bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Demonstration of Underwater Optical Ranging with Enhanced Accuracy Under Scattering Conditions Using Multiple Bessel Modes
Authors: Jiang Zile , Ramakrishnan Muralekrishnan , Zhou Huibin , Su Xinzhou , Duan Yuxiang , Song Hao , Zeng Ruoyu , Wang Yingning , Bock Robert , Tur Moshe , Willner Alan E.
Published: May 2024

We demonstrate a structured beam-based underwater optical ranging system through scattering, and we utilize multiple (>2) Bessel modes for accuracy enhancement. The average error decreases from ~16 mm to ~3 mm when the number of modes increases from 2 to 8.
Underwater Wireless Optical Communications: From the Lab Tank to the Real Sea
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhang Yufan , Cai Chengye
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces the recent progress of underwater wireless optical communications (UWOC). Studies in channel dynamics and link alignment issues contribute to the mature applications of UWOC in real sea environments.
Generalized Staircase Codes with Arbitrary Bit Degree
Authors: Shehadeh Mohannad , Kschischang Frank R. , Sukmadji Alvin Y.
Published: May 2024

We introduce a natural generalization of staircase codes in which each bit is protected by arbitrarily many component codewords rather than two. This enables powerful energy-efficient FEC based on iterative decoding of Hamming components.
Low-Complexity Non-Binary Forward Error Correction for Lattice-Based 4D Constellations
Authors: Stern Sebastian , Sallam Mahmoud , Fischer Robert F.H.
Published: May 2024

Low-complexity non-binary LDPC decoding is studied for a 512-ary lattice-based 4D Welti constellation. In an 800ZR scenario, more than 1 dB SNR gain is obtained over DP-16QAM and binary FEC at fixed symbol rate.
Iteration-Dependent Scaled Min-Sum Decoding for Low-Complexity Key Reconciliation in CV-QKD
Authors: Cil Erdem Eray , Schmalen Laurent
Published: May 2024

We introduce an iteration-dependent scaled min-sum decoding for low-rate LDPC codes in CV-QKD, achieving near-sum product algorithm performance with reduced complexity, and facilitating CV-QKD hardware implementation.
C+L Band Transmission under Bidirectionally Pumped Distributed Raman Amplification Using Semiconductor Incoherent Pumps
Authors: Takasaka Shigehiro , Ogata Daichi , Shirai Ayato , Ichihara Satoru , Yoshida Junji , Ohishi Norihiro
Published: May 2024

We demonstrate a 100Gbaud DP-16QAM signal transmission over either 150/200 km SSMF/CSF under bidirectionally pumped Raman amplification using semiconductor incoherent sources as forward pumps. We confirm effectiveness of the incoherent sources for high signal quality.
Assessment of an O-band 4x4 InP Monolithic Photonic Switch at 100 Gbit/s PAM-4
Authors: Rombouts Marijn , Zali Aref Rasoulzadeh , Andreou Stefanos , Augustin Luc , Calabretta Nicola
Published: May 2024

We assess the performance of an O-band integrated optical 4x4 switch using the broadcast and select architecture with 100 Gbit/s PAM-4 signals. We measured a power penalty of <1 dB at the FEC-limit for multiple optical paths.
Rate-flexible hybrid constellation shaping for polar-coded 32QAM in FSO systems
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Liu Zhiyang , Xiao Shilin , Yang Weiying , Hu Weisheng
Published: May 2024

We experimentally demonstrate a rate-flexible hybrid constellation shaping for polar-coded 32QAM in FSO systems, which can improve the Q factor by 0.72~1.53dB at different data rates over weak turbulence channels.
Simultaneous measurement of water temperature and salinity using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Taylor Carolyn J. , Kitzler Ondrej , Curtis Simon A. , Neimann Brad R. , Dawes Judith M. , Downes James E. , Spence David J. , Pask Helen M.
Published: May 2024

We present a method to simultaneously determine water temperature and salinity, which uses a pulsed excitation laser and a three-channel Raman spectrometer. The method relies on the systematic dependence of the Raman OH stretching band on temperature and salinity, and is compatible with LiDAR techniques. We have measured the variation of the OH stretching band in two seawater samples and a NaCl solution, and constructed a linear mapping between signal ratios derived from the three spectral channels and the temperature and salinity of each sample. For the natural seawater this approach has been determined by cross-validation to have a predictive accuracy of ±1.6 PSU and ±0.5 °C.
Nanoscale dark-field imaging in full-field transmission X-ray microscopy
Authors: Wirtensohn Sami , Qi Peng , David Christian , Herzen Julia , Greving Imke , Flenner Silja
Published: May 2024

The dark-field signal uncovers details beyond conventional X-ray
attenuation contrast, which is especially valuable for material
sciences. In particular, dark-field techniques are able to reveal
structures beyond the spatial resolution of a setup. However, its
implementation is limited to the micrometer regime. Therefore, we
propose a technique to extend full-field transmission X-ray microscopy
by the dark-field signal. The proposed method is based on a
well-defined illumination of a beam-shaping condenser, which allows to
block the bright field by motorized apertures in the back focal plane
of the objective lens. This method offers a simple implementation and
enables rapid modality changes while maintaining short scan times,
making dark-field imaging widely available at the nanometer scale.
Awareness of fifth metatarsal stress fractures among soccer coaches in Japan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Miyamori Takayuki , Aoyagi Masashi , Shimasaki Yu , Yoshimura Masafumi
Published: May 2024

Although a fifth metatarsal stress fracture is the most frequent stress fracture in soccer players, awareness of fifth metatarsal stress fractures among soccer coaches is unclear. Therefore, we performed an online survey of soccer coaches affiliated with the Japan Football Association to assess their awareness of fifth metatarsal stress fractures. A total of 150 soccer coaches were invited for an original online survey. Data on participants’ age, sex, types of coaching licence, coaching category, types of training surface, awareness of fifth metatarsal stress fractures, and measures employed to prevent fifth metatarsal stress fractures were collected using the survey. Data from 117 coaches were analysed. Eighty-seven of the 117 coaches were aware of fifth metatarsal stress fractures; however, only 30% reported awareness of preventive and treatment measures for fifth metatarsal stress fractures. Licensed coaches (i.e., licensed higher than level C) were also more likely to be aware of fifth metatarsal stress fractures than unlicensed coaches were. Furthermore, although playing on artificial turf is an established risk factor for numerous sports injuries, soccer coaches who usually trained on artificial turf were more likely to be unaware of the risks associated with fifth metatarsal stress fractures than coaches who trained on other surfaces were (e.g., clay fields). Soccer coaches in the study population were generally aware of fifth metatarsal stress fractures; however, most were unaware of specific treatment or preventive training strategies for fifth metatarsal stress fractures. Additionally, coaches who practised on artificial turf were not well educated on fifth metatarsal stress fractures. Our findings suggest the need for increased awareness of fifth metatarsal stress fractures and improved education of soccer coaches regarding injury prevention strategies.
Extraction of new solitary wave solutions in a generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation comprising weak nonlocality
Authors: Vivas-Cortez Miguel , Basendwah Ghada Ali , Rani Beenish , Raza Nauman , Alaoui Mohammed Kbiri
Published: May 2024

This article delves into examining exact soliton solutions within the context of the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation. It covers higher-order dispersion with higher order nonlinearity and a parameter associated with weak nonlocality. To tackle this equation, two reputable methods are harnessed: the sine-Gordon expansion method and the G ′ / ( b G ′ + G + a )-expansion method. These methods are employed alongside suitable traveling wave transformation to yield novel, efficient single-wave soliton solutions for the governing model. To deepen our grasp of the equation’s physical significance, we utilize Wolfram Mathematica 12, a computational tool, to produce both 3D and 2D visual depictions. These graphical representations shed light on diverse facets of the equation’s dynamics, offering invaluable insights. Through the manipulation of parameter values, we achieve an array of solutions, encompassing kink-type, dark soliton, and solitary wave solutions. Our computational analysis affirms the effectiveness and versatility of our methods in tackling a wide spectrum of nonlinear challenges within the domains of mathematical science and engineering.
Association between lipoprotein(a) plasma levels and diabetic nephropathy in Han Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Ting
Published: May 2024

The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels and diabetic nephropathy (DN) among Han Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This retrospective analysis comprised a consecutive case series of 767 grown-up patients with T2DM (199 among them with DN) hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology at the The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from February 20220 to February 2021. Clinical data and other laboratory measurements, such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), were extracted from medical records and compared among groups. Clinical characteristics according to Lp(a) quartiles were also studied. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between serum Lp(a) and DN. Patients with DN had a longer disease duration, higher HbA1c, higher level of Lp(a), and were more likely to have diabetic retinopathy (DR) than those without DN (P < 0.005 for each). With regard to the Lp(a) quartile group, patients with a higher Lp(a) concentration were more likely to have DN and have higher level of HbA1c during the study (P for trend < 0.005 for each). After adjusting for several confounding factors, the development of DN was significantly associated with the serum Lp(a) level (P = 0.026, comparing the 4th vs 1st quartile of Lp(a)) according to multivariate regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for DN development using serum Lp(a) showed that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) was 0.590 (P < 0.001). Findings from this study demonstrated that the DN was independently associated with the serum Lp(a) level in patients with T2DM in this retrospective study.
Response of microbial community composition and function to land use in mining soils of Xikuang Mountain in Hunan
Authors: Yue Jiao , Zhang Dongpeng , Cao Miaomiao , Li Yukui , Liang Qianwen , Liu Fei , Dong YuQiang
Published: May 2024

Nine land types in the northern mining area (BKQ) (mining land, smelting land, living area), the old mining area (LKQ) (whole-ore heap, wasteland, grassland), and southern mining area (NKQ) (grassland, shrubs, farmland) of Xikuang Mountain were chosen to explore the composition and functions of soil bacterial communities under different habitats around mining areas. The composition and functions of soil bacterial communities were compared among the sampling sites using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. α diversity analysis showed the soil bacterial diversity and abundance in the old mining area were significantly higher than those in the northern mining area. β diversity analysis demonstrated that the soil bacterial community composition was highly similar among different vegetation coverages in the southern mining area. Microbial community function analysis showed the annotated KEGG function pathways and eggNOG function composition were consistent between the grassland of the old mining area and the grassland of the southern mining area. This study uncovers the soil bacterial community composition and functions among different habitats in the mining areas of Xikuang Mountain and will underlie soil ecosystem restoration in different habitats under heavy metal pollution around the mining areas there.
Age and sex-related variations in murine laryngeal microbiota
Authors: An Ran , Venkatraman Anumitha , Binns John , Saric Callie , Rey Federico E. , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: May 2024

The larynx undergoes significant age and sex-related changes in structure and function across the lifespan. Emerging evidence suggests that laryngeal microbiota influences immunological processes. Thus, there is a critical need to delineate microbial mechanisms that may underlie laryngeal physiological and immunological changes. As a first step, the present study explored potential age and sex-related changes in the laryngeal microbiota across the lifespan in a murine model. We compared laryngeal microbial profiles of mice across the lifespan (adolescents, young adults, older adults and elderly) to determine age and sex-related microbial variation on 16s rRNA gene sequencing. Measures of alpha diversity and beta diversity were obtained, along with differentially abundant taxa across age groups and biological sexes. There was relative stability of the laryngeal microbiota within each age group and no significant bacterial compositional shift in the laryngeal microbiome across the lifespan. There was an abundance of short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria in the adolescent group, unique to the laryngeal microbiota; taxonomic changes in the elderly resembled that of the aged gut microbiome. There were no significant changes in the laryngeal microbiota relating to biological sex. This is the first study to report age and sex-related variation in laryngeal microbiota. This data lays the groundwork for defining how age-related microbial mechanisms may govern laryngeal health and disease. Bacterial compositional changes, as a result of environmental or systemic stimuli, may not only be indicative of laryngeal-specific metabolic and immunoregulatory processes, but may precede structural and functional age-related changes in laryngeal physiology.
Treatment success rate and associated factors among drug susceptible tuberculosis individuals in St. Kizito Hospital, Matany, Napak district, Karamoja region. A retrospective study
Authors: Opito Ronald , Kwenya Keneth , Ssentongo Saadick Mugerwa , Kizito Mark , Alwedo Susan , Bakashaba Baker , Miya Yunus , Bukenya Lameck , Okwir Eddy , Onega Lilian Angwech , Kazibwe Andrew , Othieno Emmanuel , Kirya Fred , Olupot Peter Olupot
Published: May 2024

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death among infectious agents globally. An estimated 10 million people are newly diagnosed and 1.5 million die of the disease annually. Uganda is among the 30 high TB-burdenedd countries, with Karamoja having a significant contribution of the disease incidence in the country. Control of the disease in Karamoja is complex because a majority of the at-risk population remain mobile; partly because of the nomadic lifestyle. This study, therefore, aimed at describing the factors associated with drug-susceptible TB treatment success rate (TSR) in the Karamoja region.

Methods

This was a retrospective study on case notes of all individuals diagnosed with and treated for drug-susceptible TB at St. Kizito Hospital Matany, Napak district, Karamoja from 1st Jan 2020 to 31st December 2021. Data were abstracted using a customised data abstraction tool. Data analyses were done using Stata statistical software, version 15.0. Chi-square test was conducted to compare treatment success rates between years 2020 and 2021, while Modified Poisson regression analysis was performed at multivariable level to determine the factors associated with treatment success.

Results

We studied records of 1234 participants whose median age was 31 (IQR: 13–49) years. Children below 15 years of age accounted for 26.2% (n = 323). The overall treatment success rate for the study period was 79.3%(95%CI; 77.0%-81.5%), with a statistically significant variation in 2020 and 2021, 75.4% (422/560) vs 82.4% (557/674) respectively, (P = 0.002). The commonest reported treatment outcome was treatment completion at 52%(n = 647) and death was at 10.4% (n = 129). Older age, undernutrition (Red MUAC), and HIV-positive status were significantly associated with lower treatment success: aPR = 0.87(95%CI; 0.80–0.94), aPR = 0.91 (95%CI; 0.85–0.98) and aPR = 0.88 (95%CI; 0.78–0.98); respectively. Patients who were enrolled in 2021 had a high prevalence of treatment success compared to those enrolled in 2020, aPR = 1.09 (95%CI; 1.03–1.16).

Conclusion

TB TSR in Matany Hospital was suboptimal. Older age, poor nutrition, and being HIV-positive were negative predictors of treatment success. We propose integrating nutrition and HIV care into TB programming to improve treatment success.
Exploring the spatial association between the distribution of temperature and urban morphology with green view index
Authors: Chan Ta-Chien , Lee Ping-Hsien , Lee Yu-Ting , Tang Jia-Hong
Published: May 2024

Urban heat islands will occur if city neighborhoods contain insufficient green spaces to create a comfortable environment, and residents’ health will be adversely affected. Current satellite imagery can only effectively identify large-scale green spaces and cannot capture street trees or potted plants within three-dimensional building spaces. In this study, we used a deep convolutional neural network semantic segmentation model on Google Street View to extract environmental features at the neighborhood level in Taipei City, Taiwan, including the green vegetation index (GVI), building view factor, and sky view factor. Monthly temperature data from 2018 to 2021 with a 0.01° spatial resolution were used. We applied a linear mixed-effects model and geographically weighted regression to explore the association between pedestrian-level green spaces and ambient temperature, controlling for seasons, land use information, and traffic volume. Their results indicated that a higher GVI was significantly associated with lower ambient temperatures and temperature differences. Locations with higher traffic flows or specific land uses, such as religious or governmental, are associated with higher ambient temperatures. In conclusion, the GVI from street-view imagery at the community level can improve the understanding of urban green spaces and evaluate their effects in association with other social and environmental indicators.
A hybrid CNN-SVM model for enhanced autism diagnosis
Authors: Qiu Linjie , Zhai Jian
Published: May 2024

Autism is a representative disorder of pervasive developmental disorder. It exerts influence upon an individual’s behavior and performance, potentially co-occurring with other mental illnesses. Consequently, an effective diagnostic approach proves to be invaluable in both therapeutic interventions and the timely provision of medical support. Currently, most scholars’ research primarily relies on neuroimaging techniques for auxiliary diagnosis and does not take into account the distinctive features of autism’s social impediments. In order to address this deficiency, this paper introduces a novel convolutional neural network-support vector machine model that integrates resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data with the social responsiveness scale metrics for the diagnostic assessment of autism. We selected 821 subjects containing the social responsiveness scale measure from the publicly available Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange dataset, including 379 subjects with autism spectrum disorder and 442 typical controls. After preprocessing of fMRI data, we compute the static and dynamic functional connectivity for each subject. Subsequently, convolutional neural networks and attention mechanisms are utilized to extracts their respective features. The extracted features, combined with the social responsiveness scale features, are then employed as novel inputs for the support vector machine to categorize autistic patients and typical controls. The proposed model identifies salient features within the static and dynamic functional connectivity, offering a possible biological foundation for clinical diagnosis. By incorporating the behavioral assessments, the model achieves a remarkable classification accuracy of 94.30%, providing a more reliable support for auxiliary diagnosis.
Posture-induced modulation of lower-limb joint powers in perturbed running
Authors: AminiAghdam Soran , Rode Christian
Published: May 2024

Despite evidence on trunk flexion’s impact on locomotion mechanics, its role in modulating lower-limb energetics during perturbed running remains underexplored. Therefore, we investigated posture-induced power redistribution in the lower-limb joints (hip, knee, and ankle), along with the relative contribution from each joint to total lower-limb average positive and negative mechanical powers (i.e., over time) during perturbed running. Twelve runners (50% female) ran at self-selected (~15°) and three more sagittal trunk inclinations (backward, ~0°; low forward, ~20°; high forward, ~25°) on a custom-built runway, incorporating both a level surface and a 10 cm visible drop-step positioned midway, while simultaneously recording three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics. We used inverse dynamics analysis to determine moments and powers in lower-limb joints. Increasing the trunk forward inclination yielded the following changes in lower-limb mechanics: a) an elevation in total positive power with a distoproximal shift and a reduction in total negative power; b) systematic increases in hip positive power, coupled with decreased and increased contribution to total negative (during level-step) and positive (during drop-step) powers, respectively; c) reductions in both negative and positive knee powers, along with a decrease in its contribution to total positive power. Regardless of the trunk posture, accommodating drop-steps while running demands elevated total limb negative and positive powers with the ankle as a primary source of energy absorption and generation. Leaning the trunk more forward induces a distoproximal shift in positive power, whereas leaning backward exerts an opposing influence on negative power within the lower-limb joints.
Health-state utility of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer in Vietnam: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Luu Tram Nguyen Nguyet , Dinh Dai Xuan , Tran Thinh Xuan , Tran Thang Binh , Tran Huong Thanh , Pham Kiet Huy Tuan , Nguyen Huong Thi Thanh
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer may have poor prognoses and short overall and disease-free survival. Most previous studies focused on assessing the quality of life and health-state utility of the general population of breast cancer patients. The number of studies for HER2-positive breast cancer patients is negligible. This study investigated the health-state utility and its associated factors among Vietnamese patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

Methods

We conducted face-to-face interviews with 301 HER2-positive breast cancer patients to collect data. Their health-state utility was measured via the EQ-5D-5L instrument. The Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to compare the differences in utility scores between two groups and among three groups or more, respectively. Factors associated with patients’ heath-state utility were identified via Tobit regression models.

Results

Pain/discomfort (56.1%) and anxiety/depression (39.5%) were the two issues that patients suffered from the most, especially among metastatic breast cancer patients. The severity of distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) in patients was relatively mild. Of 301 patients, their average utility score was 0.86±0.17 (range: 0.03–1.00), and the average EQ-visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 69.12±12.60 (range: 30–100). These figures were 0.79±0.21 and 65.20±13.20 for 102 metastatic breast cancer patients, significantly lower than those of 199 non-metastatic cancer patients (0.89±0.13 and 71.13±11.78) (p<0.001), respectively. Lower health-state utility scores were significantly associated with older age (p = 0.002), lower education level (p = 0.006), lower monthly income (p = 0.036), metastatic cancer (p = 0.001), lower EQ-VAS score (p<0.001), and more severe level of distress (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings showed a significant decrement in utility scores among metastatic breast cancer patients. Patients’ health-state utility differed by their demographic characteristics (age, education level, and income) and clinical characteristics (stage of cancer and distress). Their utility scores may support further cost-effectiveness analysis in Vietnam.
Optimization of 3D printing supply chain in the era of live streaming e-commerce
Authors: Chen Zhen , Tang Ying
Published: May 2024

This study examines the effects of the rising live streaming e-commerce on the 3DP supply chain, employing system dynamics to develop separate models for pure polymer and polymer-metal mixed printing. The analysis focuses on optimizing the 3DP supply chain configuration. Results indicate that, based solely on printing time, cost, and quality metrics, Corporate-live-3DP services are optimal for live commerce scenarios. However, despite this, Private-live-3DP maintains a substantial consumer base in practice, as evidenced by literature data and case studies. Both models pose significant challenges to conventional supply chains, necessitating adaptation. For Corporate-live-3DP, optimization strategies may include technology advancements, digital transformation, agile manufacturing, global network optimization, innovative management, collaborative R&D, fine-tuned inventory control, quality system upgrades, talent development, and organizational restructuring. Conversely, Private-live-3DP can be optimized through consolidation of private 3D printing resources, demand prediction and order optimization, supply chain collaboration platforms, quality management extensions, inventory strategy adjustments, increased transparency, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation measures.
COVID-19 vaccination uptake and determinants of booster vaccination among persons who inject drugs in New York City
Authors: Khezri Mehrdad , McKnight Courtney , Weng Chenziheng Allen , Kimball Sarah , Des Jarlais Don
Published: May 2024

Background

Persons who inject drugs (PWID) may be unengaged with healthcare services and face an elevated risk of severe morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 due to chronic diseases and structural inequities. However, data on COVID-19 vaccine uptake, particularly booster vaccination, among PWID are limited. We examined COVID-19 vaccine uptake and factors associated with booster vaccination among PWID in New York City (NYC).

Methods

We recruited PWID using respondent-driven sampling from October 2021 to November 2023 in a survey that included HIV and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies testing. The questionnaire included demographics, COVID-19 vaccination and attitudes, and drug use behaviors.

Results

Of 436 PWID, 80% received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Among individuals who received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, 95% were fully vaccinated. After excluding participants recruited before booster authorization for general adults started in NYC, and those who had never received an initial vaccination, 41% reported having received a COVID-19 booster vaccine dose. COVID-19 booster vaccination was significantly associated with having a high school diploma or GED (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09, 3.48), ever received the hepatitis A/B vaccine (aOR 2.23; 95% CI 1.27, 3.96), main drug use other than heroin/speedball, fentanyl and stimulants (aOR 14.4; 95% CI 2.32, 280), number of non-fatal overdoses (aOR 0.35; 95% CI 0.16, 0.70), and mean vaccination attitude score (aOR 0.94; 95% CI 0.89, 0.98).

Conclusions

We found a suboptimal level of COVID-19 booster vaccination among PWID, which was consistent with the rates observed in the general population in NYC and the U.S. Community-based interventions are needed to improve COVID-19 booster vaccination access and uptake among PWID. Attitudes towards vaccination were significant predictors of both primary and booster vaccination uptake. Outreach efforts focusing on improving attitudes towards vaccination and educational programs are essential for reducing hesitancy and increasing booster vaccination uptake among PWID.
Barriers to uptake of referral services from secondary eye care to tertiary eye care and its associated determinants in L V Prasad Eye Institute network in Southern India: A cross-sectional study-Report II
Authors: Padhy Debananda , Pyda Giridhar , Marmamula Srinivas , Khanna Rohit C.
Published: May 2024

Aim

To investigate the barriers to the uptake of referral services from secondary care centers (SC) to a higher-level tertiary care center (TC) in Southern India.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Mahabubnagar district of Telangana, India, between February 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 and all those referred from SC to TC between January 1, 2013 to December 30, 2016 were identified for interview. Based on inclusion criteria, of the 960 participants identified, 681 (70.9%) participated in the study. A validated study questionnaire was administered to all participants. Information collected were the demographic details, details related to their referral and barriers to referral. The participants that presented at TC were considered compliant and who did not, were non-compliant. Reasons for non-compliance was also collected.

Results

The mean age those interviewed was 46.1 years (SD: 17.3 years) and 429 (63%) were males and 252 (37%) were females. Overall, 516 (75.8%) were compliant, and 165 (24.2%) were non-compliant. The major factors for non-compliance were economic (16.4%) and attitudinal (44.2%) barriers. Within the attitudinal barrier category, the most prevalent individual attitudinal barriers were ‘too busy to go to the eye center for treatment (16.4%)’and ‘able to manage routine daily activities with current vision (12.1%)’. The multivariable analysis showed that the non-compliant participants had only visited the SC once prior to the referral (odds ratio: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.43–5.57) (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Participants with only one SC visit, were less likely to comply with referrals and the major barriers to compliance were economical and attitudinal. It is important to address these specific barriers to provide proper counseling to participants during referrals.
Accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted endoscopy in the diagnosis of gastric intestinal metaplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Na , Yang Jian , Li Xiaodong , Shi Yanting , Wang Kunhong
Published: May 2024

Background and aims

Gastric intestinal metaplasia is a precancerous disease, and a timely diagnosis is essential to delay or halt cancer progression. Artificial intelligence (AI) has found widespread application in the field of disease diagnosis. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of AI’s diagnostic accuracy in detecting gastric intestinal metaplasia in endoscopy, compare it to endoscopists’ ability, and explore the main factors affecting AI’s performance.

Methods

The study followed the PRISMA-DTA guidelines, and the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and IEEE Xplore databases were searched to include relevant studies published by October 2023. We extracted the key features and experimental data of each study and combined the sensitivity and specificity metrics by meta-analysis. We then compared the diagnostic ability of the AI versus the endoscopists using the same test data.

Results

Twelve studies with 11,173 patients were included, demonstrating AI models’ efficacy in diagnosing gastric intestinal metaplasia. The meta-analysis yielded a pooled sensitivity of 94% (95% confidence interval: 0.92–0.96) and specificity of 93% (95% confidence interval: 0.89–0.95). The combined area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.97. The results of meta-regression and subgroup analysis showed that factors such as study design, endoscopy type, number of training images, and algorithm had a significant effect on the diagnostic performance of AI. The AI exhibited a higher diagnostic capacity than endoscopists (sensitivity: 95% vs. 79%).

Conclusions

AI-aided diagnosis of gastric intestinal metaplasia using endoscopy showed high performance and clinical diagnostic value. However, further prospective studies are required to validate these findings.
Exploring novel immunotherapy biomarker candidates induced by cancer deformation
Authors: Kim Se Min , Park Namu , Park Hye Bin , Lee JuKyung , Chun Changho , Kim Kyung Hoon , Choi Jong Seob , Kim Hyung Jin , Choi Sekyu , Lee Jung Hyun
Published: May 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) demands urgent attention for the development of effective treatment strategies due to its aggressiveness and limited therapeutic options [1]. This research is primarily focused on identifying new biomarkers vital for immunotherapy, with the aim of developing tailored treatments specifically for TNBC, such as those targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. To achieve this, the study places a strong emphasis on investigating Ig genes, a characteristic of immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly genes expressing Ig-like domains with altered expression levels induced by "cancer deformation," a condition associated with cancer malignancy. Human cells can express approximately 800 Ig family genes, yet only a few Ig genes, including PD-1 and PD-L1, have been developed into immunotherapy drugs thus far. Therefore, we investigated the Ig genes that were either upregulated or downregulated by the artificial metastatic environment in TNBC cell line. As a result, we confirmed the upregulation of approximately 13 Ig genes and validated them using qPCR. In summary, our study proposes an approach for identifying new biomarkers applicable to future immunotherapies aimed at addressing challenging cases of TNBC where conventional treatments fall short.
Differences in knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hypertension by access to a community-based screening program (POSBINDU): A cross-sectional study from four districts in Indonesia
Authors: Mashuri Yusuf Ari , Widyaningsih Vitri , Premanawasti Alimah , Koot Jaap , Pardoel Zinzi , Landsman-Dijkstra Jeanet , Postma Maarten , Probandari Ari
Published: May 2024

Background

A high prevalence of hypertension is found in Low- and Middle-income Countries (LMICs) including in Indonesia. However, hypertension awareness, treatment, and control are relativity poor. A community-based program to screen and educate people on non-communicable disease prevention (POSBINDU) was launched by the Indonesian government. However, the association between participation in the POSBINDU program with increasing knowledge, attitude, and practice of hypertension has not been widely assessed. In this study, we compared the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among people who accessed the POSBINDU and those who did not access the POSBINDU program. Subsequently, factors associated with the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among people who accessed the POSBINDU and those who did not access the POSBINDU were explored.

Methods

This was an observational study with a cross-sectional design measuring the knowledge, attitudes, and practices for hypertension control in four districts in Indonesia from October 2019 to January 2020. A total of 1,988 respondents were included in this study. A questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of hypertension. Simple logistic regression was used to investigate the correlation between the characteristics of respondents and knowledge, attitudes, and practice status. Multiple logistic regression tests were conducted to investigate factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practice status.

Results

We found that people who accessed POSBINDU had higher odds of having better knowledge (aOR:1.4; 95%CI:1.2–1.8), however, accessed to POSBINDU was associated with lower attitudes (aOR:0.6; 85%CI: 0.5–0.7) and had no association with hypertension-related practice.

Conclusion

People who accessed POSBINDU have an association with good knowledge, but the association with good attitude and practice was less clear. Therefore, an improvement in the POSBINDU program is needed to increase the attitudes and practices of hypertension.
Spatial variations in the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network density and analysis of the connectomic parameters
Authors: Chen Junning , Aido Marta , Roschger Andreas , van Tol Alexander , Checa Sara , Willie Bettina M. , Weinkamer Richard
Published: May 2024

Osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network (LCN) is comprised of micrometre-sized pores and submicrometric wide channels in bone. Accumulating evidence suggests multiple functions of this network in material transportation, mechanobiological signalling, mineral homeostasis and bone remodelling. Combining rhodamine staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy, the longitudinal cross-sections of six mouse tibiae were imaged, and the connectome of the network was quantified with a focus on the spatial heterogeneities of network density, connectivity and length of canaliculi. In-vivo loading and double calcein labelling on these tibiae allowed differentiating the newly formed bone from the pre-existing regions. The canalicular density of the murine cortical bone varied between 0.174 and 0.243 μm/μm3, and therefore is three times larger than the corresponding value for human femoral midshaft osteons. The spatial heterogeneity of the network was found distinctly more pronounced across the cortex than along the cortex. We found that in regions with a dense network, the LCN conserves its largely tree-like character, but increases the density by including shorter canaliculi. The current study on healthy mice should serve as a motivating starting point to study the connectome of genetically modified mice, including models of bone diseases and of reduced mechanoresponse.
Ciência e diplomacia: juntas pelo desenvolvimento
Authors: Cortelli Sheila C.
Published: May 2024

Prezados leitores, nesse editorial, damos sequência ao tópico de desigualdade de gênero na ciência. Assim como o Brazilian Journal of Periodontology em março de 2024, a revista Pesquisa Fapesp abordou o tema, trazendo alguns dados do Brasil e do mundo. Os números mostram discrepâncias, e como a igualdade de gênero tem que ser colocada em pauta em financiamentos e acordos de cooperação. Afinal, conhecer a realidade é sempre um bom ponto de partida para o delineamento de ações que gerem as mudanças que se deseja alcançar.
Influência do sexo biológico na prevalência de periodontite: revisão de literatura sobre a interação do sistema imunológico com os hormônios sexuais
Authors: Villar Cristina Cunha , Assis Josiane Betim de , Romito Giuseppe Alexandre , Sloniak Mariane Cristina
Published: May 2024

INTRODUÇÃO: A periodontite, uma condição inflamatória crônica prevalente, resulta da interação complexa entre fatores microbianos, genéticos, epigenéticos, estilo de vida e questões de saúde sistêmica. Em indivíduos suscetíveis, esses fatores convergem para precipitar a disfunção imune, culminando na destruição dos tecidos periodontais. Evidências epidemiológicas revelam uma influência do sexo biológico na prevalência da periodontite, com os homens experimentando uma taxa 9% maior do que as mulheres. OBJETIVO: Realizar uma revisão abrangente da literatura científica atual quanto ao papel das respostas imunes específicas do sexo — particularmente, a modulação pelos hormônios sexuais como andrógenos, progesterona e estrogênios — sobre a suscetibilidade e progressão da periodontite. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Foram feitas buscas em bases de dados (PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar) usando termos e palavras-chave, incluindo, mas não limitado a: periodontite, imunidade, sistema imunológico, hormônios sexuais, hormônios esteroides gonadais, andrógenos, progesterona, estrogênios. RESULTADOS: Hormônios sexuais impactam significativamente a função imune, com hormônios masculinos e femininos influenciando a expressão de receptores do tipo toll (TLRs), produção de citocinas e a diferenciação de subconjuntos de células T auxiliares (Th). Os estrógenos e a progesterona favorecem uma mudança para respostas Th2 e atenuam a atividade das células Th17, potencialmente amenizando as vias inflamatórias cruciais na progressão da doença periodontal. Em contraste, a produção aumentada do fator de necrose tumoral-alfa (TNF-α) nos homens, facilitada por uma regulação positiva da expressão de TLR4, pode subjazer à maior prevalência da doença nesse grupo demográfico. CONCLUSÃO: Em resumo, essa revisão destaca o papel fundamental dos hormônios sexuais na modulação das respostas do sistema imunológico, oferecendo uma perspectiva fundamental sobre as disparidades específicas de sexo observadas na prevalência de periodontite. Ela enfatiza a importância de avançarmos nossos esforços de pesquisa para desvendar as interações complexas entre os hormônios sexuais e o sistema imunológico dentro do domínio da saúde periodontal. Descobrir esses mecanismos possibilitaria orientar a criação de intervenções terapêuticas personalizadas por sexo biológico. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Periodontite. Imunidade. Hormônios esteroides gonadais.
Competencia digital docente en la facultad de ciencias económicas de la universidad nacional de córdoba (Argentina)
Authors: Casini Rosanna , Crespi German , Trucchi Carlos
Published: May 2024

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Synthesis and Characterization of Fluorapatite-Copper(II) Oxide with Sol-Gel Method as an Antibacterial Biomaterial
Authors: Erlangga Manasye , Charlena Charlena , Suparto Irma Herawati
Published: May 2024

One of the calcium phosphate compounds that can be used as an antibacterial material for coating dental implants is fluorapatite (FAp). This research aims to synthesize FAp at three different sintering temperatures (600, 800, and 1000°C), copper(II) oxide (CuO), and fluorapatite-copper(II) oxide (FAp-CuO) using the sol-gel method, and test the antibacterial properties of the synthesized products. The sol-gel technique proved successful in synthesizing FAp, with optimal results observed at a sintering temperature of 1000°C, achieving a crystallinity level of 90%. Analyses conducted using X-ray diffractometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer revealed FAp as the dominating phase, exhibiting Ca/P and P/F ratios of 1.84 and 4.67, respectively. In FAp-CuO, replacing Ca2+ with Cu2+ ions lowered the average crystallite size, crystallinity, and Ca/P ratio. FAp, CuO, and FAp-CuO all displayed antibacterial activities against S. aureus and E. coli, with FAp-CuO having the maximum average inhibitory zone diameters of 0.243 and 1.397 mm, respectively.
A common fixed point result for multi-valued mappings in Hausdorff modular fuzzy b-metric spaces with application to integral inclusions
Authors: Makran Noreddine , Hammouti Omar , Taarabti Said
Published: May 2024

The modular fuzzy b-metric space is defined in this study, and we are interested in proving a general common fixed point theorem for a pair of multi-valued mappings in Hausdorff modular fuzzy b-metric spaces. The work generalizes the findings in [H. Kerim, W. Shatanawi, A. Tallafha and T. A. M. Shatnawi,
Fixed point theorems on modular fuzzy metric spaces,
Politehn. Univ. Bucharest Sci. Bull. Ser. A Appl. Math. Phys. 84 2022, 1, 47–58] and produce additional specific findings that are supported by examples. An application to prove the existence of an integral inclusion equation’s solution is shown to demonstrate the importance of our result.
Acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of bis-thiourea derivatives
Authors: Umar Muhammad Naveed , Shoaib Muhammad , Ghias Mehreen , Bibi Shakila , Zahoor Muhammad , Khan Sher Wali , Ullah Riaz , Ali Essam A. , Gulfam Naila , Shah Syed Wadood Ali
Published: May 2024

In the current work, bis-thiourea derivatives have been synthesized through condensation reaction between isothiocynates and diamines in dry acetone to form SK1 (1,2-bis(N-benzoylthioureido) benzene), SK2 (1,3-bis(N-benzoylthioureido) benzene), and SK3 (1,4-bis(N-benzoylthioureido) benzene). The structures of new synthesized derivatives were confirmed through melting point and spectroscopic technique such as 1HNMR only. The synthesized compounds were assessed for acute toxicity test and are proved free of toxicity. The derivatives were further tested as anti-inflammatory agents by in vitro lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition studies, molecular docking, and in vivo carrageenan-induced paw edema assay, and histamine-induced edema test. The overall observations presented that compounds SK1 and SK3 possess promising anti-inflammatory potential, while compound SK2 is found to be a good anti-inflammatory agent.
Uncertain Causality Analysis of Critical Success Factors of Special Education Mathematics Teaching
Authors: Pinili Lilibeth , Almerino Porferio , Tenerife Janine Joy , Evangelista Samantha Shane , Almerino Jana Gloria , Aro Joerabell Lourdes , Arnaiz Vivian , Opingo Kaitlin Marie , Deniega Jocelyn , Revalde Helen , Fulgencio Margie , Añora Honorio , Cabigon Ann Frances , Reyes Niña Rozanne Delos , Maturan Fatima , Atibing Nadine May , Ocampo Lanndon
Published: May 2024

This study determines the critical success factors of teaching mathematics to special education (SPED) students wherein a list of success factors is identified through a literature survey and analyzes the causal relationships among the identified factors to evaluate the key success factors using the integration of the grey system theory and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), named as the grey-DEMATEL. Results reveal that professional development (PD), institutional support (IS), and individual factors (IF) are categorized as net causes. They influence other factors considered as net effects, including mentoring, self-efficacy, teaching capacity, student feedback, teaching knowledge, instructional accommodation, and use of technology. Among those net causes, only PD yields as the key factor, while IS and IF are the minor key factors. Thus, decision-makers must allocate resources that provide PD to teachers in delivering SPED mathematics teaching. A sensitivity analysis suggests these findings are robust to linguistic evaluation scale changes. The insights outlined in this study would aid educational managers and decision-makers of educational institutions in carefully designing initiatives to improve the quality of mathematics education provided to SPED students. Some potential directions for future research agenda are also discussed.
Li–Yorke chaos for composition operators on Orlicz spaces
Authors: Estaremi Yousef , Muhammad Shah
Published: May 2024

In this paper we characterize Li–Yorke chaotic composition operators on Orlicz spaces. Indeed, some necessary and sufficient conditions are provided for Li–Yorke chaotic composition operator

C
φ

{C_{\varphi}}

on the Orlicz space

L
Φ

⁢

(
μ
)

{L^{\Phi}(\mu)}

. In some cases we have equivalent conditions for composition operators on Orlicz spaces to be Li–Yorke chaotic. The results of this paper extend similar results in

L
p

{L^{p}}

-spaces.