bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of TACE combined with traditional Chinese medicine versus TACE alone in hepatocellular carcinoma: bayesian network meta-analysis and pharmacological mechanisms study
Authors: Chen Li , Zhu Xiu-Ling , Lin Jie , Li Dong-Liang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the clinical benefits of integrating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment via meta-analysis and an exploration of network pharmacology analysis (NPA).

Methods

A comprehensive search across different databases retrieved all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating TCM combined with TACE for HCC. Meta-analysis included 39 RCTs to assess the intervention effects. The bayesian network meta-analysis observed the relative efficacy and potential ranking of various interventions. Active compounds and target genes from frequently used TCM were sourced from the TCMSP database, while HCC disease targets were collected from five public disease databases. Regulatory networks connecting target genes with active components of key herbs were constructed. Following the identification of key genes, we conducted analyses of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to enrich our understanding of their functions. NPA and molecular docking methods were refined to reveal potential interactions between TCM components and their specific targets.

Results

The combination of TCM with TACE significantly enhances the efficacy and safety of HCC treatment, improving the overall response rate, disease control rate, and overall survival rate, while also reducing the incidence of adverse events. Among the TCM evaluated, Ganfu Formula proved to be the most effective in enhancing patient response rates. Analysis of all included medicinal herbs identified 10 pivotal TCMs and 17 core genes. GO analysis revealed their significance in protein interactions, whereas KEGG analysis highlighted their role in crucial oncological pathways. NPA and molecular docking techniques elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action of TCM components.

Conclusion

Adding TCM to TACE protocols significantly enhances treatment outcomes and safety in HCC patients by modulating tumor biology and systemic immune responses, highlighting its potential as an effective adjunct therapy. These findings support the inclusion of TCM in standard care regimens, offering potential for improved management of HCC.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024571280.
Revolutionary drug repositioning: the preventive and therapeutic potential of metformin and other antidiabetic drugs in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Zhou Yating , Xue Fei
Published: December 2024

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness among the elderly worldwide. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections remain the first-line therapy for AMD. However, their high cost and the need for frequent administration pose challenges to long-term adherence, highlighting the need for accessible and cost-effective preventive strategies. Emerging evidence suggests that traditional antidiabetic drugs, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones, may offer neuroprotective benefits, opening new avenues for AMD prevention. Among these, metformin has emerged as the most promising candidate, demonstrating significant potential in reducing AMD risk, even at low cumulative doses, primarily through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Sulfonylureas, although effective in stimulating insulin secretion, carry risks such as hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and a possible association with increased cancer risk. Similarly, thiazolidinediones, while improving insulin sensitivity, are associated with adverse effects, including cardiovascular risks and macular edema, limiting their broader application in AMD prevention. This paper explores the preventive potential and underlying mechanisms of these antidiabetic drugs in AMD and discusses the role of artificial intelligence in optimizing individualized prevention strategies. By advancing precision medicine, these approaches may improve public health outcomes and reduce the burden of aging-related vision loss.
Diagnostic value of the isoenzymatic index of lactate dehydrogenase in blood serum in a special process for training cadet pilots
Authors: Wochyński Zbigniew , Majsterek Ireneusz , Gerszon Joanna , Wojtczak Radosław , Kabziński Jacek , Błaszczyk Jan , Sobiech Krzysztof A. , Jabłońska Ewa , Ratajczak-Wrona Wioletta
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Special aerial gymnastics instruments (SAGI) are permanent elements of specialist training for cadet pilots. Appropriate physical activity and fitness are essential for performing the tasks of military pilots. Therefore, one of the main goals of cadet training is to develop adaptation to the extreme conditions of a military pilot’s work. This study aimed to determine the effect of the SAGI training process for cadet pilots on their aldolase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, LDH enzymatic index (iZO), C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin (HP) levels, and physical fitness.

Material and Methods

Participating in this study were 55 cadets, aged 20 ± 0.70 years, in two groups. In group A (n = 41, tested) cadets were trained on SAGI with an emphasis on endurance and strength. In group B (n = 14, control), the cadets performed general fitness training. Blood samples were collected before and after training series I, II, and III. LDH and its isoenzyme activity, aldolase, CRP, and HP levels were assayed in blood serum using commercially available tests, and the iZO value was calculated.

Results

A downward trend was observed in HP and CRP levels in both groups after all three training series. In group A after training, LDH and aldolase activity was lower than in group B. However, in both groups, a significant increase of iZO values was observed after training series II and III in group A, p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively, and in group B, p < 0.05 and p < 0.0005, respectively. Physical fitness also improved in both groups.

Conclusion

The course of the SAGI exercises showed that the iZO value depends on physical exercise intensity, its type, and cadet adaptation.
The microbiome is dispensable for normal respiratory function and chemoreflexes in mice
Authors: Lusk Savannah , Memos Nicoletta K. , Rauschmayer Andrea , Ray Russell S.
Published: December 2024

Increasing evidence indicates an association between microbiome composition and respiratory homeostasis and disease, particularly disordered breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea. Previous work showing respiratory disruption is limited by the methodology employed to disrupt, eliminate, or remove the microbiome by antibiotic depletion. Our work utilized germ-free mice born without a microbiome and described respiratory alterations. We used whole-body flow through barometric plethysmography to assay conscious and unrestrained C57BL/6J germ-free (GF, n = 24) and specific-pathogen-free (SPF, n = 28) adult mice (with an intact microbiome) in normoxic (21% O2,79% N2) conditions and during challenges in hypercapnic (5% CO2, 21% O2, 74% N2) and hypoxic (10% O2, 90% N2) environments. Following initial plethysmography analysis, we performed fecal transplants to test the ability of gut microbiome establishment to rescue any observed phenotypes. Data were comprehensively analyzed using our newly published respiratory analysis software, Breathe Easy, to identify alterations in respiratory parameters, including ventilatory frequency, tidal volume, ventilation, apnea frequency, and sigh frequency. We also considered possible metabolic changes by analyzing oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and ventilatory equivalents of oxygen. We also assayed GF and SPF neonates in an autoresuscitation assay to understand the effects of the microbiome on cardiorespiratory stressors in early development. We found several differences in baseline and recovery cardiorespiratory parameters in the neonates and differences in body weight at both ages studied. However, there was no difference in the overall survival of the neonates, and in contrast to prior studies utilizing gut microbial depletion, we found no consequential respiratory alterations in GF versus SPF adult mice at baseline or following fecal transplant in any groups. Interestingly, we did see alterations in oxygen consumption in the GF adult mice, which suggests an altered metabolic demand. Results from this study suggest that microbiome alteration in mice may not play as large a role in respiratory outcomes when a less severe methodology to eliminate the microbiome is utilized.
Evaluation of drought and salinity tolerance potentials of different soybean genotypes based upon physiological, biochemical, and genetic indicators
Authors: Alzahrani Yahya
Published: December 2024

The present study has evaluated different soybean genotypes to understand the salt and drought tolerance mechanisms based on physiological traits (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll, and cell membrane stability), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase), reactive oxygen species (H2O2 and O2•−), osmolytes (glycine betaine, proline, and Na+/K+), plant water relations (relative water content, water potential, and solute potential) and expression of related genes (GmCAT1, GmPOD1, GmSOD, GmP5CS, GmNHX1, GmAKT1, GmDREB1, and GmARF1). The experiment was conducted in a two-factorial arrangement using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with genotypes as one factor and salt, drought, and control treatments as the other factor. All physiological traits, relative water content, and water potential decreased significantly in all soybean genotypes due to individual and combined treatments of drought and salt stress, with significantly less decrease in soybean genotypes G4620RX, DM45X61, and NARC-21. Besides that, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, production of ROS, accumulation of osmolytes, solute potential, and Na+/K+ ratio were increased significantly in all soybean genotypes under salt and water deficit conditions. As a whole, the soybean genotypes G4620RX, DM45X61, and NARC-21 showed the maximum enzymatic activity with less increase in ROS and Na+/K+ in addition to a high accumulation of osmolytes and an increase in solute potential. Correspondingly, the genotypes exhibiting high physiological and biochemical tolerance to drought and salt stresses showed the high expression of genes imparting the stress tolerance. Moreover, correlation, heatmap, and principal component analysis further confirmed the varying physiological and biochemical responses of all soybean genotypes under individual and combined applications of drought and salinity stresses. Overall, the present study confirmed that plants opt for the integrated physiological, biochemical, and genetic approaches to counteract the harmful effects of environmental stresses.
Unraveling site-specific seed formation abnormalities in Picea neoveitchii Mast. trees via widely metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Li Kaiyuan , Lin Jiayi , Fan Rong , Chen Sibo , Ma Zhilin , Ji Wenli
Published: December 2024

Picea neoveitchii Mast. is a rare and threatened species of evergreen coniferous tree in China, commonly facing issues such as damaged seeds, abnormal seed growth, and empty seed shells. These abnormalities vary by location; unfortunately, the reasons behind these inconsistencies are completely unknown. This study compared seeds from two 150-year-old trees located in Taibai (Shaanxi province, TB150) and Zhouqu (Gansu province, ZQ150). The results showed significant differences in 43 metabolites and hormone levels, with higher levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and brassinosteroid (BR) in ZQ150, which were associated with more viable seeds. In contrast, TB150 exhibited more damaged seeds and empty seed shells due to higher abscisic acid (ABA) levels. Moreover, to further investigate these inconsistencies, we performed de-novo transcriptomic assembly and functional annotation of unigenes using high-throughput sequencing. A total of 2,355 differentially expressed unigenes were identified between TB150 and ZQ150, with 1,280 upregulated and 1,075 downregulated. Hormone signaling and sugar metabolism-related unigenes were further examined for their role in seed development. ZQ150 increased the number of normal seeds by enhancing endogenous IAA levels and upregulating auxin signaling and sugar metabolism-related genes. Conversely, TB150 showed more empty seed shells, correlated with elevated ABA levels and the activation of ABA signaling genes. We hypothesize that enhanced IAA levels and the upregulation of sugar metabolism and auxin signaling genes promote normal seed development.
Curbing bureaucratic limitations through continuous learning in local government in South Africa
Authors: Shava Elvin , Muringa Tigere Paidamoyo
Published: December 2024

The local government in South Africa faces a dire scenario as it relentlessly fails to execute its legally mandated responsibilities of rendering essential goods and services. Despite various legal frameworks (The Municipal Systems Act 2000; The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) 2003) and government interventions (The Batho Pele Principles 1997) to address the bureaucratic limitations, local government continues to transgress, resulting in many local municipalities receiving adverse audit outcomes from the Auditor General every year. Prior research on local government in South Africa has not extensively investigated the effects of continuous learning on mitigating bureaucratic limitations and promoting efficiency and effectiveness in municipal service delivery. This paper examines the role of learning organizations, guided by Pete Senge’s Model of Learning Organizations, in mitigating bureaucratic limitations within South African local governments. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research explores how continuous learning platforms can contribute to overcoming these limitations and enhancing municipal service delivery. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 50 participants from 10 municipalities across six South African provinces, ensuring representation from various managerial levels within local governments. The study’s key findings reveal that if properly implemented, continuous learning frameworks can address critical issues such as administrative inefficiency and resistance to innovation, which are deeply embedded in bureaucratic structures. The findings also highlight that change management strategies, grounded in collaborative learning and shared vision, are essential for fostering an environment conducive to organizational transformation. However, the study identified significant challenges, including political interference, staff turnover, and cultural resistance, which limit the effectiveness of learning organizations. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted interventions that promote leadership development, skills enhancement, and policy reform to create a sustainable culture of continuous learning in local government.
Examining Women’s support for birth encouragement policies in China: an extension of the influence of presumed media influence model
Authors: Li Shiyao
Published: December 2024

This study employs the influence of the presumed media influence (IPMI) model to explore how media messages and interpersonal communication indirectly affect Chinese women’s support for birth encouragement policies. Surveying 616 Chinese women of reproductive age, this study finds that exposure to media messages regarding childbirth benefits and interpersonal communication are positively correlated with the presumed influence of such media messages on others. Presumed media influence on others is further positively associated with perceived personal norms and social norms regarding support for birth encouragement policies. Perceived social and personal norms, in turn, are positively associated with Chinese women’s support for birth encouragement policies. The theoretical and practical implications of this study are examined.
A novel method for quantitative analysis of subjective experience reports: application to psychedelic visual experiences
Authors: Noah Sean , Shen Miranda , Erowid Earth , Erowid Fire , Silver Michael
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Psychedelic compounds such as LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, and DMT can dramatically alter visual perception. However, the extent to which visual effects of psychedelics consistently vary for different substances is an open question. The visual effects of a given psychedelic compound can range widely both across and within individuals, so datasets with large numbers of participants and descriptions of qualitative effects are required to adequately address this question with the necessary sensitivity.

Methods

Here we present an observational study with narrative self-report texts, leveraging the massive scale of the Erowid experience report dataset. We analyzed reports associated with 103 different psychoactive substances, with a median of 217 reports per substance. Thirty of these substances are standardly characterized as psychedelics, while 73 substances served as comparison substances. To quantitatively analyze these semantic data, we associated each sentence in the self-report dataset with a vector representation using an embedding model from OpenAI, and then we trained a classifier to identify which sentences described visual effects, based on the sentences’ embedding vectors.

Results

We observed that the proportion of sentences describing visual effects varies significantly and consistently across substances, even within the group of psychedelics. We then analyzed the distributions of psychedelics’ visual effect sentences across different categories of effects (for example, movement, color, or pattern), again finding significant and consistent variation.

Discussion

Overall, our findings indicate reliable variation across psychedelic substances’ propensities to affect vision and in their qualitative effects on visual perception.
Psychometric properties of comprehensive cognitive, affective, and psychomotor competency assessment scales in psychodynamic psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder
Authors: Lukman Petrin Redayani , Wiguna Tjhin , Soemantri Diantha , Menaldi Sri Linuwih , Elvira Sylvia Detri , Sutanto Limas , Sapiie Tuti Wahmurti A. , Kekalih Aria , Noviasari Reina Rahma , Rizki Hukma Shabiyya , Giyani Kharisma Zatalini
Published: December 2024

Background

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapy for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, competency in conducting effective psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD is difficult to evaluate. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the psychometric properties of a comprehensive scale to assess cognitive, affective, and psychomotor competencies (CS-CAPC) in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD.

Methods

This is a qualitative study. The first step used the Delphi technique to gather experts’ opinions on the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor competencies necessary to conduct psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD. The experts comprised three psychotherapists, seven psychiatrists with experience in psychotherapy, and nine teaching staff. A panel discussion was conducted to obtain qualitative data. Thematic data analysis was adopted, and content validity testing was used to analyze the content validity of the CS-CAPC in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD.

Results

The CS-CAPC comprised two scales assessing two specific competencies in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD: The first scale, the psychodynamic formulation competency assessment scale (PF-CAS), comprised six items, including the case description, etiology, and potential course of therapy. The second scale, the practical-competency assessment scale (PC-CAS) for psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD, comprised 12 items, including building a therapeutic alliance, performing psychodynamic interventions while working through the therapeutic process, and closing the session. The scale-level content validity index (S-CVI) for the PF-CAS was 0.981, and that for the PC-CAS in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD was 1.00.

Conclusion

The CS-CAPC in psychodynamic psychotherapy for BPD had good validity in assessing individual competency in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains.
Young and adult patients with gaming disorder: Psychiatric co-morbidities and progression of problematic gaming
Authors: Hofstedt Annika , Söderpalm Gordh Anna
Published: December 2024

Background

Previous research suggests age-dependent differences in the progression of addiction, and evidence is accumulating, showing that an early initiation of gaming increases the risk for addiction. With the recent introduction of gaming disorder (GD) as a psychiatric diagnosis, there is a need to extend the knowledge of the clinical characteristics of patients seeking treatment for GD of all age groups. Compared to adolescents and young adults, less is known about treatment-seeking adults. This study aimed to investigate whether there are clinically relevant age-dependent differences among patients seeking treatment for GD.

Method

Participants were recruited among patients seeking treatment and fulfilling diagnosis for GD at an outpatient clinic specialized in the treatment of GD. During the study period, 142 patients went through assessment for GD at the clinic, 37 did not fulfill the diagnosis for GD, and 36 declined participation, leaving a sample of 69 patients (age range = 15–56) for analysis. The sample (men, n = 66; women, n = 3) was divided in two age groups: adolescents and young adults (25 years or younger) and adults (26 years or older). Gaming-related data and information about psychiatric co-morbidity was collected through structured clinical interviews and questionnaires.

Results

The adolescents and young adults (AYAs) reported a more rapid progression into problematic gaming than the adult group. The younger group developed problematic gaming four years faster than the adults. We also observed comparable clinical profiles in both groups. Both age groups had similar levels of GD as well as symptoms of psychiatric co-morbidities including possible attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and problematic gambling. We also noticed that half of our study population consisted of adults.

Conclusion

With the increasing prevalence of gaming in all age groups, it is unknown how the occurrence of GD will develop in different stages of life. We conclude that the adolescents and young adults had almost double as fast progression to problematic gaming than the adult group, highlighting the need for preventive strategies. The similarity in clinical profiles indicates that treatments with the same type of interventions could be offered to both age groups.
Violence risk prediction in mental health inpatient settings using the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression
Authors: Moscovici Mario , Farrokhi Farhat , Vangala Lavanya , Simpson Alexander I. F. , Kurdyak Paul , Jones Roland M.
Published: December 2024

Introduction/Background

Aggression and violence are common problems in healthcare settings and affects both patients and healthcare staff. The Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) is an assessment tool to guide assessment for short term risk in inpatient settings. There have been no large-scale studies examining the performance of the DASA across different clinical settings. Our objective is to examine the performance of the DASA using a large longitudinal patient sample on different clinical units. A secondary objective was to examine alterative risk categories of the DASA.

Methods

All consecutive mental health hospital admissions to a large hospital in Toronto, Canada between 2016 and 2019 were included. Time-to-event analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristics Area Under the Curve (AUC) was conducted with the outcome variable being the occurrence of the first violent incident or first restraint event.

Results

We included 3819 patients, of which 17% had at least one violent incident. We analysed 88,124 DASA scores and found a significant association with violence (HR 1.79 (95% CI), AUC 0.73). We found that the AUCs were similar for subspecialized forensic, schizophrenia and acute care units (0.71, 0.73 and 0.75 respectively), and lower for geriatric units (0.66). We propose new violence risk categories based on the frequency of violence at each score.

Discussion

Higher DASA scores are associated with higher risk of violent incidents in both forensic and non-forensic inpatient psychiatric units. The proposed violence risk groups help rule out patients at low risk of violence and may help identify patients who would most benefit from interventions to reduce violence.
Parental satisfaction with the quality of services provided to persons with autism spectrum disorder and their families in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Saleh Salwa R. , Alaoufi Hiam M. , Eltantawy Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: December 2024

The services provided to persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families are considered the basic factors that help families meet their needs and those of their children. These services help persons with ASD attain an appropriate level of independence within the society. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Parents’ satisfaction with the quality of services related to family guidance and education, diagnostic and evaluation services, support and intervention services, and services that aim to improve equal opportunities and life quality among persons with ASD and their parents in Saudi Arabia. This study also aimed to identify the differences in the quality of these services with regard to the age stage of the person with ASD. The study sample consisted of 301 parents of persons with ASD, including 93 fathers and 208 mothers. In this study, a quantitative approach through a questionnaire was used to collect data. Results of this study showed that the parents participating in the study reported the availability of services at an unsatisfactory level with regard to family guidance and education services, support and intervention services, and services that help to improve life quality and equal opportunities. Although the quality of diagnostic and evaluation services was satisfactory, the results indicated no differences in the quality of these services based on the ages of the persons with ASD. The results of this study indicated the importance of developing these services and subjecting them to international quality standards.
Development of the process of determining essential hazardous psychosocial factors of employee stress risk
Authors: Bazaluk Oleg , Tsopa Vitalii , Cheberiachko Serhii , Deryugin Oleg , Nesterova Olha , Sokurenko Svitlana , Lozynskyi Vasyl
Published: December 2024

The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of hazardous psychosocial factors on stress among employees when performing production tasks to develop recommendations for reducing their impact. Based on the recommendations of the ISO 45003:2021 standard, a special questionnaire was developed to determine hazardous psychosocial factors that lead to the appearance of worker’s stress, the answers to which were evaluated on a Likert scale with points from 0 to 4. 68 workers (23 men and 45 women) aged 20 to 45 took part in the survey conducted at industrial enterprises of the Dnipro region in May–June 2023. A questionnaire was developed to identify significant psychosocial hazardous factors in personnel at an industrial enterprise, which includes three groups of psychosocial hazardous factors and consists of thirty questions. A ten-step process for managing significant hazardous psychosocial risks is proposed. It was established that women pay more attention to challenges (psychosocial hazardous factors) that are associated with the organization of work (uncertainty at work, lack of breaks due to workload) and social problems (disrespect, disrespect and inattention to employees, unreasonable behavior towards you by leadership); for men, a significant group of hazardous psychosocial factors is—equipment, working environment, hazardous tasks (fear of performing hazardous work; work is associated with a significant risk to life). The novelty consists in the justification of the process of identifying essential psychosocial factors, which will allow managers to systematically monitor the state of mental health of employees, the psychological climate in the organization and respond in a timely manner to expected problems and develop corrective actions to normalize the situation. The process of managing significant hazardous psychosocial risks has been developed, which consists of ten steps and differs from the known procedure of identifying significant hazardous psychosocial factors on a Likert scale, considering the answers of women and men.
An innovation bootcamp model for developing youth-led HIV self-testing delivery strategies in Nigeria: post-designathon capacity building
Authors: Nwaozuru Ucheoma , Obiezu-Umeh Chisom , Tahlil Kadija M. , Gbaja-Biamila Titilola , BeLue Rhonda , Idigbe Ifeoma , Oladele David , Conserve Donaldson , Airhihenbuwa Collins , Xian Hong , Musa Adesola Z. , Olusanya Olufunto , Ojo Temitope , Ezechi Oliver , Tucker Joseph D. , Iwelunmor Juliet
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Many designathons, hackathons, and similar participatory events suffer from minimal training and support after the events. Responding to this need, we organized a health innovation bootcamp: an intensive, team-based apprenticeship training with research and entrepreneurial rigor among young people in Nigeria to develop HIV self-testing (HIVST) delivery strategies for Nigerian youth. The purpose of this paper was to describe an innovation bootcamp that aimed to develop HIVST delivery strategies for Nigerian youth.

Methods

The four-week, in-person innovation bootcamp, informed by youth participatory action research and comprised a series of workshops, took place in Lagos, Nigeria. The goal was to build research and entrepreneurial capacities among young people to develop and implement HIVST strategies. A qualitative content analysis informed by an adapted World Health Organization’s HIVST delivery framework explored key elements of the proposed HIVST service delivery strategies developed at the bootcamp.

Results

Twenty participants, aged 18–24 years, from five teams completed the innovation bootcamp. The five teams developed HIV service delivery strategies that included an element of repacking HIVST kits to make them more appealing to young people. Other strategies that emerged included leveraging community engagement platforms (e.g., vocational skills training and youth community events) to promote HIVST, and the use of reward-referral system to encourage HIVST uptake among young people. All strategies included ways to ensure privacy protection for recipients of the HIVST delivery package.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of the health innovation bootcamp model to create HIVST designed for and led by young people. This suggests a way to build capacity after participatory events to sustain youth-led research, which could have implications for post-designathon training.
Digital health literacy and use of patient portals among Spanish-preferred patients in the United States: a cross-sectional assessment
Authors: Philpot Lindsey M. , Ramar Priya , Roellinger Daniel L. , McIntee Margaret A. , Ebbert Jon O.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), including Spanish-preferred patients, face healthcare challenges due to language barriers. Despite the potential of digital health technologies to improve access and outcomes, there is a “digital divide” with underutilization among vulnerable populations, including Spanish-speaking LEP individuals, highlighting a need for increased understanding and equitable digital health solutions.

Materials and methods

A multi-mode, multi-language cross-sectional survey was built based on the Technology Acceptance Model and deployed from a multi-state healthcare practice. Measures included patient-reported comfort level with reading and speaking English, internet and computer access and satisfaction, ability to perform healthcare-related online tasks, and the eHEALS scale of digital health literacy.

Results

A total of 212 Spanish-preferred patients completed the survey (response rate, 212/2,726 = 7.8%), of which 73.6% indicated lack of comfort in reading or writing in English (LEP n = 156). Spanish-speaking individuals with LEP reported higher rates of needing help when learning how to use new technology or devices, reporting difficulty in the evaluation of health information on the internet and being able to differentiate high-quality information from low-quality online health resources, feeling confident in using health information found online to make health decisions, and having lower access to health-related online services than Spanish-speaking individuals without LEP.

Discussion

Improving equitable accessibility to digital tools for individuals with LEP seeking healthcare can help to improve their engagement with their providers and promote self-efficacy in their care. Opportunities exist with emerging technologies to develop language-concordant healthcare resources that will improve outcomes for Spanish-preferred patients.
Antibiotic susceptibility testing and molecular characterization based on whole-genome sequencing of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from pediatric infections at the National Regional Medical Center of Southwest China during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Yan Ziyi , Miao Chenglin , Liu Li , Fu Yunhan , Liu Xingxin , Li Hong , Kuang Linghan , Cui Yali , Jiang Yongmei
Published: December 2024

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a transmitted respiratory pathogen that causes high morbidity and mortality in children, especially those under 5 years of age. During the implementation of population control measures for COVID-19 in mainland China, the Streptococcus pneumoniae detection rate in pediatric patients decreased. However, with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (2022), the incidence of pneumococcal disease (PD) and even invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) began to rise again.

Methods

This study was conducted from August 2022 to September 2023 at a national regional medical center based mainly in West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. The demographic and clinical characteristics of S. pneumoniae-infected pediatric patients were analyzed. All S. pneumoniae isolates were subjected to standardized clinical sample inoculation, culture, subculture, and identification procedures. Next-generation sequencing and analysis were used to determine serotypes and sequence types (STs) and evaluate antibiotic resistance- and virulence-related genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined in AST dishes via the broth microdilution method.

Results

The prevalent serotypes in the IPD patients were 14, 6A, and 23F, and the prevalent serotypes in the NIPD patients were 19F and 6A. A significant difference in the proportion of patients with serotype 14 was noted between the two groups. A total of 23 STs were identified and classified into 13 different GPSC lineages, including 4 novel STs (ST18449, ST18451, ST18464 and ST18466) and 1 novel allele (ddl1209). According to the interpretation breakpoints for non-meningitis infections, the resistance/nonsusceptibility rates of invasive isolates were as follows: penicillin (0.0%/8.3%), amoxicillin (0.0%/0.0%), cefotaxime (8.3%/16.6%), ceftriaxone (8.3%/8.3%), and cefepime (0.0%/8.3%). The resistance/nonsusceptibility rates of invasive isolates according to the meningitis breakpoints were as follows: penicillin (100.0%), cefotaxime (16.7%/33.4%), ceftriaxone (8.3%/50.0%), and cefepime (8.3%/66.7%). All the isolates were susceptible to rifampicin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, linezolid and vancomycin. In addition, the characteristics of the antibiotic resistance-related genes and virulence genes of serotype 19F were significantly different from those of the other serotypes.

Conclusion

These data provide valuable information for understanding pediatric pneumococcal disease during the second outbreak of COVID-19 in Southwest China and will contribute to the prevention and treatment of S. pneumoniae infection.
Respiratory chronic health conditions and racial disparities associated with e-cigarette use: a cross-sectional analysis using behavioral risk factor surveillance data
Authors: Comiford Ashley , Pan Steven , Chen Sixia
Published: December 2024

Background

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), mainly caused by cigarette smoking, is one of the leading causes of death in the United States (US) and frequent asthma attacks are often exacerbated by cigarette use. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are often used to quit cigarette smoking. Prevalence of COPD, asthma, cigarette use, and e-cigarette use differs between racial/ethnic groups. The overall objective was to assess the associations between e-cigarette use and COPD and asthma and how race/ethnicity and cigarette smoking modifies these associations.

Methods

Data were retrieved from the 2016–2018 and 2020–2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System datasets, a national annual health survey representing the US general adult population. Frequency and weighted percentages or means and standard deviations were obtained. Rao-Scott Chi-square test, two-sample t tests, and logistic regression were used to evaluate binary associations between current e-cigarette use and lifetime diagnosis of COPD and asthma. Multivariable analyses using logistic regression were conducted to assess associations between variables. Interaction effects between e-cigarette use and race/ethnicity were assessed and stratified analyses were performed as indicated. All multivariate analyses were stratified by cigarette smoking status.

Results

Prevalence of e-cigarette use was 5.1%, COPD was 6.7%, and asthma was 9.2%. Individuals who currently smoked cigarettes among all racial/ethnic groups, excluding non-Hispanic (NH) American Indian/Alaska Native individuals, were more likely to report current asthma if using e-cigarettes compared to non-use (p < 0.05). Among individuals who never smoked, Non-Hispanic White (NHW), NH-Black and Hispanic individuals using e-cigarettes had greater odds of COPD compared to NHW, NH-Black and Hispanic individuals who did not use these products, respectively (p < 0.05). Among NHW, Hispanic, and NH-Other persons who currently used cigarettes, individuals currently using e-cigarettes had greater odds of COPD compared to NHW, Hispanic, and NH-Hispanic individuals who did not use e-cigarettes, respectively (p < 0.05). Among individuals who formerly used cigarettes, current e-cigarette use was associated with COPD and asthma. Among individuals who never used cigarettes, current e-cigarette use was associated with reporting current asthma.

Conclusion

The association between e-cigarette use and COPD and asthma was dependent on smoking status and racial/ethnic groups. Further studies should be conducted to explore this association.
The influence of perspective on VR job interview training
Authors: Ueda Fumitaka , Fujimoto Yuichiro , Sawabe Taishi , Kanbara Masayuki , Kato Hirokazu
Published: December 2024

Third-person perspectives in virtual reality (VR) based public speaking training enable trainees to objectively observe themselves through self-avatars, potentially enhancing their public speaking skills. Taking a job interview as a case study, this study investigates the influence of perspective on the training effects in VR public speaking training and explores the relationship between training effects and the sense of embodiment (SoE) and presence, as these concepts are central to virtual experiences. In the experiment, VR job interview training was conducted under three conditions: a first-person perspective (1PP), a typical third-person perspective from behind the avatar (Back), and a third-person perspective from the front of the avatar (Front). The results indicate that participants trained in the Front condition received higher evaluations from others in terms of verbal communication skills and the overall impression of the interview compared to those trained in the other conditions, highlighting the advantages of training while observing a self-avatar. Furthermore, it was confirmed that training effects correlated with the subcomponents of SoE and presence, suggesting that these trends may vary depending on perspective.
Intramuscular stiffness distribution in anterior and posterior upper trapezius muscles in healthy young males
Authors: Sasaki Kohei , Miyamoto Naokazu
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Increased muscle stiffness in the upper trapezius has been suggested to be associated with cervical myofascial pain and myofascial trigger points (MTrP). Recently, efforts have been made to objectively detect MTrP using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE). However, there is no consensus on the relationship between muscle stiffness assessed by SWE and MTrP. This may be due to the possibility that muscle stiffness is not uniform even in the asymptomatic trapezius. The present study aimed to characterize passive muscle stiffness at the proximal, central, and distal sites of the anterior and posterior parts of the upper trapezius.

Methods

Seventeen healthy young males without neck pain participated in the study. The upper trapezius was divided into anterior and posterior parts based on anatomical landmarks: the line between C6 and the lateral end of the clavicle was defined as the anterior part, while the line between C7 and the acromion angle was defined as the posterior part. Shear wave speed (SWS; an index of stiffness) was measured using ultrasound SWE at six sites in the anterior and posterior parts of the upper trapezius, at 25% (proximal), 50% (central), and 75% (distal) of the muscle belly length.

Results

SWS in the anterior part was significantly higher at the proximal (p < 0.001) and distal (p < 0.001) sites than at the central site. In the posterior part, there was no significant difference in SWS between the proximal, central, and distal sites. Comparisons between the anterior and posterior parts showed no significant differences in SWS at the proximal (p = 0.147), central (p = 0.339), and distal sites (p = 0.051).

Conclusions

The characteristics of passive stiffness distribution in the anterior and posterior parts of the upper trapezius have important implications with respect to the optimal location of the control point during MTrP detection. In particular, it may be preferable to set the control point for detecting MTrP in the transverse direction rather than in the fascicle direction, that is, to compare passive muscle stiffness at the same levels between the anterior and posterior parts.
Sources and intensity of access to agricultural information technologies by smallholder farmers: evidence from Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Shitaye Zebenay , Tadesse Bamlaku , Enkuahone Koyachew
Published: December 2024

Agriculture is a key sector in many African economies, making access to accurate agricultural information vital for boosting productivity. This study investigated the factors influencing smallholder farmers’ access to agricultural information in the East Gojjam zone of Amhara, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey of 403 households was conducted, and data were analyzed using Stata software with the Ordered Probit model. The study found that farmers’ access to agricultural information is significantly influenced by factors such as experience, exposure to electronic and printed media, farm size, access to extension services, input availability, market distance, proximity to development centers, and participation in Farmer Training Centers (FTC). Major constraints to information access included inadequate government policies, insufficient extension services, limited information sources, poor infrastructure, network issues, and a lack of effective knowledge exchange. The study recommends that smallholder farmers increase exposure to various media channels and participate in FTC programs. Additionally, the Ethiopian government should prioritize infrastructure improvements (mobile networks, roads, and electricity), expand extension services, and diversify information sources to improve farmers’ access to relevant agricultural knowledge. Addressing these barriers will help enhance agricultural productivity in the study area.
The challenge of industrialization of a nature-based solution that allows farmers to produce aflatoxin-safe crops in various African countries
Authors: Kaptoge Lawrence , Ortega-Beltran Alejandro , Atehnkeng Joseph , Konlambigue Matieyedou , Kamau Jane Wanza , Bandyopadhyay Ranajit
Published: December 2024

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), many crops are contaminated by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi with highly toxic, carcinogenic aflatoxins. This contamination has severe negative impacts on health, trade, income, and development sectors, hindering progress toward various objectives of most Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing. Farmers, industries, and governments need sound aflatoxin management strategies to effectively limit aflatoxin contamination throughout the crop value chain. One effective technology is biocontrol using native atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus coated on a carrier that is applied on growing crops. Atoxigenic A. flavus competitively displaces aflatoxin producers in the field, and this form of bioprotection results in reduced aflatoxin in crops. Over 15 years ago, field tests in Nigeria using a manually manufactured biocontrol product showed promising results. However, it became evident that scaling up the manufacturing process was essential to make this bioprotectant widely accessible to millions of farmers and achieve tangible impact in the context of sustainable food systems. The objective of this paper is to document the evolution of biocontrol manufacturing from small-scale, lab-based production to industrial manufacturing at different scales. The improvements in product formulation, and manufacturing processes and design are highlighted to better address “fit-to-scale” product demand in different countries. Industrializing the manufacturing process coupled with incentivization, commercialization strategies, and effective partnerships has allowed the manufacturing of thousands of tons of biocontrol products. This has enabled production of over a million tons of aflatoxin-safe maize, groundnut, and sorghum, contributing to enhanced food safety and security in several countries in SSA. The key lesson learnt is that for any input-based technology to mitigate aflatoxin (or any food safety issue), their large-scale manufacturing and commercialization is crucial for achieving tangible results. Only widespread adoption of any technology can address the great challenge posed by aflatoxins, a critical step toward meeting several SDGs. The urgency to combat aflatoxin contamination is increasing as its impacts are intensifying in several regions across the globe.