Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
The role of doulas in abortion care in Canada: A qualitative study
Introduction Equitable and safe access to abortion is essential for reproductive autonomy. Despite decriminalization in 1988, barriers to accessing abortion in Canada persist, particularly for people in underserved groups. Doulas, working in a non-clinical and unregulated supportive role, may facilitate access to family planning services, but evidence about the scope, role, training, and efficacy of doulas in abortion care is lacking. The goal of this study was to understand the experience of abortion doulas in Canada with respect to their role and facilitators and challenges faced in practice. Method For this community-based, qualitative national study of abortion doula practice, we first created a national directory of all doulas in Canada in 2023 using publicly available online information. From this directory, we extracted contact information for doulas who indicated they provide abortion support and sent invitations for a one-time qualitative interview. Questions addressed current role and responsibilities, gaps in doula training and knowledge, and challenges and opportunities they perceived with respect to client support. We used reflexive thematic analysis to generate key themes. Our research team includes abortion doula experts. Results Among 73 abortion doulas with public listings in Canada in 2023 to whom we sent invitations, 15 completed an interview. We developed six key themes: Inter and intra-systems navigation; After-care; In over their heads; Balancing act; Support for the supporter; and Beyond the individual. Abortion doulas navigate fragmented systems and support clients experiencing intersecting forms of oppression and exclusion. These complex logistics include locating care providers, securing transportation, and obtaining funds for clients’ out-of-pocket costs. Doulas faced challenges acquiring adequate training, understanding local health systems, forging relationships and supporting clients facing structural barriers to care. Abortion doula work is facilitated by peer and organizational support, connections to clinics and providers, and comprehensive and contextually appropriate training. Conclusions Abortion doulas express needs for comprehensive, evidence-based training, meaningful partnerships and sustainable remuneration. Future research should explore abortion provider and clinic staff perspectives with respect to the potential role of doulas in wrap-around client support services.
Risk factors for barbering in laboratory mice
Pharmacometabolomics in TB meningitis—Understanding the pharmacokinetic, metabolic, and immune factors associated with anti-TB drug concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid
Poor penetration of many anti-tuberculosis (TB) antibiotics into the central nervous system (CNS) is thought to be a major driver of morbidity and mortality in TB meningitis (TBM). While the amount of a particular drug that crosses into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) varies from person to person, little is known about the host factors associated with interindividual differences in CSF concentrations of anti-TB drugs. In patients diagnosed with TBM from the country of Georgia (n = 17), we investigate the association between CSF concentrations of anti-TB antibiotics and multiple host factors including serum drug concentrations and CSF concentrations of metabolites and cytokines. We found > 2-fold differences in CSF concentrations of anti-TB antibiotics from person to person for all drugs tested including cycloserine, ethambutol, imipenem, isoniazid, levofloxacin, linezolid, moxifloxacin, pyrazinamide, and rifampin. While serum drug concentrations explained over 30% of the variation in CSF drug concentrations for cycloserine, isoniazid, linezolid, and pyrazinamide (adjusted R 2 ≥ 0.3, p < 0.001 for all), there was no significant association between serum concentrations of imipenem and ethambutol and their respective CSF concentrations. CSF concentrations of carnitines were significantly associated with concentrations of ethambutol and imipenem (q < 0.05), and imipenem was the only antibiotic significantly associated with CSF cytokine concentrations. These results indicate that there is high interindividual variability in CSF drug concentrations in patients treated for TBM, which is only partially explained by differences in serum drug concentrations. With the exception of imipenem, there was no association between CSF drug concentrations and concentrations of cytokines and chemokines.
Synthesis, physicochemical characterization and biological activity of novel pyrrole flavones
Abstract Cancer remains one of the most significant health issues worldwide. By designing compounds with anticancer activity characterized by high selectivity towards cancer cells, medicinal chemistry focuses on the protection of healthy cells and tissues. In this study, we present the hybrid pharmacophore approach, which afforded a series of new pyrrole flavones. The synthetic strategy was based on the Paal-Knorr pyrrole synthesis, starting from aminoflavones through their condensation with 1,4-diketones and leading to 6- and 7-(pyrrol-1-yl) flavones. The isolated products underwent characterization using NMR and UV–VIS spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, TGA, DSC, and Microtox analyses. For all pyrrole flavones, single crystals were obtained and subjected to X-ray diffraction experiments. Their cytotoxic activity was assessed on two human bladder cancer cell lines (5637 and HT-1376) and one non-cancerous (MRC-5) cell line, showing the potential as anticancer agents. Flavone derivative with the 6-(2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrol-1-yl) moiety was active in the MTT assay towards 5637 and HT-1376 cancer cells after 24 h of incubation with IC50 values of 2.97 µM and 5.89 µM, respectively. Notably, flavone derivative with 7-(2-methyl-5-phenylpyrrol-1-yl) revealed cytotoxic activity towards 5637 and HT-1376 cells with IC50 values of 7.39 µM and 13.54 µM, respectively, without any effect on the viability of MRC-5 cells.
Apportioned voting
The paper introduces a new electoral system, based on proportional representation, called apportioned voting because each vote is apportioned among the candidates. Apportioned voting can be thought of as an enhanced and generalized hybrid of cumulative voting and single transferable vote (also known as proportional ranked-choice voting). Apportioned voting can efficiently handle government and corporate elections with large numbers of voters, positions to fill, and candidates. The paper provides a detailed description of apportioned voting, illustrative examples of apportioned voting’s election performance, and the Octave scripts used to implement apportioned voting and compute the example results.
Magnetization dynamics and proximity effects in ultrasoft composition modulated amorphous CoAlZr alloy thin films
The complexity of architectural and anthropological dynamics in womb-tomb structures: An interdisciplinary investigation
Our research investigates a collection of distinctive case studies identified as ‘womb-tomb sacred structures,’ scattered throughout the region colloquially referred to as the Holy Land. This geographical area, nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the East Bank of the Jordan River, holds profound historical and religious significance, intersecting with the biblical Land of Israel and the broader region of Palestine. It is revered by followers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This study offers a pioneering exploration of the complex interplay between human corporeal rituals at sacred sites and architectural forms, illuminating not only how these rituals impact architectural design but also how the design influences the rituals themselves. We have catalogued an extensive array of womb-tomb structures across this landscape, dating from various periods including the First and Second Temples (700 BCE) and the Byzantine era. Despite their chronological diversity, these structures share architectural characteristics—typically, they are enclosed, cave-like spaces, often dimly lit and surmounted by domes. The architectural geomorphology of the womb-tomb designs prescribes specific bodily movements, with their distinctive forms necessitating, and sometimes enforcing, actions such as bending, crawling, and bowing within these enveloping spaces. Our exploration is supported by a novel methodological framework consisting of nine stages, which harmoniously blends architectural analysis (including Spatial Analysis, Morphological Analysis, 4D Approach) with anthropological perspectives and methodologies (including observations, interviews, photographic documentation, and short films). Our results elucidate that these architectural structures and morphologies serve not merely as sanctified sites but also unveil previously unrecognized connections among human anatomy, architectural configurations of the afterlife, and the connections between ritualistic conceptualization of soil, land, and territory as expressions of ownership and power.
Spatio-temporal distribution characteristics and driving factors of forest land in the Da-Xiao Liangshan mountains based on topographic gradient
Quantitative metrics for evaluating surgical dexterity using virtual reality simulations
This study develops and evaluates quantitative metrics to assess surgical dexterity within virtual reality (VR) simulations to enhance surgical training and performance. By employing advanced VR technology, this research systematically investigates the influence of controlled experimental factors—posture, handedness, and visual magnification—on surgical performance. The impact of human factors such as surgical specialty, experience, and lifestyle factors like sleep and caffeine consumption on surgical dexterity is also analyzed. The findings reveal that seated posture, dominant hand usage, and enhanced visual magnification significantly improve surgical precision and efficiency. Contrary to common beliefs, lifestyle factors such as sleep duration and coffee consumption showed minimal impact on performance metrics. The study highlights the potential of VR simulations to provide a controlled, replicable, and safe environment for surgical training, emphasizing the importance of personalized training protocols that cater to individual surgeon’s needs. The insights from this research advocate for integrating quantitative, objective metrics in surgical training programs to refine and accelerate dexterity acquisition, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and surgical care.
Synbiotics as a novel therapeutic approach for hyperphosphatemia and hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease rats
Effectiveness of virtual reality technology in rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) can be fully recovered with effective rehabilitation, which also lowers the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee. Virtual reality technology (VRT) has been used for rehabilitation after ACLR. However, it is unclear how VRT compares to traditional therapy in terms of effectiveness. Design A systematic review and a meta-analysis. Objectives We hypothesised that VRT would be a more effective treatment than traditional therapy in post-ACLR rehabilitation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of VRT on rehabilitation following ACLR, providing insights for its application in clinical settings. Materials and methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed using RevMan and Stata software according to PRISMA guidelines. We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, EBSCO, CNKI, CBM, VIP, and Wanfang databases for RCTs examining the effects of VRT in patients following ACLR. The literature search was conducted from the inception of the database to March 2024, utilizing keywords such as “anterior cruciate ligament,” “anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,” “anterior cruciate ligament injury,” and “virtual reality.” The outcome indicators comprised knee function, walking function, gait function, and knee muscle strength. We assessed the quality of RCTs using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Jadad scale. Results There were a total of 6 RCTs included in this study, involving 387 patients who had undergone ACLR. The experimental group comprised 194 patients, while the control group comprised 193 patients. The findings demonstrated that VRT significantly enhanced knee function, walking ability, gait function, and knee muscle strength post-ACLR. Specifically, it led to improvements in the IKDC score (MD: 4.23; 95% CI 1.76-6.71), FAC score (0.40; 0.32-0.48), Lysholm score (6.36; 3.05-9.67), step length (3.99; 2.72-5.27), step speed (0.13; 0.10-0.16), step frequency (4.85; 0.22-9.47), extensor peak torque (12.03; 3.28-20.78), and flexor peak torque (14.57; 9.52-19.63). Subgroup analysis revealed that fully immersive VR did not significantly improve knee function as compared to non-immersive VR. Conclusion This study is the first to systematically compare VRT with traditional therapy, and we found that VRT is a more effective treatment than traditional therapy in post-ACLR rehabilitation. This provides evidence for integrating VRT into post-ACLR rehabilitation protocols. However, more high-quality studies with large samples are needed to verify the findings. Protocol registration This study has been registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42024534918).
High efficiency focusing vortex generation and multichannel multiplexing based on terahertz metasurfaces
Land-use and socioeconomic time-series reveal legacy of redlining on present-day gentrification within a growing United States city
Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) maps illustrated patterns of segregation in United States cites in the 1930s. As the causes and drivers of demographic and land-use segregation vary over years, these maps provide an important spatial lens in determining how patterns of segregation spatially and temporally developed during the past century. Using a high-resolution land-use time series (1937-2018) of Denver, Colorado, USA, in conjunction with 80 years of U.S. Census data, we found divergent land-use and demographics patterns across HOLC categories were both pre-existent to the establishment of HOLC mapping and continued to develop over time. Over this period, areas deemed “declining” or “hazardous” had more diverse land use compared to “desirable” areas. “Desirable” areas were dominated by one land-use type (single-family residential), while single-family residential diminished in prominence in the “declining/hazardous” areas. This divergence became more established decades after HOLC mapping, with impact to racial metrics and low-income households. We found changes in these demographic patterns also occurred between 2000 and 2019, highlighting how processes like gentrification can develop from both rapid demographic and land-use changes. This study demonstrates how the legacy of urban segregation develops over decades and can simultaneously persist in some neighborhoods while providing openings for fast-paced gentrification in others.
High abundance of lactobacilli in the gut microbiome of honey bees during winter
A systematic review of post COVID-19 condition in children and adolescents: Gap in evidence from low-and -middle-income countries and the impact of SARS-COV-2 variants
The long-term health consequences following COVID-19 have largely been reported in adult populations living in high-income countries. We therefore did a systematic review of post COVID-19 condition symptoms reported in children and adolescents (<18 years), aiming to identify and include publications from low- or middle-income countries (LMICs). From EMBASE, Medline, and Pubmed until the 30th of October 2023, we searched all studies reporting original and complete data of long-term outcomes of at least 20 children or adolescents under 18 years of age with a history of confirmed acute COVID-19 infection. We excluded non-English publications, pre-prints, unreviewed articles, grey literature, studies with inaccessible full text, and those limited to a specific population. Risk of Bias was assessed using STROBE guidelines for observational studies. We used descriptive narrative analysis to summarize the findings. Forty studies reporting 825,849 children and adolescents; the median age of those with persistent symptoms was consistently in the adolescent age range but not all studies included young children (<5 years). Only one study, with 58 participants aged 6-17 years, population was from a LMIC. Studies relied on symptom reporting rather than objective measures of organ dysfunction. The definition of post COVID-19 condition varied; most studies used persistent symptom duration of two or three months or more. However, since the symptom onset was not specified, it was difficult to identify which study is truly consistent with WHO’s definition of post COVID-19 condition. Prevalence of post COVID-19 condition ranged from 1.8% to 70% but with marked heterogeneity between study populations and reporting criteria including the severity of acute COVID presentation. Most studies were undertaken when the Alpha variant was the predominant strain. The prevalence of post COVID-19 condition ranged from 6.7% to 70% in the Alpha variant-, 23% to 61.9% in the Delta-, 17% to 34.6% in the Omicron-, and 3.7% to 34% in the Other-variant predominated studies. The most reported symptoms were fatigue (70%), headache (37.5%) and respiratory symptoms (35%); fatigue was most reported in all variant subgroups. Only half of the studies included a control group. The variations in study population, reporting methods, reliance on symptom reporting alone and lack of control groups make it challenging to determine the impact of COVID-19 on post COVID health in children and adolescents. The lack of data from LMIC populations especially infants and young children is a major gap.
Enhancements in morphology, biochemicals, nutrients, and L-Dopa in Faba bean through plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal Fungi
Abstract Faba beans are among the main food sources grown since ancient times; seeds contain higher protein (23–41%) than other legumes and are rich in healthy secondary bioactive components. This study was carried out to determine the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the biofortification potential of faba beans. The study utilized Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, and an AMF mix to examine changes in growth parameters, chlorophyll content, bioactive compounds, and mineral nutrients. AMF and PGPR treatments significantly enhanced various traits in faba bean pods compared to untreated control plants. Bacillus subtilis treatment increased the antioxidant capacity by 128% and the total phenol content by 230%. AMF inoculation elevated the L-Dopa content, an essential compound for Parkinson’s disease prevention, by 92%. Protein content increased by 51% with Bacillus megaterium inoculations. The macro and micronutrients exhibited the highest enhancement in AMF treatment (Ca; 33.6%, K; 49.4%, Mg; 22.7%, P; 10.5%, Fe; 37.7%, Zn; 24.5%). The study results suggest that AMF and PGPR inoculation to faba bean seeds improves the morphological characteristics, bioactive compounds, and mineral nutrient content and is an excellent tool for obtaining biofortified faba beans through sustainable practice.
A comparative analysis of diversification of agricultural production among EU candidate countries and Eastern Partnership countries: An international perspective
The volume and structure of agricultural production depend on many different factors, including environmental, climatic, weather, economic, development potential of the agricultural sector, but also on historical conditions, etc. This study aimed to determine the diversification of the obtained agricultural production per capita of the EU candidate countries (CC) and the Eastern Partnership countries (EPC), presenting the potential of the analysed countries in terms of selected products in the field of plant and animal production, as well as to present quantitative changes in production in the years 2011–2021. Food self-sufficiency indicators, cluster analysis using Ward’s method, a synthetic measure of agricultural production development and a composite indicator were applied in the study, to show the diversity and position of the surveyed countries in terms of agricultural production per capita. The research revealed that Belarus and Türkiye have the highest agricultural production potential. Belarus has the potential to be competitive on the market mainly of animal products. Three countries dominate the grain market: Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine. Countries where the agricultural sector does not play a significant role are primarily Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia and Montenegro.
Quantitative analysis and evaluation of winter and summer landscape colors in the Yangzhou ancient Canal utilizing deep learning
Prevalence and correlation of sarcopenia with Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Sarcopenia, which is defined by a decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength associated with aging, is common among older individuals and presents considerable health dangers. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent degenerative brain condition linked to a decrease in cognitive function. The intersection of these conditions remains underexplored. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to establish the frequency of sarcopenia in individuals with AD and investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and AD. Methods We performed an extensive review of literature databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, through April 2024. The inclusion criteria included studies that provided data on the frequency of sarcopenia in patients with AD or that examined the odds ratios (ORs) associated with these comorbidities. R Studio (4.3.1) was utilized for conducting the statistical analyses. Results A total of 27 studies, comprising 3902 AD patients were included. In patients with AD, the combined occurrence of sarcopenia was 33.9%, with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%, ranging from 27.6% to 40.2%. Sarcopenia was found in 31.2% (95% CI: 0.223–0.402) and 41.9% (95% CI: 0.321–0.516) of patients with mild and moderate AD, respectively. The OR for the association between AD and sarcopenia was 2.670 (95% CI: 1.566–4.555), suggesting a robust correlation. Conclusion Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in AD patients, highlighting the need for integrated care approaches to address both cognitive and physical health issues. Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiological links between AD and sarcopenia.