bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-line of penpulimab and chemotherapy for advanced non-melanoma cutaneous carcinoma: A single center, single arm, exploratory study.
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhu Dongyuan , Liu Zengjun , Cui Jinfang , Liu Mengyao , Hu Wenyu , Xu Ni , Li Minghuan , Fu Heng , Zhao Junkai
Published: July 2024

e21510

Background: Non-melanoma cutaneous carcinoma is a rare subtype malignancy including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and appendage carcinoma. This study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of penpulimab combined with chemotherapy in advanced non-melanoma cutaneous carcinoma. Methods: Patients were eligible if they were aged 18 through 80 years; had histologically confirmed basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and appendage carcinoma with TNM clinical stage IIIB-IV; had received no previous systemic therapy. Penpulimab (200mg, every 21 days) was given on day 1 until disease progression, unacceptable toxic effects, withdrawal of consent, death, or initiation of new antitumor therapy, whichever occurred first. Fluorouracil (2.5g/m2) and cisplatin or nedaplatin (75mg/m2) were given for 6 cycles. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) defined by the RECIST v1.1 guideline, and the secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and adverse effects (AEs). Results: 15 patients were enrolled from June 3, 2021, through December 24, 2023. The median age was 66 years (range, 42-78 years). 13 patients were males (86.7%) and 2 were females (13.3%). There were 7 cases of appendage carcinoma (46.7%), 6 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (40%), and 2 cases of basal cell carcinoma (13.3%). Among them, there were 4 cases of stage IIIB (26.7%) and 11 cases of stage IV (73.3%). Among the 15 patients, 12 underwent efficacy evaluation, including 4 partial response (PR), 5 stable disease (SD), and 4 progression disease (PD). The objective response rate was 33.3%, and the disease control rate was 66.7%. There was 8 patients experienced disease progression, with a median progression free survival of 3.83 (range,1.5-18.7) months. 4 patients died, and the median overall survival has not yet been reached. AEs related to any component of the trial regimen occurred in 13 (86.7%) patients, the most frequent AEs were grade 1-2. The most common AEs included nausea/vomiting (86.7%), fever (26.7%), thrombocytopenia (26.7%), leukopenia (26.7%), anemia (20%), hypothyroidism (13.3%), hypokalemia (6.7%), rash (6.7%). Only two patients (13.3%) refused therapy because of experiencing unacceptable nausea/vomiting. Conclusions: Penpulimab combined with chemotherapy achieved high response rate and disease control rate in the treatment of newly diagnosed advanced non-melanoma cutaneous carcinoma, with good safety, and may become a new treatment option. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2200063777.
Efficacy and safety of combined anti-angiogenic chemoradiotherapy with PD-1 monoclonal antibody in advanced melanoma: A retrospective study.
Authors: Zou Zhengyun , Ren Yu , Zhao Lianjun
Published: July 2024

e21516

Background: Malignant melanoma, characterized by its aggressiveness and early metastasis, poses significant challenges in terms of treatment efficacy. This retrospective study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the integrated treatment regimen in patients (pts) with advanced melanoma. Methods: 42 pts with histologically confirmed inoperable stage III or IV melanoma and ECOG PS 0 or 1 were included in this retrospective study conducted from September 2020 to August 2023. Pts received combination therapy with albumin-bound paclitaxel, bevacizumab (bev), and toripalimab (tor) (Q3W). Maintenance therapy with bev and tor was given after 6-8 cycles without disease progression or intolerable adverse reactions. Personalized radiotherapy was delivered. Radiological evaluations were performed every 2 cycles during combination therapy and every 3 cycles during maintenance therapy using RECIST 1.1 criteria. Adverse events were graded according to NCI-CTCAE version 4.03. Results: All pts underwent at least one efficacy evaluation. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1, with a median age of 61.5 years (range: 34-80 years). Treatment-naïve pts accounted for 47.6% (n = 20), second-line pts for 35.7% (n = 15), third-line pts for 11.9% (n = 5), and fourth-line pts for 4.8% (n = 2). There were 25 cases (59.5%) of acral melanoma, 4 cases (9.5%) of cutaneous melanoma, 12 cases (28.6%) of mucosal melanoma, and 1 case (2.4%) with an unknown primary site. During the treatment period, 66.7% (n = 28) of pts received radiotherapy. As of December 2023, 26 out of 43 pts showed tumor shrinkage, including 2.4% (n = 1) achieving CR through conversion surgery following PR, maintaining it for 30 months. The ORR was 61.9%, with a confirmed ORR of 57.1%, and a DCR) of 92.9%. The median PFS was 14.4 months, and the median OS has not yet been attained. Common adverse events included alopecia (100%), hypertriglyceridemia (61.9%), elevated transaminases (59.5%), anemia (59.5%), leukopenia (52.4%), hypercholesterolemia (52.4%), peripheral neuropathy (50%). No treatment-related deaths were reported. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that PD-1 monoclonal antibody in combination with chemotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy and radiotherapy offers a promising therapeutic option for advanced melanoma. Keywords:Malignant melanoma; Albumin-bound paclitaxel; Bevacizumab; PD-1 monoclonal antibody; Radiotherapy.
Genome-Scale Multimodal Analysis of Cell-Free DNA Whole-Methylome Sequencing for Noninvasive Esophageal Cancer Detection
Authors: Li Yulong , Liu Bing , Zhou Xuantong , Yang Hechuan , Han Tiancheng , Hong Yuanyuan , Wang Ciran , Huang Miao , Yan Shi , Li Shaolei , Li Jingjing , Liu Yanfang , Zhang Enli , Ni Yang , Shen Ning , Chen Weizhi , Huang Yu S. , Wu Nan
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE

Simultaneous profiling of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation and fragmentation features to improve the performance of cfDNA-based cancer detection is technically challenging. We developed a method to comprehensively analyze multimodal cfDNA genomic features for more sensitive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) detection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Enzymatic conversion–mediated whole-methylome sequencing was applied to plasma cfDNA samples extracted from 168 patients with ESCC and 251 noncancer controls. ESCC characteristic cfDNA methylation, fragmentation, and copy number signatures were analyzed both across the genome and at accessible cis-regulatory DNA elements. To distinguish ESCC from noncancer samples, a first-layer classifier was developed for each feature type, the prediction results of which were incorporated to construct the second-layer ensemble model.

RESULTS

ESCC plasma genome displayed global hypomethylation, altered fragmentation size, and chromosomal copy number alteration. Methylation and fragmentation changes at cancer tissue–specific accessible cis-regulatory DNA elements were also observed in ESCC plasma. By integrating multimodal genomic features for ESCC detection, the ensemble model showed improved performance over individual modalities. In the training cohort with a specificity of 99.2%, the detection sensitivity was 81.0% for all stages and 70.0% for stage 0-II. Consistent performance was observed in the test cohort with a specificity of 98.4%, an all-stage sensitivity of 79.8%, and a stage 0-II sensitivity of 69.0%. The performance of the classifier was associated with the disease stage, irrespective of clinical covariates.

CONCLUSION

This study comprehensively profiles the epigenomic landscape of ESCC plasma and provides a novel noninvasive and sensitive ESCC detection approach with genome-scale multimodal analysis.
Νεότητα και πολιτική στράτευση
Authors: Κονιάλη Χριστίνα
Published: July 2024

Βασικό αντικείμενο της έρευνας είναι οι αριστερές οργανώσεις νεολαίας που έδρασαν στην Ελλάδα μετά την Απελευθέρωση και μέχρι το τέλος της δεκαετίας του ’50. Η διατριβή μελετά τη συγκρότηση, τη δράση και τον λόγο αυτών των οργανώσεων, ενώ παράλληλα αναδεικνύει όψεις της νεανικής στράτευσης και συμμετοχής σε αυτές. Παρακολουθεί με άλλα λόγια πώς διαμορφώθηκε η νεολαία ως ένα πολιτικό υποκείμενο στο πλαίσιο των πυκνών διεργασιών ανασυγκρότησης του κομμουνιστικού κινήματος μετά την Κατοχή και τον Εμφύλιο, σε συνάρθρωση επιπλέον με τις ποικίλες μεταβολές της περιόδου και τις κρατικές πολιτικές. Προσλαμβάνοντας ως ορόσημο το φαινόμενο της νεανικής Αντίστασης την περίοδο της Κατοχής, εντοπίζει τις συνέχειες και τις τομές της δυναμικής που εκφράστηκε μέσα από την ΕΠΟΝ, στο πλαίσιο διαμόρφωσης του «ιδιαίτερου» ελληνικού μεταπολεμικού παραδείγματος. Και ταυτόχρονα, μέσα από αυτή τη διαδικασία, μελετά τους όρους που θα αναδείξουν την «αριστερή νεολαία» σε κεντρικό υποκείμενο της πολιτικής σκηνής κατά τη «σύντομη» δεκαετία του ’60 στην Ελλάδα.
Psychophysiological and neurophysiological investigation of multisensory integration in schizophrenia and autism
Authors: Τουμαγιάν Μάιτα
Published: July 2024

Η διαδικασία απαρτίωσης πληροφοριών από διαφορετικά αισθητηριακά συστήματα, γνωστή ως πολυαισθητηριακή απαρτίωση (Multisensory integration-MSI) αξιολογήθηκε σε δύο διαταραχές, τη Διαταραχή του Φάσματος του Αυτισμού (ΔΑΦ) και τη Σχιζοφρένεια (ΣΧΖ). 32 υγιείς μάρτυρες, 35 ασθενείς με ΣΧΖ και 23 ασθενείς με ΔΑΦ εκτέλεσαν μια δοκιμασία ανίχνευσης στόχου, ενώ μετρήθηκε ο συμπεριφορικός χρόνος αντίδρασης (RT) και η ηλεκτροφυσιολογική (EEG) δραστηριότητα με επικρανιακή καταγραφή από 64 ηλεκτρόδια. Το MSI στην πολυαισθητηριακή συνθήκη (Audiovisual-AV) εμφάνισε ταχύτερο και λιγότερο μεταβλητό RTs σε σύγκριση με τις μονο-αισθητηριακές συνθήκες (Audio, Visual). Χρησιμοποιώντας μια νέα μέθοδο (bootstrap), παρατηρήθηκε αύξηση της πολυαισθητηριακής απαρτίωσης στο 78 % των υγειών μαρτύρων, στο 26 % των ΔΑΦ και στο 48 % των ασθενών με ΣΧΖ. Στο νευροφυσιολογικό επίπεδο, η πολυαισθητηριακή συνθήκη εμφάνισε μεγαλύτερο ύψος στα πρώιμα αισθητηριακά προκλητά δυναμικά και στο γνωσιακό προκλητό P3 σε σύγκριση με τις αντίστοιχες μονο-αισθητηριακές συνθήκες. Αυτές οι νευρικές επιδράσεις του MSI δεν σχετίζονταν με τα συμπεριφορικά ευρήματα και δεν εξηγούν τα συμπεριφορικά ελλείμματα στην πολυαισθητηριακή απαρτίωση που παρουσιάζουν οι ομάδες ασθενών. Συμπερασματικά, παρατηρείται ένα ισχυρό συμπεριφορικό έλλειμμα στην πολυαισθητηριακή απαρτίωση και στις δύο ομάδες ασθενών που δεν αντικατοπτρίζεται στις πρώιμες αντιληπτικές και γνωστικές ηλεκτροφυσιολογικές αποκρίσεις, υποδηλώνοντας ότι τα συμπεριφορικά ελλείμματα στην πολυαισθητηριακή απαρτίωση σε ΔΑΦ και ΣΧΖ μπορεί να προκύπτουν σε όψιμα στάδια επεξεργασίας, όπως η επιλογή απόκρισης.
Η ενίσχυση μέσω φαρμακοδιέγερσης (doping) στον αθλητισμό ως σχετικιστικό ζήτημα της εφαρμοσμένης φιλοσοφίας - βιοηθικής και της βιοτεχνολογίας
Authors: Αλιφιέρη Σοφιάννα
Published: July 2024

Σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας αποτελεί το εγχείρημα για τη φιλοσοφική τεκμηρίωση του αναπόδραστου της χρήσης διεγερτικών ουσιών στον επαγγελματικό αθλητισμό. Αρχικά, τα ερευνητικά ερωτήματα τα οποία καθοδήγησαν τη συγκεκριμένη μεθοδολογική προσέγγιση προήλθαν από την ανασκόπηση της σχετικής βιβλιογραφίας. Στο θεωρητικό πλαίσιο εξετάζονται οι μορφές doping, οι ιστορικές και κοινωνικές εκφάνσεις της φαρμακοδιέγερσης και οι ηθικές θεωρίες, με έμφαση στον ηθικό σχετικισμό. Στη συνέχεια, παρουσιάζεται η πρωτότυπη ποιοτική έρευνα η οποία οργανώθηκε στη βάση των ερευνητικών ερωτημάτων και περιλαμβάνει προφορικές συνεντεύξεις αθλητών, προπονητών και ιατρών. Τα ευρήματα υποδεικνύουν, μεταξύ άλλων, ότι ο χώρος του αθλητισμού έχει αμαυρωθεί ουσιαστικά από το φαινόμενο της εμπορευματοποίησης, με το doping να αντιπροσωπεύει απλώς μια επουσιώδη επίπτωση αυτού. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, η θεωρία του ηθικού σχετικισμού φαίνεται να προσφέρει μια νέα, περισσότερο κατάλληλη οπτική για την εξαγωγή χρήσιμων συμπερασμάτων. Η συνεισφορά της παρούσας εργασίας κυμαίνεται αφενός σε θεωρητικό επίπεδο, καθώς αναδεικνύει νέες όψεις στη βιοηθική και βιοτεχνολογία, και αφετέρου σε πρακτικό επίπεδο υποδεικνύοντας μια διαφορετική αντιμετώπιση των επαγγελματιών αθλητών.
Non-financial reporting: identifying the role of accounting through bibliometric analysis
Authors: Krawczyk Patrycja
Published: July 2024

Motivation: The subject of financial reporting has been discussed for decades. The concept of non-financial reporting (NFR) arose later, and thus the study of this field began slightly later. This is currently a subject with great research potential. Both the multitude of studies of the scientific community and data obtained from business practice confirm the increase in the importance of non-financial reporting. A review of publications on this subject will indicate the state of this area of research. Particular attention will be paid to the role of NFR from an accounting point of view.Aim: Evaluation of non-financial reporting as a new area of scientific research using bibliometric analysis of scientific publications indexed in the Web of Science database. Investigating the contribution of scientific communities related to accounting, in the development of this area of research.Results: The results will allow for assessing the research activity and the stage of development of the research in the field of non-financial reporting. What is the level of interest of accounting-related scientists in this subject? The latest correctly conducted scan of the issue of NFR will reliably summaries the current state of knowledge, providing information about gaps in the literature and the need to carry out new research. It can also be a way to identify new research areas. The bibliometric analysis of non-financial reporting from the accounting point of view will be a new and original contribution to research in this field.
The impact of corruption on ESG based on EU countries
Authors: Pluskota Anna
Published: July 2024

Motivation: The impact of corruption on core ESG measures for EU countries has not yet been studied. There are few analyses in the literature on the relationship between corruption and ESG from a ma-cro level, and only such analyses allow an indication of the costs of corruption and the effects from fighting it at the country level.
Aim: The study aims to ocean the impact of corruption on ESG measures: CO2 emissions, life expectancy and economic growth in the EU. Calculating the cost of corruption is key to properly assessing the effectiveness of anti-corruption projects.
Results: The effect of corruption on ESG measures was shown to be heterogeneous. A non-linear relationship between corruption and CO2 and economic growth was shown, while the relationship between corruption and life expectancy was linear. The impact of corruption on ESG should be considered from the point of view of the ESG component variable in question, rather than on the basis of synthetic ESG measures.
Bioacoustic description of the alarm call of the stump-tailed porcupine (Coendou rufescens)
Authors: Batallas Diego , Brito Jorge
Published: July 2024

La comunicación acústica en los roedores es compleja y variada.  Sin embargo, los conocimientos sobre la acústica de los roedores en ambientes naturales son limitados y escasos.  La mayor parte de estudios acústicos, han sido realizados en condiciones de laboratorio.  Hemos grabado por primera vez los cantos del puercoespín de cola corta en un entorno natural.  Las grabaciones fueron obtenidas en Guabisai, Parque Nacional Sangay, Ecuador. Grabamos de manera oportunista el canto de alarma de una hembra adulta de Coendou rufescens en un encuentro directo durante su proceso de captura.  Se analizaron 37 notas de 21 cantos, clasificando las notas en 4 tipos diferentes basados en características espectrales, temporales y de intensidad (i.e., frecuencias fundamentales, dominantes y armónicas).  El canto de alarma de C. rufescens consta de hasta 4 notas.  Los sonidos varían y van desde chirridos a sonidos nasales, con una frecuencia dominante que oscila entre 0.34 y 2.50 kHz.  Las notas tienen características espectrales y temporales diferentes.  Por lo tanto, el canto de alarma de C. rufescens presenta un repertorio con diferentes tipos de notas.  Nuestras observaciones preliminares sugieren que sus diferentes tipos de sonido están probablemente asociados a comportamientos antipredadores, por lo que consideramos estos sonidos como cantos de alarma.  Este reporte proporciona información de referencia para futuros estudios bioacústicos en esta especie.
Use of telehealth to improve health outcomes for those with motor neuron disease: a mixed-methods systematic literature review
Authors: Costa Ana Rita Gameiro , Malaspina Andrea , Knox Liam , Sheringham Jessica
Published: July 2024

Background:

Multidisciplinary care has been shown to improve the quality of life and extend survival for patients with motor neuron disease (pwMND). Several barriers to accessing care have been previously identified. Telehealth can potentially mitigate this by providing remote specialist healthcare services.

Aims:

Systematically review the existing literature to assess if and how telehealth can reduce barriers to access multidisciplinary team (MDT) care and improve health outcomes for pwMND.

Methods:

A mixed-methods, systematic literature review was conducted to identify evaluations of telehealth interventions. Telehealth interventions were evaluated using the Evaluating Digital Health Interventions Framework.

Findings:

A total of 293 articles were identified from the search and 16 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the review. Modes of telehealth delivery included video conferencing, app-based self-assessment and remote monitoring. Healthcare outcomes identified as being approved included accessibility, improved communication, timely interventions and satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Telehealth has the potential to mitigate barriers to access to specialist MDT and improve healthcare outcomes for pwMND. Patients’ preferences should always be considered in decision-making when considering available options.
Brain injuries and long-term goals
Authors: Fairclough Philip
Published: July 2024

In recent issues of BJNN, the author has, for the benefit of sufferers, their families and carers, endeavored to describe how one can live and deal with brain injury. This article discusses how brain injury is like a journey, one in which hopefully those affected by brain injury and those connected with them learn the answers to two questions: What does it take to make the journey? What can one learn on the journey?
Influence of simulation fidelity on student learning in a prehospital setting
Authors: Graham Sean , Sealey Amy
Published: July 2024

Background:

Simulation creates a low-risk environment for patients and participants and allows experiential learning.

Aims:

This literature review aims to determine whether the fidelity of simulation (the extent to which it reflects reality) influences learning.

Methods:

A search of databases for research within the past 10 years was carried out, and 22 articles were reviewed.

Findings:

Three themes emerged: models of simulation that address fidelity; the role of the facilitator; and need for sound educational theory to underpin simulation.

Conclusion:

Although evidence is sparse, simulation offers benefits to paramedic students and paramedics. It is particularly useful regarding rarely occurring events, especially those with significant consequences. While a high-fidelity prehospital scenario can be difficult to achieve, simulation can be educationally effective. Effectiveness depends on: the simulation model; whether fidelity is appropriate to the scenario and recognises participants' sensory capacity; having a dedicated facilitator; and being based on a sound educational strategy. This combination allows learning outcomes to be met and the gap between theory and practice to be bridged.
Not a dull moment
Authors: Sofield Katy
Published: July 2024

Having now become an NQP2, Katy Sofield reflects on her journey since joining the London Ambulance Service and shares her most memorable recent patient experiences
The Role of the Dentist in Home Care for the Older People: A Narrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Genaro Luís Eduardo , Aurelio Thamiris Grizante , Pereira Areias Cristina Maria Ferreira Guimarães , Valsecki Júnior Aylton , Saliba Tânia Adas , Lopez Rosell Fernanda
Published: July 2024

Objective; This study aimed to discuss the role of dentists in providing home care to older people.
Methodology; Studies on the role of the dentist in the oral health of older people living at home were reviewed. The search terms used included: home care, domiciliary care, older people, and oral health. Inclusion criteria comprised articles published in Scielo and Google Scholar databases. The article was categorized to provide a clear exposition of the information.
Results; Home Care (HC) in Brazil evolved from an informal practice initiated by sanitary agents in the early 20th century to a structured service with the creation of the Unified Health System (UHS) in 1988. The UHS established programs such as the Family Health Program, which integrated home visits by doctors and nurses, and later incorporated HC in three levels (HC1, HC2, HC3) to address different care complexities. The role of dentists in HC includes promoting oral health, treating urgenties, guiding caregivers, and performing clinical procedures, which are essential for the quality of life of the older people. This approach requires specific handling techniques and professional adaptation, focusing on prevention and less invasive treatments, considering the biopsychosocial health of patients. Conclusion: Home Care Services are crucial, with dentists providing care that includes the prevention and promotion of oral health. HC promotes humanized and comprehensive care, positively impacting the well-being of the older people. Long-term effectiveness depends on prevention, caregiver education, and professional adaptations.
Performance Investigation of Precision Seeding of a Multi-Rows Pneumatic Cylindrical System for Wheat
Authors: Abdallah Anas Dafaallah , Liao Qingxi , Lei Wang , Ibrahim Elebaid
Published: July 2024

Highlights

By using the seed barrier mechanism, the cylindrical metering device was able to locate seeds through the six rows successfully and precisely.

Each row's seed quality index was above 90%, with minor variations within and between rows.

An oblong shape was used on the metering cylinder to be comfortable for wheat seeds.

During field trials, the coefficient of variation for seed distribution was 3.43%.

Abstract. The main objective of this study was to investigate the performance of a pneumatic cylindrical system with six rows for wheat precision seeding. The cylinder was coupled with a plastic barrier to prevent seeds from creeping over the cylinder and permit precise seed distribution. Results disclosed that the optimum negative pressures associated with 15, 20, and 25 rpm were 2.4, 2.7, and 3.00 kPa, respectively. 15 rpm resulted in a quality index of 90.96%, 90.88%, 90.86%, 90.76%, 90.56%, and 90.38%, while 20 rpm attained 91.30%, 91.02%, 91.06%, 90.86%, 91.32%, and 90.82%, and 25 rpm achieved 90.92%, 90.72%, 90.84%, 90.86%, 90.62%, and 90.80% for rows 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. The highest seed feed index (91.32%) was obtained by row 4 at a speed of 20 rpm, while the lowest value (90.56%) was achieved by row 6 at 15 rpm. Both the separate rows' stability and the rows' consistent CV resulted in a CV range of less than 1.5 percentage points, with some tendency of 25 rpm to be more consistent than 15 and 20 rpm. Results concluded that the multi-row cylinder and the plastic barrier technique could satisfy the required seed precision without damage and be employed for further investigations. Keywords: Multi-row cylindrical, Pneumatic system, Seed precision, Wheat.
Celebrity Worship, Social Media Use, and Mental Health
Authors: Griffiths Mark D.
Published: July 2024

Over the past two decades, social media use has become increasingly popular including its use by celebrities. Related to this, research has indicated that a minority of individuals may develop a psychological dependence on celebrities that can lead to obsessions and diminished functioning. Although research has also shown that worshipping celebrities can have positive consequences, research has also shown that there is an association between the pathological aspects of celebrity worship and poor mental health such as high anxiety, increased depression, high stress levels and poor body image. Moreover, there appears to be evidence that pathological celebrity worship has increased over the past two decades and one of the primary reasons for this may be increased social media use by both celebrities and their fans.
The Importance of Self-Development Podcasts to Improving Mental Health in Generation Z
Authors: Nguyen-Hoang Mai
Published: July 2024

Objectives: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a global rise in mental health issues within Generation Z who has grown up in a digital age where social media platforms have become an integral part of their lives. Self-development podcasts can be a valuable resource for those, who are seeking support and guidance to improve their mental health and well-being on various platforms. However, there is a shortage of mental health professionals leveraging podcasts as a valuable tool for mental health education and support in the Vietnamese context. Therefore, this article takes the pioneering step by exploring the importance of self-development podcasts to improve mental health in Vietnamese Gen Z.
 Methodology: The research employs qualitative research, and data was collected through semi-structured interviews with nine content creators who produce self-development podcast programs in Vietnam.
 Results: The results highlight the role of self-development podcasts in improving mental health among Vietnamese Gen Z by analyzing how it is consumed and revealing the multifaceted impact of self-development podcasts on mental health among Vietnamese Gen Z.
Public Libraries as Shapers of a Youth Canon
Authors: Baldaquí Escandell Josep Maria , Lluch Gemma
Published: July 2024

We start with the hypothesis that the library is a fundamental institution in the creation of the youth literary canon. To uphold it, we analyze the process of constructing this canon by examining the titles that are selected from the library, how they are selected and who selects them. The methodology involved the preparation of two surveys and the analysis of 209 responses from public libraries in Spain and 162 from their reading clubs, 19 of youth literature. The data identifies, classifies, analyzes, and compares the titles of the works selected in public libraries: on the one hand, the books that the user chooses to borrow and, on the other hand, those that are read in reading clubs. In the case of the reading clubs, there is a mediation process that we describe and analyze based on the responses to the surveys. The results demonstrate the importance of mediation carried out by librarians and club coordinators to ensure that users engage in diverse and quality reading.
Examining the Recent Drama of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus: A Review Article
Authors: Lin Alisa Ballard
Published: July 2024

Abstract: A theatrical boom in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus over the past two decades has introduced highly political content on stage, along with fresh and innovative new theatrical forms. New Drama, the leading movement within this theatrical boom, captures authentic speech using the verbatim technique and confronts the weighty socio-political situations that all three countries attempt to silence on the national level. Two new volumes of Ukrainian plays since the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia demonstrate the breadth and excellence of contemporary Ukrainian playwrighting.
Efficient cavity-assisted storage of photonic qubits in a solid-state quantum memory
Authors: Duranti Stefano , Wengerowsky Sören , Feldmann Leo , Seri Alessandro , Casabone Bernardo , de Riedmatten Hugues
Published: July 2024

We report on the high-efficiency storage and retrieval of weak coherent optical pulses and photonic qubits in a cavity-enhanced solid-state quantum memory. By using an atomic frequency comb (AFC) memory in a Pr3+:Y2SiO5  crystal embedded in an impedance-matched cavity, we stored weak coherent pulses at the single photon level with up to 62% efficiency for a pre-determined storage time of 2 µs. We also confirmed that the impedance-matched cavity enhances the efficiency for longer storage times up to 70 µs. Harnessing the temporal multimodality of the AFC scheme, we stored weak coherent time-bin qubits with a record (51 ± 2%) efficiency and a fidelity over (94.8 ± 1.4)%, limited by imperfections in the qubits creation and measurement.
Bound state in the continuum and polarization-insensitive electric mirror in a low-contrast metasurface
Authors: Song Hao , Zhang Xuelian , Wang Jian , Sun Yanming , Wang Guo Ping
Published: July 2024

High-contrast refractive indices are pivotal in dielectric metasurfaces for inducing various exotic phenomena, such as the bound state in the continuum (BIC) and electric mirror (EM). However, the limitations of high-index materials are adverse to practical applications, thus, low-contrast metasurfaces offering comparable performance are highly desired. Here, we present a low-contrast dielectric metasurface composed of radial anisotropic cylinders, which are SiO2 cylinders doped with a small amount of WS2. The cylinder exhibits unidirectional forward superscattering resulting from the overlap of the electric and magnetic dipole resonances. When a near-infrared plane wave incident normally, the metasurface consisting of the superscattering constituents manifests a polarization-insensitive EM. In contrast, when subjected to an in-plane incoming wave, the metasurface generates a symmetry-protected BIC characterized by an ultrahigh Q factor and nearly negligible out-of-plane energy radiation. Notably, the EM response of the metasurface exhibits robustness to deviation in the number and thickness of WS2 layers. Our work highlights the doping approach as an efficient strategy for designing low-contrast functional metasurfaces, thereby shedding new light on the potential applications in photonic integrated circuits and on-chip optical communication.
Giant strong coupling in a Q-BICs’ tetramer metasurface
Authors: Wang Sheng Yi , Li Wei Yi , Kang Hai Feng , Zhao Wen Kui , Jing Yu Hang , Li Xiang , Ge Hua , Wang Qiu , Jia Bo Wen , Xu Ning
Published: July 2024

Due to their ultrahigh Q-factor and small mode volume, bound states in the continuum (BICs) are intriguing for the fundamental study of the strong coupling regime. However, the strong coupling generated by BICs in one metasurface is not always strong enough, which highly limits its efficiency in applications. In this work, we realize a giant strong coupling of at most 60 meV in a quasi-BICs’ (Q-BICs) tetramer metasurface composed of four Si cylinders with two different sets of diagonal lengths. The Q-BICs are induced from two types of electric quadrupole (EQ), for which detuning can be flexibly controlled by manipulating the C4v symmetry breaking Δd. The giant Rabi splitting in our proposed metasurface performs more than 15 times of the previous works, which provides more possibilities for important nonlinear and quantum applications, such as nanolaser and quantum optics.
Establishing an early warning event management system at Africa CDC
Authors: Mercy Kyeng , Salyer Stephanie J. , Mankga Comfort , Hedberg Calle , Zondo Phumzile , Kebede Yenew
Published: July 2024

Africa is home to hotspots of disease emergence and re-emergence. To adequately detect and respond to these health threats, early warning systems inclusive of event-based surveillance (EBS) are needed. However, data systems to manage these events are not readily available. In 2020, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention developed an event management system (EMS) to meet this need. The district health information software (DHIS2), which is free and open-source software was identified as the platform for the EMS because it can support data capture and analysis and monitor and report events. The EMS was created through a collaborative and iterative prototyping process that included modifying key DHIS2 applications like Tracker Capture. Africa CDC started piloting the EMS with both signal and event data entry in June 2020. By December 2022, 416 events were captured and over 140 weekly reports, including 19 COVID-19 specific reports, were generated and distributed to inform continental awareness and response efforts. Most events detected directly impacted humans (69%), were considered moderate (50%) to high (29%) risk level and reflected both emerging and endemic infectious disease outbreaks. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, specifically H5N1, was the most frequently detected animal event and storms and flooding were most frequently detected environmental events. Both data completeness and timeliness improved over time. Country-level interest and utility resulted in four African countries adapting the EMS in 2022 and two more in 2023. This system demonstrates how integrating digital technology into health systems and utilising existing digital platforms like DHIS2 can improve early warning at the continental and country level by improving EBS workflow.
Non-specialist delivered psycho-social interventions for women with perinatal depression living in rural communities: A systematic review
Authors: Ackerman Anouk , Afzal Nimrah , Lautarescu Alexandra , Wilson Claire A. , Nadkarni Abhijit
Published: July 2024

Evidence from low- and middle-income countries suggests that non-specialist-delivered interventions effectively improve access to perinatal mental health care. However, there have been no systematic attempts to synthesize the evidence on effectiveness, relevance, and application of this strategy to resource-limited settings such as rural areas. The aim of this review is to synthesize the evidence about the effectiveness of non-specialist delivered interventions in improving depression and related outcomes in women with perinatal depression living in rural communities. Seven electronic databases were searched using the following search concepts: perinatal depression (e.g., puerperal depression, antenatal depression), rural areas (e.g., remote, nonmetropolitan, underserved), and non-specialist workers (e.g., lay worker, volunteer aide, informal caretaker. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB-2 and ROBINS-I tools. A narrative synthesis was performed as the high degree of study heterogeneity precluded a meta-analysis. Nine unique studies were eligible for inclusion. Psychoeducation and problem-solving techniques were the most used intervention elements. Two interventions significantly reduced the prevalence of perinatal depression compared to usual care, and three interventions reported effectiveness in reducing depression symptom severity. There was little to no consistent evidence for other outcomes, including but not limited to maternal health care utilization, breastfeeding behaviors, and child health. This review provides limited evidence to suggest that non-specialist delivered interventions effectively improved outcomes among women with perinatal depression living in rural communities. The paucity of high-quality studies included in this review demonstrates that this rural demographic is frequently neglected in the context of maternal mental health research.
Developing a device for simultaneously investigating pivoting neuromuscular control and muscle properties toward a multi-axis rehabilitation
Authors: Lee Song Joo , Kang Hyunah , Kim Keun-Tae , Kang Sang Hoon
Published: July 2024

Understanding the pivoting neuromuscular control of the lower limb and its associated muscle properties is critical for developing diagnostic and rehabilitation tools. However, to the best of our knowledge, a device that can evaluate these factors simultaneously remains lacking. To address this gap, a device that can investigate pivoting neuromuscular control and associated muscle properties was developed in this study. The proposed device consisted of a pivoting mechanism and height-adjustable chair with a brace interface. The device can control a footplate at various speeds to facilitate pivoting stretching and quantify neuromuscular control. Time-synchronized ultrasonographic images can be acquired simultaneously to quantify muscle properties during both active and passive pivoting movements. The muscle displacement, fascicle length/displacement, pennation angle, pivoting stiffness, and pivoting instability were investigated using the proposed device. Further, the feasibility of the device was demonstrated through a cross-sectional study with healthy subjects. The proposed device successfully quantified changes in muscle displacement during passive and active pivoting movements, pivoting stiffness during passive movements, and neuromuscular control during active movements. Therefore, the proposed device is expected to be used as a research and therapeutic tool for improving pivoting neuromuscular control and muscle functions and investigating the underlying mechanisms associated between muscle properties and joint movement in the transverse plane.
hnRNP Q/SYNCRIP interacts with LIN28B and modulates the LIN28B/let-7 axis in human hepatoma cells
Authors: Chang Jason Jei-Sheng , Lin Ti , Jhang Xin-Yue , Chan Shih-Peng
Published: July 2024

The RNA-binding protein LIN28B represses the biogenesis of the tumor suppressor let-7. The LIN28B/let-7 axis regulates cell differentiation and is associated with various cancers. The RNA-binding protein Q (hnRNP Q) or SYNCRIP (Synaptotagmin Binding Cytoplasmic RNA Interacting Protein) has been implicated in mRNA splicing, mRNA transport, translation, and miRNAs biogenesis as well as metabolism in cancer. To determine whether hnRNP Q plays a role in the LIN28B/let-7 axis, we tested for interactions between hnRNP Q and LIN28B. We demonstrated that hnRNP Q interacts with LIN28B in an RNA-dependent manner. Knockdown of hnRNP Q caused reduced expression of a well-known let-7 target TRIM71, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that belongs to the RBCC/TRIM family, and also LIN28B, whose mRNA itself is down-regulated by let-7. In addition, hnRNP Q knockdown increased let-7 family miRNA levels and reduced the activity of luciferase reporters fused with the TRIM71 3’UTR or a synthetic 3’UTR carrying 8X let-7 complementary sites. Finally, depletion of hnRNP Q inhibited the proliferation of a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, Huh7. This observation is consistent with the survival curve for liver cancer patients from the TCGA database, which indicates that high expression of hnRNP Q is a prognostic marker for a poor outcome in individuals afflicted with hepatocellular carcinoma. Together, our findings suggest that hnRNP Q interacts with LIN28B and modulates the LIN28B/let-7 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma.
The value of D-dimer and platelet-lymphocyte ratio combined with CT signs for predicting intestinal ischemia in patients with bowel obstruction
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Zhao Haijian , Liu Bing , Qian Jiangfeng , Chen Ning , Wang Yan , Tu Daoyuan , Chen Xiaoyu , Li Heng , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic value of D-dimer, platelet-lymphocyte rate (PLR) and CT signs for intestinal ischemia in patients with bowel obstruction.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and imaging data of 105 patients diagnosed with bowel obstruction, and performed univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the independent risk factors for intestinal ischemia in patients with bowel obstruction. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted to examine the diagnostic value of D-dimer, PLR and CT signs in patients with bowel obstruction. Besides, Kappa tests were used to assess inter-observer agreement.

Results

We included 56 men (53%) and 49 women (47%) with mean age of 66.05 ± 16 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that D-dimer, PLR and two significant CT signs (i.e., increased unenhanced bowel-wall attenuation and mesenteric haziness) were independent risk factors for intestinal ischemia in patients with bowel obstruction. ROC analysis showed that the combined use of D-dimer, PLR and the said two CT signs had better performance than single indicators in predicting intestinal ischemia in patients with bowel obstruction. The area under the curve (AUC) of the joint model III was 0.925 [95%CI: 0.876–0.975], with a sensitivity of 79.2% [95CI%: 67.2–91.1] and a specificity of 91.2% [95%CI: 83.7–98.9].

Conclusion

The combined use of D-dimer, PLR and CT signs has high diagnostic value for intestinal ischemia in patients with bowel obstruction and will prompt surgical exploration to evaluate intestinal blood flow.
Digital divide and the health of internal elderly migrants in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Yuping , Wang Ruixi , Guo Junjun
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Population aging and internal migration have become the "norm" in China’s population development. Influenced by both "mobility" and "old age," internal elderly migrants (IEMs) face the second-level digital divide problems primarily characterized by digital technology usage gap, which can lead to adverse health outcomes. Understanding the impact of the digital divide on the health of IEMs can provide effective solutions to meet the health needs of this particular group and facilitate their better integration into a digital society. Therefore, this study aims at exploring the impact of the digital divide on the health of IEMs, and identifying priorities and recommendations for improving IEMs’ health by mitigating the adverse effects of the digital divide.

Methods

In the 2017 China Migrant Dynamic Survey (CMDS), a cross‑sectional sample of 169,989 internal migrants in 32 provincial units across China was recruited by stratified probability proportionate to size sampling (PPS). We focus on IEMs and require interviewees to be 60 years and older. Therefore, we excluded samples younger than 60 years of age and retained only 6,478 valid samples. Subsequently, STATA 17.0 software was applied to analyze the data. Based on the research objective and Grossman’s model of health demand, we empirically tested using ordered logit regression.

Results

The digital divide does affect the health of IEMs in general and its negative effects tend to decrease significantly with age. In terms of groups, its impact showed noticeable group differences in residence arrangement, public health services and medical insurance coverage. Compared with IEMs who live alone or only live with their spouse, have not received public health service, and have not been covered by any medical insurance, the digital divide imposes a smaller adverse impact on the health of IEMs who live with at least one offspring, have received public health service, and have covered in at least one medical insurance. In terms of potential mechanisms, among the effects of digital divide on the health of IEMs, the mediating effect of urban integration is not significant, the social interaction has only a partial mediating effect, and the medical convenience has a significant mediating effect.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm the existence of the third-level digital divide among IEMs concerning health, that is, the digital divide has adverse health outcomes for this group, and underscore the important implications of reducing the negative impact of the digital divide in improving the health status of IEMs.
Comparison of virtual clinical scenario and role play in learning oral pathology among dental students
Authors: Syed Sofia Ali , Sheikh Mahrukh , Syed Faryal Ali , Atif Saira , Iqbal Asifa , Zeeshan Ghazia
Published: July 2024

In oral pathology, virtual clinical scenario illustrating dentist-patient interactions can be utilized by both students and health professionals to deliver/gain knowledge and make clinical diagnosis of oral lesions. Role play is also an educational technique which is designed to engage and motivate students in classrooms. This study aimed to compare usefulness of virtual clinical scenario and role play in learning oral pathology among second-year dental students. The students were randomly divided to one of the two groups: virtual clinical scenario group (n = 50) and role play group (n = 50). Virtual clinical scenario group was provided with virtual clinical cases of oral lesions through Google Forms whereas role play group was exposed to virtual clinical cases of oral lesions through role playing activity. Both groups underwent assessments before and after the intervention. Students’ perceptions on usefulness of both techniques in terms of diagnosis, visual parameters and impact on learning were evaluated by feedback questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27.0. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre-test and post-test scores. Additionally, the scores and students’ responses from both groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. A P-value of < 0.05 was set as statistically significant. Students in both groups showed significantly higher post-test scores compared to their pre-test scores (P < 0.001). However, the role play group outperformed the virtual clinical scenario group, with a significantly higher post-test score (P = 0.04). Furthermore, feedback concerning role play was significantly higher than that for the virtual clinical scenario across multiple aspects (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that role play emerges as the preferred method, significantly enhancing dental students’ learning experiences in oral pathology.
Preclinical safety assessment of modified gamma globin lentiviral vector-mediated autologous hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Shadid Mohammad , Shrestha Archana , Malik Punam
Published: July 2024

Previously, we reported the development of a human Aγ-globin gene lentivirus (LV), GbG, which expresses high levels of HbF to correct the sickle cell anemia (SCA) phenotype in the Berkeley SCA mouse model, and then modified the γ-globin gene by substituting glycine at codon 16 with aspartic acid in the Aγ-globin gene to generate GbGM LV. In the present study, we evaluated the long-term safety of human Aγ-globin gene carrying GbGM LV in wild-type mice after primary and secondary transplants of GbGM-modified hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) over 18 months. The safety of the GbGM bone marrow transplant was assessed by monitoring the effects on body weight, hematology, histopathology, malignancy formation, and survival. Mice transplanted with Mock-transduced and spleen focus forming virus (SFFV) γ-retroviral vector (RV)-transduced HSC served as negative and positive controls, respectively. The mean donor-cell engraftment was comparable across Mock, GbGM LV, and SFFV RV groups. There were no significant differences in body weight, clinical signs, immunophenotype, or histopathology in the GbGM-treated mice compared to controls. Four SFFV RV-treated mice, but none of the GbGM-treated mice, developed donor-derived, vector-positive lymphomas as demonstrated by flow cytometry analysis and in situ hybridization. These results highlight the safety of the administration of GbGM LV-modified HSC with long-term follow-up after primary and secondary transplants in mice. This data supported the initiation of phase 1/2 first-in-human SCA clinical trial in the United States.