bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a culture change program to reduce unprofessional behaviours by hospital co-workers in Australian hospitals
Authors: Westbrook Johanna I. , Urwin Rachel , McMullan Ryan , Badgery-Parker Tim , Pavithra Antoinette , Churruca Kate , Cunningham Neil , Loh Erwin , Hibbert Peter , Maddern Guy , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Li Ling
Published: June 2024

Background

Unprofessional behaviours between healthcare workers are highly prevalent. Evaluations of large-scale culture change programs are rare resulting in limited evidence of intervention effectiveness. We conducted a multi-method evaluation of a professional accountability and culture change program “Ethos” implemented across eight Australian hospitals. The Ethos program incorporates training for staff in speaking-up; an online system for reporting co-worker behaviours; and a tiered accountability pathway, including peer-messengers who deliver feedback to staff for ‘reflection’ or ‘recognition’. Here we report the final evaluation component which aimed to measure changes in the prevalence of unprofessional behaviours before and after Ethos.

Methods

A survey of staff (clinical and non-clinical) experiences of 26 unprofessional behaviours across five hospitals at baseline before (2018) and 2.5–3 years after (2021/2022) Ethos implementation. Five of the 26 behaviours were classified as ‘extreme’ (e.g., assault) and 21 as incivility/bullying (e.g., being spoken to rudely). Our analysis assessed changes in four dimensions: work-related bullying; person-related bullying; physical bullying and sexual harassment. Change in experience of incivility/bullying was compared using multivariable ordinal logistic regression. Change in extreme behaviours was assessed using multivariable binary logistic regression. All models were adjusted for respondent characteristics.

Results

In total, 3975 surveys were completed. Staff reporting frequent incivility/bullying significantly declined from 41.7% (n = 1064; 95% CI 39.7,43.9) at baseline to 35.5% (n = 505; 95% CI 32.8,38.3; χ2(1) = 14.3;P < 0.001) post-Ethos. The odds of experiencing incivility/bullying declined by 24% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.76; 95% CI 0.66,0.87;P < 0.001) and odds of experiencing extreme behaviours by 32% (aOR 0.68; 95% CI 0.54,0.85;P < 0.001) following Ethos. All four dimensions showed a reduction of 32–41% in prevalence post-Ethos.

Non-clinical staff reported the greatest decrease in their experience of unprofessional behaviour (aOR 0.41; 95% CI 0.29, 0.61). Staff attitudes and reported skills to speak-up were significantly more positive at follow-up. Awareness of the program was high (82.1%; 95% CI 80.0, 84.0%); 33% of respondents had sent or received an Ethos message.

Conclusion

The Ethos program was associated with significant reductions in the prevalence of reported unprofessional behaviours and improved capacity of hospital staff to speak-up. These results add to evidence that staff will actively engage with a system that supports informal feedback to co-workers about their behaviours and is facilitated by trained peer messengers.
A DIO2 missense mutation and its impact on fetal response to PRRSV infection
Authors: Ko Haesu , Pasternak J. Alex , Mulligan Margaret K. , Hamonic Glenn , Ramesh Naresh , MacPhee Daniel J. , Plastow Graham S. , Harding John C. S.
Published: June 2024

Background

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 2 (PRRSV-2) infection during late gestation substantially lowers fetal viability and survival. In a previous genome-wide association study, a single nucleotide polymorphism on chromosome 7 was significantly associated with probability of fetuses being viable in response to maternal PRRSV-2 infection at 21 days post maternal inoculation. The iodothyronine deiodinase 2 (DIO2) gene, located ~ 14 Kilobase downstream of this SNP, was selected as a priority candidate related to fetal susceptibility following maternal PRRSV-2 infection. Our objectives were to identify mutation(s) within the porcine DIO2 gene and to determine if they were associated with fetal outcomes after PRRSV-2 challenge. Sequencing of the DIO2, genotyping identified variants, and association of DIO2 genotypes with fetal phenotypes including DIO2 mRNA levels, viability, survival, viral loads, cortisol and thyroid hormone levels, and growth measurements were conducted.

Results

A missense variant (p.Asn91Ser) was identified in the parental populations from two independent PRRSV-2 challenge trials. This variant was further genotyped to determine association with fetal PRRS outcomes. DIO2 mRNA levels in fetal heart and kidney differed by the genotypes of Asn91Ser substitution with significantly greater DIO2 mRNA expression in heterozygotes compared with wild-type homozygotes (P < 0.001 for heart, P = 0.002 for kidney). While Asn91Ser did not significantly alter fetal viability and growth measurements, interaction effects of the variant with fetal sex or trial were identified for fetal viability or crown rump length, respectively. However, this mutation was not related to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and thyroid axis, indicated by no differences in circulating cortisol, T4, and T3 levels in fetuses of the opposing genotypes following PRRSV-2 infection.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that a complex relationship among DIO2 genotype, DIO2 expression, fetal sex, and fetal viability may exist during the course of fetal PRRSV infection. Our study also proposes the increase in cortisol levels, indicative of fetal stress response, may lead to fetal complications, such as fetal compromise, fetal death, or premature farrowing, during PRRSV infection.
Antimicrobial peptides and proteins as alternative antibiotics for porcine semen preservation
Authors: Ros-Santaella Jose Luis , Nový Pavel , Scaringi Maria , Pintus Eliana
Published: June 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is nowadays a major emerging challenge for public health worldwide. The over- and misuse of antibiotics, including those for cell culture, are promoting AMR while also encouraging the research and employment of alternative drugs. The addition of antibiotics to the cell media is strongly recommended in sperm preservation, being gentamicin the most used for boar semen. Because of its continued use, several bacterial strains present in boar semen have developed resistance to this antibiotic. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPPs) are promising candidates as alternative antibiotics because their mechanism of action is less likely to promote AMR. In the present study, we tested two AMPPs (lysozyme and nisin; 50 and 500 µg/mL) as possible substitutes of gentamicin for boar semen preservation up to 48 h of storage.

Results

We found that both AMPPs improved sperm plasma membrane and acrosome integrity during semen storage. The highest concentration tested for lysozyme also kept the remaining sperm parameters unaltered, at 48 h of semen storage, and reduced the bacterial load at comparable levels of the samples supplemented with gentamicin (p > 0.05). On the other hand, while nisin (500 µg/mL) reduced the total Enterobacteriaceae counts, it also decreased the rapid and progressive sperm population and the seminal oxidation-reduction potential (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The protective effect of lysozyme on sperm function together with its antimicrobial activity and inborn presence in body fluids, including semen and cervical mucus, makes this enzyme a promising antimicrobial agent for boar semen preservation.
Double promoter and tandem gene strategy for efficiently expressing recombinant FGF21
Authors: Liu Longying , Ning Nuoyi , Xu Simeng , Chen Dongqing , Zhou Luping , Guo Zhimou , Liang Xinmiao , Ye Xianlong
Published: June 2024

Background

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a promising candidate for treating metabolic disorder diseases and has been used in phase II clinical trials. Currently, metabolic diseases are prevalent worldwide, underscoring the significant market potential of FGF21. Therefore, the production of FGF21 must be effectively improved to meet market demand.

Results

Herein, to investigate the impact of vectors and host cells on FGF21 expression, we successfully engineered strains that exhibit a high yield of FGF21. Surprisingly, the data revealed that vectors with various copy numbers significantly impact the expression of FGF21, and the results showed a 4.35-fold increase in expression levels. Furthermore, the performance of the double promoter and tandem gene expression construction design surpassed that of the conventional construction method, with a maximum difference of 2.67 times.

Conclusion

By exploring engineered vectors and host cells, we successfully achieved high-yield production of the FGF21 strain. This breakthrough lays a solid foundation for the future industrialization of FGF21. Additionally, FGF21 can be easily, quickly and efficiently expressed, providing a better tool and platform for the research and application of more recombinant proteins.
Association of weight-adjusted waist index with all-cause mortality among non-Asian individuals: a national population-based cohort study
Authors: Cao Ting , Xie Ruijie , Wang Jiusong , Xiao Meimei , Wu Haiyang , Liu Xiaozhu , Xie Songlin , Chen Yanming , Liu Mingjiang , Zhang Ya
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI) is a new indicator of obesity that is associated with all-cause mortality in Asian populations. Our study aimed to investigate the linear and non-linear associations between WWI and all-cause mortality in non-Asian populations in the United States, and whether WWI was superior to traditional obesity indicators as a predictor of all-cause mortality.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study using data from the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), involving 18,592 participants. We utilized Cox proportional hazard models to assess the association between WWI, BMI, WC, and the risk of all-cause mortality, and performed subgroup analyses and interaction tests. We also employed a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve study to evaluate the effectiveness of WWI, BMI, and WC in predicting all-cause mortality.

Results

After adjusting for confounders, WWI, BMI, and WC were positively associated with all-cause mortality. The performance of WWI, BMI, and WC in predicting all-cause mortality yielded AUCs of 0.697, 0.524, and 0.562, respectively. The data also revealed a U-shaped relationship between WWI and all-cause mortality. Race and cancer modified the relationship between WWI and all-cause mortality, with the relationship being negatively correlated in African Americans and cancer patients.

Conclusions

In non-Asian populations in the United States, there is a U-shaped relationship between WWI and all-cause mortality, and WWI outperforms BMI and WC as a predictor of all-cause mortality. These findings may contribute to a better understanding and prediction of the relationship between obesity and mortality, and provide support for effective obesity management strategies.
Association between body roundness index and overactive bladder: results from the NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: Zhang Yujun , Song Jingjing , Li Benjie , Wu Yunhao , Jia Shengjun , Shu Hongxin , Liu Fang , Yang Xiaorong
Published: June 2024

Background and aim

An increasing amount of research has indicated obesity greatly affects individuals with overactive bladder (OAB). However, traditional anthropometric methods present challenges in accurately assessing the likelihood of OAB. Hence, this study’s objective was to identify the correlation between the body roundness index (BRI) and OAB.

Methods

The research included 12,401 individuals who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 2005–2018. The correlation between BRI and OAB was explored by using weighted multiple logistic regression and weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS). Subgroup analyses showed the associations based on different population types. The study also analyzed the predictive capability of various anthropometric indices, including BRI, body mass index, waist circumference, and weight, in assessing the likelihood of OAB through Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

An independent positive correlation between OAB and BRI was identified after adjusting for potential confounders in weighted multivariate logistic models[odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12–1.17]. Weighted RCS analysis found a positive dose-response correlation between OAB and BRI. The effect size of BRI on OAB remained stable across all prespecified subgroups (all P for interactions > 0.05). In ROC analysis, BRI showed better discriminatory ability for OAB compared with other anthropometric measures for both genders (all P < 0.01). The best BRI cutoff for predicting OAB was lower for men (5.151) than for women (5.383), suggesting that men were more susceptible to changes in BRI than women.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that a raised BRI is correlated with a higher likelihood of OAB. Due to the effectiveness and non-invasiveness of BRI in predicting OAB, it is expected to become the preferred method for early detection and management strategies.
Non-linear association of atherogenic index of plasma with bone mineral density a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Bo , Ma Guoliang , Yang Liu , Chen Xin , Bian Bo , Yang Bowen , Zhang Dian , Qin Xiaokuan , Zhu Liguo , Yin He , Wei Xu , Feng Minshan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Although there has been abundant evidence of the association between dyslipidemia as a single factor and osteoporosis, the non-linear relationship between osteoporosis and the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) has not yet been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to investigate the complex relationship between AIP and bone mineral density (BMD) to elucidate their interrelationship.

Methods

An analysis of 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) data was conducted for this study. The study enrolled 5,019 participants. Logarithmically multiplying triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol yields the AIP (base 10). The measured variables consisted of BMD in the total femur (TF), femoral neck (FN), and lumbar spine (LS). The association between AIP and BMD was examined using a range of statistical models, such as weighted multivariable logistic regression, generalized additive model, etc.

Results

It was found that AIP was positively associated with BMD after adjusting for age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, degree of education, income, Consuming alcoholic beverages, osteoporosis status (Yes or No), ALT, AST, serum creatinine, and total calcium levels. Further studies supported the association link between elevated BMD and AIP. Furthermore, compared to men, females had a higher positive connection between AIP and BMD. In general, there was a curve in the reverse L-shape seen, with a point of change around 0.877, indicating a relationship between AIP and TF BMD. Moreover, a curve exhibiting an L-formed pattern, with a point of inflection at around 0.702, was seen between AIP and FN BMD. In addition, a J-shaped curve was seen, with a point of inflection at 0.092, which demonstrates the association between AIP and LS BMD.

Conclusion

The AIP and TF BMD curves resemble inverted L shapes, as do the AIP and FN BMD curves. The relationship between AIP and LS BMD was further demonstrated by a J-shaped curve. The results indicate a possible association between AIP and bone mineral density, which should be explored in more detail.
Post-stroke hand gesture recognition via one-shot transfer learning using prototypical networks
Authors: Sarwat Hussein , Alkhashab Amr , Song Xinyu , Jiang Shuo , Jia Jie , Shull Peter B.
Published: June 2024

Background

In-home rehabilitation systems are a promising, potential alternative to conventional therapy for stroke survivors. Unfortunately, physiological differences between participants and sensor displacement in wearable sensors pose a significant challenge to classifier performance, particularly for people with stroke who may encounter difficulties repeatedly performing trials. This makes it challenging to create reliable in-home rehabilitation systems that can accurately classify gestures.

Methods

Twenty individuals who suffered a stroke performed seven different gestures (mass flexion, mass extension, wrist volar flexion, wrist dorsiflexion, forearm pronation, forearm supination, and rest) related to activities of daily living. They performed these gestures while wearing EMG sensors on the forearm, as well as FMG sensors and an IMU on the wrist. We developed a model based on prototypical networks for one-shot transfer learning, K-Best feature selection, and increased window size to improve model accuracy. Our model was evaluated against conventional transfer learning with neural networks, as well as subject-dependent and subject-independent classifiers: neural networks, LGBM, LDA, and SVM.

Results

Our proposed model achieved 82.2% hand—gesture classification accuracy, which was better (P<0.05) than one-shot transfer learning with neural networks (63.17%), neural networks (59.72%), LGBM (65.09%), LDA (63.35%), and SVM (54.5%). In addition, our model performed similarly to subject-dependent classifiers, slightly lower than SVM (83.84%) but higher than neural networks (81.62%), LGBM (80.79%), and LDA (74.89%). Using K-Best features improved the accuracy in 3 of the 6 classifiers used for evaluation, while not affecting the accuracy in the other classifiers. Increasing the window size improved the accuracy of all the classifiers by an average of 4.28%.

Conclusion

Our proposed model showed significant improvements in hand—gesture recognition accuracy in individuals who have had a stroke as compared with conventional transfer learning, neural networks and traditional machine learning approaches. In addition, K-Best feature selection and increased window size can further improve the accuracy. This approach could help to alleviate the impact of physiological differences and create a subject-independent model for stroke survivors that improves the classification accuracy of wearable sensors.

Trial registration number: The study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with registration number CHiCTR1800017568 in 2018/08/04
Mutations in Helicobacter pylori infected patients with chronic gastritis, intestinal type of gastric cancer and familial gastric cancer
Authors: Hnatyszyn Andrzej , Szalata Marlena , Zielińska Aleksandra , Wielgus Karolina , Danielewski Mikołaj , Hnatyszyn Piotr Tomasz , Pławski Andrzej , Walkowiak Jarosław , Słomski Ryszard
Published: June 2024

Background

Development of sequential changes of mucous leading to gastric cancer and familial cases of gastric cancer of intestinal type is widely connected with Helicobacter pylori infections. In this study we analysed variants of genes involved in cancerogenesis and inflammatory processes of intestines in patients infected with H.pylori. Our goal was to test whether mutations in these genes predestinate to development of gastric cancer, and whether there is a genetic factor that makes it more likely for infections with H.pylori to cause gastric cancer. As infections with H. pylori are relatively common, discovering such genetic predispositions could be used for establishing risk-groups and for planning treatments.

Methods

Our studies cover analysis of variants in genes involved in cancerogenesis: TP53 (rs11540652, rs587782329, COSM10771), MSH2 (rs193922376), MLH1 (rs63750217), and inflammatory processes of intestine: NOD2 (rs2066847, rs2066842), IL1A (rs1800587) and IL1B (rs1143634) from H.pylori-infected patients.

Results

Mutations were more common in the group of patients with gastric cancer of intestinal type and familial cases of gastric cancer in comparison with patients with chronic gastritis, chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia or gastric cancer (p-value = 0.00824), with the prevalence of p53 mutations in patients with familial gastric cancer vs. patients with other changes of mucosa (p-value = 0.000049). Additionally, gastric cancer patients have mainly genotype TT or CT of the rs2066842 variant of the NOD2 gene.

Conclusions

The lack of statistically significant changes of other interleukin genes involved in inflammatory processes may suggest the presence of H.pylori infection as a potential trigger for the development of the inflammatory process of the mucosa, leading through microbiota dysbiosis to the development of enteric gastric cancer. Mutations in analysed genes correlated with more severe mucosal changes, with a much more frequent presence of TP53 gene mutations, with a limited presence of other mutations in the familial history of gastric cancer.
Validated chromatographic approach for determination of two ternary mixtures in newly approved formulations for helicobacter pylori eradication: assessment of greenness profile and content uniformity
Authors: Salem Yomna A. , Elsabour Samah A. , El-Masry Amal A.
Published: June 2024

A new, sensitive, and rapid isocratic reversed phase chromatographic method (RP-HPLC–UV) was developed for simultaneous separation of two newly co-formulated antiulcer mixtures; Amoxicillin, Vonoprazan and Clarithromycin [Mixture (I)], and Amoxicillin, Lansoprazole and Clarithromycin [Mixture (II)]. Analytical separation was performed using a Promosil C18 column and ultraviolet detection at 210 nm. The separation was achieved within only 8 min. For both mixtures, an aqueous solution, composed of (Acetonitrile: Methanol: 0. 2 M phosphoric acid) within ratio of (30: 30: 40) adjusted to final pH 3.0, was the mobile phase. This method was validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The linearity ranges of these proposed method of the (Mixture (I)) were 25.0–400.0 µg/mL Amoxicillin, 0.5–8.0 µg/mL Vonoprazan, and 12.5–200.0 µg/mL Clarithromycin. And the linearity ranges of the (Mixture (II)) were 10.0–300.0 µg/mL Amoxicillin, 0.3–9.0 µg/mL Lansoprazole and 5.0–150.0 µg/mL Clarithromycin. This method was firstly applied for effective separation of Amoxicillin, Vonoprazan and Clarithromycin [Mixture (I)]. It fulfilled good repeatability, sensitivity, and accuracy (R.S.D. < 2.0%). The mean recoveries of the analytes in their Tri-Pak formulations were acceptable. The greenness of the developed chromatographic methods was assessed using an Eco-scale method and it was applied for content uniformity testing as per the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) and the acceptance value of Amoxicillin, in Mixture (I) was 2.88, the acceptance values for Amoxicillin, Lansoprazole in Mixture (II) were 2.592, 2.424, respectively.
Medium-chain carboxylates production from plant waste: kinetic study and effect of an enriched microbiome
Authors: Undiandeye Jerome , Gallegos Daniela , Bonatelli Maria L. , Kleinsteuber Sabine , Bin-Hudari Mohammad Sufian , Abdulkadir Nafi’u , Stinner Walter , Sträuber Heike
Published: June 2024

Background

The need for addition of external electron donors such as ethanol or lactate impairs the economic viability of chain elongation (CE) processes for the production of medium-chain carboxylates (MCC). However, using feedstocks with inherent electron donors such as silages of waste biomass can improve the economics. Moreover, the use of an appropriate inoculum is critical to the overall efficiency of the CE process, as the production of a desired MCC can significantly be influenced by the presence or absence of specific microorganisms and their metabolic interactions. Beyond, it is necessary to generate data that can be used for reactor design, simulation and optimization of a given CE process. Such data can be obtained using appropriate mathematical models to predict the dynamics of the CE process.

Results

In batch experiments using silages of sugar beet leaves, cassava leaves, and Elodea/wheat straw as substrates, caproate was the only MCC produced with maximum yields of 1.97, 3.48, and 0.88 g/kgVS, respectively. The MCC concentrations were accurately predicted with the modified Gompertz model. In a semi-continuous fermentation with ensiled sugar beet leaves as substrate and digestate from a biogas reactor as the sole inoculum, a prolonged lag phase of 7 days was observed for the production of MCC (C6–C8). The lag phase was significantly shortened by at least 4 days when an enriched inoculum was added to the system. With the enriched inoculum, an MCC yield of 93.67 g/kgVS and a productivity of 2.05 gMCC/L/d were achieved. Without the enriched inoculum, MCC yield and productivity were 43.30 g/kgVS and 0.95 gMCC/L/d, respectively. The higher MCC production was accompanied by higher relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae and Eubacteriaceae.

Conclusions

Ensiled waste biomass is a suitable substrate for MCC production using CE. For an enhanced production of MCC from ensiled sugar beet leaves, the use of an enriched inoculum is recommended for a fast process start and high production performance.
A q-analogue for partial-fraction decomposition of a rational function and its application
Authors: Luo Ze-Qian , Luo Qiu-Ming
Published: June 2024

In this paper, by using the residue method of complex analysis, we obtain a q-analogue for partial-fraction decomposition of the rational function $\frac{x^{M}}{(x+1)^{\lambda}_{n}}$

x
M

(
x
+
1
)

n
λ

. As applications, we deduce the corresponding q-algebraic and q-combinatorial identities which are the q-extensions of Chu’ results.
Conti Inc.: understanding the internal discussions of a large ransomware-as-a-service operator with machine learning
Authors: Ruellan Estelle , Paquet-Clouston Masarah , Garcia Sebastián
Published: June 2024

Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) is increasing the scale and complexity of ransomware attacks. Understanding the internal operations behind RaaS has been a challenge due to the illegality of such activities. The recent chat leak of the Conti RaaS operator, one of the most infamous ransomware operators on the international scene, offers a key opportunity to better understand the inner workings of such organizations. This paper analyzes the main discussion topics in the Conti chat leak using machine learning techniques such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), as well as visualization strategies. Five discussion topics are found: (1) Business, (2) Technical, (3) Internal tasking/Management, (4) Malware, and (5) Customer Service/Problem Solving. Moreover, the distribution of topics among Conti members shows that only 4% of individuals have specialized discussions while almost all individuals (96%) are all-rounders, meaning that their discussions revolve around the five topics. The results also indicate that a significant proportion of Conti discussions are non-tech related. This study thus highlights that running such large RaaS operations requires a workforce skilled beyond technical abilities, with individuals involved in various tasks, from management to customer service or problem solving. The discussion topics also show that the organization behind the Conti RaaS operator shares similarities with a large firm. We conclude that, although RaaS represents an example of specialization in the cybercrime industry, only a few members are specialized in one topic, while the rest runs and coordinates the RaaS operation.
A mixed methods study of schema modes amongst people living with eating disorders
Authors: Marney Clare , Reid Marie , Wright Bernice
Published: June 2024

Background

Schema therapy is promising for people with eating disorders, especially those unresponsive to cognitive behavioural therapy. Complex underlying psychological constructs include dysfunctional schemas and maladaptive modes. This study aimed to explore people living with eating disorders’ schema modes and their identification with and understanding of their high scoring modes.

Methods

Sixteen women with enduring eating disorders without prior exposure to schema therapy completed the schema mode inventory for eating disorders short form (SMI-ED-SF), then participated in semi-structured interviews discussing their high scoring modes. Interviews were analysed by thematic analysis.

Results

All participants scored above clinical concern on at least one maladaptive mode and many scored high on multiple modes, most commonly Demanding Mode, Vulnerable Child and Detached Self-Soother. Qualitatively, four themes emerged: 1) Adverse family environments related to (a) trauma and the vulnerable and angry child and (b) unrealistically high standards; 2) Mode effects on (a) everyday life and (b) disordered eating; 3) Modes are psychologically protective in (a) avoiding emotion by detachment and soothing, (b) people pleasing by compliance and surrender; 4) Help seeking including (a) barriers to recovery from an eating disorder, (b) dissatisfaction with interventions experienced to date, (c) schema therapy as a promising alternative.

Discussion

Participants recognised and identified with their high scoring schema modes. After negative experiences with previous interventions, they considered schema therapy to be a promising alternative that could understand and work on their deeper psychological issues. This suggests that schema modes are a promising way of understanding and working with enduring eating disorders.
Unveiling the impact of language assessment teacher education on EFL teachers’ assessment agency and professional development trajectory: perceptions, opportunities, and challenges
Authors: Estaji Masoomeh
Published: June 2024

In global trends and current curricular policy reforms in second language (L2) education, there is a great emphasis on repositioning of teachers as assessors and teachers’ role as responsible agents in assessment. However, various factors affect the agency of teachers as assessors in the classroom. This study explored the ways English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers perceived the impact of the language assessment teacher education course on their agency as assessors. Likewise, it scrutinized the challenges and opportunities teachers confronted in leveraging the acquired knowledge and skills to enhance their assessment agency and contribute to their overall professional development. As for dataset, this phenomenological study targeted 50 EFL teachers, with 25 participants completing an open-ended questionnaire and the other 25 composing narratives. The research findings, using MAXQDA software (v. 20) for content and thematic analysis, revealed that EFL teachers perceived a significant positive influence of language assessment teacher education courses on their agency as assessors in the classroom. This led to their increased confidence and competence in assessment practices. They found limited institutional support and resources as their main challenges. However, they claimed opportunities would arise from collaborative professional networks and tailored mentoring to effectively apply knowledge and skills gained from language assessment teacher education courses for their professional development. The findings offer valuable implications for language assessment teacher education and professional development initiatives, illuminating the potential predicaments and expediters in enhancing teachers’ assessment agency and fostering their continuous professional growth.
Fluvial geomorphic parameters of the Shuiluo River Catchment and their tectonic implications, SE Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yao Wei , Lyu Xiaoxi , Lei Dongning , Wu Peng
Published: June 2024

The Shuiluo River Catchment (SRC) is the front zone of the southeast compression and uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, with intense tectonic activity. In the basin, a series of regional large NW–SE trending active faults are developed. Studying clearly the geomorphic evolution of the SRC is conducive to further understanding the uplift and expansion mechanism of the SE edge of Tibetan Plateau. Our research was based on geographic information system, numerical analysis tool, and digital elevation model data, to extract six geomorpic parameters (hypsometric integral, asymmetry factor, basin shape ratio, valley floor width–valley height ratio, normalized channel steepness index and index of relative active tectonics) in SRC. After eliminating the impacts of climate, catchments area, and glacier, the geomorphic evolution of the SRC is mainly affected by geological structure and differential tectonic uplift movement; in the upstream and midstream (upper part), the shape of valleys and stream longitudinal profile shapes are affected by lithology; affected by geological structure and tectonic uplift, the tectonic activity in the midstream and downstream is relatively strong, and the intensity of activity in the downstream is stronger than that in the midstream, which may suggest that the faults’ activity in the downstream is stronger; the index of relative active tectonics values of the SRC are consistent with the regional seismic intensity, field-work and low-temperature thermochronology which indicates it is reasonable to use the fluvial geomorphic parameters to study the regional geomorphic evolution. The morphological parameters we extracted show different values in different regions of SRC, which may be the result of differential uplift in the southeastern of the Tibetan Plateau.
Migrated tubal sterilisation clip presenting as a subcutaneous gluteal foreign body 24 years later: a case report and literature review
Authors: Lakha Adil S. , Ang Andrew , Salih Sarmad Mohammed , Lewis Christopher
Published: June 2024

Background

The incidence of sterilisation clip migration is reportedly 25%. However, less than 1% of those who experience clip migration will present with pain, an abscess, or spontaneous extrusion. Here we present a rare case of sterilisation clip migration through the entire pelvic floor.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old female was referred from community to the Surgical Emergency Unit with a possible metallic foreign body under the skin following an attempted routine gluteal cyst excision. The patient first noticed a lump under the skin 2 years ago which gradually became more apparent and tender over the previous 2 months. The patient denied recent trauma, had no co-morbidities and had a sterilisation procedure 24 years prior. Examination revealed a non-mobile solid structure just beneath the skin 5 cm laterally from the anal verge. Inflammatory markers were normal and an ultrasound confirmed a 15 × 7 mm foreign body in the subcutaneous tissues. The foreign body was excised easily under local anaesthesia, revealing a closed Filshie sterilisation clip. The wound was closed primarily, and recovery was uncomplicated.

Conclusions

This was a case of sterilisation clip migration to the subcutaneous gluteal region. A literature review revealed 34 case reports of sterilisation clip migration, mostly to the bladder. Patients with a previous sterilisation procedure and suspected subcutaneous foreign body without trauma should elicit a high index of suspicion for migrated sterilisation clips. These clips can migrate through multiple layers of muscle and fascia, including the pelvic floor.
Customized treatment for Parkinson’s disease: extending lifespan and improving symptoms
Authors: Indu Richa , Dimri Sushil Chandra
Published: June 2024

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative ailment affecting aged people. Several motor and non-motor symptoms appearing with this disease are linked to reduction in dopamine levels. Parkinson’s disease manifested by a wide range of symptoms, including gait instability, voice impairments, bradykinesia, hypomimia, tremors, and cognitive dysfunctions, where the concern is its steady global progression. Therefore, by evaluating the stage-specific retention and transition thresholds, the suggested work attempts to detect the progression of PD. Similarly, the assessment of the annual rate of deterioration of symptoms aids in assessing the influence of medications on four stages and six prime symptoms.

Results

During the 9-year period following clinical diagnosis, a symptomatic deterioration of 34.995% is observed in untreated patients compared to treated patients. Furthermore, the experimental analysis illustrates that medicines assist in regulating only bradykinesia, tremors, hypomimia, and speech impairment, which lasts for 4.8 years on average. A saturation period is also identified during the moderate phase, where the computed average depreciation in the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) is the least. Similarly, from stages 1 to 4, medicines might improve stage retention by 4.44, 3.5, 2.72, and 1.6 years, respectively. It demonstrates that, despite transient advantages and adverse effects, medications also have an optimistic impact on PD patients.

Conclusions

Here, we show that medication can extend the lifespan of PD patients up to 12 years cumulatively. Furthermore, the proposed work suggests that stagewise alternative remedies for improving quality of life, boosting the benefits of medicines, and eliminating their side effects. These include counselling, diet changes, yoga asanas, herbal medicines, bio-cleansing and other therapies. The current work does not consider the temporary transition among stages; nonetheless, further investigation regarding PD could open avenues for more worthy treatments with fewer side effects.
Electrical and thermal performance analysis of hybrid photovoltaic/thermal water collector using meta-heuristic optimization
Authors: Aggour Heba S. , Atia Doaa M. , Farghally Hanaa M. , Soliman M. , Omar M.
Published: June 2024

The photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) flat-panel technology has numerous advantages over PV modules and separately mounted solar thermal collectors regarding overall effectiveness and space-saving. Hybrid PV/T solar collectors’ thermal and electrical performance is influenced by design parameters like mass flow rate, tube diameter, tube spacing, packing factor, and absorber conductivity. This paper focused on using several meta-heuristic optimization techniques, incorporating the following: multiverse algorithm, dragonfly algorithm, sine–cosine algorithm, moth-flame algorithm, whale algorithm, particle swarm algorithm, ant-lion algorithm, grey wolf algorithm, and particle swarm optimization algorithm in PV/T collector optimal design according to maximum total efficiency obtained. The outcomes of the various algorithms revealed that the maximum electrical efficiency of the PV/T collector ranged from 13.85 to 14.28%, while the maximum thermal efficiencies ranged from 41.41 to 52.08% under standard test conditions (1000 W/m2 and 25 °C). The optimized values for the design parameters of the PV/T collector were as follows: the absorber conductivity was determined to be 356.6 W/m K, the packing factor was optimized to 0.7, the mass flow rate was set at 0.019 kg/s, the tube width was determined to be 0.035 m, and the tube spacing was optimized to 0.0524 m. The results indicated that the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) algorithm proved to be highly effective in optimizing the design parameters of PV/T collectors. Furthermore, the study examined the relationship between the temperature of PV modules and PV/T collectors by considering variations in mass flow rate, packing factor, and tube width at different solar radiation levels. The results confirmed that the PV/T collector temperature exhibited improvements compared to the PV module temperature. As a result, this led to higher electrical efficiency and an overall increase in the total efficiency of the PV/T collector.
A low-power 8-bit 1-MS/s single-ended SAR ADC in 130-nm CMOS for medical devices
Authors: Ellaithy Dina M.
Published: June 2024

Rapid advancements in micro-machining and microelectronics over the last few years have accelerated the growth of implanted medical devices that greatly improve a person's life. These devices first gather the signals from different nodes in/on the body, and then, they condition, multiplex, and digitize the signals. Thus, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which must continuously convert a variety of analog electrophysiological signals to digital codes, is one of the most crucial and power-hungry components. For implantable medical devices, the successive approximation register (SAR) ADC is a good choice. In this paper, a low-power single-ended SAR ADC architecture is proposed to offer good compromises between power efficiency, conversion accuracy, and design complexity. The proposed architecture supports 8-bit resolution at a sampling rate of 1 MS/s. Using a 130-nm CMOS process with 1.2 V supply voltage, an effective number of bits (ENOB) of 7.3 dB is achieved while 28.5 μW power is consumed. The ADC core only occupies an active area of about 197 μm × 377 μm.
The contribution of rare and common genetic variants to risk of prostate cancer and second primary cancer after prostate in the UK Biobank.
Authors: Beebe-Dimmer Jennifer Lynn , Snyder Nathan , Schwartz Ann G. , Wei Jun , Shi Zhuqing , Tran Huy , Zheng Lily , Shevach Jeffrey , Cooney Kathleen A. , Xu Jianfeng
Published: June 2024

10604

Background: It has been estimated that up to 40% of prostate cancer may be attributed to inherited genetic susceptibility, yet very few variants have been consistently associated with risk and/or adverse outcomes after diagnosis. Moreover, because prostate cancer survival is generally good, risk of developing a second primary cancer (SPC) is an important concern. Identifying men at greater genetic risk of developing an SPC will lead to improved post-diagnostic cancer surveillance practices and lifestyle behavior modifications. Methods: The current investigation leverages genetic and phenotypical data from the UK Biobank (UKB) to examine inherited genetic factors, including rare pathogenic mutations (RPMs) and polygenic risk scores (PRS) with prostate cancer risk and SPC. The individual and joint contribution of (RPM in 26 cancer susceptibility genes and trans-ethnic PRS previously derived for 11 different cancer sites with both risk of prostate cancer and also SPCs among men diagnosed after primary prostate cancer. Cox regression models were used to estimate Hazard Ratio (HR) for prostate cancer, adjusted for age and ancestry. Cumulative incidence of SPC by person-year among prostate cancer patients was estimated from the age of diagnosis and compared with that in men without cancer. Results: Among 228,472 men in the UKB, 17,547 were diagnosed with prostate cancer. RPMs in five genes ( ATM, BRCA2, CHEK2, HOXB13 and PTEN) were significantly associated with prostate cancer risk. The rate of prostate cancer among RPM carriers was 15.59% compared with 7.72% in non-carriers (HR=2.26, 95% CI=1.97-2.59). The top decile of PRSProstate was associated with a 9.99-fold increase in risk of prostate cancer (95% CI=9.08-11). Having a diagnosis of prostate cancer had a significantly increased risk for two SPCs (bladder and kidney) and reduced risk for lung cancer, p<0.001. Those that developed SPC of bladder cancer had significantly higher PRSBladder, p=5.91E-06. The number of RPM carriers (n=77) among SPC bladder cancers was prohibitively small to precisely estimate risk. Conclusions: In this large population-based cohort, both RPMs in largely DNA damage repair genes and PRS contribute to risk of prostate cancer and PRS with second primary bladder cancer among men with prostate cancer. These data both contribute to our understanding of the genetic susceptibility to prostate cancer and reinforce the need for refinement of genetic screening panels.
A phase 2 study of EIK1001, a Toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8) agonist, in combination with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy in patients with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer.
Authors: Costin Dan , Chen Kevin , Gralla Richard J. , Garofalo Brage , Wang Meihua , Kurland Etah
Published: June 2024

TPS8667

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) relieve immunosuppression of tumor-reactive T cells and enhance antitumor immune response. Significant advances for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been made using the ICI pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy, which confers significant clinical benefit relative to chemotherapy and placebo. Not all patients benefit, however, and some become refractory. As a result, there remains a critical unmet need to develop therapies for the treatment of NSCLC. EIK1001 is a TLR7/8 agonist that stimulates myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, activating immune and inflammatory responses. This dual activity provides another pathway, distinct from effects on checkpoint proteins, to enhance antitumor T-cell activity alone or in combination with ICIs. Methods: Study EIK1001-005 is a multicenter, Phase 2, open-label study of EIK1001 in combination with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy – carboplatin plus either pemetrexed or paclitaxel – in participants (pts) with histologically confirmed Stage 4 nonsquamous or squamous NSCLC, respectively. This study includes a safety run-in period for pts enrolled in each NSCLC cohort. If < 2 dose-limiting toxicities occur, an expansion phase for each NSCLC cohort will be conducted at the target dose to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of EIK1001 (QW) in combination with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy (administered Q3W per label). Key eligibility criteria include pts ≥ 18 years of age with a life expectancy of at least 3 months, histologically or cytologically confirmed Stage 4 NSCLC (nonsquamous or squamous) without prior therapy for advanced NSCLC, confirmation that mutation-directed therapy is not indicated as first-line, and at least 1 measurable lesion at Baseline according to RECIST 1.1. The primary objective of this study is to determine the safety and tolerability of EIK1001 in combination with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy. The secondary objectives are evaluation of antitumor activity by objective response rate (ORR; defined as the proportion of pts who have a confirmed complete response [CR] or partial response [PR] per RECIST 1.1) and duration of response (DOR) by RECIST 1.1. Other exploratory objectives include evaluation of anti-tumor activity (ORR/DOR) by immune-related RECIST 1.1, overall survival, progression-free survival, investigation of the relationship between treatment with EIK1001 in combination with pembrolizumab/chemotherapy and biomarkers predictive of response, and the pharmacokinetic parameters of EIK1001. This study opened on 29 Jan 2024. Clinical trial information: NCT06246110 .