bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of predictive biomarkers for endometrial cancer diagnosis and treatment response monitoring using plasma metabolome profiling
Authors: Hishinuma Eiji , Shimada Muneaki , Matsukawa Naomi , Shima Yoshiko , Li Bin , Motoike Ikuko N. , Shibuya Yusuke , Hagihara Tatsuya , Shigeta Shogo , Tokunaga Hideki , Saigusa Daisuke , Kinoshita Kengo , Koshiba Seizo , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: October 2023

Background

Endometrial cancer (EMC) is the most common female genital tract malignancy with an increasing prevalence in many countries including Japan, a fact that renders early detection and treatment necessary to protect health and fertility. Although early detection and treatment are necessary to further improve the prognosis of women with endometrial cancer, biomarkers that accurately reflect the pathophysiology of EMC patients are still unclear. Therefore, it is clinically critical to identify biomarkers to assess diagnosis and treatment efficacy to facilitate appropriate treatment and development of new therapies for EMC.

Methods

In this study, wide-targeted plasma metabolome analysis was performed to identify biomarkers for EMC diagnosis and the prediction of treatment responses. The absolute quantification of 628 metabolites in plasma samples from 142 patients with EMC was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

The concentrations of 111 metabolites increased significantly, while the concentrations of 148 metabolites decreased significantly in patients with EMC compared to healthy controls. Specifically, LysoPC and TGs, including unsaturated fatty acids, were reduced in patients with stage IA EMC compared to healthy controls, indicating that these metabolic profiles could be used as early diagnostic markers of EMC. In contrast, blood levels of amino acids such as histidine and tryptophan decreased as the risk of recurrence increased and the stages of EMC advanced. Furthermore, a marked increase in total TG and a decrease in specific TGs and free fatty acids including polyunsaturated fatty acids levels were observed in patients with EMC. These results suggest that the polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with EMC are crucial for disease progression.

Conclusions

Our data identified specific metabolite profiles that reflect the pathogenesis of EMC and showed that these metabolites correlate with the risk of recurrence and disease stage. Analysis of changes in plasma metabolite profiles could be applied for the early diagnosis and monitoring of the course of treatment of EMC patients.
Solving multiphysics-based inverse problems with learned surrogates and constraints
Authors: Yin Ziyi , Orozco Rafael , Louboutin Mathias , Herrmann Felix J.
Published: October 2023

Solving multiphysics-based inverse problems for geological carbon storage monitoring can be challenging when multimodal time-lapse data are expensive to collect and costly to simulate numerically. We overcome these challenges by combining computationally cheap learned surrogates with learned constraints. Not only does this combination lead to vastly improved inversions for the important fluid-flow property, permeability, it also provides a natural platform for inverting multimodal data including well measurements and active-source time-lapse seismic data. By adding a learned constraint, we arrive at a computationally feasible inversion approach that remains accurate. This is accomplished by including a trained deep neural network, known as a normalizing flow, which forces the model iterates to remain in-distribution, thereby safeguarding the accuracy of trained Fourier neural operators that act as surrogates for the computationally expensive multiphase flow simulations involving partial differential equation solves. By means of carefully selected experiments, centered around the problem of geological carbon storage, we demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed constrained optimization method on two different data modalities, namely time-lapse well and time-lapse seismic data. While permeability inversions from both these two modalities have their pluses and minuses, their joint inversion benefits from either, yielding valuable superior permeability inversions and CO2 plume predictions near, and far away, from the monitoring wells.
Connecting community’s perspectives on tsunami risk to anticipated future tsunamis: a reflection from a progress of tsunami preparedness from a coastal community in Aceh-Indonesia after 19 years of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
Authors: Benazir  , Syamsidik  , Idris Yunita , Putra Nadri Pratama
Published: October 2023

This paper reflects on the progress of tsunami preparedness in a coastal community in Aceh, Indonesia, nearly two decades after the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. The research employs a comprehensive approach to thoroughly evaluate and comprehend the community’s preparedness, its correlation with local perceptions of tsunami risk, and delves into the prevalence of tsunamis in the area, with a specific emphasis on the significant impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami on the coastal community of Aceh. To investigate the community’s readiness and the potential impacts of tsunamis at the study site, tsunami simulations were performed using the shallow water equation within the COMCOT (Cornell Multi-grid Coupled Tsunami) model. These simulations assessed run-up and inundation scenarios, thereby providing justification for the potential tsunami impact in the area. Modelling the scenario of tsunami in the region is important to measure the potential impact and estimation time for community to prepare the evacuation plan. In addition to the numerical modeling, a mixed-method approach was employed, involving the distribution of questionnaires and conducting in-depth interviews with 150 respondents directly on-site. These assessments yielded valuable insights into community perspectives on tsunami risk and their preparedness measures. The findings contribute to the development of effective strategies for disaster management by integrating local knowledge, experiences, and socialization programs. The study emphasizes the significance of ongoing endeavors to enhance community preparedness and mitigate the consequences of tsunamis.
A stakeholder-developed logic model to improve utilization of pharmacy-prescribed contraception in Utah
Authors: Simmons Rebecca G. , Baayd Jami , Tak Casey , Turok David K. , Elliott Sarah , Smith Justin D.
Published: October 2023

Background

Currently, 20 states in the USA have passed policies allowing pharmacists to prescribe short-acting hormonal contraception, including pills, patches, and vaginal rings. Yet, utilization of these services remains limited. The purpose of this study was to (a) assess barriers and facilitators of pharmacy contraceptive dispensing among contraceptive users, pharmacists, and healthcare providers in Utah and (b) adapt and propose an evidence-based contraceptive intervention in the pharmacy environment.

Methods

We conducted 6 focus groups among contraceptive users, pharmacists, and healthcare providers assessing current barriers and facilitators to pharmacy prescribing. We coded transcripts of these focus groups to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, Version 2.0 (CFIR) and characterized the findings based on the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) Barrier-Busting tool. Based on the CFIR findings and ERIC strategies output, we adapted an existing evidence-based intervention (a contraceptive access initiative) to the Utah pharmacy environment. We then convened a pharmacy stakeholder meeting and presented elements of an Implementation Research Logic Model and obtained feedback. We coded this feedback to the CFIR framework to finalize an Implementation Research Logic Model for a proposed implementation approach to improving contraceptive prescribing.

Results

Initial focus group responses clustered around specific implementation barriers including financial barriers (cost for patients, as well as lack of reimbursement for pharmacist’s time); lack of awareness of the service (on the part of patients, pharmacists, and health care providers); need for updated tools for contraceptive counseling and scheduling; and need for increased pharmacists education to conduct contraceptive counseling. Proposed adaptations to the existing contraceptive access intervention included development of a technology-based patient/pharmacist screener tool and a healthcare provider/pharmacist contraceptive referral network. Stakeholders identified pharmacist reimbursement as the top priority for improving utilization.

Conclusions

Elements of contraceptive access initiatives mapped well as proposed implementation strategies to improving utilization of contraceptive prescribing in pharmacies.
Full-Endoscopic Technique for Posterior Fossa Decompression in Chiari Malformation
Authors: Dolas Ilyas , Unal Tugrul Cem , Yorukoglu Ali Guven , Ruetten Sebastian , Dolen Duygu , Gulsever Cafer Ikbal , Sahin Duran , Aydoseli Aydin , Sencer Altay
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Full-endoscopic techniques are well-described for spinal procedures. Although endoscopic-assisted techniques are reported for posterior fossa decompression (PFD) in Chiari malformation (CM), a full-endoscopic technique is yet to be reported in these patients. The aim of this study was to present and describe a full-endoscopic technique for PFD in patients with CM.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

Two patients diagnosed with CM were operated on by the full-endoscopic PFD technique. The patients consented to the procedure and to the publication of their image. An endoscope with an oval shaft cross-section with a diameter of 9.3 mm, a working length of 177 mm, a viewing angle of 20°, and a working channel of 5.6 diameters were used. Operative videos were recorded. The surgical steps were easily applied after the clear anatomic landmarks, such as the C1 posterior tubercle and the rectus capitis posterior minor muscles. The patients were followed up for 6 months. Both patients were symptom-free with a significant decrease in Visual Analog Scale score and a good functional outcome assessed by Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale after surgery without any complications.

CONCLUSION:

All the steps of the full-endoscopic technique for PFD described by the authors in their previous human cadaveric study were also feasible on patients with CM.
Direct Transverse Sinus Puncture for Transvenous Coil Embolization of Vein of Galen Malformations: Innovating Existing Techniques
Authors: Rangwala Shivani D. , Johnson Kristin , See Alfred P. , Smith Edward R. , Orbach Darren B.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Vein of Galen malformations (VOGMs) are complex arteriovenous malformations in neonates and young children. Recent advances in endovascular interventions have drastically improved treatment and clinical outcomes in what was previously high-morbidity, high-mortality disease. The high-flow shunt pathophysiology in VOGMs can lead to dynamic changes in the malformation angioarchitecture, and over time patients can develop jugular bulb stenosis. In the setting of inaccessible transvenous access to the malformation for endovascular embolization in cases where transarterial embolization is inadequate, a combined surgical and endovascular technique must be used. We present the first successful modern-day application of direct puncture through transverse sinus for transvenous embolization of a VOGM.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

We present 2 unique cases of complex VOGM malformations in patients who had previously undergone staged endovascular embolization for reduction of flow within the malformation. On follow-up, in both cases, there was development of severe sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb stenosis, increasing intracranial venous congestion and causing marked clinical deterioration. The stenosis prevented traditional transvenous access and treatment. We describe a direct puncture transverse sinus access using a burr hole approach for endovascular transvenous embolization in both cases with successful clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION:

Direct access using burr hole craniotomy to the transverse sinus for transvenous endovascular embolization is a safe approach in the setting of severe jugular bulb stenosis for treatment of VOGMs. This technique can be done efficiently to achieve complete flow elimination in the malformation, in cases where that is called for, without significant risks or complications related to the approach.
SIN-3 acts in distinct complexes to regulate the germline transcriptional program in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Robert Valerie J. , Caron Matthieu , Gely Loic , Adrait Annie , Pakulska Victoria , Couté Yohann , Chevalier Manon , Riedel Christian G. , Bedet Cecile , Palladino Francesca
Published: October 2023

The transcriptional co-regulator SIN3 influences gene expression through multiple interactions that include histone deacetylases. Haploinsufficiency and mutations in SIN3 are the underlying cause of Witteveen–Kolk syndrome and related intellectual disability and autism syndromes, emphasizing its key role in development. However, little is known about the diversity of its interactions and functions in developmental processes. Here, we show that loss of SIN-3, the single SIN3 homolog in Caenorhabditis elegans, results in maternal-effect sterility associated with de-regulation of the germline transcriptome, including de-silencing of X-linked genes. We identify at least two distinct SIN3 complexes containing specific histone deacetylases and show that they differentially contribute to fertility. Single-cell, single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization reveals that in sin-3 mutants the X chromosome becomes re-expressed prematurely and in a stochastic manner in individual germ cells, suggesting a role for SIN-3 in its silencing. Furthermore, we identify histone residues whose acetylation increases in the absence of SIN-3. Together, this work provides a powerful framework for the in vivo study of SIN3 and associated proteins.
Comparison between premortem histopathology findings in rats with and without traumatic brain injury: prospective application in forensic medicine
Authors: Suryadi Taufik , Kulsum Kulsum
Published: October 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to compare pre-mortem histopathology findings in rats with and without traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its prospective application in forensic medicine.

Methods: This study involved 12 rats with 6 rats for each treatment group. This type of study is a laboratory experimental study with a case control design. The control group were rats that did not experience TBI. The case group was a group of rats with TBI. The subjects of this study were Rattus norvegicus rats, adult males, 4-8 weeks old, weighing 150-200 grams. On the 8th day after the rats experienced traumatic brain injury, the rats were then euthanized using the cervical dislocation method, after euthanasia the rats were given craniotomy and brain tissue was taken for histopathology examination.

Results: The description of histopathology changes in the brain organs in the group of rat without TBI found that neuron cells looked normal although there were also degeneration (21.16 ± 2.56/FV), necrosis (5.75 ± 0.98/FV), apoptosis (2.91 ± 0.80/FV), congestion ( 0.91 ± 0.49/FV), inflammatory cells (4.58 ± 1.15/FV) and hemorrhage (2.41 ± 1.11/FV). Changes in the rat traumatic brain injury group showed a lot of damage to neuron cells in the form of degeneration (48.41 ± 3.27/FV), necrosis (36.66 ± 2.89/FV), apoptosis (18.91 ± 1.24/FV), congestion (2.50 ±0.31/FV), inflammatory cells (11.41 ± 1.71/FV) and hemorrhage (10.08 ± 2.17/FV). Based on the results of statistical analysis, it can be seen that in all parameters there is a significant difference (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions: The premortem histopathology findings in rats with and without TBI which can be used for the benefit of forensic medicine in determining whether TBI is present or not.  It is necessary to look more closely at the histopathology changes in the form of necrosis, apoptosis and hemorrhage.
“I get higher marks via BYOD”: A descriptive qualitative study on student experiences using BYOD e-assessments to enhance the dimensions of administration and support for learning excellence.
Authors: van As Janus , Brits Elizabeth Kanita
Published: October 2023

Background: A Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) e-assessment strategy empowers students to use personal devices for digital exams, reducing the need for specialised facilities and enhancing learning excellence by simplifying by streamlining the administrative and support dimensions of the student experience. Despite its benefits, it remains underused. This study investigates student perceptions of BYOD for e-assessments within a Faculty of Medicine and Health Science.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted, employing a survey with open-ended and Likert-scale questions to delve into student experiences.

Results: The findings revealed that 82.7% of students had a positive experience due to the method's efficiency and convenience. However, 20.7% still preferred traditional pen-and-paper assessments. Various factors, such as technical difficulties, device quality and familiarity, and confidence in using technology, shaped these experiences. Students with older devices expressed worries about compatibility and performance. There were also issues related to connectivity and the specific device used. Interestingly, most students felt a sense of safety and were less stressed using a familiar device. However, those with outdated devices harboured performance concerns, and some lacked confidence in their technological skills.

Conclusion: While BYOD for e-assessment offers a valuable means to enhance student experience and decrease administrative load, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Successful execution requires a mix of interventions, including faculty support, student training, and thoughtful planning. When implementing a BYOD e-assessment system, it is essential to consider student experiences and address their needs. Additionally, implementing BYOD for assessment requires multiple strategic actions to ensure effective integration. Furthermore, the study underlines the need for a comprehensive learning excellence approach that factors in student support and administration, affirming that technology can elevate the student experience. Therefore, conducting research on how technology can contribute to learning excellence warrants more research.
TRENDS AND PROBLEMS OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT: THE ECOSYSTEM OF THE PERSONNEL APPROACH
Authors: Ashurbekov R. , Chernikova Ya.
Published: October 2023

Currently, there is a decrease in the number of the population in the Russian Federation, the share of the able-bodied population is decreasing simultaneously with the level of employment. These trends play a role in the formation and use of human potential. Along with this, there are problems associated with the inability to build relationships and cooperation in the implementation of ecosystem projects. The ecosystem of personnel partnership, implemented through youth projects, will provide young people with jobs and education aimed at implementing new knowledge and skills. It includes the stages of origin, growth, maturity and rebirth or  extinction, which determines the specific requirements for the professional qualities of  the organization’s employees. The ecosystem of personnel partnership is developed based on the analysis of human resources development, which takes into account the trends occurring in modern society.
Strategic Heterogeneous Customers in a Transportation Station: Information and Pricing
Authors: Manou Athanasia , Canbolat Pelin G. , Karaesmen Fikri
Published: October 2023

Problem definition: We consider pricing of services with strategic customers who have heterogeneous delay costs motivated by transportation systems. Customers are strategic decision makers who weigh the reward from the transport service against the waiting cost for the vehicle at a transportation station. Customers arrive at the station according to a Poisson process, and the vehicle visits the station according to a renewal process. We analyze the optimal price and the equilibrium for different levels of information available to customers. Methodology/results: We represent the service system as a stochastic clearing process, heterogeneity in delay cost as a random variable, and heterogeneity in rewards as a positive affine transformation of delay cost. For each information level, we identify the equilibrium behavior of customers and solve the revenue-maximization problem based on this equilibrium. The equilibrium turns out to be unique in each case, and it is of a threshold form in the sense that for each value of the information, it is best to join either for all types of customers, only for those who are sufficiently price sensitive, only for those who are sufficiently delay sensitive, or for none. The optimal fee is also unique in nontrivial cases. This enables us to perform comparisons across different information structures. Managerial implications: The effect of heterogeneity depends highly on model parameters as well as the available information. For a fixed fee, an increase in heterogeneity has a positive overall impact on the customer population, whereas the effect on the revenue can be positive (slow service at a high fee) or negative (fast service at a low fee). Unlike with fixed fee, for the optimal fee, an increase in heterogeneity can have a negative overall effect on customers. Ignoring heterogeneity can lead to a substantial opportunity loss for the system.

Funding: A. Manou was supported by AXA Research Fund. P. G. Canbolat was supported by Marie Curie Career Integration Grant from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (RISK) [FP7-PEOPLE-2013-CIG, Proposal No. 618853].

Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.0116 .
Early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease: do socio-demographic variables differentiate family caregivers on social support, self-efficacy and coping strategies?
Authors: García-Toro Maritza , Cruz Sánchez-Gómez María , Castillo-Alzuguren Ariana
Published: October 2023

There is an urgent need to deepen understanding of the particular experience of family caregivers of people with early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease. In this effort, we aim to identify the socio-demographic variables associated with social support, self-efficacy and coping strategies. Not belonging to the family lineage carrying the disease-causing mutation, having secondary or professional education, and caring for a relative in the early stages of dementia are associated with better coping tools. However, belonging to the family lineage carrying the mutation increases the use of passive coping, escape or emotional discharge, which risks adverse psychological outcomes.
Waiting for Patience: Guest Editor's Introduction
Authors: Appadurai Arjun
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Patience and impatience are not best treated as simple opposites of oneanother. Analyzed separately, they reveal different dimensions of disposition, worldlycircumstance, and ethical orientation. It is no surprise that they have produced differentlymeaningful worlds and different ideas about whether patience is a virtue or a crutch in aworld of unfair waiting. In those societies where some sort of idea of God remains theanchor for human life, patience remains a godlike virtue and impatience a symptom ofgreed, haste, or excessive ambition. Once capitalism becomes the dominant framework ofany society, patience is reserved for the masses, and speed and disruption become thehallmarks of the entrepreneurial masters of the universe. Institutions like universities andpolitical systems such as democracy, which thrive on deliberation, deferral, and debate, donot flourish in a world where impatience seems to have replaced patience as the best recipefor a humane life.
Multimode vibrational strong coupling in direct laser written mid-IR plasmonic MIM nano-patch antennas
Authors: Proscia Nicholas V. , Meeker Michael A. , Sharac Nicholas , Perkins Frank K. , Ellis Chase T. , Cunningham Paul D. , Tischler Joseph G.
Published: October 2023

Strong coupling of mid-infrared (mid-IR) vibrational transitions to optical cavities provides a means to modify and control a material’s chemical reactivity and offers a foundation for novel chemical detection technology. Currently, the relatively large volumes of the mid-IR photonic cavities and weak oscillator strengths of vibrational transitions restrict vibrational strong coupling (VSC) studies and devices to large ensembles of molecules, thus representing a potential limitation of this nascent field. Here, we experimentally and theoretically investigate the mid-IR optical properties of 3D-printed multimode metal–insulator–metal (MIM) plasmonic nanoscale cavities for enabling strong light–matter interactions at a deep subwavelength regime. We observe strong vibration-plasmon coupling between the two dipolar modes of the L-shaped cavity and the carbonyl stretch vibrational transition of the polymer dielectric. The cavity mode volume is half the size of a typical square-shaped MIM geometry, thus enabling a reduction in the number of vibrational oscillators to achieve strong coupling. The resulting three polariton modes are well described by a fully coupled multimode oscillator model where all coupling potentials are non-zero. The 3D printing technique of the cavities is a highly accessible and versatile means of printing arbitrarily shaped submicron-sized mid-IR plasmonic cavities capable of producing strong light–matter interactions for a variety of photonic or photochemical applications. Specifically, similar MIM structures fabricated with nanoscopic voids within the insulator region could constitute a promising microfluidic plasmonic cavity device platform for applications in chemical sensing or photochemistry.
Hybride Intelligenz: Zusammenarbeit mit KI-Assistenzsystemen in wissensintensiven Bereichen
Authors: Seufert Sabine , Meier Christoph
Published: October 2023

Mit KI-Agenten bzw. generativen KI-Systemen wie z. B. ChatGPT/GPT‑4 werden in absehbarer Zeit sehr leistungsfähige Assistenzsysteme breit verfügbar sein. Diese Assistenzsysteme können in verschiedensten Berufsfeldern und für verschiedenste Aufgaben eingesetzt werden. Damit stellen sich Fragen nach (1) den Optionen für die Gestaltung der Zusammenarbeit von Menschen und KI-Agenten, (2) dem Zusammenwirken von menschlicher und künstlicher Intelligenz und (3) den für eine erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit mit intelligenten Assistenzsystemen erforderlichen Kompetenzen.

Bisherige Modellierungen von KI-Kompetenzen bleiben recht allgemein und sind erkennbar nicht dahingehend spezifiziert, welches Wissen, welche Fertigkeiten und welche Einstellungen es für eine erfolgreiche Interaktion mit generativen KI-Assistenzsystemen wie beispielsweise ChatGPT, Midjourney oder GitHub Copilot braucht.

Hier setzt der vorliegende Beitrag an, der auf einem deduktiv-konzeptionellen Vorgehen sowie auf der Sichtung und Analyse ausgewählter Literatur in den Forschungsfeldern ‚Human-Machine-Collaboration’ und „Hybrid Intelligence“ basiert.

Im Hinblick auf die Zusammenarbeit von Menschen und KI-Agenten können nicht nur unterschiedliche Kooperationstypen und Stufen der Intensität der Zusammenarbeit unterschieden werden. Es können auch verschiedene Rollen für KI-Agenten als Teammitglieder unterschieden werden (z. B. Assistent, Koordinator, Macher, Experte).

Menschen und KI-Agenten bringen in die Zusammenarbeit unterschiedliche Stärken ein und daraus resultiert eine „hybride Intelligenz“. Für die erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit braucht es aber auch geeignete Rahmenbedingungen bzw. Haltungen und Einstellungen der beteiligten Menschen (z. B. ein „growth mindset“). Damit verbunden sind wichtige Management-Aufgaben, wie etwa das Etablieren von ethischen Leitlinien oder von „Growth Mindset Kulturen“ in Unternehmen und Organisationen.
Recognizing hand use and hand role at home after stroke from egocentric video
Authors: Tsai Meng-Fen , Wang Rosalie H. , Zariffa José
Published: October 2023

Hand function is a central determinant of independence after stroke. Measuring hand use in the home environment is necessary to evaluate the impact of new interventions, and calls for novel wearable technologies. Egocentric video can capture hand-object interactions in context, as well as show how more-affected hands are used during bilateral tasks (for stabilization or manipulation). Automated methods are required to extract this information. The objective of this study was to use artificial intelligence-based computer vision to classify hand use and hand role from egocentric videos recorded at home after stroke. Twenty-one stroke survivors participated in the study. A random forest classifier, a SlowFast neural network, and the Hand Object Detector neural network were applied to identify hand use and hand role at home. Leave-One-Subject-Out-Cross-Validation (LOSOCV) was used to evaluate the performance of the three models. Between-group differences of the models were calculated based on the Mathews correlation coefficient (MCC). For hand use detection, the Hand Object Detector had significantly higher performance than the other models. The macro average MCCs using this model in the LOSOCV were 0.50 ± 0.23 for the more-affected hands and 0.58 ± 0.18 for the less-affected hands. Hand role classification had macro average MCCs in the LOSOCV that were close to zero for all models. Using egocentric video to capture the hand use of stroke survivors at home is technically feasible. Pose estimation to track finger movements may be beneficial to classifying hand roles in the future.
The politics of agricultural policy and nutrition: A case study of Malawi’s Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP)
Authors: Walls Helen , Johnston Deborah , Matita Mirriam , Kamwanja Tayamika , Smith Richard , Nanama Simeon
Published: October 2023

The concept of food and nutrition policy has broadened from simply being an aspect of health policy, to policy interventions from across a wide range of sectors, but still with potentially important impact on nutritional outcomes. This wider and more complex conceptualisation involves policy with multiple objectives and stakeholder influences. Thus, it becomes particularly important to understand the dynamics of these policy processes, including policy design and implementation. To add to this literature, we apply the Kaleidoscope Model for understanding policy change in developing country contexts to the case-study of an agricultural input subsidy (AIS) programme in Malawi, the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP), exploring the dynamics of the FISP policy process including nutritional impact. Over a three-month period between 2017 and 2019 we conducted in-depth interviews with key stakeholders at national and district levels, and focus groups with people from rural districts in Malawi. We also undertook a review of literature relating to the political economy of the FISP. We analysed the data thematically, as per the domains of the Kaleidoscope Model. The analysis across the FISP policy process including policy design and implementation highlights how stakeholders’ ideas, interests and influence have shaped the evolution of FISP policy including constraints to policy improvement–and the nutritional impacts of this. This approach extends the literature on the tensions, contradictions and challenges in food and nutrition policy by examining the reasons that these occur in Malawi with the FISP. We also add to the political science and policy analysis literature on policy implementation, extending the concept of veto players to include those targeted by the policy. The findings are important for consideration by policymakers and other stakeholders seeking to address malnutrition in rural, food-insecure populations in Malawi and other low-income settings.
Noncanonical mechanism of Nrf2 activation by diacylglycerol polyethylene glycol adducts in normal human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Miyoshi Tatsuro , Keller Brian C. , Ashino Takashi , Numazawa Satoshi
Published: October 2023

Polyethylene glycol-23 glyceryl distearate (GDS-23), a diacylglycerol polyethylene glycol adduct, forms niosomes with a liposome-like structure and functions as an active ingredient in drug delivery systems. In addition, it upregulates antioxidant proteins such as heme oxygenase 1 and NAD(P)H-quinone dehydrogenase 1 in cells. However, the activation of nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), which plays a role in inducing the expression of antioxidant proteins, and its protective effects induced by GDS-23 treatment against oxidative stress have not been elucidated. This study aimed at verifying the activation of Nrf2 by GDS-23 and clarifying its underlying mechanisms, and investigated whether GDS-23 protects against hydroquinone-induced cytotoxicity. Normal human epidermal keratinocytes were treated with GDS-23. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunostaining were used to investigate the mechanism of Nrf2 activation, and neutral red assay was performed to evaluate cytotoxicity. GDS-23-treated cells showed an increase in antioxidant protein levels and stabilization of Nrf2 in the nucleus. During Nrf2 activation, p62, an autophagy-related adaptor protein, was phosphorylated at Ser349. Inhibition of the interaction between the phosphorylated p62 and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 significantly suppressed the GDS-23-mediated induction of antioxidant protein expression. In addition, hydroquinone-induced cell toxicity was significantly attenuated by GDS-23. GDS-23 induced the intracellular antioxidant system by activating Nrf2 in a p62 phosphorylation-dependent manner without generating oxidative stress in the cells. GDS-23 may be applied as a multifunctional material for drug delivery system that enhances internal antioxidant systems.
Breastfeeding rates in England during the Covid-19 pandemic and the previous decade: Analysis of national surveys and routine data
Authors: Quigley Maria A. , Harrison Sian , Levene Ilana , McLeish Jenny , Buchanan Phyll , Alderdice Fiona
Published: October 2023

Background

Few studies have compared breastfeeding rates before and during the pandemic using comparable data across time. We used data from two national maternity surveys (NMS) to compare breastfeeding rates in England before and during the pandemic.

Methods

Analysis was conducted using the NMS from 2018 (pre-pandemic; n = 4,509) and 2020 (during the pandemic; n = 4,611). The prevalence of breastfeeding initiation, and ‘any’ breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 6 weeks and 6 months were compared between these surveys. Data were interpreted in the context of underlying trends in these prevalences from previous NMS (from 2010 and 2014), and annual routine data for England (from 2009–10 to 2020–21). Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) for the effect of birth during the pandemic (2020 versus 2018) on breastfeeding, with adjustment for sociodemographic and birth-related factors.

Results

Breastfeeding initiation and any breastfeeding at 6 weeks remained relatively constant in the NMS and the routine data. Birth during the pandemic was associated with a 3 percentage point decrease in EBF at 6 weeks in the NMS (aRR 0.92, 95%CI: 0.87, 0.98 for pandemic versus pre-pandemic), but a smaller decrease in the routine data. Birth during the pandemic was associated with a 3 percentage point increase in any breastfeeding at 6 months in the NMS (aRR 1.05, 95%CI: 1.00, 1.10). Breastfeeding varied across different groups of women in the NMS (i.e. marked inequalities), but the small changes observed between the pandemic and pre-pandemic NMS were broadly similar across the sociodemographic and birth-related factors examined (i.e. no change in inequalities).

Conclusion

Breastfeeding initiation and any breastfeeding at 6 weeks in England were unaffected by the pandemic, and the persistent inequalities in breastfeeding did not widen. Services should aim to reduce these inequalities in breastfeeding which have been documented since the 1970s.
Dose institutional quality influences the relationship between urbanization and CO2 emissions?
Authors: Khan Hayat , Chen Tengpeng , Bibi Robeena , Khan Itbar
Published: October 2023

As a result of rapid economic expansion, increased energy use, and urbanization, global warming and climate change have become serious challenges in recent decades. Institutional quality can be the remedy to impede the harmful effect of factors on environmental quality. This study investigates the impact that urbanization and institutional quality on environmental quality in in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries from 2002 to 2019. By using two step generalized method of moment, the findings shows that urbanization leads to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions and a decline in environmental quality. On the other hand, the square term of urbanization indicates that an increase in urbanization leads to a reduction in emissions at a later stage after reach a certain level. Education, on the other hand, has the reverse impact of increasing carbon emissions; economic growth, foreign direct investment, and government effectiveness all boost carbon emissions. In a similar vein, the interaction between urbanization and the effectiveness of the government is unfavorable, underscoring the transformative role that the effectiveness of the government plays in leading to environmental sustainability. Finally, the findings of this study have considerable policy implication for the sample countries.
A wearable-based sports health monitoring system using CNN and LSTM with self-attentions
Authors: Wang Tao Yuhuan , Cui Jiajia , Fan Yao
Published: October 2023

Sports performance and health monitoring are essential for athletes to maintain peak performance and avoid potential injuries. In this paper, we propose a sports health monitoring system that utilizes wearable devices, cloud computing, and deep learning to monitor the health status of sports persons. The system consists of a wearable device that collects various physiological parameters and a cloud server that contains a deep learning model to predict the sportsperson’s health status. The proposed model combines a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and self-attention mechanisms. The model is trained on a large dataset of sports persons’ physiological data and achieves an accuracy of 93%, specificity of 94%, precision of 95%, and an F1 score of 92%. The sports person can access the cloud server using their mobile phone to receive a report of their health status, which can be used to monitor their performance and make any necessary adjustments to their training or competition schedule.
Incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and outcomes in COVID-19 patients with and without antiviral medications: A retrospective study
Authors: Mousavi Movahed Seyed Majid , Akhavizadegan Hamed , Dolatkhani Fatemeh , Akbarpour Samaneh , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Najafi Morvarid , Pezeshki Parmida Sadat , Khalili Noushabadi Akram , Ghasemi Hoomaan
Published: October 2023

Background

Acute kidney injury is a complication of COVID-19 and is associated with severity. Despite no specific antiviral treatment strategy, lopinavir/ritonavir and remdesivir have been used. Data on the association between AKI and receiving antiviral agents with outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is scarce. We aimed to determine the incidence of AKI and its outcomes in COVID-19 patients with and without antiviral medications.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on hospitalized adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in a tertiary center. The primary endpoint was determining mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and length of hospitalization affected by AKI development using antiviral agents. The logistic regression method was used to explore the predictive effects of AKI and antiviral therapy on composite outcomes (i.e., mortality, ICU admission, and prolonged hospitalization) in four defined groups by AKI development/not and utilizing antivirals/not. We used IBM SPSS version 24.0 software for statistical analysis.

Results

Out of 833 COVID-19 patients who were included, 75 patients were treated with antiviral agents and developed AKI. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of AKI and using antiviral medications (p = 0.001). Also, the group using antiviral agents and the development of AKI had the highest rate of preexisting hypertension (p = 0.002). Of note, the group of patients who used antiviral agents and also developed AKI had the most remarkable association with our composite outcome (p<0.0001), especially ICU admission (OR = 15.22; 95% CI: 8.06–27.32).

Conclusions

The presence of AKI among COVID-19 patients treated with antiviral agents is linked to increased severity and mortality. Therefore, it is imperative to explore preventive measures for AKI development in patients receiving antiviral therapy. Larger-scale randomized controlled trials may be warranted to provide a more comprehensive understanding of these associations.
Advanced monitoring and numerical modelling of the stability, safety and reliability indicators of the earthen dam of Songloulou (Cameroon)
Authors: Ambassa Zoa , Amba Jean Chills , Bodol Momha Merlin , Djopkop Kouanang Landry , Nzengwa Robert , Mbongo Pascal Adrien
Published: October 2023

For the determination of global stability after long term advanced monitoring, artificial intelligence have been used for the data analysis of water level and displacements of Songloulou earth dam at Cameroon. Measurements of safety and reliability indicators follow changes set by piezometric and pendulums measurements. The results obtained from the artificial intelligence on the base of many years recording data have confirmed the relevance and robustness of this model. The ANFIS model combining the concept of neural network and fuzzy logic was used to simulate the behaviour of piezometers and pendulums in the dam. This model has provided satisfactory results, given in the large amount of data to be processed. The water level evolution is modelled using the ANFIS function integrated in the MATLAB software and the result is compared to that obtained by the HST method. Afterwards, the state of stress on the structure and stability of the slope at shear have been assessed based on the hydro mechanical behaviour using the GEOSTUDIO Finite Element computation software. The input parameters are: the head of water recorded in the piezometers and geotechnical parameters of the dam. The modelling results in terms of displacement are accurately consistent with the displacement measurements. The horizontal displacement of pendulums obtained by GEOSTUDIO is 80 mm and those measured directly of the pendulums have 70 mm of average value. The safety factor for slope stability according to 530 m water level is 1.5.
Educational effects and impacts on the perception of central place theory modeling activities using 4D frame: Focusing on pre-service teachers
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Kim Youngmi , Park Hogul , Kim Young-Hoon , Paik Seounghey
Published: October 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a model and modeling-based educational program among pre-service teachers and their perceptions of the effectiveness of themodeling-based teaching program.
Methods: A total of 46 pre-service teachers majoring in Geography Education at a teacher education university participated in the study. Twenty students in the experimental group were given a three-week program regarding the central place theory based on models and modeling, and their understanding of the central place theory was analyzed through a t-test. The questionnaire on the perception of the effectiveness of the program was analyzed through descriptive statistics and iterative reading.
Results: The results indicated that the experimental group had a statistically significantly higher level of understanding than the control group. These pre-service teachers also expressed an overall positive perception of the program in terms of flow, evaluation of the program, satisfaction, and aestheticand embodied cognition. Regarding the pedagogical effectiveness of the educational program, they recognized an enhanced level of understanding, focus and engagement.
Conclusion: This research found that there should be more educational programs based on models and modeling with 4Dframe that would help pre-service teachers understand complex concepts through physical manipulation.
Defect and Compensation: An Inquiry of Methodological Principles for a Moral Instructional Activity Based on L. S. Vygotsky’s Theory
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Lee Jae-Ho , Park Dae-Ho
Published: October 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present methodological principles for moral instructional activity based on L. S. Vygotsky’s theory.
Methods: By analyzing the literature on Vygotsky’s developmental theory, it revealed its educational significance and its intrinsic relationship with moral instructional activity. Moreover, paying attention to Vygotsky’s defectology, which has not received much attention to-date, assisted in the exploration of the methodological principles of instructional activity.
Results: According to the study, Vygotsky’s defectology became an important base for seeking the methodological principles of moral instructional activity. The idea of ‘the developmental axis of defect-overcompensation’ he proposed shows that the principle can be summarized as ‘opposition’. Through opposition, students experience qualitative change, which can be said to indicate a phenomenon of learning.
Conclusion: According to Vygotsky’s defectology, the teacher’s task should be to provide students with the experience of ‘opposition’. The reason why this experience does not end with a pure interruptionis because of the mental power of ‘overcompensation’ and its dynamic movement toward the ideal of life and education. Teachers must constantly respect that mental power and need to recognize thatit is revealed and established by ‘defect’.
Południe – Północ: los i misja. Wspomnienie prof. Very Mitrinović
Authors: Zieliński Bogusław
Published: October 2023

Vera Mitrinović
Activation of UBEC2 by transcription factor MYBL2 affects DNA damage and promotes gastric cancer progression and cisplatin resistance
Authors: Long Jiegen , Zhu Bin , Tian Tao , Ren Linfei , Tao Yong , Zhu Haitao , Li Dengwei , Xu Yonghong
Published: October 2023

Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 C (UBE2C) plays a carcinogenic role in gastric cancer (GC); yet, its role in cisplatin (DDP) resistance in GC is enigmatic. This study sought to probe into the impact of UBE2C on DDP resistance in GC and its concrete molecular mechanism in GC progression. Bioinformatics analysis was used to analyze differentially expressed mRNAs and predict upstream regulatory molecules in GC. Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to detect the expression of UBE2C and MYB proto-oncogene like 2 (MYBL2). Dual luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to verify the binding relationship. Cell counting kit-8 was used to detect cell viability and calculate IC50 values. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle. Comet assay was used to detect DNA damage. Western blot was used to detect the expression of DNA loss-related proteins (γ-H2AX, ATM/p-ATM). The knockdown of highly expressed UBE2C in GC cell lines could reduce cell viability, induce G2/M arrest, induce apoptosis, and promote DNA damage and DDP sensitivity. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the substantially upregulated MYBL2 was an upstream transcription factor in UBE2C. The binding relationship between the UBE2C promoter region and MYBL2 was verified by dual luciferase and ChIP. Overexpression of UBE2C in the rescue experiment was found to reverse the inhibited GC progression and promoted DDP sensitivity brought by the knockdown of MYBL2. In conclusion, the MYBL2/UBE2C regulatory axis may be a potential way to overcome DDP resistance in GC.