bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Impact of Project-Based Learning on Sustainable Development Goals Awareness and University Students' Growth
Authors: Espino-Díaz- Luis , Luque-González Rocío , Fernández-Caminero Gemma , Álvarez-Castillo José-Luis
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the impact of an educational intervention strategy – Project-Based Learning (PBL) – designed to enhance university students' knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their integration into academic curricula, and their relevance for future professional and personal applications. The research is motivated by the recognised importance of the SDGs in education and the current limited integration and understanding within higher education settings. The study applied a pre-test and post-test experimental design used, involving 199 first-year students from the University of Cordoba (Spain), enrolled in Primary and Early Childhood Education programmes. The intervention comprised PBL activities aimed at increasing knowledge and perceptions of the SDGs. Data were collected using a questionnaire assessing three dimensions: knowledge of the SDGs, the importance of their inclusion in the curriculum, and the perceived relevance of applying SDG principles in professional and personal contexts. The findings indicate that the intervention strategy effectively improved, albeit partially, students' understanding and perception of the SDGs. There was a significant improvement in students' knowledge. However, regarding the perceived importance of integrating the SDGs into their curriculum and the relevance of the SDGs for their future professional and personal lives, no effects were observed. These results underscore the partial efficacy of PBL in promoting sustainability competences and global citizenship among students, suggesting the need to explore other pedagogical methodologies for greater effectiveness. The study advocates the integration of SDGs into higher education curricula to better prepare students for future challenges, emphasising the need for further research to explore the long-term impacts and broader applicability of such educational intervention.
Sex-related functional outcome after periacetabular osteotomy in mild to severe hip dysplasia
Authors: Fischer Maximilian , Nonnenmacher Lars , Hofer Andre , Zimmerer Alexander , Nitsch Andreas , Großjohann Rico , Erdmann Sabrina , Wassilew Georgi I.
Published: January 2025

Aims

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is well established for acetabular reorientation and has shown successful improvement in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Nevertheless, studies focusing on postoperative outcomes related to patient individual factors are still underrepresented. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the functional outcome and activity level in relation to patient sex with a minimum follow-up of two years after PAO for mild to severe hip dysplasia.

Methods

A single-centre study was conducted, enrolling patients undergoing PAO and completing a preoperative and postoperative radiological and clinical outcome assessment. The PROMs were assessed using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) with the subscales for pain, sport, activities of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QoL), and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score. Kendall’s tau were calculated for correlation analyses.

Results

In total, 145 patients (28 male, 117 female) were included. The PROMs improved significantly across males and females at the latest follow-up. Female patients had significantly lower preoperative PROMs: mHHS (47 vs 57.4; p = 0.002); HOOS pain (44.9 vs 60; p = 0.003), sport (47 vs 57.4; p = 0.002), ADL (58.9 vs 69.3; p = 0.032), and QoL (26.8 vs 39.3; p = 0.009); and UCLA (5.6 vs 6.7, p = 0.042) scores. Males showed higher postoperative UCLA scores (7.5 vs 6.7; p = 0.03). Kendall’s tau showed significant negative correlation between BMI and UCLA scores in females and males (-0.21 to -0.29; p = 0.002/0.048), while BMI and HOOS sport (-0.16; p = 0.015) and ADL (-0.2; p = 0.003), as well as QoL (-0.14; p = 0.031) and preoperative acetabular inclination (-0.13; p = 0.049) were only significantly negatively correlated in females.

Conclusion

Patient sex affects PROMs before and after PAO. Female patients experience higher improvement in hip function and activity level, due to poorer preoperative PROMs than males. Thus, these data are particularly interesting in providing preoperative guidance regarding postoperative outcome expectations.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;6(1):35–42.
Transformative Spinal Surgery: Lateral Position Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Discectomy
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Malabar Medical College Kozhikode, Kerala, India,, Gopi Jipin , Mammu Sharafuddeen ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College Kozhikode, Kerala, India,, Jayan Aarabhy ,   Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Konni, Kerala, India., O P Jamshad ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College Kozhikode, Kerala, India,, N R Fijad ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Malabar Medical College Kozhikode, Kerala, India,, VK Vaisakh ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Malabar Medical College Kozhikode, Kerala, India,
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) is a minimally invasive technique that allows for direct visualization of spinal pathologies and has become a safe and effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery. Conventionally performed in the prone position, biportal endoscopy can also be done in the lateral position to avoid prone-associated complications. To our knowledge, the use of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) in the lateral position has not been previously reported.

Case Report: We present the case of a 53-year-old male who experienced severe low back pain and right-sided radiculopathy due to a disc protrusion at the L4-L5 level. The patient was managed surgically using UBE in the lateral position once the conservative management was ineffective. This innovative approach aimed to minimize the complications associated with the prone position typically used in such procedures.

Conclusion: The successful management of L4–L5 intervertebral disc prolapse using UBE in the lateral position in this case demonstrates the potential of this technique as an effective and minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgical methods. This approach could offer a viable solution for treating degenerative spinal diseases while mitigating the steep learning curve associated with ESS. Further research and clinical studies are necessary to validate and optimize this technique.

Keywords: Biportal endoscopy, lateral position, disc prolapse, discectomy.
Deep plug-and-play HIO approach for phase retrieval
Authors: Işil Çağatay , Oktem Figen S.
Published: January 2025

In the phase retrieval problem, the aim is the recovery of an unknown image from intensity-only measurements such as Fourier intensity. Although there are several solution approaches, solving this problem is challenging due to its nonlinear and ill-posed nature. Recently, learning-based approaches have emerged as powerful alternatives to the analytical methods for several inverse problems. In the context of phase retrieval, a novel plug-and-play approach, to our knowledge, that exploits learning-based prior and efficient update steps has been presented at the Computational Optical Sensing and Imaging topical meeting, with demonstrated state-of-the-art performance. The key idea was to incorporate learning-based prior to the Gerchberg-Saxton type algorithms through plug-and-play regularization. In this paper, we present the mathematical development of the method including the derivation of its analytical update steps based on half-quadratic splitting and comparatively evaluate its performance through extensive simulations on a large test dataset. The results show the effectiveness of the method in terms of image quality, computational efficiency, and robustness to initialization and noise.
Investigation of Nb2O5/SiO2 short-wave pass filters for beam-splitting application in a PV/CSP solar hybrid system
Authors: Bourhani Said Abdallah , Tang Lei , Zhou Hui , Zhang Yanguo , Li Qinghai
Published: January 2025

Multilayer thin-film filters for beam-splitting applications were designed, fabricated, and characterized. Optimized 13- and 35-layer Nb2O5/SiO2 filters on K9 substrates achieved wideband transmission in the range of [580–1100 nm]. Optical and structural characterizations were performed using spectrometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Nb2O5/SiO2/K9 glass filter exhibited sensitivity to deposition conditions, especially in the very short wavelengths. Post-deposition annealing improved the filters’ morphology and optical performance, particularly in short wavelengths. Both filters demonstrated efficient performance with average transmittance values of 87.56% and 83.72%, respectively. Additionally, the highest reflectance and average reflectance in the remaining range were measured as 62.42% and 98%, respectively, making them suitable for hybrid photovoltaic thermal systems under optimized deposition and annealing conditions.
Analysis of crosstalk drift and optimization of spatial light modulator based mode-selective multiplexers for multimode fibers
Authors: Htay Zun , Barbosa Fabio A. , Ferreira Filipe M.
Published: January 2025

Adaptive mode-selective multiplexers offer the potential to control the modal content within multimode fibers for space division multiplexing (SDM). To such an end, spatial light modulators allow programmable control over the phase, amplitude, and polarization of optical wavefronts. One of the major challenges is to precisely match the manipulated beam to the waveguide modes in the multimode fiber. Achieving precise alignment of optical components within the free space system is crucial for accurate mode multiplexing while active alignment may be necessary to overcome environment induced drift. In this paper, we investigate, through theory, simulations and experiments, the impact of misalignment errors in a free space telescopic Fourier system, including phase mask and lenses misposition and angular misalignment in fiber collimation. Mode multiplexing is achieved using phase holograms in the Fourier domain while mode demultiplexing is achieved through off-axis holography and Fourier domain processing. Furthermore, we analyze the crosstalk drift with time in SDM transmission over a 45 mode OM3 fiber. System stability is experimentally evaluated over a 9-hour transmission period.
Modeling dispersive and active ring resonators with discrete optical components: from injected loops to mode-locked lasers
Authors: BARRE Nicolas , Brunel Marc
Published: January 2025

This article introduces a general framework for modeling the dynamics of
active ring resonators with both continuous and discrete optical elements, under the traveling-wave approximation. The framework is built upon a rigorous derivation of the two-time-variable formulation, which serves as the basis for several models, including the Haus master equations for lasers and the Lugiato-Lefever equation for microresonators. Starting from the slowly-varying envelope approximation, we demonstrate how to integrate discrete optical components into the model, such as modulators, optical couplers, and saturable absorbers, and address gain dynamics using auxiliary differential equations. By explicitly incorporating these discrete elements, rather than relying on mean-field approximations, we enhance simulation accuracy without increasing computational complexity. Additionally, we emphasize the crucial role of selecting an appropriate round-trip time, highlighting its importance in avoiding non-physical solutions. Special attention is given to the subtleties of the model, focusing on its effective applications and limitations.
Cortical direction selectivity increases from the input to the output layers of visual cortex
Authors: Dai Weifeng , Wang Tian , Li Yang , Yang Yi , Zhang Yange , Wu Yujie , Zhou Tingting , Yu Hongbo , Li Liang , Wang Yizheng , Wang Gang , Xing Dajun
Published: January 2025

Sensitivity to motion direction is a feature of visual neurons that is essential for motion perception. Recent studies have suggested that direction selectivity is re-established at multiple stages throughout the visual hierarchy, which contradicts the traditional assumption that direction selectivity in later stages largely derives from that in earlier stages. By recording laminar responses in areas 17 and 18 of anesthetized cats of both sexes, we aimed to understand how direction selectivity is processed and relayed across 2 successive stages: the input layers and the output layers within the early visual cortices. We found a strong relationship between the strength of direction selectivity in the output layers and the input layers, as well as the preservation of preferred directions across the input and output layers. Moreover, direction selectivity was enhanced in the output layers compared to the input layers, with the response strength maintained in the preferred direction but reduced in other directions and under blank stimuli. We identified a direction-tuned gain mechanism for interlaminar signal transmission, which likely originated from both feedforward connections across the input and output layers and recurrent connections within the output layers. This direction-tuned gain, coupled with nonlinearity, contributed to the enhanced direction selectivity in the output layers. Our findings suggest that direction selectivity in later cortical stages partially inherits characteristics from earlier cortical stages and is further refined by intracortical connections.
Examining the effects of race/ethnicity and other factors on outcomes of care for complex regional pain syndrome type 1 in the United States
Authors: Vo Anh Khoa , Crispo James A. G. , Liu Lisa J. W. , Thibault Dylan , Willis Allison W. , Griesdale Donald E. G. , Kramer John L. K. , Cragg Jacquelyn J.
Published: January 2025

Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder marked by symptoms such as swelling, impaired motor function, and sympathetic dysfunction. Our primary objective was to determine the total number of complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations by race/ethnicity, as well as to assess sex and age distributions by race/ethnicity. Secondary objectives were to examine whether race/ethnicity, as well as select characteristics, are associated with hospitalization and longer length of stay. We completed a cross-sectional study of adults (19+ years) using acute and inpatient care data from the 2020 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample and the National Inpatient Sample. The overall rate of CRPS-1 diagnosis among ED visits and hospitalizations was 0.02% and 0.04%, respectively. Most CRPS-1 care was provided to White (ED: 83.1%; inpatient: 82.8%) patients. Within race/ethnicity groups, CRPS-1 ED visits and hospitalizations generally increased with age. Secondary findings included: 1) ED visits by Black individuals (compared with White) were significantly negatively associated with immediate hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.74, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.99); 2) hospitalizations by Black patients (compared with White) were independently associated with increased length of stay (odds ratio (OR) 1.45, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.96), though the association diminished with adjustment; and 3) drug abuse was significantly associated with hospitalization (AOR 4.67, 95% CI 3.53 to 6.18) and longer length of stay (AOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.46). Race/ethnicity was minimally associated with studied CRPS-1 outcomes. Additional studies are required to determine the impact of race/ethnicity on seeking care for CRPS-1.
Developing and applying a training needs analysis tool for healthcare workers managing snakebite envenoming: A cross-sectional study in Eswatini
Authors: Steinhorst Jonathan , Baker Clare , Padidar Sara , Litschka-Koen Thea , Ngwenya Ezekiel , Mmema Lindelwa , Thomas Brent , Shongwe Nondumiso , Sithole Trevor , Mathobela Mbongiseni , Trelfa Anna , Casewell Nicholas R. , Lalloo David G. , Harrison Robert A. , Pons Jonathan , Stienstra Ymkje
Published: January 2025

A considerable number of patients present to hospitals in Eswatini each year following bites by venomous snakes. Effectively diagnosing and treating patients with snakebite envenoming requires healthcare workers to have a variety of generic and snakebite-specific medical skills. In several countries, however, healthcare workers have been found to have limited skills in managing snakebite patients. We used the Delphi method to adapt the Hennessy-Hicks training needs analysis questionnaire to the context of snakebite envenoming and subsequently used the adapted questionnaire to assess the self-perceived training needs of 90 healthcare workers from ten hospitals in Eswatini. Two-thirds (63%) of participants were nursing staff and one third (34%) medical doctors. Overall, 74% of healthcare workers had previously received training on snakebite. Although a training need was reported for all skills included in the survey, the extent of the training need varied between different skills and groups of healthcare workers. The highest average training need was registered in the domains ‘research and audit’ and ‘clinical tasks’ with the latter accounting for nine of the ten skills with the highest training need. Nurses reported a higher training need than doctors, especially for clinical tasks. Receiving snakebite training before as well as after obtaining the primary qualification was associated with the lowest average training need, particularly in clinical skills. Ninety-three percent of interviewed healthcare workers would welcome more frequent training opportunities on the clinical management of snakebite patients. This newly developed snakebite training needs analysis tool can aid in adapting training initiatives to a dynamic and evolving healthcare workforce and it is designed to be transferrable to snakebite endemic settings worldwide.
Nonlinear dynamic wave properties of travelling wave solutions in in (3+1)-dimensional mKdV−ZK model
Authors: Arafat S. M. Yiasir , Asif M. , Rahman M. M.
Published: January 2025

The (3+1)-dimensional mKdV−ZK model is an important framework for studying the dynamic behavior of waves in mathematical physics. The goal of this study is to look into more generic travelling wave solutions (TWSs) for the generalized ion-acoustic scenario in three dimensions. These solutions exhibit a combination of rational, trigonometric, hyperbolic, and exponential solutions that are concurrently generated by the new auxiliary equation and the unified techniques. We created numerous soliton solutions, including kink-shaped soliton solutions, anti-kink-shaped solutions, bell-shaped soliton solutions, periodic solutions, and solitary soliton solutions, for various values of the free parameters in the produced solutions. The attained solutions are displayed geometrically in the surface plot (3-D), contour, and combined two-dimensional (2-D) figures. The combined 2-D figure would make it easier to understand the impact of the speed of the wave. Based on time, the influence of the nonlinear parameter β on wave type is comprehensively investigated using various figures, demonstrating the significant impact of nonlinearity. These graphical representations are based on specific parameter settings, which help to grasp the model’s intricate general behavior. However, the results of this research are compared with the outcomes obtained in published literature executed by other scholars. The results indicate the approach’s effectiveness and reliability, making it suitable for widespread use in a range of sophisticated nonlinear models. These techniques successfully generate inventive soliton solutions for various nonlinear models, which are crucial in mathematical physics.
Insignificant difference in medication adherence to dyslipidemia drugs between visually impaired and non-disabled people in South Korea: A nationwide cohort study using claims records
Authors: Lee Jong Wook , Lee Hankil , Han Euna , Kang Hye-Young
Published: January 2025

Incidence of visual impairment (VI) and dyslipidemia is increasing with aging. Although good medication adherence (MA) is a crucial factor in achieving therapeutic goals for dyslipidemia, there is a paucity of studies measuring MA in the visually impaired with dyslipidemia. We investigated whether patients with VI had worse MA to dyslipidemia drugs than non-disabled people and determined the factors affecting MA among patients with VI. Data on dyslipidemia patients with VI were extracted in 2017 from the sample cohort database of the National Health Insurance Service. MA to dyslipidemia drugs was measured for two years based on the proportion of days covered (PDC). Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the effect of VI on good MA (PDC ≥0.8). The VI group (0.860) had a larger PDC than the non-disabled group (0.850). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for good MA among VI vs. non-disabled individuals was statistically insignificant (1.137, 95% confidence interval:0.958–1.350). Significant factors for poor MA in the VI group were younger age (aOR for 20–39 vs. ≥75 years old: 0.124), lower income (aOR for 9-10th decile (rich) vs. 1-4th decile (poor): 1.771), shorter duration of dyslipidemia (aOR for 1–4 vs. 15 years: 0.416), having lower-level providers sas their main providers (aOR for clinics vs. general/tertiary-care hospitals: 0.545), and having mental diseases (aOR: 0.679). Patients with VI did not have worse MA than non-disabled patients taking dyslipidemia medication.
Differences in gene expression between high and low tolerance rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to acute thermal stress
Authors: Turner Leah A. , Easton Anne A. , Ferguson Moira M. , Danzmann Roy G.
Published: January 2025

Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the adaptive response of ectotherms to rising temperatures is key to mitigate the effects of climate change. We assessed the molecular and physiological processes that differentiate between rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with high and low tolerance to acute thermal stress. To achieve our goal, we used a critical thermal maximum trial in two strains of rainbow trout to elicit loss of equilibrium responses to identify high and low tolerance fish. We then compared the hepatic transcriptome profiles of high and low tolerance fish relative to untreated controls common to both strains to uncover patterns of differential gene expression and to gain a broad perspective on the interacting gene pathways and functional processes involved. We observed some of the classic responses to increased temperature (e.g., induction of heat shock proteins) but these responses were not the defining factors that differentiated high and low tolerance fish. Instead, high tolerance fish appeared to suppress growth-related functions, enhance certain autophagy components, better regulate neurodegenerative processes, and enhance stress-related protein synthesis, specifically spliceosomal complex activities, mRNA regulation, and protein processing through post-translational processes, relative to low tolerance fish. In contrast, low tolerance fish had higher transcript diversity and demonstrated elevated developmental, cytoskeletal, and morphogenic, as well as lipid and carbohydrate metabolic processes, relative to high tolerance fish. Our results suggest that high tolerance fish engaged in processes that supported the prevention of further damage by enhancing repair pathways, whereas low tolerance fish were more focused on replacing damaged cells and their structures.
SPEED (SPlEnic Embolisation Decisions) study—Decision to treat acute traumatic splenic artery injury in the context of trauma protocol
Authors: Jenkins Paul , Zhong Jim , Harding James , Sorrell Lexy , Smith Jason , Allgar Victoria , Roobottom Carl
Published: January 2025

Background

The spleen is commonly injured in trauma and this may be managed with a conservative approach, embolisation or splenectomy. There is uncertainty how splenic embolisation fits into the treatment paradigm and the delivery of IR services remains variable.

Aims and objectives

The primary objectives are to determine if service design significantly affects splenic embolisation (SE) rates in AAST grade 2–5 acute traumatic splenic injuries (ATSI) across the Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) in England and to determine if variation in treatment affects SE outcomes in ATSI.

Methods

We will include 5 years of data from traumatic splenic injury patients in the MTCs from 01/01/2016 to 31/12/2020 available from the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) database. Inclusion Criteria will be all patients with ATSI registered with TARN. Those without a CT available to grade radiologically will be excluded. Data available from the TARN database and then correlated with data that will be collected at each MTC, where detail as to the embolisation technique, specific injury pattern, imaging based follow up and patient survival will be available. A short service-based questionnaire will be sent to each centre to establish centre-specific details such as on call rota, IR response activation, reporting practices and capture data around routine decision-making at that site. Data will be collected on an anonymised (REDCap) database. This project will evaluate the impact of service design on embolisation rates and outcomes, as well as evaluating the impact of the variation upon treatment selection and outcomes. Logistic regression will be used to identify factors associated with treatment selection and mortality at 30 days.
Phenotypic identification of Metallo-ß- lactamase resistance Gram negative bacteria from a clinical specimen in Sidama, Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Tsegaye , Abera Wondwesson , Ali Musa Mohammed , Jimma Bethelihem , Ayalew Henok , Habte Limenih , Teka Frezer , Asegu Demissie
Published: January 2025

Background

Metallo-beta lactamase resistance is one of the carbapenem resistances that worsen the world nowadays. A new variant of carbapenem-resistant has only limited reports from Africa including Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine Metallo -ß- lactamase resistance Gram-negative bacteria in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital January–June 2023.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted in which consecutive patients infected with Gram-negative bacteria were included in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data with oriented nurses if the patients/or caregivers gave consent to participate in the study. Clinical specimens are processed based on the standard operating procedure of the Microbiology laboratory and Clinical laboratory standard institute guidelines. Culture and sensitivity testing was used to isolate the bacteria. Gram staining and biochemical tests was used to identify the bacteria to genus and species. Kirby disc diffusion technique was used to determine the susceptibility of antibiotics. Statistical Software for Social Science (SPSS) version 21 is used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to interpret the data. The odds ratio at 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value < 0.05 were taken as a statistically significant association.

Result

Our study included 153 isolates from different specimens, 83 (54.2%) were from male patients and 70 (45.8%) were from females. Klebsiella pneumonia was the predominant 43, followed by Escherichia coli 32, Acinetobacter spp 25, Pseudomonas spp 15, Enterobacter agglomerus 9, Klebsiella ozaenae 6, Enterobacter cloacae 5, Klebsiella oxytoca 4, (Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis, Proteus mirabilis and Morganella morganii) 3, Providencia stuartii 2 and (Citrobacter spp & Proteus vulgaris) 1. The rates of multi, extensive and pan-drug resistance bacteria accounted for 128/153 (83.7%), 77 /153(50.3%), and 26/153 (17.0%), respectively. Carbapenem resistance was 21 (13.7%), of this 7.2% were Enterobacteriaceae, 5.2% were Acetinobacter spp. and 1.3% Pseudomonas spp. Metallo-beta-lactamase was 17 (11.1%), of this, Enterobacteriaceae were 9(5.9%), Acetinobacter spp. 7(4.6%), and Pseudomonas spp. 1(0.7%). There were no variables statistically significantly associated with metallo-beta-lactamase-resistant.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that Metallo-beta-lactamase resistance was circulating in the study area. There was a high rate of carbapenem resistance, multi, extensive and pan-drug resistance. Therefore, a measure should be taken to alleviate the emerging threat that leaves the patients without the option of treatment.
Optimization of the green synthesis of gold nanorods using aqueous extract of peeled sour guava as a source of antioxidants
Authors: Patiño-González M. Camila , Echeverri-Cuartas Claudia E. , Torijano-Gutiérrez Sandra , Naranjo-Rios Sandra Milena , Agudelo Natalia A.
Published: January 2025

Obtaining gold nanorods (AuNRs) through biosynthesis is an alternative that replaces the traditional use of ascorbic acid with chemical compounds such as polyphenols, owing to their notable antioxidant properties. Therefore, we developed an AuNR biosynthesis method using an aqueous extract of sour guava (Psidium araca). Initially, a study was conducted to determine the antioxidant capacity of different parts of the fruit (pulp and peel) over 14 days. Four colorimetric techniques were used: total phenol, ABTS (2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). Subsequently, in stage 2, the selected aqueous extract was used, and two response surface designs were performed. The objective of this study was to find a model equation that would indicate the optimal parameters for obtaining AuNRs with a surface plasmon band at 808 nm, with possible applications in the health field. The results of the antioxidant capacity experiments were analyzed in Minitab® using a multilevel factorial design, and the peel exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity. Subsequently, the biosynthesis of AuNRs proceeded using a 5-factor response surface experimental design as input variables (concentration in mM of gold, silver, extract, NaBH4, and reaction time in hours) and longitudinal plasmon (LSPR) as output variables. The AuNRs were approximately 30 nm in size with an LSPR between 700 and 800 nm. Statistical model evaluation revealed a dependence between gold and time and gold–silver factors. Finally, antioxidant capacity was used to select the part (peel or pulp) of sour guava that could be used as a weak reducing agent. Moreover, the utility of surface-response methodology was explored to optimize the synthesis of AuNRs using green agents.
Schizophrenia more employable than depression? Language-based artificial intelligence model ratings for employability of psychiatric diagnoses and somatic and healthy controls
Authors: Lange Maximin , Koliousis Alexandros , Fayez Feras , Gogarty Eoin , Twumasi Ricardo
Published: January 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) assists recruiting and job searching. Such systems can be biased against certain characteristics. This results in potential misrepresentations and consequent inequalities related to people with mental health disorders. Hence occupational and mental health bias in existing Natural Language Processing (NLP) models used in recruiting and job hunting must be assessed. We examined occupational bias against mental health disorders in NLP models through relationships between occupations, employability, and psychiatric diagnoses. We investigated Word2Vec and GloVe embedding algorithms through analogy questions and graphical representation of cosine similarities. Word2Vec embeddings exhibit minor bias against mental health disorders when asked analogies regarding employability attributes and no evidence of bias when asked analogies regarding high earning jobs. GloVe embeddings view common mental health disorders such as depression less healthy and less employable than severe mental health disorders and most physical health conditions. Overall, physical, and psychiatric disorders are seen as similarly healthy and employable. Both algorithms appear to be safe for use in downstream task without major repercussions. Further research is needed to confirm this. This project was funded by the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Programme (LISS-DTP). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Association between normal weight obesity and comorbidities and events of cardiovascular diseases among adults in South China
Authors: Ma Miaomiao , Lv Deliang , Wu Xiaobing , Chen Yuqing , Dai Shimiao , Luo Yutian , Yang Hui , Xie Wei , Xie Fengzhu , Shang Qinggang , Zhang Ziyang , Zhao Zhiguang , Zhou Ji-Chang
Published: January 2025

Background

The increased risks for cardiovascular comorbidities and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in populations with normal weight obesity (NWO) have not been well-identified. We aimed to study their associations in an adult population in South China.

Methods

Based on the CVD prevalence of 4% in Shenzhen and a calculated sample size of 6,000, a cross-sectional study with a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was conducted in Shenzhen City. The cardiovascular comorbidities being studied were abdominal obesity (AO), diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and chronic kidney disease, while the CVD events were occurrences of myocardial infarction and strokes. Questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, and laboratory tests were performed. NWO was defined as a condition with the highest tertile of body fat percentage (BF%) among the normal body mass index (BMI) range (18.5–23.9 kg/m2). Continuous data were reported as mean [standard deviation (SD)] and categorical data as percentages (%). CVD comorbidities and CVD events and their detection rates in different groups were compared using ANONA analysis and Chi-squared test. Spearman’s correlation coefficients between BF% and cardiometabolic abnormalities were calculated by partial correlation analysis. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for BF%, CVD comorbidities, and CVD events, adjusted for multiple confounders.

Results

Among the total 6,240 subjects who completed the study and had BMI and BF% data available, 3,086 had normal BMI. The prevalence of NWO was 16.36%, with 13.15% for men and 19.54% for women. With confounders adjusted, the risks of AO (OR = 6.05, 95%CI = 3.40–10.75), essential hypertension (OR = 1.56, 95%CI = 1.09–2.22), dyslipidemia (OR = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.49–2.29), and metabolic syndrome (OR = 4.61, 95%CI = 2.32–9.18) were significantly increased in the populations with NWO compared with the population without NWO (P < 0.05). BF% was not significantly associated with the risk of CVD events in the total (OR = 1.56, 95%CI = 0.83–2.93), male (OR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.44–2.30), and female populations (OR = 2.53, 95%CI = 0.91–7.06).

Conclusion

NWO was found to be positively associated with CVD comorbidities but not with CVD events. The current study provides a ground to conduct further studies on whether body fat affects the risk of occurrence of CVD events and the underlying mechanisms in the future.
Views and opinions of the general public about the reimbursement of expensive medicines in the Netherlands
Authors: Scheijmans Féline E. V. , van der Wal Roosmarijn , Zomers Margot L. , van Delden Johannes J. M. , van der Pol W. Ludo , van Thiel Ghislaine J. M. W.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Solidarity-based healthcare systems are being challenged by the incremental costs of new and expensive medicines for cancer and rare diseases. To regulate reimbursement of such drugs, the Dutch government introduced a policy instrument known as the Coverage Lock (CL) in 2015. Little is known about the public opinion regarding such policy instruments and their consequences, i.e., reimbursement of some, but not all, expensive medicines. We aimed to identify the preferences of Dutch citizens regarding the reimbursement of expensive medicines, and to investigate the views of the public on the use of the CL as a healthcare policy instrument and their input for improvement.

Methods

Web-based survey of a representative sample of 1999 Dutch citizens aged 18 years and older (panel of research company Kantar Public). Potential respondents were approached via e-mail. Several policy measures, real-life cases and statements related to the CL were presented in the survey to respondents. Their responses were analysed by tabulating descriptive statistics (proportions and percentages).

Results

1179 individuals (response rate 59%) filled in the questionnaire. Although a majority considered the CL policy unjustified, they preferred it to the alternative policy measures that were presented. In four real-life case descriptions of patients in need of expensive medicines, respondents most often indicated effectiveness, lack of availability of alternative treatment and improved quality of life due to treatment as reasons for a positive reimbursement decision. An unfavourable cost-benefit ratio was their main reason to be against reimbursement. Some argued that withholding reimbursement was a way of informing manufacturers that extremely high prices are unacceptable.

Conclusion

There is public support for patients in need of expensive medicine. Many respondents supported the CL as a reimbursement policy. However, there is a wish to optimize the interpretation of the assessment criteria and the weight these are attributed in decision making about reimbursement of expensive innovative medicine for patients.
Factors associated with chronic kidney disease knowledge and preventive practices: An analytical cross-sectional study among patients with hypertension at Amana Regional Referral Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Ambikile Joel Seme , Ngulupi Shabani S. , Massae Agnes Fredrick
Published: January 2025

Background

Globally, Chronic kidney Disease (CKD) has become a significant public health concern, with sub-Saharan Africa being among the populations experiencing the highest rates. Managing CKD poses a significant challenge due to its health complications and associated high cost of care. Hypertension is one of the leading causes of CKD, responsible for the decline in kidney function in patients. Knowledge and lifestyle modifications are pivotal to the prevention and progression of CKD. In Tanzania, little is known regarding CKD knowledge and preventive practices among patients with hypertension. Therefore, this study aimed to assess context-specific factors associated with CKD knowledge and preventive practices among patients with hypertension at Amana Regional Referral Hospital in Dar es Salaam.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study involving 184 patients was conducted at Amana Regional Referral Hospital. Patient were recruited at the outpatient hypertension clinic using simple random sampling in June and July 2022. Data analysis was conducted using IBM-SPSS Statistics version 25. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with knowledge and preventive practices related to CKD, with statistical significance set at a p-value < 0.05.

Results

The median CKD knowledge score was 13 (IQR: 9–16). Of the 184 respondents, 104 (56.5%) demonstrated high CKD knowledge. None of the sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with CKD knowledge. The median score for CKD preventive practices was 9 (IQR: 8–9), and 111 respondents (60.3%) had good practices. High CKD knowledge was significantly associated with good CKD preventive practices (AOR: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.08, 3.62; p = 0.027).

Conclusion

A significant proportion of hypertensive patients in this study exhibited both high CKD knowledge and good preventive practices. The positive correlation between CKD knowledge and improved preventive practices highlights the importance of educational interventions to further enhance CKD knowledge among patients with hypertension.
Men’s gender role and attitude toward sexual autonomy of women in India
Authors: Pradhan Manas Ranjan , De Prasenjit
Published: January 2025

Objective

Sexual autonomy is essential to women’s empowerment and crucial to human rights. Measurement of women’s sexual autonomy from men’s perspective is rare in India, though critical for achieving the sexual and reproductive rights of women who continue to exhibit poor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes. The study assesses Indian men’s attitudes toward women’s sexual autonomy and associated factors using a nationally representative sample of men.

Methods

This study involved a total sample of 101,839 men aged 15–54 covered in the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (2019–21). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression were used to determine predictors of men’s favorable attitudes toward the sexual autonomy of women. All the statistical analyses were performed using Stata with a 5% significance level.

Results

Sixty-three percent of men hold a favorable attitude toward women’s sexual autonomy. Men’s support for women’s sexual autonomy was positively correlated with their egalitarian views on household decision-making (AOR: 1.45; CI: 1.41–1.49), higher educational attainment (AOR: 1.34; CI:1.20–1.50), currently married status, media exposure (AOR: 1.17; CI: 1.12–1.21), currently working status, and wealthier household strata (AOR: 1.17; CI: 1.11–1.23).

Conclusion

Results suggest promoting gender egalitarian norms through educational campaigns, community workshops held by local leaders, grassroots healthcare professionals, and non-governmental organizations, and broadening existing SRH strategies by including younger, non-literates, unmarried, unemployed, and rural men.
L’oració rimada de Felip de Malla: delimitació i fortuna editorial d’un nou poema incunable
Authors: Mompó Navarro Jacob
Published: January 2025

El Sermó de la Immaculada Concepció, de Felip de Malla, s’ha conservat en dos testimonis, un manuscrit de la Biblioteca de l’Abadia de Montserrat i un incunable de 1488, patrocinat per Ferrando Dies. El dit sermó conté un poema que, estructuralment, serveix com a nexe d’unió entre la introducció del sermó i el desenvolupament del tema. Entre una part i l’altra, a mode de frontissa, Felip de Malla hi incorpora una proposta poètica construida a partir de la invocació mariana per excel·lència, l’Ave Maria. El recurs literari de la reformulació rimada de l’Ave Maria que el canonge barceloní incorpora al seu sermó, dona com a resultat un poema que, en edicions posteriors, rebrà el nom d’Oració de mestre Felip de Malla. Aquesta oració va gaudir d’un èxit editorial relativament important, ja que, a banda d’aparéixer a l’incunable de 1488, va eixir de les premses, almenys, dues vegades al llarg del segle XVI (ca. 1518 i 1568) i, encara, dues més en el XVII (ca. 1618 i 1619). En aquest treball delimitarem el poema perquè puga ser inclòs als repertoris de poesia incunable i postincunable, detallarem la seua fortuna editorial i en farem una edició crítica a partir de l’anàlisi de les distintes variants dels testimonis conservats.
Obesity Is Independently Associated With Increased Risk of Fecal Incontinence and Altered Rectal Sensitivity
Authors: Lodhia Nayna A. , Hiramoto Brent , Horton Laura , Goldin Alison H. , Chan Walter W.
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION:

Hindgut symptoms are poorly understood complications of obesity. The impact of obesity on fecal incontinence (FI) and anorectal physiology remains unclear, with inconsistent results in prior studies. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between obesity and FI, and the physiological changes in anorectal function.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive adults who underwent high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) at a tertiary center for anorectal symptoms. Demographics, clinical history, surgical/obstetric history, medications, and HRAM findings were reviewed. Patients were classified as nonobese (body mass index [BMI] <25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2), class I obesity (30–34.9 kg/m2), and class II + III obesity (>35 kg/m2). The Fisher exact/Student t test for univariate analyses and logistic/general linear regression for multivariable analyses were performed.

RESULTS:

A total of 552 adults were included. The mean BMI was higher among patients with FI (27.5 vs 25.9 kg/m2, P = 0.013). Compared with the nonobese group, FI was more prevalent in class II + III obesity (31.7% vs 13.2%, P = 0.0024), but not class I obesity or overweight groups. On multivariable analysis controlling for potential confounders, class II + III obesity (adjusted odds ratio 2.89, 95% confidence interval 1.28–6.50, P = 0.02) remained an independent risk factor of FI. Among patients with FI, both BMI (β-coefficient 1.09, P = 0.016) and class II + III obesity (β-coefficient 18.9, P = 0.027) independently predicted increased first rectal sensation volume on HRAM on multivariable regression.

DISCUSSION:

Classes II + III obesity was an independent risk factor of FI. Among patients with FI, increasing BMI and class II + III obesity were associated with altered rectal sensitivity. Anorectal function testing should be considered to help guide management of FI among patients with obesity.
Impact of Prior Biologic Exposure on Ozanimod Efficacy and Safety in the Phase 3 True North Clinical Trial
Authors: Sands Bruce E. , Rubin David T. , Loftus Edward V. , Wolf Douglas C. , Panaccione Remo , Colombel Jean-Frederic , Dignass Axel , Regueiro Miguel , Vermeire Severine , Afzali Anita , Lawlor Garrett , Ahmad Harris A. , Wu Hsiuanlin , Osterman Mark T. , Jain Anjali , D'Haens Geert
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION:

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and prior biologic failure may have reduced or delayed efficacy with subsequent advanced therapies. This analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of ozanimod during the True North (TN) study and its open-label extension (OLE) in biologic-exposed patients with UC.

METHODS:

TN was a randomized, placebo-controlled 52-week trial (10-week induction, 42-week maintenance period). Eligible patients could enter the OLE. Clinical outcomes were assessed at TN week (W) 10 and W52 and OLE W46 and W94. Symptomatic efficacy was evaluated through induction and in the OLE until W94. Safety was assessed.

RESULTS:

This analysis included 376 biologic-exposed patients. In the placebo-controlled cohort, more ozanimod-treated patients achieved clinical response than placebo at W10 regardless of the number or type of prior biologics; patients who used 1 vs ≥2 prior biologics achieved higher efficacy rates. Efficacy rates were higher at W52 than W10 and were similar across subgroups regardless of the number or type of prior biologics. Significantly greater proportions of ozanimod vs placebo patients achieved symptomatic response by W5 (P = 0.0173) and symptomatic remission by W10 (P = 0.0207). Among biologic-exposed TN W10 ozanimod nonresponders who entered the OLE, 61% achieved symptomatic response with an extra 10 weeks of ozanimod treatment. Ozanimod efficacy was durable for ∼3 years of continuous treatment in biologic-exposed W52 clinical responders who entered the OLE. No new safety signals were observed.

DISCUSSION:

Ozanimod was effective and safe in biologic-exposed patients with UC, but these patients may require more time to respond to treatment. Clinical trial registry website and trial numbers: ClinicalTrials.gov, numbers NCT02435992 and NCT02531126.