bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of individualized positive end-expiratory pressure on intraoperative oxygenation in thoracic surgical patients: study protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Xu-Ming , Chang Xin-Lu , Sun Jing-Yi , Hao Wen-Wen , An Li-Xin
Published: January 2024

Background

Intraoperative hypoxemia and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) often occur in patients with one-lung ventilation (OLV), due to both pulmonary shunt and atelectasis. It has been demonstrated that individualized positive end-expiratory pressure (iPEEP) can effectively improve intraoperative oxygenation, increase lung compliance, and reduce driving pressure, thereby decreasing the risk of developing PPCs. However, its effect during OLV is still unknown. Therefore, we aim to investigate whether iPEEP ventilation during OLV is superior to 5 cmH2O PEEP in terms of intraoperative oxygenation and the occurrence of PPCs.

Methods

This study is a prospective, randomized controlled, single-blind, single-center trial. A total of 112 patients undergoing thoracoscopic pneumonectomy surgery and OLV will be enrolled in the study. They will be randomized into two groups: the static lung compliance guided iPEEP titration group (Cst-iPEEP Group) and the constant 5 cmH2O PEEP group (PEEP 5 Group). The primary outcome will be the oxygenation index at 30 min after OLV and titration. Secondary outcomes are oxygenation index at other operative time points, PPCs, postoperative adverse events, ventilator parameters, vital signs, pH value, inflammatory factors, and economic indicators.

Discussion

This trial explores the effect of iPEEP on intraoperative oxygenation during OLV and PPCs. It provides some clinical references for optimizing the lung protective ventilation strategy of OLV, improving patient prognosis, and accelerating postoperative rehabilitation.

Trial registration

www.Chictr.org.cnChiCTR2300073411. Registered on 10 July 2023.
Dimensioning payload size for fast retransmission of MQTT packets in the wake of network disconnections
Authors: Domingues Marco , Faria José N. , Portugal David
Published: January 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) is spreading rapidly around the world, and Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT) is one of the main protocols used to explore device-to-device (D2D) communication. The industry typically requires communication systems that can transmit data continuously while optimizing both bandwidth and transmission time. Due to the vast amount of data that can be lost, companies often find that even short periods of network downtime lead to significant costs. In this paper, we propose a retransmission mechanism to allow sensor nodes to relay missing data via MQTT to a local server when it reconnects after an unexpected disconnection. To assess its performance, several tests in a digital healthcare use case scenario have been designed. Since the procedure involves transferring a considerable amount of data, our main goal is to determine the maximum payload of each message to restore the missing information, while minimizing the retransmission time without information loss.
Outage performance and energy efficiency optimization of wireless-powered millimeter-wave sensor networks
Authors: Li Xiaowu , Xiao Fuan , Tang Kun , Luo Entao
Published: January 2024

With the widespread use of wireless sensor networks, one of the most pressing concerns is extending the lifetime of the sensors. By deploying directional antenna arrays, millimeter wave (mmWave) is a possible candidate for wireless energy transfer (WPT). This paper investigates a beneficial combination of WPT and data transmission in a typical mmWave sensor network with Rayleigh channels, where a transmission interval can be divided into two sub-intervals. During the first sub-interval, one hybrid access point (HAP) employs beamforming techniques to transfer energy for serving multiple sensors within the service sector. The sensors then transmit their individual signal in turn to the HAP based on time division multiple address (TDMA) strategy by using the whole harvested energy. According to stochastic geometry, the exact and approximate expressions of beam outage probability for the considered system are determined, respectively. The optimal time allocation of energy harvesting and data transmission for sensors is examined in order to maximize the energy efficiency of the system. The optimization problem can be translated into corresponding parametric form, and the resulting optimization problem can be solved using the Lagrange dual method with Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions. The numerical results show the variation trend of the beam outage probability under various parameters and verify the accuracy of the theoretical analyses. Furthermore, the simulation results illustrate that the proposed optimal time allocation strategy can significantly enhance the overall energy efficiency of the system compared with a similar scheme.
How can quality be measured within a physician-led Community Emergency Medical service? A scoping review protocol
Authors: Scott Jamie , Thomas Libby , Joy Tony , McCrossan Paddy
Published: January 2024

Background

Quality measurement as part of quality improvement in healthcare is integral for service delivery and development. This is particularly pertinent for health services that deliver care in ways that differ from traditional practice. Community Emergency Medicine (CEM) is a novel and evolving concept of care delivered by services in parts of the UK and Ireland. This scoping review aims to provide a broad overview of how quality may be measured within services delivering CEM.

Methods and analysis

The methodology follows both the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). It is guided by recognised work of Arksey and O’Malley and the guidelines developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Several databases will be searched: MEDLINE, EMbase, EMcare, CINAHL, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and grey literature. Search terms have been developed by representatives within Community Emergency Medicine services. Two reviewers will independently screen eligible studies for final study selection. Results will be collected and analysed in descriptive and tabular form to illustrate the breadth of quality indicators that may be applicable to CEM services. This scoping review protocol has been registered with the Open Science Framework platform (osf.io/e7qxg).

Discussion

This is the first stage of a larger research study aimed at developing national quality indicators for CEM. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide a comprehensive review of quality indicators that could be used within CEM. The results will be mapped using a framework and identify gaps in the literature to help guide future-focused research.
Reported outcomes in patients with iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia undergoing major surgery: a systematic review of outcomes
Authors: Stangl Stephanie , Popp Maria , Reis Stefanie , Sitter Magdalena , Saal-Bauernschubert Lena , Schießer Selina , Kranke Peter , Choorapoikayil Suma , Weibel Stephanie , Meybohm Patrick
Published: January 2024

Background

Iron deficiency (ID) is the leading cause of anemia worldwide. The prevalence of preoperative ID ranges from 23 to 33%. Preoperative anemia is associated with worse outcomes, making it important to diagnose and treat ID before elective surgery. Several studies indicated the effectiveness of intravenous iron supplementation in iron deficiency with or without anemia (ID(A)). However, it remains challenging to establish reliable evidence due to heterogeneity in utilized study outcomes. The development of a core outcome set (COS) can help to reduce this heterogeneity by proposing a minimal set of meaningful and standardized outcomes. The aim of our systematic review was to identify and assess outcomes reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies investigating iron supplementation in iron-deficient patients with or without anemia.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov systematically from 2000 to April 1, 2022. RCTs and observational studies investigating iron supplementation in patients with a preoperative diagnosis of ID(A), were included. Study characteristics and reported outcomes were extracted. Outcomes were categorized according to an established outcome taxonomy. Quality of outcome reporting was assessed with a pre-specified tool. Reported clinically relevant differences for sample size calculation were extracted.

Results

Out of 2898 records, 346 underwent full-text screening and 13 studies (five RCTs, eight observational studies) with sufficient diagnostic inclusion criteria for iron deficiency with or without anemia (ID(A)) were eligible. It is noteworthy to mention that 49 studies were excluded due to no confirmed diagnosis of ID(A). Overall, 111 outcomes were structured into five core areas including nine domains. Most studies (92%) reported outcomes within the ‘blood and lymphatic system’ domain, followed by “adverse event” (77%) and “need for further resources” (77%). All of the latter reported on the need for blood transfusion. Reported outcomes were heterogeneous in measures and timing. Merely, two (33%) of six prospective studies were registered prospectively of which one (17%) showed no signs of selective outcome reporting.

Conclusion

This systematic review comprehensively depicts the heterogeneity of reported outcomes in studies investigating iron supplementation in ID(A) patients regarding exact definitions and timing. Our analysis provides a systematic base for consenting to a minimal COS.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020214247
Ground state solutions for a kind of superlinear elliptic equations with variable exponent
Authors: Xiao Bosheng , Zhang Qiongfen
Published: January 2024

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Using the constraint variational method, quantitative deformation lemma, and strong maximum principle, we proved that the above problem admits three ground state solutions, especially speaking, one solution is sign-changing, one is positive, and one is negative. Our results improve on those existing in the literature.
Ground-state sign-changing homoclinic solutions for a discrete nonlinear p-Laplacian equation with logarithmic nonlinearity
Authors: Ou Xin , Zhang Xingyong
Published: January 2024

By using a direct non-Nehari manifold method from (Tang and Cheng in J. Differ. Equ. 261:2384–2402, 2016), we obtain an existence result of ground-state sign-changing homoclinic solutions that only changes sign once and ground-state homoclinic solutions for a class of discrete nonlinear p-Laplacian equations with logarithmic nonlinearity. Moreover, we prove that the sign-changing ground-state energy is larger than twice the ground-state energy.
Potential markets and policies for sustainable liquid biofuel production with emphasis to Eastern Africa countries: a review
Authors: Miftah Fekadu K. , Mutta Doris
Published: January 2024

Background

The production of liquid biofuel in Eastern Africa countries has the potential to play an important role on the global biofuel markets in the coming years, because transportation fuel demand is expected to grow. Despite the presence of suitable environmental conditions for bioenergy crop cultivation in Eastern Africa, liquid biofuel production has been restricted by different factors, including market situation and government policies. The objective of this review is to evaluate the potential markets, policies, strategies, and plans for liquid biofuel production in some Eastern Africa countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Main text

Over 64 scientific articles and reports published between 2002 and 2023 related to liquid biofuel production market and policies were collected from internet search engines and unpublished grey literatures and reviewed. Since liquid biofuel production was in early stage of investment in Eastern Africa countries by 2020, all the countries showed similar restrictions. It was found that the global market demand for liquid biofuel increased after 1980s. For example, although Ethiopia started bioethanol production in 1950s, the production was discouraged by the lack of a market. Biofuel trade is globally determined by the biofuel policies of industrialized countries, which are mainly driven by the willingness to reduce emissions and to tackle volatile fossil fuel prices. Eastern Africa liquid biofuels has a number of market openings, including rural domestic use, substituting fossil fuel imports, and supplying the European market. There are also attractive legal conditions and political willingness to invest in the production of liquid biofuels. However, institutional weaknesses hindered the possibility to coordinate liquid biofuel production. The lack of adequate domestic institutions, coordination mechanisms, and robust monitoring resulted in land-use conflicts, corruption, and technical challenges. Appropriate policy measures are required to local land use determination, selection of appropriate type of bioenergy crops, and biofuel processing types and scales. In particular, small and large-scale biofuel production projects are required to include biofuel production in the conventional agricultural farming practices.

Conclusions

Good governance is highly important for bioenergy crop production, liquid biofuel processing and consumption in the whole liquid biofuel value chain. Moreover, it is important to exchange good practices through cooperation, including—but not limited to—intra-African countries, which would accelerate the learning process and the deployment of effective measures and mechanisms. There should be biofuel value chain upgrading to overcome fragmentation and inconsistency of measures; match-making between demand and supply at domestic, intra-African, and internationally with proper public awareness creation.
Utility of salivary cortisol profile as a predictive biomarker in nurses’ turnover risk: a preliminary study
Authors: Yamaguchi Shinya , Fujita Tomoko , Kato Shintaro , Yoshimitsu Yuichi , Ito Yoichi M. , Yano Rika
Published: January 2024

Background

Predicting nurse turnover risk is crucial due to the global nursing shortage; however, existing predictors, such as fatigue and burnout, lack objectivity. Salivary cortisol is a non-invasive marker of stress and fatigue, but its utility in predicting nurse turnover risk is unknown. We examined whether salivary cortisol profiles across three different day shifts in a month are predictors of the extent of nurses’ reluctance to stay in their current jobs.

Methods

This preliminary longitudinal study followed forty female nurses who engaged in shift work at a university hospital for 3 months. Data at enrollment were collected including demographics, working conditions, chronic fatigue (the Japanese version of the Occupational Fatigue/Exhaustion Recovery Scale), and burnout (Japanese Burnout scale). Salivary cortisol was measured before the three different day shifts (after awakening) during the first month, and the means of these measurements were used as the cortisol profile. The extent of reluctance to stay was assessed using the numerical rating scale at 3 months.

Results

Among the forty female nurses (mean [SD] age, 28.3 [5.1]), all completed follow-up and were included in the analysis. The cortisol profile was associated with the extent of reluctance to stay (P = 0.017), and this association was significant despite adjustments for chronic fatigue and burnout (P = 0.005). A multiple regression model with chronic fatigue, burnout, and job tenure explained 41.5% of the variation in reluctance to stay. When the cortisol profile was added to this model, the association of the cortisol profile was significant (P = 0.006) with an R2 of 0.529 (ΔR2 = 0.114).

Conclusions

This preliminary study conducted in an actual clinical setting indicated the potential of the salivary cortisol profile across three different day shifts in a month to predict nurses’ reluctance to stay in their current jobs. The combination of subjective indicators and the cortisol profile would be useful in predicting nurses' turnover risk.
Low-shot learning and class imbalance: a survey
Authors: Billion Polak Preston , Prusa Joseph D. , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M.
Published: January 2024

The tasks of few-shot, one-shot, and zero-shot learning—or collectively “low-shot learning” (LSL)—at first glance are quite similar to the long-standing task of class imbalanced learning; specifically, they aim to learn classes for which there is little labeled data available. Motivated by this similarity, we conduct a survey to review the recent literature for works which combine these fields in one of two ways, either addressing the obstacle of class imbalance within a LSL setting, or utilizing LSL techniques or frameworks in order to combat class imbalance within other settings. In our survey of over 60 papers in a wide range of applications from January 2020 to July 2023 (inclusive), we examine and report methodologies and experimental results, find that most works report performance at or above their respective state-of-the-art, and highlight current research gaps which hold potential for future work, especially those involving the use of LSL techniques in imbalanced tasks. To this end, we emphasize the lack of works utilizing LSL approaches based on large language models or semantic data, and works using LSL for big-data imbalanced tasks.
Out-of-distribution- and location-aware PointNets for real-time 3D road user detection without a GPU
Authors: Seppänen Alvari , Alamikkotervo Eerik , Ojala Risto , Dario Giacomo , Tammi Kari
Published: January 2024

3D road user detection is an essential task for autonomous vehicles and mobile robots, and it plays a key role, for instance, in obstacle avoidance and route planning tasks. Existing solutions for detection require expensive GPU units to run in real-time. This paper presents a light algorithm that runs in real-time without a GPU. The algorithm combines a classical point cloud proposal generator approach with a modern deep learning technique to achieve a small computational requirement and comparable accuracy to the state-of-the-art. Typical downsides of this approach, such as many out-of-distribution proposals and loss of location information, are examined, and solutions are proposed. We have evaluated the performance of the method with the KITTI dataset and with our own annotated dataset collected with a compact mobile robot platform equipped with a low-resolution LiDAR (16-channel). Our approach reaches a real-time inference on a standard CPU, unlike other solutions in the literature. Furthermore, we achieve superior speed on a GPU, which indicates that our method has a high degree of parallelism. Our method enables low-cost mobile robots to detect road users in real-time.
Analysis of imprecise measurement data utilizing z-test for correlation
Authors: Aslam Muhammad
Published: January 2024

The conventional Z-test for correlation, grounded in classical statistics, is typically employed in situations devoid of vague information. However, real-world data often comes with inherent uncertainty, necessitating an adaptation of the Z-test using neutrosophic statistics. This paper introduces a modified Z-test for correlation designed to explore correlations in the presence of imprecise data. We will present the simulation to check the effect of the measure of indeterminacy on the evolution of type-I error and the power of the test. The application of this modification is illustrated through an examination of heartbeat and temperature data. Upon analyzing the heartbeat and temperature data, it is determined that, in the face of indeterminacy, the correlation between heartbeat and temperature emerges as significant. This highlights the importance of accounting for imprecise data when investigating relationships between variables.
Measurement invariance of the satisfaction with leisure satisfaction scale by gender, marital status, and age
Authors: Köse Elif , Gökçe Hüseyin , Toktaş Neşe , Yerlisu Lapa Tennur , Tercan Kaas Evren
Published: January 2024

Background

Leisure satisfaction is the degree of positive perception and emotions that an individual acquires as a result of participating in leisure time activities, and it has an important function in maintaining and increasing leisure time participation. Some studies on leisure satisfaction address the comparisons between groups. These studies are based on the premise that the measurement tool used to reveal the between-group differences measures the same feature in subgroups.

Objective

In this study, we investigated whether the differences between the groups were due to the measurement tool by examining the psychometric properties of the leisure satisfaction scale.

Methods

The study sample comprised 2344 exercising individuals, including 1228 (52.3%) women and 1116 (47.6%) men. The structural invariance of the leisure satisfaction scale, developed by Beard and Ragheb (Journal of Leisure Research 12:20-33, 1980) and adapted into Turkish by Gökçe and Orhan (Spor Bilimleri Dergisi 22:139–145, 2011), was tested through multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

The results indicated that the structural and metric invariance conditions were fulfilled across gender, marital status, and age in all subscales of the leisure satisfaction scale. Scalar invariance was obtained in educational and social satisfaction subscales across gender and in physical satisfaction subscale across marital status.

Conclusion

The study provides evidence for the future comparisons according to these three variables, indicating that the differences obtained will result from the real differences between groups rather than the measurement tool properties.
Applicability of artificial intelligence-based computer-aided detection (AI–CAD) for pulmonary tuberculosis to community-based active case finding
Authors: Okada Kosuke , Yamada Norio , Takayanagi Kiyoko , Hiasa Yuta , Kitamura Yoshiro , Hoshino Yutaka , Hirao Susumu , Yoshiyama Takashi , Onozaki Ikushi , Kato Seiya
Published: January 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence-based computer-aided detection (AI–CAD) for tuberculosis (TB) has become commercially available and several studies have been conducted to evaluate the performance of AI–CAD for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in clinical settings. However, little is known about its applicability to community-based active case-finding (ACF) for TB.

Methods

We analysed an anonymized data set obtained from a community-based ACF in Cambodia, targeting persons aged 55 years or over, persons with any TB symptoms, such as chronic cough, and persons at risk of TB, including household contacts. All of the participants in the ACF were screened by chest radiography (CXR) by Cambodian doctors, followed by Xpert test when they were eligible for sputum examination. Interpretation by an experienced chest physician and abnormality scoring by a newly developed AI–CAD were retrospectively conducted for the CXR images. With a reference of Xpert-positive TB or human interpretations, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to evaluate the AI–CAD performance by area under the ROC curve (AUROC). In addition, its applicability to community-based ACFs in Cambodia was examined.

Results

TB scores of the AI–CAD were significantly associated with the CXR classifications as indicated by the severity of TB disease, and its AUROC as the bacteriological reference was 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.83–0.89). Using a threshold for triage purposes, the human reading and bacteriological examination needed fell to 21% and 15%, respectively, detecting 95% of Xpert-positive TB in ACF. For screening purposes, we could detect 98% of Xpert-positive TB cases.

Conclusions

AI–CAD is applicable to community-based ACF in high TB burden settings, where experienced human readers for CXR images are scarce. The use of AI–CAD in developing countries has the potential to expand CXR screening in community-based ACFs, with a substantial decrease in the workload on human readers and laboratory labour. Further studies are needed to generalize the results to other countries by increasing the sample size and comparing the AI–CAD performance with that of more human readers.
Factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension among Tongan adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fifita Seini Siahi Talanoafoou , Nonaka Daisuke , Cama Mele Tilema , Filise Mele Inu
Published: January 2024

Background

Hypertension is responsible for many premature deaths worldwide. However, many individuals with hypertension remain undiagnosed. Tonga is one of the countries that has had a steep increase in hypertension, thus undiagnosed hypertension could also be increasing. Purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension among Tongan adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data collected from conveniently sampled 473 participants using electronic questionnaire and digital sphygmomanometer through household visits between February and March 2023. Inclusion criteria were age of 18–65 years, residence in the villages for at least six months, and not being pregnant. Fisher’s exact test and mixed-effect logistic regression were performed using the EZR software to assess the association between undiagnosed hypertension and predictor variables.

Results

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 22.4% (106/473). Five variables that were significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension in Fisher’s exact test were included in the multivariate logistic regression. Overall, only three variables remained significant. First, participants who never had their blood pressure measured had higher prevalence compared to those who had it checked recently (33.3% vs. 19.1%); odds ratio: 2.24). Secondly, participants who were not aware of the risk of developing hypertension were significantly more likely to have undiagnosed hypertension compared to those who were aware (27.9% vs. 16.7%; odds ratio: 1.81). Lastly, middle-aged participants (30–49 years) and older (50–65 years), were significantly more likely to have undiagnosed hypertension compared to those who were 18–29 years old (30.0% and 23.7% vs. 11.8%; odds ratio: 3.58 and 3.38 vs. 1.00).

Conclusion

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension could be substantial among Tongan adults, implicating a need to address this issue by doing further research and review current public health work to address hypertension in Tonga. Undiagnosed hypertension was associated with having no experience of blood pressure measurement, lack of awareness about hypertension, and age. Tongan government should provide people with more opportunities to have their blood pressure measured and to improve their awareness.
Bioanalytical method development and validation for the simultaneous estimation of Olanzapine and Samidorphan in rabbit plasma by using HPLC–MS/MS and application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Kantipudi Rambabu , Pavuluri Sugandha Kumar
Published: January 2024

Background

Samidorphan is an opioid antagonist while Olanzapine is an effective medication for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A unique and accurate MS/HPLC approach due to simultaneous measurement of Olanzapine and Samidorphan is, therefore, more urgently required. Simultaneous quantification of Olanzapine and Samidorphan in rabbit plasma using HPLC-MS. Using a buffer composed of 1 mL of formic acid in 1 L of water and a mixture of two components, buffer and acetonitrile in a ratio of 50:50 and a flow rate of 1 mL/min at room temperature, we separated compounds on an Inertsil ODS column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 m).

Results

Analysis was performed within 8 min over a satisfactory linear concentration range of 2–40 ng/mL for Olanzapine (r2 = 0.99901 0.024) and 2–40 ng/mL for Samidorphan (r2 = 0.99927 0.012). The matrix effect recoveries of Olanzapine and Samidorphan at various QC concentration levels were 104.5, 100.51% and 110.36, 99.25%, respectively. The precision and recovery study outcomes fall within the acceptable range. An electrospray ionization source was used to analysis of Olanzapine and Samidorphan at m/z 313.40 → 192.54, m/z 371.45 → 220.61 for Olanzapine and Samidorphan, m/z 316.40 → 237.58, m/z 374.41 → 223.61 for D3 Olanzapine and D3 Samidorphan that were ion pairs of mass analysis.

Conclusions

Liquid–liquid extraction was used to remove Olanzapine (0.17 mg/kg) and its reference standard (D3-Olanzapine) from rabbit plasma. Both the active compound Samidorphan (0.17 mg/kg) and its reference, D3-samidorphan, were isolated from rabbit plasma. We conducted stability studies to ensure that the medications would remain stable in accordance with USFDA regulations.
Africans’ response to the January 2023 Omicron variant wave in China: the impact of COVID-19 vaccination status
Authors: Thokerunga Erick , Kisembo Peter , Abi Manzama-Esso , Fangninou Fangnon Firmin , Avala Ntsigouaye Juval , Bolorunduro Janet Oluwasola , Olovo Chinaza Valerie , Okeke Marvellous , Peter Samuel Emeka , Agida Innocent Okohi , Kumi Moses , Drokow Emmanuel Kwateng , Komolafe Temitope Emmanuel
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The January 2023 COVID-19 omicron wave in China garnered wide publicity partly because it evaded most vaccines at that time and resulted in “breakthrough infections” in previously vaccinated individuals. This study focused on the COVID-19 vaccination status and the response of foreigners of African descent who were in China during the January 2023 Omicron-driven COVID-19 wave.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional online survey of Africans in China was conducted in January 2023. Self-report electronic questionnaires were sent to eligible participants across the country, with no restriction on age, gender, or country of origin. Two hundred sixty-six participants were eventually enrolled. Collected data was cleaned and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the data in terms of numbers and percentages, while the Chi-square test was used to determine relationships among variables.

Results

A total of 266 participants were enrolled, 68.8% males and 31.2% females. The majority (97%) were 45 years and below and mostly students (75.2%). 87.2% were vaccinated, with 53.1% having taken at least 2 shots. Sinovac (53.9%) was the most used vaccine brand. 21.4% reported infection with COVID-19 during the January 2023 omicron wave, with 14.0% reporting “breakthrough” infections. No significant difference was seen in the risk of getting infected with COVID-19 between unvaccinated and vaccinated participants; OR 1.2 (95% CI 0.396–3.634, p = 0.747). 35.1% reported mild asymptomatic infections, while 64.9% reported symptoms. The majority of the cases (89.5%) were managed from home.

Conclusion

In summary, most Africans in China were vaccinated during the January 2023 COVID-19 omicron wave, although “breakthrough” infections were reported. The infection rate among Africans in China was relatively higher than for African Americans and those living in Africa, but the majority were managed from home. Future studies are needed to capture vital COVID-19 information on Africans in China for more trailered responses to future outbreaks.
Change as a Scientific Enterprise: Practical Suggestions about Using Change Theory
Authors: Reinholz Daniel L. , Andrews Tessa C.
Published: January 2024

This essay discusses how change theory can and should inform reform efforts in biology education and investigations of change. It clarifies terminology, showcases examples using change theory effectively, and provides suggestions and resources.
President's Page: Maintaining the pipeline of geophysics talent
Authors: Ma Joseph H. Y.
Published: January 2024

Many brilliant young minds are passionate about the geosciences, but they face difficulties in choosing this professional path. What extra effort can we, as a professional community, make to maintain the geophysics talent pipeline?
Cancer Research Challenges and Potential Solutions in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Discussion Group Study
Authors: Alessy Saleh A. , Almotlak Abdulaziz A. , Alattas Maha , Alshareef Abdulraheem , Alwosaibai Kholoud , Alghamdi Majed A. , Razack Habeeb I.A. , Alqahtani Saleh A.
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

Cancer incidence in Saudi Arabia has recently shown an upward trend. Research efforts within the different cancer continuum are pivotal to strengthening control measures. Since cancer research is evolving in the country, it is crucial to understand the current challenges and implement defined interventions to overcome them. The present qualitative study aimed to assess cancer research barriers among researchers and identify potential solutions from their perspectives.

METHODS

We conducted a focus group discussion among 17 Saudi-based cancer researchers from diverse research backgrounds, provinces, and institutions. We used descriptive-interpretive thematic analysis following an open-ended approach to investigate the challenges in conducting cancer research. We also captured the solutions suggested based on the researchers' experiences.

RESULTS

Six major themes emerged from the analysis: requirements of the data landscape, organizational support, national research roadmap, sustainable funding, clearer policies and regulations, and capacity building. To address challenges in these areas, researchers stressed the need for improved interinstitutional collaborations, immediate availability of research materials, and unlimited and easy access to research data.

CONCLUSION

Improving health research is one of the primary goals of Saudi Vision 2030. It is, therefore, essential to overcome the current challenges in cancer research, enabling research findings to inform policies related to cancer control and care provision.
Recommendations for the Equitable and Widespread Implementation of Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Care
Authors: Febbo Phillip G. , Allo Mina , Alme Emma B. , Cuyun Carter Gebra , Dumanois Robert , Essig Alessia , Kiernan Estevan , Kubler Caitlin B. , Martin Nikki , Popescu Medeea C. , Leiman Lauren C.
Published: January 2024

Liquid biopsies—tests that detect circulating tumor cellular components in the bloodstream—have the potential to transform cancer by reducing health inequities in screening, diagnostics, and monitoring. Today, liquid biopsies are being used to guide treatment choices for patients and monitor for cancer recurrence, and promising work in multi-cancer early detection is ongoing. However, without awareness of the barriers to adoption of this new technology and a willingness to build mitigation efforts into the implementation of widespread liquid biopsy testing, the communities that could most benefit may be the last to access and use them. In this work, we review the challenges likely to affect the accessibility of liquid biopsies in both the general population and underserved populations, and recommend specific actions to facilitate equitable access for all patients.
A Bispecific Modeling Framework Enables the Prediction of Efficacy, Toxicity, and Optimal Molecular Design of Bispecific Antibodies Targeting MerTK
Authors: Li Ran , Dere Edward , Kwong Mandy , Fei Mingjian , Dave Rutwij , Masih Shabkhaiz , Wang Joy , McNamara Erin , Huang Haochu , Liang Wei-Ching , Schutt Leah , Kamath Amrita V. , Ovacik Meric A.
Published: January 2024

Inhibiting MerTK on macrophages is a promising therapeutic strategy for augmenting anti-tumor immunity. However, blocking MerTK on retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPEs) results in retinal toxicity. Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) containing an anti-MerTK therapeutic and anti-PD-L1 targeting arm were developed to reduce drug binding to MerTK on RPEs, since PD-L1 is overexpressed on macrophages but not RPEs. In this study, we present a modeling framework using in vitro receptor occupancy (RO) and pharmacokinetics (PK) data to predict efficacy, toxicity, and therapeutic index (TI) of anti-MerTK bsAbs. We first used simulations and in vitro RO data of anti-MerTK monospecific antibody (msAb) to estimate the required MerTK RO for in vivo efficacy and toxicity. Using these estimated RO thresholds, we employed our model to predict the efficacious and toxic doses for anti-MerTK bsAbs with varying affinities for MerTK. Our model predicted the highest TI for the anti-MerTK/PD-L1 bsAb with an attenuated MerTK binding arm, which was consistent with in vivo efficacy and toxicity observations. Subsequently, we used the model, in combination with sensitivity analysis and parameter scans, to suggest an optimal molecular design of anti-MerTK bsAb with the highest predicted TI in humans. Our prediction revealed that this optimized anti-MerTK bsAb should contain a MerTK therapeutic arm with relatively low affinity, along with a high affinity targeting arm that can bind to a low abundance target with slow turnover rate. Overall, these results demonstrated that our modeling framework can guide the rational design of bsAbs.

Graphical Abstract
An analogy between effective potential representing prime numbers and Schwarzschild black hole
Authors: Pal Charli Chinmayee , Mishra Subodha , Mahapatra Prasanta Kumar
Published: January 2024

The effective two body interaction is derived using the single particle Schrödinger equation for the prime numbers with probability density based on the prime counting function (which is the number of primes below a certain x). Though the speculative connection of primes to Schwarzschild spacetime or black hole has been there for a long time, here for the first time our derived potential serendipitously shows the unique similarity with the effective potential derived from general theory of relativity (GTR) for Schwarzschild spacetime. Also, we report the existence of ISCO and photon sphere in prime potential and compare with GTR. It is found that when the prime numbers are represented by a quantum system, the two-body interactions mimic the effective general relativistic gravitational interaction in black hole with the four-acceleration diverging. We also establish an analogy between Einstein's static universe and the universe of primes. The question is: “Who ordered that?”
Presurgical Medical Treatment in Prolactinomas: Surgical Implications and Pathological Characteristics From 290 Cases
Authors: Chen Zhengyuan , Shou Xuefei , Ji Lijin , Cheng Haixia , Shen Ming , Ma Zengyi , He Wenqiang , Ye Zhao , Zhang Yichao , Qiao Nidan , Zhang Qilin , Wang Yongfei
Published: January 2024

Objective

To review experience regarding the treatment of prolactinomas by endoscopic endonasal surgery focusing on the association between presurgical dopamine agonist (DA) treatment and perioperative outcomes, surgical morbidities, endocrine outcomes, and pathological characteristics.

Methods

A single-center series of 290 cases was analyzed retrospectively and clinical data were collected. Intratumoral collagen content was assessed by Masson trichrome staining.

Results

Tenacious tumor consistency (27.8% vs 9.8%, P < .001) was more common in DA-pretreated patients compared with patients who underwent initial surgery. Moreover, DA-pretreated macroadenomas presented more intraoperative blood loss (200 [100-400] mL vs 175 [100-300] mL; P = .014), longer surgical duration (177 ± 95 minutes vs 154 ± 57 minutes; P = .043), and more surgical morbidities (19.4% vs 8.9%; P = .034). Additionally, DA-pretreated macroadenomas presented a higher collagen volume fraction than that of the initial surgery group (23.6 ± 2.2% vs 13.2 ± 2.1%; P = .001). Correlation analysis revealed a close correlation between collagen volume fraction and the cumulative dose of bromocriptine (BRC) in macroadenomas (r = 0.438, P < .001). Regarding endocrine outcomes, DA-pretreated microadenomas showed a lower proportion of initial remission compared with patients who underwent initial surgery (86.7% vs 100%, P = .047).

Conclusion

This study described increased surgical difficulty and inferior endocrine outcomes associated with tumor fibrosis secondary to presurgical BRC treatment in prolactinomas. Neurosurgeons should note that presurgical BRC treatment may render subsequent surgery more challenging.
Management paradigm in social enterprises in the light of a comparative study
Authors: Mazur Barbara , Zimnoch Krystyna , Mazur-Małek Marta
Published: January 2024

Motivation: Social enterprises are gaining importance in the modern economy. This entails the need for a better understanding of their mechanisms. For this reason, it is necessary to study the basic assumptions on which their effective management is based.Aim: The aim of the article is to identify the management paradigm in social enterprises, compared to commercial companies, on the basis of financial reports created by their management boards. In order to identify the management paradigm adopted in a given group of enterprises, reference was made to the concept of responsibility. The conceptualization of responsibility is based on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) model, which includes three dimensions: social, environmental, and economic.Results: The research method is a comparative analysis of the content of financial reports of 30 selected social enterprises and commercial companies representing the dairy, trade, and insurance industries in Poland. The survey is qualitative in nature. Results confirmed that there are essential differences in the management paradigms of the two types of enterprises. The reports contain statements confirming responsibility in every dimension but compared to commercial enterprises, the social and environmental aspect in management reports of social enterprises is more often presented, has more manifestations, a broader and a deeper scope. The scope of the content of these reports allows for the conclusion that they have greater awareness of responsibility for society and the natural environment than commercial enterprises. On the other hand, the analysis of the content of management board reports of commercial enterprises shows that their dominant sense is economic responsibility. The picture that emerges from the analysis of social enterprise reports shows the regular use of elements of the humanistic paradigm, while the economic paradigm is more frequently applied in commercial companies.
The efficiency of social services provided by the municipalities: primary education case study
Authors: Wojarska Magdalena
Published: January 2024

Motivation: The crucial value guiding local governments is to serve their residents (by carrying out public tasks that satisfy the collective needs of the local community). Although the municipality, as a non-profit organisation, does not have to be profitable, it must apply proper management practices to achieve its goals and attract investors. Local government’s efficient and effective functioning is now the basis of modern society. Measuring and analysing results have become an international trend in modernising public administration, and results-based management is seen as a manifestation of public concern for the proper use of taxes. Education is a significant area of local government activity due to its role in every country’s development and the fact that it absorbs considerable financial resources. The growing economic crisis and challenges local governments face today mean that efficiency analysis should also be conducted concerning this category of tasks.Aim: The article aims to assess the efficiency of resources (financial and human) used by municipalities to carry out their task in the field of primary education in the context of the type and wealth of the commune.Results: The results of this study confirm higher resource efficiency in cities than in rural municipalities. The percentage of cities where the total efficiency coefficient exceeded the level of the third quartile was 84.6% (including 97.3% in large units, 91.9% in medium ones, and 70.8% in small ones). At the same time, it was only 14.9% in rural communes. Medium-sized cities with high levels of own revenue per capita characterised the highest efficiency of converting input into output. In contrast, rural municipalities with low levels of own revenue had the lowest efficiency.
Poisoning with e-cigarette liquid (VPG Power Smoke Baze) - case report
Authors: Zając Marlena , Gruca Dariusz , Wais Marcin
Published: January 2024

Introduction and purpose: E-cigarettes have emerged as an alternative to traditional tobacco smoking. Toxicological studies have investigated the composition and potential toxicity of e-cigarette liquid components. While they are generally considered less harmful than combustible cigarettes, cases of poisoning associated with e-cigarette liquid ingestion or exposure have been reported.

Brief description of the state of knowledge:  Nicotine intoxication resulting from e-cigarette liquid ingestion can lead to a range of symptoms and complications, including cardiovascular effects, neurological symptoms, gastrointestinal disturbances, respiratory issues, and even death. This report presents a case of a 58-year-old woman hospitalized in the Toxicology and Cardiology Department due to poisoning with e-cigarette liquid.

Conclusions: Accidental or intentional ingestion and/or injection of e-liquid is becoming a new emerging challenge for Emergency Medicine, mainly because of the easy accessibility of advertisements and the sales of e-cigarettes online, and the high nicotine concentration in e-liquids. It is important to report instances of e-liquid-related nicotine intoxication in order to improve the legal restrictions on the sale of e-liquid.
Suicide attempt of young woman by Propafenone overdose - case report
Authors: Wais Marcin , Gruca Dariusz , Zając Marlena
Published: January 2024

Introduction and purpose: Over the last few years, the number of suicide attempts in Polish women has been steadily increasing. This report presents a case of a 18 years old woman hospitalized in the Toxicology and Cardiology Department due to poisoning with antiarrhythmic drug – Propafenone, taken for suicide purpose.

Brief description of the state of knowledge: Propafenone is an antiarrhythmic drug which belongs to class IC according to the Vaughan-Williams classification. The overdose of this drug can cause various symptoms and complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, liver damage, cardiac arrest and even death. This drug has no specific antidote.  

Conclusions: Propafenone poisoning is a significant clinical challenge and the consequences are often unpredictable and life-threatening. Treatment options such as natrium bicarbonicum, insulin, intravenous lipid emulsion, calcium gluconate seem to be good choices and the effects of treatment with these drugs are promising for the future.