Eco-friendly synthesis of ZnO-nanoparticles using Phoenix dactylifera L. polyphenols: physicochemical, microstructural, and functional assessment

Recently, nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis has evolved into a green nanotechnology field, requiring more eco-synthesis of nanoparticles due to the high costs of other chemical-physical methods. Among the most commonly used...

Improving Knowledge and Attitudes About Child Trauma Among Parents and Staff in Head Start Programs

Background

Early childhood represents a sensitive developmental period when trauma-informed care may mitigate the effects of trauma on developmental and health outcomes. However, few interventions use a low-literacy scalable approach to improve child trauma knowledge and attitudes among parents and early childcare and education caregivers.

Methods

Representatives from 24 early head start (EHS) and head start (HS) agencies attended a 2 day online train-the trainer session and then delivered a child trauma and resilience training to staff at their sites, with the option to deliver a similar training to parents. Baseline and 3 month post-training surveys assessed participant knowledge and attitudes regarding childhood trauma and resilience. Paired T-tests and chi2 analyses assessed changes in responses over time.

Results

Thousand five hundred sixty seven staff from 24 agencies and 443 parents from 7 agencies completed baseline and follow up surveys. Over 55% of parents reported their child had experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. Staff and parents had high knowledge regarding causes of trauma at baseline. Both staff and parents, demonstrated significant improvements in identifying symptoms of child trauma. Staff also improved knowledge of resiliency and toxic stress. Parents reported more positive attitudes towards trauma-informed parenting practices.

Conclusion

This is the first training on childhood trauma among EHS/HS providers and parents using a low literacy train-the-trainer approach. Results suggest a potentially promising methodology with broad dissemination potential to prepare and train the one million plus teachers and caregivers in center-based settings and the parents and families who access them to recognize and respond to child trauma.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10995-022-03473-8.

FCSlib: an open-source tool for fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy analysis for mobility, number and molecular brightness in R

SUMMARY

FCSlib is an open-source R tool for fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy data analysis. It encompasses techniques such as Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy, Number and Brightness, Pair Correlation Function and Pair Correlation of Molecular Brightness.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

Source code available at https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/FCSlib/ for Linux, Windows and macOS platforms. Sample data as well as a user's guide are available at https://github.com/FCSlib/FCSlib.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Fishers' perception of the interaction between the South American sea lions and the Chinook salmon fishery in southern Chile

We studied how the South American sea lion (SASL, Otaria flavescens) interacts with the operation of an artisanal fishery of Chinook salmon, a non-native species in Chile, using a combination of biological and social approaches, including a valuation by fishers about this interaction. During austral summer of 2019, an observer onboard artisanal fishing boats characterized the attack behavior of SASLs to gillnet-captured Chinook salmon during 33 hauls and analyzed which factors may affect the intensity of attacks. To analyze the relationship between fishers and SASLs, a Likert scale about the perception and views about nature was applied. A total of 23 interviews—including 35 open and 16 closed questions—with fishers were conducted to describe how they perceived the interactions with SASLs. Interactions with SASLs were recorded in 35% of the fishing events and varied depending on both operational factors, such as the number of boats, as well as environmental factors, such as moon’s luminosity. Even though SASL interactions resulted in seven fish (~ 70 kg) damaged of a total catch of 2815 kg (2.5%) during the survey, boats with a damaged catch by SASL lost up to 11% of their revenue. This is consistent with 87% of the interviewed fishers who considered that the conflict with the SASL negatively impacts their activity and results in economic losses. A negative perception towards SASLs likely results from personal experience and revenue loss, even though impacts of SASL interactions at the scale of the entire fishery may be less important. While older fishers with less formal education have a productivist and instrumental focus, younger fishers with a more sustainable and conservationist view of fishing offer an opportunity to lead an improved local understanding of the relationship between salmon, SASLs, and humans.

Preliminary results of a network meta-analysis on the efficacy of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in schizophrenia

Introduction

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) are currently the most effective alternative for patients with schizophrenia who exhibit poor adherence. Although a recent meta-analysis reported similar efficacy between first and second-generation LAIs, these results were only based on 3 studies due to the limited number of head-to-head comparisons.

Objectives

Present the preliminary results of a network meta-analysis on the comparative efficacy of LAIs in schizophrenia.

Methods

Studies were obtained from a previous study, where we carried out a systematic search from until May 2019 in various databases. Included trials of adults with schizophrenia compared the efficacy of LAI vs LAI or placebo through the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Efficacy was evaluated through the mean differences (MD) from baseline to endpoint in the PANSS total scores. Network meta-analysis was performed in MetaInsight through direct and indirect comparisons using a Bayesian approach.

Results

from 12 studies are presented in Figures 1 and 2. All LAIs except zuclopenthixol were more effective than placebo. There were no significant differences between LAIs except for aripiprazole and risperidone, which were more efficacious than zuclopenthixol. The largest change occurred with aripiprazole LAI, but was not significantly higher than haloperidol.

Figure 1. Comparison of treatment pairs. Effect sizes are presented as MD and 95% confidence intervals (*p<0.05).

Figure 1. Overall change in symptoms

Conclusions

Preliminary results from a network meta-analysis also suggest that in the long-term haloperidol decanoate is equally effective in overall symptom changes compared to other LAIs. Further analyses are needed to obtain a better perspective on these drugs.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HPV vaccination: exploring gendered perspectives, knowledge, attitudes, and cultural taboos among Mexican American adults

Background: Gendered perspectives may be particularly important in shaping norms and values around HPV and HPV vaccination, as previous research suggests that sexuality taboos (e.g. promiscuity) may contribute to low perceived risk among adolescent and young adult Hispanic females. However, research to date focuses primarily on Hispanic mothers, adolescent females, and women of HPV vaccine-eligible age. Hispanic father's perspectives are relatively unknown despite father's important role in shaping norms for their female children. Objective: To close this gap, this study examines gendered perspectives in knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about HPV and HPV vaccination from Hispanic parents (mothers and fathers), women of vaccine-eligible age (18-26 years old), and women eligible for Pap Test screening (>26 years old) living in two counties along the Texas-Mexico border. Design: We conducted eight focus groups. Research staff transcribed audio recordings verbatim and uploaded them into Atlas(ti) 5.0 for analysis. The research team analyzed the data for content, meaning, patterns and themes using the constant comparison approach. Results: Perspectives were highly gendered. Women's (all groups combined) beliefs focused on misconceptions around how the HPV virus is contracted (e.g. toilet surfaces). Women also linked HPV-related sexual risk to adultery and indiscretion of male partners. Fathers (men) were more likely to link risk to female promiscuity. Fathers also worried that HPV vaccination might increase promiscuity. All groups believe that HPV vaccination is a way to protect Hispanic females in the face of beliefs around sexual behavior and risk of contracting HPV. Conclusion: Results suggest gendered differences in risk beliefs concerning HPV among Hispanics living along the Texas-Mexico border. Researchers can use these findings to address barriers to HPV vaccination, as well as to create culturally appropriate prevention messages that may help reduce disparities in HPV among Hispanic women.

Evaluation of smart gelatin matrices for the development of scaffolds via 3D bioprinting

Throughout history, different techniques have been used for the development of scaffolds for Tissue Engineering. Among them, three-dimensional (3D) printing for this application has been recently enhanced due to its ease in defining the structure of the material. In this sense, a novel potential alternative could be the development of a three-part device whose leading utility is to improve the introduction of the scaffold in a bioreactor. Thus, the device consists of a polycaprolactone support on which smart gelatin (GE) matrix, and finally, on top, a collagen (C) scaffold. This gelatin matrix is included to integrate the scaffold into the support, but once both are assembled, it must be removed, leaving only the support and the scaffold. Thus, in the present work, a small gelatin matrix has been evaluated. To this end, matrices with different gelatin percentages were studied, evaluating their mechanical and morphological properties at different temperatures (22 and 37 °C) to control their deposition and elimination. The results show the high application of this smart matrix for the development of scaffolds via 3D bioprinting for Tissue Engineering.

Statistical control of processes applied to geometric uncertainties for CTV expansion margins determination in prostate cancer patients treated with VMAT: a prospective study in 57 patients

PURPOSE

To study the control graphs applicability for the geometric uncertainties of VMAT treatments in prostate cancer patients, and their use to verify the hypothesis of the data obtained randomness, to apply the margins of Van Herk expression.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During the first 5 days of treatment, and then once a week, a Kv CBCT was performed, compared with the simulation CT and adjusted the displacements, to determine the inter-fraction errors. Immediately after radiation therapy, another CBCT was performed (for intra-fraction errors). With these data, the X, R position control charts have been made. The patients, not maintained the deviations within the charts control limits, were called "anomalies". Then, we compared the deviations and margins calculated with the van Herk expression for all patients and for those without anomalies.

RESULTS

The margins determined show appreciable differences if there were calculated for the total set of patients or for the set of them without anomalies in the control charts. For the overall set of patients, the lateral, longitudinal, and vertical margins were 0.45 cm, 0.52 cm, 0.56 cm, while for the set of patients without anomalies were 0.29 cm, 0.35 cm, and 0.38 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of control charts allows tracking geometric deviations both inter and intra-fraction, variability real-time control and to detect situations in which it can change for non-random reasons, and require immediate investigation. Maintaining geometric deviations in the control state decreases the margins needed to administer a high dose to CTV in a high percentage of cancer prostate patients.

Discount Rate Determination for Economic Evaluations in HTA in the Philippines

To inform the development of a reference case for economic evaluation, we explored various approaches to determine a base case discount rate and rate options for discounting benefits and costs.

We conducted literature review and expert consultations to list approaches to determine base case discount rates, noting the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. The same methods were used to identify whether different discount rates would be applied to costs and benefits. We computed a social rate of time preference using the Ramsey formula: rc = ρ+μg, where ρ = pure rate of time preference μ= elasticity of the marginal utility of consumption and g= growth rate in per capita income. We assumed ρ = 1%, μ = 1.4% consistent with international practice, but used actual g of the Philippines of 4.5%. We compared this with the official social discount rate and with rate most commonly used internationally. These options were presented to the Philippine Health Technology Assessment Council for decisionmaking.

Based on reviewed literature, 10 out of 22 countries used a 3.0% to 3.5% discount rate while 18 countries from the same pool applied equal discount rates for both costs and outcomes. The official social discount rate (SDR) prescribed by the Philippine National Economic Development Authority is 10% for all social investments. Upon input of the values, rc was calculated at 7%, which is above the international norm but below the official rate. Four discount rate options were identified: 3%, 3.5%, 7% and 10%.

Evidence suggested using a discount rate higher than 3% to 3.5% for low-to-middle income countries. A more conservative rate based on the Ramsey formula of 7% base case discount rate was selected in performing economic evaluations. Sensitivity analysis was set between 3% and 10% to allow benchmarking with international practice and with the official SDR, respectively. Given Philippines' early HTA implementation phase, it was agreed to subject these rates to regular review.

Key messages

Setting a discount rate in economic evaluations is a crucial process for HTA institutionalization. Discount rate determination heavily relies on decision context a country considers most relevant.

Clusters formation and fragmentation of nitromethane at 266 nm

We carry out experiments on the fragmentation of nitromethane by multiphoton absorption at the wavelength 266 nm. This was conducted in a reflectron (Jordan), modified in the laboratory. Due to the large number of fragments, special care has been taken into the calibration of the system, in the simultaneity between the laser pulse and the sample, and the associated electronics to ensure that produced fragment spectra arise from the interaction laser-sample. We emphasize the next aspects of the method:•

Simple design for introducing a gas sample at laser interaction region to facilitate the cluster formation

•

Astonishing number of fragments produced by multiphoton absorption.

Improving network approaches to the study of complex social-ecological interdependencies

Achieving effective, sustainable environmental governance requires a better understanding of the causes and consequences of the complex patterns of interdependencies connecting people and ecosystems within and across scales. Network approaches for conceptualizing and analyzing these interdependencies offer one promising solution. Here, we present two advances we argue are needed to further this area of research: (i) a typology of causal assumptions explicating the causal aims of any given network-centric study of social-ecological interdependencies; (ii) unifying research design considerations that facilitate conceptualizing exactly what is interdependent, through what types of relationships, and in relation to what kinds of environmental problems. The latter builds on the appreciation that many environmental problems draw from a set of core challenges that re-occur across contexts. We demonstrate how these advances combine into a comparative heuristic that facilitates leveraging case-specific findings of social-ecological interdependencies to generalizable, yet context-sensitive, theories based on explicit assumptions of causal relationships.

Experimental Observation of Proton Bunch Modulation in a Plasma at Varying Plasma Densities

We give direct experimental evidence for the observation of the full transverse self-modulation of a long, relativistic proton bunch propagating through a dense plasma. The bunch exits the plasma with a periodic density modulation resulting from radial wakefield effects. We show that the modulation is seeded by a relativistic ionization front created using an intense laser pulse copropagating with the proton bunch. The modulation extends over the length of the proton bunch following the seed point. By varying the plasma density over one order of magnitude, we show that the modulation frequency scales with the expected dependence on the plasma density, i.e., it is equal to the plasma frequency, as expected from theory.

Experimental Observation of Plasma Wakefield Growth Driven by the Seeded Self-Modulation of a Proton Bunch

We measure the effects of transverse wakefields driven by a relativistic proton bunch in plasma with densities of 2.1×10^{14} and 7.7×10^{14}  electrons/cm^{3}. We show that these wakefields periodically defocus the proton bunch itself, consistently with the development of the seeded self-modulation process. We show that the defocusing increases both along the bunch and along the plasma by using time resolved and time-integrated measurements of the proton bunch transverse distribution. We evaluate the transverse wakefield amplitudes and show that they exceed their seed value (<15  MV/m) and reach over 300  MV/m. All these results confirm the development of the seeded self-modulation process, a necessary condition for external injection of low energy and acceleration of electrons to multi-GeV energy levels.

Behaviour of the Contact Phase of Blood Coagulation in the Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

In order to assess the role of the kallikrein-kinin (K-K) system in the pathogenesis of the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) we have prospectively determined coagulation contact phase, blood gas and hemodynamic parameters in patients with ARDS at 0, 36 and 72 h from diagnosis.

Compared to normal values, significantly lower mean levels of factor XII (71.4 ± 9.8%, p <0.0005), prekallikrein (PPK) (52 ± 5.7%, p <0.0005), high molecular weight kininogen (HMWK) (73 ± 2%, p <0.0005) and α2-macroglobulin (α2-M) (51 ± 7.1%, p <0.0005) were found in ARDS patients.

The functional kallikrein inhibitory activity (KKI) and Cr esterase inhibitor antigenic (CIINH) were significantly higher in these patients (113.2 ± 5, p <0.005 and 124.7 ± 7.6, p <0.0005 respectively) compared with normal values during the entire study period.

The KKI/CIINH ratio decreased significantly in our ARDS patients at 0, 36 and 72 h (p <0.025; p <0.05 and p <0.005 respectively).

We found a significant correlation between PPK levels and oxigenation index (r = 0.69, p <0.001), PPK and the static thoracic compliance values (r = 0.64, p <0.001). There was also a significant correlation between PPK levels and Qs/Qt (r = -0.89, p <0.001). ARDS patients that survived presented a stability in the PPK values in successive tests. Nevertheless non-survivors showed a progressive decrease in PPK levels during the follow-up period.

Our results suggest that the plasma kallikrein system becomes activated during ARDS and that this activation might increase the lung vessels’ permeability. In addition, PPK levels are in our opinion a useful prognostic parameter in predicting the outcome of ARDS patients.

Consumer acceptability of beef from two sexes supplemented with essential oil mix

Essential oils are natural extracts from plants which can be included in cattle diets as an alternative to additives, such as ionophores, to improve the shelf life of meat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory acceptability of meat from 57 crossbred (1/2 Angus–1/2 Nellore) animals of different sexes [heifers n = 30, and young bulls n = 27], finished in feedlot with isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets, which differed in the level of supplementation (0.0, 3.5 or 7.0 g/animal/day) with a commercial mix of essential oils (Mixoil®) from seven plants: oregano, garlic, lemon, rosemary, thyme, eucalyptus and sweet orange. The Longissimus thoracis muscle, aged for 24 h, was evaluated by 120 consumers who scored tenderness acceptability, flavour acceptability and overall acceptability using a hedonic 9-point scale. The inclusion of essential oils affected tenderness acceptability and flavour acceptability (P ≤ 0.01), with a tendency (P < 0.10) for overall acceptability. Meat from heifers was more appreciated by consumers than that from young bulls in all attributes (P ≤ 0.001), however, different groups of consumers had different preferences. The inclusion of a mix of essential oils in beef diets was well accepted by consumers, and could improve the acceptability of meat from young bulls, when is added at a concentration of 3.5 g/animal/day during the last 4 months of fattening.

Experience in the treatment of osseous hydatidosis

Osseous hydatidosis is a very uncommon disease which often recurs after treatment. There is no well-established effective method of management. Radical excision may produce serious mutilation and often fails to control the disease. We have used oral mebendazole as adjuvant treatment in four patients. Two also underwent radical excision, one had received limited excision elsewhere and the other did not have operative treatment. The patients who underwent radical excision and the other who did not have an operation became and remain free of symptoms and are serologically negative.A combination of excision and treatment with mebendazole may have a role in the management of this complex disease.

How dietary cottonseed hull affects the performance of young bulls finished in a high-concentrate system

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets composed of cottonseed hull on feed intake, in vitro digestibility, animal performance, carcass characteristics and ingestive behaviour of young bulls (1/2 Simmental × 1/2 Nellore) fed in a high-concentrate system. Thirty crossbred young bulls (319 ± 12.5 kg of bodyweight, and 11 ± 0.8 months old) were assigned to a complete randomised experimental design of three diets (CH21: cottonseed hull 210 g/kg on a DM, basis; CH27: cottonseed hull 270 g/kg on a DM basis; CH33: cottonseed hull 330 g/kg on a DM basis) with 10 animals per group. The animals were kept in a feedlot for 162 days. The cottonseed hull diets had effects on DM intake and neutral detergent fibre intake. The CH21 diet reduced the DM and detergent fibre intakes (kg/day and kg/100 kg bodyweight) and increased the in vitro digestibility of DM. However, the in vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fibre was greater with the CH27 diet. The cottonseed hull diets did not have effects on animal performance or the carcass characteristics of young bulls. However, the CH33 diet reduced the feed efficiency of the animals. A cottonseed hull level up to 270 g/kg of dietary DM may be utilised as a non-forage fibre in high-concentrate diets for young bulls in feedlots.

Factors influencing aversive learning in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis

Parameters such as the intensity of conditioned and unconditioned stimuli, the inter-trial interval, and starvation time can influence learning. In this study, the parameters that govern aversive learning in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, a serious pest of fruits and vegetables, were examined. Male flies were trained to associate the attractive odorant methyl eugenol, a male lure, with a food punishment, sodium chloride solution, and the conditioned suppression of the proboscis-extension response was investigated. We found that high methyl eugenol concentrations support a stronger association. With increasing concentrations of sodium chloride solution, a steady decrease of proboscis-extension response during six training trials was observed. A high level of learning was achieved with an inter-trial interval of 1-10 min. However, extending the inter-trial interval to 15 min led to reduced learning. No effect of physiological status (starvation time) on learning performance was detected, nor was any non-associative learning effect induced by the repeat presentation of odor or punishment alone. The memory formed after six training trials could be retained for at least 3 h. Our results indicate that aversive learning by oriental fruit flies can be affected by odor, punishment concentration and inter-trial interval.

Microstructural, mechanical, and histological evaluation of modified alginate-based scaffolds

Scaffolds are three-dimensional structures used for tissue regeneration being the base in tissue engineering. These scaffolds are obtained from natural and/or synthetic polymers and they should satisfy some specific requirements such as biocompatibility, suitable mechanical, and microstructural properties to favor cellular adhesion and neovascularization. This work shows a preclinic study about the production of low and medium molecular weight alginate through the use of calcium salts (calcium glutamate). The results showed prove that better structures, distribution, and pore sizes as well as better mechanical properties correspond to medium molecular weight alginate and higher calcium salts concentration. This type of scaffold, after muscular cells cultivation, has been proved as an excellent material for muscle growth. The histopathological analysis shows a low inflammatory response, without a foreign body reaction, suitable neovascularization and good fibroblasts incorporation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 3107-3114, 2016.

Sexual communication in day-flying Lepidoptera with special reference to castniids or 'butterfly-moths'

Butterflies and moths are subject to different evolutionary pressures that affect several aspects of their behaviour and physiology, particularly sexual communication. Butterflies are day-flying insects (excluding hedylids) whose partner-finding strategy is mainly based on visual cues and female butterflies having apparently lost the typical sex pheromone glands. Moths, in contrast, are mostly night-flyers and use female-released long-range pheromones for partner-finding. However, some moth families are exclusively day-flyers, and therefore subject to evolutionary pressures similar to those endured by butterflies. Among them, the Castniidae, also called 'butterfly-moths' or 'sun-moths', behave like butterflies and, thus, castniid females appear to have also lost their pheromone glands, an unparallel attribute in the world of moths. In this paper, we review the sexual communication strategy in day-flying Lepidoptera, mainly butterflies (superfamily Papilionoidea), Zygaenidae and Castniidae moths, and compare their mating behaviour with that of moth families of nocturnal habits, paying particular attention to the recently discovered butterfly-like partner-finding strategy of castniids and the fascinating facts and debates that led to its discovery.

Influence of collagen concentration and glutaraldehyde on collagen-based scaffold properties

Several studies have shown the influence of the physical properties of scaffolds on their mechanical properties. An initial characterization of a type of collagen protein was carried out by studying its composition andits solubility at different pH values and infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, porosity and scaffold pore size were studied, assessing how varying the composition of the initial solution (increasing the protein concentration or adding glutaraldehyde) changed the properties of the final scaffolds obtained. Lastly, rheological measurements were performed to evaluate the mechanical strength of the scaffolds. The initial characterization revealed that the type I collagen protein used is considerably denatured. In addition, increasing the protein content in the scaffold decreases the porosity, related to an increase in the elastic modulus producing an enhancement of its mechanical strength, while adding glutaraldehyde to the scaffold increases its mechanical strength without lowering its pore size or porosity. The results obtained are useful in that they demonstrate that it is possible to design a scaffold with specific properties, by just controlling the collagen concentration or adding glutaraldehyde to the initial solution. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1462-1468, 2016.