bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing resident experience of a new experiential learning health advocacy curriculum: a mixed methods study
Authors: Moledina Aliza , Ruller Sydney , Halman Samantha , Ying Yvonne
Published: September 2024

Background

Health Advocacy is considered one of the most difficult skills to teach. Many medical learners feel ill-equipped in social competencies and identify it as a significant gap in their medical training. Experiential learning has recently been emerging as a more effective method to teach health advocacy. The Post Graduate Medical Education (PGME) Health Advocacy Day is a new experiential learning curriculum designed to teach important competencies of health advocacy and social accountability to post-graduate medical residents at the University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Canada. The objective of this mixed-methods study was to assess resident experiences.

Methods

Second-year trainees from all adult residency programs attended the Advocacy Day as part of a mandatory academic day. All participants completed a mandatory pre-and post-session quiz to assess knowledge of key topics before and after the course. We also distributed a voluntary survey to all participants and invited residents to participate in semi-structured interviews to provide feedback on the course. We used descriptive statistics to analyze quiz scores and survey results and conducted a paired t-test of pre and post-test quiz scores. We also performed a thematic analysis of qualitative feedback, specifically survey comments and semi-structured interviews.

Results

One hundred and eighty-three residents participated in the Advocacy Day and 112 (61.2%) completed the post-course survey. Ten residents volunteered to be interviewed. Respondents were generally satisfied by the session and felt it was of good quality. Most residents felt the course enhanced their ability to advocate for individual patients or communities (N = 80; 71.5%) and understand patients and families’ lived experience with illness (N = 87; 77.5%). Most residents also felt the course improved their knowledge of the impact of social determinants of health (N = 91; 81.2%) and increased their awareness of local resources that can support patients and their families (N = 88; 78.3%). Visiting community sites in-person and meeting persons with lived experiences were highlighted as the most valuable components of the course.

Conclusion

Experiential learning can be integrated within post-graduate medical curricula to teach health advocacy competencies. Future studies should examine the longitudinal impact of the curricula, to determine whether shifts in perspectives persist over time.
FgCWM1 modulates TaNDUFA9 to inhibit SA synthesis and reduce FHB resistance in wheat
Authors: Zhang Yazhou , Yao Danyu , Yu Xinyu , Cheng Xinyao , Wen Lan , Liu Caihong , Xu Qiang , Deng Mei , Jiang Qiantao , Qi Pengfei , Wei Yuming
Published: September 2024

Background

Fusarium head blight (FHB) significantly impacts wheat yield and quality. Understanding the intricate interaction mechanisms between Fusarium graminearum (the main pathogen of FHB) and wheat is crucial for developing effective strategies to manage and this disease. Our previous studies had shown that the absence of the cell wall mannoprotein FgCWM1, located at the outermost layer of the cell wall, led to a decrease in the pathogenicity of F. graminearum and induced the accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) in wheat. Hence, we propose that FgCWM1 may play a role in interacting between F. graminearum and wheat, as its physical location facilitates interaction effects.

Results

In this study, we have identified that the C-terminal region of NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 alpha subcomplex subunit 9 (NDUFA9) could interact with FgCWM1 through the yeast two-hybrid assay. The interaction was further confirmed through the combination of Co-IP and BiFC analyses. Consistently, the results of subcellular localization indicated that TaNDUFA9 was localized in the cytoplasm adjacent to the cell membrane and chloroplasts. The protein was also detected to be associated with mitochondria and positively regulated complex I activity. The loss-of-function mutant of TaNDUFA9 exhibited a delay in flowering, decreased seed setting rate, and reduced pollen fertility. However, it exhibited elevated levels of SA and increased resistance to FHB caused by F. graminearum infection. Meanwhile, inoculation with the FgCWM1 deletion mutant strain led to increased synthesis of SA in wheat.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that TaNDUFA9 inhibits SA synthesis and FHB resistance in wheat. FgCWM1 enhances this inhibition by interacting with the C-terminal region of TaNDUFA9, ultimately facilitating F. graminearum infection in wheat. This study provides new insights into the interaction mechanism between F. graminearum and wheat. TaNDUFA9 could serve as a target gene for enhancing wheat resistance to FHB.
Has multimorbidity and frailty in adult hospital admissions changed over the last 15 years? A retrospective study of 107 million admissions in England
Authors: Faitna Puji , Bottle Alex , Klaber Bob , Aylin Paul P.
Published: September 2024

Background

Few studies have quantified multimorbidity and frailty trends within hospital settings, with even fewer reporting how much is attributable to the ageing population and individual patient factors. Studies to date have tended to focus on people over 65, rarely capturing older people or stratifying findings by planned and unplanned activity. As the UK’s national health service (NHS) backlog worsens, and debates about productivity dominate, it is essential to understand these hospital trends so health services can meet them.

Methods

Hospital Episode Statistics inpatient admission records were extracted for adults between 2006 and 2021. Multimorbidity and frailty was measured using Elixhauser Comorbidity Index and Soong Frailty Scores. Yearly proportions of people with Elixhauser conditions (0, 1, 2, 3 +) or frailty syndromes (0, 1, 2 +) were reported, and the prevalence between 2006 and 2021 compared. Logistic regression models measured how much patient factors impacted the likelihood of having three or more Elixhauser conditions or two or more frailty syndromes. Results were stratified by age groups (18–44, 45–64 and 65 +) and admission type (emergency or elective).

Results

The study included 107 million adult inpatient hospital episodes. Overall, the proportion of admissions with one or more Elixhauser conditions rose for acute and elective admissions, with the trend becoming more prominent as age increased. This was most striking among acute admissions for people aged 65 and over, who saw a 35.2% absolute increase in the proportion of admissions who had three or more Elixhauser conditions. This means there were 915,221 extra hospital episodes in the last 12 months of the study, by people who had at least three Elixhauser conditions compared with 15 years ago. The findings were similar for people who had one or more frailty syndromes. Overall, year, age and socioeconomic deprivation were found to be strongly and positively associated with having three or more Elixhauser conditions or two or more frailty syndromes, with socioeconomic deprivation showing a strong dose–response relationship.

Conclusions

Overall, the proportion of hospital admissions with multiple conditions or frailty syndromes has risen over the last 15 years. This matches smaller-scale and anecdotal reports from hospitals and can inform how hospitals are reimbursed.
Addressing the credibility crisis in Mendelian randomization
Authors: Burgess Stephen , Woolf Benjamin , Mason Amy M. , Ala-Korpela Mika , Gill Dipender
Published: September 2024

Background

Genome-wide association studies have enabled Mendelian randomization analyses to be performed at an industrial scale. Two-sample summary data Mendelian randomization analyses can be performed using publicly available data by anyone who has access to the internet. While this has led to many insightful papers, it has also fuelled an explosion of poor-quality Mendelian randomization publications, which threatens to undermine the credibility of the whole approach.

Findings

We detail five pitfalls in conducting a reliable Mendelian randomization investigation: (1) inappropriate research question, (2) inappropriate choice of variants as instruments, (3) insufficient interrogation of findings, (4) inappropriate interpretation of findings, and (5) lack of engagement with previous work. We have provided a brief checklist of key points to consider when performing a Mendelian randomization investigation; this does not replace previous guidance, but highlights critical analysis choices. Journal editors should be able to identify many low-quality submissions and reject papers without requiring peer review. Peer reviewers should focus initially on key indicators of validity; if a paper does not satisfy these, then the paper may be meaningless even if it is technically flawless.

Conclusions

Performing an informative Mendelian randomization investigation requires critical thought and collaboration between different specialties and fields of research.
Characterization of spatiotemporal and kinetic gait variables in dogs with hindlimb ataxia and bilateral hindlimb lameness
Authors: Park Clair , Sawyere Dominique M. , Pancotto Theresa E. , Lanz Otto I. , Werre Stephen R.
Published: September 2024

Background

Discriminating the underlying cause of gait abnormalities can be challenging in a clinical setting, especially in the presence of bilateral disease. Pressure-sensitive walkways (PSWs) have been utilized to characterize the gait of dogs with various neurologic or orthopaedic conditions. The potential use of the PSW includes the discrimination of conditions that can be similar in clinical presentation, such as bilateral hindlimb lameness and hindlimb ataxia. The primary aim of this study was to describe the spatial, temporal, and kinetic gait parameters of dogs with hindlimb ataxia or bilateral hindlimb lameness and compare them to those of normal dogs. Forty-six dogs were prospectively recruited. The normal group included 20 dogs with normal neurologic and orthopaedic exams. The orthopaedic group included 15 dogs with bilateral hindlimb orthopaedic diseases with weight-bearing hindlimb lameness and normal neurologic exams. The neurologic group included 11 dogs with ambulatory paraparesis and normal orthopaedic exams. Each dog was walked across the PSW, and at least 3 valid trials were collected. The stride time, stance time, swing time, stride length, gait velocity, peak vertical force (PVF), vertical impulse (VI), and limb symmetry were recorded. The mean values of all parameters from the valid trials were calculated and used for data analysis. The outcomes were compared among all groups.

Results

Compared with the normal group, the orthopaedic group had a significantly greater percent body weight distribution (%BWD) and vertical impulse distribution (VID) in the forelimbs. When comparing the spatiotemporal parameters, the neurologic group showed an increase in forelimb stance time compared to that of the normal group. Compared with that in the normal group, the stride velocity in the forelimbs in the orthopaedic group was greater. There were no significant differences in the kinetic parameters between the neurologic group and the normal group, nor in stride time or stride length among the groups.

Conclusion

The gait parameters obtained by PSW demonstrated that the orthopaedic and neurologic groups may have different compensatory mechanisms for their gait deficiencies. These parameters can potentially be used to construct a predictive model to evaluate PSW as a diagnostic tool in future studies.
Bivalent chromatin accommodates survivin and BRG1/SWI complex to activate DNA damage response in CD4+ cells
Authors: Chandrasekaran Venkataragavan , Andersson Karin M. E. , Erlandsson Malin , Li Shuxiang , Olsson Torbjörn Nur , Garcia-Bonete Maria-Jose , Malmhäll-Bah Eric , Johansson Pegah , Katona Gergely , Bokarewa Maria I.
Published: September 2024

Background

Bivalent regions of chromatin (BvCR) are characterized by trimethylated lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3) deposition which aid gene expression control during cell differentiation. The role of BvCR in post-transcriptional DNA damage response remains unidentified. Oncoprotein survivin binds chromatin and mediates IFNγ effects in CD4+ cells. In this study, we explored the role of BvCR in DNA damage response of autoimmune CD4+ cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We performed deep sequencing of the chromatin bound to survivin, H3K4me3, H3K27me3, and H3K27ac, in human CD4+ cells and identified BvCR, which possessed all three histone H3 modifications. Protein partners of survivin on chromatin were predicted by integration of motif enrichment analysis, computational machine-learning, and structural modeling, and validated experimentally by mass spectrometry and peptide binding array. Survivin-dependent change in BvCR and transcription of genes controlled by the BvCR was studied in CD4+ cells treated with survivin inhibitor, which revealed survivin-dependent biological processes. Finally, the survivin-dependent processes were mapped to the transcriptome of CD4+ cells in blood and in synovial tissue of RA patients and the effect of modern immunomodulating drugs on these processes was explored.

Results

We identified that BvCR dominated by H3K4me3 (H3K4me3-BvCR) accommodated survivin within cis-regulatory elements of the genes controlling DNA damage. Inhibition of survivin or JAK-STAT signaling enhanced H3K4me3-BvCR dominance, which improved DNA damage recognition and arrested cell cycle progression in cultured CD4+ cells. Specifically, BvCR accommodating survivin aided sequence-specific anchoring of the BRG1/SWI chromatin-remodeling complex coordinating DNA damage response. Mapping survivin interactome to BRG1/SWI complex demonstrated interaction of survivin with the subunits anchoring the complex to chromatin. Co-expression of BRG1, survivin and IFNγ in CD4+ cells rendered complete deregulation of DNA damage response in RA. Such cells possessed strong ability of homing to RA joints. Immunomodulating drugs inhibited the anchoring subunits of BRG1/SWI complex, which affected arthritogenic profile of CD4+ cells.

Conclusions

BvCR execute DNA damage control to maintain genome fidelity in IFN-activated CD4+ cells. Survivin anchors the BRG1/SWI complex to BvCR to repress DNA damage response. These results offer a platform for therapeutic interventions targeting survivin and BRG1/SWI complex in autoimmunity.
Twelve-month outcomes of a community-based, father-daughter physical activity program delivered by trained facilitators
Authors: Ashton Lee M. , Rayward Anna T. , Pollock Emma R. , Kennedy Stevie-Lee , Young Myles D. , Eather Narelle , Barnes Alyce T. , Lee Daniel R. , Morgan Philip J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Dads and Daughters Exercising and Empowered (DADEE) is a program targeting fathers/father-figures to improve their daughters’ physical activity and well-being. Previous randomised controlled efficacy and effectiveness trials of DADEE demonstrated meaningful improvements in a range of holistic outcomes for both fathers and daughters in the short-term. This study aims to assess the long-term impact (12-months) of the program when delivered in the community by trained facilitators.

Methods

Fathers/father-figures and their primary school-aged daughters were recruited from Newcastle, Australia into a single-arm, non-randomised, pre-post study with assessments at baseline, 10-weeks (post-intervention) and 12-months. The 9-session program included weekly 90-min educational and practical sessions, plus home-based tasks. The primary outcome was fathers’ and daughters’ days per week meeting national physical activity recommendations (≥ 30 min/day of MVPA for fathers, ≥ 60 min/day MVPA for daughters). Secondary outcomes included physical activity, screen time, self-esteem, father-daughter relationship, social-emotional well-being, parenting measures, and process outcomes (including recruitment, attendance, retention and program acceptability).

Results

Twelve programs were delivered with 257 fathers (40.0 ± 9.2 years) and 285 daughters (7.7 ± 1.9 years). Mixed effects regression models revealed significant intervention effects for the primary outcome, with fathers increasing the days/week meeting physical activity recommendations by 27% at 10-weeks (p < 0.001) and by 19% at 12-months (p < 0.001) compared with baseline. Likewise, for daughters there was a significant increase by 25% at 10-weeks (p < 0.001) and by 14% at 12-months (p = 0.02) when compared to baseline. After conducting a sensitivity analysis with participants unaffected by COVID-19 lockdowns (n = 175 fathers, n = 192 daughters), the primary outcome results strengthened at both time-points for fathers and at 12-months for daughters. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis revealed significant intervention effects at post-program and 12-months for all secondary outcomes in both fathers and daughters. Furthermore, the process outcomes for recruitment capability, attendance, retention and satisfaction levels were high.

Conclusions

Findings provide support for a sustained effect of the DADEE program while delivered in a community setting by trained facilitators. Further investigation is required to identify optimised implementation processes and contextual factors to deliver the program at scale.

Trial registration

ACTRN12617001450303. Date registered: 12/10/2017.
Operational description of rare diseases: a reference to improve the recognition and visibility of rare diseases
Authors: Wang Chiuhui Mary , Whiting Amy Heagle , Rath Ana , Anido Roberta , Ardigò Diego , Baynam Gareth , Dawkins Hugh , Hamosh Ada , Le Cam Yann , Malherbe Helen , Molster Caron M. , Monaco Lucia , Padilla Carmencita D. , Pariser Anne R. , Robinson Peter N. , Rodwell Charlotte , Schaefer Franz , Weber Stefanie , Macchia Flaminia
Published: September 2024

Improving health and social equity for persons living with a rare disease (PLWRD) is increasingly recognized as a global policy priority. However, there is currently no international alignment on how to define and describe rare diseases. A global reference is needed to establish a mutual understanding to inform a wide range of stakeholders for actions. A multi-stakeholder, global panel of rare disease experts, came together and developed an Operational Description of Rare Diseases. This reference describes which diseases are considered rare, how many persons are affected and why the rare disease population demands specific attention. The operational description of rare diseases is framed in two parts: a core definition of rare diseases, complemented by a descriptive framework of rare diseases. The core definition includes parameters that permit the identification of which diseases are considered rare, and how many persons are affected. The descriptive framework elaborates on the impact and burden of rare diseases on patients, their caregivers and families, healthcare systems, and society overall. The Operational Description of Rare Diseases establishes a common point of reference for decision-makers across the world who strive to understand and address the unmet needs of persons living with a rare disease. Adoption of this reference is essential to improving the visibility of rare conditions in health systems across the world. Greater recognition of the burden of rare diseases will motivate new actions and policies to address the unmet needs of the rare disease community.
Evaluation of SBDP145, melatonin, sLOX-1, HMGB1 and HIF-1α in preterm infants with brain injury
Authors: Cheng Sisi , Sun Xiao , Li Yanyan , Dong Yan
Published: September 2024

Background

Prematurity-related brain injury is a common and serious complication that has long-term effects on the survival and development of affected infants. Currently, the roles of certain biomarkers such as the protein hydrolysis product SBDP145, melatonin, soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (sLOX-1), high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in prematurity-related brain injury remain not fully elucidated. Our study aims to assess the significance of SBDP145, melatonin, sLOX-1, HMGB1 and HIF-1α in preterm infants with brain injury.

Methods

135 preterm infants admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to February 2022 were selected and divided into 78 cases in a prematurity-associated brain injury group, and 57 cases in another group of preterm infants without brain injury or other diseases according to the magnetic resonance imaging results. The levels of SBDP145, melatonin, sLOX-1, HMGB1 and HIF-1α in the two groups were analyzed. The serum concentrations of SBDP145, melatonin, sLOX-1, HMGB1 and HIF-1α in newborns with different severity of ventricular hemorrhage were observed, and the levels of SBDP145, melatonin, sLOX-1, HMGB1 and HIF-1α in those with different severity of white matter brain injury were compared.

Results

The levels of SBDP145, sLOX-1, HMGB1 and HIF-1α were significantly higher in the preterm combined brain injury group than in the preterm group, and melatonin levels were significantly lower than in the preterm group(P < 0.05). The levels of SBDP145, sLOX-1, HMGB1 and HIF-1α were higher in the moderate to severe group and melatonin levels were lower in the mild group of newborns with ventricular hemorrhage (P < 0.05). The levels of SBDP145, sLOX-1, HMGB1 and HIF-1α were higher in the moderate-severe group and melatonin levels were lower in the mild group in newborns with cerebral white matter injury (P < 0.05). The independent variables were SBDP145, melatonin, sLOX-1, HMGB1, HIF-1α, and the dependent variable was the prognosis of neonates with brain injury. Univariate logistic regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. The results showed that the influencing factors of newborns with brain injury were SBDP145, melatonin, sLOX-1, HMGB1, HIF-1α.

Conclusion

The levels of SBDP145, melatonin, sLOX-1, HMGB1 and HIF-1α were highly expressed in preterm newborns with brain injury, and the levels were higher when the condition of the newborns was more severe. These findings suggest the potential clinical utility of these biomarkers in predicting and monitoring brain injury in preterm infants, which could aid in early intervention and improve long-term outcomes.
Artificial intelligence derived large language model in decision-making process in uveitis
Authors: Schumacher Inès , Bühler Virginie Manuela Marie , Jaggi Damian , Roth Janice
Published: September 2024

Background

Uveitis is the ophthalmic subfield dealing with a broad range of intraocular inflammatory diseases. With the raising importance of LLM such as ChatGPT and their potential use in the medical field, this research explores the strengths and weaknesses of its applicability in the subfield of uveitis.

Methods

A series of highly clinically relevant questions were asked three consecutive times (attempts 1, 2 and 3) of the LLM regarding current uveitis cases. The answers were classified on whether they were accurate and sufficient, partially accurate and sufficient or inaccurate and insufficient. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, normality distribution, non-parametric test and reliability tests. References were checked for their correctness in different medical databases.

Results

The data showed non-normal distribution. Data between subgroups (attempts 1, 2 and 3) was comparable (Kruskal-Wallis H test, p-value = 0.7338). There was a moderate agreement between attempt 1 and attempt 2 (Cohen’s kappa, ĸ = 0.5172) as well as between attempt 2 and attempt 3 (Cohen’s kappa, ĸ = 0.4913). There was a fair agreement between attempt 1 and attempt 3 (Cohen’s kappa, ĸ = 0.3647). The average agreement was moderate (Cohen’s kappa, ĸ = 0.4577). Between the three attempts together, there was a moderate agreement (Fleiss’ kappa, ĸ = 0.4534). A total of 52 references were generated by the LLM. 22 references (42.3%) were found to be accurate and correctly cited. Another 22 references (42.3%) could not be located in any of the searched databases. The remaining 8 references (15.4%) were found to exist, but were either misinterpreted or incorrectly cited by the LLM.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the significant potential of LLMs in uveitis. However, their implementation requires rigorous training and comprehensive testing for specific medical tasks. We also found out that the references made by ChatGPT 4.o were in most cases incorrect. LLMs are likely to become invaluable tools in shaping the future of ophthalmology, enhancing clinical decision-making and patient care.
Fall armyworm management in a changing climate: an overview of climate-responsive integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for long-term control
Authors: Zanzana Karimou , Dannon Elie Ayitondji , Sinzogan Antonio Alain , Toffa Joelle Mehinto
Published: September 2024

Invasive alien insects have the potential to pose a significant threat to global agriculture, with their distinctive traits enabling rapid reproduction, successful adaptation to new environments and high distribution capability. These pests can devastate crops, livestock, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, resulting in ecological damage and substantial economic losses. Climate change plays a crucial role in driving the invasion of these pests, creating favorable conditions for their development, and negatively impacting global biodiversity. Among invasive alien insects, fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has emerged as a major pest species, causing significant yield losses in maize cropping outside his native range. Initially, reliance on pesticides for control proved ineffective and led to pesticide resistance. Significant progress has been made in implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that integrate agro-ecological and biological approaches. This review article focuses on the compilation of IPM methods, combining agro-ecological practices and biological control agents such as parasitoids and viruses, for the effective management of FAW. Approaches such as intercropping, agronomic practices, and the use of parasitoids and viruses have shown promising results in controlling FAW. This review article provides insights into successful management methods, recommendations and suggestions for the sustainable control of FAW using agro-ecological practices, biological control agents or their combination.
Clinical Utility of Molecular Tumor Board Review for Identification of Possible Germline Pathogenic Variants on Tumor Next-Generation Sequencing Reports
Authors: Rives Taylor A. , Collard James , Li Ning , Yan Donglin , Dietrich Charles S. , Miller Rachel W. , Ueland Frederick R. , Pickarski Justine , Kolesar Jill M.
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE

Tumor next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing identifies possible germline pathogenic variants (PGPVs), creating a dilemma for appropriate recognition, triage, and management. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical utility of an institutional molecular tumor board (MTB) in assessing tumor NGS reports for PGPVs.

METHODS

Our institutional MTB reviews all NGS reports to provide treatment and further testing recommendations, including genetic counseling referral and consideration of genetic testing (GC/GT). We studied the patients reviewed by the MTB who were recommended for GC/GT to determine the frequency of referral to a GC, germline test completion, rate of pathogenic germline variants (PGVs), factors related to PGVs, and germline conversion rate (GCR).

RESULTS

Of the 2,355 patients reviewed by the MTB during the study period, 609 (25.9%) had a recommendation for GC/GT. Of the 609 with a GC/GT recommendation, only 181 (29.7%) were referred for GC/GT by their treating physicians, and only 107 (17.6%) completed GT. Of the 107 patients completing GT, 29 (26%) had a confirmed PGV. The only factors significantly associated with PGVs were testing due to a PGPV and higher mean variant allele fraction on the tumor NGS. Only 40 patients with a GC/GT recommendation (14.3%) due to a PGPV completed GT; however, the GCR was 42.5% (n = 17/40).

CONCLUSION

The MTB review of PGPV is clinically valuable, identifying PGPV in 12% of patients undergoing tumor NGS and a GCR of 42.5%. Rates of GC/GT completion were relatively low due to under-referral by treating physicians. Given the high GCR, the authors encourage institutional algorithms to help increase GC/GT rates for patients found to have PGPV following tumor NGS testing.
Making Whiteness Visible: Slavery and Oriental She-Tragedy in Thomas Southerne's Oroonoko (1696)
Authors: Del Balzo Angelina
Published: September 2024

This article offers a genre-based argument for the white Imoinda in Thomas Southerne's stage adaptation of Aphra Behn's Oroonoko. Southerne's adaptation was one of the earliest depictions of plantation slavery on the English stage, and it drew on tropes from the Oriental she-tragedy's depiction of enslaved European women in the Ottoman Empire. Evoking Desdemona in the then-popular Othello, Imoinda offers a rare moment when the actress's whiteness is named as such diegetically. The stage Oroonoko shines a spotlight on the way that gendered performance worked through naturalizing white women as the default sympathetic subject for Enlightenment audiences. The dramatic conventions of the Oriental she-tragedy make this representation of the white Imoinda imaginatively viable, while the dissonance of her character reveals the contradictory nature of race thought in the long eighteenth century.
Poetic Mourning in the Darkness of Solitude: Echoing Conversations in the Poetry of Elizabeth Singer Rowe and Thomas Gray
Authors: Morland James
Published: September 2024

In this article, I examine the role of conversations with the dead in the darkened solitude of grief in the poetry of Elizabeth Singer Rowe and Thomas Gray. Close reading reveals how grieving in darkness is often paralleled with a feeling of separation from a light-filled system of nature, and how these poets used this separation to produce an alternate darkened landscape filled with echoes of mourners and the dead. I explore some of the ways Rowe and Gray question the substantiality of poetic language in the mourning process through images of darkness and echoes in desolate landscapes. By studying the echoes in their works, I argue that Rowe's and Gray's mourning poetry attempts to speak with the dead, and that by using echoed language, invocations of light and darkness, and depopulated landscapes, both poets produce a poetry that compensates for their grieving loss by creating a fantasy of company.
Playing with Fire: Love of Light and Nocturnal Shadows
Authors: Garrioch David
Published: September 2024

Work on the material culture of the eighteenth century has shown that light was more than a metaphor. The everyday social practise of the Enlightenment reposed on a contrast between light and dark. There was a growing emphasis on brightness in clothing and furnishings, and elite homes, social venues, fashionable shops, and even the main streets were more brightly lit. Fireworks displays became more frequent and more spectacular. Furthermore, in many Enlightenment practices, such as theater, Freemason lodges, salons, and coffeehouses, light was not simply a practical necessity, but was central to the meaning of the activity. However, this growing use of light (and of heating in the colder months) came with a dark side, for it greatly increased the risk of fire. It led to many blazes, especially in theaters but also in other public venues and in private homes. Fireworks caused explosions and dangerous fires. The danger was further increased by some of the consumer goods that accompanied elite social practices, including tallow and oils, furnishings, clothing, and sugar. They were all flammable, and many of them were dangerous to manufacture and to store. The material culture and sociability of Enlightenment thus created new fire risks, particularly in urban environments.
Diversidade para valer
Authors: Wilner Adriana
Published: September 2024

Nesta edição, GV-executivo apresenta um especial sobre os desafios para aumentar a diversidade nas organizações e os caminhos para superá-los. Agradecemos a Maria José Tonelli por ter nos ajudado a coordenar a edição como editora convidada.
Caminhos para uma gestão municipal robusta
Authors: Pazini Papi Luciana , Leite Lima Luciana , Joel Demarco Diogo , Lui Lizandro , Barbosa de Aguiar Rafael
Published: September 2024

Objetivo: discutir a qualificação das gestões municipais brasileiras para implementar políticas públicas eficientes, discutindo as capacidades estatais em três dimensões: burocracia, planejamento e finanças públicas.
Estado da arte: desde a primeira onda de descentralização e revalorização do Estado nos anos 2000, houve avanços na profissionalização burocrática e modernização dos governos locais. No entanto, persistem desafios significativos em adaptar e aprimorar essas capacidades para lidar com problemas sociais complexos e emergentes. 
Originalidade: o artigo destaca a necessidade de superar limitações estruturais, propondo mecanismos específicos para promover resiliência e adaptação nas gestões municipais, por meio da análise crítica do panorama atual e fornecimento de recomendações práticas. 
Impactos: o artigo beneficia gestores públicos, ao oferecer um diagnóstico detalhado das capacidades municipais e soluções inovadoras para aprimorar a eficiência administrativa, o planejamento governamental e a gestão fiscal.
Como promover o desenvolvimento econômico local?
Authors: Grin Eduardo , Teixeira Marco Antônio Carvalho , Bresciani Luís Paulo
Published: September 2024

Objetivo: analisar as possibilidades e limites do desenvolvimento local dos municípios brasileiros.
Estado da arte: a literatura mostra que a autonomia constitucional municipal permite que políticas públicas de desenvolvimento local sejam implementadas de modo cada vez mais frequente, o que torna essa uma agenda importante nos estudos sobre o poder local.
Originalidade: apresentam-se dados quantitativos e correlação de variáveis associadas ao desenvolvimento econômico local, que são úteis para conhecer fatores que podem impulsionar ações municipais nessa área.
Impacto: os leitores podem conhecer os fatores que afetam o Objetivo de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) 8 (crescimento econômico sustentado, inclusivo e sustentável, emprego pleno e produtivo e trabalho decente) e um cardápio de ações que os municípios podem adotar com foco no desenvolvimento local.
EARLY RELEASE OF GROWTH FACTOR AND CYTOKINES ELLICITED BY ZYMOSAN IN RAT TIBIO - TARSAL JOINTS - LESSONS FOR THE ARTHRITIS THERAPY
Authors: Da Silva Nascimento Francisco Glerison , De Souza Ferreira Bringel Pedro Henrique , Freitas de Araujo Diego , Da Ponte Lopes Edson , Sampaio Assreuy Ana Maria , Ribeiro Castro Rondinelle
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Early release of inflammation mediators was investigated in the rat tíbio-tarsal arthritis induced by zymosan. At 6h, proinflammatory cytokines were the mostly released in the supernatant of joint cavities (IL-1β: 45.3; IL-6: 23.3; TNF-α: 4.0; IL-5 (2.9 fold) vs. controls, followed by the chemokines GRO/KC (CXCL1 4.8 fold) and MCP-1 (CXCL2 2.9 fold), and growth factors related to angiogenesis or leukocyte maturation (VEGF: 17.1; GM-CSF: 7.5; M-CSF: 4 fold). The release of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-13: 6.7; IL-4: 4.4 fold) suggests compensatory mechanism. Concluding, zymosan evokes multiple expression of acute phase mediators, being the blockage of such targets, particularly VEGF, an interesting therapeutic strategy.
Keywords: Inflammation. Rheumatoid. Mediators. Immunoassay
Clinical profile and management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancy: Experience from a tertiary care hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Authors: Khan Shumaila Aftab , Molvi Shaba , Mathew Giya , Khalfan Muna
Published: September 2024

Objective: To study the clinical profile and management outcomes of non-tubal ectopic pregnancy at a tertiary care hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods: Case files of non-tubal ectopic pregnancy (NTEP) patients from October 2017 to October 2020 presented to Alqasmi Women and Children’s Hospital, Sharjah, were included in the study. The data was extracted from available medical records.
Results: A total of 30 confirmed cases of NTEP were identified with the following break-up: caesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (n=14; 46.7%), cornual pregnancy (n=11; 36.7%), cervical pregnancy (n=3; 10%) and ovarian pregnancy n=2; 6.7%). Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom, present in 23 (76.7% patients) followed by vaginal bleeding in 17 (56.7%) patients. Ten women were managed medically, ten required surgical treatment, and eight were managed with combined medical and surgical treatments; Two patients were managed expectantly. Patients in each treatment strategy did well and there were no deaths. One patient in the medical treatment group developed complications after one month and underwent subtotal hysterectomy.
Conclusion: Patients with NTEP were presented with varying symptoms and signs depending upon the location of NTEP. The different currently available management options for NTEP seem to be effective and safe when carefully selected based on the clinical merits of each case.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.8584
How to cite this: Khan SA, Molvi S, Mathew G, Khalfan M. Clinical profile and management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancy: Experience from a tertiary care hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(9):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.8584
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The role of mobile health applications (mHealth apps) in reshaping the body weight for better healthcare: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Albarrak Moath Mohammed , Zakaria Nasriah , Meo Sultan Ayoub
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Obesity is a chronic, multifaceted, leading health problem causing numerous non-communicable diseases with a huge burden on the global healthcare system and economies. Worldwide, multiple interventions have been familiarized for weight reduction strategies, however, in recent years, mobile health applications (mHealth apps) for reshaping weight reduction have been introduced. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of mobile health applications in reducing weight among users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, and Medical Education, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh from May 2019 to December 2022. A total of 502 participants, 332 (66.1%) females and 170 (33.9%) males aged 18-50 years, using smartphones, residing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were recruited. The questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms including WhatsApp, and emails and information were recorded.
Results: Among 502 participants, 221 (44.02%) were using mobile health applications and 281 (55.98%) did not use mobile health applications. The results revealed that the participants who have been using mHealth apps for the last six months had significantly decreased body weight compared to those who did not use the mHealth apps (p=0.001).
Conclusions: The study participants using mobile health applications (mHealth apps) had significantly reduced their body weight and felt healthier. The mHealth apps provide health-related information regularly to individuals to track their weight, monitor diet, and physical activity, and information about their overall health.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.9064
How to cite this: Albarrak MM, Zakaria N, Meo SA. The role of mobile health applications (mHealth apps) in reshaping the body weight for better healthcare: A cross-sectional study. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(9):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.9.9064
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Management of social development of personnel
Authors: Egorshin Aleksandr , Gus'kova Irina
Published: September 2024

The textbook examines the basics of managing the social development of personnel in modern Russia: the concept of social management, the state of the labor market, forms of state regulation, social relationships of employees, the structure of the workforce and its development.
Based on the analysis of domestic and foreign experience, national peculiarities of social management, sociological methods of personnel research, formation of personnel policy, corporate culture and business ethics are revealed. A methodology for developing a social development plan based on the theory of planning and social standards, the formation of a personnel management and social development service for the organization of small, medium and large businesses is proposed. The fundamentals of the theory of the effectiveness of social development are presented, and for the first time a method of integral assessment of the organization's social development plan is proposed.
It is recommended for students, postgraduates, as well as managers and specialists in the field of management and personnel management.
Temporal variability in the tourist traffic volume in Tatra National Park and its determinant
Authors: Pawłowski Bogusław
Published: September 2024

The article presents the results of research into the reasons for temporal variability in tourist traffic volume in the most visited national park in Poland in 2021 – a record year in terms of visitor numbers. Data on the daily sales of admission tickets were used alongside meteorological data, supported by PS IMAGO PRO software for multiple linear regression analysis. The results demonstrate that the tourist traffic volume did not only depend on the occurrence of weekends, public holidays and the summer holiday season, but also on a number of meteorological factors. The significance of the meteorological factors varied both by month and by day of the week. It was also different at different points of ticket sales, which provided some information about the visitor profiles and weather preferences of tourists choosing particular hiking trails. It was further found that, in summer, tourist traffic increases particularly on the first few days following a period of heavy rain.
Code and Data Repository for VeRoViz: A Vehicle Routing Visualization Toolkit
Authors: Peng Lan , Murray Chase
Published: September 2024

VeRoViz is an open-source project from the Optimator Lab, in the University at Buffalo's Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering.
Multiobjective Personalization of Marketing Interventions
Authors: Rafieian Omid , Kapoor Anuj , Sharma Amitt
Published: September 2024

This paper develops multiobjective personalization algorithms and applies them to a video advertising experiment with a high degree of substitution between the outcomes of interest to demonstrate the value created by multiobjective personalization.
A Correlational Study among Gender Equality Awareness, Meaning in Life, and Depression
Authors: Lee Kyoung Soon , Chung Sung Jin
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This research was conducted to examine relationships among gender equality awareness, meaning in life, and depression in adults. Methods: The subjects of this study were 255 adults who agreed to participate the research. The research tools used in this study were the Gender Equality Index developed by Korean Institute of Gender Equality Promotion Education, the Meaning in Life, and Beck's Depression Tool. Descriptive correlational design was used. The data were analyzed by chi square, partial correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and Sheffe's test using SPSS Win 10.1. Results: There were statistically significant differences in gender equality awareness according to sex. There were statistically significant differences in meaning in life according to educational level, occupation, financial level and personality. There were statistically significant differences in depression according to educational level and occupation. There was statistically significant positive correlation between gender equality awareness and meaning in life, while negative correlation between gender equality awareness and depression and between meaning in life and depression. Conclusion: The findings suggest that it is very important to enhance one's gender equality awareness because it is related to one's meaning in life positively and to depression negatively. Further research will be needed to clarify the most important variable related to the awareness of gender equality.
Effects of Social Skills Training on Conversational Skills and Assertiveness in Chronic Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Seo Ji-Min
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the effects of social skills training on conversational skills and assertiveness in chronic schizophrenic patients. Methods: The study employed a quasi experimental design. The subjects included 66 inpatients in a psychiatric hospital, 34 in the experimental group and 32 in the control group.The intervention was conducted for 16 series, twice a week for 8 weeks. Conversational skills were assessed using the Social Interaction Scale developed by Trower et al. (1978)and revised by Chun (1994). Assertiveness skills were assessed using the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (Rathus, 1973) and revised by Chun (1994). Results: Conversation skills and assertiveness in the experimental groups showed significant improvement after the training compared to the control group. Conclusion: The present study found that social skills training had an effect to improve social skills in chronic schizophrenic patients so that this training is recommended to provide to the patients in order to improve social functioning and promote the ability to return to the society.
Validation of Resilience Scale in Korean Adolescents
Authors: Song Hee-Young , Lim Ji Young , Nam Kyoung A
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study was undertaken to validate Resilience Scale originally developed by Jew, Green, and Kroger( 1999) among Korean adolescents. Methods: Under the methodological study design, data were collected using a questionnaire from the sample of 297 adolescents selected by convenient sampling. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Principal Component Analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's coefficient.Results: Six factors were loaded from 32 items, which was explained 50.63% of total variance. The name of 6 factors were *future orientation', 'altruism', 'optimism and hope*, 'risk confrontation', 'maturity', and ’self-control'， respectively. The Cronbach's of the scale of 32 items was .897. Conclusions: Resilience Scale could be applied for Korean adolescents, in particular, to assess and screen the risk group from general adolescents and to measure the effect of the intervention for resilience. Further study should be done to revise Resilience scale that can cover more characteristics of resilience among Korean adolescents.