bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy study on inhibitory control ability of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with methylphenidate therapy: An experimental, longitudinal, and neuroimaging study
Authors: Yang Jian , Liu Ziqi , Ren Yongying , Wang Xin , Li Guo , Tao Mengjiao , Zhang Jianzhao
Published: September 2024

Background
Executive dysfunction, particularly impairments in inhibitory control, is a key aspect of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methylphenidate (MPH) is the main treatment for ADHD; however, its effects on cortical activation and inhibitory control in children with ADHD have not been comprehensively studied. This study aimed to investigate the differences in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) outcomes related to inhibitory control improvement and cortical activation in children with ADHD.
Methods
Between May 2023 and December 2023, 14 children diagnosed with ADHD and treated with MPH were recruited, and 17 healthy children matched for age and sex were included. fNIRS was used to monitor brain activation in healthy children and children with ADHD before and after medication during Go/Nogo, Stroop, and flanker tasks. Differences in brain activation between healthy children and children with ADHD were compared before and after treatment.
Results
Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham IV rating scale revealed statistically significant improvements in inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity in children with ADHD (P < 0.05). Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Parent Edition revealed statistically significant improvements in working memory and monitoring ability after MPH treatment in children with ADHD (P < 0.05). After MPH treatment, the anterior cingulate cortex of the Stroop task significantly improved in children with ADHD (P < 0.05). The fNIRS activation levels in channels 9, 12, 21, and 42 were higher than those in healthy children during the go/no-go task before ADHD medication (P < 0.05). Before medication administration, no significant difference was observed in fNIRS activation between children with ADHD and healthy children during the Stroop and Flanker tasks (P > 0.05). When performing the Go/No-go task, the activation level of channel 7 fNIRS in children with ADHD was lower after treatment than before (P < 0.05). In the Stroop and flaker tasks, no significant differences were observed in fNIRS activation levels in children with ADHD before and after medication (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
After 8 weeks of treatment with methylphenidate, the behavioral data of children with ADHD showed improvement in the inhibition control neuropsychological test. The characteristic brain regions improved significantly when performing inhibitory control tasks and developed towards the activation direction of healthy children's brain regions.
Seabed Classification in Bahía de Navidad in the Mexican Central Pacific using Single-Beam Acoustics
Authors: Hoya Arturo Flores , Dominguez Enrique Godínez
Published: September 2024

This study proposed a methodology for characterizing subtidal habitats along rocky coastlines and adjacent seabeds in the epipelagic zone using a 120 kHz single-beam echo sounder (SBES). The data collected at depths of 15 to 80 m in Bahía de Navidad on the Mexican Central Pacific coast were postprocessed and classified using QTC Impact™ software to obtain three acoustic classes. Using the classified data and ArcMap™ software, a bathymetric map was built for the selection of 19 sampling points for ground truthing and granulometric analysis to create a matrix further subjected to two ordination analyses: principal component analysis (PCA) and nonmetric multivariate scaling analysis (MDS). Additionally, the matrix was adapted into a dummy matrix, which was subsequently used to conduct a Pearson correlation coefficient test. The analyses revealed a strong correlation between the medium-deep-zone acoustic class (20 m to 50 m) and the medium-grain-size sand substrate, as well as a high correlation between the deep-zone acoustic class (50 to 80 m) and finer sand substrates. This study demonstrated the potential of using affordable echosounders as a reliable and feasible alternative for characterizing marine habitats, especially for research institutions in developing countries with limited financial resources.
Hydro-Informer: A Deep Learning Model for Accurate Water Level and Flood Predictions
Authors: Almikaeel Wael , Šoltész Andrej , Čubanová Lea , Baroková Dana
Published: September 2024

This study aims to develop an advanced deep learning model, Hydro-Informer, for accurate water level and flood predictions, emphasizing extreme event forecasting. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute SHMI (2008-2020), which includes precipitation, water level, and discharge data, the model was trained using a ladder technique with a custom loss function to enhance focus on extreme values. The architecture integrates Recurrent and Convolutional Neural Networks (RNN, CNN), and Multi-Head Attention layers. Hydro-Informer achieved significant performance, with a Coefficient of Determination (R²) of 0.88, effectively predicting extreme water levels 12 hours in advance in a river environment free from human regulation and structures. These results demonstrate the model's robustness in identifying extreme events with minimal underestimation, essential for flood management and disaster preparedness. The study underscores the model's potential to enhance early warning systems and support timely evacuation and infrastructure planning, thereby mitigating flood impacts. Future research should explore integrating additional data sources and further refining the model to improve prediction accuracy and reliability. This work highlights the significant role of advanced deep-learning techniques in hydrological forecasting and practical applications in flood management.
The effect of Covid-19 pandemic on the primary health care utilization and cost: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Bayati Mohsen , Lotfi Farhad , Bayati Mehdi , Goudarzi Zahra
Published: September 2024

Background: Changes in the demand behavior for primary care during the covid-19 pandemic may translate into changes in the overall public health situation in Iran with the increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the primary health care utilization and cost in Fars province of Iran.
Methods: Monthly utilization and cost of primary health care was extracted from the data base of Fars province branch of Iran Health Insurance Organization (IHIO) in Iran. The interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) was used to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of Covid-19 on the utilization and cost of primary health care.
Results: The mean difference test showed that the monthly utilization and cost of primary health care after Covid-19 has decreased significantly (64307 for utilization and 11581 US dollars for cost). The ITSA estimates showed that the number of monthly primary health care visits after Covid-19 has decreased significantly by 53,003 in the short term and 2,330 in the long term. Moreover, the cost of primary health care shows a significant decrease of $24,722 and $3,822 per month in the short term and in the long term, respectively.
Conclusion: It found a significant reduction in the utilization of primary health care. Considering the role of primary care in controlling the burden of chronic diseases, planning for active follow-up of patients with chronic conditions should be on the agenda.
Blood transfusion in pediatric intracranial tumor surgery
Authors: Söner Hülya Tosun , Oygen Ömer , Güvenç Bayram , Türkan Rojda Tanık , Şener Fuat , Söner Serdar , Uzundere Osman , Aydın Kamuran , Aslanoğlu Barış , Çelik Feyzi
Published: September 2024

Background
Pediatric central nervous system tumors are the most common solid tumors in children and leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Various factors may influence the practice of blood transfusion during this tumor diagnosis. The primary aim of this study was to determine the factors that may influence intraoperative blood transfusion in pediatric patients undergoing surgery for intracranial tumors and to predict patients who may require blood transfusion
Methods
A retrospective study was performed in all pediatric patients younger than 15 years who underwent craniotomy for brain tumor removal from January 2018 to December 2023 in our institution. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data were collected from medical and store anesthesia records. The predictors of intraoperative blood transfusion were determined using multivariate logistic regression.
Results
A total of 138 patients were included. Intraoperative blood transfusion was performed in 62 (44.9%) patients. In multivariate regression analysis age < 4 years and operating time > 490 minutes were determined as independent variables in terms of need for intraoperative blood transfusion. It was determined that the need for transfusion was higher in patient who were operated on urgently and patients with comorbidities (p = 0.023, p = 0.005).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings obtained in this study suggest that age and surgical duration are independent risk factors for intraoperative blood transfusion in pediatric patients undergoing surgery for intracranial tumors. Particularly, in younger patients and prolonged surgeries, closer monitoring and awareness may enhance early detection, leading to the prevention of complications.
Bioinformatics analysis identifies hub genes and immune infiltration landscapes in human brain temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Zhang Yaqian , Lei Lei , Zou Qihang , Li Yinchao , Liu Yingying , Fang Yubao , Zhou Liemin
Published: September 2024

Background
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a prevalent type of focal refractory epilepsy with uncertain underlying molecular mechanisms. This study aimed to elucidate the hub genes and potential mechanisms associated with TLE in the human brain, as well as to characterize the immune infiltration landscape. The datasets GSE190451 and GSE205661 were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Subsequent functional enrichment was performed to explore the biological functions of the differentially expressed genes. Hub genes related to temporal lobe epilepsy were identified by protein-protein interaction network analysis and cytoHubba analysis, with validation conducted using the external dataset GSE128300. Furthermore, CIBERSORT analysis was applied to explore the immune landscape of temporal lobe epilepsy and the immune associations of hub genes. Finally, the expression of hub genes was validated through qRT-PCR and Western Blot experiments.
Results
A total of 163 differential expressed genes were identified, significantly enriched in inflammatory and immune-related pathways, and four hub genes (TLR4, CSF1R, P2RY12, CX3CR1) were further identified. Immune cell infiltration analysis showed that macrophage (microglia) activation was involved in TLE, and the hub genes were significantly positively correlated with macrophages (microglia). Hub genes expression was upregulated in TLE patients.
Conclusions
This work revealed several genes that may be involved in the pathogenesis of TLE by regulating immune cell function, providing new insights to explore the pathogenesis of TLE.
Preliminary insight of pollen morphology of the Amazonian members of subtribe Columneineae (Gesneriaceae): details of morphological variation and pollen types
Authors: Lopes Ana Carolina Venancio , Souza Cintia Neves , Clark John L. , Landi Lorrayne Albernaz D. C. , Soares Eduardo Lopes , Cerdan Isaura de Paula , Gasparino Eduardo Custódio
Published: September 2024

Columneinae, a morphologically diverse Neotropical group of Gesneriaceae, is strongly supported as a monophyletic, but many of the genera are weekly supported and lack diagnostic characters at the generic level. Predominantly distributed in the Andes and Amazon biomes, this group has not been evaluated from a palynological context. To address this gap and initiate comprehensive pollen studies within Columneinae, we conducted analyses on 28 species belonging to the genera Centrosolenia Benth., ChrysothemisDecne., Columnea L., Drymonia Mart., Glossoloma Hanst., Lesia J.L.Clark & J.F.Sm., NautilocalyxLinden., and Trichodrymonia Oerst. Pollen grains were subjected to acetolysis, measurement, and light microscopy, with select species also examined under scanning electron microscopy. Quantitative data underwent statistical analysis tailored to the sample size and multivariate analysis. Variability was observed in size, shape, aperture type, aperture number, ectoaperture length, endoaperture shape, and exine ornamentation. The diverse morphological features led to the identification of distinct pollen types within Columneinae clades. Our findings suggest that eurypalynous pollen grains define most Columneinae and that stenopalynous pollen grains define Chrysothemis; however, comprehensive palynological studies involving a broader array of species within the subtribe are imperative to enhance our understanding of its palynology.
Female Donor Gender is Associated to a Decrease in Post-liver Transplant Survival of Male Recipients Independently to Donor and Recipient Anthropometric Differences
Authors: Chedid Marcio F. , Prediger Lucas , Lazzarotto-da-Silva Gabriel , Cronst Jane , Zarichta Nathalia , Araujo Alexandre , Marchiori Roberta , Grezzana-Filho Tomaz J. M. , Goldani Luciano Z.
Published: September 2024

Background
Data on the influence donor gender on post-liver transplant outcomes is scarce / is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors of mortality in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) with a thorough evaluation of the influence of the donor variables.
Methods
Retrospective study of all patients undergoing LT at a single center from December 2011 to December 2018. The main outcome measure of the study was overall patient survival. The mortality predictors were evaluated using Cox regression.
Results
Overall, 202 patients analyzed in this study, 118 (58.1%) being males, and the average age was 54.19 ± 11.66 years. Post-LT survival for the entire cohort of 202 patients as assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7 years was 81.6%, 73.1%, 67.6%, and 63%. The only predictor of increased overall mortality was female donor gender [HR = 1.918, IC95%=1.150–3.201, (p = 0.013)]. Weight and height differences between donor and recipient were not related to mortality (p = 0.545 for weight and p = 0.964 height).
Conclusion
Female donor gender was associated with an increase in overall post-LT mortality, especially for male recipients, regardless of anthropometric parameters. For male patients receiving livers from female donors, infection was the most common cause of mortality occurring in the first year following LT.
Wheat straw-based amidoximated bioadsorbent for heavy metal removal: Synthesis, Experimental design, Isotherms, and Kinetics
Authors: Sheikhmali Mostafa , Jalilnejad Elham , Rafiee Reza
Published: September 2024

In this research, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MPS) silane agent was applied to modify the extracted wheat straw (WS) cellulose as a natural biopolymer. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was attached to the MPS-modified WS (MPS-WS) via in-situ polymerization to form PAN-WS biocomposite. AO-WS amidoxime biocomposite adsorbent was synthesized through amidoxime reaction and tested for its ability to remove Pb(II) ions. The adsorbent was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The FTIR results confirmed that the alkaline treatment removed the hemicellulose and lignin groups and that the silane agent successfully bonded to the WS cellulose. The thermal stability of WS was enhanced by the MPS-WS composite due to the attachment of acrylonitrile polymer chains. The Taguchi method was employed to investigate the effects of agitation speed, Pb(II) initial concentration, and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption capacity. The ANOVA results indicated that increasing the adsorbent dosage and decreasing the pollutant's initial concentration significantly improved the adsorption efficiency. The optimal conditions yielded maximum adsorption capacity of 22.26 mg/g for the AO-WS bioadsorbent. The kinetic and isotherm studies revealed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm fit the experimental data best.
Formal [4+2] combined ionic and radical approach of vinylogus enaminonitriles for highly substituted sulfonyl pyridazines
Authors: Jung Jae-Kyung , Jung Chanhyun , Lee Kwanghee , Rajasekar Shanmugam , Yim Ji-Youn , Sim Jaeuk , Lee Young Hee , Kwak Jae-Hwan , Hyun Soonsil , Kang Young Kee , Viji Mayavan
Published: September 2024

A formal [4 + 2] reaction for the synthesis of 5’-sulfonyl-4’-aryl-3-cyano substituted pyridazine compounds from the reaction between vinylogus enaminonitrile and sulfonyl hydrazides is reported. The key features of our pyridazine synthesis include the transamidation of vinylogus enaminonitrile with sulfonyl hydrazide, radical sulfonylation of the resulting intermediate, and subsequent 6-endo-trig radical cyclization. This reaction proceeds smoothly to deliver a series of pyridazine derivatives in good to high yields. We also found that the sulfonyl group of the synthesized pyridazines can be transformed into C-, O-, or N-containing functional groups. A gram scale experiment and a diverse transformation of synthesized pyridazines were also performed to validate the practicability of our developed process. In the synthesis of sulfonyl substituted pyridazines, a 6-endo-trig cyclization via a radical pathway is both kinetically and thermodynamically favored over the cyclization via an ionic pathway, as supported by DFT calculations.
Post-transplant transient abnormal myelopoiesis evolving from a GATA1 mutant clone in umbilical cord blood
Authors: Kubota Yusuke , Sakurai Masatoshi , Nannya Yasuhito , Kogure Yasunori , Shiroshita Kohei , Fujita Shinya , Yamaguchi Kentaro , Mizuno Kota , Kato Jun , Mori Takehiko , Ogawa Seishi , Kataoka Keisuke
Published: September 2024

Transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM) generally affects newborns with Down syndrome and is associated with constitutional trisomy 21 and a somatic GATA1 mutation. Here we describe a case of TAM which evolved after umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT), whose origin was identified as a GATA1 mutation-harboring clone in umbilical cord blood (UCB) by detailed genetic analyses. A 58-year-old male who received UCBT for peripheral T-cell lymphoma presented progressive anemia and thrombocytopenia, and leukocytosis with blast cells in the peripheral blood (PB). Bone marrow (BM) aspiration showed granulocytic and megakaryocytic dysplasia with excess blasts whose karyotype was trisomy 21. Short tandem repeat analysis showed complete donor chimerism. He was initially diagnosed as donor-derived myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and treated with azacitidine, followed by secondary transplantation using unrelated BM, providing durable complete remission. Retrospective targeted-capture sequencing analysis of PB/BM samples collected at multiple timepoints identified trisomy 21 and a GATA1 mutation, suggestive of a diagnosis of donor cell-derived TAM (DC-TAM). Importantly, a minor clone with the same GATA1 mutation was detected in UCB by droplet digital PCR. DC-TAM is a rare UCBT-related complication which resembles MDS, but the identification of GATA1 mutation may be useful for its diagnosis. Our genetic analyses revealed that a pre-existing clone in UCB may contribute to the development of donor cell-derived hematologic neoplasms, highlighting the potential relevance of genetic screening of donor UCB.
Risk factors analysis of lung cancer combined with venous thromboembolism and the construction of a clinic prediction model
Authors: Chen Shiyu , Luo Zhuanbo
Published: September 2024

Objective
The purpose of this study is to explore the disparities among lung cancer patients who also experience venous thromboembolism (VTE) and to establish a predictive model utilizing patients' clinical data and standard laboratory indicators for accurate assessment of VTE risk.
Method
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical records of lung cancer patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University from January 2018 to December 2023. The patients were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set in a 7:3 ratio. 27 clinical parameters were chosen. Independent risk factors were selected by lasso regression and multivariate logistic regression. A nomogram was constructed for all variables showing significance at p < 0.05 in the multiple variable logistic analysis, and it was internally validated.
Result
A total of 300 lung cancer cases were examined, with 64 cases of VTE and 236 cases without VTE. Following screening by Lasso regression and multiple logistic regression, 6 variables were determined to be significant for the final model, including metastasis, surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hemoglobin (HB), and platelet count (PLT). The modeling cohort (AUC 0.804) and the validation cohort (AUC 0.799) indicated strong discrimination. Calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated favorable consistency and clinical usefulness of the model.
Conclusion
The developed nomogram in this study has the capacity to predict the likelihood of VTE events in lung cancer patients to a certain degree, thus assisting healthcare providers in formulating appropriate prevention and treatment strategies.
Prevalence and Determinants of Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake among Women Attending Maternal and Child Health Services in Northeastern Uganda: a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Adongo Esther , Okia David , Namulondo Racheal , Matovu Joseph KB , Wanume Benon , Okibure Ambrose , Okware Samuel , Alunyo Jimmy Patrick , Nekaka Rebecca
Published: September 2024

Background
Cervical cancer is a significant health issue globally, particularly in less developed countries like Uganda. Despite efforts to improve screening programs, uptake remains low in regions like Karamoja in Uganda. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cervical cancer screening and associated factors among women aged 25–49 at Moroto Regional Referral Hospital.
Methods
Using quantitative and qualitative methods, data was collected from March to April 2023 from 276 women. The multivariable logistic regression was conducted to assess the factors associated with cervical cancer screening. Data analysis was conducted using STATA15. For qualitative data, an in-depth interview was conducted, and a minimum of thirty participants were interviewed. Then, they were thematically analysed using Atlas ti. 21.
Results
The prevalence of cervical cancer screening among women attending maternal and child health services was 47% (130/276). Upon adjusting in the multivariable logistic regression, we observed that having a primary level of education [AOR 2.0, 95%CI: (1.2–4.9, P < 0.018)] and having given birth to more than four children (AOR 5.0, 95% CI: (1.1–23.1, P < 0.039)) were associated with higher odds of undergoing cervical cancer screening. Identified barriers included low knowledge and awareness of Cervical Cancer and Cervical Cancer screening, extended waiting times, and the influence of healthcare providers.
Conclusion and Recommendation:
The study finds low cervical cancer screening rates, below the 70% target. Factors like education, number of children, and awareness predicted screening uptake. It suggests tailored education for uneducated women and more screening for those with fewer children.
RETRACTED: Weighing sustainability potentials: A DEMATEL analysis of interrelationships in smart manufacturing technologies
Authors: Leutheuser Viktoria , Müller Julian Marius , Voigt Kai-Ingo
Published: September 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Measuring Network Dynamics of Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States
Authors: Tiwari Kushagra , Rahimian M. Amin , Roberts Mark S. , Kumar Praveen , Buchanich Jeannine M.
Published: September 2024

The US opioid overdose epidemic has been a major public health concern in recent decades. There has been increasing recognition that its etiology is rooted in part in the social contexts that mediate substance use and access; however, reliable statistical measures of social influence are lacking in the literature. We use Facebook’s social connectedness index (SCI) as a proxy for real-life social networks across diverse spatial regions that help quantify social connectivity across different spatial units. This is a measure of the relative probability of connections between localities that offers a unique lens to understand the effects of social networks on health outcomes. We use SCI to develop a “deaths in social proximity” variable for observing the influence of social networks on opioid overdose deaths (OODs) in US counties. Our results show a statistically significant effect size for “deaths in social proximity” on OODs across counties in the United States, controlling for spatial proximity, as well as demographic and clinical covariates. The effect size of standardized “deaths in social proximity” in our cluster-robust linear regression model indicates that a one-standard-deviation increase, equal to 11.70 more deaths per 100, 000 population in the social proximity of ego counties in the contiguous United States, is associated with ten more deaths per 100, 000 population in ego counties. To further validate our findings, we performed a series of robustness checks using a network autocorrelation model to account for social network effects, a spatial autocorrelation model to capture spatial dependencies, and a two-way fixed-effect model to control for unobserved spatial and time-invariant characteristics. These checks consistently provide statistically robust evidence of positive social influence on OODs in US counties.
In-house calibration of UHPLC for determination of aflatoxins in groundnuts and red chili
Authors: Rao Saroja Narsing , Vennapusa Chandra Sekhara Reddy , Patil Shruti , Kumari Monika , Naik Nagaraj M , Prabhuraj A
Published: September 2024

Routine internal calibration is necessary to evaluate the performance of ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC); therefore, false negative and false positive results are avoided. Herein, we report a detailed internal calibration protocol and validation procedure for the determination of aflatoxins in groundnuts and red chili plants via UHPLC to comply with the requirements of ISO/IEC: 17025. The validated parameters included the flow rate accuracy, injector accuracy, temperature accuracy, system precision, photodiode detector, detector linearity, injector linearity, gradient proportion test, fluorescence detector linearity and wavelength accuracy results. The obtained percent deviation, relative standard deviation and r2 values for injector accuracy, system precision and calibration curves were -0.77, 0.78 and ≥ 0.999, respectively. During the development of the aflatoxin analysis scope, internally calibrated UHPLC was used for separating the aflatoxin mixture at a concentration of 5 µg/kg in the ground nut and red chili matrices. Witness test results revealed that the quantification of individual aflatoxins at 0.5 µg/kg in the red chili matrix was achievable. A stability assessment of the aflatoxin standards solubilized in the solvent was achieved by generating control plots, and uncertainties were also measured.
Normative convergence between global health security and universal health coverage: a qualitative analysis of international health negotiations in the wake of COVID-19
Authors: Lal Arush , Wenham Clare , Parkhurst Justin
Published: September 2024

Background
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the WHO Thirteenth General Programme of Work (2019–2023) underscored the importance of mitigating health emergencies alongside ensuring accessible and affordable health services. Key to these efforts are global health security (GHS) and universal health coverage (UHC), which serve as both standalone goals as well as cross-cutting approaches to health policy and practice. While GHS and UHC each function as distinct norms, global health stakeholders increasingly argue that advancing them synergistically may better address interconnected health challenges amidst greater resource constraints. However, little is understood about the extent of convergence between GHS and UHC norms, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study assesses normative convergence between GHS and UHC by tracing their development through iterative draft texts across two recent international health negotiations – specifically unpacking the expression of UHC norms in the WHO Pandemic Agreement, and GHS norms in the 2023 UNGA Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage.
Results
The findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic created a policy window uniquely-positioned to foster normative convergence between GHS and UHC. Both international agreements advanced GHS and UHC convergence by demonstrating increased complementarity and interdependency between the two norms. However, sustaining this proved difficult, as negotiators made political and operational trade-offs which sometimes undermined normative convergence.
Conclusions
This study provides a nuanced account of how global health norms evolve through integration in complex policy environments – finding that normative convergence may not always be explicit, but rather implicit through incremental linkages in their underlying discourse and core functions. This research contributes to pragmatic efforts by global health actors seeking consensus amidst an era of polycrisis, and highlights the importance of navigating geopolitics and overcoming path dependencies. It also enhances scholarly understanding of the dynamic process of norm convergence through health diplomacy.
Mild hypothermia alleviates cardiomyocyte necroptosis after cardiopulmonary resuscitation by regulating TRPV1
Authors: Yin Meixian , Liu Chuiliang , Zhu Yifan , Zhan Haohong , Lu Yuanzheng , Liu Keke , Lu Yawen , Zhang Sibo , Zhang Chenyu , Liu Rong , Li Yingqing , Guo Zhiyong , He Xiaoshun , Hu Chunlin
Published: September 2024

Background Therapeutic mild hypothermia (MH) is expected to improve the neurological outcome and the survival rate of CPR after cardiac arrest (CA). However, the mechanisms by which MH protects cardiomyocytes remain largely unexplored.
Methods In this study, three- to four-month-old male Wistar rats, weighing between 319.1 and 480.0 grams, were randomly divided into normothermia (NT) groups (acceptable range, 36.0-38.0°C) and MH groups (acceptable range, 32-34°C). Ten minutes after CA, CPR was perfumed with a slow injection of 0.30-0.50 mL epinephrine solution (30.00 μg/mL). Moreover, to investigate the role of TRPV1, capsaicin was administered through the right femoral artery in both NT and MH groups.
Results We found that MH improved the spontaneous breathing recovery, increased survival rate, and inhibited cardiac necroptosis in Wistar rats after CPR. Additionally, MH alleviated primary cardiomyocytes necroptosis after oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion through upregulating TRPV1, downregulating EGFR, and subsequently suppressing MLKL. Furthermore, the combination of capsaicin, a TRPV1 activator, with MH enhanced blood pressure in Wistar rats after CPR compared to MH alone. Capsaicin improved the spontaneous breathing rate and survival rate of Wistar rats after CPR.
Conclusions MH may protect cardiac function by mitigating cardiomyocyte necroptosis through regulating TRPV1.
Underage girls’ pregnancy during schooling in Niger: Socio-demographic aspect, causes, effect and control. A prospective cohort study
Authors: Diaouga Hamidou Soumana , Yacouba Maimouna Chaibou , Oumara Maina , Abdou Mahamane Mobarak Salifou , Garba Rahamatou Madeleine , Idi Nafiou , Nayama Madi
Published: September 2024

Background
The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, the socio-demographic aspect, the consequences on the schooling of girls and the control measures of underage pregnancy in schooling in Niger.
Methods
This was a prospective cohort study over a 12-month period. The study concerned pregnant and parturient girls who were minors and in the process of attending school in the city of Niamey in the Republic of Niger.) The socio-demographic, obstetric and school data of 184 underage girls admitted to the Issaka Gazobi Maternity Hospital in Niamey during the study period were collected and analysed. At the same time, we conducted interviews in thirty (30) schools and educational inspection services in the city of Niamey, in order to gather qualitative data on the phenomenon of pregnancy and childbirth among minors in schools.
Results
The frequency of childbirth among under-age students was 3.06% in our maternity. The average age was 15.7 years. Nine out of ten minors (90.7%) had become mothers by the end of the study. School drop-out rates were high (53.8%). According to our interviews with school leaders, the factors at the root of pregnancy in Niamey schools are socio-cultural and religious (factors linked to the vulnerability of young girls, the lack of sex education within families and schools, and peer pressure, cultural and religious considerations which encourages early marriage and pregnancy, and the low contraceptive prevalence rate in Niger).
Conclusions
Pregnancy in the school environment is common in Niger and has repercussions on the normal progress of schooling. This study recommended adequate parental implication, eradication of street hawking and inculcation of moral values through religious bodies as ways of reducing underage girls’ pregnancy in schooling in Niger.
DCEI-RTDETR: An Improved RT-DETR-Based Detection Algorithm for Data Center Equipment Indicator Lights
Authors: Xu Liangjie , Zeng WenXian
Published: September 2024

To address the issues of low detection accuracy and high computational complexity caused by complex image backgrounds and small target sizes in the detection of indicator lights in data center equipment rooms, a lightweight small target detection algorithm based on Transformer, named DCEI-RTDETR, is proposed. First, the EfficientFormerV2 backbone network is used as the feature extraction network. By reducing the number of downsampling times in the algorithm, the size of the feature maps to be detected is increased, allowing the network model to focus more on small targets. Subsequently, a High-Level Screening Feature Aggregation Network (HS-FAN) architecture is designed as a hybrid encoder. The HiLo attention mechanism is used as an intra-feature interaction module for high-level feature scales. The GSConv and VoVGCSCSP modules are employed for cross-scale feature fusion, adaptively generating output weights for each level of feature maps and dynamically optimizing the feature map representation capability. Additionally, a one-to-many label assignment method is used to introduce a grouped decoder to optimize object query processing, alleviating the issues of occlusion and loss of small target feature information. Finally, the GIOU loss function is replaced with Inner-EIOU, using a scaling factor to control the auxiliary bounding box, thereby improving the accuracy of small target detection. Experimental results on a proprietary data center equipment status detection dataset show that compared to the original RT-DETR algorithm, mAP50 is increased by 4.2%, mAP50:95 is increased by 2.1%, and FPS is 90. Generalization experiments on the public VisDrone2021 dataset also demonstrate the effectiveness and generality of the proposed algorithm, with mAP50 improved by 4.4%.
Identifying candidate mechanisms linking ADHD symptoms and internalising problems in adolescence: An exploratory mediation analysis
Authors: Murray Aja Louise , Dryburgh Katherine , Sonuga-Barke Edmund
Published: September 2024

ADHD and internalising symptoms are known to be associated in adolescence and understanding the mechanisms is important for improving mental health outcomes for adolescents with ADHD symptoms. Across the literature, a wide range of mechanisms have been proposed; however, studies to date have typically focused narrowly on only a handful at once. Multiple mediation models that evaluate numerous candidate mediators simultaneously offer the opportunity to provide a more comprehensive picture of the possible mechanisms and identify which mediators represent those with the strongest unique effects that could be prioritised for future longitudinal and intervention research. In the current study, we used exploratory mediation analysis with regularised structural equation modelling to examine >50 candidate mediators of the ADHD-internalising association at ages 11,14, and 17 in the Millennium Cohort Study (n=4918-12597). There were a large number of significant mediators of small-to-moderate effect. Peer problems, conduct problems, school problems, and self-esteem emerged as those with the largest unique effects. Results suggest that there are potentially a wide range of mechanisms contributing to the association between ADHD and internalising problems in adolescence and imply a need for more encompassing theories that address a multitude of pathways between ADHD symptoms and internalising problems. They also point to those which can be prioritised in longitudinal and interventional studies.
Adults’ experiences of using journalling to reflect on suicide and self-harm related online use: indications of a potential area for intervention development to reduce online harm
Authors: Biddle Lucy , Kennedy Laura , Grace Lydia , Derges Jane , Haime Zoë
Published: September 2024

Purpose: It is well-established that self-harm and suicide-related online use can bring harms and benefits for users. Research suggests a need to upskill users and improve metacognition around online engagement to manage these conflicting effects but there is currently a lack of behavioural interventions to achieve this. We explored incidental data from a longitudinal qualitative study, which indicated that self-completing a research diary about online engagements could impact participants’ online behaviour.
Methods: Participants (n=9) were enrolled in a 6-month longitudinal qualitative study exploring self-harm and suicide-related online activity. They were interviewed at three timepoints and between these intervals completed a daily reflective diary of online activity. Experiences of completing the diary were explored qualitatively during mid and end-point interviews, and through free-text diary entries.
Results: All participants derived benefits from journalling about their online use with respect to self-harm and suicide-related content. These included increased insight about time spent online, the motivations behind engagement, and the nature and impact of use. Some participants reported resultant behaviour change. However, daily completion was burdensome and there were potential costs for some participants, such as increased attention or exposure to self-harm content.
Conclusion: Journalling about online activity should be explored more deliberately as a possible method for addressing the existing gap in individual-level interventions to tackle online harms. Well-designed research and co-design work with lived-experience users will be essential to evaluating the potential for this to function safely as an intervention both within and outside of clinical settings.
Free radical scavenging polylactic acid fibers: A study of melt spinning preparation, characterization, and properties
Authors: Zheng Chenghui , Wu Huanling , Zhou Qingqing , Wang Lingfang , Lv Jingchun , Mao Haiyan
Published: September 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) fibers have great potentials in textile fields with eco-friendship and low carbon emission. However, the poor ductility, inferior free radical scavenging effect, and moderate biodegradability make them challenging in qualified fibers. In this context, a series of PLA fibers with excellent free radical scavenging effect were prepared by melt spinning with PLA /poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) /curcumin (CUR). The tenacity and free radical scavenging effect of the fiber with 12.0 wt.% PEO and 1.0 wt. % CUR were 3.14 CN dtex-1, 96.2% respectively, compared with 2.24 CN dtex-1, 2.9% for pure PLA fibers. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that CUR behaved as nucleating agent and accelerated the crystallization with elevated crystallinity. The synergistic action of PEO and CUR was found to have significant effects on the mechanical, thermal, crystalline, and free radical scavenging properties for the composite fibers. X-photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, morphological investigation, and disintegrability tests in soil demonstrated the homogenous, ductile, and excellent biodegradable behaviors of the as-prepared fibers. The sustainable advantages of the dope-dyed PLA fabrics were also evaluated.
Examination under anaesthesia for the investigation of high grade internal rectal prolapse - the overlooked investigation
Authors: Drysdale Henry Richard Edward , Bloomfield Ian , Cattanach Daniel , Gillespie Chris , Warwick Andrea
Published: September 2024

Aim
The accurate diagnosis of high grade internal rectal prolapse (HGIRP) can be challenging. Many sources describe a defaecating protocogram (DPG) as the ‘gold standard’ investigation for the diagnosis of HGIRP. Alternative methods for diagnosis include an examination under anaesthesia (EUA). No data has validated the role of EUA for the investigation of HGIRP. The aim of this study was to assess whether an EUA demonstrated different findings to a DPG and if these findings changed clinical management.
Methodology
This study was a retrospective review of patients seen between 2014–2022 in a quaternary pelvic floor unit. Patients who had an EUA for the investigation of suspected HGIRP were identified and their clinical examination findings, previous investigations and operative findings were reviewed.
Results
Forty patients were identified. Thirty-eight were female and there was a median age of 66. At EUA, 30 patients (75%) had a HGIRP and two (5%) had external rectal prolapse (ERP). Of the 32 patients with either a HGIRP or ERP at EUA, 19 had a previous DPG performed. Fifteen (79%) of these DPGs showed no evidence of HGIRP or ERP. Of these 15 patients with HGIRP on EUA with a ‘negative’ DPG for HGIRP all went on to have surgical management of their HGIRP.
Conclusions
If there is clinical suspicion of HGIRP despite a negative DPG, patients should be a considered for an EUA. A negative DPG should not necessarily exclude HGIRP. These results challenge the position of DPG as the ‘gold standard’ investigation for HGIRP.
Multiparametric chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI detects metabolic changes in mild cognitive impairment cases at 3.0 Tesla.
Authors: Zhu Dongyong , Fu Xiaona , Liu Jia , Liu Xiaoming , Cheng Lan , Lu Jue , Qin Qian , Sun Peng , Zhou Zhenyu , Feng Yiming , Wang Jing , Zhang Xinli
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to assess the potential of multiparametric chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging (CEST MRI) for MCI detection. Twenty-eight patients with MCI and 31 age- and gender-matched normal controls (NCs) were enrolled. CEST MRI was performed with a gradient and spin-echo sequence on a 3T scanner. Multi-parametric CEST parameters were analyzed, such as amide, amine, amine and amide concentration independent assay (AACID), magnetization transfer ratio yielding rex (MTRrex-amide), and downfield rNOE suppressed apparent exchange-dependent relaxation amide proton (DNS-AREX-amide). Statistical analyses of CEST parameters were performed to evaluate group differences, their correlations with Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) score, and diagnostic performance for MCI. Compared with NC group, amide as well as MTRrex-amide decreased in the left hippocampus and amine as well as AACID increased in the right hippocampus in the MCI group; In both hippocampi, the DNS-AREX-amide were significantly lower in the MCI group versus the NC group (all P < 0.05). Amine in the right hippocampus was negatively correlated with MoCA score (r = − 0.457, p = 0.017); DNS-AREX-amide in the bilateral hippocampus was positively correlated with MoCA score (left: r = 0.449, P = 0.019; right: AUC = 0.529, P = 0.05). DNS-AREX-amide in the bilateral hippocampus have a good ability to identify MCI (left: AUC = 0.756, P < 0.01; right: AUC = 0.762, P < 0.01). CEST MRI provides a potential imaging diagnostic strategy for MCI, which may promote early detection of MCI and provide novel insights into the pathological progress toward AD.
Überzeugungen von Lehrpersonen zum sprachsensiblen Unterrichten
Authors: Bernet Felix , Brunner Esther , Rutishauser Mirjam
Published: September 2024

Überzeugungen zum Lehren und Lernen spielen eine zentrale Rolle, wenn es um die Gestaltung und die Weiterentwicklung von Unterricht geht. Will man ein Postulat wie beispielsweise den sprachsensiblen Fachunterricht implementieren, ist daher zunächst zu fragen, über welche Überzeugungen Lehrpersonen zum sprachsensiblen Unterrichten, zur Zuständigkeit für die sprachliche Förderung und zur Wertschätzung der Herkunftssprachen verfügen. Mit welchen Personenmerkmalen hängen diese Überzeugungen zusammen? Und was lässt sich daraus für die gezielte Planung von Schulentwicklungsmaßnahmen schließen? In der vorliegenden Studie wurden Lehrpersonen eines Ostschweizer Kantons zu ihren Überzeugungen zum sprachsensiblen Mathematikunterricht befragt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Lehrpersonen im Wesentlichen gegenüber einem sprachsensiblen Fachunterricht positiv eingestellt sind. Gleichwohl zeigen sich einige Unterschiede zwischen verschiedenen Kategorien von Lehrpersonen, die bei der Planung von Schulentwicklungsmaßnahmen sorgfältig berücksichtigt werden sollten.
Learning in the context of partnership
Authors: Akhurst Jacqueline , Msomi Nqobile , Maritz Anneliese
Published: September 2024

For a number of years, community-based service learning (CBSL) has been a key element of the Community Psychology module in the Master’s programme for training psychologists at Rhodes University. In 2022, CBSL was consolidated to become central to the whole programme, with a focus on providing services in a partnership with the Assumption Development Centre (ADC). After introducing a model showing how students gradually move from sensitisation to social justice issues at undergraduate levels towards conscientisation as postgraduates, this paper will reflect on the interface between the professional training programmes and the community-based partnership with the ADC. Following a brief background about the partnership’s development, we describe the structure of the CBSL and its integration into the curricula. We provide evidence of its impact on both the firstyear master’s students, and the second year Counselling Psychology Interns. These data draw from the trainee psychologists’ reflections, as reported in the Rhodes Psychology Clinic 2022 Annual Report; and the Intern Psychologists’ reflections, integrated into the 2022 ADC Counselling Hub Annual Report. A thematic analysis of the reflections illustrates the commonalities in the accounts of learning, as well as the deepened insights and shifts evident in the accounts. The reported reflective learning is then considered both practically and theoretically, with recommendations for further development.