bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Evolution of Trust in Artificial Intelligence-Supported Decision-Making
Authors: Humr Scott A. , Canan Mustafa , Demir Mustafa
Published: October 2023

AI is set to take over some tasks within the decision space that have traditionally been reserved for humans. In return, human decision-makers interacting with AI systems entails rationalization of AI outputs by humans, who may have difficulty forming trust around such AI-generated information. Although a variety of analytical methods have provided some insights into human trust in AI, a more comprehensive understanding of trust may be augmented by generative theories that capture the temporal evolution of trust. Therefore, an open system modeling approach, representing trust as a function of time with a single probability distribution, can potentially improve modeling human trust in an AI system. Results of this study could improve machine behaviors that may help steer a human’s preference to a more Bayesian optimal rationality which is useful in stressful decision-making scenarios.
Examining the Implications of Automaticity Theory in the Construction Industry
Authors: Onuchukwu Ikechukwu Sylvester , Esmaeili Behzad , Hélie Sébastien
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the development of automaticity during repetitive construction activities. Twenty- eight subjects were recruited to participate in a total of 22 trials of simulated roofing installations for one month in a laboratory. The performance metric considered in this research for feature-based diagnosis of automaticity development was the roofing task accuracy. The results revealed that the roofing task accuracy significantly improved with practice as the trial days progressed. Given that practitioners are interested in training workers to achieve automaticity to increase their productivity and multi-tasking skills, the results of this study provide measures to test training effectiveness and the extent to which workers have developed automaticity. Also, by better understanding the model of humans, this study’s results will help improve human-AI teaming as the AI will better understand the cognitive state of its human counterpart and can adapt to him/her more accurately.
Validation of the Guess-18 for Video Game Players with Disabilities
Authors: Van Ommen Carmen , Sinlapanuntakul Pitch , Keebler Joseph R. , Chaparro Barbara S.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to determine if the game satisfaction scale, the GUESS-18, factors are valid for video gamers with disabilities. Participants were asked to evaluate a video game of their choice using the GUESS-18 and answer qualitative questions about the clarity of the items, requirements needed in order to play a video game, and aspects of video games they liked and disliked. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, N = 414) was used to evaluate model fit, and an analysis of the qualitative data was conducted. The CFA determined that the GUESS-18 is appropriate for use with this population, and analysis of the qualitative data determined that participants reported GUESS-18 statement items to be easy to understand. 82.29% of participant comments were mapped to GUESS-18 items, while the remaining statements were mapped to the original GUESS, GUESS factors, or were deemed Not Applicable or Not Enough Information.
Instagram Practices of Successful Plastic Surgeon Accounts: Is There a Magic Formula?
Authors: Yang James , Callahan Morgan , Buckley Alexis , Martinez Amaury , Sartorato Felippe , Foran Lindsey , Podda Silvio , Palu-Regan John Paul
Published: October 2023

Background: Social media has become a valuable platform for advertising. Instagram is one of the most popular platforms. Many plastic surgeons have utilized this platform to promote themselves and their practices. Having followers on Instagram can provide validity and expand the reach to potential clients. We aim to compare Instagram practices of top 10 plastic surgeon Instagram accounts to those with 10 to 100,000 followers. Methods: Top 10 plastic surgeon Instagram accounts were selected using Google and Instagram search features. Additional plastic surgeon Instagram accounts were selected using Instagram search feature. Each account was evaluated for average number of contents posted daily as well as media type (videos vs photos) of contents posted between November 1, 2022, and February 20, 2023. Statistical analysis was performed using double-tailed unpaired student t test to compare the top 10 account group to the 1000 to 10,000 follower group and 10,000 to 100,000 follower group. Results: When comparing the 1000 to 10,000 follower group and 10,000 to 100,000 follower group to the top 10 plastic surgeon Instagram accounts, there were no significant differences in average number of posts, number of pictures posts, number of video posts, and percentage of video posts. Conclusions: Although this study did not demonstrate a significant difference between Instagram account practices of plastic surgeons with millions of followers to those with 1000 to 100,000, it provides valuable information regarding posting practices of plastics surgeons on Instagram.
Classroom-Based Learning in an Academic Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Training Program
Authors: Dayan Riki , Quach Tien T. T. , With Sheila , Ubhi Jagdeep , Ezzat Hanna , Chen Luke Y. C.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Classroom-based learning such as academic half days (AHDs) are complementary to workplace learning in postgraduate medical education. This study examined three research questions: the purpose of AHDs, elements of an effective AHD, and factors that make AHD sustainable.

Methods

We conducted a case study of the AHD in a large Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program at the University of British Columbia. Residents were interviewed in 2013 ( n = 11) and 2018 ( n = 7) and the program administrator was interviewed in 2018. The themes in each research question were identified by modified inductive analysis.

Results

Residents expressed that the purposes of AHD included: providing organization and an overview for their knowledge acquisition; preparation for their Royal College specialty exam; and to provide a venue for peer support and mentorship. Elements of an effective AHD include the repetition of key concepts; formative assessments such as quizzes, a suitable balance of faculty input and resident active participation, and protection from clinical duty during AHD. Regarding the sustainability of AHD, themes included: addressing barriers to faculty participation, providing administrative support for logistical needs, and providing feedback to faculty.

Conclusions

This work provides important insights into the purpose, effectiveness, and sustainability of AHDs for those who design and implement classroom learning for residents.
Insights of Medical Students and Graduates Toward Electronic Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lebanon: A National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bou Zerdan Maroun , Bouferraa Youssef , Bou Zerdan Morgan , Al Barathie Josleen , Khoury Rita
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the perceptions of Lebanese medical students and graduates regarding the switch to electronic learning (e-learning) and measures their psychological distress amid the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by an unprecedented financial collapse and the August 4 Beirut blast.

METHODS

This is a national cross-sectional descriptive study, consisting of a 48-item questionnaire, diffused online to Lebanese medical students between February 8 and 21, 2021. The survey divided into 5 sections assesses for (1) Sociodemographic information, (2) implemented changes in medical education delivery precipitated by the pandemic, (3) students’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness, advantages, and barriers of e-learning, and (4) role of e-learning in clinical training. Finally, students’ psychological distress was measured, using the Kessler 10-item distress scale (K10). Descriptive analyses were performed using Stata version 13 and Excel.

RESULTS

1060 responses were recorded (27% response rate) across all Lebanese medical schools. Although 71.6% of participants found e-learning to be stimulating, half of the participants thought it was not equally effective to face-to-face learning. Around 73.1% of students felt they were not able to learn hands-on clinical skills. Lebanese students identified cost savings (food, transportation etc) and poor internet connectivity are the most common advantage and barrier, respectively; 77.8% of participants showed high/very high levels of distress (K10 score ≥22).

CONCLUSIONS

Ensuring accessibility and availability of resources such as electricity and internet is of utmost priority. Lebanese medical schools need to incorporate clinical training experiences to their virtual platforms to maintain the quality of medical education to their students. A particular attention to students’ mental health is warranted, by increasing awareness and access to mental health services.
Peer mediation in play settings for minimally verbal students with autism Spectrum disorder
Authors: Briet Gaëtan , Le Maner-Idrissi Gaïd , Seveno Tanguy , Le Marec Olivier , Le Sourn-Bissaoui Sandrine
Published: October 2023

Background and aims

Peer-mediated interventions (PMIs) are effective strategies to foster socialization of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in natural settings. However, research examining the efficacy of peer mediation for students with ASD who have the greatest cognitive and language impairments remains limited. Additionally, previous studies essentially targeted communicative abilities of participants. To address this gap, the present study evaluated the effects of a play-based PMI on three socio-communicative skills (play, social engagement and imitation) of minimally verbal students with ASD who also have a comorbidity of intellectual disability (ID).

Methods

Seven children with ASD attending ordinary school settings and 14 typically developing (TD) preschoolers participated. Seven single-sex groups were formed, and children played together during two 30 min weekly sessions. TD children were trained according to the principles of the integrated play group model. We used a multiple-baseline design across participants to measure the effects of the intervention on play skills, social engagement and motor imitation of students with ASD.

Results

Outcomes revealed an intervention effect for most of the participants, despite some variations across children. After the peer training, four children increased their duration of functional/symbolic play, six children improved their duration of interactive play and five children increased their rates of motor imitation. Concerning maintenance gains, inter-individual differences are also important.

Conclusions and implications

These findings suggest that a play-based PMI may be a feasible option for targeting inclusive education and improving socio-communicative skills of some minimally verbal students with ASD who also have an ID. However, variations across children invite further research to clarify how individual factors can moderate the effects of PMIs in children with ASD who are the most impaired.
Household expenditure on elementary education in India: An empirical evidence
Authors: Kaleem Shahid , Akhtar S. M. Jawed
Published: October 2023

Financing education in India involves a federal system where education is primarily the responsibility of state governments but has been considered a concurrent function since the late 1970s. Resources for education are shared between the central and state governments, with funding coming from external and domestic sources. External sources include aid and loans, while domestic sources comprise public and private funding. Public funding comes from both central and state governments, as well as semi-government entities like district boards and local bodies. Private funding involves parental contributions in the form of fees, gifts, and endowments. Constitutionally, elementary education (primary and upper primary levels) should be provided free of cost to families. However, families often express a willingness to pay for education, which remains largely untapped. This study analyzes household expenditure on elementary education in rural and urban India using data from the 75th round of the National Sample Survey (2017-18) and an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model. The study reveals that household characteristics significantly influence expenditure on elementary education in India.
Identification of transcription factor high accumulation DNA zones
Authors: Cascianelli Silvia , Ceddia Gaia , Marchesi Alberto , Masseroli Marco
Published: October 2023

Background

Transcription factors (TF) play a crucial role in the regulation of gene transcription; alterations of their activity and binding to DNA areas are strongly involved in cancer and other disease onset and development. For proper biomedical investigation, it is hence essential to correctly trace TF dense DNA areas, having multiple bindings of distinct factors, and select DNA high occupancy target (HOT) zones, showing the highest accumulation of such bindings. Indeed, systematic and replicable analysis of HOT zones in a large variety of cells and tissues would allow further understanding of their characteristics and could clarify their functional role.

Results

Here, we propose, thoroughly explain and discuss a full computational procedure to study in-depth DNA dense areas of transcription factor accumulation and identify HOT zones. This methodology, developed as a computationally efficient parametric algorithm implemented in an R/Bioconductor package, uses a systematic approach with two alternative methods to examine transcription factor bindings and provide comparative and fully-reproducible assessments. It offers different resolutions by introducing three distinct types of accumulation, which can analyze DNA from single-base to region-oriented levels, and a moving window, which can estimate the influence of the neighborhood for each DNA base under exam.

Conclusions

We quantitatively assessed the full procedure by using our implemented software package, named TFHAZ, in two example applications of biological interest, proving its full reliability and relevance.
Geospatial disparities and predictors of anaemia among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Nyarko Samuel H. , Boateng Ebenezer N.K , Dickson Kwamena S. , Adzrago David , Addo Isaac Y. , Acquah Evelyn , Ayebeng Castro
Published: October 2023

Background

Anaemia has become a major public health concern among women in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, little is known about the spatial disparities in anaemia prevalence and their associated factors among pregnant women in the region. This study analysed the spatial disparities in anaemia and their associated factors among pregnant women in rural and urban settings in SSA.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the most recent demographic and health surveys of 26 countries in SSA. Spatial autocorrelation and hotspot assessment were conducted, while a multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify demographic factors associated with anaemia.

Results

Anaemia was reported among ~50% of pregnant women in urban and rural areas of SSA. The hotspot analysis identified the West African sub-region as having a higher concentration of anaemia cases in rural settings. In urban areas, the odds of anaemia were significantly higher among pregnant women in their second trimester (Adjusted OR = 2.39, CI = 1.99, 2.76). On the other hand, pregnant women in their third trimester (Adjusted OR = 1.98, CI = 1.77, 2.22) and those who had taken intestinal parasite drugs (Adjusted OR = 1.12 CI = 1.02, 1.23) had a higher likelihood of having anaemia in rural areas. Pregnant women aged 35–39 years (Adjusted OR = 0.52, CI = 0.33, 0.81) and those aged 40–44 years (Adjusted OR = 0.69, CI = 0.50, 0.95) had a lesser likelihood of having anaemia compared to women aged 15–19 years in urban and rural areas respectively. Compared to Congo DR, Benin (OR = 2.22, CI = 1.51, 3.28) and Mali (OR = 3.71, CI = 2.73, 5.05) had higher odds of anaemia in urban and rural areas respectively.

Conclusions

Spatial disparities in anaemia persist among pregnant women in rural and urban settings in SSA. Prevailing spatial variations in anaemia may be addressed by specialised interventions considering the contextual residential settings and socio-economic factors highlighted in this study.
Oral health and self-rated health in community-dwelling older adults in Colombia
Authors: Venegas-Sanabria Luis Carlos , Moreno-Echeverry María Manuela , Borda Miguel German , Chavarro-Carvajal Diego Andrés , Cano-Gutierrez Carlos Alberto
Published: October 2023

Background

The relationship between oral health and specific health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or cognitive impairment, has been extensively studied. However, the effect of oral health status on self-rated health has not been assessed. This could be relevant in older people considering that poor self-rated health status and oral diseases are highly prevalent in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the association between different parameters of oral health and self-rated health status (SRHS) in Colombian community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the SABE-Colombia study performed in 2015. The dependent variable was defined as the SRHS status assessed by the question "Compared with other people, your age: Do you consider your health status to be better, equal, or worse?” We considered four independent variables: total edentulism considering the high prevalence in older people, the GOHAI score to assess self-rated oral health, and the use of fixed and removable dental prostheses as potential modifiers of oral health. An adjusted ordinal logistic regression was performed by each independent variable.

Results

After the exclusion of missing data, 17,945 persons were included in the final analysis. A total of 10.6% reported worse SRHS, 37.6% reported equal SRHS, and 51.6% reported better SRHS. The worse SRHS group was older and had a higher proportion of dependence, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptoms. The frequency of total edentulism and the lower mean score of GOHAI were significant in the worse SHRS group. An ordinal logistic regression for each independent variable was performed, finding that edentulism increases the probability of worse SHRS, while the GOHAI and use of removable or fixed dental prostheses increase the probability of better SRHS.

Conclusion

We found an association between total edentulism, GOHAI Index, the use of dental prostheses (both removable and fixed), and self-rated health status, showing the relevance of oral health status to self-rated health status independent of comorbidities and geriatric syndromes. This result supports the inclusion of oral health evaluation in comprehensive geriatric assessment.
Managing the COVID-19 health crisis: a survey of Swiss hospital pharmacies
Authors: Schumacher Laurence , Dhif Yassine , Bonnabry Pascal , Widmer Nicolas
Published: October 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic strained healthcare systems immensely as of 2020. Switzerland’s hospital pharmacies’ responses during the first wave were surveyed with a view to improving the quality of pharmaceutical management in future health crises.

Methods

An online survey was sent to the heads of all of Switzerland’s hospital pharmacies. The questionnaire was organised into eleven sections of questions covering many topics regarding the management of COVID-19’s first wave. Data collection occurred from May to June 2020.

Results

Analyses were performed using the 43 questionnaires (66%), with at least one answer per questionnaire, out of 65 distributed. Seventeen of 41 pharmacies responding (41%) had existing standard operating procedures or pandemic plans and 95% of these (39/41) set up crisis management steering committees. Twenty-nine of 43 pharmacies responding (67%) created new activities to respond to the pandemic’s specific needs. Twenty-six of 39 pharmacies responding (67%) created new drug lists for: COVID-19-specific treatments (85%; 22/26), sedatives (81%; 21/26), anaesthetics (77%; 20/26) and antibiotics (73%; 19/26). Drug availability in designated COVID-19 wards was managed by increasing existing stocks (54%; 22/41 pharmacies) and creating extra storage space (51%; 21/41). Two drugs generated the greatest concern about shortages: propofol (49%; 19/39 pharmacies) and midazolam (44%; 17/39). Remdesivir stocks ran out in 26% of pharmacies (10/39). Twelve of 43 pharmacies (28%) drafted specific new documents to respond to medical needs regarding drug administration, 12 (28%) did so for drug preparation and 10 (23%) did so for treatment choices.

Conclusions

Switzerland’s hospital pharmacies encountered many challenges related to the COVID-19 crisis and had to find solutions quickly, effectively and safely. The survey highlighted the key role that hospital pharmacies played in many aspects of the pandemic by providing logistical and clinical support to medical and nursing care teams. The lessons and experiences outlined could be used to improve the quality of hospital pharmacies’ readiness for similar future events.
Levels of neutralizing antibodies against resident farm strain or vaccine strain are not indicators of protection against PRRSV-1 vertical transmission under farm conditions
Authors: Martin-Valls Gerard Eduard , Li Yanli , Clilverd Hepzibar , Soto Jordi , Cortey Martí , Mateu Enric
Published: October 2023

Background

Vertical transmission is key for the maintenance of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection. In vaccinated farms, vertical transmission can still occur despite sows having some level of immunity because of repeated vaccination or contact with the wild-type virus. The present study aimed to correlate the age of sows and the amplitude of neutralizing antibodies (Nab) (heterologous neutralization) with PRRSV-1 vertical transmission (VT). For this purpose, umbilical cords of 1,554 newborns (corresponding to 250 litters) were tested for PRRSV by RT-PCR in two PRRSV-unstable vaccinated farms. In parallel, the sows were bled after farrowing and the levels of antibodies were determined by ELISA and by the viral neutralization test against the vaccine virus, the virus circulating in the farm, and other unrelated contemporary PRRSV-1 strains. The relationship between the parity and the probability of delivering infected piglets and the presence of broadly Nabs examined.

Results

The proportion of VT events in the two examined farms ranged from 18.9% to 23.0%. Young sows (parity 1–2) were 1.7 times more likely to have VT than older sows (p < 0.05). Despite higher ELISA S/P antibody ratios in younger sows (p < 0.05), NAb against the resident farm strain were at a similar level between sows delivering infected and healthy piglets regardless of age, mostly with low titers (2–3 log2). The titers of NAb against the vaccine virus were also low, and no correlations with VT were observed. When a panel of another 4 strains (1 isolated in the 1990s, and 3 contemporary strains) were used for the neutralization test, most sow sera were not capable of neutralizing the contemporary strains.

Conclusions

Titers of NAb could not be correlated with the occurrence of PRRSV VT. The amplitude of NAb present in most vaccinated sows is limited with a considerable proportion unresponsive regarding NAb production.
Impairing Gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis is protective against retinal degeneration
Authors: Sekar Rakshanya , Wooff Yvette , Cioanca Adrian V. , Kurera Melan , Ngo Chinh , Man Si Ming , Natoli Riccardo
Published: October 2023

Background

Inflammasome activation and the subsequent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) have been widely reported to contribute to the progression of retinal degenerations, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the Western World. The role of Gasdermin D (GSDMD), a key executioner of pyroptosis following inflammasome activation, however, is less well-established. In this study we aimed to characterise the role of GSDMD in the healthy and degenerating retina, and uncover its role as a conduit for IL-1β release, including via extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated release.

Methods

GSDMD mutant and knockout mice, in vitro models of inflammation and a well-established in vivo model of retinal degeneration (photo-oxidative damage; PD) were utilised to explore the role and pathological contribution of GSDMD in regulating IL-1β release and propagating retinal inflammation. RNA sequencing of whole retinas was used to investigate GSDMD-mediated inflammation during degeneration. The role of EVs in GSDMD-mediated IL-1β release was investigated using nanoparticle tracking analysis, ELISA and EV inhibition paradigms. Finally, the therapeutic efficacy of targeting GSDMD was examined using GSDMD-specific siRNA.

Results

We identified in this work that mice deficient in GSDMD had better-preserved retinal function, increased photoreceptor survivability and reduced inflammation. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that GSDMD may propagate inflammation in the retina via NF-κB signalling cascades and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. We also showed that IL-1β was packaged and released via EV in a GSDMD-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrated that impairing GSDMD function using RNAi or blocking EV release was able to reduce IL-1β content in cell-free supernatant and EV.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that pyroptotic pore-forming protein GSDMD plays a key role in the propagation of retinal inflammation, in particular via the release of EV-encapsulated IL-1β. Targeting GSDMD using genetic or pharmacological inhibitors may pose a therapeutic opportunity to dampen inflammatory cascades and delay the progression of retinal degeneration.
Changes in the incidence of stress reactions and fractures among intercollegiate athletes after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shi Brendan Y. , Castaneda Chloe , Sriram Varun , Yamasaki Stefani , Wu Shannon Y. , Kremen Thomas J.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of detraining due to the COVID-19 pandemic on incidence of bony injuries and stress fractures in collegiate athletes.

Methods

A comprehensive collegiate athletic conference injury database was queried for all in-season, sport-related bony injuries (defined as all stress reactions and fractures) that occurred across all sports from January 2016 to June 2021. The bony injury rate per 1000 athlete exposure hours (AEH) was calculated and compared between the immediate post-hiatus season and historic rates from pre-hiatus seasons (2016–2019). Injury characteristics were also compared between the pre- and post-hiatus time periods.

Results

A total of 868 bony injuries across 23 sports were identified. The sports with highest overall baseline bony injury rates in historic seasons were women’s cross country (0.57 injuries per 1000 AEH) and men’s cross country (0.32). Compared to historic pre-hiatus rates, female cross-country runners demonstrated a significantly lower bony injury incidence rate in the post-hiatus season (0.24 vs. 0.57, p = 0.016) while male swimming athletes demonstrated a statistically significant increase in bony injury rate (0.09 vs. 0.01, p = 0.015). The proportion of bony injuries attributed to repetitive trauma increased; while, the proportion of injuries attributed to running decreased between the pre- and post-hiatus seasons.

Conclusion

Across all sports, there was no consistent trend toward increased rates of bony injury in the immediate post-hiatus season. However, female cross-country runners demonstrated lower rates of bony injury in the post-hiatus season while male swimmers demonstrated higher rates. Furthermore, bony injuries in the post-hiatus season were more likely to be the result of repetitive trauma and less likely to be from running.

Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective, cross sectional study.
IGF-1R targeting in cancer – does sub-cellular localization matter?
Authors: Soni Upendra K. , Jenny Liam , Hegde Rashmi S.
Published: October 2023

The insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) was among the most intensively pursued kinase targets in oncology. However, even after a slew of small-molecule and antibody therapeutics reached clinical trials for a range of solid tumors, the initial promise remains unfulfilled. Mechanisms of resistance to, and toxicities resulting from, IGF-1R-targeted drugs are well-catalogued, and there is general appreciation of the fact that a lack of biomarker-based patient stratification was a limitation of previous clinical trials. But no next-generation therapeutic strategies have yet successfully exploited this understanding in the clinic.

Currently there is emerging interest in re-visiting IGF-1R targeted therapeutics in combination-treatment protocols with predictive biomarker-driven patient-stratification. One such biomarker that emerged from early clinical trials is the sub-cellular localization of IGF-1R. After providing some background on IGF-1R, its drugging history, and the trials that led to the termination of drug development for this target, we look more deeply into the correlation between sub-cellular localization of IGF-1R and susceptibility to various classes of IGF-1R - targeted agents.
Protocol for a randomised feasibility trial comparing a combined program of education and exercise versus general advice for ankle osteoarthritis
Authors: Smith Michelle D. , Vuvan Viana , Collins Natalie J. , Hunter David J. , Costa Nathalia , Smith Melinda M. Franettovich , Vicenzino Bill
Published: October 2023

Background

Ankle osteoarthritis (OA) is a serious problem with high associated pain and disability. While education and exercise are recommended for the initial management of OA, this has not been investigated in ankle OA. The primary aim of this study is to establish the feasibility of running a full‐scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating a combined education and exercise program compared to a general advice program for people with ankle OA. The secondary aims are to collect preliminary data which will inform sample size calculations, and understand the perspectives of people with ankle OA on their participation in the trial.

Methods

Thirty individuals aged 35 years or older with symptomatic radiographic ankle OA will be recruited from the community and randomised to receive either a combined education and exercise program or a general advice program, both of which will be delivered by a physiotherapist in a group setting. Primary outcomes of feasibility include responses to study advertisements, number of eligible participants, recruitment rate, adherence with the intervention, fidelity of the intervention, adverse events, drop‐out rate, and credibility and expectancy of the intervention. Secondary participant‐reported outcomes will include global rating of change, patient acceptable symptom state, severity of ankle pain and stiffness, self‐reported function, quality of life, satisfaction with treatment, and use of co‐interventions. Follow up will be at 8 weeks and 3 months. Physical measures of 40 m walking speed, timed stairs descent, heel raise endurance and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion will be collected at baseline and 8 weeks. Primary feasibility outcomes will be reported descriptively, and estimates of the variability of secondary participant‐reported and physical outcomes will be calculated. Semi‐structured interviews will be conducted with participants to understand perspectives about the intervention and participation in the trial, with data analyzed thematically.

Discussion

Study findings will establish the feasibility of running a full‐scale RCT to investigate a combined education and exercise program compared to a general advice program for people with ankle OA. This study is a necessary first step to advance the international research agenda of evaluating the efficacy of exercise in the management of ankle OA.

Trial registration

ACTRN12623000017628. Registered 10 January 2023, https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12623000017628.aspx.
Ten reasons to screen women at risk of lung cancer
Authors: Revel Marie-Pierre , Chassagnon Guillaume
Published: October 2023

This opinion piece reviews major reasons for promoting lung cancer screening in at-risk women who are smokers or ex-smokers, from the age of 50. The epidemiology of lung cancer in European women is extremely worrying, with lung cancer mortality expected to surpass breast cancer mortality in most European countries. There are conflicting data as to whether women are at increased risk of developing lung cancer compared to men who have a similar tobacco exposure. The sharp increase in the incidence of lung cancer in women exceeds the increase in their smoking exposure which is in favor of greater susceptibility. Lung and breast cancer screening could be carried out simultaneously, as the screening ages largely coincide. In addition, lung cancer screening could be carried out every 2 years, as is the case for breast cancer screening, if the baseline CT scan is negative.

As well as detecting early curable lung cancer, screening can also detect coronary heart disease and osteoporosis induced by smoking. This enables preventive measures to be taken in addition to smoking cessation assistance, to reduce morbidity and mortality in the female population.

Key points

• The epidemiology of lung cancer in European women is very worrying.

• Lung cancer is becoming the leading cause of cancer mortality in European women.

• Women benefit greatly from screening in terms of reduced risk of death from lung cancer.
Farmers’ knowledge of Johne’s disease and opinions of the Irish Johne’s Control Programme: results of an online survey answered mostly by young farmers
Authors: Horan Louise , Mee John F. , Field Niamh L. , Walsh Siobhán W. , Valldecabres Ainhoa
Published: October 2023

A voluntary control programme for Johne’s disease, the Irish Johne’s Control Programme (IJCP) has been implemented in Ireland since 2017. The objective of this observational study was to assess Irish beef and dairy farmers’ Johne’s disease knowledge, implemented management practices and IJCP opinions. A questionnaire open to dairy and beef farmers was distributed via social media and email. In total 126 responses were used for this study; these responses came from mostly young farmers (18–25 years old) and represent a small proportion of the total number of dairy and beef farmers in Ireland whose average age is 55.

Most respondents claimed to know what Johne’s disease was (73%; 92/126) and associated the disease to loss of body condition (68%; 78/114) and diarrhoea (59%; 67/114). Twenty-eight respondents (mostly dairy farmers; 22/28) reported positive cases in their premises. And 38% reported to implement management practices to prevent Johne’s disease transmission within or into their herd (i.e. management of milk for calf consumption and isolation of Johne’s test-positive or newly purchased stock; 47/124).

Eighteen percent (22/125) of respondents were, at the time of questionnaire or previously, members of the IJCP. The main benefits reported by some of the participating farmers were identification of positive cases (29%; 4/14), and management of milk for calf consumption (21%; 3/14). While the main disadvantage was inaccurate testing methods (50%; 10/20). The main reasons reported for the lack of participation in the IJCP were not being aware of the programme (52%; 53/102) and not having a Johne’s disease problem on the farm (48%; 49/102).

In conclusion, this study suggests that while young farmers are aware of Johne’s disease, their participation in the IJCP is limited and could benefit from further promotion. Studies representing the wider farming community in Ireland are warranted to gather non-biased input and contribute to Johne’s disease control in Ireland.
The predictive value of machine learning for mortality risk in patients with acute coronary syndromes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Wang Xi , Xu Luxin , Liu Jia , Ren Peng , Wu Huanlin
Published: October 2023

Background

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are the leading cause of global death. Optimizing mortality risk prediction and early identification of high-risk patients is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies. Many researchers have built machine learning (ML) models to predict the mortality risk in ACS patients. Our meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive value of various ML models in predicting death in ACS patients at different times.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched systematically from database establishment to March 12, 2022 for studies developing or validating at least one ML predictive model for death in ACS patients. We used PROBAST to assess the risk of bias in the reported predictive models and a random-effects model to assess the pooled C-index and accuracy of these models.

Results

Fifty papers were included, involving 216 ML prediction models, 119 of which were externally validated. The combined C-index of the ML models in the validation cohort predicting the in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, 3- or 6-month mortality, and 1 year or above mortality in ACS patients were 0.8633 (95% CI 0.8467–0.8802), 0.8296 (95% CI 0.8134–0.8462), 0.8205 (95% CI 0.7881–0.8541), and 0.8197 (95% CI 0.8042–0.8354), respectively, with the corresponding combined accuracy of 0.8569 (95% CI 0.8411–0.8715), 0.8282 (95% CI 0.7922–0.8591), 0.7303 (95% CI 0.7184–0.7418), and 0.7837 (95% CI 0.7455–0.8175), indicating that the ML models were relatively excellent in predicting ACS mortality at different times. Furthermore, common predictors of death in ML models included age, sex, systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine, Killip class, heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose, and hemoglobin.

Conclusions

The ML models had excellent predictive power for mortality in ACS, and the methodologies may need to be addressed before they can be used in clinical practice.
Research progress on the GRP78 gene in the diagnosis, treatment and immunity of cervical cancer
Authors: Bai Yingying , Wang Wenhua , Cheng Yuemei , Yang Yongxiu
Published: October 2023

Background

GRP78 is a molecular chaperone protein in the endoplasmic reticulum that is involved in protein assembly and quality control, and it participates in ER stress regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. Studies have confirmed that GRP78 gene is highly expressed in a variety of tumors and is involved in different biological functions.

Purpose

The present review highlights the involvement of the GRP78 gene in regulating the development of cervical cancer by promoting the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells as well as by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting the Warburg effect. High expression of GRP78 is positively correlated with chemotherapy resistance in cervical cancer. GRP78 plays an anticancer role in cervical cancer by regulating autophagy and apoptosis. Mediated immune CD8 + T cells regulate tumor cell immunity and play a role in the application of the HPV vaccine.

Conclusions

GRP78 plays a multifunctional role in cervical cancer and has important therapeutic and diagnostic value.
Four functional profiles for fibre and mucin metabolism in the human gut microbiome
Authors: Labarthe Simon , Plancade Sandra , Raguideau Sebastien , Plaza Oñate Florian , Le Chatelier Emmanuelle , Leclerc Marion , Laroche Beatrice
Published: October 2023

Background

With the emergence of metagenomic data, multiple links between the gut microbiome and the host health have been shown. Deciphering these complex interactions require evolved analysis methods focusing on the microbial ecosystem functions. Despite the fact that host or diet-derived fibres are the most abundant nutrients available in the gut, the presence of distinct functional traits regarding fibre and mucin hydrolysis, fermentation and hydrogenotrophic processes has never been investigated.

Results

After manually selecting 91 KEGG orthologies and 33 glycoside hydrolases further aggregated in 101 functional descriptors representative of fibre and mucin degradation pathways in the gut microbiome, we used nonnegative matrix factorization to mine metagenomic datasets. Four distinct metabolic profiles were further identified on a training set of 1153 samples, thoroughly validated on a large database of 2571 unseen samples from 5 external metagenomic cohorts and confirmed with metatranscriptomic data. Profiles 1 and 2 are the main contributors to the fibre-degradation-related metagenome: they present contrasted involvement in fibre degradation and sugar metabolism and are differentially linked to dysbiosis, metabolic disease and inflammation. Profile 1 takes over Profile 2 in healthy samples, and unbalance of these profiles characterize dysbiotic samples. Furthermore, high fibre diet favours a healthy balance between profiles 1 and profile 2. Profile 3 takes over profile 2 during Crohn’s disease, inducing functional reorientations towards unusual metabolism such as fucose and H2S degradation or propionate, acetone and butanediol production. Profile 4 gathers under-represented functions, like methanogenesis. Two taxonomic makes up of the profiles were investigated, using either the covariation of 203 prevalent genomes or metagenomic species, both providing consistent results in line with their functional characteristics. This taxonomic characterization showed that profiles 1 and 2 were respectively mainly composed of bacteria from the phyla Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes while profile 3 is representative of Proteobacteria and profile 4 of methanogens.

Conclusions

Integrating anaerobic microbiology knowledge with statistical learning can narrow down the metagenomic analysis to investigate functional profiles. Applying this approach to fibre degradation in the gut ended with 4 distinct functional profiles that can be easily monitored as markers of diet, dysbiosis, inflammation and disease.
Structural equation modeling of university students’ academic resilience academic well-being, personality and educational attainment in online classes with Tencent Meeting application in China: investigating the role of student engagement
Authors: Sun Yun , Liu Long
Published: October 2023

Background

Online learning presents unique challenges for students, such as reduced social support and increased distractions. Understanding the psychological factors that contribute to educational attainment in online classes is therefore important.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the structural relations among the psychological factors: academic resilience, personality, academic well-being, and educational attainment in online classes using the Tencent Meeting application in China. The study also explored the mediating role of student engagement in the relationship between the variables.

Methodology

This study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate the relationships among the variables of the study. The participants were 384 undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students from Henan Polytechnic University in China. The participants completed self-report surveys of academic resilience, academic well-being, educational attainment, student engagement and personality types.

Data analysis

The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships among variables. The goodness of fit of the SEM was assessed using several fit indices, including the chi-square test, the comparative fit index (CFI), the Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). The study also conducted mediation analyses to explore the potential mediating roles of learner enjoyment in the relationships between psychological factors and educational attainment.

Findings

The results of the study showed that all variables of the study were positively related to educational attainment. The findings suggest that promoting academic resilience, academic well-being, and student engagement may be effective strategies for enhancing educational attainment in online classes using the Tencent Meeting application in China.

Conclusions

Using the Tencent Meeting application in China, this study provides insights into the complex interplay among several psychological factors and educational attainment in online classes. The findings highlight the importance of promoting academic resilience, personality, academic well-being, and student engagement to enhance educational attainment.
Instructional practices and students’ reading performance: a comparative study of 10 top performing regions in PISA 2018
Authors: Ho Soi Kei , Gan Zhengdong
Published: October 2023

This comparative study investigated the associations between instructional practices and students’ reading performance among 10 top performing regions that participated in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018. A nationally representative sample consisting of 80,016 15-year-old students from 5 Asian regions (B-S-J-Z [China], Singapore, Macao, Hong Kong, and Korea) and 5 Western regions (Estonia, Canada, Finland, Ireland, and Poland) were included. A secondary analysis of PISA survey and assessment data was conducted. T test and ANOVA analyses revealed systematic differences in instructional practices of the 10 regions. B-S-J-Z (China) had significantly higher levels of teacher support, teacher-directed instruction, and teacher stimulation than the other sample regions. Asian regions tended to have higher levels of teacher support, teacher-directed instruction, teacher feedback, adaptive instruction, and teacher enthusiasm compared with Western regions, although variations were also found within Asian regions or within Western regions. Hierarchical linear regression (HLR) analyses indicated that reading performance was positively predicted by teacher support, adaptive instruction, teacher stimulation, and teacher enthusiasm, but negatively predicted by teacher-directed instruction and teacher feedback. This study sheds light on the effective instructional practices for optimizing students’ reading performance across different cultural contexts.