bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Digital Finance on Financial Inclusion in East African Countries
Authors: Gonfa Dilgasa Bedada , Gonfa Dilgasa Bedada
Published: December 2024

This study develops an evaluation framework for the digital effect on the financial inclusion that can be used to compare different countries. It measures the amount that is digital financing and financial inclusion across nine countries and calculates an index of these two concepts using secondary data from the World Bank's as well as the International Monetary Fund. Subsequently, the researcher uses panel data and methodology for nine nations to investigate the relationship between digital banking and financial inclusion. Employed STATA version 18 for analysis and the fixed-effects model of econometric instruments. The researcher created DF and FI indices using PCA across nine East African countries (EAC) for fifteen years period in order to evaluate the impact. This index was created by combining a number of important financial inclusion and digital finance metrics. Based on these components stayed calculated using the principal component analysis method which the mean value of 0.00000444 indicates that there was negative use of digital finance in the Eastern African countries (EAC) from 2008 to 2022. This implies that digital finance in EAC is like infant age in the region. However, in terms of digital money usage, Kenya leads the pack, Ethiopia is in the middle, and the rest lag behind. The E AC's Digital Finance varies from the mean by 1.000001, with the largest value in the region being 2.809177 and the minimum being − 1.846987. The results show that there is a significantly positive relationship between digital finance and financial inclusion through East African countries. As a result, automated machine tellers and digital finance have a significant positive impact on financial inclusion, while income, population density, and the growth of the rural population have a negative significant effect.
Comparative Study of AI Models for Pathological Fractures Identification in Spinal Metastases
Authors: Zhang Yaowen , Qin Zihan , Bao Nan , Li Hong , Liu Zhen
Published: December 2024

Bone metastasis is a common complication in most malignant tumors, with the spine being a frequent site of metastasis. Cancerous spinal bone metastases can easily lead to pathological fractures, resulting in pain, neurological deficits, and a deterioration in the quality of life for patients. Therefore, early identification of pathological fractures in spinal metastases is crucial for improving the survival quality of patients with advanced cancer. This retrospective study collected CT imaging data from 140 patients with spinal bone metastases and resultant fractures, including 77 male and 63 female patients, with an age range of 34 to 79 years. The study began by preprocessing the CT images and had experienced radiologists annotate the fractures. Subsequently, deep learning-based models, single-stage YOLO-v5, YOLO-v7, and YOLO-v8, as well as the two-stage Faster R-CNN, were constructed and analyzed to detect pathological fractures caused by cancerous spinal metastases. Experimental results indicate that these AI models achieved favorable detection performance, with YOLO-v8 demonstrating the best performance on an independent testing set, achieving a precision of 0.999, a recall rate of 0.998, and a mean average precision (mAP) of 0.991. The vertebral fracture identification model based on YOLO-v8 can provide strong technical support for clinical diagnosis.
Systematic Identification and Validation of ceRNA-driven Regulatory Mechanisms in Pediatric β-Thalassemia Major
Authors: Wu Tao , Ren Zhenmin , Liu Xiaorong , Xing Zhihao , Fu Xiaoying , Li Wujiao , Chen Moxian , Li Defa , Chen Yunsheng
Published: December 2024

The involvement of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in β-thalassemia major (β-TM) and their actions on γ-globin is unclear. Here, three types of RNA sequence information—circularRNA (circRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and mRNA—have been largely collected by transcriptome sequencing in β-TM and compared with those of healthy individuals. As GATA2 is a key transcription factor involved in the regulation of γ-globin expression, bioinformatics was employed to construct a GATA2‑associated ceRNA network. The hsa_circ_0005245_hsa-miR-425-3p_GATA2pathway was verified by qRT-PCR analysis of β-TM samples, RNA immunoprecipitation and dual‑luciferase reporter analysis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that overexpression of hsa_circ_0005245, hsa-miR-425-3p, and GATA2 in HUDEP2 cells individually led to increased γ-globin levels. In conclusion, a novel hsa_circ_0005245_hsa-miR-425-3p_GATA2 pathway affects the expression of γ-globin, providing more information for the clinical management of β-TM patients.
Spatio-temporal separating analysis of NDVI evolution and driving factors: a case study in Nanchang, China
Authors: Li Jiatong , Wu Hua , Guo Qiyun , Xu Yue , Li Huishan , Liu Sihang , Zhu Jiaqi
Published: December 2024

Investigating vegetation coverage and quantitatively evaluating environmental changes can serve as the science knowledge in ecological protection, resource management, and policy-making, promoting harmonious coexistence between human and nature. In this study, we had explored the separation in space and time of evolutionary characteristics and driving factors of NDVI in Nanchang City from 2000 to 2022 based on Hurst Exponent, ReliefF feature selection algorithm, Geographical detector and so on. The results are: (1) From temporal dimension, the average NDVI in Nanchang City was 0.453, showing an overall upward trend. Although the growth rate gradually slowed over time. (2) In terms of spatial changes, vegetation in Nanchang City overall exhibited a characteristic of reverse sustained development, showing trends of "improvement around rivers and lakes" and "large-scale degradation of urban land." (3) The ReliefF proved to be more suitable among the three algorithms in the temporal dimension-driven analysis. Human factors are the dominant factors significantly influencing the changes in NDVI, while meteorological factors are not as significant. (4) The driver-analysis of geographical dector shows that population density, nighttime lights, and land cover types emerged as significant driving factors. Regions where NDVI and human factors have negative correlation are primarily centred in the heart of Nanchang City and Jinxian County; while the positive correlations are found around rivers and lakes. This study delves into the changing patterns of vegetation cover in Nanchang City, providing scientific guidance for the protection and regulation the regional ecological environment to bring about a sustainable development.
Soft Fuzzy Reinforcement Neural Network PD Controller
Authors: Han Qiang , Boussaid Farid , Bennamoun Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Fuzzy PD controllers are widely used in industry due to their excellent control performance and robustness. However, their performance heavily relies on manually designed fuzzy logic. Fuzzy neural networks (FNNs) combine neural networks and fuzzy logic, allowing them to utilize expert knowledge and possess self-learning capabilities. FNNs can be used to automatically tune PD parameters, resulting in a more robust fuzzy neural network PD (FNNPD) controller. Most current research on FNNPD controllers focuses on training using system mean square error, which can be inefficient and unstable, especially in complex systems. By integrating a critic in an actor-critic framework, learning efficiency improves as the critic provides direct feedback by evaluating actions, leading to faster and more stable training. This paper proposes an algorithm that applies the Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) framework to FNNPD controller, referred to as soft fuzzy reinforcement neural network PD (SFPD) controller. The SFPD algorithm can pre-set the parameters of FNNs using expert knowledge, ensuring good control performance from the beginning of training. By using reinforcement learning, the network parameters can be automatically adjusted. The use of a stochastic algorithm with entropy during the exploration process greatly accelerates exploration. Reported results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves rapid learning speed and superior control performance, and exhibits robustness to noise. The utilization of expert knowledge enables the proposed controller to exhibit good control performance from the start of training.
Heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells between the primary tumor and matched lymph node metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Knebel Moritz , Klamminger Gilbert Georg , Kühn Jan Philipp , Körner Sandrina , Wemmert Silke , Brust Lukas Alexander , Braun Felix , Smola Sigrun , Wagner Mathias , Ertz Martin , Morris Luc G. T. , Schick Bernhard , Linxweiler Maximilian
Published: December 2024

Background: The role of immune checkpoint inhibition in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is expanding, yet response rates to PD-L1 therapy remain inconsistent and generally poor. Although several studies have examined heterogeneous intratumoral PD-L1 expression, the disparity in response to PD-L1 therapy between primary tumors and their associated lymph node metastases remains unclear.
Methods: Primary tumor samples and two matching lymph node metastases were obtained from a cohort of 50 patients and immunohistochemically stained with a PD-L1 antibody. PD-L1 expression, assessed using the combined positive score (CPS) and tumor proportion score (TPS), and immune infiltration, measured with an immunoreactive score (IRS), were compared between the primary tumor and lymph node metastases. These measures were then correlated with other histopathological and clinical features.
Results: PD-L1 expression, evaluated by CPS and TPS, showed no significant differences between the primary tumor and matched lymph node metastases. However, 18% (CPS) respectively 4% (TPS) of patients exhibited clinically relevant discordant CPS and TPS values between their primary tumor and lymph node metastases with respect to the cutoff level for FDA and EMA approval. CPS and TPS values were not influenced by primary tumor subsite or HPV status. Conversely, immune infiltration measured by IRS was significantly affected by primary tumor subsite location. Both HPV tumor status and primary tumor subsite were statistically significantly associated with overall survival.
Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the heterogeneity in PD-L1 expression in HNSCC patients and provides potential explanations for the heterogeneous response of primary tumors and lymph node metastases to immune checkpoint therapy as observed in recent clinical trials. These findings underscore the need for a more comprehensive understanding of PD-L1 expression in head and neck cancer and delineate a rational for re-biopsies including lymph node metastases if therapeutic cut-offs for Anti-PD-1 therapy are initially not met.
The Joint Effects of Sleep Duration and Exercise Habit on All-cause Mortality among Chinese Elderly: A National Community-Based Cohort Study
Authors: LI Na , REN Kexin , TAO Yuan
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the combined impact of sleep duration and exercise habits on all-cause mortality among the elderly population in China, utilizing data from 7,231 residents aged 60 and above from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Participants were categorized based on their exercise habits and sleep duration, which were analyzed over three follow-ups (2011, 2014, and 2018). The findings revealed that normal sleep (6-8 hours) correlated with a 20% reduction in mortality risk compared to short sleepers, while long sleep (over 8 hours) was linked to a 29% increase in mortality risk. Exercise significantly affected mortality; active individuals had a reduced risk, and those transitioning from inactivity to activity saw a 12% reduction in mortality. Notably, among short sleepers, exercise habits did not significantly impact mortality for either sex. However, for those with normal or long sleep, both men and women experienced significant mortality benefits from regular exercise. Additionally, older women moving from a sedentary lifestyle to physical activity during periods of long sleep demonstrated lower mortality rates. This research highlights the importance of both sleep and exercise in influencing health outcomes, with notable gender differences in their combined effects on mortality risk.
Analysis of the Quality of Septoplasty Videos on YouTube and Validation of the IVORY-Grading-System Quality of Septoplasty Videos
Authors: Mayer Marcel , Isik Tarik Bugra , Ev Ina , Kurnaz Yigit , Kirca Numan , Wahl Albert , Kourou Sofia , Hansen Kevin Karl , Nachtsheim Lisa , Wolber Philipp , Klussmann Jens Peter , Shabli Sami
Published: December 2024

Objective
This study aimed to analyze the educational quality of septoplasty videos on YouTube and validate the “Instructional Videos in Otorhinolaryngology by YO-IFOS-Grading-System” (IVORY-GS), the first otorhinolaryngology-specific video scoring system based on the IVORY Guidelines.
Methods
A search for “septoplasty,” “closed septoplasty,” and “deviated nasal septum surgery” was performed on YouTube in March 2023. Videos of surgeries on patients and cadaver dissections were included. The IVORY-GS was adjusted for septoplasty and applied to rate video quality based on criteria related to ethics, technical aspects, case presentation, surgical procedure, and organ-specific elements. Descriptive data on video characteristics was collected, including views, likes, video length, and time since publication. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify associations between video features and the IVORY-GS total score.
Results
Overall, 105 septoplasty videos were included. Among these, 40% demonstrated Cottle’s, while 53% followed Killian’s technique. Mean IVORY-GS total score for septoplasty videos was 25.3 (maximum 48). Video education quality was rated as moderate/high in 10%. Endoscopic versus macroscopic videos (p < 0.01) and videos published within the last 50 months versus those published earlier (p < 0.01) received significantly higher total scores. A significant correlation was found between the total score and number of likes (p = 0.02). A higher total score was a significant predictor for more likes (p = 0.02).
Conclusion
The analysis revealed only a small proportion of septoplasty videos available on YouTube being suitable for surgical training. The IVORY-GS has proven useful in assessing the educational value of otolaryngology-specific videos and can be beneficial for establishing a dedicated online platform for high-quality otorhinolaryngology surgery videos.
Impact of transition to Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy on virological suppression among children living with HIV in Southern Nigeria: A before and after analysis of program data
Authors: Ani Izuchukwu , Iyamu Ihoghosa , Akpan Uduak , Nwanja Esther , Onwah Ogheneuzuazo , Toyo Otoyo , Gana Bala , Joseph Umana , Okolo Chukwuemeka , Usang Sifon , Egbe Emmanuel , Isang Etiemana , Unimuike Maria , Katbi Moses , Idemudia Augustine , Oyawola Babatunde , Onimode Bayo Mohammed , Asaolu Olugbenga , Ogundehin Dolapo , Igboelina Onyeka , Gado Pamela , Obiora-Okafo Chika , Omo-Emmanuel Ughweroghene , James Ezekiel , Pius Jemeh , Oyelaran Omosalewa , Onyedinachi Okezie , Adegboye Adeoye , Eyo Andy
Published: December 2024

Background
In 2021, Nigeria introduced the 10mg paediatric dolutegravir (DTG) formulation for children living with HIV (CLHIV) aiming to improve virological outcomes, and immediately commenced transitioning children < 10 years old on first-line non-DTG-based regimen to DTG. We assessed the association between the transition to DTG-based ART and virological suppression among CLHIV.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using routinely collected data from 121 PEPFAR-supported health facilities in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. We included all ART-experienced CLHIV who were transitioned to DTG between July and December 2021, had a baseline viral load (VL) assessment before the transition and VL ≥ 6 months after transitioning. We defined VL as a three-level outcome (i.e., ≤ 50 copies/ml – undetectable, 51–999 copies/ml – low-level viremia and ≥ 1,000 copies/ml – unsuppressed). We assessed the association between the transition to DTG and VL using ordinal logistic regression with generalized estimating equations. We also conducted additional sensitivity analyses on a complete case dataset and assessed the impact of the transition on various definitions of virological suppression including undetectable (< 50 copies/ml) vs. detectable (≥ 50 copies/ml).
Results
Out of 1,951 CLHIV included in this analysis, 1,250 (64.1%) were between the ages of five and nine, 993 (50.9%) were male. Among these, 1,786 (91.5%) had undetectable VL levels, up from 1,611 (82.6%) at baseline, while 123 (6.3%) had low-level viraemia, down from 271 (13.9%) initially. The transition to DTG-based ART was associated with virological suppression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.70, 95%CI: 1.20, 2.41) and undetectable VL (aOR: 2.56, 95%CI: 2.06, 3.19). Findings were consistent in sensitivity analyses.
Conclusions
CLHIV achieved favourable virological changes when transitioned to DTG-based ART, including undetectable viral load rates. Findings suggest DTG can improve overall program outcomes and reduce the risk for low-level viremia in CLHIV, emphasizing its role in achieving HIV epidemic control among CLHIV.
Challenges encountered in the implementation of art therapy as an intervention for college students with psychological problems in colleges in China
Authors: Guangli Luo
Published: December 2024

Numerous studies have explained the different healing benefits of art therapy to different people all over the world in recent times. However, irrespective of the outstanding benefits of art therapy to different people with mental disorders, psychological issues are still prevalent among college students all over the world, including China. This prevalence of psychological problems among college students is because art therapy is not implemented in most colleges and universities due to some challenges they face. This study specifically focuses on three main challenges encountered by colleges in applying art therapy. The study is anchored on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, which describes the various complex systems that interact in individuals in influencing their development mentally, physically and socially. The research is a quantitative descriptive study aimed at determining the challenges facing colleges and universities in China in implementing art therapy for students with psychological problems. The study data were obtained via interview carried out online with the research participants. The research population included teachers and counselors from five schools (SCBC, GMU, BNU, CCOM and SHCM) selected in China. The responses from the participants were presented in tables and analyzed using descriptive analysis. The study results revealed that the challenges facing colleges in China in implementing art therapy for their students. The challenges are specifically insufficient funding for art therapy facilities and resources, lack of trained teachers and counselors and students’ attitude towards art therapy. This study aims to examine the challenges facing colleges and universities in China in implementing art therapy as an intervention for their students with psychological problems. This study proposed a sustainable art programme that can be applied to address these challenges, which would be of great benefit to students’ psychological development.
Mixotrophy in Pyrophacus horologium (thecate dinoflagellate): Predation on toxic and harmful dinoflagellates and molecular phylogenetics
Authors: Kim Mu-chan , Seong Min-Jun , Yun Kun-Woo , Son Hwa-Seong , Lee Seung-Min
Published: December 2024

In June 2023, Pyrophacus horologium, known to be an autotrophic thecate dinoflagellate, was isolated from the Masan Bay, Korea. In this study, we investigated the morphology, novel molecular characteristics, and feeding characteristics of P. horologium in a successfully established clonal culture strain. Morphological analysis was conducted by capturing detailed images of living and fixed cells using an inverted light microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The morphological analysis confirmed the classification of P. horologium based on the following Kofoidian plate formula: Po, X, 5′, 0a, 9′′, 9c, Pc, 8s, 9′′′, 1p, and 3′′′′. We investigated the previously unreported molecular characteristics of P. horologium by examining interspecies differences using the small subunit, internal transcribed spacer, and large subunit ribosomal rDNA regions. A significant genetic difference was observed between P. horologium and Pyrophacus steinii, demonstrating that P. horologium is distinct from P. steinii. The feeding characteristics showed that P. horologium primarily preys on thecate dinoflagellates with an equivalent spherical diameter of 10.1–31.5 µm, including toxic species, i.e., Alexandrium tamarense, Alexandrium catenella, and Gonyaulax spinifera. Additionally, P. horologium strongly preferred G. spinifera and Heterocapsa niei as its prey. It brought the prey directly to its sulcal plates for ingestion or captured it using a tow filament before feeding and ingested its prey through direct engulfment. Thus, based on the results obtained in this study, we propose that P. horologium, earlier classified as an autotrophic dinoflagellate, is a mixotrophic dinoflagellate.
Response Evaluation to Oxaliplatin-Based Adjuvant Chemotherapy After Curative Resection Between Right and Left-Sided Stage II and III Colon Cancer: A Retrospective Survival Analysis.
Authors: NASR Cynthia , Nasr Cassandra , Hawat Stephanie El , Riachy Christelle El , Massoud Marcel
Published: December 2024

Background
Colon cancer is divided into Right and Left colon cancer. It manifests with distinct physiopathology, histology, presentation, and prognosis. The choice of treatment for stage IV disease is based on tumor sidedness. However, until now, stage II and III diseases are being treated with the same regimens regardless of the tumor location.
Methods
A retrospective survival analysis was performed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019 on 57 Lebanese patients who were diagnosed with stage II or III colon cancer and who underwent curative surgical resection followed by Oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy (XELOX or FOLFOX). Response to chemotherapy, as well as recurrence, were assessed with thoraco-abdominopelvic CT scan or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scheduled regularly.
Results
Left-sided tumors were more common than right-sided ones, 57,9% vs. 42,1% (p = 0,483) .
Concerning the tumor size, right colon cancer (RCC) recorded larger sizes (5.53 cm vs. 4,89 cm) compared to the left colon cancer (LCC), but this difference is not statistically significant (p=0,252).
Despite cancer localization, FOLFOX was the main regimen used for stage III colon cancer, while XELOX was the main one for stage II.
Finally, the survival rate in the RCC group was 100% in the first year post-surgery (p=0,385), remained 100% in the second year and until the sixth year (p=0,214; p=0,005 respectively), then decreased to 95,65% in the seventh year (p = 0,021). However, the survival rate in the LCC group was 96,8 % in the first year post-surgery (p=0,385), then decreased gradually to 93,5% in the second year (p=0,214); it reached 71% in the fifth year (p = 0.005) and remained the same in the 3 years that followed.
Conclusion
Colon cancer is a type of malignancy that carries a good prognosis when discovered at the early stages.
A better prognosis was noted in RCC compared to LCC in early-stage disease (stage II-III), with a 5-year survival rate of 100% in RCC vs. 71% in left sided ones.
Unlocking Magnetic Resonance Images Potential: Innovative Brain Tumor Classification via Transfer Learning and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Rad Mohammad Farhadi , Tahmasbi Marziyeh , Bagheri Hamed , Rezaee Seyed Parviz , Gerami Reza , Khah Ali Mosadegh , Sadeghi Shahriar
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives:
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly through convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have led to significant progress in tumor detection and classification systems. This study aims to train and evaluate the performance of four distinct CNN models for the 4-way classification of glioma, meningioma, pituitary tumors, and non-tumor magnetic resonance images (MRI).
Methods
Data augmentation techniques were applied to MRI slices from the Figshare, Br35H, and Brain Tumor Classification datasets to enhance the generalizability of the models and mitigate overfitting, effectively increasing the sample size. Four pre-trained CNN models including VGG-16, AlexNet, GoogleNet, and ResNet-50 were fine-tuned for brain tumor classification.
Results
Transfer learning proved highly effective for classifying tumor types and identifying non-tumor images. The performance metrics showed that AlexNet achieved an accuracy of 97.33%, ResNet-50 reached 98.03%, GoogLeNet attained 98.09%, and VGG-16 matched AlexNet with 97.33% accuracy on the test dataset. Among the models, GoogleNet achieved the highest accuracy with fewer parameters, while ResNet-50 demonstrated the highest sensitivity and F1-Score. All models performed exceptionally well, with sensitivity and precision exceeding 95%.
Conclusion
The research highlights the effectiveness of deep learning techniques, especially CNNs and transfer learning, in classifying brain tumor types using MR images. The study emphasizes that merely increasing model parameters does not guarantee better performance, underscoring the need for fine-tuning models originally trained on ImageNet for medical imaging tasks. These findings contribute to advancing automated medical image analysis, potentially leading to earlier brain tumor diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
Design and Implementation of an AI-Powered Sapient System for Maximum Efficiency of Fractionation Operations
Authors: Amirsalari Behzad
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a multi-step and comprehensive data-intensive structure to optimize the control of petrochemical fractionation columns using big-data analysis. The case study involved 11 parameters categorized into five control (adjustable) inputs, four imposed (non-adjustable) inputs, and two target outputs. The results from a factorial-designed set of experiments on a simulated model of a functional de-Ethanizer distillation unit constructed the initial database, consisting of 5620 vectors. The generated big dataset then trained a feed-forward artificial neural network (FF-ANN) that predicts the characteristics of the produced Ethane in response to ten input parameters. Subsequently, this trained model provided the feasible region for a multi-objective particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to predict 625 individual optimum control points in response to different combinations of the imposed parameters. Finally, these optimum operation conditions trained five dedicated individual ANNs to predict a continuous optimum operation log according to the imposed parameters. This multi-step architecture of optimization and ANNs forms a flexible data-driven sapient system for the optimum control of distillation columns.
Addressing digital exclusion to improve access to HIV and viral hepatitis care for people who experience criminalization: A mixed methods evaluation of a quality improvement project
Authors: Tiwana Amrit , Gale Nicola , Mahay Mike , Barker Tiffany , Hasdell Rebecca , Young Pam , Korchinski Mo , Schmitz Deb , Luster Daryl , Ramji Alnoor , MacIsaac Julia , Conway Brian , Fraser Chris , Bartlett Sofia
Published: December 2024

Background
People who experience criminalization, such as those who use drugs, are incarcerated, and are affected by homelessness, have a high prevalence of HIV and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and low treatment uptake in British Columbia. Barriers to care include unreliable means of maintaining contact with healthcare providers. To reduce these barriers, the Test, Link, Call (TLC) Project provides cell phones and peer health mentors to support access to HIV and/or HCV care. This study aims to determine the outcomes and acceptability of TLC and its impact on care engagement.
Methods
A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted over the first 29 months (October 2021–March 2024) of the TLC Project. Data were collected concurrently in two rounds: the first after one year and the second two years after launch. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews conducted with healthcare providers (n = 8), peer health mentors (n = 6), and program participants (n = 20). Quantitative data, including demographic and clinical information, were gathered through program records and cross-sectional clinical chart reviews. Factors associated with HCV treatment uptake were assessed among HCV RNA positive participants (n = 245) using multivariate logistic regression. Data from both rounds were integrated for comprehensive analysis.
Results
273 participants were enrolled in HCV care, and 26 in HIV care. Interviewees found TLC highly acceptable and effective. Positive outcomes included increased access to health and social services, connection to loved ones, independence, and safety. Challenges included phone theft and digital literacy issues. Overall, 57% of TLC participants enrolled for HCV care initiated curative treatment, compared to 40% among people who currently inject drugs in the provincial administrative database in 2020. The multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that gender, housing stability, safer supply prescriptions, and length of involvement in the TLC program are predictive factors influencing treatment initiation.
Conclusions
The provision of cell phones and peer health mentors effectively increased engagement in HIV and HCV care, demonstrating substantial benefits despite some challenges. This cost-effective intervention could be expanded to support people who experience criminalization in other geographic locations and addressing other health conditions, such as syphilis and substance use disorder.
Single-cell RNA sequencing highlights the role of distinct natural killer subsets in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Álvarez-Sánchez Esther , Carbayo Álvaro , Valle-Tamayo Natalia , Muñoz Laia , Aumatell Joaquim , Torres Soraya , Rubio-Guerra Sara , García-Castro Jesús , Selma-González Judit , Alcolea Daniel , Turon-Sans Janina , Lleó Alberto , Illán-Gala Ignacio , Fortea Juan , Rojas-García Ricard , Dols-Icardo Oriol
Published: December 2024

Background
Neuroinflammation plays a major role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and cumulative evidence suggests that systemic inflammation and the infiltration of immune cells into the brain contribute to this process. However, no study has investigated the role of peripheral blood immune cells in ALS pathophysiology using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq).
Methods
We aimed to characterize immune cells from blood and identify ALS-related immune alterations at single-cell resolution. For this purpose, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from 14 ALS patients and 14 cognitively unimpaired healthy individuals (HC), matched by age and gender, and cryopreserved until library preparation and scRNAseq. We analyzed differences in the proportions of PBMC, gene expression, and cell-cell communication patterns in patients with ALS compared to HC, and their association with plasma neurofilament light (NfL) concentrations, a surrogate biomarker for neurodegeneration. Flow cytometry was used to validate alterations in cell type proportions.
Results
We identified the expansion of CD56dim natural killer (NK) cells in ALS (fold change = 2; adj. p-value = 0.0051), which was mainly driven by the NK_2 subpopulation (fold change = 3.12; adj. p-value = 0.0001), a mature and cytotoxic CD56dim NK subset. Our results revealed extensive gene expression alterations in NK_2 cells, pointing towards the activation of immune response (adj. p-value = 9.2x10− 11) and the regulation of lymphocyte proliferation (adj. p-value = 6.46x10− 6). We identified gene expression changes in other immune cells, such as classical monocytes, and distinct CD8 + effector memory T cells which suggested enhanced antigen presentation via major histocompatibility class-II (adj. p-value = 1.23x10− 8) in ALS. The inference of cell-cell communication patterns demonstrated that the interaction between HLA-E and CD94:NKG2C from different lymphocytes to NK_2 cells is unique to ALS blood. Finally, regression analysis revealed that the proportion of CD56bright NK cells along with the ALSFRS, disease duration, and gender, explained up to 76.4% of the variance in plasma NfL levels.
Conclusion
Our results reveal a signature of relevant changes occurring in peripheral blood immune cells in ALS and underscore alterations in the proportion, gene expression, and signaling patterns of a cytotoxic and terminally differentiated CD56dim NK subpopulation (NK_2), as well as a direct role of CD56bright NK cells in neurodegeneration.
Random swims: An evaluation of acoustic telemetry thresholds for reef-shark behavior and residency
Authors: Ferone Garrison , Woodstock Matthew , Hearn Alex
Published: December 2024

Background
Passive acoustic telemetry (AT) is a method used to quantify residency within an array of receivers, but this technology has limitations for capturing complex behaviors in reef sharks: pulse intervals and detection range drop-offs. This study addressed residency calculation methodologies by examining visitation qualifier functions (thresholds) in commonly used R packages (e.g., VTrack).
Methods
Random walk models simulated the mismatch between detections on acoustic receivers and real shark movement by testing 30-minute, 1-hour, 2-hour and 24-hour visit thresholds to compare gaps between shark detections at different transmitter settings (1- and 5-minute intervals). We also modeled tracks of transient sharks to show how these animals may interact with a passive acoustic receiver differently than resident individuals.
Results
Our results suggested that longer transmitter pulse intervals (1–5 minutes standard for sharks and larger fish) require shorter visit thresholds (< 30 minutes) to reduce variability in residency time. Consequently, using thresholds of less than 2 hours increased the number of counted visits that stemmed from the same events. Similarly, the 5-minute interval also predicted greater elapsed residency times than did the real path. Our directional walks sent transient sharks through a receiver at 0–1 and 1–2 meters per second; under these scenarios, transmitters were unlikely to ping twice (default minimum visit qualifier) if 5-minute pulse intervals were set on their transmitters (16.4%), whereas 1-minute intervals did frequently (84.2%), indicating that a 5-minute interval may misrepresent residency time for transient animals.
Conclusions
Thresholds and detection qualifiers manually set during passive acoustic surveys can bias residency and visitation results, and careful consideration should be applied on the basis of the life history (residential or transient) of the target species.
Conjugation of Hydrazine to PEGylated Silica-Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles as pH- Responsive Magnetic Nanocarriers for Covalent Loading and Controlled Release of Doxorubicin
Authors: Naeini Seyed Masih Abtahi , Faramarzi Mehdi , Heydarinasab Amir
Published: December 2024

Breast cancer is a major health issue among women, and doxorubicin (DOX) is a commonly used treatment. However, its clinical application is limited by its considerable toxicity. This study introduces an acidity-responsive magnetite nanoparticle-based nanocarrier for effective breast cancer treatment. The magnetite nanoparticles were initially coated with [3-(2,3-Epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane, an epoxysilane crosslinker, to enhance their stability and functional properties. Subsequently, NH2-PEG-COOH was conjugated to epoxy-functionalized silica-coated magnetite nanoparticles to improve biocompatibility and introduce reactive carboxyl groups. These carboxyl groups were further modified with hydrazine via carbodiimide-mediated amidation to construct magnetic nanocarriers (MNC). DOX was loaded into the system via acid-sensitive hydrazone bonds, resulting in the final MNC-DOX formulation. The DOX loading process followed the Ho-McKay model, demonstrating chemical adsorption kinetics with a high loading capacity of 433.147 mg/g. The acid-sensitive hydrazone bond facilitated rapid DOX release in response to the acidic tumor microenvironment, with release kinetics following the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicative of Fickian diffusion. In vitro cytotoxicity assays revealed that MNC-DOX exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. This novel MNC-DOX formulation holds great potential for enhancing cancer therapy, highlighting its responsiveness to subtle pH changes and its ability to improve the targeted delivery and controlled release of chemotherapeutic agents.
GenomeFISH: genome-based fluorescence in situ hybridisation for strain-level visualisation of microbial communities
Authors: Engelberts Pam , Ye Jun , Parks Donovan , McMaster Eilish , McInnes Allison , Woodcroft Ben , Volmer James , McIlroy Simon , Tyson Gene
Published: December 2024

Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) is a powerful tool for visualising the spatial organisation of microbial communities. However, traditional FISH has several limitations, including ​​limited phylogenetic resolution, difficulty visualising certain lineages​,​ ​​and the​​ design and optimis​ation of​ new probes is time consuming and does not scale​ to the ​known​ diversity of microbial life. Here, we present GenomeFISH, a high-throughput, genome-based FISH approach that can differentiate strains within complex communities. Fluorescent probes are generated from the genomes of single cells, which are ​obtained ​from environmental or clinical samples through fluorescence activated single-cell sorting (FACS). GenomeFISH can ​distinguish between ​strains with up to 99% average nucleotide identity and was successfully applied to visualise strains in mock communities and human faecal samples. Given the superior sensitivity and specificity of GenomeFISH, we envisage it will become the gold standard in the visualisation of complex microbial systems.
Sediment Sourcing and Contributions to Vertical Salt Marsh Accretion in the Northeast US
Authors: Woodruff Jonathan D. , Baranes Hannah E , Griswold Frances R , Yellen Brian , Cook Timothy L , Autery Molly
Published: December 2024

This study explores how sediment dynamics shape salt marsh resilience through vertical accretion, a critical factor for adapting to sea level rise. While greater mineral sediment delivery is thought to enhance marsh resilience, uncertainty remains around the precise spatiotemporal controls on sedimentation and its contribution to marsh elevation gains, complicating predictions for future marsh stability. We present observations of sediment sources and delivery timing across nine marsh systems that span regional environmental gradients in the northeastern U.S. Seasonal (spring, summer, and fall) sediment trap deployments were paired with instrumental flood-ebb differencing of suspended sediment concentration and water level, both consistently indicating similar accumulation rates. The highest sediment accumulation occurs during spring in our larger, river-influenced system, with deposition driven by high river discharge events (fluvially dominated). In contrast, marshes with smaller fluvial sources receive the majority of their sediment during high-wave events in spring and fall, indicative of marine-dominated sediment sourcing. One microtidal site displayed peak sedimentation in summer, likely due to increased crab bioturbation activity. Across all sites, sedimentation rates generally decline with increasing distance from the marsh edge and greater platform elevation. Converting these findings to equivalent salt marsh accretion rates, based on platform minerogenic content and dry bulk density, reveals an increase in accretion rates with higher minerogenic deposition. These rates align with established bulk density values for mixed organic-minerogenic sediments, reinforcing that both organic and minerogenic sediment delivery is crucial to supporting marsh accretion and resilience.
Parent-administered Cognitive Bias Modification Training Intervention in Preschool Children
Authors: Canilhas Nabor A. , Martins Ana Teresa , Faísca Luís
Published: December 2024

Cognitive Bias Modification of Interpretation (CBM-I) has proven effective in changing anxiety-related cognitive biases in children and adults by promoting positive interpretations of ambiguous scenarios. However, there are currently no CBM-I programs available for preschool children. This experimental study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the parent-administered Cognitive Bias Modification Training Intervention (CBMT-I) with Portuguese preschool children exhibiting high levels of interpretation bias. Forty preschoolers and their parents participated in the study, completing measures assessing temperament and parenting styles. The children were presented with story stems and asked to complete them. A control group received no training, while an intervention group showed a significant reduction in interpretation bias scores compared to the control group. These findings suggest that parent-delivered interventions can help preschool children develop positive cognitive styles in dealing with ambiguity. The clinical implications of the study are discussed.
Assessment Of Barriers to The Utilization of Primary Healthcare Services in Abuja, Nigeria.
Authors: Enaworu Oghenetanure Ryan , Orobator Enibokun Theresa , Onuselogu Ozioma Esther , Awosan Wuraola , Abiodun Folarin , Anuyah Sydney , Akingbola Adewunmi , Aja Aja Maurice , Amos Nworie
Published: December 2024

This study investigated barriers to assessing community health services, and utilization of primary healthcare (PHC) services in Bwari Area Council, Abuja FCT, Nigeria, focusing on identifying barriers and assessing community satisfaction. A cross-sectional quantitative approach was employed over six months, involving 404 participants selected through a multistage sampling technique. Structured survey questionnaires were utilized to collect data on demographics, healthcare utilization, and barriers to PHC. The study revealed diverse demographic characteristics, with a predominant level of satisfaction among 213 (52.87%) participants. Proximity, 128 (31.68%), and cost of services, 103(25.50%) emerged as primary motivators for utilizing healthcare services. Noteworthy barriers include long waiting times, 230(56.93%), inadequate healthcare facilities 206(50.99%), and stigma associated with healthcare-seeking 183 (45.30%). The findings highlight the significance of addressing these barriers to enhance accessibility and satisfaction with community healthcare services. Recommendations include strategies to reduce waiting times, improve infrastructure, conduct awareness campaigns, and explore measures to reduce the cost of services, contributing to the broader goal of fostering equitable healthcare access and enhancing community well-being. The study makes a valuable contribution to the understanding of PHC utilization patterns, satisfaction levels, and barriers, offering insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers working towards enhancing community health services.
Valgus development in preventing lower extremity injuries in football players: a control group study
Authors: Pekel Aydın , Güler Vesile Şahiner , Turan Mehmet Behzat , Kurt Mehmet Akif
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of stretching, strength and plyometric exercise training programs applied to football players in addition to training on jumping performance and knee valgus values.
Methods: The participants were divided into two groups, the experimental and control groups, and stretching, strength and plyometric exercise education programs were applied to the experimental group for 8 weeks. The control group only continued their training. Jumping performances and knee valgus measurements were taken 3 times, before starting the application and after the training program was completed in the 4th week of the application.
Conclusions: As a result, although an increase was observed in the CMJ, CMJ Free, DJ, SJ and horizontal jump values of the participants in both groups at the end of the exercise training programs applied to the football players, it was significantly higher in the experimental group. A decrease was observed in the right knee valgus and left knee valgus values of the participants. The decrease in valgus values in the experimental group was higher than in the control group. It was determined that the training programs applied to the experimental group in addition to the training increased the jumping performance of the participants more than the control group, while they decreased the valgus values more than the control group.
Optimization of Shoot Regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation in Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa)
Authors: Kim Jin-Hee , Yoo Cheol-Min , Nguyen Chi Dinh , Lee Man Bo , Huo Heqiang , Lee Seonghee
Published: December 2024

Efficient methods of plant transformation and tissue culture are essential for the genetic engineering and advanced molecular breeding of plants, but neither is well established in cultivated octoploid strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa). In the present study, a method for shoot regeneration was established and optimized for two genetically different strawberry cultivars, Sweet Sensation® Florida 127 (FL127) and Florida Brilliance (FB). Runner segments at the tip, node, and petiole obtained from greenhouse-grown plants were used as explants for comparisons of shoot regeneration rate. ‘FL127’ showed the highest frequency of shoot regeneration in the optimized condition, whereas ‘FB’ showed the best response to a lower concentration of N6-benzyladenine (BA) (0.01 mg/L) in the same media type. The average conversion frequencies of somatic embryos into shoot regenerations from the runner tips (RTs) were 42.8% in ‘FL127’ and 56.9% in ‘FB’, respectively. Using these optimized tissue culture conditions, Agrobacterium-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was conducted to examine the efficiency of transformation and target gene editing for the phytoene desaturase, FaPDS, in the cultivar, FL127. A total of 234 explants inoculated with Agrobacterium harboring Cas9-FaPDS resulted in an 80.3% callus induction efficiency, with 13.3% of regenerated plants exhibiting partial or complete albino phenotypes. Amplicon sequencing of edited progeny showed mutations (substitutions, insertions, and deletions) at the guide RNA (gRNA) target sites or flanking regions of all FaPDS homoeologous copies. Our results provide effective tissue culture and transformation methods for strawberry functional genomics research and gene editing guided cultivar improvement.