bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral endocannabinoids in major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Fuentes J.J. , Mayans J. , Guarro M. , Canosa I. , Mestre-Pintó J.I. , Fonseca F. , Torrens M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) are two high-prevalent conditions where the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is believed to play an important role. The ECS regulates how different neurotransmitters interact in both disorders, which is crucial for controlling emotions and responses to stress and reward stimuli. Measuring peripheral endocannabinoids (eCBs) in human serum and plasma can help overcome the limitations of detecting endocannabinoid levels in the brain. This systematic review aims to identify levels of peripheral eCBs in patients with MDD and/or AUD and find eCBs to use as diagnostic, prognostic biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines from the earliest manuscript until October 22, 2023, in three electronic databases. We included studies of human adults who had a current diagnosis of AUD and/or MDD and evaluated plasma or serum endocannabinoids. We carefully considered known variables that may affect endocannabinoid levels.

Results

We included 17 articles in this systematic review, which measured peripheral eCBs in 170 AUD and 359 MDD patients. Stressors increase peripheral 2-arachidonyl-glycerol (2-AG) concentrations, and 2-AG may be a particular feature of depression severity and chronicity. Anxiety symptoms are negatively correlated with anandamide (AEA) concentrations, and AEA significantly increases during early abstinence in AUD. Studies suggest a negative correlation between Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and length of abstinence in AUD patients. They also show a significant negative correlation between peripheral levels of AEA and OEA and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity. Eicosapentaenoylethanolamide (EPEA) is correlated to clinical remission rates in depression. Included studies show known variables such as gender, chronicity, symptom severity, comorbid psychiatric symptoms, length of abstinence in the case of AUD, and stress-inducibility that can affect peripheral eCBs.

Conclusions

This systematic review highlights the important role that the ECS plays in MDD and AUD. Peripheral eCBs appear to be useful biomarkers for these disorders, and further research may identify potential therapeutic targets. Using accessible biological samples such as blood in well-designed clinical studies is crucial to develop novel therapies for these disorders.
The association between Weight-adjusted-Waist Index (WWI) and cognitive function in older adults: a cross-sectional NHANES 2011–2014 study
Authors: Qiu Xichenhui , Kuang Jiahao , Huang Yiqing , Wei Changning , Zheng Xujuan
Published: August 2024

Background

The impact of obesity on cognitive function has engendered considerable interest. Weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) has emerged as a novel and innovative marker of obesity that reflects weight-independent abdominal obesity. However, the association between WWI and cognitive function remains unclear. To address this gap, the present study aims to explore the relationship between weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) and cognitive performance in older adults.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional investigation using datasets from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. The study included 3,472 participants (48.59% male, 51.41% female) of various races (Mexican American, Other Hispanic, Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, and Other), with a mean age of 69.95 years (SD = 6.94). Multivariate regression and smoothing curve fitting were used to investigate the linear and nonlinear relationship between WWI and cognitive performance in the following domains: learning and memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed, as measured by Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Word Learning subtest (CERAD-WL), Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), respectively. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were conducted to examine the stability of this relationship across groups. Machine learning models based on random forests were used to analyze the predictive performance of WWI for cognitive function.

Results

A total of 3,472 participants were included in the analysis. The results revealed significant negative associations between WWI and low scores on the CERAD-WL [-0.96 (-1.30, -0.62)], AFT [-0.77 (-1.05, -0.49)], and DSST [-3.67 (-4.55, -2.79)]. This relationship remained stable after converting WWI to a categorical variable. In addition, this significant negative association was more pronounced in men than women and diminished with advancing age. Non-linear threshold effects were observed, with correlations intensifying between WWI and CERAD-WL when WWI surpassed 12.25, AFT when WWI surpassed 11.54, and DSST when WWI surpassed 11.66.

Conclusions

A higher WWI, indicating increased abdominal obesity, was associated with deficits in learning, memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed among older adults. These findings suggest that abdominal obesity may play a crucial role in cognitive decline in this population. The stronger relationship observed between WWI and cognition in men highlights the need for gender-specific considerations in interventions targeting abdominal obesity. The results demonstrate the importance of interventions targeting abdominal obesity to preserve cognitive performance in older adults.
Trends and socioeconomic inequalities in the dental attendance of adult smokers in Scotland from 2009 to 2019, a repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Warner Frances E. , Sherriff Andrea , Culshaw Shauna , Holliday Richard , Ryan Vicky , Conway David I.
Published: August 2024

Background

Smoking continues to be the single largest cause of preventable disease and death and a major contributor to health inequalities. Dental professionals are well placed to offer behavioural support in combination with pharmacotherapy to increase smoking cessation rates across the population. We aimed to assess the trends and socioeconomic inequalities in the dental attendance of adult smokers in Scotland from 2009 to 2019 and examine the potential population reach of dental settings for smoking cessation interventions.

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted of combined Scottish Health Surveys (SHeS) from 2009/11, 2013/15 and 2017/19. ‘Recent’ dental attendance (within the past two years) was the focus and descriptive analysis examined attendance of self-reported smokers compared to non-smokers and stratified by the area-based Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) and individual socioeconomic measures (income, education, and occupation). Generalised linear models were used to model recent attendance in non-smokers relative to smokers adjusted by the socioeconomic measures, for each of the survey cohorts separately. Absolute differences and risk ratios were calculated with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI).

Results

Recent dental attendance was generally high and increased in both smokers (70–76%) and non-smokers (84–87%) from 2009/11 to 2017/19 and increased across all SIMD groups. After adjustment for sociodemographic variables, the adjusted Risk Difference (aRD) for recent attendance between non-smokers and smokers was 8.9% (95% CI 4.6%, 13.2%) by 2017/19. Within smokers, recent attendance was 7–9% lower in those living in the most deprived areas compared to those living in the least deprived areas over the three surveys.

Conclusions

SHeS data from 2009 to 2019 demonstrated that a high and increasing proportion of smokers in the population attend the dentist, albeit slightly less frequently than non-smokers. There were large inequalities in the dental attendance of smokers, to a lesser extent in non-smokers, and these persisted over time. Dental settings provide a good potential opportunity to deliver population-level smoking cessation interventions, but smokers in the most deprived groups and older age groups may be harder to reach. Consideration should be given to ensure that these groups are given appropriate proportionate support to take up preventive interventions.
Unveiling the impact of interprofessional education on shaping students’ interprofessional identity and collaboration perception: a mixed-method study
Authors: He Qing , Dizon John Ian Wilzon T. , Ganotice Fraide A. , Zheng Binbin , Yeung Pauline Pui Ning , Shen Xiaoai , Ho Lily Yuen Wah , Wong Arkers Kwan Ching , Cheng Franco Wing Tak , Chan Karen Man Kei , Chan Linda , Chan Sarah So Ching , Chow Amy Yin Man , Chu Jody Kwok Pui , Chua Denise Mae , Dung Edwin Chung-Hin , Lee Wei-Ning , Leung Feona Chung Yin , Wang Qun , Tsia Kevin K. , Vackova Dana , Jen Julienne , Tipoe George L.
Published: August 2024

Background

Interprofessional education (IPE) has the potential to shape students’ collaboration perception and interprofessional identity but remains understudied. This study aims to understand the effects of the IPE program as a contextual trigger to promote collaboration perception change and interprofessional identity formation among healthcare professional students.

Methods

Using concurrent triangulation mixed-methods, we examined the relationship between collaboration perception and interprofessional identity change among health profession students (N = 263), and explored their perspectives on how their IPE experiences influenced their perception and identity. Participants completed the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale and Extended Professional Identity Scale and responded to open-ended questions before and after the IPE intervention. Pearson’s correlation, t-tests, regression (quantitative), and thematic analysis (qualitative) were conducted.

Results

Teams with initially lower collaboration perception (M = 3.59) and lower interprofessional identity (M = 3.59) showed a significant increase in collaboration perception (M = 3.76, t = 2.63; p = .02) and interprofessional identity (M = 3.97, t = 4.86; p < .001) after participating in IPE. The positive relationship between collaboration perception and interprofessional identity strengthened after participating in IPE, as evident from the correlation (Time 1: r = .69; p < .001; Time 2: r = .79; p < .001). Furthermore, collaboration perception in Time 1 significantly predicted the variance in interprofessional identity at Time 2 (β = 0.347, p < .001). Qualitative findings indicated that 85.2% of students expressed that IPE played a role in promoting their interprofessional identity and collaboration attitudes.

Conclusions

Incorporating the IPE program into the curriculum can effectively enhance students’ collaboration perception and interprofessional identity, ultimately preparing them for collaborative practice in the healthcare system. By engaging students in interprofessional teamwork, communication, and joint decision-making processes, the IPE program provides a valuable context for students to develop a sense of belonging and commitment to interprofessional collaboration.
HPV integration: a precise biomarker for detection of residual/recurrent disease after treatment of CIN2-3
Authors: Huang Fanwei , He Liang , Li Wei , Huang Xiaoyuan , Zhang Tao , Muaibati Munawaer , Zhou Hu , Chen Shimin , Yang Wenhui , Yang Fan , Zhuang Liang , Hu Ting
Published: August 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate whether persistent human papillomavirus integration at the same loci (PHISL) before and after treatment can predict recurrent/residual disease in women with CIN2-3.

Methods

A total of 151 CIN2-3 women treated with conization between August 2020 and September 2021 were included. To investigate the precision of HPV integration, we further analyzed HPV integration-positive patients. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively), and the Youden index for predicting recurrence/residual disease were calculated.

Results

Among the 151 enrolled CIN2-3 women, 56 were HPV integration-positive and 95 had HPV integration-negative results. Six (10.7%) experienced recurrence among 56 HPV integration-positive patients, which was more than those in HPV integration-negative patients (one patient, 1.1%). In the 56 HPV integration-positive patients, 12 had positive HPV results after treatment, seven had PHISL, and two had positive cone margin. Among the seven patients who tested with PHISL, six (85.7%) had residual/recurrent disease. PHISL was a prominent predictor of persistent/recurrent disease. The HPV test, the HPV integration test, and PHISL all had a sensitivity of 100% and a NPV of 100% for residual/recurrent disease. PHISL showed better specificity (98.0% vs. 82.0%, p = 0.005) and PPV (85.7% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.001) than the HPV test for predicting recurrence.

Conclusions

The HPV-integration-positive CIN2-3 women had much higher relapse rates than HPV-integration-negative CIN2-3 women. The findings indicate that PHISL derived from preoperative and postoperative HPV integration tests may be a precise biomarker for the identification of residual/recurrent CIN 2/3.
Bringing the voice of social housing tenants into shaping the health and care research agenda
Authors: Phillips Olivia R. , Mardell Denise , Stephenson Kolin , Hussain Sabrina , Burton Dawn , Bernard Barbara , Stevenson Sue , Morling Joanne R.
Published: August 2024

Background

A larger percentage of social housing tenants have poorer physical and mental health outcomes compared to private renters and homeowners. They are also at a greater risk of respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease, communicable disease transmission and mortality. One approach that aims to reduce health inequalities is to create research partnerships with underserved local communities. Our primary aim was to develop a research partnership with social housing tenants in Nottingham and our secondary aim was to explore the health priorities of these social housing tenants to inform future research applications. We also hope to provide a descriptive process of PPI within a social housing context for other researchers to learn from.

Methods

We used Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) as the foundation of this work, as we believed that people with lived experience of social housing, also end-users of the research, were best placed to inform us of the areas with the greatest research need. Through online and in-person focus groups, we discussed with tenants, collectively named a Social Advisory Group (SAG), their health concerns and priorities. Together they raised 26 health issues, which were combined with 22 funding opportunity themes being offered by the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research). This was with the purpose of investigating whether there was alignment between the health needs of Nottingham’s social housing tenants and the NIHR’s research priorities. A prioritisation technique (Diamond Nine) was used to sort in total, 48 areas of health and wellbeing, into three top priorities. Tenants were provided the opportunity to be involved in public health research in other ways too, such as reviewing this paper and also an NIHR Programme Development Grant application to expand and continue this work. One was also offered the opportunity to be a public co-applicant.

Results

The group prioritised improvements in the quality of social housing, mental health and healthcare services. There was only some alignment between these and the NIHR funding themes. Other factors, such as age and race, also determined individual health priorities. . The diversity and reach of the current project were limited, however this is something we hope to improve in the future with more funding. We learned that tenants have varying degrees of mobility and technological abilities, requiring both online and in-person meetings.
Atrial fibrillation fact sheet in Korea 2024 (part 3): treatment for atrial fibrillation in Korea: medicines and ablation
Authors: Kim Yun Gi , Lee Kwang-No , Baek Yong-Soo , Kim Bong-Seong , Han Kyung-Do , Park Hyoung-Seob , Ahn Jinhee , Park Jin-Kyu , Shim Jaemin
Published: August 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality, posing a considerable burden on healthcare systems. In Republic of Korea, the prevalence and incidence of AF have increased in recent years. There have also been significant changes in the trends of antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) use and procedural treatments for AF.

Objectives

This study aims to review the trends in AF treatment strategies in Republic of Korea, particularly focusing on the utilization of antiarrhythmic drugs and catheter ablation.

Methods

The Korean National Health Insurance Service (K-NHIS) data were used to identify AF patients from 2013 to 2022. AAD usage and catheter ablation procedures were analyzed annually. AADs were classified into Class IC and III drugs. Trends in beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin prescriptions were also examined. The primary endpoint was the trend of AAD use and AF catheter ablation (AFCA) over 10 years.

Results

In 2022, 940,063 patients had a prior diagnosis of AF. From 2013 to 2022, the use of AADs increased from 12.1 to 16.4% among prevalent AF patients. Beta-blockers were the most commonly prescribed rate control medication, while the use of calcium channel blockers and digoxin declined. The frequency of AFCA procedures also increased, from 0.5% of prevalent AF patients in 2013 to 0.7% in 2022. Younger patients, males, and those with lower CHA2DS2-VASc scores were more likely to receive AFCA. Regional variations in treatment patterns were observed, with Seoul exhibiting higher rates of procedural treatments and AAD prescriptions.

Conclusions

Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the use of AADs and AFCA procedures in Republic of Korea. These trends reflect recent advancements in AF management advocating a refined rhythm control strategy.
Eating Disorder and Autism Collaborative project outline: promoting eating disorder research embedded in a neurodiversity-affirming culture
Authors: Duffy Fiona , Gillespie-Smith Karri , Sharpe Helen , Buchan Kyle , Nimbley Emy , Maloney Ellen , Sader Michelle , Kettley Sarah , Kerr-Gaffney Jess , Waiter Gordon , Tchanturia Kate
Published: August 2024

EDAC (Eating Disorders and Autism Collaborative) is an innovative project aiming to increase research capacity by supporting collaboration in the fields of eating disorders and autism. EDAC comprises four integrated workstreams to co-produce interdisciplinary research, directed by Autistic individuals with lived experience of eating disorders. Workstream 1 will outline best collaborative practices, informing the research network. Workstream 2 will use arts-based methodologies to set research priorities, with emphasis on the perspectives of underrepresented groups. Workstream 3 will support interdisciplinary collaborations to develop innovative research. Finally, workstream 4 will maximise knowledge mobilisation with the aim of reducing barriers to rapid incorporation of research into policy and clinical practice. A core aim of EDAC is to embed a neurodiversity-affirming culture within eating disorder research and to support the development of a new generation of researchers conducting innovative and meaningful research with the potential to improve clinical outcomes.
Prefrontal cortex activation under stress as a function of borderline personality disorder in female adolescents engaging in non-suicidal self-injury
Authors: Höper Saskia , Kröller Felix , Heinze Anna-Lena , Bardtke Kay Franziska , Kaess Michael , Koenig Julian
Published: August 2024

Background

Neuroimaging studies suggest alterations in prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity in healthy adults under stress. Adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) report difficulties in stress and emotion regulation, which may be dependent on their level of borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Aims

The aim was to examine alterations in the PFC in adolescents with NSSI during stress.

Method

Adolescents (13–17 years) engaging in non-suicidal self-injury (n = 30) and matched healthy controls (n = 29) performed a task with low cognitive demand and the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Mean PFC oxygenation across the PFC was measured with an eight-channel near-infrared spectroscopy system. Alongside self-reports on affect, dissociation and stress, BPD pathology was assessed via clinical interviews.

Results

Mixed linear-effect models revealed a significant effect of time on PFC oxygenation and a significant time×group interaction, indicating increased PFC activity in patients engaging in NSSI at the beginning of the TSST compared with healthy controls. Greater BPD symptoms overall were associated with an increase in PFC oxygenation during stress. In exploratory analyses, mixed models addressing changes in PFC connectivity over time as a function of BPD symptoms were significant only for the left PFC.

Conclusions

Results indicate differences in the neural stress response in adolescents with NSSI in line with classic neuroimaging findings in adults with BPD. The link between PFC oxygenation and measures of BPD symptoms emphasises the need to further investigate adolescent risk-taking and self-harm across the spectrum of BPD, and maybe overall personality pathology, and could aid in the development of tailored therapeutic interventions.
Different meanings of a three-point decline in MMSE score in Alzheimer's disease and depressive disorder
Authors: Sejunaite Karolina , Belal Yosra , Lanza Claudia , Riepe Matthias W.
Published: August 2024

Background

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a composite scale that is included in diagnostic algorithms and in procedures to assess severity of cognitive impairment and efficacy of therapeutic interventions. It is unclear, however, whether the MMSE provides information about the same deficits in different diseases.

Aims

To assess patterns of MMSE scores in patients with confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or depressive disorder.

Method

We used data from a previously published cross-sectional retrospective observational clinical cohort study. The final analysis included only patients in whom biomarker analysis showed results characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (n = 167) and patients with depressive disorder in whom Alzheimer's disease had been ruled out by analysis of biomarkers (n = 69).

Results

A three-point decline in MMSE score from 30 to 27 reflected impairment of memory recall in patients with Alzheimer's disease, whereas it reflected impairments in calculation and memory recall in patients with depressive disorder. A further three-point decline in MMSE score from 27 to 24 predominantly reflected additional calculation impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that memory performance is the most important measure of disease severity and the main contributor to the decline in MMSE score at onset of clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease. In general, this suggests that memory should be the primary measure used in routine clinical care and the primary endpoint in clinical trials involving patients with Alzheimer's disease at onset of clinical manifestation. Changes in other measures of cognition should prompt consideration of possible comorbidities as a cause, rather than the impact of Alzheimer's disease itself.
Time to Update—Requesting Inclusive Submission Categories for Oncology Research
Authors: Teuwen Laure-Anne , Ahmad Zain , Segelov Eva
Published: August 2024

Time to update abstract submission categories to promote dissemination of global oncology research.
Comparative Analysis of Machine-Learning Model Performance in Image Analysis: The Impact of Dataset Diversity and Size
Authors: Pelletier Eric D. , Jeffries Sean D. , Song Kevin , Hemmerling Thomas M.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

This study presents an analysis of machine-learning model performance in image analysis, with a specific focus on videolaryngoscopy procedures. The research aimed to explore how dataset diversity and size affect the performance of machine-learning models, an issue vital to the advancement of clinical artificial intelligence tools.

METHODS:

A total of 377 videolaryngoscopy videos from YouTube were used to create 6 varied datasets, each differing in patient diversity and image count. The study also incorporates data augmentation techniques to enhance these datasets further. Two machine-learning models, YOLOv5-Small and YOLOv8-Small, were trained and evaluated on metrics such as F1 score (a statistical measure that combines the precision and recall of the model into a single metric, reflecting its overall accuracy), precision, recall, mAP@50, and mAP@50–95.

RESULTS:

The findings indicate a significant impact of dataset configuration on model performance, especially the balance between diversity and quantity. The Multi-25 × 10 dataset, featuring 25 images from 10 different patients, demonstrates superior performance, highlighting the value of a well-balanced dataset. The study also finds that the effects of data augmentation vary across different types of datasets.

CONCLUSIONS:

Overall, this study emphasizes the critical role of dataset structure in the performance of machine-learning models in medical image analysis. It underscores the necessity of striking an optimal balance between dataset size and diversity, thereby illuminating the complexities inherent in data-driven machine-learning development.
Assessing Full Stomach Prevalence with Ultrasound Following Preoperative Fasting in Diabetic Patients with Dysautonomia: A Comparative Observational Study
Authors: Sastre José A. , López Teresa , Julián Roberto , Bustos Domingo , Sanchís-Dux Raquel , Molero-Díez Yaiza B. , Sánchez-Tabernero Álvaro , Ruiz-Simón Francisco A. , Sánchez-Hernández Miguel V. , Gómez-Ríos Manuel Á.
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

Traditionally, diabetics have been considered patients with a high risk of aspiration due to having delayed gastric emptying; However, the evidence concerning residual gastric volume (GV) in fasting diabetic patients is inconsistent. This study aimed to compare the fasting GV of diabetic patients with or without dysautonomia with control patients scheduled for elective surgery using gastric ultrasound.

METHODS:

This bicentric prospective single-blinded case-control study was conducted at 2 university hospitals in Spain. Patients aged over 18 years, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical statuses I to III and having similar fasting statuses, were included in the study. The primary outcome was to compare the prevalence of risk stomach using the Perlas gastric content grading scale evaluated by ultrasound in the 3 groups. Secondary outcomes included the measurement of cross-sectional area (CSA) and GV in the right lateral decubitus (RLD) position, as well as the prevalence of solid gastric residue.

RESULTS:

A total of 289 patients were recruited for the study, comprising 145 diabetic patients (83 of whom had dysautonomia) and 144 patients in the control group. The percentage of patients classified as Perlas grade 2 was 13.2% in the control group, 16.1% in diabetic patients without dysautonomia, and 22.9% in diabetic patients with dysautonomia (P = .31). Antral CSA was significantly higher in diabetic patients with dysautonomia (6.5 [4.8–8.4]) compared to the control group (5.4 [4.0–7.2]; P = .04). However, no significant differences were observed between groups in residual GV. Among diabetic patients with dysautonomia, 12% exhibited solid gastric residue, which was twice the percentage observed in diabetic patients without dysautonomia (4.8%) and 3 times higher than that in the control group (3.5%; P = .03). The presence of dysautonomia was associated with an increased odds ratio of solid gastric residue (odds ratio [OR], 3.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28–8.87; P = .01) after adjusting for confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study offers insights into the relationship between dysautonomia in patients with diabetes mellitus and the presence of full stomach, underscoring the significance of preoperative gastric ultrasound evaluation in managing perioperative risks in this population.
Macrophages directly kill bladder cancer cells through TNF signaling as an early response to BCG therapy
Authors: Martínez-López Mayra Fernanda , de Almeida Cátia Rebelo , Fontes Márcia , Mendes Raquel Valente , Kaufmann Stefan H. E. , Fior Rita
Published: August 2024

The Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine is the oldest cancer immunotherapeutic agent in use. Despite its effectiveness, its initial mechanisms of action remain largely unknown. Here, we elucidate the earliest cellular mechanisms involved in BCG-induced tumor clearance. We developed a fast preclinical in vivo assay to visualize in real time and at single-cell resolution the initial interactions among bladder cancer cells, BCG and innate immunity using the zebrafish xenograft model. We show that BCG induced the recruitment and polarization of macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype, accompanied by induction of the inflammatory cytokines tnfa, il1b and il6 in the tumor microenvironment. Macrophages directly induced apoptosis of human cancer cells through zebrafish TNF signaling. Macrophages were crucial for this response as their depletion completely abrogated the BCG-induced phenotype. Contrary to the general concept that macrophage anti-tumoral activities mostly rely on stimulating an effective adaptive response, we demonstrate that macrophages alone can induce tumor apoptosis and clearance. Thus, our results revealed an additional step to the BCG-induced tumor immunity model, while providing proof-of-concept experiments demonstrating the potential of this unique model to test innate immunomodulators.
ECONOMIA CIRCULAR NOS TRIBUNAIS ESTADUAIS DE JUSTIÇA
Authors: Mendes Marcela Pereira , Oliveira Bruno Garcia de
Published: August 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo categorizar aspectos circulares presentes nos Planos de Logística Sustentável (PLS) vigentes dos Tribunais de Justiça brasileiros. O método envolve pesquisa documental para levantar todas as metas dos PLS’s vigentes nos 27 tribunais estaduais. Na sequência, as metas foram codificadas utilizando as seis dimensões do framework ReSOLVE. Foram identificadas 607 metas vigentes nos PLS’s, com predominância de metas para otimização de recursos (66,2%) e menor recorrência nas dimensões de compartilhar (0,3%) e regenerar (1,5%). A codificação aponta que o PLS pode promover a circularidade nos tribunais ao reduzir o consumo de materiais, substituir equipamentos, compartilhar recursos e destinar resíduos corretamente. Os tribunais de Justiça do Estado do Tocantins e do Distrito Federal são benchmarking para futuros planos de logística sustentável em função do número de metas de seus planos vigentes. Como implicação prática, o estudo ressalta a importância das políticas públicas de infraestrutura e colaboração rumo à adoção de modelos circulares. Também aponta que a padronização dos PLSs entre os tribunais poderia facilitar o acompanhamento das metas tanto pelo Conselho Nacional de Justiça (CNJ) quanto pela população em geral.
Case Report: Localized retinal ischemia revealing an antiphospholipids syndrome: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sayhi Sameh , Abida Houssem , Boukhobza Yosr , Khallouli Asma , Maalej Afef , Ben Abdelhafidh Nadia
Published: August 2024

Introduction Antiphospholipids syndrome is a rare autoimmune whose Clinical manifestations are very wide and different. Vaso-occlusive manifestations are the most frequent ones. Vessels of all organs can be involved. Ocular involvement is among the rarest. We report a case of retinal arterial thrombosis in the context of APS. Case report A 46-year-old patient with no previous medical history was admitted to the ophthalmology department for visual field amputation of the right eye without other associated signs. On the fundus, the left side was without abnormality and the right side was the site of a mixed arterial and superior temporal venous occlusion. Retinal angiography revealed a retinal focus in the superior temporal region with mixed occlusion of arterial and venous branches with ischemia of the superior temporal quadrant on the right and a retinal focus in the superficial inferior temporal region without occlusion on the left. Optical coherence tomography revealed ischemia of the superficial layers with alteration of the macular microvascularization in the right superior temporal quadrant. Immunological work-up showed antinuclear antibodies to be positive at 160 and anti-bgp1 positive with an IgG level of 118 IgM higher than 118 IgA at 101. The patient was put on effective anticoagulation with good clinical evolution. Conclusion Ocular involvement is rare in APS and associated with poor prognosis, it seems to be difficult to diagnose but also to manage. Larger studies are required to establish guidelines on how and when to screen asymptomatic APS patients for ocular damage, but also on how to prevent and treat it.
Articulating the ultimate objectives of research capacity strengthening programmes: Why this is important and how we might achieve it.
Authors: Pulford Justin , Mutua Meshack Nzesei , Bates Imelda , Tagoe Nadia
Published: August 2024

‘Research capacity strengthening’ (RCS) is an umbrella term that can be used to describe a wide variety of activities conducted in support of diverse objectives premised upon distinct, potentially opposing, views. Despite this, the ultimate objective of RCS activities is rarely made explicit which can be problematic when diverse objectives are possible. By ‘ultimate’ objective we are referring to the overarching (often long-term) goal an RCS initiative is intended to contribute towards (e.g. better population health) as opposed to the more immediate ‘proximate’ (often short-term) objectives of any such activity (e.g. improved capacity to undertake infectious disease research). We argue a need for those funding, designing and implementing RCS initiatives to make clear statements as to the ultimate objective that they foresee their respective initiative contributing towards as well as the proposed pathway and associated assumptions that underlie their approach. Examples of distinct ultimate objectives for RCS initiatives are presented alongside fictitious examples of how they may be transparently reported from both a funder and implementor perspective. Such transparency should be routine within the scope of funding calls for RCS activities (even when such activities are only a minor component of the call), subsequent applications to those calls and any description of an applied RCS activity/ies and/or the associated outcomes thereof. The process of determining one’s ultimate objective will further cause funders and actors to think through their respective initiatives more thoroughly and make informed choices and better designed RCS projects. Doing so would reduce any ambiguity associated with the use of the term ‘research capacity strengthening’ and would provide a stronger foundation for robust programme evaluation.
Smart Green Nudging: Reducing Product Returns Through Digital Footprints and Causal Machine Learning
Authors: von Zahn Moritz , Bauer Kevin , Mihale-Wilson Cristina , Jagow Johanna , Speicher Maximilian , Hinz Oliver
Published: August 2024

This paper empirically investigates the use of personalized green nudging based on causal machine learning to reduce consumer returns in e-commerce.
Management of metacarpal shaft fractures
Authors: Taha Rowa , Davis Tim , Montgomery Alan , Karantana Alexia
Published: August 2024

Aims

The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology of metacarpal shaft fractures (MSFs), assess variation in treatment and complications following standard care, document hospital resource use, and explore factors associated with treatment modality.

Methods

A multicentre, cross-sectional retrospective study of MSFs at six centres in the UK. We collected and analyzed healthcare records, operative notes, and radiographs of adults presenting within ten days of a MSF affecting the second to fifth metacarpal between 1 August 2016 and 31 July 2017. Total emergency department (ED) attendances were used to estimate prevalence.

Results

A total of 793 patients (75% male, 25% female) with 897 MSFs were included, comprising 0.1% of 837,212 ED attendances. The annual incidence of MSF was 40 per 100,000. The median age was 27 years (IQR 21 to 41); the highest incidence was in men aged 16 to 24 years. Transverse fractures were the most common. Over 80% of all fractures were treated non-surgically, with variation across centres. Overall, 12 types of non-surgical and six types of surgical treatment were used. Fracture pattern, complexity, displacement, and age determined choice of treatment. Patients who were treated surgically required more radiographs and longer radiological and outpatient follow-up, and were more likely to be referred for therapy. Complications occurred in 5% of patients (39/793). Most patients attended planned follow-up, with 20% (160/783) failing to attend at least one or more clinic appointments.

Conclusion

MSFs are common hand injuries among young, working (economically active) men, but there is considerable heterogeneity in treatment, rehabilitation, and resource use. They are a burden on healthcare resources and society, thus further research is needed to optimize treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(8):652–661.
Data Science for Fundraising: A Review of Analytics in Fundraising
Authors: Nandeshwar Ashutosh R.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Data analysis, data mining, predictive analytics, machine learning, data science, and artificial intelligence have affected how for-profit organizations make decisions for many years now, and even decades, for some methods. The nonprofit industry, specifically nonprofit fundraising, has been trying to catch up. This article lists various applications of analytics in nonprofit fundraising as found in the literature. I use the term “analytics” to capture the various methods used in data mining, predictive analytics, machine learning, data science, and artificial intelligence. This article is structured as follows: a brief review of analytics, followed by a review of the literature by decades, and then a summary of the findings and predictions on future work.
Does Being Engaged Benefit the Bottom Line? Community Engagement and its Effects on Fundraising Performance at Public Institutions of Higher Education
Authors: Strawser Colton C.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Institutions of higher education have a longstanding history of giving back to communities, locally and globally. Various forms of community engagement (e.g., service-learning, experiential learning, community-engaged research) have positively impacted student learning and their connections to their institution. Launched in 2009, the Carnegie Foundation’s Elective Classification for Community Engagement serves as a commitment to and indication of institutionalized community engagement. Engaged institutions of higher education may pursue the Carnegie Foundation’s Classification to demonstrate their commitment to community engagement. Institutions must meet various standards for engagement, including institutional buy-in, assessment, faculty and staff support, and other measurable metrics. Utilizing the classification as a proxy for effective community engagement, this study explores the fundraising performance of classified and unclassified institutions to measure if institutionalized community engagement is a potential predictor for stronger fundraising performance. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the fundraising performance of public universities, both classified and unclassified, was examined over three years (2017–2019) to test whether engaged institutions have better fund-raising performance compared to those not classified. Overall, the Community Engagement Classification had a statistically significant impact on an institution’s fundraising in individual, foundation, corporate, and alumni giving—indicating that a commitment from the institution to give back to the community may increase the likelihood of receiving philanthropic investments in return.
Proposals of Hope: Evaluating the Investment of Time on Proposal Wins versus Proposal Losses
Authors: Garcia Juan , Dries Jim
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Fundraising organizations struggle with accurate proposal pipeline data. Delays in entering data into the advancement system, quality of the information entered into the advancement system, and challenges communicating with busy donors can impact proposal data quality. Our objective was to improve the productivity of gift officers and the proposal pipeline of the institution. The key challenge we addressed was gift officers investing time in prospects and proposals that had a low likelihood of generating a gift for the institution. Our approach evaluated the time and activities associated with proposals in which the donor agreed to make a gift to the institution (WON) against proposals in which the donor declined to make a gift to the institution (LOSS). Our hypothesis was that the institution has opportunities to increase its gift officer productivity and proposal pipeline capacity by using statistical modeling techniques to identify and reduce investment in proposals with low probabilities of success, the future LOSS proposals.
Analysis of Alumni Giving Based on Involvement in Different Student Activity Types
Authors: Speight Michael
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Minimal research has sought to uncover clear reasons why postsecondary alumni give, with an even smaller amount seeking to identify alumni segments that might be more inclined to give than the whole alumni population. Despite this lack of clarity, postsecondary institutions—and more specifically, public postsecondary institutions—are more reliant than ever on alumni fundraising to overcome budget shortfalls. Those involved in fundraising at the postsecondary level must become more strategic in how they identify alumni likely to donate. This analysis sought to identify an alumni segment more likely to donate based on involvement in certain types of student activity. To perform this analysis, multiple logistic regressions were conducted to show the impact of participating in at least one of eight student activity types on making a gift. Analysis shows that segmented groups of alumni are more likely to donate— information that post-secondary fundraising offices could use to be more efficient in their philanthropic efforts—and offers the prudent leader an opportunity to identify and incorporate practices from student activities that increase likelihood of giving for all students throughout the undergraduate experience.
Take Me out to the Fundraising Game: What Fundraising Analytics and Analysts Can Learn from Sports Analysis
Authors: Duke Gregory E.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This survey reviews the origins and development of sports analytics, from its early days rooted in baseball and soccer data gathering to its modern place as the data-driven leader of a specialized billion-dollar industry, and the lessons that fundraising analytics and analysts can learn from their progress. The “state of play” for analytics in five different sports—baseball, soccer, basketball, American football, and cricket—is examined from both funding and analytical viewpoints. The future of sports analytics as a whole is reviewed in the context of a potential future path for fundraising data analysis.
Characteristics of an ion beam in the figuring process on an optical ultra-low expansion glass surface
Authors: Wu Hsing-Yu , Shen Li-Siang , Huang Shao-Rong , Lin Wen-Wei , Hsiao Li-Jen , Cheng Ching-Ling , Yu Guo-Yu , Sun Yung-Shin , Hsu Jin-Cherng
Published: August 2024

In this study, an ion source figured out the surface of a glass-ceramic material with an ultra-low thermal expansion coefficient for space optical elements. The investigation of the single-point, line, and square figuring patterns assessed the detailed characteristics of the ion beam. At a fixed ion beam current and processing time, a beam voltage of 600 V led to the greatest removal depth with the narrowest full width at half-maximum (FWHM). The surface roughness under different beam voltages was also examined and discussed. Line figuring with an ion beam voltage of 600 V and a one-dimensional sample moving speed of 0.25 mm/s exhibited a maximum depth removal rate of 19.71 nm/min after being polished 15 times. Two-dimensional square figuring was performed to polish a plane mirror with a diameter of 60 mm, and it successfully reduced its surface’s peak-to-valley value to 18 nm due to the melting heat phenomenon of the glass-ceramic material in ion beam figuring (IBF).
Two-photon polymerization-based fabrication of millimeter-sized precision Fresnel optics
Authors: Marx Jan , Behlau Felix , Haske Damian , Esen Cemal , Ostendorf Andreas
Published: August 2024

Two-photon polymerization (2PP) is known to be the most precise and highest resolution additive manufacturing process for printing optics, but its applicability is restricted to a few applications due to the limited size of printable objects and low throughput. The presented work is intended to demonstrate the performance of printing millimeter-scale optics by implementing appropriate stitching methods into a setup that combines a Galvo scanner and translational axes. In this work, specifically, Fresnel axicons with a diameter of 3.5 mm are manufactured by 2PP to substantiate the applicability of the process. Manufacturing Fresnel optics instead of volumetric optics allows for attaining acceptable process times with durations of tens of hours highlighting the appeal of 2PP for rapid prototyping in optics. The suitability of the Fresnel axicons for beam shaping is confirmed through illumination with a laser beam. The resulting ring-shaped intensity distribution in the far field behind the Fresnel axicon is captured using a beam profiler. Furthermore, the influence of different stitching parameters on the resulting intensity distribution is investigated. The experimental results are validated by simulations, where the intensity distribution in the far field behind an axicon was calculated by Fourier transformation. Simulations were carried out to discuss the effect of manufacturing errors on the far field intensity distribution.
Spatial division multiplexing of LED strips for optical camera communication
Authors: Chen Shiwen , Li Jilong , Xiang Meng , Fu Songnian , Qin Yuwen
Published: August 2024

Rolling shutter based optical camera communication (RS-OCC), a promising candidate of optical wireless communication (OWC), has the advantage of unlicensed spectrum and no electromagnetic interference. Since RS-OCC can use the built-in camera of a smartphone as a receiver, it can provide flexible, low-cost, and timely private information exchange between mobile users. However, the enhancement of data throughput for the RS-OCC is challenging. Light emitting diode (LED) strips can be designed as both a smartphone accessory and a transmitter of RS-OCC. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate the LED strip based spatial division multiplexing (SDM) technique. In order to enhance the aggregated data throughput, we investigate and optimize the operation parameters of LED strips and a smartphone camera. Consequently, when the least mean square-based feedforward equalizer (LMS-FFE) with 5 taps is employed, eight LED strips modulated with 8-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-8) signals can realize a record data throughput of 201.96 kbit/s, indicating of an alternative flexible data transfer scheme between two smartphones.