bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Hygiene Practice and Its Associated Factors among Street Food Vendors in Addis Ketema Sub city Addis Ababa Ethiopia 2023
Authors: Abdela Abduselam Ahmed , Dessu Samuel , kolola Tufa , Aboma Mecha
Published: April 2024

Background
Street food vendors offer affordable prepared meals and job opportunities for individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in developing nations. Nevertheless, the lack of proper hygiene practices at these street food vending locations poses a significant worry for consumers.
Objective
This study aimed to assess food hygiene practice and associated factors among street food venders in Addis Ketema Sub City Addis Ababa, 2023.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among randomly selected 337 participants from five districts of the Addis Ketema sub-city, between March 1 and March 30, 2023. Data collection involved the use of structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and observational checklists, which were adapted from prior studies. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between the outcome variables and the independent variables, employing a binary logistic regression model. The strength of association was gauged using Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), with statistical significance set at a p-value < 0.05.
Result
Out of the total 337 study participants, the prevalence of good hygienic practice among street food vendors in Addis Ketema Sub City was found to be 33.2% (95% CI: 28.2, 38.3). Factors significantly associated with good food hygiene practices among these vendors included: having received food handling training (AOR: 2.43, 95% CI 1.12, 5.27), possessing food handling knowledge (AOR: 3.44, 95% CI 1.60, 7.38), having uninterrupted water supply (AOR: 2.52, 95% CI 1.37, 4.62), undergoing health professional visits (AOR: 5.42, 95% CI 2.90, 10.12), and having work experience of more than one year (AOR: 4.68, 95% CI 1.96, 11.14).
Conclusion
- The findings of this study indicate that street food vendors in Addis Ketema Sub City exhibit a low level of food hygiene practice. However, certain factors such as food handling training, knowledge, uninterrupted water supply, health professional visits, and more than one year of work experience were significantly associated with good hygienic practices among these vendors. The study underscores the necessity for improving the food hygiene practices of street food vendors. This highlights the importance of providing effective and continuous training, regular inspections by healthcare workers, and ensuring the availability of water supply at vending sites to enhance the hygienic practices of street food vendors.
The Impact of Open and Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises in Water on Pain and LumboPelvic Stability Men with Non-Special Chronic Back Pain
Authors: yalfani Ali , Ashoury hossein , arjipour mahdi
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the effect of open and closed kinetic chain exercises in water on pain and LumboPelvic Stability in men with non-specific chronic low back pain. 60 men aged range 40-60 with (Non-Speciﬁc Low Back Pain; NSCLBP ) participated in this semi-experimental research which was randomly divided into one of three groups ( Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises; CKCE )in water (mean age 47.80 ± 5.43), (Open Kinetic Chain Exercises; OKCE) in water (mean age 46.10 ± 6.06) and the control group (with mean age 50.40 ± 5.43). The pain was measured by the visual Analogue Scale; VAS ) and (Lumbo Pelvic Stability; LPS) by the Pressure Biofeedback Unit. Based on the findings of this research, there is a significant improvement in pain reduction (P<0 .05) and increased LPS of patients with chronic back pain in the four tests of the groups of CKCE and OKCE exercises in water compared to the control group (P≤0 .05). The results of the present study showed that the implementation of CKCE and OKCE programs in water can reduce pain and increase the stability of the lumbar pelvic region and can be effective in the daily life of people such as walking, going up and down the stairs, sitting and standing up from the chair, and sleeping without pain.
Ultrafast phonon-mediated dephasing of color centers in hexagonal boron nitride probed by electron beams
Authors: Talebi Nahid , Taleb Masoud , Bittorf Paul , Black Maximilian , Hentschel Mario , Sigle Wilfried , Haas Benedikt , Koch Christoph , Aken Peter van , Giessen Harald
Published: April 2024

Defect centers in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have been extensively studied as room-temperature single-photon sources. The electronic structure of these defects exhibits strong coupling to phonons, as evidenced by the observation of phonon sidebands in both photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence spectra. However, the dynamics of the electron-phonon coupling as well as phonon-mediated dephasing of the color centers in hBN remain unexplored. Here, we apply a novel time-resolved CL spectroscopy technique (Nature Physics 19, 869–876 (2023)) to explore the population decay to phonon states and the dephasing time T2 with sub-femtosecond time resolution. We demonstrate an ultrafast dephasing time of only 200 fs and a radiative decay of about 585 fs at room temperature, in contrast with all-optical time-resolved photoluminescence techniques that report a decay of a few nanoseconds. This behavior is attributed to efficient electron-beam excitation of coherent phonon-polaritons in hBN, resulting in faster dephasing of electronic transitions. Our results demonstrate the capability of our sequential cathodoluminescence spectroscopy technique to probe the ultrafast dephasing time of single emitters in quantum materials with sub-femtosecond time resolution, heralding access to quantum-path interferences in single emitters coupled to their complex environment.
The health economics evaluation of HPV vaccine with different immunization strategies in Zhejiang Province based on the PRIME tool
Authors: Liu Yan , Xie Qixin , Gu Wenwen , Du Jian , Lu Zhaojun , Wang Jing , Xu Yuyang , Yang Yingying , Chen Junfang
Published: April 2024

Objective: To evaluate the health economics of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for school-age female children in Zhejiang Province under different immunization regimens.
Methods: The PRIME tool recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) was used to evaluate the health economics of HPV vaccination by modifying and replacing local data with custom parameters, and the results of sensitivity analysis and economics were combined to select the optimal immunization strategy.
Results: Assuming a free HPV vaccination program among all school-age female children (13 years old) in Zhejiang Province from 2022, the net annual costs to be invested in the scenario of using domestic bivalent and imported bivalent, imported quadrivalent, and ninevalent HPV vaccines to carry out immunization in the province with a full vaccination coverage of 80% of the target vaccination population and a discount rate of 3% are 153 million, 433 million, 597 million, and 967 million, respectively. For each disability-adjusted life year (DALY) saved due to cervical cancer, the incremental costs (CER) were 34,700, 97,800, 135,000, and 170,300 Yuan for different HPV vaccines, respectively, compared with no intervention program. The incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICER)/annual GDP per capita ratio is 0.31, 0.87, 1.19, and 1.51 for different HPV vaccines. The recommended solution is to apply domestic bivalent vaccine, discount 80% of vaccine procurement cost, and achieve 90% coverage of full vaccination.
Conclusion: The immunization strategy for children of school-age females using the domestically produced bivalent HPV vaccine in Zhejiang Province has a highly favorable performance in terms of health economics.
Creating more transparency in malaria program funds: a business case for Connected Diagnostics in Kenya
Authors: Dieteren Charlotte , Millimo Emmanuel , Siteyi Angela , Duijn Shannen van , Stijvers Leon , Dayo Lilyana , Ganda Gregory , de Wit Tobias Rinke
Published: April 2024

Background
International vertical (disease specific) health financing programs risk functioning in parallel with existing domestic funding in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC)s, leading to inefficient service delivery and concomitant poor health outcomes. There is a need to reduce these inefficiencies and create new public-private opportunities to bundle health system funds. In this paper we aim to assess the opportunities offered by digitalized diagnostics to target and monitor health funds to those in need objectively and transparently. We named this Connected Diagnostics (ConnDx).
Methods
In this study we used the malaria case to demonstrate the ConnDx process codeveloped with the local Department of Health of Kisumu, Kenya. We used ConnDx quantitative data to demonstrate how an ConnDxapproach can contribute to manage malaria health funds with markedly increased transparency. We also calculate the costs for ConnDx and standard care to assess potential cost reductions.
Results
ConnDx was rolled out in five private healthcare facilities and detected 2,199 malaria cases among 11,689 patients with fever. ConnDx allowed for the identification of malaria hotspots, semi-real-time assessment of patient health seeking behavior across facilities, and insights in doctor’s prescription behavior, vis a vis National Guidelines. Based on these insights, we demonstrate that a 25% reduction in costs can be realized, while simultaneously better-quality indicators can be monitored and put into quality improvement action.
Conclusion
The concept of ConnDx can in principle be used for any medical condition that can be diagnosed in a digital manner and linked to mobile payment systems. This can help decision makers in LMICs to channel disease-specific funds to the right patients for the right disease at the right time, which can potentially accelerate the way to universal health coverage.
Microresonator photonic wire bond integration for Kerr-microcomb generation
Authors: Burkley Zakary , Takabayashi Alain , Pavlov Nikolay , Rosborough Victoria , Hoffman Galen , Mokhtari-Koushyar Farzad , Huffman Taran , Nelson Mike , Turner Charles , Johansson Leif , Musolf Juergen , Garrett Henry , Liu Thomas , Morrison Gordon , Chembo Yanne , Mattis Brian , Nguyen Thien-An , Camp Mackenzie Van , Turner Steven , Karpov Maxim , Jost John , Kanger Lou
Published: April 2024

Extremely high-Q microresonators provide an attractive platform for a plethora of photonic applications including optical frequency combs, high-precision metrology, telecommunication, microwave generation, narrow linewidth lasers, and stable frequency references. Moreover, the desire for compactness and a low power threshold for nonlinear phenomena have spurred investigation into integrated and scalable solutions. Historically, crystalline microresonators with Q~10^9 were one of the first material platforms providing unprecedented optical performance in a small form factor. A key challenge, though, with these devices is in finding alternatives to fragile, bulky, and free-space couplers, such as tapered fibers, prisms, and cleaved fibers. Here, we present for the first time, the coupling of a photonic wire bond (PWB) to a MgF2-based microresonator to generate solitons and a pure, low-noise microwave signal based on Kerr-microcombs. These results open a path towards scalable heterogeneous integration of crystalline microresonators with integrated photonics. Moreover, because PWBs possess advantages over traditional coupling elements in terms of ease of fabrication, size, and flexibility, they constitute a more advanced optical interface for linear and nonlinear photonics.
Exploring the Impact of 3,3’-Diindolylmethane on the Urinary Estrogen Profile of Premenopausal Women
Authors: Newman Mark , Smeaton Jaclyn
Published: April 2024

Background
3, 3’-diindolylmethane (DIM) is a phytonutrient derived from cruciferous vegetables that is an often used supplement in the complementary and alternative medicine space. The most common goal for providers when recommending DIM to their patients is to alter estrogen metabolism, yet research into DIM’s effect on the estrogen profile is lacking in the published literature. The objective of this study was to comprehensively evaluate DIM’s effect on the urinary estrogen profile.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from a clinical laboratory, including urinary estrogen and estrogen metabolite concentrations. Analyte concentrations were determined from dried urine samples using a gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. Individuals were separated into 2 groups, either reporting taking DIM (N = 909) or reporting not taking DIM (N = 18,385). Comparisons between individuals in these two groups were made using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Additionally, we were also able to explore a subset of women who had laboratory results in the database before and after initiating DIM treatment (N = 53). In this subset, differences were assessed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests.
Results
In the larger group, significant differences were observed in the concentrations of almost every urinary estrogen and estrogen metabolite (with the only exception being 2-methoxyestrone) in the urinary estrogen profiles of those taking DIM compared to those not taking DIM (all P values < 0.001). In the smaller subset of individuals with before and after measurements, differences were only seen in 4 of the urinary estrogens and estrogen metabolites (P < 0.001 for estrone, estradiol, estriol, and 16-hydroxyestrone). Differences in total estrogens were significant in both the larger group and the smaller subset (both with P < 0.001). Additionally, observed differences in the ratios of metabolites followed a similar trend with more significant differences observed in the larger group. Notably, the 2-hydroxyestrone:16-hydroxyestrone ratio increased significantly in both the larger and the before and after group.
Conclusions
The results of this study provide the most comprehensive evaluation to date of DIM’s effect on the urinary estrogen profile. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the dried urine collection and accompanying assay used captures changes that are similar in direction, but not necessarily magnitude, to previous reports in the literature. Considered together, these two things highlight the clinical validity and utility of this approach to the evaluation of DIM supplementation and suggest the need for additional studies using this approach to fully understand the potential clinical utility of DIM.
A Trigonometric Approach to the Hardy–Weinberg principle
Authors: Thompson Emanuel Junior
Published: April 2024

Representing, manipulating, and visualizing data is essential when presenting abstract or physical concepts. One representation is the Hardy-Weinberg Model (HWM), which provides a mathematical framework for understanding allele frequencies within large, randomly mating populations absent of evolutionary forces. Conventionally, the HWM is presented through algebraic expression. This paper introduces a modification that integrates trigonometric principles into the HWM’s framework by establishing a trigonometric identity using sine and cosine functions; This modification maintains the mathematical integrity of the algebraic form while also enhancing its utility through the incorporation of the Genetic Phase Angle (GPA) as a common variable between p and q. The use of a GPA to measure allele frequency allows users the ability to introduce mathematical formulae and or derivatives that affect both p and q simultaneously since p and q are dependent on the GPA. This method can also allow the user to map various evolutionary effects or even simulate them by directly affecting the GPA as a variable. Additionally, the use of the product variable (𝑛)and 𝑘, both derived from a trigonometric approach to model scenarios that depart from the HWM.
Promoting Early Detection of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection of the Upper Extremity in Patients with History of Breast Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Reddy Medha , Goicoechea Manuel , Wallack Marc K.
Published: April 2024

Background: Breast cancer survivors are known to be at an increased risk of adverse health events, including lymphedema and skin infections, even decades after their initial diagnosis and treatment. Despite the high prevalence of secondary lymphedema amongst breast cancer survivors, it remains unrecognized and underdiagnosed by patients and physicians alike.
Case Presentation: A 56-year-old female with a three-year history of remission of breast cancer, status post bilateral total mastectomy with right axillary node dissection complicated by a seroma of the right chest wall and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation, presented with a one-week history of worsening right upper extremity erythema, edema, and tenderness. She denied any known trauma, needle insertions, or insect bites.
On initial examination, she was afebrile, hypotensive (90/60 mmHg) with an erythematous, edematous right bicep that was tender and fluctuant to palpation. Distal pulses, strength, and sensation were at baseline bilaterally. CT and ultrasound imaging showed extensive subcutaneous edema and skin thickening of the right arm, compatible with cellulitis.
The patient was diagnosed with a necrotizing soft tissue infection of the right upper extremity and treated with antibiotic therapy, incision and drainage, controlled surgical debridement, and eventual Polynovo grafting.
Conclusions: In one of the first documented cases of necrotizing soft tissue infection in the context of lymphedema, of either primary or secondary etiology, we highlight the need for patient and physician education regarding secondary lymphedema in breast cancer survivors to promote early detection and intervention—a critical first step to prevention of superimposed infectious etiologies.
Kinetics of pro- and anti-inflammatory spike-specific T-cell responses in long-term care facility residents after COVID-19 mRNA primary and booster vaccination: A prospective longitudinal study in Japan
Authors: Kakugawa Tomoyuki , Mimura Yusuke , Mimura-Kimura Yuka , Doi Keiko , Ohteru Yuichi , Kakugawa Hiroyuki , Oishi Keiji , Kakugawa Masahiro , Hirano Tsunahiko , Matsunaga Kazuto
Published: April 2024

Background
The magnitude and durability of cell-mediated immunity in older and severely frail individuals following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination remain unclear. A controlled immune response could be the key to preventing severe COVID-19; however, it is uncertain whether vaccination induces an anti-inflammatory cellular immune response. To address these issues, this 48-week-long prospective longitudinal study was conducted. A total of 106 infection-naive participants (57 long-term care facility [LTCF] residents [median age; 89.0 years], 28 outpatients [median age; 72.0 years], and 21 healthcare workers [median age; 51.0 years]) provided peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples for the assessment of spike-specific T-cell responses before primary vaccination, 24 weeks after primary vaccination, and three months after booster vaccination. CD4 + T-cell responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike protein were examined by measuring interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 levels secreted from the spike protein peptide-stimulated PBMCs of participants.
Results
LTCF residents exhibited significantly lower IFN-γ, TNF, IL-2, and IL-6 levels than healthcare workers after the primary vaccination. Booster vaccination increased IL-2 and IL-6 levels in LTCF residents comparable to those in healthcare workers, whereas IFN-γ and TNF levels in LTCF residents remained significantly lower than those in healthcare workers. IL-10 levels were not significantly different from the initial values after primary vaccination but increased significantly after booster vaccination in all subgroups. Multivariate analysis showed that age was negatively associated with IFN-γ, TNF, IL-2, and IL-6 levels but not with IL-10 levels. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, TNF, IL-2, and IL-6, were positively correlated with humoral immune responses, whereas IL-10 levels were not.
Conclusions
Older and severely frail individuals may exhibit diminished cell-mediated immune responses following COVID-19 vaccination compared to the general population. A single booster vaccination may not adequately enhance cell-mediated immunity in older and severely frail individuals to a level comparable to that of the general population. Furthermore, booster vaccination may induce not only a pro-inflammatory cellular immune response but also an anti-inflammatory cellular immune response, potentially mitigating detrimental hyperinflammation.
Analysis of Losses in Physiotherapy Students During the Covid-19 Pandemic: a Phenomenological Approach.
Authors: Pérez Marta Terrón , Amador Sara Cortés , Simeó Juan Bautista Portolés
Published: April 2024

Background During the COVID 19 Pandemic situation, young people experienced numerous personal losses in many aspects, which impacted their quality of life.
Objective: To explore and analyse the losses in physiotherapy students during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was carried out using an open format exercise carried out during the Clinical Specialties class from February-May 2021. Thirty-four (83% female) third-year physical therapy students participated. ATLAS.ti software was used for the analysis and coding of the data by three researchers.
Results: After the analysis of the categories, different losses by the participants were found: losses in psychological well-being, losses in physical health, losses in the social sphere (friendships, partners and family relationships, as well as deaths) and spiritual losses (loss of freedom and identity), losses in leisure time (travel, recreational activities and physical exercise) and different losses related to university studies (motivation and enthusiasm and clinical practices).
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated losses worldwide in physiotherapy students, with losses in the social sphere being the most expressed. The present study can be used to generate resources that improve the well-being of physiotherapy students, both for optimal academic performance and greater self-care, and reduce psychosocial problems.
Validating Respiratory Rate Measurements in Patients Receiving High Flow Nasal Cannula: A Comparative Study of Nellcor PM1000N and visual inspection
Authors: Iwaya Takuma , Haruna Junpei , Sasaki Aki , Nakano Sayaka , Tatsumi Hiroomi , Masuda Yoshiki
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Recently, the Nellcor PM1000N was developed for the concurrent assessment of respiratory rate and percutaneous oxygen saturation. However, the validation of respiratory rate measurements in patients receiving a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) using the PM1000N remains unestablished. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the validity of respiratory rate measurements obtained using PM1000N in patients receiving HFNC.
Methods: A retrospective assessment was conducted on the respiratory rate measurements obtained using the PM1000N and electrocardiogram (ECG) impedance methods in comparison to those visually assessed by nurses. This evaluation included patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Sapporo Medical University Hospital who received HFNC between June 2022 and December 2022. Correlation coefficients, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Bland-Altman plots, and t-tests were employed to assess the concordance between the visually observed respiratory rates by nurses and those recorded by the PM1000N and ECG impedance.
Results: Twenty patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 119 instances of respiratory rate were recorded. The ICCs for the PM1000N and impedance methods were 0.918 and 0.846, respectively, compared with the rates visually assessed by nurses. The mean differences were p=0.947 (95% CI: -3.186 – 0.2987) and p < .001 (95% CI: 16.4609–17.9532), respectively.
Conclusion: The PM1000N demonstrated superiority over ECG impedance in measuring respiratory rate in patients with HFNC. Furthermore, PM1000N shows promise for effective application in patients receiving HFNC.
Arthropods associated with a dioecious bromeliad, Catopsis minimiflora Matuda (Bromeliaceae), in a shade coffee plantation (Coffea arabica L.) in the southeast of Mexico
Authors: Jiménez-Garza Diego A. , Solís-Montero Lislie , Chamé-Vázquez Eduardo R. , Martínez-Correa Nancy
Published: April 2024

Shade coffee plantations are considered reservoirs of local flora and fauna. Epiphytic bromeliads are an important component of flora that inhabit not only shade trees but also coffee bushes in southeast of Mexico. At the same time, in these plants inhabit a diversity of arthropods poorly documented. We chose Catopsis minimiflora as the studied species because this bromeliad is abundant in coffee plantations and has a specialized reproductive system (dioecy). We counted the number of individuals of C. minimiflora growing over coffee bushes and shade trees and collected 58 bromeliads in two seasons (dry and rainy). We registered 2,048 arthropods (including 21 orders and 71 families) inhabited these plants. Based on hill numbers, no significant difference was found in richness between seasons; however, species dominance was higher in the rainy season. We estimated 27,215.5 arthropods/ha in the dry season and 31,227 arthropods/ha in the rainy season inhabited C. minimiflora that grow over coffee bushes. This arthropod community associated with C. minimiflora could provide ecosystem services such as pollination or depredation in a coffee agroecosystem. Epiphyte removal could have a negative effect on the abundance of this plant species, and in turn, it may have an impact on arthropods associated with them.
Optimal Timing for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Decortication in Chronic Empyema: A survival analysis
Authors: Lin Ching-Min , Chen Yi-Ling , Cheng Ya-Fu , Cheng Ching-Yuan , Huang Chang-Lun , Hung Wei-Heng , Wang Bing-Yen
Published: April 2024

Background
Video-assisted thoracic surgery decortication for phase 3 thoracic empyema is widely accepted, but the optimal timing for such surgical intervention has not been established. We aim to investigate and assess the optimal decortication timing, in terms of overall survival, for chronic empyema.
Methods
204 patients with pneumonia-caused phase 3 empyema were treated with video-assisted thoracic surgery decortication over 10 years at Changhua Christian Hospital. The 90-day post-operative survival status was analyzed, and we compared the survivor group versus the non-survivor group. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the optimal decortication timing.
Results
A comparison of characteristics between survivors and non-survivors showed statistical differences among age, presence of cardiovascular disease, presence of end-stage renal disease, duration to surgery, length of intensive care unit stay, and overall length of hospital stay. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined the cut-off for video-assisted thoracic surgery decortication, based on optimal 90-day post-operative survival, to be 7.5 days after hospitalization; mortality increases threefold thereafter. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, end-stage renal disease, pleural effusion pH ≦ 7.2 and duration to surgery > 7.5 days negatively impacted 90-day post-operative survival.
Conclusions
Patients who underwent decortication surgery within 7.5 days of hospital admission had better overall survival.
Volume Rendering Techniques in Computerized Tomography for the Evaluation of Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Case report
Authors: Zarakovitis Dimitrios A. , Karametos Anastasios G.
Published: April 2024

Background: Proximal Humerus Fracture (PHF) is the third most common type of fracture, commonly occurring in older people, with a higher incidence in those over 50 years of age. Diagnostic imaging includes X-rays of the shoulder and a CT scan to aid surgical treatment and pre-operative surgical planning. The CT scan is performed in combination with the new applications of artificial intelligence in image reconstruction. Cost is a major limitation when it comes to AI technology, therefore public hospitals in Greece cannot afford it. The novelty of our article is that we investigate a practical way to reconstruct CT images of proximal humerus fractures by using the Volume Rendering Technique algorithm to generate images of great accuracy and detail, especially in the absence of Deep Learning Reconstruction systems.
Case presentation: We present the case of a 48-year-old worker who was injured after falling from a ladder and was diagnosed with a PHF and a scapula fracture. Three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction of the shoulder joint showed a fracture line with high accuracy. The surgeons were supported in the decision to transfer the patient to a specialized hospital for treatment of severe fractures.
Conclusions: The Volume Rendering Technique algorithm is a helpful tool that allows physicians to create three-dimensional images of proximal humerus fractures with great accuracy. The process is performed in a very short time and allows surgeons to proceed with preoperative planning of the shoulder.
Not Only in Corals: Beneficial Microorganisms for Corals can also Be Enriched in Sponges
Authors: Peixoto Raquel , Ribeiro Barbara , Garritano Alessandro N , Raimundo Ines ,   Nathalia Delgadillo-Ordoñez2, Nappi Jadranka , Garcias-Bonet Neus , Villela Helena , Thomas Torsten , Klautau Michele
Published: April 2024

Microbiome restoration and rehabilitation using beneficial microorganisms for corals (BMCs) comprise a promising strategy to help corals cope with anthropogenic stressors. However, there is a lack of knowledge on BMC uptake in situ and the potential interactions with nontarget animals, especially filter-feeders such as sponges. Herein, this study explores whether sponges can acquire BMCs upon direct application and whether these probiotic inoculations affect sponge health. A 4-week in situ experiment applying BMCs to sponges Stylissa carteri and Callyspongia crassa assesses three conditions: no BMC inoculation (control), and BMC inoculation once and thrice a week. BMCs are naturally available in the seawater and as members of the native microbiome only of S. carteri. The natural presence of BMCs is enriched in S. carteri because of their application as part of the probiotic consortium. Microbiomes of both sponges are restructured, although BMCs are not incorporated in any C. crassa sample. Both species are visually healthy and efficiently pumping water at the end of the experiment. These results indicate that BMC inoculation in nearby corals is unlikely to affect sponge health or performance negatively, even when sponge-native BMCs are enriched in their microbiome, suggesting an opportunity for the development of probiotics for sponges.
Evolving or Immutable - Phase I Solid Tumor Trials in the Era of Precision Oncology
Authors: Stockton Shannon S. , Ayers G. Dan , Lee Cody , Laferriere Heather , Das Satya , Berlin Jordan
Published: April 2024

Purpose
In the era of precision oncology (PO), systemic therapies for patients (pts) with solid tumors have shifted from chemotherapy (CT) to targeted therapy (TT) and immunotherapy (IO). This systematic survey describes features of trials enrolling between 2010-2020, focusing on inclusion criteria, type of dose escalation scheme (DES) utilized, and use of expansion cohorts (ECs).
Methods
A literature search identified phase I studies in adults with solid tumors published January 1, 2000 – December 31, 2020 from 12 journals. We included only studies enrolling between 2010-2020 to better capture the PO era. Two reviewers abstracted data; a third established concordance.
Results
Of 10,744 studies, 10,195 were non-topical or enrolled prior to 2010; 437 studies were included. The most common drug classes were TT (47.6%), IO (22%), and CT (6.9%). In studies which reported race, patients were predominantly white (61.7%) or Asian (25.7%), followed by black (6.5%) or other (6.1%). Heterogeneity was observed in the reporting and specification of study inclusion criteria. Only 40.1% of studies utilized ECs, and among the studies which used ECS, 46.6% were defined by genomic selection. Rule-based DES were used in 89% of trials; a 3+3 design was used in 80.5%. Of all drugs tested, 37.5% advanced to phase II, while 10.3% garnered regulatory licensure (for an indication tested in phase I).
Conclusion
In the era of PO, TT and IO have emerged as the most studied agents in phase I trials. Rule-based DES, which are more relevant for escalating CT, are still chiefly utilized.
Education for sustainable development: comparative analysis and prospects at universities in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Authors: Bespalyy Sergey , Alfiya Akhrorova , Gulmira Alnazarova , Ainura Adieva , Alexandr Petrenko
Published: April 2024

The study, conducted in higher education institutions in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, highlights ongoing changes in approaches to education for sustainable development (ESD) in Central Asian countries. This region, exposed to various challenges such as climate change and environmental problems, has recognized the importance and role of education in achieving sustainable development. The study aims to identify the current level of awareness of students and teachers about the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as to understand how universities in the region are integrating ESD principles into their educational programs. The results show that students generally have limited knowledge about the global sustainable development goals, while teachers have a higher level of awareness. Most students receive information about the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through social media and the Internet, while it is less reflected in the curriculum. However, there is a trend towards changing this situation, in particular in Tajikistan, where curricula are becoming more focused on environmental education. Finally, recommendations for universities include integrating ESD principles into teacher development, developing teaching methods and materials, and strengthening collaboration at the regional and international levels to promote sustainable development goals.
Proton transport in water is doubly gated by sequential hydrogen-bond exchanges
Authors: Laage Damien , Gomez Axel , Thompson Ward
Published: April 2024

The transport of excess protons in water is central to acid-base chemistry, biochemistry, and energy production. However, elucidating its mechanism has been challenging. Recent nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy experiments could not be explained by existing models. Here, we combine neural network-based molecular dynamics simulations considering nuclear quantum effects for all atoms and vibrational spectroscopy calculations to determine the proton transport mechanism. Our simulations reveal the equilibrium between two stable proton-localized structures with distinct Eigen-like and Zundel-like hydrogen-bond motifs. Proton transport follows a three-step mechanism gated by two successive hydrogen-bond exchanges: the first reduces the proton-acceptor water coordination, leading to proton transfer, and the second, the rate-limiting step, prevents rapid back-transfer by increasing the proton-donor coordination. This sequential mechanism is consistent with experimental characterizations of proton diffusion, explaining the low activation energy and the prolonged intermediate lifetimes in vibrational spectroscopy. These results are crucial for understanding proton dynamics in biochemical and technological systems.
Associations between Anxiety, Depression and Background Characteristics among Pregnant Women in Iran during COVID-19
Authors: Bakhshi Mojde , Stein Lynda , Lalooha Fatemeh , Sarichloo Mohammad Ebrahim , Oveisi Sonia
Published: April 2024

Objective
The COVID-19 pandemic affects both physical and mental health in pregnant women. This study aimed to assess pregnant women’s depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine factors predicting such symptoms.
Material and Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 434 pregnant women entering the prenatal clinic of Kosar Hospital in Qazvin Province of Iran in 2021. Data were collected using three questionnaires including Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS), and a socio-demographic checklist. Prevalence rates were calculated, association of depression/ anxiety with prior COVID-19 infection was analyzed and logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of symptoms.
Results
Of mothers, 60.1% were at risk of anxiety disorder. The percent of mothers at risk for anxiety disorder was statistically different (p < .05) between those who planned (57.7%) vs those with unplanned pregnancy (68.8%). In addition, 29.8% of mothers were at high risk of having a depressive disorder and 7% of had thought about harming themselves. Prior infection was not associated with anxiety or depression. Logistic regression revealed that only unplanned pregnancy was associated with anxiety.
Conclusion
Prevalence of depression was similar to other rates found world-wide for pregnant women during the pandemic; however, prevalence of anxiety was elevated compared to rates world-wide. Anxious and depressive symptoms were not related to history of COVID-19 infection. Pregnant women should be screened for anxiety and depression during and following pregnancy in order to determine need for services.
Overcoming ABCB1 mediated multidrug resistance in castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Ishov Alexander , Sarwar Sadia , Morozov Viacheslav , Newcomb Mallory , Guryanova Olga
Published: April 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in American men. PCa that relapses after hormonal therapies, referred to as castration resistant PCa (CRPC), often presents with metastases (mCRPC) that are the major cause of mortality. The few available therapies for mCRPC patients include taxanes docetaxel (DTX) and cabazitaxel (CBZ). However, development of resistance limits their clinical use. Mechanistically, resistance arises through upregulation of multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins such as MDR1/ABCB1, making ABCB1 an attractive therapeutic target. Yet, ABCB1 inhibitors failed to be clinically useful due to low specificity and toxicity issues.
To study taxanes resistance, we produced CBZ resistant C4-2B cells (RC4-2B) and documented resistance to both CBZ and DTX in cell culture and in 3D prostaspheres settings. RNAseq identified increased expression of ABCB1 in RC4-2B, that was confirmed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescent analysis. ABCB1-specific inhibitor elacridar reversed CBZ and DTX resistance in RC4-2B cells, confirming ABCB1-mediated resistance mechanism. In a cell-based screen using a curated library of FDA-approved cytotoxic drugs, we found that DNA damaging compounds Camptothecin (CPT) and Cytarabine (Ara-C) overcame resistance as seen by similar cytotoxicity in parental C4-2B and resistant RC4-2B. Further, these compounds were cytotoxic to multiple PC cells resistant to taxanes with high ABCB1 expression and, therefore, can be used to conquer the acquired resistance to taxanes in PCa. Finally, inhibition of CDK4/6 kinases with small molecule inhibitors (CDK4/6i) potentiated cytotoxic effect of CPT or Ara-C in both parental and resistant cells.
Overall, our findings indicate that DNA damaging agents CPT and Ara-C alone or in combination with CDK4/6i can be suggested as a new treatment regimen in CRPC patients, including those that are resistant to taxanes.
Behavioral Interventions in Face-to-face Communication to Decrease Group Stress Levels
Authors: Tsuji Satomi , Sato Nobuo , Yano Kazuo , Miyake Yoshihiro
Published: April 2024

Reducing workplace stress has become a societal challenge. Traditionally, the measurement of stress and intervention methods for it have focused on individuals. In our prior research, by contrast, we conceptualized stress as a collective phenomenon arising from group dynamics and proposed a method to estimate group stress levels quantitatively. This method involves equipping individuals within a group with accelerometers and calculating the scale exponent of the activity duration distribution of their physical movements. However, the potential for reducing group stress levels remained unverified. In this study, we hypothesized that behavioral change could effectively reduce group stress levels and intervened in workplace behaviors by offering advice through a smartphone app. The interventions targeted five categories of behaviors: (I) conversational partners, (II) methods of conversation, (III) desk work practices, (IV) arrival and departure times, and (V) time management. The results showed that changing behaviors in categories (II), (III), (IV), and (V) had no effect, but intervention with conversational partners, that is, increasing communication between certain pairs, reduced group stress levels. This finding suggests that it is possible to mitigate group stress, particularly through interventions in workplace interpersonal relationships.
Apelin (APLN) is a biomarker contributing to the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mao Xi , Zhu Xiaoya , Pan Tong , Liu Zehui , Shangguan Pingping , Zhang Yi , Liu Yingle , Jiang Xiwen , Zhang Qi
Published: April 2024

Background Liver cancer, classified as a malignant hepatic tumor, can be divided into two categories: primary, originating within the liver, and secondary, resulting from metastasis to the liver from other organs. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main form of primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The diagnosis and prognosis of HCC using current methods still face numerous challenges. This study aims to develop novel diagnostic and prognostic models while identifying new biomarkers for improved HCC treatment.
Methods Diagnostic and prognostic models for HCC were constructed using traditional binary classification methods and machine learning algorithms based on the TCGA database (Downloaded in August 2023). The mechanisms by which APLN affects HCC were investigated using single-cell sequencing data sourced from the GEO database (GSE149614).
Results The diagnostic models yielded by various algorithms could effectively distinguished HCC samples from normal ones. The prognostic model, composed of four genes, was constructed using LASSO and Cox regression algorithms, demonstrating good performance in predicting the three-year survival rate of HCC patients. The HCC biomarker Apelin (APLN) was identified in this study. APLN in liver cancer tissues mainly comes from endothelial cells and is associated with the carcinogenesis of these cells. APLN expression is significantly upregulated in liver cancer tissues, marking it as a viable indicator of endothelial cell malignancy in HCC. Furthermore, APLN expression was determined to be an independent predictor of tumor endothelial cell carcinogenesis, unaffected by its modifications such as single nucleotide variation, copy number variation, and methylation. Additionally, liver cancers characterized by high APLN expression are likely to progress rapidly after T2 stage.
Conclusions Our study presents diagnostic and prognostic models for HCC with appreciably improved accuracy and reliability compared to previous reports. APLN is a reliable HCC biomarker and contributes to the establishment of our models.
Bioinformatics mining and experimental validation of prognostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Feng , Alshehade Salah A. , Zhao Wei Guo , Li Zhuo Ya , Fong Jung Yin , Okechukwu Patrick Nwabueaze , Ng Chin Tat , Venkatachalam Karthikkumar , Jeleń Małgorzata , Mlodawsak Beata Morak , Alshawsh Mohammed Abdullah , Selvaraja Malarvili
Published: April 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy with rising incidence and mortality rates. It is essential to identify potential prognostic gene biomarkers for CRC. We analyzed public datasets, revealing 5408 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CRC and adjacent normal tissues. Utilizing the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases, we identified 2779 up-regulated and 2629 down-regulated genes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) yielded the MEbrown module, containing 1639 genes highly correlated with CRC. A total of 926 differentially expressed CRC-related genes were screened for subsequent analysis. Then, a prognostic risk model with five characteristic genes (TIMP1, PCOLCE2, MEIS2, HDC and CXCL13) was constructed. This model demonstrated strong predictive ability in the GSE32323 dataset and an internal test set. All five characteristic genes harbored predominantly missense mutations, with TIMP1 exhibiting the highest variant allele frequency. Functional enrichment analysis, including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and histological expression analysis in the HPA database, highlighted the biological significance of TIMP1 in CRC. TIMP1 is upregulated in the tumor tissue and enriched in CRC-related pathways such as type I interferon receptor binding, oxidative phosphorylation, and Notch signaling pathways. Additionally, using siRNA technology, the impact of TIMP1 on cellular proliferation and apoptosis in CRC cell lines (HCT116 and HT29) was investigated, showing that TIMP1 knockdown significantly inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis. This study presents a novel prognostic risk model comprising five characteristic genes (TIMP1, PCOLCE2, MEIS2, HDC and CXCL13) for CRC, which are strongly associated with overall survival in CRC patients with TIMP1 identified as having cancer-promoting properties in CRC. Our study suggests that TIMP1 holds promise as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target for CRC.
Hearing loss and its association with the proteome of perilymph, cerebrospinal fluid, and tumor tissue in patients with vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Rasmussen Jesper Edvardsson , Li Peng , Laurel Göran , Bergquist Jonas , Eriksson Per Olof
Published: April 2024

This study examined the association between hearing loss in sporadic vestibular schwannoma patients and the proteome of perilymph (PL), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and vestibular schwannoma. Intraoperative sampling of PL and of CSF, and biopsy of vestibular schwannoma tissue, was performed in 32, 32, and 20 patients with vestibular schwannoma, respectively. Perilymph and CSF in three patients with meningioma and normal hearing were also sampled.
The proteomes were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Preoperative hearing function of the patients was evaluated with pure tone audiometry, with mean values at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz (PTA4) in the tumor-affected ear used to delineate three hearing groups.
Analysis of the PL samples revealed significant upregulation of complement factor H-related protein 2 (CFHR2) in patients with severe to profound hearing loss after false discovery rate correction. Pathway analysis of biofunctions revealed higher activation scores in the severe/profound hearing loss group of leukocyte migration, viral infection, and migration of cells in PL. Upregulation of CFHR2 and activation of these pathways indicate chronic inflammation in the cochlea of vestibular schwannoma patients with severe to profound hearing loss compared with patients with normal hearing or mild hearing loss.