bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of simulation-based learning (SBL) on students’ knowledge and skills in nursing programs: a systematic review
Authors: Alharbi Ali , Nurfianti Arina , Mullen Rosemary F. , McClure John D. , Miller William H.
Published: October 2024

Background

Simulation-Based Learning (SBL) serves as a valuable pedagogical approach in nursing education, encompassing varying levels of fidelity. While previous reviews have highlighted the potential effectiveness of SBL in enhancing nursing students’ competencies, a gap persists in the evidence-base addressing the long-term retention of these competencies. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of SBL on nursing students’ knowledge and skill acquisition and retention.

Method

A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Eric, was conducted from 2017 to 2023 to identify relevant studies. The Joanna Briggs critical appraisal tools were used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. A total of 33 studies (15 RCTs and 18 quasi-experimental) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. A descriptive narrative synthesis method was used to extract relevant data.

Results

The cumulative sample size of participants across the included studies was 3,670. Most of the studies focused on the impact of SBL on life-saving skills like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or other life-support skills. The remaining studies examined the impact of SBL on critical care skills or clinical decision-making skills. The analysis highlighted consistent and significant improvements in knowledge and skills. However, the evidence base had several limitations, including the heterogeneity of study designs, risk of bias, and lack of long-term follow-up.

Conclusion

This systematic review supports the use of SBL as a potent teaching strategy within nursing education and highlights the importance of the ongoing evaluation and refinement of this approach. While current evidence indicates enhancing knowledge and skill acquisition, limited studies evaluated the retention beyond five months, constraining generalisable claims regarding durability. Further research is essential to build on the current evidence and address gaps in knowledge related to the retention, optimal design, implementation, and evaluation of SBL interventions in nursing education.
Quantifying the magnitude of the general contextual effect in a multilevel study of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Ontario, Canada: application of the median rate ratio in population health research
Authors: Watson Tristan , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Kornas Kathy , Mishra Sharmistha , Rosella Laura C.
Published: October 2024

Background

Regional variations in SARS-CoV-2 infection were observed in Canada and other countries. Studies have used multilevel analyses to examine how a context, such as a neighbourhood, can affect the SARS-CoV-2 infection rates of the people within it. However, few multilevel studies have quantified the magnitude of the general contextual effect (GCE) in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and assessed how it may be associated with individual- and area-level characteristics. To address this gap, we will illustrate the application of the median rate ratio (MRR) in a multilevel Poisson analysis for quantifying the GCE in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

We conducted a population-based, two-level multilevel observational study where individuals were nested into regions (i.e., forward sortation areas [FSAs]). The study population included community-dwelling adults in Ontario, Canada, between March 1, 2020, and May 1, 2021. The model included seven individual-level variables (age, sex, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and four FSA census-based variables (household size, household income, employment, and driving to work). The MRR is a median value of the rate ratios comparing two patients with identical characteristics randomly selected from two different regions ordered by rate. We examined the attenuation of the MRR after including individual-level and FSA census-based variables to assess their role in explaining the variation in rates between regions.

Results

Of the 11 789 128 Ontario adult community-dwelling residents, 343 787 had at least one SARS-CoV-2 infection during the study period. After adjusting for individual-level and FSA census-based variables, the MRR was attenuated to 1.67 (39% reduction from unadjusted MRR). The strongest FSA census-based associations were household size (RR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.71–1.97) and driving to work (RR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.65–0.71).

Conclusions

The individual- and area-level characteristics in our study accounted for approximately 40% of the between-region variation in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates measured by MRR in Ontario, Canada. These findings suggest that population-based policies to address social determinants of health that attenuate the MRR may reduce the observed between-region heterogeneity in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates.
Research training during radiology residency: findings from the ESR Radiology Trainee Forum survey
Authors: Klontzas Michail E. , Reim Martin , Afat Saif , Podzniakova Viktoria , Snoeckx Annemiek , Becker Minerva ,   European Society of Radiology (ESR)
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To elucidate the research training exposure of radiology residents across ESR country members.

Methods

A 30-question survey was constructed by the Radiology Trainee Forum and was distributed among residents and subspecialty fellows of countries members of the ESR. The survey examined the training environment, the status of research training and publications among trainees, the conditions under which research was conducted, and the exposure to activities such as grant proposal preparation and manuscript reviewing. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used to assess the responses to survey questions and evaluate factors related to these responses.

Results

A total of 159 participants from 29 countries provided fully completed questionnaires. Only 12/159 trainees already had a PhD degree and nearly half had never published a PubMed-indexed manuscript (76/159, 47.8%). Among those who published their papers during radiology training, most did so in the first or second year of residency (n = 26 and n = 20 participants, respectively). Most participants (79%) did not receive further statistical training during residency, fifty-five out of 159 (34.59%) respondents never had any guidance/training on how to read a paper and 58 out of 159 (36.48%) had never been encouraged to participate in any research. Most of them had worked after hours to carry out research at least a few times (47/159, 29.56%) or always (82/159, 51.57%).

Conclusion

Analysis of research training among radiology trainees was performed. Areas for improvement were identified that can prompt changes in training curricula to prepare a highly competent European workforce.

Critical relevance statement

This survey has identified deficits in research training of radiology residents across countries members of ESR, pinpointing areas for improvement to fortify the future of radiology in Europe.

Key Points

Research exposure and training of radiology residents varies across countries and members of ESR.

Radiology residents largely lack systematic research training, dedicated research time, and guidance.

Areas for improvement in research training of radiology residents have been identified, aiding the fortification of radiology research across Europe.

Graphical Abstract
Clinical implications of CT-detected ascites in gastric cancer: association with peritoneal metastasis and systemic inflammatory response
Authors: Xu Mengying , Liu Dan , Wang Le , Sun Shuangshuang , Liu Song , Zhou Zhengyang
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic significance of computed tomography (CT) detected ascites in gastric cancer (GC) with peritoneal metastasis (PM) and investigate its association with systemic inflammatory response.

Methods

This retrospective study included 111 GCs with ascites (PM: n = 51; No PM: n = 60). Systemic inflammatory indexes, tumor markers, and the CT-assessed characteristics of ascites were collected. The differences in parameters between the two groups were analyzed. Diagnostic performance was obtained by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The association between the volume of ascites and clinical characteristics was evaluated with correlation analysis.

Results

In this study, over half of GCs with ascites were not involved with PM. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), five tumor markers, and the characteristics of ascites showed significant differences between the two groups (all p < 0.05). Among them, SII, NLR, PLR, and the volume of ascites achieved the areas under the curve of 0.700, 0.698, 0.704, and 0.903, respectively. Moreover, the volumes of ascites showed positive correlations with SII, NLR, and PLR in GCs with PM, and the volumes of ascites detected in the upper abdomen were more strongly correlated with CA125 level (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Many GCs with CT-detected ascites did not occur with synchronous PM. The presence of upper abdominal ascites had certain clinical significance for diagnosing PM in GCs. Systemic inflammatory indexes were elevated and positively correlated with the volume of ascites in GCs with PM, which might suggest the enhanced systemic inflammatory response.

Critical relevance statement

CT-detected ascites in the upper abdomen played an indicative role in identifying synchronous PM in GCs, and the systemic inflammatory response was enhanced in GCs with PM, which might be helpful for clinical evaluation.

Key Points

Many GCs with CT-detected ascites did not occur with synchronous PM.

CT-detected ascites in the upper abdomen help in identifying PM in GCs.

GCs with PM showed elevated systemic inflammatory indexes and enhanced systemic inflammatory response.

Graphical Abstract
Female-bias in systemic lupus erythematosus: How much is the X chromosome to blame?
Authors: Vieira Adriana A. , Almada-Correia Inês , Inácio Joana , Costa-Reis Patrícia , da Rocha S. T.
Published: October 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is an immune-mediated disease associated with substantial medical burden. Notably, lupus exhibits a striking female bias, with women having significantly higher susceptibility compared to men, up to 14-fold higher in some ethnicities. Supernumerary X chromosome syndromes, like Klinefelter (XXY) and Triple X syndrome (XXX), also present higher SLE prevalence, whereas Turner syndrome (XO) displays lower prevalence. Taken together, SLE prevalence in different X chromosome dosage sceneries denotes a relationship between the number of X chromosomes and the risk of developing lupus. The dosage of X-linked genes, many of which play roles in the immune system, is compensated between males and females through the inactivation of one of the two X chromosomes in female cells. X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) initiates early in development with a random selection of which X chromosome to inactivate, a choice that is then epigenetically maintained in the daughter cells. This process is regulated by the X-Inactive-Specific Transcript (XIST), encoding for a long non-coding RNA, exclusively expressed from the inactive X chromosome (Xi). XIST interacts with various RNA binding proteins and chromatin modifiers to form a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex responsible for the transcriptional silencing and heterochromatinization of the Xi. This ensures stable silencing of most genes on the X chromosome, with only a few genes able to escape this process. Recent findings suggest that the molecular components involved in XCI, or their dysregulation, contribute to the pathogenesis of lupus. Indeed, nonrandom XCI, elevated gene escape from XCI, and the autoimmune potential of the XIST RNP complex have been suggested to contribute to auto-immune diseases, such as lupus. This review examines these current hypotheses concerning how this dosage compensation mechanism might impact the development of lupus, shedding light on potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of the disease.
Bitter peptide prediction using graph neural networks
Authors: Srivastava Prashant , Steuer Alexandra , Ferri Francesco , Nicoli Alessandro , Schultz Kristian , Bej Saptarshi , Di Pizio Antonella , Wolkenhauer Olaf
Published: October 2024

Bitter taste is an unpleasant taste modality that affects food consumption. Bitter peptides are generated during enzymatic processes that produce functional, bioactive protein hydrolysates or during the aging process of fermented products such as cheese, soybean protein, and wine. Understanding the underlying peptide sequences responsible for bitter taste can pave the way for more efficient identification of these peptides. This paper presents BitterPep-GCN, a feature-agnostic graph convolution network for bitter peptide prediction. The graph-based model learns the embedding of amino acids in the bitter peptide sequences and uses mixed pooling for bitter classification. BitterPep-GCN was benchmarked using BTP640, a publicly available bitter peptide dataset. The latent peptide embeddings generated by the trained model were used to analyze the activity of sequence motifs responsible for the bitter taste of the peptides. Particularly, we calculated the activity for individual amino acids and dipeptide, tripeptide, and tetrapeptide sequence motifs present in the peptides. Our analyses pinpoint specific amino acids, such as F, G, P, and R, as well as sequence motifs, notably tripeptide and tetrapeptide motifs containing FF, as key bitter signatures in peptides. This work not only provides a new predictor of bitter taste for a more efficient identification of bitter peptides in various food products but also gives a hint into the molecular basis of bitterness.

Scientific Contribution

Our work provides the first application of Graph Neural Networks for the prediction of peptide bitter taste. The best-developed model, BitterPep-GCN, learns the embedding of amino acids in the bitter peptide sequences and uses mixed pooling for bitter classification. The embeddings were used to analyze the sequence motifs responsible for the bitter taste.
Alkali-Silica Reaction and Residual Mechanical Properties of High-Strength Mortar Containing Waste Glass Fine Aggregate and Supplementary Cementitious Materials
Authors: Eu Hamin , Kim Gyuyong , Son Minjae , Sasui Sasui , Lee Yaechan , Choi Hyeonggil , Kang Sukpyo , Nam Jeongsoo
Published: October 2024

This paper presents the influence of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and waste glass fine aggregate (GA), on the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in high-strength and normal-strength mortar using an accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT). Residual mechanical properties and scanning electron micrographs were used to assess the changes in the matrix. GA reduced the mechanical properties of both normal-strength (NGA_OPC) and high-strength mortars (HGA_OPC), contributing to a decline in overall performance. This phenomenon was a result of the slipping of the GA from the matrix owing to its smooth surface. However, the inclusion of reactive SF and GGBS in the HGA improved the slip phenomenon of the GA, leading to a significant enhancement in its mechanical properties. Following the ASR expansion measurement, HGA_OPC demonstrated an ASR expansion rate approximately three times higher than that of NGA_OPC. This was attributed to the dense structure of HGA_OPC, which resulted in greater expansion than that of NGA_OPC. However, with the incorporation of SCMs into both HGA and NGA, a significant reduction in ASR expansion was observed. This was attributed to the delayed ASR of GA due to alkali activation or the pozzolanic reaction of the SCMs. Continuous exposure to the AMBT environment can lead to the destruction of GA. This was caused by the inner ASR that originated from the surface crack of the GA, which resulted in a reduction in the flexural strength of the mortar. The HGA with SF exhibited the highest resistance to ASR expansion and residual mechanical properties’ degradation. Therefore, various durability and long-term performance-monitoring studies on ultra-high-performance concrete or high-strength cementitious composites with very high SF contents and GA can be conducted.
Viromes vs. mixed community metagenomes: choice of method dictates interpretation of viral community ecology
Authors: Kosmopoulos James C. , Klier Katherine M. , Langwig Marguerite V. , Tran Patricia Q. , Anantharaman Karthik
Published: October 2024

Background

Viruses, the majority of which are uncultivated, are among the most abundant biological entities on Earth. From altering microbial physiology to driving community dynamics, viruses are fundamental members of microbiomes. While the number of studies leveraging viral metagenomics (viromics) for studying uncultivated viruses is growing, standards for viromics research are lacking. Viromics can utilize computational discovery of viruses from total metagenomes of all community members (hereafter metagenomes) or use physical separation of virus-specific fractions (hereafter viromes). However, differences in the recovery and interpretation of viruses from metagenomes and viromes obtained from the same samples remain understudied.

Results

Here, we compare viral communities from paired viromes and metagenomes obtained from 60 diverse samples across human gut, soil, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Overall, viral communities obtained from viromes had greater species richness and total viral genome abundances than those obtained from metagenomes, although there were some exceptions. Despite this, metagenomes still contained many viral genomes not detected in viromes. We also found notable differences in the predicted lytic state of viruses detected in viromes vs metagenomes at the time of sequencing. Other forms of variation observed include genome presence/absence, genome quality, and encoded protein content between viromes and metagenomes, but the magnitude of these differences varied by environment.

Conclusions

Overall, our results show that the choice of method can lead to differing interpretations of viral community ecology. We suggest that the choice of whether to target a metagenome or virome to study viral communities should be dependent on the environmental context and ecological questions being asked. However, our overall recommendation to researchers investigating viral ecology and evolution is to pair both approaches to maximize their respective benefits.
Psychosocial impacts of post-disaster compensation processes: narrative systematic review
Authors: Brooks Samantha K. , Rogers M. Brooke , Wessely Simon , Patel Sonny S. , Greenberg Neil
Published: October 2024

After disasters, many people seek compensation for physical, psychological or economic damages. However, compensation processes can be perceived as arduous and unfair and potentially create stress for both individuals and communities. This systematic review explored the psychosocial impacts of post-disaster compensation processes, including compensation sought through both litigation and government assistance programmes. We searched seven databases, hand-searched reference lists of included studies, and used thematic analysis to synthesise results of included studies. We screened 6,532 papers, ultimately including 66 in the review. While we found mixed evidence regarding the relationship between individual mental health and the compensation process, many studies suggested the process placed demands on emotional resources and could cause stress. Numerous challenges of the compensation process were described, including complicated paperwork, lengthy processes, inadequate information, confusing eligibility criteria, lack of inter-agency cooperation, poor understanding of communities’ unique needs, insufficient pay-outs, and politicisation of the process. Inequities in compensation distribution introduced additional stress to already traumatised communities, who often experienced resentment, envy and conflict. The mixed nature of the relationship between mental health and the compensation process was evident in research trends where a small number of studies reported positive findings related to relating to gratitude, helpfulness of compensation and strengthened community relationships, while a substantial number of others reported negative impacts including higher mental health problems. Positive and negative impacts were reported for both litigation and non-litigation compensation-seeking. The nuanced dynamics of these findings are described in greater detail within the paper. It is important that compensation regulators consider the potential impacts on individuals and communities and take steps to address compensation inequities. This enhanced understanding of how those affected by disasters can rebuild their lives and furthering understanding of how to support them will enable evidence-based approaches to building resilience and planning for long-term recovery. Significant compensation process improvements could be realised by ensuring clear communication and transparent decision-making. Overall, this review underscores the importance of ensuring that compensation processes are fair and straightforward so they can repair material losses without deteriorating the social norms and relationships of affected communities.
Intracranial epidural hematoma after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: a case report
Authors: Nagasaka Hiroshi , Horikoshi Yuta , Nakamura Tina , Hoshijima Hiroshi , Imamachi Noritaka , Doi Katsushi , Mieda Tsutomu
Published: October 2024

Background

Although subdural hematoma is a rare complication after spinal anesthesia, there have been no reports of an intracranial epidural hematoma after cesarean section with spinal anesthesia.

Case presentation

A 32-year-old nulliparous woman at the 35th week of a twin pregnancy underwent an emergency cesarean section due to her first contraction. She had no preoperative complications and the spinal anesthesia was uneventful, with 0.5% bupivacaine 12 mg and fentanyl 15 µg from the L3/4 intervertebral space. She complained of headache and nausea 15 min after spinal anesthesia, demonstrating a consciousness disturbance after surgery. Computed tomography 2 h after the cesarean section revealed an intracranial epidural hematoma. She underwent decompressive craniotomy 1 h later.

Conclusion

This case highlights the possible development of an intracranial epidural hematoma in low-risk obstetric patients.
True congenital shoulder dislocation: a case report
Authors: Dandawate Aditi , Narkhede Nilima , Weling Rajaram , Devpura Mukesh
Published: October 2024

Background

Congenital shoulder dislocation due to shoulder girdle malformation is called true congenital shoulder dislocation. It is an extremely rare disorder as compared with traumatic dislocation or secondary to brachial plexus injury.

Case presentation

We report a case of atraumatic true congenital shoulder dislocation, one of the few reported cases across the world. The baby was born of a preterm caesarean section at 30 weeks of gestation, ruling out any perinatal trauma. The baby presented with a lateral shoulder crease and reduced movements of the affected upper limb. The diagnosis was confirmed with radiographs and a sonography that ruled out physeal injury. Treatment involved prompt closed reduction and stabilization by swathing in an adducted internally rotated position for two weeks.

Conclusion

Owing to the rarity of this condition, the case is being reported to be archived with a handful of other such cases.
Evaluation of tuber quality, yield and yield related traits of potato (
Solanum tuberosum
L.) genotypes at Holetta, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Seid Ebrahim , Tessema Lemma
Published: October 2024

In Ethiopia, potato is a food security and income generating crop for millions of smallholder farmers. Previous research efforts related to variety development was focusing on tube yield and late blight resistance with wide adaptability. So far, the potato research program in the country however, devoted less on tuber quality traits and processing parameters except few recently released varieties that considered tuber quality traits for processing. These few potato varieties with processing qualities not yet satisfied the ever-emerging processing industries for chips and French fries in the country. Hence, this study aimed to seek evaluating more potato genotypes that have merits for tuber quality traits used for processing and yield attributes. The experiment was laid out in a randomized completed block design with three replications using 24 potato genotypes to evaluate the processing quality traits of advanced potato genotypes at Holetta Agricultural Research Centre in 2017 main cropping season. The results of the analysis of variance revealed that all the traits showed significant differences among the genotypes indicating there is wide genetic variation. The highest and significantly different tuber physical quality traits of geometric mean diameter and surface area was recorded from CIP395017.229, sphericity of the tuber from CIP396027.205, and length to width ratio from CIP399075.7. The specific gravity of tubers, dry matter content and total starch content also ranged from 1.070 to 1.103 gcm
−3
, 18.67 to 25.75%, and 12.64% to 18.95%, respectively. The five advanced genotypes CIP398098.65, CIP392617.54, CIP398190.404, CIP394611.112, and C398190.89 were selected for their high total tuber yields over 36.80 t/ha, with more than 31.47 t/ha marketable tuber yield, greeter than 69.92 g/tuber average tuber weight, higher than 58.41 mm
3
geometric mean diameter, more than 21.25% dry matter content, excellent tuber characteristics and processing quality traits for chips and French fries making. From this study, selection of potato genotypes that consider both external and internal tuber quality traits would expedite the process of advancing ample potato varieties with processing qualities in the country considering comprehensive study by including more potato genotypes across wider growing environments.
Poroelasticity and rock-physics templates
Authors: Russell Brian , Goodway Bill , Avseth Per
Published: October 2024

Two common rock-physics templates that are used to identify the geologic facies and fluid trends derived from well log or prestack inverted seismic data involve crossplotting the [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] ratio against acoustic impedance, [Formula: see text] (the product of P-wave velocity [Formula: see text] and density [Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] against [Formula: see text], wherein [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the Lamé coefficients extracted from the P- and S-wave velocity, called the LambdaMuRho (LMR) method. Using well-log examples from an Alberta gas well and a deeper North Sea oil well, we show how to superimpose the constant [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] curves on a [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] versus [Formula: see text] crossplot, which produce the orthogonal trends of stiffness or porosity (from [Formula: see text]) and fluid saturation (from [Formula: see text]) that match the data trends reasonably well. We then consider the related technique of KMuRho (KMR), wherein K represents the bulk modulus and show how to superimpose the constant [Formula: see text] trends on a [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] versus [Formula: see text] crossplot. Again, we obtain the orthogonal trends of stiffness or porosity (from [Formula: see text]) and fluid saturation (from [Formula: see text]), but the fit to our real data examples is less accurate than with LMR. Using the Biot-Gassmann poroelasticity theory, we generalize the LMR and KMR approaches into a technique we call FluidMuRho (FMR). In the FMR techniques, we introduce two new fitting parameters, f and d, wherein f is a fluid term derived from the Biot-Gassmann theory, and d is the dry rock [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] ratio squared. When we superimpose the fluid trends from the FMR technique on our two well-log data sets and adjust the f and d parameters, we achieve accurate fits to the data sets. Finally, we apply the FMR technique to a seismic case study from the Gulf of Mexico. In an appendix, we compare the FMR technique to the empirical curved pseudo-elastic impedance and pseudo-elastic impedance for lithology methods.
Dual Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Melanoma and PD-L1 Expression: The Jury Is Still Out
Authors: Schmitt Andreas Michael , Larkin James , Patel Sapna P.
Published: October 2024

This comment discusses the use of PD-L1 as a biomarker to guide treatment decisions for metastatic melanoma.
Identification of Lipomatous Metaplasia in a Cortisol-secreting Adrenocortical Adenoma Treated With Mifepristone
Authors: Rao Abhinav K , Nguyen Trang Minh Thi , Magri Jenna Brennan , Mathews Joseph Wolfgang
Published: October 2024

Adrenal adenomas are benign tumors of the adrenal cortex that may secrete excess hormones, such as cortisol. They are most commonly discovered during imaging studies for unrelated problems. Lipomatous metaplasia is a rare degenerative change in adrenal adenomas, characterized by the presence of adipose tissue and hematopoietic elements within the tumor. In this report, we present a case of an adrenal adenoma with lipomatous metaplasia in a patient with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type II diabetes mellitus. The discovery of this adrenal mass was prompted by an evaluation of the patient's progressive hirsutism. The tumor was found to be secreting cortisol, leading to Cushing syndrome. The patient subsequently underwent surgical resection of the mass after being treated with mifepristone. The histopathological examination confirmed it to be an adrenal cortical neoplasm with lipomatous metaplasia, characterized by uncertain malignant potential. The patient did well postoperatively. Three months after left adrenalectomy, the patient's hirsutism, A1c, and hypertension improved, allowing a reduction in antihypertensives. Her body mass index stabilized, her triglyceride decreased, and her dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate level normalized. She continued to do well at follow-up visits. Overall, this was a rare case of a functioning adrenal adenoma with lipomatous metaplasia, presenting both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Social interactions among ants are impacted by food availability and group size
Authors: Guo Xiaohui , Hasenjager Matthew J. , Fefferman Nina H. , Pinter-Wollman Noa
Published: October 2024

Social interactions are important for how societies function, conferring robustness and resilience to environmental changes. The structure of social interactions can shape the dynamics of information and goods transmission. In addition, the availability and types of resources that are transferred might impact the structure of interaction networks. For example, storable resources might reduce the required speed of distribution and altering interaction structure can facilitate such change. Here, we use Camponotus fragilis ants as a model system to examine how social interactions are impacted by group size, food availability, and food type. We compare global- and individual-level network measures across experiments in which groups of different sizes received limited or unlimited food that is either favorable and cannot be stored (carbohydrates), or unfavorable but with a potential of being stored (protein). We found that in larger groups, individuals interacted with more social partners and connected more individuals, and interaction networks became more compartmentalized. Furthermore, the number of individuals that ants interacted with and the distance they traveled both increased when food was limited compared to when it was unlimited. Our findings highlight how biological systems can adjust their interaction networks in ways that relate to their function. The study of such biological flexibility can inspire novel and important solutions to the design of robust and resilient supply chains.
The Rate of Water Safety Team Interventions in High Diving, A Survey of Elite Athletes Performing between 2009 and 2021
Authors: Zimmermann Wes O. , Lobue Steven , Colturi David , Mitrione Kyle , Gerrard David
Published: October 2024

There is a paucity of sport-specific safety data on high diving. This paper describes the results of a survey of all athletes competing in elite international competitions between 2009 and 2021.

Sixty-eight athletes completed surveys, representing a response rate of 80%. The rate of water safety team interventions was calculated at one intervention per 295 high dives for the men (0.34%) and one intervention per 265 high dives for the women (0.38%). After safety team intervention, 26% of the male and 42% of the female divers required hospital evaluation.

Circumstances reported by high divers that may contribute to an incident were performing a new dive (<10 repetitions), body position at water entry, and environmental factors such as water movement and cold ambient temperature. Statistically, a water safety team will intervene once or twice per 4-d tournament. Injury and illness surveillance both during tournaments and year-round is recommended.
Τα χαρακτηριστικά του αύλειου χώρου των νηπιαγωγείων της Θεσσαλονίκης: Απόψεις νηπιαγωγών
Authors: Γκλούμπου Αλεξάνδρα , Δημητρίου Αναστασία
Published: October 2024

Οι αύλειοι χώροι αποτελούν βασικό στοιχείο του σχολικού περιβάλλοντος, ένα υλικό και κοινωνικό πλαίσιο, που περιλαμβάνει έναν γεωμετρικά διαμορφωμένο χώρο που χρησιμοποιείται από ομάδες ανθρώπων που μοιράζονται κοινά ενδιαφέροντα και ανάγκες. Τα φυσικά και τεχνητά στοιχεία των αύλειων χώρων προκαλούν ποικίλα ερεθίσματα που προσφέρουν πολλές ευκαιρίες δράσης, αλληλεπίδρασης και ανάπτυξης εκπαιδευτικών δραστηριοτήτων που συμβάλλουν στην ανάπτυξη των παιδιών. Σκοπός της έρευνάς μας ήταν να καταγραφούν τα χαρακτηριστικά του αύλειου χώρου των δημόσιων νηπιαγωγείων του Νομού Θεσσαλονίκης και οι τρόποι  αξιοποίησης τους στην ανάπτυξη των παιδιών σύμφωνα με τις απόψεις των  νηπιαγωγών που υπηρετούν σε αυτά και οι προτάσεις που διατυπώνουν για τη   βελτίωσή τους. Η συλλογή των δεδομένων έγινε με ηλεκτρονικό ερωτηματολόγιο σε google form το οποίο περιλάμβανε ερωτήσεις ανοιχτού και κλειστού τύπου. Η ανάλυση των δεδομένων έγινε στις ανοιχτές ερωτήσεις με θεματική ανάλυση περιεχομένου και στις κλειστές ερωτήσεις με ποσοτική ανάλυση με τη χρήση του στατιστικού εργαλείου SPSS. Τα βασικά συμπεράσματα έδειξαν ότι οι νηπιαγωγοί θεωρούν απαραίτητη την ύπαρξη αύλειου χώρου, κυρίως για υλοποίηση εκπαιδευτικών δραστηριοτήτων, για την ανάπτυξη του παιδιού και για το παιχνίδι. Τα περισσότερα νηπιαγωγεία φαίνεται ότι διαθέτουν κάποιου είδους εξοπλισμό με κυριότερο τα πλαστικά παιχνίδια και τις ξύλινες σταθερές κατασκευές. Ένα μεγάλο ποσοστό αύλειων χώρων διαθέτει κάποιου είδους πράσινου, αν και το τσιμέντο είναι το υλικό που υπερισχύει. Ωστόσο, το  επίπεδο του πρασίνου στην  αυλή του νηπιαγωγείου φαίνεται να επηρεάζει τον βαθμό στον οποίο εκείνη προσφέρει δυνατότητες παιχνιδιού, άθλησης και κινητικών δραστηριοτήτων στα παιδιά. Τα επίπεδα θορύβου δεν φάνηκε να παρουσιάζουν διαφοροποίηση ανάλογα με την περιοχή όπου βρισκόταν το νηπιαγωγείο και οι νηπιαγωγοί δήλωναν ότι δεν ενοχλούνταν από αυτόν.
In vivo immunomodulatory effect and safety of MSC-derived secretome
Authors: Agung Nugrahaningsih Dwi Aris , Purwadi Purwadi , Sarifin Is , Bachtiar Indra , Sunarto Sunarto , Ubaidillah Ubaidillah , Larasati Ines , Satriyo Pamungkas Bagus , Setiasari Dicka Wahyu , Hasanah Maria Nur , At-thobari Jarir , Mubarika Sofia
Published: October 2024

Background: Secretomes have been gaining interest in treating several diseases due to their pharmaceutical effects, such as the immunomodulatory effect. This study aimed to determine the immunomodulatory effect of secretomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their safety. Methods: We conducted an in vivo immunomodulatory study using a carbon clearance assay. The safety of single-dose administration of secretome was done using fixed-dose methods of acute toxicity test. Results: The phagocytic index was higher in mice treated with secretome than in untreated mice. The acute toxicity study also showed that the administration of secretome derived from human umbilical cord MSCs did not change the mice’s body weight, physical examination results, organ weight, and gross anatomy examination. Conclusions: This study presents the potential of secretome derived from MSCs as a safe immunomodulatory agent.
Psychological well-being of travellers on long-distance shipping voyages: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Kpeno Audifax , Rout Twinkle , Sahu Pratap Kumar , Sharma Nachieketa Khamari , Sahoo Surjeet , Pattanaik Deepak Kumar
Published: October 2024

The psychosocial well-being of every individual is as important as the well-being of long-distance voyages, especially that they have to spend longer hours and days travelling to their destinations with all the experiences of adventure and adversities characterizing the journey. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the psychosocial well-being of long-distance travellers on board shipping vessels to gain an understanding of their psychological and social well-being with the objective of ameliorating the adversities associated with these travels. A systematic review will be conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (2020) statement. The databases to be searched for the data will be limited to Scopus, Web of Science, and Advanced Google Scholar using keywords selected by the reviewers. Meta-analysis, narrative synthesis, or both will be used depending on the extent of heterogeneity across eligible observational studies included in the review. Some specific countries will be selected for data extraction, and only data published in English will be included. It is expected that the findings from this review will bring to bear if these categories of travellers are prone to risks that affect their psychosocial wellbeing and if so discovered. This protocol was registered with the PROSPERO. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024517277(08/03/2024)
Vasectomy provider decision-making balancing autonomy and non-maleficence: qualitative interviews with providers
Authors: Hoover Alison T. , Shattuck Dominick , Andes Karen L.
Published: October 2024

Background Male sterilization, or vasectomy, is 99.9% effective at preventing pregnancy with less than a 2% risk of complications. Despite the high efficacy, low risk, low cost, and gender equity benefits of vasectomy, just 2% of women reported that they and their partners relied on vasectomy as their contraceptive method globally in 2019. Health care providers can be both a facilitator and a barrier in men’s health generally, and may be in vasectomy provision as well. This study sought to describe the decision-making rationales of experienced vasectomy providers when evaluating patient candidacy in complex cases. Methods Fifteen vasectomy providers belonging to the global Vasectomy Network Google Group from seven countries participated in online interviews using a semi-structured in-depth interview guide. Providers were asked about their vasectomy training, their reasons for vasectomy provision, challenging cases they have faced, and approaches used to manage challenging cases. Vignettes were used to further elicit decision-making rationale. Thematic analysis was conducted using MAXQDA20. Results Provider decision-making was predicated on ensuring patients were well-informed, able to consent, and certain about their choice to have a vasectomy. Once those foundational conditions were met, providers filtered patient characteristics through their training, laws and policies, sociocultural norms, experience, and peer influence to produce a cost-benefit breakdown. Based on the cost-benefit analysis, providers determined whether to weigh autonomy or non-maleficence more heavily when determining vasectomy patient candidacy. Conclusions Despite clinical best practices that promote prioritizing patient autonomy over non-maleficence, some providers continued to weigh non-maleficence over autonomy in vasectomy patient candidacy evaluations. Non-maleficence was particularly prioritized in cases providers deemed to be at higher risk of regret. The findings of this study suggest vasectomy provider training should emphasize evidence-based best practices in shared decision-making and patient-centered care to facilitate vasectomy provision that honors patient autonomy and rights.
Mapping secondary data gaps for social simulation modelling: A case study of the journeys of Syrian asylum seekers to Europe
Authors: Nurse Sarah , Hinsch Martin , Bijak Jakub
Published: October 2024

Simulation models of social processes may require data that are not readily available, have low accuracy, are incomplete or biased. The paper presents a formal process for collating, assessing, selecting, and using secondary data as part of creating, validating, and documenting an agent-based simulation model of a complex social process, in this case, asylum seekers’ journeys to Europe. The process starts by creating an inventory of data sources, and the associated metadata, followed by assessing different aspects of data quality according to pre-defined criteria. As a result, based on the typology of available data, we are able to produce a thematic map of the area under study, and assess the uncertainty of key data sources, at least qualitatively. We illustrate the process by looking at the data on Syrian migration to Europe in 2011–21. In parallel, successive stages of the development of a simulation model allow for identifying key types of information which are needed as input into empirically grounded modelling analysis. Juxtaposing the available evidence and model requirements allows for identifying knowledge gaps that need filling, preferably by collecting additional primary data, or, failing that, by carrying out a sensitivity analysis for the assumptions made. By doing so, we offer a way of formalising the data collection process in the context of model-building endeavours, while allowing the modelling to be predominantly question-driven rather than purely data-driven. The paper concludes with recommendations with respect to data and evidence, both for modellers, as well as model users in practice-oriented applications.
Artistic expression as a property of resonant musical experience: an interview study with upper secondary school music teachers
Authors: Tullberg Markus
Published: October 2024

Background The curriculum for the courses given at the music specialization of the upper secondary school’s aesthetic program in Sweden includes the concept of artistic expression (AE). Being a criterion for assessment, no definition is provided by the National Agency of Education and there exists no consensus of how to interpret artistic expression among music teachers and music teacher students. Methods In order to explore how teachers understand, teach, and assess the concept and phenomenon of artistic expression, twelve qualitative interviews with music teachers were conducted and analyzed through an open coding process. Results The findings show that the concept of artistic expression is multifaceted and evasive. The results focus on two analytic threads: (i) situatedness and (ii) entanglement. (i) AE is situated due to context-specific parameters which underpins the meaning of the concept in this particular educational setting. (ii) Furthermore, the phenomenon of artistic expression is entangled (a) with the ongoing relationship between teacher and student, and (b) in a temporally unfolding and interactive musical event. The phenomenon of artistic expression as entangled is discussed, primarily through Hartmut Rosa’s concept of resonance, which brings into focus the intersubjective character of aesthetic experience. Doing so questions understandings of – and assessment procedures surrounding – artistic expression that relies on skill-based interpretations or reductions of entanglement. One example of such reduction is assessment of recordings of student performances which limits (a) the relational perspective (if assessed by a third person) or (b) the entanglement with the musical event. The perspective of resonance brings forth the teacher’s role during a student performance as characterized by self-efficacy and active listening, thus co-constitutive of artistic expression. Conclusions The article concludes with reflections on how the findings may contribute to the continuous discussion on how scientific grounding and proven experience may inform both the music education at upper secondary school and music teacher education. The concept of resonance provides a possibility to reframe conceptions of artistic competence in art education as being grounded in intersubjective and relational terms, rather than being reified as a set of measurable skills, an understanding which in turn risks replacing learning with criteria compliance.
Problems and Trends in the Development of Science in Modern Russia
Authors: Basovskaya Elena , Basovskiy Leonid
Published: October 2024

The work provides assessments of activities in the field of science, in the field of research and development. The research was carried out on the basis of constructing econometric models using Rosstat data. One of the main trends is the reduction of internal costs and state budget expenditures on research and development. The profitability of assets for carrying out scientific research and development is falling, and if current trends continue, the field of activity in question will become economically ineffective in the coming years. The number of patent applications filed by Russian applicants is falling. The human resources potential of science is declining. At the same time, there is a decrease in the number of doctors and candidates of sciences at such a pace that if the current trends continue, in 35 years there will be no doctors of sciences left in the country, and in 45 years there will be no candidates of sciences left in the country. Another trend is a decrease in the proportion of graduate students who defended their candidate of science dissertations in a timely manner. If current trends continue, there will be no postgraduate graduates who have defended their Ph.D. dissertations in a timely manner over the coming years.
Uneven Distribution of Gross Product: Regional Aspect
Authors: Averina Tatyana
Published: October 2024

The analysis of the relationship between the accumulated values of the specific weight of regions in the total population and the volume of the country's gross domestic product made it possible to obtain an assessment of the uneven distribution of the GRP per capita indicator across the regions of the Russian Federation. The article presents intermediate and final results of the calculations.
The Lorenz and Gini coefficients were used as indicators of regional differentiation. For the analyzed period, a relationship was found between the rates of
economic growth and the level of inequality of regions.