bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal spatial availability: A singly-constrained measure of accessibility considering multiple modes
Authors: Soukhov Anastasia , Tarriño-Ortiz Javier , Soria-Lara Julio A. , Páez Antonio
Published: February 2024

Place-based accessibility measures communicate the potential interaction with opportunities at a zone that populations can access. Recent research has explored the implications of how opportunities are counted by different accessibility methods. In conventional measures, opportunities are multiply counted if more than one zone offers access to the same opportunity. This multi-count of opportunities leads to values of accessibility that are difficult to interpret. A possible solution to enhance the meaning-making of accessibility results is by constraining the calculations to match a known quantity. This ensures all zonal values sum up to a predetermined quantity (i.e., the total number of opportunities). In this way, each value can be meaningfully related to this total. A recent effort that implements this solution is spatial availability, a singly-constrained accessibility measure. In this paper, we extend spatial availability for use in the case of multiple modes or more generally, heterogeneous population segments with distinct travel behaviors. After deriving a multimodal version of spatial availability, we proceed to illustrate its features using a synthetic example. We then apply it to an empirical example of low emission zones in Madrid, Spain. We conclude with suggestions for future research and its use in evaluating policy interventions.
Robust control chart for nonlinear conditionally heteroscedastic time series based on Huber support vector regression
Authors: Kim Chang Kyeom , Yoon Min Hyeok , Lee Sangyeol
Published: February 2024

This study proposes a control chart that monitors conditionally heteroscedastic time series by integrating the Huber support vector regression (HSVR) and the one-class classification (OCC) method. For this task, we consider the model that incorporates nonlinearity to the generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroscedastic (GARCH) time series, named HSVR-GARCH, to robustly estimate the conditional volatility when the structure of time series is not specified with parameters. Using the squared residuals, we construct the OCC-based control chart that does not require any posterior modifications of residuals unlike previous studies. Monte Carlo simulations reveal that deploying squared residuals from the HSVR-GARCH model to control charts can be immensely beneficial when the underlying model becomes more complicated and contaminated with noises. Moreover, a real data analysis with the Nasdaq composite index and Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) datasets further disclose the validity of using the bootstrap method in constructing control charts.
The perception of Mandarin speech conveying communicative functions in Chinese heroin addicts
Authors: Geng Puyang , Fan Ningxue , Ling Rong , Guo Hong , Lu Qimeng , Chen Xingwen
Published: February 2024

Drug addiction can cause severe damage to the human brain, leading to significant problems in cognitive processing, such as irritability, speech distortions, and exaggeration of negative stimuli. Speech plays a fundamental role in social interaction, including both the production and perception. The ability to perceive communicative functions conveyed through speech is crucial for successful interpersonal communication and the maintaining good social relationships. However, due to the limited number of previous studies, it remains unclear whether the cognitive disorder caused by drug addiction affects the perception of communicative function conveyed in Mandarin speech. To address this question, we conducted a perception experiment involving sixty male participants, including 25 heroin addicts and 35 healthy controls. The experiment aimed to examine the perception of three communicative functions (i.e., statement, interrogative, and imperative) under three background noise conditions (i.e., no noise, SNR [Signal to Noise Ratio] = 10, and SNR = 0). Eight target sentences were first recorded by two native Mandarin speakers for each of the three communicative functions. Each half was then combined with Gaussian White Noise under two background noise conditions (i.e., SNR = 10 and SNR = 0). Finally, 48 speech stimuli were included in the experiment with four options provided for perceptual judgment. The results showed that, under the three noise conditions, the average perceptual accuracies of the three communicative functions were 80.66% and 38% for the control group and the heroin addicts, respectively. Significant differences were found in the perception of the three communicative functions between the control group and the heroin addicts under the three noise conditions, except for the recognition of imperative under strong noise condition (i.e., SNR = 0). Moreover, heroin addicts showed good accuracy (around 50%) in recognizing imperative and poor accuracy (i.e., lower than the chance level) in recognizing interrogative. This paper not only fills the research gap in the perception of communicative functions in Mandarin speech among drug addicts but also enhances the understanding of the effects of drugs on speech perception and provides a foundation for the speech rehabilitation of drug addicts.
miR-328-3p targets TLR2 to ameliorate oxygen-glucose deprivation injury and neutrophil extracellular trap formation in HUVECs via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Yao Mengting , Fang Chucun , Wang Zilong , Guo Tianting , Wu Dongwen , Ma Jiacheng , Wu Jian , Mo Jianwen
Published: February 2024

Background

Endothelial cell injury is one of the important pathogenic mechanisms in thrombotic diseases, and also neutrophils are involved. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to act as essential players in endothelial cell injury, but the potential molecular processes are unknown. In this study, we used cellular tests to ascertain the protective effect of miR-328-3p on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD).

Methods

In our study, an OGD-induced HUVECs model was established, and we constructed lentiviral vectors to establish stable HUVECs cell lines. miR-328-3p and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) interacted, as demonstrated by the dual luciferase reporter assay. We used the CCK8, LDH release, and EdU assays to evaluate the proliferative capacity of each group of cells. To investigate the expression of TLR2, p-P65 NF-κB, P65 NF-κB, NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18, we employed Western blot and ELISA. Following OGD, each group’s cell supernatants were gathered and co-cultured with neutrophils. An immunofluorescence assay and Transwell assay have been performed to determine whether miR-328-3p/TLR2 interferes with neutrophil migration and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation.

Results

In OGD-treated HUVECs, the expression of miR-328-3p is downregulated. miR-328-3p directly targets TLR2, inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway, and reverses the proliferative capacity of OGD-treated HUVECs, while inhibiting neutrophil migration and neutrophil extracellular trap formation.

Conclusions

miR-328-3p inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway in OGD-treated HUVECs while inhibiting neutrophil migration and NETs formation, and ameliorating endothelial cell injury, which provides new ideas for the pathogenesis of thrombotic diseases.
Resource and location sharing in wireless networks
Authors: Stegehuis Clara , Weedage Lotte
Published: February 2024

With more and more demand from devices to use wireless communication networks, there has been an increased interest in resource sharing among operators, to give a better link quality. However, in the analysis of the benefits of resource sharing among these operators, the important factor of co-location is often overlooked. Indeed, often in wireless communication networks, different operators co-locate: they place their base stations at the same locations due to cost efficiency. We therefore use stochastic geometry to investigate the effect of co-location on the benefits of resource sharing. We develop an intricate relation between the co-location factor and the optimal radius to operate the network, which shows that indeed co-location is an important factor to take into account. We also investigate the limiting behavior of the expected gains of sharing, and find that for unequal operators, sharing may not always be beneficial when taking co-location into account.
Longitudinal patterns of provided oral healthcare services to Dutch young patients: An observational study
Authors: Hummel Riët , den Boer Joost , van der Heijden Geert , van der Sanden Wil , Bruers Josef
Published: February 2024

General dental practitioners (GDPs) differ in the preventive and curative care they provide to their young patients. This may be related to variation in the caries risk of patients, but also to differing opinions among GDPs about ’proper care’. Longitudinal data offers the possibility to make care patterns of GDPs comparable and to reveal possible treatment variation between GDPs. GDPs who participated in this study delivered data on the oral healthcare services (OHS) they provided to young patients during the period 2013–2017. Subsequently, data from patients who received regular OHS for 4 to 5 years were used in the analyses. Based on this, longitudinal preventive and curative care patterns were distinguished. Patients were divided into 3 preventive care patterns: no prevention, occasional prevention, and regular prevention. Furthermore, 3 curative care patterns were distinguished: no curation, curation in 1 year, and curation in several years. These care patterns were then combined. In addition, patients were classified into caries risk categories based on the caries-related treatments they received over a 2-year period: low (no procedures), elevated (1 procedure), and high (2 or more procedures). The caries risk based on the first 2 years and the last 2 years in the dataset were combined into a longitudinal caries risk profile. The most frequent combined care pattern (35.8%) was no curation and occasional or regular prevention. The most common longitudinal caries risk profile was low at beginning and end (45.2%). Dental practices varied considerably in the distribution of curative and preventive care patterns. Thereby, no relationship was shown between curative care patterns and provided preventive care. There was also a large spread in the provided OHS within the various caries risk profiles. These diversities indicated treatment variation between GDPs, which is unwarranted if less or more care is provided than necessary.
Porcine circovirus type 2 infection promotes the SUMOylation of nucleophosmin-1 to facilitate the viral circular single-stranded DNA replication
Authors: Du Qian , Zhu Lei , Zhong Jianhui , Wei Xueqi , Zhang Qi , Shi Tengfei , Han Cong , Yin Xinhuan , Chen Xingqi , Tong Dewen , Huang Yong
Published: February 2024

The mechanism of genome DNA replication in circular single-stranded DNA viruses is currently a mystery, except for the fact that it undergoes rolling-circle replication. Herein, we identified SUMOylated porcine nucleophosmin-1 (pNPM1), which is previously reported to be an interacting protein of the viral capsid protein, as a key regulator that promotes the genome DNA replication of porcine single-stranded DNA circovirus. Upon porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection, SUMO2/3 were recruited and conjugated with the K263 site of pNPM1’s C-terminal domain to SUMOylate pNPM1, subsequently, the SUMOylated pNPM1 were translocated in nucleoli to promote the replication of PCV2 genome DNA. The mutation of the K263 site reduced the SUMOylation levels of pNPM1 and the nucleolar localization of pNPM1, resulting in a decrease in the level of PCV2 DNA replication. Meanwhile, the mutation of the K263 site prevented the interaction of pNPM1 with PCV2 DNA, but not the interaction of pNPM1 with PCV2 Cap. Mechanistically, PCV2 infection increased the expression levels of Ubc9, the only E2 enzyme involved in SUMOylation, through the Cap-mediated activation of ERK signaling. The upregulation of Ubc9 promoted the interaction between pNPM1 and TRIM24, a potential E3 ligase for SUMOylation, thereby facilitating the SUMOylation of pNPM1. The inhibition of ERK activation could significantly reduce the SUMOylation levels and the nucleolar localization of pNPM1, as well as the PCV2 DNA replication levels. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of circular single-stranded DNA virus replication and highlight NPM1 as a potential target for inhibiting PCV2 replication.
Heroism, vulnerability and care in civilian-focused wargames
Authors: Orosz-Réti Zsófia
Published: February 2024

Focusing on Liyla and the Shadows of War, Bury Me, My Love and This War of Mine through gender studies, platform studies, affect studies and theories of care, the article offers a comparative close reading analysis of the three games with an emphasis on time management, platform and affect, arguing that these games conceptualize a shift from heroism to care based on their temporality and by creating an affect of vulnerability. Liyla enacts the urgency made palpable by war, forcing the player character to abandon the time-consuming task of care. Bury Me, My Love systematically precludes heroic narratives, outlining instead a caring masculinity that relies on the affective time management of the mobile phone. Finally, the game mechanics of This War of Mine combine the time of heroism and caring – provided that the latter is an essential prerequisite for the former. The article concludes that these diegetic care templates may make players really care.
Ameliorative impacts of propolis against testicular toxicity promoted by doxorubicin
Authors: Alsyaad Khalid M.
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim: Doxorubicin (DOX) is often used as a chemotherapeutic agent, although it may damage testicular functions. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of propolis on testicular histological changes, semen parameters, and testosterone concentrations as a means of protecting against testicular damage caused by DOX chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups with 12 animals per group. The first group served as the control. Rats in the second group were administered 4 mg/kg DOX. The third group was administered 4 mg/kg of DOX and 30 mg/kg b.w. propolis. The fourth group was orally dosed daily with 30 mg/kg b.w. propolis.

Results: DOX treatment resulted in a significantly decreased weight gain (WG) rate compared with the control, whereas DOX + propolis resulted in improved WG and returned to the normal range. Testosterone levels were comparable among the experimental groups, with a significant increase in the propolis-treated group. In addition, DOX-treated groups exhibited a remarkable depletion in sperm counts, motility, and viability compared to the other groups.

Conclusion: Most of the histological and hormonal changes resulting from the toxicity of DOX returned to almost normal after treatment of rats with the aqueous extract of propolis, indicating that propolis ameliorated the effects of DOX poisoning on testicular function in male rats.

Keywords: doxorubicin, histopathology, propolis, testicular toxicity.
Dinamika Perumusan Pasal dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 12 Tahun 2022 Tentang Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Seksual Terkait Pemaksaan Perkawinan
Authors: Jannah Wildatul , Pratama Aman , Gabryella Gabryella , Matippanna Rimayun , Nugraha Septian Adi , Al Hafiz Si Yusuf
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Forced marriage is a complex phenomenon that describes the interaction between norms, religion, culture, law and human rights. This practice has been going on for a long time in Indonesia, such as the Lily marriage tradition in West Nusa Tenggara, marriage due to pregnancy/rape, early marriage and others. This research will explore how the regulations regarding forced marriage have been integrated into Law No. 12 of 2022 concerning the Crime of Sexual Violence, as well as their impact on the legal and political framework. The introduction will provide background on the steps taken by the TPKS Law from the time it was initiated until it was passed into law, as well as the actors involved in the process of formulating the law. The research method used is normative empirical. The research uses legal, social and cultural debates that arise in the context of forced marriage under Law Number 12 of 2022 concerning TPKS. Policy implications emerging from the research include consideration of the balance between recognition of cultural values and protection of human rights within the relevant legal framework. Abstrak: Pemaksaan perkawinan adalah fenomena kompleks yang menggambarkan interaksi antara norma, agama, budaya, hukum dan Hak Asasi Manusia. Praktik ini telah berlangsung lama di Indonesia, seperti tradisi kawin Lily di Nusa Tenggara Barat, perkawinan karena kehamilan/pemerkosaan, perkawinan dini dan lainnya. Penelitian ini akan menggali bagaimana aturan terkait pemaksaan perkawinan tersebut telah diintegrasikan dalam Undang-Undang No 12 Tahun 2022 tentang Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Seksual, serta dampaknya terhadap kerangka hukum dan politik. Pendahuluan akan menyajikan latar belakang tentang jejak langkah UU TPKS dari saat dicetuskan hingga disahkan menjadi UU, serta aktor yang terlibat dalam proses perumusan UU. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yakni normatif empiris. Penelitian menggunakan perdebatan hukum, sosial, budaya yang muncul dalam konteks pemaksaan perkawinan di bawah UU Nomor 12 Tahun 2022 tentang TPKS. Implikasi kebijakan yang muncul dari penelitian mencakup pertimbangan keseimbangan antara pengakuan terhadap nilai budaya dan perlindungan HAM dalam kerangka hukum yang relevan.
Development of an In Situ Hybridization Method for Detection of Akabane Virus
Authors: Toplu Nihat , Oğuzoğlu uba Çiğdem , Akkoç Ayşe Nur
Published: February 2024

Akabane virus (AKAV) is an arbovirus belonging to the family Bunyaviridae, genus Orthobunyavirus. AKAV consists of three-seg-ment (L, M, and S RNA segments), negative single-stranded RNA. The aim of this study was to investigate an in situ hybridization method (ISH) in a Vero E6 cell line infected with Akabane virus. The 320 base pair amplicon was obtained by RT-PCR with a primer pair and labeled with digoxigenin. Akabane virus RNAs were seen as a granular pattern in the cytoplasm of infected cells. As a result, the expression of the particular Akabane virus gene area was successfully disclosed in the current investigation using the ISH method with a digoxigenin-labeled probe. 
Introduction
Authors: Noble Tim
Published: February 2024

Introduction
Celebrating a decade of exercise physiology and metabolism research in physiological reports
Authors: Wright David C. , Cheng Arthur J. , MacPherson Rebecca E. K.
Published: February 2024

During its first decade of life, Physiological Reports has become a home for well‐conceived and rigorously performed exercise physiology and metabolism studies. The breadth of research within this area is impressive, covering exercise‐induced increases in skeletal muscle gene expression to the effects of exercise on the gut microbiome. The purpose of the current review is to highlight some of the impactful exercise physiology and metabolism papers published in the journal and to look ahead to what areas exercise physiology publications might address in the next 10 years.
Analysing sympathy from a contrastive pragmatic angle: a Chinese–English case study
Authors: House Juliane , Kádár Dániel Z. , Cang He
Published: February 2024

In this study, we provide a replicable language-anchored framework for capturing expressions of sympathy in interaction, by contrasting Chinese and English sympathising behaviour. Our framework combines interaction ritual and speech acts, and it captures sympathising without associating it with one particular speech act from the outset. Methodologically, we follow a tripartite design: First we identify puzzlements which ritual sympathising can trigger for Chinese expatriates living in the US and American expatriates in China. We then conduct Discourse Completion Tests (DCTs) to identify conventions of sympathising in the two linguacultures. Finally, we interpret our expatriates’ puzzlement through the outcomes of the DCT analysis.
Epistemological theft and appropriation in qualitative inquiry in applied linguistics: lessons from Halaqa
Authors: Barnawi Othman Z.
Published: February 2024

Within the current turn of decolonization in the field of applied linguistics, the dominant discourses may have little to say about exposing and disrupting the act of epistemological theft and appropriation in qualitative research methodologies, even implicitly. Epistemological theft and appropriation refer to the (in)deliberate intricate acts of dispossessing the original knowers of their epistemological ownership over certain knowledges in their research practices. This paper introduces and operationalizes Halaqa as an alternative way of theorizing and doing qualitative research that is not only anchored in non-western epistemologies but can also be employed as a means for disrupting theft and appropriation in literature review and drawing on participants’ narratives within qualitative inquiry. Through a four-month journey of dialogue with three in-service Saudi western-trained language teachers-educators-researchers in our Halaqa, we co-explored possible mechanisms that foster legitimate ownership of epistemologies and emphasize appreciating other ways of knowing that may not be necessarily aligned with our perspectives about ELT in applied linguistics research. This paper concludes with a call for a nuanced and continuous process of self-critique and reappraisal that centers ethical, moral and epistemic imperatives while doing a literature review and drawing on participants’ narratives.
Novel compound multistable stochastic resonance weak signal detection
Authors: Jiao Shangbin , Xue Qiongjie , Li Na , Gao Rui , Lv Gang , Wang Yi , Li Yvjun
Published: February 2024

The research on stochastic resonance (SR) which is used to extract weak signals from noisy backgrounds is of great theoretical significance and promising application. To address the shortcomings of the classical tristable SR model, this article proposes a novel compound multistable stochastic resonance (NCMSR) model by combining the Woods–Saxon (WS) and tristable models. The influence of the parameters of the NCMSR systems on the output response performance is studied under different α stable noises. Meanwhile, the adaptive synchronization optimization algorithm based on the proposed model is employed to achieve periodic and non-periodic signal identifications in α stable noise environments. The results show that the proposed system model outperforms the tristable system in terms of detection performance. Finally, the NCMSR model is applied to 2D image processing, which achieves great noise reduction and image recovery effects.
From Nigeria to Benin: Applying a Vendor Awareness Initiative to Combat the Counterfeit Drug Trade
Authors: Chan Veronica , Lui Iris , Lun Grace , Nagji Naushin
Published: February 2024

Nigeria and Benin are both countries that have faced a widespread epidemic of counterfeit drugs. Nigeria with the use of awareness programs and the Patent Medicine Vendors protocol was able to control the problem. Benin, on the other hand, struggled with the application of this model. This article will provide a brief introduction into the issue of counterfeit drugs and then compare Nigeria and Benin’s strategies in combating this issue.
From Policy to the Periphery: A Look at India's National Rural Health Mission
Authors: Dhillon Sheiry
Published: February 2024

Sheiry is a third year student in the Global Health Specialization of the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) Program. She spent this past summer in Northern India’s Himalayan region completing a research project for Jagori Grameen, a local non-governmental organization. The central focus of her research was to understand the various rural health standards set by the Indian government and to examine whether primary health centers in the district of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, are meeting these standards
Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein: The Key to Longevity?
Authors: Vijayakumaran Vithooshan , Dattani Neil D.
Published: February 2024

The negative attributes of cholesterol receive much attention in the media and scientific literature, with good reason. However, there are aspects of cholesterol metabolism that actually reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, variations in the gene for an important cholesterol transport protein may yield significant health benefits. This critical review outlines the basic physiology of cholesterol, discusses cholesteryl ester transfer protein and potential variations in its gene, and identifies the implications of current research in this field for the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Salim Yusuf: A Critical Look at Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Campbell Jordan , Dhillon Sheiry , Foster Caylea , Naik Hiten
Published: February 2024

Dr. Salim Yusuf, MD DPhil (Oxford), is a Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) and Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics at McMaster University. He is the director of the Population Health Research Institute and the Vice-President of Research and Chief Scientifc Officer, Hamilton Health Sciences. He was elected fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and also holds a Research Chair in Cardiology from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. His recent research interests include societal, biologic and genetic determinants of population health in developing populations, specifically in the realm of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Yusuf is regarded as a pioneer in cardiovascular disease research and epidemiology in general. By conducting ambitious, multinational studies, he has been able to take fundamental questions and ask them on a global scale. His studies have involved over 83 countries in all inhabited continents of the world.
Human V-ATPase a2 P405L Mutation Results in Cutis Laxa by Affecting V-ATPase Assembly and/or Stability
Authors: Kumar Ravi , Bhargava A. , Manolson M.
Published: February 2024

Cutis Laxa is a genetic disorder in which a patient’s skin becomes loose and inelastic. The autosomal recessive variant of this disorder has been linked to a genetic mutation in vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase). This enzyme contains a cytosolic domain, responsible for hydrolyzing ATP, and a membrane-bound domain that actively transports protons across intracellular and plasma membranes. Proton pumping regulates housekeeping functions inside the cell, resorption of bone, and acidification of urine. A human missense mutation in one of the V-ATPase subunits (a2 P405L) that causes Cutis Laxa was recreated in the yeast V-ATPase to elucidate why a single amino acid change could affect enzyme activity. The mutation recreated in the yeast V-ATPase disrupted activity based on the inability of yeast to acidify their vacuoles. The membrane domain of the mutant V-ATPase was correctly assembled and targeted to the yeast vacuole but the cytosolic domain was not attached explaining why the vacuoles were not acidic. These results suggest that the loss-of-function mutation present in cutis laxa leads to decreased V-ATPase stability and/or assembly. Further experiments will be designed to assess if the mutation results in a conformational defect, and if so, therapeutics assisting in protein folding can be explored. Such therapeutics not only hold promise for cutis laxa, but also for other V-ATPase genetic diseases such as osteopetrosis, distal renal tubular acidosis and male sterility.
The Impact of HIV/AIDS Criminalization on Awareness, Prevention and Stigma in the GTA
Authors: Chung Karen , Greene Brittany , Lax-Vanek Jessica , Rans Sofija , Shorkey Allyson , Wilson Michael
Published: February 2024

In Canada, the exposure and/or transmission of HIV is punishable by criminal law. Deficiencies in Canadian-focused research about the implications of criminalizing HIV exposure demonstrate a need for locally applicable research evidence. This study aims to investigate the impact of HIV/AIDS criminalization on awareness, prevention, and stigma in the Greater Toronto Area through a scoping review and stakeholder interviews. Eleven databases were searched and the results were reviewed for relevance. Search yielded 1301 results, 148 relevant articles. Primary research is limited to 12 articles, while the remainder is comprised of case reports, editorials, commentaries and essays (n=136). Literature highlights confusion regarding behaviours constituting “significant risk”, resulting in dif- ficulties in the application of legal precedent and uncertainty regarding HIV knowledge in the general public. Some evidence suggests that criminalization contributes to disincentives for testing and disclosure, strained therapeutic relationships, HIV related stigma, and barriers to promoting shared responsibility for safer sex. Stakeholders (policy/content experts, executive directors and front-line workers from community-based HIV/AIDS organizations) were identified, and a purposive sample invited to participate in one-on-one, semistructured interviews. Interviews depict the negative impact of criminalization on prevention efforts, heightened community awareness of prosecutions, and increased stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS. Participants recommend guideline development to optimize the use of criminal law pertaining to HIV/AIDS non-disclosure. These findings will significantly contribute to increasing primary research on the impact of HIV/AIDS criminalization in the Greater Toronto Area. Further research is necessary to characterize the impact from the perspective of people living with HIV/AIDS.
The New Canada Health Transfer: Increasing Disparity and Supporting Inertia?
Authors: Tsang Adrian , Neves Justin
Published: February 2024

The current Canada Health Transfer which distributes $27 billion in cash and $13.6 billion in tax points to the provinces to support health care, will expire in 2014. Near the end of 2011, the Harper government surprised Canadians with a take-it-or-leave-it deal, whereby the Canada Health Transfer would be delivered with no-strings-attached and a decline in the rate of increased spending starting in 2017. The proposed deal reflects a growing hands off approach to healthcare in federal politics, furthers the divide between “have” and “have-not” provinces and represents a missed policy window for implementing significant healthcare reforms.
Preventing Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Children in Developing Countries — Why it is Necessary and How it Must be Approached
Authors: Dogra Nupur
Published: February 2024

Iron deficiency (ID) has been identified as the most common nutritional deficiency condition in the world, with a high prevalence in both developed and developing countries. ID and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) affect the cognitive, socioemotional and motor development of children. Using evidence from 2002 onwards, a literature review of the impact of ID and IDA on child development and the interventions preventing them was conducted. Review of recent evidence presents 1) altered cognitive functions, 2) decreased socio-emotional development, and 3) impediment of motor skills development due to ID and IDA . In conclusion, the effects of ID and IDA on child development are significant and often irreversible. Viable and effective preventive programs, such as iron supplementation, diet diversification, food fortification and early and home interventions, are favoured over curative measures.
Internal Models of Motor Control: Reach Adaptation and Task Autism
Authors: Zuccaro Laura
Published: February 2024

The internal models theory is one of many hypotheses that aim to explain the mechanism of motor control in humans. The theory proposes that the central nervous system (CNS) forms neural representations of the external world, which are used to predict and adjust movements.1,2 Internal models have been well-studied, and this paper provides a general insight into the internal models theory before examining how subjects adapt during a reaching task.3 This reaching task, as explained via the internal models theory, will be compared between normal and disease states, specifically autism, a disorder of neural development. Through this comparison, it will be possible to determine how autistic patients differ in their motor abilities.
Dr. Sheila Singh: The Complexity of Brain Tumours
Authors: Ho Bernard , Ostrovski Ilia , Sorouri Kimia
Published: February 2024

The Meducator recently sat down with Dr. Sheila Singh, Associate Professor and scientist at the Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute at McMaster University, to discuss her ground-breaking research on brain tumour-initiating cells and her hopes for future generations of scientists. Dr. Singh explained to us how she was able to make her discovery and why the science of tumours is such an intricate one. She also shared her insights about the long road ahead for clinicianscientists and described why students should take their time with their careers.
Re-evaluating the Hierarchy of Evidence: What is the Gold Standard?
Authors: Tang Brandon , Wan Stephanie J.
Published: February 2024

On October 16, 1846, William Morton took part in an operation to remove a tumour from a patient’s neck. However, this surgery was unlike any other that had been completed before. 1 Morton’s stage was the local surgical amphitheater in the Massachusetts General Hospital, and his main prop was the ether, a novel substance that promised to alleviate pain in an unprecedented manner. Within the amphitheater, scientists, dentists, and doctors eagerly awaited the awakening of Morton’s patient after the surgery. To everyone’s delight, after awakening, the patient announced that he did not feel any pain during the operation. Barely a month later, this local stage turned global when Henry Jacob Bigelow published this case study in the Boston Medical & Surgical Journal. 2,3 To this date, the birth of anesthesia is considered a landmark medical discovery.
Optimal Screening Approaches - Coordinating Optimal Screening Programs in Canada: A Multifacted Approach
Authors: Chen Eric , Qamar Hamza
Published: February 2024

Disease screening is the process of testing asymptomatic individuals for the risk or presence of disease. However, the advent of advanced screening technologies in recent decades poses a challenge to the Canadian health system. The lack of a consistent screening policy among Canadian provinces and poor adherence to screening guidelines have compounded the challenge. The McMaster Health Forum convened a stakeholder dialogue on October 17, 2013 with regards to supporting optimal screening practices in Canada. In consultation with stakeholders, the Forum created an issue brief describing the problem, three elements of a comprehensive approach to address this problem, and key implementation considerations for this approach.
Child Non-Voluntary Euthanasia: When Quality Trumps Quantity
Authors: Goyal Julia Nicole. , Vivona Salvatore Giuliano.
Published: February 2024

For decades, the medical community has debated how best to alleviate the pain and suffering of patients while respecting moral values and judgement. Throughout these years, the field of medicine has birthed new methods and technology to enhance palliative care. However, at times, the patients’ conditions only worsen and the use of treatments and medications are to no avail. In these circumstances, euthanasia provides an alternative solution to the suffering of patients and their families. Euthanasia is defined as “knowingly and intentionally performing an act that is explicitly intended to end another person’s life.” 1 It is currently legal in only eight jurisdictions around the globe. However, in late 2013, Bill 52 by the Québec legislature proposed to decriminalize euthanasia as a medical aid for death. Not only has this initiated further debate on the topic in Canada, but it may encourage other governments to consider implementing euthanasia. This opinion piece discusses how legalizing euthanasia would serve the interests of the patient and healthcare system, with a particular focus on child euthanasia
Conceived in Liberty: Acknowledging the Human Rights of the Unborn Through Opposing Gendercide
Authors: Gamble Nathan , Gamble Joel
Published: February 2024

Sex-selective abortion, also colloquially referred to as “gendercide”, has become an increasingly prevalent issue. Technological advancements have allowed parents to know the sex of their child in utero. In some ethnic groups, parents frequently abort their unborn child (almost always female) if the sex does not align with cultural desires and pressure. 1 In India and China, the problem has become so endemic that physicians are barred from notifying parents of the sex of their baby in utero. This, however, has done little to curb the problem. 2
Ebola Calls for Greater Transparency during Epidemic Emergencies
Authors: Chan Crystal , Tran Maxwell , Kwong Michelle
Published: February 2024

The McMaster Health Forum strives to be a leading hub for improvinghealth outcomes at the regional and provincial level in Canada.Through problem-solving and discussion, they harness information,convene stakeholders, and prepare action-oriented leaders to meetpressing health issues creatively.
The Elephant in the Room: Addressing Student Mental Health at McMaster University
Authors: Kurdina Anna , Kilian Alexandra , Jin Shicheng (Tony)
Published: February 2024

The McMaster Health Forum strives to be a leading hub for improvinghealth outcomes at the regional and provincial level in Canada.Through problem-solving and discussion, they harness information,convene stakeholders, and prepare action-oriented leaders to meetpressing health issues creatively.
Hypoxia in Drosophila Embryonic Development: Implications for Organ Preservation
Authors: Dong Kelly
Published: February 2024

In organ preservation, the prevalent problem has always been time: time to analyze the organ, match the organ to a recipient, store the organ, transport the organ, and transplant the organ. Due to the quick rate at which tissue deteriorates outside the body, whether that be a result of loss of blood flow or cellular damage from the hypothermic method` of storage. The experiment investigates the effect that low oxygen (hypoxia) and low temperature has on the development of embryos as an alternative that may be less detrimental. As demonstrated on the test subject Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies), both factors can induce a state of suspended animation, which is a condition in which the test subject stops aging during development. Hypoxia can successfully arrest development for up to three times the regular development time, which is around 22 hours at 25°C. At lower temperatures, a greater number of oxygen concentrations are viable and are able to induce suspended animation for a greater period of time. The results of the experiment may suggest that hypoxia is a possible alternative that may extend the time and reduce tissue damage for organ preservation.
911: What's Your Emergency?
Authors: Roche Hannah
Published: February 2024

Emergency medicine is a central branch of medicine focusing on the immediate decisions and action necessary to prevent death or disability. I have had the opportunity to observe the inner workings of the emergency medical systems both locally here in Hamilton, and globally. The stark contrast in emergency healthcare between developed and developing nations raises distinct observations regarding measures that need to be taken to address the dire need of certain situations. While in Canada we wait mere hours in sanitary emergency rooms, millions – even billions – of people around the globe may wait days, months or beyond to be seen or treated. This inevitably leads to a drastically increased, and regrettably avoidable, mortality rate. Yet the issue is not typically an isolated one. Issues of greater importance like this, in the context of a developing nation, are often rooted and symptomatic of ongoing struggles of poverty, corruption, and violence. This perspective aims to compare and contrast emergency medical systems across global platforms in an effort to bring to light the immediate need for drastic intervention. Moreover, this intervention must stem from within a national infrastructure, resulting in a concerted effort to target this devastating cycle of poverty, disease, and death.
The Incentive Bias: Subject Underreporting of Adverse Drug Effects
Authors: Breton Matthew
Published: February 2024

I discuss my experience participating in a clinical trial and my encounters with other subjects. Through this unique position I gained the perspective of the typical study participant, which led to the discovery of fears which deter subjects from reporting symptoms. This incentive bias is caused by the financial duress of many participants, resulting in a high incentive to complete the study. Changes in health go unreported reported which skews adverse drug reaction data and leads to additional costs imposed to healthcare. Clinical trials should strive to eliminate incentive bias to improve the transparency and increase reporting fidelity.
Cancer Immunology
Authors: Aditya Ishan , Kim Valerie , Chen Tony
Published: February 2024

Cancer refers to a complex set of diseases that stem from abnormal cells capable of sustaining proliferative signaling, evading growth suppressors, and resisting death. These cells may form benign tumours and may be spurred by further genetic and cellular changes to undergo carcinogenesis, thereby forming masses of cancerous tissues referred to as malignant tumours. This divergence from normal cells provokes immune responses, and the interactions between cancer cells and the immune system compose the dual role of immunoediting in both hindering and facilitating tumour development and progression.
Adderall and Ritalin: The New Caffeine?
Authors: Haponenko Hanna
Published: February 2024

Long gone are the days of lost motivation and fatigue. Adderall and Ritalin, two types of cognitive enhancers normally prescribed for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, are now being used by Canadian undergraduate students looking to increase their productivity in a progressively fast-paced world. Praising the perks while discounting the damages caused by the nonmedical ingestion of these drugs may lead individuals down a path of dependence with a flawed perception of success. To them, it is just like coffee, but treating these drugs as such is a recipe for harm. This report provides an overview of the current issues associated with the illegal ingestion of cognitive stimulants and attempts to uncover the benefits and consequences that may arise from their use.
Understanding Depression
Authors: Ge Sarah , Lu Cathy
Published: February 2024

First Infographic
Alzheimer's
Authors: Chee Jessice , Kim Valerie , Yang Bob
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer's disease is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by gradual cognitive decline. With 44 million people affected worldwide, it is one of society's most prevalent denegerative diseases. The number of Canadians suggering from Alzheimer's or a related form of dementia is estimated to double to around 1.3 million people within the next generation. This could be due to the repercussions of chronic stress over longer life expectancies.
Anne Mckeage
Authors: Chen Kevin , Lam Ashley
Published: February 2024

Anne McKeage was the former Archivist and History of Health and Medicine Librarian of the Health Sciences Library. We had the opportunity to sit down with Anne and discuss her work at McMaster. Curious to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes, we asked Anne to share with us her various experiences in gathering and organizing material for the History of Health and Medicine collection.
Insufficient funds
Authors: Hartman Malcolm , Lukich Alena , Mok Janice , Sreeram Padmaja
Published: February 2024

The McMaster Health Forum strives to be a leadinghub for improving health outcomes at the regional andprovincial levels in Canada. Through problem-solvingand discussion, the Forum harnesses information,convenes stakeholders, and prepares action-orientedleaders to meet pressing health issues creatively.
A Bioethical Critique of Short-Term Medical Service Trips
Authors: Hamideh Noor
Published: February 2024

Short-term Medical service trips (MSTs) involve students with minimal medical training travelling abroad to gain healthcare experience and improve the health of the host community (HC). They have become increasingly popular in the United States and Canada, with approximately one third of medical graduates having completed a MST. MSTs are marketed as both charitable missions and experiential learning opportunities. Because these trips are seen as an act of charity, their ethical implications are often left unexamined. However, many practices involved in MSTs may directly oppose the principles of biomedical ethics. Due to communication barriers and the inherent power differential between volunteers and patients, volunteers may undermine the autonomy of patients. Additionally, although volunteers have the intention to benefit patients, their lack of training may lead them to inadvertently harm patients. Finally, the short-term nature of many MSTs, and the pressures they place on host countries may reinforce barriers to global healthcare equity. This essay argues that MSTs should not be considered inherently ethical, but rather that they deserve careful critique.
Neuroabstracts
Authors: Puccinelli Christina , McNeely Heather , Ichiyama Aoi , Wang Xue Fan , Matovic Sara , Inoue Wataru , Spatafora Laura , Louth Emma , Sutton Charles , Bailey Craig , Cruz-Sanchez Arely , Arruda-Carvalho Maithe
Published: February 2024

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Why do we sleep... And what happens if we don't?
Authors: Chee Jessica , Diatlov Daniel
Published: February 2024

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Congenital Insensitivity to Pain
Authors: Kundapur Deeksha , Yu Sheila , Mohanraj Sylvia
Published: February 2024

Pain is an essential sensation that has developed in complex organisms as an evolutionary mechanism to signal impending danger. Without pain, day-to-day functions become incredibly compromised. Pain is responsible for triggering the adoption of protective behaviours, such as physical withdrawal from painful stimuli to for tissue protection. Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type V (HSAN V), generally known as congenital insensitivity to pain(CIP), is a rare autosomal recessive sensory neuropathy. It is caused by defective nociceptive mechanisms, which result in an inability to experience pain. HSANs range from type I to type V, encompassing varying degrees of sensory impairment at each level. Only a handful of individuals experience the clinical symptoms associated with HSAN V, as it is the rarest of the HSAN disorders.