bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging patterns of children with cerebral palsy: findings from hospital-based surveillance in Vietnam
Authors: Karim Tasneem , Mohammad Shekeeb S , Dossetor Rachael , Nguyen Thi Huong Giang , Trinh Quang Dung , Nguyen Thi Van Anh , Khuc Thi Hong Hanh , Nguyen Van Bang , Badawi Nadia , Khandaker Gulam , Elliott Elizabeth J
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on neuroimaging in cerebral palsy (CP) identified inconsistent radiologic findings. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging Classification system (MRICS) was developed by the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe to standardize MRI reporting. MRICS aids in predicting future impairments and treatment but it remains largely unexplored in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) often due to the lack of available MRI data. This study aims to document brain MRI patterns among Vietnamese children with CP.
METHODS: Active prospective ascertainment of children with CP using hospital-based surveillance in the National Children’s Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam between June and November 2017. Data on risk factors and clinical characteristics were collected. Brain MRI reports were obtained from hospital records and classified using the MRICS.
RESULTS: MRI data were available for 264 children with CP (mean age 2.5±2.1 years). MRI showed pathogenic patterns in 76.4%. Nearly half (44.7%) of the children had predominant white matter injury, with predominant grey matter injury in 9.5%, and maldevelopment in 5.3%. MRI findings were associated with the type of CP and timing of causative injury including prematurity, birth asphyxia and infection.
CONCLUSION: MRI findings are consistent with the predominance of white matter injury described in cohorts of children with CP from high income countries. This study furthers understanding of MRI patterns and the related aetiologic factors among children with CP in Vietnam which will inform preventive strategies in similar settings.
Novel Hamy Mean Aggregation OperatorsBased on Advanced Operations for T-Spherical Fuzzy Group Decision-Making
Authors: Wang Haolun , Zhao Wei , Feng Liangqing , Mahmood Tahir , Kumar Kamal
Published: September 2024

Some advanced operation laws (AdOLs) are put forward with the T-spherical fuzzy (TSF) information. A series of novel Hamy mean aggregation operators are developed, specifically TSF advanced Hamy mean (TSFAdHM), TSF advanced dual Hamy mean (TSFAdDHM), TSF advanced weighted Hamy mean (TSFAdWHM) and TSF advanced weighted dual Hamy mean (TSFAdWDHM) operators. These aggregation operators integrate the strengths of Hamy mean and AdOLs in that they not only reveal correlations among multi-input variables but also eliminate counter-intuitive problems, as well as reflect decision-maker risk preferences. Several reasonable natures and peculiar types of these aggregation operators are investigated. Moreover, a novel group decision-making framework for the type of TSF aggregation operator is constructed. The tractability and usefulness of the decision-making model are examined by some numerical examples. The sensitivity and method comparison analyses are used to demonstrate that the proposed model can remedy the drawbacks of existing methods, and this article offers a very useful method for the complicated group decision-making issues.
Synthesis of new polymeric composite materials derived from 2,2- (1,6-dioxohexane-1,6-diyl) dihydrazinecarbothioamide
Authors: Hasheem Fatimah A. , Attiya Hanaa G. , Saeed Ruwaidah S. , Al-Heetimi Dhafir T.A.
Published: September 2024

In the present study, synthesis and characterization of new polymeric nanocomposites. First, the compound [C1] was formed from the reaction of one mole of dimethyl adipate with two moles of thiosemicarbazide in the ethanol absolute, then compound [C1] was reacted with sodium hydroxide to yield compounds [C2]. Compound [C3] was synthesized by reaction of hydrazine hydrate with compound [C2]. Compound [C4] was synthetic from Maleic anhydride and compound [C3]. Compound [C4] reacted with ammonium per sulfate as an initiator to produce polymer [C5], and then this polymer was blended with nano: ZnNPs, AgNPs, SiNPs, or IONPs by using a hotplate stirrer for 3 hours to produce nanocomposites [C6-C9]. The synthesized compounds were identified via spectral analysis techniques, including FTIR, 1H-NMR, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). In addition, the thermal properties of TGA and DSC were studied. Molecular docking is studied, where operations are used to predict the binding status of compounds with the enzyme and to calculate the free energy (ΔG) of the compounds prepared. Finally, study biological activities screened via two types of bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli) and anti-cancer activity against HepG2 (human liver cancer cell line) and compare with the normal cell line WRL68 (normal liver cell line) of polymers and nanocomposites.
Acceptability and Uptake of COVID-19 Vaccines among Pregnant and Lactating Women seeking services at a Tertiary Public Hospital in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Katana Elizabeth B. , Odongpiny Eva Agnes Laker , Simbwa Brenda N. , Nsubuga Edirisa J. , Namayanja Josephine , Muhindo Richard , Kiiza Daniel , Castelnuovo Barbara , Ario Alex R. , Waitt Catriona
Published: September 2024

Background
Globally, several vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, have been routinely recommended during pregnancy and lactation. However, data on COVID-19 vaccine acceptability and uptake among pregnant and lactating women are limited in Sub-Saharan Africa. While COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency it is important to take stock of lessons learnt to prepare for future health threats including those that disproportionately affect pregnant/lactating women. We aimed to assess acceptability and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant and lactating women in Uganda.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 424 pregnant and lactating women, who were seeking maternal and child health care at Kawempe National Referral Hospital in Kampala. We obtained data on vaccine acceptability defined as willingness to accept vaccines using interviewer-administered questionnaires. In addition, we assessed vaccination status. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptability and uptake were evaluated using modified Poisson regression.
Results
The mean age of the respondents was 26.9 years (SD = 5.7), ranging from 14–45 years. Among 424 respondents, 51.7% had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, 94.1% had received tetanus toxoid vaccine, and 48.3% regardless of their vaccination status, were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Only 5/212(2.4%) had received COVID-19 vaccines while lactating with none having been received during pregnancy. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake included history of testing for COVID-19 (aPR = 1.92, CI:1.46–2.54) and having a vaccinated household member (aPR = 1.34, CI:1.03–1.84). COVID-19 vaccine willingness was significantly associated with being a household head (aPR = 2.2, CI:1.12–4.27) and having a vaccinated household member (aPR = 1.33, CI:1.04–1.76).
Conclusion
The uptake and willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant and lactating women were generally low, with no participants receiving COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and very few during lactation. In contrast, the majority had received tetanus toxoid vaccines, indicating a disparity in vaccine acceptance. Factors such as undergoing COVID-19 testing and having a vaccinated household member positively influenced COVID-19 vaccine uptake and willingness. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve the acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, during pregnancy and lactation.
Structural Dynamics of Human deoxyuridine 5'- triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase)
Authors: Sarre Ravdna , Dobrovolska Olena , Lundström Patrik , Turcu Diana , Agback Tatiana , Halskau Øyvind , Isaksson Johan
Published: September 2024

Structural- and functional heterogeneity, as well as allosteric regulation, in homo-monomeric enzymes is a highly active area of research. One such enzyme is human nuclear-associated deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase), which has emerged as an interesting drug target in combination therapy with traditional nucleotide analogue treatment of cancer. We report, for the first time, a full structural dynamics study of human dUTPase by NMR. dUTPase has been investigated in terms of structural dynamics in its apo form, in complex with the modified substrate resistant to hydrolysis, 2'-deoxyuridine 5'-α,β-imido-triphosphate (dUpNHpp), as well as the product, 2'-deoxy-uridine-monophosphate (UMP). The apo form of the enzyme displayed slow dynamics in the milli- to microsecond regime in relaxation dispersion experiments, which was further slowed down to observable heterogeneity upon substrate-analogue binding. The results suggest that the non-hydrolysable substrate-analogue traps the enzyme in the conformational isomerization step that has been previously suggested to be part of the enzyme catalysis kinetics cycle. The observed heterogeneity fits well with the pattern expected to emerge from the suggested kinetic model, and no evidence for homotropic allosterism was found. The heatmaps of the slow dynamics, chemical shift perturbation upon substrate binding and conserved regions of the enzyme sequence all displayed a similar pattern, which suggests that the structural dynamics is finely tuned and important for the biological function of the enzyme for binding, conformational shift, catalysis and substrate release.
FruR-controlled antisense RNA -downregulation of isocitrate dehydrogenase in Escherichia coli
Authors: Elias Jisha , Sharma Vikas , Archana G. , Kumar G. Naresh
Published: September 2024

In E. coli, catabolite repressor activator (Cra) protein (formerly called FruR) is known to regulate the expression of many genes positively and negatively; this effect is modulated by intracellular levels of fructose-1-phosphate (F-1-P) and fructose-1,6-bisphopahate (F-1,6-bisP). In this paper, we report conditionally expressed antisense RNA corresponding to 101bp of isocitrate dehydrogenase (icd) gene (as-icd) under Cra (FruR) responsive promoter fruB (PfruB as-icd construct denoted as pVS2K3) in E. coli K-12 (DH5α) and E. coli B (BL21) strains. Previously studies have shown that ICDH mutants failed to grow on glucose in absence of glutamate and accumulated citrate intracellularly. Hence, a conditional downregulation of icd gene could overcome this lethality and also help in understanding the flux towards citrate accumulation. Effect of PfruB as-icd (pVS2k3) construct was monitored in E. coli K-12 (DH5α) and E. coli B (BL21) during growth on carbon sources wherein the fruB promoter is active (glucose) or repressed (glycerol). A 3–4 fold decrease in ICDH activity was observed in E. coli DH5α expressing pVS2K3 on glucose but PfruB as-icd expression differed in E. coli BL21 on glucose. This alteration could be attributed to the anomalous Cra regulation seen in E. coli B strain which could be a crucial factor while choosing fruB promoter for expression studies.
Two squaramide-based fluorescent probes for Cu2+ and Cd2+
Authors: Li Yuanwei , Wang Hongxu , Tao Qian , Wang Bin
Published: September 2024

The development of potential toxic metal ion probes is of great significance in the field of environmental detection. Herein, two squaramide ligands (2a, 2b) were constructed by combining the characteristics of squaric acid and imine groups. 2a and 2b can recognize Cu2+ and Cd2+, with LOD of 1.26 × 10-8 M and 2.04 × 10-8 M, respectively, and have the advantages of fast response and wide pH range. The binding ratio and binding mode of the probe and the target ion were determined by Job’s plot, ESI-MS and 1H NMR.
Evaluation of amino acid content of Chebulae Fructus in different origins and different processing states based on microwave digestion
Authors: Xu Zhiqi , Tan Lihong , Wang Yiwu , Yu Jialing , Zeng Chuiming , Wei Jia , Yang Lin , He Dan
Published: September 2024

The microwave digestion method was optimized to extract amino acids from Chebulae Fructus (CF), and the differences of amino acids in CF from different origins and different processing states were analyzed and evaluated. The amount of total amino acid extraction of CF was used an indicator, the influences of digestion temperature, digestion time, and liquid-material ratio on extraction effect were investigated by sing factor test and response surface method (RSM), and the extraction conditions were optimized. The contents of 17 amino acids were determined by an automatic amino acid analyzer. Chemometrics was also applied to analyze the differences in amino acid content between CF from different origins and processing states. The optimal digestion conditions were a digestion temperature of 150 ℃, a digestion time of 18 min, and a liquid-material ratio of 65:1 (mL:g). Under these conditions, the total amino acid content of CF could reach 19.72 mg/g. According to the standards published by FHO/WHO, CF from Lincang city of Yunnan province and unprocessed CF were considered to have higher nutritional value. The results of chemometric analysis showed that there were significant differences in the amino acid content in CF between Guangxi province, Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province and Lincang city of Yunnan province, and six differential amino acids between the three origins were screened out. There were also significant differences in the amino acid content of CF before and after processing, and eight differential amino acids were screened out. The optimized amino acid extraction method had short time and high efficiency, and there was no significant difference from the conventional digestion method. There were differences in amino acid content of CF from different origins and processing states, which can be analyzed by chemometrics and screened for different components. This study can provide references for the quality evaluation of the producing area, the extraction and content research of amino acids of CF.
Viral pseudo-enzyme facilitates KSHV lytic replication via suppressing PFAS-mediated RTA deamidation
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhang Qiushi , Hou Guoli , Hu Liang , Xiao Tiaoyi , Li Deliang , Li Junhua
Published: September 2024

Background
Deamidation, a type of post-translational modification commonly considered a hallmark of protein “aging” and function decay, is increasingly recognized for its pivotal role in regulating biological processes and viral infection. Our previous study has demonstrated that the deamidation of replication and transcription activator (RTA), a master regulator of ubiquitous and oncogenic Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), mediated by phosphoribosylformylglycinamidine synthetase (PFAS), hinders its nuclear import and transcriptional activity.
Results
Here we report that the viral glutamine amidotransferase (vGAT) pseudo-enzyme was exploited to promote KSHV lytic infection through inhibition of PFAS-mediated RTA deamidation, RTA nuclear localization, and NF-κB activation. To be more specific, vGAT competitively interacted with RTA and cellular PFAS, thereby suppressing the deamidation and nuclear localization of RTA, while concomitantly augmenting RTA-mediated transcriptional activation. Consistently, the RTA deamidation-resistant mutant demonstrated elevated levels of transcriptional activity and lytic replication. Lastly, vGAT appeared to regulate the deamidation process of multiple viral proteins in KSHV.
Conclusions
Collectively, these findings unveil that a viral pseudo-enzyme was exploited to enhance viral infection via deamidation regulation.
An improved YOLOv8 method for identifying empty cell and unqualified plug seedling
Authors: Li Lei , Yu Jiajia , Lu Yujun , Gu Yue , Liang Sijia , Hao Shuai
Published: September 2024

A lightweight seedling detection model with improved YOLOv8s is proposed to address the seedling identification problem in the replenishment process In industrial vegetable seedling production, First, the CBS module in the network structure is replaced with depthwise separable convolution (DSC) to reduce the number of parameters and GFLOPS of the model. The efficient multiscale attention (EMA) module is added to the structure to improve the feature extraction capability of the network, focusing on the target regions of empty and unqualified seedlings in seedling trays in complex environments. Second, the VoVGSCSP module is utilized to replace the C2f module in Neck to further lighten the model and improve its accuracy. Compared with the original YOLOv8s model, the Precision, Recall, and mAP of the improved model on the test set are 95.9%, 91.6%, and 96.2%, respectively, and its parameters, GFLOPS, and model size are 7.88 M, 20.9, and 16.1 MB, respectively. The detection speed of the algorithm is 116.3 frames per second (FPS), which is higher than that of the original model (107.5 FPS). The results indicate that the improved model can accurately identify empty cell and unqualified seedling in the plug tray in real time and has a smaller number of parameters and GFLOPS, making it suitable for use on embedded or mobile devices for seedling replenishment and contributing to the realization of automated and unmanned seedling replenishment.
Investigating the hub genes and genetic basis regulating fatty acid metabolictraits in chicken breast muscle based on combined genomic and transcriptomic approaches
Authors: Fan Shengxin , Zhang Hongyuan , Li Hongtai , Yuan Pengtao , Dai Yaqi , Li Hong , Liu Xiaojun , Tian Yadong , Kang Xiangtao , Zhang Yanhua , Zhao Yinli , Li Guoxi
Published: September 2024

Background The composition of various fatty acids in meat plays a crucial role in the evaluation of the nutritional indicators of poultry and human health. Fatty acid metabolic indicators can more accurately reflect the nutritional status of meat and its acceptance by the general public. In this study, we utilized two analytical approaches, Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying the fatty acid metabolic traits in chicken breast muscle.Initially, GWAS was conducted based on genotype data obtained by genotyping by sequencing (GBS) from 415 chickens of the Gushi-Anka F2 resource population and phenotypic data of 33 fatty acid metabolism traits in the breast muscle.
Results We identified a total of 291 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the content of 12 types of fatty acids such as C14:0/C12:0, C18:0/C16:0, C18:1/C18:0, etc., which were mapped on chromosomes (Chr) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10. The most significant SNP was Chr2:102, 676, 165 (P = 1.20E-06), which explained 2.33% of the phenotypic variation in the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)/mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) synthesis pathway. The SNP that explained the highest phenotypic variation was Chr4: 30, 150, 765 (5.85%). Interestingly, significant signals were identified for three fatty acid metabolic traits (C22:4/C18:3, C20:3/C18:3, C22:6/C18:3) within the same gene interval on Chr 9 (Chr9: 5.75 - 8.99Mb). Concurrently, WGCNA was conducted using the 613 candidate genes identified from the linkage disequilibrium regions of the aforementioned significant SNPs, as well as the transcriptome data and fatty acid content phenotypic values of the breast muscle of the Gujshi chicken from three periods, 13 hub genes (FIG4, METTL4, PLD4, IDH1, FH, SDHA, EHHADH, AKT1, PIK3CB, LPIN2, FUT9, PAK2, and ACSL3) were finally determined. Further, we constructed the functional networks involving these candidate genes and deduced the potential fatty acid metabolic pathway.
Conclusion These results enhance our understanding of the genetic regulation mechanisms of fatty acid composition in chicken muscle, providing a theoretical basis for future breeding practices targeting fatty acid composition traits.
Elderly Engagement in the Digital Marketplace: A Study of Douyin's Silver-haired Fashion Influencers through Two-step Flow and Multi-step Flow Models
Authors: Zhang Yuying
Published: September 2024

In the digital era, China’s aging population poses significant societal challenges. However, silver-haired fashion influencers on Douyin, with a following of millions, have emerged as a positive force, setting a precedent for smart utilization of older people and silver economy growth. Using the two-step and multi-step flow model theories as a framework, this study explores how these influencers can use product placement in their short videos to optimize profits and self-worth. Through qualitative interviews with 11 followers of such influencers, the research found that the influence of product placement on purchase intentions is multifaceted, influenced by the influencers themselves, followers’ product perceptions, and the platform ecology. In order to increase the impact of product placements, the study highlights the significance of developing parasocial interactions and making thoughtful product selections. Silver-haired fashion influencers may drive the silver economy and promote smart ageing solutions by better leveraging their influence when they understand these dynamics.
Effects of urbanization on taxonomic diversity, body size, body mass and body condition of non-volant small mammals in the Coastal Savannah Ecological zone of Ghana
Authors: Ofori Benjamin Yeboah , Mensah John B. , Asomaning Benjamin , Annan Andy , Attuquayefio Daniel K.
Published: September 2024

In the context of rapidly increasing global urbanization, studying urban landscape effects on wildlife is crucial for informing biodiversity conservation in cities. Small mammals are inextricably linked to their environment and respond swiftly to habitat alterations. Yet, the response of small mammals to urbanization in the Afro-tropics is rarely investigated. Here, we assessed the influence of urbanization on taxonomic diversity, body size, body mass and body condition of small mammals in the Coastal Savannah Ecological zone (CSEZ) of Ghana. We live-trapped small mammals in farm-bushes (UFB) and a protected area (UPA) located within the city of Accra, and compared the data with conspecifics from farm-bushes (RFB) and a protected area (RPA) located within rural areas of CSEZ. The data was analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, ANOVA, ANCOVA and F-ratio test. We found that urbanization influenced small mammal composition, but not species richness and diversity. Three species, Taterilus gracilis, Graphiurus nagtglasii and Arvicanthis niloticus occurred in the urban area only. Mastomys natlensis, Mus musculoides and Tatera kempi from the urban sites were significantly smaller and in poorer condition compared with conspecifics from the corresponding rural sites. M. musculoides from the urban area weighed significantly lesser than their rural conspecifics. Our data demonstrate the varied effects of urbanization on small mammals, and highlight the importance of heterogeneous urban green areas in maintaining small mammal biodiversity in cities. Urban developers and land use planners should prioritize integrating green areas into urban planning designs in order to promote and conserve wildlife in cities.
Longitudinal Changes in Preschoolers’ Self-reported Psychological and Social Problems: Feasibility, Reliability, and Cross-informant Agreement
Authors: Chan Meingold Hiu-ming , Feng Xin , Gong Yihui , Inboden Karis
Published: September 2024

For decades, parental report was used to assess children’s psychological symptoms and social problems. The Berkeley Puppet Interview (BPI) utilizes hand puppets to collect questionnaire-style data from children, allowing consideration of children’s own perspective. The current longitudinal study compared the feasibility and reliability of preschoolers’ self-report with BPI at age 4 (M = 4.03, SD = 0.16; 52% boy, 82% White American) and 5 (M = 5.22, SD = 0.36; 51% boy, 85% White American) as well as cross-informant agreement among children, mothers (74% above college education), alternate caregivers (> 90% biological fathers), and coders. Children completed symptomatology, social, and parenting scales of BPI and their parents completed surveys assessing similar constructs. Our findings revealed both similarities and changes across ages. Specifically, the reliability and cross-informant agreement of the broad symptomatology and parenting scales were promising at both timepoints; however, 4-year-olds showed lower internal consistency in social scales.
A novel adaptation of FRAP quantifies the movement of Drosophila Basement Membrane Collagen in vivo
Authors: MacDuff Danielle , Jacobs Roger
Published: September 2024

A wealth of knowledge regarding the functions of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) macromolecules from in vitro or disease models strives for validation in intact animals. In particular, the progression of cardiomyopathies is tightly linked to pathological changes in the heart ECM. To address this in the Drosophila model, we developed a novel adaptation of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), which allows us to assess ECM protein incorporation during growth in living, intact larvae. Recovery of fluorescently tagged protein is a proxy for addition or relocation of ECM protein. We focus on Collagen IVα (Viking), a conserved protein thought to be a stable component of the basement membrane (BM). We established a time course for Vkg-GFP fluorescence accretion in three different BMs through larval development, under normal conditions and when Matrix Metalloprotease or its inhibitor, TIMP is overexpressed. We demonstrate that the gain and loss of Collagen trimers from the basement membrane changes over developmental time and between tissues. High variability in measured fluorescence reduced the sensitivity of this approach. During growth, a strong phasic wave of Vkg accumulation was detected at the second to third instar ecdysis, potentially supporting growth of the new instar. Between organs, flux of Vkg was high in somatic muscle, intermediate in the heart and low in trachea. Heart-specific overexpression of mmp2 and its inhibitor timp, modified the dynamics of Vkg-GFP flux. We find that MMPs are positive regulators of Vkg/Col IV turnover in the ECM, in alignment with current models of ECM regulation.
Parameter-Efficient Domain Adaptation for Edge Detectors: A Comparative Study of Colormap Models and LoRA
Authors: Bommireddy Venkat Sumanth Reddy , Raniwala Sophie , Kumar Piyush
Published: September 2024

Edge Detectors are one of the most fundamental tools in Computer Vision applications. Using deep learning, state-of-the-art (SOTA) models can produce sharp, fine edges, mirroring human-level performance. However, most of these SOTA models are trained solely on color images. We experimentally determined that this limited data severely hinders performance on images from other domain spaces. This paper proposes 2 methods to adapt SOTA models to single-channel images with minimal computational overhead. We first propose a feed-forward network (FFN) for domain adaptation. Then, we propose an extension on this network that uses Fourier convolutions to boost performance. Our models serve as an additional layer to existing SOTA edge detectors, allowing the edge detector to generalize well to new domain spaces without undergoing extensive resource or data-heavy retraining. Our models were trained with a single off-the-shelf GPU with trainable parameters less than 60K and a small dataset of 30-50 images. The training of the FFN took 30 minutes and the training of the Fourier convolution model took 2 hours. Using these lightweight models, we could boost the F-score of the resulting edgemaps by over 0.2.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Based Simulators versus Simulated Patients in undergraduate programs: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zidoun Youness , Mardi Abdelmoniem EL
Published: September 2024

Background:
Healthcare simulation is critical for medical education, with traditional methods using simulated patients (SPs). Recent advances in AI offer new possibilities with AI-based simulators. This study compares AI-based simulators and SPs in undergraduate medical education.
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to identify the effectiveness of delivering a simulation session around history taking skills to fifth-year medical students on their clinical years of study. This research protocol aims to examine and compare the effectiveness and user experience of artificial intelligence-based simulators compared to simulated patients.
Discussion:
This study will provide valuable insights into the comparative advantages of artificial intelligence-based simulators and simulated patients, which will guide decisions regarding their integration into health education and training programs.
Forecasting of Solar Power Generation Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Sarker Debasish , Karim S. M. Rezaul
Published: September 2024

This study analyses the predictability of solar electricity generation using various machine and deep learning methods on large solar datasets from diverse cities in Saudi Arabia and the United States. According to our most recent article [1], the "Multilayer Perceptron" and "Random Forest" algorithms perform better in forecasting Saudi Arabia's solar power generation. This finding has been validated using additional datasets in the present study. Additionally, the effects of various hidden layer and neuron number combinations on MLP performance are examined. We found beyond a certain point, the number of hidden layers in an MLP became inversely correlated with its prediction accuracy. As the number of neurons in the model increases, the training duration also increases, generally improving predictability. The RMSE of deep learning algorithms such as the feedforward neural network (FFNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), and long short-term memory (LSTM) are compared against the MLP and Random Forest to evaluate their feasibility in estimating solar power generation. We found that FFNN and MLP provide almost similar results and Random Forest gives the best results among all the ML and DL algorithms for predicting solar power generation using our datasets. Future work may explore different aspects of the Random Forest model.
Health-Seeking Behavior Following Injuries in Rural Children at a Sub-District of Bangladesh
Authors: Afreen Nawroz , Nurunnahar Mehejabin , Flora Meerjady S
Published: September 2024

Objectives
Knowing health-seeking behavior of family or caregiver is necessary to identify and include scopes of intervention in any injury prevention program, though Bangladesh lacks in recent information. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to provide an updated understanding of health-seeking behavior of family or caregiver following major and minor injuries in rural children.
Methods
It was conducted between May-June 2018 in children (< 18-years) from a selected sub-district following probability sampling. A non-fatal injury occurring within previous three months and hampering regular activities < 30 days was minor, and one occurring within last year and hampering regular activities ≥ 30 days was major. Health-seeking responses for injured children were descriptively analyzed.
Results
Of enrolled 918 children, prevalence of major and minor injuries were 2.4% and 7.4% respectively. Except one child, all other sought for some sort of treatment after an injury. After a major injury (n = 22), 17 children received first aid, mainly provided by relatives (47%) and doctors/trained Health Care Workers (HCWs) (41%). Further treatment was pursued in 64% (n = 22) children; 50% (n = 16) adhered to treatment of doctors/trained HCWs. Median (IQR) suffering was 35 (30–75) days and 18% (n = 22) were hospitalized. After a minor injury (n = 68), 59 children received first aid, mainly provided by relatives (54%) and non-qualified HCWs (25.5%). Further treatment was pursued in 60% (n = 68) children; 71% (n = 49) adhered to treatment of non-qualified HCWs. Median (IQR) suffering was 7 (4–15) days and 3% (n = 68) were hospitalized. Family or caregiver often applied different substances (oil, water, toothpaste, ointment, leaves) over injured part as first aid irrespective of injury pattern and type, though substances varied.
Conclusion
The study identifies nearly similar first aid practices as seen earlier with a treatment adherence more towards non-qualified HCWs. A qualitative study is recommended for in-depth understanding of such behavior before designing targeted interventions, policies, and educational campaigns.
Evaluating the Cost Utility and Budget Impact of Telehealth services: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: S Aviraj K , Mohanty Manjeet , Gnanasekaran Sridevi , Pachori Ravi
Published: September 2024

Introduction:Telehealth, a rapidly advancing sector within the healthcare industry, has become a key tool in shaping policy decisions and the future of the healthcare delivery. However, the quality of evidence on telehealth's economic impact is somewhat limited, as many studies treat economic findings as secondary results rather than conducting thorough cost-utility or budget impact analyses. The lack of systematic and generalizable research on the routine use of telehealth limits understanding of its costs, benefits, and barriers to broader adoption.Methods:A systematic literature review was conducted, searching databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for relevant systematic reviews from the past decade. The search terms used were a combination of keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms related to "telehealth," "cost-utility," "economic outcomes," "QALY" (Quality-Adjusted Life Year), "Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio" (ICER), "cost-effectiveness," "cost-benefit," "cost-analysis," and "economic evaluation."Results:Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 24 studies were finally included in the analysis. The results suggest that telehealth interventions are generally cost-saving on a per-patient basis, but the total financial impact can be higher due to broader implementation or additional costs associated with scaling the intervention.Conclusion:Telehealth has great promise for bettering patient outcomes and the delivery of healthcare by facilitating access to treatment and relieving pressure on healthcare systems. However, considering both average and total costs in budget impact analyses is important, as cost savings at an individual level do not always translate into lower overall expenditures. Hence, any decision regarding its implementation should be taken keeping this in mind.
Knowledge, practices, and perceptions of the healthcare providers on cervical cancer screening among HIV-positive women at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira City.
Authors: Layet Florence , Murungi Tom , Ashaba Nasser , Nakayita Mirembe Renniter , Kigongo Eustes , Opollo Marc Sam
Published: September 2024

Background: Cervical cancer remains a global burden and is by far one of the major causes of premature death among women of reproductive age. We explored the knowledge, practices, and perceptions of healthcare providers on cervical cancer screening among HIV-positive women aged 18-49 years in Lira City.
Methods: In June 2023, a qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare providers at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH), Lira City, Northern Uganda. Key informant interviews (KII’s) were used to collect data among purposively selected healthcare providers. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded using the NVivo (QSR International) software. Thematic content analysis was used in data analysis.
Results: The study found that participants had good knowledge about cervical cancer and screening. They provided health education, and vaccination for eligible girls and screened HIV-positive women for cervical cancer. Long waiting hours, long distances to healthcare facilities, and negative attitudes of some health providers were reported as barriers to CCS utilization. However, increased awareness, the presence of signs/symptoms, and the desire to maintain optimal health facilitated CCS utilisation among HIV-positive women.
Conclusion: Healthcare providers knew about cervical cancer screening by HPV testing and Visual Inspection with Acetic acid and provided routine health education on screening, and cervical cancer screening to HIV-positive women. They perceived increased demand for CCS services by HIV-positive women, which is attributed to their increased awareness, the presence of signs and symptoms, and their desire to maintain optimal health. Despite several hindering factors, such as long waiting hours, long distances to healthcare facilities, and negative attitudes of some health providers, the practice of cervical cancer screening can be improved by reducing waiting times, increasing access to healthcare facilities, and ensuring that patients feel comfortable throughout the screening process.
Ameloblastic Fibroma of Mandibular Anterior Segment
Authors: Masih Updesh , Mahay Pooja , Kumar Vijay , Somani Saurabh
Published: September 2024

Abstract: Ameloblastic fibroma is a rare odontogenic tumor occurring in first two decades of life. Various case reports have shown that conservative treatment is successful in such cases. This case report highlights a case of ameloblastic fibroma occurring in 11-year female which was successfully treated with endodontic treatment of teeth and surgical removal of the lesion.
An in-vivo Analysis of the Positional Relationship of Palatal Rugae with Maxillary Teeth in Different Arch Forms Among Young Dentulous Gujarati Individuals-A Pilot Study
Authors: Shah Rutu
Published: September 2024

Background-  The palatal rugae are transverse folds of tissue  located in the anterior portion of the hard palate. They are considered to be reliable landmarks with manifold uses in the field of orthodontics and forensics. The current study was carried out with the aim of determining if a positional relationship of palatal rugae exists with the maxillary teeth in individuals with different maxillary arch forms.
Material and method- The study was carried out in 100 participitants (87 females and 13 males) . Irreversible hydrocolloid impressions were made and casts were poured in Type 3 dental stone. The casts were divided according to arch forms as taper, ovoid and square. Palatal rugae on the casts were assessed digitally and the position of the most posterior rugae evaluated in relation with the adjacent maxillary teeth.
Results –It was observed that the palatal rugae had a higly significant positional relationship with the maxillary posterior teeth(p value <0.0001) . In the ovoid and square arches, majority of the individuals had the most posterior rugae lying at the level of distal margin of 2nd premolar while in cases of taper dental arches, maximum number of individuals had the distal margin of 1st premolar coincide with the most posteriorly located rugae.
Conclusion- Hence, it can be concluded that the most posterior limit of the rugae may serve as a reliable guide for the arrangement of the maxillary teeth in different arch forms.
Key Words- Palatal Rugae, maxillary anterior teeth , denture aesthetics
Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Drynaria Herbal Mouthwash and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Dr. Neelam Mittal  , Dr. Kaushal Pati Tripathi  , Dr. Anju Gautam  , Dr. Rashika M
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT:   
 
Introduction: Herbal products are preferred widely to synthetic medications owing to their minimal adverse effects and cost effectiveness. Drynaria is a popular traditional medicine used for bone repair, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, rheumatism, and osteoporosis. This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Drynaria mouthwash in reduction of gingival inflammation in comparison with commercially available chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash.  
 
Materials and Methods: This parallel arm, randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out on 30 participants with mild to moderate gingivitis who were divided into two groups. Scaling and root planning were done. Group A patients were given Chlorhexidine mouthwash (CHX) and Group B patients were given Drynaria Herbal mouthwash for 21 days. The clinical parameters assessed were Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Plaque Index (PI), and Gingival Index (GI) at baseline, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks post use of the mouthwash.   
 
Result: Drynaria mouthwash provided results that were significantly effective in improving all the clinical parameters.  
 
Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, Drynaria as a mouthwash is nearly effective as Chlorhexidine mouthwash for the treatment of gingivitis.  
 
Key words: Chlorhexidine gluconate, Drynaria, Herbal, Mouthwash, Gingivitis.
Menstrual waste behaviour of young adolescents: a theory of planned behaviour approach
Authors: Sreekumar Sandhya , Pandey Anju
Published: September 2024

There is a significant rise in the pile of non-biodegradable menstrual waste. Still, the majority of the studies focused on the variety and quality of menstrual products, and only a few investigated the sustainable and safe disposal of used menstrual material. The theory of planned behaviour serves as the foundation upon which the paper constructs its theoretical framework to study menstrual waste disposal behaviour among adolescents. It finds that a variety of social contexts and circumstances influence adolescents' intentions to dispose of used menstrual products carelessly, indirectly contributing to environmental degradation. This paper is an attempt to examine the existing gap in the literature and understand the attitudes and intentions that underlie such an activity. This paper also suggests ways for policymakers and implementors to influence the behaviour of adolescents resulting in hygienic and environmentally safe disposal of menstrual waste.
Mediatyzacja a propaganda oraz teksty kultury. Kilka uwag dyskusyjnych
Authors: Lichański Jakub Z.
Published: September 2024

Problem, który wskazałem w tytule, nasuwa bardzo wiele wątpliwości już na etapie wstępnym, czyli gdy zastanawiamy się, jak zatytułować rozważania. Należy bowiem, co postaram się pokazać, określić takie kwestie jak: 1.propaganda i jej rozumienie; 2. czy media są, a jeśli tak, to czym ograniczone w swej swobodzie tworzenia i przekazywania informacji, wreszcie – 3.jak, zgodnie z teorią, winny być tworzone informacje.  Wiązać to można i trzeba z zasadami jeszcze określonymi w latach siedemdziesiątych XX wieku. James Carey (1974, 227-249) wskazuje na następujące zasady:1. krytyka standardów odpowiedzialności publicznej lub społecznej; 2.krytyka naukowa; 3. krytyka kulturowa. Jak zauważa Carey (1974: 244): „Przez kulturę krytyki mam na myśli ciągły proces debaty między prasą / mediami a publicznością, a w szczególności z tą jej częścią, która – ze względu na motywy i umiejętności – najbardziej kwalifikuje się do wejścia na krytyczną arenę [możliwego sporu / oceny]”. Tu zatem pojawia się problem, z którym mamy do czynienia w dotychczasowym sposobie prowadzenia debaty medialnej na temat, który nas interesuje.  Jest jednakże jeszcze jeden problem, a mianowicie sposób kształtowania samej informacji medialnej. W tym zakresie oprę się na rozważaniach Josepha Ratzingera (Ratzinger 1984, 82-84), który przedstawił podstawowe problemy związane z tą kwestią. Hipoteza, która będę starał się udowodnić, brzmi prosto: oto przekaz medialny, niezależnie od tego, kto go przedstawia, jest sposobem kształtowania obrazu rzeczywistości.  Jednym ze zbiorów przykładów dowodzących tej hipotezy będzie, poza przykładami wziętymi z przekazów medialnych, będą teksty kultury, resp. wybrane teksty kultury popularnej.
Propaganda władz komunistycznych w kontekście tzw. wydarzeń wilamowskich z 1957 r.
Authors: Tomaszewski Filip
Published: September 2024

Artykuł omawia tzw. wydarzenia wilamowskie, które miały miejsce w dniach 31.12.1956-03.01.1957 r. w m. Wilamów (powiat poddębicki, woj. łódzkie). Wydarzenia były incydentem politycznym silnie wykorzystanym przez ówczesną propagandę komunistyczną, przedstawionym jako atak na osiągnięcia władzy ludowej i niesłuszny sprzeciw społeczeństwa wobec upaństwowienia środków produkcji. Przedmiotem sporu była (jak się później okazało bezprawna) nacjonalizacja młyna motorowego należącego do rodziny Pelców. Przemiany Października 1956 r. rozbudziły nadzieje na powrót mniejszych zakładów w ręce prywatne. Bolesław Pelc rozpoczął starania o odzyskanie utraconego majątku, tj. młyna i tartaku. Niestety starania te nie przyniosły pozytywnego rezultatu i zakończyły się dla niego pobytem w więzieniu. Bunt mieszkańców Wilamowa i okolic przeciwko aresztowaniu Pelca pokazał, że opór społeczny przeciwko ustrojowi komunistycznemu był bardzo silny nie tylko w środowiskach robotniczych, ale i chłopskich.
Praga-Północ jako miasto osobiste (wybrane aspekty). Sprawozdanie z badań empirycznych
Authors: Rozalska Agata
Published: September 2024

Koncepcja miasta osobistego kieruje uwagę badaczy na miejsca dla nich istotne, ale i na więzi oraz relacje wytworzone na obszarze tych miejsc. Jest ważna z wielu powodów. Przede wszystkim okazuje się niezwykle użyteczna w badaniu większych miast, których przecież nasi rozmówcy zwykle nie znają w całości. Dlatego dość często, jako badacze, otrzymujemy opinie i postawy uwzględniające odczucia badaczy względem jakichś konkretnych fragmentów rzeczywistości miejskiej. Tekst stanowi próbę syntetycznego przedstawienia wybranych wyimków badania przeprowadzonego wśród praskich artystów, a dotyczących tego, w jaki sposób postrzegają praską przestrzeń oraz jak rozumieją kategorię „swój” i „obcy”.
Physical Activity Level, Weight Categories, and Fat Distribution: A Cross- Sectional Study of College Students
Authors: Hammoud Emne , Banu Shaik Balkhis , El Bawab Raghda Ibrahim , El-Sobkey Salwa B.
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Overweight and obesity are growing problems worldwide, along with a decrease in physical activity. This trend is also seen in the United Arab
Emirates, including insufficient exercise among university students. This study aimed to evaluate the physical activity level, weight categories, and
fat distribution among female college students and determine the correlations and associations between these factors and demographic factors.

Methods:

A cross-sectional quasi-experimental study was conducted among 204 female undergraduate health profession students recruited through a
convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using anthropometric measurements and a self-administered International Physical Activity
Questionnaire (IPAQ). The relationships between weight categories (Body Mass Index, BMI), fat distribution (Waist-to-Hip Ratio, WHR), and
levels of physical activity, as well as the relationship between BMI and WHR, were analyzed using the PSPP statistical program.

Results:

The mean age of the students was 20.5 ± 1.9 years, with an average BMI of 25.4 ± 6.6 kg/m2. About 60.3% of the students were moderately active.
Physical activity levels were significantly associated with BMI categories (P= 0.008). BMI and WHR categories were also significantly associated
(P= 0.012). There was a strong association between students' perceived physical activity levels and their actual activity, as measured by the IPAQ
short form (P= 0.001). No significant relationships were found between physical activity, anthropometrics, and demographic characteristics

Conclusion:

Female college students demonstrated moderate levels of physical activity, and a negative correlation was detected between their physical activity
levels and weight categories. None of the studied demographics showed a correlation or association.