bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Improving Histopathological Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer: A Review
Authors: Afifi Shereen , Faragallah M. Hamdy , Taha Radwa , Baig Mirza , Ullah Ehsan , Gholam Hosseini Hamid , Hassanein Sally I.
Published: November 2024

This review investigates the effectiveness of exploiting the massive Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in the diagnosis of prostate cancer histopathological images. It focuses on studying and analyzing the current state and practice for utilizing AI tools, including significant machine learning and deep learning models in the histopathological image analysis process. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) methodology was adopted for conducting this systematic review to include recent research articles that have been published since 2017. Leveraging novel deep learning models and advanced imaging techniques, AI demonstrates promising capabilities in improving accuracy and efficiency in detecting and classifying prostate cancer. A comprehensive comparison of existing works has been presented with in-depth discussions around current limitations and key challenges while proposing some future advancements. This study aims to pave the way for future research and further integration of AI into the diagnostic processes toward early detection, personalized treatment strategies, and enhanced patient outcomes in the context of a prostate cancer diagnosis.
On-Orbit Processing and Hardware Performance of Microgravity Hydrothermal Synthesis for Graphene Aerogel
Authors: Li Zhou , Ozbakir Yaprak , Frick Jessica J. , Ormsby Rachel , Scherzer Christopher , Liu Chen , Cox Jasmine M. , Carraro Carlo , Maboudian Roya , Senesky Debbie G.
Published: November 2024

This study reports on the hydrothermal synthesis of graphene hydrogels (GHs) under microgravity on the International Space Station (ISS), using a custom-designed autoclave compatible with NASA's Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampoules (SUBSA) furnace. Extensive long-term stability tests of graphene oxide (GO) dispersion and GHs in deionized (DI) water were performed to verify their compatibility with the custom-designed autoclaves before launching to the ISS. Eight ampoules (2 autoclaves each, totaling 16 samples) filled with GO dispersion were launched to the ISS and heated to trigger the gelation reaction to synthesize GHs. The effectiveness of the designed leak-before-burst (LBB) safety technology for controlling the pressure inside the autoclave under safety requirements was demonstrated during the heating process on the ISS through the release of water vapor. For comparison, another eight ampoules filled with the GO dispersion were heated at the same temperature on Earth, resulting in 16 total control samples to analyze the effects of microgravity on the multiphysical properties of graphene aerogels (GAs). Both sets of GH samples prepared on the ISS and on Earth were transformed into GAs via solvent exchange to ethanol at ambient conditions, followed by critical point drying using carbon dioxide. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the successful synthesis of GAs on the ISS. As a continuation of the work, further characterization experiments are underway to comprehensively analyze the multiphysical properties of the graphene aerogels upon synthesis under microgravity conditions.
A Critical and Comparative Study of Layered Cylindrical Hollow Roller Bearing Using Numerical and Experimental Analyses for the Assessment of Static Load Carrying Capacity
Authors: Solanki Mitul T. , Vakharia Dipak P.
Published: November 2024

The fatigue life of rolling bearings is a critical factor in their selection and application, driving ongoing research aimed at enhancing their performance. Among the solutions explored, the introduction of hollow rollers has been noted for their lighter weight and reduced stress. However, experimental results have shown that hollow rollers can suffer catastrophic failures under low static loading conditions. Recent studies have demonstrated that layered cylindrical hollow rollers (LCHRs) outperform both conventional solid and hollow cylindrical rollers under similar loading conditions. This warrants further investigation into the potential benefits of LCHR. This study aims to estimate the static load carrying capacity of LCHR bearing in comparison to hollow cylindrical roller bearings having different hollowness percentage. Corrected experimental results from individual roller-on-plate tests showed excellent agreement (within 5%) with numerical analyses, validating the numerical approach. Key parameters such as von Mises stress, contact pressure, bending stress, and contact width were obtained through numerical analysis. Additionally, a static load test rig was designed and developed to estimate the static load carrying capacity of the bearings under examination. The results of full bearing sample tests for various roller types corroborated the individual roller-on-plate test findings. The observed superior static load carrying capacity and promising semi-contact width of LCHR indicate their potential for extended fatigue life compared to solid and hollow rollers.
The Contribution of Whole-Food and Supplemental Derived Dietary Protein, From Animal and Nonanimal Origins, to Daily Protein Intake in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Haigh Freyja A.D. , Whelehan Gráinne , West Sam , Apicella Marianna C.A. , Wilkinson Kiera , van der Heijden Ino , Jameson Tom S.O. , Pavis George F. , Monteyne Alistair J. , Dirks Marlou L. , Stephens Francis B. , Wall Benjamin T.
Published: November 2024

We characterized daily dietary protein intakes, focusing on protein source (animal and nonanimal) and form (whole-foods and supplemental) in young (18–40 years) resistance trained (training ≥ 3×/week for ≥ 6 months; TRA; male, n = 30; female, n = 14) and recreationally active (no structured training; REC; male, n = 30; female, n = 30) individuals. Using 3-day weighed food diaries from 10 previous studies, we assessed macronutrient intakes using dietary analysis software. Energy intakes trended greater in TRA compared with REC (p = .056) and were greater in males than females (p = .006). TRA consumed greater (p = .002) proportions of daily energy intake as protein than REC (23 ± 6 vs. 19 ± 5%Energy), which also trended greater in males compared with females (22 ± 3 vs. 20 ± 2%Energy; p = .060). Absolute (p < .001) and relative (to body mass [BM]; p < .001) protein intakes were greater in TRA (males, 159 ± 54 g/day or 1.6 ± 0.7 g·kg−1 BM·day−1; females, 105 ± 40 g/day or 2.0 ± 0.6 g·kg−1 BM·day−1; p < .001) than REC (males, 103 ± 37 g/day or 1.3 ± 0.5 g·kg−1 BM·day−1; females, 85 ± 23 g/day or 1.3 ± 0.4 g·kg−1 BM·day−1; p < .001), with absolute (p = .025), but not relative (p = .129) intakes greater in males. A greater proportion of total protein was consumed from animal compared with nonanimal in TRA (68% vs. 32%, respectively; p < .001) and REC (64% vs. 36%, respectively; p < .001); the skew driven exclusively by males (72% vs. 28%, respectively; p < .001). A greater proportion (∼92%) of total protein was consumed as whole-foods compared with supplemental, irrespective of training status or sex (p < .001). We show animal and whole-food–derived proteins contribute the majority to daily dietary protein intakes in TRA and REC young males and females.
Tlr7
drives sex differences in age- and Alzheimer’s disease–related demyelination
Authors: Lopez-Lee Chloe , Kodama Lay , Fan Li , Zhu Daphne , Zhu Jingjie , Wong Man Ying , Ye Pearly , Norman Kendra , Foxe Nessa R. , Ijaz Laraib , Yu Fangmin , Chen Hao , Carling Gillian K. , Torres Eileen R. , Kim Rachel D. , Dubal Dena B. , Liddelow Shane A. , Sinha Subhash C. , Luo Wenjie , Gan Li
Published: November 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other age-related disorders associated with demyelination exhibit sex differences. In this work, we used single-nuclei transcriptomics to dissect the contributions of sex chromosomes and gonads in demyelination and AD. In a mouse model of demyelination, we identified the roles of sex chromosomes and gonads in modifying microglia and oligodendrocyte responses before and after myelin loss. In an AD-related mouse model expressing APOE4, XY sex chromosomes heightened interferon (IFN) response and tau-induced demyelination. The X-linked gene, Toll-like receptor 7 (
Tlr7
), regulated sex-specific IFN response to myelin. Deletion of
Tlr7
dampened sex differences while protecting against demyelination. Administering TLR7 inhibitor mitigated tau-induced motor impairment and demyelination in male mice, indicating that
Tlr7
plays a role in the male-biased type I Interferon IFN response in aging- and AD-related demyelination.
Misinformation exploits outrage to spread online
Authors: McLoughlin Killian L. , Brady William J. , Goolsbee Aden , Kaiser Ben , Klonick Kate , Crockett M. J.
Published: November 2024

We tested a hypothesis that misinformation exploits outrage to spread online, examining generalizability across multiple platforms, time periods, and classifications of misinformation. Outrage is highly engaging and need not be accurate to achieve its communicative goals, making it an attractive signal to embed in misinformation. In eight studies that used US data from Facebook (1,063,298 links) and Twitter (44,529 tweets, 24,007 users) and two behavioral experiments (1475 participants), we show that (i) misinformation sources evoke more outrage than do trustworthy sources; (ii) outrage facilitates the sharing of misinformation at least as strongly as sharing of trustworthy news; and (iii) users are more willing to share outrage-evoking misinformation without reading it first. Consequently, outrage-evoking misinformation may be difficult to mitigate with interventions that assume users want to share accurate information.
In Science Journals
Authors: Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Uzogara Ekeoma , Vignieri Sacha , Stajic Jelena , Lavine Marc S. , Olingy Claire , Smith Jesse , Charneski Catherine , Jiang Di , Osborne Ian S. , Maroso Mattia , Hurtley Stella M. , Ash Caroline , Suleymanov Yury , Kelly Priscilla N. , Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: November 2024

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
In Other Journals
Authors: Lopez Bianca , Ross Sarah H. , Jin Sumin , Funk Michael A. , Hurtley Stella M. , Uzogara Ekeoma , Stajic Jelena
Published: November 2024

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Australian Particle Therapy Clinical Quality Registry (ASPIRE) protocol (TROG 21.12): a multicentre prospective study on patients with rare tumours, treated with radiation therapy
Authors: Skelton Kelly , Gorayski Peter , Penfold Scott , Murray Amber , Hamilton Daniel , Yeo Adam , Jessop Sophie , Hwang Eunji , Dass Joshua , Le Hien
Published: November 2024

Introduction

In 2020, the Australian Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) recommended new proton beam therapy (PBT) item numbers be added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule. During the MSAC 1638 application process, MSAC recognised the uncertainties inherent in the cost-utility modelling of PBT. To address these uncertainties, MSAC proposed the establishment of a national registry with the intention to gather evidence to validate the claim of PBT’s superior toxicity outcomes and cost-effectiveness compared with conventional photon radiation therapy.

Methods and analysis

The Australian Particle Therapy Clinical Quality Registry is a prospective, observational, longitudinal registry collecting national data on paediatric, adolescent young adult and adult patients with rare tumours receiving any form of radiation therapy for a defined group of diseases, specified by the MSAC 1638 Public Summary Document. Eligible patients undergoing radiation therapy at participating institutions will be provided with information about the registry, including the opt-out procedure. The registry has no enrolment cap and will persist either indefinitely or until the conclusion of the study.

The study design was informed by the Australian Metadata Online Repository and contains a core set of minimum data elements. Representing baseline participant demographics, assessment, diagnosis and treatment; incorporating radiation and systemic therapies, with a specific focus on long-term follow-up, treatment toxicities and specific organ-at-risk testing.

Ethics and dissemination

There will be no identifying data used in any reports or presentations of data. Additionally, all identifiable data will be safeguarded according to standard practices and available only to the host institution submitting the data to the registry. Aggregated data for the purposes of research will be stripped of identifiers. The registry has been approved under the National Mutual Agreement by the Central Adelaide Local Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee—HREC: 2021/HRE00394.

Trial registration number

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12622000026729p.
Hospitalisation patterns for respiratory diseases in Australia: an ecological study
Authors: Alrajeh Ahmed , Naser Abdallah Y , Aldabayan Yousef S , Alqahtani Jaber S , Aldhahir Abdulelah Mastour , Siraj Rayan A , Elmosaad Yousif Mohammed , Al Imam Mahmudul Hassan , Alghamdi Saeed Mardy , Al Haykan Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study is to examine the hospitalisation profile for respiratory diseases in Australia between 1998 and 2019.

Design

An ecological study.

Setting

A population study that involved all private and public hospitalisations for respiratory diseases in Australia from 1998 to 2019. Data were gathered from the National Hospital Morbidity Database.

Participants

All patients who were hospitalised at all private and public hospitalisations for respiratory diseases in Australia.

Primary outcome measure

Hospitalisation rates related to respiratory diseases.

Results

A total of 8 090 021 hospital admission episodes for diseases of the respiratory system were recorded in Australia between 1998 and 2019. Hospital admission rates increased by 12.4%, from 1766.45 (95% CI 1760.50 to 1772.41) in 1998 to 1985.86 (95% CI 1980.43 to 1991.28) in 2019 per 100 000 persons, p<0.05. Patients who were admitted for an overnight stay made up 82.2% of the total admissions. Females showed a greater increase in hospital admission rates (18.4%) compared with males (7.0%). The age group 15–59 years accounted for 31.0% of the total admissions. The most frequent respiratory system hospital admissions were for chronic lower respiratory diseases; these accounted for 27.8% of all admissions.

Conclusion

Hospital admissions due to diseases of the respiratory system increased significantly in the last two decades in Australia. Male gender and younger age groups were more likely to be hospitalised for respiratory diseases. Strong public health measures are crucial to raising awareness about diseases of the respiratory system and their implications.
Developing the TIDieR-Rehab checklist: a modified Delphi process to extend the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) for rehabilitation intervention reporting
Authors: Signal Nada , Olsen Sharon , Gomes Emeline , McGeorge Caitlin , Taylor Denise , Alder Gemma
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Rehabilitation is essential for supporting the recovery from, and management of, a range of health conditions. However, interventions are often poorly reported in rehabilitation research, hindering advancement of the field. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was developed to enhance the reporting of interventions, but does not specifically address the complexities and multifaceted nature of rehabilitation interventions. This study aimed to develop an extension of the TIDieR checklist to support better reporting of rehabilitation interventions.

Design

A modified Delphi study overseen by a Steering Committee.

Setting

Online.

Participants

Rehabilitation experts were purposively sampled for diversity in discipline, practice setting, area of expertise and geographical location.

Methods

Participants (n=35) provided both quantitative and qualitative feedback on drafts of the TIDieR-Rehab through online surveys. Quantitative data was descriptively analysed by percentage of agreement, while qualitative data was analysed using conventional content analysis. Quantitative and qualitative findings were subsequently triangulated to facilitate iterative refinement of the TIDieR-Rehab.

Results

Consensus was achieved after two rounds of the modified Delphi process. The TIDieR-Rehab checklist comprises seven original, three adapted and 12 new reporting items, and is supported by a supplementary manual. Specific enhancements include more detailed descriptions of the study population (Who) and timing of the intervention (When), the planned intervention dosage (How much,How challengingandRegression/Progression), person-centred care (Personalisation) and negative undesired effects (Harms) which were considered critical for the comprehensive reporting of rehabilitation interventions.

Conclusion

The TIDieR-Rehab checklist marks a significant advancement in enhancing and standardising the reporting of rehabilitation interventions. By offering a structured format for detailing complex rehabilitation interventions, the TIDieR-Rehab supports improvements in reporting quality to promote research replication and support the translation of research findings into clinical practice. Future research should validate the TIDieR-Rehab checklist across a variety of intervention types and clinical contexts.
Triage test for all-oral drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) regimen: a phase IV study to assess effectiveness, feasibility, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of the Xpert MTB/XDR assay for rapid triage and treatment of DR-TB
Authors: Naidoo Kogieleum , Naidoo Anushka , Abimiku Alash'le G , Tiemersma Everdina W , Gebhard Agnes , Hermans Sabine M , Sloan Derek J , Ruhwald Morten , Georghiou Sophia B , Okpokoro Evaezi , Agbaje Aderonke , Yae Kalkidan , Tollera Getachew , Moga Shewki , Feyt Hannelise , Kachoka Takondwa , Letsoalo Marothi P , Cabibbe Andrea M , Perumal Rubeshan , Shunmugam Letitia , Cirillo Daniela M , Foraida Salah , Sabiiti Wilber , Ntinginya Nyanda Elias , Mtafya Bariki , Bedru Ahmed , Gillespie Stephen H
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The TriAD study will assess the Xpert MTB/XDR (Xpert XDR; Cepheid) assay to detect tuberculosis (TB) drug resistance in sputum testing positive for TB to rapidly triage and treat patients with a short all-oral treatment regimen.

Methods and analysis

In this study, approximately 4800 Xpert MTB/RIF or Ultra MTB-positive patients (irrespective of rifampicin (RIF) resistance (RR) status) from several clinical sites across South Africa, Nigeria and Ethiopia will be enrolled over 18–24 months and followed-up for approximately 6 months post-TB treatment completion. Participants will be enrolled into one of two cohorts based on Xpert MTB/RIF and Xpert XDR results:Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb) positive participants with RR in Cohort 1 (n=880) andM.tbpositive RIF susceptible TB patients with isoniazid mono-resistance irrespective of presence of resistance to fluoroquinolones, second-line injectable drugs or ethionamide in Cohort 2 (n=400). Cohort 1 will be compared with historical cohorts from each implementing sites. The primary study outcomes include time to initiation of an appropriate treatment regimen by resistance profile and the proportion of patients with favourable treatment outcomes compared with historical cohorts from each of the implementing sites. Secondary outcomes include feasibility, acceptability and cost-effectiveness of this approach to inform policies and guidelines for programmatic implementation of this triage and treat model for drug-resistant tuberculosis management. Utility of the tuberculosis molecular bacterial load assay (TB-MBLA) for real-time treatment response assessment will also be evaluated.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of KwaZulu-Natal Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BREC) and local research committees have provided ethical review and approval (BREC/00002654/2021, HREC 210805, NHREC/01/01/2007 and EPHI-IRB-459–2022). The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) have granted regulatory approval for the TRiAD Study (SAHPRA MD20211001). Trial results will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications and the clinical trial registry.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov; Trial registration number:NCT05175794; South African National Clinical Trials Register (SANCTR DOH-27-012022-4720)
Qualitative study of paediatricians’ experiences in the care process for preschool children with complex needs: an example of paediatric care in Croatia
Authors: Lukačević Lovrenčić Iva , Banadinović Maja , Mujkić Aida , Džakula Aleksandar
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Preschool children with complex needs require a multidimensional care model. In such a model, paediatricians are one of the key stakeholders. This study examines Croatian paediatricians’ experiences and perceptions of their role in the care process. It explores their view of the other stakeholders, practices and determinants that influence their role and overall quality of care.

Design

A desk review was performed as the first part of the research. It included a search of electronic bibliographic databases using a structured set of keywords and an analysis of selected strategic, policy and legislative documents, registers, guidelines and reports related to the research topic. This part of the research helped form the research protocol for the two focus groups that followed.

Participants

12 primary, secondary and tertiary care paediatricians participated in the focus groups, following the criteria: specialist paediatric experience longer than 5 years, active work status in the healthcare system at the primary, secondary or tertiary level, personal experience of working with preschool children with complex needs.

Results

The first part of the research identified structural shortcomings, ambiguity in defining systematic approaches to care processes, quality challenges and a lack of multidimensional evaluation in the care system. Focus groups provided insight into the everyday dynamics of those challenges from the paediatricians’ point of view. Six themes emerged from the analysis of the focus groups: (1) profile and needs of preschool children with complex needs; (2) parents in the process of care from the paediatrician’s perception; (3) the role of paediatricians in the process of caring for a preschool child with complex needs; (4) the absolute and relative scarcity of public resources; (5) the need for systematic solutions; (6) the importance of personal engagement.

Conclusions

Integration, coordination and continuity of care for preschool children with complex needs cannot be achieved by merely focusing on providing enough human and infrastructural resources. Without clear insight into the interrelation of structural inputs and stakeholders’ specific standpoints, we risk further fragmentation and a decrease in the quality of care.
Safety and efficacy of intralesional rituximab injection versus involved site radiation therapy in primary ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma: study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liu Yaoming , Gao Yang , Jin Ling , Li Qian , Wang Xiaohui , Wu Yujie , Zhou Jichao , Liu Wei , Wang Lili , Dong Yuying , Zheng Yajing , Chen Lu , Li Jinmiao , Su Shicai , Tang Junjie , Wang Yinghao , Huang Weifeng , Cheng Chao , Li Cheng , An Ningyu , Tan Jia , Chen Hong , Guo Huiyu , Wang Yi , Zhou Qing , Han Fei , Liu Honglei , Zhu Yu , Lu Rong
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Involved site radiation therapy (ISRT) is a widely used treatment for primary ocular adnexal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma with control rates over 85%; however, its complications could reach 30%–50%. Intralesional rituximab injection has shown promising results with remission rates between 65% and 100% and minimal complications. This study aimed to conduct a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial to compare the safety and efficacy of intralesional rituximab injection versus ISRT on primary ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre randomised controlled trial and will be conducted at eight ophthalmic departments and institutes in China. 108 patients with primary ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma will be enrolled and randomised to undergo intralesional rituximab injection or ISRT. Comprehensive examinations will be performed before and after the treatment. The primary outcome is the cumulative occurrence rate of complications of grade ≥2 within 5 years after treatment commencement. The main secondary outcome is overall response rate, and progression-free survival, time to next treatment and overall survival will also be compared between the groups.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ID: 2023KYPJ125-3; V.20240818) and the ‘5010 Plan’ evaluation committee at Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China, and all subcentres. All the participants will be required to provide written informed consent. The results will be disseminated through scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT06190301.
Baseline characteristics for phase II of the Kinshasa Malaria Cohort Study: cohort profile
Authors: Kashamuka Melchior Mwandagalirwa , Banek Kristin , White Samuel J , Atibu Joseph Losoma , Mvuama Nono M , Bala Joseph Alexandre Mavungu , Nseka Tommy Mambulu , Kihuma Georges , Diallo Alpha Oumar , Nkalani Marthe , Mahilu Georges Emo , Manenga Faustin , Varun Goel , Vulu Fabien , Mampuya Pitshou Nsongo , Dinglasan Rhoel , Bobanga Thierry , Emch Michael , Juliano Jonathan J , Parr Jonathan B , Mwapasa Victor , Tshefu Antoinette Kitoto
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The Democratic Republic of Congo has one of the highest burdens of malaria in the world, accounting for 12.3% of malaria cases and 11.6% of malaria deaths. The country has been scaling up various malaria control interventions, but how the malaria burden and risk factors have evolved remains unclear. This study aimed to estimate the trend in the burden of malaria in different settings in Kinshasa Province and assess factors contributing to the infection.

Participants

From 2018 to 2022, a cohort study was conducted in three health areas in Kinshasa Province known to have varying malaria endemicities: Voix du Peuple (urban), Kimpoko (peri-urban), and Bu (rural) health areas in Kinshasa Province. Participants 6 months of age and older were recruited and followed biannually through household visits and encouraged to visit study health centres whenever they felt ill. The participants’ sociodemographic data, illness history and access to malaria interventions were collected along with blood specimens. During the same study period, mosquitoes and larvae were collected to study entomological characteristics that may contribute to malaria transmission.

Findings

A total of 1635 participants were recruited from 239 households. The median number of participants per household was 6 (IQR, 5–9). Over half (54.7%) of the participants were female, 14.6% were under-5 children, and 33.3% were 5–14 years old. Household net ownership and reported use the previous night were 77.8% and 79.1%, respectively. Overall, malaria prevalence by rapid diagnostic test at baseline was 33.4%. Of the recruited participants, 1390 (85%) completed the 4 years of follow-up.

Future plans

Planned analyses include calculating malaria prevalence and incidence trends at follow-up as well as risk factors for infection. Continued analyses will link epidemiological and entomological data to understand malaria transmission evolution and the sustained high prevalence of malaria over time in various settings.
Role of a route map in learning lumbar spinal ultrasonography: a study protocol for a randomised, controlled teaching study
Authors: Chen Si , Zhang Jiao , Zhang Yuelun , Cui Xulei , Tan Gang
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Lumbar spinal ultrasonography is an important tool used by pain physicians and anaesthesiologists to perform pain-related scanning, interventional treatments and anaesthesia in clinical practice. However, ultrasound images of the lumbar spine are complex and numerous. Moreover, long learning curves are necessary for novice physicians to memorise, master and apply this modality in their clinical practice. This study will use our team’s recent teaching research achievement, the ‘spinal ultrasound route map’, as a teaching tool to comprehensively compare learning effectiveness and satisfaction between novices learning with or without this route map. The appropriate time point at which to introduce the route map in the teaching process will also be evaluated.

Methods and analysis

This randomised, controlled teaching study with a target sample size of 40 clinicians will be carried out at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to group 1 or group 2. Participants in group 1 will receive traditional lumbar ultrasonography training, followed by teaching with the route map. Participants in group 2 will receive training directly with the route map. There will be questionnaires, timed tests and gradings from teachers throughout the training process. The data will be collected via the Q1, Q2 and Q3 questionnaires and the timed test. The primary outcome is the composite learning score, which will be measured when group 1 participants fill out questionnaire Q2 after traditional training and group 2 participants fill out questionnaire Q3 after training with the route map. The secondary outcomes will include the composite learning score at different time points, the results of the timed test, grading scale scores from teachers and the participants’ satisfaction with the route map.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received authorisation from the Institutional Review Board on 11 April 2024. The study findings will be disseminated through presentations at scientific conferences or publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2400084604.
A modified Delphi consensus regarding the clinical utility of triplet therapy in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer patients in the UK
Authors: Glen Hilary , Bahl Amit , Fleure Louisa , Clarke Noel , Jain Suneil , Kalsi Tania , Khoo Vincent , Mobeen Junaid
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the clinical utility of the androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)+docetaxel (DOCE)+androgen receptor-targeted agent (ARTA) triplet therapy in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) in the UK.

Design

A modified Delphi method. A steering group of eight UK healthcare professionals experienced in prostate cancer care discussed treatment challenges, developing 39 consensus statements across four topics. Agreement with the statements was tested with a broader panel of professionals within this therapeutic area in the UK through an anonymous survey, using a four-point Likert scale. This was distributed by the steering group members and an independent third party. Following the survey, the steering group convened to discuss the results and formulate recommendations.

Setting

The steering group convened online for discussions. The survey was distributed via email by the clinicians and the independent third party.

Participants

Healthcare professionals involved in the provision of prostate cancer care, working in relevant professional roles (oncology, urology or geriatric consultant, oncology nurse specialist, and hospital pharmacist) within the UK. No patients or members of the public were involved within the study.

Interventions

None.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Consensus was defined as high (≥75% agreement) and very high (≥90% agreement).

Results

Responses were received from 120 healthcare professionals, including oncologists (n=73), urologists (n=16), geriatricians (n=15), nurse specialists (n=11) and hospital pharmacists (n=5). Consensus was reached for 37 out of 39 (95%) statements, and 27/39 (69%) statements achieved very high agreement ≥90%. Consensus was not reached for 2/39 (5%) statements.

Conclusions

Based on the consensus observed, the steering group developed a set of recommendations for the clinical utility of ADT+DOCE+ARTA in treating patients with mHSPC in the UK. Following these recommendations enables clinicians to identify appropriate patients with mHSPC for triplet treatment, thereby improving patients’ outcomes.
Development of a minimum data set for long COVID: a Delphi study protocol
Authors: Amah Adelaide , Kumar Pawan , Ejalonibu Hammed , Chavda Bansari , Aburub Alaa , Greene Renee , Kemp Daphne , Frederick Donna Ellen , Mazurik Kathrina ,   Long COVID Web, Slagerman Sarah , Dumitrescu Donna Ioana , Groot Gary
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Previous consensus-based long COVID research has focused on establishing research priorities, developing clinical definitions, core outcomes and a list of recommendations of patient-reported outcome measures that can be used to assess and characterise long COVID. Complementing and extending this work, the proposed study will bring together diverse knowledge users to prioritise concepts of care, quality of life and symptoms to inform a national patient registry on long COVID.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a Delphi process involving Canadians with lived experiences and/or professional expertise with long COVID (including clinicians, policymakers, caregivers and community leaders). A pool of long COVID survey questions has been established through an environmental scan; these questions were coded by topic and will be presented via a series of online, anonymous survey questionnaires to a diverse cohort of 100 participants. Over the course of three Delphi rounds, participants will prioritise and recommend topics related to care, quality of life and symptoms. We will use the prioritised topics to develop a list of core questions as a minimum data set to standardise data collection and inform a national patient registry on long COVID in Canada.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the University of Saskatchewan Behavioural Research Ethics Board (BEH #4296). Findings will be shared at national conferences and will be published in an open-access peer-reviewed journal. In addition, the minimum data set will be shared with key knowledge users as recommendations to inform a national long COVID patient registry.
Systematic training and technological empowerment: enhancing the quality of cervical and breast cancer screening in low-resource areas of China
Authors: Jia Xinhua , Yan Huijiao , Shi Zhengyang , Gao Chen , Zhai Jiahuan , Ding Hanyue , Qiao Youlin
Published: November 2024

In low-resource areas of China, enhancing the quality of cervical and breast cancer screening is essential for effective prevention and control. Systematic training and technological empowerment can strengthen these screening programmes, optimise processes and improve diagnostic accuracy. For cervical cancer screening, it is crucial to employ approved, efficient screening technologies and integrate them with population management platforms to enhance screening and follow-up processes, thereby ensuring comprehensive coverage and effectiveness. Developing targeted training programmes, fostering multiparty collaboration and establishing scientific evaluation mechanisms can further improve the quality and effectiveness of cervical cancer screening, supporting the goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2030. Similarly, advancements in breast cancer screening require appropriate training and technical support to bolster early detection and intervention capabilities. Overall, comprehensive strategies targeting these two cancers are critical in reducing the disease burden.
Multimaterial inkjet printing of mechanochromic materials
Authors: Mauron Muriel , Castens Vitanov Lucie , Michaud César , Wenger Raphaël , Muller Nicolas , Nussbaumer Roseline , Calvino Céline , Weder Christoph , Schrettl Stephen , Gugler Gilbert , Kiebala Derek J.
Published: November 2024

Inkjet printing technology achieves the precise deposition of liquid-phase materials via the digitally controlled formation of picoliter-sized droplets. Beyond graphical printing, inkjet printing has been employed for the deposition of separated drops on surfaces or the formation of continuous layers, which allows to construct materials gradients or periodic features that provide enhanced functionalities. Here, we explore the use of multinozzle, drop-on-demand piezoelectric inkjet technology for the manufacturing of mechanochromic materials, i.e., materials that change their color or fluorescence in response to mechanical deformation. To accomplish this, suitable polyurethane polymers of differing hardness grades were tested with a range of organic solvents to formulate low-viscosity, inkjet-printable solutions. Following their rheological characterization, two solutions comprising “soft” and “hard” polyurethanes were selected for in-depth study. The solutions were imbibed with a mechanochromic additive to yield fluorescent inks, which were either dropcast onto polymeric substrates or printed to form checkerboard patterns of alternating hardness using a laboratory-built, multimaterial inkjet platform. Fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy were used to identify different hardness grades in the dropcast and printed materials, as well as to monitor the responses of these gradient materials to mechanical deformation. The insights gained in this study are expected to facilitate the development of inkjet-printable, mechanochromic polymer materials for a wide range of applications.
Updated stratigraphy and structure of the Barmur Group (Tjörnes beds, Iceland) and implications for the opening of the Bering Strait
Authors: Allison Matthew S. , Hall Jonathan R. , Papadopoulos Max T. , Eiríksson Jón , Jones Stephen M.
Published: November 2024

The Barmur Group (Tjörnes beds) sedimentary sequence onshore Iceland records the first opening of the Bering Strait oceanic gateway, and late Miocene–early Pliocene cooling that preceded intensification of the Northern Hemisphere glaciation. The stratigraphy of the Barmur Group is not known in detail because of difficulties in correlating coastal and inland exposures. To address this issue, we carried out remotely piloted vehicle (drone-based) mapping of the entire 11 km outcrop. We correlated the processed ‘virtual outcrop’ image with previously logged sections and constructed a 3D structural model. The composite thickness of the Barmur Group in the model is 442 m, which is 16% thinner than previously estimated. This discrepancy reflects earlier difficulties in correlating coastal and inland exposures and the recognition of faulting at the base of the succession. We recently showed that the bioevent signalling the first Pacific-to-Atlantic faunal migration through the Bering Strait occurred during magnetic chrons C3n.4n–C3n.3r (5.235–4.896 Ma); the new model suggests that it occurred near the chron boundary (
c.
5.0 Ma). Thus, we show that a 3D virtual outcrop is a useful tool to quantify uncertainty when assembling a composite section. We also provide the complete workflow used to plan, acquire and process the virtual outcrop.
Integrating Citizen Experiences in Cultural Heritage Archives with a Linked Non-Open Data Hub
Authors: Carvalho Jason , Daga Enrico , Mulholland Paul , Asprino Luigi , Uwasomba Chukwudi , Daquino Marilena , Gangemi Aldo , Maguire Mark , Stoneman Adam
Published: November 2024

This article explores and presents innovative methods and technologies for supporting citizen curation of cultural heritage. Relevant outcomes of the Social Participation, Cohesion and Inclusion through Cultural Engagement (SPICE) project are presented, focusing on enhancing the state of content management and delivery strategies in museums and memory institutions. We argue that citizen curation requires a principled way of managing and integrating citizen responses, contributions and dataflows in the domain of cultural heritage, raising challenges and opportunities such as integration of distributed and diverse data sources, authoritativeness, interdependence, privacy, data reuse and rights management. The solution is a Linked Data Hub (LDH), which integrates museum collections and user-generated content and repurposes them to end-user systems tailored to specific use cases for citizens and museum practitioners. Such LDH must be
non-open
, by offering an approach that gives citizens and organisations, such as museums or engagement agencies, meaningful control over their data by implementing user-tailored policies and negotiated access and terms of use. Additionally, our solution addresses privacy violations in user-contributed content by offering a near-real-time content monitoring framework. We present the LDH discussing pilot applications within the EU-funded project SPICE, including ‘Deep Viewpoints’, which currently supports the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) in citizen curation activities. Overall, this article serves as a critical milestone in closing functional gaps and advancing the state of technology in managing citizen responses and contributions in the cultural heritage domain.
Defending Federated Recommender Systems against Untargeted Attacks: A Contribution-Aware Robust Aggregation Scheme
Authors: Liang Ruicheng , Jiang Yuanchun , Zhu Feida , Cheng Ling , Liu Huiwen
Published: November 2024

Federated recommender systems (FedRSs) effectively tackle the tradeoff between recommendation accuracy and privacy preservation. However, recent studies have revealed severe vulnerabilities in FedRSs, particularly against untargeted attacks seeking to undermine their overall performance. Defense methods employed in traditional recommender systems are not applicable to FedRSs, and existing robust aggregation schemes for other federated learning-based applications have proven ineffective in FedRSs. Building on the observation that malicious clients contribute negatively to the training process, we design a novel contribution-aware robust aggregation scheme to defend FedRSs against untargeted attacks, named contribution-aware Bayesian knowledge distillation aggregation (ConDA), comprising two key components for the defense. In the first contribution estimation component, we decentralize the estimation from the server side to the client side and propose an ensemble-based Shapley value to enable the efficient calculation of contributions, addressing the limitations of lacking auxiliary validation data and high computational complexity. In the second contribution-aware aggregation component, we merge the decentralized contributions via a majority voting mechanism and integrate the merged contributions into a Bayesian knowledge distillation aggregation scheme for robust aggregation, mitigating the impact of unreliable contributions induced by attacks. We evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of ConDA on two real-world datasets from movie and music service providers. Through extensive experiments, we demonstrate the superiority of ConDA over the baseline robust aggregation schemes.
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities, Toxicity, and Physicochemical Properties of Crassocephalum montuosum (S Moore) Milne‐Redh and Crassocephalum picridifolium (DC) S Moore
Authors: Valentin Bashige Chiribagula , Salvius Bakari Amuri , Jean Baptiste Lumbu Simbi
Published: November 2024

In traditional Congolese medicine, the plants Crassocephalum montuosum (CrasMon) and Crassocephalum picridifolium (CrasPic) are used to treat bacterial gastroenteritis. In the present study, the antibacterial and antioxidant activities as well as the acute and subacute toxicity of organic extracts from the whole plant of the two investigated taxa were evaluated. Physicochemical parameters were also determined, and total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins were investigated and assayed. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the plant extracts were evaluated using disc diffusion, tube macrodilution, and DPPH tests. Conversely, traditional solution reactions, gravimetric tests, and spectrophotometric tests were used to generate physicochemical profiles, identify secondary metabolite groups, and perform microdilution and DPPH tests to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities, respectively. OECD tests were adapted to assess the acute and subacute toxicity. All the extracts showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. typhi strains with the diameter zone of inhibition (DZI) ranging from 12 to 23 mm and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): 15.625–125 μg·mL−1. The methanolic extract of CrasPic showed the most pronounced activity with a DZI of 21–23 mm and MIC of 15.625–62.5 μg·mL−1. All extracts showed high antioxidant activity with IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) ranging from 11.6 to 21.8 μg·mL−1, with the methanolic extract of CrasMon showing the most pronounced activity. Both plants contain a variety of phytochemicals including coumarins, quinones, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. The methanolic extract of CrasPic exhibits the highest content of total phenolics (300 mg·GAE·g−1), flavonoids (56 mg·QE·g−1), and tannins (155 mg·GAE·g−1). These extracts have a median lethal dose (LD50) > 5000 mg·kg−1 and no signs of toxicity at 200 mg·kg−1 after 30 days of oral administration to Cavia porcellus. The total ash content was determined to be 14.2% and 15.8% (on a dry weight basis), with the ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid exhibiting a range of 4.04%–5.03%. CrasMon and CrasPic have been demonstrated to exhibit a good antibacterial and antioxidant activities, at least in part, due to the presence of phenolic compounds. These activities may provide a rationale for their use in traditional Congolese medicine against gastroenteritis.
Indigenous Knowledge and Quantitative Analysis of Medicinal Plants Used to Remedy Respiratory Tract Disorders in Mid‐Western Tanzania
Authors: Kacholi David Sylvester , Amir Halima Mvungi
Published: November 2024

This study is aimed at documenting the indigenous knowledge and quantitative analysis of medicinal plants (MPs) used by traditional health practitioners (THPs) of Urambo District in mid‐western Tanzania to manage respiratory tract disorders (RTDs). The ethnomedicinal data were collected using semistructured interviews with 55 THPs using a snowballing technique in the district. The data were analysed for indigenous knowledge among gender, age groups, education status, and experience. Family importance value (FIV), use value (UV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), informant consensus factor (ICF), and Jaccard index (JI) were computed. A total of 42 MPs representing 28 families were recorded being used against RTDs in the district. Fabaceae was the dominant family in terms of species (16.7%) and FIV (84%). Decoction (51.0%) was the preferred technique for preparing remedies, while trees (61.9%) and leaves (38.1%) were the most utilised life form and plant parts, respectively. The RFC in the current study varied from 0.055 (Musa paradisiaca L.) to 0.655 (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and 0.073 (Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn.) to 0.673 (Entada abyssinica Steud. ex A.Rich.), respectively. The highest ICF was recorded for cough (0.922). The JI ranged from 2.7 to 7.9. Among the documented MPs, 55% had least concern, 2% were endangered, 7% had data deficiency conservation status, and 36% had no record in the IUCN Red List. The study revealed that the district’s population depends on MPs for healthcare. Thus, conservation strategies are needed for the sustainable utilisation of the MPs. Importantly, the documented MPs hold immense potential in future pharmacological and phytochemical studies, offering hope for the development of new drugs for RTDs. Also, the study suggests the need for scientific validation of the MP’s efficacy and safety.