bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Men Under the Microscope: The Gaze of Other Men, “The Subject Who Is Supposed to Know,” and the Pursuit of Wholeness
Authors: Tyler Elizabeth McManaman
Published: March 2024

Abstract: While numerous Men and Masculinities scholars discuss how men “perform” or seek to “prove” their masculinity to other men, a psychoanalytic investigation into the structural relations of this dynamic—especially with regard to young American high school- and college-age men—is needed. Using Peggy Orenstein’s Boys and Sex: Young Men on Hookups, Love, Porn, Consent, and Navigating the New Masculinity (2020) as a source text, I draw on the Lacanian concept of “the subject who is supposed to know” to elucidate the homosocial nature of masculinity. A Lacanian reading of Boys and Sex suggests that American high school and college men’s desires are incited by the ostensible enjoyment, or jouissance, they witness other men experiencing when engaging in “masculine” behaviors. Orenstein’s adolescent and young-adult interviewees demonstrate how “what one wants” is inextricably bound with what one sees (or interprets) other men wanting. While Men and Masculinities scholars argue that performances of masculinity are enacted to avoid ostracism and humiliation, a Lacanian account centers on the psychic pursuit of (illusory) wholeness. Lastly, Lacan’s notion of “traversing the fantasy” offers a path toward reclaiming agency despite the sway of cultural ideals and the gaze of Others.
Chinese Reports about Buddhism in Early Burma
Authors: Deeg Max
Published: March 2024

Abstract: This article revisits the Chinese Buddhist sources on the Pyus and Śrīkṣetra in early Burma. Buddhist references to the region mainly come from the Tang period (618–907). These texts, authored by the famous monks Xuanzang and Yijing, do not use the Chinese transcriptional term Biao, which corresponds to Pyu, but exclusively use the name Śrīkṣetra. They do not refer to any local form of Buddhism or do so only in very general terms. Buddhism as practiced by the Pyus (Biao) is first mentioned in the ninth-century text, the Manshu . The Chinese sources certainly do not prove that Buddhism has not yet been adopted on a large scale, but they may indicate a relatively late consolidation of Buddhism in the region.
Two approaches for triple coexistence of G-PON, XGS-PON, and 50G-PON systems with extended reach and a class-D ODN
Authors: Saliou Fabienne , Simon Gaël , Le Huérou Stéphane , Vu-Brugier Guillaume , Cano Ivan , Nesset Derek , Hong Zou , Rosales Ricardo , Bideau Maël , Potet Jérémy , Gaillard Georges , Chevalier Dylan , Zandueta Joseph , Talli Giuseppe , Chanclou Philippe
Published: March 2024

In a first system configuration, a dedicated 50G-PON module was incorporated into the OLT, seamlessly coexisting with commercial G-PON and XGS-PON. The coexistence of the three generations of PONs is done here without adding any loss (filter) in existing ODNs, the 50G-PON being inserted on a 2:2 splitter at the CO. Furthermore, the possibility to extend the reach and place the 50G-PON OLT in a remote CO is evaluated. The second system uses a MPM at the OLT that includes the three PON generations. To our knowledge, this is the first full G-PON, XG(S)-PON, 50G-PON system prototype that provides an optical budget of 29 dB, and we demonstrate the possibility of extending the budget to 35 dB using SOAs.
High power self-Q-switched Tm:YAP laser
Authors: Ma Zhaoyu , Hao Qianqian , Wang Huanli , Sun Xudong , Li Linjun
Published: March 2024

To the best of our knowledge, the output performance of a self-Q-switched Tm:YAP laser has been controlled by adjusting the cavity length for the first time. By using a concise concave-flat cavity, a pulsed laser emitting at 1993 nm is produced without any additional modulation device. Under a stable self-Q-switched mode, the maximum average output power of 9.76 W is achieved from the laser when the incident pump power is 28.78 W, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 36.9% and an optical-to-optical conversion efficacy of 33.9%. Also, the narrowest pulse width of 485 ns at 48.97 kHz is obtained from the laser with a single pulse energy of 199.3 µJ. As far as we know, this laser has the highest average power and narrowest pulse width compared to other self-Q-switched Tm:YAP lasers.
Observation of mammalian living cells with femtosecond single pulse illumination generated by a soft X-ray free electron laser
Authors: Egawa Satoru , Sakurai Kai , Takeo Yoko , Yoshinaga Kyota , Takei Masashi , Owada Shigeki , Yamaguchi Gota , Yokomae Shunya , Mimura Hidekazu , Yamagata Yutaka , Yabashi Makina , Shimura Mari , Kimura Takashi
Published: March 2024

Soft X-ray transmission microscopy is a powerful tool for visualizing
cellular structures due to the natural contrast between organic
material and water, but radiation damage has hindered its application
to living cells. We have developed a soft X-ray microscope using
femtosecond pulse illumination generated by a soft X-ray free electron
laser, with which structural change of cells caused by radiation
damage is negligible. Employing Wolter mirrors for illumination and
objective optics allowed us to perform soft X-ray imaging with a large
field of view, enabling observation of mammalian cells. We
successfully captured images of living cells in a culture medium
visualizing their carbon distribution. The broad wavelength-tunability
of soft X-ray free electron lasers, in conjunction with the
achromaticity of Wolter mirrors, enabled wavelength resolved cellular
imaging.
The mechanism of cytoplasmic incompatibility is conserved in Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes deployed for arbovirus control
Authors: Kaur Rupinder , Meier Cole J. , McGraw Elizabeth A. , Hillyer Julian F. , Bordenstein Seth R.
Published: March 2024

The rising interest and success in deploying inherited microorganisms and cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) for vector control strategies necessitate an explanation of the CI mechanism. Wolbachia-induced CI manifests in the form of embryonic lethality when sperm from Wolbachia-bearing testes fertilize eggs from uninfected females. Embryos from infected females however survive to sustain the maternally inherited symbiont. Previously in Drosophila melanogaster flies, we demonstrated that CI modifies chromatin integrity in developing sperm to bestow the embryonic lethality. Here, we validate these findings using wMel-transinfected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes released to control vector-borne diseases. Once again, the prophage WO CI proteins, CifA and CifB, target male gametic nuclei to modify chromatin integrity via an aberrant histone-to-protamine transition. Cifs are not detected in the embryo, and thus elicit CI via the nucleoprotein modifications established pre-fertilization. The rescue protein CifA in oogenesis localizes to stem cell, nurse cell, and oocyte nuclei, as well as embryonic DNA during embryogenesis. Discovery of the nuclear targeting Cifs and altered histone-to-protamine transition in both Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and D. melanogaster flies affirm the Host Modification Model of CI is conserved across these host species. The study also newly uncovers the cell biology of Cif proteins in the ovaries, CifA localization in the embryos, and an impaired histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis of any mosquito species. Overall, these sperm modification findings may enable future optimization of CI efficacy in vectors or pests that are refractory to Wolbachia transinfections.
Micro-costing from healthcare professional’s perspective and acceptability of cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnostic tools in Morocco: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Bennis Issam , Sadiki Mohamed , Ezzahidi Abdelkacem , Laaroussi Naoual , Bouhout Souad
Published: March 2024

In Morocco, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) represents a concern with three causative parasite species. Despite this, rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for CL is not part of the national control strategy. This study evaluates the acceptability and micro-costing of the CL Detect Rapid Test by Inbios International. The study was conducted from June 2019 to January 2020 and included 46 healthcare professionals from 40 primary healthcare centers and district labs. Data was collected by self-administered questionnaires and interviews and analysed using NVivo, Jamovi, and Python to generate a predictive model and sensitivity analysis by calculating the average Cost-Benefit Ratio for compared CL diagnostic scenarios. The exchange rate is 1 USD = 9.6 MAD (Moroccan Dirham) in November 2019. The CL-RDT received notable acceptance for its user-friendliness and time efficiency compared to traditional microscopy. Micro-costing data revealed that the average unit cost for microscopy is 15 MAD [7–31], whereas 75 MAD [52–131] for CL-RDT. Altogether, the diagnostic cost for microscopy is 115 MAD±4, marginally higher than the 102 MAD±2 for CL-RDT (p = 0,05). Sensitivity analysis identified the most cost-benefit scenarios based on a Cost-Benefit Ratio (CBR). The optimal approach involves using CL-RDT once at a primary healthcare centre (PHC) (CBR = 1.4), especially if the unitary cost is below 79 MAD. The second-best option is using CL-RDT once at a laboratory (CBR = 1.0), which is advantageous if priced under 54 MAD. However, using CL-RDT twice for the same lesion had a less favourable CBR of 0.6 and was only beneficial if priced below 09 MAD. The reference scenario was a single CL-RDT at the PHC followed by microscopy at a laboratory. In conclusion, the forthcoming CL-RDT, expected to feature enhanced sensitivity, is advocated for deployment in resource-limited endemic areas.
Rosiglitazone alleviates LPS-induced endometritis via suppression of TLR4-mediated NF-κB activation
Authors: Bao Hongchu , Cong Jianxiang , Qu Qinglan , He Shunzhi , Zhao Dongmei , Zhao Huishan , Yin Shuyuan , Ma Ding
Published: March 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Rosiglitazone (RGZ) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced Endometritis and explore its possible mechanism.

Methods

The preventive and therapeutic effects of RGZ on Endometritis were studied in vivo and in vitro. A total of 40 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the following 4 groups: RGZ+LPS, RGZ control, LPS and DMSO control. The mice uterine tissue sections were performed with HE and immunohistochemical staining. Human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were cultured, and different concentrations of LPS stimulation groups and RGZ and/or a TLR4 signaling inhibitor TAK-242 pretreatment +LPS groups were established to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this protective effect of RGZ.

Results

The HE results in mice showed that RGZ+LPS group had less tissue loss than LPS group. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) results showed that the expression of TLR4 after RGZ treatment was significantly lower than that in LPS group. These findings suggested that RGZ effectively improves the pathological changes associated with LPS-induced endometritis by inhibiting TLR4. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis demonstrated that RGZ pretreatment suppresses the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its downstream activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In vitro, RGZ inhibited LPS-stimulated expression of proinflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner and also downregulated LPS induced toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression and inhibited phosphorylation of LPS-induced nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) P65 protein.

Conclusions

These results suggest that RGZ may inhibit LPS-induced endometritis through the TLR4-mediated NF-κB pathway.
Diagnostic efficacy of hand-held digital refractometer for determining total serum protein in indigenous sheep of Pakistan
Authors: Sharif Madiha , Lashari Mushtaq Hussain , Farooq Umer , Idris Musadiq , Afzal Muhammad Abrar
Published: March 2024

The study was designed to ascertain the diagnostic efficacy of hand-held digital refractometer in determining total protein (TP). The Sipli sheep (n = 128) were grouped as per gender (females = 99, males = 29) and age (G1 = up till 1 year, n = 35; G2 = from 1 to 2 years, n = 63; G3 = above 2 years, n = 30). The results regarding the overall mean (±SE) values for the TPs attained through serum chemistry analyzer (TP1) and hand-held digital refractometer (TP2) were non-significantly (P≥0.05) different (59.2±1.6g/L and 59.8±0.5g/L, respectively). However, the reference intervals (RIs) were quite different for the two TPs being 45.1–95.7g/L and 57.0–67.0g/L for TP1 and TP2, respectively. Similar results were seen for gender-wise and group-wise results. On the contrary, the results regarding correlation coefficient and logilinear regression showed a negative correlation between the two TPs (r = -0.0244) with an adjusted r-square of 0.059 (5.9% probability). Furthermore, the three tests implied to assess the level of agreement between the two methods (Cronbach alpha, Intraclass correlation coefficient, and Bland & Altman test) revealed least agreement between the two methods. In a nutshell, the results of TP through digital refractometer were not in concordance with those attained through serum chemistry analyzer. However, it can cautiously be used if these results are compared with relevant corrected RIs.
Analyst optimism, information disclosure, and stock price collapse risk: Empirical insights from China’s A-share market
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Yingchun , Ma Rui , Wang Ruixuan
Published: March 2024

This study selects stock data of listed companies in China’s A-share stock market from 2011 to 2020 as research samples. Using a fixed-effects model, it examines the impact of analyst optimism on stock price collapses and the moderating effect of information disclosure quality. Simultaneously, it conducts additional research to explore the potential transmission mechanisms involved. The main findings are as follows: Firstly, a positive correlation exists between analyst optimism and the risk of stock price collapse. Secondly, improving information disclosure quality of listed companies can enhance the positive impact of analyst optimism on the risk of stock price collapses and expedite the market’s adjustment of overly optimistic valuations of listed companies. Additionally, analyst optimism can increase the risk of stock price collapses by affecting institutional ownership. These findings provide theoretical support for regulatory authorities to revise and improve the "information disclosure evaluation" system, regulate the analyst industry, guide analyst behavior, and encourage listed companies to enhance internal governance and improve information disclosure practices.
Prognostic difference between surgery and external radiation in patients with stage I liver cancer based on competitive risk model and conditional survival rate
Authors: Chen Rong , An Yanli , Xu Muhao
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the difference in prognosis of patients with early-stage liver cancer after surgery or external radiation.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2015, 2155 patients with AJCC 7thstage I liver cancer were enrolled in the SEER database. Among these, 1972 patients had undergone surgery and 183 had undergone external beam radiation. The main research endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). The competitive risk model was used to calculate the risk ratio of liver cancer-specific deaths when there was a competitive risk. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method using a 1:1 ratio was used to match confounders such as sex, age, and treatment method. Conditional survival was dynamically assessed for patient survival after surgery or external radiation.

Results

Multivariate analysis of the competitive risk model showed that age, disease diagnosis time, grade, and treatment [surgery and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT)] were independent prognostic factors for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Surgery had a higher survival improvement rate than that of EBRT. As the survival of patients with liver cancer increased, the survival curve of surgery declined more slowly than that of radiotherapy patients and stabilized around 3 years after surgery. The survival curve of radiotherapy patients significantly dropped within 4 years and then stabilized.

Conclusion

Surgery was better than EBRT for patients with stage I liver cancer. Close follow-up was required for 3 years after surgery or 4 years after external radiation. This study can help clinicians make better informed clinical decisions.
Reflected generalized concentration addition and Bayesian hierarchical models to improve chemical mixture prediction
Authors: Zilber Daniel , Messier Kyle
Published: March 2024

Environmental toxicants overwhelmingly occur together as mixtures. The variety of possible chemical interactions makes it difficult to predict the danger of the mixture. In this work, we propose the novel Reflected Generalized Concentration Addition (RGCA), a piece-wise, geometric technique for sigmoidal dose-responsed inverse functions that extends the use of generalized concentration addition (GCA) for 3+ parameter models. Since experimental tests of all relevant mixtures is costly and intractable, we rely only on the individual chemical dose responses. Additionally, RGCA enhances the classical two-step model for the cumulative effects of mixtures, which assumes a combination of GCA and independent action (IA). We explore how various clustering methods can dramatically improve predictions. We compare our technique to the IA, CA, and GCA models and show in a simulation study that the two-step approach performs well under a variety of true models. We then apply our method to a challenging data set of individual chemical and mixture responses where the target is an androgen receptor (Tox21 AR-luc). Our results show significantly improved predictions for larger mixtures. Our work complements ongoing efforts to predict environmental exposure to various chemicals and offers a starting point for combining different exposure predictions to quantify a total risk to health.
Human-animal entanglements in bushmeat trading in Sierra Leone: An ethnographic assessment of a potential zoonotic interface
Authors: Jenkins Jack , Lawundeh Wahab , Hanson Tommy , Brown Hannah
Published: March 2024

‘Bushmeat’ markets are often portrayed as chaotic spaces where exotic wild animals are sold. They are hypothesized to be important sites for zoonotic disease transmission, given the prolonged and intense nature of the cross-species encounters that occur within them. Whilst such markets have received some attention from researchers, rich qualitative descriptions of everyday practices in these markets are rare. Depictions of wild animal markets as sites for potential viral amplification often rely on exoticizing assumptions and narratives rather than actual evidence, and in some cases are based more on ideology than on science. We provide an in-depth ethnographic account of two bushmeat markets in Bo, Sierra Leone. Our analysis goes beyond common assumptions that zoonotic risk is located solely in the knowledge and behaviours of traders. Our account sheds light on the modes of touch, closeness and contact that shape this hypothesised zoonotic interface, outlining the possible risks to different people who use and spend time in the market. We found that inadequate infrastructure and sanitation facilities created risks of zoonotic disease transmission for diverse actors including traders, customers, children, and the wider public. Butchering and trading practices frequently resulted in people directly and indirectly encountering animal fluids. We also discuss how public health management of these markets focused on individual behaviours rather than on improving conditions. Urgent sanitary reform and infrastructure upgrades in these sites that support the economic needs of traders could encourage voluntary compliance with biosafety measures amongst traders seeking to balance responsibilities to family and public health. Our study reveals the value of moving beyond exoticized narratives about bushmeat markets to yield situated insights for reducing risk at this interface.
Design and implementation of origami robot ROS-based SLAM and autonomous navigation
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Zhang Tianyi , Shang Zuen
Published: March 2024

In this study an innovative parameterized water-bomb wheel modeling method based on recursive solving are introduced, significantly reducing the modeling workload compared to traditional methods. A multi-link supporting structure is designed upon the foundation of the water-bomb wheel model. The effectiveness of the supporting structure is verified through simulations and experiments. For robots equipped with this water-bomb wheel featuring the multi-link support, base on the kinematic model of multi-link structure, a mapping algorithm that incorporates parameterized kinematic solutions and IMU-fused parameterized odometry is proposed. Based on this algorithm, SLAM and autonomous navigation experiments are carried out in simulation environment and real environment respectively. Compared with the traditional algorithm, this algorithm the precision of SLAM is enhanced, achieving high-precision SLAM and autonomous navigation with a robot error rate below 5%.
Using simulation to teach nursing students how to deal with a euthanasia request
Authors: Demedts Dennis , Magerman Jürgen , Goossens Ellen , Tricas-Sauras Sandra , Bilsen Johan , De Smet Stefaan , Fobelets Maaike
Published: March 2024

Nursing students are confronted with euthanasia during their internship and certainly during their later career but they feel inadequately prepared in dealing with a euthanasia request. This study presents a simulation module focused on euthanasia and evaluates nursing students’ perceptions after they have completed the simulation practice. The ‘euthanasia module’ consisted of a preparatory online learning module, a good-practice video, an in-vivo simulation scenario, and a debriefing session. The module’s content was validated by four experts in end-of-life care. The module was completed by three groups of students from two different University Colleges (n = 17 in total). The students were divided into three groups: one with no previous simulation education experience, one with all students having previous experience, and another with a mix of experiences. After completing the entire module, each group had a discussion regarding their perceptions and expectations concerning this simulation module. Thematic content analysis was conducted on audio-recorded group interviews using NVIVO® software, involving initial open coding, transformation into specific themes and subthemes through axial coding, and defining core themes through selective coding, with data analysis continuing until data saturation was reached. Students generally found the online learning module valuable for background information, had mixed perceptions of the good-practice video, and appreciated the well-crafted scenarios with the taboo of euthanasia emerging during simulations, while the debriefing process was seen as enhancing clinical reasoning abilities. Students considered the simulation module a valuable addition to their education and nursing careers, expressing their satisfaction with the comprehensive coverage of the sensitive topic presented without sensationalism or taboos. This subject holds significance for nations with established euthanasia laws and those lacking such legal frameworks. The findings of this study can aid teachers in developing and accessing euthanasia simulation training programs, contributing to broader education’s emphasis on integrating euthanasia-related knowledge and skills.
The accuracy of different calculation methods when identifying handgrip strength asymmetry among middle-aged and older Chinese adults
Authors: Wang Yilin , Wang Jing , Wang Binyou , Fu Jing , Chen Xiaoyan
Published: March 2024

At present, there is no uniform standard mean of identifying handgrip strength (HGS) asymmetry based on maximum or average HGS values. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the accuracy of different calculation methods in the evaluation of HGS asymmetry. Using the maximum reading of two trials from both hands (Method A) as the reference standard, the accuracy of the HGS asymmetry identified by the average value of two trials of both hands (Method B) was determined by using various indicators, including specificity, sensitivity, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), positive, and negative predictive values. Overall, 12,163 individuals were included in this study, of whom 47.61% (5791/12,163) were male. The percentages of individuals with HGS asymmetry differed as a function of age and sex when using these two different methods. When employing Method A, 38.52%, 41.57%, and 44.57% of males 45 ≤ age<60, 60 ≤ age<80, and ≥ 80 years of age exhibited HGS asymmetry as compared to 40.78%, 39%, and 39.63% of females. Using Method B, the corresponding proportions were 41.69%, 42.5%, and 40% in males and 42.01%, 41.18%, and 40.55% in females, respectively. When compared to Method A, Method B was found to be effective in identifying HGS asymmetry, with AUC values ranging from 0.844 to 0.877. However, there was only moderate agreement between the two methods in assessing HGS asymmetry. Specifically, the Kappa values for the two Methods were 0.692, 0.694, and 0.766 in males aged 45 to 60, 60 to 80, and 80 years and above, respectively. For females, the Kappa values were 0.674, 0.661, and 0.751, respectively. These results demonstrated that the maximal or average HGS values from two trials using both hands has a significant impact on the consequent identification of HGS asymmetry.
Urban public services and fertility intentions of internal migrants in China
Authors: Liu Sichen , Cai Quanling , Wang Mingxing , Di Kaisheng
Published: March 2024

As China continues to implement its progressive fertility promotion policy, there has been a drastic decline in the fertility rate. Given that the migrant population constitutes more than a quarter of China’s total population, enhancing the willingness of this demographic to have additional children through policy-guided urban public services is pivotal for optimizing China’s population development strategy. This study analyzes the influence of urban public services on the reproductive intentions of the migrant population, utilizing data from 110,667 migrant families with one child, drawn from China’s Migrant Population Dynamic Monitoring data in 2016 and 2018. The data analysis reveals several key findings: (1) Urban public services, overall, exhibit a notable positive effect on the willingness of the migrant population to have more children, albeit with limitations and a declining trend. (2) Among urban public services, primary basic education significantly impacts the willingness of the migrant population to expand their families. (3) Large cities have created a ’reverse screening’ effect on the migrant population, leading to differential access to public services. This scenario caters effectively to the high human capital migrant individuals while reducing accessibility to livelihood public services for the low human capital migrant population. This paper critically evaluates China’s progressively adjusted fertility policy from the perspective of the migrant population. It underscores the necessity of establishing a comprehensive fertility support policy system across China.
DEW: A wavelet approach of rare sound event detection
Authors: Gul Sania , Khan Muhammad Salman , Ur-Rehman Ata
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a novel sound event detection (SED) system for rare events occurring in an open environment. Wavelet multiresolution analysis (MRA) is used to decompose the input audio clip of 30 seconds into five levels. Wavelet denoising is then applied on the third and fifth levels of MRA to filter out the background. Significant transitions, which may represent the onset of a rare event, are then estimated in these two levels by combining the peak-finding algorithm with the K-medoids clustering algorithm. The small portions of one-second duration, called ‘chunks’ are cropped from the input audio signal corresponding to the estimated locations of the significant transitions. Features from these chunks are extracted by the wavelet scattering network (WSN) and are given as input to a support vector machine (SVM) classifier, which classifies them. The proposed SED framework produces an error rate comparable to the SED systems based on convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture. Also, the proposed algorithm is computationally efficient and lightweight as compared to deep learning models, as it has no learnable parameter. It requires only a single epoch of training, which is 5, 10, 200, and 600 times lesser than the models based on CNNs and deep neural networks (DNNs), CNN with long short-term memory (LSTM) network, convolutional recurrent neural network (CRNN), and CNN respectively. The proposed model neither requires concatenation with previous frames for anomaly detection nor any additional training data creation needed for other comparative deep learning models. It needs to check almost 360 times fewer chunks for the presence of rare events than the other baseline systems used for comparison in this paper. All these characteristics make the proposed system suitable for real-time applications on resource-limited devices.
A deep learning approach for Named Entity Recognition in Urdu language
Authors: Anam Rimsha , Anwar Muhammad Waqas , Jamal Muhammad Hasan , Bajwa Usama Ijaz , Diez Isabel de la Torre , Alvarado Eduardo Silva , Flores Emmanuel Soriano , Ashraf Imran
Published: March 2024

Named Entity Recognition (NER) is a natural language processing task that has been widely explored for different languages in the recent decade but is still an under-researched area for the Urdu language due to its rich morphology and language complexities. Existing state-of-the-art studies on Urdu NER use various deep-learning approaches through automatic feature selection using word embeddings. This paper presents a deep learning approach for Urdu NER that harnesses FastText and Floret word embeddings to capture the contextual information of words by considering the surrounding context of words for improved feature extraction. The pre-trained FastText and Floret word embeddings are publicly available for Urdu language which are utilized to generate feature vectors of four benchmark Urdu language datasets. These features are then used as input to train various combinations of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Bidirectional LSTM (BiLSTM), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), CRF, and deep learning models. The results show that our proposed approach significantly outperforms existing state-of-the-art studies on Urdu NER, achieving an F-score of up to 0.98 when using BiLSTM+GRU with Floret embeddings. Error analysis shows a low classification error rate ranging from 1.24% to 3.63% across various datasets showing the robustness of the proposed approach. The performance comparison shows that the proposed approach significantly outperforms similar existing studies.
Assessing SOFA score trajectories in sepsis using machine learning: A pragmatic approach to improve the accuracy of mortality prediction
Authors: Palmowski Lars , Nowak Hartmuth , Witowski Andrea , Koos Björn , Wolf Alexander , Weber Maike , Kleefisch Daniel , Unterberg Matthias , Haberl Helge , von Busch Alexander , Ertmer Christian , Zarbock Alexander , Bode Christian , Putensen Christian , Limper Ulrich , Wappler Frank , Köhler Thomas , Henzler Dietrich , Oswald Daniel , Ellger Björn , Ehrentraut Stefan F. , Bergmann Lars , Rump Katharina , Ziehe Dominik , Babel Nina , Sitek Barbara , Marcus Katrin , Frey Ulrich H. , Thoral Patrick J. , Adamzik Michael , Eisenacher Martin , Rahmel Tim ,   on behalf of the SepsisDataNet.NRW research group
Published: March 2024

Introduction

An increasing amount of longitudinal health data is available on critically ill septic patients in the age of digital medicine, including daily sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score measurements. Thus, the assessment in sepsis focuses increasingly on the evaluation of the individual disease’s trajectory. Machine learning (ML) algorithms may provide a promising approach here to improve the evaluation of daily SOFA score dynamics. We tested whether ML algorithms can outperform the conventional ΔSOFA score regarding the accuracy of 30-day mortality prediction.

Methods

We used the multicentric SepsisDataNet.NRW study cohort that prospectively enrolled 252 sepsis patients between 03/2018 and 09/2019 for training ML algorithms, i.e. support vector machine (SVM) with polynomial kernel and artificial neural network (aNN). We used the Amsterdam UMC database covering 1,790 sepsis patients for external and independent validation.

Results

Both SVM (AUC 0.84; 95% CI: 0.71–0.96) and aNN (AUC 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69–0.95) assessing the SOFA scores of the first seven days led to a more accurate prognosis of 30-day mortality compared to the ΔSOFA score between day 1 and 7 (AUC 0.73; 95% CI: 0.65–0.80; p = 0.02 and p = 0.05, respectively). These differences were even more prominent the shorter the time interval considered. Using the SOFA scores of day 1 to 3 SVM (AUC 0.82; 95% CI: 0.68 0.95) and aNN (AUC 0.80; 95% CI: 0.660.93) led to a more accurate prognosis of 30-day mortality compared to the ΔSOFA score (AUC 0.66; 95% CI: 0.58–0.74; p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). Strikingly, all these findings could be confirmed in the independent external validation cohort.

Conclusions

The ML-based algorithms using daily SOFA scores markedly improved the accuracy of mortality compared to the conventional ΔSOFA score. Therefore, this approach could provide a promising and automated approach to assess the individual disease trajectory in sepsis. These findings reflect the potential of incorporating ML algorithms as robust and generalizable support tools on intensive care units.
Diverging likelihood of colon and rectal cancer in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: A cross sectional study
Authors: Puspitaningtyas Herindita , Hutajulu Susanna Hilda , Fachiroh Jajah , Anggorowati Nungki , Sanjaya Guardian Yoki , Lazuardi Lutfan , Sripan Patumrat
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Colon and rectal cancer are associated with different risk factors and prognostic. However, this discrepancy has not been widely explored in the local population. This study aimed to investigate the site-specific likelihood of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in the Yogyakarta province, Indonesia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyses 1,295 CRC cases diagnosed in 2008–2019 registered in the Yogyakarta population-based cancer registry (PBCR) database. Cases were grouped into colon and rectal cancer. Log-binomial regression was used to determine the relative risk of either colon or rectal cancer across different gender, age group, and rurality of residence. The age-specific rates were calculated by age group and temporal trend for each group were analyzed using joinpoint regression.

Results

Females displayed higher odds of colon cancer (relative risk/RR = 1.20, 95%CI = 1.02–1.41) and lower odds of rectal cancer (RR = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.85–0.99). Elevated odds of colon cancer were observed in younger age group, especially 30–39 (RR = 1.87, 95%CI = 1.10–3.19), while decreased odds of rectal cancer was apparent in age group 30–39 and 40–49 (RR = 0.75, 95%CI = 0.60–0.93 and RR = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.69–0.98, respectively). Living in urban or rural areas did not significantly influence the odds of either having colon (RR = 0.98, 95%CI = 0.82–1.17) or rectal cancer (RR = 1.01, 95%CI = 0.93–1.10). During 2008–2019, trends of colon cancer in age <50 increased by 8.15% annually while rectal cancer displayed a 9.71% increase annually prior to 2017, followed by a 17.23% decrease until 2019.

Conclusions

Yogyakarta population shows higher odds of young-onset colon cancer, especially between age 30–39 years old. Overall observation of trend shows increasing incidence in young-onset colon cancer, and non-significant decrease in rectal cancer.
Short-term chemotherapy-related complications and undernutrition in children diagnosed with cancer at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Salifu Nihad , Segbefia Catherine I. , Alhassan Yakubu , Renner Lorna A. , Tette Edem M. A.
Published: March 2024

Undernutrition in children with cancer is associated with complications during cancer therapy. The study objective was to determine the association between specific anthropometric parameters and short-term chemotherapy-related complications and mortality. This was a hospital-based, prospective cohort study of children, age ≤12 years, with a new cancer diagnosis at the Paediatric Oncology Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Socio-demographic information, cancer characteristics and anthropometric measurements were obtained at enrolment. Participants were followed up for twelve weeks from commencement of chemotherapy and selected treatment-related complications such as anaemia and thrombocytopenia requiring transfusions, prolonged neutropenia resulting in treatment delays, febrile neutropenia, mucositis and death were recorded. A total of 133 participants were recruited with a median age of 4.5 years. Eighty-one (60.9%) were diagnosed with solid tumours, 31 (23.3%) had leukaemias and 21 (15.8%) had lymphomas. Of the anthropometric parameters assessed, only arm anthropometry using upper arm muscle area (UAMA) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were associated with complications. Participants with wasting were more likely to develop anaemia and mucositis. However, the incidence of prolonged neutropenia was significantly higher among participants with average UAMA (p = 0.043) and low average UAMA (p = 0.049) compared to those with low UAMA. Risk of neutropenia was also significantly less among those with wasting by MUAC compared to those well-nourished (p = 0.045). Twenty-three participants (17.3%) died with a greater proportion (11/44; 25%) occurring in those who were wasted using MUAC. These findings underscore the need for nutritional surveillance at diagnosis and during chemotherapy, particularly where co-morbid disease is prevalent.
Prevalence and associated factors of occupational injuries in an industrial city in Ghana
Authors: Asiedu Michael Tetteh , Opoku Douglas Aninng , Ayisi-Boateng Nana Kwame , Osarfo Joseph , Sulemana Alhassan , Mohammed Aliyu , Amissah John , Ashilevi Jennifer , Mate-Kole Ayongo , Opoku Felix Agyemang , Yankson Isaac Kofi , Nakua Emmanuel Kweku
Published: March 2024

Background

Workers are exposed to workplace hazards which increase their risk of occupational injury. Data on occupational injuries and associated factors are important for planning and informing national policy regarding workplace health and safety. This study sought to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with occupational injuries among workers in an industrial city in Ghana.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 459 workers in the Tema industrial enclave in Ghana from 22nd December 2020 to 27th February 2021. Participants were recruited using a two-stage sampling technique. Eight communities were randomly selected from twenty-five communities in the first stage while households in each community were randomly selected in the second stage. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, occupational health and safety and occupational injuries were collected. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between occupational injuries and associated factors.

Results

The mean age of the workers was 33.9 (±6.8) years with a range of 21–53 while over 18.1% of them were working at the Port and Harbour. The prevalence of occupational injury among the workers in the preceding twelve months was 64.7%. The mechanism of injury was mainly the use of working tools (45.8%) and hot surfaces, substances or chemicals (14.1%). Being a casual staff (AOR: 2.26, 95%CI: 1.04–4.92), working at Port and Harbour (AOR: 3.77, 95%CI: 1.70–8.39), no health and safety training (AOR: 2.18, 95%CI: 1.08–4.39), dissatisfaction with health and safety measures (AOR: 4.31, 95%CI: 2.12–8.78) and tertiary education (AOR: 0.03, 95%CI: 0.01–0.10) were significantly associated with occupational injuries.

Conclusion

The prevalence of occupational injuries in this study was high. Promoting machine tools’ safety, health and safety training, and satisfaction with health and safety measures through rewarding workers who do not sustain injuries could be key to employees’ health and safety.
Feeling Sick: The Early Years of Aids in Spain, Dean Allbritton (2023)
Authors: Wheeler Duncan
Published: March 2024

Review of: Feeling Sick: The Early Years of Aids in Spain, Dean Allbritton (2023)

Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 224 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-80207-804-6, h/bk, £95
Legacies of the Portuguese Colonial Empire: Nationalism, Citizenship and Popular Culture, Elsa Peralta and Nuno Domingos (eds) (2023)
Authors: da Silva João Moreira
Published: March 2024

Review of: Legacies of the Portuguese Colonial Empire: Nationalism, Citizenship and Popular Culture, Elsa Peralta and Nuno Domingos (eds) (2023)

London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 288 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-35028-977-2, h/bk, £85
Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery: Role in Training the Next Generation of Spine Surgeons
Authors: Lee Jun Seok , Son Dong Wuk , Lee Su Hun , Lee Jong Hyeok , Kim Young Ha , Lee Sang Weon , Oh Bu Kwang , Sung Soon Ki , Song Geun Sung , Yi Seong
Published: March 2024

Objective: This study aimed to assess the degree of interest in robot-assisted spine surgery (RASS) among residents and to investigate the learning curve for beginners performing robotic surgery.Methods: We conducted a survey to assess awareness and interest in RASS among young neurosurgery residents. Subsequently, we offered a hands-on training program using a dummy to educate one resident. After completing the program, the trained resident performed spinal fusion surgery with robotic assistance under the supervision of a mentor. The clinical outcomes and learning curve associated with robotic surgery were then analyzed.Results: Neurosurgical residents had limited opportunities to participate in spinal surgery during their training. Despite this, there was a significant interest in the emerging field of robotic surgery. A trained resident performed RASS under the supervision of a senior surgeon. A total of 166 screw insertions were attempted in 28 patients, with 2 screws failing due to skiving. According to the Gertzbein-Robbins classification, 85.54% of the screws were rated as grade A, 11.58% as grade B, 0.6% as grade C, and 1.2% as grade D. The clinical acceptance rate was approximately 96.99%, which is comparable to the results reported by senior experts and time per screw statistically significantly decreased as experience was gained.Conclusion: RASS can be performed with high accuracy within a relatively short timeframe, if residents receive adequate training.
Spontaneous Tumor Lysis Syndrome Secondary to Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gusdorf Jason , Markovitz Netana H. , Ricketts Cleveland , Ono Yuho , Lam Barbara D. , Berry Jonathan , Dockterman Jacob , Reddy Sheela
Published: March 2024

Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome (STLS) secondary to metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a rare clinical phenomenon. An 86-year-old woman with a history of pancreatic cysts presented to the emergency department with progressive fatigue, transaminitis, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and acute kidney injury of unclear etiology. Abdominal imaging and celiac lymph node biopsy were consistent with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Her clinical status deteriorated requiring intensive care unit transfer, and her laboratory results were found to be consistent with STLS. Despite treatment, she entered multisystem organ failure and died shortly after. This case adds to the literature of STLS in pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
Severe Elevated Bile Acids in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Fass Lucas , Sibbald Carrie , Bailey Erin , Zhang Wei , Lucey Michael
Published: March 2024

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) typically presents in the second half of pregnancy. Severe ICP is associated with increased risk of stillbirth. Little is known regarding elevated bile acids in the first trimester. We present a case of severely elevated bile acids in the first trimester, resistant to conservative management, in a patient with pre-existing cholestatic liver disease and aortic valve disease requiring anticoagulation. Therapeutic plasma exchange was used. In those with pre-existing cholestatic disease, early bile acid elevation is likely distinct from ICP, and conservative strategies may not be useful. In addition, therapeutic enoxaparin appears safe in therapeutic plasma exchange.
Lysosome-Related Genes and RNF19B as Prognostic Markers for Survival and Immunotherapy Efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Jieying , Wang Hui , Lu Qian , Han Jiayi , Xu Haiyan , Sun Pingping , Xu Qiang , Huang Jianfei , Ji Juling
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a considerable worldwide health concern due to its associated high risk of death. The heterogeneity of HCC poses challenges in developing practical risk stratification tools and identifying prognostic markers for personalized targeted treatments. Recently, lysosomes were shown to be crucial contributors to numerous cellular activities, including tumor initiation and immune response regulation. We aimed to construct a reliable prognostic signature based on lysosome-related genes and determine its association with the immune microenvironment.

METHODS:

We comprehensively analyzed lysosome-related genes in HCC to investigate their influence on patient survival and the tumor immune microenvironment. A prognostic signature comprising 14 genes associated with lysosomes was created to estimate the survival outcomes of individuals with HCC. In addition, we verified the prognostic importance of Ring Finger Protein 19B (RNF19B) in patients with HCC through multiplex immunohistochemistry analysis.

RESULTS:

Our constructed lysosome-related prediction model could significantly discriminate between HCC patients with good and poor survival outcomes (P < 0.05). We also found that elevated RNF19B expression was linked to unfavorable prognostic outcomes and showed a connection with specific clinicopathological characteristics. Moreover, it was observed that RNF19B could facilitate the transformation of macrophages into M2-polarized macrophages and showed a significant positive correlation with PD-1 and CTLA-4.

DISCUSSION:

In summary, our study proposes that the expression of lysosome-related genes is associated with the immune microenvironment, serving as a predictor for HCC patient survival. Meanwhile, RNF19B was identified as a novel prognostic marker for predicting overall survival and immunotherapy effects in patients with HCC.
Drivers' use of different types of multimedia devices while driving - a survey study
Authors: Haberka Katarzyna Weronika , Jurecki Rafał Stanisław
Published: March 2024

Accidents and collisions continue to be an ongoing problem in road safety. While driving, drivers are influenced by stimuli that can affect their behaviour in various ways. Nowadays, various types of multimedia devices have become popular, which, when used by drivers while driving, can influence driver attention. The literature undertakes studies of the impact of such devices on the driver's degree of distraction as measured, for example, by the driver's reaction time. A survey was conducted to identify sources of driver distraction. A total of 237 drivers aged between 18 and 78 years participated in the sample. Of the respondents, 64.6% use a mobile phone while driving, 20.3% use a smartwatch, 33.3% use a multimedia control system for vehicle functions. Respondents indicated that they had either witnessed (18.1%) or been involved (6.3%) in a collision/accident when the driver used various types of multimedia devices while driving. Of those surveyed, 2.1% had caused a collision or accident by using a multimedia device while driving. Respondents are aware of the risks of using different types of media devices while driving, but they still use them. The analyses of the survey data will be used in future research using a car simulator.