bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the measurement properties of PROMIS Computer Adaptive Tests, short forms and legacy patient reported outcome measures in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Braaksma C. , Wolterbeek N. , Veen M. R. , Poolman R. W. , Pronk Y. , Klaassen A. D. , Ostelo R. W. J. G. , Terwee C. B.
Published: October 2024

Background

The commonly used (‘legacy’) PROMs evaluating outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA), have several limitations regarding their measurement properties and interpretation of scores. One innovation in PROMs is the use of Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) is a validated system of CATs. The aim of this study was to assess the measurement properties of PROMIS and legacy instruments in patients undergoing THA.

Methodology

Patients in this multicenter study filled out a questionnaire twice, including Dutch-Flemish PROMIS v1.2 Physical Function (PROMIS-PF) and v1.1 Pain Interference (PROMIS-PI) CATs and short forms, PROMIS v1.0 Pain Intensity, and legacy PROMs (Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), HOOS-Physical function Shortform (HOOS-PS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oxford Hip Score (OHS), and two numeric rating scales measuring pain). The reliability, measurement precision (Standard Error of Measurement (SEM)), smallest detectable change (SDC), and burden of PROMIS instruments were presented head-to-head to legacy PROMs. Furthermore, construct validity was assessed.

Results

208 patients were included. All instruments had a sufficient test-retest reliability (range ICC: 0.83–0.96). The SEM of PROMIS CATs and short forms ranged from 1.8 to 2.2 T-score points, the SEM of legacy instruments 2.6–11.1. The SDC of PROMIS instruments ranged from 2.1 to 7.3 T-score points, the SDC of legacy instruments 7.2–30.9. The construct validity of PROMIS CAT and short forms were found sufficient, except for the PROMIS-PI short form. The burden of PROMIS CATs was smaller than PROMIS short forms (range 4.8–5.2 versus 8–20 items, respectively). The burden of legacy instruments measuring physical functioning ranged from 5 to 40 items.

Conclusions

The PROMIS-PF is less burdensome, with high measurement precision, and almost no minimal or maximal scores, and an equal reliability compared to legacy instruments measuring physical functioning in patients undergoing THA. The PROMIS Pain Intensity 1a is comparable to the legacy pain instruments in terms of burden, reliability and SDC. Measuring the construct Pain Interference may not have additional value in this population because of its high correlation with instruments measuring physical functioning. The SDC values presented in this study can be used for individual patient monitoring.
Stiripentol for the treatment of refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Möller Leona , Simon Ole J. , Jünemann Clara , Austermann-Menche Meike , Bergmann Marc-Philipp , Habermehl Lena , Menzler Katja , Timmermann Lars , Strzelczyk Adam , Knake Susanne
Published: October 2024

Background

Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the most common neurological emergencies and an acutely life-threatening condition characterized by high mortality and morbidity. Despite the well-established staged therapy of status epilepticus, especially stages 1 and 2, more than one third of patients develop (super-) refractory SE. Despite a large variety of potential treatment options for super-refractory SE, there is an unmet clinical need of potential new treatment ideas in this often desperate clinical situation.

A number of studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of stiripentol (STP) in patients with Dravet syndrome (DS) and in children with focal epilepsy and generalized epilepsies. Some smaller series and case reports have documented the use of STP in the treatment of status epilepticus in adult patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all patients who were admitted to the Department of Neurology at Marburg University Hospital between 2013 and 2023 with a diagnosis of (super)-refractory status epilepticus and who received additional treatment of SE with STP. All patients who received STP during the SE were included, regardless of previous medication.

Results

SE ceased in 64% of 25 patients (13 female and 12 male). The mean age was 58.6 ± 21.9 years (mean ± SD). 72% had a structural epilepsy. In 20% of patients, SE was terminated by the administration of STP alone in 32% of cases, while in a further 32% of patients, the simultaneous administration of multiple anti-seizure medications (ASMs) including STP was potentially responsible for the cessation of the SE, with valproic acid (VPA), benzodiazepines and STP, being the most frequently implicated ASMs. In 12% of patients, there was at least a temporary improvement in the electroencephalogram (EEG). Stiripentol had to be discontinued in three cases due to a reduction in vigilance or hypercalcemia.

Conclusions

Stiripentol may represent a promising additional treatment option for refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus. The tolerability of this treatment has already been demonstrated in previous studies, and was also reflected in these data. Further prospective investigation in larger patient populations are necessary to ascertain the efficacy of stiripentol in SE.

Trial registration

NCT06540378, retrospectively registered.
Association of IL-6 G-174C (rs1800795) variant with the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis
Authors: Abuelnadar Eman H. , Ramadan Lamiaa M. , Shahin Hanaa Elsayed , Alakilli Saleha Y. M. , Wahsh Eman , El-Beltagy Nanis S. , Salem Eman T. , Hatata Abdelrahman S. , El-Said Afaf M. , Alhelf Maha
Published: October 2024

Aim

An ineffective immune response resulting from dysregulation of cytokine production might encourage viral persistence and cause chronic viral hepatitis to worsen. This study examined the relationship between alterations in interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and the IL-6 − 174 G > C (rs1800795) polymorphism, as well as how this polymorphism affects the development and progression of chronic hepatitis brought on by hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Patients and methods

Whole blood samples from 126 Egyptian patients with HCC (111 with HCV and 15 with HBV), as well as 126 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals, were used to extract DNA. Using PCR-based allele-specific amplification (ASA), the existence of the IL-6 G-174C polymorphism was investigated. Additionally, each participant's serum IL-6 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The primary observations revealed that HCC patients had greater serum levels of IL-6 compared to the control groups (p < 0.001). Patients with the variant (CG and GG) genotype in the HCC group were found to have more disease severity indicated by higher levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and a higher ascites grade, as well as increased inflammatory activity as defined by higher levels of IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001 for both) in comparison to patients with the wild-type (CC) genotype (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion

The rs1800795 SNP in the IL-6 gene was associated with increased inflammatory activity and high levels of IL-6, indicating that this SNP may play a role in the development of HCC in Egyptian patients with chronic viral hepatitis.
Drug-induced liver injury during the era of COVID-19 polypharmacy: a statement of account, lessons learned, and a proposed approach
Authors: Badary Hedy A. , Hashem Mohamed B. , El-Kassas Mohamed
Published: October 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes a systemic illness that can result in various manifestations. In addition to severe acute respiratory syndrome, patients often exhibit complications unrelated to the respiratory system. Potential liver damage can occur in 14.8 to 53.0% of the affected patients. Liver impairment in COVID-19 can also occur because of the use of polypharmacy during disease management. It is essential to be aware of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in patients diagnosed with COVID-19, especially when considering the off-label usage of medications in both preventative and therapeutic regimens used on a wide scale. This review aims to give pertinent information regarding drugs utilized thus far in COVID-19 patients and their potential toxicity to the liver. We also present a suggested management approach to DILI in COVID-19 patients and lessons learned from the pharmacological management of this pandemic.
Formulation and characterization of 5-fluorouracil and metformin biodegradable nanospheres for treating colon cancer
Authors: Bharathi Priya K. , Kulathuran Pillai K. , Nalini C. N. , Udhumansha Ubaidulla
Published: October 2024

Background

Cancer and diabetes mellitus are quite common diseases found together worldwide. A considerable amount of evidence is available for the rapid development and presentation of various types of cancer in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) population as compared with the population without diabetes. The objective of the study is to formulate and evaluate 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and metformin (MET) nanoparticles (NPs) and to establish the characteristic features of the biodegradable NPs. 5-FU and MET NPs with chitosan as a biodegradable polymer were formulated by the ionotropic cross-linking method. 0.25 gm of MET and 0.25 gm of 5-FU were dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water, and stock solution was prepared. 5 ml of stock solution was slowly mixed into the chitosan solution to obtain the mixture of drugs and chitosan. The tripolyphosphate reserve liquid was dripped slowly into the chitosan solution with constant stirring until the opaline appearance was noticed in the mixture, then filtered, and dried. The NPs were evaluated for their physical properties and drug release kinetics. Cell proliferation assay was done using human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT 116).

Results

The formulation composed of 1.5 w/v of chitosan, 0.25 w/v of MET, and 5-FU had an average particle diameter of 198.7 nm. The polydispersity index was 0.757. Thermal and infrared spectroscopy results indicated the drugs and polymers selected for the formulation were unique without any identifiable interaction. The NPs were spherical in appearance, with numerous pours on the surface, which was evident when microscopically examined. Uniformity in drug release was observed, and the formulation demonstrated excellent release kinetics. HTC 116 cell line confirmed that the maximum percentage of cell death and minimum viability of cells were observed while using the combination of MET and 5-FU-NPs as compared to the pure MET or 5-FU alone.

Conclusion

MET and 5-FU-loaded chitosan NPs were found to have excellent physiochemical properties, particle size, and drug release from the polymer in a controlled manner. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration value (IC50) of MET and 5-FU-NPs was found to be significantly less as compared to MET and 5-FU alone or the combination.
Calling for Equity-focused Quantitative Methodology in Discipline-based Education Research: An Introduction to Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Slominski Tara , Odeleye Oluwatobi O. , Wainman Jacob W. , Walsh Lisa L. , Nylund-Gibson Karen , Ing Marsha
Published: October 2024

We introduce latent class analysis, a mixture modeling method that can explicitly model unobserved heterogeneity in a population. We provide examples of how this method could be applied to STEM education research as a means to analyze quantitative data while pursuing research goals aligned with equity, inclusion, access, and justice agendas.
Artificial Intelligence Hybrid Survival Assessment System for Robot-Assisted Proctectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Shiqian , Zhang Ge , Wang Ming , Guo Song-Bin , Wang Fuqi , Li Yun , Kadier Kaisaierjiang , Zhou Zhaokai , Zhang Pengpeng , Chi Hao , Zhang Chuchu , Zhou Quanbo , Lyu Pin , Zhao Shuaiya , Yang Shuaixi , Yuan Weitang
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

Robotic-assisted proctectomy (RAP) has emerged as the predominant surgical approach for patients with rectal cancer in recent years; although good postoperative patient recovery with accurate prediction is a guarantee of adaptive surveillance management, there is still a lack of easy-to-use prognostic tools and risk scores designed specifically for those patients undergoing RAP.

METHODS

This study used the electronic health records of 506 RAP participants, including a National Specialist Center for da Vinci Robotic Colorectal Surgery (NSCVRCS) meta cohort, and an independent external validation Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital cohort. In the NSCVRCS meta cohort, patients were divided into a discovery cohort (70%, n = 268), where the best-fit model was applied to model our prediction system, RAP-AIscore. Subsequently, an internal validation process for RAP-AIscore was conducted using a replication cohort (30%, n = 116). The study designed and implemented a large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) hybrid framework to identify the best strategy for building a survival assessment system, the RAP-AIscore, from 132 potential modeling scenarios through a combination of iterative cross-validation, Monte Carlo cross-validation, and bootstrap resampling. The 10 variables most relevant to clinical interpretability were identified on the basis of the AI hybrid optimal model values, which helps provide reliable prognostic survival guidance for new patients.

RESULTS

The consistent evaluation of discrimination, calibration, generalization, and prognostic value across cohorts reaffirmed the accuracy and robust extrapolation capability of this system. The 10 feature variables most associated with clinical interpretability on the basis of Shapley values were identified, facilitating reliable prognostic survival guidance for new patients.

CONCLUSION

This study introduces a promising and informative tool, the RAP-AIscore, which can be explained through nomograms for interpreting clinical outcomes. It facilitates postoperative risk stratification management and enhances clinical management of prognosis for RAP patients.
Stomatal development in the changing climate
Authors: Chua Li Cong , Lau On Sun
Published: October 2024

Stomata, microscopic pores flanked by symmetrical guard cells, are vital regulators of gas exchange that link plant processes with environmental dynamics. The formation of stomata involves the multi-step progression of a specialized cell lineage. Remarkably, this process is heavily influenced by environmental factors, allowing plants to adjust stomatal production to local conditions. With global warming set to alter our climate at an unprecedented pace, understanding how environmental factors impact stomatal development and plant fitness is becoming increasingly important. In this Review, we focus on the effects of carbon dioxide, high temperature and drought – three environmental factors tightly linked to global warming – on stomatal development. We summarize the stomatal response of a variety of plant species and highlight the existence of species-specific adaptations. Using the model plant Arabidopsis, we also provide an update on the molecular mechanisms involved in mediating the plasticity of stomatal development. Finally, we explore how knowledge on stomatal development is being applied to generate crop varieties with optimized stomatal traits that enhance their resilience against climate change and maintain agricultural productivity.
Viscous shear is a key force in Drosophila ventral furrow morphogenesis
Authors: Goldner Amanda Nicole , Cheikh Mohamad Ibrahim , Osterfield Miriam , Doubrovinski Konstantin
Published: October 2024

Ventral furrow (VF) formation in Drosophila melanogaster is an important model of epithelial folding. Previous models of VF formation require cell volume conservation to convert apically localized constriction forces into lateral cell elongation and tissue folding. Here, we have investigated embryonic morphogenesis in anillin knockdown (scra RNAi) embryos, where basal cell membranes fail to form and therefore cells can lose cytoplasmic volume through their basal side. Surprisingly, the mesoderm elongation and subsequent folding that comprise VF formation occurred essentially normally. We hypothesized that the effects of viscous shear may be sufficient to drive membrane elongation, providing effective volume conservation, and thus driving tissue folding. Since this hypothesis may not be possible to test experimentally, we turned to a computational approach. To test whether viscous shear is a dominant force for morphogenesis in vivo, we developed a 3D computational model incorporating both accurate cell and tissue geometry, and experimentally measured material parameters. Results from this model demonstrate that viscous shear generates sufficient force to drive cell elongation and tissue folding in vivo.
Conceptualizing university students’ food choices based on theory of planned behavior
Authors: Vishwakarma Kshama , Chandra Sekaran Varalakshmi , Patwardhan Vidya , Kamath Asha
Published: October 2024

Background Several students use hostel facilities offered by their colleges and universities while pursuing higher education. A crucial change is witnessed in their food habits during their stay at the campus, which is vastly different from their home experience. Method The study employs the theory of planned behavior to conceptualize and understand the food choices of university students while following the qualitative research methodology and the phenomenological approach. The snowball sampling method is applied to select participants for the study. We selected twenty-six undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing programs in technical and health science from a private university at Udupi with residence in the university campus for two to four years. Interviews with candidates were conducted online and audio-recorded with participants’ consent. Results The transcribed interviews were coded and categorized to obtain themes, which were then conceptualized to develop the model based on the theory of planned behaviour. The duration of their stay on campus allowed students to gain a perspective on the food events and the food they consumed at the university dining facility (UDF) guided by factors, such as taste, price, availability of time(during academic activity), accessibility to healthy food, academic stress and lack of knowledge on nutrition. Two factors emerged from the interviews, one, there was no display in the dining facility about the nutritional value of the food served; and, second, students preferred to dine out on unhealthy food rather than at the university because food from outside the campus, even though unhealthy, was easier on the pocket. Conclusion The study provides insights into the role of UDF in serving healthy and nutritional food to students for better health and improved academic performance. This work brings to light the relationship between students’ food choices and their impact on academic performance.
AnVILWorkflow: A runnable workflow package for Cloud-implemented bioinformatics analysis pipelines
Authors: Oh Sehyun , Gravel-Pucillo Kai , Ramos Marcel , Schatz Michael C. , Davis Sean , Carey Vincent , Morgan Martin , Waldron Levi
Published: October 2024

Advancements in sequencing technologies and the development of new data collection methods produce large volumes of biological data. The Genomic Data Science Analysis, Visualization, and Informatics Lab-space (AnVIL) provides a cloud-based platform for democratizing access to large-scale genomics data and analysis tools. However, utilizing the full capabilities of AnVIL can be challenging for researchers without extensive bioinformatics expertise, especially for executing complex workflows. We present the AnVILWorkflow R package, which enables the convenient execution of bioinformatics workflows hosted on AnVIL directly from an R environment. AnVILWorkflow simplifies the setup of the cloud computing environment, input data formatting, workflow submission, and retrieval of results through intuitive functions. We demonstrate the utility of AnVILWorkflow for three use cases: bulk RNA-seq analysis with Salmon, metagenomics analysis with bioBakery, and digital pathology image processing with PathML. The key features of AnVILWorkflow include user-friendly browsing of available data and workflows, seamless integration of R and non-R tools within a reproducible analysis pipeline, and accessibility to scalable computing resources without direct management overhead. AnVILWorkflow lowers the barrier to utilizing AnVIL’s resources, especially for exploratory analyses or bulk processing with established workflows. This empowers a broader community of researchers to leverage the latest genomics tools and datasets using familiar R syntax. This package is distributed through the Bioconductor project (https://bioconductor.org/packages/AnVILWorkflow), and the source code is available through GitHub (https://github.com/shbrief/AnVILWorkflow).
The most common neonatal presentations to the pediatric emergency department
Authors: AlGhamdi Mohammad A , A Alnaim Abdulrahman , M. Alibrahim Hassan , A. Aldajani Alaa , A.Alabdulqader Muneera
Published: October 2024

Introduction The first 28 days of life are considered the neonatal period, when pediatric health is most vulnerable. While crises can undoubtedly arise during this time, many ED or urgent care visits could be avoided with sufficient preventive hospital care during the newborn period and suitable follow-up with a primary care physician. The use of emergency rooms for non-urgent care could be the cause of rising healthcare costs and ineffective resource use. Purpose This study aimed to determine the presenting features, management, and disposition of neonatal attendance in the emergency department. Methods This was a retrospective observational cross-sectional study of medical records identified via the emergency department of neonatal visits (≤28 days) to King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU), Khobar, Saudi Arabia, over 12 months (2021–2022). The Chi-square test was performed to compare various etiologies, with a 5% significance level. Results A total of 649 neonate visited pediatric emergency department with a mean age of 15.5 ± 7.4 days and almost equal distribution of the gender. The most common presentation was upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (26.8%), followed by physiological jaundice (20.2%), and colic (14%). A total of 205 (31.6%) neonates who visited the ED showed significant laboratory findings. Seventy-nine patients (12.2%) presenting with PED were admitted to the hospital. Conclusion Healthcare systems must devise strategies to address the growing number of non-urgent visits to emergency departments in a more efficient manner, while simultaneously reallocating scarce resources to higher-acuity cases. This emphasizes the necessity of health personnel educating caregivers. It’s also critical that medical professionals understand the common ailments that affect newborns and are skilled at correctly identifying ailments that could indicate a serious pathology.
Vaccine decision-making among pregnant women: a protocol for a cross-sectional mixed-method study in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya and Pakistan
Authors: Schue Jessica L , Singh Prachi , Fesshaye Berhaun , Miller Emily S , Quinn Shanelle , Karron Ruth A , Souza Renato T , Costa Maria Laura , Cecatti Jose Guilherme , Torpey Kwasi , Badzi Caroline Dinam , Modey Emefa , Guure Chris , Okwaro Ferdinand , Temmerman Marleen , Jessani Saleem , Saleem Sarah , Asim Muhammad , Nausheen Sidrah , Yasmeen Haleema , Belayneh Grace , Brizuela Vanessa , Gottlieb Sami , Limaye Rupali J
Published: October 2024

Maternal immunization is a critical strategy to prevent both maternal and infant morbidity and mortality from several infectious diseases. When the first COVID-19 vaccines became available during the pandemic, there was mixed messaging and confusion amongst the broader public and among those associated with health care systems about the recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations in pregnancy in many countries. A multi-country, mixed-methods study is being undertaken to describe how vaccine decision-making occurs amongst pregnant and postpartum women, with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines. The study is being conducted in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan. In each country, participants are being recruited from either 2 or 3 maternity hospitals and/or clinics that represent a diverse population in terms of socio-economic and urban/rural status. Data collection includes cross-sectional surveys in pregnant women and semi-structured in-depth interviews with both pregnant and postpartum women. The instruments were designed to identify attitudinal, behavioral, and social correlates of vaccine uptake during and after pregnancy, including the decision-making process related to COVID-19 vaccines, and constructs such as risk perception, self-efficacy, vaccine intentions, and social norms. The aim is to recruit 400 participants for the survey and 50 for the interviews in each country. Qualitative data will be analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, latent variable analysis, and prediction modelling. Both the quantitative and qualitative data will be used to explore differences in attitudes and behaviors around maternal immunization across pregnancy trimesters and the postpartum period among and within countries. Each country has planned dissemination activities to share the study findings with relevant stakeholders in the communities from which the data is collected and to conduct country-specific secondary analyses.
Using nominal group technique to compare patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives on symptoms in multiple myeloma to inform the development of a self management tool for patients with relapsed myeloma
Authors: Cormican Orlaith , Dowling Maura
Published: October 2024

Background The nominal group technique (NGT) allows stakeholders to directly generate items for needs assessment. The objective was to demonstrate the use of NGT to inform the development of a healthcare app in patients with relapsed myeloma. Healthcare professionals with experience in the care of patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma were invited to participate. Methods One NGT group was conducted. In the group, health care professionals working in haematology were asked to vote anonymously in order of highest priority, on symptoms previously highlighted by relapsed/refractory myeloma patients in four focus groups. Results A total of 18 healthcare professionals working in the area of haematology participated in the NGT discussion; consultants (n=6), haematology registrars (n=2), specialist nurses [Advanced Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist] (haematology) (n=3), staff nurse (n=1), and “other” health care professionals (n=6). Participants ranged in experience of working with myeloma patients from 2 years to over 27 years. The symptoms voted in highest priority were: Pain, Fatigue, Peripheral Neuropathy, Infection Risk and Steroid Induced Side Effects. Conclusions The NGT was an efficient method for obtaining information to inform a healthcare app.
Developing A Digital Twin of a TRUEX Extraction Process that Enables Non-proliferation and Safeguards Monitoring through Optical Spectroscopy and Machine Learning
Authors: Cooper Justin T. , Barnes Addyson , Flores Ramedy , Jesse Kathrine , Trevino Eduardo , Pluth Adam J. , Heaps Kolton , Brownlee Jaren , Shields Ashley
Published: October 2024

Background The recycling of spent fuel can increase the longevity and decrease the waste footprint associated with the nuclear fuel cycle. However, nuclear fuel reprocessing introduces the risk of proliferation of fissile material. For example, the recycling of uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu) is generally accomplished via a solvent extraction process. The separation efficiency of the process is dependent on a variety of parameters such as acid concentration, organic to aqueous (O/A) volume ratio, number of separation stages, etc. A change in any of these parameters could result in different extraction conditions of fissile material and lead to a process upset with potential safeguards and proliferation concerns. Thus, the ability to monitor the solvent extraction process in real-time would enable the rapid identification and diagnosis of process upsets. Methods In this work, we discuss the development of a digital twin of a surrogate small-scale nuclear fuel reprocessing solvent extraction process utilizing online optical spectroscopic monitoring, machine learning (ML), and chemical modeling. A cascade of centrifugal contactors was employed with the TRUEX (TransUranic Extraction) solvent and surrogate minor actinides. Spectroscopic sensors were placed at strategic locations within the contactor bank and were used to predict TRUEX surrogate analyte concentrations at those locations. Results A solvent extraction digital twin consisting of the data acquisition, chemical model, and anomaly detection, provided expected concentrations at each contactor during normal operations. The digital twin demonstrated the ability to accurately simulate the extraction behavior under ideal conditions. Furthermore, the digital twin’s ML anomaly detection algorithm was shown to be successful in identifying several non-ideal process upset conditions.
The genome sequence of a hoverfly, Cheilosia grossa (Fallén, 1817)
Authors: Mitchell Ryan , Falk Steven , Woodcock Katie J. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Cheilosia grossa (a hoverfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 362.40 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.81 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 20,196 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Deathwatch beetle, Xestobium rufovillosum (De Geer, 1774)
Authors: Jefferys Eliot E. , Holland Peter W. H. , Thomas Paula , Hugman Martin ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Xestobium rufovillosum (the Deathwatch beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Ptinidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 475.50 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 19.19 kilobases in length.
DETERMINING THE LEVEL OF DIGITAL COMPETENCE OF A UNIVERSITY FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER
Authors: Gromova Tatiana V.
Published: October 2024

Background. The relevance of the article is due to the tasks of digitalization of education and the focus on the development of all types of digital activities of a university teacher and is determined by the state policy of the Russian Federation in the field of digital transformation of society in general and digital transformation of education in particular. The article examines the conditions of education that are changing in connection with digitalization, and defines digital competence.
The purpose of the article is to determine the level of digital competence of a modern university foreign language teacher and take this competence into account in the educational process.
Materials and methods. The material of the work was the scientific works of domestic and foreign authors on the topic of research, legislative acts, electronic resources, materials of web conferences, etc. The research methods were interviewing, methods of description, observation and analysis.
As a result of the conducted research, the levels of digital competence of foreign language teachers (basic, high, advanced) were identified and the level of digital competence of foreign language teachers in scientific and educational activities of Samara State University of Economics (SGEU) was determined; the skills and abilities of the selected levels were described; possible digital services for use in writing scientific papers, textbooks were highlighted and content creation, as well as for classroom work and distance learning; pedagogical options for using digital technologies both in education and in scientific research of a modern teacher are proposed.
Prevalence and associated factors of ADHD-like symptoms among
pharmacy students at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand in 2024: a
cross-sectional study
Authors: Rakchat Krittiya , Eadcharoen Saranan , Pentrakan Amarawan
Published: October 2024

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence of
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its associated factors among
pharmacy students at Prince of Songkla University in 2024. It was hypothesized
that the prevalence of ADHD would be associated with various demographic,
socioeconomic, historical, and behavioral factors.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study involved pharmacy
students from years 1–5 at Prince of Songkla University in Thailand. Data
were gathered from 761 students using a self-administered questionnaire that
included the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS Screener V1.1). Descriptive
statistics, the chi-square test, the Fisher exact test, and multiple logistic
regression were employed for data analysis.
Results: In total, 526 students participated in the study
(participation rate: 69%), with an average age of 21±1.57 years. The risk
of ADHD was prevalent in 14.4% of the respondents (76 students; 95% CI:
11.4%–17.5%). Significant factors associated with an increased risk of
ADHD included identifying as not disclosed or preferring not to report gender
(adjusted OR [ORadj], 3.32; 95% CI, 1.04–10.57), having
insufficient monthly income (ORadj, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.13–3.61),
and recent traffic violations (ORadj, 2.02; 95% CI,
1.09–3.76). It was also found that difficulties with executive
functioning, such as organization and procrastination, were highly prevalent
among pharmacy students.
Conclusion: The study identified a substantial prevalence of ADHD
risk among pharmacy students, with factors including gender, financial
challenges, and behavioral patterns such as traffic violations significantly
associated with this risk. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted
mental health interventions in university settings.
Interplay Between Servicizing and Remanufacturing: Economic and Environmental Implications
Authors: Sun Xichen , Rajapakshe Tharanga , Oliva Rogelio
Published: October 2024

Problem definition: To investigate the interplay between servicizing and remanufacturing, two widely used strategies in the circular economy, and its impact on firms’ economic and environmental performance, we consider a profit-maximizing manufacturer who explores the possibility of jointly adopting the two strategies. Methodology and results: We develop optimization models that capture the main attributes for servicizing (pay-per-use, demand pooling) and remanufacturing (lower production costs, higher operating costs). We show that the presence of remanufacturing always makes servicizing less attractive to adopt, and having servicizing may discourage the adoption of remanufacturing if the remanufacturing cost reduction effect is not sufficiently large. The joint adoption of servicizing and remanufacturing is preferred when the remanufacturing cost is neither too high nor too low and the range of the remanufacturing cost that favors the joint adoption is further moderated by the firm’s pooling level and the operating cost of remanufactured products. Lastly, we find that when the firm adopts servicizing in the presence of remanufacturing with relatively high remanufacturing costs, it can reduce the number of remanufactured products with low environmental impact in the market and, thus, harm the environment, resulting in a misalignment between economic and environmental goals. Managerial implications: Our findings suggest that managers considering jointly adopting servicizing and remanufacturing must balance their competition on the low-usage end of the market with the potential complementarity due to remanufacturing cost reduction. Further, by showing the win-win conditions under which the joint adoption of servicizing and remanufacturing improves firms’ economic and environmental performance, we demonstrate that there are no one-size-fits-all circular economy strategies and call for caution when promoting these strategies across industries.

Supplemental Material: The electronic companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0379 .
Vision Care for Homeless People celebrates 20th anniversary
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: October 2024

Elaine Styles tells Andrew McCarthy-McClean about the charity’s party and expansion plans
OCCS reflects on mediation and the new normal
Authors: Patchett Lucy
Published: October 2024

Lucy Patchett reports on trends in the Optical Consumer Complaints Service’s latest report
CPD: Bcla Clear 10
Authors: Nagra Manbir , Retallic Neil
Published: October 2024

The 10th in a series of articles summarising the key findings of the BCLA CLEAR publication, a major review of the published evidence relating to all aspects of contact lens practice, Dr Manbir Nagra and Neil Retallic offer an overview of the contact lens fitting aspects from the BCLA CLEAR section relating to evidence based contact lens practice

(C106621 suitable for one distance learning CPD point for optometrists, contact lens opticians and dispensing opticians). Upon successful completion of this CPD, you will be able to identify evidence-based elements of the contact lens fitting process and how these should be integrated with patient values and clinical judgement (s5) Upon successful completion of this CPD, you will be able to interpret preliminary clinical measurements and use history taking to manage the fitting of patients with contact lenses (s7)
Truth or myth
Authors: Luensmann Doerte , Meyler John
Published: October 2024

This month, in our series looking at common myths concerning contact lenses, Doerte Luensmann and John Meyler look at whether different brands use the same fitting methods
Supporting people with learning disabilities
Authors: White Emma
Published: October 2024

A new NHS eye examination service was launched in south-east London last month for people with learning disabilities and people who are autistic. Emma White reports
Precision and partnerships
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: October 2024

Mike Hale speaks to Jonathan Cohen, commercial manager at Seiko Lens UK, about how industry partnerships can be the key to unlocking a bright future for independent practices
Eyespace marks milestone of 10 years
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: October 2024

Jayne Abel tells Andrew McCarthy-McClean how Eyespace celebrated its 10th anniversary
Eyes on sustainability
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: October 2024

Andrew McCarthy-McClean reports from Optician's inaugural sustainability conference
CPD: BCLA CLEAR interactive
Authors: Nagra Manbir , Retallic Neil
Published: October 2024

Dr Manbir Nagra and Neil Retallic introduce a new interactive CPD exercise which aims to stimulate discussion about evidenced-based CL fitting
Myopia brought into focus
Authors: Arbon-Black Tina
Published: October 2024

Tina Arbon-Black reports from ABDO's first myopia management clinical conference last month at the NRC
CPD: Fitting children's frames
Authors: Bates Sally
Published: October 2024

Communicating with both children and parents can be challenging Sally Bates, discusses effective communication strategies and paediatric frame fitting
Connected lives
Authors: Dainty Naomi
Published: October 2024

Naomi Dainty gives her key learning from the Deafblind Conference 2023
A view from India
Authors: Thite Nilesh , Shinde Lakshmi
Published: October 2024

In the first of a new feature describing optometric practices around the world, internationally renowned contact lens educators, Nilesh Thite and Lakshmi Shinde describe how recent changes in optometry regulation in India mark a new beginning for eye care
Does dry eye get overlooked in visually impaired patients?
Authors: Abbott Kaleb
Published: October 2024

As part of our research spotlight series, Professor Kaleb Abbott discusses findings from his recently published study which investigated the prevalence of dry eye issues among individuals with visual impairment
Best in show
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: October 2024

The first major optical tradeshow of 2024 took place at the Trade Fair Center Messe München on January 12-14. Mike Hale reports on the most eye-catching sports eyewear and the most impressive start-ups at the show
Concussion and vision screening
Authors: Koch Chris
Published: October 2024

As part of our research spotlight series, which aims to highlight interesting pieces of optometry related research, Chris Koch describes findings from his recently published study which considered the links between concussion and vision
Employment law updates 2024
Authors: Williams Emma
Published: October 2024

Emma Williams presents a preview of employment law changes coming up this year
Insights into isotretinoin's ocular impact
Authors: Lamberg Olivia , Helfrich Yolanda
Published: October 2024

As part of our research spotlight series, which aims to highlight interesting pieces of optometry related research, Olivia Lamberg and Dr Yolanda Helfrich describe their findings from a recently published study which reviewed the ocular impact of the acne medication isotretinoin
Reducing our planet impact
Authors: McMahon Clare
Published: October 2024

Clare McMahon takes a look at how Specsavers is minimising its environmental impact
One last dance in New York
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: October 2024

Simon Jones reports on the last Vision Expo East in New York before the show heads to Florida in 2025
Contact lens wear growth identified by EuromContact
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: October 2024

Andrew McCarthy-McClean explores the 2023 data collected on contact lens wear by EuromContact
Eye care initiative supports people with learning difficulties
Authors: White Emma
Published: October 2024

Emma White reports on how a scheme in South East London has benefited patients with extra needs
Luxury appeal
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: October 2024

Andrew McCarthy-McClean previews the autumn/winter launches across Kering's eyewear brands
CPD: Improving practice communication 5
Authors: Anderson Fiona
Published: October 2024

Fiona Anderson highlights the responsibilities of eye care professionals when recommending spectacle lenses as well as managing different levels of patient expectations
Myopia low-down
Authors: White Emma
Published: October 2024

Emma White reports on how the industry supported this year's Myopia Awareness Week campaign message to ‘put myopia management into action in practice’
Project Punjab
Authors: Mackie Scott
Published: October 2024

Dr Scott Mackie reflects on an educational trip to India
Industry responds to general election announcement
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: October 2024

Professional bodies say the time has come for optics to seize the moment. Andrew McCarthy-McClean reports
GPs overburdened with eye care patients
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: October 2024

Andrew McCarthy-McClean reports on an AOP survey that revealed how many patients said optometrists were their first port of call for eye-related conditions
Upskilling opportunity
Authors: Codina Charlotte
Published: October 2024

Dr Charlotte Codina discusses an opportunity for eye care professionals to specialise in paediatric ophthalmology
Cataract awareness week signposts support services
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: October 2024

Andrew McCarthy-McClean runs through the activity that took place during a busy time of raising awareness
Summer style
Authors: White Emma
Published: October 2024

Emma White showcases the latest trends and highlights from Mondottica's 2024 sun and optical collections
Geographical indication of São Matheus as a boost to gastronomic tourism
Authors: Covalchuck Gabriela Cristina , De Lima Medeiros Mirna
Published: October 2024

Yerba-mate has undeniable historical-cultural and economic value, especially in Southern Brazil. The consumption of yerba-mate as chimarrão or tea is usual, and the product can also be creatively used as an ingredient in other food preparations. In Paraná, the state flag has a branch of this plant on it, representing the importance of this production in its colonization, emancipation, and consolidation as a state. Aiming to protect and promote products in connection to their origin, appears the sign of geographical indications (GIs). Regarding this product, the first GI, namely, the GI São Matheus, was granted in 2017 and its territory comprises 06 municipalities located in the South of the state of Paraná. Taking that into consideration, this article sought to analyze how the implementation of a geographical indication might boost gastronomic tourism in a given region. To carry out the investigation, the potentiality of the territory of São Matheus, located in Southern Paraná – Brazil was observed.  The data was organized and treated by developing an interpretive case study. The participants were 28 actors (producers, support organizations, and other relevant individuals, employing a process called “snowball”), document analysis and direct observation were also used. The data analysis employed content analysis aided by the software IRaMuTeQ for key questions.  After crossing evidence, we verified the existence of actors promoting local gastronomy and tourism. However, strengthening the GI management is still needed along with the aggregation of other territorial assets to promote the rediscovery of its potentialities.
Utilization of handheld LIBS and XRF analyzers for impurity detection in 3D-printed ultra-high-temperature ceramics
Authors: Emrick Daniel , Cochrane Andrew , Rao Ashwin P.
Published: October 2024

In this study, we implement handheld laser-induced breakdown
spectroscopy (LIBS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers to detect
elemental impurities in additively manufactured ultra-high-temperature
ceramics (UHTCs). Spectral data were collected from digital light
processing (DLP) 3D-printed alumina (Al2O3) samples at various processing
stages. These stages included high-temperature debinding and sintering
phases used to bake out organic impurities and improve grain cohesion
of the ceramic. Spectral analysis revealed the presence of organic
impurities such as H and C together, with inorganic impurities such as
Na, Si, Ca, and Fe. A reduction in elemental impurities in the spectra
was observed as the ceramic samples were processed, validating the
effectiveness of handheld analyzers for in
situ rapid impurity detection and quality control in the
manufacturing of 3D-printed UHTCs.
Probabilistic path computation and frequency assignment to mitigate spectral fragmentation in elastic optical networks
Authors: Moore Francois , Fumagalli Andrea
Published: October 2024

Management of spectrum fragmentation in optical transport networks typically requires after the fact defragmentation. This paper proposes a probabilistic approach that mitigates the creation of fragmentation by reducing spectral waste and increasing the expected number of allowable additional lightpaths. The proposed approach is simulated and compared against both first fit as well as fragmentation aware spectrum assignment methods, and the comparison results are provided.