bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acetyltransferase NAT10 promotes an immunosuppressive microenvironment by modulating CD8+ T cell activity in prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Ji , Gu Zhuoran , Zou Libin , Zhang Zhijin , Shen Liliang , Wang Ruiliang , Xue Shaobo , Geng Jiang , Mao Shiyu , Zhang Wentao , Yao Xudong
Published: December 2024

N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10), an enzyme responsible for ac4C acetylation, is implicated in cancer progression, though its specific biological function in prostate cancer remains insufficiently understood. This study clarifies NAT10’s role in prostate cancer and its effects on the tumor immune microenvironment. NAT10 expression and clinical relevance were assessed through bioinformatics, RT-qPCR, and IHC analyses, comparing prostate cancer tissues with normal controls. The impact of NAT10 on tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was investigated via in vitro assays—including CCK-8, EdU, wound healing, and 3D-Transwell—as well as in vivo mouse xenograft models and organoid studies. Further, NAT10’s influence on immune cell infiltration was examined using flow cytometry, IHC, cell co-culture assays, and ELISA to elucidate downstream chemokine effects, specifically targeting CD8+ T cells. Findings indicated significant upregulation of NAT10 in prostate cancer cells, enhancing their proliferative and invasive capacities. Notably, NAT10 suppresses CD8+ T cell recruitment and cytotoxicity through the CCL25/CCR9 axis, fostering an immunosuppressive microenvironment that exacerbates tumor progression. An ac4C modification score was also devised based on NAT10’s downstream targets, providing a novel predictive tool for evaluating immune infiltration and forecasting immunotherapy responses in patients with prostate cancer. This study underscores NAT10’s pivotal role in modulating the prostate cancer immune microenvironment, offering insights into the immune desert phenomenon and identifying NAT10 as a promising therapeutic target for improving immunotherapy efficacy.
Diverse immune cell profiles in ASFV-associated lymphopenia
Authors: Xiong Wenjing , Chen Haowei , Chen Yanru , Wang Ke , Lian Tingting , Zhang Weijia , Yu Qing , Gao Xiaochen , Su Jie , He Qigai , Wang Xiangru , Yu Junping , Cui Min
Published: December 2024

Pathogenic African swine fever virus (ASFV) remains a lethal causative agent in the domestic pig industry, which poses a burden on the swine market and causes substantial socioeconomic losses worldwide. Currently, there are no commercially efficacious vaccines or specific treatments available for ASF prevention and control. Unfortunately, little is known about the swine immune response upon ASFV infection. Here, we investigated the host immune response discrepancy induced by the field moderately virulent strain ASFV HB-2208 among healthy, diseased and asymptomatic pigs. In the peripheral blood of diseased swine, lymphopenia is caused by the massive loss of bystander lymphocytes, such as γδ T cells, B cells and CD4+ T cells. Conversely, ASFV has a strong tropism for the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) and partial dendritic cells (DCs), whose antigen-presenting ability is impeded by the downregulation of CD80 and MHC I. However, no significant difference in the number of CD8αhigh T cells was detected, whereas the frequencies of NK cells, NKT cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) were significantly increased. Additionally, an in vitro model was established with a coculture of primary pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which significantly reduced γδ T cells, B cells and CD4+ T cells and increased Tregs. The differentiated immune response might aid in enhancing the understanding of ASFV pathogenesis in suids and provide insights into the mechanism of ASFV-induced lymphopenia for further studies.
Rapid groundwater assessments in gneissic settings using transient electromagnetics — Examples from Togo
Authors: Grombacher Denys , Pedersen Jesper , Wemegah David , Kragehede Rune , McLachlan Paul , Maurya Pradip
Published: December 2024

Towed transient electromagnetics (tTEM) is applied in the Plateau Region of Togo for rapid and high-resolution characterization of groundwater systems surrounding six villages. Past drilling efforts in the region often resulted in unsuccessful or low-yielding boreholes, due in large part to sparse hydrogeologic data at the scale relevant for borehole siting surrounding each village. Towed transient electromagnetics systems are shown to be well suited to addressing this data sparsity issue, enabling the mapping of large regions surrounding each village in relatively short field times (two days per village in this work). Comparison with borehole lithology logs reveals that a towed electromagnetic system can accurately characterize the thickness of the weathered zone in gneissic settings, as well as delineate elevated saturation fractured zones within the gneissic bedrock in several cases. Boreholes drilled based on tTEM surveys were able to intercept fresh groundwater resources in each of the investigated villages.
Anisotropy estimation from deviated wells: uncertainties and their implications — A case study
Authors: Sams Mark , Nasseri Jalil , Teng Hui Turm Stallone
Published: December 2024

The vertical transverse isotropy of a sequence of Lower Coastal Plain sediments undergoing mechanical compaction has been estimated from a group of wells drilled at a range of inclinations relative to the geologic bedding. The estimates of Thomsen’s anisotropy parameters have been made as a function of the volume of clay. Anisotropy increases with clay content. In shales, the Thomsen parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are greater than 0.25, but [Formula: see text] is strongly negative. There are significant uncertainties in estimating all the parameters, especially for rocks with low clay content, due to the paucity and variable quality of the available data and the requirement to make many assumptions. The positive correlation between the contrasts in [Formula: see text] and the contrasts in acoustic impedance, [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text], and density results in the enhancement of the amplitude variation with offset (AVO) response of reservoir sands below shales, especially at high angles. The negative [Formula: see text] suppresses changes in the AVO below 30°. The delineation of gas in reservoir sands through prestack simultaneous inversion is not impacted by ignoring the anisotropy in this case study. Acoustic impedance plays a key role in the detection of gas in these reservoirs and is unaffected by ignoring anisotropy. Errors in predicting the [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] can be minimized by estimating the wavelets while assuming isotropy. Errors in predicting the density, however, can be significant. It is not expected that ignoring anisotropy will be suitable for all geologic scenarios, and forward modeling is recommended to understand the full implications.
Volumetric Breast Density Estimation From Three-Dimensional Reconstructed Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Images Using Deep Learning
Authors: Ahluwalia Vinayak S. , Doiphode Nehal , Mankowski Walter C. , Cohen Eric A. , Pati Sarthak , Pantalone Lauren , Bakas Spyridon , Brooks Ari , Vachon Celine M. , Conant Emily F. , Gastounioti Aimilia , Kontos Despina
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

Breast density is a widely established independent breast cancer risk factor. With the increasing utilization of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in breast cancer screening, there is an opportunity to estimate volumetric breast density (VBD) routinely. However, current available methods extrapolate VBD from two-dimensional (2D) images acquired using DBT and/or depend on the existence of raw DBT data, which is rarely archived by clinical centers because of storage constraints.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 1,080 nonactionable three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed DBT screening examinations acquired between 2011 and 2016. Reference tissue segmentations were generated using previously validated software that uses 3D reconstructed slices and raw 2D DBT data. We developed a deep learning (DL) model that segments dense and fatty breast tissue from background. We then applied this model to estimate %VBD and absolute dense volume (ADV) in cm
3
in a separate case-control sample (180 cases and 654 controls). We created two conditional logistic regression models, relating each model-derived density measurement to likelihood of contralateral breast cancer diagnosis, adjusted for age, BMI, family history, and menopausal status.

RESULTS

The DL model achieved unweighted and weighted Dice scores of 0.88 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.08) and 0.76 (SD = 0.15), respectively, on the held-out test set, demonstrating good agreement between the model and 3D reference segmentations. There was a significant association between the odds of breast cancer diagnosis and model-derived VBD (odds ratio [OR], 1.41 [95 % CI, 1.13 to 1.77];
P
= .002), with an AUC of 0.65 (95% CI, 0.60 to 0.69). ADV was also significantly associated with breast cancer diagnosis (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.22 to 1.73];
P
< .001) with an AUC of 0.67 (95% CI, 0.62 to 0.71).

CONCLUSION

DL-derived density measures derived from 3D reconstructed DBT images are associated with breast cancer diagnosis.
Zanubrutinib Versus Bendamustine and Rituximab in Patients With Treatment-Naïve Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: Median 5-Year Follow-Up of SEQUOIA
Authors: Shadman Mazyar , Munir Talha , Robak Tadeusz , Brown Jennifer R. , Kahl Brad S. , Ghia Paolo , Giannopoulos Krzysztof , Šimkovič Martin , Österborg Anders , Laurenti Luca , Walker Patricia A. , Opat Stephen S. , Ciepluch Hanna , Greil Richard , Hanna Merit , Tani Monica , Trněný Marek , Brander Danielle , Flinn Ian W. , Grosicki Sebastian , Verner Emma , Tedeschi Alessandra , de Guibert Sophie , Tumyan Gayane , Laribi Kamel , García-Marco José A. , Li Jian-Yong , Tian Tian , Liu Yu , Korolkiewicz Roman , Szeto Andy , Tam Constantine S. , Jurczak Wojciech
Published: December 2024

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in
JCO
or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

SEQUOIA (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
NCT03336333
) is a phase III, randomized, open-label trial that compared the oral Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor zanubrutinib to bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) in treatment-naïve patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL). The initial prespecified analysis (median follow-up, 26.2 months) and subsequent analysis (43.7 months) found superior progression-free survival (PFS; the primary end point) in patients who received zanubrutinib compared with BR. At a median follow-up of 61.2 months, median PFS was not reached in zanubrutinib-treated patients; median PFS was 44.1 months in BR-treated patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.29; one-sided
P
= .0001). Prolonged PFS was seen with zanubrutinib versus BR in patients with mutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region (IGHV) genes (HR, 0.40; one-sided
P
= .0003) and unmutated IGHV genes (HR, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.14 to 0.33]; one-sided
P
< .0001). Median overall survival (OS) was not reached in either treatment arm; estimated 60-month OS rates were 85.8% and 85.0% in zanubrutinib- and BR-treated patients, respectively. No new safety signals were detected. Adverse events were as expected with zanubrutinib; rate of atrial fibrillation was 7.1%. At a median follow-up of 61.2 months, the results supported the initial SEQUOIA findings and suggested that zanubrutinib was a favorable treatment option for untreated patients with CLL/SLL.
An Infant With DHX37 Variant: A Novel Etiology of 46,XY DSD and Literature Review
Authors: Turk Yilmaz R Sena , Hittelman Adam B , Vash-Margita Alla , Dinauer Catherine , Weinzimer Stuart A , Gujral Jasmine
Published: December 2024

46,XY sex reversal 11 (SRXY11) is a rare and recently identified form of 46,XY difference in sexual development (DSD), caused by variants in the DEAH-Box Helicase 37 gene (DHX37). DHX37 is crucial for ribosome biogenesis, but its specific role in gonadal development remains unclear. The genital phenotype varies widely, ranging from typical female to typical male. We present a 46,XY infant with prenatal ultrasound findings of atypical genitalia. Amniotic fluid gene analysis revealed a known heterozygous pathogenic variant in DHX37, p.R308Q (c.923G>A), confirmed postnatally. The patient was born with markedly undervirilized genitalia with posteriorly fused labioscrotal folds, a single introitus, no clitoromegaly, and nonpalpable gonads. Laboratory evaluation at multiple points showed undetectable anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B levels, elevated gonadotropin levels, and negligible testosterone levels. Clinical course was complicated by urine retention in the vagina and uterus and hydronephrosis requiring catheterization. Endoscopy revealed a urogenital sinus with separate urethral and vaginal openings and 2 cervices leading into 2 separate uteri suggestive of a bicornuate bicollis uterus. Laparoscopy revealed 2 intra-abdominal gonads adjacent to the fallopian tubes. Evidence for inheritance, penetrance, genotype-phenotype correlation, and risk of malignancy in SRXY11 is limited to case reports.
Altered Ca2+ responses and antioxidant properties in Friedreich's ataxia-like cerebellar astrocytes
Authors: Marullo Chiara , Croci Laura , Giupponi Iris , Rivoletti Claudia , Zuffetti Sofia , Bettegazzi Barbara , Cremona Ottavio , Giunti Paola , Ambrosi Alessandro , Casoni Filippo , Consalez Gian Giacomo , Codazzi Franca
Published: December 2024

Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by severe neurological signs, affecting the peripheral and central nervous system, caused by reduced frataxin protein (FXN) levels. Although several studies have highlighted cellular dysfunctions in neurons, there is limited information on the effects of FXN depletion in astrocytes and on the potential non-cell autonomous mechanisms affecting neurons in FRDA. In this study, we generated a model of FRDA cerebellar astrocytes to unveil phenotypic alterations that might contribute to cerebellar atrophy. We treated primary cerebellar astrocytes with an RNA interference-based approach, to achieve a reduction of FXN comparable to that observed in individuals with FRDA. These FRDA-like astrocytes display some typical features of the disease, such as an increase of oxidative stress and a depletion of glutathione content. Moreover, FRDA-like astrocytes exhibit decreased Ca2+ responses to purinergic stimuli. Our findings shed light on cellular changes caused by FXN downregulation in cerebellar astrocytes, likely impairing their complex interaction with neurons. The potentially impaired ability to provide neuronal cells with glutathione or to release neuromodulators in a Ca2+-dependent manner could affect neuronal function, contributing to neurodegeneration.
Towards an Integrated Performance Management and Measurement System for healthcare organisations: a case study in Montreal
Authors: Ben Fradj Anes , El Asli Neila , Boukherroub Tasseda , Olivier Claude
Published: December 2024

This study proposes an approach for developing or improving performance management and measurement systems (PMMSs) for healthcare organisations. First, data is collected to analyse and understand the current organisation’s performance management system. Second, the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) method is used to identify the main aspects of the performance management system to be improved. Third, based on the scientific literature and SWOT analysis, BSC principles are integrated to this performance management system to better align the organisation’s performance objectives and indicators with its strategy. Finally, we develop a performance indicator structure and select indicators to be used as well as how these indicators could be integrated and shared with higher hierarchical levels in the organisation by using AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process). Our approach is applied to the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’île-de-Montreal (CCSMTL), a large healthcare network, in the province of Québec, Canada.
Platelet-rich plasma as a potential therapy of cystocele: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fakhrizal Edy , Santoso Budi , Kurniawati Eighty Mardiyan , Rantam Fedik Abdul , Siahaan Salmon Charles P. T. , Sihotang Jojor , Simanjuntak Arya Marganda , Deanasa Raehan Satya , Afladhanti Putri Mahira
Published: December 2024

Abstract Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, is known for its regenerative properties. PRP may be able to help with cystocele cases. This review aims to explore how it might be applied to urogynecological cases, particularly those involving cystocele. Methods The present systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline 2020, Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guideline. The present systematic review was registered with PROSPERO with the registered number CRD42023414366. PubMed, Science Direct, Epistemonikos, COCHRANE, Google Scholar, and ProQuest were among the databases we searched. “(PRP OR Platelet-Rich Plasma) AND (Cystocele OR Anterior Pelvic Organ Prolapse)” from January 2007 to December 2022. Based on the PICO framework (Population = Patients with Cystocele; Intervention = Reconstruction with platelet-rich plasma injection; Compare = Reconstruction only; Outcome: Recurrency of Cystocele), four investigators (AMS, PMA, EAU, RSD, and AH) independently assessed eligibility by titles and abstracts. Using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool, each author evaluated full-text articles based on the kind of articles they had received. When consensus could not be obtained, disagreements were settled by involving the supervisors (EF, EMK, and BS). Results A total of 8,924 studies were identified. After removing duplicates and applying eligibility criteria, two articles were included, encompassing 65 patients. In two studies, PRP injections were found and administered post-anterior colporrhaphy at the pubovesical fascia. According to these two trials, women who had anterior colporrhaphy and PRP injections required fewer reoperations. Conclusion PRP has the potential to be a good alternative treatment to prevent cystocele recurrence. However, it cannot be generalized to large populations due to the small number of findings. Further studies with large samples examining the efficacy and safety of the therapy are needed to prove it.
Life Cycle Assessment of Microalgae-Based Products for Carbon Dioxide Utilization in Thailand: Biofertilizer, Fish Feed, and Biodiesel
Authors: Rafiq Adeel , Morris Cameron , Schudel Abigail , Gheewala Shabbir
Published: December 2024

Background Microalgae-based products offer a sustainable solution for food, fuel, and agricultural inputs, presenting environmental benefits and economic opportunities. A comprehensive assessment is needed to understand their potential in supporting sustainability goals, considering the complex interplay between production methods, energy sources, and environmental impacts. Methods This study evaluated the environmental impacts of three microalgae-derived products – biodiesel, fish feed, and biofertilizer – through a comprehensive life cycle assessment. Nine scenarios were explored comparing three electricity profiles (current Thai mix, 50% renewable/50% current mix hybrid, 100% renewable) across the three products. The assessment evaluated environmental impacts and potential economic benefits of transitioning to these microalgae-based alternatives. Results and discussion All products demonstrated potential for significant environmental benefits under increased renewable energy scenarios. Fish feed consistently exhibited the lowest environmental impacts across all categories examined, showing substantial improvements with increased renewable energy use. With an annual demand of 0.4 million tonnes, fish feed could generate USD 560 million in revenue and reduce CO2 emissions by 1.1 million tonnes. Fulfilling the projected biodiesel demand of 4,015 million liters per year through microalgae production could yield approximately USD 3.5 billion in revenue and reduce CO2 emissions by 30 million tonnes compared to conventional fossil-based diesel. Additionally, algal biofertilizer production could meet a 5 million tonnes annual demand, offering USD 2 billion in revenue while reducing CO2 emissions by 6 million tonnes yearly. Collectively, these products could offset 37 million tonnes of CO2, representing about 14% of Thailand’s total CO2 emissions, contributing significantly to the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of 20-30% greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Conclusion Transitioning to microalgae-based products could transform the aquaculture, energy, and agricultural sectors, potentially supporting the national climate change mitigation goals, if implemented.
Incentives for pregnant mothers during antenatal care for better maternal and neonatal health outcomes in low and middle income countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Holla Ramesh , Johnson Rosemol , Khader Nisha A , Rao Mithun , Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran , Sinha Anju , BB Darshan , N Ravishankar
Published: December 2024

Background Universal access to maternal, newborn, and child healthcare is essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, but the effectiveness of various incentive-based programs for pregnant mothers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains uncertain. Objective of this systematic review was to determine if incentive-based interventions influenced maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Methods We conducted a search in various databases from inception. All incentive-based interventional studies conducted on pregnant women in LMICs were included. Evidence from the included trials was synthesized using risk ratios (RRs) to compare the outcomes between groups receiving incentives and not receiving incentives. The meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects model. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and reviewed the collected data to determine its suitability for meta-analysis. This study is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021247681). Results Of the 3,897 records that were identified, 11 met eligibility criteria, all of which exhibited varying degrees of risk of bias, ranging from high to some concerns. Analysis of maternal outcomes across studies revealed no significant differences in the likelihood of delivering at a healthcare facility (RR 1.13, 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.47) and in frequency of prenatal care (RR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.12) between intervention and control groups. However, high levels of statistical heterogeneity were observed for both outcomes indicating variability among study results. Similarly, analysis of tetanus vaccine coverage showed no significant difference between groups (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.92 to 1.08), with moderate statistical heterogeneity observed. Conclusion The maternal and neonatal outcomes examined in this review did not have any significant differences in intervention group when compared to the control group. The interventions to address maternal health concerns need to follow a multifactorial approach. There is a need for extensive primary research studies in the future.
SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW: SERVANT LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC SECTORS
Authors: Hanafiah Mohd Hizam , LI XIJIN
Published: December 2024

Servant leadership delivers important reforms to the increasingly complex public utility system. This systematic review seeks to incorporate the latest six years of articles on geographic divisions, conceptual definitions, measuring techniques, theoretical frameworks, and nomological networks (antecedents, mediators, outcomes, and moderators) in the public sector. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and ROBINS-I, and employing automated techniques such as Rayyan for screening. Using PRISMA’s review approach, this comprehensive synthesis of 51 relevant public sector-specific conceptual and empirical studies across six academic electronic databases (Taylor & Francis, Sage, Scopus, Springer Link, Web of Science, and Wiley) shows that servant leadership is critical for establishing a prosocial workforce. This review discovered that the global construct of servant leadership (SL-7) scale has been the most often utilised measure of servant leadership in public sector-specific studies recently. Social exchange theory remains the predominant explanation for the impact of servant leadership on specific variables. The findings also illustrate a generally positive influence of servant leadership. Moreover, this review provides limitations and suggestions for future studies by summarising elements that have received less attention.
Is publishing gold open-access worth it? An assessment of hybrid and gold open-access publishing models of medical journals on their impact
Authors: Thabit Abrar K. , Ashy Noha I. , Tukruni Abdulrahman O. , Alquzi Ali S.
Published: December 2024

Background Hybrid and gold open-access (OA) are the most common publishing models. The latter requires fees to allow full-text visibility upon publishing, whereas hybrid journals offer the option to publish gold OA or for free (subscription-based) where only users with access can get the full-text. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the publishing model and other factors on medical journals’ impact. Methods A sample of hybrid and gold OA medical journals indexed in Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus were included. The effect of the publishing model and other factors on journals’ impact factor (IF), CiteScore, quartile, and number of citations was assessed. Results 402 journals were included, 201 in each group. Hybrid and gold OA journals had a median age of 32 and 21 years, respectively (P<0.001). The median publishing cost in gold OA journals was $2,690, and 46.3% of them publish continuously. Publishing model, journal’s age, being of an organization/society, and EMBASE indexation didn’t affect IF, CiteScore, number of citations, and WOS quartile (P>0.05). However, gold OA model wasn’t significantly associated with Q1 ranking in Scopus (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25-0.94; P=0.032), which indicates that hybrid journals were more likely to have such ranking. Conclusion These findings indicate that gold OA publishing doesn’t necessarily result in higher impact, which contradicts the claim that such model enhances citations. Therefore, authors can continue to publish in hybrid journals without being concerned about getting cited. Gold OA journals are encouraged to reduce their fees to facilitate global research access.
Empiric gram-negative antibiotics usage among critically ill patients across 13 ICUs of Nepal: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Neupane Maniraj , Bhusal Surendra , Amatya Isha , Luitel Subekshya , Paudel Sushila , Shakya Roshni , Thakur Anand , Gauli Basanta , Paneru Hem Raj , Khanal Kishor , Rajbanshi Lalit Kumar , Shrestha Pramesh Suder , Tiwari Pradip , Koirala Sabin , Lakhey Sanjay , Adhikari Shital , Shrestha Shubha Kalyan , Acharya Subhash Prasad , Khanal Sushil , Shrestha Raju , Bajaracharya Tamanna , Aryal Diptesh
Published: December 2024

Background This study aims to investigate the associations between patient characteristics and the receipt of empiric broad-spectrum gram-negative antimicrobials among adult patients admitted to ICUs in Nepal. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 13 ICUs in Nepal between January 1st, 2020, and December 31st, 2022. Empiric antibiotic use was defined as receiving gram-negative antibiotics within the first two days of ICU admission without evidence of infection from culture. Patient characteristics between patients receiving narrow-spectrum antibiotics and broad-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics were compared. Continuous variables were compared using mean and standard deviation, with mean differences and 95% confidence intervals calculated. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. A multi-level multivariable regression model assessed the relationship between selected variables and broad-spectrum antibiotic usage, treating admitting ICU as a random factor. Results Among 12,349 eligible patients, 8720 (70.6%) received Empiric gram-negative antibiotics. Of those, 3240 (37.15%) received empiric narrow-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics, and 5480 (62.8%) received Empiric broad-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics. Patients receiving broad-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics were older (57.4 vs 53.8 yrs); had higher mean heart rates (97.3 vs 89.5 bpm), respiratory rates (24 vs 21.9), a fraction of inspired oxygen ( 50% vs 40%), blood sugar levels (163.4 vs 153.9 mg/dl), total leucocyte counts (12,685 vs 10,647 cells/cu mm) and serum creatinine (2.06 vs 1.03 umol/l) compared to narrow spectrum antibiotics. Similarly, patients receiving broad-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics had lower systolic blood pressure (122.6 vs 126.5 mm Hg), partial pressure of oxygen (96.7 vs 105.3), and pH ( 7.33 vs 7.36) compared to narrow-spectrum antibiotics. On multivariable regression; patients with readmission, cardiac support, and mechanical ventilation were more likely to receive broad-spectrum antibiotics. Conclusion The rate of empiric broad-spectrum gram-negative antibiotics usage in intensive care units is significantly high and associated with features of increased severity of illness.
Specifying the Schedule of Delivery of Interventions within the Behaviour Change Intervention Ontology
Authors: M Marques Marta , West Robert , Moore Candice , Hastings Janna , Finnerty Ailbhe , Hayes Emily , Schenk Paulina , Michie Susan
Published: December 2024

Background Advancing and applying behavioural science requires clear, consistent and coherent descriptions of behaviour change interventions. Ontologies provide a means to do this and enable information to be computer-readable. This study aimed to develop an ontology describing the ‘schedule of delivery’ of behaviour change interventions within the Behaviour Change Intervention Ontology (BCIO). Methods The Behaviour Change Intervention Schedule of Delivery Ontology (BCISDO) was developed following the method developed for the BCIO: 1) defining the ontology’s scope through literature review, 2) specifying the entities, their labels, definitions and relationships, 3) refining the ontology by piloting its use in annotations, 4) stakeholder review of the ontology’s comprehensiveness and clarity; 5) inter-rater reliability testing through annotating intervention reports using the ontology; 6) specifying the relationships between classes; and 7) publishing a machine-readable version of the ontology. Results Schedule of Delivery was defined as ‘A behaviour change intervention attribute that is its temporal organisation’. The initial version comprised 9 classes (e.g., intervention temporal part, intervention duration). Following annotations, stakeholder review and team discussions, four classes were added. Inter-rater reliability was α= 0.54 for researchers familiar with the ontology and, following updates to the annotation guidance, α=0.60 (acceptable) for researchers unfamiliar with it. Differences were readily resolved through discussion. The results from inter-rater reliability and further team discussions led to additional changes in the ontology. The final ontology contains 49 classes; 14 refer to the duration and frequency of an intervention, its temporal parts and contact events, and 45 refer to their associated aggregation data items (e.g. mean, maximum). Conclusions The BCISDO provides a reliable means of describing the temporal organisation of behaviour change interventions. It is linked with other BCIO ontologies describing characteristics of delivery (e.g. mode of delivery), content and dose (i.e. the amount), contributing to the accumulation of evidence in behavioural science.
Problems of the Development of Science Cities of the Russian Federations
Authors: Zhukova A.
Published: December 2024

This article is devoted to the need for the development of cities with the status of a science city of the Russian Federation, whose innovative structure is aimed at creating unique scientific and technical developments and products.

The paper analyzed the main indicators of science cities of the Russian Federation (funding volumes, population, etc.), and identified problems affecting the development of these territories.

The author also notes that the main task for the state is the economic growth and sovereignty of the country, which can be achieved through the training of highly qualified personnel, breakthrough research and development, modern material and technical base and innovative activities. Further development of the country is possible only thanks to the return of the former image to the science cities of the Russian Federation — the development of territories with high scientific and innovative potential, with a comfortable urban environment attractive for work and life.
Assessing the Relationship between the Rate of Economic Growth and the Level of Uneven Distribution of Income of the Population
Authors: Averina Tatyana
Published: December 2024

The Gini coefficient used in interregional and international comparisons depends on a system of demographic, social and economic factors. The article presents the results of the analysis of the relationship between the indicator of uneven distribution of population income and the index of real gross product. The main part of the materials relates to the regions of the Central Federal District of Russia and covers the period 2012–2022. For a number of regions, a close direct relationship between the studied indicators was found and statistically confirmed.
Transformation of Corporate Governance Mechanisms at Different Stages of the Organization Life Cycle
Authors: Yudina O. , Yurov A.
Published: December 2024

In the material of the work, a study of the features of corporate governance of an organization at its various stages of its life cycle is carried out. The analysis is based on the theoretical provisions of the concept of the life cycle. The key characteristics and objectives of corporate governance at each stage of the organization's development life cycle are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the practice of corporate governance in Russian companies, taking into account the specifics of their life cycle. In conclusion, effective approaches are proposed to adapt the corporate governance system to various stages of the organization's life cycle.
A Systematic Approach to the Problems and Objectives of the Development of Industry Complexes in the Arctic Region: Aspects of Regional Economics
Authors: Andreeva P.
Published: December 2024

The article examines the issue of economic development of the Arctic region of Russia in modern conditions, with an emphasis on factors that reduce the competitiveness of industrial enterprises. The main goal of the work is to analyze the qualitative abilities and factors that reduce the competitiveness of industrial enterprises in these regions. The lack of an integrated approach in government strategies makes it difficult to create “support zones,” which in turn affects the competitive advantages of enterprises. Industrial corporations operating in the Arctic territories act as a link between the global economy and local production, which helps attract investment and develop the region.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Children: Single Center Experience
Authors: Aytac Mehmet Baha , Doğan Kenan , Ergül Şule Ayas , Malkoç Neslihan Dinçer , Bek Kenan
Published: December 2024

Objective: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is the preferred method for diagnosis of hypertension(HT) in children. Here, we aimed to demonstrate the reasons for ABPM application and incidence of HT, white coat and masked HT in our cohort besides the evaluation of dipping status, biochemical and radiological parameters between the patients with normotension, elevated blood pressure(EBP) and HT.

Material and Methods: Twenty-four hour ABPM results of children followed at department of pediatric nephrology and whose office blood pressure measurements revealed HT or EBP and ABPM records of normotensive patients having chronic kidney disease or renal anomalies were evaluated retrospectively. Twenty-four hour ABPM SD score ≥1.96 defined HT while the value between 1.64 and 1.95 indicated EBP. In addition to assessment of blood pressure loads and nocturnal dipping; age, gender, body mass index(BMI), proteinuria, kidney function tests and ultrasound of urinary system were also assessed.

Results: Although ABPM was applied to total of 244 patients, 189 of them were included in the study. High casual blood pressure measurements in 108 (57.1%) asymptomatic patients constituted the major group for ABPM application. Total of 57 patients (30.2%) were normotensive, 18 (9.5%) with EBP and 114 (60.3%) were hypertensive. No difference was found in regards of BMI, proteinuria, serum creatinine levels and sonographic results between the groups. Patients with HT and EBP had significantly lower nocturnal dip than normotensive group (p<0.001). However there was no difference in number of patients with inadequate nocturnal fall in all three groups.

Conclusion: ABPM should be preferred for definitive diagnosis of HT in childhood. Patients with inadequate nocturnal fall should be evaluated carefully and followed-up regularly as it had been implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease.
What You Need to Know About: The Management of Malignant Pleural Effusion
Authors: Scott Hainey , Phil Reid
Published: December 2024

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of malignancy and is regularly seen on the general medicine take. Diagnosis of MPE is indicative of advanced or metastatic disease and carries a poor prognosis, with median survival ranging from 3 to 12 months. Despite recent advancements in systemic anti-cancer treatment, the goal of management in MPE remains the palliation of symptoms. This article reviews the current guidelines and evidence on the assessment and management of MPE. Assessment involves imaging techniques such chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scans, whilst thoracic ultrasound has a crucial role in guiding diagnostic procedures. Diagnostic pleural aspiration remains a cornerstone for establishing a tissue diagnosis, although its yield is variable depending on tumour type. Emergence of targeted immunotherapy has necessitated the need for large tissue samples for molecular testing, driving the need for pleural biopsies in relevant cases. Management encompasses therapeutic aspiration, chemical pleurodesis and indwelling pleural catheter insertion, each offering distinct benefits and considerations. Recent developments in equipment and combined approaches have enhanced patient outcomes and quality of life. The complexity of MPE requires a patient-centred approach to assessment and management and where possible patients should be managed with specialists in pleural disease on an outpatient basis.
A Qualitative Study on the Experiences of Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension Undergoing Polypharmacy
Authors: Wang Yundan , Huang Run , Zhuang Yiyu
Published: December 2024

Aims/Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe progressive disease characterized by elevated blood pressure in the lungs. Medications are a critical form of treatment for patients with PH. This study aims to explore the experiences of patients with PH undergoing polypharmacy, thereby providing a more concrete foundation for formulating targeted intervention measures.

Methods A purposive sampling method was used to select 13 PH patients treated in a grade III hospital in Zhejiang Province from December 2023 to February 2024 as the research subjects. This study is a descriptive qualitative research design, where the patients were interviewed face-to-face in a semi-structured manner. The data were analyzed, summarized and extracted using the traditional content analysis method.

Results There were five themes and ten sub-themes surrounding the polypharmacy experiences of the PH patients: (1) Negative emotional experience of multidrug use, including lack of disease-related medication knowledge and insufficient ability to obtain medication information; (2) Complex physical testing of multiple drugs, including adverse reactions and complex dose titration; (3) Economic burden; (4) Coping difficulties, including insufficient drug safety, excessive reliance on medical personnel, and lack of opportunities for deep participation; (5) Desire for supports, including professional and social support, as well as those from family, colleagues and classmates.

Conclusion Disease, treatment, psychological factors, and social customs affect PH patients’ drug use post-diagnosis, with varying experiences and degrees. Healthcare providers must offer tailored care and practical strategies for managing multiple drug use, considering patients’ unique experiences and needs.
Effectiveness of a BOPPPS Teaching Model in Standardized Training for Nephrology Resident Physicians: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Yuting , Ren Fei , Qiu Jin , Li Defu , Wang Jiangmei , Lin Shan
Published: December 2024

Aims/Background Based on Bridge-in, Objective, Pre-assessment, Participatory learning, Post-assessment and Summary (BOPPPS), the teaching model has gained increasing attention in the field of medical education. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the BOPPPS teaching model in standardized training for nephrology residents, particularly in educating on hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods This retrospective cohort study included students undergoing standardized training in the nephrology department at the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2021 to 2024. The observation group (n = 55) received instructions using the BOPPPS teaching model, while the control group (n = 64) was educated using the traditional teaching methods. The study evaluated learning outcomes and teaching satisfaction through theoretical and practical assessments, as well as self-assessment by the students.

Results The observation group demonstrated significantly higher scores in theoretical exams and practical assessments compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the observation group reported higher self-assessment scores (p < 0.05) and greater teaching satisfaction (p < 0.05) than the control group.

Conclusion The BOPPPS teaching model is an effective approach to enhancing theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and teaching satisfaction in standardized training for nephrology residents. Compared to traditional teaching methods, the BOPPPS model improves learning outcomes, thereby strengthening the quality of medical education.
Because we want to
Authors: Moylett Helen
Published: December 2024

In part 3 of this series, Helen Moylett focuses on how motivation and mindset underpin active learning
Floating and sinking
Authors: Mountain Julie , Robinson Felicity
Published: December 2024

Add ‘depth’ to summertime water play with STEM-focused buoyancy activities. By Julie Mountain and Felicity Robinson
transport: Buses
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: December 2024

Some ideas for supporting children's exploration of buses, both inside and outside the setting. By Annette Rawstrone
Taking action
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: December 2024

A recent retro film night and discussion on 1970s childcare activism in London and NYC was both inspiring and frustrating. How much has really changed? Karen Hart reports
Take the lead
Authors: Crown Hannah
Published: December 2024

Three leaders talk about their priorities from a process perspective. By Hannah Crown
For the planet
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: December 2024

From creating a wildlife discovery centre to following an eco-school curriculum and going plastic-free, Karen Hart talks to early years settings about sustainability
HR guru: CAN DO
Authors: Edmunds Imogen
Published: December 2024

Imogen Edmunds, managing director of Redwing Solutions, which specialises in HR for early years settings, on capability
making ends meet – part 1: In the black
Authors: Jones Leah
Published: December 2024

In a new series, Leah Jones asks how settings are balancing the books as the first phase of the expanded offer, for twos, comes in
Dual construction and existence of (pluri)subharmonic minorant
Authors: Kudasheva Elena Gennad'evna , Menshikova Enzhe Bulatovna , Khabibullin Bulat Nurmievich
Published: December 2024

We study the existence and construction of subharmonic or plurisubharmonic function enveloping from below a function on a subset in finite - dimensional real or complex space. These problems naturally arise in theories of uniform algebras, potential and complex potential, which was reflected in works by D.A. Edwards, T.V. Gamelin, E.A. Poletsky, S. Bu and W. Schachermayer, B.J. Cole and T.J. Ransford, F. Lárusson and S. Sigurdsson and many others. In works in 1990s and recently we showed that these problems play a key role in studying nontriviality of weighted spaces of holomorphic functions, in description of zero sets and subsets of functions from such spaces, in representations of meromorphic functions as a quotient of holomorphic functions with growth restrictions, in studying the approximation by exponential systems in functional spaces, etc. The main results of the paper on existence of subharmonic or plurisubharmonic function - minorant are derived from our general theoretical functional scheme, which allows us to provide a dual definition of the lower envelope with respect to a convex cone in the projective limit of vector lattices. We develop this scheme during last years and it is based on an abstract form of balayage. The ideology of the abstract balayage goes back to H. Poincaré and M.V. Keldysh in the framework of balayage of measures and subharmonic functions in the potential theory. It is widely used in the probability theory, for instance, in the known monograph by P. Meyer, and it is also reflected, often implicitly, in monographs by G.P. Akilov, S.S. Kutateladze, A.M. Rubinov and others related with the theory of ordered vector spaces and lattices. Our paper is adapted for convex subcones of the cone of all subharmonic or plurisubharmonic functions. This allows us to obtain new criterion for existence of a subharmonic or plurisubharmonic minorant for functions on a domain.
Borel transforms of functions in parametrized family of Hilbert spaces
Authors: Isaev Konstantin Petrovich , Yulmukhametov Rinad Salavatovich
Published: December 2024

We consider Hilbert spaces of entire functions \begin{equation*} P_\beta (D)=\{F\in H(\mathbb{C}): \|F\|^2:=\int\limits_0^{2\pi }\int\limits_0^\infty \frac {|F(re^{i\varphi })|^2drd\Delta (\varphi)}{K(re^{i\varphi })r^{2\beta }}<\infty \}, \end{equation*} where $D$ is a bounded convex domain on the complex plane, \begin{align*} &K(\lambda)=\|e^{\lambda z}\|^2_{L_2(D)}=\int\limits_D|e^{\lambda z}|^2dm(z),\quad \lambda \in \mathbb{C}, &h(\varphi)=\max_{z\in \overline D} \mathrm{Re} ze^{i\varphi },\quad \varphi \in [0;2\pi ], &\Delta (\varphi)=h(\varphi)+\int\limits_{0}^\varphi h(\theta)d\theta,\quad \varphi \in [0;2\pi ]. \end{align*} The interest to these spaces is motivated by the fact that $P_0(D)$ is the space of Laplace transforms of linear continuous functionals on the Bergman space $B_2(D)$, while $P_{\frac 12}(D)$ is the space of Laplace transforms of linear continuous functionals on the Smirnov space $E_2(D)$. In the paper for the parameters $\beta \in (-\frac 12;\frac 32)$ we provide a complete description of the Borel transforms of functions in spaces $P_\beta (D)$. In this way, the Bergman and Smirnov spaces are embedded into a scale of Hilbert spaces and, in the authors' opinion, this could allow to apply the theory of Hilbert scales for studying the problems in these spaces.