bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions and Experiences of Undergraduate Medical Students Regarding Social Accountability: a Cross-sectional Study at a Subsaharan African Medical School
Authors: Oriokot Lorraine , Munabi Ian Guyton , Kiguli Sarah , Mubuuke Aloysius Gonzaga
Published: December 2023

Background
Medical schools are called to be socially accountable as a feature of excellent medical education. Medical students are essential to the development of socially accountable medical schools. Therefore, understanding the perceptions and experiences of medical students regarding social accountability is critical for efforts to improve social accountability practices and outcomes.
Methods
This cross-sectional online questionnaire-based survey used Google Forms and involved medical students in their fourth and fifth years of study at the Makerere University School of Medicine. The survey was conducted between September 2022 and October 2023. We used a study questionnaire and the Students’ toolkit for social accountability in medical schools to collect data on demographics, perceptions and experiences and evaluate social accountability.
Results
A total of 426 medical students responded to the online questionnaire. The mean age of the students was 25.24 ± 4.4 years. Most of the students were male (71.3%), and most were in their fourth year of study (65%). Most of the students (43.66%) evaluated the school as having a good level of social accountability. The evaluation items referring to community-based research and positive impact on the community had the highest mean scores. Only 6 (3.64%) students provided an accurate definition of social accountability. Students receiving career guidance in secondary school was associated with evaluating social accountability in the medical school as strong (p-0.003).
Conclusions
Medical students evaluated the medical school favorably in terms of social accountability. Receiving career guidance in secondary school was significantly associated with a positive evaluation of social accountability.
On-treatment dynamics of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the first-line setting of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): the LEXOVE prospective study
Authors: GRISTINA VALERIO , Bazan Viviana , Barraco Nadia , Taverna Simona , Manno Mauro , Raccosta Samuele , Bono Marco , Russo Tancredi Didier Bazan , Pepe Francesco , Pisapia Pasquale , Incorvaia Lorena , Badalamenti Giuseppe , Troncone Giancarlo , Malapelle Umberto , Santini Daniele , Russo Antonio , Galvano Antonio
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
The evaluation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) might be a complementary tool to assess response in the clinic. We aimed to describe whether the serial characterization of EVs could longitudinally reflect response and resistance to first-line treatments in advanced NSCLC.
Methods
Treatment-naïve patients with advanced NSCLC receiving osimertinib (osi), alectinib, pembrolizumab (pembro), or platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) ± pembro were prospectively enrolled at the University Hospital of Palermo, Italy. Isolated EVs were characterized by Static and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) to assess the size distribution and amount of vesicles (R90, Dz and PDI). EV protein amount was evaluated by Bradford assay (BA) through the quantification of circulating cell-free EV protein content (cfEV). According to the radiologic response, cfEV and R90 kinetics were evaluated in patients from baseline (T0) to the first radiologic restaging (T1) with a 20% cfEV increase being used as the cut-off point for median progression-free survival (mPFS) analysis.
Results
Among 27 consecutive patients, a total of 135 plasma samples were collected both at T0 and T1 to isolate EVs. Purified EVs were characterized by WB for ALIX and TSG-101. EV size was determined by DLS showing an average size ranging from 183 to 260 nm. The mean cfEV value at T0 and at T1 time was 1.26 and 1.49 µg/ml, respectively (p = 0.02). Within the cfEV responsive group, 13 patients had a clinically improved mPFS (25.2 months, 95% CI: 14.9–35.5) when compared to 11 cfEV non-responders (8.3 months, 95% CI: 3.6–12.9) (p = 0.07). Namely, cfEV responders receiving single-agent pembro experienced a significantly improved mPFS (25.2 months, 95% CI: 11.7–38.8; p = 0.04) compared to patients receiving CT plus pembro (6.1 months, 95% CI: 1.1–11.1; p = 0.9). EGFR-positive cfEV responders showed a clinically improved mPFS (35.1 months, 95% CI: 14.9–35.5) as compared to cfEV non-responders (20.8 months, 95% CI: 11.2–30.4) (p = 0.06). In the EGFR-mutated subgroup, four patients with R90 decreasing values are still responding whereas one patient with R90 increasing value had a rapidly progressive disease.
Conclusions
This study showcased the feasibility of the serial on-treatment monitoring of plasma EVs in the first-line setting of NSCLC, mostly in those patients receiving single-agent pembro or osi. The increased amount of circulating EVs (R90) and the higher level of associated proteins (cfEV) warrant larger controlled studies to explore EVs as novel promising liquid biopsy biomarkers.
Stability analysis of generalized linear functional equations employing the fixed point approach
Authors: Lyu Gang , liu Yang , Jin Yuanfeng , Liu Qi
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the Hyers-Ulam stability of linear functional equation is investigated by using the Brzdek’s fixed point theorem. As a consequence, the functional equations would be used to characterize the stability of general linear functional equation.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 39B82; Secondary 39B52; 39B62; 46C15.
Propensity score-matched analyses of postoperative oncological outcomes of colorectal cancer with versus without oncologic emergency: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Imaizumi Ken , Kasajima Hiroyuki , Sato Kentaro , Ichimura Kentaro , Sato Aya , Yamana Daisuke , Tsuruga Yosuke , Umehara Minoru , Kurushima Michihiro , Nakanishi Kazuaki
Published: December 2023

Background: While oncologic emergency in colorectal cancer present distinct challenges, the existing literature offers conflicting evidence on the long-term outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the postoperative oncological outcomes between patients with and without oncologic emergency.
Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on patients who had undergone radical surgery for primary stage II and III colorectal cancer between January 2012 and December 2020 at a single center. Patients were classified into three groups (oncologic non-emergency and oncologic emergency due to obstruction or perforation). Two of the three groups were paired using propensity score matching. The primary objective was to compare postoperative long-term outcomes between non-emergency and obstruction or perforation. The secondary objectives were to compare the outcomes between obstruction and perforation, identify the recurrence type among the three groups, and assess the outcomes for the subgroups based on obstruction and perforation features.
Results: This study included 524 patients: 348, 140, and 36 patients in the non-emergency, obstruction, and perforation groups, respectively. After propensity score matching, the long-term outcomes of obstruction or perforation were significantly worse than those of non-emergency, whereas those of obstruction and perforation were not significantly different. Regarding recurrence type, peritoneal dissemination in obstruction and local recurrence in perforation were more common than in non-emergency.
Conclusion: The long-term outcomes in oncologic emergency were worse than those in oncologic non-emergency, whereas obstruction and perforation outcomes were comparable. The establishment of therapeutic strategies and appropriate management of oncologic emergencies are important future issues.
Survival Outcome and Prognostic Factors of Remnant Gastric Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Yan Shangcheng , Shao Qiankun , Peng Wei , Cheng Ming , Liu Tianhua , Sheng Mengchao , Ren Rui , Chen Qiang , Gong Wei , Wu Yongyou
Published: December 2023

Purpose.
Studies on survival and prognostic factors in individuals with remnant gastric cancer (RGC) after gastric cancer (GC) are rare. It is debatable whether prognosis of RGC after GC is worse than that of only primary gastric cancer (OPGC).
Methods.
We retrospectively collected data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database among patients who underwent GC surgery in 1988–2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to balance baseline characteristics. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to compare their overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Multivariable Cox analyses were performed to identify the independent prognostic factors for RGC.
Results.
76 patients with RGC and 32763 patients with OPGC were included and analyzed. After balancing the baseline characteristics by PSM, no significant difference existed between OPGC and RGC groups in both OS (p = 0.65) and DSS (p = 0.35). Fixed-time analyses also showed no difference between the two groups for the 5-year (60.0%, RGC vs. 53.3%, OPGC, p = 0.38) and 10-year DSS (56.7%, RGC vs. 48.3%, OPGC, p = 0.34) DSS. Multivariate analysis revealed that area of lower income (<$55000), cardiac tumor, deeper invasion (T3-4), higher grade (G3) and not receiving chemotherapy were independent risk factors for DSS in patients with RGC.
Conclusion.
The prognosis of RGC following GC was comparable to that of OPGC. The independent prognostic factors for RGC are similar to those established for OPGC. Our findings suggest that RGC might be the same entity to OPGC and curative resection should be considered in selected patients.
Identifying the causal relationship between immune factors and osteonecrosis: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhu Yong , Pan Ding
Published: December 2023

Backgrounds: A wealth of evidence intimates a profound connection between the immune system and osteonecrosis, albeit the specific immune factors underlying this connection remain largely veiled. Methods A bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted based on genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data to identify causal links between 731 immune factors and osteonecrosis including drug-induced osteonecrosis. Preliminary MR analysis was accomplished utilizing the inverse-variance weighted method (IVW) under a multiplicative random effects model, and heterogeneity and potential horizontal pleiotropy were evaluated through Cochrane's Q-test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test, and leave-one-out analysis. Results Upon false discovery rate correction, the gene-predicted level of one immune factor (CD62L- monocyte %monocyte) exhibited a significant positive correlation with osteonecrosis, while eight immune traits associated with monocytes, dendritic cells, and NK cells demonstrated significant causal effects with drug-induced osteonecrosis. Reverse MR revealed no significant correlations. Conclusion This MR research provides genetic evidence for the causal associations between a broad spectrum of immune factors and osteonecrosis. Such a study aids in unraveling the intricate interaction patterns between the immune and skeletal systems, elucidating the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis, and identifying potential novel therapeutic approaches.
Heart rate variability analysis at admission in the ICU of Covid-19 patients cannot predict invasive mechanical ventilation need: a prospective study
Authors: Fariña-González Tomás Francisco , Martinez-Sagasti Fernando , Hernando Maria Elena , Oropesa Ignacio , González-Gallego Miguel Angel , Nuñez-Reiz Antonio , Quintana-Diaz Manuel
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE: cardiovascular response to stress (such as hypoxemia) is mediated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and heart rate variability is an important part of it. Neurotropism is an important feature of SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical dissociation between hypoxemia and the cardiovascular response has been reported. We proposed that HRV could be used to identify, at admission in the intensive care unit (ICU), those patients who were going to need invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) during their stay.
METHODS: We performed a prospective single-centre observational study analyzing adult patients admitted to ICU at Hospital Clínico San Carlos with respiratory failure due SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia but not under IMV. We recorded continuous EKG waveforms and obtained time and frequency domains and non-linear dynamics HRV metrics.
RESULTS: 47 patients were screened and 27 were finally analyzed. 15 (55.5%) of them required intubation and IMV. Heart rate was 80 beats/min in each group. HRV metrics were similar between groups in the time domain, frequency domain and after using nonlinear analysis. However, when comparing against literature control, Covid-19 patients admitted in the ICU had a diminished HRV but higher heart rates.
CONCLUSION: We found that HRV on ICU admission didn't discriminate patients requiring IMV. We found that Covid-19 patients had a diminished HRV although having higher heart rates than healthy literature controls.
Productivity, Markups, and Reallocation: Evidence from French Manufacturing Firms from 1994 to 2016
Authors: De Monte Enrico
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the evolution of aggregate productivity and markups among French manufacturing firms between 1994 and 2016, by focusing on the role of reallocation with respect to both aggregate measures. Firm-level productivity and markups are estimated based on a gross output translog production function using popular estimation methods. I find an aggregate productivity growth of about 34\% over the whole period while aggregate markups are found to remain relatively stable. As a key finding the study shows that over time reallocation of sales shares affects differently aggregate productivity and markups: Before 2000 both aggregate productivity and markups are importantly driven by reallocation effects; Post-2000, instead, the contribution of reallocation to aggregate productivity becomes negligible, inducing a slowdown in aggregate productivity growth, while I measure persistent reallocation of sales shares from lower to higher markup firms. Policy relevant implications of these dynamics are discussed.
JEL Classification: C13; D21; D24; L16; L60; O47
Study on the expression of IgG in prostate cancer and its effect on prostate cancer
Authors: Xia Hongmei , Lin Canling , Zhang Feng , Luo Xiaojin , Yin Weihua
Published: December 2023

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. Recent studies have discovered immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the progression and pathogenesis of various cancers. This study aimed to explore the role of IgG in PC. By immunohistochemistry, IgG was found to be highly expressed in PC tissues. In addition, we assessed whether intervention with the PI3K-Akt pathway inhibitor pimasertib can improve the immune function of patients. IgG-FCGR1A small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to silence IgG expression in PC3 and C4-2 cells. The efficiency of IgG knockdown was confirmed using Western blotting. The effects of Akt pathway inhibitors on the apoptosis of PC-3 and C4-2 prostate cancer cells and on the SOX2/HIF-1α pathway were also assessed by RT-PCR. PC3 cells transfected with or without IgG-FCGR1A short hairpin RNA (shRNA) were injected subcutaneously into the flanks of 6-week-old male nude mice to establish a xenograft mouse model. The elimination of IgG significantly inhibited the proliferation of PC3 and C4-2 cells and the expression of IgG protein in vitro. Similarly, in vivo studies showed that IgG knockout significantly reduced tumour volume of nude mice. IgG plays an important role in the growth of PC and may be a target for PC treatment, providing information for clinical research on PC.
Artwork’s Authenticity Recognition Model Using Machine Vision and Applications
Authors: Mirbod Majid
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an artwork authenticity recognition model using machine vision, image processing, and a fuzzy interface system and it is an applied research category. Artworks have always been subject to copying due to their importance, uniqueness, and great financial value, and it has always been the focus of international counterfeiters worldwide. Throughout history, due to various incidents, artworks have been stolen, crossed the borders of different countries, and traded in various auctions. Therefore, recognizing and confirming an artwork's authenticity is always challenging. In this research, I try to present a model to verify the authenticity of artwork using artificial intelligence techniques. The basic assumption is that a quality image of the original artwork is available with the specifications that I will explain in the section. Indeed, two images will be compared by taking pictures of other samples, and their differences will be identified with high accuracy, which the human eye cannot recognize. So, this model cannot recognize artwork authenticity without imaging history. In other words, photographing the original artwork can be used as a basis for comparison with other fake copies of it in the future, and by using the proposed model, their authenticity can and will always be checked. This model is based on my previous research on micrographics imaging to Industrial parts change recognition, the details of which will be explained in the text of the article. In this research, seven unique and famous artworks of the world were used and two samples of their images were compared to the original sample. The validity and reliability of the results and the high accuracy were obtained with one pixel.
Tara: Streamlining DSL Development through Syntactic Patterns
Authors: Andrés Octavio Roncal , Cabrera José Juan Hernández , Gómez José Évora
Published: December 2023

This article introduces a method designed to simplify the development of domain specific languages (DSLs). We aim to address challenges associated with designing and implementing DSLs, advocating an approach that combines the strengths of both internal and external types. Central to our proposal is Tara, a mother language designed to provide the foundational structure upon which DSLs can be specialized. Based on an analytical framework, Tara includes a set of syntactic patterns that seeks to represent a wide range of domains. The use of syntactic patterns in DSL development appears to mirror software design patterns, offering similar benefits in terms of communication, readability, and maintainability. We believe that by adopting these patterns, DSL development can be streamlined and made more efficient. Furthermore, the benefits of integrating these syntactic patterns, not only enhance efficiency but also ensure greater consistency among DSLs.
Multivariate Analysis in Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as predicted by Agronomist.
Authors: Wahid Muhammad Atif , Wahid Kashif
Published: December 2023

Assessment of genetic diversity is necessary for any breeding programme to increase world’s food by gathering different favorable genes resulted from segregant generations. The present study was designed to find diversity patterns among fourteen lines of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Nine quantitative traits were determined phenotypically. Moreover grain properties and nutritional quality were also determined by laboratory procedures. Cluster analysis based on squared Euclidean distance and ward's linkage method, categorized the cultivars into four groups. Based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the first seven components explained over 88% of genetic variation. Cluster analysis based on PCA using the first seven principal components indicated four separate groups of genotypes, with the maximum genetic distance observed between genotypes in each cluster. Grain diameter, grain weight, gluten content, protein content, fiber, fat and starch contributed towards significant principal components (PCs). 88146, Fareed-06, 6317 and 88132 were concluded as more diverse parents. Diverse parents from various clusters are helpful in planning and broadening the breeding programme especially for grain quality in Pakistan.
High flexural modulus of PLA composites for FDM 3D printing using multifunctional octaspherosilicates
Authors: Sztorch Bogna , Głowacka Julia , Romanczuk-Ruszuk Eliza , Brząkalski Dariusz , Marciniec Bogdan , Przekop Robert E.
Published: December 2023

This work extends prior investigations into creating a new nanocomposite using modified silsesquioxanes and spherosilicates. These modifiers are used as additives to PLA to manage its properties specifically for FDM 3D printing. Following the chemical composition and the ratio of functional groups, the miscibility and reactivity of the additives in the polymer matrix, their effect on the rheology and mechanical properties of the material, and the water contact angle of the surface can be controlled. The most important aspect is achieving better melting of the material during printing, which, combined with the appropriate printing parameters, can ultimately produce more robust objects with fewer voids and discontinuities.
Generation and characterization of scalable and stable human pluripotent stem cell-derived microvascular-like endothelial cells for cardiac applications
Authors: Majid Qasim A. , Ghimire Bishwa R. , Merkely Bela , Randi Anna M. , Harding Sian E. , Talman Virpi , Foldes Gabor
Published: December 2023

Cardiac microvascular disease (CMD) and its progression towards major adverse coronary events pose a significant health challenge. Accurate in vitro investigation of CMD requires a robust cell model that faithfully represents the cells within the cardiac microvasculature. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells (hPSC-ECs) offer great potential; however, they are traditionally derived via differentiation protocols that are not readily scalable and are not specified towards the microvasculature. Here, we report the development and comprehensive characterization of a scalable 3D protocol enabling the generation of phenotypically stable cardiac hPSC-microvascular-like ECs (hPSC-CMVECs) and cardiac pericyte-like cells. These were derived by growing vascular organoids within 3D stirred tank bioreactors and subjecting the emerging 3D hPSC-ECs to high-concentration VEGF-A treatment (3DV). Not only did this promote phenotypic stability of the 3DV hPSC-ECs; single cell-RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) revealed the pronounced expression of cardiac endothelial- and microvascular-associated genes. The generated mural cells attained from the vascular organoid exhibited markers characteristic of cardiac pericytes. We present a suitable cell model for investigating the cardiac microvasculature as well as the endothelial-dependent and -independent mechanisms of CMD. Further, owing to their phenotypic stability, cardiac specificity, and high angiogenic potential, the cells described within would also be well suited for cardiac tissue engineering applications.
Cattle grazing and herbaceous competition shape woody seedling establishment across environmental gradients in Neotropical savannas
Authors: Mochi Lucía Sol , Aguiar Martín Roberto , Aranda Melina Jeanette , Biganzoli Fernando , Mazía Noemí
Published: December 2023

Woody encroachment in savannas is a complex and global phenomenon that has negative impacts on the forage availability and livestock yield. We examined the impact of cattle grazing and herbaceous vegetation on Vachellia caven and Vachellia aroma, the main encroacher tree species in Neotropical savannas, where livestock production is the principal activity. Our experiments were conducted across a gradient of aridity and productivity (low-, medium-, and high-productivity sites), covering the central distribution of savannas in Argentina. We carried out manipulative experiments with cattle grazing (grazed–ungrazed) and herbaceous vegetation (with–without) to examine Vachellia seed loss (e.g. granivory), seedling emergence, survival, growth, and establishment. In the medium-productivity site, seed loss was higher under ungrazed conditions with herbaceous vegetation. Across all sites, cattle grazing decreased the final seedling survival regardless of the presence of the herbaceous vegetation. Herbaceous vegetation increased tree seedling survival in the medium-productivity site but decreased it in the low- and the high-productivity sites. Overall, the effect of grazing on tree establishment was neutral in the medium-productivity site as a consequence of increasing seed availability and decreasing seedling survival. However, seedling establishment was higher under ungrazed conditions and without herbaceous vegetation in the high- and low-productivity sites, because of the negative effects of grazing and herbaceous vegetation on seedling survival. From this demographic approach, we identified an ecological window during which grazing could be effectively managed to control the early stages of woody encroachment if stocking is adjusted and synchronized with tree species life history and site productivity.
Assessing Underutilization of Mental Health Resources at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU)
Authors: Ayyad Ahlam A. , Maestri Thomas J. , Harris Savannah , Casanova Nina , Ibrahim Hanan
Published: December 2023

Objective:
In 2018, a survey was conducted with students on a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) campus that showed a significant lack of utilization of both on and off campus mental health resources. The primary outcome of this survey is to evaluate lack of utilization of mental health resources at an HBCU to effectively promote student mental wellness.
Methods:
A short electronic survey was administered to students to assess underutilization.
Results:
Subjects were predominately African American (60.24%) and female (85.53%). Of the 159 surveys completed, 13 responded they have used on campus mental health resources. Approximately 61.5% (8/13) are satisfied or very satisfied with the services. 29 responded they have used off campus mental health resources. Approximately 41.4% (12/29) are satisfied or very satisfied with the services. 62 (39%) responded that time constraint was a barrier faced in utilizing mental health resources. 60 (38%) responded that they did not feel that mental health resources were currently needed. 40 (25%) responded that they were not aware of mental health resources available. There is a significant association between classification and comfort level continuing to utilize mental health resources on or off campus (p = 0.02).
Conclusions:
There are multiple barriers that have attributed to the underutilization of mental health resources. According to the results of this survey, the majority of students lacked time to utilize or denied need for any mental health resources. These results will allow for an opportunity to improve utilization of both on and off campus mental health resources.
Preparation of the Electrospun Composite Nanofibers for Oils Absorption.
Authors: Habeeb Salih Abbas , Nadhim Baseem Ali
Published: December 2023

In this study, polymeric materials that absorb oils floating on the surface of the water, such as paraffin oil, engine oil, and transmission oil, were prepared by electrospinning. The sorbent comprises Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/polystyrene (PS) nanofibers. The blend nanofibers were strengthened by (2.5,3.5.4.5, and 5.5) wt.% of Zirconia. Various physical tests were conducted on prepared nanofibers as Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and contact angle for water and oil. The results showed that the nanofiber diameters and average pore size reduction were 31.87 and 65.94%. In comparison, the increment in the overall porosity was 33.1% when reinforcing the PVC: PS nanofibers by 5.5 wt.% zirconia. Zirconia nanoparticles improve the crystalline and thermal properties, besides increasing the wettability of surfaces of polymeric absorbs by using water or oils. The absorption capacity of oil is much greater than the absorption capacity of water, and the absorption capacity of nanofibers reinforced with zirconia is higher than that of nanofibers of PVC: PS. The highest selectivity of transmission oil absorption by composite nanofibers indicated ease of separating the oils from the water surface.
Preliminary adaptation process of cognitive behavior therapy for major depression in Bangladesh: A pilot study
Authors: Ara Jesan , Deeba Farah
Published: December 2023

Being developed and modified in the Western world, the cultural values and communities influence cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) strongly. In this study, CBT was adapted in Bengali to see the functional feasibility of CBT for persons with depression in Bangladesh. This is the first pilot study for an adapted CBT manual for on psychological intervention for working with depressive clients in Bangladesh. There were three phases of the study; in the first two phase’s adaptation of the standard protocols of CBT for the Bangladeshi community, as practiced by mainstream practitioners and mental health professionals in the world were ensured. Information gathered during first phase on the standard protocols of CBT was written up as the first draft of the adapted CBT manual in Bengali. In the second phase, the CBT manual was given to seven senior clinical psychologists in Bangladesh who train CBT to fellow mental health professionals for evaluation. After synthesizing the judge’s comments and suggestions the draft of the Bengali CBT manual was finalized. In the third phase, to evaluate the functional feasibility of the Bengali CBT-based manual, five diagnosed patients with depression referred by the psychiatrists were tested. Four valid and reliable psychometric measurements were used to measure symptoms of depression and comorbid symptoms of anxiety, psychological distress, and suicidal risk. Assessments were completed at 2 time points (pre-test and post-test) using the scales. The intervention was delivered over 6–10 sessions and improvements were found on the scores of all questionnaires. The possibilities of Bengali CBT to reduce depression and appearing to be a promising treatment option for depression are discussed in the paper.
Clinico-pathological study of symptomatic hyperparathyroidism: is it a different phenotype expression of hyperparathyroidism?
Authors: Menon Riju Ramachandran , Nair Gopalakrishnan C , Pillai Anoop Vasudevan , Sekhar Sidhu , Babu Misha JC , Nair Revathy AK , Jacob Pradeep
Published: December 2023

Purpose: Symptomatic PHPT is common in Asian countries, with the musculoskeletal system affected frequently, unlike Western literature, with a high prevalence of urinary stone disease. The concept of an asymptomatic disorder progressing over time to a symptomatic disease was not proven. The study aimed to assess the demographic, clinical, and pathological features of primary hyperparathyroidism and to compare these features with those of asymptomatic disorders in North American countries.
Methods: This is an observational study on a cohort of patients operated on for hyperparathyroidism from 2005 to 2020 at the endocrine surgery division of a tertiary referral center in south India. Secondary hyperthyroidism was excluded. Case records were reviewed. Continuous variables were evaluated by chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate (p<0.05). All discrete variables are noted as mean with standard deviation.
Results: We had 301 patients in the study after excluding 45. There were 279 (92.7%) patients with symptomatic PHPT and 22 with asymptomatic disorders. The asymptomatic patients in the present study cohort were a decade older (p<0.011). Symptomatic patients had higher corrected calcium (p<0.16), lower vitamin D levels, and more elevated serum PTH levels (p<0.001), and the musculoskeletal system was more commonly affected.
Conclusion The study cohort's serum calcium and PTH levels were higher and subtly impacted target organs. The musculoskeletal system was more commonly affected than the renal system in our cohort, possibly due to lower vitamin D levels in our population, unlike the patients from Western countries.
Causal association between metabolites and cardiovascular MACE events: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Xuanchun , Hu Lanshuo , Li Jun , Tao Shiyi , Xue Tiantian , Jia Zihao , Tan Yuqing , Zhang Wenjie , Hou Chengzhi , Zhou Lijun
Published: December 2023

Objective: Adverse cardiovascular events are key clinical endpoints in cardiovascular diseases. Recent metabolomics studies have highlighted the significant role of metabolites and their ratios in the occurrence and progression of these events. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between circulating metabolites and seven types of cardiovascular adverse events using Mendelian randomization analysis.
Methods: A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was employed in this study. We selected 1,400 circulating metabolites as exposure factors and examined their association with seven cardiovascular adverse events (including Acute Myocardial Infarction, Unstable Angina, sudden Cardiac Death, Cardiac Arrest, Ventricular Tachycardia, Heart Failure, and Cerebral Infarction). The inverse-variance weighted method was primarily used for the analysis, and the results were subjected to FDR multiple testing correction to identify metabolites of significant and potential relevance. Additionally, multiple sensitivity analyses, including MR Egger intercept, MR-PRESSO, and Cochran Q, were conducted to enhance the reliability and accuracy of the findings. Finally, metabolic pathway analysis was performed for all metabolites with established causal relationships.
Results: Our study identified 254 metabolites and metabolite ratios associated with cardiovascular adverse events. We confirmed potential causal relationships of 339 metabolites with these diseases (53 with Cerebral Infarction, 29 with Unstable Angina, 22 with Acute Myocardial Infarction, 53 with Malignant Arrhythmias, 57 with Cardiac Arrest, 62 with Cardiogenic Death, and 63 with Heart Failure), and eventually pinpointed 7 significant metabolites and 12 metabolic pathways closely related to cardiovascular adverse events.Meanwhile, the results of the sensitivity analysis showed the stability of our findings.
Conclusion: Through Mendelian randomization analysis, we identified multiple metabolites associated with cardiovascular adverse events, providing vital evidence and support for the metabolomic study of these events.
Impact of intercrops and planting methods on yield and nutrient uptake by sugarcane under North West alluvial plains of Bihar
Authors: Kumar Ajeet , Sinha S.K. , Kumar Navnit , Rana Lalita , Singh A. K.
Published: December 2023

Utilizing a double-row planting system for sugarcane cultivation has been identified as a potential method to enhance both productivity and yield. Further, integrating intercropping within sugarcane crops can amplify their growth and productivity. To enhance sugarcane productivity by leveraging the benefits of intercropping, an exploratory trial titled “Impact of Intercropping and Planting Techniques on Sugarcane Yield and Nutrient uptake in the North West Alluvial Plains of Bihar” was undertaken. This study was conducted at the Regional Research Station in Madhopur, West Champaran, during the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 seasons. The experimental design for the trial was a randomized block, encompassing eight treatments, each replicated three times. The experimental treatments included: Sole sugarcane with 90 cm spacing (T1), Sole paired row sugarcane (PRS) with 60 x 60 cm – 120 cm spacing (T2), PRS intercropped with Potato (T3), PRS intercropped with Rajmah (T4), PRS intercropped with Coriander (T5), PRS intercropped with Lentil (T6), PRS intercropped with Gram (T7), PRS intercropped with Pea (T8). The study revealed that the sole PRS (60 x 60–120 cm) method produced significantly higher yield than the conventional planting method (90 cm in furrows). Among the diverse intercropping systems and planting methods, the highest cane yield (96.73 t ha− 1), maximum single cane weight (1079 g), greatest green top yield (14.69 t ha− 1), and trash yield (9.98 t ha− 1) were achieved by the PRS intercropped with gram (Cicer arietinum). Across different intercropping systems, potato recorded the highest yield (20 t ha− 1). Notably, the uptake of nutrients by the crop was significant for nitrogen and potassium, while phosphorus uptake was not significant. The highest uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash was noted when the PRS sugarcane was intercropped with vegetable pea (Pisum sativum). Based on the results from the study, we conclude that the paired row planting method for sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) proved to be more advantageous and profitable than the conventional 90 cm spacing method. The intercropping combination of sugarcane and pea in the paired row planting method (60 x 60–120 cm) was found to be the most lucrative, followed closely by the combination of sugarcane intercropped with gram.
Insights and Applications: Evaluating Edge Effects in Planar Capacitors with Advanced Modeling
Authors: JEBRI Zaineb , ALI Mahfoudh TALEB
Published: December 2023

An analysis of edge effects in planar capacitors with parallel electrodes is presented in this article. Many electronic applications utilize capacitors, and understanding the phenomena around their edges is crucial to their design and optimization. Our research explores in detail the distribution of electric fields and electric potential near electrodes using models and methods based on Maxwell's principles and Gauss's theorem. Divergent electric fields can create edge effects, which affect capacitor performance by creating edge effects. A circular electrode shape is one of the strategies we present to mitigate these effects. The implications of these findings in the field of electronics and related technologies are discussed in the final section.
Barriers and Facilitators of HIV Self-Testing in Africa: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Samidu Sainabu , Chisoni Felix , Umar Eric
Published: December 2023

Background: HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an innovative approach that has the potential to improve HIV testing uptake and linkage to care for those who test positive. In this systematic review, we explored barriers and facilitators to HIVST uptake for various populations in Africa.
Methodology: We systematically searched multiple electronic databases for relevant English-language articles published between January 2015 and February 2023. The databases included PubMed, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Professions Literature (CINAHL), Embase, and Scopus for qualitative research articles on HIVST from different African countries.
Findings: A total of 313 articles were identified through a literature search, and 11 met the inclusion criteria. This review shows that HIVST is a highly acceptable method of HIV testing among various populations. Perceived facilitators of the uptake of HIVST were convenience, autonomy and self-empowerment, privacy, confidentiality, and ease of use. The perceived barriers included the cost of self-test kits, perceived unreliability of test results, low literacy, fear and anxiety of a positive test result, potential psychological and social harms, and a lack of linkage to care.
Conclusion: This review observes that the establishment of innovative approaches such as mobile phone counselling to support pre- and post-test care for those seeking HIVST is critical for the successful scaling up of this intervention. Furthermore, for resource-poor contexts, affordable HIVST is essential to ensure the absorption of the same.
Accuracy of screening for hemolysis in plasma samples using a commercial urine dipstick
Authors: Pighi Laura , De Nitto Simone , Henry Brandon M. , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Objective. Identification and quantification of hemolysis in serum or plasma samples is an important requirement in laboratory diagnostics, however this is not always possible automatically and visual sample inspection is not sufficiently accurate. We have planned this study to determine whether a commercially available urine dipstick with a hemoglobin-reactive pad could be used for this purpose.
Methods: Sixty-five routine plasma samples, whose hemolysis index was previously determined on Roche Cobas 8000, were assayed with a commercial urine dipstick to obtain semi-quantitative data on plasma hemoglobin. Plasma was diluted 1:1000 in water to enter the range of hemoglobin measurement of the dipstick, and 10 µl of this dilution were applied to the hemoglobin pad. Results were visually interpreted within 60 sec by comparing the pad color with that on the dipsticks box label.
Results: The sample size consisted of 40 non-hemolyzed (hemolysis index≤0.3 g/L) and 25 hemolyzed (hemolysis index>0.3 g/L) plasma samples. Spearman’s correlation between Cobas hemolysis index and dipstick hemoglobin concentration was r=0.96 (95%CI, 0.93-0.97; p<0.001). The concordance of hemolysis detection was 95.4%, with 1.00 sensitivity, 0.93 specificity, 1.00 negative predictive value and 0.89 positive predictive value compared to the reference hemolysis index measurement on Cobas. The cumulative agreement between Cobas hemolysis index and the various plasma hemoglobin thresholds obtained with the dipstick was 75.4%.
Conclusions: We have demonstrated here that plasma hemoglobin assessment with commercially available urine dipsticks may generate semi-quantitative test results accurate enough to influence decision making regarding sample quality and its suitability for testing.
Topological interface states - A possible path towards a Landau-level laser in the THz regime
Authors: Goerbig Mark-Oliver
Published: December 2023

Volkov-Pankratov surface bands arise in smooth topological interfaces, interfaces between a topological and a trivial insulator, in addition to the chiral surface state imposed by the bulk-surface correspondence of topological materials. These two-dimensional bands become Landau-quantized if a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the interface. I show that the energy scales, which are typically in the 10-10010−100 meV range, can be controlled both by the perpendicular magnetic field and the interface width. The latter can still be varied with the help of a magnetic-field component in the interface. The Landau levels of the different Volkov-Pankratov bands are optically coupled, and their arrangement may allow one to obtain population inversion by optical pumping. This could serve as the elementary brick of a multi-level laser based on Landau levels. Moreover, the photons are absorbed and emitted either parallel or perpendicular to the magnetic field, respectively in the Voigt and Faraday geometry, depending on the Volkov-Pankratov bands and Landau levels involved in the optical transitions.
Social factors in the management of youth participation in the labor market in Asia: Justification of causal dependencies
Authors: Bayramova Sevinj
Published: December 2023

The study aims to determine social factors in the management of youth participation in the labor market in Asia based on causal analysis. The information base involves youth employment and youth working-age population by education levels, rural/urban areas, marital and disability status, time arrangement, and job contract. The sample covers 14 countries the ILO assigned to the Asia group for 2012–2021. Correlation analysis identifies dependencies between social factors and youth employment and determines their nature and strength, considering time lags when this influence becomes maximally significant. Granger causality analysis contributes to the establishment of causal dependencies within identified relationships. The greatest causal effect on youth employment is identified for educational level (basic educational level is a cause of positive changes in youth employment level in four countries, and youth employment level is a cause of growth of basic educational level in eight countries, including three countries with bidirectional causality, mostly with strong/very strong strength without lag). Quantitative indicator of youth working-age population by gender influences youth employment in Azerbaijan, Israel, the Philippines, and Thailand (from moderate to strong strength with lag from 0 to 2 years), by marital status – in Cyprus, Georgia, Korea, and Thailand (mostly very strong, time lag – from 0 to 2 years), by social factor of disability – in Shri-Lanka and Mongolia (very strong with 1-year time lag). The results can be used to form directions for managing youth participation in the labor market to improve social, educational, and youth policy.
Os Óbices da Logística Reversa Relacionados à Reciclagem do Vidro
Authors: Pimentel Luiz Paulo Gomes , Bertolini Geysler Rogis Flor , Dessanti Jucé Marcos , Mello Morelle Maykon Monteiro , Johann Jerry Adriani
Published: December 2023

O objetivo do presente estudo é conhecer quais são os óbices da logística reversa relacionados à reciclagem do vidro realizadas pelas cooperativas, pelas empresas privadas e por autônomos catadores de reciclados. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental e levantamento bibliográfico, sendo realizada também uma pesquisa exploratória de natureza quantitativa com aplicação de 138 questionários para esclarecer os aspectos limitadores da coleta seletiva do resíduo sólido vidro. Apesar dos estudos sobre o tema logística reversa, nota-se uma ausência de pesquisas relacionadas à coleta do resíduo sólido vidro. O vidro é um resíduo sólido com alto retorno econômico para as cooperativas e empresas de reciclagem, desta forma, o que justifica a busca de identificação dos óbices limitadores a sua coleta. Os principais óbices relacionados à coleta do vidro estão relacionados à saúde e à segurança individual, aspectos econômicos e com menos ênfase aos aspectos logísticos. Foi identificado que há diferenças entre as percepções dos gestores e coletores, com ênfases distintas para os óbices relacionados à coleta de vidro.
Percepções sobre a gestão e a destinação dos resíduos da construção civil no município de Ijuí/rs
Authors: Kuyven Tainara , De Oliveira Tarcisio Dorn
Published: December 2023

A construção civil é um dos setores mais importantes para o desenvolvimento econômico e social de uma localidade, porém ainda é a responsável pelo expressivo consumo de recursos naturais e é conhecida pela grande quantidade de resíduos sólidos urbanos gerados. Este artigo tem como objetivo perceber o cenário atual da gestão e disposição final dos resíduos da construção civil realizada por empresas atuantes na cidade de Ijuí/RS e indicar possíveis medidas que podem ser tomadas para minimizar os impactos ambientais constatados. A metodologia se estabelece pelo campo teórico e empírico. A primeira etapa foi composta por uma revisão bibliográfica e pesquisa documental, e a segunda por meio do campo empírico, que contou com a aplicação de dois questionários, sendo o primeiro deles ao município de Ijuí/RS (Secretaria Municipal de Meio Ambiente) e a oito empresas atuantes no ramo da construção civil na cidade. Pôde-se constatar que as empresas questionadas não possuem conhecimento preciso das diretrizes propostas na Resolução Conama n° 307 tampouco executam técnicas para uma efetiva gestão dos resíduos provenientes da construção civil. A falta de incentivos do setor público também é um obstáculo enfrentado pelas empresas nessa questão. Dessa forma, medidas públicas, aliadas a um planejamento urbano de qualidade, são a chave para um desenvolvimento mais sustentável.