bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Perspectives on Cancer Screening in People Aged 30-70: A Comparative Study of Those With and Without Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: GÜR Yunus , TURAL Egemen , DAYAN Akın
Published: February 2024

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess attitudes and behaviors related to cancer screening using an attitude scale for cancer screening among individuals aged 30-70 with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: This prospective case-control study was conducted from March to May 2023 at a single center. A total of 197 participants, including 67 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 130 participants without type 2 diabetes mellitus aged 30-70, were enrolled using simple random sampling. For the assessment, a sociodemographic form prepared through a literature review and the attitude scale for cancer screening were used. A statistical significance level of p
INTERNATIONALIZATION OF EMERGING MARKET MULTINATIONALS: A CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE UPPSALA MODEL AND THE SPRINGBOARD PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Boldrini Paula Erthal Hermano , Kogut Clarice Secches , Cotta de Mello Renato
Published: February 2024

Objective: This study focuses on the internationalization process of an important emerging markets multinational (EMM), aiming to understand how such companies manage to achieve relevant positions in the global economy. In seeking to understand its strategy and internationalization process, we tackle the debate on whether traditional behavioral international business theories are adequate to explain EMM internationalization processes.
Method: An in-depth case study was performed with one of the largest global players in the beauty industry, Natura & Co. The case study method was selected given that an in-depth data collection involving multiple sources of information was needed to investigate the phenomenon. Primary and secondary data were collected, analyzed, and triangulated.
Main Results: This study brings the construct of organizational psychic distance to the discussion and how can it impact internationalization choices. Moreover, it illustrates how some EMMs are successfully applying concepts described by both traditional and EMM theories in their internationalization strategies
Relevance / Originality: The study illustrates an empirical case from Latin America, a region poorly explored academically. Additionally, the case explains how a Brazilian company has managed to compete globally and become one of the biggest global players in the beauty industry.
Theoretical / Methodological Contributions: The case discusses, for the first time, the construct of organizational psychic distance and its impact on internationalization choices. It also defies the boundaries of the existing theories and enriches the literature by portraying the springboard perspective as complementary to the Uppsala model so that both theories can dialogue and be extended.
CASO DE ENSINO: A INTERNACIONALIZAÇÃO DAS TELENOVELAS BRASILEIRAS NA ERA DO STREAMING: O CASO DO GRUPO GLOBO
Authors: Dias Sophia , Russo Eduardo
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: Este estudo de caso propõe-se a apresentar a trajetória percorrida pela TV Globo em busca de alternativas para internacionalizar seus produtos audiovisuais, a partir da consolidação do Padrão Globo de Qualidade das Telenovelas até a disputa atual com as plataformas de streaming.
Método: Os dados para a construção do contexto histórico foram extraídos de fontes secundárias como jornais, revistas e teses, e as demais informações de relatórios da empresa e de agências publicados na internet.
Principais Resultados: Constatação das melhores estratégias de internacionalização do produto audiovisual por meio da análise VRIO.
Relevância / Originalidade: Este caso promove um debate sobre a internacionalização de produtos do audiovisual para uma empresa líder de segmento, que agora precisa formular novas estratégias para se internacionalizar na era do streaming. O dilema do caso diz respeito ao fato de a empresa seguir padronizando ou ter que adaptar suas produções.
Contribuições Teóricas / Metodológicas: Uso da análise VRIO no contexto de análise da internacionalização do produto audiovisual brasileiro
Contribuições Sociais / para a Gestão: O caso é recomendado para alunos da área de administração de empresas e negócios internacionais. Sua aplicação é sugerida para disciplinas de internacionalização de empresas, marketing internacional e inovação, que queiram tratar temas como estratégias internacionais, padronização ou adaptação de produtos internacionais e novos modelos de negócio por plataforma.
PENSATA: ESCOLHENDO ENTRE EFEITOS FIXOS E ALEATÓRIOS NA ANÁLISE DE DADOS EM PAINEL
Authors: Meneghini Eleandra Maria Prigol , Lana Jeferson
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: Nesta pensata, abordamos a importância do alinhamento entre as escolhas teóricas e metodológicas em pesquisas quantitativas, na busca por desmistificar os conceitos complexos de análise de dados em painel, especificamente a escolha entre efeitos fixos e aleatórios.
Método: Em formato de pensata e com abordagem didática, explicamos esses conceitos em linguagem clara e compreensível, tornando-os acessíveis a um público amplo.
Principais Resultados: Destacamos a importância da teoria e das escolhas metodológicas, incluindo as técnicas estatísticas aplicadas, na análise de dados em painel. Examinamos a necessidade de uma relação consistente entre a teoria e a metodologia selecionadas, bem como a importância de basear os efeitos pretendidos nas hipóteses formuladas. Ao discutir os desafios enfrentados por pesquisadores que não alinham adequadamente suas escolhas teóricas e metodológicas, buscamos demonstrar que tais decisões levam a resultados inconsistentes e potencialmente enganosos. Enfatizamos a importância de selecionar estimadores apropriados que sejam consistentes com a teoria desenvolvida e as hipóteses propostas.
Relevância / Originalidade: Esperamos que este artigo sirva como um guia útil para estudantes de pós-graduação em Administração e pesquisadores experientes que estão se familiarizando com a análise de dados em painel, auxiliando-os a produzir pesquisas mais robustas e confiáveis
Contribuições Teóricas / Metodológicas: Esta pensata contribui de maneira significativa para o campo da pesquisa em Administração, destacando a importância do alinhamento coerente entre as escolhas teóricas e metodológicas em pesquisas quantitativas, com foco específico na análise de dados em painel e na escolha entre efeitos fixos e aleatórios.
Sustainable Development as a Tool for the Assurance of Human Wellbeing (Public Law Aspects)
Authors:   Senior Research Scientist of the Kuban State University, LL.D., Irkhin Igor V.
Published: February 2024

The article notes that formal articulation of sustainable development takes place in the full semantic meaning identical to that of international acts or, for lack of a better word, segmentary (primarily in terms of economic and environmental aspects). The author points out that differentiated forms of regulation of sustainable development show diversity, dynamism and ability to adapt to various legal systems. However, it is emphasized that there still remain unavoidable risks of devaluation of sustainable development. The favorable breeding ground for the origination of such risks appears due to differentiated approaches towards the value scale for the assessment of priorities of the correlation of economic growth goals, tasks and ratios, environmental policy angle, social development paths.
Russian Constitutionalism: Reflections about Anniversary Results and Prospects
Authors:   Head of the Department of Constitutional and Municipal Law of the Law Faculty of the Lomonosov Moscow State University, LL.D., Professor, Avakyan Suren A.
Published: February 2024

An anniversary of the Constitution of the Russian Federation suggests an analysis of its positive sides and problems associated with its development and implementation. This is what this article is dedicated to.
Formalism and Realism in Effect of Electoral Law as Viewed by the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation
Authors:   Honored Lawyer of the Russian Federation, LL.D., Professor, Kolyushin Evgeny I.
Published: February 2024

The article is devoted to the vision of electoral law in the practice of administrative proceedings, which was reflected in the Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation no. 24 of June 27, 2023. Attention is drawn to formalism as a recognition of the priority importance of form and realism as a priority of the values of authenticity of content. These priorities change places at different stages of the electoral process. These priorities change places at different stages of the electoral process. The prevailing tendency to strengthen formalism, avoidance of recognition of the existence of measures of legal responsibility in the electoral law does not contribute to the disclosure of the democratic potential of the content of the constitutional right of citizens to elect and be elected, uniformity of judicial practice.
The Informational and Analytical Policy of Judicial Authorities (on the Example of the Development and Deployment of the Informational and Reference Complex for the Website of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation)
Authors:   Counsellor of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, Lecturer of the Department of Constitutional Law of the Law Faculty of the Saint Petersburg State University, Antonov Aleksey V. , Boldinov Yaroslav V. ,   Senior Lecturer of the Department of Financial Law of the National Research University Higher School of Economics
Published: February 2024

In 2022, some elements of the ‘Information — reference complex system’ in the development and preparation of which the authors took part were posted on the official website of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. In this article the authors share, their main ideas, which were used in the development and implementation of their concept, based on the constitutional duty of the social state to really ensure the accessibility of justice, combating corruption, and the transparency of the activities of judicial institutions necessary at the field of democracy.
Organic Charters of Municipal Structures in Argentina: The Nature and Place in the Legal Regulation System
Authors:   Deputy Director for Research of the Law Institute of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Associate Professor of the Department of Municipal Law, Associate Professor of the Department of Public Law of the Higher School of Economics, PhD (Law), Komlev Evgeny Yu.
Published: February 2024

The article examines the nature of municipal organic charters in Argentina. The author determined the requirements for municipalities that have the right to adopt organic charters; the procedure for adoption and features of the content of such charters; reviewed relevant historical aspects. Based on an analysis of Argentine legislation, law enforcement practice and doctrinal sources, the author comes to the conclusion about the quasi-constitutional nature of organic charters. According to the author, the experience of Argentina can be useful in terms of developing municipal rule-making in Russia, increasing the independence of municipal authorities and solving the problem of the ‘template’ nature of municipal charters.
On the Determination of Boundaries of Sets of Facts
Authors:   Attorney, Vice-President of the National Association of Business Defense Attorneys, Romanov Roman V.
Published: February 2024

The article reviews problems of the determination of boundaries of a set of facts as a system of legal facts. The issue of the establishment of boundaries of a set of facts has been studied in works of multiple Russian and foreign researchers. However, there are still certain issues in this area. The author primarily focuses on the identification of problems of studying and determination of elements of a set of facts in the temporal boundaries and the demarcation between sets of facts and single legal facts. In the paper, the author concludes that sets of facts as systems of single legal facts should have certain boundaries and a set of facts itself has a one-time action character. Besides, another challenging issue is the demarcation between elements of sets of facts and legal conditions that serve as a basis for the origination, amendment and termination of the multitude of legal relations. The author concludes that if there is a special indication of the legislator, legal conditions can be viewed as legal facts that constitute a set of facts.
Legal Tradition as a Cultural Matrix
Authors:   Professor of the Department of Theory of State and Law and Public Law Disciplines of the Kazan Innovative University Named after V.G. Timiryasov, Doctor of History, Associate Professor, Skorobogatov Andrey V.
Published: February 2024

The article contains a comprehensive philosophical and legal study of the category of legal tradition, the nature of legal tradition as a philosophical and legal category is studied and its role in law reality as a cultural matrix is determined.
Wpływ wydm śródlądowych na ukształtowanie miejskich terenów zieleni na przykładzie wybranych miast środkowej Polski
Authors: Kobojek Elżbieta
Published: February 2024

Tereny zieleni są ważnym elementem w strukturze przestrzennej miasta. Niektóre formy rzeźby terenu miały duży wpływ na ich lokalizację i charakter, np. obszary zalewowe, torfowiska, stoki o dużym nachyleniu. W zasięgu wielu miast w nizinnej części Polski występują także liczne wydmy śródlądowe, które wyróżniają się piaszczystą budową, suchością podłoża i urozmaiconą rzeźbą. W artykule przedstawiono wpływ wydm śródlądowych na ukształtowanie systemu terenów zieleni w miastach. Wydmy śródlądowe w badanych miastach są porośnięte głównie przez lasy sosnowe. W zależności od położenia w przestrzeni miejskiej pełnią one różne funkcje, np. spacerowo-wypoczynkowe czy rekreacyjne. Wydmy wpływają także na układ terenów zieleni w miastach. Najczęściej kształtują układ plamowy i klinowy. Lasy sosnowe na wydmach nie są tak bogate biologicznie jak roślinność liściasta ukształtowana przez człowieka w parkach miejskich, ale są ważnym elementem systemu przyrodniczego miasta. Nie wymagają stosowania intensywnych zabiegów pielęgnacyjnych, w tym podlewania, co w okresie zmian klimatu jest bardzo ważne. Dodatkowo roślinność jest dostosowana do warunków abiotycznych, czyli wykształcony jest specyficzny ekosystem. Jest to zgodne z proekologicznym trendem w zakresie akceptacji i kreowania naturalnego krajobrazu w mieście, w celu zwiększenia odporności środowiska miejskiego i poprawy jakości życia ludzi oraz innych gatunków.
Exploring Learning Factory Transformations in Industry 5.0
Authors: Athinarayanana Ragu
Published: February 2024

Industry 5.0, an evolution beyond the technological advancements of Industry 4.0, emphasizes a human-centricity, sustainable, and resilient manufacturing paradigm. This shift necessitates addressing multifaceted challenges, including environmental sustainability, workforce skill gaps, human well-being, and implementation costs. Learning factories, conceived as a solution, bridge the gap between theory and practice by offering hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. However, current learning factories predominantly cater to Industry 4.0, lacking a focus on the human-centricity and sustainability crucial for Industry 5.0. This study explores the on-going transformations in learning factories and their potentials to address Industry 5.0 challenges.
Individual Control Strategies in Training: Myoelectric activity and recruitment strategies in the co-contraction training
Authors: R. S. Silva Nilson , Pacheco Matheus M. , Fujita Rafael A. , Villalba Marina M. , Gomes Matheus M.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND: The literature in motor control has abundant evidence on within-/between-person variability when it comes to control strategies in several behaviors - which largely influences intervention outcomes. Despite being an intervention itself, strength training paradigms are yet to be analyzed beyond the average behavior. Based on myoelectric activity (EMG) analyses, this study emerges as a descriptive analysis on how the co-contraction training paradigm provides stimuli for strength training of knee extensors and flexors.
AIM: Considering the potential large interindividual variability in muscle activation patterns during resistance training, we explored the co-contraction paradigm considering the individual characteristics.
METHOD: Ten active male adults participated in two days of co-contraction training paradigm with their EMG activity collected (sartorius, biceps femoris long and short heads, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis and medialis and tensor fascia-latae).
RESULTS: On average, participants recruit 36% of their maximum EMG amplitude, decay 0.41% per repetition but increase 7.45% between sessions. The training stimulated similarly the knee flexors and extensors EMG ratio of all participants. However, participants demonstrated different average muscle recruitment patterns with few individuals modifying, largely, their recruitment over repetitions/days. Between and within-variability in recruitment pattern was maintained throughout repetitions and days.
CONCLUSION: Thus, the co-contraction training demonstrated sufficient muscle activation to be employed and evoked similar muscular recruitment between agonists and antagonists. To the best of our knowledge, this is a pioneer study encompassing the complexity of movement control in evaluating a strength training protocol.
Use of force plates to investigate human motor performance
Authors: Barela Ana Maria F. , Bacca Odair , Celestino Melissa L.
Published: February 2024

Force plates have commonly been used to measure ground reaction forces. The acquired signals can be used to calculate several parameters for different motor tasks performed by human beings. Therefore, the goal of this tutorial is to present general information regarding the most common force plates, as well as their descriptions in terms of their structures, setup procedures, and signal acquisition, conversion, and export functions. This tutorial primarily provides information for those interested in using force plates to investigate human performances in the fields of motor behavior and biomechanics.
Michael Turvey: A Legacy of Scientific Excellence and Kindness
Authors: Profeta Vitor L. S.
Published: February 2024

Michael Turvey’s research in motor control and coordination influenced many generations of movement scientists, Brazilian scholars included. Throughout his career, Michael Turvey aimed for excellence in research, teaching, and mentoring while treating students and colleagues with kindness.
Curadoria, acervo institucional fora do eixo, mulheres artistas
Authors: Magalhães Thais Fernanda Rocha , Lee Henrique de Oliveira
Published: February 2024

Este artigo apresenta o trabalho de pesquisa, curadoria coletiva e interdisciplinar da exposição Bio realizada em 2023 no Museu de Arte e de Cultura Popular (MACP), localizado dentro do campus da Universidade Federal do Estado de Mato Grosso (UFMT) em Cuiabá. Seguindo a perspectiva da curadora Lisette Lagnado (2018), a curadoria é uma atividade múltipla, formadora de um discurso e relevante nas negociações juntos às instituições. Percorrendo essa linha, propomos as seguintes reflexões a respeito do trabalho com a coleção do museu: a produção de uma exposição em uma instituição museal universitária, fora de um eixo hegemônico, o contato com acervo institucional do MACP com foco na produção das mulheres artistas e a criação de uma metodologia para a exposição articulando o termo disparador, eixos temáticos e as ocupações realizadas ao longo da exposição.
On the Additive and Subtractive Representation of Even Numbers from Primes
Authors: Shehu Ali , Uka Jetmira , Shehu Ali
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate a new quantitative method to the sieve of Eratosthenes, which is an alternative to the sieve of Legendre. In this method, every element of a given set is sifted out once only, and therefore, this method is free of the Mobius function and of the parity barrier. Using this method, we prove that every sufficiently large even number is the sum of two primes, and that every even number is the difference of two primes in infinitely many ways.
Whiter and Greener RP-HPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of Dorzolamide, Brinzolamide, and Timolol Using Isopropanol as a Sustainable Organic Solvent in the Mobile Phase
Authors: El Deeb Sami , Abdelsamad Khalid , Parr Maria Kristina
Published: February 2024

A sustainable reversed-phase chromatographic method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of three active pharmaceutical ingredients, dorzolamide, brinzolamide, and timolol, used to treat glaucoma. The eco-friendly solvent isopropanol has been used as an organic mobile phase constituent. According to the Hansen space green solvent selection tool, isopropanol has a G score of 6.5, comparable to ethanol, which has a G score of 6.6. The mobile phase consists of isopropanol: aqueous sodium acetate buffer (0.1 M, pH 4.25) in the ratio of 10:90 (v/v). The flow rate was maintained at 1 mL/min. Dorzolamide and brinzolamide were detected at 254 nm, and timolol was detected at 295 nm. A high-purity silica with a polymeric C18 modification column (5 µm,150 x 4.6 mm) was used for this separation. The three compounds were eluted within 8 min. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 20-70 µg/mL, 40-140 µg/mL, and 20-70 µg/mL for dorzolamide, brinzolamide, and timolol, respectively. The LODs were found to be 1.61 µg/mL, 1.60 µg/mL, and 3.16 µg/mL for dorzolamide, brinzolamide, and timolol, respectively. Good accuracy and precision were obtained for the three compounds. The greenness and whiteness of the method were indicated using the AGREE and RGB12 tools, respectively.
Exploring Health-Seeking Behavior among Diverse Ethnic Subgroups within the Black Population in the United States and Canada: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tiruneh Yordanos M , Anwoju Oluwatunmininu , Harrison Ariel C. , Garcia Martha T. , Elbers Shauna K
Published: February 2024

The Black population, often treated as ethnically homogenous, faces a constant challenge in accessing and utilizing healthcare services. This study examines the intragroup differences in health-seeking behavior among the multiple ethnic subgroups that comprise the Black community. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 239 adults ≥18 years who self-identified as Black in the United States and Canada. A multiple logistic regression model was fitted to evaluate the relationship between health-seeking behaviors and ethnic origin controlling for selected social and health related factors. The mean age of participants was 38.6 years, 31% were male, and 20% were unemployed. Sixty-one percent reported very good or excellent health status, and 59.7% reported not being treated for chronic disease at the time of the survey. Aging (OR=1.05, CI:1.01–1.09) and being female (OR= 0.30, CI: 0.14–0.65) were associated with favorable health-seeking behaviors. Compared with participants who had earned high school diplomas only, those who reported having earned graduate degrees were 75% less likely to have engaged in favorable health-seeking behavior (OR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.07–0.86). In the Black community of our sample, regardless of ethnic origins or country of birth, the factors associated with health-seeking behavior were age, gender, and educational attainment.

Keywords: African American; African; Caribbean; Healthcare Utilization; Ethnic Disparities; Health-seeking behavior; intragroup difference, black populations, ethnic subgroups
Acod1 Mediate Anti-inflammatory Treg Function in Sepsis
Authors: Mickael Michel-Edwar , Kubick Norwin , Atansov Atanas G. , Horbańczuk Jarosław Olav , Religa Piotr , Sacharczuk Mariusz , Ławiński Michał
Published: February 2024

Sepsis is a serious disease that can lead to mortality. The etiology of the disease is connected to how the body as a host reacts toward microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi invasion. Current research shows that during sepsis, the reaction toward microbe attacks takes two main phases. The first is known as a cytokine storm, while the second is a vicious cycle of pro-inflammatory responses followed by a strict anti-inflammatory response led by CD4+ Tregs. Various immunomodulatory therapies have been proposed to break the cycle of pro- and anti-inflammatory reactions to sepsis. However, clinical trials did not show promising results, indicating further research into the mechanism that Treg uses to inhibit proinflammatory reactions. We used next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq data to examine the exact molecular pathways used by Treg to inhibit the immune response in sepsis. Our approach identified ACOD1 (Aconitate Decarboxylase 1) as a primary mediator of Treg suppression of immune cells. We identified and validated CD36 as a downstream target of ACOD1. CD36 is a known metabolite regulator in Tregs. Taken together, our results indicate that targeting ACOD1 could prove valuable in regulating Treg function during sepsis.
Wastewater Based Epidemiology for Viral Surveillance in an Endemic Perspective: Evidence and Challenges
Authors: Verani Marco , Pagani Alessandra , Federigi Ileana , Lauretani Giulia , Atomsa Nebiyu Tariku , Rossi Virginia , Viviani Luca , Carducci Annalaura
Published: February 2024

Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) is currently used to monitor not only the spread of the pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2 but also for other viruses in endemic conditions, particularly in the absence of syndromic surveillance. Continuous monitoring of sewage requires high costs and significant time investment, highlighting the need for standardized methods and structured monitoring strategies. In this context, we conducted weekly wastewater monitoring in northwestern Italy, targeting Human Adenovirus (HAdV), Norovirus Genogroup II (NoVggII), Enterovirus (EV), and SARS-CoV-2. Samples collected at the entrance of treatment plants were concentrated using PEG/NaCl precipitation and viral nucleic acids were extracted and detected by real-time (RT-)qPCR. NoVggII resulted the most identified target (84.4%), followed by HAdV, SARS-CoV-2, and EV. Only HAdV and EV exhibited seasonal peaks in spring and summer. SARS-CoV-2 results compared with data previously collected in the same study area (February 2021 to September 2021) revealed a shift from an epidemic to a pandemic status, likely due to the evolution of variants. In conclusion, WBE, using standardized methods and an efficient monitoring strategy, proves valuable for virus surveillance in pandemic and epidemic scenarios, enabling the identification of temporal-local distribution patterns that are useful for making informed public health decision.
Reflecting Regional Conditions in Circular Bioeconomy Scenarios: A Multi-criteria Approach for Matching Technologies and Regions
Authors: Güldemund Almut , Zeller Vanessa
Published: February 2024

The Circular Bioeconomy (CBE) combines the concepts of bioeconomy and circular economy. As an alternative concept to the current fossil-based, linear economy, it de-scribes an economy based on the efficient valorization of biomass. It is regional in nature and aims to improve sustainability. An analysis of the transition process, by identifying its success criteria and assessing its impacts through the modelling of technology-specific scenarios is necessary to ensure that CBE concepts are sustainable. However, a compre-hensive consideration of regional influences on both is lacking.
Based on extensive literature research and an expert survey, we (i) present a compre-hensive catalog of CBE success criteria and discuss their region-specific character and (ii) develop a methodology based on evaluation matrices that enable to match CBE technolo-gies with regions. The matrices support the evaluation of technological and regional characteristics influencing the successful CBE implementation.
The results show that the success criteria "biomass resources", "technological", and "social" are perceived as highly important, and that most of the success criteria are both region- and technology-specific, highlighting the relevance of developing matrices to match them. We describe such matrices indicatively for the two broadest and most im-portant success criteria clusters “social acceptance” and “biomass supply chain”.
With this, we substantiate the regional nature of CBE and raise the awareness on the importance of considering regional conditions in CBE transition processes. Furthermore, we provide practical guidance on how regional conditions can be reflected in the selection of technologies, e.g. in regional CBE technology scenarios.
Cell Type Specific Extracellular Vesicles and Their Impact on Health and Disease
Authors: Amin Sohil , Massoumi Hamed , Tewari Deepshikha , Roy Arnab Karmaker , Chaudhuri Madhurima , Jazayerli Cedra , Krishan Abhi , Singh Mannat , Soleimani Mohammad , Karaca Esra , Mirzaei Arash , Guaiquil Victor H , Rosenblatt Mark I , Djalilian Ali R , Jalilian Elmira
Published: February 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), a diverse group of cell-derived exocytosed particles, are pivotal in mediating intercellular communication due to their ability to selectively transfer biomolecules to specific cell types. EVs, composed of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, are taken up by cells to affect a variety of signaling cascades. Research in the field has primarily focused on stem-cell derived EVs, with a particular focus on mesenchymal stem cells, for their potential therapeutic benefits. Recently, tissue specific EVs or cell type specific extracellular vesicles (CTS-EVs), have garnered attention for their unique biogenesis and molecular composition because they enable highly targeted cell-specific communication. Various studies have outlined the roles that CTS-EVs play in signaling for physiological function and maintenance of homeostasis, including immune modulation, tissue regeneration, and organ development. These properties are also exploited for disease propagation, such as in cancer, neurological disorders, infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, and more. The insights gained from analyzing CTS-EVs in different biological roles not only enhance our understanding of intercellular signaling and disease pathogenesis, but also open new avenues for innovative diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. This review comprehensively outlines current understanding of CTS-EV origins, function within normal physiology, and implications in diseased states.
Evaluation of Co-Inhibition of ErbB Family and PI3K Kinases for HPV-Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dan Hancai , Geng Xinyan , Azarbarzin Shirin , Yang Zejia , Lapidus Rena G. , Fan Xiaoxuan , Teng Yong , Mehra Ranee , Cullen Kevin J.
Published: February 2024

The ErbB/HER family of protein-tyrosine kinases (ErbB) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) represent crucial targets in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We previously reported that a combination therapy using Afatinib (ErbB inhibitor) and Copanlisib (PI3K inhibitor), both FDA-approved kinase inhibitors, suppressed the growth of HPV-positive HNSCC. In our current study, we further evaluated the efficacy and clinical potential of this combination therapy for treating HPV-negative HNSCC in vitro and in animal model. We found that the combination treatment of Afatinib and Copanlisib dramatically enhanced inhibition of cell proliferation and reduced cell survival when compared to treatment with either inhibitor in two HPV negative HNSCC cell lines. Notably, this combination led to significant inhibition of xenograft tumor growth in mice, without any apparent effects on body weight. Copanlisib alone effectively blocked PI3K/Akt signaling, but caused up-regulation of HER2 and HER3 phosphorylation as previously reported in other types of cancer. However, the combination treatment with Copanlisib and Afatinib completely blocked phosphorylation of the ErbB family (including HER3) and Akt, while also remarkedly increasing apoptosis. These results suggest that co-targeting the ErbB family and PI3K kinases by a combination treatment of Afatinib and Copanlisib can have clinical potential for patients.
Plain Radiography: A Unique and Essential Component of Spinal Assessment and Predictive Health
Authors: Arnone Philip Anthony , McCanse Andrew Edson , Farmen Derek Scott , Alano Mark Vincent , Weber Nicholas James , Thomas Shawn Patrick , Webster Austin Hyer
Published: February 2024

While some research supports utilizing plain radiography for measuring biomechanical alignment of the spine for prognosis and treatment, there are contrasting viewpoints regarding both the value and utilization of these procedures in conservative care. Evaluation of both conservative and non-conservative approaches to spinal care revealed vast differences in radiographic utilization and interpretation between orthopedic surgeons, primary care physicians, chiropractic physicians, and physical therapists, which may account for the different viewpoints and rationale in the literature. A research summary is provided regarding the various methods of spinal analysis utilized by these professions to help determine if there is any unique diagnostic or prognostic value associated with radiographic utilization that could assist in advancing conservative spinal assessment and treatment. Understanding any unique value provided through biomechanical assessment utilizing plain radiography of the spine established in the literature may help chiropractic physicians determine the appropriate use of radiographic procedures in clinical practice and how to coordinate efforts with other conservative and non-conservative professions to improve spinal healthcare.
Digital Literacy, Insurtech Adoption and Insurance Inclusion in Uganda
Authors: Kiwanuka Archillies , Sibindi Athenia Bongani
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to establish whether digital literacy and insurtech adoption influence insurance inclusion in Uganda. Principally, we sought to determine whether insurtech adoption mediates the nexus between digital literacy and insurance inclusion. This study adopted a cross-sectional and quantitative correlational approach. The study’s sample was 391 individuals who had used digital platforms such as mobile phones and computers to access insurance products and services in Uganda. Data were collected using structured survey questionnaires. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLSEM) was employed to test the hypothesised relationships. The results demonstrate that both digital literacy and insurtech adoption significantly and positively influence insurance inclusion. We also found digital literacy to be a significant and positive determinant of insurtech adoption. Markedly, it was found that insurtech adoption mediates the association between digital literacy and insurance inclusion in Uganda. However, this study was conducted in a developing country with an underdeveloped insurance market and with low technological advancement. This may affect generalisation of the study findings. This study’s novelty lies in establishing how digital literacy and insurtech adoption interplay to influence insurance inclusion in Uganda. This is the first study to examine the effect of digital literacy and insurtech adoption on insurance inclusion.
Assessing the Accuracy and Reliability of AI-Generated Responses to Patient Questions Regarding Spine Surgery
Authors: Kasthuri Viknesh S. , Glueck Jacob , Pham Han , Daher Mohammad , Balmaceno-Criss Mariah , McDonald Christopher L. , Diebo Bassel G. , Daniels Alan H.
Published: February 2024

Background:

In today’s digital age, patients increasingly rely on online search engines for medical information. The integration of large language models such as GPT-4 into search engines such as Bing raises concerns over the potential transmission of misinformation when patients search for information online regarding spine surgery.

Methods:

SearchResponse.io, a database that archives People Also Ask (PAA) data from Google, was utilized to determine the most popular patient questions regarding 4 specific spine surgery topics: anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, lumbar fusion, laminectomy, and spinal deformity. Bing’s responses to these questions, along with the cited sources, were recorded for analysis. Two fellowship-trained spine surgeons assessed the accuracy of the answers on a 6-point scale and the completeness of the answers on a 3-point scale. Inaccurate answers were re-queried 2 weeks later. Cited sources were categorized and evaluated against Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria. Interrater reliability was measured with use of the kappa statistic. A linear regression analysis was utilized to explore the relationship between answer accuracy and the type of source, number of sources, and mean JAMA benchmark score.

Results:

Bing’s responses to 71 PAA questions were analyzed. The average completeness score was 2.03 (standard deviation [SD], 0.36), and the average accuracy score was 4.49 (SD, 1.10). Among the question topics, spinal deformity had the lowest mean completeness score. Re-querying the questions that initially had answers with low accuracy scores resulted in responses with improved accuracy. Among the cited sources, commercial sources were the most prevalent. The JAMA benchmark score across all sources averaged 2.63. Government sources had the highest mean benchmark score (3.30), whereas social media had the lowest (1.75).

Conclusions:

Bing’s answers were generally accurate and adequately complete, with incorrect responses rectified upon re-querying. The plurality of information was sourced from commercial websites. The type of source, number of sources, and mean JAMA benchmark score were not significantly correlated with answer accuracy. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing evaluation and improvement of large language models to ensure reliable and informative results for patients seeking information regarding spine surgery online amid the integration of these models in the search experience.
New CMS Policy on the Mandatory Collection of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty by 2027
Authors: Pasqualini Ignacio , Piuzzi Nicolas S.
Published: February 2024

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized a landmark national policy to standardize and expand the collection and reporting of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This policy will be rolled out through phased implementation, beginning with voluntary reporting starting in 2023 and transitioning to mandatory reporting starting in 2025, which will be tied to hospital payment determinations in fiscal year 2028. The overarching goal of this policy is to gather meaningful pre- and postoperative PROM data directly from patients to enhance clinical care, shared decision-making, and quality measurement for these common elective procedures. This national initiative underscores the value of incorporating patient perspectives and priorities into assessments of surgical care quality. For orthopaedic surgeons and hospitals, participating in the initial voluntary reporting period provides an opportunity to integrate PROM collection into clinical workflows and to leverage these data to improve patient care. The achievement of robust PROM response rates and a strong performance on the underlying THA/TKA Patient-Reported Outcome-Based Performance Measure may have increasing relevance as payment models shift toward value-based care. The aim of the present forum was to provide an in-depth review of this new CMS policy and key details regarding required PROM instruments, data-collection time frames, and other specifications that surgical teams should understand as they prepare for implementation. The goal was to equip orthopaedic surgeons with actionable information as they embark on this new era of national PROM collection and reporting.
Análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica mundial sobre tuberculosis asociada a Covid-19
Authors:   , Nieto Chumbipuma Jorge Alberto , Silva Reategui Luis Enrique
Published: February 2024

Actualmente, la tuberculosis y el COVID-19 son las principales infecciones en todo el mundo. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la producción científica mundial sobre el COVID 19 asociado a la tuberculosis durante el periodo 2019-2020. Métodos: Para la recopilación de metadatos sobre COVID-19 asociado a tuberculosis se utilizó la base de datos Scopus, considerando el periodo 2019-2020, siendo el último día de actualización el 13 de septiembre de 2021. Se extrajeron los principales autores, países, instituciones, métricas de las revistas y documentos. Para el análisis cienciométrico de los datos se utilizó la herramienta Scival. Resultados: Se recuperaron un total de 464 artículos en los que se observó que las universidades de Sudáfrica, Estados Unidos e Inglaterra lideraban la producción científica mundial. The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease fue la revista con mayor producción y The Lancet Global Health fue la revista con más citas por publicación. Por otra parte, la mayoría de los trabajos se publicaron en revistas de Q1, siendo las enfermedades infecciosas dentro del área de la medicina las más abordadas. Conclusiones: Las universidades sudafricanas son líderes mundiales en producción científica. La mayor parte de la investigación sobre este tema se ha publicado en revistas Q1, y la colaboración ha sido mayoritariamente nacional. Tras la pandemia, es necesario realizar nuevos análisis.
Dificultades frente a la enseñanza remota de los docentes de la carrera de Medicina de la Universidad Científica del Sur durante la pandemia de la Covid-19
Authors:   , Chafloque Tapia Cristhian Oliver
Published: February 2024

Se entrevistaron a 249 docentes de la Universidad Científica del Sur pertenecientes a la carrera de Medicina Humana utilizando un cuestionario evaluado mediante juicio de expertos y calculando su consistencia interna mediante el coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach. La muestra estaba constituida principalmente por varones, entre los 26 a 45 años, con carga familiar y con grado de Maestría. El cuestionario evaluó 3 áreas, Formación y capacitación en Educación Remota, Accesibilidad y dominio de los instrumentos utilizados en la Educación Remota y Actitud de los docentes frente a la Educación Remota. Los resultados muestran que los docentes participantes poseían conocimientos y habilidades tecnológicas previas que les permitieron enfrentar la pandemia. Sin embargo, una larga jornada laboral, un mayor esfuerzo visual y una limitada verbalización, acompañaron a una actitud negativa con respecto a la educación remota.
Complicaciones maternas asociadas a la infección por el virus SARS-COV-2 en gestantes atendidas en el Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrión en el año 2022
Authors:   , Quintana Lava Maria Alexandra , Vera Casallo Camila Alessandra
Published: February 2024

Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de complicaciones maternas en pacientes admitidas en el Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrión con infección del virus de SARS-CoV-2 en el mes de marzo del 2022. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un análisis exploratorio descriptivo a partir de los datos recolectados sobre 262 gestantes atendidas en el Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrión. Se realizó un análisis univariado y bivariado, además se ejecutó un análisis multivariado mediante un modelo lineal generalizado. Resultados: Se halló que el 100% de pacientes con prueba positiva no presentaron síntomas respiratorios. En cuanto a las complicaciones, 180 gestantes (69%) las presentaron. La hemorragia fue la que presentó mayor porcentaje con un total de 63 pacientes, en su mayoría con resultado positivo, seguido de la enfermedad hipertensiva del embarazo (EHE) presente en mayor cantidad en pacientes contagiadas y, por el contrario, la infección fue más frecuente con resultado negativo; estas complicaciones contaron con 27 pacientes cada una y, por último, se observaron 105 gestantes con otras complicaciones, en su mayoría con positividad. En cuanto al análisis multivariado, al hacer el análisis ajustado no se observó significancia en relación a las variables. Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de las embarazadas estudiadas dieron positivo a la prueba que se le realizó. Las complicaciones maternas en pacientes con infección de SARS CoV-2 se presentaron con mayor frecuencia como hemorragias. Además, no se puede descartar la asociación entre la infección por SARS-CoV-2 y el parto prematuro.
Evaluación de la ocupación actual del territorio por las actividades extractivas y expansión urbana en los humedales del Perú utilizando sistemas de información geográfica
Authors:   , Soto Ceferino Rosa Maria
Published: February 2024

El Perú cuenta con una gran diversidad de humedales, los cuales son de vital importancia para la adaptación frente al cambio climático. Estos ecosistemas se encuentran expuestos a cambios en el uso del suelo y otros impactos causados por las actividades extractivas y la expansión urbana. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar las presiones existentes en los sitios Ramsar y humedales peruanos, causadas por las actividades extractivas, la expansión urbana y la presencia de comunidades. Para lograr este propósito, se emplearon sistemas de información geográfica que permiten determinar la superposición entre las concesiones mineras, forestales, lotes petroleros, expansión urbana y la distribución de los humedales. Los resultados indican que los humedales Ramsar presentan una alta superposición con las concesiones mineras (12 664.28 ha), los lotes petroleros (3 744 897.37 ha) y la expansión urbana (28 979 ha). Se ha evidenciado una mayor superposición de concesiones mineras (403 885.31 ha) con los humedales en general, mientras que la superposición de los lotes petroleros fue de 897 439.33 ha, fue mayor con los pantanos arbustivos. En el Abanico del río Pastaza, es común encontrar superposiciones frecuentes de actividades extractivas, como la minería o la extracción de recursos naturales, en áreas ocupadas por comunidades campesinas y nativas. Asimismo, un 81 873.87 ha de los bofedales y lagunas con territorios comunales campesinos se superpone con el área que ocupan las concesiones mineras. Se concluye que existen conflictos en derechos de uso en humedales siendo esencial priorizar los ubicados en las áreas más vulnerables para llevar a cabo acciones concretas. Además, se requiere el fortalecimiento legal y la participación de diversos actores para lograr una gestión sostenible de los humedales.