bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple indicators of violence against female sex workers and its associated factors in Ghana: Evidence from the 2015 Integrated Bio-Behavioural Surveillance Survey
Authors: Ayamah P , Atuahene KS , Annang DA , Nartey DT , Amuasi SA , Abrefa-Gyan T , Aheto Justice Moses K.
Published: November 2022

Background
Violence against female sex workers (FSWs) is a widespread phenomenon, especially in African nations like Ghana where sex work is outlawed primarily because of the pervasive worldview that sex work is a contravention of morality. Violence against FSWs deters them from accessing critical health services and heightens their risk of STIs including HIV infection. To address this important issue, it is expedient to understand the prevalence and the associated factors of multiple indicators of violence against FSWs to inform evidence-based and urgent targeted public health policy and intervention strategies.
Method
The study utilised a cross-sectional secondary data from the 2015 Integrated Bio-Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) conducted among FSWs and their non-paying partners by Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC). We analysed data on a total of 4279 participants. Bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were utilized to identify factors associated with physical and sexual violence against FSWs. Data were analysed using Stata version 15.
Results
The study found the prevalence of physical and sexual violence as 10.1% and 24.8% respectively. Physical violence was perpetrated mainly by first-time paying clients (50.6%) and regular paying clients (31.0%) with similar trend observed for sexual violence. The predictors of physical violence are being a seater (aOR=0.53, 95%CI: 0.36-0.74), aged ≥40 (aOR=0.23, 95%CI: 0.08-0.64), non-use of drugs (aOR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.44-0.70), and not using alcohol before sex (aOR=0.69, 95%CI: 0.56-0.86). Sexual violence was predicted by those aged age 31-40 (aOR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.49-0.94) and age≥40 (aOR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.22-0.66), currently married (aOR=0.42, 95%CI: 0.27-0.67), having no living children (aOR=0.69, 95%CI: 0.51-0.94), non-use of drugs (aOR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.68-0.94), and not using alcohol before sex (aOR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.63-0.86). Region and other source of income were associated with both physical and sexual violence. Both physical and sexual violence had negative consequences on consistency of condom use and condom failure among FSWs.
Conclusion
Physical and sexual violence against FSWs is pervasive, and a critical public health issue in Ghana. The identified associated factors could be considered as part of an overall strategy aimed at addressing the menace. Further studies are warranted to devise multisectoral approaches for appropriate policy and intervention strategies aimed at regulating the practice.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Training Need Assessment for Medical Laboratory Professionals in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebregzabher Endale Hadgu , Tesfaye Firehiwot , Cheneke Waqtola , Edao Abebe , Kedida Gizachew
Published: November 2022

Background
Continuing professional development (CPD) is required for health workers in practice to update knowledge and skills regularly to match the changing complexity of healthcare needs. The objective of this study was to identify the training needs of Medical Laboratory professionals in Ethiopia.
Methods
A total of 457 Medical Laboratory professionals from five region and two city administrations were involved in the study. Data was collected from August 02 to 21, 2021 with structured self-administered online tool with five-point Likert scale. The tool had consent, demography, cross-cutting issues, and main activity area specific to medical laboratory.
Results
Majority of the participants were male (80.1%). Participants from Amhara region 110 (24.1%) were the largest groups in the survey followed by Oromia 105(23%) and Addis Ababa 101(22.1%). The study participants comprised of 54.7% with a Bachelor degree, 31.3% with a diploma (Associate degree), and 14% with a Master’s degree. The participants had varying years of service, ranging from less than one year to over 10 years of experience. Most of the participants work as generalists (24.1%) followed by working in microbiology (17.5%) and Parasitology (16%). The majority (96.9%) was working in a public sector or training institutions and the rest were employed in the private sector. Our study showed that the three most important topics selected for training in the cross cutting health issues were health and emerging technology, computer skills and medico-legal issues. Topics under microbiology, clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics were selected as the most preferred technical areas for training. Participants have also selected priority topics under research skill and pathophysiology. When the laboratory specific issues were regrouped based on areas of application as technical competence, research skill and pathophysiology, thirteen topics under technical competence, four topics under research skill and three topics under pathophysiology were picked as priority areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our study identified that CPD programs should focus on topics that address technical competence in microbiology, clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics. Additionally competencies in research skill and updating knowledge in pathophysiology should also receive due attention in designing trainings.
Beyond Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle – Staff perceptions on facilitators and barriers to implementation of telepresence robots in long-term care
Authors: Wong Joey , Young Erika , Hung Lillian , Mann Jim , Jackson Lynn
Published: November 2022

Background: COVID-19’s physical distancing mandates have increased the likelihood of experiencing social isolation and loneliness for residents in long-term care, especially those living with dementia. Social isolation correlates with health risks, including depression and cognitive decline. Telepresence robots can be remotely driven and facilitate social interaction through videoconferencing. Researchers have begun to explore opportunities for using these robots in the healthcare field. However, the perspectives of key stakeholders have not been fully explored. This qualitative descriptive study focuses on exploring staff and leadership teams’ perspectives on facilitators and barriers to implementing telepresence robots in long-term care.
Methods: We employed purposive and snowballing methods to recruit 22 participants from two LTC in British Columbia, Canada: operational and unit leaders, and interdisciplinary staff including nursing staff, care aides, and allied health practitioners. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research guided data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted through in-person and virtual meetings. Thematic analysis was employed to generate insights into participants’ perspectives.
Results: Our analysis identified three themes: (a) ‘The robots are now more urgently needed.’ - the essential needs for family-resident connections, (b) ‘Listen to the voice of frontline staff’- meaningful engagement builds partnership, and (c) ‘I need to practice and practice’ - training and timely support gives confidence. Based on the findings and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research guidance, we offer an easy-to-use tool ‘START’ to encourage the practical application of evidence-based strategies in technology implementation: Share benefits and successes; Tailor planning with staff partners; Acknowledge staff concerns; Repeat training; and Timely technical support.
Conclusions: Our study offers pragmatic insights into the complexity of implementing telepresence robots in LTC. Healthcare leaders should consider evidence-based strategies in implementing innovations beyond the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle.
Methodology for the historical and synoptic analysis of snows. Its application to the region of Castilla y León (Spain)
Authors: Ortega María Teresa , Morales Carlos Gabriel
Published: November 2022

A methodology is proposed for the study of snowfall, applied to the autonomous community of Castilla y León (Spain). It is based on two major pillars: the elaboration of a Snowfall Catalogue from the consultation of documentary sources (press) between 1979-2021, which allows cataloging all the episodes that occurred, from October to May; and the synoptic study of the atmospheric dynamics in those 43 years, identifying the different types of weather as a means of validating the cataloged episodes. The database created provides information on its intensity, duration and frequency, as well as its genesis, distribution, typology and climatic hazard. All this has been analyzed and has allowed to recognize different stages in its way of occurring and to estimate trends and behaviours both in the number of episodes and the number of snow days and their assessment in the current situation of climate change.
CHK1 Inhibition Overcomes Gemcitabine Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell A549
Authors: Ke Zhi-Yin , Fu Tian , Wang Xue-Chun , Ma Xuan , Yin Hai-Han , Zhou Jian-Ping , Liu Yong-Jun , Liang Ai-Ling
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the study is mainly to investigate the role of CHK1 in gemcitabine-resistant lung cancer cell line A549. The mRNA and protein levels of genes were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay and clone formation assay. The detection of the cell cycle was used by Annexin V-PE/7-AAD apoptosis detection kit. Analysis of DNA damage by immunofluorescence and alkaline comet assay. The results showed that inhibition of CHK1 and gemcitabine combination significantly reduced the proliferation ability of the two cell lines. We also revealed the degradation of full-length PARP and reduced Bcl-2/Bax ratio on increased apoptosis. Inhibition of CHK1 expression leads to DNA damage, induces phosphorylation of γ-H2AX, and affects the repair of homologous recombination ability through Rad51. Mechanistically, gemcitabine increased phosphorylation-ATR and phosphorylation-CHK1, indicating activation of the DNA repair system and ATR-CHK1-CDC25A pathway. Inhibition of CHK1 resulted in increased synthesis of CDK2/Cyclin A2 and CDK2/Cyclin E1 complexes, and more cells entered the subsequent cell cycle, leading to S phase arrest and mitotic catastrophe. We identified inhibition of CHK1 as a potential treatment for NSCLC and confirmed that inhibition of this kinase could overcome acquired gemcitabine resistance.
Identification of potential biomarkers associated with meat tenderness in Hanwoo (Korean cattle): an expression quantitative trait loci analysis
Authors: Chung Yoonji , Jang Sun Sik , Kang Dong Hun , Kim Yeong Kuk , Kim Hyun Joo , Chung Ki Yong , Choi Inchul , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: November 2022

Meat tenderness is considered the most important trait contributing to beef quality, level of consumer satisfaction, willingness to pay premium prices, and industry profit. Genomic selection method would be helpful for genetic improvement of traits with low heritability and are difficult to measure. The identification of genes that affect beef tenderness can promote efficient genomic prediction in breeding programs. We performed statistical analysis of associations between longissimus dorsi muscle tenderness and gene expression in 20 Hanwoo cattle, using Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and RNAseq data, respectively. We found 166 core genes with significant regression coefficient. In expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis, using the core genes and 777,962 SNPs for 20 individuals, we found 6 core genes (ASAP1, CAPN5, ELN, SUMF2, TTC8, and MGAT4A) regulated by 16 cis-eQTL SNPs. The variants within 5 kb of the transcription start site or transcription termination site of these core genes were significant (p < 0.01). Notably, we found that a cis-eQTL SNP of the ELN gene contained an MFZ1 binding site in its putative promoter region. These findings provide a useful information for genomic prediction using additive and non-additive genetic effects in prediction model.
Determinants of Tuberculosis in Central Region of Eritrea: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Mebrahtu Filmon G. , Teklemariam Habtemichael , Ghezae Meron M. , Belew Eden H. , Berhe Daniel N. , Tesfmariam Eyasu H. , Berhane Tesfit N. , Sengal Kiflu T. , Woldu Henok G.
Published: November 2022

Background: The WHO has recommended the need for holistic approach towards TB, including addressing the underlying socio-economic determinants in conjunction with Direct Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS). However, there is lack of epidemiological data in Eritrea regarding factors that are associated with TB and this study aimed to assess such factors.
Methods: A Matched Case-Control study was used to assess factors that are associated with TB in the Central Region of Eritrea. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data about socio-demographic characteristics, living status, housing conditions, and medical history of the study participants. All TB patients in the eight DOTS treatment centers and two age-and-sex-matched controls for each case were included. Bivariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression models were used to identify the main risk factors of TB.
Results: The study recruited 67 cases and 134 controls. Bivariate analyses indicated that BCG vaccination scar, past alcohol drinking habit, history of hospital admission, previous history of TB, and family history of TB were found to be factors associated with TB. Moreover, results of multivariable analysis showed that, absence of BCG vaccination scar, family history of TB, past drinking habit, and history of hospital admission were found to be factors associated with TB among the study participants.
Conclusion: This is the first study in the Central Region of Eritrea that assessed the determinant of tuberculosis. Absence of BCG vaccination scar, family history of TB, past alcohol consumption and history of hospital admission were found to be independent risk factors for TB.
An improved linear prediction evolution algorithm based on nonlinear least square fitting model for optimization
Authors: Mohiuddin A. M. , Bansal Jagdish Chand
Published: November 2022

The linear prediction evolution algorithm (LPE) is a recent addition in the field of optimization algorithm with few parameters and high exploration capability. LPE has shown excellent results in some real-world problems but still suffers from some issues such as slow convergence speed. To improve the performance of the LPE algorithm, this study presents an improved linear prediction evolution algorithm (ILPE) to enhance its exploration capability. The proposed ILPE algorithm treats the population series of evolutionary algorithms as a time series and uses the non-linear least square fitting model as a reproduction operator to forecast the next generation. The performance of the proposed ILPE is verified using the CEC2014 and CEC2017 benchmark functions. The comparison results show that ILPE outperforms LPE, and it is highly competitive with other state-of-the-art optimization algorithms.
Can Life Be Quantified？A Survey on Medical Students Based on Ethic Dilemma
Authors: Ren Honglei , Zhao Tong , Jiang Zheng , Shi Lili , Cai Yuyang
Published: November 2022

Background
In the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment, doctors' decision-making ability is closely related to patients' life, and moral orientation is one of the most important factors affecting clinical decision-making. So this study aims to understand the proclivity of choice by medical students and illustrating the awareness status and features when faced with difficult positions.
Methods
Develop an electronic questionnaire based on the ethical dilemma cases by Professor Sandel, and then distribute the questionnaires via sojump to the students in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in order to investigate their moral orientation.
Results
The results show that among the trolley dilemma, the scenes in which medical students agree to sacrifice one to save another five in turns are the switch(47.6%), the side track(for a child)(38.0%) and the footbridge scene (8.5%). Postgraduates incline utilitarianism more than undergraduate students in switch and side track(for a child) (P < 0.05), and there are no statistical significances in gender and majors (P > 0.05). While in the emergency doctor case, most students prefer to utilitarianism regardless of whether the critical patient chooses to die voluntarily or not. On the contrary, students tend to choose denotology in organ transplantation case no matter the healthy man is willing to donate his organs or not. And when patient with advanced cancer voluntarily donates organs, female students and postgraduates are more inclined to the utilitarian principle than male students and undergraduates(P < 0.05). There are no statistical significances between majors in emergency doctor and organ transplantation.
Conclusions
This study suggests that medical students are reluctant to sacrifice one to save the other five, and the specific environment in clinical practice has a great impact on medical students. At the same time, this study suggests that medical ethics education still has shortcomings, which can be further strengthened.
Students’ experiences of learning in virtual classrooms facilitated by Google Classroom
Authors: Hamad Wahid B.
Published: November 2022

The study evaluates students’ experience of learning with virtual classrooms facilitated by Google Classroom at the institute of social work, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study employed the Activity Theory (AT) as a theoretical framework using the first triangle of the activity system, which includes three components Subject-Tool-Object (S-T-O). An anonymous online survey was adopted for data collection and the quantitative method was used to analyze data in this study. Additionally, the survey questionnaires were prepared and distributed using the KoBo Toolbox. The sample size considered a subgroup of the institute students, which includes the BTCLRPM, ODLRPM & BLRPM from the labor studies departments. At the end of the data collection period, 82 questionnaires were collected. Only 79 (96%) questionnaires yielded valid responses and were considered for analysis and 3 (4%) questionnaires were excluded as they are not yielded valid responses. The finding reveals that the student’s opinion specifies that overall students were more interested in learning activities using the Google Classroom platform as a learning tool and they could achieve learning goals in the ICT module. Alternatively, the findings from ANOVA comparing the differences between the groups of students concerning the use of Google classroom as a learning tool reveal that the ODLRPM and BTCLRM students demonstrated higher online/blended learning experiences using Google Classroom for the ICT module compare to BLRPM students. Finally, the study calls for institute policymakers to plan and initiate the policy for the usage of Google Classroom in the facilitation of blended teaching and learning.
Behavioural interventions change individual transport choices but have a limited impact on transport mode split. Evidence from a systematic review
Authors: Javaid Aneeque , Khanna Tarun , Franza Mercedes , Creutzig Felix
Published: November 2022

Demand-side behavioural change interventions promote a reduction in car use, and shift to low carbon transport modes, thereby addressing economic, health and GHG emissions-related costs associated with car-dependent lifestyles. However, the relative effectiveness of such interventions in initiating transport behaviour change has not been evaluated systematically. Here, we conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the evidence on behavioural interventions in changing transport-related behavioural patterns. Relying on 37 literature reviews and 41 additional new studies, we identify more than 450 cases of behavioural interventions. Our analysis reveals that behavioural measures are effective in increasing the percentage growth of public transit and active transport mode use as well as decreasing car use at the personal level. However, their effectiveness in shifting commuters away from cars to more sustainable modes of transport at the aggregate level is limited. Our findings suggest that behavioural interventions have a role to play in reducing the health, economic and environmental costs of car-centric transportation systems. We find that, under the best-case scenario, behavioural interventions can contribute up to a 5% per cent reduction of global GHG emissions from urban transport, or about 150Mt CO2/yr, a notable but limited potential compared to the reductions necessary to meet sectoral goals. Critical analysis of studies in our review indicates that interdisciplinary researchers interested in these issues should take a more strategic and rigorous approach—better study designs, more representative samples, and consideration of infrastructure effects—to determine which interventions are most effective in tackling multi-faceted urban transport issues.
Tumor micronecrosis predicts poor prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Zhang Wei , Ge Hongbin , Wu Jiangchao , Sun Xuqi , Sun Ke , Cao Wanyue , Zhang Qi , Liang Tingbo
Published: November 2022

Background: Tumor micronecrosis is a histopathological feature predicting poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent liver resection. However, the role of tumor micronecrosis in liver transplantation remains unclear.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with HCC who underwent liver transplantation between January 2015 and December 2021 at our center. We classified them into micronecrosis(-) and micronecrosis(+) groups and compared their recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). We identified independent prognostic factors using Cox regression analysis and calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to evaluate the predictive value of RFS for patients with HCC after liver transplantation.
Results: A total of 370 cases with evaluable histological sections were included. Patients of the micronecrosis(+) group had a significantly shorter RFS than those of the micronecrosis(-) group (P = 0.037). Shorter RFS and OS were observed in micronecrosis(+) patients without bridging treatments before liver transplantation (P = 0.004 and P = 0.019), while no differences were detected in those with preoperative antitumor therapies that could cause iatrogenic tumor necrosis. Tumor micronecrosis improved the AUC of Milan criteria (0.705–0.738), the model for end-stage liver disease score (0.682–0.738), and serum alpha-fetoprotein (0.566–0.664) for the prediction of prognosis after liver transplantation.
Conclusion: Patients with HCC with tumor micronecrosis suffer from a worse prognosis than those without this feature. Tumor micronecrosis can help predict RFS after liver transplantation. Therefore, patients with HCC with tumor micronecrosis should be treated with adjuvant therapy and closely followed after liver transplantation.
Biomechanical comparison of posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with two straight-shaped cages by finite element analysis
Authors: Hu Yanwen , Wu Junjie , Xu Hao
Published: November 2022

Background
Previous biomechanical studies have compared posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), however the cages used in TLIF/PLIF surgery are different. Therefore, comparing the two surgical procedures with the same fusion cages is more reflective of the real differences between the two procedures. This study was to compare the biomechanical effects between PLIF and TLIF with placing two straight-shaped cages using finite element analysis.
Material/Methods:
A previously validated intact L3-L5 lumbar spine finite element model was modified to simulate two straight-shaped cages PLIF and two straight-shaped cages TLIF. A moment of 7.5 N-m with a compressive preload of 400 N was applied on the L3 vertebra to test the range of motion (ROM) and stress.
Results
There were no significant differences in the ROM between PLIF and TLIF with less than 1 degree for all loading cases. We found that stress of cage, and stress of L4 endplate were high in PLIF, and stress of pedicle screw was high in TLIF. Similar bone graft stress was found in PLIF and TLIF.
Conclusions
The biomechanical result indicated that both TLIF and PLIF can acquire similar ROM and bone graft stress. PLIF increases the stress of cage and L4 inferior endplate, and pedicle screw stress was high in the TLIF model. The findings of our study need to be verified through further clinical studies that explore differences between the two methods.
Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of the Self-directed Learning Instrument in Chinese Nursing Students
Authors: Gao Ziyun , Zhang Lin , Ma Jianing , Sun Hong , Hu Mengya , Wang Meiding , Liu Haiyang , Guo Leilei
Published: November 2022

Background
In a rapidly changing healthcare environment, Self-directed learning (SDL) ability is recognized as a crucial condition for nursing students and nurse to deal with severe challenges positively. Developing SDL ability is becoming more and more important among nursing students. SDL is related to nursing students enhancing their own knowledge, skills and maintaining lifelong learning. This study is aim at translating the Self-directed Learning Instrument (SDLI) into Chinese and verify its reliability and validity among nursing students.
Methods
The study adopted a cross-sectional design and the multistage sampling design. The SDLI was translated into Chinese, and the reliability and validity of the scale were tested among 975 nursing students.
Results
The Cronbach’s α value of the Chinese version of SDLI was 0.90. The split-half reliability coefficient was 0.80, and the retest coefficient was 0.88. The content validity index of the scale was 0.94. Furthermore, the four-factors model was obtained by using exploratory factor analysis, explaining 58.969% variance, and the communalities of the items ranged from 0.502 to 0.649. With modified confirmatory factor analysis, the fit indices were chi-square/degree of freedom (CMIN/DF) = 3.067, the comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.961, and the tucker lewis index (TLI) was 0.952. And, the model fitting indexes were all in the acceptable range and confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the model fit the SDLI well.
Conclusion
The Chinese version of SDLI has good validity and reliability among nursing students. It can be used to measure the SDL ability of nursing students in China.
Catalytic activities of a highly efficient cocaine hydrolase for hydrolysis of biologically active cocaine metabolites norcocaine and benzoylecgonine
Authors: Shang Linyue , Jin Zhenyu , Wei Huimei , Park Shawn , Zhan Chang-Guo , Zheng Fang
Published: November 2022

Cocaine is a widely abused, hepatotoxic drug without an FDA-approved pharmacotherapy specific for cocaine addiction or overdose. It is recognized as a promising therapeutic strategy to accelerate cocaine metabolism which can convert cocaine to pharmacologically inactive metabolite(s) using an efficient cocaine-metabolizing enzyme. Our previous studies have successfully designed and discovered a highly efficient cocaine hydrolase, denoted as CocH5-Fc(M6), capable of rapidly hydrolyzing cocaine at the benzoyl ester moiety. In the present study, we determined the kinetic parameters of CocH5-Fc(M6) against norcocaine (kcat = 9,210 min-1, KM = 20.9 µM, and kcat/KM = 1.87 × 105 min-1 M-1) and benzoylecgonine (kcat = 158 min-1, KM = 286 µM, and kcat/KM = 5.5 × 105 min-1 M-1) for the first time. Further in vivo studies have demonstrated that CocH5-Fc(M6) can effectively accelerate clearance of not only cocaine, but also norcocaine (known as a cocaine metabolite which is more toxic than cocaine itself) and benzoylecgonine (known as an unfavorable long-lasting metabolite with some long-term toxicity concerns) in rats. Due to the desired high catalytic activity against norcocaine, CocH5-Fc(M6) is capable of quickly detoxifying both cocaine and its more toxic metabolite norcocaine after intraperitoneally administering lethal dose of 60 or 180 mg/kg cocaine. In addition, the ability of CocH5-Fc(M6) to accelerate clearance of benzoylecgonine should also be valuable for the use of CocH5-Fc(M6) in treatment of cocaine use disorder.
How the Pavement Strength Changes With Time: AI Ideas Help to Explain Semi-Empirical Formulas
Authors: Velasquez Edgar Daniel Rodriguez , Kreinovich Vladik
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we use AI ideas to provide a theoretical explanation for semi-empirical formulas that describe how the pavement strength changes with time, and how we can predict the pavement lifetime.
Selective Ring Expansion and C−H Functionalization of Azulenes
Authors: Park Sangjune , Kim Cheol-Eui , Jeong Jinhoon , Ryu Ho , Maeng Chanyoung , Kim Dongwook , Baik Mu-Hyun , Lee Phil Ho
Published: November 2022

A transition metal-catalyzed ring expansion and C–H functionalization of azulene were developed. This work constitutes the first example of the ring expansion of azulene using Cu(hfacac)2 with diazo compound and chemoselectivity for C–H functionalization of azulene controlled by changing to AgOTf. A chemoselectivity can be controlled simply by changing the metal frame. This approach does not demand the addition of phosphine, NHC or related ligands and prefunctionalization of azulenes. In addition, the excellent functional group tolerance allows the synthesis of a wide range of 6,7-bicyclic compounds and C–H functionalized azulenes. A theoretical study was able to explain the experimental observations that copper catalysts afford the ring expansion product while silver catalysts result in the formation of C–H alkylation product.
Virtual student-led neuroscience conferencing: A UK multicentre prospective study investigating delegating outcomes and delivery mode
Authors: Bligh Emily R , Aldabbagh Yousif , Sheppard Jack , Krivankova Barbora , Park Jay J. , Cheung Joe , Erdi-Krausz Gergo , Thomas Joshua , Altaher Hibatallah , Courtney Ellie , Farrow Tom , Collaborative UK Neuroscience Society
Published: November 2022

Background
Clinical neuroscience training programmes are becoming increasingly competitive to enter. UK university neuroscience societies act as a local environment for students to develop their career interests and provide portfolio building opportunities through hosting events such as annual conferences. Recently there has been a transition to more of these events being held online yet the impact of this, if any, remains unclear. This prospective study aimed to identify the impact of student-led neuroscience conferences on delegates and examine attitudes towards an online delivery approach.
Methods
Multi-centre prospective survey study using pre-conference, post-conference, and 6-month post-conference online questionnaires distributed at 6 virtual student-led neuroscience conferences in 2021. The questionnaires had five-domains: demographics, career aspirations, academic skillsets, an educational manipulation check (EMC) and mode of delivery preference.
Results
924 surveys were completed across 559 conference attendances. 79.5% of delegates were medical students. Interest in a neuroscience career (p < 0.001), preparedness to undertake research (p < 0.001) and presentation (p < 0.001), and EMC scores (p < 0.001) increased immediately post conference and were retained at 6 months. Most participants at 6 months post-attendance had completed an academic project (71.9%) or presentation (50.9%). Online format was preferred (65%) with reasons including elimination of travel and access to home facilities whilst lack of face-to-face interaction and engagement were recognised limitations.
Conclusion
UK student-led online neuroscience conferences play a role in developing knowledge, academic skillsets and career interest as well as inspiring and facilitating future portfolio building. A hybrid virtual and in-person experience would offer an ideal solution to future conferencing, providing options promoting engagement and interactivity whilst advocating sustainability, accessibility and widening participation.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Serious Injuries among in-school Adolescents in Samoa: A population based cross-sectional study
Authors: Sarfo Jacob , Obeng Paul , Amoadu Mustapha , Kordorwu Peace Yaa , Adams Abdul Karim , Gyan Thomas Boateng , Osman Abdul-Ganiyu , Asiedu Immanuel
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Injuries form one of the leading causes of death and disability among human populations. Notwithstanding the growing evidence of injuries worldwide, little is known about the case of adolescents in Samoa. The study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors associated with serious injuries among adolescents in Samoa.

Methods

The 2017 Global School-Based Student Health Survey data from Samoa was analysed using the Chi-square test and binomial logistic regression analysis with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The prevalence of serious injury among in-school adolescents in Samoa is 46.8%. Sex (male) (AOR = 1.60, CI = 1.29–1.98) was a significant predictor of serious injuries among adolescents in Samoa. Other predictors of serious injuries included physical attack (AOR = 2.21, CI = 1.66–2.94), Physical fights (AOR = 2.27, CI = 1.84–2.80) and being bullied (AOR = 1.59, CI = 1.28–1.99).

Conclusion

Samoa’s serious injury rate among in-school adolescents requires multidisciplinary programmes like anti-bullying campaigns, violence-free relationship education and policies.
Neighborhood and Racial Influences on Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Evidence from Northeast Ohio
Authors: Eom Kirsten Y , Berg Kristen A , Joseph Natalie E , Runner Kristen , Tarabichi Yasir , Khiyami Amer , Perzynski Adam T , Sossey-Alaoui Khalid
Published: November 2022

Purpose
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer (BC) with higher recurrence rates and poorer prognoses and most prevalent among non-Hispanic Black women. Studies of multiple health conditions and care processes suggest that neighborhood socioeconomic position is a key driver of health disparities. We examined roles of patients’ neighborhood-level characteristics and race on prevalence, stage at diagnosis, and mortality among patients diagnosed with BC at a large safety-net healthcare system in Northeast Ohio.
Methods
We used tumor registry to identify BC cases from 2007–2020 and electronic health records and American Community Survey for individual- and area-level factors. We performed multivariable regression analyses to estimate associations between neighborhood-level characteristics, measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), race and comparative TNBC prevalence, stage at diagnosis, and total mortality.
Results
TNBC was more common among non-Hispanic Black (53.7%) vs. non-Hispanic white patients (46.4%). Race and ADI were individually significant predictors of TNBC prevalence, stage at diagnosis, and total mortality. Race remained significantly associated with TNBC subtype, adjusting for covariates. Accounting for TNBC status, a more disadvantaged neighborhood was significantly associated with a worse stage at diagnosis and higher death rates.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that both neighborhood socioeconomic position and race are strongly associated with TNBC vs. other BC subtypes. The burden of TNBC appears to be highest among Black women in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Our study suggests a complex interplay of social conditions and biological disease characteristics contributing to racial disparities in BC outcomes.
Striatal dopamine synthesis and cognitive flexibility differ between hormonal contraceptive users and non-users
Authors: Taylor Caitlin , Furman Daniella , Berry Anne , III Robert White , Jagust William , D'Esposito Mark , Jacobs Emily
Published: November 2022

In rodents and nonhuman primates, sex hormones are powerful modulators of dopamine neurotransmission. Yet little is known about hormonal regulation of the dopamine system in the human brain. Using Positron Emission Tomography (PET), we address this gap by comparing hormonal contraceptive users and non-users across multiple aspects of dopamine function: dopamine synthesis capacity via the PET radioligand 6-[18F]fluoro-m-tyrosine ([18F]FMT), baseline D2/3 receptor binding potential using [11C]raclopride, and dopamine release using methylphenidate-paired [11C]raclopride. Participants consisted of 36 healthy women (n=21 naturally cycling; n=15 hormonal contraceptive users), and men (n=20) as a comparison group. A behavioral index of cognitive flexibility was assessed prior to PET imaging. Hormonal contraceptive users exhibited greater dopamine synthesis capacity than naturally cycling participants, particularly in dorsal caudate, and greater cognitive flexibility. Further, across individuals the magnitude of striatal DA synthesis capacity was associated with cognitive flexibility. No group differences were observed in D2/3 receptor binding or dopamine release. Analyses by sex alone may obscure underlying differences in DA synthesis tied to women’s hormone status. Hormonal contraception (in the form of pill, shot, implant, ring or IUD) is used by ~400 million women worldwide, yet few studies have examined whether chronic hormonal manipulations impact basic properties of the dopamine system. Findings from this study begin to address this critical gap in women’s health.
Reactions and perspectives of medical students against workplace sexual and verbal violence during clinical training in Ardabil, Iran, 2020
Authors: Sadeghi Saber , Shadman Atefeh , Mardi Afrouz
Published: November 2022

Background

Workplace violence continues among medical students in training. This study aimed to determine the reactions and perspectives of medical students against workplace sexual and verbal violence during clinical training in Ardabil University of Medical Sciences in Iran, 2020.

Materials

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 medical students from April to March 2020, in the Ardabil university hospitals. Data collection scales were a demographic questionnaire and the standard workplace violence questionnaire in the health ward. All medical students who had trained at least one year in the university hospitals, met the inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria were dissatisfaction with participation in the study. SPSS 23 software was used to analyze the data.

Results

The results indicated that 63% of medical students experienced verbal and 3% sexual violence. The aggressors in 69.8% of verbal and 100% of sexual violence were the men (p < 0.001). Most of the students (36%) in the face of violence, react no action and 82.7% failed to report. The report was deemed pointless by 67.8% of those who did not report, and the issue was insignificant according to 27%. According to 67.3% of students, the main reason for the violence was a lack of awareness of people about staff duties, and 92.7% stated personnel training was the most important factor in preventing workplace violence.

Conclusions

The results determined that the most of the medical students had no action or report in facing with violence. It seems that a combination of training of students in dealing with violence, increasing patients' awareness about the duties of medical students and more serious follow-up of cases of violence could reduce this problem.
Challenges and adaptions in longitudinal data linkage to track patient health service use and care pathways after Emergency Department presentation: an exemplar
Authors: Trostian Baylie , McCloughen Andrea , Lago Luise , McAlister Brendan , Curtis Kate
Published: November 2022

Background
The routine collection, production and storage of patient data is increasing globally, however the healthcare industry is failing to maximise its use to audit healthcare delivery and inform policy. Linking data allows researchers to generate new insights while protecting patient privacy. Processes of data management and linking can poses challenges for researchers and there is a need for transparent description of methods and solutions. This paper outlines methods used to produce high quality, linked data describing patient health service use and care pathways after presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with early pregnancy complications.
Methods
The retrospective cohort study used 10 years of linked data extracted from a regional health district’s databank. Strict inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied to the core dataset. There were six steps to the method: 1) writing data extraction code, 2) data collection, 3) data processing and refinement. 4) Datasets were prepared for linking, 5) deterministic linkage was used to produce final linked dataset and 6) combined dataset was analysed. Throughout the process of data management and linking a commitment to data sovereignty was upheld.
Results
Numerous challenges were faced when linking health data. Comprehensive solutions that were both systematic and repeatable were developed. For example, the creation of Clinical Phases of Care, a window of 28-days of care starting at arrival date of initial ED presentation. Clinical Phases of Care increased opportunity for higher linking yield, and mitigated issues with missing data and absence of linking terms. Challenges with handling big data, multiple supplies, and data variables not available or incorrectly formatted, were resolved by using statistical software.
Conclusions
Using an exemplar, methods of data management and linking have been shared, a process that could be directly transferred to other ED presentations. Key lessons for data linking strategies have been shared, providing clinical practitioners, researchers, decision makers and managers with a ‘how to guide’ on data management and linkage to audit and inform best practice and health policy.
Spectrum-sliced wavelength division multiplexing based free space optical communication employing Differential quadrature phase-shift keying
Authors: Yarra Naga Subrahmanya Vamsi Mohan , A Sivanantha Raja
Published: November 2022

With the motive to reduce the high cost incurred in Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) based free-space optics (FSO) communication system, Spectrum-sliced (SS) WDM based free-space optical communication system at a data rate of 2.5 Gbps per channel is proposed in this research article. Utilizing the broadening of the spectrum by means of supercontinuum generation in a highly non linear Fiber (HNLF), an economical SS-WDM based FSO system is designed. The narrow spectrum of laser light source is broadened by means of self phase modulation (SPM). The proposed work confirms that the DQPSK based SS-WDM FSO system has higher performance compared to other intensity modulation formats as well as differential phase modulation formats. Considering various values of FSO link distances, antenna diameters of transmitter and receiver, beam divergence and thus, determining the values of performance metric such as Q-factor and BER, differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) based SS-WDM FSO system is simulated.
Stratified Split Sampling of Electronic Health Records: Turning Early Science into Replicable Research
Authors: Huo Tianyao , Glueck Deborah , Shenkman Elizabeth , Muller Keith
Published: November 2022

Although superficially similar to data from clinical research, data extracted from electronic health records (EHRs) may require fundamentally different approaches to analysis and model building. Some outcome and predictor variables may not be well-defined at the start of the study. Selecting specific definitions requires exploratory data analysis. Specifying the rules for computing a new variable inevitably leads to exploratory analyses. Achieving replicability, i.e., a high probability that a similar future study will reach the same conclusions, requires special approaches. We recommend a study design strategy based on stratified sample splitting for studies using EHRs. The split-sample design ensures meeting the goal of replicability. Stratified sampling of EHRs increases generalizability by allowing heterogeneity between subgroups to be tested appropriately with good statistical power. Building a model from EHR data to predict uptake of hepatic cancer screening illustrates the recommended approach.
CD79A Work as a Potential Target For The Prognosis of Patients With HNSCC: Analysis of Immune Cell Infiltration In Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on The CIBERSORTx Deconvolution Algorithm
Authors: Yao Shucong , Huang Zixian , Wei Changji , Wang Yuepeng , Xiao Hongwei , Chen Shisheng , Huang Zhiquan
Published: November 2022

Objective
To analyze the abundance of infiltrating tumor immune cells in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and to search for potential targets that can predict patient prognosis.
Methods
A total of 400 samples from 210 patients with HNSCC were collected using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. CIBERSORTx was used to evaluate the infiltration abundance of tumor immune cells. Potential target genes were searched to predict patient prognosis through case grouping, differential analysis, and enrichment analysis. The correlation between target genes and tumor immune cell infiltration was verified using the TIMER2.0 database. Surgical excisional tissue sections of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, from 2015 to 2018 were collected and followed up.
Results
The CIBERSORTx deconvolution algorithm was used to analyze the infiltration abundance of immune cells in the samples. Cases with a high infiltration abundance of naive and memory B lymphocytes exhibited a significantly improved prognosis. The prognosis of patients with high CD79A expression was significantly better than that of patients with low CD79A expression. In addition, CD79A expression was significantly correlated with B lymphocyte infiltration in the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusion
CD79A can predict the infiltration abundance of B lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment of patients with HNSCC. CD79A is a potential target for predicting the prognosis of patients with HNSCC. This study provides novel ideas for the treatment of HNSCC and for predicting patient prognosis.