bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated informed consent
Authors: Andreotta Adam John , Lundgren Björn
Published: October 2024

Online privacy policies or terms and conditions ideally provide users with information about how their personal data are being used. The reality is that very few users read them: they are long, often hard to understand, and ubiquitous. The average internet user cannot realistically read and understand all aspects that apply to them and thus give informed consent to the companies who use their personal data. In this article, we provide a basic overview of a solution to the problem. We suggest that software could allow users to delegate the consent process and consent could thus be automated. The article investigates the practical feasibility of this idea. After suggesting that it is feasible, we develop some normative issues that we believe should be addressed before automated consent is implemented.
Data protection concerns are a statistically significant reason for refusal: Exploratory study of the patient perspective on telemedicine services based on 735 gynecological surgery patients
Authors: Hoffmann Sascha , Ott Marina , Bobbert Franziska , Jacoby Johann , Henes Melanie
Published: October 2024

Objective

Internet-based healthcare is a crucial facet of telemedicine. Here, we examine telemedicine methods in perioperative care for gynecological surgery from a patient's perspective. We aim to understand the patients’ needs during perioperative gynecological care and suggest how to optimize telemedicine services based on these insights.

Methods

The data were gathered via self-report questionnaires from patients who came in for preparatory consultations for gynecological surgery from May to November 2022. This process involved questioning 735 women about their past usage of internet-based services, personal information, and their views on telemedicine services. The study, which assured full anonymity, had voluntary participation.

Results

This participant pool consisted of 735 females. Around half ( n = 365, 49.66%) were preparing for outpatient surgery, while a significant number ( n = 322, 43.81%) were slated for inpatient surgery. Statistically, data protection concerns were the only significant factor influencing consent to telemedicine. While nonsignificant results were found for individuals with minimal concerns ( b = 0.08; odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, p = 0.791), markedly significant results ( p < 0.001) emerged for those expressing more concerns with b = 1.45 and OR = 4.28. This suggests that the likelihood of refusing consent to telemedicine is 4.28 times higher for those with significant data protection concerns compared with those with no concerns.

Conclusion

The patient's perspective on telemedicine services for gynecological surgery is influenced by several factors. These include the patient's age, computer skills, travel distance, occupation, education level, severity of the disease, satisfaction with previous treatments, treatment location, and referral method. Of these, concerns about data security significantly impact patient satisfaction. Hence, it is critical to prioritize this factor when offering telemedical services to meet patients’ needs.
Efficient patient care in the digital age: Online appointment scheduling in an ophthalmology practice
Authors: Betancor Paola Kammrath , Jordan Jens , Boehringer Daniel , Lüchtenberg Charlotte , Lambeck Marcus , Ketterer Manuel Christoph , Reinhard Thomas , Reich Michael
Published: October 2024

Background

Despite its potential to improve patient access, streamline administration, and enhance healthcare efficiency, systematic data on online appointment scheduling (OAS) in medical practices is lacking.

Method

Prospective, single center study conducted at an ophthalmology practice. Over a period of 12 weeks, all booked appointments, both online made via the OAS system, and offline made by practice staff via phone, email, or in-person, were recorded across four doctor consultations. Patient demographics, booking type (new appointment/rescheduled/cancelled), date and time of the booking, and the next available appointment slot were documented.

Results

1080 interactions (new booking 76.8%, rescheduling 13.1%, cancellation 10.1%) were made by 880 patients via OAS and 2427 appointments offline by 1902 patients. Patients booking offline were older than those booking online (mean 50.3 ± 28.1 years vs. 41.7 ± 22.2, p < 0.0001). No difference between the groups was found regarding sex distribution (both, female around 59%, male around 41%, p = 0.81). New patients showed a preference for booking online (p < 0.0001). 63.1% of online bookings occurred on weekdays during practice hours. 36.8% of cancellations/reschedulings were made one to two days before the appointment. These vacant slots were promptly filled again, as OAS was primarily used for near-term bookings (booking time to appointment ≤7 days in 47.7%; selection of the earliest available appointment in 44.1%). Compared to appointments made offline the no-show rate was reduced by OAS (6.8%, n = 164, vs. 1.6%, n = 13, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

OAS contributes to patient-centered and efficient resource utilization in healthcare by reducing no-show rates and promptly filling vacant slots.
Assessing AI efficacy in medical knowledge tests: A study using Taiwan's internal medicine exam questions from 2020 to 2023
Authors: Lin Shih-Yi , Hsu Ying-Yu , Ju Shu-Woei , Yeh Pei-Chun , Hsu Wu-Huei , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: October 2024

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models to handle specialized medical knowledge and problem-solving in a formal examination context.

Methods

This research utilized internal medicine exam questions provided by the Taiwan Internal Medicine Society from 2020 to 2023, testing three AI models: GPT-4o, Claude_3.5 Sonnet, and Gemini Advanced models. Rejected queries for Gemini Advanced were translated into French for resubmission. Performance was assessed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26, with accuracy percentages calculated and statistical analyses such as Pearson correlation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) performed to gauge AI efficacy.

Results

GPT-4o’s top annual score was 86.25 in 2022, with an average of 81.97. Claude_3.5 Sonnet reached a peak score of 88.13 in 2021 and 2022, averaging 84.85, while Gemini Advanced lagged with an average score of 69.84. In specific specialties, Claude_3.5 Sonnet scored highest in Psychiatry (100%) and Nephrology (97.26%), with GPT-4o performing similarly well in Hematology & oncology (97.10%) and Nephrology (94.52%). Gemini's best scores were in Psychiatry (86.96%) and Hematology & Oncology (82.76%). Gemini Advanced models struggled with Neurology, scoring below 60%. Additionally, all models performed better on text-based questions than on image-based ones, without significant differences. Claude 3 Opus scored highest on COVID-19-related questions at 89.29%, followed by GPT-4o at 75.00% and Gemini Advanced at 67.86%.

Conclusions

AI models showed varied proficiency across medical specialties and question types. GPT-4o demonstrated higher image-based correction rates. Claude_3.5 Sonnet generally and consistently outperformed others, highlighting significant potential for AI in assisting medical education.
The role of innovative musical education in the development of social skills in children and adolescents
Authors: Zhang Juan
Published: October 2024

This article aims to investigate the significance of innovative musical education in fostering social skills among children and adolescents. To achieve this objective, the authors devised teaching approaches centered on the development of social skills through vocal training, utilizing modern technologies such as Minute Voice WarmUp and Swiftscales. The curriculum was designed to facilitate the formation of articulatory approaches to vocal singing, the enhancement of technical skills in vocal performance, the cultivation of emotional expression in execution, and the establishment of dual-voice rendition. Findings revealed that emotional expression in singing (0.491) and articulation (0.483) played pivotal roles in developing social skills, along with dual-voice rendition (0.207), influencing the freedom and confidence in execution. Moreover, the study results demonstrated that among the acquired social skills in children and adolescents, presenting vocal capabilities effectively (1.96) stood out prominently, enabling individuals to express their opinions in the interpretation of melodies. Additionally, students developed voice control skills (1.83), closely associated with the precision of word pronunciation and the conveyance of inherent intonation. The practical significance of this work lies in the potential for shaping social skills through vocal singing, guided by the utilization of digital applications such as Minute Voice WarmUp and Swiftscales.
Clinical Outcomes and Tendon Structure at 3- to 4-Year Follow-up After Exercise-Based Treatment of Patellar Tendinopathy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Agergaard Anne-Sofie , Svensson Rene B. , Malmgaard-Clausen Nikolaj M. , Magnusson S. Peter
Published: October 2024

Background:

The long-term recovery (in years) of patellar tendinopathy treated with loading-based rehabilitation remains largely unknown.

Purpose:

To examine the clinical outcome and tendon structure years after exercise-based treatment of chronic patellar tendinopathy.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This was a 3- to 4-year follow-up evaluation of participants (N = 28) from a previous randomized clinical trial by the author group. All participants received loading-based rehabilitation for 12 weeks with either moderate-slow resistance (55% of 1 repetition maximum) or heavy-slow resistance (up to 90% of 1 repetition maximum). Both groups showed similar improvements after 3 and 12 months and were therefore collapsed in the present analysis. Function and symptoms (the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Patella [VISA-P] questionnaire), tendon pain (numeric rating scale [NRS] during activity and during a single-leg decline squat test), and tendon structure (tendon vascularization and thickness on ultrasound) were assessed.

Results:

The mean follow-up was 3.6 ± 0.4 years after the baseline assessment in the original clinical trial. The VISA-P score was 83.9 ± 11.9 (95% CI, 79.3-88.5) at the latest follow-up and did not differ from the 1-year follow-up score ( P = .54). Similarly, NRS score during preferred sport (1.6 ± 1.7; 95% CI, 0.9-2.2) and single-leg decline squat (1.0 ± 1.8; 95% CI, 0.3-1.7) did not differ from the 1-year values and remained elevated. Power Doppler area and tendon thickness decreased significantly from 1 year to latest follow-up ( P < .0001 and P = .02, respectively), but power Doppler area >1 mm2 was still present in 43% of the participants after 3 to 4 years, and the tendon thickness was still mildly elevated (6.4 ± 1.8 mm; 95% CI, 5.7-7.1 mm). Sports participation after 3 to 4 years (3.9 ± 2.7 h/wk; 95% CI, 2.9-7.1 h/wk) was significantly lower compared with preinjury levels ( P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Clinical symptoms remained even years after loading-based treatment for patellar tendinopathy, whereas some but not all tendon structures normalized in this longer term follow-up.
Defining, Measuring, and Increasing “Rootedness” in the High Migration Context of Honduras
Authors: Hare Tom , Rivero Fuentes María Estela , Waitkuweit Kevin Hans
Published: October 2024

Executive Summary

The notion of “rootedness” in the sociology and migration literature is not well defined despite its increasing use by academics and, especially, practitioners. Defining and measuring rootedness has been problematic given that it is often operationalized as, but is not fully captured by, a concept related to social capital, community attachment, and participation. Rootedness is also often thought of as solely the absence of the desire to migrate. However, we argue that an individual’s desire to stay can be just as important as the well-documented “root causes” of migration; that is, economic poverty, insecurity, and strong migration networks. We propose a working definition of the concept of rootedness based on an empirical analysis of data from a nationally representative survey in the high migration context of Honduras.

We find that rootedness can both be defined as and measured by an individual’s agreement with the idea that where they live is their “true home” and that they “see a good future” in that location. We further find that rootedness can be increased via a strong sense of security (not only the absence of victimization) and active community support for youth. Programs and policies should therefore promote security that goes beyond just preventing crime and fosters a general sense of wellbeing. In particular, programs should promote efforts to ensure that youth are supported by incorporating them in community decision-making, listening to what youth propose, promoting youth participation, and supporting youth leadership. Importantly, income is not strongly associated with this definition of rootedness. This finding highlights the important role of non-economic factors in migration decisions. Even when income increases, it does not necessarily increase the aspiration to stay. To be rooted, as we conceive of it, means more than having sufficient income.

In summary, the paper examines and offers a new understanding of the concept of “rootedness,” which speaks to why some members of a community want to migrate and others desire to remain in their home communities. Fleshing out our understanding of rootedness as a way to talk about and measure the desire to remain is therefore crucial to realizing the “right” or “freedom” to stay at home.
The Efficacy of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis in Infants Born to HBsAg-Positive Mothers: A Single Center Experience in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Qurashi Mansour , Al-Najjar Hanan , Aga Syed Sameer , Mohammad Hadeel , Mustafa Ahmed , Al Hindi Mohammed , Ahmed Abrar , Al Harbi Mohammad , Hasosah Mohammad , Alsahaf Ashraf , Aldabbagh Mona , Abed Sara
Published: October 2024

Objectives. Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with the hepatitis B vaccine (HBVac) in combination with HBV immunoglobulins (HBIG) significantly minimizes the odds of vertical transmission of HBV to newborn infants. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the compliance and efficacy of PEP in a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia. Methods. Infants were tested with HBV serological markers at 7 months of age to assess their PEP protection rate. Results. Out of 13,125 mothers who delivered in KAMC, 105 (0.8%) mothers were found to have HBsAg positive, with a prevalence of 8 per 1000 live births. All infants (n = 100) completed their PEP as per protocol before discharge from the hospital (2 days after delivery). Among infants (n = 59; 56.2%) who were tested at 7 months of age, all (100%) were found to be negative for HBV. Conclusion. PEP achieved 100% efficacy among infants who complied with the study protocol at 7 months of follow-up. The prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women was 8 per 1000 live births.
Yo Me Llamo Cumbia: A multimodal autoethnographic analysis on the re-presentation of Cumbia’s AfroIndigenous cantautoras
Authors: Peñaloza Anna C , Degand Darnel
Published: October 2024

Despite a growing number of BIPOC characters in children’s books, images of Black and Latinx women continue to be underrepresented or stereotyped. This article presents a Latina/Colombiana graduate student’s semiotic choices in creating a children’s book about Cumbia music that re-presents the contributions of AfroIndigenous cantautoras [female singer-songwriters]. We present a brief history of Cumbia and its origins to situate Anna’s book and semiotic choices within a larger sociocultural context. Using multimodality and design as lenses, we analyzed four images from her book titled Yo Me Llamo Cumbia. Furthermore, we utilized multimodal analysis using a social semiotics approach with autoethnography to understand Anna’s reflections about her choices. Our findings show that Anna makes several representational, compositional, and interpersonal choices that depict a narrative of AfroIndigenous cantautoras dancing, singing, and teaching others. Cantautoras are centered on the page and their salience is heightened through the use of gold paint and bright colors to symbolically re-present them as queens. The cantautoras are painted from low and eye level viewpoints that elevate their power in relation to the viewer. Our analysis of Anna’s choices shows how children’s book creators should self-reflect on their interests when creating culturally diverse literature.
Five key issues of assessing nature’s contribution to people toward landscape sustainability
Authors: Liu Yanxu
Published: October 2024

Landscape sustainability aims to consistently provide long-term, landscape-specific ecosystem services. The concept of nature’s contributions to people (NCP), broader than that of ecosystem services, has sparked methodological controversy regarding the new assessment framework of NCP. Accordingly, for further exploration of the essence of landscape sustainability, a way forward in better assessing NCP that differs from previous assessments of ecosystem service is necessary. Five key issues for assessing NCP are summarized in this paper, including: 1) how to determine generalized or landscape-specific parameters; 2) how to identify different people’s needs from a landscape; 3) how to deal with the complexity of non-material NCP at landscape scale; 4) how to evaluate the relationship between different NCP from a landscape; and 5) how to assess landscape multifunctionality based on NCP. The way to deal with these key issues is discussed, including: determining generalized or landscape-specific parameters based on research targets; tracking nature’s contributions to different people’s needs considering spatial flow; forming new spatial data for non-material NCP; evaluating the relationship between different NCP depending on threshold of benefit; and assessing landscape multifunctionality based on the relations of NCP.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Recovery From Substance Use Disorder: Findings From a Qualitative Study
Authors: Hassett-Walker Connie
Published: October 2024

Background:

This study considers how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted individuals recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD).

Method:

Fifty individuals recovering from SUD in Vermont, a rural New England state (U.S.), were recruited for an interview from 12-step recovery meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous) as well as via word-of-mouth. Interviews were transcribed and coded, and qualitative analyses were performed.

Results:

Many of the participants who were in recovery prior to the pandemic starting remained substance-free and in recovery throughout the pandemic period. Some individuals used substances during the pandemic period, although not typically in the context of a relapse caused by negative emotions (eg, distress over a loved one contracting COVID-19). The majority of those individuals indicated that the risk of catching COVID-19 did not alter their substance use.

Conclusions:

Many individuals already in SUD recovery before COVID-19 remained in recovery despite the challenges of pandemic era. The role of peer support in recovering individuals managing negative emotions caused by COVID-19 is considered.
Interstitial lung diseases in collagen vascular diseases
Authors: Lamblin C. , Bergoin C. , Saelens T. , Wallaert B.
Published: October 2024

In this review, a clinical update is presented of the most important collagen vascular diseases (CVDs) and the different types of interstitial lung disease (ILD) encountered in these CVDs. These CVDs represent a heterogenous group of immunologically mediated inflammatory disorders with a large variety of affected organs besides the lungs.

The frequency, clinical presentation, prognosis and response to therapy vary depending on the histological pattern (usual interstitial pneumonia, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, organising pneumonia, diffuse alveolar damage, nodular lesions,etc.), as well as on the underlying CVD (scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatopolymyositis, Sjögren's syndrome or mixed connective tissue disease).

The diagnosis of most of these CVDs is based on a number of criteria; in several of these, however, lung involvement is not part of the diagnostic criteria. In addition, there may be overlaps between several of these CVDs.

Optimal treatment varies depending on the type of collagen vascular disease and the presence of interstitial lung disease, although in many cases, a combination of corticosteroids and cytostatic drugs are given.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension in a patient with stage II sarcoidosis and Hashitoxicosis
Authors: Ocak S. , Feoli F. , Fastrez J. , Butenda D. , Litvine C. , Colin I. M. , d'Odémont J-P
Published: October 2024

Although pulmonary arterial hypertension is usually associated with advanced stages of sarcoidosis, its occurrence in early stage disease is rare. Herein, a case of associated pulmonary arterial hypertension in the setting of Hashitoxicosis and stage II pulmonary sarcoidosis is reported. The case of associated pulmonary arterial hypertension occurred in a young female without clinically significant medical history and who completely recovered after receiving oral corticotherapy only. Furthermore, this case report suggests the presence of an interaction between pulmonary arterial hypertension, sarcoidosis and Hashitoxicosis.
Oral supplementation of choline attenuates the development of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD)
Authors: Sánchez Victor , Baumann Anja , Kromm Franziska , Yergaliyev Timur , Brandt Annette , Scholda Julia , Kopp Florian , Camarinha-Silva Amélia , Bergheim Ina
Published: October 2024

Background

Chronic alcohol intake is associated with alterations of choline metabolism in various tissues. Here, we assessed if an oral choline supplementation attenuated the development of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) in mice.

Methods

Female C57BL/6 J mice (n = 8/group) were either pair-fed a liquid control diet, or a Lieber DeCarli liquid diet (5% ethanol) ± 2.7 g choline/kg diet for 29 days. Liver damage, markers of intestinal permeability and intestinal microbiota composition were determined. Moreover, the effects of choline on ethanol-induced intestinal permeability were assessed in an ex vivo model.

Results

ALD development as determined by liver histology and assessing markers of inflammation (e.g., nitric oxide, interleukin 6 and 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts) was attenuated by the supplementation of choline. Intestinal permeability in small intestine being significantly higher in ethanol-fed mice was at the level of controls in ethanol-fed mice receiving choline. In contrast, no effects of the choline supplementation were found on intestinal microbiota composition. Choline also significantly attenuated the ethanol-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in small intestinal tissue ex vivo, an effect almost entirely abolished by the choline oxidase inhibitor dimbunol.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that an oral choline supplementation attenuates the development of ALD in mice and is related to a protection from intestinal barrier dysfunction.
mulea: An R package for enrichment analysis using multiple ontologies and empirical false discovery rate
Authors: Turek Cezary , Ölbei Márton , Stirling Tamás , Fekete Gergely , Tasnádi Ervin , Gul Leila , Bohár Balázs , Papp Balázs , Jurkowski Wiktor , Ari Eszter
Published: October 2024

Traditional gene set enrichment analyses are typically limited to a few ontologies and do not account for the interdependence of gene sets or terms, resulting in overcorrected p-values. To address these challenges, we introduce mulea, an R package offering comprehensive overrepresentation and functional enrichment analysis. mulea employs a progressive empirical false discovery rate (eFDR) method, specifically designed for interconnected biological data, to accurately identify significant terms within diverse ontologies. mulea expands beyond traditional tools by incorporating a wide range of ontologies, encompassing Gene Ontology, pathways, regulatory elements, genomic locations, and protein domains. This flexibility enables researchers to tailor enrichment analysis to their specific questions, such as identifying enriched transcriptional regulators in gene expression data or overrepresented protein domains in protein sets. To facilitate seamless analysis, mulea provides gene sets (in standardised GMT format) for 27 model organisms, covering 22 ontology types from 16 databases and various identifiers resulting in almost 900 files. Additionally, the muleaData ExperimentData Bioconductor package simplifies access to these pre-defined ontologies. Finally, mulea's architecture allows for easy integration of user-defined ontologies, or GMT files from external sources (e.g., MSigDB or Enrichr), expanding its applicability across diverse research areas. mulea is distributed as a CRAN R package downloadable from https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/mulea/ and https://github.com/ELTEbioinformatics/mulea. It offers researchers a powerful and flexible toolkit for functional enrichment analysis, addressing limitations of traditional tools with its progressive eFDR and by supporting a variety of ontologies. Overall, mulea fosters the exploration of diverse biological questions across various model organisms.
Biomedical relation extraction method based on ensemble learning and attention mechanism
Authors: Jia Yaxun , Wang Haoyang , Yuan Zhu , Zhu Lian , Xiang Zuo-lin
Published: October 2024

Background

Relation extraction (RE) plays a crucial role in biomedical research as it is essential for uncovering complex semantic relationships between entities in textual data. Given the significance of RE in biomedical informatics and the increasing volume of literature, there is an urgent need for advanced computational models capable of accurately and efficiently extracting these relationships on a large scale.

Results

This paper proposes a novel approach, SARE, combining ensemble learning Stacking and attention mechanisms to enhance the performance of biomedical relation extraction. By leveraging multiple pre-trained models, SARE demonstrates improved adaptability and robustness across diverse domains. The attention mechanisms enable the model to capture and utilize key information in the text more accurately. SARE achieved performance improvements of 4.8, 8.7, and 0.8 percentage points on the PPI, DDI, and ChemProt datasets, respectively, compared to the original BERT variant and the domain-specific PubMedBERT model.

Conclusions

SARE offers a promising solution for improving the accuracy and efficiency of relation extraction tasks in biomedical research, facilitating advancements in biomedical informatics. The results suggest that combining ensemble learning with attention mechanisms is effective for extracting complex relationships from biomedical texts. Our code and data are publicly available at: https://github.com/GS233/Biomedical.
Complementing aculiferan mitogenomics: comparative characterization of mitochondrial genomes of Solenogastres (Mollusca, Aplacophora)
Authors: Bergmeier Franziska S. , Brachmann Andreas , Kocot Kevin M. , Leasi Francesca , Poustka Albert J. , Schrödl Michael , Sevigny Joseph L. , Thomas W. Kelley , Todt Christiane , Jörger Katharina M.
Published: October 2024

Background

With the advances in high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic pipelines, mitochondrial genomes have become increasingly popular for phylogenetic analyses across different clades of invertebrates. Despite the vast rise in available mitogenomic datasets of molluscs, one class of aplacophoran molluscs – Solenogastres (or Neomeniomorpha) – is still neglected.

Results

Here, we present six new mitochondrial genomes from five families of Solenogastres (Amphimeniidae, Gymnomeniidae, Proneomeniidae, Pruvotinidae, Simrothiellidae), including the first complete mitogenomes, thereby now representing three of the four traditional orders. Solenogaster mitogenomes are variable in size (ranging from approximately 15,000 bp to over 17,000 bp). The gene order of the 13 protein coding genes and two rRNA genes is conserved in three blocks, but considerable variation occurs in the order of the 22 tRNA genes. Based on phylogenetic analyses and reconstruction of ancestral mitochondrial genomes of Aculifera, the position of (1) trnD gene between atp8 and atp6, (2) trnT and P genes between atp6 and nad5, and (3) trnL1 gene between G and E, resulting in a ‘MCYWQGL1E’-block of tRNA genes, are all three considered synapomorphies for Solenogastres. The tRNA gene block ‘KARNI’ present in Polyplacophora and several conchiferan taxa is dissolved in Solenogastres.

Conclusion

Our study shows that mitogenomes are suitable to resolve the phylogenetic relationships among Aculifera and within Solenogastres, thus presenting a cost and time efficient compromise to approach evolutionary history in these clades.
Does time matter? Intraspecific diversity of ribosomal RNA genes in lineages of the allopolyploid model grass Brachypodium hybridum with different evolutionary ages
Authors: Trunova Dana , Borowska-Zuchowska Natalia , Mykhailyk Serhii , Xia Kai , Zhu Yuanbin , Sancho Ruben , Rojek-Jelonek Magdalena , Garcia Sònia , Wang Kai , Catalan Pilar , Kovarik Ales , Hasterok Robert , Kolano Bozena
Published: October 2024

Background

Polyploidisation often results in genome rearrangements that may involve changes in both the single-copy sequences and the repetitive genome fraction. In this study, we performed a comprehensive comparative analysis of repetitive DNA, with a particular focus on ribosomal DNA (rDNA), in Brachypodium hybridum (2n = 4x = 30, subgenome composition DDSS), an allotetraploid resulting from a natural cross between two diploid species that resemble the modern B. distachyon (2n = 10; DD) and B. stacei (2n = 20; SS). Taking advantage of the recurrent origin of B. hybridum, we investigated two genotypes, Bhyb26 and ABR113, differing markedly in their evolutionary age (1.4 and 0.14 Mya, respectively) and which resulted from opposite cross directions. To identify the origin of rDNA loci we employed cytogenetic and molecular methods (FISH, gCAPS and Southern hybridisation), phylogenetic and genomic approaches.

Results

Unlike the general maintenance of doubled gene dosage in B. hybridum, the rRNA genes showed a remarkable tendency towards diploidisation at both locus and unit levels. While the partial elimination of 35S rDNA units occurred in the younger ABR113 lineage, unidirectional elimination of the entire locus was observed in the older Bhyb26 lineage. Additionally, a novel 5S rDNA family was amplified in Bhyb26 replacing the parental units. The 35S and 5S rDNA units were preferentially eliminated from the S- and D-subgenome, respectively. Thus, in the more ancient B. hybridum lineage, Bhyb26, 5S and 35S rRNA genes are likely expressed from different subgenomes, highlighting the complexity of polyploid regulatory networks.

Conclusion

Comparative analyses between two B. hybridum lineages of distinct evolutionary ages revealed that although the recent lineage ABR113 exhibited an additive pattern of rDNA loci distribution, the ancient lineage Bhyb26 demonstrated a pronounced tendency toward diploidisation manifested by the reduction in the number of both 35S and 5S loci. In conclusion, the age of the allopolyploid appears to be a decisive factor in rDNA turnover in B. hybridum.
Meta-analysis accelerator: a comprehensive tool for statistical data conversion in systematic reviews with meta-analysis
Authors: Abbas Abdallah , Hefnawy Mahmoud Tarek , Negida Ahmed
Published: October 2024

Background

Systematic review with meta-analysis integrates findings from multiple studies, offering robust conclusions on treatment effects and guiding evidence-based medicine. However, the process is often hampered by challenges such as inconsistent data reporting, complex calculations, and time constraints. Researchers must convert various statistical measures into a common format, which can be error-prone and labor-intensive without the right tools.

Implementation

Meta-Analysis Accelerator was developed to address these challenges. The tool offers 21 different statistical conversions, including median & interquartile range (IQR) to mean & standard deviation (SD), standard error of the mean (SEM) to SD, and confidence interval (CI) to SD for one and two groups, among others. It is designed with an intuitive interface, ensuring that users can navigate the tool easily and perform conversions accurately and efficiently. The website structure includes a home page, conversion page, request a conversion feature, about page, articles page, and privacy policy page. This comprehensive design supports the tool’s primary goal of simplifying the meta-analysis process.

Results

Since its initial release in October 2023 as Meta Converter and subsequent renaming to Meta-Analysis Accelerator, the tool has gained widespread use globally. From March 2024 to May 2024, it received 12,236 visits from countries such as Egypt, France, Indonesia, and the USA, indicating its international appeal and utility. Approximately 46% of the visits were direct, reflecting its popularity and trust among users.

Conclusions

Meta-Analysis Accelerator significantly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of meta-analysis of systematic reviews by providing a reliable platform for statistical data conversion. Its comprehensive variety of conversions, user-friendly interface, and continuous improvements make it an indispensable resource for researchers. The tool’s ability to streamline data transformation ensures that researchers can focus more on data interpretation and less on manual calculations, thus advancing the quality and ease of conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Distribution and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida species isolated from candidemia patients admitted to Egyptian tertiary hospitals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aziz Heba Sherif Abdel , Ismail Dalia Kadry , Mohammed Nessma Sayed Ahmed , Elgendy Marwa O. , Bassiouny Dina M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Candidemia is a widespread threat that can lead to significant complications in healthcare settings.

Objectives

Our study aimed to identify isolates of Candida isolated from blood culture bottles of patients with candidemia and assess their antifungal susceptibility profiles.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study at Cairo University tertiary care hospitals over 16 months including 90 patients. Candida isolates were collected from blood culture bottles, and identified using MALDI-TOF MS technology of VITEK MS PRIME (bioMérieux) with the corresponding database VITEK IVD Database 3.2. followed by antifungal susceptibility testing using VITEK 2 Compact system.

Results

Candida albicans was the most common species isolated from both pediatric and adult patients with percentages of 47.3% and 36.4% respectively, followed by Candida parapsilosis with percentages of 32.6% and 25.0% respectively. Voriconazole showed the highest antifungal activity at 90.9% of isolates in adults and 95.7% in pediatrics, followed by caspofungin and micafungin. The mean hospital stays for adults ranged from 8 to 30 days and from 10 to 42 days in the pediatric group.

Conclusions

C. albicans remains the predominant species isolated from both pediatric and adult candidemia patients, despite a notable increase in other species. C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis are considered the most common non-albicans Candida (NAC) species. The rise in Candida species other than albicans highlights the urgent need for effective antifungal stewardship programs. Voriconazole exhibited the higher antifungal activity followed by caspofungin and micafungin.
One stage anterior sagittal sphincter saving anorectoplasty (ASSSARP) for the repair or rectovestibular fistula: mid and long-term outcome in two tertiary centers
Authors: Elbatarny Akram M. , Shehata Sherif M. K. , Ashour Mohamed H.M. , Abo-Halawa Nezar A.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This is a retrospective study of one-stage anterior sagittal sphincter saving anorectoplasty (ASSSARP) for repairing rectovestibular fistula (RVF) including operative details and postoperative complications, functional and cosmetic outcome.

Patients and methods

Records of 41 cases of RVF, managed between April 2010 and September 2019 by one-stage ASSSARP, were reviewed. Preoperative preparation, both early and late postoperative care & complications, hospital stay, and functional & cosmetic outcomes were reported.

Results

The mean age was 6.6 months. Vaginal tear occurred in 5/41 cases, and distal rectal tears in 4/41 cases. Thirteen patients suffered mild superficial wound inflammation; while Skin dehiscence; occurred in five patients. No colostomy or redo was needed. The mean hospital stay was 6.1 days. Mean follow-up was 43.13 months; (Range; 24–100 months). Subclinical anal stricture was detected in six patients. Constipation occurred in 14 cases. Soiling grade I occurred in five patients. Thirty-two patients reached past the age of three years; two of whom showed cough/diarrhea incontinence.

Conclusion

One-stage ASSSARP is safe and gives functional and cosmetic results comparable to other techniques. It provides better access during RVF repair. The avoidance of muscle incision protects against muscle breakdown, if infection sets in, and thus against incontinence. It avoids the morbidity, cost and psychological burden of performing a three-stage repair.
The role of mood in shaping reactions to smoking cessation messages among adults who smoke: a multimodal investigation
Authors: Stevens Elise M. , Lee Donghee N. , Stevens Hannah , Sadasivam Rajani S.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Mood-tailored communications may help increase the effectiveness of smoking cessation messaging interventions. We used both self-report and psychophysiological measures to test the impact of mood on responses to cessation messages in adults who smoke.

Methods

In a two-part (crowdsourcing and psychophysiological studies) study, the impact of 30 smoking cessation messages comprised of five themes (i.e., financial, health, quality-of-life, challenges in quitting, motivation to quit) were tested. In a crowdsourcing study, participants (N = 600) were randomly placed into one of three mood induction tasks (i.e., positive, negative, neutral), and then viewed the smoking cessation messages. After each message, they were asked to self-report their motivation to quit, message receptivity, and the perceived relevance of the messages. In an in-lab, psychophysiological study, participants (N = 42) completed the same tasks as the crowdsourcing participants but were monitored for heart rate, skin conductance, and eye-tracking while viewing the cessation messages. Using a multi-attribute decision-making model (MADM) using outcomes from both studies, messages were ranked for each mood state.

Results

The top messages for participants in the positive mood condition included the challenges in quitting, financial costs/rewards, and motivations to quit themes. The top messages for participants assigned to the negative mood condition included the challenges in quitting, quality-of-life, and financial costs/rewards themes. For participants in the neutral mood condition, messages in the challenges in quitting and quality of life themes performed best.

Conclusions

Variations in the preferences of messages and themes by mood condition suggest that mood-tailored communication may increase the effectiveness of smoking cessation messages.
Micro-XCT analysis of anatomical features and dimensions of the incisive canal: implications for dental implant treatment in the anterior maxilla
Authors: Todorovic Vladimir S. , Beetge Mia-Michaela , Kleyn Judy , Hoffman Jakobus , van Zyl Andre W.
Published: October 2024

Background

This study used micro-focus X-ray Computed Tomography (micro-XCT) to examine the anatomical differences and dimensions of the maxillary incisive canal (MIC) in a South African population. The accurate imaging yielded dependable results that support earlier research and enhance anterior maxilla surgery planning. Furthermore, these anatomical features are compared between various racial and gender groupings in the study.

Methods

Using a micro-XCT scanner, 108 human cadaver skulls from the Pretoria Bone Collection were scanned and included in the study. Advanced volume rendering software was employed for measuring the MIC length, diameter, shape, and the buccal bone wall measurements in relation to the MIC.

Results

Significant anatomical variation in the size and shape of the MIC was identified in the population, with variations seen between racial and gender groups. The incisive foramen (ICO) mean diameter was 6.61 mm, and the MIC length varied from 4.96 to 20.10 mm. There were significant differences in the buccal alveolar bone height between different ethnic groups and gender. Regarding morphological patterns in coronal and sagittal views, single canals were more common in the black population while Y-shaped canals were more common in the white population. The study also introduced a new metric by measuring the mean distances between teeth #11 and #21 and the ICO (1.83 mm and 1.88 mm respectively).

Conclusions

The complex anatomical differences of the MIC in a South African population were clarified. Clinicians should be aware of tooth sockets in near proximity to the MIC and perform accurate preoperative assessment using sophisticated 3-D imaging and preferable guided implant placement in the anterior maxilla.
Determinants of nursing students’ satisfaction with blended learning
Authors: Hassan Eman Arafa , Mohamed Ahlam Mahmoud , Eltaib Fatma Abdou , Khaled Asmaa Mohammed Saad
Published: October 2024

Background

Blended learning, a pedagogical approach combining traditional classroom instruction with online components, has gained prominence in nursing education. While offering numerous benefits, student satisfaction with blended learning remains a critical concern. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive evaluation of the determinants influencing nursing students’ satisfaction with this innovative educational modality. By examining a wide range of factors, including sociodemographic characteristics, academic factors, and environmental influences, this research offers valuable insights for educators to optimize blended learning experiences in nursing education.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional research design was conducted. This study investigates the factors influencing nursing students’ satisfaction with blended learning at Alexandria University, Egypt, where blended learning programs have been integrated into the curriculum primarily through the Microsoft Teams platform. A convenient sample of 1266 nursing students from both bachelor and technical educational institutions participated in the study from September 2023 to the end of December 2023. Data were collected using an online survey containing two measurement tools: the Blended Learning Satisfaction Scale and the Environmental Facilitators and Barriers to Student Persistence in Online Courses scale. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and backward multiple linear regression, were conducted to identify factors that are associated with the satisfaction of nursing students’ with blended learning.

Results

Findings indicate that factors such as age, gender, income, employment status, access to suitable internet sources, academic year, computer literacy, preferred learning method, and perceptions of environmental facilitators significantly influence satisfaction scores (all p < 0.001). The overall regression model, with an adjusted R² of 0.31, signifies that 31% of the variance in satisfaction scores is explained collectively by the previously mentioned variables (F = 21.21, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Students’ sociodemographic variables, preference for blended learning, and perception of environmental facilitators such as encouragement to enroll in the course significantly influence nursing students’ satisfaction levels with blended learning. However, limitations in the current study such as self-report bias, convenient sampling, and cross-sectional design limit the generalizability and causal inferences of these findings.
International survey of people living with chronic conditions (PaRIS survey): effects of general practitioner non-participation on the representativeness of the Norwegian patient data
Authors: Bjertnaes Oyvind , Skudal Kjersti E. , van den Berg Michael J. , Porter Ian , Holmboe Olaf , Norman Rebecka M. , Iversen Hilde H. , Ellingsen-Dalskau Lina H. , Valderas Jose M.
Published: October 2024

Background

The International Survey of People living with Chronic Conditions (OECD-PaRIS survey), aims to systematically gather patient-reported experiences (PREMs) and - outcomes (PROMs) and potential predictors for these outcomes for persons with chronic conditions as well as information from professionals about health care provided. In such patient surveys, the advantages of a multilevel (nested) approach in which patients are sampled ‘within providers’ need to be balanced against the potential for bias if patient populations from participating GPs significantly differ from those of non-participating GPs. The objective was to assess the effects of general practitioner (GP) non-participation on the representativeness of the Norwegian patient data of the International Survey of People living with Chronic Conditions (OECD-PaRIS survey).

Methods

To test all aspects of the first main PaRIS survey, it was preceded by a field trial which this paper reports on the Norwegian part of. For the Norwegian part of the field trial in 2022, we randomly sampled and surveyed 75 GPs and 125 patients 45 years and older for each GP, regardless of whether their GP were also participating in the study. GPs were sampled from a national register that included all GPs. The surveys were primarily digital, but we sent postal questionnaires to non-digital patients and non-responding digital patients. We compared GP and patient characteristics as well as patient-reported experiences and outcomes according to GP participation status in bivariate analysis, supplemented with multiple linear regressions with PREMs/PROMs as dependent variables and participation status as independent adjusting for significant patient factors.

Results

17 of 75 sampled GPs participated (22.7%), of which 993 of 2,015 patients responded (49.3%). 3,347 of 7,080 patients of non-responding GPs answered (47.3%). Persons with chronic conditions from participating GPs reported significantly better patient-centred coordinated care (p = 0.017), overall experiences with the GP office the last 12 months (p = 0.004), mental well-being (p = 0.039) and mental health (p = 0.013) than patients from non-participating GPs. The raw differences between participating and non-participating GPs on patient-reported experiences and – outcomes varied from 1.5 to 2.9 points on a 0-100 scale, and from 2.2 to 3.0 after adjustment for case-mix.

Conclusions

The Norwegian field trial indicates that estimates based on participants in the PaRIS survey may modestly overestimate patient-reported experiences and -outcomes at the aggregated level and the need for more research within and across countries to identify and address this potential bias.