services has been identified as one of the top ten avoidable causes of under-5 mortality. In order to address this gap in neonatal transfer education for paramedics in South Africa, the aim of this study is to develop a curriculum for neonatal critical care retrieval in South Africa. METHODS: Using Kern's approach to curriculum development, a general and targeted needs assessment was conducted through semi-structured interviews with experts in the field and a focus group discussion with a prospective student group. Interviews were preceded and informed by a literature review and retrospective chart review of neonates who underwent CCR in SA over a one-year period. Audio recordings of interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to inductive-dominant content analysis. Finally, qualitative codes were expanded into course outcome and a curriculum map was developed. RESULTS: Six experts in neonatal critical care and retrieval participated in semi-structured interviews with a mean duration of 59 minutes. Following transcription and analysis, 372 codes were developed. Seven prehospital providers (prospective students) who are involved in neonatal transfers in South Africa participated in a focus group discussion with a duration of 91 minutes. The audio recording was transcribed and analysed with 97 codes extracted. The main categories were: Current status of neonatal CCR in South Africa; learning and education in neonatal CCR; and proposed curriculum structure. The proposed curriculum structure described 13 broad course outcomes to be delivered as a blended postgraduate programme. Participants noted that funding, employer buy-in and internet resources would be required. The targeted prospective student group should be all Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers with a change in their scope of practice on completion. CONCLUSION: This study described the need for additional education in neonatal critical care retrieval due to the limitations in the current and past education systems. This study provides a curriculum structure with course outcomes that can be used as a basis for the development of a complete curriculum for education in neonatal CCR, with the potential to greatly reduce adverse event rates.

268. Modified rice bran arabinoxylan as a nutraceutical in health and disease-A scoping review with bibliometric analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 31

Ooi SL, Micalos PS, Pak SC.

269. Cytocompatibility of titanium and poly(etheretherketone) surfaces after O2 non-thermal plasma sterilization.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Maillet C, Klein FM, Le Bras F

270. Differences in coagulation-relevant parameters: Comparing cryoprecipitate and a human fibrinogen concentrate.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Stanford S, Roy A, Cecil T

271. Changes in relationship satisfaction in the transition to parenthood among fathers.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Mack JT, Brunke L, Staudt A

272. Structural violence and institutionalized individuals: A paleopathological perspective on a continuing issue.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

de la Cova C, Mant M, Brickley MB.

273. Evaluation of KIR3DL1/KIR3DS1 allelic polymorphisms in Kenyan children with endemic Burkitt lymphoma.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Muriuki BM, Forconi CS, Kirwa EK

274. Estimating the false discovery risk of (randomized) clinical trials in medical journals based on published p-values.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Schimmack U, Bartoš F.

275. Risk factors for late (28+ weeks' gestation) stillbirth in the United States, 2014-2015.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Tanner D, Murthy S, Lavista Ferres JM

276. Reconciliation and evolution of Penicillium rubens genome-scale metabolic networks-What about specialised metabolism?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Nègre D, Larhlimi A, Bertrand S.

In recent years, genome sequencing of filamentous fungi has revealed a high proportion of specialised metabolites with growing pharmaceutical interest. However, detecting such metabolites through in silico genome analysis does not necessarily guarantee their expression under laboratory conditions. However, one plausible strategy for enabling their production lies in modifying the growth conditions. Devising a comprehensive experimental design testing in different culture environments is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, using in silico modelling as a preliminary step, such as Genome-Scale Metabolic Network (GSMN), represents a promising approach to predicting and understanding the observed specialised metabolite production in a given organism. To address these questions, we reconstructed a new high-quality GSMN for the Penicillium rubens Wisconsin 54-1255 strain, a commonly used model organism. Our reconstruction, iPrub22, adheres to current convention standards and quality criteria, incorporating updated functional annotations, orthology searches with different GSMN templates, data from previous reconstructions, and manual curation steps targeting primary and specialised metabolites. With a MEMOTE score of 74% and a metabolic coverage of 45%, iPrub22 includes 5,192 unique metabolites interconnected by 5,919 reactions, of which 5,033 are supported by at least one genomic sequence. Of the metabolites present in iPrub22, 13% are categorised as belonging to specialised metabolism. While our high-quality GSMN provides a valuable resource for investigating known phenotypes expressed in P. rubens, our analysis identifies bottlenecks related, in particular, to the definition of what is a specialised metabolite, which requires consensus within the scientific community. It also points out the necessity of accessible, standardised and exhaustive databases of specialised metabolites. These questions must be addressed to fully unlock the potential of natural product production in P. rubens and other filamentous fungi. Our work represents a foundational step towards the objective of rationalising the production of natural products through GSMN modelling.

277. The dilemma of physical activity questionnaires: Fitter people are less prone to over reporting.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Meh K, Sember V, Sorić M

278. Gut microbiota fingerprinting as a potential tool for tracing the geographical origin of farmed mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Del Rio-Lavín A, Monchy S, Jiménez E

279. Types and anatomical locations of injuries among mountain bikers and hikers: A systematic review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Braybrook PJ, Tohira H, Birnie T

BACKGROUND: Mountain biking and hiking continue to grow in popularity. With new participants to these sports, it is likely the number of injuries will increase. To assist medical personnel in the management of these patients we attempted to quantify the types and locations of injuries sustained by mountain bikers and hikers. Objective The objective of this systematic review is to identify the type and anatomical location of injuries for both mountain bikers and hikers. METHODS: A systematic search was undertaken using CINAHL, Cochrane, ProQuest, PubMed and Scopus databases. Reviewers assessed the eligibility of articles by a title/abstract review and final full-text review. Studies were included if the types of injuries were reported by medical personnel and contained anatomical locations. Studies were excluded if it did not take place on a trail or if the injuries were self-reported. Risk of bias was assessed utilising the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists for study quality. No meta-analysis or comparison between mountain bikers and hikers was possible due to the high heterogeneity of the definition of injury. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria, 17 covering mountain biking and 7 hiking. This represented 220,935 injured mountain bikers and 17,757 injured hikers. The most common type of injuries sustained by mountain bikers included contusions, abrasions and minor lacerations, which made up between 45-74% of reported injuries in studies on competitive racing and 8-67% in non-competitive studies. Fractures represented between 1.5-43% of all reported injuries. The most injured region was the upper limbs reported in 10 of 17 studies. For hikers the most common injuries included blisters and ankle sprains with blisters representing 8-33% of all reported injuries. The most common body location to be injured by hikers was a lower limb in all 7 studies. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first systematic review to report on the injury epidemiology of the two most common trail users; mountain bikers and hikers. For participants in both activities the majority of injuries were of minor severity. Despite this, the high proportions of upper limb fractures in mountain bikers and ankle sprains in hikers cannot be ignored. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration: This systematic review was prospectively registered with the University of York PROSPERO database on the 12/4/2021 (CRD42021229623) https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021229623.

280. Deep learning classification of shoulder fractures on plain radiographs of the humerus, scapula and clavicle.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Magnéli M, Ling P, Gislén J

281. Targeting Filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ) with bioactive phytoconstituents: An emerging strategy for antibacterial therapy.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Alotaibi BS.

282. A computational approach to fighting type 1 diabetes by targeting 2C Coxsackie B virus protein with flavonoids.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Ullah S, Zheng Z, Rahman W

283. Reversions of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus in tuberculosis contact investigation: A prospective multicentre cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Pérez-Recio S, Grijota-Camino MD, Anibarro L

284. Establishment of an endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated lncRNAs model to predict prognosis and immunological characteristics in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Shen X, Wu S, Yang Z

BACKGROUND: The endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways play an essential role in the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and activation of the UPR pathway is strongly associated with tumor growth. However, the function of ERS-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HCC is less recognized. METHODS: We have used TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) to obtain clinical and transcriptome data for HCC patients and the GSEA (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) molecular signature database to get the ERS gene. ERS-associated prognostic lncRNA was determined using univariate Cox regression study. Then, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariate Cox regression study were used to construct ERS-associated lncRNAs risk model. Next, we use Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival study, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, univariate and multivariate Cox regression study to validate and evaluate the risk model. GSEA reveals the underlying molecular mechanism of the risk model. In addition, differences in Immune cell Infiltration Study, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and immune checkpoints blockade (ICB) treatment between high and low risk groups were analyzed. RESULTS: We constructed a risk model consisting of 6 ERS-associated lncRNAS (containingMKLN1-AS, LINC01224, AL590705.3, AC008622.2, AC145207.5, and AC026412.3). The KM survival study showed that the prognosis of HCC patients in low-risk group was better than that in high-risk group. ROC study, univariate and multivariate Cox regression study showed that the risk model had good predictive power for HCC patients. Our verification sample verified the aforesaid findings. GSEA suggests that several tumor- and metabolism-related signaling pathways are associated with risk groups. Simultaneously, we discovered that the risk models may help in the treatment of ICB and the selection of chemotherapeutic drugs. CONCLUSIONS: In this article, we created an ERS-associated lncRNAs risk model to help prognostic diagnosis and personalized therapy in HCC.

285. Paying attention to cardiac surgical risk: An interpretable machine learning approach using an uncertainty-aware attentive neural network.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Penny-Dimri JC, Bergmeir C, Reid CM

Machine learning (ML) is increasingly applied to predict adverse postoperative outcomes in cardiac surgery. Commonly used ML models fail to translate to clinical practice due to absent model explainability, limited uncertainty quantification, and no flexibility to missing data. We aimed to develop and benchmark a novel ML approach, the uncertainty-aware attention network (UAN), to overcome these common limitations. Two Bayesian uncertainty quantification methods were tested, generalized variational inference (GVI) or a posterior network (PN). The UAN models were compared with an ensemble of XGBoost models and a Bayesian logistic regression model (LR) with imputation. The derivation datasets consisted of 153,932 surgery events from the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) Cardiac Surgery Database. An external validation consisted of 7343 surgery events which were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) III critical care dataset. The highest performing model on the external validation dataset was a UAN-GVI with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.78 (0.01). Model performance improved on high confidence samples with an AUC of 0.81 (0.01). Confidence calibration for aleatoric uncertainty was excellent for all models. Calibration for epistemic uncertainty was more variable, with an ensemble of XGBoost models performing the best with an AUC of 0.84 (0.08). Epistemic uncertainty was improved using the PN approach, compared to GVI. UAN is able to use an interpretable and flexible deep learning approach to provide estimates of model uncertainty alongside state-of-the-art predictions. The model has been made freely available as an easy-to-use web application demonstrating that by designing uncertainty-aware models with innately explainable predictions deep learning may become more suitable for routine clinical use.

286. Market framing bias and cross-sectional stock returns.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Xie J, Zhang B, Gao B.

287. Effects of different water quality regulators on growth performance, immunologic function, and domestic water quality of GIFT tilapia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Wang LG, Liu MQ, Xie XD

Water quality regulation is widely recognized as a highly effective strategy for disease prevention in the field of aquaculture, and it holds significant potential for the development of sustainable aquaculture. Herein, four water quality regulators, including potassium monopersulfate (KMPS), tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate (THPS), bacillus subtilis (BS), and chitosan (CS), were added to the culture water of Oreochromis niloticus (GIFT tilapia) every seven days. Subsequently, the effects of these four water quality regulators on GIFT tilapia were comprehensively evaluated by measuring the water quality index of daily growth-related performance and immune indexes of GIFT tilapia. The findings indicated that implementing the four water quality regulators resulted in a decrease in the content of ammonia nitrogen, active phosphate, nitrite, total organic carbon (TOC), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the water. Additionally, these regulators were found to maintain dissolved oxygen (DO) levels and pH of the water effectively. Furthermore, using these regulators demonstrated positive effects on various physiological parameters of GIFT tilapia, including improvements in final body weight, weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), condition factor (CF), feed conversion ratio (FCR), spleen index (SI), hepato-somatic index (HSI), immune cell count, the activity of antioxidant-related enzymes (Nitric oxide, NO and Superoxide dismutase, SOD), and mRNA expression levels of immunity-related factors (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, TNF-α and Interleukin-1 beta, IL-1β) in the liver and spleen. Notably, the most significant improvements were observed in the groups treated with the BS and CS water quality regulators. Moreover, BS and CS groups exhibited significantly higher serum levels of albumin (ALB) and total protein (TP) (P < 0.05), whereas the other indicators showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) compared to the control group. However, the KMPS and THPS groups of GIFT tilapia exhibited significantly higher serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P < 0.05), whereas they exhibited significantly decreased HSI (P < 0.05). In addition, the partially pathological observations revealed the presence of cell vacuolation, nuclear shrinkage, and pyknosis within the liver. In conclusion, these four water quality regulators, mainly BS and CS, could improve the growth performance and immunity of GIFT tilapia to varying degrees by regulating the water quality and then further increasing the expression levels of immune-related factors or the activity of antioxidant-related enzymes of GIFT tilapia. On the contrary, the prolonged use of KMPS and THPS may gradually diminish their growth-enhancing properties and potentially hinder the growth of GIFT tilapia.

288. Burnout and staff turnover among certified nursing assistants working in acute care hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Snyder RL, Barnes LEA, White KA

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare worker burnout is a growing problem in the United States which affects healthcare workers themselves, as well as the healthcare system as a whole. The goal of this qualitative assessment was to understand factors that may lead to healthcare worker burnout and turnover through focus groups with Certified Nursing Assistants who worked in acute care hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Eight focus group discussions lasting approximately 30 minutes each were held remotely from October 2022-January 2023 with current and former Certified Nursing Assistants who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic in acute care hospitals. Participants were recruited through various sources such as social media and outreach through professional organizations. The focus groups utilized open-ended prompts including topics such as challenges experienced during the pandemic, what could have improved their experiences working during the pandemic, and motivations for continuing or leaving their career in healthcare. The focus groups were coded using an immersion-crystallization technique and summarized using NVivo and Microsoft Excel. Participant demographic information was summarized overall and by current work status. RESULTS: The focus groups included 58 Certified Nursing Assistants; 33 (57%) were current Certified Nursing Assistants and 25 (43%) were Certified Nursing Assistants who no longer work in healthcare. Throughout the focus groups, five convergent themes emerged, including staffing challenges, respect and recognition for Certified Nursing Assistants, the physical and mental toll of the job, facility leadership support, and pay and incentives. CONCLUSIONS: Focus group discussions with Certified Nursing Assistants identified factors at individual and organizational levels that might contribute to burnout and staff turnover in healthcare settings. Suggestions from participants on improving their experiences included ensuring staff know they are valued, being included in conversations with leadership, and improving access to mental health resources.

289. Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding malaria prevention and control in communities in the Eastern Region, Ghana, 2020.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Lopez AR, Brown CA.

BACKGROUND: In sub-Saharan Africa countries including Ghana, the malaria burden remains unacceptably high and still a serious health challenge. Evaluating a community's level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding malaria is essential to enabling appropriate preventive and control measures. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge of malaria, attitudes toward the disease, and adoption of control and prevention practices in some communities across the Eastern Region of Ghana. METHODS: A cross‑sectional based study was carried out in 13 communities across 8 districts from January -June, 2020. Complete data on socio-demographic characteristics and KAP were obtained from 316 randomly selected household respondents by a structured pre-tested questionnaire. Associations between KAP scores and socio-demographic profiles were tested by Chi-square and binary logistic regression. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Most respondents (85.4%) had good knowledge score about malaria. Preferred choice of treatment seeking place (50.6%) was the health center/clinic. All respondents indicated they would seek treatment within 24 hours. Mosquito coils were the preferred choice (58.9%) against mosquito bites. Majority of households (58.5%) had no bed nets and bed net usage was poor (10.1%). Nearly half of the respondents (49.4%) had a positive attitude toward malaria and 40.5% showed good practices. Chi-square analysis showed significant associations for gender and attitude scores (p = 0.033), and educational status and practice scores (p = 0.023). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that 51-60 year-olds were less likely to have good knowledge (OR = 0.20, p = 0.04) than 15-20 year-olds. Respondents with complete basic schooling were less likely to have good knowledge (OR = 0.33, p = 0.04) than those with no formal schooling. A positive attitude was less likely in men (OR = 0.61, p = 0.04). Good malaria prevention practice was lower (OR = 0.30, p = 0.01) in participants with incomplete basic school education compared to those with no formal schooling. CONCLUSION: Overall scores for respondents' knowledge, though good, was not reflected in attitudes and levels of practice regarding malaria control and prevention. Behavioral change communication, preferably on radio, should be aimed at attitudes and practice toward the disease.

290. Large-scale sea ice-Surface temperature variability linked to Atlantic meridional overturning circulation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Vaideanu P, Stepanek C, Dima M

291. The effectiveness and decay of public health policy actions on infection-control behaviour in the general public: Evidence from a low-COVID prevalence jurisdiction.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Ross K, Dutton DJ.

292. Associations between rurality and regional differences in sociodemographic factors and the 1918-20 influenza and 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemics in Missouri counties: An ecological study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Sattenspiel L, Orbann C, Bogan A

This study compares pandemic experiences of Missouri's 115 counties based on rurality and sociodemographic characteristics during the 1918-20 influenza and 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemics. The state's counties and overall population distribution have remained relatively stable over the last century, which enables identification of long-lasting pandemic attributes. Sociodemographic data available at the county level for both time periods were taken from U.S. census data and used to create clusters of similar counties. Counties were also grouped by rural status (RSU), including fully (100%) rural, semirural (1-49% living in urban areas), and urban (>50% of the population living in urban areas). Deaths from 1918 through 1920 were collated from the Missouri Digital Heritage database and COVID-19 cases and deaths were downloaded from the Missouri COVID-19 dashboard. Results from sociodemographic analyses indicate that, during both time periods, average farm value, proportion White, and literacy were the most important determinants of sociodemographic clusters. Furthermore, the Urban/Central and Southeastern regions experienced higher mortality during both pandemics than did the North and South. Analyses comparing county groups by rurality indicated that throughout the 1918-20 influenza pandemic, urban counties had the highest and rural had the lowest mortality rates. Early in the 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic, urban counties saw the most extensive epidemic spread and highest mortality, but as the epidemic progressed, cumulative mortality became highest in semirural counties. Additional results highlight the greater effects both pandemics had on county groups with lower rates of education and a lower proportion of Whites in the population. This was especially true for the far southeastern counties of Missouri ("the Bootheel") during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results indicate that rural-urban and socioeconomic differences in health outcomes are long-standing problems that continue to be of significant importance, even though the overall quality of health care is substantially better in the 21st century.

293. Smartphone ownership, digital literacy, and the mediating role of social connectedness and loneliness in improving the wellbeing of community-dwelling older adults of low socio-economic status in Singapore.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Soundararajan A, Lim JX, Ngiam NHW

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, safe-distancing measures resulted in many community-dwelling older adults being socially isolated and lonely, with its attending negative impact on wellbeing and quality of life. While digital technology may have mitigated this, older adults of low socioeconomic status (SES) are more likely to be digitally excluded and hence susceptible to the adverse effects of social isolation and loneliness. This study aims to understand the factors that affect digital literacy, smartphone ownership, and willingness to participate in a digital literacy program (DLP), and to test the hypothesized relations between digital literacy, social connectedness, loneliness, wellbeing, and quality of life amongst community dwelling older adults of low SES. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire assessing digital literacy, social connectedness, wellbeing and quality of life was administered. Socio-demographic variables, pre-existing internet-enabled, and willingness to participate in a home-based DLP was also collected. Logistic regression was used to identify demographic factors associated with digital literacy, smartphone ownership, and willingness to enroll in a DLP. Serial mediation analysis was also performed using a structural equation model framework. RESULTS: A total of 302 participants were recruited. Female gender, older age, lower education levels were associated with lower digital literacy. Those who owned a smartphone tended to be younger and better educated. Older adults who were better educated, of Chinese descent (the ethnic majority in Singapore), and who had lower digital literacy, were most willing to enroll in the digital literacy education program. Social-use digital literacy had a positive indirect effect on well-being ([Formula: see text]) and Quality of life ([Formula: see text]), mediated by social connectedness and loneliness. In contrast, instrumental-use digital literacy had a negative indirect effect on well-being ([Formula: see text]) and Quality of life ([Formula: see text]), mediated by social connectedness and loneliness. DISCUSSION: The results suggest there are demographic barriers to participation in DLPs and highlight the benefit of focusing on enhancing social-use digital literacy. Further study is needed to evaluate how well specific interventions to improve social-use digital literacy help to reduce social isolation and loneliness, and ultimately improve wellbeing and quality of life.

294. More than urns: A multi-method pipeline for analyzing cremation burials.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Waltenberger L, Bosch MD, Fritzl M

295. A novel drug specific mRNA biomarker predictor for selection of patients responding to dovitinib treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma and other solid tumors.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Knudsen S, Hansen A, Foegh M

PURPOSE: Dovitinib is a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFR1-3, PDGFR, FGFR1/3, c-KIT, FLT3 and topoisomerase 1 and 2. The drug response predictor (DRP) biomarker algorithm or DRP-Dovitinib is being developed as a companion diagnostic to dovitinib and was applied retrospectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Archival tumor samples were obtained from consenting patients in a phase 3 trial comparing dovitinib to sorafenib in renal cell carcinoma patients and the DRP-Dovitinib was applied. The biomarker algorithm combines the expression of 58 messenger RNAs relevant to the in vitro sensitivity or resistance to dovitinib, including genes associated with FGFR, PDGF, VEGF, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and topoisomerase pathways as well as ABC drug transport, and provides a likelihood score between 0-100%. RESULTS: The DRP-Dovitinib divided the dovitinib treated RCC patients into two groups, sensitive (n = 49, DRP score >50%) or resistant (n = 86, DRP score ≤ 50%) to dovitinib. The DRP sensitive population was compared to the unselected sorafenib arm (n = 286). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.8 months in the DRP sensitive dovitinib arm and 3.6 months in the sorafenib arm (hazard ratio 0.71, 95% CI 0.51-1.01). Median overall survival (OS) was 15.0 months in the DRP sensitive dovitinib arm and 11.2 months in the sorafenib arm (hazard ratio 0.69, 95% CI 0.48-0.99). The observed clinical benefit increased with increasing DRP score. At a cutoff of 67% the median OS was 20.6 months and the median PFS was 5.7 months in the dovitinib arm. The results were confirmed in five smaller phase II trials of dovitinib which showed a similar trend. CONCLUSION: The DRP-Dovitinib shows promise as a potential biomarker for identifying advanced RCC patients most likely to experience clinical benefit from dovitinib treatment, subject to confirmation in an independent prospective trial of dovitinib in RCC patients.

296. Creating a population-based cohort of children born with and without congenital anomalies using birth data matched to hospital discharge databases in 11 European regions: Assessment of linkage success and data quality.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Loane M, Given JE, Tan J

Linking routinely collected healthcare administrative data is a valuable method for conducting research on morbidity outcomes, but linkage quality and accuracy needs to be assessed for bias as the data were not collected for research. The aim of this study was to describe the rates of linking data on children with and without congenital anomalies to regional or national hospital discharge databases and to evaluate the quality of the matched data. Eleven population-based EUROCAT registries participated in a EUROlinkCAT study linking data on children with a congenital anomaly and children without congenital anomalies (reference children) born between 1995 and 2014 to administrative databases including hospital discharge records. Odds ratios (OR), adjusted by region, were estimated to assess the association of maternal and child characteristics on the likelihood of being matched. Data on 102,654 children with congenital anomalies were extracted from 11 EUROCAT registries and 2,199,379 reference children from birth registers in seven regions. Overall, 97% of children with congenital anomalies and 95% of reference children were successfully matched to administrative databases. Information on maternal age, multiple birth status, sex, gestational age and birthweight were >95% complete in the linked datasets for most regions. Compared with children born at term, those born at ≤27 weeks and 28-31 weeks were less likely to be matched (adjusted OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.21-0.25 and adjusted OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.70-0.81 respectively). For children born 32-36 weeks, those with congenital anomalies were less likely to be matched (adjusted OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.71-0.85) while reference children were more likely to be matched (adjusted OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.24-1.32). Children born to teenage mothers and mothers ≥35 years were less likely to be matched compared with mothers aged 20-34 years (adjusted ORs 0.92, 95% CI 0.88-0.96; and 0.87, 95% CI 0.86-0.89 respectively). The accuracy of linkage and the quality of the matched data suggest that these data are suitable for researching morbidity outcomes in most regions/countries. However, children born preterm and those born to mothers aged <20 and ≥35 years are less likely to be matched. While linkage to administrative databases enables identification of a reference group and long-term outcomes to be investigated, efforts are needed to improve linkages to population groups that are less likely to be linked.

297. Expression of circadian regulatory genes is dysregulated by increased cytokine production in mice subjected to concomitant intestinal injury and parenteral nutrition.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Shearn CT, Anderson AL, Devereaux MW

BACKGROUND: We have developed a mouse model of Parenteral Nutrition Associated Cholestasis (PNAC) in which combining intestinal inflammation and PN infusion results in cholestasis, hepatic macrophage activation, and transcriptional suppression of bile acid and sterol signaling and transport. In the liver, the master circadian gene regulators Bmal/Arntl and Clock drive circadian modulation of hepatic functions, including bile acid synthesis. Once activated, Bmal and Clock are downregulated by several transcription factors including Reverbα (Nr1d1), Dbp (Dbp), Dec1/2 (Bhlhe40/41), Cry1/2 (Cry1/2) and Per1/2 (Per1/2). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of PN on expression of hepatic circadian rhythm (CR) regulatory genes in mice. METHODS: WT, IL1KO or TNFRKO mice were exposed to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 4 days followed by soy-oil lipid emulsion-based PN infusion through a central venous catheter for 14 days (DSS-PN) and the expression of key CR regulatory transcription factors evaluated. Animals were NPO on a 14 hr light-dark cycle and were administered PN continuously over 24 hrs. Mice were sacrificed, and hepatic tissue obtained at 9-10AM (Zeitgeber Z+3/Z+4 hrs). PNAC was defined by increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bile acids, and total bilirubin and the effect of i.p. injection of recombinant IL-1β (200ng/mouse) or TNFα (200ng/mouse) on CR expression was examined after 4 hrs. RESULTS: In the PNAC model, DSS-PN increased serum biomarkers of hepatic injury (ALT, AST, serum bile acids) which was suppressed in both DSS-PN IL1KO and DSS-PN TNFRKO mice. In WT DSS-PN, mRNA expression of Arntl and Dec1 was suppressed corresponding to increased Nr1d1, Per2, Dbp and Dec2. These effects were ameliorated in both DSS-PN IL1KO and DSS-PN TNFRKO groups. Western analysis of the circadian transcription factor network revealed in WT mice DSS-PN significantly suppressed Reverbα, Bmal, Dbp, Per2 and Mtnr1b. With the exception of Dbp, DSS-PN mediated suppression was ameliorated by both IL1KO and TNFRKO. Intraperitoneal injection of IL-1β or TNFα into WT mice increased serum AST and ALT and suppressed mRNA expression of Nr1d1, Arntl and Clock and increased Dbp and Per2. CONCLUSIONS: Altered expression of CR-dependent regulatory genes during PNAC accompanies cholestasis and is, in part, due to increased cytokine (IL-1β and TNFα) production. Evaluation of the effects of modulating CR in PNAC thus deserves further investigation.

298. The molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius canine clinical isolates submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in South Africa.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Phophi L, Abouelkhair M, Jones R

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an important cause of clinical infections in small-animal-veterinary medicine. Evolutionary changes of strains using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) have been observed among S. pseudintermedius in European countries and the United States. However, there are limited or no studies on the detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) and predominating MLST strains in South Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the molecular epidemiology of S. pseudintermedius in South Africa. Twenty-six, non-duplicate, clinical isolates from dogs were obtained as convenience samples from four provinces in South Africa. The Kirby Bauer disk diffusion test was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. We used Resfinder and the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) to detect antimicrobial resistance genes. Virulence genes were identified using the virulence factor database and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLASTN) on Geneious prime. geoBURST analysis was used to study relationships between MLST. Finally, the maximum likelihood phylogeny was determined using Randomized Axelerated Maximum Likelihood (RAxML). Twenty-three isolates were confirmed as S. pseudintermedius of which 14 were MRSP. In addition to β-lactam antimicrobials, MRSP isolates were resistant to tetracycline (85.7%), doxycycline (92.8%), kanamycin (92.8%), and gentamicin (85.7%). The isolates harbored antimicrobial resistance genes (tetM, ermB, drfG, cat, aac(6')-Ie-aph(2")-Ia, ant(6)-Ia, and aph(3')-III) and virulence genes (AdsA, geh, icaA, and lip). MLST analysis showed that ST2228, ST2229, ST2230, ST2231, ST2232, ST2318, ST2326 and ST2327 are unique sequence types in South Africa. Whereas, previously reported major STs including ST45, ST71, ST181, ST551 and ST496 were also detected. The geoBURST and phylogenetic analysis suggests that the isolates in South Africa are likely genetically related to isolates identified in other countries. Highly resistant MRSP strains (ST496, ST71, and ST45) were reported that could present challenges in the treatment of canine infections in South Africa. Hence, we have gained a better understanding of the epidemiology of MRSP in the African continent, the genes involved in resistance and virulence factors associated with these organisms.

299. New key management scheme lattice-based for clustered wireless sensor networks.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Zhang J, Liu Q.

300. Associations between physical activity patterns and quality of life in persons with type 2 diabetes: A cross sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Abonie US, Ofori-Ampomah AK, Makinyi V

301. Are rapid tests and confirmatory western blot used for cattle and small ruminants TSEs reliable tools for the diagnosis of Chronic Wasting Disease in Europe?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Mazza M, Tran L, Loprevite D

302. In vivo biomechanical responses of neonatal brachial plexus when subjected to stretch.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Singh A, Orozco V, Balasubramanian S.

303. Utilization of immediate post-partum long acting reversible contraceptives and its associated factors among mothers who gave birth in Addis Ababa public hospitals, Ethiopia: An institutional based cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Wudineh KG, Desalegn S, Ewunetu M

BACKGROUND: An immediate postpartum period is a good opportunity to utilize immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives for women whom they want to delay pregnancy. Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods like intrauterine device, Jaddel and implants can improve maternal and newborn health by preventing unintended pregnancy. Despite on their advantage, evidence on its utilization and associated factors is limited in our study area.Ethiopia. This study assessed the utilization of immediate postpartum long acting reversible contraceptives and its associated factors among mothers who delivered in selected public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2022. METHOD: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 420 study participants to assess the immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptive utilization and its associated factors from August 30- September 25, 2022. Systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data was entered into epi-data version 4.6 and analysis was performed by using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used. All statistical tests were significant at P-value < 0.05. RESULT: A total of 417 postpartum women were participated in the study making a response rate of 99.3%. Of the total study participants, 30.7% [95% CI (26.1, 35.3)] utilized immediate postpartum family planning. Women at the age of 25-34 years (AOR = 3.228[95% CI: 1.140-9.136]), had discussion with their partners about family planning (AOR = 1.891[95% CI: 1.003, 3.565]), received counseling about immediate post-partum long acting reversible contraceptive (AOR = 3.146 [95% CI: 1.489, 6.647]), had positive attitude towards immediate post postpartum long acting reversible contraceptive (AOR = 3 [95% CI: 1.770-5.648]) were associated with utilization of immediate post-partum long acting reversible contraceptive. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Almost one in three women delivering in health facilities of Addis Ababa Ethiopia started using immediate post-partum long acting reversible contraceptives. Discussion about contraception with partners, getting counseling about family planning on antenatal care, attitude toward contraception and the age of women were all factors that could increase IPPLARC uptake. Healthcare providers clarify any rumors about contraceptives to assure a positive and supportive attitude to increase its uptake.

304. PrEP uptake and early persistence among adolescent girls and young women receiving services via community and hybrid community-clinic models in Namibia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Barnabee G, Billah I, Ndeikemona L

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) face barriers in accessing clinic-based HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services and community-based models are a proposed alternative. Evidence from such models, however, is limited. We evaluated PrEP service coverage, uptake, and early persistence among AGYW receiving services through community and hybrid models in Namibia. METHODS: We analyzed routine data for AGYW aged 15-24 who initiated PrEP within HIV prevention programming. PrEP was delivered via three models: community-concierge (fully community-based services with individually-tailored refill locations), community-fixed (community-based initiation and refills delivered by community providers on a set schedule at fixed sites), and hybrid community-clinic (community-based initiation and referral to clinics for refills delivered by clinic providers). We examined proportions of AGYW engaged in services along a programmatic PrEP cascade, overall and by model, and assessed factors associated with PrEP uptake and early persistence (refill within 15-44 days after initiation) using multivariable generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: Over 10-months, 7593 AGYW participated in HIV prevention programming. Of these, 7516 (99.0%) received PrEP education, 6105 (81.2%) received HIV testing services, 6035 (98.9%) tested HIV-negative, and 2225 (36.9%) initiated PrEP. Of the 2047 AGYW expected for PrEP refill during the study period, 254 (12.4%) persisted with PrEP one-month after initiation. Structural and behavioral HIV risk factors including early school dropout, food insecurity, inconsistent condom use, and transactional sex were associated with PrEP uptake. AGYW who delayed starting PrEP were 2.89 times more likely to persist (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.52-5.46) and those receiving services via the community-concierge model were 8.7 times (95% CI: 5.44-13.9) more likely to persist (compared to the hybrid model). CONCLUSION: Community-based models of PrEP service delivery to AGYW can achieve high PrEP education and HIV testing coverage and moderate PrEP uptake. AGYW-centered approaches to delivering PrEP refills can promote higher persistence.

305. Age-dependent relationships among diet, body condition, and Echinococcus multilocularis infection in urban coyotes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Sugden S, Steckler DK, Sanderson D

306. SentiUrdu-1M: A large-scale tweet dataset for Urdu text sentiment analysis using weakly supervised learning.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Ghafoor A, Imran AS, Daudpota SM

307. Comparative microbiome analysis reveals the variation in microbial communities between 'Kyoho' grape and its bud mutant variety.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Wei TL, Zheng YP, Wang ZH

308. Attenuation of wind intensities exacerbates anoxic conditions leading to sulfur plume development off the coast of Peru.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Flores E, Mendoza U, Callbeck CM

309. A distributed SDN-based intrusion detection system for IoT using optimized forests.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Luo K.

310. Effects of flow regimes on the interaction between granular flow and flexible barrier.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Xiao S, Xu X, Wang H

311. Image to English translation and comprehension: INT2-VQA method based on inter-modality and intra-modality collaborations.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Sheng X.

312. Can adopting lean startup strategy promote the sustainable development of new ventures? The mediating role of organizational iterative learning.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Zhuge K, He H, Yuan Y

313. Human-induced land use changes and phosphorus limitation affect soil microbial biomass and ecosystem stoichiometry.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Awoonor JK, Dogbey BF, Salis I.

Soil and microbial biomass carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) play an important role in soil nutrient dynamics in biogeochemical cycles of terrestrial ecosystems. However, increased human activities as a result of agricultural intensification on soil nutrients and microbial C:N:P stoichiometry are poorly understood in this fragile forest-savanna transition agroecosystem. This study aimed to (i) assess soil and microbial C, N, and P stoichiometry in different land use systems, and (ii) examine the effect of soil and microbial C, N, and P stoichiometry on soils susceptible to human-induced land use changes. A total of 82 composite soil samples at a depth of 0-20 cm were sampled from forest, savanna, grassland, fallow and cropland for laboratory analysis. The results revealed that the concentrations of C, N, and P were low in Fallow and Cropland compared to other land use systems. Analysis of variance in microbial C, N, and P stoichiometric ratios revealed a significant decreasing tendency compared to soil C:N, C:P and N:P ratios with no statistical significance (p < 0.05). The C:P and N:P ratios were low compared to the C:N ratio in land uses. A significant positive correlation was observed between MBC and MBN (0.95; p < 0.01), and with C and N (0.69; p < 0.01). There were significant interactive effects of land use on soil and microbial variables. The estimated microbial C:N:P stoichiometric ratios (21:2:1) were well constrained in the study area. The transition from Forest to Cropland resulted in 64%, 52%, and 71% reduction in C, N, and P, respectively. This implies that phosphorus is the main factor limiting productivity. The low availability of phosphorus in these tropical soils may have resulted in low C:P and N:P ratios. Therefore, we conclude that our results highlight the importance of phosphorus limitation on ratios of microbial C:P and N:P in landuse systems. Nutrient inputs such as fertilizers, manure and crop residues should be applied to croplands to improve soil and microbial C, N and P levels. Further, effects of land use on soil nutrient status and stoichiometry at 1-meter depth will be considered in our future work.

314. Building an ecological momentary assessment smartphone app for 4- to 10-year-old children: A pilot study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 30

Milojevich HM, Stickel D, Swingler MM

315. Purchasing decisions on date palm fruits: A quantitative analysis of the Khalas cultivar.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Al-Mahish M, Almulhim T, Alali M.

316. Comparison of monocyte distribution width and Procalcitonin as diagnostic markers for sepsis: Meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Motawea KR, S Rozan S, Elsayed Talat N

317. Rates and reasons for hospital readmission after acute ischemic stroke in a US population-based cohort.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Zhou LW, Lansberg MG, de Havenon A.

Hospital readmissions following stroke are costly and lead to worsened patient outcomes. We examined readmissions rates, diagnoses at readmission, and risk factors associated with readmission following acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in a large United States (US) administrative database. Using the 2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database, we identified adults discharged with AIS (ICD-10-CM I63*) as the principal diagnosis. Survival analysis with Weibull accelerated failure time regression was used to examine variables associated with hospital readmission. In 2019, 273,811 of 285,451 AIS patients survived their initial hospitalization. Of these, 60,831 (22.2%) were readmitted within 2019. Based on Kaplan Meyer analysis, readmission rates were 9.7% within 30 days and 30.5% at 1 year following initial discharge. The most common causes of readmissions were stroke and post stroke sequalae (25.4% of 30-day readmissions, 15.0% of readmissions between 30-364 days), followed by sepsis (10.3% of 30-day readmissions, 9.4% of readmissions between 30-364 days), and acute renal failure (3.2% of 30-day readmissions, 3.0% of readmissions between 30-364 days). After adjusting for multiple patient and hospital-level characteristics, patients at increased risk of readmission were older (71.6 vs. 69.8 years, p<0.001) and had longer initial lengths of stay (7.6 vs. 6.2 day, p<0.001). They more often had modifiable comorbidities, including vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation), depression, epilepsy, and drug abuse. Social determinants associated with increased readmission included living in an urban (vs. rural) setting, living in zip-codes with the lowest median income, and having Medicare insurance. All factors were significant at p<0.001. Unplanned hospital readmissions following AIS were high, with the most common reasons for readmission being recurrent stroke and post stroke sequalae, followed by sepsis and acute renal failure. These findings suggest that efforts to reduce readmissions should focus on optimizing secondary stroke and infection prevention, particularly among older socially disadvantaged patients.

318. Transcriptional signatures measured in whole blood correlate with protection against tuberculosis in inbred and outbred mice.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Kurtz SL, Rydén P, Elkins KL.

319. Hepatic transcript profiling in beef cattle: Effects of rumen-protected niacin supplementation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Alfaro GF, Palombo V, D'Andrea M

320. Reduction of aerosol dissemination in a dental area generated by high-speed and scaler ultrasonic devices employing the "Prime Protector".

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Guzmán-Flores EC, Fuentes-Ayala AR, Martínez-Martínez AC

321. Construction of a questionnaire based on the Health Action Process Approach for psycho-social cognitive determinants of parents in brushing children's teeth in the Netherlands.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

van Nes KA, van der Ark LA, van Loveren C

BACKGROUND: The health action process approach (HAPA) model is promising to increase the frequency of brushing children's teeth by parents to improve their children's oral health. A validated HAPA questionnaire is needed as one of the measures of the effects of such an intervention. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether our data, based on a translated and adopted version of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA)-based questionnaire on dental flossing, supported the constructs of the HAPA model. If so, a next aim was to assess whether these constructs could be measured reliably. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 269 questionnaires filled out in dental offices by parents of children 1-10 years old were analysed. Scale validation was performed according to the 6-step protocol of Dima, including Mokken scale analyses (MSA), graded response model (GRM), factor analyses and reliability measures. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to identify divergent validity and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: MSA showed a unidimensional, medium total scale. Three items were removed based on this analysis. The total scale with the remaining 26 items did not fit the GRM. Factor analysis extracted five factors and two components for the total scale. The separate subscales, except the 'intention' construct, fitted the MSA and did not fit the GRM. The data fitted a seven-factor model better than a one-factor model. Reliability measures varied from acceptable to excellent, but were poor for 'action control'. Test-retest reliability (r's 0.60-0.83) was questionable to good. CONCLUSION: Our results did not fully support the constructs of the HAPA model. To support the HAPA constructs, modification to the subscales risk perceptions, intention, action planning, action control and self-reported behaviour are suggested. With these adjustments, the reliability and validity of the questionnaire could be significantly improved".

322. Exploring the application of machine learning to expert evaluation of research impact.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Williams K, Michalska S, Cohen E

323. Venous congestion affects neuromuscular changes in pigs in terms of muscle electrical activity and muscle stiffness.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Kim KT, Gemechu DT, Seo E

324. Improving prediction of drug-target interactions based on fusing multiple features with data balancing and feature selection techniques.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Khojasteh H, Pirgazi J, Ghanbari Sorkhi A.

325. Ecological risk evaluation and sensitivity analysis of heavy metals on soil organisms under human activities in the Tibet Plateau, China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Zeng X, Deng C, Liang Y

326. Effects of nature-adapted lighting solutions ("Virtual Sky") on subjective and objective correlates of sleepiness, well-being, visual and cognitive performance at the workplace.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Schöllhorn I, Deuring G, Stefani O

327. Corporate social responsibility and firm performance nexus: Moderating role of CEO chair duality.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Nasir W, Hassan A, Khan MH.

328. Spermidine enhances chilling tolerance of kale seeds by modulating ROS and phytohormone metabolism.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Cao D, Huang Y, Mei G

329. Study on characteristics of soil and nutrient losses in Sunjiagou small watershed in cold black soil area.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Dai T, Wang L, Li T

Investigating the impact of different factors on soil and nutrient loss and suggesting viable control measures is currently a significant concern. This study aims to examine the variations in soil erosion, as well as nitrogen and phosphorus loss, in the core area of the typical hilly diffuse Blackland erosion control. To achieve this, runoff plots with slopes of 3° and 5° were set up in the Sunjiagou sub-basin, located in the upper reaches of the Feiketu River. These plots were subjected to various soil and water conservation measures, along with different levels of vegetation cover. This study aims to analyze the soil and nutrient loss patterns and characteristics in each runoff plot during the natural rainfall events occurring between 2020 and 2022. The results show that soil and nutrient losses are highly significantly and positively correlated with rainfall intensity. The RUSLE model demonstrates a better fit for both cross ridge tillage and bare ground. The loss of nitrogen was much more significant than that of phosphorus, and nitrate nitrogen is the main form of nitrogen loss. Nitrogen loss is mainly dominated by nitrate nitrogen (NN), which is easily soluble in water and constantly migrates with runoff due to the negatively charged NN (NN accounted for 45.2% ~ 81.8% of total nitrogen (TN)). In contrast, the positively charged ammonia nitrogen (AN) is more stable in combination with the soil; large losses only occur under severe sediment erosion. Phosphorus is easily attached to sediment, and the high sediment production leads to a more serious loss of total phosphorus (PP) in the particulate state (PP accounts for 72.7% ~ 96.2% of total phosphorus (TP)). Changing longitudinal ridge tillage to cross ridge tillage and planting vegetation with better water retention and sediment fixation as plant hedges can effectively prevent the loss of soil, runoff, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

330. Climbing the Giara: A quantitative reassessment of movement and visibility in the Nuragic landscape of the Gesturi plateau (South-Central Sardinia, Italy).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Schirru D, Vanzetti A.

331. System analysis identifies UBE2C as a novel oncogene target for adrenocortical carcinoma.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Huang R, Guo L, Chen C

332. Environmental temperature influences ophidiomycosis progression and survival in experimentally challenged prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Kendall MW, Wright AD, Adamovicz LA

Ophidiomycosis is a prevalent and intermittently pervasive disease of snakes globally caused by the opportunistic fungal pathogen, Ophidiomyces ophidiicola. Host response has yet to be fully explored, including the role of temperature in disease progression and hematologic changes. This study enrolled twelve adult prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) in an experimental challenge with O. ophidiicola at two temperatures, 26°C (n = 6) and 20°C (n = 6). Each temperature cohort included four inoculated and two control snakes. Assessments involving physical exams, lesion swabbing, and hematology were performed weekly. Differences were observed between inoculated and control snakes in survival, behavior, clinical signs, ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence, hematologic response, and histologic lesions. All inoculated snakes held at 20°C were euthanized prior to study end date due to severity of clinical signs while only one inoculated animal in the 26°C trial met this outcome. In both groups, qPCR positive detection preceded clinical signs with regards to days post inoculation (dpi). However, the earliest appearance of gross lesions occurred later in the 20°C snakes (20 dpi) than the 26°C snakes (13 dpi). Relative leukocytosis was observed in all inoculated snakes and driven by heterophilia in the 20°C snakes, and azurophilia in the 26°C group. Histologically, 20°C snakes had more severe lesions, a lack of appropriate inflammatory response, and unencumbered fungal proliferation and invasion. In contrast, 26°C snakes had marked granulomatous inflammation with encapsulation of fungi and less invasion and dissemination. The results of this study identified that O. ophidiicola-infected rattlesnakes exposed to lower temperatures have decreased survival and more robust hematologic change, though minimal and ineffective inflammatory response at site of infection. Ophidiomycosis is a complex disease with host, pathogen, and environmental factors influencing disease presentation, progression, and ultimately, survival. This study highlighted the importance of temperature as an element impacting the host response to O. ophidiicola.

333. Deep-learning detection of mild cognitive impairment from sleep electroencephalography for patients with Parkinson's disease.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Parajuli M, Amara AW, Shaban M.

Parkinson's disease which is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in the United States is a serious and complex disease that may progress to mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The early detection of the mild cognitive impairment and the identification of its biomarkers is crucial to support neurologists in monitoring the progression of the disease and allow an early initiation of effective therapeutic treatments that will improve the quality of life for the patients. In this paper, we propose the first deep-learning based approaches to detect mild cognitive impairment in the sleep Electroencephalography for patients with Parkinson's disease and further identify the discriminative features of the disease. The proposed frameworks start by segmenting the sleep Electroencephalography time series into three sleep stages (i.e., two non-rapid eye movement sleep-stages and one rapid eye movement sleep stage), further transforming the segmented signals in the time-frequency domain using the continuous wavelet transform and the variational mode decomposition and finally applying novel convolutional neural networks on the time-frequency representations. The gradient-weighted class activation mapping was also used to visualize the features based on which the proposed deep-learning approaches reached an accurate prediction of mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease. The proposed variational mode decomposition-based model offered a superior accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, area under curve, and quadratic weighted Kappa score, all above 99% as compared with the continuous wavelet transform-based model (that achieved a performance that is almost above 92%) in differentiating mild cognitive impairment from normal cognition in sleep Electroencephalography for patients with Parkinson's disease. In addition, the features attributed to the mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease were demonstrated by changes in the middle and high frequency variational mode decomposition components across the three sleep-stages. The use of the proposed model on the time-frequency representation of the sleep Electroencephalography signals will provide a promising and precise computer-aided diagnostic tool for detecting mild cognitive impairment and hence, monitoring the progression of Parkinson's disease.

334. The effect of sex and age on facial shape directional asymmetry in adults: A 3D landmarks-based method study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Harnádková K, Kočandrlová K, Kožejová Jaklová L

OBJECTIVES: Facial directional asymmetry research, including age-related changes, is crucial for the evaluation of treatment of craniofacial malformations/trauma in orthodontics, facial surgery and forensic sciences. The aim was to describe facial directional asymmetry (DA) in different age categories of adults using 3D methods. According to our hypothesis, facial shape DA (1) depends on sex; (2) differs among age groups; and (3) has wider variability in older age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of healthy Czech adults without craniofacial trauma or anomalies consisted of 300 3D facial models (151 females). The age-range in the study was between 20-80 years. The shape asymmetry of 28 3D landmarks was evaluated using geometric morphometrics and multivariate statistics. RESULTS: The manifestation of DA was similar in both sexes and in each age category; however, there were some statistical differences. In contrast to the ideal symmetrical face, the mean asymmetrical faces tended to create a slightly bent "C" shape of the midline. Therefore, the upper face was rotated slightly clockwise and the lower face counter-clockwise. The right eye was located slightly higher, with the nasal tip and mandibular region tilting to the left. Sex differences in facial DA were significant before the age of 40. DA was more significant in the youngest males than in the oldest, while the women's DA did not change. CONCLUSIONS: The DA patterns were similar in both sexes and in all age categories (a slightly bent C shape of the midline); however, some significant local differences between male age groups were found. A significantly more pronounced asymmetry compared to other age groups was found only in the youngest males from 20 to 40 years. Moreover, significant sexual dimorphism of DA rapidly decreased after middle age, likely caused by the same age-related changes of the face during aging.

335. How important are concurrent vehicle control groups in (sub)chronic non-human primate toxicity studies conducted in pharmaceutical development? An opportunity to reduce animal numbers.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Mecklenburg L, Lenz S, Hempel G.

336. Comparison of obstetric emergency clinical readiness: A cross-sectional analysis of hospitals in Amhara, Ethiopia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Dougherty K, Gebremariam Gobezayehu A, Lijalem M

Measuring facility readiness to manage basic obstetric emergencies is a critical step toward reducing persistently elevated maternal mortality ratios (MMR). Currently, the Signal Functions (SF) is the gold standard for measuring facility readiness globally and endorsed by the World Health Organization. The presence of tracer items classifies facilities' readiness to manage basic emergencies. However, research suggests the SF may be an incomplete indicator. The Clinical Cascades (CC) have emerged as a clinically-oriented alternative to measuring readiness. The purpose of this study is to determine Amhara's clinical readiness and quantify the relationship between SF and CC estimates of readiness. Data were collected in May 2021via Open Data Kit (ODK) and KoBo Toolbox. We surveyed 20 hospitals across three levels of the health system. Commodities were used to create measures of SF-readiness (e.g., % tracers) and CC-readiness. We calculated differences in SF and CC estimates and calculated readiness loss across six emergencies and 3 stages of care in the cascades. The overall SF estimate for all six obstetric emergencies was 29.6% greater than the estimates using the CC. Consistent with global patterns, hospitals were more prepared to provide medical management (70.0% ready) compared to manual procedures (56.7% ready). The SF overestimate was greater for manual procedures 33.8% overall for retained placenta and incomplete abortion) and less for medical treatments (25.3%). Hospitals were least prepared to manage retained placentas (30.0% of facilities were ready at treatment and 0.0% were ready at monitor and modify) and most prepared to manage hypertensive emergencies (85.0% of facilities were ready at the treatment stage). When including protocols in the analysis, no facilities were ready to monitor and modify the initial therapy when clinically indicated for 3 common emergencies-sepsis, post-partum hemorrhage and retained placentas. We identified a significant discrepancy between SF and CC readiness classifications. Those facilities that fall within this discrepancy are unprepared to manage common obstetric emergencies, and employees in supply management may have difficulty identify the need. Future research should explore the possibility of modifying the SF or replacing it with a new readiness measurement.

337. Associations of eccentric force variables during jumping and eccentric lower-limb strength with vertical jump performance: A systematic review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Nishiumi D, Nishioka T, Saito H

338. Assessing population dynamics in the Central Salish Sea, Pacific Northwest Coast of North America.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Rorabaugh A.

339. From colorblind to systemic racism: Emergence of a rhetorical shift in higher education discourse in response to the murder of George Floyd.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Toraif N, Gondal N, Paudel P

We use topic modeling and exponential random graph models (ERGM) to analyze statements issued by Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) (N = 356) in the United States in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in May 2020. Prior research investigating discourse on race in IHEs demonstrates the prevalence of two paradigms. First, the ideology of 'colorblind racism' treats systemic racism-a form of racism where social, political, and economic institutions are organized in a way that disadvantages people of color-as having largely existed in the past. Consistent with this, IHE responses to prior race-related incidents on campus have emphasized individual prejudice, avoiding discussion of systemic racism. Second, 'diversity' orthodoxy, which treats race as a cultural identity and emphasizes the instrumental benefits of racial heterogeneity on campus, is commonplace in IHEs. Topic modeling of statements issued in 2020 reveals the prevalence of several themes including the systemic and enduring nature of racism in the United States, diversity orthodoxy, humanist responses reflecting rhetoric consistent with colorblind racism, and COVID-19 response strategies. ERGM reveals fragmentation in the discourse based on IHE attributes. Religiously affiliated IHEs and those located in Republican-voting states attend more to diversity and humanist discourse, and less to systemic racism. Elite IHEs, those in Democrat-voting states, and IHEs with high percentages of Black students are more focused on systemic racism. Overall, as compared to colorblind racism and diversity orthodoxy established in prior work, our analysis reveals two striking rhetorical shifts on race discourse in IHEs in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder: (1) from a colorblind ideology to discussing the systemic nature of racism in the United States, and (2) from acknowledging perpetrators but not the broader context of racism in on-campus incidents to acknowledging diffuse racism manifest in society but refraining from explicitly naming any wrongdoers.

340. Pregnant women with mild COVID-19 followed in community setting by telemedicine, and factors associated with unfavorable outcome.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Dinh A, Drouet F, Dechartres A

341. Collaborative measurement of data opening policy in China's municipal government data management system: Taking a regional central city as an example.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Li Y, Yang Q, Wang C

In the current era of big data, the exponential increase in the volume of social data has exerted a significant influence on the government and all sectors of society, with the opening of government data becoming an irresistible trend. In this paper, several regional central cities are selected as the representatives of municipal governments to analyze the characteristics and weaknesses of their data-opening policies from various perspectives including policy effectiveness, policy tools, and policy targets. This is of reference significance for the municipal governments of an individual country in the formulation of data opening policies. To be specific, with 2015-2021 as the timeline, based on the six regions of the country, the central cities of each region are selected as representatives of municipal cities, and the text coding of 85 data opening policies implemented in regional central cities are performed. On this basis, a "policy tool-policy targets-policy effectiveness" collaborative measurement model is constructed through the policy tool theory, and the co-evolution analysis of the relevant policies is conducted. The research results are as follows. Firstly, there is a positive correlation between the total policy effectiveness and its quantity, indicating that the number of data-opening policies plays a positive role to a certain extent. However, the average effectiveness shows no significant increase, indicating the inadequate specificity of each policy. Secondly, the degree of synergy between policy tools fluctuates periodically, indicating that the government is constantly trying new methods, with more importance attached to the synergy between government capacity cultivation and positive incentive tools. Thirdly, policy targets continue to show new connotations over time, and there has been new progress made in the coordination between the other three objectives driven by data opening. However, it is imperative to enhance the synergy between the objectives of building a smart city and improving the services related to livelihood. Finally, some targeted suggestions are put forward on how to further improve the data opening policy implemented by municipal governments from three perspectives.

342. Better data for decision-making through Bayesian imputation of suppressed provisional COVID-19 death counts.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Kao SZ, Tutwiler MS, Ekwueme DU

PURPOSE: To facilitate use of timely, granular, and publicly available data on COVID-19 mortality, we provide a method for imputing suppressed COVID-19 death counts in the National Center for Health Statistic's 2020 provisional mortality data by quarter, county, and age. METHODS: We used a Bayesian approach to impute suppressed COVID-19 death counts by quarter, county, and age in provisional data for 3,138 US counties. Our model accounts for multilevel data structures; numerous zero death counts among persons aged <50 years, rural counties, early quarters in 2020; highly right-skewed distributions; and different levels of data granularity (county, state or locality, and national levels). We compared three models with different prior assumptions of suppressed COVID-19 deaths, including noninformative priors (M1), the same weakly informative priors for all age groups (M2), and weakly informative priors that differ by age (M3) to impute the suppressed death counts. After the imputed suppressed counts were available, we assessed three prior assumptions at the national, state/locality, and county level, respectively. Finally, we compared US counties by two types of COVID-19 death rates, crude (CDR) and age-standardized death rates (ASDR), which can be estimated only through imputing suppressed death counts. RESULTS: Without imputation, the total COVID-19 death counts estimated from the raw data underestimated the reported national COVID-19 deaths by 18.60%. Using imputed data, we overestimated the national COVID-19 deaths by 3.57% (95% CI: 3.37%-3.80%) in model M1, 2.23% (95% CI: 2.04%-2.43%) in model M2, and 2.96% (95% CI: 2.76%-3.16%) in model M3 compared with the national report. The top 20 counties that were most affected by COVID-19 mortality were different between CDR and ASDR. CONCLUSIONS: Bayesian imputation of suppressed county-level, age-specific COVID-19 deaths in US provisional data can improve county ASDR estimates and aid public health officials in identifying disparities in deaths from COVID-19.

343. Peptide barcode of multidrug-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from patients in Thailand.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Roytrakul S, Sangprasert P, Jaresitthikunchai J

344. Comparison of the data mining and machine learning algorithms for predicting the final body weight for Romane sheep breed.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Tırınk C, Önder H, Francois D

345. Reproductive Coercion by Intimate Partners: Prevalence and Correlates in Canadian Individuals with the Capacity to be Pregnant.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Lévesque S, Rousseau C, Jean-Thorn A

346. Assessing geochemical and natural radioactivity impacts of Hamadat phosphatic mine through radiological indices.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Fathy D, Zakaly HMH, Lasheen ESR

The utilization of phosphorite deposits as an industrial resource is of paramount importance, and its sustainability largely depends on ensuring safe and responsible practices. This study aims to evaluate the suitability of phosphorite deposits for industrial applications such as the production of phosphoric acid and phosphatic fertilizers. To achieve this goal, the study meticulously examines the geochemical characteristics of the deposits, investigates the distribution of natural Radioactivity within them, and assesses the potential radiological risk associated with their use. The phosphorites are massive and collected from different beds within the Duwi Formation at the Hamadat mining area. They are grain-supported and composed of phosphatic pellets, bioclasts (bones), non-phosphatic minerals, and cement. Geochemically, phosphorites contain high concentrations of P2O5 (23.59-28.36 wt.%) and CaO (40.85-44.35 wt.%), with low amounts of Al2O3 (0.23-0.51 wt.%), TiO2 (0.01-0.03 wt.%), Fe2O3 (1.14-2.28 wt.%), Na2O (0.37-1.19 wt.%), K2O (0.03-0.12 wt.%), and MnO (0.08-0.18 wt.%), suggesting the low contribution of the detrital material during their deposition. Moreover, they belong to contain enhanced U concentration (55-128 ppm). They are also enriched with Sr, Ba, Cr, V, and Zn and depleted in Th, Zr, and Rb, which strongly supports the low detrital input during the formation of the Hamadat phosphorites. The high Radioactivity of the studied phosphorites is probably due to the widespread occurrence of phosphatic components (e.g., apatite) that accommodate U in high concentrations. Gamma spectrometry based on NaI (Tl) crystal 3×3 has been used to measure occurring radionuclides in the phosphorite samples. The results indicate that the radioactive concentrations' average values of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K are 184.18±9.19, 125.82±6.29, and 63.82±3.19 Bq Kg-1, respectively. Additionally, evaluations have been made of the radiological hazards. The calculated risk indicators exceeded the recommended national and world averages. The data obtained will serve as a reference for follow-up studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the Radioactivity of phosphatic materials collected from the Hamdat mine area.

347. Evaluating leishmanicidal effects of Lucilia sericata products in combination with Apis mellifera honey using an in vitro model.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Sherafati J, Dayer MS, Ghaffarifar F

348. Lexical-semantic properties of verbs and nouns used in conversation by people with Alzheimer's disease.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Williams E, Theys C, McAuliffe M.

349. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis in mice fed a modified choline-deficient, methionine-lowered, L-amino acid-defined diet and the role of signal changes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Suzuki-Kemuriyama N, Abe A, Nakane S

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can progress to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The incidence of NASH-associated HCC is increasing, posing a serious public health threat. Unfortunately, the underlying pathological mechanisms, including the possible differences between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions, remain largely unknown. Previously, we reported a dietary mouse NASH model with a choline-deficient, methionine-lowered, L-amino-acid-defined, high-fat diet containing shortening without trans fatty acids (CDAA-HF-T[-]), which rapidly induces fibrosis and proliferative lesions in the liver. This study aimed to develop a mouse CDAA-HF-T(-) model capable of assessing NASH-associated hepatocarcinogenesis and identifying key signaling factors involved in its underlying mechanisms. Multiple large masses, histopathologically hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas, and hemangiosarcomas were detected in the liver samples of mice fed CDAA-HF-T(-) for 52 or 63 weeks, along with highly advanced fibrosis and numerous foamy, phagocytic macrophages in the adjacent nontumoral area. Multiple metastatic nodules were found in the lungs of one of the animals, and lymphoid clusters were found in all CDAA-HF-T(-) group mice. In the Ingenuity Pathways Analysis of RNA expression data, the CDAA-HF-T(-) feeding revealed common signal changes in nontumoral and tumoral liver tissues, including increased IL-8 and RhoGTPases signaling and decreased lipid metabolism. Meanwhile, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) expression levels were upregulated in nontumoral liver tissue from the end of Week 13 of CDAA-HF-T(-) feeding to the end of Week 63. On the other hand, MIP-2 was expressed on macrophages in non-tumor areas and hepatocytes in tumor areas. Therefore, the CDAA-HF-T(-) mouse model is useful for assessing NASH and NASH-associated hepatocarcinogenesis, and IL-8 signaling plays important roles in NASH-associated carcinogenesis and cirrhosis, but it may also play different roles in nontumoral liver tissue and tumorigenesis.

350. The safety and efficacy of remimazolam tosylate combined with propofol in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: A multicenter, randomized clinical trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Wei A, Ma S, Dou Y

351. TGM2, HMGA2, FXYD3, and LGALS4 genes as biomarkers in acquired oxaliplatin resistance of human colorectal cancer: A systems biology approach.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Cheraghi-Shavi T, Jalal R, Minuchehr Z.

352. Development and application of a qPCR-based genotyping assay for Ophidiomyces ophidiicola to investigate the epidemiology of ophidiomycosis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Haynes E, Lorch J, Allender MC.

Ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) is an infectious disease caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola to which all snake species appear to be susceptible. Significant variation has been observed in clinical presentation, progression of disease, and response to treatment, which may be due to genetic variation in the causative agent. Recent phylogenetic analysis based on whole-genome sequencing identified that O. ophidiicola strains from the United States formed a clade distinct from European strains, and that multiple clonal lineages of the clade are present in the United States. The purpose of this study was to design a qPCR-based genotyping assay for O. ophidiicola, then apply that assay to swab-extracted DNA samples to investigate whether the multiple O. ophidiicola clades and clonal lineages in the United States have specific geographic, taxonomic, or temporal predilections. To this end, six full genome sequences of O. ophidiicola representing different clades and clonal lineages were aligned to identify genomic areas shared between subsets of the isolates. Eleven hydrolysis-based Taqman primer-probe sets were designed to amplify selected gene segments and produce unique amplification patterns for each isolate, each with a limit of detection of 10 or fewer copies of the target sequence and an amplification efficiency of 90-110%. The qPCR-based approach was validated using samples from strains known to belong to specific clades and applied to swab-extracted O. ophidiicola DNA samples from multiple snake species, states, and years. When compared to full-genome sequencing, the qPCR-based genotyping assay assigned 75% of samples to the same major clade (Cohen's kappa = 0.360, 95% Confidence Interval = 0.154-0.567) with 67-77% sensitivity and 88-100% specificity, depending on clade/clonal lineage. Swab-extracted O. ophidiicola DNA samples from across the United States were assigned to six different clonal lineages, including four of the six established lineages and two newly defined groups, which likely represent recombinant strains of O. ophidiicola. Using multinomial logistic regression modeling to predict clade based on snake taxonomic group, state of origin, and year of collection, state was the most significant predictor of clonal lineage. Furthermore, clonal lineage was not associated with disease severity in the most intensely sampled species, the Lake Erie watersnake (Nerodia sipedon insularum). Overall, this assay represents a rapid, cost-effective genotyping method for O. ophidiicola that can be used to better understand the epidemiology of ophidiomycosis.

353. The GLA:D® Canada program for knee and hip osteoarthritis: A comprehensive profile of program participants from 2017 to 2022.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Young JJ, Perruccio AV, Veillette CJH

BACKGROUND: The Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D®) program was implemented in Canada in 2017 with the aim of making treatment guideline-recommended care available to the 4 million Canadians with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). This report describes the GLA:D® Canada program, registry and data collection procedures, and summarizes the sociodemographic and clinical profile of participants with knee and hip OA to inform the scientific research community of the availability of these data for future investigations and collaborations. METHODS: The GLA:D® program consists of three standardized components: a training course for health care providers, a group-based patient education and exercise therapy program, and a participant data registry. Patients seeking care for knee or hip OA symptoms and enrolling in GLA:D® are given the option to provide data to the GLA:D® Canada registry. Participants agreeing to provide data complete a pre-program survey and are followed up after 3-, and 12-months. Data collected on the pre-program and follow-up surveys include sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, health status measures, and objective physical function tests. These variables were selected to capture information across relevant health constructs and for future research investigations. RESULTS: At 2022 year-end, a total of 15,193 (11,228 knee; 3,965 hip) participants were included in the GLA:D® Canada registry with 7,527 (knee; 67.0%) and 2,798 (hip; 70.6%) providing pre-program data. Participants were 66 years of age on average, predominately female, and overweight or obese. Typically, participants had knee or hip problems for multiple years prior to initiating GLA:D®, multiple symptomatic knee and hip joints, and at least one medical comorbidity. Before starting the program, the average pain intensity was 5 out of 10, with approximately 2 out of 3 participants using pain medication and 1 in 3 participants reporting a desire to have joint surgery. Likewise, 9 out 10 participants report having previously been given a diagnosis of OA, with 9 out 10 also reporting having had a radiograph, of which approximately 87% reported the radiograph showed signs of OA. CONCLUSION: We have described the GLA:D® Canada program, registry and data collection procedures, and provided a detailed summary to date of the profiles of participants with knee and hip OA. These individual participant data have the potential to be linked with local health administrative data registries and comparatively assessed with other international GLA:D® registries. Researchers are invited to make use of these rich datasets and participate in collaborative endeavours to tackle questions of Canadian and global importance for a large and growing clinical population of individuals with hip and knee OA.

354. Predictive value of α-synuclein expression in peripheral blood of multiple sclerosis patients: A two-dimensional assessment of a selected biomarker.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Razia R, Majeed F, Amin R

355. Acoustic signatures in Mexican cavefish populations inhabiting different caves.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Hyacinthe C, Attia J, Schutz E

356. Identification and validation of a m7G-related lncRNA signature for predicting the prognosis and therapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Peng YL, Dong YF, Guo LL

357. Protocol for the development of coarse-grained structures for macromolecular simulation using GROMACS.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Niranjan V, Rao P, Uttarkar A

358. Prediction of postoperative patient deterioration and unanticipated intensive care unit admission using perioperative factors.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Mestrom EHJ, Bakkes THGF, Ourahou N

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Currently, no evidence-based criteria exist for decision making in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). This could be valuable for the allocation of postoperative patients to the appropriate level of care and beneficial for patient outcomes such as unanticipated intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. The aim is to assess whether the inclusion of intra- and postoperative factors improves the prediction of postoperative patient deterioration and unanticipated ICU admissions. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study was performed between January 2013 and December 2017 in a tertiary Dutch hospital. All patients undergoing surgery in the study period were selected. Cardiothoracic surgeries, obstetric surgeries, catheterization lab procedures, electroconvulsive therapy, day care procedures, intravenous line interventions and patients under the age of 18 years were excluded. The primary outcome was unanticipated ICU admission. RESULTS: An unanticipated ICU admission complicated the recovery of 223 (0.9%) patients. These patients had higher hospital mortality rates (13.9% versus 0.2%, p<0.001). Multivariable analysis resulted in predictors of unanticipated ICU admissions consisting of age, body mass index, general anesthesia in combination with epidural anesthesia, preoperative score, diabetes, administration of vasopressors, erythrocytes, duration of surgery and post anesthesia care unit stay, and vital parameters such as heart rate and oxygen saturation. The receiver operating characteristic curve of this model resulted in an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% CI 0.83-0.88). CONCLUSIONS: The prediction of unanticipated ICU admissions from electronic medical record data improved when the intra- and early postoperative factors were combined with preoperative patient factors. This emphasizes the need for clinical decision support tools in post anesthesia care units with regard to postoperative patient allocation.

359. Effect of automaticity induced by treadmill walking on prefrontal cortex activation and dual-task performance in older adults.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Baek CY, Kim HD, Yoo DY

As individuals age, they may experience a decline in gait automaticity, which requires increased attentional resources for the control of gait. This age-related decline in gait automaticity has been shown to contribute to higher prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation and lower dual-task performance during dual-task walking in older adults. This study is to investigate the effect of treadmill walking on PFC activation and dual-task performance in older adults. A total of 20 older adults (mean age, 64.35 ± 2.74 years) and 20 younger adults (mean age, 30.00 ± 3.15 years) performed single- and dual-task walking in overground and treadmill conditions. A wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy and gait analyzer were used to analyze PFC activation and dual-task performance, respectively. To determine the dual-task (gait and cognitive) performance, the dual-task cost (DTC) was calculated using the following formula: (single-task - dual-task)/single-task × 100. In both groups, dual-task treadmill walking led to reduced PFC activation and reduced DTC compared to dual-task overground walking. Furthermore, despite a higher DTC in gait variability, correct response, total response, response index and a higher error score in older adults than in younger adults during overground walking, there was no difference in treadmill walking. The difference in PFC activation between single- and dual-tasks was also observed only in overground walking. Performing dual-task walking on a treadmill compared to overground walking results in different levels of dual-task performance and PFC activity. Specifically, older adults are able to maintain similar levels of dual-task performance as younger adults while walking on a treadmill, with reduced PFC activation due to the automaticity induced by the treadmill. Therefore, older adults who exhibit low dual-task performance during overground walking may be able to improve their performance while walking on a treadmill with fewer attentional resources.

360. Defeating a superbug: A breakthrough in vaccine design against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa using reverse vaccinology.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Fereshteh S, Haririzadeh Jouriani F, Noori Goodarzi N

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become a major cause of severe infections. Due to the lack of approved vaccines, this study has presented putative vaccine candidates against it. METHODS: P. aeruginosa 24Pae112 as a reference strain was retrieved from GenBank database. The surface-exposed, antigenic, non-allergenic, and non-homologous human proteins were selected. The conserved domains of selected proteins were evaluated, and the prevalence of proteins was assessed among 395 genomes. Next, linear and conformational B-cell epitopes, and human MHC II binding sites were determined. Finally, five conserved and highly antigenic B-cell epitopes from OMPs were implanted on the three platforms as multi-epitope vaccines, including FliC, the bacteriophage T7 tail, and the cell wall-associated transporter proteins. The immunoreactivity was investigated using molecular docking and immune simulation. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation was done to refine the chimeric cell-wall-associated transporter-TLR4 complex as the best interaction. RESULTS: Among 6494 total proteins of P. aeruginosa 24Pae112, 16 proteins (seven OMPs and nine secreted) were ideal according to the defined criteria. These proteins had a molecular weight of 110 kDa and were prevalent in ≥ 75% of P. aeruginosa genomes. Among the presented multi-epitope vaccines, the chimeric cell-wall-associated transporter had the strongest interaction with TLR4. Moreover, the immune simulation response revealed that the bacteriophage T7 tail chimeric protein had the strongest ability to stimulate the immune system. In addition, molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation indicated the proper and stable interactions between the chimeric cell-wall-associated transporter and TLR4. CONCLUSION: This study proposed 16 shortlisted proteins as promising immunogenic targets. Two novel platforms (e.g. cell-wall-associated transporter and bacteriophage T7 tail proteins) for designing of multi-epitope vaccines (MEVs), showed the better performance compared to FliC. In our future studies, these two MEVs will receive more scrutiny to evaluate their immunoreactivity.

361. Cluster synchronization for controlled nodes via the dynamics of edges in complex dynamical networks.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Liu L, Chen C, Gao Z

362. Feasibility of a pragmatic randomized adaptive clinical trial to evaluate a brief negotiational interview for harmful and hazardous alcohol use in Moshi, Tanzania.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Staton CA, Friedman K, Phillips AJ

INTRODUCTION: Low-resourced settings often lack personnel and infrastructure for alcohol use disorder treatment. We culturally adapted a Brief Negotiational Interview (BNI) for Emergency Department injury patients, the "Punguza Pombe Kwa Afya Yako (PPKAY)" ("Reduce Alcohol For Your Health") in Tanzania. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a pragmatic randomized adaptive controlled trial of the PPKAY intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This feasibility trial piloted a single-blind, parallel, adaptive, and multi-stage, block-randomized controlled trial, which will subsequently be used to determine the most effective intervention, with or without text message booster, to reduce alcohol use among injury patients. We reported our feasibility pilot study using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, with recruitment and retention rates being our primary and secondary outcomes. We enrolled adult patients seeking care for an acute injury at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Tanzania if they (1) exhibited an Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) ≥8, (2) disclosed alcohol use prior to injury, or (3) had a breathalyzer ≥0.0 on arrival. Intervention arms were usual care (UC), PPKAY, PPKAY with standard text booster, or a PPKAY with a personalized text booster. RESULTS: Overall, 181 patients were screened and 75 enrolled with 80% 6-week, 82.7% 3-month and 84% 6-month follow-up rates showing appropriate Reach and retention. Adoption measures showed an overwhelmingly positive patient acceptance with 100% of patients perceiving a positive impact on their behavior. The Implementation and trial processes were performed with high rates of PPKAY fidelity (76%) and SMS delivery (74%). Intervention nurses believed Maintenance and sustainability of this 30-minute, low-cost intervention and adaptive clinical trial were feasible. CONCLUSIONS: Our intervention and trial design are feasible and acceptable, have evidence of good fidelity, and did not show problematic deviations in protocol. Results suggest support for undertaking a full trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the PPKAY, a nurse-driven BNI in a low-income country. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number NCT02828267. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02828267.

363. Trait anxiety and depressive rumination mediate the effect of perceived childhood rearing on adulthood presenteeism.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Shimasaki A, Deguchi A, Ishii Y

364. Behavioral interplay between mosquito and mycolactone produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans and bacterial gene expression induced by mosquito proximity.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Kim D, Crippen TL, Dhungel L

Mycolactone is a cytotoxic lipid metabolite produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans, the environmental pathogen responsible for Buruli ulcer, a neglected tropical disease. Mycobacterium ulcerans is prevalent in West Africa, particularly found in lentic environments, where mosquitoes also occur. Researchers hypothesize mosquitoes could serve as a transmission mechanism resulting in infection by M. ulcerans when mosquitoes pierce skin contaminated with M. ulcerans. The interplay between the pathogen, mycolactone, and mosquito is only just beginning to be explored. A triple-choice assay was conducted to determine the host-seeking preference of Aedes aegypti between M. ulcerans wildtype (MU, mycolactone active) and mutant (MUlac-, mycolactone inactive). Both qualitative and quantitative differences in volatile organic compounds' (VOCs) profiles of MU and MUlac- were determined by GC-MS. Additionally, we evaluated the interplay between Ae. aegypti proximity and M. ulcerans mRNA expression. The results showed that mosquito attraction was significantly greater (126.0%) to an artificial host treated with MU than MUlac-. We found that MU and MUlac produced differential profiles of VOCs associated with a wide range of biological importance from quorum sensing (QS) to human odor components. RT-qPCR assays showed that mycolactone upregulation was 24-fold greater for MU exposed to Ae. aegypti in direct proximity. Transcriptome data indicated significant induction of ten chromosomal genes of MU involved in stress responses and membrane protein, compared to MUlac- when directly having access to or in near mosquito proximity. Our study provides evidence of possible interkingdom interactions between unicellular and multicellular species that MU present on human skin is capable of interreacting with unrelated species (i.e., mosquitoes), altering its gene expression when mosquitoes are in direct contact or proximity, potentially impacting the production of its VOCs, and consequently leading to the stronger attraction of mosquitoes toward human hosts. This study elucidates interkingdom interactions between viable M. ulcerans bacteria and Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, which rarely have been explored in the past. Our finding opens new doors for future research in terms of disease ecology, prevalence, and pathogen dispersal outside of the M. ulcerans system.

365. sEMG-based prediction of human forearm movements utilizing a biomechanical model based on individual anatomical/ physiological measures and a reduced set of optimization parameters.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Grimmelsmann N, Mechtenberg M, Schenck W

For assistive devices such as active orthoses, exoskeletons or other close-to-body robotic-systems, the immediate prediction of biological limb movements based on biosignals in the respective control system can be used to enable intuitive operation also by untrained users e.g. in healthcare, rehabilitation or industrial scenarios. Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals from the muscles that drive the limbs can be measured before the actual movement occurs and, hence, can be used as source for predicting limb movements. The aim of this work was to create a model that can be adapted to a new user or movement scenario with little measurement and computing effort. Therefore, a biomechanical model is presented that predicts limb movements of the human forearm based on easy to measure sEMG signals of the main muscles involved in forearm actuation (lateral and long head of triceps and short and long head of biceps). The model has 42 internal parameters of which 37 were attributed to 8 individually measured physiological measures (location of acromion at the shoulder, medial/lateral epicondyles as well as olecranon at the elbow, and styloid processes of radius/ulna at the wrist; maximum muscle forces of biceps and triceps). The remaining 5 parameters are adapted to specific movement conditions in an optimization process. The model was tested in an experimental study with 31 subjects in which the prediction quality of the model was assessed. The quality of the movement prediction was evaluated by using the normalized mean absolute error (nMAE) for two arm postures (lower, upper), two load conditions (2 kg, 4 kg) and two movement velocities (slow, fast). For the resulting 8 experimental combinations the nMAE varied between nMAE = 0.16 and nMAE = 0.21 (lower numbers better). An additional quality score (QS) was introduced that allows direct comparison between different movements. This score ranged from QS = 0.25 to QS = 0.40 (higher numbers better) for the experimental combinations. The above formulated aim was achieved with good prediction quality by using only 8 individual measurements (easy to collect body dimensions) and the subsequent optimization of only 5 parameters. At the same time, just easily accessible sEMG measurement locations are used to enable simple integration, e.g. in exoskeletons. This biomechanical model does not compete with models that measure all sEMG signals of the muscle heads involved in order to achieve the highest possible prediction quality.

366. Transcriptomic analysis of biofilm formation in strains of Clostridioides difficile associated with recurrent and non-recurrent infection reveals potential candidate markers for recurrence.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Rubio-Mendoza D, Córdova-Fletes C, Martínez-Meléndez A

367. Copper homeostasis-associated gene PRNP regulates ferroptosis and immune infiltration in breast cancer.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Lin C, He J, Tong X

368. A three evolutionary game model for driving mechanism of industry-university-research collaborative innovation in agricultural innovation ecosystems.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Hou X, Gao X, Yin S

Based on the current state of China's agricultural industry, this article proposes an integrated framework for the agricultural innovation ecosystem in developing countries. Furthermore, a dynamic simulation model is constructed to analyze the game process and factors influencing the agricultural innovation ecosystem. The results indicate that industry-university-research collaboration serves as the main source of innovation within the agricultural innovation ecosystem, playing a central role in its development. The willingness to participate, cost of participation, and establishment of default fees by governments, agro-related enterprises, universities, and research institutions have significant implications for the evolution of collaborative innovation within agricultural innovation ecosystems. In order to promote the evolution of the system, agriculture-related enterprises, universities, and research institutions should establish more effective reward and punishment mechanisms, as well as cost control mechanisms. Governments should set reasonable regulatory costs and incentive intervals to actively foster a collaborative innovation atmosphere. The innovation points of this paper are as follows: extending the theory of innovation ecosystems to agriculture, particularly in developing countries characterized by imbalanced and insufficient development. A game model is also constructed to represent the collaborative innovation evolution among government, agriculture-related enterprises, universities, and research institutions, with the government as the endogenous variable. Through numerical simulation, the dynamic evolution process of collaborative innovation within the agricultural innovation ecosystem is revealed. This research enriches and expands upon innovation ecosystem theory, providing guidance for the of innovation ecology in agriculture through mathematical models in developing countries. This, in turn, promotes the convergence of symbiotic, shared, and-creation development.

369. An online browser-based attentional blink replication using visual objects.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Sharabas D, Varlet M, Grootswagers T.

370. Cauchy combination omnibus test for normality.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Meng Z, Jiang Z.

371. Episodic future thinking in type 2 diabetes: Further development and validation of the Health Information Thinking control for clinical trials.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Brown JM, Bickel WK, Epstein LH

372. Identification of genes critical for inducing ulcerative colitis and exploring their tumorigenic potential in human colorectal carcinoma.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Patra R, Dey AK, Mukherjee S.

373. Impact of severe mental illnesses on health-related quality of life among patients attending the Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi from 2019 to 2021: A cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Umar Z, Tahir Z, Nizami A.

BACKGROUND: Severe mental illnesses have huge impact on health-related quality of life. They contribute to significant morbidity in terms of number of number of years of life lost in form DALYS (disability adjusted life years) and shorter life expectancy and early mortality. There is limited evidence on their burden in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. OBJECTIVE: To determine the health-related quality of life in patients suffering from severe mental illness (schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar affective disorder) and demographic factors associated with poor health related quality of life in these patients. METHODOLOGY: This was descriptive cross sectional, using retrospective record view of data. Study was done under IMPACT (Improving Mental And Physical health Together) Program, which conducted a multi-morbidity survey conducted at institute of psychiatry, Benazir Bhutto hospital, Rawalpindi, using EQ 5d 5l (EURO QOL 5D5L) questionnaire having both subjective (EQVAS) and objective domains. RESULTS: The study included 922 SMI patients, of whom 555 participants (60.2%) were males and 367(39.69%) were females. The participants suffered from major depressive disorder (422;45.8%), followed by bipolar affective disorder (392; 42.51%) and schizophrenia (108;11.7%). Most participants were in a younger age group with (80%) of population being below 50 years old and had education level below secondary education (57.4%). In the analysis of association between EQ-VAS (subjective quality of life scale) and demographic factors, a significant association was found for marital status(p<0.001), gender (p< 0.001) and education (p< 0.001). Women had lower EQ-VAS scores (M = 49.43±SD = 27.72) as compared to males (M = 58.81±SD = 27.1) and individuals with lower educational status also had lower mean scores. Additionally, participants who were single, divorced or widowed also had lower mean EQVAS scores. When health related quality of life was analyzed across SMI, it was lower in all SMI, but was significantly lower for depression in both subjective and objective domains of health related of quality-of-life instrument. CONCLUSION: Health related quality of life is an important outcome measure and regular assessment of both subjective and objective aspects should be incorporated in management plans of patients suffering from severe mental illnesses.

374. Understanding the efficacy of wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in two diverse communities.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Flood MT, Sharp J, Bruggink J

375. Effect of veterinary feed directive rule changes on tetracycline-resistant and erythromycin-resistant bacteria (Salmonella, Escherichia, and Campylobacter) in retail meats in the United States.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Sarkar S, Okafor C.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are a growing public health threat. In 2017 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration implemented Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rules changes to limit medically important antimicrobial use in food-producing animals, combating antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. The effect of the VFD rule changes on the occurrence of bacteria resistant to medically-important antimicrobials in retail meats is yet to be investigated in the U.S. This study investigates whether the VFD rule changes affected the occurrence of tetracycline-resistant and erythromycin-resistant bacteria (Salmonella, Escherichia, and Campylobacter) in retail meats in the U.S. METHODS: Multivariable mixed effect logistic regression models were used to analyze 2002-2019 retail meats surveillance data from the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) in the U.S. Variables included VFD rule changes, meat type, quarter of year, and raising claims. A potential association between these variables and the occurrence of tetracycline-resistant and erythromycin-resistant bacteria (Salmonella, Escherichia, and Campylobacter) in retail meats was estimated. RESULTS: Analysis included data regarding tetracycline-resistant Salmonella (n = 8,501), Escherichia (n = 20, 283), Campylobacter (n = 9,682), and erythromycin-resistant Campylobacter (n = 10,446) in retail meats. The odds of detecting tetracycline-resistant Escherichia (OR = 0.60), Campylobacter (OR = 0.89), and erythromycin-resistant Campylobacter (OR = 0.43) in chicken breast significantly decreased after the VFD rule changes, compared to the pre-VFD rule change period. The odds of detecting tetracycline-resistant Salmonella (0.66), Escherichia (OR = 0.56), and Campylobacter (OR = 0.33) in ground turkey also significantly decreased. However, the odds of detecting tetracycline-resistant Salmonella (OR = 1.49) in chicken breast and erythromycin-resistant Campylobacter (OR = 4.63) in ground turkey significantly increased. There was no significant change in the odds of detecting tetracycline-resistant Salmonella and Escherichia in ground beef or pork chops. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of VFD rule changes had a beneficial effect by reducing the occurrence of tetracycline-resistant and erythromycin-resistant bacteria in chicken and ground turkey. Ongoing surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use could complement the implementation of stewardship such as VFD rule in food-producing animals in the U.S.

376. Sense of coherence and religion/spirituality: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on a methodical classification of instruments measuring religion/spirituality.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Jeserich F, Klein C, Brinkhaus B

The coherence hypothesis assumes that sense of coherence (SOC) explains the positive link between religion/spirituality (R/S) and mental health. The aim of our meta-analysis is to evaluate the evidence for the association between SOC (sensu Antonovsky) and different aspects of R/S and thus to contribute to the verification of the coherence hypothesis. Eighty-nine English- and German-language primarily cross-sectional studies with 67,913 participants met the inclusion criteria. The R/S scales of all included studies were subjected to item-by-item qualitative content analysis in order to determine whether scales do actually measure religion or spirituality and which R/S aspects dominated the instrument. Based on this classification, overall and subgroup meta-analyses were conducted using a random effects model. The adjusted effect size between SOC and all positive R/S measures was r+ = .120, 95% CI [.092, .149]. Particularly significant (r+ < -.180 or > .180) were correlations with negative R/S scales (r+ = -.405, 95% CI [-.476, -.333]), R/S instruments measuring primarily positive emotions (r+ = .212, 95% CI [.170, .253]) or meaning-making (r+ = .196, 95% CI [.126, .265]). Both sample characteristics (age, culture, gender, health status, religious affiliation) and study characteristics (e.g., publication year) had a moderating effect on the R/S-SOC connection. The correlation was particularly high in studies from Southern Asia (r+ = .226, 95% CI [.156, .297]), the African Islamic cultural value zone (r+ = .196, 95% CI [.106, .285]), and in a small subgroup of Iranian studies (r+ = .194, 95% CI [.117, .271]). The results confirm that R/S and SOC are clearly associated and suggest that there are different religious/spiritual pathways to a strong SOC. The strength of the associations presumably depends not only on individual differences, but also on cultural embeddedness and social plausibility of R/S. Trial registration. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021240380. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID = CRD42021240380.

377. Plant medicine usage of people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Belize: A qualitative exploratory study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Allen LP, Ellis L, Engleton C

378. Effects of smoke-free government policy in Qingdao, China: Evidence from the path analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Jiang N, Wang R, Duan H

Smoke-free government(SFG), as a key tobacco control measure, has been added in Healthy China 2030 blueprint and Qingdao started the establishment of the demonstrative SFG in 2020.This study examined the effects of SFG policy on smoking and smoke-free(SF) environment after establishing the demonstrative SFG. This cross-sectional survey selected participants by simple random sampling from party and government agencies in Qingdao (N = 3625) and the participants filled in questionnaires online from November 31 to December 15, 2020. We utilized AMOS to set up models to analyze the direct and indirect effects of SFG policy. The findings showed that knowledge of SFG policy was positively associated with SF environment(β = 0.29, P<0.001) and negatively associated with smoking(β = -0.14,P<0.001). Knowledge of SFG policy had indirect effects on SF environment through four channels: independent mediation of discouraging smoking and attitude towards SFG policy, as well as chain mediation of these two factors, and perception of tobacco hazards and discouraging smoking, with indirect effects accounting for 33.5% of the total effect. Knowledge of SFG policy had indirect effects on smoking reduction via SF environment and two chain mediation: SF environment and attitude towards SFG policy, perception of tobacco hazards and intention to quit smoking, with indirect effects accounting for 50.2% of the total effect. The results provided the evidence that SFG policy not only had positive effects on creating SF environment but also on reducing smoking. The efficient policy infiltration to individuals played a vital role in the establishment of SFG. Attitude towards SFG policy, discouraging smoking and SF environment were the potential mediators for SFG policy. Findings in this study added more evidence related to effect mechanism of SFG policy and had a positive influence on promoting the implementation SFG policies for China and other countries.

379. An approach to difficult airway in infants: Comparison of GlideScope® Spectrum LoPro, GlideScope® Spectrum Miller and conventional Macintosh and Miller blades in a simulated Pierre Robin sequence performed by 90 anesthesiologists.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Irouschek A, Moritz A, Kremer S

BACKGROUND: Airway management can be challenging in neonates and infants. The Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is a condition characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis and airway obstruction. The airway management of these patients poses great challenges for anesthesiologists and pediatricians alike. To date, there has been no direct comparison of the hyperangulated GlideScope® Spectrum LoPro (GLP), the straight GlideScope® Spectrum Miller (GSM), a conventional Macintosh (MC) and a conventional Miller blade (ML) in patients with PRS. METHODS: For this purpose, 90 anesthesiologists (43 with limited experience, 47 with extensive experience) performed orotracheal intubation on an Air-Sim® Pierre Robin X manikin using GLP, GSM, MC and ML in randomized order. 'Time-to-vocal-cords', 'time-to-intubate', 'time-to-ventilate', the severity of oral-soft-tissue-trauma and the subjective evaluation of each device were recorded. RESULTS: A significantly faster and better view of the vocal cords and lower oral-soft-tissue-trauma was achieved using the GLP (p<0.001). Though, there were no significant differences in the 'time-to-intubate' or 'time-to-ventilate'. The highest intubation success rate was found with GSM and the lowest with GLP (GSM 100%, ML 97.8%, MC 96.7%, GLP 93.3%). When using the videolaryngoscopes, there were no undetected esophageal intubations but in six cases prolonged attempts of intubation (>120s) with the GLP. In the sub-group with extensive experience, we found significantly shorter intubation times for the GSM and ML. The GLP was the tool of choice for most participants, while the conventional MC received the lowest rating. CONCLUSIONS: Videolaryngoscopy leads to increased safety for the prevention of undetected esophageal intubation in the airway management in a PRS manikin. Hyperangulated blades may ensure a good and fast view of the vocal cords and low oral-soft-tissue-trauma but pose a challenge during the placement of the tube. Specific skills and handling seem to be necessary to ensure a safe tube placement with this sort of blades.

380. Secure transmission for IoT wireless energy-carrying communication systems.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Wang P, Jing Z, Zhang Z

381. Point-of-care PCR testing of SARS-CoV-2 in the emergency department: Influence on workflow and efficiency.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Fistera D, Kikull K, Risse J

382. Community coalitions for smoke-free environments in Armenia and Georgia: A mixed methods analysis of coalition formation, implementation and perceived effectiveness.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Kegler MC, Dekanosidze A, Torosyan A

Effective models for aligning public health and civil society at the local level have the potential to impact various global health issues, including tobacco. Georgia and Armenia Teams for Healthy Environments and Research (GATHER) is a collaboration between Armenia, Georgia and U.S. researchers involving a community randomized trial testing the impact of community coalitions to promote smoke-free policy adoption and compliance in various settings. Community Coalition Action Theory (CCAT) was used to guide and describe coalition formation, implementation and effectiveness. Mixed methods were used to evaluate 14 municipality-based coalitions in Georgia and Armenia, including semi-structured interviews (n = 42) with coalition leaders and active members, coalition member surveys at two timepoints (n = 85 and n = 83), and review of action plans and progress reports. Results indicated successful creation of 14 multi-sectoral coalitions, most commonly representing education, public health, health care, and municipal administration. Half of the coalitions created at least one smoke-free policy in specific settings (e.g., factories, parks), and all 14 promoted compliance with existing policies through no-smoking signage and stickers. The majority also conducted awareness events in school, health care, and community settings, in addition to educating the public about COVID and the dangers of tobacco use. Consistent with CCAT, coalition processes (e.g., communication) were associated with member engagement and collaborative synergy which, in turn, correlated with perceived community impact, skills gained by coalition members, and interest in sustainability. Findings suggest that community coalitions can be formed in varied sociopolitical contexts and facilitate locally-driven, multi-sectoral collaborations to promote health. Despite major contextual challenges (e.g., national legislation, global pandemic, war), coalitions were resilient, nimble and remained active. Additionally, CCAT propositions appear to be generalizable, suggesting that coalition-building guidance may be relevant for local public health in at least some global contexts.

383. Benchmarking of novel green fluorescent proteins for the quantification of protein oligomerization in living cells.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Petrich A, Aji AK, Dunsing V

Protein-protein-interactions play an important role in many cellular functions. Quantitative non-invasive techniques are applied in living cells to evaluate such interactions, thereby providing a broader understanding of complex biological processes. Fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy describes a group of quantitative microscopy approaches for the characterization of molecular interactions at single cell resolution. Through the obtained molecular brightness, it is possible to determine the oligomeric state of proteins. This is usually achieved by fusing fluorescent proteins (FPs) to the protein of interest. Recently, the number of novel green FPs has increased, with consequent improvements to the quality of fluctuation-based measurements. The photophysical behavior of FPs is influenced by multiple factors (including photobleaching, protonation-induced "blinking" and long-lived dark states). Assessing these factors is critical for selecting the appropriate fluorescent tag for live cell imaging applications. In this work, we focus on novel green FPs that are extensively used in live cell imaging. A systematic performance comparison of several green FPs in living cells under different pH conditions using Number & Brightness (N&B) analysis and scanning fluorescence correlation spectroscopy was performed. Our results show that the new FP Gamillus exhibits higher brightness at the cost of lower photostability and fluorescence probability (pf), especially at lower pH. mGreenLantern, on the other hand, thanks to a very high pf, is best suited for multimerization quantification at neutral pH. At lower pH, mEGFP remains apparently the best choice for multimerization investigation. These guidelines provide the information needed to plan quantitative fluorescence microscopy involving these FPs, both for general imaging or for protein-protein-interactions quantification via fluorescence fluctuation-based methods.

384. Evaluating the ability of an artificial-intelligence cloud-based platform designed to provide information prior to locoregional therapy for breast cancer in improving patient's satisfaction with therapy: The CINDERELLA trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Kaidar-Person O, Antunes M, Cardoso JS

385. Divide, conquer and reconstruct: How to solve the 3D structure of recalcitrant Micro-Exon Gene (MEG) protein from Schistosoma mansoni.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Nedvedova S, Guillière F, Miele AE

386. The effect of adjuvant radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery in elderly women with T1-2N0 estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Chen C, Wang R, Wang B

387. The effect of script reform on levels of orthographic knowledge: Evidence from alphasyllabary Malayalam scripts.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Nambiar K, Kishore K, Bhargava P.

388. Unsupervised anomaly appraisal of cleft faces using a StyleGAN2-based model adaptation technique.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Hayajneh A, Shaqfeh M, Serpedin E

389. Evaluation of the impact of vindoline, an active components of Catharanthus roseus, on rat hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes by using a cocktail of probe drugs.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Zhang Y, Niu H, Liu J

390. Experimental facility had a greater effect on growth performance, gut microbiome, and metabolome in weaned pigs than feeding diets containing subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics: A case study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Trudeau MP, Mosher W, Tran H

The objective of this study was to define changes in the intestinal metabolome and microbiome associated with growth performance of weaned pigs fed subtherapeutic concentrations of antibiotics. Three experiments with the same antibiotic treatments were conducted on the same research farm but in two different facilities (nursery and wean-finish) using pigs weaned at 20-days of age from the same source herd and genotype, and fed the same diets formulated without antibiotics (NC) or with 0.01% chlortetracycline and 0.01% sulfamethazine (AB). Pigs were weighed and feed disappearance was determined on days (d) 10, 21, and 42 post-weaning to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain:feed (G:F). On d 42, one pig/pen was selected for blood and ileal and cecal content collection. Targeted and untargeted metabolomic profiles were determined in serum and cecal contents using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and composition of bacterial communities in intestinal content samples was determined by sequencing the V4 region of the 16s rRNA gene. Metabolomics and microbiome data were analyzed using diverse multivariate and machine learning methods. Pigs fed AB had significantly greater (P < 0.05) overall ADG and ADFI compared with those fed NC, and pig body weight, ADG, and G:F were also significantly different (P < 0.05) between experiments. Differences (P < 0.05) in serum metabolome along with ileal and cecal microbiome beta diversity were observed between experiments, but there were no differences in microbiome alpha diversity between experiments or treatments. Bacteria from the families Clostridiaceae, Streptomycetaceae, Peptostreptomycetaceae, and Leuconostocaceae were significant biomarkers for the AB treatment. In addition, pigs fed AB had increased serum arginine, histidine, lysine, and phenylalanine concentrations compared with NC. Percentage error from a random forest analysis indicated that most of the variation (8% error) in the microbiome was explained by the facility where the experiments were conducted. These results indicate that facility had a greater effect on growth performance, metabolome, and microbiome responses than feeding diets containing subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics.

391. Dynamic spillovers and portfolio implication between green cryptocurrencies and fossil fuels.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Umar Z, Choi SY, Teplova T

392. Comparison of DNA concentration and bacterial pathogen PCR detection when using two DNA extraction kits for nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal samples.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Khan D, Thomas SA, Tientcheu PE

INTRODUCTION: Several important human pathogens that cause life-threatening infections are asymptomatically carried in the Nasopharynx/Oropharynx (NP/OP). DNA extraction is a prerequisite for most culture-independent techniques used to identify pathogens in the NP/OP. However, components of DNA extraction kits differ thereby giving rise to differences in performance. We compared the DNA concentration and the detection of three pathogens in the NP/OP using the discontinued DNeasy PowerSoil Kit (Kit DP) and the DNeasy PowerLyzer PowerSoil Kit (Kit DPP). METHODS: DNA was extracted from the same set of 103 NP/OP samples using the two kits. DNA concentration was measured using the Qubit 2.0 Fluorometer. Real-time Polymerase Chain reaction (RT-PCR) was done using the QuantStudio 7-flex system to detect three pathogens: S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and N. meningitidis. Bland-Altman statistics and plots were used to determine the threshold cycle (Ct) value agreement for the two kits. RESULTS: The average DNA concentration from kit DPP was higher than Kit DP; 1235.6 ng/ml (SD = 1368.3) vs 884.9 ng/ml (SD = 1095.3), p = 0.002. Using a Ct value cutoff of 40 for positivity, the concordance for the presence of S. pneumoniae was 82% (84/102); 94%(96/103) for N. meningitidis and 92%(95/103) for H. influenzae. Kit DP proportionately resulted in higher Ct values than Kit DPP for all pathogens. The Ct value bias of measurement for S. pneumoniae was +2.4 (95% CI, 1.9-3.0), +1.4 (95% CI, 0.9-1.9) for N. meningitidis and +1.4 (95% CI, 0.2-2.5) for H. influenzae. CONCLUSION: The higher DNA concentration obtained using kit DPP could increase the chances of recovering low abundant bacteria. The PCR results were reproducible for more than 90% of the samples for the gram-negative H. influenzae and N. meningitidis. Ct value variations of the kits must be taken into consideration when comparing studies that have used the two kits.

393. Vascular mechanisms leading to progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia after COVID-19: Protocol and methodology of a prospective longitudinal observational study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Owens CD, Bonin Pinto C, Mukli P

394. An integrated smoking cessation and alcohol intervention among Hong Kong Chinese young people: Study protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Ho KY, Lam KKW, Wu C

INTRODUCTION: Young smokers always partake in both smoking and drinking. However, drinking undermines their likelihood to attempt quitting smoking or to successfully abstain from smoking. Hence, this trial will examine the feasibility of implementing an integrated smoking cessation and alcohol intervention in young Hong Kong Chinese people. Effect sizes of the integrated intervention (II) on self-reported and biochemically validated quit rates will also be calculated. METHODS: The study will be a three-arm randomized controlled trial in a convenience sample of 150 smokers aged 18-25 years with alcohol drinking. Participants will be randomized into a standard treatment (ST), II, or control arm. The ST group will receive a brief smoking cessation intervention based on the 5A (Ask, Assess, Advice, Assist, Arrange) and 5R (Relevance, Risks, Rewards, Roadblocks, Repetition) models. The II group will receive brief advice on alcohol use based on the FRAMES (Feedback, Responsibility, Advice, Menu, Empathy, Efficacy) model in addition to the brief smoking cessation intervention. Both the ST and II groups will receive booster interventions at 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up. The control group will receive leaflets on smoking cessation and alcohol reduction. Self-reported quitters at 6-month follow-up will be invited for biochemical validation. The primary outcomes are feasibility measures. The secondary outcomes are effect size of II on self-reported and biochemically validated quit rates at 6 months relative to control and ST. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 1-week, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics will be used to calculate the feasibility measures. The three arms will be compared using analysis of variance for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables. Effect sizes of II for self-reported and biochemically validated quit rates at 6 months will be determined using the generalized estimating equation model.

395. Patient, family member, and health care provider perspective on barriers and facilitators to diabetic retinopathy screening in Thailand: A qualitative study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Kumar G, Velu S, Pardhan S

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) can cause significant visual impairment which can be largely avoided by early detection through proper screening and treatment. People with DR face a number of challenges from early detection to treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate factors that influence DR screening in Thailand and to identify barriers to follow-up compliance from patient, family member, and health care provider (HCP) perspectives. METHODS: A total of 15 focus group discussions (FGDs) were held, each with five to twelve participants. There were three distinct stakeholders: diabetic patients (n = 47) presenting to a diabetic retinopathy clinic in Thailand, their family members (n = 41), and health care providers (n = 34). All focus group conversations were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to examine textual material. RESULTS: Different themes emerged from the FGD on knowledge about diabetes, self-care behaviors of diabetes mellitus (DM), awareness about DR, barriers to DR screening, and the suggested solutions to address those barriers. Data showed lower knowledge and awareness about diabetes and DR in both patients and family members. Long waiting times, financial issues, and lack of a person to accompany appointments were identified as the major deterrents for attending DR screening. Family support for patients was found to vary widely, with some patients reporting to have received adequate support while others reported having received minimal support. Even though insurance covered the cost of attending diabetes/DR screening program, some patients did not show up for their appointments. CONCLUSION: Patients need to be well-informed about the asymptomatic nature of diabetes and DR. Communication at the patient level and shared decision-making with HCPs are essential. Family members and non-physician clinicians (such as diabetes nurses, diabetes educators, physician assistants) who work in the field of diabetes play a vital role in encouraging patients to attend diabetes and DR follow-ups visits regularly.

396. Impact of vaccination on infection or death from COVID-19 in individuals with laboratory-confirmed cases: Case-control study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Hernández Bautista PF, Grajales Muñiz C, Cabrera Gaytán DA

397. Outer membrane protein N expressed in Gram-negative bacterial strain of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) Omp8 Rosetta strains under osmoregulation by salts, sugars, and pHs.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Chumjan W, Sangchalee A, Somwang C

398. The impact of city financial ecology on firm financing efficiency: Evidence from China's strategic emerging industries.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Zhang H, Zhang G, Qi Y

399. Evaluation of an optimized germline exomes pipeline using BWA-MEM2 and Dragen-GATK tools.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Alganmi N, Abusamra H.

400. Physiological response of Symbiodiniaceae to thermal stress: Reactive oxygen species, photosynthesis, and relative cell size.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Amario M, Villela LB, Jardim-Messeder D

401. Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19: Community survey in southern Ethiopia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Endriyas M, Shibru E, Hussen M

402. Organization of the macroinvertebrate community in a tropical annual agroecosystem into modules.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Andow DA, Fontes EMG, Pires CSS

403. Modifiable risk factors of major depressive disorder: A Mendelian randomization study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Zheng X, Tong L, Zhang C

Identifying modifiable risk factors early on is essential to prevent major depressive disorder (MDD). This study systematically investigated the causal relationship between 19 modifiable risk factors and MDD. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with 19 potentially modifiable risk factors were screened via the genome-wide association study (GWAS) enrolling individuals of European descent. Summary-level data for MDD (59,851 cases and 113,154 controls) were extracted from the UK Biobank. The inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method was utilized as the primary analysis. Sensitivity analyses were performed using the MR-Egger method, the Maximum likelihood method, the MR-pleiotropy residual sum outlier (MR-PRESSO) method, and MR-robust adjusted profile score (MR-RAPS) method. MR-Egger regression, heterogeneity tests, pleiotropy tests, and leave-one-out tests were also performed to analyze sensitivity. The MR Steiger test was used to verify the directionality of the exposure to the outcome. Genetically predicted smoking initiation increased the risk of MDD (P = 6.00E-09), while smoking status: never and past tobacco smoking decreased the risk of MDD (all P < 0.01). In addition, education level was inversely associated with MDD risk (all P < 0.01). Genetically instrumented sleeplessness/insomnia, daytime naps, and nap during the day were positively related to the risk of MDD (all P < 0.01). Personal feelings, including guilt, hurt, tension, and worry too long after an embarrassing experience, had a suggestive increased risk for MDD (all P < 0.000). The remaining five modifiable risk factors were all causally associated with the risk of MDD, including neuroticism, neuroticism scores, body mass index (BMI), average total household income before tax, and types of physical activity in the last 4 weeks (all P < 0.01). All 19 potentially modifiable risk factors were causally associated with the risk of MDD. The main hypothesis of this MR study was that identifying and intervening in these 19 potentially modifiable risk factors could be beneficial to the prevention and treatment of MDD and further reduce mortality and economic burden.

404. Countermovement push-up test to assess the upper extremity force-time characteristics in swimmers during a macrocycle.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Öztürk F, Ünver E, Özçadırcı A

Although it is known that swimming training can improve upper extremity performance, the force-time characteristics of the upper extremity during different training periods are not well understood. The objective of this study was to measure changes in the force-time characteristics of the upper extremity of young swimmers during different training periods within a season. Seventeen young swimmers, comprising 5 males (age: 15.4 ± 0.54 years); 12 females (16.4 ± 2.6 years) participated in this study. They were tested at four experimental test time points: baseline (E1), post-general preparation (E2), post-specific preparation (E3), and taper season (E4). The countermovement push-up test was performed using a force plate to measure force time parameters. Differences in force, time, velocity and impulse parameters were evaluated between the different periods. The study found that vertical take off velocity significantly increased across the assessed periods (F = 11.79; p = .001; η2 = .424), with significant increases from E1 to E2 (p < .001) and from E3 to E4 (p = .016). Flight Time also significantly increased across the assessed periods (F = 11.79; p = .001; η2 = .424), with significant increases from E1 to E2 (p < .001), from E1 to E4(p = .001), and from E3 to E4 (p = .005). The Force Impulse significantly increased throughout the assessed periods (F = 5.84; p = .012; η2 = .267), with significant increases from E1 to E2, (p = .006), from E1 to E3 (p = .016), and from E1 to E4 (p = .003). As this study shows, periods of increased training intensity can affect athletic progression, even though training aims to improve strength, speed, and performance. While some practical aspects such as strength, flight time, and impulse parameters may change during a macrocycle, the countermovement push-up test can provide trainers with an alternative and convenient way to monitor anaerobic force, speed, and performance, as well as measure explosive force-time performance in the upper body.

405. Involvement of service user representatives on a healthcare organizational level at Norwegian Healthy Life Centres: A qualitative study exploring health professionals' experiences.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Sagsveen E, Rise MB, Westerlund H

BACKGROUND: The involvement of service user representatives in planning, delivering, and evaluating health care services is regarded as essential in Healthy Life Centres (HLCs) to ensure high-quality services. However, information on how HLC-professionals involve service user representatives at a healthcare organizational level at HLCs remains sparse. OBJECTIVE: To explore HLC professionals' experiences involving service user representatives in planning, delivering, and evaluating the HLC services. METHODS: Five qualitative semi-structured focus group interviews with 27 health professionals from 27 Norwegian HLCs were conducted. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation. RESULTS: The involvement of service user representatives at the HLCs varied from well-integrated and systematized to the opposite. The professionals' primary rationale for involving service user representatives was to include the representatives' unique experiential knowledge to ensure the quality of the service. Experiential knowledge was seen as a 'different' competence, which came in addition to professional competence. The professionals' choice of service user representatives depended on the purpose behind the involvement initiative. The HLC professionals often hand-picked former service users according to their health problems, motivation, and the HLC's need. The professionals said they were responsible for initiating the facilitation to accomplish genuine involvement. Support from their leaders to prioritize these tasks was essential. CONCLUSION: To meet the demand for adequate service user representatives, the HLCs need access to different service user representatives, representing both diagnose-based and generic service user organisations and the public. To achieve genuine involvement, the rationale behind the involvement and the representatives' role must be clarified, both for the HLC professionals and service user representatives. This will require resources for continuous organizational preparation and facilitation.

406. Photoinduced electron transfer detection method for identifying UGT1A1*28 microsatellites.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Tsuchida S, Himi N, Miura Y

407. Learning from small data: Classifying sex from retinal images via deep learning.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Berk A, Ozturan G, Delavari P

Deep learning (DL) techniques have seen tremendous interest in medical imaging, particularly in the use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for the development of automated diagnostic tools. The facility of its non-invasive acquisition makes retinal fundus imaging particularly amenable to such automated approaches. Recent work in the analysis of fundus images using CNNs relies on access to massive datasets for training and validation, composed of hundreds of thousands of images. However, data residency and data privacy restrictions stymie the applicability of this approach in medical settings where patient confidentiality is a mandate. Here, we showcase results for the performance of DL on small datasets to classify patient sex from fundus images-a trait thought not to be present or quantifiable in fundus images until recently. Specifically, we fine-tune a Resnet-152 model whose last layer has been modified to a fully-connected layer for binary classification. We carried out several experiments to assess performance in the small dataset context using one private (DOVS) and one public (ODIR) data source. Our models, developed using approximately 2500 fundus images, achieved test AUC scores of up to 0.72 (95% CI: [0.67, 0.77]). This corresponds to a mere 25% decrease in performance despite a nearly 1000-fold decrease in the dataset size compared to prior results in the literature. Our results show that binary classification, even with a hard task such as sex categorization from retinal fundus images, is possible with very small datasets. Our domain adaptation results show that models trained with one distribution of images may generalize well to an independent external source, as in the case of models trained on DOVS and tested on ODIR. Our results also show that eliminating poor quality images may hamper training of the CNN due to reducing the already small dataset size even further. Nevertheless, using high quality images may be an important factor as evidenced by superior generalizability of results in the domain adaptation experiments. Finally, our work shows that ensembling is an important tool in maximizing performance of deep CNNs in the context of small development datasets.

408. Environmental determinants and risk behaviour in the case of indigenous malaria in Muara Enim Regency, Indonesia: A case-control design.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Hasyim H, Ihram MA, Fakhriyatiningrum

409. Approach to standardized material characterization of the human lumbopelvic system-Specification, preparation and storage.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Kurz S, Gebhardt M, Grundmann F

410. Impacts of environmental uncertainty on investment stocks perception under the holiday effect.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Wei SY, Lin LW.

411. Knee joint biomechanics and cartilage damage prediction during landing: A hybrid MD-FE-musculoskeletal modeling.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Adouni M, Alkhatib F, Gouissem A

412. Spatial spillover effect of China's tax and fee reduction policies on independent research and development evidence from dynamic Spatial Dubin analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 3

Wu M, Sun R.

413. The therapeutic effect of glycyrrhizic acid compound ointment on imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like disease in mice.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Zhang Y, Wang Q, Sun S

414. Comparison of INTREPID® balanced and hybrid tips on anterior capsule rupture in ex vivo porcine eyes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Ichikawa K, Tanaka Y, Tokiwa S

415. "We're tolerant and they're prejudiced": Same-sex marriage supporters' and opponents' perceptions of supportive and oppositional claims.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Platow MJ, Knight CG, Van Rooy D

416. Type 2 diabetes remission trajectories and variation in risk of diabetes complications: A population-based cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Dambha-Miller H, Hounkpatin HO, Stuart B

417. Prevalence and persistence of cost-related medication non-adherence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among medicare patients at high risk of hospitalization.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Zhang JX, Meltzer DO.

OBJECTIVE: To study cost-related medication non-adherence (CRN) for a 30-month period before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using a sample of Medicare patients at high risk of hospitalization. DESIGN: A novel data set of quarterly surveys of CRN was used to evaluate CRN before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analyses were conducted to evaluate the adjusted coefficients of change in CRN behaviors controlling for socio-demographic and health characteristics. PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred seventy-seven Medicare beneficiaries at high risk of hospitalization who were alive on January 1, 2020 and followed up through quarterly surveys on CRN for 30 months before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Two metrics of prevalence and persistence of CRN and their adjusted coefficients in GEE with binomial family distribution and log link function controlling for socio-demographic and health characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 5,990 quarterly surveys were completed by the 677 patients during the 30-month study period. Among the 677 patients, 250 (37%) were men, 591 (87%) were African American, and 288 (42%) were Medicare-Medicaid dual eligible. The unadjusted prevalence of CRN before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was 31.1% and 25.7% respectively (p = 0.02 by Chi-squared test), and persistent CRN rates were 12.1% and 9.7% respectively (p = 0.17 by Chi-squared test). The adjusted odds ratio of CRN prevalence during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic level was 0.75 (p<0.01), and 0.74 (p = 0.03) for persistent CRN in GEE estimations. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: There are coherent evidence of a reversal of CRN rates during the COVID-19 pandemic among this high-need, high-cost resource utilization Medicare population. Patients' CRN behaviors may be responsive to exogenous impacts, and the behaviors changed in the same direction with similar magnitude in terms of prevalence (the extensive margin) and persistence (the intensive margin). More research is needed to advance the understanding of the driving forces behind patients' behavioral changes and to identify factors that may be informative for reducing CRN in the long run.

418. COVID-19 economic stimulus packages, tourism industry and external debt: The influence of extreme poverty.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Okafor L, Khalid U.

419. Expression, activity, and consequences of biochemical inhibition of α- and β-glucosidases in different life stages of Culex quinquefasciatus.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Burgess ER 4th, Sanscrainte ND, Taylor CE

Mosquitoes have a wide range of digestive enzymes that enable them to utilize requisite blood and sugar meals for survival and reproduction. Sugar meals, typically derived from plant sources, are critical to maintain energy in both male and female mosquitoes, whereas blood meals are taken only by females to complete oogenesis. Enzymes involved in sugar digestion have been the subject of study for decades but have been limited to a relatively narrow range of mosquito species. The southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, is of public health importance and seldom considered in these types of studies outside of topics related to Bacillus sphaericus, a biocontrol agent that requires interaction with a specific gut-associated α-glucosidase. Here we sought to describe the nature of α-glucosidases and unexplored β-glucosidases that may aid Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae in acquiring nutrients from cellulosic sources in their aquatic habitats. Consistent with our hypothesis, we found both α- and β-glucosidase activity in larvae. Interestingly, β-glucosidase activity all but disappeared at the pupal stage and remained low in adults, while α-glucosidase activity remained in the pupal stage and then exceeded larval activity by approximately 1.5-fold. The expression patterns of the putative α- and β-glucosidase genes chosen did not consistently align with observed enzyme activities. When the α-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose was administered to adults, mortality was seen especially in males but also in females after two days of exposure and key energetic storage molecules, glycogen and lipids, were significantly lower than controls. In contrast, administering the β-glucosidase inhibitor conduritol β-epoxide to larvae did not produce mortality even at the highest soluble concentration. Here we provide insights into the importance of α- and β-glucosidases on the survival of Cx. quinquefasciatus in their three mobile life stages.

420. Non-1st seizure was less severe than 1st seizure with non-urgent level among suspected seizures transferred by ambulance.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Asano Y, Fujimoto A, Hatano K

BACKGROUND: To prioritize emergency medical calls for ambulance transport for patients with suspected seizures, information about whether the event is their 1st or non-1st seizure is important. However, little is known about the difference between 1st and non-1st seizures in terms of severity. We hypothesized that patients transferred multiple times (≥2 times) would represent a milder scenario than patients on their first transfer. The purpose of this study was to compare patients with suspected seizures on 1st transfer by ambulance and patients who had been transferred ≥2 times. METHODS: We statistically compared severity of suspected seizures between two groups of patients with suspected seizures transferred between December 2014 and November 2019 (before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic) to our facility by ambulance for either the first time (1st Group) or at least the second time (Non-1st Group). Severity categories were defined as: Level 1 = life-threatening; Level 2 = emergent, needing admission to the intensive care unit; Level 3 = urgent, needing admission to a hospital general ward; Level 4 = less urgent, needing intervention but not hospitalization; and Level 5 = non-urgent, not needing intervention. RESULTS: Among 5996 patients with suspected seizures conveyed to the emergency department by ambulance a total of 14,263 times during the study period, 1222 times (8.6%) and 636 patients (11%) met the criteria. Severity grade of suspected seizures ranged from 1 to 5 (median, 4; interquartile range, 3-4) for the 1st Group and from 1 to 5 (median, 5; interquartile range, 4-5) for the Non-1st Group. Most severe grade ranged from 1 to 5 (median, 4; interquartile range, 4-5) for the Non-1st Group. Severity grade differed significantly between groups (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U-test). Uni- and multivariate logistic regression tests also suggested a significant difference (p < 0.001) in severity grades. CONCLUSION: In direct comparisons, grade of suspected seizure severity was lower in the Non-1st Group than in the 1st Group.

421. Association of trabecular bone score and bone mineral apparent density with the severity of bone fragility in children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta: A cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Ohata Y, Kitaoka T, Ishimi T

422. Validation of reference gene stability for miRNA quantification by reverse transcription quantitative PCR in the peripheral blood of patients with COVID-19 critical illness.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Formosa A, Acton E, Lee A

423. Foliar application of enriched banana pseudostem sap influences the nutrient uptake, yield, and quality of sweet corn grown in an acidic soil.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Islam MS, Kasim S, Amin AM

424. Development and validation of risk prediction model for diabetic neuropathy among diabetes mellitus patients at selected referral hospitals, in Amhara regional state Northwest Ethiopia, 2005-2021.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Gelaw NB, Muche AA, Alem AZ

BACKGROUND: Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication in both Type-1 and Type-2 DM patients with more than one half of all patients developing nerve dysfunction in their lifetime. Although, risk prediction model was developed for diabetic neuropathy in developed countries, It is not applicable in clinical practice, due to poor data, methodological problems, inappropriately analyzed and reported. To date, no risk prediction model developed for diabetic neuropathy among DM in Ethiopia, Therefore, this study aimed prediction the risk of diabetic neuropathy among DM patients, used for guiding in clinical decision making for clinicians. OBJECTIVE: Development and validation of risk prediction model for diabetic neuropathy among diabetes mellitus patients at selected referral hospitals, in Amhara regional state Northwest Ethiopia, 2005-2021. METHODS: A retrospective follow up study was conducted with a total of 808 DM patients were enrolled from January 1,2005 to December 30,2021 at two selected referral hospitals in Amhara regional state. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used and the data was collected by checklist from medical records by Kobo collect and exported to STATA version-17 for analysis. Lasso method were used to select predictors and entered to multivariable logistic regression with P-value<0.05 was used for nomogram development. Model performance was assessed by AUC and calibration plot. Internal validation was done through bootstrapping method and decision curve analysis was performed to evaluate net benefit of model. RESULTS: The incidence proportion of diabetic neuropathy among DM patients was 21.29% (95% CI; 18.59, 24.25). In multivariable logistic regression glycemic control, other comorbidities, physical activity, hypertension, alcohol drinking, type of treatment, white blood cells and red blood cells count were statistically significant. Nomogram was developed, has discriminating power AUC; 73.2% (95% CI; 69.0%, 77.3%) and calibration test (P-value = 0.45). It was internally validated by bootstrapping method with discrimination performance 71.7 (95% CI; 67.2%, 75.9%). It had less optimism coefficient (0.015). To make nomogram accessible, mobile based tool were developed. In machine learning, classification and regression tree has discriminating performance of 70.2% (95% CI; 65.8%, 74.6%). The model had high net benefit at different threshold probabilities in both nomogram and classification and regression tree. CONCLUSION: The developed nomogram and decision tree, has good level of accuracy and well calibration, easily individualized prediction of diabetic neuropathy. Both models had added net benefit in clinical practice and to be clinically applicable mobile based tool were developed.

425. ChatGPT versus human in generating medical graduate exam multiple choice questions-A multinational prospective study (Hong Kong S.A.R., Singapore, Ireland, and the United Kingdom).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Cheung BHH, Lau GKK, Wong GTC

426. Problem-solving interventions and depression among adolescents and young adults: A systematic review of the effectiveness of problem-solving interventions in preventing or treating depression.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Metz K, Lewis J, Mitchell J

Problem-solving (PS) has been identified as a therapeutic technique found in multiple evidence-based treatments for depression. To further understand for whom and how this intervention works, we undertook a systematic review of the evidence for PS's effectiveness in preventing and treating depression among adolescents and young adults. We searched electronic databases (PsycINFO, Medline, and Cochrane Library) for studies published between 2000 and 2022. Studies meeting the following criteria were included: (a) the intervention was described by authors as a PS intervention or including PS; (b) the intervention was used to treat or prevent depression; (c) mean or median age between 13-25 years; (d) at least one depression outcome was reported. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. A narrative synthesis was undertaken given the high level of heterogeneity in study variables. Twenty-five out of 874 studies met inclusion criteria. The interventions studied were heterogeneous in population, intervention, modality, comparison condition, study design, and outcome. Twelve studies focused purely on PS; 13 used PS as part of a more comprehensive intervention. Eleven studies found positive effects in reducing depressive symptoms and two in reducing suicidality. There was little evidence that the intervention impacted PS skills or that PS skills acted as a mediator or moderator of effects on depression. There is mixed evidence about the effectiveness of PS as a prevention and treatment of depression among AYA. Our findings indicate that pure PS interventions to treat clinical depression have the strongest evidence, while pure PS interventions used to prevent or treat sub-clinical depression and PS as part of a more comprehensive intervention show mixed results. Possible explanations for limited effectiveness are discussed, including missing outcome bias, variability in quality, dosage, and fidelity monitoring; small sample sizes and short follow-up periods.

427. Piloting a digital campaign to promote awareness of the Louisiana TelePrEP program among sexual and gender minority young adults.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Ocasio MA, Fernandez MI, Cortese S

Despite the proven efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV acquisition, PrEP is underutilized by sexual and gender minority young adults in the 13 states in the United States "South." In this paper, we describe the process we used to develop a digital campaign to promote awareness and engagement of sexual and gender minority young adults in the Louisiana Department of Health's TelePrEP Program and provide campaign performance metrics. In Phase 1, we conducted formative research that informed campaign development and strategy. In total, 109 sexual and gender minority young adults completed a survey of PrEP constructs (e.g., facilitators, barriers). We also conducted three, sequential focus groups to iteratively generate, revise and refine the digital material. In collaboration with our strategic marketing partner (SMP), we developed 3 different ads and 1 video ad to promote on web and mobile-in app display, as well as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Phase 2 focused on campaign implementation and evaluation (e.g., number of impressions, user activities on LA TelePrEP landing page). In the first few weeks of the campaign, data from tracking pixels indicated minimal activities on the landing page. We paused to revamp the campaign. Our SMP determined that a more young adult-focused landing page could bolster engagement. We created a new landing page and reran the campaign for 33 days. We saw substantially more user activities on the new landing page (n = 382) compared to the LA TelePrEP landing page (n = 185). Overall, we had 730,665 impressions and 475 link clicks. By collaborating with our SMP, we effectively and efficiently translated our community-engaged formative research into relevant and engaging digital content. This pilot study is one of the first to demonstrate the importance of using tracking pixels to monitor real-time user data to optimize performance of a digital PrEP campaign.

428. Predictors of intensive care unit admission in adult cancer patients presenting to the emergency department with COVID-19 infection: A retrospective study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

El Zahran T, Kalot N, Cheaito R

429. Remote sensing of salmonid spawning sites in freshwater ecosystems: The potential of low-cost UAV data.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Ponsioen L, Kapralova KH, Holm F

430. Does perceived quality mediate the relationship between country of origin image and consumer buying behaviour in Nigerian hypermarkets?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Martins JM, Moguluwa SC, Lucas JL

431. Too much to handle? Interference from distractors with similar affordances on target selection for handled objects.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Haddad L, Wamain Y, Kalénine S.

The existence of handle affordances has been classically demonstrated using the Stimulus-Response Compatibility paradigm, with shorter response times when the orientation of the object handle and the response hand are compatible in comparison to incompatible. Yet the activation of handle affordances from visual objects has been investigated in very simple situations involving single stimulus and motor response. As natural perceptual scenes are usually composed of multiple objects that could activate multiple affordances, the consequence of multiple affordance activation on the perception and processing of a given object of the scene requires more investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of distractor affordances on the processing of a target object in situations involving several familiar graspable objects. In two online experiments, 229 participants had to select a target object (the kitchen utensil or the tool) in a visual scene displaying a pair of objects. They performed left key presses when the target was on the left and right key presses when the target was on the right. Target handle orientation and response side could be compatible or incompatible. Critically, target and distractor objects had similar or dissimilar handle affordances, with handles oriented for left- or right-hand grasps. Results from the two experiments showed slower response times when target and distractor objects had similar handle affordances in comparison to dissimilar affordances, when participants performed right hand responses and when target orientation and response were compatible. Thus, affordance similarity between objects may interfere rather than facilitate object processing and slow down target selection. These findings are in line with models of affordance and object selection assuming automatic inhibition of distractors' affordances for appropriate object interaction.

432. Sex trafficking survivors' experiences with the healthcare system during exploitation: A qualitative study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Lorvinsky J, Pringle J, Filion F

While most individuals who have experienced sex trafficking will seek medical attention during their exploitation, very few will be identified by healthcare professionals (HCP). It constitutes a lost opportunity to provide appropriate support, resources, and services. In this study, we examined the experiences of accessing care of sex trafficking survivors in the Greater Montreal area and their interactions with HCPs to inform trafficking education programs for HCPs and allied health professionals regarding the needs of this patient population. We conducted seven semi-structured in-depth interviews with purposively selected sex trafficking survivors participating in "Les Survivantes," a program of the SPVM (Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal), designed to support trafficked individuals' exit journey. We used interpretive description to understand the lived experiences of trafficked individuals with direct applications to clinical education and care. Our results revealed that trafficked individuals accessing care present with a fragile trust in HCPs and how HCPs have many opportunities to conduct comprehensive examinations and query trafficking. Trafficked individuals' initial trust in HCPs can be strengthened by non-judgemental approaches or damaged by stigmatizing conduct, serving to isolate further and alienate this patient population. Health professionals' attitudes combined with healthcare settings' cultures of care (i.e., community vs emergency) and exposure to marginalized groups were key influencers of survivors' perception of healthcare interactions. The findings also emphasized the importance of routinely querying trafficking through sensitive psychosocial questioning based on observation of trafficking cues. Survivors reported a list of trafficking cues to recognize and emphasized the importance of trust as a condition of disclosure. Finally, survivors identified the need for exit planning to be centered around trafficked individuals' agency and holistic needs, and for streamlined community-based multidisciplinary collaboration to better serve this population. Our results highlight that most challenges experienced by trafficking survivors in accessing care and resources are modifiable through HCP education and training. Our study also provides new insights and concrete advice to improve care and support throughout the exiting process. We argue that healthcare services for this population be modeled harm reduction approaches that focus on victims' agency and needs, independent of their desire to exit trafficking. We emphasize the urgent need for proper case management and intersectoral and multidisciplinary care coordination in community-based settings as well as facilitated access to mental health support.

433. Correlation of a commercial platform's results with post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody response and clinical host factors.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Slotkin R, Kyriakides TC, Kundu A

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to describe the correlation between the commercially available assay for anti-S1/RBD IgG and protective serum neutralizing antibodies (nAb) against SARS-CoV-2 in an adult population after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, and determine if clinical variables impact this correlation. METHODS: We measured IgG anti-S1/RBD using the IgG-II CMIA assay and nAb IC50 values against SARS-CoV-2 WA-1 in sera serially collected post-mRNA vaccination in veterans and healthcare workers of the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System (VACHS) between December 2020 and January 2022. The correlation between IgG and IC50 was measured using Pearson correlation. Clinical variables (age, sex, race, ethnicity, prior COVID infection defined by RT-PCR, history of malignancy, estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR calculated using CKD-EPI equation) were collected by manual chart review. The impact of these clinical variables on the IgG-nAb correlation was analyzed first with univariable regression. Variables with a significance of p < 0.15 were analyzed with forward stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: From 127 sera samples in 100 unique subjects (age 20-93 years; mean 63.83; SD 15.63; 29% female; 67% White), we found a robust correlation between IgG anti-S1/RBD and nAb IC50 (R2 = 0.83, R2adj = 0.70, p < 0.0001). Race, ethnicity, and a history of malignancy were not significant on univariable analysis. GFR (p < 0.05) and prior COVID infection (p < 0.001) had a significant impact on the correlation between IgG anti-S1/RBD and nAb IC50. Age (p = 0.06) and sex (p = 0.07) trended towards significance on univariable analysis, but were not significant on multivariable regression. CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong correlation between IgG anti-S1/RBD and nAb IC50 after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Clinical comorbidities, such as prior COVID infection and renal function, impacted this correlation. These results may assist the prediction of post-vaccination immune protection in clinical settings using cost-effective commercial platforms.

434. Maternal health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences of health workers in three Brazilian municipalities.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Carvalho RHSBF, Alves MTSSBE, Silva-Junior AGD

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the experiences of maternal health workers in three Brazilian cities, located in the Northeast (São Luís), Southeast (Niterói), and South (Pelotas) regions during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Qualitative research carried out between December 2020 and February 2021. Interviews were conducted, in person or remotely, with 30 health workers, doctors and nurses, working in maternity hospitals of different degrees of complexity. RESULTS: Sociodemographic characteristics, employment relationships and professional qualification of the interviewees were described. Two thematic axes were identified: 1) changes in hospital organization and dynamics in the pandemic; 2) Illness and suffering of health workers. The majority of respondents were women. Most physicians had work relationships in the public and private sectors. In Niterói, health workers had better professional qualifications and more precarious work relationships (as temporary hires), compared to São Luís and Pelotas. In the context of the uncertainties resulting from the pandemic, this situation generated even more insecurity for those workers. The statements at the beginning of the pandemic covered topics such as changes in the organizational dynamics of services, healthcare, telemedicine, and interaction between health workers and users. In the health workers' perception, the initial period of the health emergency, which resulted in intense changes in the provision of services, was marked by an increase in preterm births, perinatal mortality, and fetal losses. Work overload, fear of contamination, concern for family members and uncertainties regarding the new disease caused intense suffering in health workers who had little institutional support in the cities studied. The suffering experienced by health workers went beyond the work dimension, reaching their private life. CONCLUSION: Changes caused by the pandemic required immediate adjustments in professional practices, generating insecurities in healthcare regardless of the location studied. The method of hiring health workers remained the same as the previously practiced one in each city. Due to the risk of disease transmission, measures contrary to humanization practices, and more restrictive in São Luís, were reported as harmful to obstetric care. The Covid-19 pandemic was a huge challenge for the Brazilian health system, aggravating the working conditions experienced by health workers. In addition to the work environment, it was possible to briefly glimpse its effects on private life.

435. A perennial living mulch system fosters a more diverse and balanced soil bacterial community.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Li H, Hill N, Wallace J.

436. Seasonality, epidemiology and phylogeny of Theileria ovis with a note on hematological and biochemical changes in asymptomatic infected goats from Pakistan.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Irfan M, Chang SC, Iqbal RK

437. Transportation infrastructure and eco-environmental quality: Evidence from China's high-speed rail.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Wei LY, Liu Z.

438. Who bought a gun during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States?: Associations with QAnon beliefs, right-wing political attitudes, intimate partner violence, antisocial behavior, suicidality, and mental health and substance use problems.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Hicks BM, Vitro C, Johnson E

439. Comparative analysis of the myoglobin gene in whales and humans reveals evolutionary changes in regulatory elements and expression levels.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Sackerson C, Garcia V, Medina N

Cetacea and other diving mammals have undergone numerous adaptations to their aquatic environment, among them high levels of the oxygen-carrying intracellular hemoprotein myoglobin in skeletal muscles. Hypotheses regarding the mechanisms leading to these high myoglobin levels often invoke the induction of gene expression by exercise, hypoxia, and other physiological gene regulatory pathways. Here we explore an alternative hypothesis: that cetacean myoglobin genes have evolved high levels of transcription driven by the intrinsic developmental mechanisms that drive muscle cell differentiation. We have used luciferase assays in differentiated C2C12 cells to test this hypothesis. Contrary to our hypothesis, we find that the myoglobin gene from the minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, shows a low level of expression, only about 8% that of humans. This low expression level is broadly shared among cetaceans and artiodactylans. Previous work on regulation of the human gene has identified a core muscle-specific enhancer comprised of two regions, the "AT element" and a C-rich sequence 5' of the AT element termed the "CCAC-box". Analysis of the minke whale gene supports the importance of the AT element, but the minke whale CCAC-box ortholog has little effect. Instead, critical positive input has been identified in a G-rich region 3' of the AT element. Also, a conserved E-box in exon 1 positively affects expression, despite having been assigned a repressive role in the human gene. Last, a novel region 5' of the core enhancer has been identified, which we hypothesize may function as a boundary element. These results illustrate regulatory flexibility during evolution. We discuss the possibility that low transcription levels are actually beneficial, and that evolution of the myoglobin protein toward enhanced stability is a critical factor in the accumulation of high myoglobin levels in adult cetacean muscle tissue.

440. Implementation of a care-pathway at the emergency department for older people presenting with nonspecific complaints; a protocol for a multicenter parallel cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

van der Velde MGAM, Jansen MAC, de Jongh MAC

441. DNA methylation cooperates with H3K9me2 at HCN4 promoter to regulate the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into pacemaker-like cells.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Sun X, Jin K, Ding X

442. The effect of ticagrelor on coronary microvascular function after PCI in patients with ACS compared to clopidogrel: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Qiu X, Li X, Fu K

443. Enterobacter cloacae infection characteristics and outcomes in battlefield trauma patients.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 29

Bennett W, Mende K, Campbell WR

Enterobacter cloacae is a Gram-negative rod with multidrug-resistant potential due to chromosomally-induced AmpC β-lactamase. We evaluated characteristics, antibiotic utilization, and outcomes associated with battlefield-related E. cloacae infections (2009-2014). Single initial and serial E. cloacae isolates (≥24 hours from initial isolate from any site) associated with a clinical infection were examined. Susceptibility profiles of initial isolates in the serial isolation group were contrasted against last isolate recovered. Characteristics of 112 patients with E. cloacae infections (63 [56%] with single initial isolation; 49 [44%] with serial isolation) were compared to 509 patients with bacterial infections not attributed to E. cloacae. E. cloacae patients sustained more blast trauma (78%) compared to non-E. cloacae infections patients (75%; p<0.001); however, injury severity scores were comparable (median of 34.5 and 33, respectively; p = 0.334). Patients with E. cloacae infections had greater shock indices (median 1.07 vs 0.92; p = 0.005) and required more initial blood products (15 vs. 14 units; p = 0.032) compared to patients with non-E. cloacae infections. Although E. cloacae patients had less intensive care unit admissions (80% vs. 90% with non-E. cloacae infection patients; p = 0.007), they did have more operating room visits (5 vs. 4; p = 0.001), longer duration of antibiotic therapy (43.5 vs. 34 days; p<0.001), and lengthier hospitalizations (57 vs. 44 days; p<0.001). Patients with serial E. cloacae had isolation of infecting isolates sooner than patients with single initial E. cloacae (median of 5 vs. 8 days post-injury; p = 0.046); however, outcomes were not significantly different between the groups. Statistically significant resistance to individual antibiotics did not develop between initial and last isolates in the serial isolation group. Despite current combat care and surgical prophylaxis guidelines recommending upfront provision of AmpC-inducing antibiotics, clinical outcomes did not differ nor did significant antibiotic resistance develop in patients who experienced serial isolation of E. cloacae versus single initial isolation.

444. The pathophysiological impact of intra-abdominal hypertension in pigs.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Wise R, Rodseth R, Párraga-Ros E

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome are common with clinically significant consequences. We investigated the pathophysiological effects of raised IAP as part of a more extensive exploratory animal study. The study design included both pneumoperitoneum and mechanical intestinal obstruction models. METHODS: Forty-nine female swine were divided into six groups: a control group (Cr; n = 5), three pneumoperitoneum groups with IAPs of 20mmHg (Pn20; n = 10), 30mmHg (Pn30; n = 10), 40mmHg (Pn40; n = 10), and two mechanical intestinal occlusion groups with IAPs of 20mmHg (MIO20; n = 9) and 30mmHg (MIO30; n = 5). RESULTS: There were significant changes (p<0.05) noted in all organ systems, most notably systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p<0.001), cardiac index (CI) (p = 0.003), stroke volume index (SVI) (p<0.001), mean pulmonary airway pressure (MPP) (p<0.001), compliance (p<0.001), pO2 (p = 0.003), bicarbonate (p = 0.041), hemoglobin (p = 0.012), lipase (p = 0.041), total bilirubin (p = 0.041), gastric pH (p<0.001), calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (p<0.001), and urine output (p<0.001). SVV increased progressively as the IAP increased with no obvious changes in intravascular volume status. There were no significant differences between the models regarding their impact on cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and gastrointestinal systems. However, significant differences were noted between the two models at 30mmHg, with MIO30 showing worse metabolic and hematological parameters, and Pn30 and Pn40 showing a more rapid rise in creatinine. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified and quantified the impact of intra-abdominal hypertension at different pressures on several organ systems and highlighted the significance of even short-lived elevations. Two models of intra-abdominal pressure were used, with a mechanical obstruction model showing more rapid changes in metabolic and haematological changes. These may represent different underlying cellular and vascular pathophysiological processes, but this remains unclear.

445. Evaluation of farnesol orally and topically against experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis: In -vivo analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Sharma H, Sehgal R, Jhacak S

446. Marketing of medicines in primary care: An analysis of direct marketing mailings and advertisements.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Dankers M, Verlegh P, Weber K

INTRODUCTION: Marketing materials from pharmaceutical companies attempt to create a positive image of marketed, often new, medicines. To gain more insight in strategies pharmaceutical companies use to influence primary care practitioners' attitudes towards marketed medicines, we investigated the use of persuasion strategies in direct marketing mailings and advertisements from pharmaceutical companies sent to general practitioners. METHODS: General practitioners in the Netherlands were recruited to collect all direct marketing mailings, meaning all leaflets, letters and other information sent by pharmaceutical industries to the practice during one month (June 2022). Direct marketing mailings and advertisements in collected medical journals concerning medicines or diseases (together called marketing materials) were analysed according to presence of one of the seven common persuasion strategies, i.e. reciprocity, consistency/commitment, social proof, liking, authority, scarcity and unity; as well as marketed medicine and year of introduction. RESULTS: Twenty general practices collected 68 unique marketing materials concerning 37 different medicines. Direct factor Xa inhibitors (n = 12), glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues (n = 5) and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (n = 4) were the most frequently marketed medicines. The median year of introduction of all marketed medicines was 2012. All seven persuasion strategies were identified, with liking (64.7% of all materials) and authority (29.4%) as most prominent strategies, followed by social proof (17.6%), unity (14.7%), scarcity (13.2%), reciprocity (11.8%) and consistency/commitment (2.9%). In addition to those strategies, we identified emotional pressure (30.9%) as one commonly used new strategy. CONCLUSION: Marketing materials sent to general practices use a wide range of persuasion strategies in an attempt to influence prescription behaviour. Primary care practitioners should be aware of these mechanisms through which pharmaceutical companies try to influence their attitudes towards new medicines.

447. Psychometric properties of the Malay version of the difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-18 in Malaysian adolescents.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Rosharudin NA, Muhammad NA, Mohd Daud TI

OBJECTIVE: The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-18 (DERS-18) is an instrument used to measure deficits in emotion regulation. However, the instrument has not been adapted to Malaysians and has never been validated in the Malay language. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Malay version of DERS-18. METHOD: The DERS-18 underwent forward-backward translation and assessment of face and content validity. Both Malay version of the DERS-18 and DASS-21 were completed by 701 adolescents (44.4% boys) aged 13 and 14 years old. To assess its dependability, a floor and ceiling effect evaluation and Cronbach's analysis were both performed. A series of confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), bivariate correlation, and regression were performed to evaluate the construct and criterion validity, respectively. RESULTS: The Malay version of DERS-18, after excluding "Awareness", indicated excellent reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.93), and acceptable internal consistency for each subscale (range of α from 0.63 to 0.82). Floor or ceiling effects were observed at item level and subscale level, but not at total level. CFA results revealed that the Malay version of the DERS-18 bifactor model (excluding "Awareness") portrayed the best construct validity (χ2/df = 2.673, RMSEA = 0.049, CFI = 0.977, TLI = 0.968) compared to a single factor, a correlated factor, and a higher-order factor model. The DERS-18 subscales (except "Awareness") and DERS-18 total scores were significantly correlated with stress, anxiety, and depression in a positive direction (r ranged from 0.62 to 0.64, p < 0.01). The general factor of the DERS-18 and its specific factors ("Clarity", "Goals", and "Non-Acceptance") significantly predicted the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression (R2 ranged from 0.44 to 0.46, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The Malay version of the DERS-18, excluding "Awareness", possessed good reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity to assess emotion dysregulation among Malaysian adolescents.

448. Coherent feedback leads to robust background compensation in oscillatory and non-oscillatory homeostats.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Nygård M, Ruoff P.

449. Multivariate wind power curve modeling using multivariate adaptive regression splines and regression trees.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Mushtaq K, Zou R, Waris A

450. The effects of group adaptation on task performance: An agent-based approach.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Blanco-Fernández D, Leitner S, Rausch A.

451. "I think taking herbal medicine first can help prevent. If it doesn't work, then can take start taking the medication given by the doctors." Patients' perceptions towards hypertension in Fiji.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Jonathan AJ, Mohammadnezhad M, Raikanikoda F.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension remains a public health challenge worldwide however, the prevention, detection, treatment and management of this condition are not highly prioritized. Health knowledge has an important impact on individual's health. The ability to actively participate in screening, diagnosis and management of hypertension are influenced by patient's knowledge of hypertension. To understand why hypertension is so difficult to control, it may be of benefit to gain an understanding of the patient's perspective. Hence, the aim of the study is to explore the perceptions of patients on prevention and diagnosis of hypertension in Fiji. METHODS: The study used a qualitative method approach. The study was conducted at the four purposively selected health centers in the Lautoka/ Yasawa medical subdivision. A purposive sampling was used which included all the patients who attended the SOPD, age more than 18 years and above, diagnosed with hypertension for 6 months or more and attended clinic at one of the 4 selected health centers. Semi-structured open-ended interview guide were used to collect data among patients through in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used manually to analyze the data using four steps that is immersion in the data, coding the data, creating categories and identifying themes / subthemes. RESULTS: Twenty-five SOPD patients took part in the in-depth interview and the responses were grouped into two themes. The themes emerged included hypertension knowledge and diagnosis of hypertension in a closed family and self. Subthemes derived from the hypertension knowledge were measures of awareness, hypertension aetiology, risk perception, origin of information and concept of prevention. Sub themes derived from the diagnosis of hypertension in a closed family were perception when first diagnosed, hypertension in relation and hypertension impact. Patients' knowledge on etiologies and risk factors of hypertension were generally poor. Majority of the participants learnt about hypertension in hospitals and few over radios and television. Diagnosis in a closed family triggered worrisome, fear and fright on some patients. CONCLUSION: Majority of the patients have less knowledge about various risk factors of hypertension. Worrisome, fearful, frightful, frustration and sadness were some of the reactions and emotions highlighted by the patients. It is important to design culturally tailored interventions that address the psychological and behavioral needs of the patients. Recommendation to conduct further studies to understand the perception of hypertension among the general public.

452. A wavelet based data coupling method for spatial damage detection in beam-type structures.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Zhao J, Zhou Z, Guan D

453. An oral cholera vaccine in the prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Meunier M, Spillmann A, Rousseaux C

454. Rapid and sensitive detection of gram-negative bacteria using surface-immobilized polymyxin B.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Kang HJ, Lee SH, Kim HS

455. Bioinformatic and fine-scale chromosomal mapping reveal the nature and evolution of eliminated chromosomes in the Japanese hagfish, Eptatretus burgeri, through analysis of repetitive DNA families.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Nagao K, Tanaka Y, Kajitani R

In the Japanese hagfish, Eptatretus burgeri, approximately 21% of the genomic DNA in germ cells (2n = 52) consists of 16 chromosomes (eliminated [E]-chromosomes) that are eliminated from presumptive somatic cells (2n = 36). To uncover the eliminated genome (E-genome), we have identified 16 eliminated repetitive DNA families from eight hagfish species, with 11 of these repeats being selectively amplified in the germline genome of E. burgeri. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that six of these sequences, namely EEEb1-6, are exclusively localized on all 16 E-chromosomes. This has led to the hypothesis that the eight pairs of E-chromosomes are derived from one pair of ancestral chromosomes via multiple duplication events over a prolonged evolutionary period. NGS analysis has recently facilitated the re-assembly of two distinct draft genomes of E. burgeri, derived from the testis and liver. This advancement allows for the prediction of not only nonrepetitive eliminated sequences but also over 100 repetitive and eliminated sequences, accomplished through K-mer-based analysis. In this study, we report four novel eliminated repetitive DNA sequences (designated as EEEb7-10) and confirm the relative chromosomal localization of all eliminated repeats (EEEb1-10) by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). With the exception of EEEb10, all sequences were exclusively detected on EEEb1-positive chromosomes. Surprisingly, EEEb10 was detected as an intense signal on EEEb1-positive chromosomes and as a scattered signal on other chromosomes in germ cells. The study further divided the eight pairs of E-chromosomes into six groups based on the signal distribution of each DNA family, and fiber-FISH experiments showed that the EEEb2-10 family was dispersed in the EEEb1-positive extended chromatin fiber. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying chromosome elimination and the evolution of E-chromosomes, supporting our previous hypothesis.

456. Knowledge distillation based on multi-layer fusion features.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Tan S, Guo R, Tang J

457. Modelling consumers' choice of novel food.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Skinner D, Blake J.

458. Impacts of Covid-19 on mental health service provision in the Western Cape, South Africa: The MASC study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Davies T, Daniels I, Roelofse M

459. FPLV: Enhancing recommender systems with fuzzy preference, vector similarity, and user community for rating prediction.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Su Z, Yang H, Ai J.

460. Changing face of socio-economic vulnerability and COVID-19: An analysis of country wealth during the first two years of the pandemic.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Pérez-Segura V, Caro-Carretero R, Rua A.

461. Self-reported benefits and risks of open water swimming to health, wellbeing and the environment: Cross-sectional evidence from a survey of Scottish swimmers.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Oliver DM, McDougall CW, Robertson T

Engaging with natural environments benefits human health by providing opportunities for social interactions, enhancing mental wellbeing and enabling outdoor spaces for physical exercise. Open water swimming has seen a rapid increase in popularity, partly due to the physical health benefits it can provide but also with the growing interest in (re)connecting with nature for environment-health interactions. Using a national-scale online survey of 717 open water swimmers, the aim of this study was to investigate patterns and trends in the perceived benefits and risks of open water swimming to both public health and the environment; and to understand whether these perceived risks and benefits vary across different typologies of swimmers and open water, or 'blue space', environments. Strong associations were found between the most important self-reported benefit associated with open water swimming and both participant age and the categorisation of their typical swim style. All but one of the age-groups surveyed perceived mental wellbeing benefits to be the most important benefit of open water swimming; whilst those aged over 65 identified physical rather than mental wellbeing benefits to be the most important outcome. Participants who preferred lake swimming reported greater concern regarding possible environmental damage caused by the increasing popularity of open water swimming compared to those engaging in river or sea swimming. However, the majority of participants perceived the risks to the environment from open water swimming to be minimal. Our study adds to the growing evidence that open water swimming is perceived by participants as benefitting their mental and physical wellbeing. Improved understanding of the benefits and risks of engaging with blue spaces used for open water swimming can contribute to co-designed policy development to promote safer, healthier and more sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities associated with this increasingly popular outdoor pursuit.

462. Critical evaluation of kinetic schemes for coagulation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Ranc A, Bru S, Mendez S

463. In silico epitope prediction and evolutionary analysis reveals capsid mutation patterns for enterovirus B.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 28

Wang H, Fang Y, Jia Y

Enterovirus B (EVB) is a common species of enterovirus, mainly consisting of Echovirus (Echo) and Coxsackievirus B (CVB). The population is generally susceptible to EVB, especially among children. Since the 21st century, EVB has been widely prevalent worldwide, and can cause serious diseases, such as viral meningitis, myocarditis, and neonatal sepsis. By using cryo-electron microscopy, the three-dimensional (3D) structures of EVB and their uncoating receptors (FcRn and CAR) have been determined, laying the foundation for the study of viral pathogenesis and therapeutic antibodies. A limited number of epitopes bound to neutralizing antibodies have also been determined. It is unclear whether additional epitopes are present or whether epitope mutations play a key role in molecular evolutionary history and epidemics, as in influenza and SARS-CoV-2. In the current study, the conformational epitopes of six representative EVB serotypes (E6, E11, E30, CVB1, CVB3 and CVB5) were systematically predicted by bioinformatics-based epitope prediction algorithm. We found that their epitopes were distributed into three clusters, where the VP1 BC loop, C-terminus and VP2 EF loop were the main regions of EVB epitopes. Among them, the VP1 BC loop and VP2 EF loop may be the key epitope regions that determined the use of the uncoating receptors. Further molecular evolution analysis based on the VP1 and genome sequences showed that the VP1 C-terminus and VP2 EF loop, as well as a potential "breathing epitope" VP1 N-terminus, were common mutation hotspot regions, suggesting that the emergence of evolutionary clades was driven by epitope mutations. Finally, footprints showed mutations were located on or near epitopes, while mutations on the receptor binding sites were rare. This suggested that EVB promotes viral epidemics by breaking the immune barrier through epitope mutations, but the mutations avoided the receptor binding sites. The bioinformatics study of EVB epitopes may provide important information for the monitoring and early warning of EVB epidemics and developing therapeutic antibodies.

464. Inclusion of non-medical interventions in model-based economic evaluations for tuberculosis: A scoping review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Ramsay LC, Marina Richardson, Miranda RN

BACKGROUND: The economic evaluation of health interventions is important in priority setting. Several guidance documents exist to support the conduct of economic evaluations, however, there is limited guidance for the evaluation of non-medical interventions. For tuberculosis (TB), where equity-deserving groups are disproportionately impacted, assessing interventions aimed at addressing social risk factors is necessary to effectively reduce TB burden. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review seeks to assess the existing literature on model-based economic evaluations of TB interventions to gauge the extent to which non-medical interventions have been evaluated in low-TB-incidence jurisdictions. As a secondary objective, this review aims to characterize key features of existing economic evaluations of medical and non-medical interventions. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the grey literature and MEDLINE, Embase, EconLit, and PsychINFO databases to September 6, 2022 following the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Eligible articles were those that used decision-analytic modeling for economic evaluation of TB interventions in low-TB-incidence jurisdictions. RESULTS: This review identified 127 studies that met the inclusion criteria; 11 focused on prevention, 73 on detection, and 43 on treatment of TB. Only three studies (2%) evaluated non-medical interventions, including smoking reduction strategies, improving housing conditions, and providing food vouchers. All three non-medical intervention evaluations incorporated TB transmission and robust uncertainty analysis into the evaluation. The remainder of the studies evaluated direct medical interventions, eight of which were focused on specific implementation components (e.g., video observed therapy) which shared similar methodological challenges as the non-medical interventions. The majority of remaining evaluated medical interventions were focused on comparing various screening programs (e.g., immigrant screening program) and treatment regimens. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review identified a gap in literature in the evaluation of non-medical TB interventions. However, the identified articles provided useful examples of how economic modeling can be used to explore non-traditional interventions using existing economic evaluation methods.

465. Weighing heavy: Heavy serving dishes increase food serving.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Tal A, Grinstein A, Kleijnen M.

466. Direction and distance dependency of reaching movements of lower limb.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Oku K, Tanaka S, Kida N.

467. Knockout of CLTC gene reduces but not completely block SFTSV infection.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Liu T, Li J, Wang X

468. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in Ephedra saxatilis on the vertical altitude gradient changed in southern Tibet Plateau, China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Lu M, Zhang Y, Wang S

469. TROLLOPE: A novel sequence-based stacked approach for the accelerated discovery of linear T-cell epitopes of hepatitis C virus.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Charoenkwan P, Waramit S, Chumnanpuen P

470. Ethnic differences in respiratory disease for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: Analysis of mediation processes in two community samples.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Wills TA, Kaholokula JK, Pokhrel P

471. Impact of the use of GeneXpert on TB diagnosis and anti-TB treatment outcome at health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the post-millennium development years.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Getahun DA, Layland LE, Hoerauf A

BACKGROUND: GeneXpert is an effective and rapid molecular system used for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. It is expected to improve the detection rate and treatment outcomes needed to meet the sustainable development goals (SDG) and End TB strategy targets set for 2030. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of GeneXpert on diagnosis and anti-TB treatment outcomes in the post-millennium development goals (MDGs) in the capital city of Ethiopia. Hence, the global priority indicator based on the End TB Strategy for TB treatment success rate was met early in 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which was anticipated to be met by 2025. METHODS: A retrospective health facilities-based study was conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Records of all TB cases diagnosed and treated in selected health facilities from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2018 were reviewed and included in the study. Data analysis of descriptive and inferential statistics was conducted using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: The reviewed records have shown that a total of 45,158 presumptive pulmonary TB (PTB) cases had accessed TB diagnosis services. Of which, 28.9% (13072/45158) were tested by AFB microscopy and 71.1% (32086/45158) were tested by GeneXpert. During the study period, the coverage of Xpert MTB/RIF testing increased to 94.9% in 2018 compared to 1.6% in 2015. The number of presumptive PTB cases tested with the GeneXpert system showed a significant increase compared to smear microscopy. The odds of positivity were detected in males compared to females. The odds of detecting TB cases were much higher among study participants aged 15-44 years compared to younger than 15 years. Treatment success rate showed a relative improvement each year between 2015 and 2018 with a mean of 92.6%. Reduced odds of treatment successes were observed in age categories older than 35 years, and in TB/HIV co-infected patients. Increased odds of treatment successes were reported in the years between 2016 and 2018 compared to 2015. CONCLUSION: Scaling up the Xpert MTB/RIF assay as a point-of-care test for presumptive TB cases in resource-limited settings would have a significant impact to meet the SDG and End TB strategy both in TB detection and treatment success rates.

472. Comparative analysis of multiorgan toxicity induced by long term use of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Mumtaz T, Tahir A, Tariq MA

The constant use of disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs affects the functioning of multiple organs inside the body. Some drugs are more toxic than others. The present case control investigation was designed to evaluate the comparative toxicity of methotrexate and leflunomide on multiple organs in rheumatoid arthritis patients. For this purpose, 100 subjects with confirmed rheumatoid arthritis condition were recruited form tertiary care center. Whereas 50 age matched controls were recruited from the local healthy population. Participants of the study were categorized into three groups with equal numbers of subjects in each group (n = 50). Group 1 comprised rheumatoid arthritis patients on methotrexate treatment, group 2 included rheumatoid arthritis patients on leflunomide treatment and group 3 were healthy subjects. Cardiac and respiratory response was evaluated by monitoring blood pressure, pulse and breathing rate and spot oxygen saturation. Stress on liver was estimated by measuring change in liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) and total bilirubin. While, degree of renal impairment was assessed by calculating glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine, urinary urea and uric acid. For statistical interpretation, data was subjected to independent student "t" test and analysis of variance (one way ANOVA) for mean variations. Both methotrexate and leflunomide elevated the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate. Leflunomide maintained the oxygen saturation at 96.7%, whereas methotrexate exerted serious effect on spot oxygen saturation by reducing it significantly to 93.25% than healthy subjects. Hepatotoxicity manifested by sustained use of leflunomide was perceptible in this study group. Whereas, both methotrexate and leflunomide influenced renal function as indicated by marked increase in blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.001), serum creatinine (P = 0.007) and reduced glomerular filtration rate (P<0.0001). However, use of methotrexate demonstrated significant (P<0.0001) reduction in serum uric acid and urinary urea levels. Methotrexate is more injurious to heart, blood vessels and kidneys than leflunomide but it is less noxious to hepatic parenchyma. Contrarily, leflunomide usage is comparatively better option for respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal health but dangerous to liver. Thus, a single drug can't be prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis for longer management of arthritis patients.

473. Adsorption characteristics and mechanism of ammonia nitrogen and phosphate from biogas slurry by Ca2+-modified soybean straw biochar.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Wu X, Ye M, Wang J

474. An improved grasshopper-based MPPT approach to reduce tracking time and startup oscillations in photovoltaic system under partial shading conditions.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Wasim MS, Amjad M, Abbasi MA

475. Harvesting cereals at Tappeh Sang-e Chakhmaq and the introduction of farming in Northeastern Iran during the Neolithic.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Pichon F, Ibáñez Estevez JJ, Anderson PC

Tappeh Sang-e Chakhmaq is the only Neolithic site in Northeastern Iran, characterised by aceramic and ceramic levels corresponding to an occupation of 1500 years from the eighth to the end of the sixth millennium BCE. The Western and Eastern Mounds represent the oldest and longest occupation among the sites identified East of the Zagros, providing a unique context to explore the origin and spread of farming outside the core area of the Eastern Fertile Crescent. We present data about the first harvesting activities in the Northeastern Iranian Central Plateau by applying usewear and microtexture analysis through confocal microscopy on sickle gloss blades. Our results indicate a community of pioneer farmers who settled down in the area carrying with them both domestic cereals as well as advanced techniques of cereal cultivation. We demonstrate that most of the tools were used for harvesting cereals in a fully ripened state collected near the ground, indicating a well-established cereal cultivation strategy. The use of straight shafts with parallel inserts in Tappeh Sang-e Chakhmaq, as known in some sites in the Zagros, suggests the dispersal of farming practices and technologies from the Eastern Fertile Crescent north-eastward across Iran. We observe an evolution in the degree of ripeness of harvested cereals along the first four levels of occupation of the Western Mound, where semi-ripe harvesting is relatively important, suggesting that domestic cereals to be harvested before full maturity were introduced into the village. From the topmost of the Western Mound and along the occupation of the Eastern Mound, ripe harvesting is dominant, showing a well-established cultivation strategy of fully mature cereal. This shift could indicate an in-situ evolution towards a better-established agricultural technology, including harvesting riper crops, that would have resulted in higher yields, as cereals were collected when the grain was fully formed.

476. Helicase-like transcription factor (Hltf)-deletion activates Hmgb1-Rage axis and granzyme A-mediated killing of pancreatic β cells resulting in neonatal lethality.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Kaur G, Helmer RA, Martinez-Marin D

477. Colorectal cancer disparities in Latin America: Mortality trends 1990-2019 and a paradox association with human development.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Muzi CD, Banegas MP, Guimarães RM.

478. The epidemiology of patients with toxoplasmosis and its associated risk factors in Taiwan during the 2007-2020 period.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Yu CP, Chen BC, Chou YC

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), and may cause miscarriage and birth defects during pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological features, epidemic trends, and correlations between the before number of confirmed toxoplasmosis cases in Taiwan from 2007 to 2020 in gender, age, season, and residential area, and hypothesized the environmental and climate factors also might affect the disease in Taiwan. METHODS: This study reviewed publicly available annual summary data on reported toxoplasmosis cases in the Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control (TCDC) between 2007 and 2020. RESULTS: This study collected 150 confirmed domestic and nine patients with imported toxoplasmosis. There was an increasing trend in the incidence of toxoplasmosis, 0.09-0.89 cases per 1,000,000 people, peaking in 2017. The average annual toxoplasmosis incidence was 4.4, 13, and 18 during 2007-2011, 2012-2016, and 2017-2020, respectively. Comparing sex, age, season, and place of residence, the incidence rate was highest in male, 20-39 years-old patients, summer, and the eastern region, with 1.02, 1.72, 0.38, and 3.63 cases per million population, respectively. Additionally, comparing the distribution of cases by age group in Taiwan, there were significant differences between 40-59 years-old in the northern region (odds ratio (OR) = 0.343, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.167-0.705, p = 0.004) and 40-59 years-old in the southern region (OR = 4.488, and 95% CI = 2.149-9.374, p< 0.001), respectively. Linear regression analysis also showed that PM (particulate matter) 2.5 (μg/m3) concentration was positively associated with toxoplasmosis (β = 0.095, p = 0.037). CO concentration was negatively correlated with toxoplasmosis (β = -14.001, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report domestic and confirmed cases of imported toxoplasmosis from the surveillance data of the TCDC between 2007 and 2020. It identified that residence and age were associated with an increased risk of toxoplasmosis in Taiwan. This study confirmed that toxoplasmosis remains a prevalent infectious disease in Taiwan, its epidemic is gradually increasing and becoming more severe. These findings might be useful for policy-makers and clinical experts to direct prevention and control activities to patients with T. gondii, which causes the most severe illness and greatest burden to Taiwanese people.

479. Healthcare utilization during the first two waves of the COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa: A cross-sectional household survey.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Wolter N, Tempia S, von Gottberg A

480. Identifying high risk clinical phenogroups of pulmonary hypertension through a clustering analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Rambarat P, Zern EK, Wang D

481. The entero-endocrine response following a mixed-meal tolerance test with a non-nutritive pre-load in participants with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes: A crossover randomized controlled trial proof of concept study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Muilwijk M, Beulens JWJ, Groeneveld L

INTRODUCTION: This crossover randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated differences in short-term entero-endocrine response to a mixed-meal tolerance test preceded by nutrient sensing between participants with pre-diabetes (pre-T2D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Additionally, differences in gut and oral microbiome composition between participants with a high and low entero-endocrine response were investigated. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Ten participants with pre-T2D and ten with T2D underwent three test days with pre-loads consisting of either swallowing water (control), or rinsing with a non-nutritive sweetener solution, or swallowing the sweetener solution before a mixed-meal tolerance test. Blood glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucagon, glucose, insulin and peptide YY (PYY) were determined at t = -20, 0, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes. The composition of the oral and gut microbiome at baseline were also determined. RESULTS: The entero-endocrine response differed by pre-loads, e.g. a lower PYY response after swallowing the non-nutritive sweetener (-3585.2pg/mL [95% CI: -6440.6; -729.8]; p = 0.01). But it also differed by T2D status, e.g. a higher glucose, glucagon and PYY response was found in participants with T2D, compared to those with pre-T2D. Evidence for associations between the oral and gut microbiome composition and the entero-endocrine response was limited. Still, the level of entero-endocrine response was associated with several oral microbiome measures. Higher oral anterior α-diversity was associated with a lower PYY response (e.g. Inverse Simpson index -1357pg/mL [95% CI -2378; -336; 1.24]), and higher oral posterior α-diversitywith a higher GIP response (e.g. Inverse Simpson index 6773pg/mL [95% CI 132; 13414]) in models adjusted for sex, age and T2D status. CONCLUSIONS: Non-nutritive pre-loads influence the entero-endocrine response to a mixed-meal, and this effect varies based on (pre-)T2D status. The entero-endocrine response is likely not associated with the gut microbiome, and there is limited evidence for association with the α-diversity of the oral microbiome composition. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial register: Netherlands Trial Register NTR7212, accessible through International Clinical Trials Registry Platform: ICTRP Search Portal (who.int).

482. Magnetic resonance imaging features of invasive breast cancer association with the tumour stromal ratio.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Ab Mumin N, Ramli Hamid MT, Abdul Hamid S

483. The cardiovascular polypill as baseline treatment improves lipid profile and blood pressure regardless of body mass index in patients with cardiovascular disease. The Bacus study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Chávez Fernández JA, Ramírez Mendoza M, Kassck Ipinaa H

484. Impact of fatty acid composition on markers of exocrine pancreatic stimulation in dogs.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Zhang Y, Kirk CA, Tolbert MK

485. Teaching hospitals and their influence on survival after valve replacement procedures: A retrospective cohort study using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Maldonado-Cañón K, Buitrago G, Molina G

486. ACTivity as medicine In Oncology for Head and Neck (ACTIOHN): Protocol for a feasibility study investigating a patient-centred approach to exercise for people with head and neck cancer.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Midgley AW, Levy AR, Rogers SN

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Attempts at personalisation of exercise programmes in head and neck cancer (HaNC) have been limited. The main aim of the present study is to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of introducing a remotely delivered, fully personalised, collaborative, and flexible approach to prescribing and delivering exercise programmes into the HaNC usual care pathway. METHODS: This is a single arm, feasibility study. Seventy patients diagnosed with HaNC will be recruited from two regional HaNC centres in the United Kingdom. Patients will undertake an 8-week exercise programme designed and delivered by cancer exercise specialists. The exercise programme will start any time between the time of diagnosis and up to 8 weeks after completing treatment, depending on patient preference. The content of the exercise programme will be primarily based on patient needs, preferences, and goals, but guided by current physical activity guidelines for people with cancer. The primary outcome measure is retention to the study. Secondary quantitative outcomes are uptake to the exercise programme, different measures of exercise adherence, pre- and post-intervention assessments of fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form), quality of life (SF-36), physical activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form), and various components of physical fitness. The outcomes of the nested qualitative study are acceptability and feasibility of the intervention evaluated via interviews with patients, health care professionals, and the cancer exercise specialists. Intervention and participant fidelity will be determined using checklists and scrutiny of each patient's logbook and the cancer exercise specialists' meeting notes. Analysis of quantitative data will be via standard summary statistics. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis. EXPECTED RESULTS: This feasibility study will inform the design and conduct of a future randomised controlled trial. Success will be defined according to a traffic light system for identifying the appropriateness of progression to a randomised controlled trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number registry (ISRCTN82505455).

487. Amazon River plume habitats shape planktonic cnidarian assemblages in the Western Atlantic.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Tosetto EG, Neumann-Leitão S, Araujo M

488. Multi-threshold image segmentation of 2D OTSU inland ships based on improved genetic algorithm.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Peng Z, Wang L, Tong L

489. Archaeology demonstrates sustainable ancestral Coast Salish salmon stewardship over thousands of years.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Efford M, Taft S, Morin J

490. Combining GAN with reverse correlation to construct personalized facial expressions.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Yan S, Soladié C, Aucouturier JJ

491. Record linkage studies of primary care utilisation after release from prison: A scoping review protocol.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Cooper JA, Murphy S, Kirk R

INTRODUCTION: There is a need to improve the implementation and provision of continuity of care between prison and community in order that people who have been in prison and have a history of low engagement with services or who are vulnerable receive appropriate and timely health care and treatment. Observational studies using record linkage have investigated continuity of care after release from prison but this type of research evidence has not been synthesised. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a protocol designed to review record linkage studies about primary care utilisation after prison release in order to inform future research and guide service organisation and delivery towards people who are at-risk following release from prison. METHODS: This scoping review will follow the framework by Arksey and O'Malley (5 stages) and guidance developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science Core Collection will be searched (January 2012-March 2023) using terms relating to (i) 'former prisoners' and (ii) 'primary care'. The review will focus on observational studies that have investigated this topic using linked data from two or more sources. Two authors will independently screen titles and abstracts (step 1) and full publications (step 2) using predefined eligibility criteria. Data will be extracted from included publications using a piloted data charting form. This review will map the findings in this research area by methodology, key findings and gaps in research, and current evidence will be synthesised narratively given the expected considerable heterogeneity across studies. DISCUSSION: This review is part of a work programme on health in prison (Administrative Data Research Centre, Northern Ireland). This work may be used to inform future research, policy and practice. Findings will be shared with stakeholders, published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences. Ethical approval is not required.

492. Predicting 5-year survival after kidney transplantation in Colombia using the survival benefit estimator tool.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Nino-Torres L, García-Lopez A, Patino-Jaramillo N

493. The psychological status of patients with delayed intravitreal injection for treatment of diabetic macular edema due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Zaini MA, Mohd Zain A, Din NM

BACKGROUND: Since the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to contain the spread of COVID -19 infection in Malaysia, most clinic appointments have been rescheduled and procedures and surgeries postponed to a later date. Clinic appointments including intravitreal endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) were also no exception to the postponement. This measure takes a psychological toll on patients because of the overwhelming concern for their eye condition. This study was conducted to assess the psychological status of DME patients with delayed anti-VEGF treatment during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to March 2021 in Ophthalmology Clinic Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM UKM). Subjects diagnosed with center-involved DME aged between 20 to 80 years who experienced delayed anti-VEGF injection were recruited. Level of depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using DASS-21 questionnaire. Statistical analysis using non-parametric tests were performed to determine the relationship between the DASS-21 score and duration of last injection, in those whose vision was affected by delayed injection and the relationship to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical significance was denoted as p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 86 respondents with median age of 69 years old participated in this study. Most respondents were Malays (n = 47,54.7%) males (n = 51, 59.3%), had education up to secondary level (n = 37, 43%), unemployed (n = 78, 90.7%), married (n = 72, 83.7%) and living with their family (n = 82, 95.3%). The number of intravitreal injections received was at least three times among the respondents (n = 81, 94.2%). More than half of the respondents (n = 46, 53.5%) had been postponed for more than 12 weeks and felt that their vision was affected after delayed intravitreal injection (n = 47, 54.7%). Most of the subjects did not experience depression, anxiety, or stress. However, there was a significant level of stress scores among those with delayed injection of 9 to 12 weeks (p = 0.004), and significant anxiety (p = 0.029) and stress (p = 0.014) scores found in subjects with vision affected due to delayed treatment. CONCLUSION: The level of anxiety and stress can be significant in DME patients who experienced delay in intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment. Assessment of psychosocial impacts is important to identify early mental health issues potentially leading to the onset of psychiatry illness, thus early intervention is indispensable.

494. Upper-critical solution temperature (UCST) polymer functionalized nanomedicine for controlled drug release and hypoxia alleviation in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Niu X, Fu Y, Feng L

495. Evaluation of cyclic fatigue and bending test for different Nickle-Titanium files.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Ramadan F, AbuMostafa A, Alharith D.

496. Association and progression of multi-morbidity with Chronic Kidney Disease stage 3a secondary to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, grouped by albuminuria status in the multi-ethnic population of Northwest London: A real-world study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Dattani R, Ul-Haq Z, Shah M

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) secondary to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is rising worldwide. However, real-world data linking glomerular function and albuminuria to the degree of multi-morbidity is lacking. We thus utilised the Discover dataset, to determine this association. METHOD: Patients with T2DM diagnosed prior to 1st January 2015 with no available biochemical evidence of CKD were included. Patients subsequently diagnosed and coded for CKD3a in 2015, were grouped by the degree of albuminuria. Baseline and 5-year co-morbidity was determined, as were prescribing practices with regards to prognostically beneficial medication. RESULTS: We identified 56,261 patients with T2DM, of which 1082 had CKD stage 3a diagnosed in 2015 (224-CKD3aA1,154-CKD3aA2,93-CKD3aA1; 611 patients with CKD3a but no uACR available in 2015 were excluded from follow up). No statistically significant difference was observed in the degree of co-morbidities at baseline. A significant difference in the degree of hypertension, retinopathy, ischaemic heart disease and vascular disease from baseline compared to study end point was observed for all 3 study groups. Comparing co-morbidities developed at study end point, highlighted a statistical difference between CKD3aA1 Vs CKD3aA3 for retinopathy alone and for hypertension and heart failure between CKD3aA2 Vs CKD3aA3. 40.8% of patients with CKD3aA2 or A3 were prescribed Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone inhibitors (RAASi) therapy between June-December 2021. Survival analysis showed 15% of patients with CKD3aA3 developed CKD stage 5 within 5 years of diagnosis. DISCUSSION: CKD3a secondary to DKD is associated with significant multimorbidity at baseline and 5 years post diagnosis, with CKD3aA3 most strongly associated with CKD progression to CKD 5, heart failure, hypertension and retinopathy compared to CKD3aA1 or CKD3aA2 at 5 years post diagnosis. The lack of uACR testing upon diagnosis and poor prescribing of RAASi, in those with CKD3aA2/A3, raises significant cause for concern. CONCLUSION: DKD is associated with significant multimorbidity. Significant work is needed to be done to ensure patients undergo testing for uACR, to allow for future risk stratification and ability to be started on prognostically beneficial medication.

497. Organizational and behavioral attributes' roles in adopting cloud services: An empirical study in the healthcare industry.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Meri A, Hasan MK, Dauwed M

498. Impact of vaccine measures on the transmission dynamics of COVID-19.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Liu H, Han X, Lin X

499. Surface integrity optimization for ball-end hard milling of AISI D2 steel based on response surface methodology.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Huang W, Wan C, Wang G

500. Maternal metabolic status and in-vitro culture conditions during embryonic genome activation deregulate the expression of energy-related genes in the bovine 16-cells embryo.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Rabaglino MB, Forde N, Besenfelder U

501. Assessing the reliability of pediatric emergency medicine billing code assignment for future consideration as a proxy workload measure.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Park JM, McDonald E, Buren Y

OBJECTIVES: Prediction of pediatric emergency department (PED) workload can allow for optimized allocation of resources to improve patient care and reduce physician burnout. A measure of PED workload is thus required, but to date no variable has been consistently used or could be validated against for this purpose. Billing codes, a variable assigned by physicians to reflect the complexity of medical decision making, have the potential to be a proxy measure of PED workload but must be assessed for reliability. In this study, we investigated how reliably billing codes are assigned by PED physicians, and factors that affect the inter-rater reliability of billing code assignment. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was completed to determine the reliability of billing code assigned by physicians (n = 150) at a quaternary-level PED between January 2018 and December 2018. Clinical visit information was extracted from health records and presented to a billing auditor, who independently assigned a billing code-considered as the criterion standard. Inter-rater reliability was calculated to assess agreement between the physician-assigned versus billing auditor-assigned billing codes. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the association between covariables of interest and inter-rater reliability. RESULTS: Overall, we found substantial inter-rater reliability (AC2 0.72 [95% CI 0.64-0.8]) between the billing codes assigned by physicians compared to those assigned by the billing auditor. Adjusted logistic regression models controlling for Pediatric Canadian Triage and Acuity scores, disposition, and time of day suggest that clinical trainee involvement is significantly associated with increased inter-rater reliability. CONCLUSIONS: Our work identified that there is substantial agreement between PED physician and a billing auditor assigned billing codes, and thus are reliably assigned by PED physicians. This is a crucial step in validating billing codes as a potential proxy measure of pediatric emergency physician workload.

502. Introducing a new routing method in the MANET using the symbionts search algorithm.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Tabatabaei S.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Seifu BL, Nigatu SG, Gezie LD.

BACKGROUND: Prisoners usually need more comprehensive health and social support than the general population. Due to the growing number of prisoners in Ethiopia and limited access to health service, quality of life is a key concern. Compromised health-related quality of life imposes short and long-term consequences on the prisoners, their families, and the healthcare system. In Ethiopia, there are limited studies that investigate health outcomes and health-related quality of life in this particular population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of health-related quality of life and associated factors among prisoners considering the multidimensional nature of health related quality of life. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,246 prisoners who were enrolled using simple random sampling. The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL-BREF-26) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) tools were used to assess the HRQoL and depression among prisoners, respectively. The relationships between exogenous, mediating, and endogenous variables were identified using structural equation modeling. As the mediation of effects were present, then the direct, indirect, and total effects were determined. General fit indices of the final model were acceptable (x2/df = 1.76, p < 0.001, RMSEA = 0.06, TLI = 0.90, CFI = 0.91, and SRMR = 0.06). RESULT: The mean (standard deviation) score of the overall health related quality of life was 53.25 (15.12). Having an underlying medical condition had negative total effect on health related quality of life while visits in prison had positive total effect. Having income-generating work in prison had only a direct positive effect. Whereas, older age, being married, longer duration of imprisonment, and depression all had only a negative direct effect on one or more domains of quality of life (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Inmates in Gondar Prison have very poor and compromised levels of physical and psychological health despite having a modest degree of overall HRQoL. The result of this study is significant for people who work in and research the prison environment because it can assist in recognizing prisoners' health needs and devising treatment procedures that take into consideration physical, psychological, environmental, and social relationship aspects.

504. Evaluation of hematological parameters alterations in different waves of COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Charostad J, Rezaei Zadeh Rukerd M, Shahrokhi A

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of variations in routine hematological parameters is closely associated with disease progression, the development of severe illness, and the mortality rate among COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to investigate hematological parameters in COVID-19 hospitalized patients from the 1st to the 5th waves of the current pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 1501 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 based on WHO criteria, who were admitted to Shahid Sadoughi Hospital (SSH) in Yazd, Iran, from February 2020 to September 2021. Throughout, we encountered five COVID-19 surge waves. In each wave, we randomly selected approximately 300 patients and categorized them based on infection severity during their hospitalization, including partial recovery, full recovery, and death. Finally, hematological parameters were compared based on age, gender, pandemic waves, and outcomes using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: The mean age of patients (n = 1501) was 61.1±21.88, with 816 (54.3%) of them being men. The highest mortality in this study was related to the third wave of COVID-19 with 21.3%. There was a significant difference in all of the hematological parameters, except PDW, PLT, and RDW-CV, among pandemic waves of COVID-19 in our population. The highest rise in the levels of MCV and RDW-CV occurred in the 1st wave, in the 2nd wave for lymphocyte count, MCHC, PLT count, and RDW-SD, in the 3rd wave for WBC, RBC, neutrophil count, MCH, and PDW, and in the 4th wave for Hb, Hct, and ESR (p < 0.01). The median level of Hct, Hb, RBC, and ESR parameters were significantly higher, while the mean level of lymphocyte and were lower in men than in women (p < 0.001). Also, the mean neutrophil in deceased patients significantly was higher than in those with full recovered or partial recovery (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of our study unveiled notable variations in hematological parameters across different pandemic waves, gender, and clinical outcomes. These findings indicate that the behavior of different strains of the COVID-19 may differ across various stages of the pandemic.

505. Purification and characterization of novel isoforms of the polyphenol oxidase from Malus domestica fruit pulp.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Sajjad N, Ahmad MS, Mahmood RT

506. Intensive care nurse managers' experiences during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic: Implications for future epidemiological crises.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Dobrowolska B, Gutysz-Wojnicka A, Dziurka M

507. Officials' promotion expectation, corporate strategic deviance and corporate growth in China: The moderating effect of corporate ownership.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Li Y, Fang X.

508. Direct costs of blood drawings with pre-analytical errors in tertiary paediatric hospital care.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Hjelmgren H, Heintz E, Ygge BM

509. Management and clinical outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding who decline transfusion.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Asiedu JO, Thomas AJ, Cruz NC

510. The COVID-19 related stress and social network addiction among Chinese college students: A moderated mediation model.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Hu Z, Zhu Y, Li J

511. Persistent extrasynaptic hyperdopaminergia in the mouse hippocampus induces plasticity and recognition memory deficits reversed by the atypical antipsychotic sulpiride.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Rocchetti J, Fasano C, Dal-Bo G

512. Baseline tumor gene expression signatures correlate with chemoimmunotherapy treatment responsiveness in canine B cell lymphoma.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Dittrich K, Yıldız-Altay Ü, Qutab F

513. An antimicrobial blue light device to manage infection at the skin-implant interface of percutaneous osseointegrated implants.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Ong J, Nazarian A, Tam J

514. Exploring differences and similarities of EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L and WHOQOL-OLD in recipients of aged care services in Germany.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Marten O, Greiner W.

515. Gulliksen's pool: A quick tool for preliminary detection of problematic items in item factor analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Ferrando PJ, Lorenzo-Seva U, Bargalló-Escrivà MT.

516. Bionomics and population dynamics of anopheline larvae from an area dominated by fish farming tanks in northern Brazilian Amazon.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Barbosa LMC, Scarpassa VM.

517. Contribution of peri-urban land use and agriculture to entropy and food of mega-cities: On sustainability, planning by control theory and recycling of organics.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Nuppenau EA.

518. Cost-effectiveness of implementing risk-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) management using updated WHO CVD risk prediction charts in India.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Sivanantham P, S MK, Essakky S

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) has released the updated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction charts in 2019 for each of the 21 Global Burden of Disease regions. The WHO advocates countries to implement population-based CVD risk assessment and management using these updated charts for preventing and controlling CVDs. OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost-effectiveness of implementing risk-based CVD management using updated WHO CVD risk prediction charts in India. METHODS: We developed a decision tree combined with Markov Model to simulate implementing two community-based CVD risk screening strategies (interventions) compared with the current no-screening scenario. In the first strategy, the whole population is initially screened using the WHO non-lab-based CVD risk assessment method, and those with ≥10% CVD risk are subjected to WHO lab-based CVD risk assessment (two-stage screening). In the second strategy, the whole population is subjected only to the lab-based CVD risk assessment (single-stage screening). A mathematical cohort of those aged ≥40 years with no history of CVD events was simulated over a lifetime horizon with three months of cycle length. Data for the model were derived from a primary study and secondary sources. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were determined for the screening strategies and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: The discounted Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per QALY gained for both the two-stage (US$ 105; ₹ 8,656) and single-stage (US$ 1073; ₹ 88,588) screening strategies were cost-effective at an implementation effect of 40% when compared with no screening scenario. Implementing CVD screening strategies are estimated to cause substantial reduction in the number of CVD events in the population compared to the no screening scenario. CONCLUSION: In India, both CVD screening strategies would be cost-effective, and implementing the two-staged screening would be more cost-effective. Our findings support implementing population-based CVD screening in India. Future studies shall assess the budget impact of these strategies at different implementation coverage levels.

519. Correction: A Prospective Cohort Study of Antipsychotic Medications in Pregnancy: The First 147 Pregnancies and 100 One Year Old Babies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Kulkarni J, Worsley R, Gilbert H

520. Pro-arrhythmic role of adrenergic spatial densities in the human atria: An in-silico study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Magtibay K, Massé S, Nanthakumar K

Chronic stress among young patients (≤ 45 years old) could result in autonomic dysfunction. Autonomic dysfunction could be exhibited via sympathetic hyperactivity, sympathetic nerve sprouting, and diffuse adrenergic stimulation in the atria. Adrenergic spatial densities could alter atrial electrophysiology and increase arrhythmic susceptibility. Therefore, we examined the role of adrenergic spatial densities in creating arrhythmogenic substrates in silico. We simulated three 25 cm2 atrial sheets with varying adrenergic spatial densities (ASD), activation rates, and external transmembrane currents. We measured their effects on spatial and temporal heterogeneity of action potential durations (APD) at 50% and 20%. Increasing ASD shortens overall APD, and maximum spatial heterogeneity (31%) is achieved at 15% ASD. The addition of a few (5% to 10%) adrenergic elements decreases the excitation threshold, below 18 μA/cm2, while ASDs greater than 10% increase their excitation threshold up to 22 μA/cm2. Increase in ASD during rapid activation increases APD50 and APD20 by 21% and 41%, respectively. Activation times of captured beats during rapid activation could change by as much as 120 ms from the baseline cycle length. Rapidly activated atrial sheets with high ASDs significantly increase temporal heterogeneity of APD50 and APD20. Rapidly activated atrial sheets with 10% ASD have a high likelihood (0.7 ± 0.06) of fragmenting otherwise uniform wavefronts due to the transient inexcitability of adrenergically stimulated elements, producing an effective functional block. The likelihood of wave fragmentation due to ASD highly correlates with the spatial variations of APD20 (ρ = 0.90, p = 0.04). Our simulations provide a novel insight into the contributions of ASD to spatial and temporal heterogeneities of APDs, changes in excitation thresholds, and a potential explanation for wave fragmentation in the human atria due to sympathetic hyperactivity. Our work may aid in elucidating an electrophysiological link to arrhythmia initiation due to chronic stress among young patients.

521. Correction: DCE-MRI-Derived Parameters in Evaluating Abraxane-Induced Early Vascular Response and the Effectiveness of Its Synergistic Interaction with Cisplatin.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Sun X, Yang L, Yan X

522. Assessment of clustering techniques to support the analyses of soybean seed vigor.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

de Oliveira ER, Bugatti PH, Saito PTM.

523. How do symptoms of each joint contribute to global pain, disease activity and functional disability in rheumatoid arthritis?-A comprehensive association study using a large cohort.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Umemoto A, Ito H, Azukizawa M

524. Clinical characteristics and predictors for in-hospital mortality in adult COVID-19 patients: A retrospective single center cohort study in Vilnius, Lithuania.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Kubiliute I, Vitkauskaite M, Urboniene J

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 infection had spread worldwide causing many deaths. Mortality rates and patients' characteristics varied within and between countries, making it important to understand the peculiarities of different populations. The aim of this study was to identify the main predictors associated with in-hospital mortality due to COVID-19 in Vilnius, Lithuania. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational cohort study conducted at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, Lithuania. The study included SARS-CoV-2 positive patients aged over 18 years and hospitalized between March 2020 and May 2021. Depersonalized data were retrieved from electronic medical records. The predictive values of laboratory parameters were evaluated using ROC analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to reveal predictors of in-hospital mortality due to COVID-19. RESULTS: Among 2794 patients, 54.4% were male, the age median was 59 years (IQR 48-70), 47.4% had at least one comorbidity. The most common comorbidities were arterial hypertension (36.9%) and diabetes mellitus (13.7%). Overall, 12.7% of patients died. Multivariable regression revealed that age (OR 1.04, 95%CI 1.02-1.06), congestive heart failure (OR 3.06, 95%CI 1.96-4.77), obesity (OR 3.90, 95%CI 2.12-7.16), COPD (OR 2.92, 95%CI 1.12-7.60), previous stroke (OR 5.80, 95%CI 2.07-16.21), urea >7.01 mmol/l (OR 2.32, 95%CI 1.47-3.67), AST/ALT >1.49 (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.08-2.21), LDH >452.5 U/l (OR 2.60, 95%CI 1.74-3.88), CRP >92.68 mg/l (OR 1.58, 95%CI 1.06-2.35), IL-6 >69.55 ng/l (OR 1.62, 95%CI 1.10-2.40), and troponin I >18.95 ng/l (OR 2.04, 95%CI 1.38-3.02), were associated with increased risk for in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Age, congestive heart failure, obesity, COPD, prior stroke, and increased concentration of urea, LDH, CRP, IL-6, troponin I, ALT to AST ratio were identified to be the predictors for in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 patients.

525. Acoustic and perceptual impact of face masks on speech: A scoping review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Badh G, Knowles T.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment such as facial masks and coverings were mandated all over the globe to protect against the virus. Although the primary aim of wearing face masks is to protect against viral transmission, they pose a potential burden on communication. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify the state of the evidence of the effect of facial coverings on acoustic and perceptual speech outcomes. The scoping review followed the framework created by Arksey & O'Malley (2005) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines (PRISMA-ScR; Tricco et al., 2018). The search was completed in May 2021 across the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A total of 3,846 records were retrieved from the database search. Following the removal of duplicates, 3,479 remained for the title/abstract screen and 149 were selected for the full-text review. Of these, 52 were included in the final review and relevant data were extracted. The 52 articles included in the final review consisted of; 11 studied perceptual outcomes only, 16 studied acoustic outcomes only, and 14 studied both perceptual and acoustic outcomes. 13 of these investigated acoustic features that could be used for mask classification. Although the findings varied from article to article, many trends stood out. Many articles revealed that face masks act as a low pass filter, dampening sounds at higher frequencies; however, the frequency range and the degree of attenuation varied based on face mask type. All but five articles that reported on perceptual outcomes showed a common trend that wearing a face mask was associated with poorer speech intelligibility. The findings of the scoping review provided evidence that facial coverings negatively impacted speech intelligibility, which is likely due to a combination of auditory and visual cue degradation. Due to the continued prevalence of mask use, how facial coverings affect a wider variety of speaker populations, such as those with communication impairments, and strategies for overcoming communication challenges should be explored.

526. The magnitude of chronic diabetes complications and its associated factors among diabetic patients attending the general hospitals in Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Berhe KK, Mselle LT, Gebru HB.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a severe challenge to global public health since it is a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and rising healthcare costs. 3.0 million Ethiopians, or 4.7% of the population, had diabetes in 2021. Studies on the chronic complications of diabetes in Ethiopia have not been conducted in lower-level healthcare facilities, so the findings from tertiary hospitals do not accurately reflect the issues with chronic diabetes in general hospitals. In addition, there is a lack of information and little research on the complications of chronic diabetes in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the degree of chronic diabetes complications and associated factors among diabetic patients presenting to general hospitals in the Tigray area in northern Ethiopia. METHODS: As part of a multi-centre cross-sectional study, 1,158 type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients from 10 general hospitals in the Tigray region were randomly chosen. An interviewer-administered questionnaire, a record review, and an SPSS version 20 analysis were used to collect the data. All continuous data were presented as mean standard deviation (SD), while categorical data were identified by frequencies. Using a multivariable logistic regression model, the factors associated with chronic diabetes complications among T2D diabetic patients were found, and linked factors were declared at p 0.05. RESULTS: Fifty-four of people with diabetes have chronic problems. Hypertension (27%) eye illness, renal disease (19.1%), and hypertension (27%) eye disease were the most common long-term effects of diabetes. Patients with chronic diabetes complications were more likely to be older than 60, taking insulin and an OHGA (Oral Hyperglycemic Agent) (AOR = 3.00; 95% CI 1.73, 5.26), having diabetes for more than five years, taking more than four tablets per day (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.23,2.15), and having high systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Patients with government employment (AOR = 0.48; 95% CI 0.26, 0.90), antiplatelet drug use (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.16, 0.52), and medication for treating dyslipidemia (AOR = 0.54; 95% CI 0.35, 0.84), all had a decreased chance of developing a chronic diabetes problem. CONCLUSION: At least one chronic diabetic complication was present in more than half of the patients in this study. Chronic diabetes problems were related to patients' characteristics like age, occupation, diabetes treatment plan, anti-platelet, anti-dyslipidemia medicine, duration of diabetes, high Systolic BP, high Diastolic BP, and pill burden. To avoid complications from occurring, diabetes care professionals and stakeholders must collaborate to establish appropriate methods, especially for individuals who are more likely to experience diabetic complications.

527. USP4 promotes the proliferation and glucose metabolism of gastric cancer cells by upregulating PKM2.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Chen Y, Guo Y, Yuan M

528. Hypothesis-generating analysis of the impact of non-damaging metabolic acidosis on the transcriptome of different cell types: Integrated stress response (ISR) modulation as general transcriptomic reaction to non-respiratory acidic stress?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Dubourg V, Schulz MC, Terpe P

Extracellular pH is an important parameter influencing cell function and fate. Microenvironmental acidosis accompanies different pathological situations, including inflammation, hypoxia and ischemia. Research focussed mainly on acidification of the tumour micromilieu and the possible consequences on proliferation, migration and drug resistance. Much less is known regarding the impact of microenvironmental acidosis on the transcriptome of non-tumour cells, which are exposed to local acidosis during inflammation, hypoxia, ischemia or metabolic derailment. In the present hypothesis-generating study, we investigated the transcriptional impact of extracellular acidosis on five non-tumour cell types of human and rat origin, combining RNA-Sequencing and extensive bioinformatics analyses. For this purpose, cell type-dependent acidosis resiliences and acidosis-induced transcriptional changes within these resilience ranges were determined, using 56 biological samples. The RNA-Sequencing results were used for dual differential-expression analysis (DESeq and edgeR) and, after appropriate homology mapping, Gene Ontology enrichment analysis (g:Profiler), Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA®), as well as functional enrichment analysis for predicted upstream regulators, were performed. Extracellular acidosis led to substantial, yet different, quantitative transcriptional alterations in all five cell types. Our results identify the regulator of the transcriptional activity NCOA5 as the only general acidosis-responsive gene. Although we observed a species- and cell type-dominated response regarding gene expression regulation, Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and upstream regulator analysis predicted a general acidosis response pattern. Indeed, they suggested the regulation of four general acidosis-responsive cellular networks, which comprised the integrated stress response (ISR), TGF-β signalling, NFE2L2 and TP53. Future studies will have to extend the results of our bioinformatics analyses to cell biological and cell physiological validation experiments, in order to test the refined working hypothesis here.

529. Univariable and multivariable mendelian randomization study revealed the modifiable risk factors of urolithiasis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Fang H, Deng J, Chen Q

BACKGROUND: Urolithiasis is a common urological disease with increasing incidence worldwide, and preventing its risk poses significant challenges. Here, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) framework to genetically assess the causal nature of multifaceted risk factors on urolithiasis. METHODS: 17 potential risk factors associated with urolithiasis were collected from recently published observational studies, which can be categorized basically into lifestyle factors and circulating biomarkers. The instrumental variables of risk factors were selected from large-scale genome-wide association studies (N ≤ 607,291). Summary-level data on urolithiasis were obtained from UK Biobank (UKB) (3,625 cases and 459,308 noncases) and the FinnGen consortium (5,347 cases and 213,445 noncases). The univariable and multivariable MR analyses were applied to evaluate the causal, independent effect of these potential risk factors upon urolithiasis. Effects from the two consortia were combined by the meta-analysis methods. RESULTS: Higher genetically predicted sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG, OR, 0.708; 95% CI, 0.555 to 0.903), estradiol (OR, 0.179; 95% CI, 0.042 to 0.751), tea intake (OR, 0.550; 95% CI, 0.345 to 0.878), alcoholic drinks per week (OR, 0.992; 95% CI, 0.987 to 0.997), and some physical activity (e.g., swimming, cycling, keeping fit, and bowling, OR, 0.054; 95% CI, 0.008 to 0.363) were significantly associated with a lower risk of urolithiasis. In the Multivariate Mendelian Randomization (MVMR) analyses, the significant causal associations between estradiol, SHBG, tea intake, and alcoholic drinks per week with urolithiasis were robust even after adjusting for potential confounding variables. However, the previously observed causal association between other exercises and urolithiasis was no longer significant after adjusting for these factors. CONCLUSIONS: The univariable and multivariable MR findings highlight the independent and significant roles of estradiol, SHBG, tea intake, and alcoholic drinks per week in the development of urolithiasis, which might provide a deeper insight into urolithiasis risk factors and supply potential preventative strategies.

530. Anterior chamber depth in mice is controlled by several quantitative trait loci.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Larson DR, Kimber AJ, Meyer KJ

531. Tunnel lining crack expansion and maintenance strategy optimization considering train loads: A case study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Wang D, Wang J, Rao C

Cracks in concrete tunnel linings are inevitable during service life. It is necessary to keep abreast of the cracking condition of the lining and formulate reasonable inspection and maintenance measures to ensure operational safety. Considering the influence of train loads on the safety and service performance of cracked linings, the expansion process of lining cracks and the maintenance strategy of tunnels during the service period was investigated. The impact of detection probability and maintenance measures on the service life of tunnel lining and the cost of detection and maintenance of cracked lining in the whole life cycle was analyzed; the optimization calculation model of tunnel lining crack detection and maintenance strategy based on genetic algorithm was established with the multi-objective optimization function of maximizing the service life of detection and maintenance and minimizing the total cost of detection and maintenance of fatigue cracks. The optimization analysis of lining crack expansion, detection, and maintenance was carried out for an operational railroad tunnel. Finally, an optimization analysis of lining crack expansion and maintenance was carried out in a railway tunnel. The results show that the stress intensity factor at the tip of the lining cracks is the same as the train load waveform; the magnitude of the stress intensity factor approximately satisfies the exponential function relationship with the depth of cracks; the fatigue service life of cracked lining is positively correlated with the cost of inspection and maintenance; the adoption of the necessary maintenance and the increase in the number of inspections and maintenance have a better economy while meeting the expectation of the service life. According to the Pareto solution set, the management can formulate the inspection and maintenance strategy based on the tunnel's expected life and maintenance budget.

532. An investigation of how perceived smart tourism technologies affect tourists' well-being in marine tourism.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 25

Zheng Y, Wu Y.

533. Factors influencing in-service teachers' technology integration model: Innovative strategies for educational technology.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Peng R, Abdul Razak R, Hajar Halili S.

534. Admission NLPR predicts long-term mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke: A retrospective analysis of the MIMIC-III database.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Su X, Zhao S, Zhang N.

535. Electrochemical cells from water ice? Preliminary methods and results.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Helman DS, Retallack M.

536. Approaches and geographical locations of respectful maternity care research: A scoping review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Shuman HL, Grupp AM, Robb LA

BACKGROUND: Peripartum mistreatment of women contributes to maternal mortality across the globe and disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. While traditionally recognized in low/low-middle-income countries, the extent of research on respectful maternity care and the types of mistreatment occurring in high-income countries is not well understood. We conducted a scoping review to 1) map existing respectful maternity care research by location, country income level, and approach, 2) determine if high-income countries have been studied equally when compared to low/low-middle-income countries, and 3) analyze the types of disrespectful care found in high-income countries. METHODS: A systematic search for published literature up to April 2021 using PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, and the Maternity & Infant Care Database was performed. Studies were included if they were full-length journal articles, published in any language, reporting original data on disrespectful maternal care received from healthcare providers during childbirth. Study location, country income level, types of mistreatment reported, and treatment interventions were extracted. This study was registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42021255337. RESULTS: A total of 346 included studies were categorized by research approach, including direct labor observation, surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Interviews and surveys were the most common research approaches utilized (47% and 29% of all articles, respectively). Only 61 (17.6%) of these studies were conducted in high-income countries. The most common forms of mistreatment reported in high-income countries were lack of informed consent, emotional mistreatment, and stigma/discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Mapping existing research on respectful maternity care by location and country income level reveals limited research in high-income countries and identifies a need for a more global approach. Furthermore, studies of respectful maternity care in high-income countries identify the occurrence of all forms of mistreatment, clashing with biases that suggest respectful maternity care is only an issue in low-income countries and calling for additional research to identify interventions that embrace an equitable, patient-centric empowerment model of maternity care.

537. A novel piecewise-linear method for detecting associations between variables.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Wang P, Zhang J.

538. Systematic review on factors associated with depression among mothers of children with cancer.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Wan Ghazali WS, Minhat HS, Mohd Zulkefli NA

539. Impact of height difference between coronary ostium and location of intracoronary pressure sensor on fractional flow reserve measurements.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Soh MS, Kim H, Kang MG

540. Central and local arterial stiffness in White Europeans compared to age-, sex-, and BMI-matched South Asians.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

van der Sluijs KM, Thannhauser J, Visser IM

BACKGROUND: Ethnicity impacts cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and South Asians demonstrate a higher risk than White Europeans. Arterial stiffness is known to contribute to CVD, and differences in arterial stiffness between ethnicities could explain the disparity in CVD risk. We compared central and local arterial stiffness between White Europeans and South Asians and investigated which factors are associated with arterial stiffness. METHODS: Data were collected from cohorts of White Europeans (the Netherlands) and South Asians (India). We matched cohorts on individual level using age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Arterial stiffness was measured with ARTSENS® Plus. Central stiffness was expressed as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV, m/s), and local carotid stiffness was quantified using the carotid stiffness index (Beta) and pressure-strain elastic modulus (Epsilon, kPa). We compared arterial stiffness between cohorts and used multivariable linear regression to identify factors related to stiffness. RESULTS: We included n = 121 participants per cohort (age 53±10 years, 55% male, BMI 24 kg/m2). Cf-PWV was lower in White Europeans compared to South Asians (6.8±1.9 vs. 8.2±1.8 m/s, p<0.001), but no differences were found for local stiffness parameters Beta (5.4±2.4 vs. 5.8±2.3, p = 0.17) and Epsilon (72±35 vs. 70±31 kPa, p = 0.56). Age (standardized β, 95% confidence interval: 0.28, 0.17-0.39), systolic blood pressure (0.32, 0.21-0.43), and South Asian ethnicity (0.46, 0.35-0.57) were associated with cf-PWV; associations were similar between cohorts (p>0.05 for interaction). Systolic blood pressure was associated with carotid stiffness in both cohorts, whereas age was associated to carotid stiffness only in South Asians and BMI only in White Europeans. CONCLUSION: Ethnicity is associated with central but not local arterial stiffness. Conversely, ethnicity seems to modify associations between CVD risk factors and local but not central arterial stiffness. This suggests that ethnicity interacts with arterial stiffness measures and the association of these measures with CVD risk factors.

541. Equity and prediction of health resource allocation of traditional Chinese medicine in China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Zhou M.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the equity of health resource allocation of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) and predict its development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, and to provide a scientific basis for promoting the improvement of TCM service capacity. METHODS: The Chinese Mainland (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) was divided into the Northeast, Eastern, Central and Western regions, and the number of TCM medical institutions, the number of TCM beds, practitioners (assistants) of TCM and Chinese pharmacists from 2016 to 2020 were selected as evaluation indicators, and the equity of health resource allocation of TCM was evaluated by Concentration index(CI), Theil index(T) and Health resource agglomeration degree (HRAD), and the development of health resource of TCM during the 14th Five-Year Plan period was predicted by grey prediction model GM (1,1). RESULTS: The Concentration index of the number of TCM medical institutions and TCM beds is negative, and the allocation tends to the regions with low economic development level. The Concentration index of practitioners (assistants) of TCM and Chinese pharmacists is positive, and the allocation tends to the regions with higher economic development level. The number of TCM medical institutions, TCM beds, practitioners (assistants) of TCM and Chinese pharmacists' Theil index allocated by geography is larger than that allocated by population, which indicates that the equity of TCM health resources allocated by population is better than that allocated by geography. The number of TCM medical institutions, practitioners (assistants) of TCM and Chinese pharmacists in between regions by population contributed more than 72% to the Theil index, indicating that the inequity mainly comes from between regions. The number of TCM medical institutions, TCM beds, practitioners (assistants) of TCM and Chinese pharmacists in within regions by geography contributed more than 80% to the Theil index, indicating that the inequity mainly comes from within regions. The HRAD in the Eastern and Central regions is greater than 1, indicating that the equity is better by geography. The HRAD in the Western region is less than 1, indicating insufficient equity by geography. The HRAD/PAD of the Central region (except for the number of TCM beds in 2020) is less than 1, indicating that it cannot meet the medical needs of the agglomerated population. The HRAD/PAD of the Western region (excluding for the Chinese pharmacists) is greater than 1, indicating that the equity is better than that of the agglomeration population. CONCLUSION: The number of TCM medical institutions and TCM beds tends to regions with low economic development levels, while the number of practitioners (assistants) of TCM and Chinese pharmacists tends to regions with high economic development levels. The equity of the allocation of TCM health resources by population is better than that by geography, and the inequity of the allocation by geography mainly comes from within region. The allocation of health resources of TCM in the four regions is different, and there is a contradiction between equity and actual medical needs.

542. Analysing potential data security losses in organisations based on subsequent users logins.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Aziz B.

543. Transcriptomic analysis of Amaranthus retroflex resistant to PPO-inhibitory herbicides.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Guo Y, Wang Y, Zang X

544. Multi-scale assessment of roost selection by 'ōpe'ape'a, the Hawaiian hoary bat (Lasiurus semotus).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Montoya-Aiona K, Gorresen PM, Courtot KN

545. Antimicrobial resistance- and pathogen patterns in the fecal microbiota of sows and their offspring in German commercial pig farms.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Lührmann A, Palmini A, Hellmich J

Reducing antibiotic use is one of the biggest challenges in pig farming, as antibiotics have been used for years to control typical problems such as newborn or post-weaning diarrhea. The pressure a one health approach has created on animal production regarding antimicrobial resistance is an opportunity to find other strategies against enterobacterial pathogens in suckling and weaned piglets. A farm-specific approach could have a good success due to the individual farm structures in Germany and other countries. In this study, non-metric multidimensional scaling, hierarchical clustering, and latent class analysis were used to determine the impact of antibiotic use on antibiotic resistance patterns and pathogen prevalence in 20 German pig farms. This may help to develop individualized health strategies. 802 fresh fecal samples were collected from sows and piglets from 20 piglet production and rearing farms at different production times (sows antepartum and postpartum, suckling piglets, weaned piglets). In addition, the use of antibiotics was recorded. DNA extracts were subjected to quantitative real-time qPCR with primers specific for antibiotic resistance genes (int1, sul1-3, dfrA1, mcr-1, blaCTX-M), and virulence factors of relevant bacteria (C. difficile, C. perfringens, Salmonella, Escherichia/Shigella/Hafnia, E. coli). Linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between different antibiotics and the major genes contributing to the clustering of observations for the different animal groups. Clustering revealed different farm clusters for sows, suckling piglets, and weaned piglets, with the most remarkable diversity in antibiotic use among weaned piglets. Amoxicillin, lincomycin, and enrofloxacin were identified as the most probable cause of increased odds of the presence of relevant antibiotic resistance genes (mcr1, dfrA1, blaCTX-M). Still, direct effects of a specific antibiotic on its associated resistance gene were rare. Enrofloxacin and florfenicol favored the occurrence of C. difficile in sows. The E. coli fimbriae genes were less affected by antibiotic use in sows and piglets, but the F4 fimbriae gene could be associated with the integrase 1 gene in piglets. The results confirm that multidrug-resistant enterobacteria are widespread in German pig farms and give awareness of the impact of current antibiotic use while searching for alternative health strategies.

546. Significant expansion of the donor pool achieved by utilizing islets of variable quality in the production of allogeneic "Neo-Islets", 3-D organoids of Mesenchymal Stromal and islet cells, a novel immune-isolating biotherapy for Type I Diabetes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Gooch AM, Chowdhury SS, Zhang PM

Novel biotherapies for Type 1 Diabetes that provide a significantly expanded donor pool and that deliver all islet hormones without requiring anti-rejection drugs are urgently needed. Scoring systems have improved islet allotransplantation outcomes, but their use may potentially result in the waste of valuable cells for novel therapies. To address these issues, we created "Neo-Islets" (NIs), islet-sized organoids, by co-culturing in ultralow adhesion flasks culture-expanded islet (ICs) and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) (x 24 hrs, 1:1 ratio). The MSCs exert powerful immune- and cyto-protective, anti-inflammatory, proangiogenic, and other beneficial actions in NIs. The robust in vitro expansion of all islet hormone-producing cells is coupled to their expected progressive de-differentiation mediated by serum-induced cell cycle entry and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Re-differentiation in vivo of the ICs and resumption of their physiological functions occurs by reversal of EMT and serum withdrawal-induced exit from the cell cycle. Accordingly, we reported that allogeneic, i.p.-administered NIs engraft in the omentum, increase Treg numbers and reestablish permanent normoglycemia in autoimmune diabetic NOD mice without immunosuppression. Our FDA-guided pilot study (INAD 012-0776) in insulin-dependent pet dogs showed similar responses, and both human- and canine-NIs established normoglycemia in STZ-diabetic NOD/SCID mice even though the utilized islets would be scored as unsuitable for transplantation. The present study further demonstrates that islet gene expression profiles (α, β, γ, δ) in human "non-clinical grade" islets obtained from diverse, non-diabetic human and canine donors (n = 6 each) closely correlate with population doublings, and the in vivo re-differentiation of endocrine islet cells clearly corresponds with the reestablishment of euglycemia in diabetic mice. Conclusion: human-NIs created from diverse, "non-clinical grade" donors have the potential to greatly expand patient access to this curative therapy of T1DM, facilitated by the efficient in vitro expansion of ICs that can produce ~ 270 therapeutic NI doses per donor for 70 kg recipients.

547. Non-invasive specimen collections for Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection in free-ranging long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Meesawat S, Aiempichitkijkarn N, Warit S

Surveillance of infectious diseases in free-ranging or wild animals has been widely conducted in many habitat-range countries after the COVID-19 episode. Thailand is located in the center of the distribution range of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis; Mf) where the animals have both frequent human contact and a high prevalence of human tuberculosis. For the large-scale detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) using IS6110-nested PCR in free-ranging Mf, non-invasive sampling was developed using oral (via rope bait) and fecal (direct swabs of fresh feces) specimen collection. Firstly, the MTBC-IS6110-nested PCR was validated in non-invasively collected specimens, in terms of its specificity and sensitivity, and then compared with those of the invasively collected oral and rectal swabs in 24 captive MTBC-suspected Mf. After validation, these methods were applied to survey for the prevalence of shed MTBC (MTBCS) in four previously reported MTBC-infected populations. A total of 173 baited rope specimens and 204 freshly defecated excretions were collected. The limit of detection of the IS6110-nested PCR technique was 10 fg/μL and the 181-bp PCR amplicon showed 100% sequence similarity with the MTB H37Rv genome sequence. Comparing the MTBCS detection between the invasive and non-invasive collected specimens in captive suspected Mf revealed a significant correlation between the two types of oral specimens (oral swabs and baited ropes; n = 24, r2 = 1, p-value < 0.001), but fresh fecal swabs showed higher MTBCS frequencies than the rectal swabs. Moreover, the proportion of MTBCS-positive free-ranging Mf were significantly higher in the fresh fecal swabs (8.82%; 95% CI; 4.9-12.7%) than in the baited ropes (5.20%; 95% CI; 1.9-8.5%). This result indicates that oral sampling via baited ropes and fecal sampling via defecated excretion swabs can serve as ancillary specimens for MTBCS detection in free-ranging non-human primates.

548. Exploring gender differences in HIV-related stigma and social support in a low-resource setting: A qualitative study in the Dominican Republic.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Celeste-Villalvir A, Payan DD, Armenta G

HIV-related stigma can affect health by compromising coping and social support. Gender differences in stigma experiences and social support are underexplored, particularly in the Caribbean. We conducted semi-structured interviews (N = 32) with patients at two HIV clinics in the Dominican Republic. Transcripts were coded using qualitative content analysis (deductive and inductive approaches) to identify themes regarding stigma experiences and social support, which were then compared across men and women participants to identify gender differences. While both men and women described experienced stigma, including verbal abuse, men's experience of stigma were subtler and women described outright rejection and instances of physical violence, including intimate partner violence. Both men and women described job discrimination, but women described severe disempowerment as well as permanent loss of income and/or employment whereas men described temporary changes in employment and /or decrease in income. Men and women described modifying behavior due to anticipated stigma, but only women discussed isolating themselves and discomfort taking HIV medication in front of others. Regarding internalized stigma, both men and women described shame, guilt, and depression over their HIV status, though these experiences were more common among women. Women's experiences prevented health care seeking and included suicidality, while men sometimes blamed women for their HIV status and expressed a desire to "move on" and "look ahead." Both men and women described receiving financial support from family and friends, community support from neighbors, governmental support, and support from other people living with HIV. Women most frequently discussed receiving support from family and friends and using religiosity to cope, whereas men referenced general family support and government benefits and were less forthcoming about personal relationships and social networks, oftentimes not disclosing HIV status to others. The social context of HIV-related stigma affects women and men differently with physical and mental health impacts and may require distinct mitigation approaches.

549. Lobeglitazone inhibits LPS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inflammation in the liver.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Seo HY, Lee SH, Park JY

550. Exploring the chemical composition, in vitro and in silico study of the anticandidal properties of annonaceae species essential oils from the Amazon.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Cascaes MM, Marques da Silva SH, de Oliveira MS

551. An efficient quasi-Monte Carlo method with forced fixed detection for photon scatter simulation in CT.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Lin G, Deng S, Wang X.

552. Energy, exergy, exergo-economic, enviro-economic, exergo-environmental, exergo-enviro-economic, sustainability and sensitivity (6E,2S) analysis on single slope solar still-An experimental study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Khan MAZ, Wahab A, Khan K

553. Crystallographic structure determination and analysis of a potential short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) from multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Ghafoori SM, Abdollahpour S, Shirmast P

554. Sequence-oriented sensitive analysis for PM2.5 exposure and risk assessment using interactive process mining.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Illueca Fernández E, Fernández Llatas C, Jara Valera AJ

The World Health Organization has estimated that air pollution will be one of the most significant challenges related to the environment in the following years, and air quality monitoring and climate change mitigation actions have been promoted due to the Paris Agreement because of their impact on mortality risk. Thus, generating a methodology that supports experts in making decisions based on exposure data, identifying exposure-related activities, and proposing mitigation scenarios is essential. In this context, the emergence of Interactive Process Mining-a discipline that has progressed in the last years in healthcare-could help to develop a methodology based on human knowledge. For this reason, we propose a new methodology for a sequence-oriented sensitive analysis to identify the best activities and parameters to offer a mitigation policy. This methodology is innovative in the following points: i) we present in this paper the first application of Interactive Process Mining pollution personal exposure mitigation; ii) our solution reduces the computation cost and time of the traditional sensitive analysis; iii) the methodology is human-oriented in the sense that the process should be done with the environmental expert; and iv) our solution has been tested with synthetic data to explore the viability before the move to physical exposure measurements, taking the city of Valencia as the use case, and overcoming the difficulty of performing exposure measurements. This dataset has been generated with a model that considers the city of Valencia's demographic and epidemiological statistics. We have demonstrated that the assessments done using sequence-oriented sensitive analysis can identify target activities. The proposed scenarios can improve the initial KPIs-in the best scenario; we reduce the population exposure by 18% and the relative risk by 12%. Consequently, our proposal could be used with real data in future steps, becoming an innovative point for air pollution mitigation and environmental improvement.

555. What is a minimal clinically important difference for clinical trials in patients with disorders of consciousness? a novel probabilistic approach.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Monti MM, Spivak NM, Edlow BL

556. Antibiotic resistance and virulence genes profiling of Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio mimicus isolates from some seafood collected at the aquatic environment and wet markets in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Abioye OE, Nontongana N, Osunla CA

The current study determines the density of Vibrio spp. and isolates V. cholerae and Vibrio mimicus from fish-anatomical-sites, prawn, crab and mussel samples recovered from fish markets, freshwater and brackish water. Virulence and antibiotic resistance profiling of isolates were carried out using standard molecular and microbiology techniques. Vibrio spp. was detected in more than 90% of samples [134/144] and its density was significantly more in fish than in other samples. Vibrio. cholerae and V. mimicus were isolated in at least one sample of each sample type with higher isolation frequency in fish samples. All the V. cholerae isolates belong to non-O1/non-O139 serogroup. One or more V. cholerae isolates exhibited intermediate or resistance against each of the eighteen panels of antibiotics used but 100% of the V. mimicus were susceptible to amikacin, gentamycin and chloramphenicol. Vibrio cholerae exhibited relatively high resistance against polymyxin, ampicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanate while V. mimicus isolates exhibited relatively high resistance against nitrofurantoin, ampicillin and polymixin. The multiple-antibiotic-resistance-index [MARI] for isolates ranges between 0 and 0.67 and 48% of the isolates have MARI that is >0.2 while 55% of the isolates exhibit MultiDrug Resistance Phenotypes. The percentage detection of acc, ant, drf18, sul1, mcr-1, blasvh, blaoxa, blatem, blaoxa48, gyrA, gyrB and parC resistance-associated genes were 2%, 9%, 14%, 7%, 2%, 25%, 7%, 2%, 2%, 32%, 25% and 27% respectively while that for virulence-associated genes in increasing other was ace [2%], tcp [11%], vpi [16%], ompU [34%], toxR [43%], rtxC [70%], rtxA [73%] and hyla [77%]. The study confirmed the potential of environmental non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae and V. mimicus to cause cholera-like infection and other vibriosis which could be difficult to manage with commonly recommended antibiotics. Thus, regular monitoring of the environment to create necessary awareness for this kind of pathogens is important in the interest of public health.

557. Religious diversity and public health: Lessons from COVID-19.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Taragin-Zeller L, Berenblum T, Brasil E

Scholars have identified a range of variables that predict public health compliance during COVID-19, including: psychological, institutional and situational variables as well as demographic characteristics, such as gender, location and age. In this paper, we argue that religious affiliation is also a clear predictor for compliance with public health guidelines. Based on a sample representative survey (N = 800) of Haredi Jews in Israel, we found that Haredi Jews mostly followed COVID-19 health regulations. Among the respondents who were non-compliant, however, we found large divergences which mostly reflected religious affiliation. While members of Lithuanian and Sephardi communities reported following guidelines, Hasidim, a more charismatic sub-group, were 12% and 14% more likely to flout public health guidelines than their Lithuanian and Sephardi counterparts, respectively. Despite this inner diversity, all Haredim were portrayed in Israeli media as one homogeneous group that was blamed for flouting public health guidelines and spreading COVID-19. Based on these findings, we argue for the importance of public health messaging that attends to diverse aspects of religious dogma, practice and observance by creating partnerships and sustainable relationships between different actors and stakeholders. In addition, we found that compliance was also shaped by knowledge about COVID-19 and public concern. Taking these findings together, health communication that acknowledges religious diversity while providing critical knowledge about the pandemic is key to developing and implementing community-focused interventions and public health programs. Practically, these insights help to improve pandemic governance as well as contributing theoretically to the study of public health relations and religion by highlighting how discourses around health vary and how differently positioned actors shape representations of responsiveness and health compliance.

558. A protocol for a proof-of-concept randomized control trial testing increased protein quantity and quality in ready-to-use therapeutic food in improving linear growth among 6-23-month-old children with severe wasting in Malawi.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Potani I, Daniel AI, Briend A

559. "I will never wish this pain to even my worst enemy": Lived experiences of pain associated with manual vacuum aspiration during post-abortion care in Kenya.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Ouedraogo R, Obure V, Kimemia G

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Kenya, where abortion is legally restricted, most abortions are induced using unsafe procedures, and lead to complications treated in public health facilities. The introduction of Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) to treat incomplete abortion has improved the management of abortion complications. However, this technology comes with pain whose management has been a challenge. This paper explores the lived experiences of pain (management) during MVA to document the contributing factors. METHODS: We used an ethnographic approach to explore girls and healthcare providers' experiences in offering and accessing post-abortion care in Kilifi County, Kenya. The data collection approach included participant observation and informal conversations in public health facilities and neighboring communities, as well as in-depth interviews with 21 girls and young women treated for abortion complication and 12 healthcare providers. RESULTS: Our findings show that almost all patients described the MVA as the most painful procedure they have ever experienced. The unbearable pain was explained by various factors, including the lack of preparedness of health facilities to offer PAC services (i.e. lack of pain medicine, lack of training, inadequate knowledge and grasp of pain medication guidelines, and malfunctioning MVA kits). Moreover, the attitudes of healthcare providers and facilities management toward the MVA device limited the supply and replacement of MVA kits. Moreover, the scarcity of pain medicines also gave some providers the opportunity to abuse patients guided by their values, whereby they would deny patients pain medication as a form of "punishment" if they were suspected of inducing their abortion, especially adolescent girls. CONCLUSION: The study findings suggest the need for clearer guidelines on pain medication, value clarification and attitude transformation training for providers, systematizing the use of medical uterine evacuation using medical abortion drug and strengthening the supply chain of pain medication and MVA kits to reduce the pain and improve the quality of post-abortion care.

560. Cache a Killer: Cache Valley virus seropositivity and associated farm management risk factors in sheep in Ontario, Canada.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Bergevin MD, Ng V, Menzies P

561. Evaluation of the industrial cooperation of the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area: Based on the Origin-Destination pairs of industrial parks and coupling model efficiency.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Ma S, Ding J, Huang Z

562. The effect of smartwatch head shape on visual imagery perception.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Feng YL, Lin YC, Chen CC.

Obesity-related diseases have been on the rise, making it important to promote physical activity. Smart sports watches are popular among young people and can play a role in this regard. This study aims to evaluate the impact of different watch head design types on the visual image of smart sports watches. Based on sales data, seven sports smartwatches with sales of over 2000 units were selected from a sample of 50 as representative samples. A factor analysis and questionnaire survey were used to identify four groups of adjectives that describe watch heads: Sporty and Smart, precious and exquisite, distinctive and avant-garde, and trendy and technological. College students evaluated the seven watches using these adjectives, and using triangular fuzzy mathematics theory, the watches were divided into three categories. The results show that the seven watches had significant differences in appearing "Sporty and Smart" and "precious and exquisite", while the visual imagery of "distinctive and avant-garde" and "trendy and technological" had no significant difference. Based on the grouping analysis of the seven samples, it is concluded that: the slim and compact shape without excessive decoration has a sense of sportiness and simplicity; the square shape combined with left and right buttons has a sense of sportiness and fashion; the unique connection between the round shape, the watch strap, and the watch head, as well as the strong mechanical feeling, have a sense of value. To substantiate the validity of our research findings, we devised three novel specimens based on the morphological elements of sports watches and conducted surveys accordingly. Statistical analysis revealed a fundamental coherence between the performance of these specimens in four stylistic domains and the expression of style-forming elements, confirming the reference value of these findings in the stylistic design of sports smartwatches. This study provides designers with references for improving the design and development efficiency of smart sports watches, promoting their sustainable development.

563. Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy identifies single cancer cells in blood. A feasibility study towards liquid biopsy.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Dowling LM, Roach P, Magnussen EA

564. Development and validation of an individual-based state-transition model for the prediction of frailty and frailty-related events.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Pincombe A, Afzali HHA, Visvanathan R

565. Inter-household transfers of material goods among Sama "sea nomads" of the Philippines: Reciprocity, helping, signaling, or something else?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Phelps JR, Pitogo KME, Emit AT

566. Regulation of coronavirus nsp15 cleavage specificity by RNA structure.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Salukhe I, Choi R, Van Voorhis W

567. Performance and patients' satisfaction with the A7+TouchCare insulin patch pump system: A randomized controlled non-inferiority study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Amadou C, Melki V, Allain J

568. Co-expression of nitrogenase proteins in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Shang Y, Guo W, Liu X

569. Healthcare providers as patients: COVID-19 experience.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Al Mutair A, Woodman A, Al Hassawi AI

570. Applicability of machine learning technique in the screening of patients with mild traumatic brain injury.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Terabe ML, Massago M, Iora PH

571. Metabolic responses and performance of Holstein × Gyr heifers grazing Brachiaria decumbens supplemented with varied crude protein levels.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Castro MMD, DeVries TJ, Machado AF

We aimed to evaluate the effect of supplemental CP on the nutritional characteristics and performance of Holstein × Gyr crossbreed heifers grazing intensively-managed Brachiaria decumbens throughout the year. Thirty-eight heifers with average initial body weight of 172.5 ± 11.15 kg (mean ± SE) and 8.2 ± 0.54 mo of age were randomly assigned to four treatments: three protein supplements (SUP) composed of soybean meal and ground corn fed at 5g/kg of BW, plus a control group (CON). The supplements had 12, 24 and 36% of CP for treatments S12 (n = 9), S24 (n = 10), and S36 (n = 9), respectively. The experiment latest one year, subdivided into four seasons: rainy, dry, rainy-dry transition (RDT), and dry-rainy transition (DRT). Feces and pasture samples were collected for 4 days in each season, using chromium oxide, titanium dioxide, and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (NDF) to estimate fecal excretion, supplement, and pasture intake, respectively. The data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIXED of the SAS with repeated measures. No effects of supplementation were detected on pasture and NDF intake. However, SUP animals had a greater intake of DM, metabolizable energy, and metabolizable protein. A positive linear response on metabolizable protein intake was observed among SUP animals. We observed an interaction between treatment and season for all digestibility variables, with a positive linear response in CP digestibility among SUP animals during all seasons. For neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility, we observed a positive linear response in RDT and rainy seasons and a quadratic response during the dry season. Furthermore, SUP animals had greater average daily gain (ADG) than non-supplemented animals, and among SUP animals, there was a quadratic response to ADG, with the greatest gain observed in S24. We observed greater nitrogen retention coefficient in SUP animals than in non-supplemented animals and a positive linear effect among SUP animals. Supplemental CP did not affect microbial protein production and efficiency. We observed an interaction between treatment and season for blood glucose, with SUP animals having greater glucose concentration in all seasons than non-supplemented animals. Additionally, we observed a quadratic response among SUP animals only during RDT and dry season, with the greatest glucose concentration in S24. SUP animals had greater blood concentrations of urea and IGF-1. In conclusion, SUP animals had greater intake, digestibility, and performance than non-supplemented animals, with the 24% CP supplement demonstrating the best metabolic responses and performance.

572. Using multiple qualitative methods to inform intervention development: Improving functional status measurement for older veterans in primary care settings.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Nicosia FM, Zamora K, Rizzo A

Functional status, or the ability to perform activities of daily living, is central to older adults' health and quality of life. However, health systems have been slow to incorporate routine measurement of function into patient care. We used multiple qualitative methods to develop a patient-centered, interprofessional intervention to improve measurement of functional status for older veterans in primary care settings. We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients, clinicians, and operations staff (n = 123) from 7 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Medical Centers. Interviews focused on barriers and facilitators to measuring function. We used concepts from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science and sociotechnical analysis to inform rapid qualitative analyses and a hybrid deductive/inductive approach to thematic analysis. We mapped qualitative findings to intervention components. Barriers to measurement included time pressures, cumbersome electronic tools, and the perception that measurement would not be used to improve patient care. Facilitators included a strong interprofessional environment and flexible workflows. Findings informed the development of five intervention components, including (1) an interprofessional educational session; (2) routine, standardized functional status measurement among older patients; (3) annual screening by nurses using a standardized instrument and follow-up assessment by primary care providers; (4) electronic tools and templates to facilitate increased identification and improved management of functional impairment; and (5) tailored reports on functional status for clinicians and operations leaders. These findings show how qualitative methods can be used to develop interventions that are more responsive to real-world contexts, increasing the chances of successful implementation. Using a conceptually-grounded approach to intervention development has the potential to improve patient and clinician experience with measuring function in primary care.

573. Suffering from chronic tinnitus, chronic neck pain, or both: Does it impact the presence of signs and symptoms of central sensitization?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

De Meulemeester K, Meeus M, De Pauw R

Chronic subjective tinnitus is a prevalent symptom, which has many similarities with chronic pain. Central sensitization is considered as a possible underlying mechanism of both symptoms. Central sensitization has already been investigated in chronic pain populations but not in patients with chronic subjective tinnitus. Therefore, the main objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare signs and symptoms, indicative for central sensitization, in tinnitus patients with and without chronic idiopathic neck pain, patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain only, and healthy controls. Also, differences in psychological and lifestyle factors, possibly influencing the association between central sensitization and tinnitus, were examined as well as correlations between signs and symptoms of central sensitization, and tinnitus, pain, psychological and lifestyle factors. Differences in signs and symptoms of central sensitization were examined using the self-report Central Sensitization Inventory and QST protocol (local and distant mechanical and heat hyperalgesia, conditioned pain modulation). Tinnitus, pain, psychological and lifestyle factors were evaluated using self-report questionnaires. Symptoms of central sensitization and local mechanical hyperalgesia were significantly more present in both tinnitus groups, compared to healthy controls, but were most extensive in the group with chronic tinnitus+chronic idiopathic neck pain. Distant mechanical hyperalgesia, indicative for central sensitization, was only observed in the group with both chronic tinnitus+chronic idiopathic neck pain. This group also displayed a significantly higher psychological burden and poorer sleep than patients with chronic tinnitus only and healthy controls. Signs and symptoms of central sensitization were also shown to be associated with tinnitus impact, pain-related disability, psychological burden and sleep disturbances. This study shows preliminary evidence for the presence of central sensitization in patients with chronic tinnitus+chronic idiopathic neck pain. This could be explained by the higher perceived tinnitus impact, psychological burden and sleep problems in this group. Trial registration: This study is registered as NCT05186259 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).

574. Discovery of novel RARα agonists using pharmacophore-based virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation studies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Ghorayshian A, Danesh M, Mostashari-Rad T

575. The flow of corporate control in the global ownership network.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Mizuno T, Doi S, Kurizaki S.

576. The effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on visceral fat and liver ectopic fat in an adult population with or without diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Liao C, Liang X, Zhang X

577. BCI-Walls: A robust methodology to predict if conscious EEG changes can be detected in the presence of artefacts.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Porr B, Bohollo LM.

578. Kynurenic acid, a key L-tryptophan-derived metabolite, protects the heart from an ischemic damage.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Bigelman E, Pasmanik-Chor M, Dassa B

579. The effect of heterogeneous environmental regulations on the employment skill structure: The system-GMM approach and mediation model.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Jing Y, Hu M, Zhao L.

Environmental regulation has played an essential function in reducing pollution and it also influences the flow of labor. Although studies on employment and environmental regulation have gained prominence, most researches ignore the heterogeneity of regulatory tools and its discrepant impacts on different skilled labor; moreover, few literatures have explored how environmental regulations affect employment. Therefore, this study creatively incorporates environmental regulation, industrial green transformation and employment skill structure into a unified analytical framework, categorizing environmental regulations into command-and-control type, market-incentive type and voluntary type and analyzing the heterogeneous influences of environmental regulations on employment skill structure. Meanwhile, we explore the indirect impact of environmental regulations on the employment skill structure from the mediating role of industrial green transformation. The following are the research findings: (1) From a national perspective, both command-and-control and market-incentive types present a U-shaped association with employment skill structure, and their intensity has not surpassed the turning point yet; while the voluntary type is positively connected with the employment skill structure. (2) From the regional analysis, the findings in central and western areas are consistent with the national results; while the market-incentive and voluntary types show a reciprocal U-shaped connection with employment skill structure in eastern, and their regulatory intensity is in the rising stage of the curve. (3) Industrial green transformation acts as a partly mediator between market-incentive type and employment skill structure, but presents a suppression effect between command-and-control type, voluntary type, and employment skill structure. This paper takes industrial green transformation as the mediating variable, which emphasizes the importance of industrial green transformation and enhances the understanding on the mechanism of environmental regulation influencing employment skill structure. The research results provide theoretical support and significant reference for China in formulating policies to facilitate industrial green transformation, mitigate pollution, and optimize employment skill structure.

580. Prehospital prediction of hospital admission for emergent acuity patients transported by paramedics: A population-based cohort study using machine learning.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Strum RP, Mowbray FI, Zargoush M

INTRODUCTION: The closest emergency department (ED) may not always be the optimal hospital for certain stable high acuity patients if further distanced ED's can provide specialized care or are less overcrowded. Machine learning (ML) predictions may support paramedic decision-making to transport a subgroup of emergent patients to a more suitable, albeit more distanced, ED if hospital admission is unlikely. We examined whether characteristics known to paramedics in the prehospital setting were predictive of hospital admission in emergent acuity patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a population-level cohort study using four ML algorithms to analyze ED visits of the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 in Ontario, Canada. We included all adult patients (≥18 years) transported to the ED by paramedics with an emergent Canadian Triage Acuity Scale score. We included eight characteristic classes as model predictors that are recorded at ED triage. All ML algorithms were trained and assessed using 10-fold cross-validation to predict hospital admission from the ED. Predictive model performance was determined using the area under curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals and probabilistic accuracy using the Brier Scaled score. Variable importance scores were computed to determine the top 10 predictors of hospital admission. RESULTS: All machine learning algorithms demonstrated acceptable accuracy in predicting hospital admission (AUC 0.77-0.78, Brier Scaled 0.22-0.24). The characteristics most predictive of admission were age between 65 to 105 years, referral source from a residential care facility, presenting with a respiratory complaint, and receiving home care. DISCUSSION: Hospital admission was accurately predicted based on patient characteristics known prehospital to paramedics prior to arrival. Our results support consideration of policy modification to permit certain emergent acuity patients to be transported to a further distanced ED. Additionally, this study demonstrates the utility of ML in paramedic and prehospital research.

581. Hyperglycemia alters retinoic acid catabolism in embryos exposed to a maternal diabetic milieu.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Lee LMY, Leung YC, Shum ASW.

Pregestational diabetes is highly associated with increased risk of birth defects. We previously reported that the expression of Cyp26a1, the major catabolizing enzyme for controlling retinoic acid (RA) homeostasis, is significantly down-regulated in embryos of diabetic mice, thereby increasing the embryo's susceptibility to malformations caused by RA dysregulation. However, the underlying mechanism for the down-regulation of Cyp26a1 remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether elevated maternal blood glucose in the diabetic milieu is a critical factor for the altered Cyp26a1 expression. Streptozotozin-induced diabetic pregnant mice were treated with phlorizin (PHZ) to reduce blood glucose concentrations via induction of renal glucosuria. Embryonic Cyp26a1 expression level, RA catabolic activity and susceptibility to various RA-induced abnormalities were examined. To test the dose-dependent effect of glucose on Cyp26a1 level, early head-fold stage rat embryos of normal pregnancy were cultured in vitro with varying concentrations of D-glucose, followed by quantification of Cyp26a1 transcripts. We found that Cyp26a1 expression, which was down-regulated in diabetic pregnancy, could be normalized under reduced maternal blood glucose level, concomitant with an increase in RA catabolic activity in embryonic tissues. Such normalization could successfully reduce the susceptibility to different RA-induced malformations including caudal regression, cleft palate and renal malformations. The expression level of Cyp26a1 in the embryo was inversely correlated with D-glucose concentrations. Diabetic patients suffer from retinopathy, dermopathy, male infertility and increased cancer risk. Coincidentally, RA dysregulation is also associated with these health problems. Our results provided evidence that elevated glucose can down-regulate Cyp26a1 expression level and disturb RA homeostasis, shedding light on the possibility of affecting the health of diabetic patients via a similar mechanism.

582. The Mediterranean Diet Scale (MDS): Translation and validation of the Arabic version.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Aljehani R, Aljehani G, Alharazi H

583. Immunogenicity and safety of Quadrivalent Influenza HA vaccine compared with Trivalent Influenza HA vaccine and evaluation of Quadrivalent Influenza HA vaccine batch-to-batch consistency in Indonesian children and adults.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Fadlyana E, Dhamayanti M, Tarigan R

One of the newest strategies developed by the Global Influenza Strategy has been to broaden the composition of the current influenza vaccine formulations from trivalent products to quadrivalent products. This study aimed to assess the immunogenicity and safety of Quadrivalent Influenza HA vaccine (QIV) compared with Trivalent Influenza HA vaccine (TIV) and to evaluate three consecutive batches of QIV equivalence in Indonesian children and adults. This was an experimental, randomized, double blind, four arm parallel group bridging study involving unprimed healthy children and adults aged 9-40 years. A total of 540 subjects were enrolled in this study and randomized into four arm groups. Each subject received one dose of TIV or QIV with three different batch codes. Serology tests were performed at baseline and 28 days after vaccination. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers were analyzed for Geometric Mean Titer (GMT), seroprotection, and seroconversion rates. Solicited, unsolicited, and serious adverse events were observed up to 28 days after vaccination. A total of 537 subjects completed the study per protocol and were analyzed for immunogenicity criteria. All randomized subjects were analyzed for safety criteria. The percentage of the subjects with anti-HI titer ≥1:40 28 days after QIV vaccination was 99.5% for A/H1N1; 99.5% for A/H3N2; 93.1% for B/Texas, and 99.0% for B/Phuket. The seroprotection, GMT, and seroconversion rates of QIV were not significantly different from those of TIV for the common vaccine strains (p > 0.01) and were significantly different from those of TIV for the added B/Phuket strains (p < 0.01). Most solicited injection-site and systemic reactions with either vaccine were mild to moderate and resolved within a few days. Antibody response to QIV were equivalence among vaccine batches and comparable between age groups for each of the 4 strains. QIV was immunogenic and well-tolerated and had immunogenicity and safety profiles compared with TIV for all common strains. The immunogenicity of the three batches of QIV was equivalent for the four strains. Trial registration. Clinical Trial registration: NCT03336593.

584. Comparing feedforward neural networks using independent component analysis on hidden units.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Satoh S, Yamagishi K, Takahashi T.

585. Testing for SES differences in the responsiveness of educational expectations in a twin design.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Ruks M.

586. Late-stage presentation with decompensated cirrhosis is alarmingly common but successful etiologic therapy allows for favorable clinical outcomes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Schwarz M, Schwarz C, Burghart L

INTRODUCTION: Liver cirrhosis accounts for considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide and late presentation limits therapeutic options. We aimed to assess characteristics of patients with liver cirrhosis at the time of first presentation and during their clinical course. METHODS: Patients with cirrhosis as evident by presence of varices at endoscopy, liver stiffness ≥15kPa at elastography, or ascites requiring paracentesis between Q1/2015-Q2/2020 were retrospectively included. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were collected from medical records at presentation and last follow-up. RESULTS: 476 patients were included (alcohol-related liver disease, ALD: 211, 44.3%; viral hepatitis: 163, 34.2%). Of these, 106 patients (22.3%) and 160 patients (33.6%) presented already with Child-Pugh C and MELD >15, respectively, and decompensation events were registered in 50% (238 patients) at baseline, and even in 75.4% of ALD patients. During a median follow-up of 11.0 (IQR 4-24) months, 116 patients died. Two-year survival was worse for patients with ALD than for viral hepatitis (71.1% vs. 90.2%, log rank p<0.001). We observed the highest percentage of portal-vein thrombosis (30.0%), hepatocellular carcinoma (15.0%), and death (45.0%) in the MAFLD group (n = 20). Patients cured from hepatitis C showed significant improvements in platelet count (147 to 169 G/L, p<0.001) and liver stiffness (26.2 to 17.7 kPa, p<0.001), while ALD patients improved in Child-Pugh score (8.6 to 7.6, p<0.001) during follow-up. With increasing Child Pugh score and MELD, we found increasing serum concentrations of CRP (p<0.001) and an inverse correlation with serum HDL (Spearman's ρ = -0.573 and -0.529, respectively, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Half of the patients with cirrhosis had decompensated cirrhosis at presentation. This calls for increased awareness and strategies for earlier diagnosis of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.

587. The coupling coordination between rural public services and rural tourism and its causative factors: The case study of southwestern China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Fang S, Ou K, Xiong J

Rural public services and rural tourism are interdependent, and their coordinated development is crucial for promoting rural revitalization and overall growth in China. So far, the existing studies mainly focus on the mutual influence, mutual promotion, and coordination paths of rural public services and rural tourism but fail to conduct an empirical analysis on the coupling coordination of rural public services and rural tourism or summarize the spatial and temporal differences of the coupling coordination. Therefore, we adopt an evaluation index system for rural public services and rural tourism. To measure the development level and the coupling coordination degree of rural public services and rural tourism in southwestern China from 2012 to 2019, we used a comprehensive evaluation model and a coupling coordination degree model. Additionally, geographic detectors were utilised to detect the causative factors of their coupling coordination development. Based on the analysis of research results, we made the following observations. In southwestern China, the comprehensive development of rural public services and rural tourism indicated an upward trend. An additional interactive coupling relationship between the two systems is observed, and its coupling coordination degree increases, with the increment varying from slow to rapid. The type of coupling coordination changes from rural tourism lagging type to rural public service lagging type, and there are spatial differences in the degree of coupling coordination between the two. The coupling coordination development of the two systems is affected by multiple causative forces, such as economic, industrial, resource attraction, and service guarantee forces, and some differences distinguish the driving strengths of both single and interaction factors. The main contribution of this article is to reveal the coupling and coordination relationship between rural public services and rural tourism, to explore the driving factors affecting the degree of coupling and coordination between them, and to make relevant policy recommendations.

588. Starling: Introducing a mesoscopic scale with Confluence for Graph Clustering.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Gaume B.

589. The construction and preliminary validation of a new Pictorial Materialism Test for 4-6-year-old children.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Trzcińska A, Kubicka K, Podsiadłowski W.

590. Adjuvant therapeutic strategy decision support for an elderly population with localized breast cancer: A monocentric cohort retrospective study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Fleck JL, Hooijenga D, Phan R

591. Migration choices of China's older adults and spatial patterns emerging therefrom (1995-2015).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Wu R, Wu L.

The steady increase in China's ageing population and an upswing in migration among the country's population, on the whole, has caused a continuous expansion of the scale of older migrants. The migration of older adults not only directly affects the well-being of individual families but also significantly impacts the population structure and economic development of the places of origin and destination. Despite this, in China, the various relevant aspects concerning this age group and, in particular, its migration choices and the patterns thereof have only rarely been the subject of sound research. The study presented in this paper seeks to fill this gap; the present study makes use of the microdata obtained from the national population censuses of 2000 and 2010 and the 1% population sample surveys conducted nationally in 2005 and 2015. The findings of the present study were the following: ① During 1995-2015, the efficiency of older adults' migration was significantly higher in the eastern region than in the central and western regions. ② Older individuals migrating to urban areas are increasingly choosing, for their relocation, economically developed, urban areas such as the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. ③ Relocation of older adults to urban areas was much more than to rural areas. The latter group has a more diverse choice of destination, and the larger migration flow is primarily from developed provinces to relatively underdeveloped provinces. ④ The results of binary logit regression indicated that the factors that significantly and consistently influence the migration decisions of older adults were found to be the following: age, education level, health status, the primary financial resource, children aged ≤ 6 years being members of the household that would receive the migrants, and the average wage of employees. As for the geographical characteristics of the province to which the older adults migrate, a substantial difference was observed between the preferences of older adults migrating to urban regions and those of older adults relocating to rural areas. The findings of the present study provide further insight into the decision-making of older adults regarding migration. Further, these findings constitute an empirical basis for the local governments concerned to devise and implement policies to better cope with an ageing population.

592. Is scientific evidence enough? Using expert opinion to fill gaps in data in antimicrobial resistance research.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Cousins M, Parmley EJ, Greer AL

593. Determining cost and placement decisions for moderate complexity NAATs for tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Malhotra A, Thompson R, De Vos M

594. Diagnostic yield and the number of tumor cells of ultrathin bronchoscopy for peripheral lung lesions: A comparison with thin bronchoscopy.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Yatani A, Katsurada N, Fukui T

595. Youth focused life skills training and counselling services program-An inter-sectoral initiative in India: Program development and preliminary analysis of factors affecting life skills.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Melur Sukumar G, Banandur PS, Nagaraja SR

596. Protective effect of propofol compared with sevoflurane on liver function after hepatectomy with Pringle maneuver: A randomized clinical trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Matsumi J, Sato T.

597. The Norwegian version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ III): Initial validation study using a national sample of registered nurses.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Ose SO, Lohmann-Lafrenz S, Bernstrøm VH

BACKGROUND: Employers are legally obligated to ensure the safety and health of employees, including the organizational and psychosocial working environment. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ III) covers multiple dimensions of the work environment. COPSOQ III has three parts: a) work environment b) conflicts and offensive behaviours and c) health and welfare. We translated all three parts into Norwegian and evaluated the statistical properties of the 28 work environment dimensions in part a), using a sample of registered nurses. METHODS: The original English version was translated into Norwegian and back translated into English; the two versions were compared, and adjustments made. In total, 86 of 99 items from the translated version were included in a survey to which 8804 registered nurses responded. Item response theory models designed for ordinal manifest variables were used to evaluate construct validity and identify potential redundant items. A standard confirmatory factor analysis was performed to verify the latent dimensionality established in the original version, and a more exploratory factor analysis without restrictions is included to determine dependency between items and to identify separable dimensions. RESULTS: The measure of sampling adequacy shows that the data are well suited for factor analyses. The latent dimensionality in the original version is confirmed in the Norwegian translated version and the scale reliability is high for all dimensions except 'Demands for Hiding Emotions'. In this homogenous sample, eight of the 28 dimensions are found not to be separate dimensions as items covering these dimensions loaded onto the same factor. Moreover, little information is provided at the low and high ends of exposure for some dimensions in this sample. Of the 86 items included, 14 are found to be potential candidates for removal to obtain a shorter Norwegian version. CONCLUSION: The established Norwegian translation of COPSOQ III can be used in further research about working environment factors and health and wellbeing in Norway. The extended use of the instrument internationally enables comparative studies, which can increase the knowledge and understanding of similarities and differences between labour markets in different countries. This first validation study shows that the Norwegian version has strong statistical properties like the original, and can be used to assess work environment factors, including relational and emotional risk factors and resources available at the workplace.

598. Estimating the causal effects of work-related and non-work-related stressors on perceived stress level: A fixed effects approach using population-based panel data.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Larsen FB, Lasgaard M, Willert MV

599. Potentially inappropriate medication uses and associated factors among elderly primary health care clinics attendees: A call to action.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Samara E, Nazzal Z, Naghnaghia S

600. Self-supervised pseudo-colorizing of masked cells.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Wagner R, Lopez CF, Stiller C.

601. Predicting the risk of hypertension using machine learning algorithms: A cross sectional study in Ethiopia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Islam MM, Alam MJ, Maniruzzaman M

602. Automated analysis of vessel morphometry in retinal images from a Danish high street optician setting.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Freiberg J, Welikala RA, Rovelt J

603. A study of microbial diversity in a biofertilizer consortium.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Hernández-Álvarez C, Peimbert M, Rodríguez-Martin P

604. Spatial diarrheal disease risks and antibiogram diversity of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in selected access points of the Buffalo River, South Africa.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Iwu CD, Nontongana N, Iwu-Jaja CJ

Freshwater sources, often used for domestic and agricultural purposes in low- and middle-income countries are repositories of clinically significant bacterial pathogens. These pathogens are usually diversified in their antibiogram profiles posing public health threats. This study evaluated the spatial diarrhoeal disease risk and antibiogram diversity of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) in four access points of the Buffalo River, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa using standard epidemiological, culture, and molecular methods. The diarrhoeal disease risk was characterised using the Monte Carlo simulation, while the antibiogram diversity was assessed using the species observed Whittaker's single alpha-diversity modelling. E. coli mean count was highest in King William's Town dam [16.0 × 102 CFU/100ml (SD: 100.0, 95% CI: 13.5 × 102 to 18.5 × 102)]. Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (stx1/stx2) was the most prevalent DEC pathotype across the study sites. A high diarrhoeal disease risk of 25.0 ×10-2 exceeding the World Health Organization's standard was recorded across the study sites. The average single and multiple antimicrobial resistance indices of the DEC to test antimicrobials were highest in the Eluxolzweni dam [0.52 (SD: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.67)] and King William's Town dam [0.42 (SD: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.57)] respectively. The prevalent antibiotic resistance genes detected were tetA, blaFOX and blaMOX plasmid-mediated AmpC, blaTEM and blaSHV extended-spectrum β-lactamases, which co-occurred across the study sites on network analysis. The phenotypic and genotypic resistance characteristics of the DEC in Maden dam (r = 0.93, p<0.00), Rooikrantz dam (r = 0.91, p<0.00), King William's Town dam (r = 0.83, p = 0.0), and Eluxolzweni dam (r = 0.91, p<0.00) were strongly correlated. At least, three phylogenetic clades of the DEC with initial steep descent alpha-diversity curves for most of the test antimicrobials were observed across the study sites, indicating high diversity. The occurrence of diversified multi drug resistant DEC with diarrhoeal disease risks in the Buffalo River substantiates the role surface water bodies play in the dissemination of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens with public health implications.

605. Correction: Re-analysing Ebola spread in Sierra Leone: The importance of local social dynamics.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

PLOS ONE Staff.

606. Putting ICU triage guidelines into practice: A simulation study using observations and interviews.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Abma IL, Olthuis GJ, Maassen ITHM

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many countries to formulate guidelines on how to deal with a worst-case scenario in which the number of patients needing intensive care unit (ICU) care exceeds the number of available beds. This study aims to explore the experiences of triage teams when triaging fictitious patients with the Dutch triage guidelines. It provides an overview of the factors that influence decision-making when performing ICU triage with triage guidelines. METHODS: Eight triage teams from four hospitals were given files of fictitious patients needing intensive care and instructed to triage these patients. Sessions were observed and audio-recorded. Four focus group interviews with triage team members were held to reflect on the sessions and the Dutch guidelines. The results were analyzed by inductive content analysis. RESULTS: The Dutch triage guidelines were the main basis for making triage decisions. However, some teams also allowed their own considerations (outside of the guidelines) to play a role when making triage decisions, for example to help avoid using non-medical criteria such as prioritization based on age group. Group processes also played a role in decision-making: triage choices can be influenced by the triagists' opinion on the guidelines and the carefulness with which they are applied. Intensivists, being most experienced in prognostication of critical illness, often had the most decisive role during triage sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Using the Dutch triage guidelines is feasible, but there were some inconsistencies in prioritization between teams that may be undesirable. ICU triage guideline writers should consider which aspects of their criteria might, when applied in practice, lead to inconsistencies or ethically questionable prioritization of patients. Practical training of triage team members in applying the guidelines, including explanation of the rationale underlying the triage criteria, might improve the willingness and ability of triage teams to follow the guidelines closely.

607. Effects of joint mobilization combined with acupuncture on pain, physical function, and depression in stroke patients with chronic neuropathic pain: A randomized controlled trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Lee JE, Akimoto T, Chang J

608. High diversity of fungal ecological groups in Andean-Patagonian Nothofagus forests.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Schön ME, Zuern S, Vera M

Native Andean-Patagonian Nothofagus forests harbour a unique diversity of microorganisms with diverse ecological roles. Although ectomycorrhizal associations constitute an important fragment of the biota associated with these forests, the factors affecting such communities are largely unknown. We investigated the biodiversity, relative abundance, and composition of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities in relation to two host tree species and ages and the soil properties in six monospecific and mixed evergreen-deciduous Nothofagus forests. We used the internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region by sequencing 9,600 ectomycorrhizae (ECM) root tips for the identification of fungi. In total, 1,125 fungal taxa at the genus level distributed over 131 orders were identified. The phyla Ascomycota (34.5%) and Basidiomycota (62.1%) were the most abundant, whereas Mucoromycota (3.1%), Chytridiomycota, Cryptomycota, Olpidiomycota, and Zoopagomycota occurred less frequently. The highest taxon diversity was found in old trees, whereas young trees often exhibited a lower diversity of the associated fungi. The fungal taxa were grouped into seven broad ecological categories, of which saprotrophic associations were most common, followed by pathotrophic, pathotrophic-saprotrophic-symbiotrophic, pathotrophic-saprotrophic, and symbiotrophic associations. We did not detect significant differences in the number of taxa in each category between young and old N. dombeyi and N. obliqua. Overall, the scale of the Illumina sequencing approach allowed us to detect a fungal taxa diversity that would not be possible to find through surveys of fruiting bodies alone and that have never been observed in Nothofagus forests before. Our findings suggest the impact of the proximity between sites, the similarity of the soil conditions, and anthropogenic use of the forests on the belowground fungal community's diversity and composition. Furthermore, there were differences between above- and belowground occurrences of the edible mushrooms B. loyo and Ramaria spp. However, future research, including on EMC tips found beneath fairy rings could provide significantly better correlations with the occurrence of aboveground fruiting body.

609. Habitual intake of fat and sugar is associated with poorer memory and greater impulsivity in humans.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Yeomans MR, Armitage R, Atkinson R

The vicious cycle model of obesity suggests that repeated habitual intake of a diet high in fat and sugar (HFS) results in impairment in hippocampal function which in turn increases impulsive behaviours, making it harder to resist unhealthy diet choices. Evidence from studies with rodents consistently show switching to a HFS diet impairs performance on hippocampally-sensitive memory tasks. The limited literature in humans also suggest impaired memory and increased impulsivity related to higher habitual HFS intake. However, these changes in memory and impulsivity have been looked at independently. To investigate how these effects are inter-related, three experiments were conducted where relative HFS intake was related to measures of memory and impulsivity. In Experiment 1 (90 female participants), HFS was associated with higher scores on the Everyday Memory Questionnaire-revised (EMQ), and higher scores on the total, Attention (BISatt) and Motor (BISmot) sub-scales of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS11). Experiment 2 (84 women and 35 men), replicated the association between HFS and EMQ, and also found HFS related to poorer performance on the hippocampally-sensitive 4 mountain (4MT) memory task. The association between HFS intake and the BISatt replicated, but there were no significant associations with other BIS11 measures or delay-discounting for monetary rewards. Experiment 3 (199 women and 87 men) replicated the associations between DFS and 4MT and EMQ, and also found an association with overall recall, but not response inhibition, from a Remembering Causes Forgetting task: HFS was also significantly associated with BIS total, BISatt and BISmot. In all three studies these associations remained when potential confounds (BMI, age, gender, hunger state, restrained and disinhibited eating) were controlled for. Mediation analysis found that the effect of HFS on memory at least part mediated the relationship between HFS and impulsivity in Experiments 1 and 3, but not 2. Overall these data provide some support for the vicious cycle model, but also suggest that trait impulsivity may be a risk factor for poor dietary choice.

610. Temporal organization of stride-to-stride variations contradicts predictive models for sensorimotor control of footfalls during walking.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Mangalam M, Kelty-Stephen DG, Sommerfeld JH

611. Effect of optional biometric parameters in the Kane formula on intraocular lens power calculation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Li XY, Liao X, Lin J

612. Exploring the relationship between environmental drivers and the manifestation of fibropapillomatosis in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in eastern Brazil.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Vanstreels RET, Durant A, Santos AP

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a disease characterized by epithelial tumors that can impede life-sustaining activities of sea turtles, especially green turtles (Chelonia mydas). FP is caused by a herpesvirus, but environmental factors are also thought to play a role in triggering FP tumor growth. In this study, we evaluate the epidemiology of FP tumors in green turtles along the coast of Espírito Santo, Brazil, a region where juvenile green turtles are known to aggregate with high FP prevalence. A dataset comprising 2024 beach-cast green turtles recorded through daily beach surveys on 400 km of coastline from 2018 to 2021 (inclusive) was evaluated. FP tumors were recorded in 40.9% of the individuals in this dataset, and presence of FP tumors was predicted by individual variables (presence of marine leeches, stranding code, curved carapace length, body mass-size residual) and characteristics of the stranding site (distance to nearest metallurgical plant, mean sea surface salinity (SSS), annual range of sea surface temperature (SST)). Additionally, a second dataset comprising detailed information about the size and anatomical distribution of tumors in 271 green turtles with FP from the same region was evaluated. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed these turtles could be classified in three groups according to the anatomical distribution of their tumors, and in turn the group to which each turtle was assigned could be predicted by the study period (2010-2014 vs. 2018-2022) and by characteristics of the stranding/capture site (green turtle stranding density, mean sea surface chlorophyll-a concentration, mean SSS, mean SST, annual range of SST). These results corroborate that individual and environmental factors play a significant role driving FP epidemiology. Furthermore, the results suggest that rather than behaving as a single entity, FP may be seen as a mosaic of distinct anatomical patterns that are not necessarily driven by the same environmental factors.

613. Correction: Activation of the Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF)-Transforming Growth Factor β 1 (TGF-β 1) Axis in Hepatitis C Virus-Expressing Hepatocytes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Nagaraja T, Chen L, Balasubramanian A

614. Multiple reinforcement measures of flysch landslide.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Wang W, Bai M, Liu Q

615. School's out for summer-Differences in training characteristics between adolescent biathletes of different performance levels.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Kårström A, Laaksonen MS, Björklund G.

616. Postoperative opioid prescribing patients with diabetes: Opportunities for personalized pain management.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Zammit A, Coquet J, Hah J

617. All-synchronized picosecond pulses and time-gated detection improve the spatial resolution of two-photon STED microscopy in brain tissue imaging.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Ishii H, Otomo K, Chang CP

618. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with chronic systemic inflammatory disease in acute myocardial infarction.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Yaginuma H, Saito Y, Sato T

619. The effects of type and workload of internal tasks on voluntary saccades in a target-distractor saccade task.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Walcher S, Korda Ž, Körner C

When we engage in internally directed cognition, like doing mental arithmetic or mind wandering, fewer cognitive resources are assigned for other activities like reacting to perceptual input-an effect termed perceptual decoupling. However, the exact conditions under which perceptual decoupling occurs and its underlying cognitive mechanisms are still unclear. Hence, the present study systematically manipulated the task type (arithmetic, visuospatial) and workload (control, low, high) of the internal task in a within-subject design and tested its effects on voluntary saccades in a target-distractor saccade task. As expected, engagement in internal tasks delayed saccades to the target. This effect was moderated by time, task, and workload: The delay was largest right after internal task onset and then decreased, potentially reflecting the intensity of internal task demands. Saccades were also more delayed for the high compared to the low workload condition in the arithmetic task, whereas workload conditions had similarly high effects in the visuospatial task. Findings suggests that perceptual decoupling of eye behavior gradually increases with internal demands on general resources and that perceptual decoupling is specifically sensitive to internal demands on visuospatial resources. The latter may be mediated by interference due to eye behavior elicited by the internal task itself. Internal tasks did not affect the saccade latency-deviation trade-off, indicating that while the internal tasks delayed the execution of the saccade, the perception of the saccade stimuli and spatial planning of the saccade continued unaffected in parallel to the internal tasks. Together, these findings shed further light on the specific mechanisms underlying perceptual decoupling by suggesting that perceptual decoupling of eye behavior increases as internal demands on cognitive resources overlap more strongly with demands of the external task.

620. Cost-effectiveness of trastuzumab deruxtecan for previously treated HER2-low advanced breast cancer.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Shi D, Liang X, Li Y

OBJECTIVE: The clinical efficacy and safety profile of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) have been demonstrated in previously treated patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low advanced breast cancer (BC). It is, however, necessary to evaluate the value of T-DXd considering both its clinical efficacy and its cost, given that it is high. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of T-DXd versus chemotherapy in patients with previously treated HER2-low advanced BC. METHODS: We used a partitioned survival model that included three mutually exclusive health states. The patients in the model were identified based on their clinical characteristics and outcomes from the DESTINY-Breast04. Probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the model's robustness. Subgroup analyses were also conducted. The measures included costs, life years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), incremental net health benefits (INHBs), and incremental net monetary benefits (INMBs). RESULTS: The ICERs of T-DXd vs. chemotherapy were $83,892/QALY, $82,808/QALY, and $93,358/QALY in all HER2-low advanced BC patients, HER2-positive (HER2+) advanced BC patients and HER2-negative (HER2-) advanced BC patients, respectively. In one-way sensitivity analysis, the cost of T-DXd and hazard ratio (HR) for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were also identified as key drivers. If the price of T-DXd decreased to $17.00/mg, $17.13/mg, and $14.07/mg, it would be cost-effective at a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $50,000/QALY in all HER2-low advanced BC patients, HER2+ advanced BC patients and HER2- advanced BC patients, respectively. At a WTP threshold of $100,000/QALY, the probability of T-DXd being cost-effective was 81.10%, 82.27%, and 73.78% compared to chemotherapy for all HER2-low advanced BC patients, HER2+ advanced BC patients and HER2- advanced BC patients, respectively. Most subgroups of patients with HER2+ disease had a cost-effectiveness probability of > 50%. CONCLUSION: From a third-party payer's perspective in the United States, the findings of the cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that, at the current price, T-DXd is a cost-effective alternative to chemotherapy for patients with prior HER2-low advanced BC, at WTP threshold of $100,000/QALY.

621. Efficacy of Wex-cide 128 disinfectant against multiple prion strains.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Baune C, Groveman BR, Hughson AG

622. Influence of skill relatedness on the location choice of heterogeneous labor force in Chinese prefecture-level cities.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Zhou X, Ao R, Aihemaitijiang Y

623. Genetic and antiretroviral drug resistance mutations analysis of reverse transcriptase and protease gene from Pakistani people living with HIV-1.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Siddiqui D, Badar U, Javaid M

624. A vehicle license plate data access model based on the jump hash consistency algorithm.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Wang W, Cheng W, Chen J

625. MIESRA mHealth: Marital satisfaction during pregnancy.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Besral B, Misrawati M, Afiyanti Y

626. Bilateral dislocation of the hip joint and associated pathological changes in the ossa coxae and femora of a European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Kierdorf U, Flohr S, Dullin C

627. Risk factors for Lyme disease resulting from residential exposure amidst emerging Ixodes scapularis populations: A neighbourhood-level analysis of Ottawa, Ontario.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Logan JJ, Hoi AG, Sawada M

Lyme disease is an emerging health threat in Canada due to the continued northward expansion of the main tick vector, Ixodes scapularis. It is of particular concern to populations living in expanding peri-urban areas where residential development and municipal climate change response impact neighbourhood structure and composition. The objective of this study was to estimate associations of socio-ecological characteristics with residential Lyme disease risk at the neighbourhood scale. We used Lyme disease case data for 2017-2020 reported for Ottawa, Ontario to determine where patients' residential property, or elsewhere within their neighbourhood, was the suspected site of tick exposure. Cases meeting this exposure definition (n = 118) were aggregated and linked to neighbourhood boundaries. We calculated landscape characteristics from composited and classified August 2018 PlanetScope satellite imagery. Negative binomial generalized linear models guided by a priori hypothesized relationships explored the association between hypothesized interactions of landscape structure and the outcome. Increases in median household income, the number of forest patches, the proportion of forested area, forest edge density, and mean forest patch size were associated with higher residential Lyme disease incidence at the neighbourhood scale, while increases in forest shape complexity and average distance to forest edge were associated with reduced incidence (P<0.001). Among Ottawa neighbourhoods, the combined effect of forest shape complexity and average forest patch size was associated with higher residential Lyme disease incidence (P<0.001). These findings suggest that Lyme disease risk in residential settings is associated with urban design elements. This is particularly relevant in urban centres where local ecological changes may impact the presence of emerging tick populations and how residents interact with tick habitat. Further research into the mechanistic underpinnings of these associations would be an asset to both urban development planning and public health management.

628. The chaos law is a principal driver of natural selection: A proposition on the evolution of recently emerged coronaviruses.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Roggero PF, Calistri A, Palù G.

629. Stock market reaction to product-harm crisis response strategies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Zheng S, Yang G, Chen S.

630. Human embryonic stem cells secrete macrophage migration inhibitory factor: A novel finding.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Wei Y, Zheng X, Huang T

631. Goodwill impairment, M&A, and industry development-Empirical evidence from listed companies in China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Wen Y.

632. Genomic characterization of a novel, widely distributed Mycoplasma species "Candidatus Mycoplasma mahonii" associated with the brittlestar Gorgonocephalus chilensis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Aroh O, Liles MR, Halanych KM.

633. Segmenting white matter hyperintensities on isotropic three-dimensional Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery magnetic resonance images: Assessing deep learning tools on a Norwegian imaging database.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Røvang MS, Selnes P, MacIntosh BJ

An important step in the analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for neuroimaging is the automated segmentation of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR-weighted) is an MRI contrast that is particularly useful to visualize and quantify WMHs, a hallmark of cerebral small vessel disease and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In order to achieve high spatial resolution in each of the three voxel dimensions, clinical MRI protocols are evolving to a three-dimensional (3D) FLAIR-weighted acquisition. The current study details the deployment of deep learning tools to enable automated WMH segmentation and characterization from 3D FLAIR-weighted images acquired as part of a national AD imaging initiative. Based on data from the ongoing Norwegian Disease Dementia Initiation (DDI) multicenter study, two 3D models-one off-the-shelf from the NVIDIA nnU-Net framework and the other internally developed-were trained, validated, and tested. A third cutting-edge Deep Bayesian network model (HyperMapp3r) was implemented without any de-novo tuning to serve as a comparison architecture. The 2.5D in-house developed and 3D nnU-Net models were trained and validated in-house across five national collection sites among 441 participants from the DDI study, of whom 194 were men and whose average age was (64.91 +/- 9.32) years. Both an external dataset with 29 cases from a global collaborator and a held-out subset of the internal data from the 441 participants were used to test all three models. These test sets were evaluated independently. The ground truth human-in-the-loop segmentation was compared against five established WMH performance metrics. The 3D nnU-Net had the highest performance out of the three tested networks, outperforming both the internally developed 2.5D model and the SOTA Deep Bayesian network with an average dice similarity coefficient score of 0.76 +/- 0.16. Our findings demonstrate that WMH segmentation models can achieve high performance when trained exclusively on FLAIR input volumes that are 3D volumetric acquisitions. Single image input models are desirable for ease of deployment, as reflected in the current embedded clinical research project. The 3D nnU-Net had the highest performance, which suggests a way forward for our need to automate WMH segmentation while also evaluating performance metrics during on-going data collection and model retraining.

634. Temporal characterization of hyaluronidases after peripheral nerve injury.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Kasper MM, Ellenbogen B, Li Y

635. Digital inclusive finance, consumer consumption and high-quality economic development.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Li W, Wang H, Zhang L

636. An accurate and interpretable model for antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic Escherichia coli from livestock and companion animal species.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 24

Chung HC, Foxx CL, Hicks JA

637. Statistics anxiety and predictions of exam performance in UK psychology students.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Hunt BW, Mari T, Knibb G

638. Patient satisfaction of breast reconstructive surgery following mastectomy in Brunei.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Nor S, Chan KG, Rahman HA

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of Breast Reconstructive Surgery (BRS) on patients' satisfaction and quality of life following mastectomy for breast cancer. METHODS: A multi-method design study comprising quantitative and qualitative research was conducted between October to December 2019. The quantitative component consisted of a cross-sectional study using the Breast-Q questionnaire and the qualitative component involved in-depth interviews with eligible patients (N = 16) who underwent BRS following mastectomy for breast cancer. Quantitative analysis was performed including Fisher's exact test and One-way Analysis of Variance where a p-value of <0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Qualitative data was thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. RESULTS: 14 out of 16 eligible patients participated in the study. We observed the lowest-scale score was for 'satisfaction with nipples' (mean score 32.7), followed by 'physical well-being: abdomen' (mean score 69.5). Despite a median score of 70 for 'satisfaction with breasts', patients were satisfied with the overall outcome of BRS (median score 80.5). Thematic analysis yielded three themes i.e. "I feel beautiful again" that described patients' satisfaction with aesthetic outcome with autologous reconstruction; "Striving for normality" that indicated BRS established back a sense of normality and improve their self-confidence and lastly, "I was well taken care of" highlighted the importance of providing 'well-informed' care to ensure overall satisfaction of their BRS journey. CONCLUSION: The uptake of BRS remains low since its availability in 2012, despite an overall increase in breast cancer cases in Brunei annually. Patients who underwent BRS have shown an increase BREAST-Q scores in breast satisfaction, psychosocial and sexual well-being after breast cancer treatment. Delivering high-quality patient-centred services and providing adequate information can influence the level of satisfaction for overall outcome. BRS should be considered as an important healthcare priority in Brunei and routinely be offered in the management of breast cancer.

639. Strengthening English language undergraduates' presentation skills: A blackboard-mediated intervention program.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Algouzi S, Alzubi AAF, Nazim M.

640. Impact of resource scarcity on general categorization tendency: The moderating role of perceived mutability.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Xiao H, Guo J, Fang J

641. Persistent Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi sub-populations within host interrogated by whole genome sequencing and metagenomics.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Sim EM, Wang Q, Howard P

642. Task-based explanation for genre effects: Evidence from a dependency treebank.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Wang Y, Jingyang J.

643. Workforce diversity in specialist physicians: Implications of findings for religious affiliation in Anaesthesia & Intensive Care.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Alim-Marvasti A, Jawad M, Ogbonnaya C

BACKGROUND: Minority ethnic identification between physician and patient can reduce communication and access barriers, improve physician-patient relationship, trust, and health outcomes. Religion influences health beliefs, behaviours, treatment decisions, and outcomes. Ethically contentious dilemmas in treatment decisions are often entangled with religious beliefs. They feature more in medical specialties such as Anaesthesia & Intensive Care, with issues including informed consent for surgery, organ donation, transplant, transfusion, and end-of-life decisions. METHODS: We investigate diversity in religious affiliation in the UK medical workforce, using data from the General Medical Council (GMC) specialist register and Health Education England (HEE) trainee applications to medical specialties. We performed conservative Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons using Chi-squared tests, as well as normalised mutual-information scores. Robust associations that persisted on all sensitivity analyses are reported, investigating whether ethnicity or foreign primary medical qualification could explain the underlying association. FINDINGS: The only significant and robust association in both GMC and HEE datasets affecting the same religious group and specialty was disproportionately fewer Anaesthesia & Intensive Care physicians with a religious affiliation of "Muslim", both as consultants (RR 0.57[0.47,0.7]) and trainee applicants (RR 0.27[0.19,0.38]. Associations were not explained by ethnicity or foreign training. We discuss the myriad of implications of the findings for multi-cultural societies. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of physician workforce diversity has far-reaching consequences, especially for specialties such as Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, where ethically contentious decisions could have a big impact. Religious beliefs and practices, or lack thereof, may have unmeasured influences on clinical decisions and on whether patients identify with physicians, which in turn can affect health outcomes. Examining an influencing variable such as religion in healthcare decisions should be prioritised, especially considering findings from the clinician-patient concordance literature. It is important to further explore potential historical and socio-cultural barriers to entry of training medics into under-represented specialties, such as Anaesthesia and Intensive Care.

644. Trophic amplification: A model intercomparison of climate driven changes in marine food webs.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Guibourd de Luzinais V, du Pontavice H, Reygondeau G

645. The casts of Pompeii: Post-depositional methodological insights.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Alapont L, Gallello G, Martinón-Torres M

646. Making green growth a reality: Reconciling sobriety with stakeholders' satisfaction.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Gans-Combe C, Jun JY, Mouhali W

The notion of sobriety is considered a key variable in various energy transition scenarios. Often associated with a form of punitive ecology, it is, nevertheless, possible to make it a component that supports green growth, by linking it to the concept of "satisfaction". In this work, we have invented a way to achieve both "digital", "economic", and "ecological" sobriety, while ensuring the satisfaction of the end user. Directly correlated to the production of goods or services, the satisfaction function is built on the well-documented marginal utility function, which measures the need (or not) to consume further resources to satisfy the economic agents. Hence, it is justified and exists because it stands for the expectations of end users and makes sure the latter is met. This product itself is a function of the allocation of a set of resources, mapped using activity-based costing tools (ABC method). In this work, we focus on an AI proof-of-concept and demonstrate that it is possible to reach numerical sobriety by controlling the size of the training dataset while ensuring roughly the same model performance. In general, we show that it is possible to preserve the efficiency of AI processes while significantly minimizing the need for resources. In this sense, after establishing an analytical model, we suggest reducing the amount of data required to train the machine learning (ML) models, while guaranteeing zero change in terms of performance (say their accuracy). We show that it affects the energy consumed, and, thereby, the associated cost (i.e., economic and ecological) and the associated CO2eq emission. We thus confirm the existence of a "triangle of sobriety". It is defined as a virtual circle governed by a digital-economic-ecological sovereignty. We also propose that if AI production processes have a potential for sobriety, all identical activities have the same characteristics, thus opening the path to green growth.

647. Integrated physiological and metabolomic analyses reveal changes during the natural senescence of Quercus mongolica leaves.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Yuan Y, Zhang W, Pang J

Quercus mongolica is a common landscape, afforestation, and construction timber species in northern China with high ecological, economic, and ornamental value. Leaf senescence is a complex process that has important implications for plant growth and development. To explore changes of metabolites during the ageing of Quercus mongolica leaves, we investigated physiological responses and metabolite composition in ageing leaves harvested from 15-20-year-old Quercus mongolica. Leaf samples of Q. mongolica were collected when they were still green (at maturity) (stage 1), during early senescence (stage 2), and during late senescence (stage 3). These leaves were then subjected to physiological index and metabolome sequencing analyses. The physiological analysis showed that the leaves of Q. mongolica changed from green to yellow during senescence, which induced significant accumulation of soluble sugar and significant reductions in the concentration of soluble protein and chlorophyll. Peroxidase and catalase were the main antioxidant enzymes mitigating leaf senescence. Metabolomic analysis identified 797 metabolites during leaf senescence. Compared to stage 1, 70 differential metabolites were screened in stage 2 and 72 were screened in stage 3. Differential metabolites in the two senescent stages were principally enriched in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The contents of N-oleoylethanolamine and N, N-dimethylglycine were significantly increased only in stage 2, while the contents of trifolin, astragalin, valine, isoleucine, leucine, and citric acid were significantly increased only in stage 3. Histidine, homoserine, tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, proline, norleucine, N-glycyl-L-leucine, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, gallic acid, 3-indoleacrylic acid, 3-amino-2-naphthoic acid, 3-hydroxy-3-methylpentane-1,5-dioic acid, 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid, trifolin, astragalin, DL-2-aminoadipic acid, pinoresinol dimethyl ether, dimethylmatairesinol, and lysophosphatidylcholine increased during both stage 2 and stage 3. Increasing contents of these metabolites may constitute the main mechanism by which Q. mongolica leaves adapt to senescence.

648. Reduced steroid activation of elephant shark GR and MR after inserting four amino acids from the DNA-binding domain of lamprey corticoid receptor-1.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Katsu Y, Zhang J, Baker ME.

649. Risk assessment for yachting tourism in China using dynamic Bayesian networks.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Yao Y, Zhou X, Parmak M.

650. Autism, thy name is man: Exploring implicit and explicit gender bias in autism perceptions.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Brickhill R, Atherton G, Piovesan A

651. Investigation of the vaginal microbiota of dairy cows through genetic sequencing of short (Illumina) and long (PacBio) reads and associations with gestational status.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Souza AK, Zangirolamo AF, Droher RG

652. Determination of drug-related problems among type 2 diabetes outpatients in a hospital in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Huong DTL, Hang NT, Ly NK

INTRODUCTION: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are common in clinical practice and occur at all stages of the medication process. The major factor contributing to DRPs is prescription, although patients' poor adherence to treatment is also a significant factor. This study evaluated type 2 diabetes outpatients in a hospital in Vietnam for drug-related problems (DRPs) and related variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 495 outpatients who met the criteria and 157 people agreed to participate in the interview. Medication order review and medication adherence review were used to identify DRPs. The types of DRP were based on the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) categories version 9.0. The identification and assessment DRPs were carried out by clinical pharmacists and get agreed upon by physicians who had not directly prescribed patients who participated in the study. RESULTS: A total of 762 DRPs were identified via prescribing review process, the average number of DRP on each prescription was 1.54±1.07, while 412 DRPs were determined through patient interviewing. The most frequent DRPs were "ADR (Adverse Drug Reaction) occurring" (68.8%). The main causes were "patient is unable to understand instructions properly" or "patient is not properly instructed", "patient stores insulin inappropriately", "patient decides to use unnecessary drugs" and "patient intentionally uses/takes less drug than prescribed or does not take the drug at all for whatever reason" which accounted for 65.0%, 41.4%, 38.2%, and 28.7%, respectively. From the prescribing review, the most observed DRPs were "Inappropriate drug according to guidelines/formulary" and "No or incomplete drug treatment in spite of existing indication", accounting for 45.0% and 42.9%, respectively. There was a significant association between age (OR 3.38, 95% CI: 1.01-11.30), duration of diabetes (OR 3.61, 95%CI: 1.11-11.74), presence of comorbidity (OR 5.31, 95%CI: 1.97-14.30), polypharmacy (OR: 2.95, 95%CI: 1.01-8.72) and DRPs. In patients, poor knowledge of antidiabetic agents was the main reason to lack adherence and occurring ADR (OR 2.73, 95%CI: 1.32-5.66, p = 0.007 and OR 2.49, 95%CI: 1.54-4.03, p = 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: DRPs occurred in the prescribing stage and relating to patient's behavior of drug administration was high. Clear identification of DRPs and the associated factors are essential for building the intervention process to improve effectiveness and safety in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

653. Assessing the size of non-Māori-speakers' active Māori lexicon.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Oh YM, Todd S, Beckner C

654. LEO satellite assisted UAV distribution using combinatorial bandit with fairness and budget constraints.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Mohamed EM.

655. Get the happiness out-An online experiment on the causal effects of positive emotions on giving.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Köbrich Leon A, Schobin J.

656. Comprehensive information-based differential gene regulatory networks analysis (CIdrgn): Application to gastric cancer and chemotherapy-responsive gene network identification.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Park H, Imoto S, Miyano S.

Biological condition-responsive gene network analysis has attracted considerable research attention because of its ability to identify pathways or gene modules involved in the underlying mechanisms of diseases. Although many condition-specific gene network identification methods have been developed, they are based on partial or incomplete gene regulatory network information, with most studies only considering the differential expression levels or correlations among genes. However, a single gene-based analysis cannot effectively identify the molecular interactions involved in the mechanisms underlying diseases, which reflect perturbations in specific molecular network functions rather than disorders of a single gene. To comprehensively identify differentially regulated gene networks, we propose a novel computational strategy called comprehensive analysis of differential gene regulatory networks (CIdrgn). Our strategy incorporates comprehensive information on the networks between genes, including the expression levels, edge structures and regulatory effects, to measure the dissimilarity among networks. We extended the proposed CIdrgn to cell line characteristic-specific gene network analysis. Monte Carlo simulations showed the effectiveness of CIdrgn for identifying differentially regulated gene networks with different network structures and scales. Moreover, condition-responsive network identification in cell line characteristic-specific gene network analyses was verified. We applied CIdrgn to identify gastric cancer and itsf chemotherapy (capecitabine and oxaliplatin) -responsive network based on the Cancer Dependency Map. The CXC family of chemokines and cadherin gene family networks were identified as gastric cancer-specific gene regulatory networks, which was verified through a literature survey. The networks of the olfactory receptor family with the ASCL1/FOS family were identified as capecitabine- and oxaliplatin sensitive -specific gene networks. We expect that the proposed CIdrgn method will be a useful tool for identifying crucial molecular interactions involved in the specific biological conditions of cancer cell lines, such as the cancer stage or acquired anticancer drug resistance.

657. The association between shift work exposure and cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults: Results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Khan D, Edgell H, Rotondi M

BACKGROUND: Shift work, especially rotating and night shift work, has been linked to a wide range of detrimental health outcomes. Occupational factors like shift work and their potential impact on cognitive functions have received little attention, and the evidence is inconclusive. The objective of our study is to explore associations between shift work exposure and cognitive impairment indicators based on comparisons with the normative standards from the Canadian population. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses were performed using baseline Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging database, including 47,811 middle-aged and older adults (45-85 years). Three derived shift work variables were utilized: ever exposed to shift work, shift work exposure in longest job, and shift work exposure in current job. Four cognitive function tests were utilized, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Tests (immediate and delayed) representing memory domain, and Animal Fluency, and Mental Alteration, representing the executive function domain. All cognitive test scores included in study were normalized and adjusted for the participant's age, sex, education and language of test administration (English and French), which were then compared to normative data to create "cognitive impairment' variables. Unadjusted and adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine associations between shift work variables and cognitive impairment individually (memory and executive function domains), and also for overall cognitive impairment. RESULT: Overall, one in every five individuals (21%) reported having been exposed to some kind of shift work during their jobs. Exposure to night shift work (both current and longest job) was associated with overall cognitive impairment. In terms of domain-based measures, night shift work (longest job) was associated with memory function impairment, and those exposed to rotating shift work (both current and longest job) showed impairment on executive function measures, when compared to daytime workers. CONCLUSION: This study suggests disruption to the circadian rhythm, due to shift work has negative impact on cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults and this warrants further investigation.

658. Comparison of socio-economic determinants of COVID-19 testing and positivity in Canada: A multi-provincial analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Antonova L, Somayaji C, Cameron J

BACKGROUND: The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been more pronounced for socially disadvantaged populations. We sought to determine how access to SARS-CoV-2 testing and the likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19 were associated with demographic factors, socioeconomic status (SES) and social determinants of health (SDH) in three Canadian provinces. METHODS: An observational population-based cross-sectional study was conducted for the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba and New Brunswick between March 1, 2020 and April 27, 2021, using provincial health administrative data. After excluding residents of long-term care homes, those without current provincial health insurance and those who were tested for COVID-19 out of province, records from provincial healthcare administrative databases were reviewed for 16,900,661 healthcare users. Data was modelled separately for each province in accordance to a prespecified protocol and follow-up consultations among provincial statisticians and collaborators. We employed univariate and multivariate regression models to examine determinants of testing and test results. RESULTS: After adjustment for other variables, female sex and urban residency were positively associated with testing, while female sex was negatively associated with test positivity. In New Brunswick and Ontario, individuals living in higher income areas were more likely to be tested, whereas in Manitoba higher income was negatively associated with both testing and positivity. High ethnocultural composition was associated with lower testing rates. Both high ethnocultural composition and high situational vulnerability increased the odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. DISCUSSION: We observed that multiple demographic, income and SDH factors were associated with SARS-CoV-2 testing and test positivity. Barriers to healthcare access identified in this study specifically relate to COVID-19 testing but may reflect broader inequities for certain at-risk groups.

659. Exploring communication preferences of trans and gender diverse individuals-A qualitative study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

von der Warth R, Metzner G, Körner M

BACKGROUND: Trans and gender-diverse individuals experience adverse health outcomes that might be due, in addition to other factors, to stigma and discrimination in the health care sector. At the same time, the concept of person-centred care acknowledges the role of patient-physician communication in health care outcomes. This study aims to explore patient-physician communication preferences in trans and gender-diverse individuals. METHOD: A qualitative interview study was conducted, including N = 10 participants between February and March 2022. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guideline, based on previous knowledge in person-centred care and sample specific communication. Participants were asked about their experiences and wishes in patient-physician centeredness. Analyses were conducting using a qualitative content analysis strategy. RESULTS: Mean age was 29.3 years; n = 6 participants identified themselves within the binary gender concept, while n = 4 identified themselves with a non-binary gender. Communication preferences for patient-physician communication were categorised into four themes: general communication aspects (e.g. active listening); the role of gender during appointments (e.g. appropriate/inappropriate addressing); gender-neutral language (e.g. experiences use of gender neutral language by physicians); own communication style (e.g. early outing and justification). Furthermore, possible contextual factors of patient-physician communication where found (e.g. trusting relationship). CONCLUSION: Adding knowledge to communication preferences of trans and gender-diverse individuals, this study was able to identify preferences that are specific to the sample as well as preferences that differ from the cis-gendered population. However, it remains unclear how the patient-physician communication preferences affects health care utilization and outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00026249).

660. Evaluation of the Jichi Medical University diverticular hemorrhage score in the clinical management of acute diverticular bleeding with emergency or elective endoscopy: A pilot study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Uehara T, Matsumoto S, Tamura H

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Emergency endoscopic hemostasis for colonic diverticular bleeding is effective in preventing serious consequences. However, the low identification rate of the bleeding source makes the procedure burdensome for both patients and providers. We aimed to establish an efficient and safe emergency endoscopy system. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the usefulness of a scoring system (Jichi Medical University diverticular hemorrhage score: JD score) based on our experiences with past cases. The JD score was determined using four criteria: CT evidence of contrast agent extravasation, 3 points; oral anticoagulant (any type) use, 2 points; C-reactive protein ≥1 mg/dL, 1 point; and comorbidity index ≥3, 1 point. Based on the JD score, patients with acute diverticular bleeding who underwent emergency or elective endoscopy were grouped into JD ≥3 or JD <3 groups, respectively. The primary and secondary endpoints were the bleeding source identification rate and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The JD ≥3 and JD <3 groups included 35 and 47 patients, respectively. The rate of bleeding source identification, followed by the hemostatic procedure, was significantly higher in the JD ≥3 group than in the JD <3 group (77% vs. 23%, p <0.001), with a higher JD score associated with a higher bleeding source identification rate. No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of clinical outcomes, except for a higher incidence of rebleeding at one-month post-discharge and a higher number of patients requiring interventional radiology in the JD ≥3 group than in the JD <3 group. Subgroup analysis showed that successful identification of the bleeding source and hemostasis contributed to a shorter hospital stay. CONCLUSION: We established a safe and efficient endoscopic scoring system for treating colonic diverticular bleeding. The higher the JD score, the higher the bleeding source identification, leading to a successful hemostatic procedure. Elective endoscopy was possible in the JD <3 group when vital signs were stable.

661. How can artificial intelligence boost firms' exports? evidence from China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Zhang Z, Deng F.

662. Thinking about the consequences: The detrimental role of future thinking on intrapersonal problem-solving in depression.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Noreen S, Dritschel B.

Despite the fact that depressed individuals encounter a multitude of social problems in daily life, research on social problem-solving has largely been dominated by research on interpersonal problems and there is a paucity of research on intrapersonal problems. Intrapersonal problems are linked to one's subjective psychological functioning and involve managing one's own feelings and emotions pertaining to the self. Given that depressed individuals exhibit impaired emotion regulation, it is possible that their ability to solve intrapersonal problems may be impaired, especially in relation to future thinking. The aim of this study was to investigate whether future thinking, in the form of thinking about the consequences of a problem being resolved or remaining unresolved has an impact on intrapersonal problem-solving in depression. Forty-five depressed and fifty-four non-depressed participants completed a modified version of the means end problem-solving task (MEPS). In the task, participants were presented with a series of intrapersonal problems and were asked to generate consequences of the problems being resolved or remaining unresolved. Participants were then presented with a positive resolution to each of the problems and were asked to solve the problem to achieve the positive resolution. Following a delay, participants were asked to recall all of the consequences initially generated. Overall, depressed individuals generated fewer-relevant means and less effective solutions to problems than non-depressed participants. Depressed individuals also demonstrated impaired intrapersonal problem-solving following the generation of resolved and unresolved consequences, compared to a baseline condition, where no consequences were generated. These findings suggest that future thinking impairs intrapersonal problem-solving and indicates that a more nuanced approach to future thinking and social problem-solving in depression is needed across different real-life problem-solving contexts.

663. Application of In vitro transcytosis models to brain targeted biologics.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Deng K, Lu Y, Finnema SJ

The blood brain barrier (BBB) efficiently limits the penetration of biologics drugs from blood to brain. Establishment of an in vitro BBB model can facilitate screening of central nervous system (CNS) drug candidates and accelerate CNS drug development. Despite many established in vitro models, their application to biologics drug selection has been limited. Here, we report the evaluation of in vitro transcytosis of anti-human transferrin receptor (TfR) antibodies across human, cynomolgus and mouse species. We first evaluated human models including human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 and human colon epithelial cell line Caco-2 models. hCMEC/D3 model displayed low trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER), strong paracellular transport, and similar transcytosis of anti-TfR and control antibodies. In contrast, the Caco-2 model displayed high TEER value and low paracellular transport. Anti-hTfR antibodies demonstrated up to 70-fold better transcytosis compared to control IgG. Transcytosis of anti-hTfR.B1 antibody in Caco-2 model was dose-dependent and saturated at 3 μg/mL. Enhanced transcytosis of anti-hTfR.B1 was also observed in a monkey brain endothelial cell based (MBT) model. Importantly, anti-hTfR.B1 showed relatively high brain radioactivity concentration in a non-human primate positron emission tomography study indicating that the in vitro transcytosis from both Caco-2 and MBT models aligns with in vivo brain exposure. Typically, brain exposure of CNS targeted biologics is evaluated in mice. However, antibodies, such as the anti-human TfR antibodies, do not cross-react with the mouse target. Therefore, validation of a mouse in vitro transcytosis model is needed to better understand the in vitro in vivo correlation. Here, we performed transcytosis of anti-mouse TfR antibodies in mouse brain endothelial cell-based models, bEnd3 and the murine intestinal epithelial cell line mIEC. There is a good correlation between in vitro transcytosis of anti-mTfR antibodies and bispecifics in mIEC model and their mouse brain uptake. These data strengthen our confidence in the predictive power of the in vitro transcytosis models. Both mouse and human in vitro models will serve as important screening assays for brain targeted biologics selection in CNS drug development.

664. Synthesis of length-tunable DNA carriers for nanopore sensing.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Roelen Z, Tabard-Cossa V.

665. Application of computer vision in assessing crop abiotic stress: A systematic review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Orka NA, Toushique FM, Uddin MN

666. Adherence to self-care practices and associated factors among heart failure patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Bekele F, Tafese L, Demsash AW

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is the leading cause of hospital stays, medical expenses, and fatalities, and it is a severe problem for worldwide public health. Successful heart failure therapy requires a high level of self-care as well as devotion to different elements of the treatment plan. Despite the positive effects of heart failure self-care on health outcomes, many heart failure patients engage in insufficient self-care behaviors. Additionally, conflicting information has been found regarding the prevalence and predictors of self-care behaviors in Ethiopia. As a result, this review's objective is to provide an overview of the most recent studies on Ethiopian heart failure patients' self-care practices. METHODS: We have used four databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar. Eventually, the final systematic review and meta-analysis contained eleven papers that matched the eligibility requirements. A systematic data extraction check list was used to extract the data, and STATA version 14 was used for the analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 tests and the Cochrane Q test statistic. To examine publication bias, a funnel plot, Egger's weighted regression, and Begg's test were utilized. RESULT: The pooled magnitude of adherence to self-care was 35.25% (95%CI: 27.36-43.14). The predictors of good adherence to self-care behavior includes heart failure knowledge (odds ratio = 5.26; 95% CI, 3.20-8.65), absence of depressive symptoms (odds ratio = 3.20;95% CI,1.18-8.70), higher level of education (AOR = 3.09;95%CI,1.45-6.61), advanced New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (odds ratio = 2.66; 95% CI, 1.39-5.07), absence of comorbidity(odds ratio = 2.92; 95% CI,1.69-5.06) and duration of heart failure symptoms(odds ratio = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.24-0.58). CONCLUSION: The extent of self-care behavior adherence is shown to be low among heart failure patients. This study showed a positive relationship between self-care behavior and factors such as proper understanding of heart failure, the absence of co-morbidity, depression, higher levels of education, a longer duration of heart failure symptoms, and advanced classes of heart failure disease. Therefore, a continuous health education should be given for patients to enhance their understanding of heart failure. Besides, special attention should be given for patients having co-morbidity and depressive symptom.

667. Field demonstration analyzing the implementation of individual animal electronic identification and genetic testing in western range sheep flocks.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Finzel JA, Brown AR, Busch RC

Adoption of electronic identification ear tags (EID) and DNA testing by commercial range sheep producers in the Western United States has been low, despite the availability of these technologies for over a decade. Jointly, these technologies offer an approach to provide individual animal performance data to improve flock health, genetic and reproductive management. This project involved a collaboration with five California sheep producers representing a broad geographic range, varying levels of pre-project EID adoption, and diverse operational practices. Tissue samples were collected from, and ear EIDs were placed in, a total of 2,936 rams and their potential lambs. We partnered with a commercial packing company, Superior Farms, to genotype the animals. Superior Farms used a targeted genotyping panel to assign parentage, and link individual animal identification (ID) to camera-graded carcass measurements. This enabled the collection of individual progeny carcass data and provided insight into sire performance, providing for the within-flock identification of prolific sires that were producing lambs with significantly more saleable meat as compared to their flock mates. Overall, almost 91% of lambs were successfully matched to their sire, and prolificacy ranging from 0-135 lambs per ram. There was as much as an $80 difference in the average edible product from camera-graded carcasses derived from lamb groups sired by different rams. A partial budget analysis modeling investment in an EID system coupled with an autodrafter and scale to collect individual weights and improve labor efficiency during processing, and a sheep flip chute to improve worker safety during foot trimmings, yielded a greater than 7:1 return on investment over a five-year time frame. Ideally, the data collection enabled by EIDs and DNA testing would feed into data-driven genetic evaluation programs to enable selection for more productive and profitable animals, and allow the US sheep industry to accelerate the rate of genetic improvement.

668. Sperm and northern bottlenose whale interactions with deep-water trawlers in the western North Atlantic.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Oyarbide U, Feyrer LJ, Gordon J.

Commercial fisheries have increased in all the world's oceans with diverse unintended impacts on marine ecosystems. As a result of resource overlap, interactions between cetaceans and fisheries are a common occurrence and, in many cases, can give rise to significant conservation issues. Research on the distribution and types of such interactions is important for efficient management. In this study, we describe the behaviors of two whale species: sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus), interacting with benthic trawlers fishing off the eastern Grand Banks of the western North Atlantic in 2007. Whale interactions were only observed when vessels were targeting Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in deep-water fishing areas and were most common during net hauling. Sperm whales and northern bottlenose whales appeared to engage in feeding behavior close to the surface during hauling, especially during the latter stages, suggesting they targeted fish escapees rather than discards. Using photo-identification methods, seven individual sperm whales were identified with multiple resights of six individuals being recorded over an almost two month period. The maximum distance between two resights was 234 km, suggesting individual sperm whales were repeatedly targeting and even following fishing vessels over multiple days and between fishing areas. By contrast, there were no photographic resights of individual northern bottlenose whales within this study, or with substantial photo-identification catalogues from other adjacent high density areas, suggesting that individuals of this species may be less likely to follow vessels or move between areas. This study documents the earliest confirmed records of northern bottlenose whales in this remote region. These interactions and high encounter rates may indicate that adjacent populations are recovering from the previous century of commercial whaling. Our study provides new insights and details on whale-fisheries interactions, which can inform future research and help managers understand the real and perceived impacts of depredation behaviour on fisheries and whales.

669. Medical malpractice in Oman: A 12-year retrospective record review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

AlBalushi AA, Al-Asmi A, Al-Shekaili W

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of studies documenting medical malpractice litigation in countries of the Arabian Gulf, such as Oman. OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of malpractice claims, the outcomes decided by the medical liability committee, and predictors of medical errors. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study that reviewed medical malpractice cases registered in Oman over a 12-year period (2010-2021) with the medical liability committee, known as the Higher Medical Committee (HMC). Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including multiple logistic regression techniques, were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2021, the HMC registered 1284 medical malpractice cases, out of which 1048 were fully investigated. The number of registered cases increased during this period. These cases included those raised by Omani nationals and expatriates, with a majority (86%) raised by Omani complainants. Two-thirds (67%) of the cases involved adult complainants aged 18-60 years. About 43% of the cases were from the urban Muscat region, and 68% were related to public hospitals. The most common specialties involved were obstetrics and gynecology (20.1%), internal medicine (19.7%), surgery (17.6%) and orthopedics (13.8%). Half (51%) of the appeals or grievances were dismissed because they were not preceded by medical negligence or malpractice. The average waiting time to initiate the investigation was 10 months. Errors were more common among non-Omani complainants and cases related to private hospitals. Significant predictors of errors included nationality (i.e. Omani vs. non-Omani), the referring institution, the medical specialty and the type of health institution involved, and the waiting time to initiate the investigation. CONCLUSION: To date, the number of cases of medical malpractice in Oman is lower compared to international trends, although there has been an upsurge in recent years. More research using a more robust methodology is warranted to contextualise the factors that contribute to this upward trend, as well as the preponderance in urban settings and among certain demographic populations.

670. Impairment of visual and neurologic functions associated with agrochemical use.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Jiménez Barbosa IA, Rodríguez Alvarez MF, Bernal Bechara LC

671. Empirical analysis of the impact of the digital economy on the green transformation of manufacturing: Evidence from China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Jia C, Shang M, Cao J

672. Spatial modelling of topsoil properties in Romania using geostatistical methods and machine learning.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Patriche CV, Roşca B, Pîrnău RG

Various research topics from the field of soil science or agriculture require digital maps of soil properties as input data. Such maps can be achieved by digital soil mapping (DSM) techniques which have developed consistently during the last decades. Our research focuses on the application of geostatistical methods (including ordinary kriging, regression-kriging and geographically weighted regression) and machine learning algorithms to produce high resolution digital maps of topsoil properties in Romania. Six continuous predictors were considered in our study (digital elevation model, topographic wetness index, normalized difference vegetation index, slope, latitude and longitude). A tolerance test was performed to ensure that all predictors can be used for the purpose of digital soil mapping. The input soil data was extracted from the LUCAS database and includes 7 chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, calcium carbonate, organic carbon, N, P, K) and the particle-size fractions (sand, silt, clay). The spatial autocorrelation is higher for pH, organic carbon and calcium carbonate, as indicated by the partial sill / nugget ratio of semivariograms, meaning that these properties are more predictable than the others by kriging interpolation. The optimal DSM method was selected by independent sample validation, using resampled statistics from 100 samples randomly extracted from the validation dataset. Also, an additional independent sample of soil profiles, comprising legacy soil data, and the 200k Romania soil map were used for a supplementary validation. The results show that machine learning and regression-kriging are the optimal methods in most cases. Among the machine learning tested algorithms, the best performance is associated with Support Vector Machines and Random Forests methods. The geographically weighted regression is also among the optimum methods for pH and calcium carbonates spatial prediction. Good predictions were achieved for pH (R2 of 0.417-0.469, depending on the method), organic carbon (R2 of 0.302-0.443), calcium carbonates (R2 of 0.300-0.330) and moderate predictions for electric conductivity, total nitrogen, silt and sand (R2 of 0.155-0.331), while the lowest prediction characterizes the phosphorous content (R2 of 0.015-0.044). LUCAS proved to be a reliable and useful soil database and the achieved spatial distributions of soil properties can be further used for national and regional soil studies.

673. Monkeypox genome mutation analysis using a timeseries model based on long short-term memory.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Pathan RK, Uddin MA, Paul AM

674. Knowledge and awareness about colorectal cancer and barriers to its screening among a sample of general public in Saudi Arabia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Imran M, Baig M, Alshuaibi RO

675. Drivers and pressures behind insect decline in Central and Western Europe based on long-term monitoring data.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Rumohr Q, Baden CU, Bergtold M

Insect declines have been discussed intensively among experts, policymakers, and the public. Albeit, decreasing trends have been reported for a long time for various regions in Europe and North America, but the controversial discussion over the role of specific drivers and pressures still remains. A reason for these uncertainties lies within the complex networks of inter-dependent biotic and abiotic factors as well as anthropogenic activities that influence habitats, communities, populations, and individual organisms. Many recent publications aim to identify both the extent of the observed declines and potential drivers. With this literature analysis, we provide an overview of the drivers and pressures and their inter-relationships, which were concluded in the scientific literature, using some of the best-studied insect groups as examples. We conducted a detailed literature evaluation of publications on Carabidae (Coleoptera) and Lepidoptera trends with data for at least 6 years in countries of Central and Western Europe, with a focus on agricultural landscapes. From the 82 publications identified as relevant, we extracted all reported trends and classified the respective factors described according to the DPSIR model. Further, we analysed the level of scientific verification (presumed vs correlated vs examined) within these papers for these cited stressors. The extracted trends for both species groups underline the reported overall declining trend. Whether negative or positive trends were reported in the papers, our semi-quantitative analysis shows that changes in insect populations are primarily anthropogenically driven by agriculture, climate change, nature conservation activities, urbanisation, and other anthropogenic activities. Most of the identified pressures were found to act on habitat level, only a fraction attributed to direct effects to the insects. While our analysis gives an overview of existing research concerning abundance and biodiversity trends of carabids and lepidopterans, it also shows gaps in scientific data in this area, in particular in monitoring the pressures along with the monitoring of abundance trends. The scientific basis for assessing biodiversity changes in the landscape is essential to help all stakeholders involved to shape, e.g. agriculture and other human activities, in a more sustainable way, balancing human needs such as food production with conservation of nature.

676. Black carbon derived PET plastic bottle waste and rice straw for sorption of Acid Red 27 dye: Machine learning approaches, kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamic studies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Chakraborty TK, Tammim L, Islam KR

677. Closed-Loop ventilation using sidestream versus mainstream capnography for automated adjustments of minute ventilation-A randomized clinical trial in cardiac surgery patients.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Nijbroek SGLH, Roozeman JP, Ettayeby S

BACKGROUND: INTELLiVENT-Adaptive Support Ventilation (ASV) is a closed-loop ventilation mode that uses capnography to adjust tidal volume (VT) and respiratory rate according to a user-set end-tidal CO2 (etCO2) target range. We compared sidestream versus mainstream capnography with this ventilation mode with respect to the quality of breathing in patients after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Single-center, single-blinded, non-inferiority, randomized clinical trial in adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery that were expected to receive at least two hours of postoperative ventilation in the ICU. Patients were randomized 1:1 to closed-loop ventilation with sidestream or mainstream capnography. Each breath was classified into a zone based on the measured VT, maximum airway pressure, etCO2 and pulse oximetry. The primary outcome was the proportion of breaths spent in a predefined 'optimal' zone of ventilation during the first three hours of postoperative ventilation, with a non-inferiority margin for the difference in the proportions set at -20%. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of breaths in predefined 'acceptable' and 'critical' zones of ventilation, and the proportion of breaths with hypoxemia. RESULTS: Of 80 randomized subjects, 78 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. We could not confirm the non-inferiority of closed-loop ventilation using sidestream with respect to the proportion of breaths in the 'optimal' zone (mean ratio 0.87 [0.77 to ∞]; P = 0.116 for non-inferiority). The proportion of breaths with hypoxemia was higher in the sidestream capnography group versus the mainstream capnography group. CONCLUSIONS: We could not confirm that INTELLiVENT-ASV using sidestream capnography is non-inferior to INTELLiVENT-ASV using mainstream capnography with respect to the quality of breathing in subjects receiving postoperative ventilation after cardiac surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04599491 (clinicaltrials.gov).

678. Risk of incident cardiovascular diseases at national and subnational levels in Iran from 2000 to 2016 and projection through 2030: Insights from Iran STEPS surveys.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Ebrahimi H, Masinaei M, Aminorroaya A

679. Clinical predictors of encephalitis in UK adults-A multi-centre prospective observational cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Defres S, Tharmaratnam K, Michael BD

680. Test performance of lateral flow rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 in Welsh adult care home staff using routine surveillance data.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Hogg C, Boots S, Howorth D

BACKGROUND: Lateral flow tests (LFTs) have been used to screen for SARS-CoV2 in Wales since January 2021. Between May and August 2021, adult care home staff policy was for biweekly Innova LFT and weekly Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing while asymptomatic. We estimated test performance of LFTs conducted in adult care home staff using PCR tests as a reference standard. METHODS: Test results from surveillance data were matched by individual where both LFT and PCR were taken on the same day. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and agreement using Matthew's correlation coefficient. Ct values of positive PCR results were compared by matched LFT result. Analysis was conducted using R v4.1.3. RESULTS: We analysed 115,593 test pairs, 499 (0.43%) of which were PCR positive. Median age was 48 (IQR: 22) and 85.00% of the study population were female. Test result agreement was 99.59% (95%CI 99.55-99.63; MCC: 0.38, p<0.001). Sensitivity and specificity were 25.65% (95%CI 22.02-29.67) and 99.91% (95%CI 99.89-99.93), respectively. PPV was 55.90% (95%CI 49.42-62.17) and NPV was 99.68% (95%CI 99.64-99.71). Crude Ct values were significantly lower in positive PCR tests matched to a positive LFT compared to a negative LFT. CONCLUSIONS: Specificity and negative predictive value were high in an asymptomatic population of care home staff indicating this test is an effective tool for identifying cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection during periods of high prevalence where transmission is likely, due to the presence of high viral loads. Positive predictive value results are lower than existing literature yet should be considered in light of the asymptomatic study population and low prevalence (under 1%) at the time most of these tests were conducted. Performance improved at times of higher prevalence during the study. These results suggest that whilst lateral flow tests are effective for identifying SARS-COV-2 infections with high viral loads, they are not effective at identifying cases with a low viral load. When an LFT provides a negative result, false negatives should be considered and additional diagnostic tests performed.

681. Trust based attachment.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Kates-Harbeck J, Nowak M.

682. Rock art and frontier conflict in Southeast Asia: Insights from direct radiocarbon ages for the large human figures of Gua Sireh, Sarawak.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 23

Huntley J, Taçon PSC, Jalandoni A

683. Effect of Test and Treat on clinical outcomes in Nigeria: A national retrospective study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Lavoie MC, Ehoche A, Blanco N

684. Bright light therapy and early morning attention, mathematical performance, electroencephalography and brain connectivity in adolescents with morning sleepiness.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Teicher MH, Bolger E, Garcia LCH

685. Nanograms of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein delivered by exosomes induce potent neutralization of both delta and omicron variants.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Cacciottolo M, Li Y, Nice JB

Exosomes are emerging as potent and safe delivery carriers for use in vaccinology and therapeutics. A better vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is needed to provide improved, broader, longer lasting neutralization of SARS-CoV-2, a more robust T cell response, enable widespread global usage, and further enhance the safety profile of vaccines given the likelihood of repeated booster vaccinations. Here, we use Capricor's StealthXTM platform to engineer exosomes to express native SARS-CoV-2 spike Delta variant (STX-S) protein on the surface for the delivery of a protein-based vaccine for immunization against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The STX-S vaccine induced a strong immunization with the production of a potent humoral immune response as demonstrated by high levels of neutralizing antibody not only against the delta SARS-CoV-2 virus but also two Omicron variants (BA.1 and BA.5), providing broader protection than current mRNA vaccines. Additionally, both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses were increased significantly after treatment. Quantification of spike protein by ELISA showed that only nanograms of protein were needed to induce a potent immune response. This is a significantly lower dose than traditional recombinant protein vaccines with no adjuvant required, which makes the StealthXTM exosome platform ideal for the development of multivalent vaccines with a better safety profile. Importantly, our exosome platform allows novel proteins, or variants in the case of SARS-CoV-2, to be engineered onto the surface of exosomes in a matter of weeks, comparable with mRNA vaccine technology, but without the cold storage requirements necessary for mRNA vaccines. The ability to utilize exosomes for cellular delivery of proteins, as demonstrated by STX-S, has enormous potential to revolutionize vaccinology by rapidly facilitating antigen presentation at an extremely low dose resulting in a potent, broad antibody response.

686. Applications of maximum matching by using bipolar fuzzy incidence graphs.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Rehman FU, Rashid T, Hussain MT.

687. Predicting sport fish mercury contamination in heavily managed reservoirs: Implications for human and ecological health.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Lepak JM, Johnson BM, Hooten MB

688. Sociocultural factors associated with persistent prescription opioid use (PPOU) among Puerto Rican adults in Massachusetts.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Essien-Aleksi IE, Zhang Y, Koren A

BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of opioid-overdose deaths have been witnessed among Hispanics and other underserved populations in Massachusetts. Puerto Rican adults (PRs) have a disproportionately higher prevalence of chronic diseases than non-Hispanic White adults-conditions linked to increased prescription opioid use and misuse. Stress indicators, including low acculturation, low social support, and perceived discrimination, have been recognized as correlates of chronic diseases. However, little research has been undertaken on how these socio-cultural factors relate to persistent prescription opioid use among PRs. This study evaluated the prevalence of prescription opioid use and socio-cultural factors associated with persistent prescription opioid use among PRs. METHODS: Data from the prospective population-based Boston Puerto Rican Health Study, at baseline, ~2-year, and ~ 6-year follow-up, were used to estimate prescription opioid use prevalence and its associations with acculturation, social support, and perceived discrimination. Analyses were conducted using multivariable binary logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: The study sample was comprised of 798 PRs (age 56.5 ± 7.5y) with data at all three-time points. A high prevalence of prescription opioid use was observed and was associated with lower household income. PRs with experiences of perceived discrimination had higher odds of persistent prescription opioid use (y/n; OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.46-5.58). No significant associations were found between acculturation, social support, and persistent prescription opioid use. CONCLUSION: Our study reported a high prevalence of prescription opioid use in PRs, with persistent prescription opioid use significantly associated with perceived discrimination. Future programs to limit discrimination practices may reduce persistent prescription opioid use and opioid-related complications among PRs.

689. A compact metasurface-based circularly polarized antenna with high gain and high front-to-back ratio for RFID readers.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Tran-Huy H, Nguyen HH, Hoang Thi Phuong T.

690. Characterization of 14 Triticum species for the NAM-B1 gene and its associated traits.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Shoormij F, Mirlohi A, Chan-Rodriguez D

BACKGROUND: Wheat grain protein, zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) content are important wheat qualities crucial for human nutrition and health worldwide. Increasing these three components simultaneously in wheat grains by a single gene came into the picture through NAM-B1 cloning. NAM-B1 gene and its association with the mentioned grain quality traits have been primarily studied in common and durum wheat and their progenitors T. dicoccum and T. dicoccoides. METHOD: In the present study, for the first time, 38 wheat accessions comprising ten hexaploids from five species and 28 tetraploids from nine species were evaluated in the field for two consecutive years. Additionally, the 582 first nucleotides of the NAM-B1 gene were examined. RESULT: The NAM-B1 gene was present in 21 tetraploids and five hexaploid accessions. Seven tetraploid accessions contained the wild-type allele (five T. dicoccum, one T. dicoccoides, and one T. ispahanicum) and fourteen the mutated allele with a 'T' insertion at position 11 in the open reading frame, causing a frameshift. In hexaploid wheat comprising the gene, only one accession of T. spelta contained the wild-type allele, and the rest resembled the insertion mutated type. In the two-year field experiment, eight accessions with the wild-type NAM-B1 allele had significantly higher protein, Zn and Fe grain content when compared to indel-type accessions. Additionally, these accessions exhibited a lower mean for seed-filling duration than all other accessions containing indel-type alleles. In terms of grain yield, 1,000-kernel weight, kernel diameter, and kernel length, T. dicoccum accessions having wild-type alleles were similar to the indel-type accessions over two years of evaluation. CONCLUSION: These findings further support the possibility of simultaneous improvement of wheat grain protein, Zn, and Fe content by a single gene crucial for human nutrition and health worldwide.

691. A workflow to visualize vertebrate eyes in 3D.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Wang J, Baumgarten S, Balcewicz F

PURPOSE: To establish a workflow to visualize the surgical anatomy in 3D based on histological data of eyes of experimental animals for improving the planning of complex surgical procedures. METHODS: Four C57BL/6J wild-type(wt) mouse eyes, three Brown Norway rat eyes and four Chinchilla Bastard rabbit eyes were enucleated and processed for standard histology with serial sections and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Image stacks were processed to obtain a representation of the eye anatomy in 3D. In addition, virtual image stacks and 3D point clouds were generated by processing sagittal sections of eyes with stepwise 180° rotation and projection around the eye axis to construct a rotationally symmetric 3D model from one single sagittal section. RESULTS: Serial sections of whole eyes of mice, rats and rabbits showed significant artifacts interfering with a practical image stack generation and straightforward 3D reconstruction despite the application of image registration techniques. A workflow was established to obtain a 3D image of the eye based on virtual image stacks and point cloud generation by rotation of a single sagittal section of the eye around the symmetry axis. By analyzing the tissue shrinkage during histological processing true biometric reconstructions of the eyes were feasible making the resulting model usable for 3D modeling and simulation, e.g. for planning of complex surgical procedures in different species. CONCLUSION: Because serial sections of the eye with standard histological protocols yielded too many artifacts for a straightforward 3D visualization we reconstructed a pseudorealistic 3D model based on virtual image stacks and point cloud generation calculated from a single sagittal section of the eye. Such a model detailing microscopic structures of the whole eye will allow for a specific planning of surgical procedures in small animal eyes in order to prevent surgical complications in a very early stage of an experiment and it will support the design and development of complex intraocular implants. It will therefore be helpful in surgical teaching and improve laboratory animal welfare by an expected reduction of experimental animal numbers. Further processing including integration of mechanical tissue properties is needed to convert these 3D models into a practical virtual reality teaching and simulation platform for eyes of several species.

692. Exploring the gelling properties of Plantago ovata-based Arabinoxylan: Fabrication and optimization of a topical emulgel using response surface methodology.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Mahmood A, Erum A, Tulain UR

693. Spinal cord and brain concentrations of riluzole after oral and intrathecal administration: A potential new treatment route for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Keifer OP Jr, Gutierrez J, Butt MT

Riluzole is the only treatment known to improve survival in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). However, oral riluzole efficacy is modest at best, further it is known to have large inter-individual variability of serum concentration and clearance, is formulated as an oral drug in a patient population plagued with dysphagia, and has known systemic side-effects like asthenia (limiting patient compliance) and elevated liver enzymes. In this context, we postulated that continuous intrathecal (IT) infusion of low doses of riluzole could provide consistent elevations of the drug spinal cord (SC) concentrations at or above those achieved with oral dosing, without increasing the risk for adverse events associated with systemic drug exposure or off-target side effects in the brain. We developed a formulation of riluzole for IT delivery and conducted our studies in purpose-bred hound dogs. Our non-GLP studies revealed that IT infusion alone was able to increase SC concentrations above those provided by oral administration, without increasing plasma concentrations. We then conducted two GLP studies that combined IT infusion with oral administration at human equivalent dose, to evaluate SC and brain concentrations of riluzole along with assessments of safety and tolerability. In the 6-week study, the highest IT dose (0.2 mg/hr) was well tolerated by the animals and increased SC concentrations above those achieved with oral riluzole alone, without increasing brain concentrations. In the 6-month study, the highest dose tested (0.4 mg/hr) was not tolerated and yielded SC significantly above those achieved in all previous studies. Our data show the feasibility and safety profile of continuous IT riluzole delivery to the spinal cord, without concurrent elevated liver enzymes, and minimal brain concentrations creating another potential therapeutic route of delivery to be used in isolation or in combination with other therapeutics."

694. Urban-rural inequalities and spatial arrangement of informed choice of family planning in Ethiopia: Further analysis of 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Tareke AA, Takele BA, Ahmed MH

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia has made satisfactory progress in improving maternal and child health over the past two decades. The introduction of family planning through informed choice is one of the main strategies to improve maternal and child health. However, this positive progress may have masked the significant urban-rural disparities in informed choice for family planning. OBJECTIVE: To identify factor contributing to observed urban-rural disparities and to determine the spatial distribution of informed family planning choices in Ethiopia. METHODS: The study used information from 3,511 women currently using contraceptives (rural-2685 and urban-826) as per recent Ethiopian demographic health survey cross-sectional data. Spatial and descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable logit-based decomposition analysis methods were used. RESULTS: The spatial configuration of uninformed choice was clustered. The primary cluster (LLR = 34.8, p-value<0.001) was located at the southern portion of Amhara region that covers east & west Gojjam, south Gondar and south Wollo administrative zones. The magnitude of informed choice was 12 percent higher in urban residents compared to rural residents. Urban-rural gap was attributed to variations in characteristics (74%). Place of family planning offer i.e., private health facility, being aged between 35 and 49 years, and having visited to health facility in the last 1 year are found decrease the urban-rural gap of informed family planning choice by 15%, 9% and 5% respectively. Conversely, being aged between 25 and 34 years, being a listener to radio has increased the gap by 9% and 12% respectively. CONCLUSION: The variables being private health facility visitors, being aged between 35 and 49 years and having visited health facilities in the last one year are found to increase the gap of informed family planning choices between urban and rural residents Besides, the spatial distribution of uninformed family planning choices is non-random.

695. Cumulative multisensory discrepancies shape the ventriloquism aftereffect but not the ventriloquism bias.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Kayser C, Park H, Heuer H.

696. Machine learning models can predict subsequent publication of North American Spine Society (NASS) annual general meeting abstracts.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Abbas A, Olotu O, Bhatia A

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Academic meetings serve as an opportunity to present and discuss novel ideas. Previous studies have identified factors predictive of publication without generating predictive models. Machine learning (ML) presents a novel tool capable of generating these models. As such, the objective of this study was to use ML models to predict subsequent publication of abstracts presented at a major surgical conference. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Database study. METHODS: All abstracts from the North American Spine Society (NASS) annual general meetings (AGM) from 2013-2015 were reviewed. The following information was extracted: number of authors, institution, location, conference category, subject category, study type, data collection methodology, human subject research, and FDA approval. Abstracts were then searched on the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for publication. ML models were trained to predict whether the abstract would be published or not. Quality of models was determined by using the area under the receiver operator curve (AUC). The top ten most important factors were extracted from the most successful model during testing. RESULTS: A total of 1119 abstracts were presented, with 553 (49%) abstracts published. During training, the model with the highest AUC and accuracy metrics was the partial least squares (AUC of 0.77±0.05, accuracy of 75.5%±4.7%). During testing, the model with the highest AUC and accuracy was the random forest (AUC of 0.69, accuracy of 67%). The top ten features for the random forest model were (descending order): number of authors, year, conference category, subject category, human subjects research, continent, and data collection methodology. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study attempting to use ML to predict the publication of complete articles after abstract presentation at a major academic conference. Future studies should incorporate deep learning frameworks, cognitive/results-based variables and aim to apply this methodology to larger conferences across other fields of medicine to improve the quality of works presented.

697. Ways into physical (in)activity: The role of critical life events and transitions in the reconstructions of young adults.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Gropper H, John JM, Thiel A.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA), sport, and exercise levels generally tend to fluctuate or decline from childhood to adulthood. Life events and transitions may have a positive or negative impact on these behaviors. However, most research in this regard is quantitatively framed and we know little about why and how life events and transitions affect PA-related behaviors. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to understand when, why, and how individuals change their daily PA, sport, and exercise behaviors and related attitudes in the context of life events and transitions and what underlying dynamics promote these changes from a subjective perspective. METHODS: Forty-six young inactive adults (33 women) aged between 20 and 40 years from the iReAct study participated in a mixed-method biographical mapping, which combines a semi-structured interview with a drawing activity to explore subjective experiences of life events, transitions, and PA-related behaviors across the life span. To analyze data, we conducted a reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: We developed three overarching themes that reflect the underlying dynamics which are associated with the occurrence of critical life events and transitions and lead to subsequent changes in daily PA and sport and exercise behavior: (1) The finitude of temporal resources; (2) The plasticity of priorities and motives; and (3) The (in)conveniences of context. CONCLUSION: Our results illustrate that there is not a straight causal link between life events and behavior. Rather, critical life events and transitions can have a tremendous impact on temporal resources, individual priorities and motives, and contextual factors, such as the physical and infrastructural environment and social settings and relationships. Consequently, more or less extensive changes in those circumstances can lead to individual adaptations in daily PA or sport and exercise and related attitudes, as they require individuals to re-balance behavioral patterns.

698. Mutations in microRNA-128-2-3p identified with amplification-free hybridization assay.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Slott S, Krüger-Jensen CS, Ferreira da Silva I

699. Structural bioinformatics studies of bacterial outer membrane beta-barrel transporters and their AlphaFold2 predicted water-soluble QTY variants.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Sajeev-Sheeja A, Smorodina E, Zhang S.

700. Changes in the degree of substitution of HES in vivo and their influence on methods for determining HES concentrations in plasma.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Lukasewitz P, Rischer P, Schedel N

OBJECTIVE: The degree of substitution (DS) of HES describes the average proportion of substituted glucose molecules in a starch molecule. Although no quantitative studies of the in vivo behavior of the DS have been conducted so far, most pharmacokinetic studies to date have measured HES concentrations using the enzymatic method. This method assumes that at any point in time after an infusion, the DS in a serum remains constant and is identical to the DS in the infused solution. In the present study, we examined the changes in the DS of HES 130/0.42 in vivo in an animal model and compared two methods of measuring HES concentrations in plasma (the enzymatic and the o-Toluidine method). METHODOLOGY: We randomized 22 pigs into 2 groups. After induction of anesthesia, the pigs received 500 ml or 1000 ml of HES 130/0.42 (Tetraspan®). The DS was measured directly after the infusion, then after 30, 60, 120 and 240 minutes. In determining the DS, the hydroxyethyl starch was extracted from the plasma and hydrolyzed with hydrochloric acid to form non-substituted glucose and hydroxyethyl glucose. Subsequently, the concentration of free unsubstituted glucose was determined enzymatically and the total concentration of all (i.e., substituted and unsubstituted) glucose molecules was determined using the o-Toluidine method. From this, the concentration of the substituted glucose (hydroxyethyl glucose) and the DS could be calculated. In addition, the HES concentration was measured first in vitro and then in vivo at any point after the infusion by both the enzymatic method and the o-Toluidine method. RESULTS: The DS increased significantly directly after the infusion from 0.42 to 0.53 (for 500ml) or to 0.50 (for 1000ml); 4 hours later this had further increased to 0.55 and 0.54, respectively (p <0.0001). The HES concentration in vitro showed no significant difference (p = 0.17) when determined with the enzymatic and the o-Toluidine method. In contrast, the serum concentrations in vivo displayed significant differences (p<0.0001) between the two measurement methods. Immediately after the infusion of 500ml HES, the concentration measured with the o-Toluidine method was 31% higher than the one measured with the enzymatic method; 4 hours later, this discrepancy was still at 25%. For 1000 ml HES, the differences amounted to 16% and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The DS of HES in vivo increases significantly over time. As a result, an HES concentration measured with the enzymatic method in vivo will be significantly lower than the same concentration determined with the o-Toluidine method. In future pharmacokinetic studies, HES concentrations should be measured using a method that takes into account changes in the DS in vivo.

701. The psychosocial burden of women seeking treatment for breast and cervical cancers in Ghana's major cancer hospitals.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Okyere Asante PG, Owusu AY, Oppong JR

702. Validation of the accuracy of the modified World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies subarachnoid hemorrhage grading scale for predicting the outcomes of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Nguyen TA, Mai TD, Vu LD

BACKGROUND: Evaluating the prognosis of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) who may be at risk of poor outcomes using grading systems is one way to make a better decision on treatment for these patients. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of the modified World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), WFNS, and Hunt and Hess (H&H) Grading Scales in predicting the outcomes of patients with aSAH. METHODS: From August 2019 to June 2021, we conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study on adult patients with aSAH in three central hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam. The primary outcome was the 90-day poor outcome, measured by a score of 4 (moderately severe disability) to 6 (death) on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We calculated the areas under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve (AUROCs) to determine how well the grading scales could predict patient prognosis upon admission. We also used ROC curve analysis to find the best cut-off value for each scale. We compared AUROCs using Z-statistics and compared 90-day mean mRS scores among intergrades using the pairwise multiple-comparison test. Finally, we used logistic regression to identify factors associated with the 90-day poor outcome. RESULTS: Of 415 patients, 32% had a 90-day poor outcome. The modified WFNS (AUROC: 0.839 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.795-0.883]; cut-off value≥2.50; PAUROC<0.001), WFNS (AUROC: 0.837 [95% CI: 0.793-0.881]; cut-off value≥3.5; PAUROC<0.001), and H&H scales (AUROC: 0.836 [95% CI: 0.791-0.881]; cut-off value≥3.5; PAUROC<0.001) were all good at predicting patient prognosis on day 90th after ictus. However, there were no significant differences between the AUROCs of these scales. Only grades IV and V of the modified WFNS (3.75 [standard deviation, SD: 2.46] vs 5.24 [SD: 1.68], p = 0.026, respectively), WFNS (3.75 [SD: 2.46] vs 5.24 [SD: 1.68], p = 0.026, respectively), and H&H scales (2.96 [SD: 2.60] vs 4.97 [SD: 1.87], p<0.001, respectively) showed a significant difference in the 90-day mean mRS scores. In multivariable models, with the same set of confounding variables, the modified WFNS grade of III to V (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 9.090; 95% CI: 3.494-23.648; P<0.001) was more strongly associated with the increased risk of the 90-day poor outcome compared to the WFNS grade of IV to V (AOR: 6.383; 95% CI: 2.661-15.310; P<0.001) or the H&H grade of IV to V (AOR: 6.146; 95% CI: 2.584-14.620; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the modified WFNS, WFNS, and H&H scales all had good discriminatory abilities for the prognosis of patients with aSAH. Because of the better effect size in predicting poor outcomes, the modified WFNS scale seems preferable to the WFNS and H&H scales.

703. Nivel Corona Cohort: A description of the cohort and methodology used for combining general practice electronic records with patient reported outcomes to study impact of a COVID-19 infection.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Veldkamp R, Hek K, van den Hoek R

AIM: A population-based COVID-19 cohort was set up in the Netherlands to gain comprehensive insight in the short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 in the general population. The present study aims to describe the methodology and infrastructure used to recruit individuals with COVID-19, and the representativeness of the population-based cohort. The second aim was to characterize the population by description of their symptoms and health care usage during the acute COVID-19 phase. METHOD: The starting point of the set-up of the cohort was to recruit participants in routinely recorded, general practice electronic health records (EHR) data, which are sent to the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research Primary Care Database (Nivel-PCD) on a weekly basis. Patients registered with COVID-19 were flagged in the Nivel-PCD based on their COVID-19 diagnoses. Flagged patients were invited for participation by their general practitioner via a trusted third party. Participating patients received a series of four questionnaires over the duration of one year allowing for a combination of data from patient reported outcomes and EHRs. RESULTS: In this study, results from the first questionnaire are used. The Nivel Corona Cohort consists of 442 participants and is population-based, containing a complete image of severity of symptoms from patients with none or hardly any symptoms to those who were hospitalized due to the COVID-19. The five most prevalent symptoms during the acute COVID-19 phase were fatigue (90.5%), reduced condition (88.2%), coughing/sneezing/stuffy nose (79.3%), headache (75.4%), and myalgia (66.7%). CONCLUSION: The population-based Nivel Corona Cohort provides ample opportunities for future studies to gain comprehensive insight in the short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 by combining patients' perspectives and clinical parameters via the EHRs within a long-term follow-up of the cohort.

704. Close-range photogrammetry reveals morphometric changes on replicative ground stones.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Sorrentino G, Menna F, Remondino F

The pursuit of a quantitative approach to functional analysis of stone tools is an ongoing endeavour for traceologists. Technological advancements in 3D imaging techniques, such as photogrammetry/3D scanners, CT scanning, 3D digital microscopy, confocal microscopy, AFM and FEG-SEM and micro-topographical scanning, have greatly facilitated the detailed capturing of the geometry and surface texture at multiple levels of observation, from the object-scale to the nano-scale. However, while such technological innovations have predominantly focused on flaked assemblages, ground stone tools have only recently begun to receive due attention, and a standardised protocol for their study is yet to be established. In order to comprehend the function(s) of these tools, analytical techniques that enable a 3D visualisation of the entire item and the wear affecting the used surfaces have proven to be of great support. To this end, an analytical procedure was developed and tested on slabs and pebbles in order to replicate the use-wear traces observed on Upper Palaeolithic tools. The purpose was to assemble a site-specific reference collection tailored on the artefacts from the cultural level III of the Brînzeni I cave in north-west Moldova. Experimental replicas were used to treat different plant organs during controlled sequential experiments. The present article reports on the analysis based on photogrammetric data acquired during two stages of replicative usage. We tested multiple acquisition setups and elaborations to assess the geometry modification and the surface depletion. By exploring various acquisition strategies, a critical evaluation of potential sources of bias in data collection and subsequent elaboration were performed, and the methodology was accordingly adjusted thereby enhancing the reliability and reproducibility of the results. This study highlights the importance of carefully considering the acquisition strategy in archaeological related research to ensure accurate analyses and to validate robust interpretation.

705. Management goals of type 1 Gaucher disease in South Africa: An expert Delphi consensus document on good clinical practice.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Louw VJ, Fraser I, Giraldo P.

BACKGROUND: Gaucher disease is a rare autosomal recessive glycosphingolipid storage disease that ultimately leads to reduced life expectancy. Management of Gaucher disease is challenging due to its wide genotypic and phenotypic variability and changing clinical manifestations due to effective treatment. Deliberation between experts is essential to discuss daily clinical practice and identify controversies regarding the management of Gaucher disease. The usefulness of methods like Delphi surveys is suitable for setting up consensus recommendations for different clinical scenarios. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to develop an expert consensus document for the management of type 1 Gaucher disease by local experts. METHODS: A modified e-Delphi was carried out to develop an expert consensus document on the management goals of type 1 Gaucher disease in South Africa. Following a literature review and input from the steering committee, 205 management goals and best practice statements were e-mailed to an independent panel for consensus development using three rounds of voting. The panel consisted of five local healthcare practitioners with expertise in Gaucher disease. Each panelist provided independent evaluations of statements sent to them via a dedicated survey platform. Panelists indicated their level of agreement on a 9-point Likert scale (1 = absolute disagreement to 9 = absolute agreement) during each round of voting. The criteria to retain a statement in the final round were ≥80% high agreement (7-9). RESULTS: 193 statements met the consensus threshold after three rounds of voting and were included in the final guidance document. In general, the management goals presented in this paper are in line with existing literature on the subject. Additional management goals and general recommendations on sound clinical practice, obtained from more recent research and the panelists' own clinical experience, have been included to develop a comprehensive consensus document on the management goals of type 1 Gaucher disease. CONCLUSION: This paper provides high-level guidance with respect to management goals, and the use of current therapies and adjunctive interventions in type 1 Gaucher disease to assist clinicians in their decisions about the appropriate management of patients in everyday clinical practice. These management goals and best practice statements might be used to inform an update to future South African guidelines on the disease.

706. Development of a Core Outcome Set for the research and assessment of inoperable malignant bowel obstruction.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Bravington A, Obita G, Baddeley E

BACKGROUND: Malignant bowel obstruction is experienced by 15% of people with advanced cancer, preventing them from eating and drinking and causing pain, nausea and vomiting. Surgery is not always appropriate. Management options include tube or stent drainage of intestinal contents and symptom control using medication. Published literature describing palliative interventions uses a broad range of outcome measures, few of which are patient-relevant. This hinders evidence synthesis, and fails to consider the perspectives of people undergoing treatment. AIMS: To develop a Core Outcome Set for the assessment of inoperable malignant bowel obstruction with clinician, patient and caregiver involvement, using COMET methodology (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials). METHODS: A systematic review of clinical trials and observational studies, a rapid review of the qualitative literature and in-depth patient and clinician interviews were conducted to identify a comprehensive list of outcomes. Outcomes were compared and consolidated by the study Steering Group and Patient and Public Involvement contributors, and presented to an international clinical Expert Panel for review. Outcomes from the finalised list were rated for importance in a three-round international Delphi process: results of two survey rounds were circulated to respondents, and two separate consensus meetings were conducted with clinicians and with patients and caregivers via virtual conferencing, using live polling to reach agreement on a Core Outcome Set. RESULTS: 130 unique outcomes were identified. Following the independent Expert Panel review, 82 outcomes were taken into round 1 of the Delphi survey; 24 outcomes reached criteria for critical importance across all stakeholder groups and none reached criteria for dropping. All outcomes rated critically important were taken forward for re-rating in round 2 and all other outcomes dropped. In round 2, all outcomes were voted critically important by at least one stakeholder group. Round 2 outcomes were presented again at online consensus meetings, categorised as high ranking (n = 9), middle ranking (n = 7) or low ranking (n = 8). Stakeholders reached agreement on 16 core outcomes across four key domains: Symptom control, Life impact, Treatment outcomes, and Communication and patient preferences. CONCLUSION: Use of this Core Outcome Set can help to address current challenges in making sense of the evidence around treatment for inoperable malignant bowel obstruction to date, and underpin a more robust future approach. Clearer communication and an honest understanding between all stakeholders will help to provide a basis for responsible decision-making in this distressing situation in clinical practice.

707. Novel on-site follow-up and enhancement program (FEP) improves knowledge, clinical skills and enabling environment of skilled birth attendants in Nepal.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Thapa R, Nikolli K, McMahon D

INTRODUCTION: Although great strides have been made in maternal and newborn health in Nepal, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is still high at 186 per 100,000 births. Many maternal deaths are preventable if there is access to a skilled birth attendant (SBA). The Ministry of Health and Population of Nepal launched the in-service SBA training program in 2007 and has trained over 10,000 SBAs to date. Evidence shows that one episode of training is not enough to retain skills. Therefore, the Nick Simons Institute (NSI) in collaboration with National Health Training Center (NHTC) devised a Follow-Up and Enhancement Program (FEP) in 2011 where the knowledge, clinical skills, and working environment of SBA graduates were assessed directly at their worksites. FEP allows on-site coaching and feedback so that graduates may continue to improve upon any gaps in their knowledge, skills, and working environment. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of FEP. METHODS: We used a mixed-methods research design. A total of 73 SBAs who had a pre-FEP assessment in 2016 were followed up for a post-FEP assessment in 2017. We also collected data from 3 additional districts (115 SBAs) that had not previously had FEP, to compare SBAs in FEP versus non-FEP districts. Qualitative data was collected from 16 health facilities on the perceptions, motivation, and satisfaction of stakeholders. RESULTS: Of the total 188 SBAs that were sampled, a one-time FEP increased knowledge scores by 9%, clinical skills scores by 29%, and enabling environment scores by 7%. The number of deliveries conducted improved with a one-time FEP, although this increase was not statistically significant. We found a trickle-down effect of working in a facility that has had prior FEP, with SBAs that have never had FEP improving their clinical skills. FEP was found to be a highly accepted program and is beneficial to SBAs, trainers, and the Hospital Management Committee (HFOMC). However, a one-time FEP is not sufficient in retaining clinical skills and knowledge. CONCLUSION: FEP is a highly effective program by both quantitative and qualitative evaluation. Our study suggests that FEP should be frequent and continuous to retain the knowledge and clinical skills of SBAs, motivate them through on-site coaching, and improve their working environment through direct feedback to the Ministry of Health and Population.

708. In support of 2D:4D: More data exploring its conflicting results on handedness, sexual orientation and sex differences.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Lupu DC, Monedero I, Rodriguez-Ruiz C

709. Cognitive effort investment: Does disposition become action?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Kührt C, Graupner ST, Paulus PC

Contrary to the law of less work, individuals with high levels of need for cognition and self-control tend to choose harder tasks more often. While both traits can be integrated into a core construct of dispositional cognitive effort investment, its relation to actual cognitive effort investment remains unclear. As individuals with high levels of cognitive effort investment are characterized by a high intrinsic motivation towards effortful cognition, they would be less likely to increase their effort based on expected payoff, but rather based on increasing demand. In the present study, we measured actual effort investment on multiple dimensions, i.e., subjective load, reaction time, accuracy, early and late frontal midline theta power, N2 and P3 amplitude, and pupil dilation. In a sample of N = 148 participants, we examined the relationship of dispositional cognitive effort investment and effort indices during a flanker and an n-back task with varying demand and payoff. Exploratorily, we examined this relationship for the two subdimensions cognitive motivation and effortful-self-control as well. In both tasks, effort indices were sensitive to demand and partly to payoff. The analyses revealed a main effect of cognitive effort investment for accuracy (n-back task), interaction effects with payoff for reaction time (n-back and flanker task) and P3 amplitude (n-back task) and demand for early frontal midline theta power (flanker task). Taken together, our results partly support the notion that individuals with high levels of cognitive effort investment exert effort more efficiently. Moreover, the notion that these individuals exert effort regardless of payoff is partly supported, too. This may further our understanding of the conditions under which person-situation interactions occur, i.e. the conditions under which situations determine effort investment in goal-directed behavior more than personality, and vice versa.

710. Body mass index trends and its impact of under and overweight on outcome among PLHIV on antiretroviral treatment in rural Tanzania: A prospective cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Kalinjuma AV, Hussey H, Mollel GJ

INTRODUCTION: Increased body weight is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is increasingly reported as a health problem in people living with HIV (PLHIV). There is limited data from rural sub-Saharan Africa, where malnutrition usually presents with both over- and undernutrition. We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of underweight and overweight/obesity in PLHIV enrolled in a cohort in rural Tanzania before the introduction of integrase inhibitors. METHODS: This nested study of the prospective Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort included adults aged ≥19 years initiated on antiretroviral therapy between 01/2013 and 12/2018 with follow-up through 06/2019. Body Mass Index (BMI) was classified as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), or overweight/obese (≥25.0 kg/m2). Stratified piecewise linear mixed models were used to assess the association between baseline characteristics and follow-up BMI. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between time-updated BMI and death/loss to follow-up (LTFU). RESULTS: Among 2,129 patients, 22,027 BMI measurements (median 9 measurements: interquartile range 5-15) were analysed. At baseline, 398 (19%) patients were underweight and 356 (17%) were overweight/obese. The majority of patients were female (n = 1249; 59%), and aged 35-44 years (779; 37%). During the first 9 months, for every three additional months on antiretroviral therapy, BMI increased by 2% (95% confidence interval 1-2%, p<0.0001) among patients underweight at baseline and by 0.7% (0.5-0.6%, p<0.0001) among participants with normal BMI. Over a median of 20 months of follow-up, 107 (5%) patients died and 592 (28%) were LTFU. Being underweight was associated with >2 times the hazard of death/LTFU compared to participants with normal BMI. CONCLUSION: We found a double burden of malnutrition, with underweight being an independent predictor of mortality. Monitoring and measures to address both states of malnutrition among PLHIV should be integrated into routine HIV care.

711. A randomised controlled trial of email versus mailed invitation letter in a national longitudinal survey of physicians.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Harrap B, Taylor T, Russell G

Despite their low cost, the use of email invitations to distribute surveys to medical practitioners have been associated with lower response rates. This research compares the difference in response rates from using email approach plus online completion rather than a mailed invitation letter plus a choice of online or paper completion. A parallel randomised controlled trial was conducted during the 11th annual wave of the nationally representative Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL) longitudinal survey of doctors. The control group was invited using a mailed paper letter (including a paper survey plus instructions to complete online) and three mailed paper reminders. The intervention group was approached in the same way apart from the second reminder when they were approached by email only. The primary outcome is the response rate and the statistical analysis was blinded. 18,247 doctors were randomly allocated to the control (9,125) or intervention group (9,127), with 9,108 and 9,107 included in the analysis. Using intention to treat analysis, the response rate in the intervention group was 35.92% compared to 37.59% in the control group, a difference of -1.66 percentage points (95% CI: -3.06 to -0.26). The difference was larger for General Practitioners (-2.76 percentage points, 95% CI: -4.65 to -0.87) compared to other specialists (-0.47 percentage points, 95% CI: -2.53 to 1.60). For those who supplied an email address, the average treatment effect on the treated was higher at -2.63 percentage points (95% CI: -4.50 to -0.75) for all physicians, -3.17 percentage points (95% CI: -5.83 to -0.53) for General Practitioners, and -2.1 percentage points (95% CI: -4.75 to 0.56) for other specialists. For qualified physicians, using email to invite participants to complete a survey leads to lower response rates compared to a mailed letter. Lower response rates need to be traded off with the lower costs of using email rather than mailed letters.

712. The experiences of medical students with ADHD: A phenomenological study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Godfrey-Harris M, Shaw SCK.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity 'Disorder' (ADHD) is a form of neurodivergence, characterised by lifelong differences in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. University students with ADHD underachieve academically and tend to have lower levels of self-esteem. Medical schools have an obligation to minimise barriers for students with ADHD. Understanding the experiences of medical students with ADHD is vital to promote inclusive approaches. Our exploratory research question was: "What are the experiences of medical students with ADHD?" This was an interpretive phenomenological study. Loosely structured interviews were conducted with participants (medical students with ADHD) over Zoom. Subsequent transcripts were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Six people participated. Our analysis identified the following themes: Identity and diagnosis; ADHD profile; system issues; conflict, competition and compensation; improving the experience. Participants reported experiences of bullying and isolation at medical school, perpetrated by doctors and peers, as well as feelings of alienation when unable to conform on placement and in exams. From this, participants adopted survival strategies, such as masking, to avoid being ostracised. All recognised their ADHD status when their mental health deteriorated during their medical studies. Of those who disclosed their diagnosis, none were offered personalised support. Participants feared disclosure, largely due to weaponised professionalism and the effects of toxic competitiveness in medicine. They yearned for a sense of belonging. Participants reported strengths associated with ADHD such as empathy and working well under pressure, which are highly desirable aptitudes for doctors. This study has highlighted areas where medical schools can be instrumental in cultivating an environment where medical students with ADHD can thrive, not just survive. This may take the form of peer support groups, alongside reasonable adjustments throughout medical school-particularly for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations, for example. Enabling these students to thrive may help to prevent early burnout and subsequent attrition from medicine.

713. Iranian primary healthcare system's response to the COVID-19 pandemic using the healthcare incident command system.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Yari A, Yousefi Khoshsabegheh H, Zarezadeh Y

714. Inactivation of African swine fever virus inoculated in liquid plasma by spray drying and storage for 14 days at 4°C or 20°C.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Blázquez E, Pujols J, Segalés J

715. Association of body size distortion with low body mass index in female patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Takayama Y, Yumen Y, Kitajima T

BACKGROUND: We have previously reported that female patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM-LD) are thinner and eat less than healthy controls. Therefore, we hypothesized that their thinness is associated with body size misperception. The aim of this study was to clarify whether patients' body size perception (BSP) is associated with body mass index (BMI) independent of potential confounders. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we assessed 81 outpatients for BSP using the Japanese version of Body Image Scale, body composition, dietary intake, and biochemical markers. As a control, we used BSP and self-reported anthropometric data from 111 healthy women collected via a web survey. First, BSP and BMI were compared between the patients and the controls. Second, patient data was compared between patients who overestimated their body size (OE, n = 31) and a control who did not (Non-OE, n = 50). Multiple regression analysis was performed to clarify the association between BSP (independent variable) and BMI (dependent variable), adjusting for potential confounders, such as age, disease duration, and nutritional factors. RESULTS: There was a negative correlation between body size distortion and BMI in both patients and controls (p < 0.001, both). In interpatient comparisons, the OE group had significantly lower BMI and body fat percentage (p < 0.001, both), normalized energy (p = 0.037), and protein (p = 0.013) intakes, and significantly greater weight loss from age 20 (p = 0.003) than the Non-OE group. Multiple regression analysis revealed that overestimation of body size was associated with lower BMI independent of confounders, such as longer disease history, longitudinal weight loss, and nutritional factors. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that body size distortion is an etiological factor for lower BMI in female patients with NTM-LD. Thus, it may be important to understand the patient's body image when providing dietary advice.

716. Cultured fibroblasts of the Okinawa rail present delayed innate immune response compared to that of chicken.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Katayama M, Fukuda T, Kato N

717. Effects of coenzyme Q10 and N-acetylcysteine on experimental poisoning by paracetamol in Wistar rats.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

da Silva RHS, de Moura M, de Paula L

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Abe N, Oe N, Tadaka E

BACKGROUND: Previous cross-sectional studies suggest that negative health outcomes such as mortality, social isolation, loneliness, and depression among older adults living alone vary by sex and marital status, with men often worse off than women and unmarried people worse off than married people. However, limited evidence exists from longitudinal studies regarding whether positive health outcomes such as subjective well-being (SWB) also vary by sex and marital status. The focus by sex and marital status on the positive health outcomes and diverse profiles of older adults living alone is important for public health in the near future. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify changes in SWB over time and its associated factors by sex and marital status among older adults living alone in the community using a longitudinal study in a representative population. METHODS: This was a longitudinal study using data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. This study is the first to reveal differences in SWB and related factors over 3 years among older adults living alone in the community (n = 8,579) who were stratified by sex and marital status (married men, non-married men, married women, and non-married women). RESULTS: Women moved to higher levels of SWB than did men, and married individuals moved to higher levels of SWB than did unmarried individuals. Independent functioning factors and interpersonal factors were significantly associated with SWB for married men and married women, but for unmarried women, the association by interpersonal factors was more pronounced, and for unmarried men, only limited emotional support and health promotion activities were significant among the interpersonal factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that among older adults living alone, changes in SWB over time and the independent functioning factors and interpersonal factors associated with this change varied by sex and marital status among older people living alone. These findings are useful for policy-making and guiding intervention activities to promote SWB in a society in which the environment for older adults living alone is changing dramatically.

719. Isoniazid preventive therapy completion and factors associated with non-completion among patients on antiretroviral therapy at Kisenyi Health Centre IV, Kampala, Uganda.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Amanya I, Muhoozi M, Aruhomukama D

BACKGROUND: Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is given to HIV patients to reduce the risk of active tuberculosis (TB). However, treatment completion remains suboptimal among those that are initiated. This study aimed to determine the completion level of IPT and the factors associated with non-completion among patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Kisenyi Health Center IV in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS: A mixed-methods facility-based retrospective cohort study utilizing routinely collected data from 341 randomly selected HIV patients initiated on IPT was conducted. Data extracted from the registers was used to determine IPT completion. Robust Poisson regression was conducted to determine the associated factors of IPT non-completion, while in-depth interviews were conducted to explore barriers to IPT completion from the patient's perspective. RESULTS: A total of 341 patients who started on isoniazid (INH) were retrospectively followed up, with 69% (236/341) being female. Overall IPT completion was 83%. Multivariate analysis revealed the prevalence of IPT non-completion among males was 2.24 times the prevalence among females (aPR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.40-3.58, p = 0.001). The prevalence of IPT non-completion among patients with a non-suppressed HIV viral load was 3.00 times the prevalence among those with a suppressed HIV viral load (aPR 3.00, 95% CI: 1.44-6.65, p = 0.007). The prevalence of IPT non-completion among patients who were married, or cohabiting was 0.31 times the prevalence among those who were single (aPR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.17-0.55, p<0.000). Lack of IPT-related health education, pill burden, distance to the health facility, and patient relocation were reported as barriers to IPT completion. CONCLUSION: IPT completion was found to be 83% among the cohort studied. However, lower completion levels persist among males and HIV-virally non-suppressed patients. Lack of IPT-related health education, pill burden, distance to the health facility, and patient relocation were reported as barriers to IPT completion. Interventions that target these groups of people need to be intensified.

720. Biodiversity indices and Random Forests reveal the potential for striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) fecal microbial communities to function as a biomarker for oral rabies vaccination.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

Hopken MW, Gilfillan D, Gilbert AT

721. Patients' and carers' priorities for cancer research in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 22

de Vries M, Stewart T, Ireton T

BACKGROUND: Discrepancies have been reported between what is being researched, and what patients/families deem important to be investigated. Our aim was to understand research priorities for those who live with cancer in Aotearoa/New Zealand, with emphasis on Māori. METHODS: Adult outpatients with cancer and their whānau/family completed a survey (demographics, selecting keywords, free-text comments) at Christchurch hospital. Quantitative and qualitative data were evaluated using standard statistical and thematic analyses, respectively. RESULTS: We recruited 205 participants, including both tūroro/patients (n = 129) and their whānau/family/carer (n = 76). Partnership with Māori health workers enabled greater recruitment of Māori participants (19%), compared to the proportion of Māori in Canterbury (9%). Cancer research was seen as a priority by 96% of participants. Priorities were similar between Māori and non-Māori participants, with the keywords 'Cancer screening', 'Quality of Life' and 'Development of new drugs' chosen most often. Free-text analysis identified three themes; 'Genetics and Prevention', 'Early Detection and Treatment', and 'Service Delivery', with some differences by ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer research is a high priority for those living with cancer. In addition, participants want researchers to listen to their immediate and practical needs. These findings may inform future cancer research in Aotearoa. MĀORI TERMS AND TRANSLATION: Aotearoa (New Zealand) he aha ō whakaaro (what are your thoughts) hui (gathering) mate pukupuku (cancer) mokopuna (descendent) Ōtautahi (Christchurch) rongoā (traditional healing) tāne (male) te reo (Māori language) Te Whatu Ora (weaving of wellness, Health New Zealand) tikanga (methods, customary practices) tūroro (patients) (alternative terms used: whānau affected by cancer or tangata whaiora (person seeking health)) wahine (female) Waitaha (Canterbury) whakapapa (genealogy) whānau ((extended) family, based on whakapapa, here also carer).

722. clusterBMA: Bayesian model averaging for clustering.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Forbes O, Santos-Fernandez E, Wu PP

Various methods have been developed to combine inference across multiple sets of results for unsupervised clustering, within the ensemble clustering literature. The approach of reporting results from one 'best' model out of several candidate clustering models generally ignores the uncertainty that arises from model selection, and results in inferences that are sensitive to the particular model and parameters chosen. Bayesian model averaging (BMA) is a popular approach for combining results across multiple models that offers some attractive benefits in this setting, including probabilistic interpretation of the combined cluster structure and quantification of model-based uncertainty. In this work we introduce clusterBMA, a method that enables weighted model averaging across results from multiple unsupervised clustering algorithms. We use clustering internal validation criteria to develop an approximation of the posterior model probability, used for weighting the results from each model. From a combined posterior similarity matrix representing a weighted average of the clustering solutions across models, we apply symmetric simplex matrix factorisation to calculate final probabilistic cluster allocations. In addition to outperforming other ensemble clustering methods on simulated data, clusterBMA offers unique features including probabilistic allocation to averaged clusters, combining allocation probabilities from 'hard' and 'soft' clustering algorithms, and measuring model-based uncertainty in averaged cluster allocation. This method is implemented in an accompanying R package of the same name. We use simulated datasets to explore the ability of the proposed technique to identify robust integrated clusters with varying levels of separation between subgroups, and with varying numbers of clusters between models. Benchmarking accuracy against four other ensemble methods previously demonstrated to be highly effective in the literature, clusterBMA matches or exceeds the performance of competing approaches under various conditions of dimensionality and cluster separation. clusterBMA substantially outperformed other ensemble methods for high dimensional simulated data with low cluster separation, with 1.16 to 7.12 times better performance as measured by the Adjusted Rand Index. We also explore the performance of this approach through a case study that aims to identify probabilistic clusters of individuals based on electroencephalography (EEG) data. In applied settings for clustering individuals based on health data, the features of probabilistic allocation and measurement of model-based uncertainty in averaged clusters are useful for clinical relevance and statistical communication.

723. Does the dual circulation coupling synergy facilitate firm survival?--Evidence from China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Ran L, Li X, Wang K

724. Microbial Gene Ontology informed deep neural network for microbe functionality discovery in human diseases.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Liu Y, Zhang YZ, Imoto S.

725. Studying item-effect variables and their correlation patterns with multi-construct multi-state models.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Erhardt TH, Gnambs T, Sengewald MA.

726. Evaluation of soil quality in Inner Mongolia desert steppe-A case study of Siziwang Banner.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Jiang H, Li X, Guo C

As a natural ecological fragile region, the vast desert steppe in the Inner Mongolia has a developed animal husbandry, and thus posed great impacts on soil quality. In order to accurately evaluate the current situation of soil quality in the desert steppe, it is therefore imperative to adopt a suitable method to effectively assess the soil quality in the region. In this study, the minimum data set (MDS) was established with the help of principal component analysis, Norm value calculation, and correlation analysis, and four indicators, including organic matter, sand grains, soil erosion degree, and pH, were established to evaluate the soil quality of the desert steppe in the Siziwang Banner, a county in the Inner Mongolia. The results from the minimum data set (MDS) method were validated based on the total data set (TDS) method, and the validation indicated that the MDS method can be representative of the soil quality of the study area. The results indicated: 1) the soil quality index (SQI) of 0-30 cm in more than 90% of the study area falls in the range of 0.4 and 0.6 (medium level), while the better level (SQI ≥0.6) only accounted less than 10% of the study area; 2) For the MDS indexes, soil organic matter content at all depths decreased in the southern mountains, central hills, and northern plateau, which is consistent with the changing trends of SQI; 3) The sand grain was the dominant particle in the study region, which was in accordance with the intense wind erosion; 4) The negative correlation was found between the soil pH value and SQI (the high value in pH corresponded to the low value in SQI), which reflected that soil pH has a more stressful effect on the local vegetation. Overall, the MDS indexes in this study can objectively and practically reflect the soil quality in the study area, which can provide a cost effective method for SQI assessment in the desert steppe, which is important for the further grassland ecological construction and grassland management to improve the soil quality in the desert steppes.

727. Ligand-specific regulation of transforming growth factor beta superfamily factors by leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains proteins.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Abdullah A, Herdenberg C, Hedman H.

728. Increase in breeding bird abundance and diversity with semi-natural habitat in vineyard landscapes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Rösch V, Hafner G, Reiff JM

Agricultural expansion and intensification are major threats to biodiversity, and even some once common farmland bird species are now endangered. Wine-growing landscapes are intensively managed but can still be an attractive habitat for a wide range of species. However, only few bird species breed within vineyards and thus, semi-natural habitat types like hedges, woodland patches and grasslands are crucial for bird populations. We investigated how birds breeding in wine-growing areas are influenced by the surrounding landscape at three spatial scales: territories, sampling transects and landscapes. In the German wine growing region Palatinate, sixteen landscapes with a radius of 500 m were chosen spanning a gradient in the cover of semi-natural habitat. Bird territories were mapped along three transects of 500 m length in each landscape. We found 300 territories of 33 bird species. Positive effects of semi-natural habitat cover on birds were strongest at the transect scale, with almost proportional increase of species and territory numbers with the cover of semi-natural habitat. Most bird species selected territories that contained more semi-natural habitat than the landscape-wide average of 13.5%, but e.g. woodlark and linnet showed an opposite preference. In addition, the birds' community composition was influenced by the composition of the surrounding landscape. Most species were associated with semi-natural habitat types or built-up areas while vineyards had hardly any species associated with them. Our results suggest that in wine-growing landscapes, the decline in farmland birds can be reversed by the re-establishment of hedges, trees, woodland patches, traditional orchards and grassland areas. However, as preferences at the territory scale were species-specific, there is no uniform best solution for bird conservation in viticultural landscapes. Thus, landscape development should always be accompanied by experts that take the demands of existing and potential breeding birds into account.

729. Evidence- and data-driven classification of low back pain via artificial intelligence: Protocol of the PREDICT-LBP study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Belavy DL, Tagliaferri SD, Tegenthoff M

730. Allometric relationships for eight species of 4-5 year old nitrogen-fixing and non-fixing trees.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Carreras Pereira KA, Wolf AA, Kou-Giesbrecht S

Allometric equations are often used to estimate plant biomass allocation to different tissue types from easier-to-measure quantities. Biomass allocation, and thus allometric equations, often differs by species and sometimes varies with nutrient availability. We measured biomass components for five nitrogen-fixing tree species (Robinia pseudoacacia, Gliricidia sepium, Casuarina equisetifolia, Acacia koa, Morella faya) and three non-fixing tree species (Betula nigra, Psidium cattleianum, Dodonaea viscosa) grown in field sites in New York and Hawaii for 4-5 years and subjected to four fertilization treatments. We measured total aboveground, foliar, main stem, secondary stem, and twig biomass in all species, and belowground biomass in Robinia pseudoacacia and Betula nigra, along with basal diameter, height, and canopy dimensions. The individuals spanned a wide size range (<1-16 cm basal diameter; 0.24-8.8 m height). For each biomass component, aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, and total biomass, we determined the following four allometric equations: the most parsimonious (lowest AIC) overall, the most parsimonious without a fertilization effect, the most parsimonious without canopy dimensions, and an equation with basal diameter only. For some species, the most parsimonious overall equation included fertilization effects, but fertilization effects were inconsistent across fertilization treatments. We therefore concluded that fertilization does not clearly affect allometric relationships in these species, size classes, and growth conditions. Our best-fit allometric equations without fertilization effects had the following R2 values: 0.91-0.99 for aboveground biomass (the range is across species), 0.95 for belowground biomass, 0.80-0.96 for foliar biomass, 0.94-0.99 for main stem biomass, 0.77-0.98 for secondary stem biomass, and 0.88-0.99 for twig biomass. Our equations can be used to estimate overall biomass and biomass of tissue components for these size classes in these species, and our results indicate that soil fertility does not need to be considered when using allometric relationships for these size classes in these species.

731. Microbiome distribution modeling using gradient descent strategies for mock, in vitro and clinical community distributions.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Velasco-Álvarez JR, Torres Y Torres N, Chairez I

732. Public health impact of antihypertensive medication use on arterial blood pressure: A pooled cross-sectional analysis of population health surveys.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Montano D.

733. Factors associated with Alzheimer's disease prevalence and mortality in Brazil-An ecological study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Bastos M, da Silva MP, da Silva D

734. An updated estimation approach for SEIR models with stochastic perturbations: Application to COVID-19 data in Bogotá.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Ríos-Gutiérrez A, Torres S, Arunachalam V.

735. Tau protein aggregation associated with SARS-CoV-2 main protease.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Eberle RJ, Coronado MA, Gering I

736. Quantifying shrub encroachment through soil seed bank analysis in the Ethiopian highlands.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 21

Chengere SA, Steger C, Gebrehiwot K

737. Outcome prediction in pediatric fever in neutropenia: Development of clinical decision rules and external validation of published rules based on data from the prospective multicenter SPOG 2015 FN definition study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Santschi M, Ammann RA, Agyeman PKA

738. Dynamics of TERT regulation via alternative splicing in stem cells and cancer cells.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Kim JJ, Sayed ME, Ahn A

739. Exploring Endotypes in Chronic Rhinosinusitis (ExpRess): Protocol for a cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Gokani SA, Jefferson M, Gavrilovic J

740. "Because of COVID…": The impacts of COVID-19 on First Nation people accessing the HIV cascade of care in Manitoba, Canada.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Larcombe L, Ringaert L, Restall G

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-May 2023) had a profound effect around the world with vulnerable people being particularly affected, including worsening existing health inequalities. This article explores the impact of the pandemic on health services for First Nations people living with HIV (FN-PWLE) in Manitoba, Canada. This study investigated perceptions of both health care providers and FN-PWLE through qualitative interviews occurring between July 2020 and February 2022 to understand their experience and identify lessons learned that could be translated into health system changes. METHODS: Using a qualitative, participatory-action, intentional decolonizing approach for this study we included an Indigenous knowledge keeper and Indigenous research associates with lived experience as part of the study team. A total of twenty-five [25] in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven healthcare providers (HCPs) and fourteen First Nation people with lived HIV experience (FN-PWLE). In total, 18/25 or 72% of the study participants self-identified as First Nation people. RESULTS: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted health services access for FN-PWLE, a) disrupted relationships between FN-PWLE and healthcare providers, b) disrupted access to testing, in-person appointments, and medications, and c) intersectional stigma was compounded. Though, the COVID-19 pandemic also led to positive effects, including the creation of innovative solutions for the health system overall. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic exaggerated pre-existing barriers and facilitators for Manitoba FN-PWLE accessing and using the healthcare system. COVID-19 impacted health system facilitators such as relationships and supports, particularly for First Nation people who are structurally disadvantaged and needing more wrap-around care to address social determinants of health. Innovations during times of crisis, included novel ways to improve access to care and medications, illustrated how the health system can quickly provide solutions to long-standing barriers, especially for geographical barriers. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic should be considered for improvements to the health system's HIV cascade of care for FN-PWLE and other health system improvements for First Nations people with other chronic diseases and conditions. Finally, this study illustrates the value of qualitative and First Nation decolonizing research methods. Further studies are needed, working together with First Nations organizations and communities, to apply these recommendations and innovations to change health care and people's lives.

741. Prevalence of overweight and its associated factors among Malaysian adults: Findings from a nationally representative survey.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Chong CT, Lai WK, Mohd Sallehuddin S

The World Health Organization has reported that the prevalence of overweight is a growing problem in many countries, including middle- and lower-income countries like Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and its associated factors among Malaysian adults. A total of 9782 Malaysian adults aged 18 and above were included in this study, representing states and federal territories from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019. Sociodemographic data (sex, locality, age, marital status, ethnicity, educational level, income level, and health literacy), non-communicable disease status (hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia), and lifestyle behaviours (physical activity level, smoking status, and also fruit and vegetable consumption) were collected and analysed to identify factors associated with overweight. The study found that the prevalence of overweight among Malaysian adults was 50.1%. Multivariate analyses showed that several factors, including female gender [aOR (95% CI) = 1.33 (1.11, 1.58); p = .002], ages 30-59 years [aOR (95% CI) = 1.61 (1.31, 1.97); p < .001], being Malay [aOR (95% CI) = 1.68 (1.36, 2.07); p < .001], Indian [aOR (95% CI) = 2.59 (1.80, 3.74); p < .001] or other Bumiputera [aOR (95% CI) = 1.82 (1.38, 2.39); p < .001], being married [aOR (95% CI) = 1.23 (1.00, 1.50); p = .046], and having adequate health literacy [aOR (95% CI) = 1.19 (1.01, 1.39); p = .033], were significantly associated with an increased risk of overweight. Additionally, overweight individuals had a significantly higher risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes [aOR (95% CI) = 1.47 (1.23, 1.75); p < .001] and hypertension [aOR (95% CI) = 2.60 (2.20, 3.07); p < .001]. The study suggests that intervention programs should be implemented in an equitable and cost-effective manner to target these high-risk populations and address the burden of overweight in Malaysia.

742. Effects of low versus high inspired oxygen fraction on myocardial injury after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A randomized clinical trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Cho YJ, Hyeon C, Nam K

743. Magnitude and determinants of improved household latrine utilization in Ethiopia: Multilevel analysis of the mini Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) 2019.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Tesfaw A, Tiruneh M, Mamuye M

INTRODUCTION: Lack of sanitation is a major global problem mainly for the poor and disadvantaged. According to the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) report, one out of every three households lack a toilet in Ethiopia and about 56% of rural households use unimproved toilet facilities. We aimed to determine the magnitude of improved household latrine utilization and its determinants in Ethiopia using the mini-Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) 2019 data set. METHOD: A secondary data analysis was conducted based on the mini 2019 EDHS data set. A total weighted sample of 8663 households were involved in analysis. After selecting the relevant variables for the outcome variable, we have fitted four different models. The null (empty) model with no independent variables and the second model contained the effects of the individual-level factors on the outcome variable. The third model included the influence of the community-level factors on the response variable, and the final multilevel multivariable logistic regression model examined the effects of individual-level and community-level variables on the outcome variable. The measure of variation was quantified using Intra-Class Correlation (ICC), Median Odds Ratio, and Proportional Change in Variance (PCV). The Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to show the strength of association and statistical significance was declared at p value < 0.05. RESULTS: The magnitude of improved latrine utilization in Ethiopia was 19.5% with 95% CI (18.6%, 20.3%). The factors: educational status (AOR = 1.67; 95% CI: (1.10, 2.55), highest wealth index (AOR = 3.73; 95% CI: (2.73, 5.12), urban residence (AOR = 3.09; 95% CI: (1.68, 5.67), living in Addis Ababa (AOR = 4.08; 95% CI: (1.03, 16.2) and Dire Dawa (AOR = 8.22; 95% CI: (2.46, 27.42) and Somali regions (AOR = 3.11; 95% CI: (1.15, 8.42) were significantly associated to improved latrine utilization in Ethiopia. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of improved latrine utilization was quite low in Ethiopia. Higher wealth index, living in more urbanized areas, and the household head's educational status were all significant predictors of improved latrine utilization. The finding implies a need to increase household's access to latrine facilities and improve latrine utilization, particularly for rural households in the country.

744. The effect of picture book reading on young children's use of an emotion regulation strategy.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Schoppmann J, Severin F, Schneider S

745. Depression severity is associated with reduced pleasantness of observed social touch and fewer current intimate touch experiences.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Tinker VC, Trotter PD, Krahé C.

Depression is associated with loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities and withdrawal from social interactions. Depression alters the perception of social cues, but it is currently unclear whether this extends to social touch. In the current cross-sectional study, we explored the association between depression severity, perceived pleasantness of observed social touch, and general longing for touch. For observed touch, we contrasted videos of slow touch (1-10cm/s), which optimally activates C tactile afferent nerve fibres and generally feels pleasant, with 'non-CT-optimal' touch (i.e., outside the 1-10cm/s range, commonly rated more neutral). We predicted that greater depression severity would be related to lower pleasantness ratings specifically for CT-optimal touch, and less longing for touch. N = 226 adults completed self-report measures of depression severity and longing for touch, and rated touch pleasantness for six videos depicting social touch at three velocities (3cm/s in the CT-optimal range, 0.5 and 30cm/s outside this range) and at two locations varying in CT innervation (palm vs. arm). We controlled for general anhedonia and individual differences in touch experiences and attitudes. Across touch locations, greater depression severity was associated with lower perceived pleasantness of touch, especially for the fastest non-CT-optimal (rather than the CT-optimal) velocity, contrary to our prediction. However, when grouping participants into probable vs. no/minimal depression, the probable depression group rated both the fastest non-CT-optimal and the CT-optimal velocity as less pleasant than did the no/minimal depression group. Overall, while depression was associated with perceived pleasantness of observed touch, this was not specific to CT-optimal touch. Furthermore, touch longing was not associated with depression severity. Instead, variance in depression symptoms was better explained by reduced levels of current intimate touch. Though the direction of causality is unclear, greater depression severity is related to lower pleasantness of observed social touch, and lower levels of current intimate touch.

746. Within-subject variation of HbA1c: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Gough A, Sitch A, Ferris E

BACKGROUND: Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement is used to diagnose and to guide treatment of diabetes mellitus. Within-subject variability in measured HbA1c affects its clinical utility and interpretation, but no comprehensive systematic review has described within-subject variability. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed of within-subject variability of HbA1c. Multiple databases were searched from inception to November 2022 for follow-up studies of any design in adults or children, with repeated measures of HbA1c or glycosylated haemoglobin. Title and abstract screening was performed in duplicate, full text screening and data extraction by one reviewer and verified by a second. Risk of bias of included papers was assessed using a modified consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement Instruments (COSMIN) tool. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) results were pooled with a meta-analysis and coefficient of variation (CV) results were described by median and range. RESULTS: Of 2675 studies identified, 111 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-five studies reported variability data in healthy patients, 19 in patients with type 1 diabetes and 59 in patients with type 2 diabetes. Median within-subject coefficient of variation (CV) was 0.070 (IQR 0.034 to .09). For healthy subjects the median CV for HbA1c % was 0.017 (IQR 0.013 to 0.022), for patients with type 1 diabetes 0.084 (IQR 0.067 to 0.89) and for type 2 diabetes 0.083 (IQR 0.06 to 0.10). CV increased with mean population HbA1c. LIMITATIONS: Assessment of variability was not the main aim of many of the included studies and some relevant papers may have been missed. Many included papers had few participants or few repeated measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Within-subject variability of HbA1c is higher for patients with than without diabetes and increases with mean population HbA1c. This may confound observed relationships between HbA1c variability and health outcomes. Because of its importance in clinical decision-making there is a need for better estimates and understanding of factors associated with of HbA1c variability.

747. An economic model and evidence of the evolution of human intelligence in the Middle Pleistocene: Climate change and assortative mating.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Petersen BC.

748. Estimating the allocation of land to business.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Daams MN.

749. The applicability of human mobility scaling laws on animals-A Herring Gull case study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Łoś M, Smolak K, Mitrus C

750. The plant toxin 4-methylsulfinylbutyl isothiocyanate decreases herbivore performance and modulates cellular and humoral immunity.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Ghosh E, Tafesh-Edwards GSY, Eleftherianos I

Insect herbivores frequently encounter plant defense molecules, but the physiological and ecological consequences for their immune systems are not fully understood. The majority of studies attempting to relate levels of plant defensive chemistry to herbivore immune responses have used natural population or species-level variation in plant defensive chemistry. Yet, this potentially confounds the effects of plant defense chemistry with other potential plant trait differences that may affect the expression of herbivore immunity. We used an artificial diet containing known quantities of a plant toxin (4-methylsulfinylbutyl isothiocyanate; 4MSOB-ITC or ITC, a breakdown product of the glucosinolate glucoraphanin upon herbivory) to explicitly explore the effects of a plant toxin on the cellular and humoral immune responses of the generalist herbivore Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) that frequently feeds on glucosinolate-containing plants. Caterpillars feeding on diets with high concentrations of ITC experienced reduced survivorship and growth rates. High concentrations of ITC suppressed the appearance of several types of hemocytes and melanization activity, which are critical defenses against parasitic Hymenoptera and microbial pathogens. In terms of T. ni humoral immunity, only the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes lebocin and gallerimycin were significantly upregulated in caterpillars fed on diets containing high levels of ITC relative to caterpillars that were provided with ITC-free diet. Surprisingly, challenging caterpillars with a non-pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli resulted in the upregulation of the AMP gene cecropin. Feeding on high concentrations of plant toxins hindered caterpillar development, decreased cellular immunity, but conferred mixed effects on humoral immunity. Our findings provide novel insights into the effects of herbivore diet composition on insect performance demonstrating the role of specific plant defense toxins that shape herbivore immunity and trophic interactions.

751. Why not to pick your nose: Association between nose picking and SARS-CoV-2 incidence, a cohort study in hospital health care workers.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Lavell AHA, Tijdink J, Buis DTP

752. Sniffer worm, C. elegans, as a toxicity evaluation model organism with sensing and locomotion abilities.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Kim JS, Park SK, Lee H.

753. Trial-by-trial feedback fails to improve the consideration of acceleration in visual time-to-collision estimation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Wessels M, Hecht H, Huisman T

754. Genetic diversity in ex situ populations of the endangered Leontopithecus chrysomelas and implications for its conservation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Aliaga-Samanez GG, Bulhões Javarotti N, Orecife G

755. A game-factors approach to cognitive benefits from video-game training: A meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Smith ET, Basak C.

756. Changes in the prevalence of dementia in Australia and its association with geographic remoteness.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Haque R, Alam K, Gow J

757. The early predictive value of frailty for health-related quality of life among elderly patients with cancer receiving curative chemotherapy.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Hu YC, Chen SY, Chou WC

758. Structural transformation and political economy: A new approach to inclusive growth.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Kamal M, Fatima A.

759. Periostin-An inducer of pro-fibrotic phenotype in monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages in systemic sclerosis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Suzuki M, Ototake Y, Akita A

760. Evaluation of medication errors in patients with kidney diseases in Quetta, Pakistan.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Bano T, Haq N, Nasim A

BACKGROUND: Medication errors represent a significant challenge in healthcare, as they can lead to enduring harm for patients and impose substantial financial burdens on the healthcare system. To effectively mitigate medication errors, it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of their frequency and the contributing variables. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of medication errors among patients with kidney diseases in Quetta, Pakistan. METHODS: The objective of this study was to assess medication errors in patients diagnosed with kidney diseases in Quetta, Pakistan. The research was conducted at the Balochistan Institute of Nephro-Urology Quetta (BINUQ) Hospital, which serves as a tertiary care center specializing in the treatment of kidney diseases. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed over a period of six months. The study population consisted of patients admitted to the Nephro-urology wards at BINUQ Hospital during the specified duration. Data collection encompassed various methodologies, including checklist-guided observation, review of prescription order forms, documentation of drug administration, and comprehensive analysis of patient medical records. Descriptive and analytical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23. Univariate analysis was employed to identify independent variables associated with medication errors, employing a significance level of p<0.01. The multivariate logistic regression analysis incorporated variables that exhibited a significant association with medication errors during the univariate analysis. Only those variables demonstrating a p-value of less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence level were considered significant predictors of medication administration errors within the final multivariate model. RESULTS: Among the 274 medication errors identified in the study, documentation errors accounted for 118 cases (12.06%), administration errors for 97 cases (9.91%), prescribing errors for 34 cases (3.47%), and dispensing errors for 25 cases (2.55%). Statistical analysis revealed significant associations (p<0.05) between forgetfulness and duty shift, and medication errors in the documentation process. Similarly, inattention was significantly associated (p<0.05) with both prescribing and dispensing errors. Furthermore, the number of medications received emerged as the most influential factor associated with medication errors. Patients receiving 4-6 medications exhibited an odds ratio of 9.08 (p<0.001) compared to patients receiving 1-3 medications, while patients receiving more than 6 medications had an odds ratio of 4.23 (p<0.001) in relation to patients receiving 1-3 medications. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study determined that documentation errors were the most prevalent medication errors observed in patients with kidney disease in Quetta, Pakistan. Forgetfulness and duty shift were associated with documentation errors, whereas inattention was linked to prescribing and dispensing errors. The significant risk factor for medication errors was found to be a high number of prescribed medications. Therefore, strategies aimed at reducing medication errors should prioritize enhancements in documentation practices, alleviating medication burden, and increasing awareness among healthcare providers.

761. COVID-19 and sexual violence against women: A qualitative study about young people and professionals' perspectives in Spain.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Castellanos-Torres E, Sanz-Barbero B, Vives-Cases C; CIBER Program of Violence and Young People team.

762. The dynamic lives of osseous points from Late Palaeolithic/Early Mesolithic Doggerland: A detailed functional study of barbed and unbarbed points from the Dutch North Sea.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Aleo A, Kozowyk PRB, Baron LI

763. Comparison of hospitalist morale in a COVID-19 alternate care site (ACS) to hospitalist morale in conventional hospitals in Maryland.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Washburn C, Kantsiper ME, Esteve R

BACKGROUND: Morale and burnout were concerns for hospitalists prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; these concerns were amplified as COVID-19 spread and hospitals experienced unprecedented stress. In contrast to prior literature, our study assesses both satisfaction and the importance of various factors. This study examines morale of hospitalists early in the COVID-19 pandemic in two settings: conventional hospitals and a COVID-19 Alternate Care site (ACS) in the same geographic region in Maryland. Multiple studies published early in the pandemic show low morale in COVID-19 hospitals. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey study, we analyze data from the Hospitalist Morale Index (HMI) administered between September 2020 and March 2021 to determine the pandemic's impact on hospitalist morale. RESULTS: Surprisingly, our study found morale in the ACS was better than morale at the conventional hospitals. ACS hospitalists and conventional hospitalists were demographically similar. Our results show that a significantly higher proportion of conventional hospitalists reported burnout compared to the ACS hospitalists. General quality of life was rated significantly higher in the ACS group than the conventional group. Significantly more ACS hospitalists were invested in making their group outstanding. Five main HMI domains were examined with questions on a 5-point rating scale: Clinical Factors, Workload, Material Rewards, Leadership, and Appreciation/Acknowledgement. ACS hospitalists rated most measures higher than conventional hospitalists; largest differences were observed in Clinical Factors and Appreciation/Acknowledgement domains. Narrative comments from ACS hospitalists revealed strong identification with the mission of the ACS and pride in contributing during a crisis. One key difference between the two groups explains these findings: provider autonomy. The ACS staff chose the position and the assignment, while conventional hospitalists caring for COVID-19 patients could not readily opt out of this work. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that autonomy in assignments with risk has implications for morale and burnout.

764. How stra(i)nge are your controls? A comparative analysis of metabolic phenotypes in commonly used C57BL/6 substrains.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Sil A, Souza Matos M, Delibegovic M

765. Personal values and people's attitudes toward older adults.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Fong JH, Wang TY.

766. Going the extra mile at work: Relationships between working conditions and discretionary work effort.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Yu WH, Kuo JC.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Doremus J, Li L, Jones D.

768. Beyond ingredients: Supramolecular structure of lipid droplets in infant formula affects metabolic and brain function in mouse models.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Oosting A, Harvey L, Ringler S

769. Analysis of gene duplication within the Arabidopsis NUCLEAR FACTOR Y, subunit B (NF-YB) protein family reveals domains under both purifying and diversifying selection.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Siriwardana CL, Risinger JR, Carpenter EM

770. Incident sarcopenia in hospitalized older people: A systematic review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Wan SN, Thiam CN, Ang QX

771. Scientists' deficit perception of the public impedes their behavioral intentions to correct misinformation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Choi S, Anderson AA, Cagle S

This paper investigates the relationship between scientists' communication experience and attitudes towards misinformation and their intention to correct misinformation. Specifically, the study focuses on two correction strategies: source-based correction and relational approaches. Source-based approaches combatting misinformation prioritize sharing accurate information from trustworthy sources to encourage audiences to trust reliable information over false information. On the other hand, relational approaches give priority to developing relationships or promoting dialogue as a means of addressing misinformation. In this study, we surveyed 416 scientists from U.S. land-grant universities using a self-report questionnaire. We find that scientists' engagement in science communication activities is positively related to their intention to correct misinformation using both strategies. Moreover, the scientists' attitude towards misinformation mediates the relationship between engagement in communication activities and intention to correct misinformation. The study also finds that the deficit model perception-that is, the assumption that scientists only need to transmit scientific knowledge to an ignorant public in order to increase understanding and support for science-moderates the indirect effect of engagement in science communication activities on behavioral intention to correct misinformation using relational strategies through attitude towards misinformation. Thus, the deficit model perception is a barrier to engaging in relational strategies to correct misinformation. We suggest that addressing the deficit model perception and providing science communication training that promotes inclusive worldviews and relational approaches would increase scientists' behavioral intentions to address misinformation. The study concludes that scientists should recognize their dual positionality as scientists and members of their community and engage in respectful conversations with community members about science.

772. Mask use in public places in Maputo City, Mozambique: Cross-sectional survey.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Balate D, Afai G, Sallé F

773. Evaluating user experience with immersive technology in simulation-based education: A modified Delphi study with qualitative analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Jacobs C, Foote G, Williams M.

774. Threads of memory: Reviving the ornament of a dead child at the Neolithic village of Ba`ja (Jordan).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Alarashi H, Benz M, Gresky J

In 2018, a well-constructed cist-type grave was discovered at Ba`ja, a Neolithic village (7,400-6,800 BCE) in Southern Jordan. Underneath multiple grave layers, an 8-year-old child was buried in a fetal position. Over 2,500 beads were found on the chest and neck, along with a double perforated stone pendant and a delicately engraved mother-of-pearl ring discovered among the concentration of beads. The first was found behind the neck, and the second on the chest. The meticulous documentation of the bead distribution indicated that the assemblage was a composite ornament that had gradually collapsed, partly due to the burying position. Our aim was to challenge time degradation and to reimagine the initial composition in order to best explore the significance of this symbolic category of material culture, not as mere group of beads, but as an ornamental creation with further aesthetic, artisanal and socioeconomic implications. The reconstruction results exceeded our expectations as it revealed an imposing multi-row necklace of complex structure and attractive design. Through multiple lines of evidence, we suggest that the necklace was created at Ba`ja, although significant parts of beads were made from exotic shells and stones, including fossil amber, an unprecedented material never attested before for this period. The retrieval of such an ornament from life and its attribution to a young dead child highlights the significant social status of this individual. Beyond the symbolic functions related to identity, the necklace is believed to have played a key role in performing the inhumation rituals, understood as a public event gathering families, relatives, and people from other villages. In this sense, the necklace is not seen as belonging completely to the realm of death but rather to the world of the living, materializing a collective memory and shared moments of emotions and social cohesion.

775. Mild cognitive impairment identification based on motor and cognitive dual-task pooled indices.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Mancioppi G, Rovini E, Fiorini L

776. Warning: Humans cannot reliably detect speech deepfakes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Mai KT, Bray S, Davies T

777. Genetic polymorphisms in the serotonin, dopamine and opioid pathways influence social attention in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Howarth ERI, Szott ID, Witham CL

778. Comprehensive intervention for reducing stigma of autism spectrum disorders: Incorporating the experience of simulated autistic perception and social contact.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Tsujita M, Homma M, Kumagaya SI

779. Gender differences in earnings among people with multiple sclerosis and associations with type of occupation and family composition: A population-based study with matched references.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Machado A, Azad A, Pettersson E

Gender differences in earnings exist worldwide. Gender segregation or familial status have been previously stated as possible explanations for these differences as well as health differences between women and men. Women are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) as twice much as men. Moreover, MS limitations may affect the work capacity of people with MS (PwMS) implying a reduction in their earnings. We aimed to explore gender differences in earnings among people with MS and without MS and between groups of those diagnosed while also considering types of occupation and family composition, and how these possible differences relate to sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP). We conducted a population-based cohort study in Sweden with microdata from several nationwide registers. PwMS aged 19-57 years (n = 5128) living in Sweden and 31,767 matched references from the population without MS. Outcome measures included earnings, number of SA and DP days combined (SA/DP). A four-way weighted least-squares analysis of covariance was performed to explore the associations of gender, MS, type of occupation, and family composition with earnings. Risk of SA and DP days was assessed with logistic regression. Overall, and across all occupations, women earned less than men, although less so among managers with MS. Annual gender differences in earnings were larger if living with children at home compared to not living with children. Nevertheless, these gender differences decreased after adjusting for SA/DP, both among PwMS and references. PwMS had considerably more SA/DP days than references. Women also had more SA/DP days than men. We observed that working women earned less than working men, and that gender differences in earnings were present in all occupations, although less evident among PwMS in managerial positions. The combination of gender, occupation, family composition, and MS, was associated with earnings, even when adjusting for the number of SA and DP days.

780. Charity campaigns with promotion-framed goals are more effective than those with prevention-framed goals.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Sekścińska K, Trzcińska A, Maison D.

781. Videos about older adults on TikTok.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Ng R, Indran N.

782. Changes in diet, exercise and psychology of the quarantined population during the COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Qiu L, Li C, He W

783. #chatsafe 2.0. updated guidelines to support young people to communicate safely online about self-harm and suicide: A Delphi expert consensus study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Robinson J, Thorn P, McKay S

INTRODUCTION: Young people use social media to communicate about self-harm and suicide and this is associated with both potential risks and protective effects. The #chatsafe guidelines were originally developed in 2018 to equip young people to communicate safely online about suicide. They were shown to be safe, acceptable, and beneficial; however, they do not provide guidance on self-harm, and social media is constantly evolving. This study aimed to update the #chatsafe guidelines to reflect new evidence and current social media affordances, and to include guidance on self-harm. METHODS: A Delphi expert consensus study was conducted, comprising six stages: 1) A systematic search of peer-reviewed and grey literature; 2) A series of roundtables with key stakeholders including social media companies, policymakers, and young people; 3) Questionnaire development; 4) Expert panel formation; 5) Data collection and analysis; and 6) Guideline development. RESULTS: A total of 191 items were included in the new #chatsafe guidelines. These were organised into eight themes, which became the overarching sections of the guidelines: 1) General tips; 2) Creating self-harm and suicide content; 3) Consuming self-harm and suicide content; 4) Livestreams of self-harm and suicide acts; 4) Self-harm and suicide games, pacts, and hoaxes; 6) Self-harm and suicide communities; 7) Bereavement and communicating about someone who has died by suicide; and 8) Guidance for influencers. DISCUSSION: The new guidelines include updated and new information on online communication about self-harm, livestreams, games, pacts, and hoaxes, as well as guidance for influencers. They will be disseminated via a national social media campaign and supported by a series of adult-facing resources. Given the acceptability of the original guidelines and the ubiquitous use of social media by young people, it is hoped that the new guidelines will be a useful resource for young people and adults alike, both in Australia and worldwide.

784. Association between level of compliance with COVID-19 public health measures and depressive symptoms: A cross-sectional survey of young adults in Canada and France.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Coulaud PJ, Jesson J, Bolduc N

BACKGROUND: While compliance with preventive measures remains central to limit the spread of COVID-19, these measures critically affected mental health of young adults. We therefore investigated the association between the level of compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures and depressive symptoms among young adults in Canada and France. METHODS: From October to December 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey of young adults ages 18-29 years in Canada (n = 3246) and France (n = 2680) to collect demographic data, experiences with COVID-19 preventive measures, and mental health. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Compliance profiles were built using cluster analysis. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate associations between compliance level and major depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score≥15) in each country. RESULTS: One third of respondents reported major depressive symptoms (Canada: 36.4%, France: 23.4%). Four compliance profiles were identified: high (42.5%), medium-high (21.7%), medium-low (18.1%), and low (17.7%), with high levels more frequently observed in Canada compared to France. In both countries, participants in low compliance profile (Canada: Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) [95% Confidence Interval] 0.75 [0.58, 0.98], France: AOR 0.60 [0.46, 0.75]), in the medium-low (Canada: AOR 0.58 [0.48, 0.72], France: AOR 0.81 [0.66, 1.01]), and medium-high compliance profiles (Canada: AOR 0.78 [0.65, 0.93], France: AOR 0.77 [0.63, 0.93]) were less likely to report major depressive symptoms compared to the high compliance profile. Ethno-racial minorities, sexual and gender minority, and unemployed young adults had higher odds of reporting such symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Major depressive symptoms were associated with high compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures among young adults. The implementation of socially-isolating measures should be coupled with mental health interventions to address mental health needs of young adults, with enhanced supports for sub-groups who are structurally disadvantaged (e.g., racialized, unemployed, sexual and gender minority).

785. The impact of emotional intelligence on operational effectiveness: The mediating role of organizational citizenship behavior and leadership.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Santa R, Moros A, Morante D

786. Inter-rating reliability of the Swiss easy-read integrated palliative care outcome scale for people with dementia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Spichiger F, Volken T, Larkin P

BACKGROUND: The Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale for People with Dementia is a promising instrument for nursing home quality improvement and research in dementia care. It enables frontline staff in nursing homes to understand and rate the needs and concerns of people with dementia. We recently adapted the measure to include easy language for users from various educational backgrounds. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examine the inter-rating reliability of the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale for People with Dementia for frontline staff in nursing homes. METHODS: In this secondary analysis of an experimental study, 317 frontline staff members in 23 Swiss nursing homes assessed 240 people with dementia from a convenience sample. Reliability for individual items was computed using Fleiss Kappa. Because of the nested nature of the primary data, a generalisability and dependability study was performed for an experimental IPOS-Dem sum score. RESULTS: The individual Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale for People with Dementia items showed kappa values between .38 (95% CI .3-.48) and .15 (95% CI .08-.22). For the experimental IPOS-Dem sum score, a dependability index of .57 was found. The different ratings and time between ratings explain less than 2% of the variance in the sum score. The different nursing homes make up 12% and the people with dementia make up 43% of the sum score variance. The dependability study indicates that an experimental IPOS-Dem sum score could be acceptable for research by averaging two ratings. CONCLUSION: Limited research has been conducted on the measurement error and reliability of patient-centred outcome measures for people with dementia who are living in nursing homes. The Swiss Easy-Read IPOS-Dem is a promising instrument but requires further improvement to be reliable for research or decision making. Future studies may look at its measurement properties for different rater populations or at different stages of dementia. Furthermore, there is a need to establish the construct validity and internal consistency of the easy-read IPOS-Dem.

787. Hydroxychloroquine reduces T cells activation recall antigen responses.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Kowatsch MM, Lajoie J, Mwangi L

BACKGROUND: In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is still limited information about how people suffering from autoimmune diseases respond to the different COVID vaccines. The fact that they are taking an immunosuppressant or other drugs that aim to decrease the immune system activities, such as hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), could also impact their ability to respond to a COVID vaccine and vaccines in general. METHODS: Heathy donors were given 200mg of HCQ daily for 6-weeks to assess HCQs impact on the systemic T cells and humoral immune response. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma were obtained at baseline and 6-weeks after starting daily HCQ. Flow cytometry assays were designed to determine changes in T cell activation and T cell responses. Bead array multiplex were used to analyse antibodies and cytokine levels before and after HCQ intake. RESULTS: As anticipated, HCQ treatment decreased ex vivo T cell activation. We observed a decrease in CD4+CD161- expressing CCR5 (p = 0.015) and CD69 (p = 0.004) as well as in CD8+CCR5+ (p = 0.003), CD8+CD161+CCR5+ (p = 0.002) and CD8+CD161+CD95+ (p = 0.004). Additionally, HCQ decreased the proportion of Th17 expressing CD29 (p = 0.019), a subset associated with persistent inflammation. The proportion of T regulatory cells expressing the inhibitory molecule TIGIT was also reduced by HCQ (p = 0.003). As well, T cells from people on HCQ were less responsive to activation and cytokine production following stimulation with recall antigens and memory T cells were less likely to produce both IFNγ and TNFα following stimulation. CONCLUSION: This study shows HCQ is associated with lower T cell activation and decreased T cell cytokine production. While this study was not performed with the intent of looking at COVID vaccine response, it does provide important information about the changes in immune response that may occur in patient taking HCQ as a treatment for their autoimmune disease.

788. Characterisation of putative class 1A DHODH-like proteins from Mucorales and dematiaceous mould species.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Pinder C, Lebedinec R, Levine TP

Olorofim is a new antifungal in clinical development which has a novel mechanism of action against dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). DHODH form a ubiquitous family of enzymes in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway and are split into class 1A, class 1B and class 2. Olorofim specifically targets the fungal class 2 DHODH present in a range of pathogenic moulds. The nature and number of DHODH present in many fungal species have not been addressed for large clades of this kingdom. Mucorales species do not respond to olorofim; previous work suggests they have only class 1A DHODH and so lack the class 2 target that olorofim inhibits. The dematiaceous moulds have mixed susceptibility to olorofim, yet previous analyses imply that they have class 2 DHODH. As this is at odds with their intermediate susceptibility to olorofim, we hypothesised that these pathogens may maintain a second class of DHODH, facilitating pyrimidine biosynthesis in the presence of olorofim. The aim of this study was to investigate the DHODH repertoire of clinically relevant species of Mucorales and dematiaceous moulds to further characterise these pathogens and understand variations in olorofim susceptibility. Using bioinformatic analysis, S. cerevisiae complementation and biochemical assays of recombinant protein, we provide the first evidence that two representative members of the Mucorales have only class 1A DHODH, substantiating a lack of olorofim susceptibility. In contrast, bioinformatic analyses initially suggested that seven dematiaceous species appeared to harbour both class 1A-like and class 2-like DHODH genes. However, further experimental investigation of the putative class 1A-like genes through yeast complementation and biochemical assays characterised them as dihydrouracil oxidases rather than DHODHs. These data demonstrate variation in dematiaceous mould olorofim susceptibility is not due to a secondary DHODH and builds on the growing picture of fungal dihydrouracil oxidases as an example of horizontal gene transfer.

789. Spatial patterns and predictors of unintended pregnancy among reproductive age women in Ethiopia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Zeru MA, Fenta HM, Mitku AA.

INTRODUCTION: Unintended pregnancy is amajor sexual and reproductive health problem that imposes substantial health, economical and psychosocial costs to individuals and society as well as significant emotional distress to women, families, and society. The main aim of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution and predictors of unintended pregnancy in Ethiopian regions and administrative zones. METHODS: This study was conducted based on data from 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. The prevalence of unintended pregnancy across regions and or zones was assessed using spatial analysis, and the effect of different factors on unintended pregnancy in Ethiopia was investigated using a generalized linear mixed model with a multistage clustered sampling strategy. The crude and best linear unbiased predictor estimations of zones were integrated with the shape file data to demonstrate the performance of each zone on maps. RESULTS: The prevalence of unintended pregnancy for reproductive women in Ethiopia was29.49%. The highest rates of unintended pregnancy were recorded in the North Gondar zone of the Amhara region and the Jima zone in the Oromiya region. The mixed effects model revealed that age [AOR = 0.78, 95% CI, 0.62-0.97], residence [AOR = 2.62, 95%CI, 1.94, 7.27], marital status [AOR = 0.05, 95%CI, 0.01-0.38], women education [AOR = 1.34, 95%CI, 0.75-2.39], smoking cigarettes [AOR = 3.67, 95CI, 1.17-11.56], and poorer wealth index [AOR = 1.89, 95% CI, 1.51-2.31] were significantly associated with unintended pregnancy. CONCLUSION: In Ethiopia, unintended pregnancy is a public health issue, and prevention stratagem for unintended pregnancy among reproductive women need to be focused based on the identified predictors. The spatial distribution of unintended pregnancy varied greatly at zonal and regional levels in Ethiopia. Hence, we recommended that, creating awareness of sexual and reproductive health with special priority to the identified hotspot areas (Amhara, Oromiya and SNN regions) to reduce unintended pregnancy. Emphasis on fertility and contraceptive techniques should be given to couples by health professionals.

790. Quantile regression for static panel data models with time-invariant regressors.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Tao L, Tai L, Tian M.

791. ICIF: Image fusion via information clustering and image features.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Dong L, Wang J, Zhao L

792. Economic evaluations of predictive genetic testing: A scoping review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Xi Q, Jin S, Morris S.

793. Effect of any form of steroids in comparison with that of other medications on the duration of olfactory dysfunction in patients with COVID-19: A systematic review of randomized trials and quasi-experimental studies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 2

Winn PZ, Hlaing T, Tun KM

BACKGROUND: The life quality of about two-thirds of patients with COVID-19 is affected by related olfactory dysfunctions. The negative impact of olfactory dysfunction ranged from the decreased pleasure of eating to impaired quality of life. This research aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of corticosteroid treatments by comparing that to other currently available treatments and interventions. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist's 27-point checklist was used to conduct this review. PubMed (Public/Publisher MEDLINE), PubMed Central and EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database) databases were conveniently selected and Boolean search commands were used for a comprehensive literature search. Five core search terms were "effects of treatments", " COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction", "corticosteroids", "treatments" and "interventions". The reporting qualities of the included studies were appraised using JBI (Joanna Briggs Institute) appraisal tools. The characteristics of the 21 experimental studies with a total sample (of 130,550) were aggregated using frequencies and percentages and presented descriptively. The main interventions and their effects on the duration of the COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction were narratively analyzed. RESULTS: Among patients with COVID-19, the normal functions of the olfactory lobe were about 23 days earlier to gain with the treatments of fluticasone and triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray compared with that of mometasone furoate nasal spray and oral corticosteroid. The smell loss duration was reduced by fluticasone and triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray 9 days earlier than the inflawell syrup and 16 days earlier than the lavender syrup. The nasal spray of corticosteroids ended the COVID-19-related smell loss symptoms 2 days earlier than the zinc supplementation, about 47 days earlier than carbamazepine treatment and was more effective than palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and luteolin and omega-3 supplementations and olfactory training. Treatment with oral corticosteroid plus olfactory training significantly improved Threshold, Discrimination and Identification (TDI) scores compared with olfactory training alone. A full dose of the COVID-19 vaccination was not uncertain to reduce the COVID-19-related smell loss duration. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroid treatment is effective in reducing the duration of COVID-19-related smell loss and olfactory training, the basic, essential and effective intervention, should be used as a combination therapy.

794. Evaluation of potential rabies exposure among Japanese international travelers: A retrospective descriptive study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Nomoto H, Yamamoto K, Kutsuna S

795. Genome-wide association study on abdomen depth, head width, hip width, and withers height in native cattle of Guilan (Bos indicus).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Jourshari MG, Shadparvar AA, Ghavi Hossein-Zadeh N

796. The effects of Eisenia fetida and Metaphire guillelmi on the soil micro-food web in a microcosm experiment.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Niu X, Cheng Y, Feng X

Numerous studies have shown that the function of earthworms may depend on their ecotype and density, which affects how they impact soil microbial and nematode communities. However, it is unclear how different earthworm species and densities alter the composition of soil microbial and nematode communities and how these modifications impact the soil micro-food web. The structural equation model (SEM) is a more accurate tool for identifying the intricate relationships between various trophic levels in the soil micro-food webs than the widely used bivariate data analysis. In order to ascertain the effects of earthworm species, including epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida and anecic earthworm Metaphire guillelmi, as well as varying densities on the composition of main microbial groups, soil nematodes and their relationships, a microcosm experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. After nine weeks of observation, compared with the control treatments, Eisenia fetida increased the biomasses of total microorganism and bacteria, whereas Metaphire guillelmi decreased the biomasses of total microorganism, bacteria, and gram-positive bacteria, but showed an increase in AMF biomass. Additionally, both two earthworm species decreased the abundance of total soil nematode, bacterivores, and omnivore-predators, which is in contrast with the control treatments. The SEM results indicated that the addition of Eisenia fetida at different densities had indirect negative effects on the abundance of omnivore-predators, as it significantly increased the content of soil organic carbon, ammonium nitrogen, and nitrate nitrogen. The bottom-up effects were found to be the dominant forces, which promoted bacterial-dominated decomposition channels. The addition of Metaphire guillelmi with different density had direct negative impact on bacterivores and fungivores. Moreover, it had indirect negative effects on omnivore-predators by altering the soil properties. The dominant forces were still the bottom-up effects. Our study suggests that different earthworm species have distinct mechanisms that affect the soil micro-food web in different ways.

797. Demographic and ecological niche dynamics of the Vietnam warty newt, Paramesotriton deloustali: Historical climate influences.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Tran DV, Vu TT, Fukutani K

798. Internationalization tactics and enterprise value in the context of the "Belt and Road" initiative-Analysis from the perspective of host country institutional environment and enterprise digital transformation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Zhang D, Zheng X, Wang F.

799. Optimal barbell force-velocity profiles can contribute to maximize weightlifting performance.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Sandau I, Granacher U.

800. The psychophysics of bouncing: Perceptual constraints, physical constraints, animacy, and phenomenal causality.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Vicovaro M, Brunello L, Parovel G.

In the present study we broadly explored the perception of physical and animated motion in bouncing-like scenarios through four experiments. In the first experiment, participants were asked to categorize bouncing-like displays as physical bounce, animated motion, or other. Several parameters of the animations were manipulated, that is, the simulated coefficient of restitution, the value of simulated gravitational acceleration, the motion pattern (uniform acceleration/deceleration or constant speed) and the number of bouncing cycles. In the second experiment, a variable delay at the moment of the collision between the bouncing object and the bouncing surface was introduced. Main results show that, although observers appear to have realistic representations of physical constraints like energy conservation and gravitational acceleration/deceleration, the amount of visual information available in the scene has a strong modulation effect on the extent to which they rely on these representations. A coefficient of restitution >1 was a crucial cue to animacy in displays showing three bouncing cycles, but not in displays showing one bouncing cycle. Additionally, bouncing impressions appear to be driven by perceptual constraints that are unrelated to the physical realism of the scene, like preference for simulated gravitational attraction smaller than g and perceived temporal contiguity between the different phases of bouncing. In the third experiment, the visible opaque bouncing surface was removed from the scene, and the results showed that this did not have any substantial effect on the resulting impressions of physical bounce or animated motion, suggesting that the visual system can fill-in the scene with the missing element. The fourth experiment explored visual impressions of causality in bouncing scenarios. At odds with claims of current causal perception theories, results indicate that a passive object can be perceived as the direct cause of the motion behavior of an active object.

801. Determinants of correct knowledge on tuberculosis transmission and self-reported tuberculosis prevalence among general population aged 15-49 years in Myanmar.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Aung PL, Win KM, Win Maung HM

802. Clustering of uveal melanoma: County wide analysis within Ohio.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Clevenger LM, Wrenn JD, Bena J

803. Mechanical ventilation in acute myocardial infarction: Outcomes from a prospective audit at a cardiovascular hospital in Pakistan.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Ansari MI, Umair M, Taimoor L

804. Leading consumption patterns of psychoactive substances in Colombia: A deep neural network-based clustering-oriented embedding approach.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Palomino K, Berdugo CR, Vélez JI.

The number of health-related incidents caused using illegal and legal psychoactive substances (PAS) has dramatically increased over two decades worldwide. In Colombia, the use of illicit substances has increased up to 10.3%, while the consumption alcohol and tobacco has increased to 84% and 12%, respectively. It is well-known that identifying drug consumption patterns in the general population is essential in reducing overall drug consumption. However, existing approaches do not incorporate Machine Learning and/or Deep Data Mining methods in combination with spatial techniques. To enhance our understanding of mental health issues related to PAS and assist in the development of national policies, here we present a novel Deep Neural Network-based Clustering-oriented Embedding Algorithm that incorporates an autoencoder and spatial techniques. The primary goal of our model is to identify general and spatial patterns of drug consumption and abuse, while also extracting relevant features from the input data and identifying clusters during the learning process. As a test case, we used the largest publicly available database of legal and illegal PAS consumption comprising 49,600 Colombian households. We estimated and geographically represented the prevalence of consumption and/or abuse of both PAS and non-PAS, while achieving statistically significant goodness-of-fit values. Our results indicate that region, sex, housing type, socioeconomic status, age, and variables related to household finances contribute to explaining the patterns of consumption and/or abuse of PAS. Additionally, we identified three distinct patterns of PAS consumption and/or abuse. At the spatial level, these patterns indicate concentrations of drug consumption in specific regions of the country, which are closely related to specific geographic locations and the prevailing social and environmental contexts. These findings can provide valuable insights to facilitate decision-making and develop national policies targeting specific groups given their cultural, geographic, and social conditions.

805. Qualitative study of in-kind incentives to improve healthcare quality in Belize: Is quality work better than wealth?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Rios-Zertuche D, Benitez Collante AE, Aguilar Rivera AM

BACKGROUND: There is a sparsity of knowledge of the specific mechanisms through which financial and non-financial incentives impact the performance of health teams. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by examining an in-kind incentives program for healthcare teams implemented in three districts in Belize (2012-2022) as part of the Salud Mesoamerica Initiative, which aimed to improve healthcare quality. METHODS: We performed a qualitative study to understand the mechanisms through which the in-kind incentive program supported quality improvement in Belize. We conducted key informant interviews (April-June 2021) remotely on a sample of former and current healthcare workers from Belize's Ministry of Health and Wellness familiar with the program. We analyzed responses using qualitative content analysis. We used open coding to identify patterns and themes. RESULTS: We conducted eight key informant interviews from a pool of thirty potential informants. Our analysis of the interviews yielded a total of 11 major themes with 27 subthemes. Most informants reported that in-kind incentives were not the primary motivation for improving their performance, though they did acknowledge that incentives had increased their attention on the quality of care provided. Conversely, we found that quarterly measurements and supportive supervision by national level authorities offered an external validation mechanism and instilled frontline staff with a sense of shared responsibility towards improving their performance. The majority of informants conveyed positive opinions about the in-kind incentives program. CONCLUSIONS: Our study contributes to the understanding of how in-kind incentives can enhance performance. We found that in-kind incentives created extrinsic motivation, leading to an increased focus on quality. Standardized measurements and supportive supervision improved intrinsic motivation and formed a stronger commitment to quality of care. Rather than focusing on tangible incentives, explicitly incorporating standardized measurements and supportive supervision in the routine work of the Ministry of Health could have longer lasting effects on quality improvement.

806. Examining sociodemographic correlates of opioid use, misuse, and use disorders in the All of Us Research Program.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Yeh HH, Peltz-Rauchman C, Johnson CC

807. MT-MAG: Accurate and interpretable machine learning for complete or partial taxonomic assignments of metagenomeassembled genomes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Li W, Kari L, Yu Y

We propose MT-MAG, a novel machine learning-based software tool for the complete or partial hierarchically-structured taxonomic classification of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). MT-MAG is alignment-free, with k-mer frequencies being the only feature used to distinguish a DNA sequence from another (herein k = 7). MT-MAG is capable of classifying large and diverse metagenomic datasets: a total of 245.68 Gbp in the training sets, and 9.6 Gbp in the test sets analyzed in this study. In addition to complete classifications, MT-MAG offers a "partial classification" option, whereby a classification at a higher taxonomic level is provided for MAGs that cannot be classified to the Species level. MT-MAG outputs complete or partial classification paths, and interpretable numerical classification confidences of its classifications, at all taxonomic ranks. To assess the performance of MT-MAG, we define a "weighted classification accuracy," with a weighting scheme reflecting the fact that partial classifications at different ranks are not equally informative. For the two benchmarking datasets analyzed (genomes from human gut microbiome species, and bacterial and archaeal genomes assembled from cow rumen metagenomic sequences), MT-MAG achieves an average of 87.32% in weighted classification accuracy. At the Species level, MT-MAG outperforms DeepMicrobes, the only other comparable software tool, by an average of 34.79% in weighted classification accuracy. In addition, MT-MAG is able to completely classify an average of 67.70% of the sequences at the Species level, compared with DeepMicrobes which only classifies 47.45%. Moreover, MT-MAG provides additional information for sequences that it could not classify at the Species level, resulting in the partial or complete classification of 95.13%, of the genomes in the datasets analyzed. Lastly, unlike other taxonomic assignment tools (e.g., GDTB-Tk), MT-MAG is an alignment-free and genetic marker-free tool, able to provide additional bioinformatics analysis to confirm existing or tentative taxonomic assignments.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Li Y, Fang D, Wu Q.

809. Postoperative bleeding after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage and aspiration in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Iwamoto T, Suda T, Inoue T

810. Morphometric responses of two zooxanthellate octocorals along a water quality gradient in the Cuban northwestern coast.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Rey-Villiers N, Sánchez A, González-Díaz P

811. GDNF triggers proliferation of rat C6 glioma cells via the NF-κB/CXCL1 signaling pathway.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Wang Y, Wu Y, Li L

812. Incidence and predictors of antiretroviral treatment failure among children in public health facilities of Kolfe Keranyo Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Institution-based retrospective cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Misasew M, Menna T, Berhan E

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a public health concern globally. The number of people living with HIV worldwide in 2018 was estimated at 37.9 million; of those, 1.7 million are children. Globally, 62% of the 37.9 million people were receiving Antiretroviral treatment (ART); and among those who were on ART, 53% had achieved viral suppression. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of Antiretroviral treatment failure among children in Kolfe Keranyo sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 250 children who were enrolled in first-line Antiretroviral treatment from January 2013 to May 2020 in Kolfe Keranyo sub-city. Data was collected by using a data extraction checklist and data were extracted by reviewing children's medical charts and electronic database. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the probability of treatment failure. During bivariable analysis variables with p-value < 0.25 were taken for multivariable Cox regression analysis to assess predictors of treatment failure. Statistically significant association was declared at p-value < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. RESULT: The overall proportion of treatment failure within the follow-up period was 17.2%. This study also found that the overall incidence rate was 3.45 (95% CI: 2.57-4.67) per 1000 person-month observation. Infant prophylaxis for PMTCT (AHR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.65-7,82), drug substitution (AHR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09-0.37), AZT/3TC/NVP based regimen (AHR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.14-4.25), and more than 3 episodes of poor ART adherence (AHR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.17-4.38) were found to be predictors of treatment failure among children. CONCLUSION: High proportion of treatment failure was found among children on first-line ART in Kolfe Keranyo sub-city, Addis Ababa according to the UNAIDs virological suppression targets. Infant prophylaxis for PMTCT, drug substitution, AZT/3TC/NVP based initial regimen, and poor ART adherence were found to be predictors of first-line ART treatment failure. Close follow-up of children on medication adherence and revising the AZT/3TC/NVP based regimen need to be considered.

813. Analysis on the characteristics and relationships of lower limbs strength and power of sailors in different positions and levels.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Sun K, Pan D.

814. Connecting the dots: Path model to identify key phenotypic traits for screening plants with tolerance to nitrogen deficiency.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Adhikari R, Nemali K.

Varieties that tolerate low nitrogen (N) application rates can reduce fertilizer costs, minimize nitrate leaching and runoff losses, and lower overall CO2 emissions associated with fertilizer manufacturing. The goal of our research is to show the usefulness of path models to identify key phenotypic traits for screening plants with a tolerance to low N application rates. We grew tolerant and sensitive cultivars of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) using a water-soluble fertilizer (15-5-15 Cal Mag) in both optimal (electrical conductivity of 2.5 dS·m-1) and N-deficient (electrical conductivity of 0.75 dS·m-1) treatments and measured 24 different traits at the cellular, leaf, and whole-plant scales in both cultivars and treatments. The experiment was laid out as a split-plot design with N treatments as main plots and cultivars as sub-plots, with five replications. Path analysis was conducted to develop sequential relationships among these traits. Statistical comparisons between tolerant and sensitive cultivars in the N-deficient treatment indicated an increase in shoot biomass (19.9 vs 14.4 g), leaf area (2775 vs 1824 cm2), leaf dry weight (14.7 vs 10.0 g), lateral root dry weight (3.7 vs 2.4 g), light-saturated photosynthesis (14.5 vs 10.1 μmol∙m-2∙s-1), maximum electron transport rate (119 vs 89 μmol∙m-2∙s-1), chlorophyll content (28.1 vs 12.9 g∙100g-1), leaf N content (27.5 vs 19.9 mg∙g-1), and fine root N content (26.1 vs 20.9 mg∙g-1), and a decrease in anthocyanin content (0.07 vs 0.16 ΔOD∙g-1). The path model indicated that an increase in the lateral root growth and fine root N content can lead to an increase in the leaf N content, in the N-deficient treatment. There were three separate paths that connected higher leaf N content to increased shoot biomass. These paths were mediated by the levels of anthocyanin, chlorophylls, and light-saturated photosynthesis rate (or rubisco capacity). The light-saturated photosynthesis model suggested that the increased uptake of N by fine roots in the tolerant cultivar was likely supported by the photosynthates translocated from the shoot to the root. Leaf N content was associated with multiple plant responses in the N-deficient treatment, and can be a useful screening trait for developing new cultivars, especially in marker-assisted molecular breeding.

815. Gestational weight gain among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria: Pattern, predictors and pregnancy outcomes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Adeoye IA, Bamgboye EA, Omigbodun AO.

BACKGROUND: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, future obesity and chronic diseases among women. However, has not received much attention in many low and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. We investigated the pattern, associated factors and pregnancy outcomes of GWG in Ibadan, Nigeria, using the Ibadan Pregnancy Cohort Study (IbPCS). METHODOLOGY: The IbPCS is a multicentre prospective cohort study conducted among 1745 pregnant women recruited from four health facilities in Ibadan, Nigeria. GWG, the primary outcome, was categorised according to the Institute of Medicine's classification into insufficient, adequate and excessive weight gain. Pregnancy outcomes were the secondary outcome variables. Logistic regression analysis (Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence interval CI) was used to examine associations, and Poisson regression analyses were used to investigate associations with outcomes. RESULTS: Only 16.9% of women had optimal GWG, 56.8% had excessive GWG, and 26.9% had insufficient GWG. Excessive GWG was associated with high income '> #20,000-' (AOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.25-2.17), being overweight (AOR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.52-2.95) and obese (AOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02-2.13) after adjusting for confounders. In contrast, increased odds of insufficient GWG have associated women with depression (AOR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.17-2.47). There was no significant association between inappropriate GWG and pregnancy outcomes However, there was an increased odds for postpartum haemorrhage (AOR: 2.44, 95% CI 1.14-5.22) among women with obesity and excessive GWG. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive GWG was the most typical form of GWG among our study participants and was associated with high maternal income, and being overweight or obese. GWG needs to be monitored during antenatal care, and interventions that promote appropriate GWG should be implemented among pregnant women in Nigeria.

816. When and why voice to higher-up? Declaring the psychological mechanisms of subordinate's voice behavior in the public sector.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Tasneem KA, Zhang Z, Sun S.

817. Interspecific differences in the effects of masking and distraction on anti-predator behavior in suburban anthropogenic noise.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Chou TL, Krishna A, Fossesca M

Predation is a common threat to animal survival. The detection of predators or anti-predator communication signals can be disrupted by anthropogenic noise; however, the mechanism by which responses are affected is unclear. Masking and distraction are the two hypotheses that have emerged as likely explanations for changes in behavior in noise. Masking occurs when the signal and noise fall within the same sensory domain; noise overlapping the energy in the signal reduces signal detection. Distraction can occur when noise in any sensory domain contributes to a greater cognitive load, thereby reducing signal detection. Here, we used a repeated measures field experiment to determine the relative contributions of masking and distraction in mediating reduced anti-predator responses in noise. We recorded the approaches and vocalizations of black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), tufted titmice (Baeolophus bicolor), and white-breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) to both visual and acoustic cues of predator presence, either with or without simultaneous exposure to anthropogenic noise. Titmice increased their calling to both visual and acoustic cues of predator presence. However, there was no significant effect of noise on the calling responses of titmice regardless of stimulus modality. Noise appeared to produce a distraction effect in chickadees; however, this effect was small, suggesting that chickadees may be relatively unaffected by low levels of anthropogenic noise in suburban environments. White-breasted nuthatch calling behavior was affected by the interaction of the modality of the predator stimulus and the noise condition. Nuthatches had a delayed response to the predator presentations, with a greater calling rate following the presentation of the acoustic stimulus in quiet compared to the presentation of the acoustic stimulus in noise. However, there was no difference in calling rate between the quiet and noise conditions for the visual stimulus. Together this suggests that even moderate levels of noise have some masking effect for white-breasted nuthatches. We suggest that the mechanisms through which noise influences anti-predator behavior may depend on the social roles, foraging ecology and auditory capabilities of each species.

818. Complex organic matter degradation by secondary consumers in chemolithoautotrophy-based subsurface geothermal ecosystems.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Paul R, Rogers TJ, Fullerton KM

Microbial communities in terrestrial geothermal systems often contain chemolithoautotrophs with well-characterized distributions and metabolic capabilities. However, the extent to which organic matter produced by these chemolithoautotrophs supports heterotrophs remains largely unknown. Here we compared the abundance and activity of peptidases and carbohydrate active enzymes (CAZymes) that are predicted to be extracellular identified in metagenomic assemblies from 63 springs in the Central American and the Andean convergent margin (Argentinian backarc of the Central Volcanic Zone), as well as the plume-influenced spreading center in Iceland. All assemblies contain two orders of magnitude more peptidases than CAZymes, suggesting that the microorganisms more often use proteins for their carbon and/or nitrogen acquisition instead of complex sugars. The CAZy families in highest abundance are GH23 and CBM50, and the most abundant peptidase families are M23 and C26, all four of which degrade peptidoglycan found in bacterial cells. This implies that the heterotrophic community relies on autochthonous dead cell biomass, rather than allochthonous plant matter, for organic material. Enzymes involved in the degradation of cyanobacterial- and algal-derived compounds are in lower abundance at every site, with volcanic sites having more enzymes degrading cyanobacterial compounds and non-volcanic sites having more enzymes degrading algal compounds. Activity assays showed that many of these enzyme classes are active in these samples. High temperature sites (> 80°C) had similar extracellular carbon-degrading enzymes regardless of their province, suggesting a less well-developed population of secondary consumers at these sites, possibly connected with the limited extent of the subsurface biosphere in these high temperature sites. We conclude that in < 80°C springs, chemolithoautotrophic production supports heterotrophs capable of degrading a wide range of organic compounds that do not vary by geological province, even though the taxonomic and respiratory repertoire of chemolithoautotrophs and heterotrophs differ greatly across these regions.

819. Intimate partner violence and its associated factors among reproductive-age women in East Africa:-A generalized mixed effect robust poisson regression model.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Tessema ZT, Gebrie WM, Tesema GA

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) has published estimates revealing that around one out of every three women across the globe has been a victim of either physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner or non-partner throughout their lifetime. The available evidence on intimate partner violence in East Africa is limited Consequently, the objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and factors linked to intimate partner violence in East Africa. METHODS: The study utilized the most recent data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 2011 and 2018/19 in 11 countries in Eastern Africa. A total of 59,000 women were included in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to exmine factors associated with IPV. A mixed effect robust Poisson regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence. The adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed to determine the presence of a significant association between intimate partner violence and the independent variables. RESULTS: In this study, the prevalence of intimate partner violence in East Africa was 43.72% with 95% CI 43.32% to 44.12%. In the mixed effect robust Poisson regression model:-Marital status, working status, parity, sex of household headed, wealth index, community poverty, and residence, were significantly associated with intimate partner violence. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of intimate partner violence in East Africa is high as compared to the global prevalence 30%, which hinders The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically goal 5, aim to attain gender equality and empower women and girls worldwide by the year 2030 Women being previously married and cohabitated, working, having a high number of children, rural residents were positively associated with IPV and household and community wealth index and sex of household headed were negatively related with IPV in East Africa. Therefore, we recommend establishing effective health and legal response using an integrated policy approach and Special attention should be given to women who live rural and poorest to reduce IPV and to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goal 5.

820. Brain effective connectome based on fMRI and DTI data: Bayesian causal learning and assessment.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Bagheri A, Dehshiri M, Bagheri Y

821. Investigating the hard X-ray production via proton spallation on different materials to detect elements.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Khezripour S, Rezaie M, Hassanpour M

822. Orchids reduce attachment of herbivorous snails with leaf trichomes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Wati RK, Gravendeel B, Langelaan R

823. Association of anxiety and depressive symptoms with C-reactive protein in diverse Latinos: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Guerrero LR, Hong S, Tarraf W

BACKGROUND: High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a marker of systemic inflammation that has been associated with persistent depressive symptoms. Depression and anxiety are frequently associated with a chronic inflammatory state, yet the nature of this relationship has not been rigorously examined in diverse Hispanic/Latino populations. We aimed to study the association of anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as comorbid presentations, with circulating high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in a large Latino cohort of diverse heritages. We hypothesized a significant positive associations of both anxiety and depressive symptoms and hsCRP levels and potential variations among the heritage groups. METHODS: Depressive symptoms and anxiety were measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), respectively. Serum hsCRP (hsCRP) levels of 15,448 participants (age 18 to 75 years; 52.3% women) from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) were measured and categorized based on the established cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reference values (< 1mg/L, low; 1-<3 mg/L, intermediate; ≥ 3mg/L, high). RESULTS: Mean CES-D, STAI scores, and hsCRP levels were 7.0 (SD = 5.9), 17.0 (SD = 5.7), and 3.84 (SD = 7.85), respectively. Generalized linear modeling, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics revealed significant associations between depression (exp(β) = 1.12; p<0.01) and anxiety symptoms (exp(β) = 1.10; p<0.05) with continuous hsCRP levels. For categorical values of hsCRP, one SD increase in CES-D and STAI scores was associated with a 10% and 8% increase in the RRRs of high vs. low hsCRP, respectively. However, these relationships between CES-D or STAI and hsCRP were no longer statistically significant after adjustment for CVD risk factors and medications. CONCLUSION: We found modest associations between anxiety and depressive symptoms and systemic inflammation measured by hsCRP among diverse Hispanics/Latinos that did not appreciably differ between heritage groups.

824. How researchers calculate students' grade point average in other courses has minimal impact.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Young NT, Matz RL, Bell EF

825. Eating for honour: A cultural-ecological analysis of food behaviours among adolescent girls in the southern plains of Nepal.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Morrison J, Basnet M, Sharma N.

826. Strengthening systems to provide long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) in public sector health facilities in Uganda and Zambia: Program results and learnings.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Kamanga A, Lyazi M, Prust ML

INTRODUCTION: In Uganda and Zambia, both supply- and demand-side factors hamper availability of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), including implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), at public sector facilities. This paper discusses results of a program aimed at increasing access to and uptake of LARC services in public sector facilities through capacity building of government health workers, strengthening government supply chains, and client mobilization. METHODS: From 2018-2021, the Ministries of Health (MOHs) in Uganda and Zambia and Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) worked to increase readiness to provide LARC services within 51 focal facilities in Uganda and 85 focal facilities in Zambia. Annual facility assessments of LARC-related resources were conducted and routine service delivery data were monitored. RESULTS: At baseline, few focal facilities had supplies and skilled staff to provide LARC services. At endline, over 90% of focal facilities in both countries had a provider trained to provide both implants and IUDs and 55% had the commodities and equipment needed for implant provision. In Uganda and Zambia, respectively, 65% and 38% of focal facilities had commodities and equipment for IUD provision at endline. Both programs observed significant increases in the number of implants provided at focal facilities; in Uganda implant volumes increased five-fold from 4,560 at baseline to 23,463 at endline, and in Zambia implant volumes increased nearly four-fold from 1,884 at baseline to 7,394 at endline. Uganda did not observe growth in IUD volumes, whereas Zambia observed significantly increased IUD service volumes from 251 at baseline to 3,866 at endline. CONCLUSIONS: Public sector facilities can be rapidly and sustainably capacitated to provide LARCs when both catalytic and systems strengthening interventions are deployed for health worker capacity building, supply chain management, and community mobilization to ensure client flow. Investments should be intentionally sequenced and coordinated to generate a virtuous cycle that enables continued LARC service provision.

827. Reversal of pathological motor behavior in a model of Parkinson's disease by striatal dopamine uncaging.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Zamora-Ursulo MA, Perez-Becerra J, Tellez LA

Motor deficits observed in Parkinson's disease (PD) are caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the subsequent dopamine depletion in different brain areas. The most common therapy to treat motor symptoms for patients with this disorder is the systemic intake of L-DOPA that increases dopamine levels in all the brain, making it difficult to discern the main locus of dopaminergic action in the alleviation of motor control. Caged compounds are molecules with the ability to release neuromodulators locally in temporary controlled conditions using light. In the present study, we measured the turning behavior of unilateral dopamine-depleted mice before and after dopamine uncaging. The optical delivery of dopamine in the striatum of lesioned mice produced contralateral turning behavior that resembled, to a lesser extent, the contralateral turning behavior evoked by a systemic injection of apomorphine. Contralateral turning behavior induced by dopamine uncaging was temporarily tied to the transient elevation of dopamine concentration and was reversed when dopamine decreased to pathological levels. Remarkably, contralateral turning behavior was tuned by changing the power and frequency of light stimulation, opening the possibility to modulate dopamine fluctuations using different light stimulation protocols. Moreover, striatal dopamine uncaging recapitulated the motor effects of a low concentration of systemic L-DOPA, but with better temporal control of dopamine levels. Finally, dopamine uncaging reduced the pathological synchronization of striatal neuronal ensembles that characterize unilateral dopamine-depleted mice. We conclude that optical delivery of dopamine in the striatum resembles the motor effects induced by systemic injection of dopaminergic agonists in unilateral dopamine-depleted mice. Future experiments using this approach could help to elucidate the role of dopamine in different brain nuclei in normal and pathological conditions.

828. Investigation of sex expression profiles and the cantharidin biosynthesis genes in two blister beetles.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Wu YM, Li JR, Li J

829. The association between religious participation and memory among middle-aged and older adults: A systematic review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Nath B, Patel P, Oremus M.

830. The effects of type of recovery in resistance exercise on responses of platelet indices and hemodynamic variables.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Soltani M, Sarvestan A, Hoseinzadeh F

831. The influence of lazy information disclosure on stock price crash risk: Empirical evidence from China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Shi X, Cao X, Xu W

832. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the gut microbiome: An ecological perspective.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Cickovski T, Mathee K, Aguirre G

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Symptoms emerge from underlying deficiencies in neurocircuitry, and recent research has suggested a role played by the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is an ecosystem of interdependent taxa involved in an exponentially complex web of interactions, plus host gene and reaction pathways, some of which involve neurotransmitters with roles in ADHD neurocircuitry. Studies have analyzed the ADHD gut microbiome using macroscale metrics such as diversity and differential abundance, and have proposed several taxa as elevated or reduced in ADHD compared to Control. Few studies have delved into the complex underlying dynamics ultimately responsible for the emergence of such metrics, leaving a largely incomplete, sometimes contradictory, and ultimately inconclusive picture. We aim to help complete this picture by venturing beyond taxa abundances and into taxa relationships (i.e. cooperation and competition), using a publicly available gut microbiome dataset (targeted 16S, v3-4 region, qPCR) from an observational, case-control study of 30 Control (15 female, 15 male) and 28 ADHD (15 female, 13 male) undergraduate students. We first perform the same macroscale analyses prevalent in ADHD gut microbiome literature (diversity, differential abundance, and composition) to observe the degree of correspondence, or any new trends. We then estimate two-way ecological relationships by producing Control and ADHD Microbial Co-occurrence Networks (MCNs), using SparCC correlations (p ≤ 0.01). We perform community detection to find clusters of taxa estimated to mutually cooperate along with their centroids, and centrality calculations to estimate taxa most vital to overall gut ecology. We finally summarize our results, providing conjectures on how they can guide future experiments, some methods for improving our experiments, and general implications for the field.

833. Attitudes to the use of animals in biomedical research: Effects of stigma and selected research project summaries.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Cassaday HJ, Cavenagh L, Aluthgamage H

Three groups of participants (largely recruited from the UK) completed a survey to examine attitudes to the use of animals in biomedical research, after reading the lay (N = 182) or technical (N = 201) summary of a research project, or no summary (N = 215). They then completed a survey comprising the animal attitude (AAS), animal purpose (APQ), belief in animal mind (BAM) and empathy quotient (EQ) scales. The APQ was adapted to assess attitudes towards the use of animals for research into disorders selected to be perceived as controllable and so 'blameworthy' and potentially stigmatised (addiction and obesity) and 'psychological' (schizophrenia and addiction) versus 'physical' (cardiovascular disease and obesity), across selected species (rats, mice, fish pigs and monkeys). Thus, the APQ was used to examine how the effects of perceived controllability and the nature of the disorder affected attitudes to animal use, in different species and in the three summary groups. As expected, attitudes to animal use as measured by the AAS and the APQ (total) correlated positively with BAM and EQ scores, consistent with the assumption that the scales all measured pro-welfare attitudes. Participants in the two research summary groups did not differentiate the use of rats, mice and fish (or fish and pigs in the technical summary group), whereas all species were differentiated in the no summary group. Participants given the lay summary were as concerned about the use of animals for schizophrenia as for addiction research. APQ ratings otherwise indicated more concern for animals used for addiction research (and for obesity compared to cardiovascular disease in all summary groups). Therefore, the information provided by a research project summary influenced attitudes to use of animals in biomedical research. However, there was no overall increase in agreement with animal use in either of the summary groups.

834. Associations between police harassment and distrust in and reduced access to healthcare among Black sexual minority men: A longitudinal analysis of HPTN 061.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Feelemyer JP, Duncan DT, Remch M

835. Enhancing anomaly detection in distributed power systems using autoencoder-based federated learning.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Kea K, Han Y, Kim TK.

836. Delayed diagnosis of congenital cataract in preterm infants: Findings from the IoLunder2 cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Solebo AL, Rahi JS; British Congenital Cataract Interest Group.

837. MLK4 as an immune marker and its correlation with immune infiltration in Cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma(CESC).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Gong M, Shen F, Li Y

838. A new method for fault identification of T-connection transmission line based on multi-scale traveling wave reactive power and random forest.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Zhong Y, Yang J, Wang S

839. Repeatability of pupil diameter measurements using three different topography devices.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Saad A, Steinberg J, Frings A.

840. Preventing sedentary lifestyles among young children born with congenital heart defects: A feasibility study of physical activity rehabilitation after surgical or catheterization intervention.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Ramanan N, Lee S, Maharajh G

841. Interaction effects between insomnia and depression on risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Multi-center study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Jung E, Ryu HH, Kim SW

842. Collision-constrained deformable image registration framework for discontinuity management.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Alscher T, Erleben K, Darkner S.

843. Power pose effects on approach and avoidance decisions in response to social threat.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Metzler H, Vilarem E, Petschen A

844. A clinical prediction model to differentiate tuberculous spondylodiscitis from pyogenic spontaneous spondylodiscitis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Lertudomphonwanit T, Somboonprasert C, Lilakhunakon K

BACKGROUND: Microbiological diagnosis of tuberculous spondylodiscitis (TS) and pyogenic spontaneous spondylodiscitis (PS) is sometime difficult. This study aimed to identify the predictive factors for differentiating TS from PS using clinical characteristics, radiologic findings, and biomarkers, and to develop scoring system by using predictive factors to stratify the probability of TS. METHODS: A retrospective single-center study. Demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and radiographic findings of patients, confirmed causative pathogens of PS or TS, were assessed for independent factors that associated with TS. The coefficients and odds ratio (OR) of the final model were estimated and used to construct the scoring scheme to identify patients with TS. RESULTS: There were 73 patients (51.8%) with TS and 68 patients (48.2%) with PS. TS was more frequently associated with younger age, history of tuberculous infection, longer duration of symptoms, no fever, thoracic spine involvement, ≥3 vertebrae involvement, presence of paraspinal abscess in magnetic-resonance-image (MRI), well-defined thin wall abscess, anterior subligamentous abscess, and lower biomarker levels included white blood cell (WBC) counts, erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate (ESR), neutrophil fraction, and C-reactive protein (all p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant predictors of TS included WBC ≤9,700/mm3 (odds ratio [OR] 13.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.23-40.61), neutrophil fraction ≤78% (OR 4.93, 95% CI 1.59-15.30), ESR ≤92 mm/hr (OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.24-13.36) and presence of paraspinal abscess in MRI (OR 10.25, 95% CI 3.17-33.13), with an area under the curve of 0.921. The scoring system stratified the probability of TS into three categories: low, moderate, and high with a TS prevalence of 8.1%, 29.6%, and 82.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This prediction model incorporating WBC, neutrophil fraction counts, ESR and presence of paraspinal abscess accurately predicted the causative pathogens. The scoring scheme with combination of these biomarkers and radiologic features can be useful to differentiate TS from PS.

845. Predictors of pretraumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Łyś AE, Huflejt-Łukasik M, Gambin M

846. The initial development and validation of the Social Adaptability Skills Questionnaire: SASQ.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Owiti S, Hauw D.

847. Association of tumor necrosis factor-α-308G/A polymorphism with the risk of obstructive sleep apnea: A meta-analysis of 14 case-control studies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Zhang Z, Duolikun D, Dang T

Although numerous studies have suggested the association between TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism and susceptibility to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the results remained controversial and ambiguous. We performed the present meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation.The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang databases, and Weipu databases (until January 8, 2022) were accessed to retrieve relevant articles. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using the STATA statistical software.Totally, fourteen studies involving 2595 cases and 2579 controls were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Pooled results demonstrated significant association between TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism and OSA risk for the overall population(allele model:OR = 1.87 [1.47, 2.38] (n = 14), dominant model: OR = 1.88[1.48, 2.39] (n = 14), recessive model:OR = 2.83 [2.00, 4.00] (n = 11), homozygous model:OR = 3.30 [2.32, 4.68] (n = 11), and heterozygous model:OR = 1.67 [1.36, 2.06] (n = 14); P<0.001, respectively).Subgroup analysis showed that in both Caucasians and Asians, the A allele conferred increased risk to OSA compared to the G allele (Caucasians: OR = 1.40[1.03, 1.90] (n = 5), P = 0.033, Asians: OR = 2.30 [1.62, 3.26] (n = 9), P< 0.001). In subgroup analysis restricted to hospital-based individuals, significant association between TNF-α-308G/A polymorphism and OSA risk was identified under each genetic model. Whereas, in population-based individuals, increased risk of OSA were only found in homozygous model (OR = 2.19[1.23, 3.90] (n = 3), P = 0.008) and recessive model (OR = 1.77 [1.00, 3.13] (n = 3), P = 0.048). There was a substantial between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 69.10%) across studies which was explained by source of control participants (P = 0.036) by meta-regression. The results of leave-one-out meta-analysis and publication bias suggested the reliability and stability of our results.This meta-analysis suggested that TNF-α-308A allele may be a risk factor for the development of OSA. However, large scale,multi-center and well-designed case-control studies are needed in the future.

848. Structural-demographic analysis of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) collapse in China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Orlandi G, Hoyer D, Zhao H

849. GWAS of adventitious root formation in roses identifies a putative phosphoinositide phosphatase (SAC9) for marker-assisted selection.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Wamhoff D, Patzer L, Schulz DF

850. Perception of typical migraine images on the internet: Comparison between a metropolis and a smaller rural city in Germany.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Hamann T, Hong JB, Lange KS

851. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide application suppresses the expression of cancer-associated fibroblasts markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma xenograft mouse model.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Tadokoro Y, Takeda D, Murakami A

852. Effects of lower tiers of government healthcare facilities on unmet need for contraception and contraception use in Bangladesh.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Khan MN, Khanam SJ, Khan MMA

BACKGROUND: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Bangladesh, modern contraception use remains lower than desired, resulting in a higher unmet need. A potential factor contributing to lower contraceptive use is reduced access to and use of lower tiers of government healthcare facilities, including home visits by family welfare assistants (FWAs), as well as women's visits to community and satellite clinics. These relationships, however, are still unexplored in Bangladesh and LMICs more broadly. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of lower tiers of government healthcare facilities on unmet needs for contraception and contraception use in Bangladesh. METHODS: Data from 17,585 sexually active married women were analyzed from the 2017 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. The outcome variables were any contraceptive use, modern contraceptive use, unmet need for contraception, and unmet need for modern contraception. The explanatory variables considered were respondents' home visits by FWAs, respondents' visits to a community clinic, and respondents' visits to a satellite clinic. Multilevel mixed-effect Poisson regression with robust variance was used to determine the association between the outcome and explanatory variables, adjusted for individual-, household-, and community-level factors. RESULTS: Approximately 18% of respondents were visited by FWAs in the three months prior to the survey date and only 3.4% and 3.1% of women attended community and satellite clinics, respectively. Women who reported being visited by FWAs in the three months prior to the survey were approximately 36% less likely to report an unmet need for modern contraception and 42% more likely to report using modern contraception than women who did not report such a visit. A higher likelihood of unmet need for contraception and a lower likelihood of contraception use were found among women who did not visit these community or satellite clinics or visited these clinics for other reasons than collecting contraception as compared to women who visited these clinics to collect contraception. CONCLUSION: Home visits by FWAs to respondents' homes to provide contraception as well as respondents' visits to satellite and community clinics play a major role in Bangladesh to ensure contraception use and reduce the unmet need for contraception. However, their coverage is quite low in Bangladesh. The findings suggest an urgent need for greater government initiatives to increase the number of FWAs and proper monitoring of them at the field level.

853. Cognitive development among children in a low-income setting: Cost-effectiveness analysis of a maternal nutrition education intervention in rural Uganda.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Ahmed M, Muhoozi GKM, Atukunda P

Inadequate nutrition and insufficient stimulation in early childhood can lead to long-term deficits in cognitive and social development. Evidence for policy and decision-making regarding the cost of delivering nutrition education is lacking in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). In rural Uganda, we conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) examining the effect of a maternal nutrition education intervention on developmental outcomes among children aged 6-8 months. This intervention led to significantly improved cognitive scores when the children reached the age of 20-24 months. When considering the potential for this intervention's future implementation, the desired effects should be weighed against the increased costs. This study therefore aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of this education intervention compared with current practice. Health outcome data were based on the RCT. Cost data were initially identified by reviewing publications from the RCT, while more detailed information was obtained by interviewing researchers involved in processing the intervention. This study considered a healthcare provider perspective for an 18-months' time horizon. The control group was considered as the current practice for the future large-scale implementation of this intervention. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed, including calculations of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). In addition, uncertainty in the results was characterized using one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The ICER for the education intervention compared with current practice was USD ($) 16.50 per cognitive composite score gained, with an incremental cost of $265.79 and an incremental cognitive composite score of 16.11. The sensitivity analyses indicated the robustness of these results. The ICER was sensitive to changes in cognitive composite score and the cost of personnel. The education intervention can be considered cost-effective compared with the current practice. The outcome of this study, including the cost analysis, health outcome, cost-effectiveness, and sensitivity analysis, can be useful to inform policymakers and stakeholders about effective resource allocation processes in Uganda and possibly other LMIC.

854. The healthy context paradox of bullying victimization and academic adjustment among Chinese adolescents: A moderated mediation model.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Huang Y, Gan X, Jin X

855. Comparative proteomic analysis of exosomes derived from endothelial cells and Schwann cells.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Wang L, Lu X, Chopp M

856. Uncovering the phenotypic consequences of multi-locus imprinting disturbances using genome-wide methylation analysis in genomic imprinting disorders.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Kim HY, Shin CH, Shin CH

857. Is there a place for sigmoidoscopy in colorectal cancer screening? A systematic review and critical appraisal of cost-effectiveness models.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Diedrich L, Brinkmann M, Dreier M

858. Echocardiographic determination of right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction: Validation of a truncated cone and rhomboid pyramid formula.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Al Ateah G, Kirschfink A, Frick M

859. Field studies on low and fast compressibility of cement-mixed gravel in railway embankment construction.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Kim U, Kim DS.

860. Exposure notification system activity as a leading indicator for SARS-COV-2 caseload forecasting.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Aronoff-Spencer E, Mazrouee S, Graham R

861. DNAJB3 attenuates ER stress through direct interaction with AKT.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Islam Z, Diane A, Khattab N

862. Interventions impacting the accessibility of sexual reproductive health services for head porters in sub-Saharan Africa- A scoping review protocol.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 18

Jarvis K, Richter S, Adjorlolo S

863. A trajectory tracking control system for paddle boat in intelligent aquaculture.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Guo Z, Zhang J, Zeng F

864. Alkaline water as a potential agent for biting midge control: Managing effectiveness and non-target organism impact evaluation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Siriyah SL, Tso IM.

865. Study on the migration characteristics of bioaerosols and optimization of ventilation patterns in a negative pressure isolation ward considering different patient postures.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Wu D, Chen J, Fu X

866. Utility of the angle between the cervical canal and the anatomical conjugate line for predicting pouch of Douglas obliteration in patients with posterior placenta previa.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Shinohara S, Kasai M, Yasuda G

867. Postural control telerehabilitation with a low-cost virtual reality protocol for children with cerebral palsy: Protocol for a clinical trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Gatica-Rojas V, Cartes-Velásquez R, Soto-Poblete A

OBJECTIVE: To establish the feasibility and effectiveness of a rehabilitation programme using low-cost virtual reality aimed at improving postural control in children with cerebral palsy-spastic hemiplegia. It also aims to compare the effectiveness of this programme under two delivery modalities, telerehabilitation (TR) and face-to-face (FtF). METHODS: This is a registered randomized controlled clinical trial protocol (ACTRN12621000117819). Eighteen sessions of low-cost virtual reality therapy will be provided through both, FtF and TR modalities using a Nintendo Wii balance board. Each programme will last for 6 weeks and will consist of 3 sessions per week of 25 minutes each. Twenty patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy-spastic hemiplegia will be recruited for each group: FtF or TR (n = 40). Participants will be assessed at baseline, by the end of weeks 2, 4, and 6, and at weeks 8 and 10 (post-intervention follow-ups). The primary outcome will be the Center of Pressure sway area (CoParea); secondary outcomes will be standard deviation and velocity of the CoP in the mediolateral and anterior-posterior directions; tertiary outcomes will include the Modified-Modified Ashworth Scale for lower limbs, Modified Ashworth Scale for upper limbs, timed up-and-go tests, the timed one-leg standing and 6-minute walk test. RESULTS: This study provides an assessment of the feasibility and effectiveness of an affordable rehabilitation programme using low-cost virtual reality aimed at improving postural control in children with cerebral palsy. CONCLUSION: The designed rehabilitation programme using low-cost virtual reality may improve postural control in children with cerebral palsy-spastic hemiplegia. The TR modality is likely to be as effective as the FtF modality. The TR programme has been designed to overcome access barriers to physiotherapy services for children with cerebral palsy in low-resource settings, remote areas, and in restricted mobility contexts.

868. Highly reproducible rat arterial injury model of neointimal hyperplasia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Tan RP, Hung JC, Chan AHP

Models of arterial injury in rodents have been invaluable to our current understanding of vessel restenosis and play a continuing role in the development of endovascular interventions for cardiovascular disease. Mechanical distention of the vessel wall and denudation of the vessel endothelium are the two major modes of vessel injury observed in most clinical pathologies and are critical to the reproducible modelling of progressive neointimal hyperplasia. The current models which have dominated this research area are the mouse wire carotid or femoral injury and the rat carotid balloon injury. While these elicit simultaneous distension of the vessel wall and denudation of the luminal endothelium, each model carries limitations that need to be addressed using a complementary injury model. Wire injuries in mice are highly technical and procedurally challenging due to small vessel diameters, while rat balloon injuries require permanent blood vessel ligation and disruption of native blood flow. Complementary models of vascular injury with reproducibility, convenience, and increased physiological relevance to the pathophysiology of endovascular injury would allow for improved studies of neointimal hyperplasia in both basic and translational research. In this study, we developed a new surgical model that elicits vessel distention and endothelial denudation injury using sequential steps using microforceps and a standard needle catheter inserted via arteriotomy into a rat common carotid artery, without requiring permanent ligation of branching arteries. After 2 weeks post-injury this model elicits highly reproducible neointimal hyperplasia and rates of re-endothelialisation similar to current wire and balloon injury models. Furthermore, evaluation of the smooth muscle cell phenotype profile, inflammatory response and extracellular matrix within the developing neointima, showed that our model replicated the vessel remodelling outcomes critical to restenosis and those becoming increasingly focused upon in the development of new anti-restenosis therapies.

869. Survey of clinicians on the use of adjuvant therapy for premenopausal women with breast cancer.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Lee YW, Ahn SH, Lee YJ

870. Assessment of liver function tests of women taking hormonal contraceptives at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital and Family Guidance Association of Gondar (FGAE), 2022; a comparative cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Chane E, Wondifraw H, Hadgu R

INTRODUCTION: Hormonal contraceptives are artificial preparations that contain artificial progestins and Ethinylestradiol; these preparations are utilized by women of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy. Roughly a billion women in the world use some form of contraceptive worldwide. Despite the utility of these preparations, they are linked with several adverse effects, including disturbances of liver functionality and integrity. However, previous studies conducted to assess the association between hormonal contraceptive utilization and liver function tests reported conflicting results, and the effects remained a matter of concern. METHODS: The study enrolled a total of 264 participants, who were allocated into two groups. One group of hormonal contraceptive users who use the medication for a minimum of six months: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), combined oral contraceptives (COC), Norplant, and Implant users and another age-matched non-user control group in a ratio of 1:1. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical data. Five ml serum blood sample was collected for liver function test analysis on a Beckman Coulter Clinical Chemistry analyzer (DXC 700 AU). Independent t-test was used to compare liver function tests of hormonal contraceptive users and non-user controls, whereas ANOVA followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test was used for intra- (between classes of contraceptives) and inter-group (between each class of contraceptives and controls) comparisons and to identify factors associated. RESULTS: Hormonal contraceptive users were observed to have a statistically significant higher mean value of liver enzymes assessed compared to non-user control groups: aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (47.07±14.79 versus 25.92±7.37; p <0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (35.83±13.76 versus 16.56 ± 5.03; p <0.001), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (63.34±14.74 versus 45.41±14.34, p <0.001) and for γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (47.37±24.32 versus 19.45 ± 6.86 p <0.001). Similarly, the mean value of total and direct bilirubin (mg/dL) among HC users showed a statistically significant elevation (0.68 ± 0.22 against 0.32 ± 0.13, p <0.001) for total bilirubin and (0.14 ± 0.06 against 0.06 ± 0.03, p <0.001) for direct bilirubin respectively. However, no statistically significant result was observed in the mean values of total protein and albumin. For total protein (6.7 ± 0.89 versus 6.5 ± 1.15, p 0.07) and for albumin (5.4 ± 0.92 versus 5.3 ± 1.08; p 0.30). The current study also indicates the level of hepatic function test alteration is related to the type of hormonal contraceptives, duration of usage, and level of adherence to a specific class of contraceptives. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Hormonal contraceptive use was observed to affect hepatic function. Based on this finding, we strongly recommend to closely monitor liver function tests in women using hormonal contraceptives.

871. Emotion regulation in children (ERiC): A protocol for a randomised clinical trial to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT) vs Treatment as Usual for school-age children with mixed emotional and behavioural difficulties.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Midgley N, Mortimer R, Carter M

BACKGROUND: The majority of children referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the UK will present with mixed emotional and behavioural difficulties, but most mental health treatments are developed for single disorders. There is a need for research on treatments that are helpful for these mixed difficulties, especially for school-age children. Emotion Regulation (ER) difficulties present across a wide range of mental health disorders and mentalizing may help with regulation. The ability to mentalize one's own experiences and those of others plays a key role in coping with stress, regulation of emotions, and the formation of stable relationships. Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT) is a well-evidenced therapy that aims to promote mentalization, which in turn increases ER capacities, leading to decreased emotional and behavioural difficulties. The aim of this study is to test the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of MBT compared to treatment as usual for school age children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. If effective, we hope this approach can become available to the growing number of children presenting to mental health services with a mix of emotional and behavioural difficulties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children referred to CAMHS aged 6-12 with mixed mental health problems (emotional and behavioural) as primary problem can take part with their parent/carers. Children will be randomly allocated to receive either MBT or treatment as usual (TAU) within the CAMHS clinic they have been referred to. MBT will be 6-8 sessions offered fortnightly and can flexibly include different family members. TAU is likely to include CBT, parenting groups, and/or children's social skills groups. Parent/carers and children will be asked to complete outcome assessments (questionnaires and tasks) online at the start of treatment, mid treatment (8 weeks), end of treatment (16 weeks) and at follow up (40 weeks). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration: ISRCTN 11620914.

872. Unraveling the rectifying role of transportation improvement on resource misallocation among manufacturing firms in China-Facts and mechanism.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Wang X

873. The first aphasia screening test in Hungarian: A preliminary study on validity and diagnostic accuracy.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Zakariás L, Lukács Á.

The Hungarian Aphasia Screening Test (HAST) is a newly developed diagnostic tool for detecting post-stroke aphasia in clinical settings, and for differentiating between stroke patients with and without aphasia. The HAST was developed by our team and has not been published in English yet. In Hungarian, to date, there is no aphasia screening test with reported psychometric properties available. This study aims to present the main characteristics of the HAST and to evaluate its validity, internal consistency, and diagnostic accuracy. The HAST comprises five subtests (maximum score: 20) and takes 5-10 minutes to administer. We administered the HAST to 40 stroke patients with aphasia, 26 stroke patients without aphasia, and 51 healthy control participants to evaluate the test's construct validity, convergent validity, and internal consistency, as well as its sensitivity and specificity. We used the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) as a reference test. With a cut-off score of 17, the HAST showed high diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity: 92.5%, specificity: 88.5%). Its construct validity was good; we identified one component in the test, and moderate-to-strong positive correlations across most of its subtests (mean Spearman r = 0.56). Convergent validity of the HAST was satisfying, reflected by the moderate-to-strong positive correlations between subtests of the HAST and subtests of the WAB (Spearman r = 0.50-0.86). The correlation between the HAST total score and the WAB aphasia quotient was high (Spearman r = 0.86). Despite the small number of items within tasks, all subtests showed acceptable internal consistency (mean Cronbach's α = 0.74). Our preliminary results suggest that the HAST is a valid, accurate, and clinically feasible test to detect post-stroke aphasia and to identify patients who require a more detailed assessment of their language skills. In addition, it reliably identifies not only the presence but also the severity of aphasia, thus, it might be a good candidate for monitoring patient progress.

874. The experience of a program combining two complementary therapies for women with breast cancer: An IPSE qualitative study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Sibeoni J, Manolios E, Mathé J

INTRODUCTION: The use of complementary therapies within oncology is a clinical issue, and their evaluation a methodological challenge. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study exploring the lived experience of a French program of complementary therapies combining structured physical activity and MBSR among women with breast cancer. METHODS: This French exploratory qualitative study followed the five stages of the Inductive Process to analyze the Structure of lived Experience (IPSE) approach. Data was collected from February to April 2021 through semi structured interviews. Participants, purposively selected until data saturation. Inclusion criteria were: being an adult woman with breast cancer whatever the stage who had completed their treatment and were part of the program of complementary therapies. RESULTS: 29 participants were included. Data analysis produced a structure of experience based on two central axes: 1) the experience these women hoped for, with two principal expectations, that is to take care of their bodies and themselves, and to become actors in their own care; and 2) an experience of discovery, first of themselves and also in their relationship with the exterior, whether with others, or in society, and in the relationships with health-care providers. CONCLUSIONS: Our results from this French study reinforce the data described in other western countries about the needs of women receiving care in oncology departments for breast cancer: they need to be informed of the existence of supportive care in cancer by the health-care professionals themselves, to be listened to, and to receive support care. A systematic work of reflexivity about this redundancy in our results and in the qualitative literature, led us to question what impeded the exploration of more complex aspects of the experience of this women-the inherently emotional and anxiety-inducing experience of cancer, especially anxiety about its recurrence and of death-and to suggest new research perspectives to overcome these methodological and theoretical obstacles.

875. Combined analysis of mRNA and miRNA reveals the mechanism of pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) under acute alkalinity stress.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Shi X, Zhang R, Liu Z

The pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is now a more common aquaculture species in saline-alkali waters, while alkalinity stress is considered to be one of the stressors for shrimp. Thus, an understanding of the molecular response to alkalinity stress is critical for advancing the sustainability of culture in pacific white shrimp. In this study, we aimed to explore the response mechanism to acute high-alkaline stress by RNA-seq at low-alkaline (50 mg/L) and high-alkaline (350 mg/L). We identified 215 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) and 35 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), of which 180 DEGs and 28 DEMs were up-regulated, 35 DEGs and 7 DEMs were down-regulated, respectively. The DEGs were enriched in several pathways, including carbohydrate digestion and absorption, pancreatic secretion, starch and sucrose metabolism, antigen processing and presentation and glutathione metabolism. The DEMs involved in lysosome and ion transport related pathways were significantly up-regulated. We also achieved 42 DEGs, which were targeted by DEMs. miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed by integrated analysis of miRNA-mRNA data. We detected several genes and miRNAs which were identified as candidate regulators of alkalinity stress, and expression patterns of key genes related to alkalinity stress in pacific white shrimp. Among these genes, the expression levels of most key genes enriched in ion regulation, digestion and immunity were increased, and the expression levels of genes enriched in metabolism were down-regulated. This research indicated that the homeostatic regulation and digestion changed significantly under acute alkaline stress, and the variations from metabolic and immunity can cope with the osmotic shock of alkalinity stress in pacific white shrimp. This study provides key clues for exploring the molecular mechanism of pacific white shrimp under acute alkalinity stress, and also gives scientific basis for the optimisation of saline-alkaline aquaculture technology.

876. Association between coach-athlete relationship and athlete engagement in Chinese team sports: The mediating effect of thriving.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Gu S, Peng W, Du F

BACKGROUND: Coach-athlete relationship (CAR), thriving and athlete engagement are important psychological variables that affect sports performance. On the basis of self-determination theory, this study constructs a mediation model to examine the influence of CAR on athlete engagement and the mediating effect of thriving between them. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involves a questionnaire survey with 287 Chinese active athletes (M = 19.63, SD = 2.53) aged 14-26 years (64.5% male, 35.5% female) from eight sports. CAR, thriving and athlete engagement were assessed using the CAR Questionnaire, the Thriving Scale, and the Athlete Engagement Questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: CAR and its dimensions can significantly and positively predict athlete engagement, complementarity, commitment, and closeness, accounting for 35.1%, 34.6%, and 30.4% of the cumulative variance in dominance analysis, respectively. The direct and indirect paths show that CAR affects athlete engagement through the mediating effect of thriving. The mediating effect model has a good fit and indirect effects account for 56.9% of the total effects. CONCLUSION: The effect of CAR on athlete engagement reflects a practical application of interpersonal dynamics in competitive sports to a certain extent. The following suggestions can be used to improve athlete engagement. First, setting common goals, emphasizing mutual cooperation, and building trust and support, promote coaches and athletes to have a higher sense of commitment and complementarity to each other, thereby helping improve athlete engagement. Second, meeting the vitality and progress needs of athletes effectively mobilizes CAR resources to promote athlete engagement, which can be manipulated by cultivating closeness, commitment, and complementarity. Third, to ensure the athletes' sports state and mental health, the sports team should focus on the cultivation of athletes' capacities to thrive and internally form a dynamic and positive sports atmosphere in their team. In the future, we can track and compare the influence of the improvement of CAR on thriving and athlete engagement can be tracked and compared from the dual perspectives of coaches and athletes.

877. Concentrated urine, low urine flow, and postoperative elevation of plasma creatinine: A retrospective analysis of pooled data.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Hahn RG, Weinberg L, Li Y

878. Optimization design and analysis of mobile pump truck frame using response surface methodology.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Cheng L, Lin HB, Zhang YL.

879. Reduced running performance and greater perceived exertion, but similar post-exercise neuromuscular fatigue in tropical natives subjected to a 10 km self-paced run in a hot compared to a temperate environment.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Rodrigues JFC Júnior, Mendes TT, Gomes PF

Environmental heat stress impairs endurance performance by enhancing exercise-induced physiological and perceptual responses. However, the time course of these responses during self-paced running, particularly when comparing hot and temperate conditions, still needs further clarification. Moreover, monitoring fatigue induced by exercise is paramount to prescribing training and recovery adequately, but investigations on the effects of a hot environment on post-exercise neuromuscular fatigue are scarce. This study compared the time course of physiological and perceptual responses during a 10 km self-paced treadmill run (as fast as possible) between temperate (25°C) and hot (35°C) conditions. We also investigated the changes in countermovement jump (CMJ) performance following exercise in these two ambient temperatures. Thirteen recreational long-distance runners (11 men and 2 women), inhabitants of a tropical region, completed the two experimental trials in a randomized order. Compared to 25°C, participants had transiently higher body core temperature (TCORE) and consistently greater perceived exertion while running at 35°C (p < 0.05). These changes were associated with a slower pace, evidenced by an additional 14 ± 5 min (mean ± SD) to complete the 10 km at 35°C than at 25°C (p < 0.05). Before, immediately after, and 1 h after the self-paced run, the participants performed CMJs to evaluate lower limb neuromuscular fatigue. CMJ height was reduced by 7.0% (2.3 ± 2.4 cm) at 1 h after the race (p < 0.05) compared to pre-exercise values; environmental conditions did not influence this reduction. In conclusion, despite the reduced endurance performance, higher perceived exertion, and transiently augmented TCORE caused by environmental heat stress, post-exercise neuromuscular fatigue is similar between temperate and hot conditions. This finding suggests that the higher external load (faster speed) at 25°C compensates for the effects of more significant perceptual responses at 35°C in inducing neuromuscular fatigue.

880. The impact of COVID-19 on maternal death and fetal death, a cohort study in Brazil.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Brioschi Dos Santos AP, Vicente CR, Cola JP

881. Physiology of gamma-aminobutyric acid treated Capsicum annuum L. (Sweet pepper) under induced drought stress.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Iqbal B, Hussain F, Khan MS

There is now widespread agreement that global warming is the source of climate variability and is a global danger that poses a significant challenge for the 21st century. Climate crisis has exacerbated water deficit stress and restricts plant's growth and output by limiting nutrient absorption and raising osmotic strains. Worldwide, Sweet pepper is among the most important vegetable crops due to its medicinal and nutritional benefits. Drought stress poses negative impacts on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) growth and production. Although, γ aminobutyric acid (GABA) being an endogenous signaling molecule and metabolite has high physio-molecular activity in plant's cells and could induce tolerance to water stress regimes, but little is known about its influence on sweet pepper development when applied exogenously. The current study sought to comprehend the effects of foliar GABA application on vegetative development, as well as physiological and biochemical constituents of Capsicum annuum L. A Field experiment was carried out during the 2021 pepper growing season and GABA (0, 2, and 4mM) concentrated solutions were sprayed on two Capsicum annuum L. genotypes including Scope F1 and Mercury, under drought stress of 50% and 30% field capacity. Results of the study showed that exogenous GABA supplementation significantly improved vegetative growth attributes such as, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight, as well as root shoot ratio (RSR), and relative water content (RWC) while decreasing electrolyte leakage (EL). Furthermore, a positive and significant effect on chlorophyll a, b, a/b ratio and total chlorophyll content (TCC), carotenoids content (CC), soluble protein content (SPC), soluble sugars content (SSC), total proline content (TPC), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was observed. The application of GABA at 2mM yielded the highest values for these variables. In both genotypes, peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) content increased with growing activity of those antioxidant enzymes in treated plants compared to non-treated plants. In comparison with the rest of GABA treatments, 2mM GABA solution had the highest improvement in morphological traits, and biochemical composition. In conclusion, GABA application can improve development and productivity of Capsicum annuum L. under drought stress regimes. In addition, foliar applied GABA ameliorated the levels of osmolytes and the activities of antioxidant enzymes involved in defense mechanism.

882. Service availability and readiness for basic emergency obstetric and newborn care: Analysis from Nepal Health Facility Survey 2021.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Pandey AR, Adhikari B, Lamichhane B

BACKGROUND: Although there has been a significant focus on improving maternal and newborn health and expanding services in Nepal, the expected positive impact on the health of mothers and newborns has not been achieved to the desired extent. Nepal not only needs to focus on improving access to and coverage of services but also the quality to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. In this context, we aimed to analyze Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC) service availability and readiness in Health Facilities (HFs) of Nepal. METHODS: We analyzed data from nationally representative Nepal Health Facility Survey (NHFS), 2021. BEmONC service availability and readiness in HFs was measured based on the "Service Availability and Readiness" manual of World Health Organization (WHO). We measured service availability by seven BEmONC signal functions. The readiness score was calculated for three domains- guidelines and staff training, essential equipment/supplies, and essential medicines on a scale of 100, and the average score for the three domains was the overall readiness score. We performed weighted descriptive and inferential analysis to account complex survey design of NHFS 2021. We summarized continuous variables with descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation, median and interquartile range whereas categorical variables with percent and 95% confidence interval (CI). We applied simple, and multivariate linear regression to determine factors associated with the readiness of HFs for BEmONC services, and results were presented as beta (β) coefficients and 95% CI. RESULTS: Of total 804 HFs offering normal vaginal delivery services, 3.1%, 89.2%, 7.7% were federal/provincial hospitals, local HFs, and private hospitals respectively. A total of 45.0% (95% CI: 34.9, 55.6) federal/provincial hospitals, 0.3% (95% CI: 0.2, 0.6), local HFs (district hospital, primary health care centers, health posts, urban health centers) and 10.5% (95% CI: 6.6, 16.4) private hospitals, had all seven BEmONC signal functions. The overall readiness of federal/provincial hospitals, local HFs, and private hospitals were 72.9±13.6, 54.2±12.8, 53.1±15.1 respectively. In multivariate linear regression, local HFs (β = -12.64, 95% CI: -18.31, -6.96) and private hospitals had lower readiness score (β = -18.08, 95% CI: -24.08, -12.08) compared to federal/provincial level hospitals. HFs in rural settings (β = 2.60, 95% CI: 0.62, 4.58), mountain belts (β = 4.18, 95% CI: 1.65, 6.71), and HFs with external supervision (β = 2.99, 95% CI:1.08, 4.89), and quality assurance activities (β = 3.59, 95% CI:1.64, 5.54) had better readiness scores. CONCLUSION: The availability of all seven BEmONC signal functions and readiness of HFs for BEmONC services are relatively low in local HFs and private hospitals. Accelerating capacity development through training centers at the federal/provincial level, onsite coaching, and mentoring, improving procurement and supply of medicines through federal/provincial logistic management centers, and regular supportive supervision could improve the BEmONC service availability and readiness in facilities across the country.

883. Prospective randomised unblinded comparison of sputum viscosity for three methods of saline nebulisation in mechanically ventilated patients: A pilot study protocol.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Arnott A, Hart R, McQueen S

INTRODUCTION: Heat and moisture exchanger (HME) filters are commonly used as passive circuit humidifiers during mechanical ventilation, however, are only ~80% efficient. As a result, patients that undergo mechanical ventilation in critical care with HME filter circuits will be exposed to partial airway humidification. This is associated with detrimental effects including increased secretion load which has been shown to be an independent predictor of failed extubation. Nebulised normal saline is commonly utilised to supplement circuit humidification in ventilated patients with high secretion loads, although there are no randomised control trials evaluating its use. Novel vibrating mesh nebulisers generate a fine aerosol resulting in deeper lung penetration, potentially offering a more effective means of nebulisation in comparison to jet nebulisers. The primary aim of this study is to compare the viscosity of respiratory secretions after treatment with nebulised normal saline administered via vibrating mesh nebuliser or jet nebuliser. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This randomised controlled trial is enrolling 60 mechanically ventilated adult critical care patients breathing on HME filter circuits with high secretion loads. Recruited patients will be randomised to receive nebulised saline via 3 modalities: 1) Continuous vibrating mesh nebuliser; 2) Intermittent vibrating mesh nebuliser or 3) Intermittent jet nebuliser. Over the 72-hr study period, the patients' sputum viscosity (measured using a validated qualitative sputum assessment tool) and physiological parameters will be recorded by an unblinded assessor. A median reduction in secretion viscosity of ≥0.5 on the qualitative sputum assessment score will be deemed as a clinically significant improvement between treatment groups at analysis. DISCUSSION: At the conclusion of this trial, we will provisionally determine if nebulised normal saline administered via vibrating mesh nebulisation is superior to traditional jet nebulisation in terms of reduced respiratory secretion viscosity in intubated patients. Results from this pilot study will provide information to power a definitive clinical study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrails.Gov Registry (NCT05635903).

884. Airway and Oral microbiome profiling of SARS-CoV-2 infected asthma and non-asthma cases revealing alterations-A pulmonary microbial investigation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Sekaran K, Varghese RP, Doss C GP

885. The CST complex facilitates cell survival under oxidative genotoxic stress.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Hara T, Nakaoka H, Miyoshi T

886. District-level heterogeneity in overweight or obesity among women of reproductive age: A geo-spatial analysis in India.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Kundu S, Sharma P, Singh S

BACKGROUND: Globally by 2030, 38% of the world's population would be overweight, and another 20% would be obese. This has led to rising concerns regarding how swiftly and substantially the world is moving towards this epidemic of "globesity". India too is facing an increased burden of overweight and obese population. The changing dietary patterns are significantly associated with the increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity and related complications, especially among women. Hence, the present study aims to observe the spatial patterns of overweight or obesity among women in reproductive age group in India and factors associated with it. METHODS: The study analyzed data from a cross-sectional nationwide household survey, i.e. National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), 2015-16. The primary outcome variable of this study was overweight/obesity among reproductive-age women, which was measured through the body mass index (BMI) of the women. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Additionally, for spatial analysis in terms of overweight/obesity among women in India, univariate and bivariate Moran's I index measurements were used along with the usage of spatial regression models. RESULTS: The value of spatial-autocorrelation for overweight or obese was 0.64, which depicts the moderately high prevalence of the overweight/obesity coverage over districts of India. The overall prevalence overweight/obesity among women in India is around 25% and higher proportion of women from urban areas (37.8%), and non-poor (33.4%) economic group reported to be overweight or obese. From spatial lag model, the lag coefficient was found to be 0.28, implying that a change in the prevalence of overweight/obesity among women in a certain district may statistically lag the prevalence of overweight/obesity by 28% in the neighbouring districts. There were significantly high clustering of overweight/obese women and non-poor wealth quintiles in 132 districts, mainly from states of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, there was high-high clustering of overweight/obese women and those who ever had caesarean in 82 districts, mostly from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. CONCLUSION: The spatial patterns on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in India show that the women belonging to the southern states' districts are more overweight or obese in comparison to other states. The determinants like older age, higher education, urban residence, higher economic status are the key factors contributing to the prevalence of overweight or obesity among women in the reproductive age group. The study concludes and recommends an urgent need of interventions catering to urban women belonging to higher socio-economic status, to reduce the risks of health consequences due to overweight and obesity.

887. The effectiveness of Japanese public funding to generate emerging topics in life science and medicine.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Ohniwa RL, Takeyasu K, Hibino A.

888. Analysis of the spatial and temporal evolution process and development trend of innovation capability of Chinese sports industry.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Chen J, Cai C, Zhang T.

889. Critical calls: Circadian and seasonal periodicity in vocal activity in a breeding colony of Panamanian golden frogs (Atelopus zeteki).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Zigler A, Straw S, Tokuda I

The Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki) is a critically endangered species and currently is believed to survive and reproduce only in human care. Panamanian golden frog males are considerably vocal which may be an important component in their successful reproduction, though little is currently known about their calls. To better understand the behavior and vocal patterns of this species and to improve breeding efforts in the assurance colony, we employed individual sound recording of male advertisement calls and acoustic monitoring of a breeding colony to investigate variation in the vocal behavior of Panamanian golden frogs. The goal was to capture variability within and among frogs as well as patterns of periodicity over time. First, the advertisement calls from individual male Panamanian golden frogs were recorded, and acoustic parameters were analyzed for individual differences. Results suggest that male advertisement calls demonstrate individual- and population specificity. Second, data collected through a year-long acoustic monitoring of the breeding colony were investigated for circadian and circannual periodicity. Male vocal activity revealed a circadian periodicity entrained by the daily light schedule. Seasonal periodicity was also found with highest vocal activities between December and March. The finding of a seasonal periodicity is worth noting given that the population had been bred for 20 years under constant environmental conditions. Finally, results suggest that vocal activity was responsive to daily animal care activity. Vocal activity decreased substantially when personnel entered the room and engaged in animal husbandry activities. The findings illustrate the usefulness of acoustic monitoring to provide insight into animal behavior in a zoo setting in a key breeding colony of endangered animals, and calling pattern observations may be utilized to modify husbandry practices to improve Panamanian golden frog breeding success and general care.

890. Effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma on patients with acute type A aortic dissection underwent aortic arch replacement: A retrospective cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Wei X, Chen K, Huang C

BACKGROUND: Coagulopathy and massive bleeding are common complications of patients with Stanford type A acute aortic dissection repair, and patients with these complications require many transfusions. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used to reduce the need for blood products. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PRP on blood conservation and the postoperative conditions of patients who underwent aortic arch replacement. METHODS: Patients with aortic dissection undergoing aortic arch replacement were included initially application In all, 837 patients were divided into the PRP and non-PRP groups according to PRP use, whereupon a propensity score match was performed. The data analyzed included patient basic information, intraoperative information, postoperative biochemical examinations, and CTA reports. RESULTS: In total, 610 patients were finally included (305 patients per group). Groups were well balanced after matching. Compared to the non-PRP group, less cryoprecipitate was transfused in the PRP group (10.0 [7.5, 11.0] vs. 10.0 [10.0, 11.5], P = 0.021), while no differences were found in packed RBC, FFP, and platelets between the two groups. Also, the surgery variables showed no differences. After surgery, patients in the PRP group showed higher postoperative serum albumin (36.43±4.20 vs. 35.39±4.40 g/L, P = 0.004) and total protein levels (59.38±6.25 vs. 58.06±7.19 g/L, P = 0.019) than the non-PRP group, but no significant differences in the levels of ALT, AST, Scr, and BUN. CTA reports showed that the proportion of patients with pleural effusion was lower in the PRP group (76.66% vs. 83.99%, OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.04-2.45, P = 0.028), while the proportions of pericardial effusion were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: PRP application in aortic arch replacement surgery reduced the transfusion of cryoprecipitate, increased the postoperative serum albumin and total protein levels, and reduced the incidence of pleural effusion. No effect of PRP application was found on other postoperative blood indicators and CTA reports.

891. A capacitive laser-induced graphene based aptasensor for SARS-CoV-2 detection in human saliva.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Moreira G, Qian H, Datta SPA

SARS-CoV-2 virus induced CoVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of diagnostic tools. Devices integrated with electrochemical biosensors may be an interesting alternative to respond to the high demand for testing, particularly in contexts where access to standard detection technologies is lacking. Aptamers as recognition elements are useful due to their stability, specificity, and sensitivity to binding target molecules. We have developed a non-invasive electrochemical aptamer-based biosensor targeting SARS-CoV-2 in human saliva. The aptamer is expected to detect the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 wildtype and its variants. Laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes coated with platinum nanoparticles were biofunctionalized with a biotin-tagged aptamer. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) for BA.1 sensing was conducted in sodium chloride/sodium bicarbonate solution supplemented with pooled saliva. To estimate sensing performance, the aptasensor was tested with contrived samples of UV-attenuated virions from 10 to 10,000 copies/ml. Selectivity was assessed by exposing the aptasensor to non-targeted viruses (hCoV-OC43, Influenza A, and RSV-A). EIS data outputs were further used to select a suitable response variable and cutoff frequency. Capacitance increases in response to the gradual loading of the attenuated BA.1. The aptasensor was sensitive and specific for BA.1 at a lower viral load (10-100 copies/ml) and was capable of discriminating between negative and positive contrived samples (with strain specificity against other viruses: OC43, Influenza A, and RSV-A). The aptasensor detected SARS-CoV-2 with an estimated LOD of 1790 copies/ml in contrived samples. In human clinical samples, the aptasensor presents an accuracy of 72%, with 75% of positive percent of agreement and 67% of negative percent of agreement. Our results show that the aptasensor is a promising candidate to detect SARS-CoV-2 during early stages of infection when virion concentrations are low, which may be useful for preventing the asymptomatic spread of CoVID-19.

892. Monitoring physiological processes of fast-growing broilers during the whole life cycle: Changes of redox-homeostasis effected to trassulfuration pathway predicting the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Pesti-Asbóth G, Szilágyi E, Bíróné Molnár P

893. Carbon dioxide insufflation reduces the relapse of ulcerative colitis after colonoscopy: A randomized controlled trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Otake-Kasamoto Y, Shinzaki S, Hiyama S

894. Running towards injury? A prospective investigation of factors associated with running injuries.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Dillon S, Burke A, Whyte EF

BACKGROUND: Given the high incidence and heavy burden of running related injuries, large-scale, prospective multifactorial investigations examining potential risk factors are warranted. This study aimed to identify factors associated with running related injuries and to evaluate their potential in injury screening. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-four recreational runners were recruited. Clinical measures (strength, range of motion, foot position), injury and training history (via questionnaire), impact loading (via accelerometery) and running technique measures were collected at baseline. Runners were tracked for injury for one year via fortnightly check-ins. A binary logistic regression, (injury versus no injury), was performed for each variable univariably, and then adjusting for age, sex and mileage. A multivariable regression was also performed to evaluate the model's discriminative ability. RESULTS: Of the 225 runners included in the final analysis 52% experienced a running related injury. Injury history in the past year, less navicular drop, and measures of running technique (knee, hip, and pelvis kinematics) were associated with increased odds of injury (p < .05). The multivariable logistic regression model was statistically significant, χ2(11) = 56.45, p < .001, correctly classifying 74% of cases with a sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 76%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.79 (CI95% = 0.73-0.85), demonstrating acceptable discriminative ability. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a number of clinical and running technique factors to be associated with prospective running related injuries among recreational runners. With the exception of injury history, the factors identified as being significantly associated with injury may be modifiable and therefore, could form the basis of interventions. Range of motion, spatiotemporal parameters and strength measures were not associated with injury and thus their utilisation in injury prevention practices should be reconsidered.

895. Psychology in action: Social media communication, CSR, and consumer behavior management in banking.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Liu Y, Naveed RT, Kanwal S

896. Outcomes of minimal change disease without nephrotic range proteinuria.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Son HE, Yun G, Kwon EJ

897. A highly antigenic fragment within the zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum Gp900 glycoprotein (Domain 3) is absent in human restricted Cryptosporidium species.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Dayao DAE, Jaskiewicz JJ, Sheoran AS

898. Prognostic value of coronary atherosclerosis and CAC score for the risk of chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD): The protocol of ANTEC study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Borowiec A, Ozdowska P, Rosinska M

BACKGROUND: Cardiological complications of oncological treatment, including the most serious one, heart failure, constitute a significant and still unsolved clinical problem. A history of dyslipidemia and complications of atherosclerosis, including coronary artery disease, are established risk factors for cardiotoxicity in cancer patients. In recent years, a protective effect of statin treatment on the development of heart failure in cancer patients has been observed. This protocol describes a study aiming to assess the prognostic value of coronary atherosclerosis burden and the CAC score on the onset of cardiac dysfunction associated with cancer therapy. METHODS: ANTEC (Atherosclerosis iN chemoTherapy-rElated Cardiotoxicity) is a single-site, prospective, observational study to evaluate the influence of the coronary atherosclerosis and CAC score assessed by computed tomography on the development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in cancer patients with at least moderate cardiotoxicity risk. A group of 80 patients diagnosed with cancer prior to high-dose anthracycline chemotherapy (doxorubicin ≥ 240 mg / m2 body weight or epirubicin ≥ 600 mg / m2 body weight), without a history of heart failure and coronary artery disease, will be included in the study. Patient follow-up is planned for 12 months. In all patients, coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) will be performed once at the beginning of the study. The primary endpoint is the onset of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity, defined as mild, moderate, severe and very severe according to ESC 2022 Cardio-oncology guidelines. During follow up, echocardiography with GLS assessment will be performed every three months. Additionally, new biomarkers of atherosclerosis (IL-6, MPO, TNF-alpha) will be measured every 6 months. The study registration identifier on clinicaltrials.gov is NCT05118178. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY: This study is listed on cinicaltrials.gov with identifier NCT05118178.

899. Indoor air pollutants and respiratory symptoms among residents of an informal urban settlement in Uganda: A cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Wafula ST, Nalugya A, Mendoza H

BACKGROUND: Indoor air pollutants (IAP) and household conditions such as dampness, crowding and chemical exposures have been associated with acute and chronic respiratory infections. In Uganda, literature on the effects of IAP on respiratory outcomes in informal settlements is limited. METHODS: We describe the baseline household characteristics of 284 adults and their children in an informal settlement in Uganda from April to May 2022. We monitored same-day indoor concentrations of particulate matter PM2.5, PM10, Carbon monoxide (CO), relative humidity %, and temperature from 9 am to 2 pm and interviewed caregivers/mothers about their respiratory symptoms and those of their children in the previous 30 days. We employed robust Poisson regressions to evaluate the associations between indoor air indicators and respiratory health symptoms. RESULTS: Approximately 94.7% of households primarily used biomass fuels and 32.7% cooked from inside their dwelling rooms. The median PM2.5, PM10 and CO levels were 49.5 (Interquartile range (IQR) = 31.1,86.2) μg/m3, 73.6 (IQR = 47.3,130.5) μg/m3 and 7.70 (IQR = 4.1,12.5) ppm respectively. Among adults, a 10 unit increase in PM2.5 was associated with cough (Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 3.75, 95%CI 1.15-1.55). Dwelling unit dampness was associated with phlegm (PR = 2.53, 95%CI = 1.39-4.61) and shortness of breath (PR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.23-2.54) while cooking from outside the house was protective against shortness of breath (PR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.44-0.87). In children, dampness was associated with phlegm (PR = 13.87, 95% CI 3.16-60.91) and cough (PR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.12-2.34) while indoor residual spraying was associated with phlegm (PR = 3.36, 95%CI 1.71-6.61). CONCLUSION: Poor indoor air conditions were associated with respiratory symptoms in adults and children. Efforts to address indoor air pollution should be made to protect adults and children from adverse health effects.

900. Systematic review with meta-analysis: Prevalence, risk factors, and challenges for urinary schistosomiasis in children (USC).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Masdor NA, Kandayah T, Amsah N

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection that causes significant public health problems in tropical countries. Schistosoma haematobium species are blamable for causing urinary schistosomiasis. The infected person, specifically children, may be carrying the disease. This systematic review aimed to identify the current knowledge of urinary Schistosmiasis in children or USC on its epidemiology, risk factors, and challenges to spread the understanding of controlling the disease and reducing the complications. METHOD: In November 2021, a systematic computer-aided literature review was conducted using PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. The results were updated in February 2022. We only used papers that have at least the abstract available in English. Relevant articles were screened, duplicates were deleted, eligibility criteria were applied, and studies that met the criteria were reviewed. The keywords Human Schistosoma infections, prevalence, risk factors and challenges were included. The protocol for the review was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022311609). Pooled prevalence rates were calculated using the programme R version 4.2.1. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic and p-value. A narrative approach was used to describe risk factors and challenges. Studies were selected and finalised based on the review question to prioritise. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). RESULTS: A total of 248 publications met the requirements for inclusion. Fifteen articles were included in this review, with the result showing high heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in children is 4% (95% confidence interval (CI)). Age, poor socioeconomic status, education, exposure to river water, and poor sanitation are the risk factors identified in this review. Challenges are faced due to limitations of clean water, lack of water resources, and poor hygiene. CONCLUSION: Modifiable risk factors such as poor knowledge and practices must be addressed immediately. Healthcare providers and schools could accomplish engaging in practical promotional activities. Communicating the intended messages to raise community awareness of urinary schistosomiasis is critical.

901. Gut-derived peptide hormone receptor expression in the developing mouse hypothalamus.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Cantacorps L, Coull BM, Falck J

902. Improving medication adherence monitoring and clinical outcomes through mHealth: A randomized controlled trial protocol in pediatric stem cell transplant.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Ralph JE, Sezgin E, Stanek CJ

Medication non-adherence rates in children range between 50% and 80% in the United States. Due to multifaceted outpatient routines, children receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) are at especially high risk of non-adherence, which can be life-threatening. Although digital health interventions have been effective in improving non-adherence in many pediatric conditions, limited research has examined their benefits among families of children receiving HCT. To address this gap, we created the BMT4me© mobile health app, an innovative intervention serving as a "virtual assistant" to send medication-taking reminders for caregivers and to track, in real-time, the child's medication taking, barriers to missed doses, symptoms or side effects, and other notes regarding their child's treatment. In this randomized controlled trial, caregivers will be randomized to either the control (standard of care) group or the intervention (BMT4me© app) group at initial discharge post-HCT. Both groups will receive an electronic adherence monitoring device (i.e., medication event monitoring system "MEMS" cap, Medy Remote Patient Management "MedyRPM" medication adherence box) to store their child's immunosuppressant medication. Caregivers who agree to participate will be asked to complete enrollment, weekly, and monthly parent-proxy measures of their child's medication adherence until the child reaches Day 100 or complete taper from immunosuppression. Caregivers will also participate in a 15 to 30-minute exit interview at the conclusion of the study. Descriptive statistics and correlations will be used to assess phone activity and use behavior over time. Independent samples t-tests will examine the efficacy of the intervention to improve adherence monitoring and reduce readmission rates. The primary expected outcome of this study is that the BMT4me© app will improve the real-time monitoring and medication adherence in children receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplant following discharge, thus improving clinical outcomes.

903. Social prescribing and students: A scoping review protocol.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Muhl C, Wadge S, Hussein T.

904. In-silico identification and comparison of transcription factor binding sites cluster in anterior-posterior patterning genes in Drosophila melanogaster and Tribolium castaneum.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Moudgil A, Sobti RC, Kaur T.

905. Is it cognitive effort you measure? Comparing three task paradigms to the Need for Cognition scale.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Mækelæ MJ, Klevjer K, Westbrook A

906. Iron status, development, and behavior in young children in the Pennsylvania foster care system.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Arcot A, Xing X, Gao X

907. Correlates of low birth weight and preterm birth in India.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Jana A.

BACKGROUND: In the 21st century, India is still struggling to reduce the burden of malnutrition and child mortality, which is much higher than the neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Shri Lanka. Preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) predispose early-age growth faltering and premature mortality among children below the age of five. Thus, highlighting the determinants of LBW and PTB is necessary to achieve sustainable development goals. OBJECTIVE: The present study provides macro-level estimates of PTB and LBW and aims to highlight the nature of the association between various demographic, socioeconomic, and maternal obstetric variables with these outcomes using a nationally representative dataset. METHODS: Data on 170,253 most recent births from the National Family health survey (NFHS-5) 2019-21 was used for the analysis. The estimates of PTB and LBW are measured by applying sample weights. The correlates of LBW and PTB were analyzed using logistic models. RESULTS: There were cross-state disparities in the prevalence of PTB and LBW. In India, an estimated 12% and 18% of children were LBW and PTB, respectively, in 2019-21. Maternal obstetric and anthropometric factors such as lack of antenatal care, previous caesarean delivery, and short-stature mothers were associated positively with adverse birth outcomes such as LBW and PTB. However, a few correlates were found to be differently associated with PTB and LBW. Mothers belonging to richer wealth status had higher chances of having a preterm birth (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.11-1.20) in comparison to poor mothers. In contrast, the odds of having LBW infants were found to be increased with the decreasing level of the mother's education and wealth quintile. CONCLUSIONS: In India, PTB and LBW can be improved by strengthening existing ante-natal care services and evaluating the effects of the history of caesarean births on future pregnancies.

908. Quantitative microbial risk assessment of haemolytic uremic syndrome associated with Argentinean kosher beef consumption in Israel.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Brusa V, Dolev S, Signorini M

The aim of this study was to perform a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) linked to the consumption of Kosher beef produced in Argentina and consumed in Israel in children under 14 years. A probabilistic risk assessment model was developed to characterize STEC prevalence and contamination levels in the beef supply chain (cattle primary production, cattle transport, processing and storage in the abattoir, for export and at retail, and home preparation and consumption). The model was implemented in Microsoft Excel 2016 with the @Risk add-on package. Results of 302 surveys with data collected in Israel were as follows: 92.3% of people consumed beef, mostly at home, and 98.2% preferred levels of cooking that ensured STEC removal from the surface of beef cuts. The preferred degree of ground beef doneness was "well-done" (48.2%). Cooking preference ranged from red to "medium-well done" (51.8%). Median HUS probability from Argentinean beef cut and ground beef consumption in children under 14 years old was <10-15 and 8.57x10-10, respectively. The expected average annual number of HUS cases and deaths due to beef cut and ground beef consumption was zero. Risk of infection and HUS probability correlated with salting effect on E. coli count, processing raw beef before vegetables, ways of storage and refrigeration temperature at home, joint consumption of salad and beef cuts, degree of beef doneness and cutting board washing with detergent after each use with beef and vegetables. The STEC-HUS risk in Israel from consumption of bovine beef produced in Argentina was negligible. The current QMRA results were similar to those of previous beef cut consumption QMRA in Argentina and lower than any of the QMRA performed worldwide in other STEC-HUS linked to ground beef consumption. This study confirms the importance of QMRA to estimate and manage the risk of STEC-HUS from beef consumption. The impact variables identified in the sensitivity analysis allowed us to optimize resources and time management, to focus on accurate actions and to avoid taking measures that would not have an impact on the risk of STEC-HUS.

909. Regulation of transcriptome networks that mediate ginsenoside biosynthesis by essential ecological factors.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Wang Z, Chen Z, Tang Y

910. Bacterial community structure of Anopheles hyrcanus group, Anopheles nivipes, Anopheles philippinensis, and Anopheles vagus from a malaria-endemic area in Thailand.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Boonroumkaew P, Rodpai R, Saeung A

Bacterial content of mosquitoes has given rise to the development of innovative tools that influence and seek to control malaria transmission. This study identified the bacterial microbiota in field-collected female adults of the Anopheles hyrcanus group and three Anopheles species, Anopheles nivipes, Anopheles philippinensis, and Anopheles vagus, from an endemic area in the southeastern part of Ubon Ratchathani Province, northeastern Thailand, near the Lao PDR-Cambodia-Thailand border. A total of 17 DNA libraries were generated from pooled female Anopheles abdomen samples (10 abdomens/ sample). The mosquito microbiota was characterized through the analysis of DNA sequences from the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene, and data were analyzed in QIIME2. A total of 3,442 bacterial ASVs were obtained, revealing differences in the microbiota both within the same species/group and between different species/group. Statistical difference in alpha diversity was observed between An. hyrcanus group and An. vagus and between An. nivipes and An. vagus, and beta diversity analyses showed that the bacterial community of An. vagus was the most dissimilar from other species. The most abundant bacteria belonged to the Proteobacteria phylum (48%-75%) in which Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Pantoea were predominant genera among four Anopheles species/group. However, the most significantly abundant genus observed in each Anopheles species/group was as follows: Staphylococcus in the An. hyrcanus group, Pantoea in the An. nivipes, Rosenbergiella in An. philippinensis, and Pseudomonas in An. vagus. Particularly, Pseudomonas sp. was highly abundant in all Anopheles species except An. nivipes. The present study provides the first study on the microbiota of four potential malaria vectors as a starting step towards understanding the role of the microbiota on mosquito biology and ultimately the development of potential tools for malaria control.

911. Validation of the Norwegian version of the Parents' Evaluation of Aural/ Oral Performance of Children (PEACH+) for children with typical hearing aged 12-72 months.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Johansen L, Gray T, Haukedal CL

912. Genetic diversity of thrips populations on Allium species around the world.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Porta B, Vosman B, Visser RGF

913. The COVID-19 pandemic eroded system support but not social solidarity.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Bor A, Jørgensen F, Petersen MB.

914. What socio-demographic factors support disposable vs. sustainable menstrual choices? Evidence from India's National Family Health Survey-5.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Babbar K, Garikipati S.

915. Exploring patient perspectives: A qualitative inquiry into healthcare perceptions, experiences and satisfaction in Lebanon.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Khalife J, Ekman B, Ammar W

BACKGROUND: Patient perspectives have received increasing importance within health systems over the past four decades. Measures of patient experience and satisfaction are commonly used. However, these measures do not capture all the information that is available through engaging with patients. An improved understanding of the various types of patient perspectives and the distinctions between them is needed. The lack of such knowledge limits the usefulness of including patient perspectives as components within pay-for-performance initiatives. This study aimed to explore patient perspectives on hospital care in Lebanon. It also aimed to contribute insights that may improve the national pay-for-performance initiative and to the knowledge on engaging patients towards person-centered health systems. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using focus group discussions with persons recently discharged after hospitalization under the coverage of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. This study was implemented in 2017 and involved 42 participants across eight focus groups. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the information provided by participants. RESULTS: Five overall themes supported by 17 categories were identified, capturing the meaning of the participants' perspectives: health is everything; being turned into second class citizens; money and personal connections make all the difference; wanting to be treated with dignity and respect; and tolerating letdown, for the sake of right treatment. The most frequently prioritized statement in a ranking exercise regarding patient satisfaction was regular contact with the patient's doctor. CONCLUSIONS: Patient perspectives include more than what is traditionally incorporated in measures of patient satisfaction and experience. Patient valuing of health and their perceptions on each of the health system, and access and quality of care should also be taken into account. Hospital pay-for-performance initiatives can be made more responsive through a broader consideration of these perspectives. More broadly, health systems would benefit from wider engagement of patients. We propose a framework relating patient perspectives to value-based healthcare and health system performance.

916. Multidimensional scaling methods can reconstruct genomic DNA loops using Hi-C data properties.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Ishibashi R.

917. The association between all-cause mortality and HIV acquisition risk groups in the United States, 2001-2014.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Shebl FM, Qian Y, Foote JHA

918. Differential item functioning of material deprivation assessment in households with or without children.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Ferrão ME, Vieira MT.

919. Molecular investigation of Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis infection in ticks in northern, western, and northwestern Iran.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Esmaeili S, Latifian M, Mahmoudi A

Tularemia and Q fever are endemic diseases in Iran; however, little information is available on the prevalence of the causative agents, Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis, in Iranian ticks. This study investigated C. burnetii and F. tularensis among hard ticks in this country. We collected ticks from livestock and other mammals in Guilan, Mazandaran, Golestan (northern Iran), Kurdistan (western Iran), and West Azerbaijan (northwestern Iran) provinces. Genomic DNA from collected ticks was extracted and screened for C. burnetii and F. tularensis using Real-time PCR. A total of 4,197 ticks (belonging to 12 different species) were collected, and Ixodes ricinus (46.4%), Rhipicephalus turanicus (25%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (19.1%) were the most collected species. Of 708 pooled tick samples, 11.3% and 7.20% were positive for C. burnetii and F. tularensis, respectively. The genus of Rhipicephalus had the highest (18.3%) C. burnetii infection among the collected tick pools (P<0.001). Furthermore, the most positive pools for F. tularensis belonged to Haemaphysalis spp. (44.4%). Kurdistan had the most significant percentage of C. burnetii-infected ticks (92.5%), and there was a meaningful relationship between the provinces and the infection (P< 0.001). The ticks from Golestan exhibited the highest F. tularensis infection rate (10. 9%), and the infection showed no significant relationship with the provinces (P = 0.19). Ticks collected from grasslands had a higher Coxiella burnetii infection rate than those collected from animals (39.4% vs. 7.9%; p<0.01). However, ticks collected from animal surfaces had a slightly higher rate of Francisella tularensis infection than those collected from grasslands (7.6% vs. 3.9%; p = 0.24). Here, we demonstrated the presence of both pathogens in the north (Guilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan provinces), the west (Kurdistan province), and the northwest (West Azerbaijan province) of Iran. The public health system should pay particular attention to tick bites in veterinary medicine and humans.

920. Differences of oribatid mite community and trophic structure between karst caves and surface different moss habitats.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Gong T, Yin X, Liu W

In order to reveal the community characteristics and trophic structure of oribatid mites in different moss habitats in karst caves, the oribatid mites in the moss habitats of ground (GD), understory (US), cave wall (CW), surface shrub (SB) and farmland (FL) outside the cave were collected in October 2021. Through the identification and data analysis of oribatid mites, 2352 oribatid mites were found, belonging to 45 families and 72 genera, most of which were Gymnonota. The family number, genus number, individual number, individual density, dominant genus composition, community diversity, community similarity, MGP (Analysis methods for ecological groups of oribatid mites) ecological group of oribatid mites and trophic structure of oribatid mites in different moss were analyzed. The results showed that: (1) The number of families, genera, individuals, and individual density of SB and FL are higher than those of the other three habitats; (2) Platyliodes, Oppiella, Tectocepheus, Scutovertex, Scheloribates and Trichogalumna are the dominant genera of the oribatid mites in the cave moss habitat, among them, Tectocepheus and Trichogaluna have the most obvious advantages; (3) The diversity index of shrub (SB) was higher than that of other four habitats; Similarity between ground and cave wall, shrub and farmland is high; (4) The MGP ecological group of oribatid mites in different habitats is dominated by O type (Overall type belongs to MGP analysis results, 20%≤M,G,P≤50%), and a total of 42 genera of oribatid mites preliminarily constitute the trophic structure of oribatid mites in the cave moss habitat. Based on the above results, it can be concluded that there are differences in the community structure of oribatid mites in different moss habitats in the study area, and the use of dominant genera of mites can preliminarily indicate the environmental conditions of different moss habitats. This study enriches the study of mites in karst cave mosses, and can provide theoretical significance for the protection of cave biodiversity in karst areas.

921. Equity, community, and accountability: Leveraging a department-level climate survey as a tool for action.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Barrile GM, Bernard RF, Wilcox RC

Organizational climate is a key determinant of diverse aspects of success in work settings, including in academia. Power dynamics in higher education can result in inequitable experiences of workplace climate, potentially harming the well-being and productivity of employees. Quantifying experiences of climate across employment categories can help identify changes necessary to create a more equitable workplace for all. We developed and administered a climate survey within our academic workplace-the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming-to evaluate experiences of climate across three employment categories: faculty, graduate students, and staff. Our survey included a combination of closed-response (e.g., Likert-scale) and open-ended questions. Most department members (82%) completed the survey, which was administered in fall 2021. Faculty generally reported more positive experiences than staff. Graduate students often fell between these two groups, though in some survey sections (e.g., mental health and well-being) students reported the most negative experiences of departmental climate. Three common themes emerged from the analysis of open-ended responses: equity, community, and accountability. We discuss how these themes correspond to concrete action items for improving our departmental climate, some of which have been implemented already, while others constitute future initiatives and/or require a collective push towards systemic change in academia. Finally, service work of this type often falls outside of job descriptions, requiring individuals to either work more or trade-off productivity in other areas that are formally evaluated. With the goal of minimizing this burden for others, we detail our process and provide the materials and framework necessary to streamline this process for other departments aiming to evaluate workplace climate as a key first step in building a positive work environment for all employees.

922. Meta-analysis of the effects of physical activity on executive function in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Song Y, Fan B, Wang C

923. From chip to SNP: Rapid development and evaluation of a targeted capture genotyping-by-sequencing approach to support research and management of a plaguing rodent.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Oh KP, Van de Weyer N, Ruscoe WA

924. The impact of public environmental concern on environmental pollution: The moderating effect of government environmental regulation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Liu N, Liu Y, Yu X.

925. Developed steady-state response for a new hybrid damper mounted on structures.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Ziaee M, Hejazi F.

926. Antecedents for online food delivery platform leading to continuance usage intention via e-word-of-mouth review adoption.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Alghamdi SY, Kaur S, Qureshi KM

927. Tissue-specific in vivo transformation of plasmid DNA in Neotropical tadpoles using electroporation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Delia J, Gaines-Richardson M, Ludington SC

928. Development of an in vitro aggregation assay for long synthetic polypeptide, amyloidogenic gelsolin fragment AGelD187N 173-242.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Leimu L, Haavisto O, Nesati V

929. Vulnerability and tuberculosis treatment outcomes in urban settings in England: A mixed-methods study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Berrocal-Almanza LC, Lima M, Piotrowski H

BACKGROUND: Evidence on factors contributing to poor treatment outcome and healthcare priorities in vulnerable populations affected by tuberculosis (TB) in urban areas of England other than London is needed to inform setting-specific prevention and care policies. We addressed this knowledge gap in a cohort of TB patients and healthcare providers in Birmingham and Leicester, UK. METHODS: A mixed-methods study was performed. Logistic regression was used to identify TB patients more likely to have poor treatment outcomes according to clinical and demographic characteristics and social risk factors (SRFs) in a 2013-18 cohort. 25 semi-structured interviews were undertaken in purposely selected individuals (9 patients and 16 healthcare professionals) to glean insights on their healthcare priorities and the factors that contribute to poor treatment outcome. RESULTS: The quantitative cohort comprised 2252 patients. Those who were ≥ 55 years of age, foreign-born from Central Europe, East Asia and Sub Saharan Africa and with MDR-TB were more likely to have poor treatment outcomes. According to patients and healthcare professionals, the factors that contribute to vulnerability to develop TB and poor treatment outcomes include poor working and living conditions, inadequate or absent welfare protection, poor primary healthcare responsiveness, treatment duration and side effects. These factors could be addressed by increased networking, partnership and integration between healthcare and social services and better integration between primary and secondary healthcare. CONCLUSIONS: In both cities, being ≥ 55 years of age, having MDR-TB and being of foreign-birth are predictors of unfavourable treatment outcome. Risk of poor treatment outcome and vulnerability seem to be multidimensional. A better understanding of specific vulnerabilities and how they affect patient care pathway is needed to design adequate support programmes.

930. Exploring the phenomenon of intrusive mental imagery after suicide bereavement: A qualitative interview study in a British sample.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Quayle K, Jones P, Di Simplicio M

931. A community-based participatory protocol to improving communication with Black men about oral and pharyngeal cancers: Research protocol.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Smith PD, Murray M, Bailey T

932. Energy-saving pretreatments affect pelagic Sargassum composition and DNA metabarcoding reveals the microbial community involved in methane yield.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Salgado-Hernández E, Ortiz-Ceballos ÁI, Alvarado-Lassman A

933. Risk of bias in prognostic models of hospital-induced delirium for medical-surgical units: A systematic review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Snigurska UA, Liu Y, Ser SE

934. A new statistical methodology using the sine function: Control chart with an application to survival times data.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Kamal M, Rao GS, Alsolmi MM

935. Development and evaluation of the Measure of the International Learning Environment Status (MILES) in international higher education.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Xu X, Schönrock-Adema J, Bos NA.

936. Association of total cholesterol variability with risk of venous thromboembolism: A nationwide cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Park H, Chang Y, Lee H

937. "I abandoned my job to look after my baby." Understanding the unpriced cost of care of a preterm infant: Caregivers' lived experiences.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Namiiro FB, Ssemata AS, Abdallah Y

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is associated with life-long cost implications on the infant, family, health system, and society at large. The costs related to lost productivity at contributions at work during care of preterm infants are difficult to measure. We aimed to explore and document the unpriced costs parents incur following birth of a preterm infant in the first year of life in a low resource setting. METHODS: Thirty-nine mothers and five fathers of preterm infants who had ever attended the preterm follow-up clinic after discharge from Mulago National Referral Hospital, were included in a qualitative study between November 2019 and February 2020. Participants were purposively selected, and data were collected using four focused group discussions with mothers and in-depth interviews with the fathers lasting 30-70 minutes each. These were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated. The data were manually analysed using the thematic approach. FINDINGS: Three themes were generated: i) complex nature of the infant, ii) time to care for the infant, iii) mother as the predominant caregiver. The parents perceived preterm infants as delicate, complicated and their care more costly compared to those born at term. Expressions of need for time to care for their infants, frequent hospital visits and readmission were raised. Availability of the mother as the predominant caregiver some of whose roles cannot be delegated and their experiences following return to work after birth of a preterm were cited by the participants. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the unpriced costs incurred by the parents through disruption of the work pattern due to the actual and perceived needs of a preterm infant and time to care in a low resource setting. We recommend guidance on financial planning, development of policies and programs on social and financial support for parents and future studies on indirect costs of preterm care.

938. Effects of high intensity interval training versus moderate intensity continuous training on exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Gu S, Du X, Wang D

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: High intensity interval training (HIIT) is considered as an alternative exercise modality to moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) for heart failure (HF) patients. Yet a growing number of trials demonstrated inconsistent findings about the effectiveness of HIIT versus MICT until SMARTEX study and OptimEx-Clin study have made a consistent negative conclusion that HIIT was not superior to MICT. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis involving a subgroup analysis of total exercise time (TET) and disease categories of HF to investigate if TET could affect the superiority of HIIT when compared with MICT. METHODS AND RESULTS: An electronic literature search of Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed for this review. 16 studies of 661 patients were finally pooled into quantitative synthesis. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for quantitative synthesis of outcomes. HIIT was superior to MICT in improving peak oxygen consumption (Peak VO2) (WMD: 1.68 ml · kg-1 · min-1 95% CI: 0.81 to 2.55 n = 661). The subgroup analysis of TET showed that HIIT was superior to MICT in improving Peak VO2 in "short time" subgroup (WMD: 1.61 ml · kg-1 · min-1 95% CI: 0.45 to 2.77 n = 166) and in "medium time" subgroup (WMD: 1.74 ml · kg-1 · min-1 95% CI: 0.53 to 2.95 n = 420), and that there was no significant difference between HIIT and MICT in improving Peak VO2 in "long time" subgroup (WMD: 0.62 ml · kg-1 · min-1 95% CI: -1.34 to 2.58 n = 75). CONCLUSIONS: The superiority of HIIT to MICT in improving Peak VO2 arose in a short to medium length of TET whereas it was effaced by an increment of TET. This "paradox" of TET on HIIT versus MICT might be due to the increasing poor adherence to target exercise intensity over time. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022375076.

939. Incidence and associated risk factors of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in patients with depression.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Ryu WK, Lee J, Park Y

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety or depression increases in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection. However, no studies have investigated whether the incidence of NTM infection increases in patients with depression. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of NTM infection in patients with depression and evaluate the association between NTM infection and depression stratified by age and sex. METHODS: Data from 2002 to 2013 were collected from patients aged ≥ 20 years in the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort database. Patients with and without depression aged over 20 years were matched with 1 to 4 by sex, age, and year of diagnosis. The incidence rate was calculated in 100,000 person-years, and a multivariable subdistribution hazard model was used to evaluate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for the development of NTM infection. RESULTS: We included 37,554 individuals (12,752 men and 24,802 women) and 149,213 controls in the depression and non-depression groups, respectively. The cumulative incidence of NTM infection did not differ significantly between the depression and non-depression groups during the follow-up period (22.2 vs. 24.5 per 100,000 person-years, p = 0.571). The age- and sex-stratified effects on the incidence of NTM infection were not significantly higher in patients with depression than in those without depression. After adjusting for covariates including age, sex, comorbidity, income, and region, the risk of NTM infection did not significantly differ between the depression and non-depression groups (aHR 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.58-1.17). CONCLUSION: The incidence of NTM infections in patients with depression was not significantly higher than that in patients without depression. However, due to the small number of NTM infections, we might have underestimated the differences between the two groups. Further studies are needed to identify factors associated with NTM pulmonary disease in patients with depression.

940. Oases in the Sahara Desert-Linking biological and cultural diversity.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Tydecks L, Hernández-Agüero JA, Böhning-Gaese K

941. The prevalence of effort-reward imbalance and its associations with working conditions, psychosocial resources and burden among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results of the egePan-Voice study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Beschoner P, Jerg-Bretzke L, Erim Y

942. Automatic detection and classification of lung cancer CT scans based on deep learning and ebola optimization search algorithm.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Mohamed TIA, Oyelade ON, Ezugwu AE.

Recently, research has shown an increased spread of non-communicable diseases such as cancer. Lung cancer diagnosis and detection has become one of the biggest obstacles in recent years. Early lung cancer diagnosis and detection would reliably promote safety and the survival of many lives globally. The precise classification of lung cancer using medical images will help physicians select suitable therapy to reduce cancer mortality. Much work has been carried out in lung cancer detection using CNN. However, lung cancer prediction still becomes difficult due to the multifaceted designs in the CT scan. Moreover, CNN models have challenges that affect their performance, including choosing the optimal architecture, selecting suitable model parameters, and picking the best values for weights and biases. To address the problem of selecting optimal weight and bias combination required for classification of lung cancer in CT images, this study proposes a hybrid metaheuristic and CNN algorithm. We first designed a CNN architecture and then computed the solution vector of the model. The resulting solution vector was passed to the Ebola optimization search algorithm (EOSA) to select the best combination of weights and bias to train the CNN model to handle the classification problem. After thoroughly training the EOSA-CNN hybrid model, we obtained the optimal configuration, which yielded good performance. Experimentation with the publicly accessible Iraq-Oncology Teaching Hospital / National Center for Cancer Diseases (IQ-OTH/NCCD) lung cancer dataset showed that the EOSA metaheuristic algorithm yielded a classification accuracy of 0.9321. Similarly, the performance comparisons of EOSA-CNN with other methods, namely, GA-CNN, LCBO-CNN, MVO-CNN, SBO-CNN, WOA-CNN, and the classical CNN, were also computed and presented. The result showed that EOSA-CNN achieved a specificity of 0.7941, 0.97951, 0.9328, and sensitivity of 0.9038, 0.13333, and 0.9071 for normal, benign, and malignant cases, respectively. This confirms that the hybrid algorithm provides a good solution for the classification of lung cancer.

943. What do people think of intuitive eating? A qualitative exploration with rural Australians.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Van Dyke N, Murphy M, Drinkwater EJ.

944. The emergence of Omicron VOC and its rapid spread and persistence in the Western Amazon.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Sgorlon G, Roca TP, Passos-Silva AM

945. A model of antibiotic resistance genes accumulation through lifetime exposure from food intake and antibiotic treatment.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Todman H, Arya S, Baker M

946. Formal modeling and analysis of security schemes of RPL protocol using colored Petri nets.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Ahmad F, Chaudhry MT, Jamal MH

947. Ferulic Acid reduces amyloid beta mediated neuroinflammation through modulation of Nurr1 expression in microglial cells.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Moghimi-Khorasgani A, Homayouni Moghadam F, Nasr-Esfahani MH.

Microglial cells (MGCs) serve as the resident macrophages in the brain and spinal cord, acting as the first line of immune defense against pathological changes. With various phenotypes, they can shift from a homeostatic state to a reactive state or transit from a reactive to a non-inflammatory reactive state (alternative homeostatic). A well-timed transit is crucial in limiting excessive microglial reaction and promoting the healing process. Studies indicate that increased Nurr1 expression promotes anti-neuroinflammatory responses in the brain. In this study, we investigated the possible role of ferulic acid (FA) in facilitating microglia transition due to its anti-inflammatory and Nurr1-inducing effects. MGCs were extracted from the brains of male NMRI mice at postnatal day 2 (P2) and cultured with or without FA and beta-amyloid (Aβ). Real-time qRT-PCR was conducted to measure the expressions of Nurr1, IL-1β, and IL-10 genes. Immunostaining was performed to determine the number of NURR1-positive cells, and the ramification index (RI) of MGCs was calculated using Image J software. Treating MGCs with FA (50 μg/ml) induced Nurr1 and IL-10 expressions, while reducing the level of IL-1β in the absence of Aβ-stress. Further assessments on cells under Aβ-stress showed that FA treatment restored the IL-10 and Nurr1 levels, increased the RI of cells, and the number of NURR1-positive cells. Morphological assessments and measurements of the RI revealed that FA treatment reversed amoeboid and rod-like cells to a ramified state, which is specific morphology for non-inflammatory reactive microglia. To conclude, FA can provide potential alternative homeostatic transition in Aβ-reactive microglia by recruiting the NURR1 dependent anti-inflammatory responses. This makes it a promising therapeutic candidate for suppressing Aβ-induced neuroinflammatory responses in MGCs. Furthermore, given that FA has the ability to increase NURR1 levels in homeostatic microglia, it could be utilized as a preventative medication.

948. Sleep disrupts complex spiking dynamics in the neocortex and hippocampus.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

González J, Cavelli M, Tort ABL

949. Biomechanical analyses of different serve and groundstroke techniques in tennis: A systematic scoping review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Lambrich J, Muehlbauer T.

950. Low-frequency whole-body vibration can enhance cartilage degradation with slight changes in subchondral bone in mice with knee osteoarthritis and does not have any morphologic effect on normal joints.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Wang H, Zhang C, Zhu S

951. Prediction and optimization of employee turnover intentions in enterprises based on unbalanced data.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Li Z, Fox E.

952. Mapping small mammal optimal habitats using satellite-derived proxy variables and species distribution models.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Marston C, Raoul F, Rowland C

Small mammal species play an important role influencing vegetation primary productivity and plant species composition, seed dispersal, soil structure, and as predator and/or prey species. Species which experience population dynamics cycles can, at high population phases, heavily impact agricultural sectors and promote rodent-borne disease transmission. To better understand the drivers behind small mammal distributions and abundances, and how these differ for individual species, it is necessary to characterise landscape variables important for the life cycles of the species in question. In this study, a suite of Earth observation derived metrics quantifying landscape characteristics and dynamics, and in-situ small mammal trapline and transect survey data, are used to generate random forest species distribution models for nine small mammal species for study sites in Narati, China and Sary Mogul, Kyrgyzstan. These species distribution models identify the important landscape proxy variables driving species abundance and distributions, in turn identifying the optimal conditions for each species. The observed relationships differed between species, with the number of landscape proxy variables identified as important for each species ranging from 3 for Microtus gregalis at Sary Mogul, to 26 for Ellobius tancrei at Narati. Results indicate that grasslands were predicted to hold higher abundances of Microtus obscurus, E. tancrei and Marmota baibacina, forest areas hold higher abundances of Myodes centralis and Sorex asper, with mixed forest-grassland boundary areas and areas close to watercourses predicted to hold higher abundances of Apodemus uralensis and Sicista tianshanica. Localised variability in vegetation and wetness conditions, as well as presence of certain habitat types, are also shown to influence these small mammal species abundances. Predictive application of the Random Forest (RF) models identified spatial hot-spots of high abundance, with model validation producing R2 values between 0.670 for M. gregalis transect data at Sary Mogul to 0.939 for E. tancrei transect data at Narati. This enhances previous work whereby optimal habitat was defined simply as presence of a given land cover type, and instead defines optimal habitat via a combination of important landscape dynamic variables, moving from a human-defined to species-defined perspective of optimal habitat. The species distribution models demonstrate differing distributions and abundances of host species across the study areas, utilising the strengths of Earth observation data to improve our understanding of landscape and ecological linkages to small mammal distributions and abundances.

953. Iterating toward change: Improving student-centered teaching through the STEM faculty institute (STEMFI).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Shipley J, Sansom RL, Mickelsen H

954. Differences in Toxoplasma gondii distribution in different muscle and viscera of naturally infected sheep.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Yan X, Jin X, Gao J

955. Genomic characterization of Campylobacter isolates in Huzhou, China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Wu X, Ji L, Shen Y

956. Application of group model building in implementation research: A systematic review of the public health and healthcare literature.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Estrada-Magbanua WM, Huang TT, Lounsbury DW

BACKGROUND: Group model building is a process of engaging stakeholders in a participatory modeling process to elicit their perceptions of a problem and explore concepts regarding the origin, contributing factors, and potential solutions or interventions to a complex issue. Recently, it has emerged as a novel method for tackling complex, long-standing public health issues that traditional intervention models and frameworks cannot fully address. However, the extent to which group model building has resulted in the adoption of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies for public health remains largely unstudied. The goal of this systematic review was to examine the public health and healthcare applications of GMB in the literature and outline how it has been used to foster implementation and dissemination of evidence-based interventions. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases through August 2022 for studies related to public health or health care where GMB was cited as a main methodology. We did not eliminate studies based on language, location, or date of publication. Three reviewers independently extracted data on GMB session characteristics, model attributes, and dissemination formats and content. RESULTS: Seventy-two studies were included in the final review. Majority of GMB activities were in the fields of nutrition (n = 19, 26.4%), health care administration (n = 15, 20.8%), and environmental health (n = 12, 16.7%), and were conducted in the United States (n = 29, 40.3%) and Australia (n = 7, 9.7%). Twenty-three (31.9%) studies reported that GMB influenced implementation through policy change, intervention development, and community action plans; less than a third reported dissemination of the model outside journal publication. GMB was reported to have increased insight, facilitated consensus, and fostered communication among stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS: GMB is associated with tangible benefits to participants, including increased community engagement and development of systems solutions. Transdisciplinary stakeholder involvement and more rigorous evaluation and dissemination of GMB activities are recommended.

957. Test-retest reliability and construct validity of trunk extensor muscle force modulation accuracy.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 17

Gilliam JR, Song A, Sahu PK

Low back pain is associated with changes in trunk muscle structure and function and motor control impairments. Voluntary force modulation (FM) of trunk muscles is a unique and under-investigated motor control characteristic. One of the reasons for this paucity of evidence is the lack of exploration and publication on the reliability and validity of trunk FM protocols. The purpose of this study was to determine the within- and between-day test-retest reliability and construct validity for trunk extensor muscle FM. Twenty-nine healthy participants were tested under three FM conditions with different modulation rates. Testing was performed on a custom-built apparatus designed for trunk isometric force testing. FM accuracy relative to a fluctuating target force (20-50%MVF) was quantified using the root mean square error of the participant's generated force relative to the target force. Reliability and precision of measurement were assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable difference (MDD95), and Bland-Altman plots. In a subset of participants, we collected surface electromyography of trunk and hip muscles. We used non-negative matrix factorization (NNMF) to identify the underlying motor control strategies. Within- and between-day test-retest reliability was excellent for FM accuracy across the three conditions (ICC range: 0.865 to 0.979). SEM values ranged 0.9-1.8 Newtons(N) and MDD95 ranged from 2.4-4.9N. Conditions with faster rates of FM had higher ICCs. NNMF analysis revealed two muscle synergies that were consistent across participants and conditions. These synergies demonstrate that the muscles primarily involved in this FM task were indeed the trunk extensor muscles. This protocol can consistently measure FM accuracy within and between testing sessions. Trunk extensor FM, as measured by this protocol, is not specific to any trunk muscle group but is the result of modulation by all the trunk extensor muscles.

958. Removal of Cr (VI) and microbial community analysis in PCB wastewater treatment based on the BESI® process.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Ouyang J, Miao Q, Wei D

959. Carrot populations in France and Spain host a complex virome rich in previously uncharacterized viruses.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Schönegger D, Marais A, Babalola BM

960. Fusion of medical images using Nabla operator; Objective evaluations and step-by-step statistical comparisons.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Behrouzi Y, Basiri A, Pourgholi R

961. Early postnatal care contact within 24 hours by skilled providers and its determinants among home deliveries in Myanmar: Further analysis of the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Show KL, Aung PL, Maung TM

BACKGROUND: Access and use of early postnatal care (PNC) by skilled providers are crucial for reducing maternal and newborn deaths. However, use of PNC among the deliveries by skilled providers in some developing countries remains unsatisfactory. Furthermore, literature concerning PNC among home deliveries remains limited, particularly in resource-limited countries such as Myanmar. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of having early PNC contact by skilled providers and its determinants among home deliveries in Myanmar. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. We included information on all home deliveries in the interviewed mothers aged 15-49 years in the 2 years preceding the survey. Early PNC attendance and its determinants were assessed (using modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimates). All analyses were performed using STATA, Version 15. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of a total of 2,129 home deliveries, 36.1% (95%CI: 32.4%, 39.9%) did not receive PNC from any providers. Among all home deliveries included in this study, 468 (22.0%, 95%CI: 19.1%, 25.1%) received early postnatal checkup within 24 hours by skilled providers (doctors/nurses/midwives/Lady Health Visitors). Factors associated with early PNC contact among home deliveries by skilled providers included possessing higher education (adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.94), resident from coastal regions (aPR:1.37, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.80), currently married (aPR: 1.87, 95%CI: 1.01, 3.49), attaining antenatal care (ANC) at least four times (aPR:1.47, 95%CI: 1.22, 1.77), giving birth by a skilled birth attendant (aPR:8.80, 95%CI: 6.67, 11.61), and having access to mass media at least once weekly (aPR:1.23, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.46). CONCLUSION: A high percentage of home deliveries (78%) were not receiving early PNC by skilled providers. To facilitate early and safe PNC, expanding the coverage of skilled birth attendants and promoting the utilization of ANC should be strengthened. Targeted health education should be delivered through mass media especially for those with low education levels residing in delta, lowland, hills and plains.

962. Understanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan: The paradigm of confidence, convenience, and complacency; A cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Sheikh NS, Touseef M, Sultan R

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vaccine hesitancy is a big obstacle for vaccination programs, as is anticipated for the COVID-19 vaccination program, resulting in low uptake of vaccines thereby hindering the process of reaching herd immunity. Bearing this in mind the current study was aimed to explore the determinants of vaccine hesitancy amongst the Pakistani population. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2020 to March 2021. The conceptual framework of the study was based on the 3Cs (Confidence, Convenience, Complacency) model. The google-forms-based questionnaire was disseminated amongst the general population. Data collected were entered into SPSS version 26 and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 421 participants, 68.4% were women. Non-healthcare workers were 55.8% of respondents. Of vaccine-hesitant individuals, 26.13% reported they were very unlikely to get vaccinated. Perception of COVID-19 vaccine was explored, which revealed 12.6% of individuals agreed the vaccine was not safe as it came out too fast, 50.6% were worried about experiencing side-effects, 18% believed the vaccine will not offer protection and 5.9% believed the vaccine would cause death. Low Practice of standard operating procedure (SOP) in non-Healthcare workers was the strongest contributor to vaccine hesitancy (OR: 5.338, p = 0.040, 95% CI: 1.082-26.330) followed by High complacency (p = 0.026) and Moderate Complacency (OR: 0.212, p = 0.007, 95% CI: 0.069-0.654) towards COVID-19 vaccination. In Healthcare workers the strongest contributor to vaccine hesitancy was having a Moderate Confidence (OR: 0.323, p = 0.042, 95% CI: 0.109-0.958) in the vaccine followed by Moderate Convenience (OR: 0.304, p = 0.049, 95% CI: 0.093-0.993) for vaccination. CONCLUSION: Campaigning and communication strategies to reaffirm confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine and educating the general population about the vaccine could lead to increased perception of vaccine safety and effectiveness thereby restoring confidence in vaccine and decreasing vaccine hesitancy. Likewise, working to increase vaccine convenience and decreasing complacency towards the COVID-19 vaccine would translate into high vaccine uptake. MESH WORDS: Vaccine hesitancy; vaccination intention, COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine confidence, complacency, convenience.

963. Acceptability of risk-based triage in cervical cancer screening: A focus group study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Bas S, Sijben J, Bischoff EWMA

BACKGROUND: Compared to the previous cytology-based program, the introduction of primary high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) based screening in 2017 has led to an increased number of referrals. To counter this, triage of hrHPV-positive women in cervical cancer screening can potentially be optimized by taking sociodemographic and lifestyle risk factors for cervical abnormalities into account. Therefore, it is essential to gain knowledge of the views of women (30-60 years) eligible for cervical cancer screening. OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this qualitative study was to gain insight in the aspects that influence acceptability of risk-based triage in cervical cancer screening. DESIGN: A focus group study in which participants were recruited via four general medical practices, and purposive sampling was used to maximize heterogeneity with regards to age, education level, and cervical cancer screening experiences. APPROACH: The focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 28 women (average age: 45.2 years) eligible for cervical cancer screening in The Netherlands participated in seven online focus group discussions. Half of the participants was higher educated, and the participants differed in previous cervical cancer screening participation and screening result. KEY RESULTS: In total, 5 main themes and 17 subthemes were identified that determine the acceptability of risk-stratified triage. The main themes are: 1) adequacy of the screening program: an evidence-based program that is able to minimize cancer incidence and reduce unnecessary referrals; 2) personal information (e.g., sensitive topics and stigma); 3) emotional impact: fear and reassurance; 4) communication (e.g., transparency); and 5) autonomy (e.g., prevention). CONCLUSION: The current study highlights several challenges regarding the development and implementation of risk-based triage that need attention in order to be accepted by the target group. These challenges include dealing with sensitive topics and a transparent communication strategy.

964. Link prediction on bipartite networks using matrix factorization with negative sample selection.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Peng S, Yamamoto A, Ito K.

965. The lure of siren's song: Exploring the influence of destination song perception on potential tourists' travel intentions.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Wei L, Shao T, Shi X

966. Functional assessment of current upper limb prostheses: An integrated clinical and technological perspective.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Capsi-Morales P, Piazza C, Sjoberg L

967. Abundant, diverse, unknown: Extreme species richness and turnover despite drastic undersampling in two closely placed tropical Malaise traps.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Chimeno C, Schmidt S, Cancian de Araujo B

968. Vaccine effectiveness in symptom and viral load mitigation in COVID-19 breakthrough infections in South Korea.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Jang J, Jeong H, Kim BH

969. Higher milk consumption is associated with a lower risk of diabetes mellitus: A case-control study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Tanpowpong P, Aekplakorn W, Chariyalertsak S

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Studies have determined that people with genetically defined lactase non-persistence have lower dairy intake that may lead to an increase risk of various non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, lactase non-persistence itself has been associated with insulin resistance. However, data on lactase non-persistence status and dairy intake in developing countries are sparse. We therefore aimed to define 1) the prevalence of lactase non-persistence among individuals with diabetes and non-diabetes in Thai population and 2) the links between lactase non-persistence, milk consumption, and risk of diabetes mellitus. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study from participants of the National Health Examination Survey. DNA was isolated from the blood for LCT -13910C>T (rs4988235) polymorphism and processed using the Bio-rad c1000 touch thermal cycler and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry MassARRAY Typer v4.0 (Agena Bioscience, San Diego, CA, USA) at the Center for Medical Genomics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital. Cases were participants with previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus or fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL (n = 1,756) vs. the controls (n = 2,380). RESULTS: We included 4,136 participants, 62% female, and 98.8% were > 30 years old. Homozygous CC genotype (i.e., lactase non-persistence) was noted in 98.6% and only 1.4% carried heterozygous CT. Most (76%) consumed milk <1 portion/month. Participants with either CC or CT genotype had comparable milk consumption and the risk of diabetes mellitus. Males, older adults, and lower education had a lower chance of consuming milk at least one portion per month. Besides various baseline variables, we found that higher milk consumption was associated with a lower DM risk (P = .01). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of lactase non-persistence in Thai population is very high. A significant difference in milk consumption frequency in relation to the lactase non-persistence status was not found. However, higher milk consumption is associated with a lower risk of diabetes mellitus.

970. Albendazole repurposing on VEGFR-2 for possible anticancer application: In-silico analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Gaikwad NM, Chaudhari PD, Shaikh KS

971. Survival outcomes and quality of life after percutaneous cryoablation for liver metastasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Khanmohammadi S, Behnoush AH, Akhlaghpoor S.

972. Shelter dog behavior after adoption: Using the C-BARQ to track dog behavior changes through the first six months after adoption.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Bohland KR, Lilly ML, Herron ME

Despite millions of dogs entering and exiting shelters annually, little is known about dog behavior long-term after adoption. Entering a shelter is stressful for dogs which may inhibit or exaggerate behavior. There is a common public sentiment that dogs have a "honeymoon period" after adoption where dogs do not show their full repertoire of behaviors, both positive and negative, until getting more comfortable in their new home. The aim of this prospective observational cohort study was to identify prevalence of and changes in behavior issues in dogs throughout the first six months following adoption. The owners of ninety-nine dogs adopted from five Ohio shelters between October 1, 2020 and June 1, 2021 were surveyed 7, 30, 90, and 180 days after adoption, using the Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Owners were also asked about household changes that may affect behavior. Estimated age, sex, weight, length of shelter stay, shelter intake reason, use of gastrointestinal, antibiotic, and psychotropic medications in the shelter, whether the animal had been previously returned to the shelter, and whether the owner was a first-time dog owner, were evaluated as predictors in a mixed effect regression model of different behavior measures over time. At various timepoints, dogs showed high prevalence for stranger-directed aggression (81.7%), owner-directed aggression (32.3%), dog-directed aggression (75%), familiar dog aggression (37.8%), stranger directed fear (58.2%), nonsocial fear (95.8%), dog directed fear (80.0%) and separation-related behaviors (92.6%). Over 180 days, stranger-directed aggression, excitability, touch sensitivity, training difficulty, and chasing increased, while separation-related behaviors, attachment and attention-seeking decreased. Owners reported high satisfaction with their dogs' behavior. Use of psychotropic medications in the shelter was predictive of stranger-directed aggression and touch sensitivity at home. These findings help veterinarians and shelter professionals council owners on potential behavior changes after adoption.

973. Using the health belief model to understand the factors influencing the perceptions of people of Chinese ancestry about reducing salt consumption for hypertension prevention: A cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Chan A, Wai-Chi Chan S, Kinsman L.

BACKGROUND: High-salt diets are linked to hypertension. Chinese people in Australia, are at increased risk of hypertension due to the combination of routine addition of high quantities of salt to food during cooking and high salt levels in processed western foods. There is a scarcity of salt-related behavioural studies on this population group. This study aimed to explore the habitual salt consumption of Chinese Australians and factors that influence their perceptions about sustaining salt-related behavioural changes for hypertension prevention. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study using an adapted Determinants of Salt-Restriction Behaviour Questionnaire was conducted on 188 Chinese Australians. A non-probability sampling method was used to attract participants from different parts of Australia. Statistical analyses such as descriptive analysis, t-tests and Pearson correlation tests were performed in the study. RESULTS: Over 97% of participants did not measure the amount of salt added to their meals. Many participants reported that salt was added to their meals based on their experience (39.4%) and food taste (31.9%). Over 80% of participants did not know the recommended level of daily salt consumption. Although salt-related knowledge had no significant correlation with individuals' salty food taste preferences, there were significant correlations with the perceptions of the severity of disease and health benefits of reducing salt consumption (p = .001 and < .001 respectively). People with stronger salty taste preferences perceived a higher level of health threat than people with lighter salty taste preferences (p = .003). CONCLUSION: Findings from this study show that knowledge about salt-reduction alone had no significant effects on salt-related behaviours. Adequate culturally relevant practice-based education in salt-reduction strategies may facilitate salt-related behavioural changes in Chinese Australians. Overall, single young Chinese Australian men with stronger salty taste preferences is the group who needs salt reduction interventions the most.

974. Overall maternal morbidity during pregnancy using the WHO-WOICE tools.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Hababa H, Assarag B.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of nonsevere maternal morbidities (including overall health, domestic and sexual violence, functionality, and mental health) in women during antenatal care in rural versus urban areas. This study aimed to describe the factors that affect women's health during pregnancy by administration of the WHO's WOICE 2.0 instrument. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted at perinatal care health centers in Morocco (5 in rural and 5 in urban). We recruited n = 257 women in the third trimester of their pregnancy using a questionnaire developed by the WHO to assess maternal morbidity, which includes various instruments that measure different aspects of maternal health. This tool evaluates the functionality and ability to perform daily tasks includes a tool that evaluates mental health, the General Anxiety Disorder 7-item test (GAD-7), and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), to assess depression. Data on health conditions and socio-demographic characteristics were collected through structured interview, medical record review, and clinical examination. This paper presents descriptive data on the distribution of functioning status among antepartum women. RESULTS: In all, 257 women at a mean age of 30 years were included, and the majority had a partner (98%) and primary education (68.48%). Over one third of the population cannot read. Exposure to violence occurred in 12.23%. Sexual dissatisfaction was reported by 28.20% of antepartum women. Overall, women reported very good and good health (39.69%), and more than third had a medical condition (39.69%). There was an overall rate of anxiety in 83.65%, depression in 43.57%. Based on the χ2 test, Fisher exact test, or Kruskal-Wallis test, there was a significant relationship between the distribution of depression (p<0.001) and sexual satisfaction (p<0.01) between urban and rural women. CONCLUSION: Considering these results, antepartum depression and anxiety were highly prevalent in our sample and contributed substantially to perceived disability. These serious threats to health must be further investigated and more data are needed to comprehensively quantify the problem in Morocco.

975. Features and spatial effects of urban development and decline in resource-oriented cities: The case of Jilin, China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Zhu X.

976. Measuring the popularity of football players with Google Trends.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Malagón-Selma P, Debón A, Domenech J.

977. Ketogenic diet ameliorates attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in rats via regulating gut microbiota.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Liu Y, Yang C, Meng Y

978. Impact of dissolved CO2 on calcification in two large, benthic foraminiferal species.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Dämmer LK, Ivkić A, de Nooijer L

979. Interplay of demographics, geography and COVID-19 pandemic responses in the Puget Sound region: The Vashon, Washington Medical Reserve Corps experience.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Bristow J, Hamilton J, Weinshel J

BACKGROUND: Rural U.S. communities are at risk from COVID-19 due to advanced age and limited access to acute care. Recognizing this, the Vashon Medical Reserve Corps (VMRC) in King County, Washington, implemented an all-volunteer, community-based COVID-19 response program. This program integrated public engagement, SARS-CoV-2 testing, contact tracing, vaccination, and material community support, and was associated with the lowest cumulative COVID-19 case rate in King County. This study aimed to investigate the contributions of demographics, geography and public health interventions to Vashon's low COVID-19 rates. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study compares cumulative COVID-19 rates and success of public health interventions from February 2020 through November 2021 for Vashon Island with King County (including metropolitan Seattle) and Whidbey Island, located ~50 km north of Vashon. To evaluate the role of demography, we developed multiple linear regression models of COVID-19 rates using metrics of age, race/ethnicity, wealth and educational attainment across 77 King County zip codes. To investigate the role of remote geography we expanded the regression models to include North, Central and South Whidbey, similarly remote island communities with varying demographic features. To evaluate the effectiveness of VMRC's community-based public health measures, we directly compared Vashon's success of vaccination and contact tracing with that of King County and South Whidbey, the Whidbey community most similar to Vashon. RESULTS: Vashon's cumulative COVID-19 case rate was 29% that of King County overall (22.2 vs 76.8 cases/K). A multiple linear regression model based on King County demographics found educational attainment to be a major correlate of COVID-19 rates, and Vashon's cumulative case rate was just 38% of predicted (p < .05), so demographics alone do not explain Vashon's low COVID-19 case rate. Inclusion of Whidbey communities in the model identified a major effect of remote geography (-49 cases/K, p < .001), such that observed COVID-19 rates for all remote communities fell within the model's 95% prediction interval. VMRC's vaccination effort was highly effective, reaching a vaccination rate of 1500 doses/K four months before South Whidbey and King County and maintaining a cumulative vaccination rate 200 doses/K higher throughout the latter half of 2021 (p < .001). Including vaccination rates in the model reduced the effect of remote geography to -41 cases/K (p < .001). VMRC case investigation was also highly effective, interviewing 96% of referred cases in an average of 1.7 days compared with 69% in 3.7 days for Washington Department of Health investigating South Whidbey cases and 80% in 3.4 days for Public Health-Seattle & King County (both p<0.001). VMRC's public health interventions were associated with a 30% lower case rate (p<0.001) and 55% lower hospitalization rate (p = 0.056) than South Whidbey. CONCLUSIONS: While the overall magnitude of the pre-Omicron COVID-19 pandemic in rural and urban U.S. communities was similar, we show that island communities in the Puget Sound region were substantially protected from COVID-19 by their geography. We further show that a volunteer community-based COVID-19 response program was highly effective in the Vashon community, augmenting the protective effect of geography. We suggest that Medical Reserve Corps should be an important element of future pandemic planning.

980. Indigenous cattle of Sri Lanka: Genetic and phylogeographic relationship with Zebu of Indus Valley and South Indian origin.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

L G S L, Wickramasinghe S, P A B D A

The present study reports the population structure, genetic admixture and phylogeography of cattle breeds of Sri Lanka viz. Batu Harak, Thawalam and White cattle. Moderately high level of genetic diversity was observed in all the three Sri Lankan zebu cattle breeds. Estimates of inbreeding for Thawalam and White cattle breeds were relatively high with 6.1% and 7.2% respectively. Genetic differentiation of Sri Lankan Zebu (Batu Harak and White cattle) was lowest with Red Sindhi among Indus Valley Zebu while it was lowest with Hallikar among the South Indian cattle. Global F statistics showed 6.5% differences among all the investigated Zebu cattle breeds and 1.9% differences among Sri Lankan Zebu breeds. The Sri Lankan Zebu cattle breeds showed strong genetic relationships with Hallikar cattle, an ancient breed considered to be ancestor for most of the Mysore type draught cattle breeds of South India. Genetic admixture analysis revealed high levels of breed purity in Lanka White cattle with >97% Zebu ancestry. However, significant taurine admixture was observed in Batu Harak and Thawalam cattle. Two major Zebu haplogroups, I1 and I2 were observed in Sri Lankan Zebu with the former predominating the later in all the three breeds. A total of 112 haplotypes were observed in the studied breeds, of which 50 haplotypes were found in Sri Lankan Zebu cattle. Mismatch analysis revealed unimodal distribution in all the three breeds indicating population expansion. The sum of squared deviations (SSD) and raggedness index were non-significant in both the lineages of all the three breeds except for I1 lineage of Thawalam cattle (P<0.01) and I2 lineage of Batu Harak cattle (P<0.05). The results of neutrality tests revealed negative Tajima's D values for both the lineages of Batu Harak (P>0.05) and White cattle (P>0.05) indicating an excess of low frequency polymorphisms and demographic expansion. Genetic dilution of native Zebu cattle germplasm observed in the study is a cause for concern. Hence, it is imperative that national breeding organizations consider establishing conservation units for the three native cattle breeds to maintain breed purity and initiate genetic improvement programs.

981. Immobilization and docking studies of Carlsberg subtilisin for application in poultry industry.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Rana AM, Devreese B, De Waele S

982. Biometric characteristics of winter rape plants (Brassica napus L.) before harvest in the soil and climatic conditions of north-eastern Poland.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Sikorska A, Gugała M, Zarzecka K

983. True mineral digestibility in C57Bl/6J mice.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Böswald LF, Wenderlein J, Siegert W

984. Social acceptance of genetic engineering technology.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Koralesky KE, Sirovica LV, Hendricks J

985. Nomen est omen? How and when company name fluency affects return expectations.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Fenneman A, Janssen DJ, Nolte S

986. Health of neonates born in the maternity hospital in Bern, Switzerland, 1880-1900 and 1914-1922.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Salvisberg V, Le Vu M, Floris J

The identification of factors impeding normal fetal development and growth is crucial for improving neonatal health. Historical studies are relevant because they show which parameters have influenced neonatal health in the past in order to better understand the present. We studied temporal changes of neonatal health outcomes (birth weight, gestational age, stillbirth rate) and the influence of different cofactors in two time periods. Moreover, we investigated particularly neonatal health in the wake of the 1918/19 influenza pandemic. Data were transcribed from the Bern Maternity Hospital and consists of two time periods: A) The years 1880, 1885, 1890, 1895 and 1900 (N = 1530, births' coverage 20%); B) The years 1914-1922 (N = 6924, births' coverage 40-50%). Linear regression models were used to estimate the effect of birth year on birth weight, and logistic regression models to estimate the effect of birth year and of the exposure to the pandemic on premature birth, stillborn and low birth weight (LBW). Mean birth weight increased only minimally between the two datasets; whereas, in the years 1914-1922, the preterm birth and stillbirth rates were markedly reduced compared with the years 1880-1900. Sex, parity, gestational age and maternal age were significantly associated with birth weight in both time periods. The probability of LBW was significantly increased in 1918 (OR 1.49 (95% CI 1.00-2.23)) and in 1919 (OR 1.55 (95% CI 1.02-2.36)) compared to 1914. Mothers who were heavily exposed to the influenza pandemic during pregnancy had a higher risk of stillbirth (OR 2.27 (95% CI 1.32-3.9)). This study demonstrated that factors influencing neonatal health are multifactorial but similar in both time periods. Moreover, the exposure to the 1918/19 pandemic was less associated with LBW and more associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. If this trend is confirmed by further studies, it could indicate some consistency across pandemics, as similar patterns have recently been shown for COVID-19.

987. Recovery from acute hypoxia: A systematic review of cognitive and physiological responses during the 'hypoxia hangover'.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Shaw DM, Bloomfield PM, Benfell A

Recovery of cognitive and physiological responses following a hypoxic exposure may not be considered in various operational and research settings. Understanding recovery profiles and influential factors can guide post-hypoxia restrictions to reduce the risk of further cognitive and physiological deterioration, and the potential for incidents and accidents. We systematically evaluated the available evidence on recovery of cognitive and basic physiological responses following an acute hypoxic exposure to improve understanding of the performance and safety implications, and to inform post-hypoxia restrictions. This systematic review summarises 30 studies that document the recovery of either a cognitive or physiological index from an acute hypoxic exposure. Titles and abstracts from PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus were searched from inception to July 2022, of which 22 full text articles were considered eligible. An additional 8 articles from other sources were identified and also considered eligible. The overall quality of evidence was moderate (average Rosendal score, 58%) and there was a large range of hypoxic exposures. Heart rate, peripheral blood haemoglobin-oxygen saturation and heart rate variability typically normalised within seconds-to-minutes following return to normoxia or hyperoxia. Whereas, cognitive performance, blood pressure, cerebral tissue oxygenation, ventilation and electroencephalogram indices could persist for minutes-to-hours following a hypoxic exposure, and one study suggested regional cerebral tissue oxygenation requires up to 24 hours to recover. Full recovery of most cognitive and physiological indices, however, appear much sooner and typically within ~2-4 hours. Based on these findings, there is evidence to support a 'hypoxia hangover' and a need to implement restrictions following acute hypoxic exposures. The severity and duration of these restrictions is unclear but should consider the population, subsequent requirement for safety-critical tasks and hypoxic exposure.

988. Enhanced wave overtopping simulation at vertical breakwaters using machine learning algorithms.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Habib MA, O'Sullivan JJ, Abolfathi S

Accurate prediction of wave overtopping at sea defences remains central to the protection of lives, livelihoods, and infrastructural assets in coastal zones. In addressing the increased risks of rising sea levels and more frequent storm surges, robust assessment and prediction methods for overtopping prediction are increasingly important. Methods for predicting overtopping have typically relied on empirical relations based on physical modelling and numerical simulation data. In recent years, with advances in computational efficiency, data-driven techniques including advanced Machine Learning (ML) methods have become more readily applicable. However, the methodological appropriateness and performance evaluation of ML techniques for predicting wave overtopping at vertical seawalls has not been extensively studied. This study examines the predictive performance of four ML techniques, namely Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosted Decision Trees (GBDT), Support Vector Machines-Regression (SVR), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for overtopping discharge at vertical seawalls. The ML models are developed using data from the EurOtop (2018) database. Hyperparameter tuning is performed to curtail algorithms to the intrinsic features of the dataset. Feature Transformation and advanced Feature Selection methods are adopted to reduce data redundancy and overfitting. Comprehensive statistical analysis shows superior performance of the RF method, followed in turn by the GBDT, SVR, and ANN models, respectively. In addition to this, Decision Tree (DT) based methods such as GBDT and RF are shown to be more computationally efficient than SVR and ANN, with GBDT performing simulations more rapidly that other methods. This study shows that ML approaches can be adopted as a reliable and computationally effective method for evaluating wave overtopping at vertical seawalls across a wide range of hydrodynamic and structural conditions.

989. Determinants of non-adherence to home injury prevention practice among parents of under-five children in North Seberang Perai district, Penang: A mixed-methods study protocol.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Rahim NIA, Kadir Shahar H, Zulkefli NAM

BACKGROUND: Unintentional injury is a global burden that occurs everywhere, including in our homes. Young children are most vulnerable to home injuries because they still develop their physical and psychological skills and spend most of their time at home. Despite being largely preventable, three consecutive national surveys show no reduction in the rate of injury among children under five. More surprisingly, children from high-income families were found to have the highest incidence of injury, contradicting the findings from other countries. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the determinants of non-adherence to unintentional home injury prevention practice among parents of under-five children in the North Seberang Perai district, Penang. METHODS: This sequential explanatory mixed-methods study consists of two phases consisting of a quantitative study which looks into respondents and their child's sociodemographic status, their home injury prevention practice and the independent variables, followed by a qualitative study that interviews parents with non-adherence to home injury prevention practice and explore their barriers. In phase I, the parent or primary caregiver of a child age less than five years old who age 18 or older and is a Malaysian will be included in the study while being disabled or having a severe psychiatric disorder or having the index child diagnosed with chronic disease will make them not eligible to participate in the study. Derived using the two-group proportion formula, a sample size of 453 parents will be sampled among those with under-five children following up at the Maternal Child Health Department in the health clinics of North Seberang Perai using stratified systematic sampling. Chi-square/Fisher Exact test, simple logistic regression and multiple logistic regression will be used for data analysis. The sample will be stratified according to household income to look for associated factors and determinants of low prevention practice. In phase II, parents with a low score from the quantitative study will be selected to participate in the qualitative study using purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview using the help of an interview guide will be carried out and recorded with a voice recorder. The thematic analysis approach will be used to analyse the qualitative data. RESULTS: The study has been registered under the National Medical Research Registry. CONCLUSION: It is hoped that findings from this study can shed light on the barriers faced by under-five parents in carrying out preventive measures at home.

990. Associations between dementia staging, neuropsychiatric behavioral symptoms, and divorce or separation in late life: A case control study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Monin JK, McAvay G, Zang E

Dementia can be difficult for married couples for many reasons, including the introduction of caregiving burden, loss of intimacy, and financial strain. In this study, we investigated the impact of dementia staging and neuropsychiatric behavioral symptoms on the likelihood of divorce or separation for older adult married couples. For this case-control study, we used data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform dataset (UDS) versions 2 and 3. This dataset was from 2007 to 2021 and contains standardized clinical information submitted by NIA/NIH Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) across the United States (US). This data was from 37 ADRCs. We selected participants who were married or living as married/domestic partners at their initial visit. Cases were defined by a first divorce/separation occurring during the follow-up period, resulting in 291 participants. We selected 5 controls for each married/living as married case and matched on age. Conditional logistic regression estimated the association between overall Neuro Psychiatric Inventory (NPI) score and severity of individual symptoms of the NPI with case/control status, adjusted for education, the CDR® Dementia Staging Instrument score, living situation, symptom informant, sex, and race. Separate analyses were conducted for each symptom. Multiple comparisons were accounted for with the Hochberg method. Later stage of dementia was negatively associated with divorce/separation with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.68 (95%CI = 0.50 to 0.93). A higher overall NPI score was positively associated with divorce/separation AOR = 1.08 (95% CI = 1.03 to 1.12,). More severe ratings of agitation/aggression, depression/dysphoria, disinhibition, and elation/euphoria were associated with greater odds of divorce/separation. Among older adults in the US, a later stage of dementia is associated with a lower likelihood of divorce or separation, while having more severe neuropsychiatric behavioral symptoms of agitation/aggression, depression/dysphoria, disinhibition, and elation/euphoria are associated with a higher likelihood of divorce or separation.

991. Investigating intentional cranial modification: A hybridized two-dimensional/three-dimensional study of the Hirota site, Tanegashima, Japan.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Seguchi N, Loftus JF 3rd, Yonemoto S

992. Ingroup love, outgroup hate, and the gateway group effect: Comparing the direct and indirect impact of dual versus single identification.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Levy A, Galinsky A, Nguyen CQ

993. Does globalization matter in the relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth, evidence from Asian emerging economies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Zhang J, Li Z, Ali A

994. Subjective feeling of control during fNIRS-based neurofeedback targeting the DL-PFC is related to neural activation determined with short-channel correction.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Godet A, Serrand Y, Fortier A

995. Reforming the registration policy of female sex workers in Senegal? Evidence from a discrete choice experiment.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Szawlowski S, Treibich C, Lagarde M

Evidence suggests that treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs) amongst female sex workers (FSWs) is a cost-effective strategy to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. Senegal is the only African country where sex work is regulated by a public health policy which aims to monitor and routinely treat STIs. The law requires FSWs to be at least 21 years old, register with a health centre and the police, carry an up-to-date registration booklet, attend monthly health check-ups, and test negative for STIs. Despite health and legal benefits of registration, 80% of FSWs in Senegal are not registered. Hence, the potential health benefits of the policy have not materialised. To understand why FSWs do not want to register and to define policy changes that would increase the registration rate of FSWs in Senegal, we designed and implemented a discrete choice experiment (DCE) completed by 241 registered and 273 non-registered FSWs. Participants made choices between a series of hypothetical but realistic registration policy changes. Conditional logit models were used to analyse the DCE data. The results highlighted that confidentiality at the health facility was an important element, registered and non-registered FWs were respectively 26.0 percentage points (pp) and 22.1 pp more likely to prefer a policy that guaranteed confidentiality at the health centre. Similarly, both groups preferred a policy where their health record was only held at the health centre and not with the police. Several interventions to increase FSW registration rate and improve their wellbeing may be implemented without modifying the law. For example, the introduction of psychosocial support in the registration policy package, replacing the registration booklet by a QR code, the use of electronic medical files and the integration of FSWs routine visits with maternal health appointments to increase confidentiality have the potential to encourage registration of FSWs.

996. Effective combination of arugula vermicompost, chitin and inhibitory bacteria for suppression of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica and explanation of their beneficial properties based on microbial analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Rostami M, Karegar A, Taghavi SM

997. Immediate and short-term effects of single-task and motor-cognitive dual-task on executive function.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Zhang W, Liu H, Zhang T.

998. Thermomechanical stress analyses of nanowarming-assisted recovery from cryopreservation by vitrification in human heart and rat heart models.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Joshi P, Rabin Y.

This study investigates thermomechanical stress in cryopreservation by vitrification of the heart, while exploring the effects of nanowarming-assisted recovery from cryogenic storage. This study expands upon a recently published study, combining experimental investigation and thermal analysis of cryopreservation on a rat heart model. Specifically, this study focuses on scenarios with variable concentrations of silica-coated iron-oxide nanoparticles (sIONPs), while accounting for loading limitations associated with the heart physiology, as well as the properties of cryoprotective agent (CPA) solution and the geometry of the container. Results of this study suggest that variable sIONP concentration based on the heart physiology will elevate mechanical stresses when compared with the mathematically simplified, uniform distribution case. The most dangerous part of rewarming is below glass transition and at the onset of nanowarming past the glass transition temperature on the way for organ recovery from cryogenic storage. Throughout rewarming, regions that rewarm faster, such as the chambers of the heart (higher sIONP concentration), undergo compressive stresses, while the slower rewarming regions, such as the heart myocardium (low sIONP concentration), undergo tension. Being a brittle material, the vitrified organ is expected to fail under tension in lower stresses than in compression. Unfortunately, the location and magnitude of the maximum stress in the investigated cases varied, while general rules were not identified. This investigation demonstrates the need to tailor the thermal protocol of heart cryopreservation on a case-by-case basis, since the location, orientation, magnitude, and instant at which the maximum mechanical stress is found cannot be predicted a priori. While thermomechanical stress poses a significant risk to organ integrity, careful design of the thermal protocol can be instrumental in reducing the likelihood of structural damage, while taking full advantage of the benefits of nanowarming.

999. Mesophotic benthic communities associated with a submerged palaeoshoreline in Western Australia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Wakeford M, Puotinen M, Nicholas W

Key ecological features (KEFs) are elements of Australia's Commonwealth marine environment considered to be important for biodiversity or ecosystem function, yet many KEFs are poorly researched, which can impede effective decision-making about future development and conservation. This study investigates a KEF positioned over the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) shoreline on the northwest shelf of Australia (known as the 'Ancient Coastline at ~125m depth contour'; AC125). Seafloor bathymetry, sedimentology and benthic habitats were characterised within five study areas using multibeam sonar, sediment samples and towed video imagery. Direct evidence for the existence of a palaeoshoreline formed during the LGM was not found, however candidate areas to find palaeoshoreline material at or just below the modern seabed were discovered. Approximately 98% of the seabed surveyed was comprised of unconsolidated soft sediment habitat (mud/sand/silt) supporting negligible epibenthic biota. The prevalence of soft sediment suggests that post-glacial sediments have infilled parts of the palaeoshoreline, with cross-shelf, probably tidal currents in the northern section of the study area responsible for some of the sediment mobilisation and southern study areas more influenced by oceanic conditions. Within study areas, total biotic cover ranged from 0.02% to 1.07%. Of the biota encountered, most comprised filter feeder organisms (including gorgonians, sponges, and whip corals) whose distribution was associated with pockets of consolidated hard substrate. Benthic community composition varied with both study area and position in relation to the predicted AC125. In general, consolidated substrate was proportionally higher in water shallower than the AC125 compared to on the AC125 or deeper than the AC125. Spatially continuous maps of predicted benthic habitat classes (pre-determined benthic communities) in each study area were developed to characterise biodiversity. Spatial modelling corroborated depth and large-scale structural complexity of the seafloor as surrogates for predicting likely habitat class. This study provides an important assessment of the AC125 and shows that if a distinct coastline exists in the areas we surveyed, it is now largely buried and as such does not provide a unique hard substrate habitat. However, much work remains to fully locate and map the ancient coastline within the vast region of the AC125 and additional surveys in shallow waters adjacent to the AC125 may identify whether some sections lie outside the currently defined KEF.

1000. How to understand high global food price? Using SHAP to interpret machine learning algorithm.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Han X, Yuan T, Wang D

1001. Tracing the evolution of green logistics: A latent dirichlet allocation based topic modeling technology and roadmapping.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Ma R, Kim YJ.

1002. Genetic diversity, phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis of Anopheles culicifacies species complex using ITS2 and COI sequences.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Rathnayake RAS, Wedage WMM, Muthukumarana LS

Anopheles culicifacies is the major vector of malaria in Sri Lanka and the Indian subcontinent which is characterized as a species complex with five sibling species provisionally designated as A, B, C, D and E. The current study was carried out to understand the phylogenetic and phylogeographic relationships between the sibling species of the species complex while observing their genetic diversity and genetic differentiation. Thirty-five ITS2 and seventy-seven COI sequences of An. culicifacies species complex reported from different geographical locations of Asia and China at the NCBI public database were used for the analysis. Bayesian likelihood trees were generated for the phylogenetic analysis. The divergence of the species complex was obtained from the Bayesian phylogeographic model in BEAST. There were two clades of the sibling species of An. culicifacies species complex as A, D and B, C and E in both phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis using ITS2 sequences. Based on the highly divergent COI sequences and the high mutation rate of the mitochondrial genome, there were four and three clades in both phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis using COI sequences. The diversification of An. culicifacies species complex was obtained as ranging from 20.25 to 24.12 Mya and 22.37 to 26.22 Mya based on ITS2 and COI phylogeographic analysis respectively. There was a recent diversification of the sibling species A and D than the sibling species B, C and E. Low haplotype diversity was observed in the sequences reported from Sri Lanka in both ITS2 and COI analysis that can be due to bottlenecks resulting from the intense malaria control efforts. A high genetic differentiation was achieved for some populations due to the large geographical distance. The high genetic diversity based on the five sibling species implies the possibility of maintaining a relatively high effective population size despite the vector control efforts.

1003. Clovis point allometry, modularity, and integration: Exploring shape variation due to tool use with landmark-based geometric morphometrics.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Thulman DK, Shott MJ, Slade AM

1004. Membrane metalloendopeptidase (MME) is positively correlated with systemic lupus erythematosus and may inhibit the occurrence of breast cancer.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Ding J, Li C, Shu K

1005. Prediction model with multi-point relationship fusion via graph convolutional network: A case study on mining-induced surface subsidence.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Jiang B, Zhang K, Liu X

1006. GraphTS: Graph-represented time series for subsequence anomaly detection.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Zarei R, Huang G, Wu J.

1007. Empirical distributions of time intervals between COVID-19 cases and more severe outcomes in Scotland.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Wood AJ, Kao RR.

A critical factor in infectious disease control is the risk of an outbreak overwhelming local healthcare capacity. The overall demand on healthcare services will depend on disease severity, but the precise timing and size of peak demand also depends on the time interval (or clinical time delay) between initial infection, and development of severe disease. A broader distribution of intervals may draw that demand out over a longer period, but have a lower peak demand. These interval distributions are therefore important in modelling trajectories of e.g. hospital admissions, given a trajectory of incidence. Conversely, as testing rates decline, an incidence trajectory may need to be inferred through the delayed, but relatively unbiased signal of hospital admissions. Healthcare demand has been extensively modelled during the COVID-19 pandemic, where localised waves of infection have imposed severe stresses on healthcare services. While the initial acute threat posed by this disease has since subsided with immunity buildup from vaccination and prior infection, prevalence remains high and waning immunity may lead to substantial pressures for years to come. In this work, then, we present a set of interval distributions, for COVID-19 cases and subsequent severe outcomes; hospital admission, ICU admission, and death. These may be used to model more realistic scenarios of hospital admissions and occupancy, given a trajectory of infections or cases. We present a method for obtaining empirical distributions using COVID-19 outcomes data from Scotland between September 2020 and January 2022 (N = 31724 hospital admissions, N = 3514 ICU admissions, N = 8306 mortalities). We present separate distributions for individual age, sex, and deprivation of residing community. While the risk of severe disease following COVID-19 infection is substantially higher for the elderly and those residing in areas of high deprivation, the length of stay shows no strong dependence, suggesting that severe outcomes are equally severe across risk groups. As Scotland and other countries move into a phase where testing is no longer abundant, these intervals may be of use for retrospective modelling of patterns of infection, given data on severe outcomes.

1008. cyjShiny: A cytoscape.js R Shiny Widget for network visualization and analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Luna A, Shah O, Sander C

1009. A deep dive into the use of local positioning system in professional handball: Automatic detection of players' orientation, position and game phases to analyse specific physical demands.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Lefèvre T, Guignard B, Karcher C

The objective of this study is to automate and analyse the quantification of external load during an elite men's handball match. This study was carried out using data from a local positioning system and inertial measurement units. The literature review leads us to assume that physical demands are different depending on position, player specialty and phases of the game. In order to do this analysis, raw data was used from professional competitors of a Spanish club during National and European competition matches. First, a game phase algorithm was designed to automate phase recognition. Then, a descriptive evaluation of the means and standard deviation was performed with the following variables: total distance, total time, total Accel'Rate, the percentages of distance and time per speed and displacement direction. A Kruskal Wallis test was applied to normalized distance and normalized Accel'Rate. Defensive play showed the highest values on covered distance (930.6 ± 395.0 m). However, normalized distance showed significant differences (p<0.05) across all phases with defensive play (558.8 ± 53.9 m/10min) lower than offensive play (870.3 ± 145.7 m/10min), offensive transition (1671.3 ± 242.0 m/10min) or defensive transition (1604.5 ± 242.0 m/10min). Regarding position, wing players covered the most distance (2925.8 ± 998.8 m) at the second highest intensity (911.4 ± 63.3 m/10min) after offensive back players (1105.0 ± 84.9 m/10min). Significant difference in normalized requirements were found between each playing position: goalkeepers, wings, versatile backs, versatile line players, offensive backs and defensive backs (p<0.05), so a separation between offensive or defensive specialists is plausible and necessary. In conclusion, as physical demands differ for each game phase, activity profile among players is modulated by their playing position and their specialty (offense, defense or none). This study may help to create individual training programs according to precise on-court demands.

1010. Link between the aboveground and belowground biomass allocation with growing of Tamarix sp. seedlings in the hinterland of Taklimakan Desert, China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Erkin F, Yue D, Abdureyim A

The morphological characteristics and biomass allocation can reflect plant adaptive strategies to the environment. Tamarix sp. is an excellent shrub species used for windbreaks and fixing sand in the desert of northwest China. The successful establishment of Tamarix sp. seedlings and their growth into mature individuals require their adaptation to various environmental conditions, which is the key to naturally regenerating the Tamarix population. To clarify the root morphological characteristics, leaf structural characters, and biomass allocation of Tamarix sp. seedlings in response to drought conditions, we took the Tamarix sp. seedlings at the Daryaboyi oasis in the hinterland of Taklimakan Desert as the object of study, analyzed rooting depth, root dry weight (RDW), specific root length (SRL), root surface area (RA), specific root area (SRA), leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA) and root: shoot ratio (R:S ratio). The gravimetric soil water content varied from 5.80% to 25.84% in this study area. The taproots of Tamarix sp seedlings with small basal stem diameters were shallower and had few lateral root branches and Tamarix sp. seedlings with large basal stem diameters had more obvious taproots and lateral roots. With the growth of Tamarix sp. seedlings, the taproot deepened, and the values ranged from 4.5 cm to 108.0 cm; the SRL, SRA, and SLA decreased, and the ranges of the values were 28.92-478.79 cm·g-1, 1.07-458.50 cm2·g-1, and 24.48-50.7 cm2·g-1; the RDW, RA, and LA increased, the ranges of the values were 0.16-21.34 g, 3.42-328.04 cm2, and 2.41-694.45 cm2; the more biomass was allocated to the aboveground parts, and the mean R: S ratio was 0.76. In better soil water conditions, the root growth rate decreased as Tamarix sp. seedlings grew, and more biomass was allocated to the aboveground. This further showed that stable surface water is highly significant to the biomass allocation strategy of Tamarix sp. seedlings.

1011. Thirst or dry mouth in dying patients?-A qualitative study of palliative care physicians' experiences.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Friedrichsen M, Lythell C, Jaarsma T

1012. Effectiveness of dual active ingredient insecticide-treated nets in preventing malaria: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Barker TH, Stone JC, Hasanoff S

Malaria vectors have demonstrated resistance to pyrethroid-based insecticides used in insecticide-treated nets, diminishing their effectiveness. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated two forms of dual active-ingredient (DAI) insecticide-treated nets (ITN(s)) for malaria prevention. A comprehensive search was conducted on July 6th 2022. The databases searched included PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, amongst others. Trials were eligible if they were conducted in a region with ongoing malaria transmission. The first DAI ITN investigated were those that combined a pyrethroid with a non-pyrethroid insecticides. The second DAI ITN investigated were that combined a pyrethroid with an insect growth regulator. These interventions were compared against either a pyrethroid-only ITN, or ITNs treated with pyrethroid and piperonyl-butoxide. Assessment of risk of bias was conducted in duplicate using the Cochrane risk of bias 2 tool for cluster-randomised trials. Summary data was extracted using a custom data-extraction instrument. This was conducted by authors THB, JCS and SH. Malaria case incidence was the primary outcome and has been meta-analysed, adverse events were narratively synthesised. The review protocol is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022333044). From 9494 records, 48 reports were screened and 13 reports for three studies were included. These studies contained data from 186 clusters and all reported a low risk of bias. Compared to pyrethroid-only ITNs, clusters that received pyrethroid-non-pyrethroid DAI ITNs were associated with 305 fewer cases per 1000-person years (from 380 fewer cases to 216 fewer cases) (IRR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.44-0.68). However, this trend was not observed in clusters that received pyrethroid-insect growth regulator ITNs compared to pyrethroid-only ITNs (from 280 fewer cases to 135 more) (IRR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.73-1.13). Pyrethroid-non-pyrethroid DAI ITNs demonstrated consistent reductions in malaria case incidence and other outcomes across multiple comparisons. Pyrethroid-non-pyrethroid DAI ITNs may present a novel intervention for the control of malaria.

1013. "If he has education, there will not be any problem": Factors affecting access to education for children with disabilities in Tamil Nadu, India.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Aruldas K, Banks LM, Nagarajan G

1014. Optimal allocation of clusters in stepped wedge designs with a decaying correlation structure.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Moerbeek M.

1015. Diabetic control and compliance using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) testing guidelines in public healthcare facilities of Gauteng province, South Africa.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Kone N, Cassim N, Maposa I

1016. Selection/control concurrent optimization of BLDC motors for industrial robots.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 16

Padilla-García EA, Cervantes-Culebro H, Rodriguez-Angeles A

1017. Excluded and myopic: Social exclusion increases temporal discounting.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Bahrami R, Borhani K.

1018. Safety and immunogenicity of a new formulation of a pentavalent DTwP-HepB-Hib vaccine in healthy Indian infants-A randomized study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Aloysia D'Cor N, Siddaiah P, Mohapatra S

1019. Salinity and nitrogen source affect productivity and nutritional value of edible halophytes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Farzana T, Guo Q, Rahman MS

1020. Fructose-containing food sources and blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled feeding trials.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Liu Q, Chiavaroli L, Ayoub-Charette S

Whether food source or energy mediates the effect of fructose-containing sugars on blood pressure (BP) is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of different food sources of fructose-containing sugars at different levels of energy control on BP. We searched MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library through June 2021 for controlled trials ≥7-days. We prespecified 4 trial designs: substitution (energy matched substitution of sugars); addition (excess energy from sugars added); subtraction (excess energy from sugars subtracted); and ad libitum (energy from sugars freely replaced). Outcomes were systolic and diastolic BP. Independent reviewers extracted data. GRADE assessed the certainty of evidence. We included 93 reports (147 trial comparisons, N = 5,213) assessing 12 different food sources across 4 energy control levels in adults with and without hypertension or at risk for hypertension. Total fructose-containing sugars had no effect in substitution, subtraction, or ad libitum trials but decreased systolic and diastolic BP in addition trials (P<0.05). There was evidence of interaction/influence by food source: fruit and 100% fruit juice decreased and mixed sources (with sugar-sweetened beverages [SSBs]) increased BP in addition trials and the removal of SSBs (linear dose response gradient) and mixed sources (with SSBs) decreased BP in subtraction trials. The certainty of evidence was generally moderate. Food source and energy control appear to mediate the effect of fructose-containing sugars on BP. The evidence provides a good indication that fruit and 100% fruit juice at low doses (up to or less than the public health threshold of ~10% E) lead to small, but important reductions in BP, while the addition of excess energy of mixed sources (with SSBs) at high doses (up to 23%) leads to moderate increases and their removal or the removal of SSBs alone (up to ~20% E) leads to small, but important decreases in BP in adults with and without hypertension or at risk for hypertension. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02716870.

1021. What should I say? Testing ways to reduce fear and increase disclosure of incivility in reference checks.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Walsh BM, Heighton B, Dingens C.

1022. Photodynamic inactivation of multidrug-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in municipal wastewater by tetracationic porphyrin and violet-blue light: The impact of wastewater constituents.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Mušković M, Planinić M, Crepulja A

There is an increasing need to discover effective methods for treating municipal wastewater and addressing the threat of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of bacteria spreading into the environment and drinking water. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) that combines a photosensitiser and light in the presence of oxygen to generate singlet oxygen and other reactive species, which in turn react with a range of biomolecules, including the oxidation of bacterial genetic material, may be a way to stop the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes. The effect of 5,10,15,20-(pyridinium-3-yl)porphyrin tetrachloride (TMPyP3) without light, and after activation with violet-blue light (VBL) (394 nm; 20 mW/cm2), on MDR strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and K. pneumoniae OXA-48 in tap water and municipal wastewater was investigated. High toxicity (~2 μM) of TMPyP3 was shown in the dark on both strains of K. pneumoniae in tap water, while on P. aeruginosa toxicity in the dark was low (50 μM) and the PDI effect was significant (1.562 μM). However, in wastewater, the toxicity of TMPyP3 without photoactivation was much lower (12.5-100 μM), and the PDI effect was significant for all three bacterial strains, already after 10 min of irradiation with VBL (1.562-6.25 μM). In the same concentrations, or even lower, an anti-adhesion effect was shown, suggesting the possibility of application in biofilm control. By studying the kinetics of photoinactivation, it was found that with 1,562 μM of TMPyP3 it is possible to achieve the complete destruction of all three bacteria after 60 min of irradiation with VBL. This study confirmed the importance of studying the impact of water constituents on the properties and PDI effect of the applied photosensitiser, as well as checking the sensitivity of targeted bacteria to light of a certain wavelength, in conditions as close as possible to those in the intended application, to adjust all parameters and perfect the method.

1023. "We are stewards and caretakers of the land, not exploiters of resources": A qualitative study exploring Canadian farmers' perceptions of environmental sustainability in agriculture.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Carmichael J, Cran A, Hrvatin F

1024. Psychometric evaluation of a quality of recovery score for the postanesthesia care unit-A preliminary validation study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Kahl U, Brodersen K, Kaiser S

INTRODUCTION: Patients' perception of postoperative recovery is a key aspect of perioperative care. Self-reported quality of recovery (QoR) has evolved as a relevant endpoint in perioperative research. Several psychometric instruments have been introduced to assess self-reported recovery 24 hours after surgery. However, there is no questionnaire suitable for use in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). We aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate a QoR questionnaire for the PACU (QoR-PACU). METHODS: The QoR-PACU was developed in German language based on the 40-item QoR-40 questionnaire. Between March and November 2020, adult patients scheduled for elective urologic surgery completed the QoR-PACU preoperatively and during the PACU stay. We evaluated feasibility, validity, reliability, and responsiveness. RESULTS: We included 375 patients. After two piloting phases including 72 and 48 patients, respectively, we administered the final version of the QoR-PACU to 255 patients, with a completion rate of 96.5%. Patients completed the QoR-PACU at a median of 125.0 (83.0; 156.8) min after arrival in the PACU. Construct validity was good with postoperative QoR-PACU sum scores correlating with age (r = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.35, p < 0.001), length of PACU stay (r = -0.15, 95%CI: -0.27 to -0.03, p = 0.02), pain in the PACU (r = -0.48, 95% CI: -0.57 to -0.37, p < 0.001) and piritramide dose administered (r = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.40 to -0.17, p < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha was 0.67 (95% CI: 0.61-0.73) with moderate test-retest reliability (ICC of 0.67, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.83). Cohen's effect size was 3.08 and the standardized response mean was 1.65 indicating adequate responsiveness. CONCLUSION: The assessment of QoR in the early postoperative period is feasible. We found high acceptability, good validity, adequate responsiveness, and moderate reliability. Future studies should evaluate the psychometric properties of the QoR-PACU in more heterogeneous patient populations including female and gender-diverse patients with varying degress of perioperative risk.

1025. Prevalence of antibiotic use for diarrhea among 1.3 million under-five years children: A multicounty retrospective analysis from 2006-2018.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Ahmed MS, Khanam S, Kamruzzaman M

BACKGROUND: This paper aims to estimate the prevalence of antibiotic use for diarrhea among under-five children (u5c) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) using data from 112 Demographic Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 2006 and 2018. The focus is on understanding the extent of antibiotic usage for managing diarrhea, a condition characterized by frequent loose or watery bowel movements that can lead to severe dehydration. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A cross-sectional study design was employed in the DHS. The prevalence of antibiotic use for diarrhea among under-five children was estimated by analyzing DHS data from 2006 to 2018 and using the R statistical programming language. Out of a total of 12,69,944 children under five included in this study, 1,80,067 children had diarrhea and 19,502 children had bloody diarrhea. The overall prevalence of diarrhea estimated at ~14% (prevalence = 0.142; 95% CI = 0.141, 0.142). Among the children with diarrhea, 47,755 child received antibiotic treatment, resulting a prevalence of ~27% (prevalence = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.26, 0.27) globally. Central Asia had the highest prevalence of antibiotic use at ~55% (prevalence = (967/1748) = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.52, 0.59), followed by the Europe region with a prevalence of ~44% (prevalence = (5483/12502) = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.43, 0.45). In the South East and Central Asia region, DHS conducted between 2006 and 2018, showed the highest prevalence of antibiotic use in DHS 2007 (~44%), DHS 2012 (~49%), DHS 2016 (~40%) and DHS 2017 (~65%). The linear trend analysis showed an upward trend for using antibiotic of diarrhea in the South East and Central Asia region. CONCLUSIONS: The Central Asia region had the highest proportion of antibiotic use, with an estimated prevalence of ~55% (95% CI = 0.52, 0.59). The Europe region followed closely with a prevalence of ~44% (95% CI = 0.43, 0.45). The South East Asia region had the lowest prevalence of antibiotic use estimated at ~23% (95% CI = 0.22, 0.24), with a gradual increasing trend.

1026. Teaching medicine web-based with the help of interactive audience response systems.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Kremer P, Richter L, Melms L

1027. Connective differences between patients with depression with and without ASD: A case-control study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Kaneko T, Nakamura T, Ryokawa A

1028. Late paleozoic climate revealed by coral fossil patterns.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Zhang W, Li J, Cheng X

1029. Polishing of metal 3D printed parts with complex geometry: Visualizing the influence on geometrical features using centrifugal disk finishing.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Lussenburg K, van Starkenburg R, Bruins M

1030. The Family Involvement in Care Questionnaire-An instrument measuring family involvement in inpatient care.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Drakenberg A, Prignitz Sluys K, Ericsson E

1031. Critical evaluation of the agro-ecological system of the Republic of South Africa (30°S) in response to unclassified claims of cocoa farming beyond 20°S of the equator.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Etaware PM.

1032. Disciplinary trends in the use of the Delphi method: A bibliometric analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Khodyakov D, Grant S, Kroger J

1033. Patient safety improvement in the gastroenterology department: An action research.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Sadeghi A, Masjedi Arani A, Karami Khaman H

BACKGROUND: Patient safety is a global concern. Safe and effective care can shorten hospital stays and prevent or minimize unintentional harm to patients. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously monitor and improve patient safety in all medical environments. This study is aimed at improving patient safety in gastroenterology departments. METHODS: The study was carried out as action research. The participants were patients, nurses and doctors of the gastroenterology department of Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital in Tehran in 2021-2022. Data were collected using questionnaires (medication adherence tool, patient education effectiveness evaluation checklist, and medication evidence-based checklist), individual interviews and focus groups. The quantitative data analysis was done using SPSS (v.20) and qualitative data analysis was done through content analysis method using MAXQDA analytic pro 2022 software. RESULTS: The majority of errors were related to medication and the patient's fault due to their lack of education and prevention strategy were active supervision, modification of clinical processes, improvement of patient education, and promotion of error reporting culture. The findings of the research showed that the presence of an active supervisor led to the identification and prevention of more errors (P<0.01). Regarding the improvement of clinical processes, elimination of reworks can increase satisfaction in nurses (P<0.01). In terms of patient education, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.01); however, the mean medication adherence score was significantly different (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The improvement strategies of patient safety in Gastroenterology department included the modification of ward monitoring processes, improving/modification clinical processes, improvement of patient education, and development of error reporting culture. Identifying inappropriate processes and adjusting them based on the opinion of the stakeholders, proper patient education regarding self-care, careful monitoring using appropriate checklists, and presence of a supervisor in the departments can be effective in reducing the incidence rate. A comprehensive error reporting program provides an opportunity for employees to report errors.

1034. Research on the risk transmission mechanism of international construction projects based on complex network.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Huangfu Y, Xu J, Zhang Y

1035. Trialling an optimised social groups intervention in services to enhance social connectedness and mental health in vulnerable young people (TOGETHER): Study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Vella C, Berry C, Easterbrook MJ

1036. Frontal lobe-related cognition in the context of self-disgust.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Aristotelidou V, Overton PG, Vivas AB.

1037. Influence of pain on the quality of life in patients with venous ulcers: Cross-sectional association and correlation study in a brazilian primary health care lesions treatment center.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Júnior SAO, Oliveira ACS, Dantas Araújo MP

1038. Can endophytic microbial compositions in cane roots be shaped by different propagation methods.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Yang D, Lin X, Wei Y

In practical production, cane stems with buds are generally used as seed for propagation. However, long-terms cane stems only easily lead to some problems such as disease sensitivity, quality loss, etc. Recently, cane seedings, which are produced by tissue culture were used in sugarcane production, but few studies on cane health related to tissue culture seedings. Therefore, to evaluate the immunity and health of sugarcanes growing from different reproduction modes, the endophytic microbial compositions in cane roots between stem and tissue culture seedlings were analyzed using high-throughput techniques. The results showed that the endophytic microbial compositions in cane roots were significant differences between stem and tissue culture seedlings. At the genus level, Pantoea, Bacillus, Streptomyces, Lechevalieria, Pseudomonas, Nocardioides, unclassified_f__Comamonadaceae enriched as the dominant endophytic bacterial genera, and Rhizoctonia, Sarocladium, Scytalidium, Wongia, Fusarium, unclassified_f__Phaeosphaer, unclassified_c__Sordariom, unclassified_f__Stachybot, Poaceascoma, Microdochium, Arnium, Echria, Mycena and Exophiala enriched as the dominant endophytic fungal genera in cane roots growing from the tissue culture seedlings. In contrast, Mycobacterium, Massilia, Ralstonia, unclassified_f__Pseudonocardiacea, norank_f__Micropepsaceae, Leptothrix and Bryobacter were the dominant endophytic bacterial genera, and unclassified_k__Fungi, unclassified_f__Marasmiaceae, Talaromyces, unclassified_c__Sordariomycetes and Trichocladium were the dominant endophytic fungal genera in cane roots growing from stem seedlings. Additionally, the numbers of bacterial and fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in cane roots growing from tissue culture seedlings were significantly higher than those of stem seedlings. It indicates that not only the endophytic microbial compositions in cane roots can be shaped by different propagation methods, but also the stress resistance of sugarcanes can be improved by the tissue culture propagation method.

1039. Two complementary approaches to estimate an excess of mortality: The case of Switzerland 2022.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Locatelli I, Rousson V.

OBJECTIVE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, excess mortality has generally been estimated comparing overall mortality in a given year with either past mortality levels or past mortality trends, with different results. Our objective was to illustrate and compare the two approaches using mortality data for Switzerland in 2022, the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Using data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, standardized mortality rates and life expectancies in 2022 were compared with those of the last pre-pandemic year 2019 (first approach), as well as with those that would be expected if the pre-pandemic downward trend in mortality had continued during the pandemic (second approach). The pre-pandemic trend was estimated via a Poisson log-linear model on age-specific mortality over the period 2010-19. RESULTS: Using the first approach, we estimated in Switzerland in 2022 an excess mortality of 2.6% (95%CI: 1.0%-4.1%) for men and 2.5% (95%CI: 1.0%-4.0%) for women, while the excess mortality rose to 8.4% (95%CI: 6.9%-9.9%) for men and 6.0% (95%CI: 4.6%-7.5%) for women using the second approach. Age classes over 80 were the main responsible for the excess mortality in 2022 for both sexes using the first approach, although a significant excess mortality was also found in most age classes above 30 using the second approach. Life expectancy in 2022 has been reduced by 2.7 months for men and 2.4 months for women according to the first approach, whereas it was reduced by respectively 8.8 and 6.0 months according to the second approach. CONCLUSIONS: The excess mortality and loss of life expectancy in Switzerland in 2022 are around three times greater if the pre-pandemic trend is taken into account than if we simply compare 2022 with 2019. These two different approaches, one being more speculative and the other more factual, can also be applied simultaneously and provide complementary results. In Switzerland, such a dual-approach strategy has shown that the pre-pandemic downward trend in mortality is currently halted, while pre-pandemic mortality levels have largely been recovered by 2022.

1040. Long term prophylactic anticoagulation for portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Liao Z, Wang Z, Su C

1041. Persistent pain management in an oncology population through pain neuroscience education, a multimodal program: PaiNEd randomized clinical trial protocol.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Fernández-Gualda MÁ, Ariza-Vega P, Lozano-Lozano M

1042. Genetic diversity and population structure of Saccharum hybrids.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Perera MF, Ostengo S, Malavera ANP

Sugarcane breeding programs incorporate foreign material to broaden the genetic base, expanding the gene pool. In South America, the Inter-university Network for the Development of the Sugarcane Industry (RIDESA) and Estación Experimental Agroindustrial Obispo Colombres (EEAOC) sugarcane breeding programs from Brazil and Argentina, respectively, have never exchanged materials. In that sense, the knowledge of the genetic diversity and population structure among sugarcane genotypes of both germplasm banks, determined in a reliable way through their molecular profiles, will provide valuable information to select the best parental accessions for crossing aimed at the efficient introgression of desirable alleles. For that, the aim was to determine the genetic diversity and population structure of 96 Saccharum commercial hybrids from RIDESA and EEAOC sugarcane breeding programs by using TRAP, SSR and markers related to disease resistance (e.g. Bru1 and G1). Genetic structure was determined through genetic similarity analysis, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), Multidimensional scaling (MDS), and a Bayesian method. Average PIC values were 0.25 and 0.26, Ho values were 0.24 and 0.28, and He values were 0.25 and 0.28, for TRAP and SSR primers, respectively. Genetic similarity, MDS, and analysis of structure revealed that Brazilian and Argentinean genotypes clustered in two groups clearly differentiated, whereas AMOVA suggested that there is more variability within programs than between them. Regarding Bru1 markers, Brazilian genotypes showed high frequency of haplotype 1 (71.4%) whereas Argentinean genotypes showed high frequency of haplotype 4 (80.8%); haplotypes 1 and 4 are indicated for the presence and absence of the brown rust resistance gene (Bru1), respectively. Respecting the G1 marker, most of the evaluated genotypes (60.4%) showed the presence of the fragment, in a similar proportion for genotypes of both programs. In conclusion, the exchange of materials, at least the most diverse genotypes, between RIDESA and EEAOC breeding programs will allow extending the genetic base of their germplasm banks, and the knowledge of genetic diversity will help breeders to better manage crosses, increasing the probability of obtaining more productive varieties.

1043. Care and support when a baby is stillborn: A systematic review and an interpretive meta-synthesis of qualitative studies in high-income countries.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Persson M, Hildingsson I, Hultcrantz M

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 2 million babies are stillborn annually worldwide, most in low- and middle-income countries. Present review studies of the parental and healthcare providers' experiences of stillbirth often include a variety of settings, which may skew the findings as the available resources can vary considerably. In high-income countries, the prevalence of stillbirth is low, and support programs are often initiated immediately when a baby with no signs of life is detected. There is limited knowledge about what matters to parents, siblings, and healthcare providers when a baby is stillborn in high-income countries. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and interpretive meta-synthesis aim to identify important aspects of care and support for parents, siblings, and healthcare professionals in high-income countries from the diagnosis of stillbirth throughout the birth and postpartum period. METHODS: A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis were conducted to gain a deeper and broader understanding of the available knowledge about treatment and support when stillbirth occurred. Relevant papers were identified by systematically searching international electronic databases and citation tracking. The quality of the included studies was assessed, and the data was interpreted and synthesised using Gadamer's hermeneutics. The review protocol, including qualitative and quantitative study approaches, was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022306655). RESULTS: Sixteen studies were identified and included in the qualitative meta-synthesis. Experiences of care and support were interpreted and identified as four fusions. First, Personification is of central importance and stresses the need to acknowledge the baby as a unique person. The parents became parents even though their baby was born dead: The staff should also be recognised as the individuals they are with their personal histories. Second, the personification is reinforced by a respectful attitude where the parents are confirmed in their grief; the baby is treated the same way a live baby would be. Healthcare professionals need enough time to process their experiences before caring for other families giving birth. Third, Existential issues about life and death become intensely tangible for everyone involved, and they often feel lonely and vulnerable. Healthcare professionals also reflect on the thin line between life and death and often question their performance, especially when lacking collegial and organisational support. Finally, the fusion Stigmatisation focused on how parents, siblings, and healthcare professionals experienced stigma expressed as a sense of loneliness, vulnerability, and being deviant and marginalised when a baby died before or during birth. GRADE CERQual ratings for the four fusions ranged from moderate to high confidence. CONCLUSIONS: The profound experiences synthesised in the fusions of this meta-synthesis showed the complex impacts the birth of a baby with no signs of life had on everyone involved. These fusions can be addressed and supported by applying person-centred care to all individuals involved. Hence, grief may be facilitated for parents and siblings, and healthcare professionals may be provided with good conditions in their professional practice. Furthermore, continuing education and support to healthcare professionals may facilitate them to provide compassionate care and support to affected parents and siblings. The fusions should also be considered when implementing national recommendations, guidelines, and clinical practice.

1044. GC-MS analysis of fatty acid metabolomics in RAW264.7 cell inflammatory model intervened by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and a preliminary study on the anti-inflammatory effects of NLRP3 signaling pathway.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Chen L, Xie L, Zhang J

1045. Adolescent relational behaviour and the obesity pandemic: A descriptive study applying social network analysis and machine learning techniques.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Marqués-Sánchez P, Martínez-Fernández MC, Benítez-Andrades JA

1046. Follow-up evaluation of pulmonary function and computed tomography findings in chronic kidney disease patients after COVID-19 infection.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Jaturapisanukul S, Yuangtrakul N, Wangcharoenrung D

Pulmonary complications are common after SARS-CoV2- infection. However, data on pulmonary sequelae of COVID-19 after recovery in dialysis patients are limited. We determined the prevalence of abnormal lung function tests and CT findings and investigate the association factors impacting pulmonary dysfunction. This prospective observational cohort study enrolled 100 patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing dialysis who had recovered from COVID-19 for ≥3 months. Pulmonary function test (PFT) and chest computed tomography (CT) were performed. Demographic data and laboratory results were recorded. The mean patient age was 55.15 ± 12.84 years. Twenty-one patients (21%) had severe COVID-19, requiring mechanical ventilation or oxygen supplementation. Pulmonary function tests revealed a restrictive pattern in 41% (95% confidence interval [CI], 31.73-50.78;) and an obstructive pattern in 7.29% (95% CI, 3.19-13.25) patients. The severe group showed PFT test results similar to the non-severe group, with three patients showing severe obstructive lung disease. The CT scan findings included reticulation (64%), multifocal parenchymal band (43%), ground glass opacities (32%), and bronchiectasis (28%). The median total CT score was 3 (interquartile range, 1-8.5). The CT score and PFT findings showed no association with pulmonary dysfunction extent, except in bronchiectasis. Lung function indices were associated with abnormal CT findings. Abnormal CT findings (bronchiectasis, reticulation, and ground-glass opacities) was associated with higher oxygen requirements than normal CT findings (p = 0.008, bronchiectasis; p = 0.041, reticulation; p = 0.032, ground-glass appearance). Aside from CT findings and CRP levels, no significant lung abnormalities were observed in severe and non-severe patients. Some patients had residual symptoms at follow-up. The findings indicate persistence of both radiological and physiological abnormalities in dialysis patients after COVID-19. However, the prevalence of these abnormalities was comparable to that in the normal population; few patients experienced ongoing symptoms. Follow-up observations and evaluations are warranted. Trial registration. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT05348759.

1047. Predictors of hospital admission when presenting with acute-on-chronic breathlessness: Binary logistic regression.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Hutchinson A, Pickering A, Williams P

1048. Revisiting food insecurity gender disparity.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Silva A, Astorga A, Faundez R

1049. Dermoscopy of oral and genital mucosal lesions: A descriptive cross-sectional study protocol.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Dodeja A, Pande S, Madke B.

INTRODUCTION: Dermoscopy is a safe, rapid, and non-invasive tool that aids in the clinical examination of pigmented and non-pigmented lesions. The upward trend in the use of dermoscopy can be attributed to the availability of compact hand-held and sophisticated dermoscopes, that are small enough to be carried around in a pocket. The extent of dermoscopy is not only limited to the evaluation of cutaneous lesions but also involves its use in the assessment of mucosal lesions along with lesions of hair and nails. METHODS: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, subjects (n = 100) with oral or genital mucosal lesions will be enrolled. Following a thorough clinical examination, a dermoscopy of the lesion will be performed with Dermlite DL4© Dermoscope, having a magnification of 10x. Images obtained would be stored and evaluated for observing specific morphologic patterns on dermoscopy which would be utilized to describe those patterns and arrive at a specific diagnosis. Descriptive statistics will include mean and standard deviation to summarise quantitative variation. Dermoscopic features of oral and genital mucosal lesions will be estimated in percentage. PURPOSE OF STUDY: Mucosal lesions several times mimic each other morphologically. Performing a biopsy is not always feasible for oral and genital lesions because they may be difficult to reach and tend to bleed more profusely compared to the skin surface due to its rich vascular nature. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive tool that helps in the diagnosis that is used mostly for the evaluation of non-mucosal lesions. For the same reason, there is no or minimal information in the published literature with regard to dermoscopic patterns of mucosal lesions. The current study intends to describe dermoscopic patterns in oral and genital mucosal diseases so that this important information would assist the diagnosis in a non-invasive manner thereby reducing the need for invasive investigations like mucosal biopsy. EXPECTED CLINICAL OUTCOMES: To summarize, this research is intended to add to the scarce literature on dermoscopic findings of oral and genital mucosal lesions. The study findings would establish the diagnosis and eliminate the need for unwarranted invasive biopsies of mucosal lesions and, if need be, help in the selection of the biopsy site.

1050. Urinary titin is not an early biomarker of skeletal muscle atrophy induced by muscle denervation in mice.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Tanihata J, Minamisawa S.

1051. Genome taxonomy of the genus Neptuniibacter and proposal of Neptuniibacter victor sp. nov. isolated from sea cucumber larvae.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Kudo R, Yamano R, Yu J

1052. Racial discrimination, self-efficacy, and oral health behaviours in adolescents.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Bohlouli S, Dolatabadi S, Bohlouli B

1053. Nonlinear shear characteristics of frozen loess-concrete interface.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Zhang Q, Zhang C.

1054. How ligands regulate the binding of PARP1 with DNA: Deciphering the mechanism at the molecular level.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Wang K, Wu Y, Lai L

1055. Oral care knowledge, attitude and practice among nursing staff in acute hospital settings in Hong Kong.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Tsui PK, Chau PH, Wong JYH

Investigating the oral care delivered by nursing staff in acute hospital setting is having a remarkable shortage within the current literature. This was provoked due to lack of previous performed investigation in the acute hospital setting besides inconsistent existence of a standardized and comprehensive oral care knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) instrumentation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the oral care KAP level for inpatients among nursing staff; to identify possible barriers to the provision of oral care; and to identify training preferences to improve the oral care of inpatients, in acute hospital settings in Hong Kong; and to provide standardized comprehensive KAP based assessment tool that would benefit and guide other future studies. In this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted after a 55-item self-administered structured questionnaire was developed. A modified KAP tool was developed. The tool includes 4 domains: oral care knowledge, attitude, practice, and experience. Nursing staff was recruited from July 2018 to April 2019 via convenience sampling. Either online or printed questionnaires were completed. Proportions of nursing staff with good KAP, as defined by having 60% of the total score in the respective domain, were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Analysis of covariance was used to compare the mean scores of KAP among different independent variables and identify the factors associated with good KAP. 404 nursing staff were recruited. Approximately 29.5%, 33.7% and 14.9% of the respondents had good oral care knowledge, attitude and practice, respectively, and 53.2% of the respondents had unpleasant oral care experience. Better oral care practice was associated with higher levels of oral care knowledge (β = 0.1) and oral care attitude (β = 0.3). To conclude: nursing staff in acute hospital settings reported low levels of oral care KAP with variations between the RN, EN and HCA. This study adds to the literature the association between oral care unpleasant experiences and the oral care practice, as well as oral care knowledge and attitude which also in turns associated with practice. The developed standardised tool could be applied for future studies. Recommendations on the future research, training and practices were made.

1056. Association between affective temperaments and psychosomatic symptoms in women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Stanić G, Marinković S, Milin Lazović J

BACKGROUND: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a prevalent autoimmune disease of thyroid gland with a shared immunological mechanism with mood disorders. Affective temperament (AT) is a biologically determined personality trait that has been linked to mood disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the association between dominant AT and levels of psychosomatic symptoms in women newly diagnosed with HT in comparison to clinically healthy subjects. METHODS: The observational cross-sectional study with nested case control study was involving 146 consecutive participants, who were divided into three groups. The two study groups consisted of women with HT (73), including 49 with hypothyroid HT and 24 with euthyroid HT, and the third group was a control group of healthy participants (73). The Serbian version of the TEMPS-A was utilized to assess AT, while the 4DSQ was used to measure psychosomatic symptoms. RESULTS: The results showed that hyperthymic AT was dominant in all examined groups. The groups with HT differed from the control group in terms of depressive and cyclothymic AT. Furthermore, the study found higher levels of psychosomatic symptoms in the group with HT compared to the control group, with significant differences in distress (p = 0.005) and somatization (p = 0.023) levels. All AT was associated with levels of psychosomatic symptoms in subjects with hypothyroid HT. In contrast, in subjects with euthyroid HT, the association was only found between depressive and cyclothymic AT with distress and depression levels, as well as between somatization and cyclothymic AT. No association was found between AT and anxiety levels in subjects with euthyroid HT. CONCLUSION: The research found differences between study groups in the association between AT and levels of psychosomatic symptoms. Further research with a larger sample size is necessary to more clearly define the associations between affective temperaments and psychosomatic symptoms in women with euthyroid and hypothyroid HT.

1057. Impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on house sparrows: Comparative study from an Indian context.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Bapat SR, T M S.

1058. Novel competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of the high-risk Human Papillomavirus 18 E6 oncoprotein.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Contreras NE, Roldán JS, Castillo DS.

1059. PAXIP1-AS1 is associated with immune infiltration and predicts poor prognosis in ovarian cancer.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Chen B, Lu X, Zhou Q

The long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) PAXIP1 antisense RNA 1 (PAXIP1-AS1) was found to promote proliferation, migration, EMT, and apoptosis of ovarian cancer (OC) cells in OC cell lines, but the relationship between PAXIP1-AS1 expression and clinical characteristics, prognosis, and immune infiltration of OC patients and its regulatory network are unclear. 379 OC tissues were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. 427 OC tissues and 88 normal ovarian tissues were collected from GTEx combined TCGA database. 130 OC samples were collected from GSE138866. Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon sign-rank test, logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier method, Cox regression analysis, Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and immuno-infiltration analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between clinical characteristics and PAXIP1-AS1 expression, prognostic factors, and determine the significant involvement of PAXIP1-AS1 in function. QRT-PCR was used to validate the expression of PAXIP1-AS1 in OC cell lines. Low PAXIP1-AS1 expression in OC was associated with age (P = 0.045), histological grade (P = 0.011), and lymphatic invasion (P = 0.004). Low PAXIP1-AS1 expression predicted a poorer overall survival (OS) (HR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.55-0.92; P = 0.009), progression free interval (PFS) (HR: 1.776; 95% CI: 1.067-2.955; P = 0.001) and disease specific survival (DSS) (HR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.51-0.89; P = 0.006). PAXIP1-AS1 expression (HR: 0.711; 95% CI: 0.542-0.934; P = 0.014) was independently correlated with PFS in OC patients. GSEA demonstrated that neutrophil degranulation, signaling by Interleukins, GPCR-ligand binding, G alpha I signaling events, VEGFAVEGFR-2 signaling pathway, naba secreted factors, Class A 1 Rhodopsin-Like Receptors, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and Focal Adhesion-PI3K-Akt-mTOR-signaling pathway were differentially enriched in PAXIP1-AS1 high expression phenotype. PAXIP1-AS1 was significantly downregulated in OC cell lines compared with IOSE29 cell line. The expression of PAXIP1-AS1 was associated with immune infiltration. low expression of PAXIP1-AS1 was correlated with poor OS (HR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.34-0.80; P = 0.003) from GSE138866. There were some genomic variations between the PAXIP1-AS1 high and low expression groups. Low expression of PAXIP1-AS1 was significantly associated with poor survival and immune infiltration in OC. PAXIP1-AS1 could be a promising prognosis biomarker and response to immunotherapy for OC.

1060. Mental health and suicide risk among homosexual males in Bangladesh.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Mozumder MK, Jasmine UH, Haque MA

1061. Single molecule studies characterize the kinetic mechanism of tetrameric p53 binding to different native response elements.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Suwita JP, Voong CK, Ly E

1062. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) sampling algorithm for monitoring the cleanliness of surgical instruments.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Pontes DO, Costa DM, da Silva Pereira PP

1063. What determines the performance of low-carbon cities in China? Analysis of the grouping based on the technology-Organization-Environment framework.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 15

Chen W, Cai Q, Di K

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions have emerged as shared global objectives. Enhancing the development performance of low-carbon cities has become an urgent and widely acknowledged concern for both government policy-making departments and academics. Drawing upon the complex grouping perspective and resource allocation theory, this study investigates how varying conditions related to technology, organization, and environment in Chinese low-carbon pilot cities can effectively allocate resources to shape the governance performance of low-carbon cities. METHODS AND DATA: This paper employs a comprehensive grouping analysis perspective, treating the research object as a combination of various ways between condition variables. It integrates the advantages of case studies and variable studies, and investigates the collective relationships between elemental groupings and outcomes using the fsQCA analysis method. This approach facilitates the understanding of multiple concurrent causal relationships within the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, accounting for different performance levels in Chinese low-carbon pilot cities, as well as addressing complex causal issues such as asymmetry and multiple scenario equivalence. Data from 30 representative low-carbon pilot cities in China were employed to validate the TOE theoretical framework. CONCLUSION: No single element alone can be considered a necessary condition for low-carbon city governance performance. However, environmental enhancement plays a more prominent role in the governance performance of low-carbon cities. Additionally, the presence of "multiple concurrent" technical, organizational, and environmental conditions leads to a diverse range of governance performance in Chinese low-carbon pilot cities. In other words, the driving paths of low-carbon city performance exhibit distinct pathways. CONTRIBUTION: The findings of this study can assist low-carbon pilot city managers in generating effective governance ideas, facilitating the successful implementation of low-carbon city pilot projects, and drawing valuable lessons from the experience of low-carbon city development in China.

1064. Application of referenced thermodynamic integration to Bayesian model selection.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Hawryluk I, Mishra S, Flaxman S

1065. Perspectives of VA healthcare from rural women veterans not enrolled in or using VA healthcare.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Rohs CM, Albright KR, Monteith LL

PURPOSE: Women Veterans have unique healthcare needs and often experience comorbid health conditions. Despite this, many women Veterans are not enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and do not use VHA services. Underutilization of VHA services may be particularly prevalent among rural women Veterans, who may experience unique barriers to using VHA care. Nonetheless, knowledge of rural women Veterans and their experiences remains limited. We sought to understand rural women Veterans' perceptions and needs related to VHA healthcare, including barriers to enrolling in and using VHA services, and perspectives on how to communicate with rural women Veterans about VHA services. METHODS: Rural women Veterans were recruited through community engagement with established partners and a mass mailing to rural women Veterans not enrolled in or using VHA healthcare. Ten virtual focus groups were conducted with a total of twenty-nine rural women Veterans (27 not enrolled in VHA care and 2 who had not used VHA care in the past 5 years) in 2021. A thematic inductive analytic approach was used to analyze focus group transcripts. FINDINGS: Primary themes regarding rural women Veterans' perceptions of barriers to enrollment and use of VHA healthcare included: (1) poor communication about eligibility and the process of enrollment; (2) belief that VHA does not offer sufficient women's healthcare services; and (3) inconvenience of accessing VHA facilities. CONCLUSION: Although VHA has substantially expanded healthcare services for women Veterans, awareness of such services and the nuances of eligibility and enrollment remains an impediment to enrolling in and using VHA healthcare among rural women Veterans. Recommended strategies include targeted communication with rural women Veterans not enrolled in VHA care to increase their awareness of the enrollment process, eligibility, and expansion of women's healthcare services. Creative strategies to address access and transportation barriers in rural locations are also needed.

1066. Patients' characteristics and 30-day mortality for those undergoing elective surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Ahmed S, Karim A, Chowdhury TK

1067. Biocontrol of bacterial seedling rot of rice plants using combination of Cytobacillus firmus JBRS159 and silicon.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Kang JA, Dutta S, Lee YH.

1068. Antipsychotic polypharmacy and associated factors among patients with schizophrenia: Multicenter cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Tamene FB, Sema FD, Sendekie AK.

1069. Modeling of the chest wall response to prolonged bracing in pectus carinatum.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Sargent B, Varela K, Eggett D

1070. The ubiquitin-like modifier FAT10 covalently modifies HUWE1 and strengthens the interaction of AMBRA1 and HUWE1.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Mueller S, Bialas J, Ryu S

1071. Bayesian clustering of 109 worldwide countries according to the trend of prostate cancer mortality rates from 1990 to 2019.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Mobaderi T, Kazemnejad A, Salehi M.

1072. Adipose derived stromal vascular fraction and fat graft for treating the hands of patients with systemic sclerosis. A randomized clinical trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Iglesias M, Torre-Villalvazo I, Butrón-Gandarillas P

BACKGROUND: Systemic Sclerosis in the hand is characteristically evidenced by Raynaud's phenomenon, fibrosis of the skin, tendons, ligaments, and joints as well as digital ulcers with prolonged healing. Current medical treatment does not always cure these complications. Local adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction administration into the hands has been proposed as an emerging treatment due to its regenerative properties. The objective of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the safety and clinical effects of fat micrografts plus adipose derived-stromal vascular fraction administration into the hands of patients with systemic sclerosis. METHODS: This was an open-label, monocentric, randomized controlled study. Twenty patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis were assigned to the experimental or control group. Fat micrografts plus the adipose derived-stromal vascular fraction were injected into the right hand of experimental group patients. The control group continued to receive only medical treatment. Demographic, serologic data and disease severity were recorded. Digital oximetry, pain, Raynaud phenomenon, digital ulcers number, mobility, thumb opposition, vascular density of the nail bed, skin affection of the hand, serologic antibodies, hand function, and quality of life scores were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The results of the intervention were analyzed with the Wilcoxon rank test, and the differences between the control and experimental groups at 0 days and 168 days were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test. Adverse events were not observed in both groups. At the end of the study, statistically significant improvements were observed in pain levels (p<0.05) and number of digital ulcers (p<0.01) in the experimental vs control group. CONCLUSION: The injection of adipose derived-stromal vascular fraction plus fat micrografts is a reproducible, and safe technique. Pain and digital ulcers in the hands of patients with systemic sclerosis can be treated with this technique plus conventional medical treatment.

1073. Multi-channel feature fusion attention Dehazing network.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Zou C, Xu H, Ye L.

1074. Autonomic responses to aerobic and resistance exercise in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Uzawa H, Akiyama K, Furuyama H

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) show autonomic dysregulation after exercise, and the interventional effects of exercise on the autonomic dysregulation have not been elucidated. The objectives of this study were to reveal acute autonomic responses after aerobic and resistance exercises and the interventional effects of both exercises on autonomic dysregulation in patients with CMP. METHODS: A systematic search using nine electronic databases was performed based on three key search terms: "chronic musculoskeletal pain," "autonomic nervous system," and "exercise." Data were extracted from measurements of the autonomic nervous system and pain. RESULTS: We found a total of 1170 articles; 17 were finally included, incorporating 12 observational and five interventional studies. Although a comparator has not been specified, healthy controls were compared to patients with CMP in observational studies. Three of five interventional studies were pre-post study with healthy controls as a comparator or no controls. The other two interventional studies were randomized controlled trial with a different treatment e.g., stretching. There were four good, 10 fair, and three poor-quality articles. The total number of participants was 617, of which 551 were female. There was high heterogeneity among the five disease conditions and nine outcome measures. Following one-time exposure to aerobic and resistance exercises, abnormal autonomic responses (sympathetic activation and parasympathetic withdrawal), which were absent in healthy controls, were observed in patients with CMP. The effects of aerobic and resistance exercise as long-term interventions were unclear since we identified both positive effects and no change in the autonomic activities in patients with CMP. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates dysfunctional autonomic responses following one-time exposure to exercise and inconsistent interventional effects in the autonomic activities in patients with CMP. Appropriate therapeutic dose is necessary for studying the management of autonomic regulation and pain after exercise.

1075. Reduced levels of A20 protein prompted RIPK1-dependent apoptosis and blood-brain barrier breakdown during cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Yang C, Wang Y, Wu X

1076. Periodontal treatment and subsequent clinical outcomes and medical care costs: A retrospective cohort study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Michalowicz BS, Anderson JP, Kottke TE

INTRODUCTION: Periodontitis is a common oral disease associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CBVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We studied if periodontitis treatment improves clinical outcomes and reduces medical care costs in patients with CAD, CBVD or T2D. METHODS: We used clinic records and claims data from a health care system to identify patients with periodontitis and CAD, CBVD or T2D, and to assess periodontal treatments, hospitalizations, medical costs (total, inpatient, outpatient, pharmacy), glycated hemoglobin, cardiovascular events, and death following concurrent disease diagnoses. We compared clinical outcomes according to receipt of periodontal treatment and/or maintenance care in the follow-up period, and care costs according to treatment status within one year following concurrent disease diagnoses, while adjusting for covariates. The data were analyzed in 2019-21. RESULTS: We identified 9,503 individuals, 4,057 of whom were in the CAD cohort; 3,247 in the CBVD cohort; and 4,879 in the T2D cohort. Patients who were selected and elected to receive treatment and maintenance care were less likely to be hospitalized than untreated individuals (CAD: OR = 0.71 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.92); CBVD: OR = 0.73 (0.56, 0.94); T2D: OR = 0.80 (0.64, 0.99)). Selection to treatment and/or maintenance care was not significantly associated with cardiovascular events, mortality, or glycated hemoglobin change. Total care costs did not differ significantly between treated and untreated groups over 4 years. Treated patients experienced lower inpatient costs but higher pharmacy costs. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with periodontitis and CAD, CBVD or T2D who were selected and elected to undergo periodontal treatment or maintenance care had lower rates of hospitalizations, but did not differ significantly from untreated individuals in terms of clinical outcomes or total medical care costs.

1077. Empathy training for service employees: A mixed-methods systematic review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Lajante M, Del Prete M, Sasseville B

Following the surge for empathy training in service literature and its increasing demand in service industries, this study systematically reviews empirical papers implementing and testing empathy training programs in various service domains. A mixed-methods systematic review was performed to identify and describe empathy training programs and discuss their effectiveness in service quality, service employees' well-being, and service users' satisfaction. Included papers met those eligibility criteria: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods study; one training in empathy is identifiable; described training(s) developed for or tested with service employees dealing with service users. We searched health, business, education, and psychology databases, such as CINAHL, Medline ABI/Inform Global, Business Source Premier, PsycINFO, and ERIC. We used the Mixed-Method Assessment Tool to appraise the quality of included papers. A data-based convergent synthesis design allowed for the analysis of the data. A total of 44 studies published between 2009 to 2022 were included. The narrative presentation of findings was regrouped into these six dimensions of empathy training programs: 1) why, 2) who, 3) what, 4) how, 5) where, and 6) when and how much. Close to 50% of studies did not include a definition of empathy. Four main empathic competencies developed through the training programs were identified: communication, relationship building, emotional resilience, and counseling skills. Face-to-face and group-setting interventions are widespread. Our systematic review shows that the 44 papers identified come only from health services with a predominant population of physicians and nurses. However, we show that the four empathic skills identified could be trained and developed in other sectors, such as business. This is the first mixed-methods, multi-disciplinary systematic review of empathy training programs in service research. The review integrates insights from health services, identifies research limitations and gaps in existing empirical research, and outlines a research agenda for future research and implications for service research.

1078. Exploring the potential of approved drugs for triple-negative breast cancer treatment by targeting casein kinase 2: Insights from computational studies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Shoaib TH, Ibraheem W, Abdelrahman M

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive malignancy that requires effective targeted drug therapy. In this study, we employed in silico methods to evaluate the efficacy of seven approved drugs against human ck2 alpha kinase, a significant modulator of TNBC metastasis and invasiveness. Molecular docking revealed that the co-crystallized reference inhibitor 108600 achieved a docking score of (-7.390 kcal/mol). Notably, among the seven approved drugs tested, sunitinib, bazedoxifene, and etravirine exhibited superior docking scores compared to the reference inhibitor. Specifically, their respective docking scores were -10.401, -7.937, and -7.743 kcal/mol. Further analysis using MM/GBSA demonstrated that these three top-ranked drugs possessed better binding energies than the reference ligand. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations identified etravirine, an FDA-approved antiviral drug, as the only repurposed drug that demonstrated a stable and reliable binding mode with the human ck2 alpha protein, based on various analysis measures including RMSD, RMSF, and radius of gyration. Principal component analysis indicated that etravirine exhibited comparable stability of motion as a complex with human ck2 alpha protein, similar to the co-crystallized inhibitor. Additionally, Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on a complex of etravirine and a representative gold atom positioned at different sites relative to the heteroatoms of etravirine. The results of the DFT calculations revealed low-energy complexes that could potentially serve as guides for experimental trials involving gold nanocarriers of etravirine, enhancing its delivery to malignant cells and introducing a new drug delivery route. Based on the results obtained in this research study, etravirine shows promise as a potential antitumor agent targeting TNBC, warranting further investigation through experimental and clinical assessments.

1079. Differential effect of heteronymous feedback from femoral nerve and quadriceps muscle stimulation onto soleus H-reflex.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Cuadra C, Wolf SL, Lyle MA.

Excitatory feedback from muscle spindles, and inhibitory feedback from Golgi tendon organs and recurrent inhibitory circuits are widely distributed within the spinal cord to modulate activity between human lower limb muscles. Heteronymous feedback is most commonly studied in humans by stimulating peripheral nerves, but the unique effect of non-spindle heteronymous feedback is difficult to determine due to the lower threshold of excitatory spindle axons. A few studies suggest stimulation of the muscle belly preferentially elicits non-spindle heteronymous feedback. However, there remains a lack of consensus on the differential effect of nerve and muscle stimulation onto the H-reflex, and the relation of the heteronymous effects onto H-reflex compared to that onto ongoing EMG has not been determined. In this cross-sectional study, we compared excitatory and inhibitory effects from femoral nerve and quadriceps muscle belly stimulation onto soleus H-reflex size in 15 able-bodied participants and in a subset also compared heteronymous effects onto ongoing soleus EMG at 10% and 20% max. Femoral nerve stimulation elicited greater excitation of the H-reflex compared to quadriceps stimulation. The differential effect was also observed onto ongoing soleus EMG at 20% max but not 10%. Femoral nerve and quadriceps stimulation elicited similar inhibition of the soleus H-reflexes, and these results were better associated with soleus EMG at 20%. The results support surface quadriceps muscles stimulation as a method to preferentially study heteronymous inhibition at least in healthy adults. The primary benefit of using muscle stimulation is expected to be in persons with abnormal, prolonged heteronymous excitation. These data further suggest heteronymous feedback should be evaluated with H-reflex or onto ongoing EMG of at least 20% max to identify group differences or modulation of heteronymous feedback in response to treatment or task.

1080. Weighted Geometric Mean (WGM) method: A new chromatic adaptation model.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Shen C, Fairchild MD.

1081. The state of online citizen science in Mongolia and its potential for environmental challenges.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Batsaikhan A, Jung S, Hachinger S.

1082. Investigating linkage to care between hospitals and primary care clinics for people with TB in rural South Africa.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Garg T, Nonyane BAS, Mohlamonyane M

1083. Meaningful everyday life situations from the perspective of children born preterm: A photo-elicitation interview study with six-year-old children.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 14

Andersson AK, Almqvist L, Strand Brodd K

1084. Genome size, genetic diversity, and phenotypic variability imply the effect of genetic variation instead of ploidy on trait plasticity in the cross-pollinated tree species of mulberry.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Gnanesh BN, Mondal R, G S A

Elucidation of genome size (GS), genetic and phenotypic variation is the fundamental aspect of crop improvement programs. Mulberry is a cross-pollinated, highly heterozygous tree eudicot, and comprised of huge ploidy variation with great adaptability across the world. However, because of inadequate information on GS, ploidy-associated traits, as well as the correlation between genetic and phenotypic variation hinder the further improvement of mulberry. In this present research, a core set of 157 germplasm accessions belonging to eight accepted species of Morus including promising functional varieties were chosen to represent the genetic spectrum from the whole germplasm collection. To estimate the GS, accessions were subjected to flow cytometry (FCM) analysis and the result suggested that four different ploidies (2n = 2x, 3x, 4x, and 6x) with GS ranging from 0.72±0.005pg (S-30) to 2.89±0.015pg (M. serrata), accounting~4.01 fold difference. The predicted polyploidy was further confirmed with metaphase chromosome count. In addition, the genetic variation was estimated by selecting a representative morphologically, diverse population of 82 accessions comprised of all ploidy variations using simple sequence repeats (SSR). The estimated average Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) and expected heterozygosity showed high levels of genetic diversity. Additionally, three populations were identified by the model-based population structure (k = 3) with a moderate level of correlation between the populations and different species of mulberry, which imply the effect of genetic variation instead of ploidy on trait plasticity that could be a consequence of the high level of heterozygosity imposed by natural cross-pollination. Further, the correlation between ploidies, especially diploid and triploid with selected phenotypic traits was identified, however, consistency could not be defined with higher ploidy levels (>3x). Moreover, incite gained here can serve as a platform for future omics approaches to the improvement of mulberry traits.

1085. MSHHOTSA: A variant of tunicate swarm algorithm combining multi-strategy mechanism and hybrid Harris optimization.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Liu G, Guo Z, Liu W

1086. The relationship between staying at home during the pandemic and the number of conceptions: A national panel data analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Moreno-Louzada L, Menezes-Filho N.

1087. Association between blood miR-26a levels following artificial insemination, and pregnancy outcome in dairy cattle.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Tzelos T, Lee S, Pegg A

Early pregnancy diagnosis is key to maximise productivity of dairy herds. We previously showed that an increase in the levels of miR-26 could be detected as soon as day 8 of pregnancy in heifers. The aims of this study were to determine whether 1) plasma miR-26 levels would be distinctly elevated, retrospectively, early after artificial insemination in lactating cows with successful compared to failed pregnancies, 2) the early increase in miRNA levels in cows with successful pregnancy could be accounted for by changes in miRNA expression in white blood cells (WBCs), presumably induced by the effects of embryo-derived interferon tau (IFNt), and 3) plasma miRNA levels may provide a reliable early predictor of pregnancy that could be used at a herd level. Blood samples were taken from a total of 34 dairy cows (lactation number 1 to 4) before (D0) and 9 and 18 days after artificial insemination at oestrus, followed by confirmation of pregnancy status by ultrasound on D32. In addition, WBCs collected from non-pregnant cows (n = 4) were stimulated in vitro with recombinant ovine IFNt (0-100 pg/ml). Levels of miRNAs and ISG15, a known IFNt-induced gene, were quantified by qPCR. Relative to D0, a larger increase in plasma miR-26a (P = 0.04) occurred on D9 in cows later confirmed to be pregnant (n = 12) than in cows with a failed pregnancy (n = 22). Expression of miR-26a in WBCs was not affected (P>0.1) by pregnancy status or IFNt stimulation in vitro, in contrast to ISG15 expression which increased markedly (P<0.0001) both in WBC samples collected on D18 from animals later confirmed to be pregnant, and in WBCs after stimulation with IFNt in vitro. Finally, ROC analyses revealed that miR-26a on D9 or D18 could predict pregnancy outcome with much lower accuracy than WBC ISG15 on D18 (Likelihood ratio, 2.3 vs 15.4). In summary, a modest increase in plasma miR-26a levels occurs during early pregnancy in mature dairy cows which may not accounted for by changes in miRNA levels in WBCs or the effects of IFNt. Moreover, compared to ISG15, changes in miR-26a levels may not provide an accurate test for early diagnosis of pregnancy in cows.

1088. An improved approach for ecological modeling of social phenomena in Blau space.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Harder NL, Brashears ME.

1089. Arterial leg ulcers-Bacterial patterns, antimicrobial resistance and clinical characteristics, a retrospective single-centre cohort, 2012-2021.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Salm J, Böhme T, Noory E

OBJECTIVE: Severe wound infections in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are common, potentially life- and limb-threatening, and difficult to treat. Evidence on patients with infected leg ulcers in PAD is scarce. This study aims to provide insight into the microbiological patterns and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of specific pathogens in patients with arterial leg ulcers. METHODS AND DESIGN: In this retrospective, consecutive, single-centre study 16,553 patients underwent an endovascular revascularization procedure between 2012 and 2021. Of these, 1,142 patients had PAD Rutherford category 5 or 6 with infected leg ulcers. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for Staphylococcus aureus-associated infections. RESULTS: A total of 3,431 bacterial isolates were detected, of which 2,335 (68.1%) bacterial isolates were gram-positive and 1,096 (31.9%) were gram-negative species. The most prevalent bacteria were S. aureus (18.6%), Enterococcus faecalis (9.1%) and S. epidermidis (7.8%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.6%), Proteus mirabilis (3.7%) and Escherichia coli (3.4%). The resistance of S. aureus isolates to clindamycin was 11.0%. Resistance to oxacillin was rare (1.5%). P. aeruginosa is frequently resistant to ciprofloxacin (14.4%) whilst intrinsically resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. P. mirabilis and E. coli were frequently resistant to both ciprofloxacin (7.3; 20.7%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (24.6; 22.6%), respectively. Resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was high among E. coli isolates (36.8%). Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was rare among S. aureus and P. aeruginosa isolates. In contrast, the proportion of MDR was high in E. coli isolates. End-stage renal disease was independently positively associated with S. aureus identification (p = .042). CONCLUSION: S. aureus was the most common pathogen in arterial leg ulcers with end-stage renal disease being an independent risk factor. Clindamycin resistance was common, making empirical therapy likely to fail. Isolated E. coli species had a high proportion of MDR.

1090. Mesenchymal stem cell-neural progenitors are enriched in cell signaling molecules implicated in their therapeutic effect in multiple sclerosis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Harris VK, Wollowitz J, Greenwald J

1091. Oral calcium and vitamin D supplements differentially alter exploratory, anxiety-like behaviors and memory in male rats.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Lapmanee S, Bhubhanil S, Sriwong S

Oral calcium and calcium plus vitamin D supplements are commonly prescribed to several groups of patients, e.g., osteoporosis, fracture, and calcium deficiency. Adequate and steady extracellular calcium levels are essential for neuronal activity, whereas certain forms of calcium supplement (e.g., CaCO3) probably interfere with memory function. However, it was unclear whether a long-term use of ionized calcium (calcium chloride in drinking water ad libitum), vitamin D supplement (oral gavage) or the combination of both affected anxiety and memory, the latter of which was probably dependent on the hippocampal neurogenesis. Here, we aimed to determine the effects of calcium and/or vitamin D supplement on the anxiety- and memory-related behaviors and the expression of doublecortin (DCX), an indirect proxy indicator of hippocampal neurogenesis. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups, i.e., control, calcium chloride-, 400 UI/kg vitamin D3-, and calcium chloride plus vitamin D-treated groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, anxiety-, exploration- and recognition memory-related behaviors were evaluated by elevated pulse-maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), and novel object recognition (NOR), respectively. The hippocampi were investigated for the expression of DCX protein by Western blot analysis. We found that oral calcium supplement increased exploratory behavior as evaluated by OFT and the recognition index in NOR test without any effect on anxiety behavior in EPM. On the other hand, vitamin D supplement was found to reduce anxiety-like behaviors. Significant upregulation of DCX protein expression was observed in the hippocampus of both calcium- and vitamin D-treated rats, suggesting their positive effects on neurogenesis. In conclusion, oral calcium and vitamin D supplements positively affected exploratory, anxiety-like behaviors and/or memory in male rats. Thus, they potentially benefit on mood and memory in osteoporotic patients beyond bone metabolism.

1092. Usefulness of medicine screening tools in the frame of pharmaceutical post-marketing surveillance.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Waffo Tchounga CA, Sacré PY, Ravinetto R

The negative consequences of Substandard and falsified (SF) medicines are widely documented nowadays and there is still an urgent need to find them in more efficient ways. Several screening tools have been developed for this purpose recently. In this study, three screening tools were used on 292 samples of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole collected in Cameroon. Each sample was then analyzed by HPLC and disintegration tests. Seven additional samples from the nitro-imidazole (secnidazole, ornidazole, tinidazole) and the fluoroquinolone (levofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, moxifloxacin) families were analyzed to mimic falsified medicines. Placebo samples that contained only inert excipients were also tested to mimic falsified samples without active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The three screening tools implemented were: a simplified visual inspection checklist, a low-cost handheld near infrared (NIR) spectrophotometer and paper analytical devices (PADs). Overall, 61.1% of the samples that failed disintegration and assay tests also failed the visual inspection checklist test. For the handheld NIR, one-class classifier models were built to detect the presence of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, respectively. The APIs were correctly identified in all the samples with sensitivities and specificities of 100%. However, the importance of a representative and up-to-date spectral database was underlined by comparing models built with different calibration set spanning different variability spaces. The PADs were used only on ciprofloxacin samples and detected the API in all samples in which the presence of ciprofloxacin was confirmed by HPLC. However, these PADs were not specific to ciprofloxacin since they reacted like ciprofloxacin to other fluoroquinolone compounds. The advantages and drawbacks of each screening tool were highlighted. They are promising means in the frame of early detection of SF medicines and they can increase the speed of decision about SF medicines in the context of pharmaceutical post-marketing surveillance.

1093. Unveiling invasive insect threats to plant biodiversity: Leveraging eDNA metabarcoding and saturated salt trap solutions for biosurveillance.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Milián-García Y, Pyne C, Lindsay K

The negative global impacts of invasive alien species (IAS) on biodiversity are second only to habitat loss. eDNA metabarcoding allows for a faster and more comprehensive evaluation of community species composition, with a higher taxonomic resolution and less taxonomic expertise required than traditional morphological-based biosurveillance. These advantages have positioned eDNA metabarcoding as the standard method for molecular-based detection of invasive alien species, where fast and accurate detectability allows prompt responses to mitigate their adverse effects. Here, eDNA metabarcoding is used for biosurveillance of invasive alien species regulated by Canada in high-risk areas with four main objectives: i) validate the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding of salt trap solutions as a molecular technique for IAS detection, ii) compare detection from DNA extracts obtained from filter quarters versus whole filters, iii) benchmark two different bioinformatic pipelines (MetaWorks and mBRAVE), and iv) compare canopy and ground level trapping. eDNA from up to five IAS (Agrilus planipennis, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, Lymantria dispar, Popillia japonica, and Trichoferus campestris) were successfully detected across years from 2017 to 2022 in southern Ontario, Canada, with successful morphological validation for all except Lymantria dispar and Trichoferus campestris. Analysis of filter quarters in contrast to whole filters was demonstrated to be insufficient for effective IAS detection in each sample. All IAS were detected in only one filter quarter, suggesting a patchy eDNA distribution on the filter. The MetaWorks and mBRAVE bioinformatics pipelines proved effective in identifying IAS, with MetaWorks yielding a higher success rate when comparing molecular and morphological identifications. Ground-level and canopy-level sampling showed differential IAS recovery rates based on the molecular detection, which also varied per collection year, with all found IAS detected at the canopy level in 2022 while only one (Lymantria dispar) in 2020. The present study ratifies the efficacy and importance of eDNA-based detection in a regulatory context and the utility of adding eDNA metabarcoding of saturated salt trap solutions, a critical tool for IAS detection.

1094. Impact of vericiguat on baroreflex-mediated sympathetic circulatory regulation: An open-loop analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Yokoi A, Kawada T, Yokota S

1095. Spoken language processing activates the primary visual cortex.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Seydell-Greenwald A, Wang X, Newport EL

Primary visual cortex (V1) is generally thought of as a low-level sensory area that primarily processes basic visual features. Although there is evidence for multisensory effects on its activity, these are typically found for the processing of simple sounds and their properties, for example spatially or temporally-congruent simple sounds. However, in congenitally blind individuals, V1 is involved in language processing, with no evidence of major changes in anatomical connectivity that could explain this seemingly drastic functional change. This is at odds with current accounts of neural plasticity, which emphasize the role of connectivity and conserved function in determining a neural tissue's role even after atypical early experiences. To reconcile what appears to be unprecedented functional reorganization with known accounts of plasticity limitations, we tested whether V1's multisensory roles include responses to spoken language in sighted individuals. Using fMRI, we found that V1 in normally sighted individuals was indeed activated by comprehensible spoken sentences as compared to an incomprehensible reversed speech control condition, and more strongly so in the left compared to the right hemisphere. Activation in V1 for language was also significant and comparable for abstract and concrete words, suggesting it was not driven by visual imagery. Last, this activation did not stem from increased attention to the auditory onset of words, nor was it correlated with attentional arousal ratings, making general attention accounts an unlikely explanation. Together these findings suggest that V1 responds to spoken language even in sighted individuals, reflecting the binding of multisensory high-level signals, potentially to predict visual input. This capability might be the basis for the strong V1 language activation observed in people born blind, re-affirming the notion that plasticity is guided by pre-existing connectivity and abilities in the typically developed brain.

1096. The association between maternal body mass index and serial plasma oxytocin levels during labor.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Ramö Isgren A, Carlhäll S, Dennis Retrato M

1097. Youths' perceptions and behaviors on COVID-19 testing.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Arthur C, Abenes K, Waselewski M

1098. Aged gut microbiota contribute to different changes in antioxidant defense in the heart and liver after transfer to germ-free mice.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Hong Y, Dong H, Zhou J

Age-associated impairment in antioxidant defense is an important cause of oxidative stress, and elderly individuals are usually associated with gut microbiota (GM) changes. Studies have suggested a potential relationship between the GM and changes in antioxidant defense in aging animals. Direct evidence regarding the impact of aging-associated shifts in GM on the antioxidant defense is lacking. The heart is a kind of postmitotic tissue, which is more prone to oxidative stress than the liver (mitotic tissue). To test and compare the influence of an aged GM on antioxidant defense changes in the heart and liver of the host, in this study, GM from young adolescent (5 weeks) or aged (20 months) mice was transferred to young adolescent (5 weeks) germ-free (GF) mice (N = 5 per group) by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Four weeks after the first FMT was performed, fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing. Blood, heart and liver samples were harvested for oxidative stress marker and antioxidant defense analysis. The results showed that mice that received young or aged microbiota showed clear differences in GM composition and diversity. Mice that received aged microbiota had a lower ratio of Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes in GM at the phylum level and an increased relative abundance of four GM genera: Akkermansia, Dubosiella, Alistipes and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. In addition, GM α-diversity scores based on the Shannon index and Simpson index were significantly higher in aged GM-treated mice. Oxidative stress marker and antioxidant defense tests showed that FMT from aged donors did not have a significant influence on malondialdehyde content in serum, heart and liver. However, the capacity of anti-hydroxyl radicals in the heart and liver, as well as the capacity of anti-superoxide anions in the liver, were significantly increased in mice with aged microbiota. FMT from aged donors increased the activities of Cu/Zn superoxide SOD (Cu/Zn-SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase in the heart, as well as the activity of Cu/Zn-SOD in the liver. Positive correlations were found between Cu/Zn-SOD activity and radical scavenging capacities. On the other hand, glutathione reductase activity and glutathione content in the liver were decreased in mice that received aged GM. These findings suggest that aged GM transplantation from hosts is sufficient to influence the antioxidant defense system of young adolescent recipients in an organ-dependent manner, which highlights the importance of the GM in the aging process of the host.

1099. Evaluation of a large-scale health department naloxone distribution program: Per capita naloxone distribution and overdose morality.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Freiermuth CE, Ancona RM, Brown JL

1100. Examining the effect of moderating variables on autonomous public van acceptance model (APVAM).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Naderi H, Nassiri H.

1101. Association between dietary magnesium intake and peripheral arterial disease: Results from NHANES 1999-2004.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Wu Z, Ruan Z, Liang G

1102. Opposite effects of rapid auditory stimulation on tetanized and non-tetanized tone of adjacent frequency: Mismatch negativity study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Kostanian D, Kleeva D, Soghoyan G

1103. The cost of social influence: Own-gender and gender-stereotype social learning biases in adolescents and adults.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Cunningham SJ, Hutchison J, Ellis N

Pervasive gender gaps in academic subject and career choices are likely to be underpinned by social influences, including gender stereotypes of competence in academic and career domains (e.g., men excel at engineering, women excel at care), and model-based social learning biases (i.e., selective copying of particular individuals). Here, we explore the influence of gender stereotypes on social learning decisions in adolescent and adult males and females. Participants (Exp 1: N = 69 adolescents; Exp 2: N = 265 adults) were presented with 16 difficult multiple-choice questions from stereotypically feminine (e.g., care) and masculine (e.g., engineering) domains. The answer choices included the correct response and three incorrect responses paired with a male model, a female model, or no model. Participants' gender stereotype knowledge and endorsement were measured, and adolescents (Exp. 1) listed their academic subject choices. As predicted, there was a bias towards copying answers paired with a model (Exp.1: 74%, Exp. 2: 65% ps < .001). This resulted in less success than would be expected by chance (Exp. 1: 12%, Exp. 2: 16% ps < .001), demonstrating a negative consequence of social information. Adults (Exp 2) showed gender stereotyped social learning biases; they were more likely to copy a male model in masculine questions and a female model in feminine questions (p = .012). However, adolescents (Exp 1) showed no evidence of this stereotype bias; rather, there was a tendency for male adolescents to copy male models regardless of domain (p = .004). This own-gender bias was not apparent in female adolescents. In Exp 1, endorsement of masculine stereotypes was positively associated with selecting more own-gender typical academic subjects at school and copying significantly more male models in the male questions. The current study provides evidence for the first time that decision-making in both adolescence and adulthood is impacted by gender biases.

1104. Global expression pattern of genes containing positively selected sites in European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L.) may shed light on teleost reproduction.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Eldem V, Zararsız G, Erkan M.

1105. A novel CNN gap layer for growth prediction of palm tree plantlings.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Kumar TA, Rajmohan R, Adeola Ajagbe S

Monitoring palm tree seedlings and plantlings presents a formidable challenge because of the microscopic size of these organisms and the absence of distinguishing morphological characteristics. There is a demand for technical approaches that can provide restoration specialists with palm tree seedling monitoring systems that are high-resolution, quick, and environmentally friendly. It is possible that counting plantlings and identifying them down to the genus level will be an extremely time-consuming and challenging task. It has been demonstrated that convolutional neural networks, or CNNs, are effective in many aspects of image recognition; however, the performance of CNNs differs depending on the application. The performance of the existing CNN-based models for monitoring and predicting plantlings growth could be further improved. To achieve this, a novel Gap Layer modified CNN architecture (GL-CNN) has been proposed with an IoT effective monitoring system and UAV technology. The UAV is employed for capturing plantlings images and the IoT model is utilized for obtaining the ground truth information of the plantlings health. The proposed model is trained to predict the successful and poor seedling growth for a given set of palm tree plantling images. The proposed GL-CNN architecture is novel in terms of defined convolution layers and the gap layer designed for output classification. There are two 64×3 conv layers, two 128×3 conv layers, two 256×3 conv layers and one 512×3 conv layer for processing of input image. The output obtained from the gap layer is modulated using the ReLU classifier for determining the seedling classification. To evaluate the proposed system, a new dataset of palm tree plantlings was collected in real time using UAV technology. This dataset consists of images of palm tree plantlings. The evaluation results showed that the proposed GL-CNN model performed better than the existing CNN architectures with an average accuracy of 95.96%.

1106. Effects of bile salt-stimulated lipase on blood cells and associations with disease activity in human inflammatory joint disorders.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Lindquist S, Wang Y, Andersson EL

1107. Entrepreneurial motivations and business performance: A study of female online microbusiness owners.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Li S, Setiawan Sanusi E.

1108. A Harris Hawk Optimisation system for energy and resource efficient virtual machine placement in cloud data centers.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

H S M, T SK, Gupta P

1109. Identification of high-risk factors for recurrence of colon cancer following complete mesocolic excision: An 8-year retrospective study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Liu Y, Du W, Guo Y

1110. Post-COVID care delivery: The experience from an Irish tertiary centre's post-COVID clinic.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Heeney A, Connolly SP, Dillon R

BACKGROUND: The long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and optimal follow-up approach are not well-recognised. Here we describe the implementation of a post-COVID clinic in an Irish tertiary centre after the first wave of the pandemic. This study describes the characteristics of our patient cohort and the operations and outcomes of the clinic, exploring some of the risk factors for developing post-COVID syndrome and the appropriateness of the triage system employed. METHODS: All SARS-CoV-2 positive patients from March 10th to June 14th 2020 were telephone-triaged as red, amber or green based on ongoing symptoms with clinic appointments scheduled accordingly. All clinic visits were face-to-face with the infectious diseases medical team and a proforma for each patient was completed. Data were collected retrospectively by reviewing the proformas and the electronic medical record (EMR). RESULTS: 311 patients attended the clinic. Median time from illness to clinic appointment was 95 days (IQR 77-105.5). 204 patients (66%) were female, 192 (62%) were hospital staff, and the median age was 43 years (IQR 31-53). 138 patients (44%) had required hospital admission. At their first clinic visit 219 patients (70%) had ongoing symptoms. A further appointment was made for 62 patients (20%). 34 patients (11%) were discussed at an MDT meeting, and 55 (18%) were referred onward to a specialist service. 85% of those triaged green, 73% of those triaged amber, and 39% of those triaged red did not receive further follow up after one clinic visit. Patients were more likely to require follow up with reported dyspnoea (OR 5.6; 95% CI 2.8-11.3; p <0.001), cough (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.1-8.4, p = 0.04), and palpitations (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.0-12.3; p = 0.04). Female sex was associated with increased odds of a higher triage category (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.08 to 3.20; p = 0.02), as was requiring admission to hospital (OR 4.0; 95% CI 2.34 to 6.90; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The long-term effects of COVID-19 are significant with 70% of our cohort experiencing persistent symptoms. Persistent dyspnoea, cough and palpitations were associated with increased need for follow up. This study also suggests that a traffic light telephone-triage service followed by a face-to-face medical-led clinic could be an effective way of identifying patients who require further management.

1111. Evaluation the validity and reliability of the perceived medical school stress scale in Turkish medical students.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Çınar Tanrıverdi E, Yılmaz S, Çayır Y.

Medical education can be a challenging and stressful process. Additional stressors can make the medical education process even more complex and impair a student's attention and concentration. To the authors' knowledge, there is no valid and reliable scale to measure medical school stress in Turkish medical students. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Perceived Medical School Stress (PMSS) Scale in Turkish medical students. The Perceived Medical School Stress Scale is a self-assessment tool developed to measure medical school-induced stress in medical students. It consists of 13 items divided into two subdimensions. Scale items are answered using a four-point (0-4) Likert system The total score that can be obtained from the PMSS ranges from 0 to 52, with higher scores indicating higher levels of perceived stress. First, the scale was applied as a pilot to 52 students by performing the scale's back-and-forth translation into Turkish. Then, the scale was applied to 612 volunteer medical students to ensure validity. Convergent validity and confirmatory factor analysis are used to assess the construct validity of a scale. Test-retest, item correlations, and Cronbach's alpha coefficients are used to evaluate the reliability of a scale. As a result of confirmatory factor analysis, the two-factor structure of the original scale was confirmed. The fit indices of the model obtained showed excellent fit. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) Scale was used for convergent validity. The GAD-7 is a self-assessment tool that measures the level of generalized anxiety. It is answered with a four-point Likert scale for the last two weeks. The score that can be obtained from the scale is between 0-21. A score of ten or more indicates possible anxiety disorder. The students' mean perceived medical school stress score was 39.80±8.09, and their GAD-7 score was 11.0±5.5. A significant positive relationship was found between the total scores of the scales (r = .48, P < .001). The Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was .81, and test-retest reliability was significant for all scale items (P < .001 for all). No item was deleted according to Cronbach's alpha values and item-total correlations. There was no significant relationship between Turkish version of the PMSS and GAD-7 scores and age, sex, income status, tobacco use, or exercise (P>.05). The Turkish version of the Perceived Medical School Stress Scale is a valid and reliable scale that can be used to investigate the medical school-specific stress of students.

1112. Impact of implementation of front-of-package nutrition labeling on sugary beverage consumption and consequently on the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity and related direct costs in Brazil: An estimate through a modeling study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Faria NC, Andrade GMP, Ruas CM

RATIONALE: Intake of sugary beverages has been associated with obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases, thereby increasing the direct health costs related to these diseases. Front-of-package nutrition labeling (FoPNL) aims to help consumers understand food composition, thereby improving food choices and preventing the development of such diseases. OBJECTIVE: To estimate, over five years, the impact of implementing FoPNL in Brazil on the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity in adults who consume sugary beverages and the direct costs related to such problems. METHODS: A simulation study to performed to estimate the effect of FoPNL implementation on the prevalence of excess body weight and obesity. The VIGITEL research database (2019), published in the 2020 report, was used in this study (the final sample consisted of 12,471 data points representing 14,380,032 Brazilians). The scenarios were considered: base (trend in sugary beverage intake); 1 (base scenario associated with the changes in energy content of the purchased beverages observed after the first phase of the Chilean labeling law (-9.9%); and 2 (scenario 1 associated with reformulation of beverages, total energy reduction of -1.6%). Changes in body weight were estimated using the simulation model of Hall et al. (2011) over five years. A linear trend in the prevalence of obesity and excess body weight in the Brazilian population was considered. The impact of the prevalence of obesity and excess body weight on body mass index was estimated. In addition, the direct health costs related to obesity were estimated. RESULTS: Energy consumption from sugary beverages after FoPNL implementation is expected to be reduced by approximately 28 kcal/day (95% CI, -30 to -27) considering scenario 1. In scenarios 1 and 2, without FoPNL, the prevalence of obesity and excess body weight over five years was estimated to be 25.3% and 25.2%, and 64.4% and 64.2%, respectively. By extrapolating the results to the entire Brazilian population, it was observed that the implementation of FoPNL may reduce the prevalence of obesity by -0.32 percentage points and -0.35 percentage points (scenario 1 and 2, respectively) and excess body weight by -0.42 percentage points and -0.48 percentage points (scenarios 1 and 2, respectively) in five years. It is estimated that after five years of implementation, it will be possible to save approximately US$ 5,5 millions (95% CI 4,7 to 8,8) in scenario 1, reaching approximately US$ 6,1 millions (95% CI 5,3 to 9,8) in scenario 2. CONCLUSION: The results of this modeling study indicate that FoPNL may reduce prevalence of excess body weight and obesity, representing strategic public policies for obesity prevention.

1113. Edge detection using fast pixel based matching and contours mapping algorithms.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Arulananth TS, Chinnasamy P, Babu JC

Current methods of edge identification were constrained by issues like lighting changes, position disparity, colour changes, and gesture variability, among others. The aforementioned modifications have a significant impact, especially on scaled factors like temporal delay, gradient data, effectiveness in noise, translation, and qualifying edge outlines. It is obvious that an image's borders hold the majority of the shape data. Reducing the amount of time it takes for image identification, increase gradient knowledge of the image, improving efficiency in high noise environments, and pinpointing the precise location of an image are some potential obstacles in recognizing edges. the boundaries of an image stronger and more apparent locate those borders in the image initially, sharpening it by removing any extraneous detail with the use of the proper filters, followed by enhancing the edge-containing areas. The processes involved in recognizing edges are filtering, boosting, recognizing, and localizing. Numerous approaches have been suggested for the previously outlined identification of edges procedures. Edge detection using Fast pixel-based matching and contours mappingmethods are used to overcome the aforementioned restrictions for better picture recognition. In this article, we are introducing the Fast Pixel based matching and contours mapping algorithms to compare the edges in reference and targeted frames using mask-propagation and non-local techniques. Our system resists significant item visual fluctuation as well as copes with obstructions because we incorporate input from both the first and prior frames Improvement in performance in proposed system is discussed in result section, evidences are tabulated and sketched. Mainly detection probabilities and detection time is remarkably reinforced Effective identification of such things were widely useful in fingerprint comparison, medical diagnostics, Smart Cities, production, Cyber Physical Systems, incorporating Artificial Intelligence, and license plate recognition are conceivable applications of this suggested work.

1114. Robust visual detection of brake-lights in front for commercialized dashboard camera.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Moon J, Park S.

1115. Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in raw meat samples collected from different abattoirs in districts Kasur and Lahore of Punjab, Pakistan.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Shujat S, Shehzad W, Anjum AA

1116. Response of soil microbial community diversity to continuous cucumber cropping in facilities along the Yellow River irrigation area.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Huang S, Yu J, Hou D

Cucumber is an important cash crop; however, continuous cropping obstacles readily occur within the intensive production processes of facility horticulture. This study aimed to determine the effects of continuous cropping on soil quality and the microbial community in the rhizosphere soil of cucumbers. Rhizosphere soil of cucumber planted continuously for 4, 8, and 12 years was investigated, and soil that was not continuously planted was used as the control. Soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activity, microbial diversity, and richness were determined. The results showed that with the increase in continuous cropping years (0, 4, 8, and 12 years), soil total salt content continuously increased, while the pH value significantly decreased. Compared with the control, soil organic matter, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and nitrate nitrogen contents increased significantly after 4 and 8 years of continuous cropping. Spearman correlation analysis showed that pH was negatively correlated with sucrase or sucrose and available phosphorus was positively correlated with alkaline phosphatase. Compared with the control, the diversity and abundance of bacterial and fungal communities in cucumber rhizosphere soil decreased after 4 and 12 years of continuous cropping. Continuous cropping led to a significant increase in the richness of the dominant phylum of cucumber rhizosphere soil. Principal coordinates analysis showed that, compared with the control, the soil microbial community structure was significantly separated after 4, 8, and 12 years of continuous cropping, and the microbial community structure was most similar after 4 and 8 years of continuous cropping. In addition, redundancy analysis showed that pH was the main driver of soil microbial dominance. In conclusion, continuous cropping of cucumber along the Yellow River irrigation area has led to the deterioration of soil nutrients and microbial communities in that region. This experiment provides a theoretical foundation for addressing the challenges associated with continuous cropping in cucumber cultivation.

1117. S-1 and 5-Fluorouracil-related adverse events in patients with advanced gastric cancer: A meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Hu Q, Xu J, Ke J

1118. Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) application for patients with prostate cancer.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Mohseni M, Ayatollahi H, Arefpour AM.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer patients experience different complications and outcomes during or after medical treatments. Electronic reporting of the outcomes by patients is a solution that facilitates communication with physicians and improve patient health status. The aim of this study was to develop a smartphone-based application for electronic reporting of outcomes by patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: The present research was conducted in 2021 in two phases. In the first phase, initially, users' requirements were identified based on reviewing the related literature, existing applications, and guidelines. Then, a questionnaire was designed and the specialists' opinions about the users' requirements were investigated. The specialties included urologists, hemato-oncologists, uro-oncologists, and radiotherapists (n = 15). In the second phase, the application was designed, and patients with prostate cancer (n = 21) and specialists (n = 10) evaluated it using the post-study system usability questionnaire (PSSUQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The findings of the first phase of the research showed that out of 108 data elements and functions proposed for the application, 91 items were found essential by the specialists. Data elements were categorized into the patient data, general complications of prostate cancer and side effects of drug therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Necessary functions for the application included presenting a patient care summary, communication between the patient and the specialist, free text explanation for complications and sides effects, generating reports, reminder and alert, completing quality of life questionnaire, and calculating the score for the questionnaire. In the second phase of the research, the application was developed and evaluated. The mean value for user satisfaction was (5.95 ± 0.55) out of 7. CONCLUSION: The developed application can help to accelerate communication with the specialists. It can improve quality of care, reduce unnecessary treatment visits and side effects, and improve timely data collection for a variety of research purposes. However, further research on the cost-effectiveness and usefulness of the collected data is recommended.

1119. Regadenoson for the treatment of COVID-19: A five case clinical series and mouse studies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Rabin J, Zhao Y, Mostafa E

BACKGROUND: Adenosine inhibits the activation of most immune cells and platelets. Selective adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) agonists such as regadenoson (RA) reduce inflammation in most tissues, including lungs injured by hypoxia, ischemia, transplantation, or sickle cell anemia, principally by suppressing the activation of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. The anti-inflammatory effects of RA are magnified in injured tissues due to induction in immune cells of A2ARs and ecto-enzymes CD39 and CD73 that convert ATP to adenosine in the extracellular space. Here we describe the results of a five patient study designed to evaluate RA safety and to seek evidence of reduced cytokine storm in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Five COVID-19 patients requiring supplemental oxygen but not intubation (WHO stages 4-5) were infused IV with a loading RA dose of 5 μg/kg/h for 0.5 h followed by a maintenance dose of 1.44 μg/kg/h for 6 hours, Vital signs and arterial oxygen saturation were recorded, and blood samples were collected before, during and after RA infusion for analysis of CRP, D-dimer, circulating iNKT cell activation state and plasma levels of 13 proinflammatory cytokines. RA was devoid of serious side effects, and within 24 hours from the start of infusion was associated with increased oxygen saturation (93.8 ± 0.58 vs 96.6 ± 1.08%, P<0.05), decreased D-dimer (754 ± 17 vs 518 ± 98 ng/ml, P<0.05), and a trend toward decreased CRP (3.80 ± 1.40 vs 1.98 ± 0.74 mg/dL, P = 0.075). Circulating iNKT cells, but not conventional T cells, were highly activated in COVID-19 patients (65% vs 5% CD69+). RA infusion for 30 minutes reduced iNKT cell activation by 50% (P<0.01). RA infusion for 30 minutes did not influence plasma cytokines, but infusion for 4.5 or 24 hours reduced levels of 11 of 13 proinflammatory cytokines. In separate mouse studies, subcutaneous RA infusion from Alzet minipumps at 1.44 μg/kg/h increased 10-day survival of SARS-CoV-2-infected K18-hACE2 mice from 10 to 40% (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Infused RA is safe and produces rapid anti-inflammatory effects mediated by A2A adenosine receptors on iNKT cells and possibly in part by A2ARs on other immune cells and platelets. We speculate that iNKT cells are activated by release of injury-induced glycolipid antigens and/or alarmins such as IL-33 derived from virally infected type II epithelial cells which in turn activate iNKT cells and secondarily other immune cells. Adenosine released from hypoxic tissues, or RA infused as an anti-inflammatory agent decrease proinflammatory cytokines and may be useful for treating cytokine storm in patients with Covid-19 or other inflammatory lung diseases or trauma.

1120. Knot formation and spread along the shoot stem in 13 olive cultivars inoculated with an indigenous pathobiome of 7 species of Pseudomonas including Pseudomonas savastanoi.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Zucchini M, Maoloni A, Lodolini EM

1121. Analysis of the anatomical distribution of HPV genotypes in head and neck squamous papillomas.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Hu H, Jiang H, Zhu Z

1122. The investigation of WNT6 and WNT10A single nucleotide polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for dental pulp calcification in orthodontic patients.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Ramirez I, Kirschneck C, Corrêa Silva-Sousa A

1123. Genetic diversity and demographic history of the leopard seal: A Southern Ocean top predator.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Bender AN, Krause DJ, Goebel ME

1124. Service reliability evaluation of highway tunnel based on digital image processing.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Dai C, Zhou Z, Zhang H

1125. Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on patients with sarcopenic obesity: A meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Xu J, Hu Q, Li J

1126. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in veno-venous-ECMO patients-A retrospective study on incidence, causes and outcome.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Booke H, Zacharowski K, Adam EH

1127. Study on the China's real interest rate after including housing price factor into CPI.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Ding S, Pan Q, Zhang Y

The Chinese economy has undergone a long-term transition reform, but there is still a planned economy characteristic in the financial sector, which is financial repression. Due to the existence of financial repression, China's actual interest rate level should be lower than the Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, based on official China's interest rates and CPI, over half of the years China's actual interest rate remained higher than CPI by our calculation from 1999 to 2022. This is inconsistent with the financial repression that exists in China, and the main reason is the calculation methods of China's CPI. China's CPI measurement system originated from the planned economy era, which did not fully consider the rise in housing purchase prices, so the current CPI measurement system can be more realistically presented by taking the rise in housing prices into consider. The core idea of this study is to mining relevant official statistical data and calculate the proportion of Chinese residents' expenditure on purchasing houses to their total expenditure. By taking the proportion of house purchases as the weight of house price factor, and taking the proportion of other consumption as the weight of official CPI, the Generalized CPI (GCPI) is formulated. The GCPI is then compared with market interest rates to determine the actual interest rate situation in China over the past 20 years. This study has found that if GCPI is used as a measure, China's real interest rates have been negative for most years since 1999. Chinese residents have suffered the negative effects of financial repression over the past 20 years, and their property income cannot keep up with the actual losses caused by inflation. Therefore, it is believed that China's CPI calculation method should be adjusted to take into account the rise in housing prices, so China's actual inflation level could be more accurately reflected. In view of the above, deepening interest rate marketization reform and expand channels for financial investment are the future development goals of China's financial system.

1128. Investigation of commonly used aortic aneurysm growth rate metrics: Comparing their suitability for clinical and research applications.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Abell-Hart K, Hajagos J, Garcia V

1129. Comparing molecular representations, e-nose signals, and other featurization, for learning to smell aroma molecules.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Debnath T, Badreddine S, Kumari P

1130. An empirical research on employee welfare and internal control quality.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Lin D, Tang X, Li H

1131. Robust deep learning-based gait event detection across various pathologies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 11

Dumphart B, Slijepcevic D, Zeppelzauer M

1132. Is competition good or bad for the price, quantity, and quality of bank lending?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Huynh J.

1133. The impact of family support and organization on adolescents during school closure under Covid-19 lockdown regulations in an area of South Africa.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Kvalsvig JD, Taylor M, Watt KG

The Covid-19 pandemic and resultant disruptions to schooling presented significant challenges for many families. Well organised families have been shown to have a protective effect on adolescent wellbeing in periods of shock. At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Asenze, a population-based cohort study, was conducting a third wave of data collection in peri-urban South Africa, examining risk and protective factors during adolescence. By March 2020, n = 272 adolescents and their caregivers (n = 241) in the cohort had been assessed when in-person data collection was halted by lockdown measures countrywide. During this cessation we undertook a brief telephonic qualitative sub-study to explore whether families enrolled in the cohort were able to cohabit cohesively and undertake distance learning during lockdown. A purposeful sample of 20 families (caregivers n = 20, adolescents n = 24) recently assessed in the Wave 3 of the main study, participated in semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data from Waves 1-3 of the main study was used to measure family function, adolescent cognitive function, and profile adolescent and caregivers. The quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to illustrate the dynamics of the participants' lives before and during lockdown. We found that families classified as well-organized before lockdown, were more likely to report co-operation during lockdown. Adolescents who were self-motivated, had access to smartphones or the internet, and were supported by both family and educators, were well-placed to continue their education without much disruption. However, few schools instituted distance learning. Of the adolescents who were not assisted- some studied on their own or with peers, but others did no schoolwork, hindered by a lack of digital connectivity, and poor service delivery. The experience of adolescence and caregivers in the Asenze Cohort during lockdown highlight the importance of family functioning for adolescent wellbeing in crisis, as well as the need for access to health, mental health, and social services, communication upgrades, and enhancements to the education system during peaceful times, to make a difference to young lives in times of crisis.

1134. Courtship suppression in Drosophila melanogaster: The role of mating failure.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Goncharova AA, Besedina NG, Bragina JV

1135. Turning the tide on turnover: The impact of empowering leadership on the work-family spillover of managers.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Khan NA, Bahadur W, Maialeh R

1136. Coordinators in the return-to-work process: Mapping their work models.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Svärd V, Berglund E, Björk Brämberg E

1137. Independent director compensation and stock price collapse: Inhibition or promotion-based on a financial background perspective.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Dong G, Ma G, Liu S.

1138. Prevalence and factors associated with undernutrition among children under the age of five years in Benin.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Addo IY, Boadu EF, Osei Bonsu E

BACKGROUND: Benin ranks as one of the countries in the world with an alarmingly high prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight in children under five years. However, limited studies have examined the factors associated with the prevalence of these undernutrition indicators among children under five years in the country. This study aimed to fill this research gap by examining the prevalence rates and factors associated with stunting, wasting, and underweight among this specific population of interest. METHODS: This quantitative study utilised data from the most recent Benin Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) conducted in 2017-18. The survey employed a nationally representative cross-sectional design and utilised a two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique to select participants. The study included a sample of 13,589 children under the age of five years. The main analytical approach employed was binary logistic regression, which was used to explore the associations between undernutrition (the combined outcome variable representing stunting, wasting, and underweight) and various socio-demographic factors. RESULTS: The combined prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children under five years in Benin during the 2017-18 survey period was 14.95%. Several factors were significantly associated with these indicators of undernutrition, including female gender (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.59-0.85), birth weight of 4.1 kg and over (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.14-0.48), multiple births (AOR = 3.22, 95% CI = 2.11-4.91), and a child's experience of diarrhoea (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.40-2.20). Furthermore, the prevalence of these undernutrition indicators was higher among children whose mothers had lower levels of education (AOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.01-0.42) and were unmarried (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.49-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: This present study confirms that undernutrition rates are elevated in Benin and are closely linked to perinatal factors such as birth weights and multiple births, postnatal health conditions including diarrheal episodes, and socio-demographic determinants such as a child's gender, maternal education level, and marital status. Therefore, there is the need to consider specific modifiable factors, such as low birth weight, episodes of child diarrhoea, and maternal education as priority targets for child nutrition interventions in Benin.

1139. Spatial data collection and qualification methods for urban parks in Brazilian capitals: An innovative roadmap.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Slovic AD, Kanai C, Marques Sales D

Urban parks have been studied for their effects on health and the environment. Accessing park data from reliable and comparable sources remains challenging, reinforcing the importance of standardized search tools, notably in Latin America. We designed a systematized methodology to identify processes of accessing, collecting, verifying, and harmonizing urban park spatial data in all Brazilian capitals included in the Urban Health in Latin America (SALURBAL) project. We developed a research protocol using official and non-official sources combining the results of Google Maps (GMaps) points and OpenStreetMap (OSM) polygons-GMaps-OSM. Descriptive analyses included the frequency of the distribution of parks before and after harmonization stratified by data source. We used the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to assess agreement in the area between official and GMaps-OSM data. Official data were obtained for 16 cities; for the remaining 11 capitals, we used GMaps-OSM. After verification and harmonization, 302 urban parks were obtained from official data and 128 from GMaps-OSM. In a sub-study of the 16 cities with official data (n = 302 parks), we simulated a collection of non-official data using GMaps-OSM and OSM only. From GMaps-OSM, we obtained 142 parks, and from OSM, 230 parks. Statistical analysis showed a better agreement between official data and OSM. After completing verification and harmonization, the complete dataset (official and GMaps-OSM) included 430 urban parks with a total area of 145.14 km2. The mean number of parks across cities was 16, with a mean size area of 0.33 km2. The median number of parks was nine, with a median area of 0.07 km2. This study highlights the importance of creating mechanisms to access, collect, harmonize, and verify urban park data, which is essential for examining the impact of parks on health. It also stresses the importance of providing reliable urban park spatial data for city officials.

1140. Fact-finding survey of doctors at the departments of pediatrics and pediatric surgery on the transition of patients with childhood-onset chronic disease from pediatric to adult healthcare.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Kikuchi R, Sato I, Hirata Y

BACKGROUND: The number of adult patients with childhood-onset chronic diseases is increasing. However, the process of transitioning these patients from child- to adult-centered medical services faces many difficulties. Despite the key role that doctors in the pediatric field are considered to play in transition, few fact-finding surveys about transition have been conducted among these doctors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the current status and challenges in the transition of patients with childhood-onset chronic diseases by a fact-finding survey of pediatricians and pediatric surgeons at a university hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Seventy-six doctors of pediatrics and pediatric surgery (excluding junior residents) in a university hospital were asked to answer an anonymous self-report questionnaire. A multidisciplinary research team selected items related to the transitional process. RESULTS: Sixty (79%) doctors participated, of whom 52 (87%) showed awareness of transition. No doctor answered that "Transition is conducted smoothly." Doctors with shorter pediatric department experience had lower awareness and poorer experience with transition. In contrast to pediatric surgeons, pediatricians explained "job-seeking activities" and "contraceptive methods" to the patient, and reported a higher patient age at which to initiate explanation of transition to the patient and his/her family. Among factors inhibiting transition, 39 (65%) respondents selected "The patient's family members do not desire transition" and 34 (57%) selected "Although a relevant adult healthcare department is available, it will not accept the patient." The medical providers most frequently considered to have responsibility for playing a central role in the transition process were "pediatrician/pediatric surgeon," "medical social worker," and "regional medical liaison office." DISCUSSION: To promote transition, pediatric and adult healthcare departments should share concerns about and cooperate in the establishment of more effective methods of transition, and provide multidisciplinary collaboration to support patients and their families.

1141. Effects of antennal segments defects on blood-sucking behavior in Aedes albopictus.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Zhou Y, Deng D, Chen R

1142. Plasma metabolomics profiling identifies new predictive biomarkers for disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Soares NC, Hussein A, Muhammad JS

1143. Space-time POD and the Hankel matrix.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Frame P, Towne A.

1144. A transition point: Assistance magnitude is a critical parameter when providing assistance during walking with an energy-removing exoskeleton or biomechanical energy harvester.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Shepertycky M, Liu YF, Li Q.

1145. Vector autoregression: Useful in rare diseases?-Predicting organ response patterns in a rare case of secondary AA amyloidosis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Ihne-Schubert SM, Kircher M, Werner RA

1146. Internal marketing analysis for improving the internal consumer satisfaction and customer orientation of employees in private-owned sports center.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Xu SQ, Zhou L, Kim SH

1147. Digital finance and M&As: An empirical study and mechanism analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Jiang Z, Sun X, Song Y

1148. Music in noise recognition: An EEG study of listening effort in cochlear implant users and normal hearing controls.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Cartocci G, Inguscio BMS, Giorgi A

1149. The embodied typist: Bimanual actions are modulated by words' implied motility and number of evoked limbs.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Rolán K, Sánchez-Borges I, Kogan B

1150. Real-time ultrasound evaluation of CORE muscle activity in a simultaneous contraction in subjects with non-specific low back pain and without low-back pain. Protocol of an observational case-control study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Cervera-Cano M, Sáez-García MC, Valcárcel-Linares D

1151. Diagnostic utility of quantitative analysis of microRNA in bile samples obtained during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for malignant biliary strictures.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Kuniyoshi N, Imazu H, Masuzaki R

1152. Feasibility, acceptability and potential helpfulness of the PROACTIVE intervention in Flanders, Belgium: A survey study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Wang S, de Almeida Mello J, S Mittelman M

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of a Flemish adaptation of the New York University Caregiver Intervention (i.e., PROACTIVE intervention) modifying the recruitment and intervention content for informal caregivers of people with early cognitive decline, and across different subgroups. A feasibility study is necessary in order to reduce research waste for intervention adaptation and evaluation. METHODS: Researchers constructed, tested, and sent out a survey consisting of 43 questions on the following topics: awareness of symptoms of early cognitive decline, levels of cognitive performance using the updated Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS2), acceptability, and potential helpfulness of the intervention, and sociodemographic characteristics. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression with SAS 9.4©. Qualitative data were analyzed using an inductive content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 463 informal caregivers completed the survey (mean age 58.8 ± 11.8, 83.6% female). Among them, 230 respondents who cared for people with cognitive decline indicated they would probably or certainly participate in the study. Identified factors influencing the recruitment were cognition, co-habitation, education, and employment status. Over half of the target caregivers indicated almost all services from the intervention could satisfy their needs. A majority perceived the PROACTIVE intervention would be helpful (69.4%), especially the CPS2 = 3 (76.1%) and CPS2 = 4 (74.1%) subgroups. CONCLUSION: The recruitment of target participants for a subsequent RCT evaluation study is feasible, and identified associated factors should be considered during the recruitment process. The PROACTIVE intervention and core components except 'peer-group participation' were perceived as helpful by most caregivers. The CPS2 = 3-4 subgroups were most accepting of the intervention and were most likely to benefit from the intervention.

1153. Two-photon microscopy for microrobotics: Visualization of micro-agents below fixed tissue.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Huaroto JJ, Capuano L, Kaya M

Optical microscopy is frequently used to visualize microrobotic agents (i.e., micro-agents) and physical surroundings with a relatively high spatio-temporal resolution. However, the limited penetration depth of optical microscopy techniques used in microrobotics (in the order of 100 μm) reduces the capability of visualizing micro-agents below biological tissue. Two-photon microscopy is a technique that exploits the principle of two-photon absorption, permitting live tissue imaging with sub-micron resolution and optical penetration depths (over 500 μm). The two-photon absorption principle has been widely applied to fabricate sub-millimeter scale components via direct laser writing (DLW). Yet, its use as an imaging tool for microrobotics remains unexplored in the state-of-the-art. This study introduces and reports on two-photon microscopy as an alternative technique for visualizing micro-agents below biological tissue. In order to validate two-photon image acquisition for microrobotics, two-type micro-agents are fabricated and employed: (1) electrospun fibers stained with an exogenous fluorophore and (2) bio-inspired structure printed with autofluorescent resin via DLW. The experiments are devised and conducted to obtain three-dimensional reconstructions of both micro-agents, perform a qualitative study of laser-tissue interaction, and visualize micro-agents along with tissue using second-harmonic generation. We experimentally demonstrate two-photon microscopy of micro-agents below formalin-fixed tissue with a maximum penetration depth of 800 μm and continuous imaging of magnetic electrospun fibers with one frame per second acquisition rate (in a field of view of 135 × 135 μm2). Our results show that two-photon microscopy can be an alternative imaging technique for microrobotics by enabling visualization of micro-agents under in vitro and ex ovo conditions. Furthermore, bridging the gap between two-photon microscopy and the microrobotics field has the potential to facilitate in vivo visualization of micro-agents.

1154. Transmission and lesion progression of treponeme-associated hoof disease in captive elk (Cervus canadensis).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Robinson ZB, Shah DH, Taylor KR

Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) is a debilitating disease of free-ranging elk (Cervus canadensis) in the northwestern U.S. While treponemes are associated with lesions, the etiology and transmissibility between elk are unknown. Our objective was to determine whether the disease can be environmentally transmitted to captive elk. Four individually housed treatment elk and 2 control elk were challenged with soil mixed with inoculum prepared from free-ranging elk hooves from TAHD-positive elk or autoclaved hooves from normal elk, respectively. The inoculum for each group was applied to the interdigital space and added to pre-existing soil in each pen. Eight challenges were conducted at 1-4-week intervals and lesion development was assessed during a 138-day challenge period that was followed by a 170-day monitoring period to document lesion progression. All treatment elk, but no control elk, developed gross and histologic lesions consistent with TAHD. Treponema phylotypes similar to those in bovine digital dermatitis in cattle were detected using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing from lesions in all treatment elk, but no control elk, during the challenge period. Lesions progressed from ulcerations in the interdigital space to extensive ulceration and underrunning of the hoof capsule by 35 and 173 days following the initial inoculation, respectively. Lameness in treatment elk was correlated with lesion development (R = 0.702, p≤0.001), and activity of infected elk was reduced during the challenge (p≤0.001) and monitoring periods (p = 0.004). Body condition was significantly lower in treatment than control elk 168 days following the initial inoculation (p = 0.05) and at each individual elk's study endpoint (p = 0.006). Three of 4 treatment elk were euthanized when they reached humane endpoints, and one elk recovered. These results provide direct evidence that TAHD is a transmissible infectious disease in elk. As such, actions that reduce transmission risk can support disease management and prevention.

1155. Modelling of pricing, crashing, and coordination strategies of prefabricated construction supply Chain with power structure.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Jiang W, Shi K, Zhang L

1156. Prioritizing COVID-19 vaccine allocation in resource poor settings: Towards an Artificial Intelligence-enabled and Geospatial-assisted decision support framework.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Shayegh S, Andreu-Perez J, Akoth C

1157. Effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on the HIV care continuum in Southwestern Uganda: A time series analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Kabami J, Owaraganise A, Beesiga B

1158. The impact of green finance on the optimization of industrial structure: Evidence from China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Xiong X, Wang Y, Liu B

Green finance promotes the optimization of industrial structure and continuous improvement of ecological environment by supporting the development of green industries. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2012 to 2020, this paper uses the entropy weight TOPSIS method to measure the development level of green finance and the level of industrial structure optimization in China, and constructs a panel data model to empirically test the impact of green finance on the upgrading of China's industrial structure. The study finds that there is still an imbalance and insufficiency in the development of green finance and industrial structure optimization in China. From 2012 to 2020, the development level of green finance and the level of industrial structure optimization in China have been continuously rising, but there is obvious heterogeneity, showing an eastern>central>western spatial pattern. Empirical analysis results show that at the significance level of 1‰, the development of green finance has a significant promoting effect on the rationalization and upgrading of the industrial structure. However, there is significant heterogeneity in the impact of green finance on industrial structure optimization. In terms of regional heterogeneity, at the significance level of 1‰, the role of green finance in promoting the optimization of industrial structure in central and western China is higher than that in eastern China, and the impact of green finance on China's industrial structure shows a spatial pattern of western>central>eastern China. In terms of industry heterogeneity, at the significance level of 1‰, green finance has a significant promoting effect on the development of green industries, and a significant inhibiting effect on the development of high-energy-consuming industries. Specifically, in the green industry, green finance has the greatest promoting effect on the communication and other electronic equipment manufacturing industry; in the high-energy-consuming industry, green finance has the greatest inhibiting effect on the black metal smelting and rolling processing industry, and the smallest impact on the petroleum, coal and other fuel processing industry. Finally, based on this, policy suggestions for green finance to support the optimization of industrial structure are proposed from two dimensions: government and financial institutions.

1159. Mock trial as a simulation strategy allowing undergraduate nursing students to experience evidence-based practice: A scoping-review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Song C, Jang A.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this scoping review was to determine the underlying design of simulations that help undergraduate nursing students acquire evidence-based practice (EBP) experiences. METHOD: The JBI methodology was used for this review. The inclusion criteria were studies conducted in academic, clinical, or virtual settings that examined simulation programs designed to facilitate the acquisition of EBP by undergraduate nursing students. A comprehensive search was performed on Jan 3, 2022, using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE; PubMed), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and the Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE). Grey literature was not included. Publication year was limited to 2020 and later. There was no language restriction. Data were extracted using a tool developed by the reviewers and based on the National League for Nursing Jeffries Simulation Theory. RESULT: A total of 12,931 articles were found, and after duplicate articles and articles deemed ineligible based on the title and abstract (12,914 articles), 17 published papers were examined. The full texts of these studies were reviewed for eligibility, and one study was selected for the present scoping review. The selected study examined a mock trial designed to allow undergraduate nursing students to experience the ethical decision-making based on a diversity of evidence. The program reported in the study consisted of a prebriefing-simulation (mock)-debriefing structure with verified positive effects on EBP education. CONCLUSION: A mock trial is a useful educational strategy for allowing undergraduate nursing students to experience EBP, but a creative method should be found that can modify the mock trial for practical operation as the designing the program demands high levels of human and material resources. REGISTRATION: OSF Registries, https://osf.io/gdtyu, We updated OSF registry data for documenting important protocol amendments.

1160. Abundance and prevalence of ESBL coding genes in patients undergoing first line eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Gudra D, Silamikelis I, Pjalkovskis J

The spread of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in nosocomial and community-acquired enterobacteria is an important challenge for clinicians due to the limited therapeutic options for infections that are caused by these organisms. Here, we developed a panel of ESBL coding genes, evaluated the abundance and prevalence of ESBL encoding genes in patients undergoing H. pylori eradication therapy, and summarized the effects of eradication therapy on functional profiles of the gut microbiome. To assess the repertoire of known beta lactamase (BL) genes, they were divided into clusters according to their evolutionary relation. Primers were designed for amplification of cluster marker regions, and the efficiency of this amplification panel was assessed in 120 fecal samples acquired from 60 patients undergoing H. pylori eradication therapy. In addition, fecal samples from an additional 30 patients were used to validate the detection efficiency of the developed ESBL panel. The presence for majority of targeted clusters was confirmed by NGS of amplification products. Metagenomic sequencing revealed that the abundance of ESBL genes within the pool of microorganisms was very low. The global relative abundances of the ESBL-coding gene clusters did not differ significantly among treatment states. However, at the level of each cluster, classical ESBL producers such as Klebsiella sp. for blaOXY (p = 0.0076), Acinetobacter sp. for blaADC (p = 0.02297) and others, differed significantly with a tendency to decrease compared to the pre- and post-eradication states. Only 13 clusters were common across all three datasets, suggesting a patient-specific distribution profile of ESBL-coding genes. The number of AMR genes detected in the post-eradication state was higher than that in the pre-eradication state, which could be attributed, at least in part, to the therapy. This study demonstrated that the ESBL screening panel was effective in targeting ESBL-coding gene clusters from bacterial DNA and that minor differences exist in the abundance and prevalence of ESBL-coding gene levels before and after eradication therapy.

1161. Praziquantel inhibits Caenorhabditis elegans development and species-wide differences might be cct-8-dependent.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Wit J, Dilks CM, Zhang G

Anthelmintic drugs are used to treat parasitic roundworm and flatworm infections in humans and other animals. Caenorhabditis elegans is an established model to investigate anthelmintics used to treat roundworms. In this study, we use C. elegans to examine the mode of action and the mechanisms of resistance against the flatworm anthelmintic drug praziquantel (PZQ), used to treat trematode and cestode infections. We found that PZQ inhibited development and that this developmental delay varies by genetic background. Interestingly, both enantiomers of PZQ are equally effective against C. elegans, but the right-handed PZQ (R-PZQ) is most effective against schistosome infections. We conducted a genome-wide association mapping with 74 wild C. elegans strains to identify a region on chromosome IV that is correlated with differential PZQ susceptibility. Five candidate genes in this region: cct-8, znf-782, Y104H12D.4, Y104H12D.2, and cox-18, might underlie this variation. The gene cct-8, a subunit of the protein folding complex TRiC, has variation that causes a putative protein coding change (G226V), which is correlated with reduced developmental delay. Gene expression analysis suggests that this variant correlates with slightly increased expression of both cct-8 and hsp-70. Acute exposure to PZQ caused increased expression of hsp-70, indicating that altered TRiC function might be involved in PZQ responses. To test if this variant affects development upon exposure to PZQ, we used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to introduce the V226 allele into the N2 genetic background (G226) and the G226 allele into the JU775 genetic background (V226). These experiments revealed that this variant was not sufficient to explain the effects of PZQ on development. Nevertheless, this study shows that C. elegans can be used to study PZQ mode of action and resistance mechanisms. Additionally, we show that the TRiC complex requires further evaluation for PZQ responses in C. elegans.

1162. Understanding and optimising support resources to facilitate CALD student and supervisor allied health fieldwork experiences.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Newton FJ, Lee DA, Brito S.

BACKGROUND: Although fieldwork supervisors and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) students can experience challenges during allied health placements, there is little holistic understanding of how they view and use support resources to address these challenges. This study sought to identify, codify, and map the perceived value attached to support resources used or sought by CALD students and fieldwork supervisors and to ascertain areas where they could be optimised and better presented to users. METHODS: We conducted a thematic analysis to examine interview and open-ended survey responses from CALD students (n = 18) and fieldwork supervisors (n = 161) respectively. FINDINGS: The six generated themes depicted different patterns of perceived value in university and non-university support resources and spanned three levels of specificity: general, discipline-contextualised, and individualised. Fieldwork supervisors valued a staged approach to support resource design and use for CALD students commencing with general level resources to build foundational language skills and socio-cultural familiarisation and moving on to include disciple-contextualised supports, preplacement mechanisms to monitor student readiness, and formalised mechanisms to enable tailoring of placements. CALD students, however, often undervalued institutional general resources relative to discipline-contextualised resources. The commonality of support resources valued and sought by supervisors from different fields suggests they could be optimised for delivery via an inter-professional community of practice. CONCLUSION: Identifying and mapping the perceived value attached to support resources provides actionable insights into how to enhance the 'fit' between resources and user needs. Drawing the often-fragmented support resources into a cohesive ecosystem focused around perceived value at different levels of specificity allows CALD students and educators to better conceptualise the types of benefits that can accrue from taking a broader and staged approach to fieldwork placement preparations. Knowing this ecosystem encapsulates what prior uses find of value may enhance perceptions of resource relevance in the minds of new users.

1163. Grating-incoupled waveguide-enhanced Raman sensor.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Ettabib MA, Bowden BM, Liu Z

1164. Time trends in perinatal outcomes among HIV-positive pregnant women in Northern Tanzania: A registry-based study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Rebnord T, Mmbaga BT, Sandøy IF

INTRODUCTION: Maternal HIV infection is associated with increased risk of having a preterm delivery, low birth weight baby, small for gestational age baby and stillbirth. Maternal use of combination antiretroviral treatment is also associated with preterm delivery and low birth weight, although the effects vary by the type of drugs and timing of initiation. OBJECTIVE: To examine time trends in adverse perinatal outcomes among HIV-positive compared with HIV-negative women. DESIGN: Registry-based cohort study. SETTING: Northern Tanzania, 2000-2018. STUDY SAMPLE: Mother-baby pairs of singleton deliveries (n = 41 156). METHODS: Perinatal outcomes of HIV-positive women were compared with HIV-negative women during time periods representing shifts in prevention of mother-to-child transmission guidelines. Monotherapy was used as first-line therapy before 2007 while combination antiretroviral treatment was routinely used from 2007. Log binomial and quantile regression were used to analyze the data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preterm delivery, low birth weight, perinatal death, stillbirth, low Apgar score, transfer to neonatal care unit and small for gestational age. RESULTS: Overall, maternal HIV infection was associated with a higher risk of low birth weight and small for gestational age. Moreover, this pattern became more pronounced over time for low birth weight, the last time period being an exception. For other outcomes we found none or only a small overall association with maternal HIV infection, although a trend towards higher risk over time in HIV-positive compared with HIV-negative women was observed for preterm delivery and perinatal death. Quantile regression showed an increase in birth weight in babies born to HIV-negative women over time and a corresponding decline in birth weight in babies born to HIV-positive women. CONCLUSION: Unfavourable trends in some of the selected perinatal outcomes were seen for HIV-positive compared with HIV-negative women. Potential side-effects of combination antiretroviral treatment in pregnancy should be further explored.

1165. Correlation between cerebral hemodynamic functional near-infrared spectroscopy and positron emission tomography for assessing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: An exploratory study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Yoon JA, Kong IJ, Choi I

1166. Pre-cleaning of hair is not beneficial in LA-ICP-MS studies of chronic metal exposure.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

David GK, Hunter AH, Moromizato KH

1167. Effectiveness of repeated mutagenesis of sesame crosses for enhancing polygenic variability in F2M2 generation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Kar RK, Mishra TK, Pradhan B

The value of combining hybridization and mutagenesis in sesame was examined to determine if treating hybrid sesame plant material with mutagens generated greater genetic variability in four key productivity traits than either the separate hybridization or mutation of plant material. In a randomized block design with three replications, six F2M2 varieties, three F2varieties, and three parental varieties were assessed at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. The plant characteristics height, number of seed capsules per plant, and seed yield per plant had greater variability in the F2M2 generation than their respective controls (F2), however, the number of primary branches per plant varied less than in the control population. The chances for trait selection to be operative were high for all the characteristics examined except the number of primary branches per plant, as indicated by heritability estimates. Increases in the mean and variability of the characteristics examined indicted a greater incidence of beneficial mutations and the breakdown of undesirable linkages with increased recombination. At both phenotypic and genotypic levels strong positive correlations between both primary branch number and capsule number with seed yield suggest that these traits are important for indirect improvement in sesame seed yield. As a result of the association analysis, sesame seed yield and its component traits improved significantly, which may be attributed to the independent polygenic mutations and enlarged recombination of the polygenes controlling the examined characteristics. Compared to the corresponding control treatment or to one cycle of mutagenic treatment, two cycles of mutagenic treatment resulted in increased variability, higher transgressive segregates, PTS mean and average transgression for sesame seed yield. These findings highlight the value of implementing two EMS treatment cycles to generate improved sesame lines. Furthermore, the extra variability created through hybridization may have potential in subsequent breeding research and improved seed yield segregants may be further advanced to develop ever-superior sesame varieties.

1168. Remote monitoring, personnel extinguishment or helicopter extinguishment? How to control forest fires more effectively.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Bai Y, Wang L, Yuan X.

1169. Coping strategies employed by public psychiatric healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in southern Gauteng, South Africa.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Scheunemann A, Kim AW, Moolla A

1170. Association of short-term hospital-level outcome metrics with 1-year mortality and recurrence for US Medicare beneficiaries with ischemic stroke.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Wang Y, Leifheit EC, Goldstein LB

BACKGROUND: Whether stroke patients treated at hospitals with better short-term outcome metrics have better long-term outcomes is unknown. We investigated whether treatment at US hospitals with better 30-day hospital-level stroke outcome metrics was associated with better 1-year outcomes, including reduced mortality and recurrent stroke, for patients after ischemic stroke. METHODS: This cohort study included Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged ≥65 years discharged alive from US hospitals with a principal diagnosis of ischemic stroke from 07/01/2015 to 12/31/2018. We categorized patients by the treating hospital's performance on the CMS hospital-specific 30-day risk-standardized all-cause mortality and readmission measures for ischemic stroke from 07/01/2012 to 06/30/2015: Low-Low (both CMS mortality and readmission rates for the hospital were <25th percentile of national rates), High-High (both >75th percentile), and Intermediate (all other hospitals). We balanced characteristics between hospital performance categories using stabilized inverse probability weights (IPW) based on patient demographic and clinical factors. We fit Cox models assessing patient risks of 1-year all-cause mortality and ischemic stroke recurrence across hospital performance categories, weighted by the IPW and accounting for competing risks. RESULTS: There were 595,929 stroke patients (mean age 78.9±8.8 years, 54.4% women) discharged from 2,563 hospitals (134 Low-Low, 2288 Intermediate, 141 High-High). For Low-Low, Intermediate, and High-High hospitals, respectively, 1-year mortality rates were 23.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.3%-24.3%), 25.2% (25.1%-25.3%), and 26.5% (26.1%-26.9%), and recurrence rates were 8.0% (7.6%-8.3%), 7.9% (7.8%-8.0%), and 8.0% (7.7%-8.3%). Compared with patients treated at High-High hospitals, those treated at Low-Low and Intermediate hospitals, respectively, had 15% (hazard ratio 0.85; 95% CI 0.82-0.87) and 9% (0.91; 0.89-0.93) lower risks of 1-year mortality but no difference in recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic stroke patients treated at hospitals with better CMS short-term outcome metrics had lower risks of post-discharge 1-year mortality, but similar recurrent stroke rates, compared with patients treated at other hospitals.

1171. Unsuccessful treatment outcome and associated risk factors. A prospective study of DR-TB patients from a high burden country, Pakistan.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Massud A, Khan AH, Syed Sulaiman SA

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB), a curable and preventable infectious disease, becomes difficult to treat if resistance against most effective and tolerable first line anti-TB drugs is developed. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes and predictors of poor outcomes among drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) patients treated at a programmatic management unit of drug resistant tuberculosis (PMDT) unit, Punjab, Pakistan. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at a a PMDT unit in Multan, Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 271 eligible culture positive DR-TB patients enrolled for treatment at the study site between January 2016 and May 2017 were followed till their treatment outcomes were recorded. World Health Organization's (WHO) defined criteria was used for categorizing treatment outcomes. The outcomes of cured and treatment completed were collectively placed as successful outcomes, while death, lost to follow-up (LTFU) and treatment failure were grouped as unsuccessful outcomes. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was employed for getting predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 271 DR-TB patients analysed, nearly half (51.3%) were males. The patient's (Mean ± SD) age was 36.75 ± 15.69 years. A total of 69% patients achieved successful outcomes with 185 (68.2%) patients being cured and 2 (0.7%) completed therapy. Of the remaining 84 patients with unsuccessful outcomes, 48 (17.7%) died, 2 (0.7%) were declared treatment failure, 34 (12.5%) were loss to follow up. After adjusting for confounders, patients' age > 50 years (OR 2.149 (1.005-4.592) with p-value 0.048 and baseline lung cavitation (OR 7.798 (3.82-15.919) with p-value <0.001 were significantly associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment success rate (69%) in the current study participants was below the target set by WHO (>75%). Paying special attention and timely intervention in patients with high risk of unsuccessful treatment outcomes may help in improving treatment outcomes at the study site.

1172. Exome sequencing identifies novel variants associated with non-syndromic hearing loss in the Iranian population.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Vallian Broojeni J, Kazemi A, Rezaei H

1173. Prognostic role of vitamin D receptor in digestive system tumours: A systematic review and preliminary meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Zhao M, Liu Z, Shi H

1174. Elucidation of composition of chlorine compounds in acidic sodium chlorite solution using ion chromatography.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Kishimoto A, Ohtsubo R, Okada Y

With the spread of coronavirus infections, the demand for disinfectants, such as a sodium chlorite solution, has increased worldwide. Sodium chlorite solution is a food additive and is used in a wide range of applications. There is evidence that chlorous acid or sodium chlorite is effective against various bacteria, but the actual mechanism is not well understood. One reason for this is that the composition of chlorine-based compounds contained in sodium chlorite solutions has not been clearly elucidated. The composition can vary greatly with pH. In addition, the conventional iodometric titration method, the N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate (DPD) method and the absorption photometric method cannot clarify the composition. In this study, we attempted to elucidate the composition of a sodium chlorite solution using absorption spectrophotometry and ion chromatography (IC). IC is excellent for qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace ions. Through this, we aimed to develop an evaluation method that allows anyone to easily determine the bactericidal power of sodium chlorite. We found that commercially available sodium chlorite solution is 80% pure, with the remaining 20% potentially containing sodium hypochlorite solution. In addition, when sodium chlorite solution became acidified, its absorption spectrum exhibited a peak at 365 nm. Sodium chlorite solution is normally alkaline, and it cannot be measured by the DPD method, which is only applicable under acidic conditions. The presence of a peak at 365 nm indicates that the acidic sodium chlorite solution contains species with oxidizing power. On the other hand, the IC analysis showed a gradual decrease in chlorite ions in the acidic sodium chlorite solution. These results indicate that chlorite ions may not react with this DPD reagent, and other oxidizing species may be present in the acidic sodium chlorite solution. In summary, when a sodium chlorite solution becomes acidic, chlorine-based oxidizing species produce an absorption peak at 365 nm. Sodium hypochlorite and sodium chlorite solutions have completely different IC peak profiles. Although there are still many problems to be solved, we believe that the use of IC will facilitate the elucidation of the composition of sodium chlorite solution and its sterilization mechanism.

1175. High risk of virologic failure among HIV-infected children and adolescents routinely followed-up in Littoral region of Cameroon.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Mbébi Enoné PJ, Penda CI, Ngondi G

1176. Wolf contact in horses at permanent pasture in Germany.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Krueger K, Gruentjens T, Hempel E.

Wolves returned to Germany in 2000, leading to fear in German horse owners that their horses could be in danger of wolf attacks or panic-like escapes from pastures when sighting wolves. However, reports from southern European countries indicate that wolf predation on horses diminishes with increasing presence of wildlife. Therefore, we conducted a long-term, filed observation between January 2015 and July 2022 on 13 non breeding riding horses, mares and geldings, kept permanently on two pastures within the range of wildlife and a stable wolf pack with annual offspring. Wildlife cameras at the fences of the pastures made 984 times recordings of wolves and 3151 times recordings of wildlife in and around the pastures. Between 1 January 2022 and 23 March 2022 we observed two stable horse groups. Pasture 1 was grazed by five horses of mixed breed, four mares and one gelding, with the median age of 8 years (min. = 6y, max. = 29y). Pasture 2 was grazed by eight heavy warmbloods and draught horses, three mares and five geldings, with the median age of 16 years (min. = 13y, max. = 22y). During this period no wolf was recorded at pasture 2, but wild boar several times, whereas at pasture 1, wolves were recorded 89 times, and for the wildlife mostly hare. Wolves may have avoided pasture 2 because of the presence of wild boar or because the large group of older, heavy breed horses may have formed a stable, protective group. The latter needs to be confirmed in a follow-up field observation, which records anti-predator behavior and welfare indicators in horses. In conclusion, wolves did not attack the mature horses on pastures with plenty of wildlife and the horses did not respond to the presence of wolves with visible signs of reduced welfare or panic. This indicates that wolves may prefer to prey on easily accessible wildlife around and at horse pastures and that Central European horses become accustom to the presence of non-hunting wolves.

1177. Blastulation time measured with time-lapse system can predict in vitro viability of bovine blastocysts.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Huayhua C, Rodríguez M, Vega J

The objective of this study was to evaluate the time of blastulation monitored by time-lapse technology to predict in vitro viability of bovine blastocysts. This technology can be a powerful tool for bovine embryos selection with higher implantation capacity and competence. Also, in humans an early blastulation is associated with higher quality and pregnancy rate. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured for 20 to 22 h and then fertilized by co-incubation of COCs and spermatozoa (10,000 sperm per oocyte) for 18 h. Presumptive zygotes were placed individually in microwells, in droplets of commercial culture medium. The Primo Vision TL system (EVO+; Vitrolife) captured digital images of developing embryos every 15 minutes. The time frame from IVF to the start of blastulation (tSB) and to blastocyst development (tB) was recorded. After day 7.5, the blastocysts were in vitro culture for 48 h until day 9.5 after IVF to evaluate post hatching development. In vitro viability was evaluated at day 9.5: those with a diameter greater than 200 μm and a total cell count greater than 180 were classified as viable (value 1), while the rest were classified as non in vitro viable (value 0). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was estimated to determine the predictive power of in vitro viability through blastulation time. In addition, binary logistic regression analysis was used to generate a mathematical model with morphokinetic variables that allow the best prediction of in vitro viability. In 13 sessions, the blastocyst production rate was 46.2% (96/208). The cut-off time to discriminate early or late blastulation was 149.8 h. The post-hatching development of the embryos with early blastulation was 63.3% (31/49), being statistically superior (p = 0.001) than the late blastulation group 14.9% (7/47). Likewise, the time of blastulation showed an accuracy of 90.8% (p < 0.001) in predicting in vitro viability of bovine blastocysts. In conclusion, the selection of blastocysts based on blastulation time (< 155 h) and blastocyst diameter measured on day 7.5 after IVF (> 180 μm) maximizes the in vitro viability.

1178. Molecular investigation of TSHR gene in Bangladeshi congenital hypothyroid patients.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Begum MN, Mahtarin R, Islam MT

1179. Risk factors for recurrent endometriosis after conservative surgery in a quaternary care center in southern Thailand.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Ngernprom P, Klangsin S, Suwanrath C

1180. China's value-added tax policy and intertemporal optimal assets allocation of enterprises--Based on the dual perspectives of VAT input refund and VAT rate.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Li J, Li Y, Liu Y.

The article sought to detect the impact of the value-added tax (VAT) policy on the enterprises' asset allocation from the dual perspectives of the VAT input refund and the VAT rate. Based on the influenced mechanism of the VAT input refund and the tax burden effect (and the price effect) caused by the VAT rate, enterprises' intertemporal optimal asset allocation models are constructed under the states of adopting the VAT input refund and maintaining the theoretical tax (non-)neutrality of VAT. When VAT rates of the general taxpayers are predicted to be reduced, we also use China's manufacturing and economic data to simulate specific cases to verify propositions under different states. The results show that: (1) When the VAT output tax rate decreases: if returns to scale are diminishing, enterprises will increase the number of productive material assets and labor and reduce financial assets. (2) When the VAT input tax rate reduces: under the state of adopting the VAT input refund and maintaining the theoretical tax (non-)neutrality of VAT, if returns to scale are decreasing, enterprises will reduce the number of productive material assets and labor and increase financial assets. Under the state of adopting the VAT input refund and maintaining the theoretical tax neutrality of VAT, if returns to scale are increasing and the expected rate of return of financial assets is lower than the additional tax rate, or the enterprise has diminishing returns to scale and the expected rate of return of financial assets is higher than the additional tax rate, enterprises will increase the number of productive material assets and labor. (3) When VAT output and input tax rates reduce simultaneously: under the state of adopting the VAT input refund and maintaining the theoretical tax neutrality of VAT, if returns to scale are increasing and the expected return rate of financial assets is higher than the additional tax rate, the enterprise will reduce the number of productive material assets and labor and increase financial assets. Under the diminishing returns to scale in China's national economy, the research conclusions endorse the rational necessity of the VAT policy change-VAT rate reduction to develop the entity economy and provide a reference for enterprises to make asset allocation decisions. The conclusions also provide possible changes in VAT policy for different countries according to their actual economic conditions.

1181. Assessment of the relationship between the level of patient knowledge on warfarin therapy and the quality of oral anticoagulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Praxedes MFDS, Silva JLPD, Cruz AJAD

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the level of patient knowledge on warfarin therapy and the quality of oral anticoagulation. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis written on the basis of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Searches at MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and LILACS electronic databases were carried out on February 13, 2023, using the descriptors "Patient Medication Knowledge", "Patient Education as Topic", "Health Education", "Patient Education" and Warfarin. The steps of selection, data extraction and quality analysis of articles were performed independently by two reviewers. The analysis was performed considering patient knowledge as a possible modifier of time in therapeutic range (TTR). The meta-analysis included studies that reported the correlation coefficient (Pearson or Spearman) between patient knowledge and TTR. A subgroup analysis was performed according to questionnaires employed to measure patient knowledge. Twelve studies were selected with an overall sample size of 7634 participants and mean age 58.2 (standard deviation (SD)±12,8) years. Eleven (92.0%) cross-sectional studies. The mean TTR was 57.8% (SD±11,3%) and the average level of knowledge was 60.4%. The meta-analysis indicated that patient level of knowledge on warfarin therapy was moderately associated with TTR (rs = 0.435; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.163-0.645; I2 = 96%). Subgroup analysis indicated association between knowledge level and TTR in studies employing the OAK test (rs = 0.617; 95% CI = 0.192-0.847; I2 = 97%) and the AKA (rs = 0.269; 95% CI = 0.002 to 0.501; I2 = 94%). However, the subgroup analysis presented no significant difference between them (p = 0.14). The meta-regression showed a non-significant negative effect of age on the correlation (estimate = -0.028, 95% CI = -0.073 to 0.016, p = 0.207). No publication bias was noted (p = 0.881). To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis gathering evidence about the relationship between the level of patient knowledge on oral anticoagulation with warfarin and TTR. The implementation of structured and patient-centered educational interventions is essential to effectively increase the level of patient knowledge and, thus, to improve the quality and safety of warfarin therapy. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42023398030.

1182. Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of antimicrobial prescription and its resistance among health care providers in the COVID-19 era: A cross sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Nemr N, Kishk RM, Elsaid NMAB

1183. Identification of monotonically expressed long non-coding RNA signatures for breast cancer using variational autoencoders.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Wang D, Gao L, Gao X

1184. Regular walking exercise prior to knee osteoarthritis reduces joint pain in an animal model.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Sakamoto J, Miyahara S, Motokawa S

1185. Bevacizumab-induced proteinuria and its association with antihypertensive drugs: A retrospective cohort study using a Japanese administrative database.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Kiyomi A, Koizumi F, Imai S

1186. Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among university undergraduates following Sri Lankan traditional dancing.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Chathurani G, Dassanayake YB, Fernando SN

1187. Does digital economy strengthen the income distribution effect of fiscal expenditure? Evidence from China.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Yan J, Tu X, Zheng J.

The exponential growth of China's digital economy has exerted a profound influence on economic advancement and income distribution. To effectively tackle income inequality, it is essential to incorporate the analysis of digital economy development within the framework of fiscal expenditure. This study utilizes a comprehensive panel dataset encompassing 276 cities in China during the period from 2011 to 2020. Employing the fixed-effect model and instrumental variable method, the research investigates the influence of fiscal expenditure on the income gap while investigating the moderating effect of the digital economy. The key findings of the study can be summarized as follows: (1) In general, fiscal expenditure demonstrates a propensity to reduce the income gap. (2) Different categories of fiscal expenditure exhibit distinct effects on the income gap. Social security and employment expenditures do not significantly alleviate the income gap. Conversely, education expenditures and health expenditures tend to exacerbate the income gap. On the other hand, expenditures in agriculture, forestry, and water resources, as well as urban and rural affairs, effectively narrow the income gap. (3) The development of the digital economy enhances the capacity of fiscal expenditure to adjust income distribution, showcasing non-linear effects. From a fiscal expenditure classification perspective, the digital economy primarily enhances the effectiveness of income distribution adjustment for expenditures in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, water resources, and others. Based on these findings, this study proposes a set of future measures aimed at facilitating China's efforts to reduce the income gap within the framework of the digital economy. These measures encompass expediting the integration of the digital economy with government governance and advocating for the widespread adoption of digital government affairs platforms. By implementing these measures, China can gain valuable insights into effectively addressing income inequality and promoting more equitable economic outcomes within the context of the digital economy.

1188. Knockdown resistance allele L1014F introduced by CRISPR/Cas9 is not associated with altered vector competence of Anopheles gambiae for o'nyong nyong virus.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Kay GA, Patterson EI, Hughes GL

1189. Dose estimates and their uncertainties for use in epidemiological studies of radiation-exposed populations in the Russian Southern Urals.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Shishkina EA, Napier BA, Preston DL

Many residents of the Russian Southern Urals were exposed to radioactive environmental pollution created by the operations of the Mayak Production Association in the mid- 20th century. There were two major releases: the discharge of about 1x1017 Bq of liquid waste into the Techa River between 1949 and 1959; and the atmospheric release of 7.4 * 1016 Bq as a result an explosion in the radioactive waste-storage facility in 1957. The releases into the Techa River resulted in the exposure of more than 30,000 people who lived in riverside villages between 1950 and 1961. The 1957 accident contaminated a larger area with the highest exposure levels in an area that is called the East Urals Radioactive Trace (EURT). Current epidemiologic studies of the exposed populations are based on dose estimates obtained using a Monte-Carlo dosimetry system (TRDS-2016MC) that provides multiple realizations of the annual doses for each cohort member. These dose realizations provide a central estimate of the individual dose and information on the uncertainty of these dose estimates. In addition, the correlation of individual annual doses over realizations provides important information on shared uncertainties that can be used to assess the impact of shared dose uncertainties on risk estimate uncertainty.This paper considers dose uncertainties in the TRDS-2016MC. Individual doses from external and internal radiation sources were reconstructed for 48,036 people based on environmental contamination patterns, residential histories, individual 90Sr body-burden measurements and dietary intakes. Dietary intake of 90Sr resulted in doses accumulated in active bone marrow (or simply, marrow) that were an order of magnitude greater than those in soft tissues. About 84% of the marrow dose and 50% of the stomach dose was associated with internal exposures. The lognormal distribution is well-fitted to the individual dose realizations, which, therefore, could be expressed and easily operated in terms of geometric mean (GM) and geometric standard deviation (GSD). Cohort average GM for marrow and stomach cumulative doses are 0.21 and 0.03 Gy, respectively. Cohort average dose uncertainties in terms of GSD are as follows: for marrow it is 2.93 (90%CI: 2.02-4.34); for stomach and the other non-calcified tissues it is 2.32 (90% CI: 1.78-2.9).

1190. Validity and reliability of an app-based medical device to empower individuals in evaluating their physical capacities.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Mazéas A, Blond M, Chalabaev A

BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength are valid markers of health and strong predictors of mortality and morbidity. The tests used to measure these variables require in-person visits with specialized equipment and trained personnel-leading to organizational constraints both for patients and hospitals, and making them difficult to implement at a large scale. In this context, technologies embedded in smartphones offer new opportunities to develop remote tests. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of MediEval, a newly developed app-based medical device that allows individuals to perform the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the 30-second sit-to-stand (30s-STS) test on their own using GPS signal and camera detection with a skeleton extraction algorithm. METHODS: A total of 53 healthy adults performed the two tests in three different sessions to determine the intra- and inter-day reproducibility. Test validity was assessed by comparing the results obtained from the app to gold standard measures. Pearson correlations and concordance correlation coefficients, the relative measurement error, intraclass correlation coefficients, the standard error of measure and the minimal detectable change were computed for each test.s. RESULTS: The results revealed high to excellent validity of the app in comparison to gold standards (ρ = 0.84 for the 6MWT and ρ = 0.99 for the 30s-STS test) with low relative measurement error. The mean differences between the app and the gold standard measures were 8.96m for the 6MWT and 0.28 repetition for the 30s-STS test. Both tests had good test-retest reliability (ICCs = 0.77). The minimal detectable changes were respectively 97.56 meters for the 6MWT and 7.37 repetitions for the 30s-STS test. CONCLUSION: The MediEval medical device proposes valid and reproducible measures of the 6MWT and the 30s-STS test. This device holds promise for monitoring the physical activity of large epidemiologic cohorts while refining patient experience and improving the scalability of the healthcare system. Considering minimal detectable change values, it may be important to ask participants to perform several tests and average them to improve accuracy. Future studies in clinical context are needed to evaluate the responsiveness and the smallest detectable changes of the device for specific populations with chronic diseases.

1191. The impact of mulberry leaf extract at three different levels on reducing the glycemic index of white bread.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Ding F, Wang Q, Xie C

1192. Development of a human peripheral blood ex vivo model for rapid protein biomarker detection and applications to radiation biodosimetry.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Nemzow L, Boehringer T, Bacon B

In the event of a widespread radiological incident, thousands of people may be exposed to a wide range of ionizing radiation. In this unfortunate scenario, there will be a need to quickly screen a large number of people to assess the amount of radiation exposure and triage for medical treatment. In our earlier work, we previously identified and validated a panel of radiosensitive protein biomarkers in blood leukocytes, using the humanized-mouse and non-human primate (NHP) models. The objective of this work was to develop a high-throughput imaging flow-cytometry (IFC) based assay for the rapid measurement of protein biomarker expression in human peripheral blood samples irradiated ex vivo. In this assay design, peripheral human blood samples from healthy adult donors were exposed to 0-5 Gy X-irradiation ex vivo and cultured for up to 2 days. Samples were stained with a cocktail of surface antigens (CD66b, CD20, and CD3), fixed and permeabilized, and intracellularly stained for BAX (Bcl-2-associated X) protein, used here as a representative biomarker. Samples were interrogated by IFC, and a uniform analysis template was created to measure biomarker expression in heterogeneous and specific leukocyte subtype populations at each time point. In this human blood ex vivo model, we show that within gated populations of leukocyte subtypes, B-cells are highly radiosensitive with the smallest surviving fraction, followed by T-cells and granulocytes. Dose-dependent biomarker responses were measured in the lymphocytes, B-, and T-cell populations, but not in the granulocytes, with dose-response curves showing increasing fold changes in BAX protein expression up to Day 2 in lymphocyte populations. We present here the successful use of this ex vivo model for the development of radiation dose-response curves of a candidate protein biomarker towards future applications of dose reconstruction and biodosimetry.

1193. A qualitative analysis examining intersectional stigma among young adults living with HIV in Atlanta, Georgia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Goldstein MH, Moore S, Mohamed M

HIV-related stigma is a barrier to engagement in care for young adults living with HIV. Other intersecting forms of stigma (e.g., racism, sexism, homophobia), may worsen HIV-related stigma and impact engagement in care. From November 2020 to February 2021, we conducted 20 in-depth qualitative interviews among young adults living with HIV attending a large, comprehensive HIV care center in Atlanta, Georgia. Semi-structured interview guides based on Earnshaw and Chaudoir's HIV Stigma Framework and the theory of intersectionality facilitated discussion around experiences with various forms of stigma and its possible influence on healthcare engagement. Using the social-ecological model, we used thematic analysis to contextualize how young adults living with HIV experienced intersectional stigma and enacted, anticipated, and internalized HIV stigma in both healthcare and non-healthcare settings. Most participants identified as male, Black/African American, and gay. Participants described stigma at intrapersonal, interpersonal, clinic, and community levels. Intrapersonal stigma was associated with delayed care seeking, isolation, and fear of disclosure. Interpersonal stigma included discrimination from family and friends and avoidance of close relationships to elude disclosure. At the clinic level, stigma included negative experiences with staff in HIV and non-HIV healthcare settings, which contributed to decreased engagement in care. Stigma in the community included differential treatment from employers, community leaders, and religious community and was associated with feelings of helplessness related to current societal inequalities. Coping/motivating mechanisms for stigma included prioritizing health, eliciting support from the medical care team and peers. Our findings show different intersecting stigmas are barriers to healthcare at multiple levels for young adults living with HIV, potentially exacerbating existing health and social disparities. To improve engagement in care among young adults living with HIV, future interventions should address the different mechanisms of stigma at community, clinic, interpersonal and intrapersonal levels by enhancing social support and improving healthcare structural competency.

1194. The lived experiences and caring needs of women diagnosed with cervical cancer: A qualitative study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Chona EZ, Msengi EA, Gosse RA

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer continues to be a major global public health concern affecting the lives of many women and resulting in financial burdens. In 2020, cervical cancer was the seventh most commonly diagnosed cancer among all cancers worldwide and Tanzania was ranked fourth among the countries with the highest incidence rates (59.1 new cases per 100,000 women) of cervical cancer. The lived experience and caring needs of patients and their families provide insights into the psychosocial aspects of healthcare among the affected population. However, there is inadequate information concerning the lived experiences of cervical cancer patients in Tanzania and Sub-Saharan Africa in general. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences and caring needs of cervical cancer patients at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was carried out among cervical cancer patients at ORCI in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Using a purposeful sampling technique, 12 cervical cancer patients were interviewed with the principles of saturation guiding sample size determination. A semi-structured face-to-face interview guide was employed to collect the information. A conventional content analysis approach was used to analyze data after translation with the aid of NVivo 12.0 computer software. RESULTS: Five themes emerged after data analysis: knowledge and attitude about cervical cancer, sufferings from a disease process, socio-economic disruptions, psychological problems, and sexual and reproductive concerns. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide insights into the life experiences and caring needs of cervical cancer patients and call for response from healthcare stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive and culturally consonant approaches in providing care to the affected population. More qualitative studies are required to ascertain the lived experiences of advanced cervical cancer patients and those of long-term cervical cancer survivors.

1195. miR34a-5p impedes CLOCK expression in chronodisruptive C57BL/6J mice and potentiates pro-atherogenic manifestations.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Vyas H, Vohra A, Upadhyay K

INTRODUCTION: Altered circadian rhythms underlie manifestation of several cardiovascular disorders, however a little is known about the mediating biomolecules. Multiple transcriptional-translational feedback loops control circadian-clockwork wherein; micro RNAs (miRNAs) are known to manifest post transcriptional regulation. This study assesses miR34a-5p as a mediating biomolecule. METHOD: 8-10-week-old male C57BL/6J mice (n = 6/group) were subjected to photoperiodic manipulation induced chronodisruption and thoracic aortae were examined for miRNA, gene (qPCR) and protein (Immunoblot) expression studies. Histomorphological changes were assessed for pro-atherogenic manifestations (fibrillar arrangement, collagen/elastin ratio, intima-media thickening). Computational studies for miRNA-mRNA target prediction were done using TargetScan and miRDB. Correlative in vitro studies were done in serum synchronized HUVEC cells. Time point based studies were done at five time points (ZT 0, 6, 12, 18, 24) in 24h. RESULTS: Chronodisruption induced hypomethylation in the promoter region of miR34a-5p, in the thoracic aortae, culminating in elevated miRNA titers. In a software-based detection of circadian-clock-associated targets of miR34a-5p, Clock and Sirt1 genes were identified. Moreover, miR34a-5p exhibited antagonist circadian oscillations to that of its target genes CLOCK and SIRT1 in endothelial cells. Luciferase reporter gene assay further showed that miR34a-5p interacts with the 3'UTR of the Clock gene to lower its expression, disturbing the operation of positive arm of circadian clock system. Elevated miR34a-5p and impeded SIRT1 expression in a chronodisruptive aortae exhibited pro-atherogenic changes observed in form of gene expression, increased collagen/elastin ratio, fibrillar derangement and intimal-media thickening. CONCLUSION: The study reports for the first time chronodisruption mediated miR34a-5p elevation, its circadian expression and interaction with the 3'UTR of Clock gene to impede its expression. Moreover, elevated miR34a-5p and lowered SIRT1 expression in the chronodisruptive aortae lead off cause-consequence relationship of chronodisruption mediated proatherogenic changes.

1196. A remanufacturing supply chain network with differentiated new and remanufactured products considering consumer preference, production capacity constraint and government regulation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Zhang X, Zhou G, Cao J

Remanufacturing is a sustainable product reutilization strategy to realize responsible consumption and production. However, remanufacturing practice can be subject to deficient consumer perception, production capacity constraint, uncertain demand and government intervention. This paper considers outsourced remanufacturing mode to establish and investigate a remanufacturing supply chain (RSC) network consisting of multiple manufacturers, retailers and remanufacturers. Optimality conditions with RSC network members are derived utilizing variation inequality. Numerical examples based on data accumulated from a remanufacturing enterprise and questionnaire survey on consumer perception for remanufactured products, are presented to put the proposed model into practice. Influences of product heterogeneity (new and remanufactured products), consumer preference, production capacity constraint, product price competitiveness, market demand fluctuation, and government financial measures on RSC network production and pricing strategies are investigated through numerical analyses. Analytical results indicate that pricing for the remanufactured product would be equivalent to that of the new product when consumers value the remanufactured product at a relatively high level, however an excessive penchant for the remanufactured product is less profitable especially from the perspective of the remanufacturer. In general, an upper-middle level of consumer preference for the remanufactured product is the most favourable scenario. When remanufacturing industry is just emerging, a high tax will be imposed on the manufacturer to accumulate remanufacturing subsidy for the government to achieve its balanced budget. As the remanufacturing industry develops and consumer environmental awareness enhances, it is especially essential for the government to establish a levy-subsidy mechanism to maintain sustainable progress of the industry. Combining main conclusions with the background of Chinese remanufacturing industry, managerial implications are provided from respective perspectives of enterprises' remanufacturing operation, government financial regulation, and consumer awareness enhancement. The analyses and results are especially relevant as a reference for remanufacturing decision-makings as well as government financial regulations, thus enhancing production sustainability as well as environmental benefits.

1197. The effects of assessing character strengths vs. psychopathology on mood, hope, perceived stigma and cognitive performance in individuals with psychosis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Randhawa A, Kühn S, Schöttle D

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the present study was to investigate whether assessments of psychopathology vs. character strengths were associated with systematic differences concerning transient psychological states (i.e., cognitive performance, state mood, optimism, therapy motivation, perceived stigma) in individuals with psychotic disorders. An additional goal was to evaluate the acceptance and appraisal of a subsequent online character-strength intervention, consisting of top-two strengths feedback, and to explore associations between character strengths and psychotic symptoms. The study thus aimed to contribute to the discussion on the extension of current treatment approaches for schizophrenia through positive psychological interventions. METHODS: The study was implemented online applying a randomized within-subject cross-over design in N = 39 patients with self-reported psychosis. After a baseline assessment, briefly capturing psychological states (including cognition: TMT A/B, positive and negative affect, motivation for change/ therapy, optimism, and self-stigma) participants were randomly assigned to a first questionnaire block, which addressed either individual character strengths (VIA-IS) or psychopathology (CAPE & BSI). This was followed by a second, brief assessment of transient psychological states, whereafter the second questionnaire block was conducted, this time with the respective opposite (strengths or psychopathology) assessment. A final psychological states assessment was conducted. Afterwards, participants received feedback on their top-two strengths and a brief psycho-education, followed by a qualitative assessment. RESULTS: Contrary to expectations, there were no differences between the psychological states after the pathology vs. character strengths assessment blocks. Character strengths mainly correlated negatively with negative symptoms, with medium to large effect sizes. Participants were generally satisfied with the intervention and rated a focus on personal strengths in psychotherapy as highly important. CONCLUSION: Our main hypothesis stating that the assessment of character strengths (vs. psychopathology) is associated with differences in subsequent psychological states could not be confirmed. Qualitative findings indicate that the emphasis on individual character strengths interventions is well accepted and viewed as important. The associations of character strengths with negative symptoms are important from the background of the cognitive model or defeatist beliefs (e.g., amotivation due to perceiving the self as 'incapable'), which could be addressed in experimental or intervention studies targeting character strengths.

1198. Test-retest reliability and sensitivity of senior elite amateur boxers maximal punch force, as quantified by a vertically mounted force plate.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Finlay MJ, Page RM, Greig M

1199. Estimating the uncertain effect of the COVID pandemic on drug overdoses.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Moghtaderi A, Zocchi MS, Pines JM

OBJECTIVE: U.S. drug-related overdose deaths and Emergency Department (ED) visits rose in 2020 and again in 2021. Many academic studies and the news media attributed this rise primarily to increased drug use resulting from the societal disruptions related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. A competing explanation is that higher overdose deaths and ED visits may have reflected a continuation of pre-pandemic trends in synthetic-opioid deaths, which began to rise in mid-2019. We assess the evidence on whether increases in overdose deaths and ED visits are likely to be related primarily to the COVID-19 pandemic, increased synthetic-opioid use, or some of both. METHODS: We use national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on rolling 12-month drug-related deaths (2015-2021); CDC data on monthly ED visits (2019-September 2020) for EDs in 42 states; and ED visit data for 181 EDs in 24 states staffed by a national ED physician staffing group (January 2016-June 2022). We study drug overdose deaths per 100,000 persons during the pandemic period, and ED visits for drug overdoses, in both cases compared to predicted levels based on pre-pandemic trends. RESULTS: Mortality. National overdose mortality increased from 21/100,000 in 2019 to 26/100,000 in 2020 and 30/100,000 in 2021. The rise in mortality began in mid-to-late half of 2019, and the 2020 increase is well-predicted by models that extrapolate pre-pandemic trends for rolling 12-month mortality to the pandemic period. Placebo analyses (which assume the pandemic started earlier or later than March 2020) do not provide evidence for a change in trend in or soon after March 2020. State-level analyses of actual mortality, relative to mortality predicted based on pre-pandemic trends, show no consistent pattern. The state-level results support state heterogeneity in overdose mortality trends, and do not support the pandemic being a major driver of overdose mortality. ED visits. ED overdose visits rose during our sample period, reflecting a worsening opioid epidemic, but rose at similar rates during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. CONCLUSION: The reasons for rising overdose mortality in 2020 and 2021 cannot be definitely determined. We lack a control group and thus cannot assess causation. However, the observed increases can be largely explained by a continuation of pre-pandemic trends toward rising synthetic-opioid deaths, principally fentanyl, that began in mid-to-late 2019. We do not find evidence supporting the pandemic as a major driver of rising mortality. Policymakers need to directly address the synthetic opioid epidemic, and not expect a respite as the pandemic recedes.

1200. Time separating spatial memories does not influence their integration in humans.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Fang X, Alsbury-Nealy B, Wang Y

1201. The prevalence of hypertension and hypertension control among married Namibian couples.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Weare AR, Feng Z, McGrath N.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that having a marital partner with hypertension is associated with an individual's increased risk of hypertension, however this has not been investigated in sub-Saharan Africa despite hypertension being a common condition; the age-standardised prevalence of hypertension was 46.0% in 2013 in Namibia. OBJECTIVE: To explore whether there is spousal concordance for hypertension and hypertension control in Namibia. METHODS: Couples data from the 2013 Namibia Demographic and Health Survey were analysed. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the odds of individual's hypertension based on their partner's hypertension status, 492 couples. and the odds of hypertension control in individuals based on their partner's hypertension control (121 couples), where both members had hypertension. Separate models were built for female and male outcomes for both research questions to allow independent consideration of risk factors to be analysed for female and males. RESULTS: The unadjusted odds ratio of 1.57 (CI 1.10-2.24) for hypertension among individuals (both sexes) whose partner had hypertension compared to those whose partner did not have hypertension, was attenuated to aOR 1.35 (CI 0.91-2.00) for females (after adjustment for age, BMI, diabetes, residence, individual and partner education) and aOR 1.42 (CI 0.98-2.07) for males (after adjustment for age and BMI). Females and males were significantly more likely to be in control of their hypertension if their partner also had controlled hypertension, aOR 3.69 (CI 1.23-11.12) and aOR 3.00 (CI 1.07-8.36) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Having a partner with hypertension was positively associated with having hypertension among married Namibian adults, although not statistically significant after adjustment. Partner's hypertension control was significantly associated with individual hypertension control. Couples-focused interventions, such as routine partner screening of hypertensive individuals, could be developed in Namibia.

1202. Multisectoral actions in primary health care: A realist synthesis of scoping review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Khatri RB, Erku D, Endalamaw A

BACKGROUND: Multisectoral actions (MSAs) on health are key to implementation of primary health care (PHC) and achieving the targets of the Sustainable Development Goal 3. However, there is limited understanding and interpretation of how MSAs on health articulate and mediate health outcomes. This realist review explored how MSAs influence on implementing PHC towards universal health coverage (UHC) in the context of multilevel health systems. METHODS: We reviewed published evidence that reported the MSAs, PHC and UHC. The keywords used in the search strategy were built on these three key concepts. We employed Pawson and Tilley's realist review approach to synthesize data following Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards publication standards for realist synthesis. We explained findings using a multilevel lens: MSAs at the strategic level (macro-level), coordination and partnerships at the operational level (meso-level) and MSAs employing to modify behaviours and provide services at the local level (micro-level). RESULTS: A total of 40 studies were included in the final review. The analysis identified six themes of MSAs contributing to the implementation of PHC towards UHC. At the macro-level, themes included influence on the policy rules and regulations for governance, and health in all policies for collaborative decision makings. The meso-level themes were spillover effects of the non-health sector, and the role of community health organizations on health. Finally, the micro-level themes were community engagement for health services/activities of health promotion and addressing individuals' social determinants of health. CONCLUSION: Multisectoral actions enable policy and actions of other sectors in health involving multiple stakeholders and processes. Multisectoral actions at the macro-level provide strategic policy directions; and operationalise non-health sector policies to mitigate their spillover effects on health at the meso-level. At micro-level, MSAs support service provision and utilisation, and lifestyle and behaviour modification of people leading to equity and universality of health outcomes. Proper functional institutional mechanisms are warranted at all levels of health systems to implement MSAs on health.

1203. Influence of psychological capital on core competency for new nurses.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Wang J, Chen J, Zheng L

1204. The effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy on inferior alveolar nerve injury: A systematic review and META-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Ma Y, Yang M, Chen X

1205. Even minimal student-instructor interactions may increase enjoyment in the classroom: Preliminary evidence that greeting your students may have benefits even if you can't remember their names.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Sandstrom GM.

1206. Associations between clinical and social factors and anticoagulant prescription among patients with atrial fibrillation: A retrospective cohort study from a large healthcare system.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Khatib R, Glowacki N, Colavecchia C

1207. Evaluating variations in metabolic profiles during the dry period related to the time of hyperketonemia onset in dairy cows.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Rodriguez Z, Picasso-Risso C, Gaire TN

Hyperketonemia (HYK) in early lactation can have a different impact on health and productivity depending on the timing of HYK onset. While specific metabolites measured during the dry period may serve as biomarkers of HYK, the correlations between metabolites represent a challenge for the use of metabolic profiles dataset, and little has been explored on HYK. This exploratory cohort study aimed a) to characterize the correlations among metabolites measured during the late dry period in dairy cows, and b) to identify biomarkers in the late dry period associated with the onset of HYK at the first (wk1) and second (wk2) week of lactation. Individual blood samples from 440 Holstein dairy cows were collected at 21 ± 3 days before expected parturition. From each sample, 36 different metabolites were measured in serum and plasma. Hyperketonemia was diagnosed in wk1 and wk2 of lactation based on the blood concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB > 1.2 mmol/L). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to reduce metabolites to a smaller number of uncorrelated components. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to assess the associations between principal components (PC) and HYK at wk1 only (HYK+ wk1), wk2 only (HYK+ wk2), or both weeks (HYK+ wk1-2). The incidence of HYK was 16.2% in the first week, 13.0% in the second week, and 21.2% within the first two weeks of lactation. The results of PCA highlighted 10 PCs from which two were associated with HYK+ wk1 as compared with cows without HYK during the first two weeks of lactation (non-HYK); the PC a2 led by bilirubin and non-esterified fatty acids (OR = 1.29; 95%CI: 1.02-1.68), and the PC a5 led by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (OR = 2.77; 95%CI: 1.61-4.97). There was no evidence of an association between any PC and HYK+ wk2 (vs. non-HYK cows). Cows with elevated PC a5 (led by ALP and GGT) in the dry period were 3.18 times more likely to be HYK+ wk1 than HYK+ wk2 (OR: 3.18, 95%CI: 1.34-8.73; P = 0.013). Overall, the main hypothesis generated by our exploratory study suggests that cows with biomarkers of liver dysfunction (ALP, GGT, bilirubin) assessed by PCA at 3 weeks before calving are more likely to develop HYK during the first week of lactation compared to the second week. In addition, results suggest that cows with HYK in both of the first two weeks of lactation had an overall metabolic disbalance during the onset of the late dry period, which based on PCs, encompass biomarkers related to glucogenic and ketogenic metabolic pathways as well as liver dysfunction and fatty liver. Further research is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms associated with the different adaptations between cows that develop HYK during the first and second week of lactation.

1208. Traditional medicine consumption in postpartum for HBV-infected women enrolled in the ANRS 12345 TA PROHM study in Cambodia.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Moeung S, Chassagne F, Goyet S

In Cambodia, traditional medicine was commonly described as being used by pregnant women at two time points: one month before birth and during early postpartum. The present study aims to describe traditional medicine consumption during postpartum phase for women enrolled in the TA PROHM study and to investigate the possible association between traditional medicine consumption and acute liver toxicity. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 2 groups of HBV-infected pregnant women (with and without postpartum hepatocellular injury) enrolled in the study. Hepatocellular injury was defined by having Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) > 2.5 times the Upper Limit of Normal (ULN = 40 U/L) at the 6th week postpartum visit. Interviews were done using a standardized questionnaire. Plant samples were collected and later identified by two traditional healers. Chi-square test was used to find the association between hepatocellular injury and traditional medicine consumption or a specific plant species. In total, 75 women were enrolled and 52 (69.3%) used at least one traditional remedy composed of 123 different plants and 12 alcoholic macerations of porcupine stomach. Orally consuming at least one remedy with alcohol was significantly associated with hepatocellular injury (33% vs 13%, p = 0.034). Among the 123 plants species identified, four were found to be associated with hepatocellular injury, namely Amphineurion marginatum (Roxb.) D.J.Middleton [Apocynaceae] (p = 0.022), Selaginella tamariscina (P.Beauv.) Spring [Selaginellaceae] (p = 0.048), Mitragyna speciosa Korth. [Rubiaceae] (p = 0.099) and Tetracera indica (Christm. & Panz.) Merr. [Dilleniaceae] (p = 0.079). Consumption of traditional medicine in postpartum is a common practice for women enrolled in the TA PROHM study. Alcohol-based remedies may exacerbate the risk of acute hepatocellular injury in HBV-infected women already exposed to immune restoration. The complex mixtures of herbs need to be further evaluated by in vitro and in vivo studies.

1209. ICU stays that are judged to be non-beneficial: A qualitative study of the perception of nursing staff.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Mathey L, Jacquier M, Meunier-Beillard N

INTRODUCTION: Non-beneficial stays in the intensive care unit (ICU) may have repercussions for patients and their families, but can also cause suffering among the nursing staff. We aimed explore the perceptions of nursing staff in the ICU about patient stays that are deemed to be "non-beneficial" for the patient, to identify areas amenable to intervention, with a view to improving how the nursing staff perceive the patient pathway before, during and after intensive care. METHODS: Multicentre, qualitative study using individual, semi-structured interviews. All qualified nurses and nurses' aides who were full-time employees in the ICU of three participating centres were invited to participate. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using textual content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 21 interviews were performed from February 2020 to October 2021, at which point saturation was reached in the data. Average age of participants was 38.5±7.5 years, and they had an average of 10.7±7.4 years of experience working in the ICU. Four major themes emerged from the interviews, namely: (1) the work is oriented towards life-threatening emergencies, technical procedures and burdensome care; (2) a range of specific criteria and circumstances influence the decisions to admit patients to ICU; (3) there are significant organisational, physical and psychological repercussions associated with a non-beneficial stay in the ICU; (4) respondents made some proposals for improvements to the patient care pathway. CONCLUSION: Nursing staff have a similar perception to physicians regarding admission decisions and non-beneficial ICU stays. The possibility of future ICU admission needs to be anticipated, discussed systematically with patients and integrated into healthcare goals that are consistent with the patient's wishes and preferences, in multi-professional collaboration including nursing and medical staff.

1210. Staphylococcus aureus isolates from children with clinically differentiated osteomyelitis exhibit distinct transcriptomic signatures.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Hachem AA, Filkins LM, Kidane YH

There is substantial genomic heterogeneity among Staphylococcus aureus isolates of children with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) but transcriptional behavior of clinically differentiated strains has not been previously described. This study evaluates transcriptional activity of S. aureus isolates of children with AHO that may regulate metabolism, biosynthesis, or virulence during bacterial growth and pathogenesis. In vitro growth kinetics were compared between three S. aureus clinical isolates from children with AHO who had mild, moderate, and severe illness. Total RNA sequencing was performed for each isolate at six separate time points throughout the logarithmic phase of growth. The NASA RNA-Sequencing Consensus Pipeline was used to identify differentially expressed genes allowing for 54 comparisons between the three isolates during growth. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment pathways were used to evaluate transcriptional variation in metabolism, biosynthesis pathways and virulence potential of the isolates. The S. aureus isolates demonstrated differing growth kinetics under standardized conditions with the mild isolate having higher optical densities with earlier and higher peak rates of growth than that of the other isolates (p<0.001). Enrichment pathway analysis established distinct transcriptional signatures according to both sampling time and clinical severity. Moderate and severe isolates demonstrated pathways of bacterial invasion, S. aureus infection, quorum sensing and two component systems. In comparison, the mild strain favored biosynthesis and metabolism. These findings suggest that transcriptional regulation during the growth of S. aureus may impact the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the progression of severity of illness in childhood osteomyelitis. The clinical isolates studied demonstrated a tradeoff between growth and virulence. Further investigation is needed to evaluate these transcriptional pathways in an animal model or during active clinical infections of children with AHO.

1211. Ligneous amendments increase soil organic carbon content in fine-textured boreal soils and modulate N2O emissions.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Peltokangas K, Kalu S, Huusko K

Organic soil amendments are used to improve soil quality and mitigate climate change. However, their effects on soil structure, nutrient and water retention as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the residual effects of a single field application of four ligneous soil amendments on soil structure and GHG emissions. We conducted a laboratory incubation experiment using soil samples collected from an ongoing soil-amendment field experiment at Qvidja Farm in south-west Finland, two years after a single application of four ligneous biomasses. Specifically, two biochars (willow and spruce) produced via slow pyrolysis, and two mixed pulp sludges from paper industry side-streams were applied at a rate of 9-22 Mg ha-1 mixed in the top 0.1 m soil layer. An unamended fertilized soil was used as a control. The laboratory incubation lasted for 33 days, during which the samples were kept at room temperature (21°C) and at 20%, 40%, 70% or 100% water holding capacity. Carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) fluxes were measured periodically after 1, 5, 12, 20 and 33 days of incubation. The application of ligneous soil amendments increased the pH of the sampled soils by 0.4-0.8 units, whereas the effects on soil organic carbon content and soil structure varied between treatments. The GHG exchange was dominated by CO2 emissions, which were mainly unaffected by the soil amendment treatments. The contribution of soil CH4 exchange was negligible (nearly no emissions) compared to soil CO2 and N2O emissions. The soil N2O emissions exhibited a positive exponential relationship with soil moisture. Overall, the soil amendments reduced N2O emissions on average by 13%, 64%, 28%, and 37%, at the four soil moisture levels, respectively. Furthermore, the variation in N2O emissions between the amendments correlated positively with their liming effect. More specifically, the potential for the pulp sludge treatments to modulate N2O emissions was evident only in response to high water contents. This tendency to modulate N2O emissions was attributed to their capacity to increase soil pH and influence soil processes by persisting in the soil long after their application.

1212. A data-driven Markov process for infectious disease transmission.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Wang C, Mustafa S.

1213. Outcomes of neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid pre and post 2015 NRP guideline implementation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Saint-Fleur AL, Alcalá HE, Sridhar S.

1214. Improving physician documentation for malnutrition: A sustainable quality improvement initiative.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Levy BE, Castle JT, Wilt WS

1215. Efficacy of novel SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests in the era of omicron outbreak.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Widyasari K, Kim S.

1216. Comparison of the results of stop-start technique with stop-start technique and sphincter control training applied in premature ejaculation treatment.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Doğan K, Keçe C.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the results of stop-start technique with stop-start technique together with sphincter control training applied in the treatment of premature ejaculation. METHODS: This research was conducted as a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental study. The sample of the study consisted of 80 men. The study was conducted on men who applied to the urology outpatient clinic of LIV Hospital, a prıvate hospital, in Gaziantep, Turkey, between 01 October 2021 and 01 March 2022. "Personal Information Form", "Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time (IELT)", "Fold Increase Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time (F-IELT)" "Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) Questionnaire" and "Arabic Index Premature Ejaculation (AIPE)" were used as the data collection tools. Behavioral therapy, consisting of a total of 6 sessions, was applied once every two weeks, with each session lasting for 45 minutes. After 3rd and 6th months from the beginning of the application, the data collection tools were applied again. "Stop-Start Technique (Group A)" and "Stop-Start Technique and Sphincter Control Training (Group B)" were used in the treatment. RESULTS: In both groups, the IELT and AIPE values after 3rd and 6th months from the beginning of the application were statistically higher than those obtained before (p<0.05). IELT and AIPE values increased more in Group B than Group A (p<0.05). F-IELT values after 6th months from the beginning of the application were found to be statistically significant with a low level of effect size than those obtained before (p<0.05, Cohen's d = 0.027). In both groups, the PEDT values in the 3rd and 6th months after the application were statistically lower than those seen before (p<0.05). PEDT value decreased more in Group B than Group A (p<0.05). The differences between the two groups' IELT (Cohen's d = 0.011), AIPE (Cohen's d = 0.044), and PEDT (Cohen's d = 0.066) values in the 3rd month after the application and IELT (Cohen's d = 0.025), AIPE (Cohen's d = 0.048), and PEDT (Cohen's d = 0.024) values in the 6th month after the application were found to be clinically weak. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that the stop-start technique given to men with premature ejaculation increased the time spent in the vagina and eliminated the problem of premature ejaculation. It was determined that the stop-start technique in combination with sphincter control training were more effective than the stop-start technique alone.

1217. MedTric : A clinically applicable metric for evaluation of multi-label computational diagnostic systems.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Saha S, Garain U, Ukil A

1218. IMU-based classification of resistive exercises for real-time training monitoring on board the international space station with potential telemedicine spin-off.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Ravizza M, Giani L, Sheiban FJ

1219. Wearable-based assessment of anticipatory postural adjustments during step initiation in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Oliveira LKR, Marques AP, Igarashi Y

1220. Multidimensional performance assessment, government competition and ecological welfare performance.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Li S, Lv Y, Fan T

1221. Design of multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Brucella type IV secretion system (T4SS).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Yin Z, Li M, Niu C

1222. Agonistic antibacterial potential of Loigolactobacillus coryniformis BCH-4 metabolites against selected human pathogenic bacteria: An in vitro and in silico approach.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Tariq A, Salman M, Mustafa G

1223. Public health concerns for food contamination in Ghana: A scoping review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Botha NN, Ansah EW, Segbedzi CE

1224. Analysis of the key influencing factors of China's cross-border e-commerce ecosystem based on the DEMATEL-ISM method.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Xi X, Wei M, Teo BS.

1225. Teaching nature of science in introductory biology: Impacts on students' acceptance of biological evolution.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Sloane JD, Wheeler LB, Manson JS.

1226. Socio-demographic determinants of Monkeypox virus preventive behavior: A cross-sectional study in Pakistan.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Jamil H, Idrees M, Idrees K

1227. Potential facilitators and inhibitors to the implementation and sustainability of the community-based tuberculosis care interventions. A case study from Moshupa, Botswana.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Sejie GA, Mahomed OH.

BACKGROUND: Eliminating Tuberculosis is one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal Three. Decentralizing TB care beyond health facilities by leveraging community involvement is crucial for safeguarding effective tuberculosis care. In this study, we explored potential facilitators and inhibitors of the implementation and sustainability of community-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of TB in the Moshupa district, Botswana. METHODS: This study adopted a qualitative approach using a collective case design. An interpretive paradigm based on relativist ontology and subjectivist epistemology along with abductive research logic was used. The study enrolled treatment supporters of tuberculosis patients diagnosed with drug-susceptible tuberculosis between January 2019 and December 2019 in Moshupa Village for semi-structured interviews, Health care professionals for in-depth interviews, and e community leaders for focus group discussions. Clinic-based observations in Mma-Seetsele clinic were also conducted to corroborate the participants' views. The data collected was analyzed using the NVivo version 12 software package, and statements of the participants were presented as quotes to substantiate the issues discussed. RESULTS: This study highlighted effective partnerships between health services and external stakeholders, community empowerment, and the availability of policies and standard operating procedures as facilitators of community TB implementation and sustainability. However, Insufficient funding, low service provider training, policies not embracing age and educational eligibility for treatment supporters, shortage of equipment, medicines, and supplies, inadequate transport availability and incentives to meet clients' basic needs, paper-based systems, inadequate supervision, incomplete data reporting, and low service quality affected the Community TB program efficacy and sustainability in Moshupa. We also found that there was low service provider motivation and retention and that clients had low trust in treatment supporters. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study imply that the operational effectiveness of the community TB care approach to disease elimination is compromised; therefore, initiatives addressing the key components, including the availability of resources, governance arrangements and supportive systems for community health workers, are required for successful community TB implementation and sustainability.

1228. How do perceptions of Covid-19 risk impact pregnancy-related health decisions? A convergent parallel mixed-methods study protocol.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Vanstone M, Correia RH, Howard M

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant people have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease. They have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 infection control policies, which exacerbated conditions resulting in intimate partner violence, healthcare access, and mental health distress. This project examines the impact of accumulated individual health decisions and describes how perinatal care and health outcomes changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES: Quantitative strand: Describe differences between 2019, 2021, and 2022 birth groups related to maternal vaccination, perinatal care, and mental health care. Examine the differential impacts on racialized and low-income pregnant people.Qualitative strand: Understand how pregnant people's perceptions of COVID-19 risk influenced their decision-making about vaccination, perinatal care, social support, and mental health. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a Canadian convergent parallel mixed-methods study. The quantitative strand uses a retrospective cohort design to assess birth group differences in rates of Tdap and COVID-19 vaccination, gestational diabetes screening, length of post-partum hospital stay, and onset of depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder, using administrative data from ICES, formerly the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (Ontario) and PopulationData BC (PopData) (British Columbia). Differences by socioeconomic and ethnocultural status will also be examined. The qualitative strand employs qualitative description to interview people who gave birth between May 2020- December 2021 about their COVID-19 risk perception and health decision-making process. Data integration will occur during design and interpretation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study received ethical approval from McMaster University and the University of British Columbia. Findings will be disseminated via manuscripts, presentations, and patient-facing infographics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov registration number: NCT05663762.

1229. Development of a graphical user interface for automatic separation of human voice from Doppler ultrasound audio in diving experiments.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Azarang A, Blogg SL, Currens J

Doppler ultrasound (DU) is used in decompression research to detect venous gas emboli in the precordium or subclavian vein, as a marker of decompression stress. This is of relevance to scuba divers, compressed air workers and astronauts to prevent decompression sickness (DCS) that can be caused by these bubbles upon or after a sudden reduction in ambient pressure. Doppler ultrasound data is graded by expert raters on the Kisman-Masurel or Spencer scales that are associated to DCS risk. Meta-analyses, as well as efforts to computer-automate DU grading, both necessitate access to large databases of well-curated and graded data. Leveraging previously collected data is especially important due to the difficulty of repeating large-scale extreme military pressure exposures that were conducted in the 70-90s in austere environments. Historically, DU data (Non-speech) were often captured on cassettes in one-channel audio with superimposed human speech describing the experiment (Speech). Digitizing and separating these audio files is currently a lengthy, manual task. In this paper, we develop a graphical user interface (GUI) to perform automatic speech recognition and aid in Non-speech and Speech separation. This constitutes the first study incorporating speech processing technology in the field of diving research. If successful, it has the potential to significantly accelerate the reuse of previously-acquired datasets. The recognition task incorporates the Google speech recognizer to detect the presence of human voice activity together with corresponding timestamps. The detected human speech is then separated from the audio Doppler ultrasound within the developed GUI. Several experiments were conducted on recently digitized audio Doppler recordings to corroborate the effectiveness of the developed GUI in recognition and separations tasks, and these are compared to manual labels for Speech timestamps. The following metrics are used to evaluate performance: the average absolute differences between the reference and detected Speech starting points, as well as the percentage of detected Speech over the total duration of the reference Speech. Results have shown the efficacy of the developed GUI in Speech/Non-speech component separation.

1230. A new cost-utility analysis assessing risk factor-guided prophylaxis with palivizumab for the prevention of severe respiratory syncytial virus infection in Italian infants born at 29-35 weeks' gestational age.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Keary IP, Ravasio R, Fullarton JR

Since the last Italian cost-utility assessment of palivizumab in 2009, new data on the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and an International Risk Scoring Tool (IRST) have become available. The objective of this study was to provide an up-to-date cost-utility assessment of palivizumab versus no prophylaxis for the prevention of severe RSV infection in otherwise healthy Italian infants born at 29-31 weeks' gestational age (wGA) infants and those 32-35wGA infants categorized as either moderate- or high-risk of RSV-hospitalization (RSVH) by the IRST. A decision tree was constructed in which infants received palivizumab or no prophylaxis and then could experience: i) RSVH; ii) emergency room medically-attended RSV-infection (MARI); or, iii) remain uninfected/non-medically attended. RSVH cases that required intensive care unit admission could die (0.43%). Respiratory morbidity was considered in all surviving infants up to 18 years of age. Hospitalization rates were derived from Italian data combined with efficacy from the IMpact-RSV trial. Palivizumab costs were calculated from vial prices (50mg: €490.37 100mg: €814.34) and Italian birth statistics combined with a growth algorithm. A lifetime horizon and healthcare and societal costs were included. The incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) was €14814 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained in the whole population (mean: €15430; probability of ICUR being <€40000: 0.90). The equivalent ICURs were €15139 per QALY gained (€15915; 0.89) for 29-31wGA infants and €14719 per QALY gained (€15230; 0.89) for 32-35wGA infants. The model was most sensitive to rates of long-term sequelae, utility scores, palivizumab cost, and palivizumab efficacy. Palivizumab remained cost-effective in all scenario analyses, including a scenario wherein RSVH infants received palivizumab without a reduction in long-term sequelae and experienced a 6-year duration of respiratory morbidity (ICUR: €27948 per QALY gained). In conclusion, palivizumab remains cost-effective versus no prophylaxis in otherwise healthy Italian preterm infants born 29-35wGA. The IRST can help guide cost-effective use of palivizumab in 32-35wGA infants.

1231. Role demands and turnover intention among Covid-19 frontline nurses: The mediating and moderating roles of compassion fatigue and spiritual leadership.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Kachie ADT, Zhou L, Quansah PE

1232. Epigenetic regulation in colorectal cancer: The susceptibility of microRNAs 145, 143 and 133b to DNA demethylation and histone deacetylase inhibitors.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Omar A, Govan D, Penny C.

1233. Study of the parent-of-origin effect in monogenic diseases with variable age of onset. Application on ATTRv.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Alarcon F, Planté-Bordeneuve V, Nuel G.

1234. Variation in Volatile Organic Compounds in native, synanthropic accessions and cultivars of the musk strawberry (Fragaria moschata Duchesne ex Weston).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Ritz CM, Ulrich D, Buschmann S

1235. How does the digital economy affect the development of the green economy? Evidence from Chinese cities.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Liao W.

1236. A new systematic collection and classification of odour words by using a product review dataset.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Zushi N, Takeuchi G, Ogawa M

1237. Self-harm in 5-to-24 year olds: Retrospective examination of hospital presentations to emergency departments in New South Wales, Australia, 2012 to 2020.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Torok M, Burnett ACR, McGillivray L

1238. Increasing early infant male circumcision uptake in Zambia: Like father like son.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Weiss SM, Rodriguez VJ, Cook RR

Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) is an effective strategy for HIV prevention in areas with high prevalence of, and risk for, HIV. More than 361,000 male neonates are born each year in Zambia, many of whom could be eligible for Early-Infant Medical Circumcision (EIMC). Building on successful implementation strategies utilized in our Spear & Shield program, this pilot study, "Like Father, Like Son" (LFLS), evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of offering combined EIMC and VMMC services and couple-level behavioral interventions. A total of N = 702 pregnant women and their male partners (n = 351 couples) were recruited and enrolled. Couples were assessed twice pre-birth, 2 weeks post birth, and 6 months post birth. Expectant mothers were an average of 15.05 weeks pregnant (SD = 8.83). Thirty-nine pregnancies did not result in a live birth (11%), 14 couples withdrew from the study or were lost to follow-up prior to delivery (4%), and 148 babies were born female (42%), leaving 150 couples with a male infant in the analytic sample (43%). The LFLS study achieved significantly higher EIMC rates (35%) in comparison with previously observed EIMC study rates in Zambia (11%), and significantly higher than hypothetical comparison rates up to 30%. Relative to baseline rates, odds of VMMC among couples' older sons increased by 31% at post-intervention and by 90% at two-weeks following birth. Overall, this pilot study found the LFLS intervention to be feasible, acceptable, and effective in doubling the rate of EIMC in comparison with a previous longitudinal study in Zambia. Future research should consider a family-centric approach to promotion of male circumcision for infants and adolescents. LFLS may be effective in promoting father-son "bonding" by MC status; a bond that may be a bridge to increase both EIMC and VMMC uptake in newborns and couples' older sons and is a novel leverage point for promotion of this HIV prevention strategy.

1239. Association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and dental caries among adults in the Azar cohort population: A cross-sectional study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Mahboobi Z, Jalili Asl A, Sharififard N

1240. Predicting mid-pelvic interspinous distance in women using height and pubic arch angle.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Na ED, Baek MJ, Moon JH

1241. Exploring facilitators and barriers of the sustainable acceptance of e-health system solutions in Ethiopia: A systematic review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Walle AD, Demsash AW, Adem JB

BACKGROUND: eHealth is the use of information and communications technologies in support of health and health-related fields, including healthcare services, health surveillance, health literature, and health education knowledge and research, has the potential to improve the delivery and support of healthcare services by promoting information sharing and evidence-based health practice. Acceptance of e-health in Ethiopia using systematic review is uncertain. As a result, this study aimed to assess barriers and facilitators of the sustainable acceptance of e-health system adoption in Ethiopia through a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used to conduct this study. Relevant articles have been searched in Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Embrace, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and empirical research done in Ethiopia is the main emphasis of the search strategy. The total number of studies that satisfied the criteria for inclusion was ten. In this research, empirical data related to e-health acceptance factors were retrieved, examined, and summarized by the authors. RESULTS: This systematic review identified a total of 25 predictors that have been found in the ten studies. The identified facilitators were effort expectancy, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influences, attitude, computer literacy, participant age, perceived enjoyment, and educational status, duration of mobile device use, organizational culture, and habit. Moreover, technology anxiety was the most barrier to sustainable acceptance of e-health systems in Ethiopia. CONCLUSIONS: The most common facilitator identified from the predictors was effort expectancy, which played a major role in the adoption of the e-health system in Ethiopia. Therefore, eHealth implementers and managers in those settings should give users of the system priority in improving the technical infrastructure by regularly providing them with basic facilitating conditions. They should also pay attention to the system they want to implement because doing so will improve the users' perception of the system's value and attitude.

1242. Characterization of Proteus mirabilis and associated plasmids isolated from anaerobic dairy cattle manure digesters.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Chalmers G, Anderson REV, Murray R

1243. Perspectives of older people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus towards medication adherence: A qualitative study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Upamali S, Rathnayake S.

BACKGROUND: Better medication adherence among people with diabetes mellitus was found to be associated with improved glycaemic control. However, medication non-adherence is a significant concern in older people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. PURPOSE: To explore the perspectives of older people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus towards medication adherence. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive exploratory study. METHODOLOGY: A purposive sample of older people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus living in the community was recruited. Snowball sampling was applied in community recruitment. In-depth telephone interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used in data analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) guidelines were followed. RESULTS: The emerged six themes were: (a) impact of knowledge, attitudes and practices on medication adherence, (b) treatment-related barriers to medication adherence, (c) impact of age-related changes on medication adherence, (d) person-related barriers to medication adherence, (e) impact of COVID-19 on medication adherence and, (f) role of support systems in medication adherence. Knowledge of the disease process and medications, attitudes towards medication adherence, the practice of different treatment approaches, self-medication and dosing, negative experiences related to medications, polypharmacy, changes in lifestyle and roles, the influence of work-life, motivation, negligence, family support, support received from health workers, facilities available and financial capability are the main factors influence medication adherence. Age-related memory impairment, visual disturbances and physical weaknesses affect medication adherence in older people. Additionally, COVID-19-related guidelines imposed by the government and healthcare system-related issues during the COVID-19 pandemic also affected medication adherence. CONCLUSION: Adherence to medications among older people is hampered by a variety of factors, including their knowledge, attitudes and practices, person and treatment-related factors and age-related changes. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional challenges. Individualised patient care for older people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve medication adherence is timely. Strengthening support mechanisms for the above population is essential.

1244. Research on the impact and mechanism of financial development on new urbanization: A case study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 10

Liu Y, Guo Y, Xie D

1245. Impacts of COVID-19 on sexual risk behaviors, safe injection practices, and access to HIV services among key populations in Zambia: Findings from a rapid qualitative formative assessment.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Parmley LE, Nkumbula T, Chilukutu L

BACKGROUND: Despite achievements in the HIV response, social and structural barriers impede access to HIV services for key populations (KP) including men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women (TGW), and people who inject drugs (PWID). This may be worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemic threats. We explored the impact of COVID-19 on HIV services and sexual and substance use behaviors among MSM/TGW and PWID in Zambia as part of a formative assessment for two biobehavioral surveys. METHODS: From November-December 2020, 3 focus groups and 15 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with KP were conducted in Lusaka, Livingstone, Ndola, Solwezi, and Kitwe, Zambia. Overall, 45 PWID and 60 MSM/TGW participated in IDIs and 70 PWID and 89 MSM/TGW participated in focus groups. Qualitative data were analyzed using framework matrices according to deductive themes outlined in interview guides. RESULTS: KP reported barriers to HIV testing and HIV treatment due to COVID-19-related disruptions and fear of SARS-CoV-2 exposure at the health facility. MSM/TGW participants reported limited supply of condoms and lubricants at health facilities; limited access to condoms led to increased engagements in condomless sex. Restrictions in movement and closure of meet-up spots due to COVID-19 impeded opportunities to meet sex partners for MSM/TGW and clients for those who sold sex. COVID-19 restrictions led to unemployment and loss of income as well as to shortages and increased price of drugs, needles, and syringes for PWID. Due to COVID-19 economic effects, PWID reported increased needle-sharing and re-use of needles. CONCLUSIONS: Participants experienced barriers accessing HIV services due to COVID-19 and PWID attributed unsafe needle use and sharing to loss of income and lack of affordable needles during pandemic-related restrictions. To maintain gains in the HIV response in this context, strengthening harm reduction strategies and improvements in access to HIV services are necessary.

1246. Headlines win elections: Mere exposure to fictitious news media alters voting behavior.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Pfister R, Schwarz KA, Holzmann P

1247. Network topology and movement cost, not updating mechanism, determine the evolution of cooperation in mobile structured populations.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Pires DL, Erovenko IV, Broom M.

1248. Influence of gadolinium, field-strength and sequence type on quantified perfusion values in phase-resolved functional lung MRI.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Glandorf J, Brunzema F, Klimeš F

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influences of gadolinium-based contrast agents, field-strength and different sequences on perfusion quantification in Phase-Resolved Functional Lung (PREFUL) MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four cohorts of different subjects were imaged to analyze influences on the quantified perfusion maps: 1) at baseline and after 2 weeks to obtain the reproducibility (26 COPD patients), 2) before and after the administration of gadobutrol (11 COPD, 2 PAH and 1 asthma), 3) at 1.5T and 3T (12 healthy, 4 CF), and 4) with different acquisition sequences spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) and balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) (11 COPD, 7 healthy). Wilcoxon-signed rank test, Bland-Altman plots, voxelwise Pearson correlations, normalized histogram analyses with skewness and kurtosis and two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were performed. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In all cohorts, linear correlations of the perfusion values were significant with correlation coefficients of at least 0.7 considering the entire lung (P<0.01). The reproducibility cohort revealed stable results with a similar distribution. In the gadolinium cohort, the quantified perfusion increased significantly (P<0.01), and no significant change was detected in the histogram analysis. In the field-strength cohort, no significant change of the quantified perfusion was shown, but a significant increase of skewness and kurtosis at 3T (P = 0.01). In the sequence cohort, the quantified perfusion decreased significantly in the bSSFP sequence (P<0.01) together with a significant decrease of skewness and kurtosis (P = 0.02). The field-strength and sequence cohorts had differing probability distribution in the two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. CONCLUSION: We observed a high susceptibility of perfusion quantification to gadolinium, field-strength or MRI sequence leading to distortion and deviation of the perfusion values. Future multicenter studies should strictly adhere to the identical study protocols to generate comparable results.

1249. Non-inactivating voltage-activated K+ conductances can increase photoreceptor signaling bandwidth beyond the bandwidth set by phototransduction.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Frolov RV.

Evolution produced a large variety of rhabdomeric photoreceptors in the compound eyes of insects. To study effects of morphological and electrophysiological differences on signal generation and modulation, we developed models of the cockroach and blow fly photoreceptors. The cockroach model included wide microvilli, large membrane capacitance and two voltage-activated K+ conductances. The blow fly model included narrow microvilli, small capacitance and two sustained voltage-activated K+ conductances. Our analysis indicated that membrane of even the narrowest microvilli of up to 3 μm long can be measured fully from the soma. Attenuation of microvillar quantum bump (QB)-like signals at the recording site in the soma increased with the signal amplitude in the microvillus, due to the decreasing driving force. However, conductance of the normal-sized QBs can be detected in the soma with minimal attenuation. Next, we investigated how interactions between the sustained voltage-activated K+ and light-induced conductances can shape the frequency response. The models were depolarized by either a current injection or light-induced current (LIC) and probed with inward currents kinetically approximating dark- or light-adapted QBs. By analyzing the resulting voltage impulse responses (IR), we found that: (1) sustained K+ conductance can shorten IRs, expanding the signaling bandwidth beyond that set by phototransduction; (2) voltage-dependencies of changes in IR durations have minima within the physiological voltage response range, depending on the activation kinetics of K+ conductance, the presence or absence of sustained LIC, and the kinetics of the probing current stimulus; and (3) sustained LIC lowers gain of IRs and can exert dissimilar effects on their durations. The first two findings were supported by experiments. It is argued that improvement of membrane response bandwidth by parametric interactions between passive, ligand-gated and voltage-dependent components of the membrane circuit can be a general feature of excitable cells that respond with graded voltage signals.

1250. Invitation methods for Indigenous New Zealand Māori in lung cancer screening: Protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Parker K, Colhoun S, Bartholomew K

Lung cancer screening can significantly reduce mortality from lung cancer. Further evidence about how to optimize lung cancer screening for specific populations, including Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ)'s Indigenous Māori (who experience disproportionately higher rates of lung cancer), is needed to ensure it is equitable. This community-based, pragmatic cluster randomized trial aims to determine whether a lung cancer screening invitation from a patient's primary care physician, compared to from a centralized screening service, will optimize screening uptake for Māori. Participating primary care practices (clinics) in Auckland, Aotearoa NZ will be randomized to either the primary care-led or centralized service for delivery of the screening invitation. Clinic patients who meet the following criteria will be eligible: Māori; aged 55-74 years; enrolled in participating clinics in the region; ever-smokers; and have at least a 2% risk of developing lung cancer within six years (determined using the PLCOM2012 risk prediction model). Eligible patients who respond positively to the invitation will undertake shared decision-making with a nurse about undergoing a low dose CT scan (LDCT) and an assessment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The primary outcomes are: 1) the proportion of eligible population who complete a risk assessment and 2) the proportion of people eligible for a CT scan who complete the CT scan. Secondary outcomes include evaluating the contextual factors needed to inform the screening process, such as including assessment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We will also use the RE-AIM framework to evaluate specific implementation factors. This study is a world-first, Indigenous-led lung cancer screening trial for Māori participants. The study will provide policy-relevant information on a key policy parameter, invitation method. In addition, the trial includes a nested analysis of COPD in the screened Indigenous population, and it provides baseline (T0 screen round) data using RE-AIM implementation outcomes.

1251. Main topics in assisted reproductive market: A scoping review.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Aderaldo JF, Rodrigues de Albuquerque BHD, Câmara de Oliveira MTF

BACKGROUND: Infertility affects around 12% of couples, and this proportion has been gradually increasing. In this context, the global assisted reproductive technologies (ART) market shows significant expansion, hovering around USD 26 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 45 billion by 2025. OBJECTIVES: We realized a scoping review of the ART market from academic publications, market reports, and specialized media news, to identify the main terms and characterize them into the main topics in the area. DESIGN: We apply an LDA topic modeling process to identify the main terms, and clustered them into semantic synonymous topics. We extracted the patterns and information to these topics and purposed a factor/consequence correlation to them. RESULTS: We found 2,232 academic papers and selected 632 to include in the automatic term detection. We also included 34 market reports and seven notices produced by specialized enterprises. Were identified 121 most relevant cited terms covering 7,806 citations. These terms were manually aggregated into 10 topics based on semantic similarity: neutral terms (37.2%), economic aspects (17.6%), in vitro fertilization (IVF) commodities & cross-border reproductive care (CBRC) (10.6%), geographic distribution (9.5%), social aspects (7%), regulation (6%), trends & concerns (3.9%), accessibility (3.4%), internet influence (2.9%), and fertility preservation for non-medical reasons (2%). DISCUSSION: The analysis indicates a market with expressive complexity. Most terms were associated with more than one topic, indicating the synergism of this market's behavior. Only seven terms related to economic aspects, surrogacy and donation represent around 50% of the citations. Except for the topic formed by generic terms, the topic of the economic aspects was the most represented, reflecting macro perspectives such as a-la-carte standard of treatments, many clinics operating on a small/medium scale, and the recent formation of conglomerates. The IVF commodities & CBRC topic brings an overview of gametes pricing and transnational surrogacy, and its regulation. The topic of geographic distribution indicates that that the Asia-Pacific (APAC) market has the most significant growth potential in all fields. Despite the increase in supply and demand for infertility treatments and technological advances in recent decades, the success rate of IVF cycles remains at around 30%. Terms referring to research and development or technical improvement were not identified in a significant way in this review. CONCLUSIONS: The formation of topics by semantic similarity proved to be an initial path for the elaboration of in-depth studies on the dynamics between several factors, for this, we present the panel classifying main terms into factors (demand, pent-up demand, or distributive) or ART market consequences. Through this approach, it was possible to observe that most of the works addresses economic aspects, regulation and geographic aspects and that topics related to research and improvement have not been addressed. In this way, we highlight the need to deepen the analysis of market elements that may be related to increased efficiency of IVF in the technical field.

1252. Exploring the immune microenvironment in small bowel adenocarcinoma using digital image analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Sidi FA, Bingham V, McQuaid S

1253. Study on the influence of traveling wave effect on Γ-type combined structure using equivalent simplified model.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Sun L, Bai Y, Lai Z.

1254. Dynamic avoidance decision method for civil aircraft in a suborbital debris hazard zone.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Chen W, Diao T, Ren S

1255. Subperiosteal/subgaleal drainage vs. subdural drainage for chronic subdural hematoma: A meta-analysis of postoperative outcomes.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Chen C, Xiong Y, Huang X

1256. The causality of physical activity status and intelligence: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Xu Z, Zhang F, Qiu G

1257. Development of ankylosing spondylitis in patients with ulcerative colitis: A systematic meta-analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Lin A, Tan Y, Chen J

1258. Oocyte-specific Wee1-like protein kinase 2 is dispensable for fertility in mice.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Nozawa K, Liao Z, Satouh Y

1259. Joint congestion and contention avoidance in a scalable QoS-aware opportunistic routing in wireless ad-hoc networks.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Parsa A, Moghim N, Haghani S.

1260. Deep learning for COVID-19 topic modelling via Twitter: Alpha, Delta and Omicron.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Lande J, Pillay A, Chandra R.

1261. HIV testing and its associated factors among female sex workers in Iran in 2020: Finding from a respondent-driven sampling survey.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Tavakoli F, Moradi G, Mirzazadeh A

1262. Presence of sodefrin precursor-like factor pheromone candidates in mental and dorsal tail base glands in the plethodontid salamander, Karsenia koreana.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

DeBruin JH, Wilburn DB, Feldhoff RC

1263. Biomarkers of professional cybersportsmen: Event related potentials and cognitive tests study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Gostilovich S, Kotliar Shapirov A, Znobishchev A

1264. Reframing the contribution of pelagic Sargassum epiphytic N2 fixation.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Johnson C, Dubbs LL, Piehler M.

1265. The effects of a comparatively higher dose of 1000 mg/kg/d of oral L- or D-arginine on the L-arginine metabolic pathways in male Sprague-Dawley rats.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Kim DR, Martin S, Desai K.

1266. Incidence and predictors of mortality among neonates with respiratory distress syndrome admitted at West Oromia Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia, 2022. Multi-centred institution based retrospective follow-up study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Legesse BT, Abera NM, Alemu TG

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory distress syndrome is the major cause of neonatal death. However, data on the mortality and predictors related to respiratory distress syndrome were scarce. Hence, this study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of death among neonates admitted with respiratory distress syndrome in West Oromia Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia, 2022. METHODS: A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 406 neonates admitted with respiratory distress syndrome at five referral hospitals from, 1 January 2019 to, 31 December 2021 in West Oromia, Ethiopia. The data were collected using a structured checklist and participants were selected using simple random sampling technique. The data were entered into Epi data version 4.6.0.2 and exported to STATA version 14 for cleaning, coding and analysis. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to estimate survival time. The Weibull regression model was fitted to identify the predictors of mortality and variables with a P-value < 0.05 was taken as significant predictors of mortality. RESULT: Four hundred six neonates with respiratory distress syndrome were included in the analysis. The overall incidence of neonatal mortality was 59.87/1000 neonates-days observations (95%CI: 51.1-70.2) with a proportion of 152 (37.44%) (95% CI: 32.7-42.2). The median time of follow-up was 11 days (95% CI: 10-23). Very low birthweight (AHR = 4.5, 95%CI: 2.0-10.9) and low birth weight (AHR = 3.1, 95%CI: 1.4-6.6), perinatal asphyxia (AHR = 2.7, 95%CI: 1.8-4), Chorioamnionitis (AHR = 2.2, 95%CI: 1.4-3.5) and multiple pregnancies (AHR = 2.2, 95%CI: 1.4-3.4) increased the hazard of death, whereas, antenatal corticosteroid administration (AHR = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.2-0.7) was negatively associated with neonatal mortality. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: High mortality rate of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome was observed. Chorioamnionitis, perinatal asphyxia, low birth weight and multiple pregnancies increase the, mortality hazard while administering antenatal corticosteroids decreases it. Thus, administering corticosteroids- before giving birth and special emphasis on children with Chorioaminoitis, asphyxia, low birth weight and multiple pregnancies is important for reducing neonatal mortality.

1267. A potential marker of radiation based on 16S rDNA in the rat model: Intestinal flora.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Zhang L, Miao Z, Li Y

The gastrointestinal microbiota plays an important role in the function of the host intestine. However, little is currently known about the effects of irradiation on the microorganisms colonizing the mucosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of X-ray irradiation on the compositions of the large intestinal Microbiotas of the rat. The gut microbiotas in control mice and mice receiving irradiation with different dose treatment were characterized by high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rDNA gene and their metabolites were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Unexpectedly, the diversity was increased mildly at 2Gy irradiation, and dose dependent decreased at 4Gy, 6Gy, 8Gy irradiation. The phyla with large changes in phylum level are Firmicutes, Bacteroides and Proteobacteria; the abundance ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroides is inverted; and when 8Gy is irradiated, the phylum abundance level was significantly increased. At the genus level, the abundance levels of Phascolarctobacterium, Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae increased at 2Gy irradiation, and significantly decreased at 4Gy, 6Gy, and 8Gy irradiation; the abundance level of Prevotellaceae diminished at 2Gy irradiation, and enhanced at 4Gy, 6Gy, 8Gy irradiation; The abundance level of Violet bacteria (Christenellaceae) and Lactobacillus attenuated in a dose-dependent manner; Lachnoclostridium enhanced in a dose-dependent manner; Bacteroides was in 4Gy, 6Gy, 8Gy The abundance level increased significantly during irradiation; the abundance level of Shigella (Escherichia-Shigella) only increased significantly during 8Gy irradiation. Lefse predicts that the biomarker at 0Gy group is Veillonellaceae, the biomarker at 2Gy group is Firmicutes, the biomarkers at 4Gy group are Dehalobacterium and Dehalobacteriaceae, the biomarkers at 6Gy group are Odoribacter, and the biomarkers at 8Gy group are Anaerotruncus, Holdemania, Proteus, Bilophila, Desufovibrionales and Deltaproteobacteria. Overall, the data presented here reveal that X-ray irradiation can cause imbalance of the intestinal flora in rats; different doses of irradiation can cause different types of bacteria change. Representative bacteria can be selected as biomarkers for radiation damage and repair.This may contribute to the development of radiation resistance in the future.

1268. SoccerNet: A Gated Recurrent Unit-based model to predict soccer match winners.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

AlMulla J, Islam MT, Al-Absi HRH

1269. Dynamics of international Trade: A 30-year analysis of key exporting nations.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Yazawa N.

This article aims to analyze the evolution of trading networks, emphasizing aspects of centrality and reciprocity among the major exporting nations, specifically, the U.S., China, India, Japan, and South Korea, from 1992 to 2020. The study problem we address is how these network structures have shifted over time, and what the implications of these changes are for international economic relations and policy. We further consider the impact of major global events on these trade networks and how they have shaped the evolution of these networks. We utilized three distinct methods. First, we examined time-series trade data during the study period and quantified network reciprocity through the sum of squared trade imbalances across different product categories. Second, we visualized these trade networks using arrows, with their sizes being proportional to the trade value between each pair of countries; significant trade relationships were indicated by arrows with a standard deviation value of 55 or above. Finally, we introduced a new cluster analysis methodology for studying the evolution of network structures over time. This method utilized an 80-dimensional vector representation of the annual networks, divided into four categories, and the resulting structures were visualized as dendrograms using R software. The network structure has become more reciprocal for most product categories, and the center of the network has shifted from the U.S. to China for all product categories, except for consumer goods and raw materials. The study also highlights the significant impact of global events and crises such as 9/11 attacks on the international trade network structure. Our findings inform several policy recommendations. These include encouraging balanced trade for economic stability and improved international relations, realigning trade focus in response to the shift in trade network center, and developing resilience policies that account for the substantial impact of global events on trade networks.

1270. Biochemical phenotyping of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria reveals solute carriers and β-oxidation deficiencies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Yamakawa PE, Fonseca AR, Guerreiro da Silva IDC

INTRODUCTION: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a clonal disease of hematopoietic cells with a variable clinical spectrum characterized by intravascular hemolysis, high risk of thrombosis, and cytopenias. To understand the biochemical shifts underlying PNH, this study aimed to search for the dysfunctional pathways involved in PNH physiopathology by comparing the systemic metabolic profiles of affected patients to healthy controls and the metabolomic profiles before and after the administration of eculizumab in PNH patients undergoing treatment. METHODS: Plasma metabolic profiles, comprising 186 specific annotated metabolites, were quantified using targeted quantitative electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in 23 PNH patients and 166 population-based controls. In addition, samples from 12 PNH patients on regular eculizumab maintenance therapy collected before and 24 hours after eculizumab infusion were also analyzed. RESULTS: In the PNH group, levels of the long-chain acylcarnitines metabolites were significantly higher as compared to the controls, while levels of histidine, taurine, glutamate, glutamine, aspartate and phosphatidylcholines were significantly lower in the PNH group. These differences suggest altered acylcarnitine balance, reduction in the amino acids participating in the glycogenesis pathway and impaired glutaminolysis. In 12 PNH patients who were receiving regular eculizumab therapy, the concentrations of acylcarnitine C6:1, the C14:1/C6 ratio (reflecting the impaired action of the medium-chain acyl-Co A dehydrogenase), and the C4/C6 ratio (reflecting the impaired action of short-chain acyl-Co A dehydrogenase) were significantly reduced immediately before eculizumab infusion, revealing impairments in the Acyl CoA metabolism, and reached levels similar to those in the healthy controls 24 hours after infusion. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated significant differences in the metabolomes of the PNH patients compared to healthy controls. Eculizumab infusion seemed to improve deficiencies in the acyl CoA metabolism and may have a role in the mitochondrial oxidative process of long and medium-chain fatty acids, reducing oxidative stress, and inflammation.

1271. Impact of patterns of language use and socio-economic status on a constructed response Situational Judgment Test (SJT).

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Pan X, Huang V, Laumbach S

1272. Neighborhood socioeconomic position, living arrangements, and cardiometabolic disease among older Puerto Ricans: An examination using PREHCO 2002-2007.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Quashie NT, García C, Meltzer G

Cardiometabolic diseases are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide and are increasingly prevalent in rapidly aging populations. Neighborhood socioeconomic position (SEP) and living arrangements are increasingly recognized as important determinants of cardiometabolic health but have not been examined within Puerto Rico. This study examined the association between neighborhood SEP, living arrangements, and incidence of cardiometabolic conditions among island-dwelling older Puerto Ricans, using longitudinal data from the Puerto Rican Elderly Health Conditions Project (Waves I 2002/03 and II 2006/07) linked with 2000 Census data for neighborhood-level conditions. Our sample consists of non-institutionalized adults aged 60 and older who remained in the same residence over both waves of data collection (N = 2,769). We used multilevel multinomial logistic regression models to examine the relationship between neighborhood SEP and the prevalence and incidence of cardiometabolic disease. Findings show that residence in a socioeconomically advantaged neighborhood was positively associated with reporting having one cardiometabolic condition at baseline, but not associated with the incidence of cardiometabolic conditions at follow-up. Living without a partner was negatively associated with reporting having cardiometabolic conditions compared to living with a partner. Similar results were found for the incidence of cardiometabolic conditions. Living arrangements significantly modified the relationship between neighborhood SEP and cardiometabolic conditions. Compared to living with a partner, living alone in a socioeconomically advantaged neighborhood was associated with a reduced risk of reporting having one condition. Living with children in a socioeconomically advantaged neighborhood was associated with a reduced risk of developing one cardiometabolic condition than living with a partner. Living arrangements are more salient to cardiometabolic health than neighborhood SEP. Social programs and services focused on household composition and familial support are needed to identify older Puerto Ricans potentially at risk of underdiagnosed chronic conditions, especially as ongoing economic, demographic, environmental, and healthcare crises potentially exacerbate social inequalities.

1273. High throughput isolation of RNA from single-cells within an intact tissue for spatial and temporal sequencing a reality.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Stanley J, Lohith A, Debiaso L

1274. Individual and community-level determinants of skilled birth attendant delivery in Ethiopia; multilevel analysis.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Ayalew HG, Assefa KT, Desalegn SY

1275. The ROCEEH Out of Africa Database (ROAD): A large-scale research database serves as an indispensable tool for human evolutionary studies.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Kandel AW, Sommer C, Kanaeva Z

Large scale databases are critical for helping scientists decipher long-term patterns in human evolution. This paper describes the conception and development of such a research database and illustrates how big data can be harnessed to formulate new ideas about the past. The Role of Culture in Early Expansions of Humans (ROCEEH) is a transdisciplinary research center whose aim is to study the origins of culture and the multifaceted aspects of human expansions across Africa and Eurasia over the last three million years. To support its research, the ROCEEH team developed an online tool named the ROCEEH Out of Africa Database (ROAD) and implemented its web-based applications. ROAD integrates geographical data as well as archaeological, paleoanthropological, paleontological and paleobotanical content within a robust chronological framework. In fact, a unique feature of ROAD is its ability to dynamically link scientific data both spatially and temporally, thereby allowing its reuse in ways that were not originally conceived. The data stem from published sources spanning the last 150 years, including those generated by the research team. Descriptions of these data rely on the development of a standardized vocabulary and profit from online explanations of each table and attribute. By synthesizing legacy data, ROAD facilitates the reuse of heritage data in novel ways. Database queries yield structured information in a variety of interoperable formats. By visualizing data on maps, users can explore this vast dataset and develop their own theories. By downloading data, users can conduct further quantitative analyses, for example with Geographic Information Systems, modeling programs and artificial intelligence. In this paper, we demonstrate the innovative nature of ROAD and show how it helps scientists studying human evolution to access datasets from different fields, thereby connecting the social and natural sciences. Because it permits the reuse of "old" data in new ways, ROAD is now an indispensable tool for researchers of human evolution and paleogeography.

1276. Intraoperative cell salvage: The impact on immune cell numbers.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Roets M, Sturgess D, Tran T

BACKGROUND: Patient outcomes are influenced by many confounding factors peri-operatively, including the type of surgery, anaesthesia, transfusion, and immune competence. We have previously demonstrated (in-vitro) that compared to allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT), intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) improves immune competence. The peri-operative immune response is complex. Altered or impaired immune responses may predispose patients to develop adverse outcomes (i.e., post-operative wound infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infection etc.) Surgical patients may develop infection, even without the confirmed presence of a definite microbiological pathogen. With all these factors in mind it is important to consider changes in immune cell numbers (and sub-populations) and functional capacity during peri-operative transfusion. METHODS: In this TRIMICS-Cell (Transfusion Related Immune Modulation and Intraoperative Cell Salvage-Cell numbers) study (n = 17, October 2018-November 2019) we prioritized and analysed peri-operative changes in the number and proportions of immune cell populations and sub-populations (B cells (CD20+), NK (natural killer) cells (CD56+), monocytes (CD14+), T cells (total CD3+ and sub-populations: T helper cells (CD4+), cytotoxic T cells (CD8+), effector T cells (CD4+ CD127+), activated effector T cells (CD4+ CD25+ CD127+) and regulatory T cells (CD4+ CD25+ CD127-)), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC; Lineage-, HLA-DR+, CD11c-, CD123+), classical dendritic cell (cDC) (Lineage-, HLA-DR+, CD11c+), and cDC activation (Lineage-, HLA-DR+, CD11c+), co-stimulatory/adhesion molecules and pDC (CD9+, CD38+, CD80+, CD83+, CD86+, CD123+). Firstly we analysed the whole cohort of study patients and secondly according to the relevant transfusion modality (i.e., three study groups: those who received no transfusion, received ICS only (ICS), or both ICS and allogeneic packed red blood cells (pRBC) (ICS&RBC)), during major orthopaedic surgery. RESULTS: For the whole study cohort (all patients), changes in immune cell populations were significant: leucocytes and specifically neutrophils increased post-operatively, returning towards pre-operative numbers by 48h post-operatively (48h), and lymphocytes reduced post-operatively returning to pre-operative numbers by 48h. When considering transfusion modalities, there were no significant peri-operative changes in the no transfusion group for all immune cell populations studied (cell numbers and proportions (%)). Significant changes in cell population numbers (i.e., leucocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes) were identified in both transfused groups (ICS and ICS&RBC). Considering all patients, changes in immune cell sub-populations (NK cells, monocytes, B cells, T cells and DCs) and functional characteristics (e.g., co-stimulation markers, adhesion, activation, and regulation) were significant peri-operatively and when considering transfusion modalities. Interestingly DC numbers and functional capacity were specifically altered following ICS compared to ICS&RBC and pDCs were relatively preserved post-operatively following ICS. CONCLUSION: A transient peri-operative alteration with recovery towards pre-operative numbers by 48h post-surgery was demonstrated for many immune cell populations and sub-populations throughout. Immune cell sub-populations and functional characteristics were similar peri-operatively in those who received no transfusion but changed significantly following ICS and ICS&RBC. Interesting changes that require future study are a post-operative monocyte increase in the ICS&RBC group, changes in cDC considering transfusion modalities, and possibly preserved pDC numbers post-operatively following ICS. Future studies to assess changes in immune cell sub-populations, especially during peri-operative transfusion, while considering post-operative adverse outcomes, is recommended.

1277. Novel anti-PTEN C2 domain monoclonal antibodies to analyse the expression and function of PTEN isoform variants.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Torices L, Nunes-Xavier CE, López JI

1278. An image-guided microfluidic system for single-cell lineage tracking.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Aslan Kamil M, Fourneaux C, Yilmaz A

1279. An improved long short term memory network for intrusion detection.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Awad AA, Ali AF, Gaber T.

Over the years, intrusion detection system has played a crucial role in network security by discovering attacks from network traffics and generating an alarm signal to be sent to the security team. Machine learning methods, e.g., Support Vector Machine, K Nearest Neighbour, have been used in building intrusion detection systems but such systems still suffer from low accuracy and high false alarm rate. Deep learning models (e.g., Long Short-Term Memory, LSTM) have been employed in designing intrusion detection systems to address this issue. However, LSTM needs a high number of iterations to achieve high performance. In this paper, a novel, and improved version of the Long Short-Term Memory (ILSTM) algorithm was proposed. The ILSTM is based on the novel integration of the chaotic butterfly optimization algorithm (CBOA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to improve the accuracy of the LSTM algorithm. The ILSTM was then used to build an efficient intrusion detection system for binary and multi-class classification cases. The proposed algorithm has two phases: phase one involves training a conventional LSTM network to get initial weights, and phase two involves using the hybrid swarm algorithms, CBOA and PSO, to optimize the weights of LSTM to improve the accuracy. The performance of ILSTM and the intrusion detection system were evaluated using two public datasets (NSL-KDD dataset and LITNET-2020) under nine performance metrics. The results showed that the proposed ILSTM algorithm outperformed the original LSTM and other related deep-learning algorithms regarding accuracy and precision. The ILSTM achieved an accuracy of 93.09% and a precision of 96.86% while LSTM gave an accuracy of 82.74% and a precision of 76.49%. Also, the ILSTM performed better than LSTM in both datasets. In addition, the statistical analysis showed that ILSTM is more statistically significant than LSTM. Further, the proposed ISTLM gave better results of multiclassification of intrusion types such as DoS, Prob, and U2R attacks.

1280. Perceived value and its relationship to satisfaction and loyalty in cultural coastal destinations: A study in Huanchaco, Peru.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Regalado-Pezúa O, Carvache-Franco M, Carvache-Franco O

1281. Why is it difficult for children and adults to follow a person's eye gaze in polynomial social relationships with compound audio-visual stimuli: An eye-tracking study.

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Oka M, Omori M.

1282. How are zooplankton's functional guilds influenced by land use in Amazon streams?

PLoS One

2023 Aug 1

Bomfim FF, Deosti S, Louback-Franco N

Amazon streams present great biodiversity and offer several ecosystem services, but these systems are threatened by multiple land uses. The changes created by land use are expected to drive the composition of species, ultimately changing the trophic relationships of several biological groups, including zooplankton. We investigated if land use changes the composition of zooplankton functional guilds in Amazon streams and which are the local (physical-chemical) variables driving the zooplankton functional guilds in the land-use gradient. Zooplankton and physical-chemical variables were sampled in 17 water bodies in the municipality of Barcarena, Pará, Brazil in 2018 and 2019, five sampling sites were in the Pará River and 12 in streams. Forest cover (a proxy for land use) was determined through digital image processing and converted in percentage. Zooplankton species were classified into five functional guilds (filter, raptorial, scraper, suctor, and predator feeders). We recorded 98 zooplankton taxa and filters were the most abundant functional guild. The composition of zooplankton functional guilds did not change in the land use gradient. However, the distribution of zooplankton functional guilds in Amazon streams was determined by local environmental variables related to the feeding strategies. Scraper-feeders (cladocerans) were positively related to greater canopy cover, suctor-feeders and predator-feeders (both rotifers) were related to greater total phosphorus, whereas filter-feeders (rotifers, cladocerans, and copepods) and raptorial (copepods) were related to total suspended solids. This study brings new information about zooplankton in Amazon streams that are under-studied. The functional approach clarifies the patterns observed and reflects the trophic relationships in which the zooplankton community is involved in streams under a degree of land use, i.e., scraper-cladocerans can represent more preserved streams under greater canopy cover, whereas the other functional guilds were related to variables that can represent more altered streams.

Newmer生物

Newmer生物