bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers and opportunities for improving smoke-free area implementation in Banda Aceh city, Indonesia: a qualitative study
Authors: Sufri Sofyan , Nurhasanah Nurhasanah , Ahsan Abdillah , Saputra Irwan , Jannah Misbahul , Yeni Cut Meurah , Mardhiah Ainal , Bakri Saiful , Usman Said
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To investigate the challenges and opportunities for implementing smoke-free areas (SFAs) within eight area categories using the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control as a framework for analysis.

Design

This study used qualitative methods (in-depth interviews and document reviews). All transcripts from the interviews and formal documents were coded using NVivo V.11 software and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis.

Setting

Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

Participants

Seventy-three participants were interviewed, stratified by ages (18–59 years): policymakers (n=4), SFA implementers (n=33), SFA’s non-compliance prosecutors (n=2), SFA observers (n=4), communities/respected figures (n=30); and 10 documents were reviewed.

Results

Barriers to the effective implementation of SFAs were identified: conflict of interests of Banda Aceh authorities in implementing SFA policies; inadequate monitoring, evaluation and implementation of SFAs among involved actors; inadequate public communication of SFAs to communities; and misunderstanding of ‘enclosed areas’ as SFAs. However, some important opportunities were identified: the Ministry of Education promotes SFA at schools; and smoking prohibition as part of sharia and other religions’ recommendations.

Conclusions

This research is the first study to examine SFAs to understand the challenges and opportunities for improving SFA policy implementation by interviewing various key respondents in Banda Aceh (religious leaders and respected figures). These key stakeholders’ roles are crucial to enhance the implementation of SFA policies in Banda Aceh (currently suboptimal) and other populous Muslim areas in Indonesia or other countries because smoking contradicts Islamic teachings and other religions’ tenets. Further, the findings propose policymakers and involved agencies strengthen public communication, execution, monitoring and evaluation, and enforcement of SFA policies in Aceh. Finally, the application of methods and results from this study to other local areas in Indonesia or other developing nations is necessary to facilitate further understanding more about the applicability, advantages and limitations of this study.
Health promotion intervention delivered by trained community health workers (CHWs) for obesity prevention and control among adult people: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Fitriadi Yogi , Danawati Wahyu , Sutomo Adi Heru
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Obesity is one of the most common diseases and is the main risk factor for the occurrence of other non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Obesity can be prevented and controlled, especially by adopting healthy behaviours, such as increased physical activity and healthy dietary patterns. The delivery of health promotion interventions by trained community health workers (CHWs) can be applied to obesity prevention and control based on the culture and local context. Our study aimed to map the health promotion interventions delivered by trained CHWs in the context of obesity prevention and control in community settings.

Methods

This scoping review (ScR) was conducted using the methodologies introduced by Arksey and O’Malley. The search strategy was conducted on electronic databases, such as MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, ProQuest, medRxiv and Clinicaltrial.gov, from 2010 until 2022 by entering the appropriate keywords. Afterwards, the title, abstract and full text were screened independently by two researchers in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, the data were charted, extracted, collated, summarised and reported.

Ethics and dissemination

In this ScR, research ethics was unnecessary because this work synthesised evidence from pre-existing literature only. The results of this ScR were published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences. We disseminated the results using graphs, images, tables, discussions and a plain language summary.
Effectiveness of social support programmes on loneliness in community-dwelling older adults: study protocol for a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wang Yinhua , Li Xiaofang , Yao Li , Ren Tingting , Wang Tingshu
Published: December 2023

Background

The prevalence of loneliness among older adults is of great importance in the field of public health. Numerous studies have provided evidence supporting the effectiveness of social support as a powerful intervention for reducing loneliness in older individuals. However, the specific types of social support that yield positive results are yet to be determined. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a comprehensive review to compare and analyse the effectiveness of different support mechanisms in alleviating loneliness among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods and analysis

A thorough search will be conducted on various electronic databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Library, China Science and Technology Journal Database (Weipu), WanFang Database, and China Biology Medicine Disc. The search will include randomised controlled trials published in English or Chinese that focus on interventions for loneliness in older individuals, with loneliness as the primary measure of interest. The selection and choice of articles will be the responsibility of both reviewers. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomised Controlled Trials will be used to assess the methodological quality of the included trials. When sufficient data are obtained and the study is relatively homogeneous, a random-effects or fixed-effects model will be employed to conduct a meta-analysis, yielding a descriptive synthesis of the findings.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval will not be sought for this systematic review as it will exclusively focus on published papers. The review findings will be showcased at a conference dedicated to this specific field and published in an appropriate journal that undergoes peer evaluation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020226523.
Measuring the success of programmes of care for people living with dementia: a protocol for consensus building with consumers to develop a set of Core Outcome Measures for Improving Care (COM-IC)
Authors: Comans Tracy , Nguyen Kim , Gray Len , Flicker Leon , Williamson Paula , Dodd Susanna , Kearney Anna , Cunningham Colm , Morris Thomas , Nunn Jack , Trepel Dominic , Almeida Osvaldo P , Kenny Danelle , Welch Alyssa , Lowthian Judy A , Quinn John , Petrie Glenys , Dao-Tran Tiet-Hanh , Manchha Asmita , Kurrle Susan E
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The Core Outcome Measures for Improving Care (COM-IC) project aims to deliver practical recommendations on the selection and implementation of a suite of core outcomes to measure the effectiveness of interventions for dementia care.

Methods and analysis

COM-IC embeds a participatory action approach to using the Alignment–Harmonisation–Results framework for measuring dementia care in Australia. Using this framework, suitable core outcome measures will be identified, analysed, implemented and audited. The methods for analysing each stage will be codesigned with stakeholders, through the conduit of a Stakeholder Reference Group including people living with dementia, formal and informal carers, aged care industry representatives, researchers, clinicians and policy actors. The codesigned evaluation methods consider two key factors: feasibility and acceptability. These considerations will be tested during a 6-month feasibility study embedded in aged care industry partner organisations.

Ethics and dissemination

COM-IC has received ethical approval from The University of Queensland (HREC 2021/HE001932). Results will be disseminated through networks established over the project, and in accordance with both the publication schedule and requests from the Stakeholder Reference Group. Full access to publications and reports will be made available through UQ eSpace (https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/), an open access repository hosted by The University of Queensland.
Assessing the risk of COVID-19 reinfection and severe outcomes among individuals with substance use disorders: a retrospective study using real-world electronic health records
Authors: Tuan Wen-Jan , Kindt Hailey M , Lennon Robert P
Published: December 2023

Objective

Despite advancement in vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 over the past 2 years, many concerns remain about reinfection and waning immunity against COVID-19 and its variants, especially among people with substance use disorder (SUD). The study assessed the risk of COVID-19 reinfection and severe illness among adults with SUD and their vaccination status to inform management in this vulnerable population as the pandemic continues.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Nationwide electronic health records (TriNetX database) in the USA among adults with COVID-19 infection from January 2020 to June 2022.

Participants

Adults (age ≥18 years) who were infected by COVID-19, excluding those who had cancer or lived in nursing homes or palliative care facilities.

Outcome measures

COVID-19 reinfection was defined as a new diagnosis after 45 days of the initial infection. Logistic regression was applied to assess the OR of COVID-19 reinfection and severe outcomes within 30 day of reinfection for adults with alcohol (AUD), opioid (OUD), cocaine (CUD), stimulant (STUD), cannabis (CAUD) and other use disorders, controlled for demographic and comorbid conditions.

Results

The SUD cohort was 13%–29% more likely to be reinfected by COVID-19 and had significantly higher 30-day mortality. Adults with AUD, STUD and OUD were at greater risks (adjusted ORs, AORs=1.69–1.86) of emergency department, hospital and intensive care admissions after 30 days of reinfection. Individuals with SUD and multiple vaccines doses were associated with decreased risks of worse COVID-19 outcomes. Lower COVID-19 reinfection rates (AORs=0.67–0.84) were only found among individuals with AUD, CUD or CAUD who had COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusions

Individuals with SUD had greater risks of COVID-19 reinfection and poor outcomes, especially those with OUD, STUD and AUD. Multiple vaccinations are recommended to reduce severe illness after COVID-19 reinfection in the SUD population.
Eliciting preferences of persons with dementia and informal caregivers to support ageing in place in the Netherlands: a protocol for a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Vullings Isabelle , Wammes Joost , Uysal-Bozkir Özgül , Smits Carolien , Labrie Nanon H M , Swait J D , de Bekker-Grob Esther , Macneil-Vroomen Janet L
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Ageing in place (AIP) for persons with dementia is encouraged by European governments and societies. Healthcare packages may need reassessment to account for the preferences of care funders, patients and informal caregivers. By providing insight into people’s preferences, discrete choice experiments (DCEs) can help develop consensus between stakeholders. This protocol paper outlines the development of a Dutch national study to cocreate a healthcare package design methodology built on DCEs that is person-centred and helps support informal caregivers and persons with dementia to AIP. A subpopulation analysis of persons with dementia with a migration background is planned due to their high risk for dementia and under-representation in research and care.

Methods and analysis

The DCE is designed to understand how persons with dementia and informal caregivers choose between different healthcare packages. Qualitative methods are used to identify and prioritise important care components for persons with dementia to AIP. This will provide a list of care components that will be included in the DCE, to quantify the care needs and preferences of persons with dementia and informal caregivers. The DCE will identify individual and joint preferences to AIP. The relative importance of each attribute will be calculated. The DCE data will be analysed with the use of a random parameters logit model.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was waived by the Amsterdam University Medical Center (W23_112 #23.137). A study summary will be available on the websites of Alzheimer Nederland, Pharos and Amsterdam Public Health institute. Results are expected to be presented at (inter)national conferences, peer-reviewed papers will be submitted, and a dissemination meeting will be held to bring stakeholders together. The study results will help improve healthcare package design for all stakeholders.
Young carers’ perspectives on navigating the healthcare system and co-designing support for their caring roles: a mixed-methods qualitative study
Authors: Saragosa Marianne , Hahn-Goldberg Shoshana , Lunsky Yona , Cameron Jill I , Caven Isabelle , Bookey-Bassett Susan , Newman Kristine , Okrainec Karen
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Despite young carers (YCs) providing regular and significant care that exceeds what would normally be associated with an adult caregiver, we need to learn more about their experience interacting with the healthcare system. The primary study aims were to (1) describe YC experiences in interacting with the healthcare system and (2) identify types of support YC recognise as potentially helpful to their caring role.

Design and setting

A mixed-methods qualitative study was conducted between March 2022 and August 2022, comprising two phases of (1) semi-structured interviews and focus groups with YCs living in the community to confirm and expand earlier research findings, and (2) a co-design workshop informed by a generative research approach. We used findings from the interviews and focus groups to inform the brainstorming process for identifying potential solutions.

Results

Eight YCs completed either a focus group or an interview, and four continued the study and participated in the co-design activity with 12 participants. Phase 1 resulted in three overarching themes: (1) navigating the YC role within the healthcare system; (2) being kept out of the loop; and (3) normalising the transition into caregiving. Phase 2 identified two categories: (1) YC-focused supports and (2) raising awareness and building capacity in the healthcare system.

Conclusion

Study findings revealed the critical role that YCs play when supporting their families during pivotal interactions in the healthcare system. Like their older caregiver counterparts, YCs struggle to navigate, coordinate and advocate for their family members while juggling their needs as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. This study provides important preliminary insights into YCs encountering professionals, which can be used to design and implement national support structures.
Effects of boron citrate supplementation on cardiometabolic factors, inflammatory biomarkers and anthropometric measures in obese patients: study protocol for a randomised, double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Naemi Mohammad , Naghshi Sina , Rostami Somaye , Safaei Ehsan , Tutunchi Helda , Ostadrahimi Alireza
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Obesity is a chronic disease with serious health consequences, but weight loss is difficult to maintain through lifestyle intervention alone. The efficacy and safety of boron citrate (BC), a novel therapeutic approach, in patients with obesity are not known. The current trial will take place to determine the effects of BC supplementation on cardiometabolic factors, inflammatory biomarkers, anthropometric measures and body composition in obese patients.

Methods and analysis

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial will involve 60 eligible obese participants aged 18–60 years. Participants will randomly be allocated to receive either BC capsules (containing 10 mg of boron) in the intervention group or placebo capsules (containing 10 mg of maltodextrin) in the placebo group for 12 weeks. Moreover, physical activity and dietary recommendations will be provided for both groups. To assess the dietary intakes of participants, a 3-day food record (2 days of the week and 1 day of the weekend) will be filled. Cardiometabolic factors, inflammatory biomarkers including tumour necrosis factor α, C reactive protein, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 levels, anthropometric measures and body composition will be assessed at the baseline and end of the intervention. The findings of this study will provide evidence for the effectiveness of BC in the management of obesity.

Ethics and dissemination

There are so far no reported adverse effects associated with the use of boron. This trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (approval number: IR.TBZMED.REC.1401.350). Positive as well as negative findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

IRCT20220806055624N1.
Optimal concentration of ropivacaine for peripheral nerve blocks in adult patients: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Jing , Pan Jiamei , Xu Ying , Wang Yi , Zhang Donghang , Wei Yiyong
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Ropivacaine is the most widely used local anaesthetic for peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs). The effects of various concentrations of ropivacaine in PNB have been investigated and compared by many randomised controlled trials (RCTs). This protocol aims to identify the optimal concentration of ropivacaine for PNB in adult patients.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library and Web of Science will be searched from their inception to 10 July 2023. RCTs that compare the analgesic effects of different concentrations of ropivacaine for PNB will be included. Retrospective studies, meta-analyses, reviews, case reports, letters, conference abstracts and paediatric studies will be excluded. The duration of analgesia will be named as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include the onset time of motor and sensory blockade, postoperative pain scores, analgesic requirements over 24 hours and the incidence of adverse effects. The study selection, data extraction and quality assessment will be performed by two independent reviewers. Data processing and analysis will be performed by RevMan 5.4. The quality of the evidence will be assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not applicable. The results of this study will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023406362.
Cohort profile: the Pregnancy Risk Infant Surveillance and Measurement Alliance (PRISMA) – Pakistan
Authors: Naz Sabahat , Jaffar Ali , Yazdani Nida , Kashif Muhammad , Hussain Zaid , Khan Uzma , Farooq Fouzia , Nisar Muhammad Imran , Jehan Fyezah , Smith Emily , Hoodbhoy Zahra
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Pakistan has disproportionately high maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of detailed, population-representative data to provide evidence for risk factors, morbidities and mortality among pregnant women and their newborns. The Pregnancy Risk, Infant Surveillance and Measurement Alliance (PRISMA) is a multicountry open cohort that aims to collect high-dimensional, standardised data across five South Asian and African countries for estimating risk and developing innovative strategies to optimise pregnancy outcomes for mothers and their newborns. This study presents the baseline maternal and neonatal characteristics of the Pakistan site occurring prior to the launch of a multisite, harmonised protocol.

Participants

PRISMA Pakistan study is being conducted at two periurban field sites in Karachi, Pakistan. These sites have primary healthcare clinics where pregnant women and their newborns are followed during the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods up to 1 year after delivery. All encounters are captured electronically through a custom-built Android application. A total of 3731 pregnant women with a mean age of 26.6±5.8 years at the time of pregnancy with neonatal outcomes between January 2021 and August 2022 serve as a baseline for the PRISMA Pakistan study.

Findings to date

In this cohort, live births accounted for the majority of pregnancy outcomes (92%, n=3478), followed by miscarriages/abortions (5.5%, n=205) and stillbirths (2.6%, n=98). Twenty-two per cent of women (n=786) delivered at home. One out of every four neonates was low birth weight (<2500 g), and one out of every five was preterm (gestational age <37 weeks). The maternal mortality rate was 172/100 000 pregnancies, the neonatal mortality rate was 52/1000 live births and the stillbirth rate was 27/1000 births. The three most common causes of neonatal deaths obtained through verbal autopsy were perinatal asphyxia (39.6%), preterm births (19.8%) and infections (12.6%).

Future plans

The PRISMA cohort will provide data-driven insights to prioritise and design interventions to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in low-resource regions.

Trial registration number

NCT05904145.
Employing telepsychiatry services to assess the prevalence and identify mental health disorders using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 in resource-constrained regions of Dadar Mansehra, Pakistan: an observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Aga Iffat Zafar , Khurram Sara Saeed , Karim Mahek , Muzzamil Muhammad , Hashmi Shahkamal , Shafique Kashif
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aims to measure the prevalence of mental health disorders in low-resource settings through telepsychiatry and evaluate data from Pakistan’s Sehat Kahani nurse-assisted online clinics serving low-income communities. This will help to understand the magnitude and nature of the demand for contextual therapies to promote mental health. The paper will discuss the challenges faced in these settings, such as limited access to mental health facilities, stigma and opportunities telemedicine brings.

Design

An observational cross-sectional study of telepsychiatry consultations using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 to screen for depression and anxiety was conducted between October and December 2022.

Setting

This research was conducted at Dadar Mansehra e-health clinics of Sehat Kahani with telepsychiatry services in Pakistan.

Participants

The study included 2660 participants who visited Sehat Kahani e-health clinics between October and December 2022 and voluntarily completed the questionnaire for data collection.

Results

The study was comprised of 2660 participants with a mean age of 34.3 years. The study findings show that the majority of participants were females (98.4%), 16.9% of participants had moderate depression, and 20.8% had severe depression. Furthermore, the participants who were widowed/divorced were more likely to have depression than those who were single (OR=3.3, 95% CI (2.0 to 5.2)).

Conclusions

Based on the findings, most study participants were female, and their mental health was negatively impacted. Women in Pakistan are disproportionately affected by the rising rates of depression and anxiety, and telepsychiatry therapies effectively respond to this growing need. Potentially, it is a game-changer for dealing with mental health problems. Telepsychiatry can help policymakers and mental health professionals to develop effective low-income mental health initiatives.
Policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in West Africa: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Fischer Hanna-Tina , Müller Kathrin , Wenham Clare , Hanefeld Johanna
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Four years after the devastating Ebola outbreak, governments in West Africa were quick to implement non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in response to the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2. The NPIs implemented included physical distancing, closure of schools and businesses, restrictions on public gatherings and mandating the use of face masks among others. In the absence of widely available vaccinations, NPIs were the only known means to try to slow the spread of COVID-19. While numerous studies have assessed the effectiveness of these NPIs in high-income countries, less is known about the processes that lead to the adoption of policies and the factors that influence their implementation and adherence in low-income and middle-income countries. The objective of this scoping review is to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to the policy formulation, decision-making and implementation stages of NPIs in West Africa.

Methods and analysis

A scoping review will be undertaken following the guidance developed by Arskey and O’Malley, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews. Both peer-reviewed and grey literature will be searched using Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing, JSTOR and Google Advanced Search, and by searching the websites of the WHO, and the West African Health Organisation. Screening will be conducted by two reviewers based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data will be extracted, coded and narratively synthesised.

Ethics and dissemination

We started this scoping review in May 2023, and anticipate finishing by April 2024. Ethics approval is not required since we are not collecting primary data. This protocol was registered at Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/gvek2/). We plan to disseminate this research through publications, conference presentations and upcoming West African policy dialogues on pandemic preparedness and response.
Family-focused intervention to promote adolescent mental health and well-being in Moldova and North Macedonia (FLOURISH): feasibility study protocol
Authors: Shenderovich Yulia , Piolanti Antonio , Babii Viorel , Calovska-Hertzog Nevena , Evans Rhiannon E , Heinrichs Nina , Burgund Isakov Anita , Lesco Galina , Moore Graham , Mueller Janina , Raleva Marija , Shimbov Bojan , Simon Judit , Waller Franziska , Wienand Dennis , Foran Heather M
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Family-Focused Adolescent & Lifelong Health Promotion (FLOURISH) project will adapt, implement and evaluate a programme to support adolescent mental health and well-being through strategies, such as strengthening parenting practices, adolescent-caregiver relationships, adolescent and parent socioemotional skills, and social support.

Methods and analysis

The project will focus on adolescents aged 10–14 years and their caregivers in North Macedonia and Moldova. The countries were selected based on implementation readiness of two organisations and a need for accessible evidence-informed services to help mitigate health risks due to economic, social and political challenges. Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH) for Parents and Teens is a family-based programme developed for low-resource settings. PLH has been adapted with input from advisory groups. The programme includes additional components to strengthen impacts on adolescents: adolescent mental health tools, based on UNICEF’s Helping Adolescents Thrive, adolescent peer support and participation booster. This pilot is first of three study phases. The pilot will be a feasibility testing of the adapted intervention and the assessment and implementation procedures to determine further refinements. The pilot will examine if the adapted programme is acceptable for adolescents, their families and providers, explore contextual factors relevant to embedding this programme into longer-term scale-up and investigate whether the programme can be delivered with fidelity and participation; whether the participants report changes in adolescent emotional and behavioural problems, well-being and other outcomes; and whether the study tools are feasible and appropriate. Pre-post adolescent and caregiver questionnaires will provide outcome data. Process evaluation will include attendance and fidelity data, and focus groups. We will examine delivery cost and resource requirements.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved at the University of Klagenfurt (Austria), Medical Faculty at St. Cyril and Methodius University (North Macedonia) and National Committee of Ethical Expertise for Clinical Trials (Moldova). Through stakeholder engagement and dissemination, FLOURISH will advance scale-up of open-source family interventions.

Trial registration number

Trial registration: ID101095528; project page:https://www.flourish-study.org/about.html;https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-study/
Evaluating the long-term biological stability of cytokine biomarkers in ocular fluid samples
Authors: Felfeli Tina , Park Jeff , Nestor Bret , Altomare Filiberto , Rai Amandeep S , Mandelcorn Efrem D , Chow David R , Wong David T
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The quality of biological fluid samples is vital for optimal preanalytical procedures and a requirement for effective translational biomarker research. This study aims to determine the effects of storage duration and freeze-thawing on the levels of various cytokines in the human aqueous humour and vitreous samples.

Methods and analysis

Human ocular aqueous humour and vitreous samples were obtained from 25 eyes and stored at −80°C for analysis. All samples were assayed for 27 cytokine biomarker concentrations (pg/mL) using a multiplex assay. Four sample storage durations following sample collection were evaluated (1 week, 3 months, 9 months and 15 months). Additionally, samples underwent up to three freeze-thaw cycles within the study period.

Results

Among the 27 cytokine biomarkers, concentrations of four cytokines (Interleukin (IL)−2, IL-10, IL-12 and platelet-derived growth factor-BB) were significantly decreased by storage duration at all time points, as early as 3 months following sample collection (range of 9%–37% decline between 1 week and 15 months, p<0.001). Freeze-thawing of up to three cycles did not significantly impact the cytokine biomarker concentrations in aqueous humour or vitreous. Separability of patient-specific cytokine biomarker profiles in the principal component analysis remained relatively the same over the 15 months of storage duration.

Conclusion

The findings from this study suggest that several intraocular cytokine biomarkers in human aqueous humour and vitreous samples may be susceptible to degradation with long-term storage, as early as 3 months after collection. The overall patient-specific cytokine biomarker profiles are more stable than concentrations of individual cytokines. Future studies should focus on developing guidelines for optimal and standardised sample handling methods to ensure correct research findings about intraocular biomarkers are translated into clinical practice.
Self-Supervised Network Distillation for Exploration
Authors: Zhang Xu , Dai Ruiyu , Chen Weisi , Qiu Jiguang
Published: December 2023

Reinforcement learning is currently applicable across a range of domains, including robotics, gaming, and natural language processing. However, the approach faces difficulties in environments with sparse rewards. Random network distillation (RND) is a good intrinsic reward solution to this problem. Nevertheless, the RND method’s effectiveness hinges on excellent initialization, and the reliance on random features somewhat constrains the agent’s exploration capabilities. This paper proposes a self-supervised network distillation (SSND) exploration method, addressing the drawbacks of RND’s reliance on initializing random networks while enhancing the agent’s exploration capability in sparse reward environments. The method uses distillation error as intrinsic rewards, with the target network trained using self-supervised learning. During the training of the predictor network, we noticed fluctuations in both loss values and intrinsic rewards, which have a detrimental impact on the performance of the intelligent agent. To resolve this issue, we introduce batch normalization layers to the target network, which helps mitigate intrinsic reward anomalies stemming from the target network’s instability. Experiments show that the self-supervised network distillation is better than RND in terms of exploration speed and performance.
Image Steganography Using Optimized Twin Attention-Based Convolutional Capsule Network
Authors: Allwadhi Sachin , Joshi Kamaldeep , Yadav Ashok Kumar , Nandal Rainu , Allawadhi Prince , Khurana Gargi , Kumari Deepika
Published: December 2023

The secret information hiding inside the cover image is termed image steganography, in which the secret information may be either in visual or text format. The concealment of secret information inside the cover image is devised by converting the information into the standard form using conventional image steganography. Here, the cover image is usually systematically altered to carry the secret binary bits after the translation of secret data into binary bits. The cover image may get distorted due to overload, making the hidden information obvious. As a result, the conventional image steganography approaches have a limited ability to conceal. Hence, this research introduces a novel image steganography using the optimized deep learning technique. For novel image steganography, an improved archerfish hunting optimization-based twin attention convolution capsule network (ImAho-TACCNet) is introduced for image steganography. Here, the proposed ImAho is utilized for modifying the tunable parameters of the TACCNet to enhance the efficiency of the image steganography process in terms of minimum mean square error (MSE) and maximal peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR). Besides, secret information compression and recursive encryption techniques further enhance the security of secret information. The analysis of ImAho-TACCNet based on various assessment measures like PSNR, SSIM and MSE accomplished enhanced outcomes with the values of 62.37, 0.9923, and 0.0165 for the hidden network model and 64.23, 0.9989, and 0.0125 for the extraction network model.
Detecting similarities of rational plane curves using complex differential invariants
Authors: Çoban Hüsnü Anıl
Published: December 2023

We present a new and efficient method to detect whether or not two given rational plane curves are similar. If both curves are the same, the method finds the symmetries of the curve. The method relies on the introduction of a complex differential invariant that has a nice behavior with respect to Möbius transformations, which are the mappings lying behind the similarities in the parameter space. From a computational point of view, our algorithm only requires bivariate gcds and factoring. The algorithm is implemented in Maple™ [Maplesoft, a division of Waterloo Maple Inc. Waterloo, Ontario (2021)]. An extensive study of its practical performance is also provided.
Subpolygroup commutativity degree of finite extension polygroup
Authors: Al-Tahan M. , Davvaz B. , Harikrishnan P. , Pallavi P.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we consider finite extension polygroups as a special class of polygroups to study probabilistic polygroup theory. In this regard, we study the subpolygroup lattice of the extension polygroups. By using the results of the subpolygroup lattice, we obtain an explicit formula for the subpolygroup commutativity degree of the extension polygroup.
Mathematical Game Theory at St. Petersburg State University
Authors: Petrosyan Leon A. , Yeung David W. K. , Parilina Elena M.
Published: December 2023

The paper is dedicated to the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg State University. Creation of the school of mathematical game theory at St. Petersburg State University is associated with Nikolai Nikolaevich Vorobyov. The school has an interesting history described in the paper. More than 50 scientists working in the leading Russian and international scientific centers all over the world in the field of differential, dynamic, and cooperative games were the students of this school.
Predictive Recognition of DNA-binding Proteins Based on Pre-trained Language Model BERT
Authors: Ma Yue , Pei Yongzhen , Li Changguo
Published: December 2023

Identifying proteins is crucial for disease diagnosis and treatment. With the increase of known proteins, large-scale batch predictions are essential. However, traditional biological experiments being time-consuming and expensive are difficult to accomplish this task efficiently. Nevertheless, deep learning algorithms based on big data analysis have manifested potential in this aspect. In recent years, language representation models, especially BERT, have made significant advancements in natural language processing. In this paper, using three protein segmentation methods and three encoder numbers, nine BERT models with different sizes are constructed to predict whether known proteins are DNA-binding proteins or not. Furthermore, based on the concept of protein motifs, multi-scale convolutional networks are fused into the models to extract the local features of DNA-binding proteins. Finally, we find that the larger the number of encoders, the better the model predictions under the condition of considering each amino acid in the protein as a word. Our proposed algorithm achieves 81.88% sensitivity and 0.39 MCC value on the test set. Furthermore, it achieves 62.41% accuracy on the independent test set PDB2272. It is evident that our proposed method can be a tool to assist in the identification of DNA-binding proteins.
The signed (total) Roman domination problem on some classes of planar graphs— Convex polytopes
Authors: Zec Tatjana , Matić Dragan , Djukanović Marko
Published: December 2023

In last two decades, the basic Roman domination problem and the variants thereof have attracted many researchers from different fields to study these problems in both ways, theoretically and computationally. Function [Formula: see text] is the signed Roman domination function (SRDF) if and only if it satisfies the following conditions: (i) for each vertex [Formula: see text] of graph [Formula: see text] the sum of the values assigned to [Formula: see text] and all its neighbors is at least 1 and (ii) each vertex [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text], must be adjacent to at least one vertex [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]. The minimum weight [Formula: see text] of all SRDFs on graph [Formula: see text] is defined as signed Roman domination number ([Formula: see text]). Definition of the signed total Roman domination function (STRDF) follows the definition of SRDF with a minor change where condition (i) considers the sum of all values assigned to all neighbors of [Formula: see text] to be at least one, for each vertex [Formula: see text]. The minimum weight [Formula: see text] of all STRDFs on graph [Formula: see text] is called signed total Roman domination number ([Formula: see text]). In this paper, we deal with the calculation of the signed (total) Roman domination numbers on a few classes of planar graphs from the literature. We give proofs for the exact values of the numbers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] as well as the numbers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. For some other classes of planar graphs, such as [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], lower and upper bounds on [Formula: see text] are presented.
A Case-Control Study Comparing the General Characteristics of Patients with Symptomatic Dermographism and Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Is Atopy a Risk Factor for Symptomatic Dermographism?
Authors: Cakmak Mehmet Erdem , Yegit Osman Ozan , Öztop Nida
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Symptomatic dermographism (SDerm) is the most common chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) subtype. There is still limited information in the literature about clinical features, triggering factors, and accompanying comorbidities of SDerm. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features and laboratory data of patients with SDerm and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Methods: The clinical features and laboratory data of patients with SDerm and CSU were compared retrospectively. The laboratory data and general characteristic features of the patients were obtained from the medical records. Results: The study included a total of 361 patients (CSU: 220, SDerm: 141). The rates of asthma (odds ratio [OR]: 1.79, p = 0.036), allergic rhinitis (OR: 6.03, p < 0.001), and thyroid disease (OR: 1.78, p = 0.039) were higher in patients with SDerm. The disease duration (median 12 months, p < 0.001) and regular antihistamine use (OR: 0.31, p < 0.001) were lower in patients with SDerm. Total IgE level (median: 193, p < 0.001), thyroid antibody positivity (OR: 1.93, p = 0.039), and atopy (OR: 8.81, p < 0.001) were higher in patients with SDerm. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (OR: 17.72, p < 0.001), Dermatophagoides farinae (OR: 17.20, p < 0.001), grass pollen (OR: 2.50, p < 0.026), cat epithelium (OR: 3.68, p < 0.023), and cockroach (OR: 4.93, p < 0.009) allergen positivity rates were higher in patients with SDerm. Conclusion: Atopic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis and the sensitization rate to aeroallergens seem to be higher in patients with SDerm than in patients with CSU. The results of this study should be supported by multicenter studies of patients from different geographical regions.
Current Guidelines on Fat Intake in Pregnant and Lactating Women, Infants, Children, and Adolescents: A Scoping Review
Authors: Patro-Golab Bernadeta , Zalewski Bartlomiej M. , Kammermeier Michael , Schwingshackl Lukas , Koletzko Berthold ,   on behalf of the IUNS Task Force on Dietary Fat Quality
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Dietary fat intake in pregnancy, lactation, and childhood determines child growth, neurodevelopment, and long-term health. Methods: We performed a scoping review of dietary guidelines on fat intake for pregnant and lactating women, infants, children, and adolescents. We systematically searched several databases and websites for relevant documents published in English from 2015 to 2019. Results: We included 14 documents. Of those, eight targeted pregnant and/or lactating women, mainly recommending daily intake of approx. 250 mg/d of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), while one advised supplementing 800 mg/d DHA and 100 mg/d EPA in women of low omega-3 fatty acid status. The number of guidelines for infants was low (n = 3). Recommended intakes of total fat were 30–40% and 20–35% of total energy intake (TEI) for infants and children, respectively. Intakes of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) <10% of TEI and avoidance of trans-fatty acids (TFAs) were recommended across childhood. The methodology applied to develop guidelines and to grade the strength of recommendations was heterogeneous. Conclusion: Quantitative recommendations on fat intake during pregnancy focused mainly on PUFA intake, and those targeting infants were limited. Consistent recommendations were provided for total fat, SFA, and TFA intake in childhood; however, strength of recommendation was mostly not reported.
The Association between Education and Cognitive Performance Varies at Different Levels of Cognitive Performance: A Quantile Regression Approach
Authors: Rehnberg Johan , Huisman Martijn , Fors Stefan , Marseglia Anna , Kok Almar
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Educational differences in cognitive performance among older adults are well documented. Studies that explore this association typically estimate a single average effect of education on cognitive performance. We argue that the processes that contribute to the association between education and cognitive performance are unlikely to have equal effects at all levels of cognitive performance. In this study, we employ an analytical approach that enables us to go beyond averages to examine the association between education and five measures of global and domain-specific cognitive performance across the outcome distributions. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,780 older adults aged 58–68 years from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Conditional quantile regression was used to examine variation across the outcome distribution. Cognitive outcomes included Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, crystallized intelligence, information processing speed, episodic memory, and a composite score of global cognitive performance. Results: The results showed that the associations between education and different cognitive measures varied across the outcome distributions. Specifically, we found that education had a stronger association with crystallized intelligence, MMSE, and a composite cognitive performance measure in the lower tail of performance distributions. The associations between education and information processing speed and episodic memory were uniform across the outcome distributions. Conclusion: Larger associations between education and some domains of cognitive performance in the lower tail of the performance distributions imply that inequalities are primarily generated among individuals with lower performance rather than among average and high performers. Additionally, the varying associations across some of the outcome distributions indicate that estimating a single average effect through standard regression methods may overlook variations in cognitive performance between educational groups. Future studies should consider heterogeneity across the outcome distribution.
Experimental determination of minimum capacitor for self-excitation of induction generators
Authors: Sibrahim Madjid , Aissou Said , Rouas Rabah , Haddad Salah , Benamrouche Nacereddine
Published: December 2023

This article addresses the issue related to determining the minimum capacitor required for the self-excitation of an induction generator. The determination of the minimum capacitance required for the self-excitation of a self-excited induction generator has already been the subject of several previous studies. It has been shown that the minimum capacitance depends on the rotation speed and the remanent magnetism. The study carried out in this paper shows that, in addition to the rotation speed and the remanent magnetism, there is a third parameter that has an influence on the self-excitation process, which is the acceleration or, in other words, the rotation speed ramp-up. In this paper, several experimental self-excitation tests for different values of the rotation speed ramp-up are carried out, leading to new characteristics of the minimum self-excitation capacitance as a function of the rotation speed. The results obtained from simulation and experimental studies prove the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Load frequency control in Island micro-grid with electric vehicles and renewable energy sources using modified fractional order PID controller
Authors: Tola Omokhafe James , Irefu Ovis Daniel , Ambafi James Garba
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a modified fractional-order proportional-integral-differential (MFOPID) controller for load frequency control in an Island microgrid based on an electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy source. It tackles the intermittent energy sources and the dynamic of the load change with reduced speed and the quality of response generated on the microgrid. The MFOPID controller gains are well turned using a metaheuristic grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) technique to determine its robustness and optimal system performance. The controller gains are evaluated with three different searching agent populations. The proposed MFOPID with GOA improved system performance frequency by 19.485 Hz compared to 14.1151 Hz of the benchmark model. It takes 6.9068 s of the proposed model to settle compared to 16.6796 s of FOPID.