bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypergraph convolution mix DDPG for multi-aerial base station deployment
Authors: He Haoran , Zhou Fanqin , Zhao Yikun , Li Wenjing , Feng Lei
Published: December 2023

Aerial base stations (AeBS), as crucial components of air-ground integrated networks, can serve as the edge nodes to provide flexible services to ground users. Optimizing the deployment of multiple AeBSs to maximize system energy efficiency is currently a prominent and actively researched topic in the AeBS-assisted edge-cloud computing network. In this paper, we deploy AeBSs using multi-agent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL). We describe the multi-AeBS deployment challenge as a decentralized partially observable Markov decision process (Dec-POMDP), taking into consideration the constrained observation range of AeBSs. The hypergraph convolution mix deep deterministic policy gradient (HCMIX-DDPG) algorithm is designed to maximize the system energy efficiency. The proposed algorithm uses the value decomposition framework to solve the lazy agent problem, and hypergraph convolutional (HGCN) network is introduced to strengthen the cooperative relationship between agents. Simulation results show that the suggested HCMIX-DDPG algorithm outperforms alternative baseline algorithms in the multi-AeBS deployment scenario.
SNAP25 is a potential target for early stage Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wang Qian , Tao Sijue , Xing Lei , Liu Jiuyu , Xu Cankun , Xu Xinyi , Ding Haohan , Shen Qi , Yu Xiaobo , Zheng Yingwei
Published: December 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), two common irreversible neurodegenerative diseases, share similar early stage syndromes, such as olfaction dysfunction. Yet, the potential comorbidity mechanism of AD and PD was not fully elucidated.

Methods

The gene expression profiles of GSE5281 and GSE8397 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We utilized a series of bioinformatics analyses to screen the overlapped differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The hub genes were further identified by the plugin CytoHubba of Cytoscape and validated in the hippocampus (HIP) samples of APP/PS-1 transgenic mice and the substantial nigra (SN) samples of A53T transgenic mice by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Meanwhile, the expression of the target genes in the olfactory epithelium/bulb was detected by RT-qPCR. Finally, molecular docking was used to screen potential compounds for the target gene.

Results

One hundred seventy-four overlapped DEGs were identified in AD and PD. Five of the top ten enrichment pathways mainly focused on the synapse. Five hub genes were identified and further validated. As a common factor in AD and PD, the changes of synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25) mRNA in olfactory epithelium/bulb were significantly decreased and had a strong association with those in the HIP and SN samples. Pazopanib was the optimal compound targeting SNAP25, with a binding energy of − 9.2 kcal/mol.

Conclusions

Our results provided a theoretical basis for understanding the comorbidity mechanism of AD and PD and highlighted that SNAP25 in the olfactory epithelium may serve as a potential target for early detection and intervention in both AD and PD.
The value of the cinematic volume rendering technique: magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing tumors associated with the brachial plexus
Authors: Chen Rui , Ran Yuncai , Wu Yanglei , Xu Haowen , Niu Junxia , Zhang Yong , Cheng Jingliang
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To examine the diagnostic advantages and clinical application value of the cinematic volume rendering technique (cVRT) when evaluating the relationship between the brachial plexus, peripheral tumor lesions, and blood vessels.

Materials and methods

Seventy-nine patients with brachial plexus tumors between November 2012 and July 2022 were enrolled in our study. All patients underwent T1WI, T2WI, three-dimensional short recovery time reversal recovery fast spin-echo imaging (3D-STIR-SPACE), and the T1WI enhancement sequence. In addition, cVRT was used to render and obtain a three-dimensional model that clearly showed the location and tissue structure of the brachial plexus nerves and the tumor in all directions.

Results

Seventy-one patients (mean age, 47.1 years; 33 males, 38 females) with tumors around the brachial plexus were included in the study. The brachial plexus nerve, surrounding tumor lesions, and vascular anatomy of all patients were well displayed with cVRT. The tumors of 37 patients manifested as unilateral or bilateral growths along the brachial plexus nerve and were fusiform, spherical, or multiple beaded; seven patients' tumors pushed against the brachial plexus nerve and were circular, lobular, or irregular; sixteen patients' tumors encircled the brachial plexus nerve and were spherical; and eleven patients' tumors infiltrated the brachial plexus nerve and had irregular morphology. The mass has a moderately uniform or uneven signal on T1WI and a high or mixed signal on T2WI. After enhancement, the signal was evenly or unevenly strengthened.

Conclusions

cVRT clearly showed the origin of tumors associated with the brachial plexus and their relationship with the nerves and peripheral blood vessels, providing reliable information for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
A new identification method of economic large shocks in the input–output framework: application to the COVID-19
Authors: Elguellab Ali , Ezzahid Elhadj , Baddi Hicham
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant and unprecedented impact on the global economy, affecting both supply and demand in various industries. The literature on the pandemic has mainly focused on evaluating its real-time impact, using input–output analysis as a toolset. However, this paper aims to identify the magnitude of the large shock after observing its impacts on the economy. The proposed methodology adopts the main assumptions usually made in input–output analysis and focuses on the short term, assuming no significant changes in structures and prices. The approach is based on the technique of hypothetical extraction, which is generalized to consider the possibility of a shock simultaneously impacting all industries. Applying this approach to the Moroccan economy to identify the COVID-19 shock at the sectoral level, it appears that the most significant negative shocks were experienced by three industries, namely tourism, transport and mechanical industries, metallurgical, electrical. This is largely due to the nature of these industries, which are more sensitive to production constraints imposed to limit the spread of the pandemic. The results also show that other branches of activity have been severely impacted via the indirect channel of inputs rather than directly by the shock of the pandemic.
Five years of post-validation surveillance of lymphatic filariasis in Thailand
Authors: Meetham Prapapan , Kumlert Rawadee , Gopinath Deyer , Yongchaitrakul Siriporn , Tootong Tanaporn , Rojanapanus Sunsanee , Padungtod Chantana
Published: December 2023

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) validated Thailand in 2017 as having eliminated lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem with recommendations for continued surveillance. This article describes measures and progress made in Thailand with post-validation surveillance (PVS) of LF from 2018 until 2022.

Methods

The implementation unit (IU) is a sub-village in 11 former LF endemic provinces. Human blood surveys are targeted in 10% of IUs each year. In Wuchereria bancrofti areas, filaria antigen test strips (FTS) are used, and in Brugia malayi areas, antibody test kits (Filaria DIAG RAPID) are used. Positive cases are confirmed by thick blood film (TBF) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Vector surveys for mosquito species identification and dissection for microfilaria (Mf)/filarial larvae are done in 1% of IUs where human blood surveys are conducted. Human blood surveys using FTS are conducted among migrants in five provinces. Surveillance of cats is done in areas that previously recorded > 1.0% Mf rate among cats. Morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) are done every 2 years in LF-endemic areas where chronic disease patients reside.

Results

From 2018 to 2022, in a total of 357 IUs in 11 provinces, human blood surveys were conducted in 145 IUs (41%) with an average population coverage of 81%. A total of 22,468 FTS and 27,741 FilariaDIAG RAPID were performed. 27 cases were detected: 3 cases of W. bancrofti in Kanchanaburi province and 24 cases of B. malayi in Narathiwat province. 4 cases of W. bancrofti were detected in two provinces through routine public health surveillance. Vector surveys in 47 IUs detected B. malayi Mf filarial larvae only in Narathiwat province. Chronic LF patients reduced from 114 in 2017 to 76 in 2022. Surveys among 7633 unregistered migrants yielded 12 cases of W. bancrofti. Mf rate among cats in Narathiwat province declined from 1.9% in 2018 to 0.7% in 2022. MMDP assessments revealed gaps in healthcare provider’s management of chronic cases due to staff turnover.

Conclusions

In 2022, after 5 years of PVS, Thailand re-surveyed 41% of its previously endemic IUs and demonstrated ongoing transmission in only one province of Narathiwat, where Mf prevalence is below the WHO provisional transmission threshold of 1%. This study highlights the importance of continued disease surveillance measures and vigilance among health care providers in LF receptive areas.

Graphical Abstract
Mind-mindedness and styles of interaction of young fathers with their infants at three months: a pilot study
Authors: Ierardi Elena , Fantoni Simona , Moioli Margherita , Albizzati Alessandro , Riva Crugnola Cristina
Published: December 2023

Background

Fatherhood at a young age can be characterized by a multiproblematic background with several risk factors that can negatively affect father-child relationships, the father’s well-being and child’s social-emotional development.

Methods

This pilot study evaluated paternal interaction styles and mentalization in a sample of 22 young fathers and their 3-month-old infants and compared these variables with those of 22 adolescent and young mothers (the fathers’ partners). Parent-infant interaction were codified with Care-Index to evaluate styles of interaction and with Mind-Mindedness system to evaluate mentalization.

Results

The results showed that young fathers had high scores in controlling behaviors and low scores in sensitivity, placing them in a risk range. The young father’s interaction profile did not differ from the young mother’s interaction profile. Infants had high scores in passive behaviors and low scores in cooperative behaviors, placing them in a high-risk range. Moreover, young fathers had more nonattuned mind-related comments than their partners.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that low responsiveness and low mind-mindedness characterize the quality of adolescent and young father-infant interactions, highlighting the value of providing early intervention to support the father–child relationship, enhancing the father’s sensitivity and his ability to keep the infant in mind.
A systematic approach to managing complications after proximal tibial osteotomies of the knee
Authors: Valcarenghi Jérôme , Vittone Giulio , Mouton Caroline , Coelho Leal Alexandre , Ibañez Maximiliano , Hoffmann Alexander , Pape Dietrich , Ollivier Matthieu , Seil Romain
Published: December 2023

Proximal tibial osteotomy (PTO) is an effective procedure for active and young adult patients with symptomatic unicompartmental osteoarthritis and malalignment. They were considered technically demanding and prone to various complications related to the surgical technique, biomechanical or biological origin. Among the most important are hinge fractures and delayed or non‐healing, neurovascular complications, loss of correction, implant‐related problems, patellofemoral complaints, biological complications and changes in limb length. Being aware of these problems can help minimizing their prevalence and improve the results of the procedure.

The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the potential complications that may occur during and after proximal tibial osteotomies, their origin and ways to prevent them.
Cooperative management of an emission trading system: a private governance and learned auction for a blockchain approach
Authors: Wang Yi-Ran , Ma Chaoqun , Ren Yi-Shuai , Narayan Seema
Published: December 2023

Although blockchain technology has received a significant amount of cutting-edge research on constructing a novel carbon trade market in theory, there is little research on using blockchain in carbon emission trading schemes (ETS). This study intends to address existing gaps in the literature by creating and simulating an ETS system based on blockchain technology. Using the ciphertext-policy attributed-based encryption algorithm and the Fabric network to build a platform may optimize the amount of data available while maintaining privacy security. Considering the augmentation of information interaction during the auction process brought about by blockchain, the learning behavior of bidding firms is introduced to investigate the impact of blockchain on ETS auction. In particular, implementing smart contracts can provide a swift and automatic settlement. The simulation results of the proposed system demonstrate the following: (1) fine-grained access is possible with a second delay; (2) the average annual compliance levels increase by 2% when bidders’ learning behavior is considered; and (3) the blockchain network can process more than 350 reading operations or 7 writing operations in a second.
Aquaporin 1 overexpression may enhance glioma tumorigenesis by interacting with the transcriptional regulation networks of Foxo4, Maz, and E2F families
Authors: Guan Ying , Han Jinhua , Chen Die , Zhan Yuefu , Chen Jianqiang
Published: December 2023

Background

The glioblastoma has served as a valuable experimental model system for investigating the growth and invasive properties of glioblastoma. Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in facilitating cell migration and potentially contributing to tumor progression. In this study, we analyzed the role of AQP1 overexpression in glioblastoma and elucidated the main mechanisms involved.

Methods

AQP1 overexpression recombinant vector was introduced into C6 rat glioma cells to construct an AQP1 overexpression C6 cell line, and its effect on cell viability and migration ability was detected by MTT and Transwell. RNA was extracted by Trizol method for gene sequencing and transcriptomics analysis, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched for up- and downregulated genes by Principal component analysis (PCA), and the molecular mechanism of AQP1 overexpression was analyzed in comparison with the control group using the NCBI GEO database. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney paired two tailed t test.

Results

The cell viability of AQP1-transfected cell lines increased by 23% and the mean distance traveled increased by 67% compared with the control group. Quantitative analysis of gene expression showed that there were 12,121 genes with an average transcripts per million (TPM) value greater than 1. DEGs accounted for 13% of the genes expressed, with the highest correlation with upregulated genes being FOXO4 and MAZ, and the highest with downregulated genes being E2F TFs.

Conclusions

AQP1 may be implicated in glioma formation by interacting with the transcriptional regulation networks involving the FOXO4, MAZ, and E2F1/2. These findings shed light on the potential significance of AQP1 in glioma pathogenesis and warrant further investigations to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms.
American evangelical nationalism: history, status quo, and outlook
Authors: Zhou Shaoqing
Published: December 2023

Evangelical nationalism is a new manifestation of American nationalism in the twenty-first century. Internally, it advocates the integration of national identity and Christian faith, claiming that “America is a Christian nation”. Externally, it pursues the “America First” and isolationist foreign policy. The early religious, political and social activities of evangelicals were mainly embodied in the religious revival called the Great Awakening. The rise of the Moral Majority in the 1970s and 1980s represented an essential exercise in or attempt at evangelical nationalism. The election of Donald Trump as president in 2016 marked the development of conservatism, such as evangelicalism in the U.S., from a religiously conservative force to a full-blown nationalism. Evangelical nationalism rose in the context of response to dramatically changing internal and external environments, the adjustment of traditional conservative strategies, the revival of white racism, the interplay between civic and ethnic nationalism, and the crisis of modernity. On the one hand, the momentum of evangelical nationalism will diminish with the relative alleviation of conflicts both within and outside the U.S., the corresponding adjustment of conservative strategies, and especially the growth of the civic nationalist camp. On the other hand, from the perspective of “identity and ultimate belief”, although the identity problem characterized by the “culture war” will be relatively relieved with the mitigation of internal and external conditions, the United States, as a “Christian nation” underpinned by Christian culture and faith, will see evangelical nationalism resilient. Evangelical nationalism will continue to play an important role in the domestic and foreign affairs of the United States.
Examining gender bias in regional anesthesia academic publishing: a 50-year bibliometric analysis
Authors: Mustaj Sindi , De Cassai Alessandro , Spolverato Gaya , Pettenuzzo Tommaso , Boscolo Annalisa , Navalesi Paolo , Munari Marina
Published: December 2023

Background

The connection between academic career advancement and publishing research articles is important, as it can impact promotion and compensation decisions. Gender bias in academic publishing is a known issue, with studies showing low numbers in key roles in female representation. This article aims to analyze the ratio of women to men as first and last authors in the Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine (RAPM) journal and explore other factors such as the mentorship effect and representation in regional anesthesia associations.

Main body

We examined the RAPM articles from 1976 to 2023 evaluating the gender of first and last authors. We analyzed the trend over the years and also analyze the subset of original articles. A further analysis was conducted to analyze the relationship between the first and last author’s gender. Additionally, regional anesthesia societies were contacted to gather data on the gender of their members. We included 5650 articles; most of them were first authored by men (72.9–87.7%). There was a positive trend over time for female first authorship but not for last authorship. The analysis also revealed a mentorship effect in recent years for both overall articles and the subgroup of original articles. The representation of women within regional anesthesia societies contrasted with the representation of women as last authors in original articles.

Conclusions

Our findings raise important questions about gender bias in academic publishing highlighting the need for increased representation and opportunities for women in the field of regional anesthesia.
Cancer Informatics for Cancer Centers: Sharing Ideas on How to Build an Artificial Intelligence–Ready Informatics Ecosystem for Radiation Oncology
Authors: Bitterman Danielle S. , Gensheimer Michael F. , Jaffray David , Pryma Daniel A. , Jiang Steve B. , Morin Olivier , Ginart Jorge Barrios , Upadhaya Taman , Vallis Katherine A. , Buatti John M. , Deasy Joseph , Hsiao H. Timothy , Chung Caroline , Fuller Clifton D. , Greenspan Emily , Cloyd-Warwick Kristy , Courdy Samir , Mao Allen , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill , Topaloglu Umit , Hands Isaac , Maurer Ian , Terry May , Curran Walter J. , Le Quynh-Thu , Nadaf Sorena , Kibbe Warren
Published: December 2023

In August 2022, the Cancer Informatics for Cancer Centers brought together cancer informatics leaders for its biannual symposium, Precision Medicine Applications in Radiation Oncology, co-chaired by Quynh-Thu Le, MD (Stanford University), and Walter J. Curran, MD (GenesisCare). Over the course of 3 days, presenters discussed a range of topics relevant to radiation oncology and the cancer informatics community more broadly, including biomarker development, decision support algorithms, novel imaging tools, theranostics, and artificial intelligence (AI) for the radiotherapy workflow. Since the symposium, there has been an impressive shift in the promise and potential for integration of AI in clinical care, accelerated in large part by major advances in generative AI. AI is now poised more than ever to revolutionize cancer care. Radiation oncology is a field that uses and generates a large amount of digital data and is therefore likely to be one of the first fields to be transformed by AI. As experts in the collection, management, and analysis of these data, the informatics community will take a leading role in ensuring that radiation oncology is prepared to take full advantage of these technological advances. In this report, we provide highlights from the symposium, which took place in Santa Barbara, California, from August 29 to 31, 2022. We discuss lessons learned from the symposium for data acquisition, management, representation, and sharing, and put these themes into context to prepare radiation oncology for the successful and safe integration of AI and informatics technologies.
Electronic Health Record–Based Algorithms as Part of the Solution for Improving Lung Cancer Screening
Authors: Núñez Eduardo R. , Lindenauer Peter K. , Wiener Renda Soylemez
Published: December 2023

New EHR-based algorithm in #ClinicalCancerInformatics offers a glimpse into the future of lung cancer screening eligibility prediction. Great promise, yet hurdles in implementation and comprehensive strategies for screening are needed for a substantial impact.
Background matching can reduce responsiveness of jumping spiders to stimuli in motion
Authors: Tan Min , Chan Jeremiah Y. O. , Yu Long , Tan Eunice J. , Li Daiqin
Published: December 2023

Motion and camouflage were previously considered to be mutually exclusive, as sudden movements can be easily detected. Background matching, for instance, is a well-known, effective camouflage strategy where the colour and pattern of a stationary animal match its surrounding background. However, background matching may lose its efficacy when the animal moves, as the boundaries of the animal become more defined against its background. Recent evidence shows otherwise, as camouflaged objects can be less detectable than uncamouflaged objects even while in motion. Here, we explored whether the detectability of computer-generated stimuli varies with the speed of motion, background (matching and unmatching) and size of stimuli in six species of jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae). Our results showed that, in general, the responsiveness of all six salticid species tested decreased with increasing stimulus speed regardless of whether the stimuli were conspicuous or camouflaged. Importantly, salticid responses to camouflaged stimuli were significantly lower compared with those to conspicuous stimuli. There were significant differences in motion detectability across species when the stimuli were conspicuous, suggesting differences in visual acuity in closely related species of jumping spiders. Furthermore, small stimuli elicited significantly lower responses than large stimuli across species and speeds. Our results thus suggest that background matching is effective even when stimuli are in motion, reducing the detectability of moving stimuli.
Too much information? Males convey parasite levels using more signal modalities than females utilise
Authors: Pal Arka , Joshi Mihir , Thaker Maria
Published: December 2023

Elaborate sexual signals are thought to have evolved and be maintained to serve as honest indicators of signaller quality. One measure of quality is health, which can be affected by parasite infection. Cnemaspis mysoriensis is a diurnal gecko that is often infested with ectoparasites in the wild, and males of this species express visual (coloured gular patches) and chemical (femoral gland secretions) traits that receivers could assess during social interactions. In this paper, we tested whether ectoparasites affect individual health, and whether signal quality is an indicator of ectoparasite levels. In wild lizards, we found that ectoparasite level was negatively correlated with body condition in both sexes. Moreover, some characteristics of both visual and chemical traits in males were strongly associated with ectoparasite levels. Specifically, males with higher ectoparasite levels had yellow gular patches with lower brightness and chroma, and chemical secretions with a lower proportion of aromatic compounds. We then determined whether ectoparasite levels in males influence female behaviour. Using sequential choice trials, wherein females were provided with either the visual or the chemical signals of wild-caught males that varied in ectoparasite level, we found that only chemical secretions evoked an elevated female response towards less parasitised males. Simultaneous choice trials in which females were exposed to the chemical secretions from males that varied in parasite level further confirmed a preference for males with lower parasites loads. Overall, we find that although health (body condition) or ectoparasite load can be honestly advertised through multiple modalities, the parasite-mediated female response is exclusively driven by chemical signals.
Songbirds avoid the oxidative stress costs of high blood glucose levels: a comparative study
Authors: Vágási Csongor I. , Vincze Orsolya , Adámková Marie , Kauzálová Tereza , Lendvai Ádám Z. , Pătraş Laura I. , Pénzes Janka , Pap Péter L. , Albrecht Tomáš , Tomášek Oldřich
Published: December 2023

Chronically high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) can compromise healthy ageing and lifespan at the individual level. Elevated oxidative stress can play a central role in hyperglycaemia-induced pathologies. Nevertheless, the lifespan of birds shows no species-level association with blood glucose. This suggests that the potential pathologies of high blood glucose levels can be avoided by adaptations in oxidative physiology at the macroevolutionary scale. However, this hypothesis remains unexplored. Here, we examined this hypothesis using comparative analyses controlled for phylogeny, allometry and fecundity based on data from 51 songbird species (681 individuals with blood glucose data and 1021 individuals with oxidative state data). We measured blood glucose at baseline and after stress stimulus and computed glucose stress reactivity as the magnitude of change between the two time points. We also measured three parameters of non-enzymatic antioxidants (uric acid, total antioxidants and glutathione) and a marker of oxidative lipid damage (malondialdehyde). We found no clear evidence for blood glucose concentration being correlated with either antioxidant or lipid damage levels at the macroevolutionary scale, as opposed to the hypothesis postulating that high blood glucose levels entail oxidative costs. The only exception was the moderate evidence for species with a stronger stress-induced increase in blood glucose concentration evolving moderately lower investment into antioxidant defence (uric acid and glutathione). Neither baseline nor stress-induced glucose levels were associated with oxidative physiology. Our findings support the hypothesis that birds evolved adaptations preventing the (glyc)oxidative costs of high blood glucose observed at the within-species level. Such adaptations may explain the decoupled evolution of glycaemia and lifespan in birds and possibly the paradoxical combination of long lifespan and high blood glucose levels relative to mammals.
Synthesis of Optically Active [3.3](3,9)Carbazolophane Derivatives and Their Chiroptical Properties
Authors: Tani Keita , Ueno Kako , Masaki Miyuki E , Taneda Masatsugu , Hori Kazushige , Kubono Koji , Goto Kenta , Tani Fumito , Kashiwagi Yukiyasu , Harada Takunori
Published: December 2023

Cyclization reaction between carbazole-dibromide and chiral primary amine affords optically active partially overlapped and fully overlapped carbazolophanes, which are separated by standard experimental procedures. Chiroptical properties of carbazolophane derivatives have been investigated by circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence spectra. Luminescence dissymmetry factor (|glum|) values of partially overlapped carbazolophanes are 9 × 10−3, which are as large as small organic molecules.
Task-shifting in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management: A review of the obstructive lung disease program
Authors: Siddiqui Madiha , Khan Fizra , Saeed Saima
Published: December 2023

Objective: Task shifting, an approach to address physician shortage through redistribution of clinical tasks, may help address the high burden of chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD. We aimed to measure its utility and impact in the Obstructive Lung Disease program (OLD).

Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at five integrated outpatient departments of Primary Care Program within Indus Hospital & Health Network, Pakistan, from January 2018 to March 2023. After a formative evaluation, registered nurses were trained as Lung Health Nurses (LHNs) to perform spirometry, collect Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) including Asthma Control Test (ACT), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea score and COPD Assessment Test (CAT), counsel on inhaler use and tobacco cessation, and refer to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Data was collected online contemporaneously on REDCap and later analyzed using Excel and STATA 14.

Results: Pre-implementation, a monthly average of 126 asthmatics and 33 COPD patients visited primary care centers. Medical records of 147 OLD patients showed 8% received inhaler education, 3% completed ACT and 2% had mMRC documented. Implementation included capacity building of nine LHNs. Of 7427 referrals to the program, 86% underwent nurse-led assessments. LHNs performed spirometry (92%), PROMs assessments [ACT (89%), CAT (91%), mMRC (85%)], inhaler education (97%), tobacco cessation advice (85%) and made PR referrals (94%).

Conclusion: Trained nurses can play a role in providing holistic and timely care for patients with CRDs and strengthen existing healthcare systems. Future directions may include expanding nurse clinical counselling roles through telehealth monitoring and home management.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).8945

How to cite this: Siddiqui M, Khan F, Saeed S. Task-shifting in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management: A review of the obstructive lung disease program. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(2):S42-S46. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).8945

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Research contributions by Indus Hospital Health & Network faculty
Authors: Jawaid Shaukat Ali
Published: December 2023

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).9129

How to cite this: Jawid SA. Research contributions by Indus Hospital Health & Network faculty. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(2):S1-S2. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.2(ICON).9129

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Παρασκευή καινοτόμων και προηγμένων αντιμικροβιακών επιθεμάτων από νέα βιοσυμβατά πολυμερή
Authors: Κουμεντάκου Ιωάννα
Published: December 2023

Ο κύριος στόχος της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής ήταν η κατασκευή πολυλειτουργικών επιθεμάτων νέας γενιάς αποτελούμενων από βιοσυμβατές υδρογέλες διαφορετικής μορφολογίας (διστρωματικά επιθέματα), με στόχο την ολοκληρωμένη και αποτελεσματική θεραπεία του τραυματισμένου δερματικού ιστού, αντιμετωπίζοντας ορισμένα ζητήματα που οι υπάρχουσες θεραπείες δεν έχουν ακόμη ξεπεράσει. Η καινοτομία της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής έγκειται στον συνδυασμό αυτών των διαφορετικών χαρακτηριστικών (τα υλικά που παρασκευάστηκαν καθώς και τη μορφολογία των επιθεμάτων) σε ένα μοναδιαίο επίθεμα. Τα επιθέματα που μελετήθηκαν έχουν σχεδιαστεί με τέτοιο τρόπο ώστε να επιτυγχάνεται η αναγέννηση του δερματικού ιστού χωρίς επεμβατικές μεθόδους και να απελευθερώνεται τοπικά το φάρμακο στα κατώτερα στρώματα του δέρματος με στοχευμένο τρόπο. Για το σκοπό αυτό, συντέθηκαν νέες και καινοτόμες πολυμερικές υδρογέλες για την κατασκευή επιθεμάτων τριών διαστάσεων (3D) με χρήση 3D εκτύπωσης και την τεχνική της λιθογραφίας, προκειμένου να παραχθεί ένα αποτελεσματικό επίθεμα επούλωσης πληγών με παράλληλη χορήγηση φαρμάκου. Συγκεκριμένα, εφαρμόστηκαν τα φυσικά πολυμερή χιτοζάνη (CS) και ζελατίνη (Gel), εξασφαλίζοντας υψηλή βιοσυμβατότητα και ανάπτυξη κυττάρων, εγγενή αντιμικροβιακή δράση και βιοσυγκολλητικές ιδιότητες. Η σταθερότητα των υδρογελών ενισχύθηκε περαιτέρω με την προσθήκη βιοσυμβατών συνθετικών πολυμερών όπως πολυ(βινυλική αλκοόλη) (PVA), πολυκαπρολακτόνη (PCL), πολυ(αιθυλενογλυκόλη) (PEG) και πολυ(γαλακτικό οξύ) (PLA), ενώ το τριπλό συμπολυμερές πολυαιθυλενοξειδίου-πολυπροπυλενοξειδίου-πολυαιθυλενοξειδίου (Pluronic) χρησιμοποιήθηκε για να προσδώσει θερμοευαίσθητες ιδιότητες στις υδρογέλες. Οι συντιθέμενες υδρογέλες χρησιμοποιήθηκαν στη συνέχεια για την κατασκευή τρισδιάστατων δομών (πορώδη ικριώματα, αντιμικροβιακή επιφάνεια και μικροβελόνες) με κατάλληλες ιδιότητες και ποικίλα χαρακτηριστικά για μια αποτελεσματική θεραπεία επούλωσης πληγών. Συγκεκριμένα, τα κατασκευασμένα επιθέματα αποτελούνταν από δύο στρώματα διαφορετικών δομών: Το ανώτερο στρώμα αποτελείται από ένα ικρίωμα που, λόγω της χημικής του σύνθεσης και δομής, έχει εγγενή αντιμικροβιακό χαρακτήρα και τρισδιάστατη πορώδη δομή που προάγει την ανάπλαση του δέρματος. Για την κατασκευή των ικριωμάτων αυτών, χρησιμοποιήθηκε η τεχνική της 3D εκτύπωσης. Ο χαρακτηρισμός των ιδιοτήτων, καθώς και οι βιολογικές μελέτες των ικριωμάτων, απέδειξαν ότι είναι κατάλληλα για την προώθηση της αναγέννησης ενός νέου υγιούς δερματικού ιστού. Το δεύτερο στρώμα αποτελείται από μικροβελόνες και λιπιδικούς νανοφορείς με ενθυλακωμένες δραστικές ενώσεις που στοχεύουν στη μεταφορά των φαρμάκων στα κατώτερα στρώματα του δέρματος. Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης απέδειξαν ότι τα επιθέματα με μικροβελόνες είναι σε θέση να ξεπεράσουν το φράγμα διείσδυσης του δέρματος, δείχνοντας έτσι έναν βελτιωμένο και ελεγχόμενο ρυθμό απελευθέρωσης φαρμάκου.
Οι ελληνικοί παραδοσιακοί φάροι ως πολιτισμικό και τουριστικό κεφάλαιο
Authors: Κακαρούχα Παρασκευή
Published: December 2023

Οι παραδοσιακοί κτιστοί φάροι του Ελληνικού Φαρικού Δικτύου χαρακτηρίζονται διατηρητέα μνημεία και διαμορφώνουν ένα διακριτό πολιτισμικό κεφάλαιο, που ελκύει επισκέπτες, περιηγητές, τουρίστες και ερευνητές. Η χρησιμότητά τους για την πελαγοδρομία, την προσαιγιάλωση και την ακτοπλοΐα περιορίζεται σταδιακά λόγω της αυτοματοποίησης των ναυτιλιακών βοηθημάτων, όμως η εγγενής πολιτισμική αξία τους διασώζεται και προστατεύεται, σύμφωνα με κανόνες που υπαγορεύονται από διεθνείς και ευρωπαϊκές συμβάσεις, καθώς και την εθνική νομοθεσία. Οι φάροι συγκεντρώνουν μια σειρά από πανανθρώπινους συμβολισμούς και έχουν περιβληθεί από πλήθος θρύλων και μυστηρίων. Παράλληλα, αποτελούν εντυπωσιακές αρχιτεκτονικές δημιουργίες, αξιόλογα τεχνολογικά επιτεύγματα, ισχυρά τοπόσημα και αυθεντικούς φορείς άυλης πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς. Για αυτούς και πολλούς ακόμη λόγους που αναλύονται στην παρούσα εργασία, οι φάροι προσδιορίζουν ένα δυναμικό πολιτισμικό πεδίο και, ως εκ τούτου, περιλαμβάνονται σε σχέδια τουριστικής ανάπτυξης συγκεκριμένων περιοχών και ολόκληρων χωρών. Σκοπός του ανά χείρας πονήματος είναι η ανάδειξη της πολιτισμικής σημασίας των ελληνικών παραδοσιακών φάρων, η αποτύπωση αντιλήψεων, βιωμάτων, συναισθημάτων και στάσεων ανθρώπων που έχουν σχετισθεί με τους φάρους, αλλά και η διατύπωση προτάσεων σχετικά με το ενδεχόμενο εναλλακτικής χρήσης των ελληνικών φάρων στο πλαίσιο δράσεων πολιτισμού και τουρισμού. Η καταγραφή πολιτικών και πρακτικών αξιοποίησης φάρων στην Ελλάδα και σε χώρες του εξωτερικού, η αποκωδικοποίηση κειμένων διαφόρων ειδών (βιβλιογραφική – δικτυογραφική επισκόπηση, λογοτεχνία, πίνακες ζωγραφικής, αφίσες κ.ά.), η επικοινωνία με ανθρώπους που έχουν συνδεθεί με τους φάρους μέσα από την επαγγελματική ενασχόληση ή την οικογενειακή παράδοσή τους, καθώς και επιτόπιες επισκέψεις σε φαρικά συγκροτήματα, συνεισφέρουν στην προσέγγιση του σκοπού και των ειδικών στόχων της εργασίας. Η διπλή έρευνα που διεξήχθη φαίνεται να επιβεβαιώνει την αξία και την πολυσημία που διαχρονικά έχει αποδοθεί στους φάρους ως κτήρια, τοποθεσίες και σύμβολα, αναδεικνύει την ποικιλότροπη χρήση τους σε έργα λόγου και τέχνης, δραστηριότητες εκπαίδευσης, αθλητισμού και ψυχαγωγίας, αλλά και ορίζει μια σαφή, θετική και ρεαλιστική προοπτική για μια πιο μεθοδική ενσωμάτωσή τους στο ελληνικό τουριστικό προϊόν, συμβατή με τη σχετική νομοθεσία.
Case Report: Sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid
Authors: Bhawani Dr. Jayashree , Shukla Dr. Samarth , Acharya Dr. Sourya , Vagha Dr. Sunita , Jagtap Dr. Miheer
Published: December 2023

Sebaceous carcinoma is an extremely rare malignant disease and it is more aggressive when it occurs in the eyelids and orbit. It can mimic several benign lesions, resulting in diagnostic delay. We present a case of sebaceous carcinoma in a 50-year-old male who presented with complaints of swelling of the upper eyelid, which was followed by appearance of an ulcerative growth over the eyelid. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports showed an ulcerated mass in the left periorbital and orbital region appearing heterogeneously hyperintense. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed malignant epithelial differentiation which was followed by exenteration of the eyeball. Histopathology showed the rare diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma
The effect of chewing-betel habits on blood glucose levels in the Karo ethnic community, Karo district
Authors: Pane Yunita Sari , Machrina Yetty , Arrasyid Nurfida Khairina , Sari Mutiara Indah
Published: December 2023

Background The chewing Betel habit is a hereditary tradition from the ancestors of the Batak-Karo tribe, Indonesia. Karo people believe that chewing betel habit is their unifier. The chewing-betel habit process begins with concocting a mixture of ingredients such as betel leaf, lime, gambier, areca nut, and with or without tobacco addition, then chewed slowly. This study aimed to analyze whether the habit of chewing betel can affect BGL in the Karo ethnic community in the Karo district. Methods In total, 48 participants from the Karo community were divided into 4 groups (n=12 per group), namely: I. non-T2DM participants without chewing betel habits; II. non-T2DM participants with chewing-betel habit; III. T2DM participants without chewing-betel habit and IV. T2DM participants with chewing-betel habit. The sampling technique was consecutive sampling. The data were collected by interviews and blood sampling (fasting and 2 hours postprandial (2hPP)). The collected data were analyzed by paired t-test, Independent sample t-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney with a significance level of p-value <0.05. Results This study showed that fasting BGL condition in group-I compared to group II (84.33±12.32 vs 81.00±4.84) mg/dl and group-III compared to group-IV (196.25±104.81 vs 150.00±42.45) mg/dl had no significant difference. Also, the BGL of 2hPP condition in group-I compared to group-II (111.25 ±22.62 vs 108.33±18.99) mg/dl, and group-III compared to group-IV (314.92±128.97 vs 229.25±58.26) mg/dl, in statistically there was no difference (p>0.05). Although the data showed that group-III was higher than group-IV. Conclusion This study concludes that with or without chewing-betel habits affect blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes subjects (Groups III and IV).
Zakłócony obraz romantyzmu
Authors: Strzyżewski Mirosław
Published: December 2023

Z edycjami zbiorowymi dzieł romantyków, edycjami naukowymi poszczególnych utworów i ich opracowaniami nie jest w Polsce źle. Można wymienić wiele cennych inicjatyw edytorskich (naukowych i popularnych) zakończonych pozytywnym rezultatem. Jednak mimo tego pozornego „rogu obfitości” wydawniczej odnoszę wrażenie, że czegoś tu nie starcza. O ile wydajemy z powodzeniem wybrane utwory poszczególnych autorów z kręgu literatury emigracyjnej i krajowej, to nie można uświadczyć wydań zbiorowych tychże ostatnich pisarzy. Nie mamy współcześnie książek wielu romantyków, którzy kształtowali zbiorową wyobraźnię Polaków w XIX stuleciu. Brakuje nowych zbiorowych edycji pism m.in. Józefa Bohdana Zaleskiego, Seweryna Goszczyńskiego, Józefa Korzeniowskiego, Teofila Lenartowicza, Józefa Dzierzkowskiego, Ludwika Sztyrmera, Józefa Bohdana Dziekońskiego, Lucjana Siemieńskiego i wielu, wielu innych twórców. Romantyzm krajowy to nie zbiór drugorzędnych tekstów epigońskich wzorowanych na wielkim romantyzmie emigracyjnym, ale równie istotna część dorobku romantyzmu literackiego, po wielokroć w pełni oryginalna i bogata, ale często po prostu nieznana. Gdy edytorstwo nadrobi zapóźnienia na tym polu, wówczas wymienieni autorzy odzyskają w syntezach historycznoliterackich miejsce im przynależne.
Kanon jako interpretacja. Kilka refleksji o potrzebie spluralizowanie wizji romantyzmu
Authors: Hoffmann-Piotrowska Ewa
Published: December 2023

Punktem wyjścia rozważań zawartych w artykule jest przekonanie, że pojęciem kanonu, poza zbiorem ważnych tekstów dla danej kultury, można objąć także utrwalone koncepcje odczytywania dzieł, sposoby ich interpretacji. Autorka przygląda się temu, jak utrwalone w badawczej i popularnej świadomości pojęcie romantyzmu wpłynęło na to, co w tekstach romantyków widzimy, a co pomijamy. Rozważania wiążą się z postulatem widzenia romantyzmu jako okresu wieloprądowego, spluralizowanego, gdzie obok wątków „czarnoromantycznych” istnieją także bardzo wyraźnie wątki „jasne”, modele dobrego, koherentnego bytowania i pozytywne wzory istnienia.
Słowacki cyfrowy – perspektywy i szanse na przykładzie edycji „Samuela Zborowskiego”
Authors: Mirkowska Ewa , Mędrzecka-Stefańska Anna
Published: December 2023

Głównym celem artykułu jest omówienie edycji cyfrowej trudnego przypadku edytorskiego, jakim jest rękopis Juliusza Słowackiego znany pod nadanym przez edytorów tytułem Samuel Zborowski. Charakterystyka niedokończonego dzieła wydaje się doskonale pasować do potencjału, jaki dają narzędzia cyfrowe – ich zastosowanie omówiono w tekście. Edytor TEI Panorama pozwala na ukazanie uzupełniających się, choć różnych możliwych podejść do edycji tekstu (faksymile, rękopis, dramat). Dzięki przyjętym rozwiązaniom można wydobyć wewnętrzną dynamikę tekstu, a także uniknąć sztucznego ustanawiania nieistniejącego linearnego tekstu głównego, co jest charakterystyczne dla większości dotychczasowych edycji. W artykule podjęto refleksję nad zawiłą problematyką szerokiego spektrum wieloaspektowych bytów pojawiających się w Samuelu Zborowskim, niemożliwych do przedstawienia w konwencjonalnym procesie wydawniczym. Proponujemy możliwe rozwiązanie cyfrowe, wywodzące się – jak wszystkie prezentowane pomysły – z respektowanej przez edytorów wewnętrznej struktury tekstu.
Cenzura w statystykach
Authors: Strzyżewski Mirosław
Published: December 2023

Rec. M. Rowicka, Wydawnicze i cenzuralne losy twórczości Juliusza Słowackiego w okresie zaborów, Wydawnictwo Nieoczywiste, Warszawa 2022; eadem, Wydawnicze i cenzuralne losy twórczości Zygmunta Krasińskiego w okresie zaborów, Wydawnictwo Nieoczywiste, Warszawa 2022.
Powrót (kolejny) do romantyzmu
Authors: Markuszewska Agnieszka
Published: December 2023

Wstęp do numeru.
A Factor Analytic Evaluation of the Private Club Members' Benefits Scale
Authors:   , Njeri Millicent
Published: December 2023

This study's first goal is to investigate whether a 23-item multidimensional scale is a valid and reliable measure of benefits private club members perceive to be important. Seven theoretically plausible model structures are empirically tested: a unidimensional model, a two oblique first-order factors model, a four oblique first-order factors model, a two oblique second-order factors model, a bifactor model with two domain-specific factors, a bifactor model with four domain-specific factors, and two oblique bifactor models. The second goal is to examine the benefits members receive most often from their membership clubs. The multidimensional scale is based on four dimensions: member-to-employee relationship, member-to-member relationship, confidence, and reduced anxiety. Member-to-employee relationship and member-to-member relationship subscales are aligned with social benefits while confidence and reduced anxiety subscales are aligned with psychological benefits. The study participants (N = 114) were recruited through a commercial crowdsourcing platform, Prolific. The results of a Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis (BCFA) provided support for the two oblique bifactor models. Additionally, the social benefits and psychological benefits bifactor scales displayed acceptable reliability. A comparison of the means for each type of benefit revealed that no statistically significant differences existed between the general social benefits factor and the general psychological benefits factor as well as between member-to-employee relationship and member-to-member relationship benefits. However, the mean of reduced anxiety benefits was statistically significantly higher than the mean of confidence benefits. The findings of this study contribute to the theoretical understanding and measurement of private club membership value by examining various dimensions of benefits members perceive to be important. The findings also provide private club managers with a valid and reliable scale for assessing benefits their members perceive to be important.
Self-Efficacy, Grit, and Their Relationship to the Black-White Achievement Gap
Authors:   , Fingers Alex Marquise
Published: December 2023

Since the reveal of the Black-White achievement gap in 1966, leaders and policymakers have attempted to close the gap to no avail. The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was to examine the relationships between self-efficacy, grit, and academic achievement of Black and White students. For the first two research questions,I sought to determine whether there were relationships between self-efficacy, grit, and academic achievement as defined by the PSAT 10 Reading or Math results. Students were administered self-efficacy and grit surveys to establish their corresponding self-efficacy and grit levels. A Pearson correlation analysis was performed to determine the bivariate relationships between participants' self-efficacy and grit levels and their 2021 PSAT 10 Reading and Math results. Statistical significance was discovered; specifically, a positive correlation existed between Black students, grit, and their academic achievement on PSAT 10 Math. For the final two research questions, I solicited students' perspectives of self-efficacy and grit and how they perceived the two constructs were associated with their academic success. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted to better explain student perspectives from their Phase 1 survey responses, which produced themes associated with self-efficacy and grit. Students shared how they perceived these traits impacted their academic achievement. Themes that emerged from students that were discussed in this study were the perception of the snowball effect, the power of teacher perceptions, failure as a motivator, the importance of hard work and being careful, and more. Additionally, recommendations to further investigate grit and other noncognitive factors as viable options to increase academic student achievement are provided.