bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Random Consideration Set Model for Demand Estimation, Assortment Optimization, and Pricing
Authors: Gallego Guillermo , Li Anran
Published: March 2024

Random Consideration Set Model

We operationalize a microfounded consumer choice model—the random consideration set (RCS) choice model of Manzini and Mariotti [Manzini P, Mariotti M (2014) Stochastic choice and consideration sets. Econometrica 82(3):1153–1176]—that captures the limited attention of consumers, assuming that purchases are based on fixed preference orderings with consideration sets formed from independent attentions. We provide a condition for uniquely identifying model parameters and design an efficient algorithm for model parameters estimation. We offer a greedy-like algorithm for assortment optimization, adaptable for optimal assortment subject to cardinality constraint or discovering efficient sets. We extend the model to consider random product preferences, with a 1/2 performance-guaranteed approximation algorithm. Using data from a major U.S. airline, we find that the RCS model outperforms the mixed multinomial logit model in approximately half of the markets, particularly with smaller, less varied data sets.
A Part of, or Apart from, Me?: Linking Dynamic Founder-Venture Identity Relationships to New Venture Strategy
Authors: Crosina Eliana , Pratt Michael G. , Lifshitz Hila
Published: March 2024

Based on a three-year inductive field study of first-time founders, we reveal the dynamic identity relationships that tie founders to their ventures: what such relationships comprise, how they evolve over time, and with what strategic implications for the development of new businesses. Specifically, we found that such relationships comprise both identification and construals, which capture the degree to which founders saw their ventures as self-defining and founder-venture psychological distance. Construals, and shifts in construals over time, were critical in explaining how entrepreneurs handled venture-related challenges, as well as how they strategically (re)focused their ventures in terms of scope, whether by diversifying or specializing. By explaining these dynamics, we contribute to research on entrepreneurial identity as well as to construal level theory. In addition, as we distinguish construals from identification, we highlight the importance of construals for understanding identity relationships beyond entrepreneurship.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.15271 .
Data Sharing Between Firms and Social Planners: An Economic Analysis of Regulation, Privacy, and Competition
Authors: Arora Ayesha , Jain Tarun
Published: March 2024

Digital platforms share their customers’ data with social planners, who may utilize it to improve socioeconomic infrastructure. This may benefit customers because of the experience of improved infrastructure. On the contrary, it may lead to privacy concerns among them (as these data sets may include sensitive information). In this paper, we analyze the game-theoretic model to characterize the granularity of data sharing between firms and the social planner and the investments by the social planner to improve public infrastructure. In order to analyze the impact of regulation on data sharing strategy, we consider the cases when data sharing is regulated (decided by the social planner) and unregulated (strategically decided by firms). Our analysis reveals that the firms as well as the social planner decrease the granularity of data with an increase in privacy concerns among customers. To analyze the impact of regulation, we compare the granularity of data shared under unregulated and regulated scenarios. We find that when the firm is monopolist, it shares data with a higher level of granularity in the unregulated scenario. Interestingly, we find that under market competition, the data granularity may be higher or lower compared with the regulated scenario. Specifically, we find that if firms jointly determine the granularity of data to be shared, they share data with higher granularity under the unregulated scenario; however, if they do not collaborate and individually decide on data sharing, we find that regulation leads to higher granularity of data to be shared. Finally, we find that firms’ payoffs and customer surplus are higher under the unregulated data-sharing setup if they jointly determine the granularity of data; however, if they do not collaborate on data sharing, their payoffs, as well as customer surplus, are higher under regulation.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/serv.2022.0052 .
Exploring the autophagy-related pathogenesis of active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Gong Zhuo-Zhi , Li Teng , Yan He , Xu Min-Hao , Lian Yue , Yang Yi-Xuan , Wei Wei , Liu Tao
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is complex, and recent therapeutic advances remain unable to fully alleviate the condition.

AIM

To inform the development of novel UC treatments, bioinformatics was used to explore the autophagy-related pathogenesis associated with the active phase of UC.

METHODS

The GEO database was searched for UC-related datasets that included healthy controls who met the screening criteria. Differential analysis was conducted to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Autophagy-related targets were collected and intersected with the DEGs to identiy differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DEARGs) associated with active UC. DEARGs were then subjected to KEGG, GO, and DisGeNET disease enrichment analyses using R software. Differential analysis of immune infiltrating cells was performed using the CiberSort algorithm. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm and protein-protein interaction network were used to narrow down the DEARGs, and the top five targets in the Dgree ranking were designated as core targets.

RESULTS

A total of 4822 DEGs were obtained, of which 58 were classified as DEARGs. SERPINA1, BAG3, HSPA5, CASP1, and CX3CL1 were identified as core targets. GO enrichment analysis revealed that DEARGs were primarily enriched in processes related to autophagy regulation and macroautophagy. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that DEARGs were predominantly associated with NOD-like receptor signaling and other signaling pathways. Disease enrichment analysis indicated that DEARGs were significantly linked to diseases such as malignant glioma and middle cerebral artery occlusion. Immune infiltration analysis demonstrated a higher presence of immune cells like activated memory CD4 T cells and follicular helper T cells in active UC patients than in healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

Autophagy is closely related to the active phase of UC and the potential targets obtained from the analysis in this study may provide new insight into the treatment of active UC patients.
Low-molecular-weight heparin and preeclampsia — does the sword cut both ways? Three case reports and review of literature
Authors: Shan Dan , Li Tao , Tan Xi , Hu Ya-Yi
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) are the most commonly used anticoagulants during pregnancy. It is considered to be the drug of choice due to its safety in not crossing placenta. Considering the beneficial effect in the improvement of microcirculation, prophylactic application of LMWH in patients with preeclampsia became a trend. However, the bleeding risk related with LMWH in preeclampsia patients has seldomly been evaluated. This current study aimed to identify the potential risks regarding LMWH application in patients with preeclampsia.

CASE SUMMARY

Herein we present a case series of three pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia on LMWH therapy during pregnancy. All the cases experienced catastrophic hemorrhagic events. After reviewing the twenty-one meta-analyses, the bleeding risk related with LMWH seems ignorable. Only one study analyzed the bleeding risk of LMWH and found a significantly higher risk of developing PPH in women receiving LMWH. Other studies reported minor bleeding risks, none of these were serious enough to stop LMWH treatment. Possibilities of bleeding either from uterus or from intrabdominal organs in preeclampsia patients on LMWH therapy should not be ignored. Intensive management of blood pressure even after delivery and homeostasis suture in surgery are crucial.

CONCLUSION

Consideration should be given to the balance between benefits and risks of LMWH in patients with preeclampsia.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue sampling induced pancreatic duct leak resolved by the placement of a pancreatic stent: A case report
Authors: Kim Ki-Hyun , Park Chang Hwan , Cho Eunae , Lee Yohan
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic ductal leaks complicated by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided tissue sampling (EUS-TS) can manifest as acute pancreatitis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 63-year-old man presented with persistent abdominal pain and weight loss. Diagnosis: Laboratory findings revealed elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (5920 U/mL) and carcinoembryonic antigen (23.7 ng/mL) levels. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pancreas revealed an approximately 3 cm ill-defined space-occupying lesion in the inferior aspect of the head, with severe encasement of the superior mesenteric artery. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was confirmed after pathological examination of specimens obtained by EUS-TS using the fanning method. Interventions and outcomes: The following day, the patient experienced severe abdominal pain with high amylase (265 U/L) and lipase (1173 U/L) levels. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed edematous wall thickening of the second portion of the duodenum with adjacent fluid collections and a suspicious leak from either the distal common bile duct or the main pancreatic duct in the head. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed dye leakage in the head of the main pancreatic duct. Therefore, a 5F 7 cm linear plastic stent was deployed into the pancreatic duct to divert the pancreatic juice. The patient’s abdominal pain improved immediately after pancreatic stent insertion, and amylase and lipase levels normalized within a week. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was then initiated.

CONCLUSION

Using the fanning method in EUS-TS can inadvertently cause damage to the pancreatic duct and may lead to clinically significant pancreatitis. Placing a pancreatic stent may immediately resolve acute pancreatitis and shorten the waiting time for curative therapy. When using the fanning method during EUS-TS, ductal structures should be excluded to prevent pancreatic ductal leakage.
A experiência dos laboratórios de inovação no setor público brasileiro
Authors: Bezerra Douglas Moraes , Alessandra Vieira de Brito Bárbara , Paulo Bresciani Luis
Published: March 2024

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a relação entre a agenda administrativa difundida no setor público brasileiro pelos laboratórios de inovação e as principais características da organização burocrática. A pesquisa foi classificada como um estudo exploratório e sua análise seguiu as técnicas da análise de conteúdo, feita com auxílio do software Iramuteq. Como resultados, identificou-se (a) que os laboratórios são espaços seguros de teste e ajudam a propagar a cultura de inovação, (b) que a liderança é importante para garantir a execução das ideias e projetos, (c) que há dificuldade em mensurar os resultados e selecionar as demandas e (d) que a prática dos laboratórios de inovação expressa o afastamento da lógica burocrática.
Diagnostic value and clinical significance of high-resolution ultrasonography compared to magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing temporomandibular joint dislocation: a systematic review
Authors: Salamah Thariqah , Harefa Glancius Nironsta
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is uncommon, yet it is associated with a significant negative effect on the patient’s quality of life. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a gold standard for diagnosing TMJ dislocation, is expensive, time-consuming, and cannot be performed on patients with pacemakers and metallic prostheses. On the other hand, high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) has low cost, high accessibility, and is less time-consuming. This study aimed to compare the accuracy and reliability of HRUS to MRI in diagnosing TMJ dislocation.
METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and EBSCOhost databases. Keywords such as temporomandibular joint dislocation, temporomandibular displacement, MRI, and ultrasonography were utilized for the search. The articles obtained were then selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the quality assessment was conducted using the QUADAS-2 tool.
RESULTS 5 studies were included in this systematic review. The critical appraisal results showed sensitivity ranging from 74.3–93.7%, specificity from 84.2–100%, positive predictive value from 68.2–100%, negative predictive value from 64.0–98.3%, and accuracy from 77.7–91.7% of HRUS compared to MRI.
CONCLUSIONS HRUS is a reliable method for diagnosing TMJ dislocation. However, MRI is still necessary in selected and more advanced cases.
Minimizing optical attribute errors for a lane departure warning system using an ultra-wide-angle camera
Authors: Kim Hyungtae , Paik Joonki
Published: March 2024

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) rely on lane departure warning (LDW) technology to enhance safety while driving. However, the current LDW method is limited to cameras with standard angles of view, such as mono cameras and black boxes. In recent times, more cameras with ultra-wide-angle lenses are being used to save money and improve accuracy. However, this has led to some challenges such as fixing optical distortion, making the camera process images faster, and ensuring its performance. To effectively implement LDW, we developed three technologies: (i) distortion correction using error functions based on the projection characteristics of optical lenses, (ii) automatic vanishing point estimation using geometric characteristics, and (iii) lane tracking and lane departure detection using constraints. The proposed technology improves system stability and convenience through automatic calculation and updating of parameters required for LDW function operation. By performing automatic distortion correction and vanishing point estimation, it has also been proven that fusion with other ADAS systems including front cameras is possible. Existing systems that use vanishing point information do not consider lens distortion and have slow and inaccurate vanishing point estimation, leading to a deterioration of system performance. The proposed method enables fast and accurate vanishing point estimation, allowing for adaptive responses to changes in the road environment.
Advanced linear axial wavelength spreading through cascaded double hyperchromats
Authors: Werner Lukas , Hillmer Hartmut , Brunner Robert
Published: March 2024

This study explores the design and optimization of cascaded double-hyperchromatic optical systems (i.e., 2×2 lenses), focusing on achieving an extremely linear axial spectral decomposition characterized by an exceptionally low equivalent Abbe number. The investigation involves two double hyperchromats, considering both purely refractive systems and hybrid configurations that combine refractive and diffractive elements. For purely refractive systems, alternating focal length signs of divergent and collective lenses are crucial to achieve significant axial chromatic dispersion. In hybrid systems, the position of the diffractive optical element (DOE) and the selection of focal lengths play key roles in obtaining extremely low equivalent Abbe numbers. The optimized systems demonstrate absolute equivalent Abbe numbers of 0.983 for purely refractive and 0.65 for hybrid systems—more than four times lower than the absolute Abbe number of a single diffractive element. Notably, even systems using standard materials exhibit significantly low equivalent Abbe numbers of 2.5 and 1.4 for pure refractive and hybrid configurations, respectively. These results offer promising opportunities for improving optical applications based on axial spectral decomposition, overcoming previous limitations of axial chromatic spreading.
Observation of quantum nonlocality in Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger entanglement on a silicon chip
Authors: Chen Leizhen , Wu Bochi , Lu Liangliang , Wang Kai , Lu Yanqing , Zhu Shining , Ma Xiao-Song
Published: March 2024

Nonlocality is the defining feature of quantum entanglement. Entangled states with multiple particles are of crucial importance in fundamental tests of quantum physics as well as in many quantum information tasks. One of the archetypal multipartite quantum states, Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) state, allows one to observe the striking conflict of quantum physics to local realism in the so-called all-versus-nothing way. This is profoundly different from Bell’s theorem for two particles, which relies on statistical predictions. Here, we demonstrate an integrated photonic chip capable of generating and manipulating the four-photon GHZ state. We perform a complete characterization of the four-photon GHZ state using quantum state tomography and obtain a state fidelity of 0.729±0.006. We further use the all-versus-nothing test and the Mermin inequalities to witness the quantum nonlocality of GHZ entanglement. Our work paves the way to perform fundamental tests of quantum physics with complex integrated quantum devices.
Vision transformer empowered physics-driven deep learning for omnidirectional three-dimensional holography
Authors: Jin Zhongwei , Ren Qiuyu , Chen Tao , Dai Zhigang , Shu Fangzhou , Fang Bin , Hong Zhi , Shen Changyu , Mei Shengtao
Published: March 2024

The inter-plane crosstalk and limited axial resolution are two key points that hinder the performance of three-dimensional (3D) holograms. The state-of-the-art methods rely on increasing the orthogonality of the cross-sections of a 3D object at different depths to lower the impact of inter-plane crosstalk. Such strategy either produces unidirectional 3D hologram or induces speckle noise. Recently, learning-based methods provide a new way to solve this problem. However, most related works rely on convolution neural networks and the reconstructed 3D holograms have limited axial resolution and display quality. In this work, we propose a vision transformer (ViT) empowered physics-driven deep neural network which can realize the generation of omnidirectional 3D holograms. Owing to the global attention mechanism of ViT, our 3D CGH has small inter-plane crosstalk and high axial resolution. We believe our work not only promotes high-quality 3D holographic display, but also opens a new avenue for complex inverse design in photonics.
Geometry optimization of cantilever-based optical microphones
Authors: Tian Shen , Chen Pengbo , Jiao Mingqi , Mu Kaijun , Gao Yang , Qiao Yingying , Li Lei , Shan Chongxin
Published: March 2024

The introduction of cantilever-based fiber-optic microphones (FOMs) has proven to be effective in acoustic sensing. Further improvements in cantilevers face two key constraints: the challenge of achieving minimal sizes with sufficient reflective area and the trade-off between sensitivity and response bandwidth. Herein, we present a geometry optimization framework for a cantilever-based FOM that addresses this issue. Employing drumstick-shaped cantilevers housed within a Fabry–Perot (F–P) interferometric structure, we showcase a heightened sensitivity of 302.8 mV/Pa at 1 kHz and a minimum detectable acoustic pressure (MDP) of 2.35 µPa/Hz. Notably, these metrics outperform those of the original rectangular cantilever with identical dimensions. Furthermore, our proposed cantilever effectively mitigates the reduction in resonance frequencies, thereby improving the response bandwidth. This geometry optimization framework offers considerable design flexibility and scalability, making it especially suitable for high-performance acoustic sensing applications.
On the Wavelength-Selective Nature of Rayleigh Backscattering in Single-Mode Fibers
Authors: Von Der Weid Jean-Pierre , Tovar Pedro , Margulis Walter
Published: March 2024

Spectral measurements of the Rayleigh backscattered light in a single-mode fiber are performed for a white input source with coherence length 100 times shorter than the fiber length. The experimentally measured spectrum of the backscattered light from a 45 cm-long fiber exhibits a jagged intensity profile that is highly wavelength-dependent. Measurement data were compared with model predictions based on small fluctuations of the fiber refractive index on a centimeter scale, generating interference fluctuations on the spectrum of the backscattered light. The agreement between measured data and model simulations supports that optical interference is behind the wavelength-selective nature of Rayleigh backscattering in single mode fibers and that white light becomes colored when backscattered in a single mode fiber.
PathIntegrate: Multivariate modelling approaches for pathway-based multi-omics data integration
Authors: Wieder Cecilia , Cooke Juliette , Frainay Clement , Poupin Nathalie , Bowler Russell , Jourdan Fabien , Kechris Katerina J. , Lai Rachel PJ , Ebbels Timothy
Published: March 2024

As terabytes of multi-omics data are being generated, there is an ever-increasing need for methods facilitating the integration and interpretation of such data. Current multi-omics integration methods typically output lists, clusters, or subnetworks of molecules related to an outcome. Even with expert domain knowledge, discerning the biological processes involved is a time-consuming activity. Here we propose PathIntegrate, a method for integrating multi-omics datasets based on pathways, designed to exploit knowledge of biological systems and thus provide interpretable models for such studies. PathIntegrate employs single-sample pathway analysis to transform multi-omics datasets from the molecular to the pathway-level, and applies a predictive single-view or multi-view model to integrate the data. Model outputs include multi-omics pathways ranked by their contribution to the outcome prediction, the contribution of each omics layer, and the importance of each molecule in a pathway. Using semi-synthetic data we demonstrate the benefit of grouping molecules into pathways to detect signals in low signal-to-noise scenarios, as well as the ability of PathIntegrate to precisely identify important pathways at low effect sizes. Finally, using COPD and COVID-19 data we showcase how PathIntegrate enables convenient integration and interpretation of complex high-dimensional multi-omics datasets. PathIntegrate is available as an open-source Python package.
Rapid and non-invasive detection of malaria parasites using near-infrared spectroscopy and machine learning
Authors: Sikulu-Lord Maggy T. , Edstein Michael D. , Goh Brendon , Lord Anton R. , Travis Jye A. , Dowell Floyd E. , Birrell Geoffrey W. , Chavchich Marina
Published: March 2024

Background

Novel and highly sensitive point-of-care malaria diagnostic and surveillance tools that are rapid and affordable are urgently needed to support malaria control and elimination.

Methods

We demonstrated the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique to detect malaria parasites both, in vitro, using dilutions of infected red blood cells obtained from Plasmodium falciparum cultures and in vivo, in mice infected with P. berghei using blood spotted on slides and non-invasively, by simply scanning various body areas (e.g., feet, groin and ears). The spectra were analysed using machine learning to develop predictive models for infection.

Findings

Using NIRS spectra of in vitro cultures and machine learning algorithms, we successfully detected low densities (<10−7 parasites/μL) of P. falciparum parasites with a sensitivity of 96% (n = 1041), a specificity of 93% (n = 130) and an accuracy of 96% (n = 1171) and differentiated ring, trophozoite and schizont stages with an accuracy of 98% (n = 820). Furthermore, when the feet of mice infected with P. berghei with parasitaemia ≥3% were scanned non-invasively, the sensitivity and specificity of NIRS were 94% (n = 66) and 86% (n = 342), respectively.

Interpretation

These data highlights the potential of NIRS technique as rapid, non-invasive and affordable tool for surveillance of malaria cases. Further work to determine the potential of NIRS to detect malaria in symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria cases in the field is recommended including its capacity to guide current malaria elimination strategies.
Medical school department chair performance improvement: A qualitative study
Authors: Mahboubi Mohammad , Ahmady Soleiman , Mirzazadeh Azim , Zarei Afagh , Hamidi Hadi , Kohan Noushin
Published: March 2024

Introduction

In medical education, department chairs should play a significant role. The present qualitative study was conducted to identify factors that influence the performance improvement of department chairs at medical schools in Iran.

Methods

The study was conducted in Iran in 2022 and used a thematic analysis method. Using a purposeful sampling method, 20 participants were invited to participate, including medical school deans and department chairs. Focus group discussion (FGD) was used for qualitative data gathering. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used to analyze data.

Results

There were 18 males and 2 females among the participants. The mean age of the participants was 45±4 years. Five overarching themes were formulated: human resource management, organizational behavior management, performance support system, leadership, and financial resources. Also, nine subthemes emerged, including performance evaluation, job and work design, educational and non-educational support, motivational efforts, organization culture, organizational knowledge management, planning for change, and financing.

Conclusions

In this study, we found factors influencing DC performance improvement. Department chairs’ effective performance may have a positive impact on department operations, processes, or outcomes.
Functional recovery prediction during rehabilitation after rotator cuff tears by decision support system
Authors: Adomavičienė Aušra , Daunoravičienė Kristina , Kazakevičiūtė-Januškevičienė Girūta , Baušys Romualdas
Published: March 2024

Background

Today’s rehabilitation decision-making still relies on conventional methods and different specific targeted rehabilitation protocols. Our study focuses on the decision support system for early rehabilitation after rotator cuff (RC) tears repair, where a multicriteria decision-making framework (MCDM) is applied for the prediction of successful functional recovery and selection of a rehabilitation protocol.

Objective

To identify factors that affect recovery outcomes and to develop a decision support system methodology for predicting functional recovery outcomes at early rehabilitation after RC repair.

Methods

Twelve rehabilitation experts were involved in the design, calibration, and evaluation of a rehabilitation protocol based on the proposed decision support system constructed using the MCDM framework. For the development of a decision support system, 20 patients after RC surgery undergoing outpatient rehabilitation were enrolled in a prospective cohort clinical trial.

Results

The MCDM framework (SWARA method) sensitively assesses different criteria and determines the corresponding criteria weights that were similar to criteria weights assessed subjectively by rehabilitation experts. The assignment of patients into the classes, according to the heuristic evaluation method based on expert opinion and the standard qualitative evaluation methods showed the validity of MCDM methods remain the best new alternative in predicting recovery during rehabilitation

Conclusions

The results of this paper show that sustainable rehabilitation is an area that is quite suitable for the use of MCDM. The most of rehabilitation protocols are based on traditional methods and approaches, but the sensitive results showed the validity of MCDM methods and remains the best new alternative in prediction recovery protocols during rehabilitation.
Global prevalence, mortality, and main characteristics of HIV-associated pneumocystosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ahmadpour Ehsan , Valilou Sevda , Ghanizadegan Mohammad Ali , Seyfi Rouhollah , Hosseini Seyed Abdollah , Hatam-Nahavandi Kareem , Hosseini Hanieh , Behravan Mahsa , Barac Aleksandra , Morovati Hamid
Published: March 2024

The epidemiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-associated pneumocystosis (HAP) is poorly described on a worldwide scale. We searched related databases between January 2000 and December 2022 for studies reporting HAP. Meta-analysis was performed using StatsDirect (version 2.7.9) and STATA (version 17) according to the random-effects model for DerSimonian and Laird method andmetanandmetapropcommands, respectively. Twenty-nine studies with 38554 HIV-positive, 79893 HIV-negative, and 4044 HAP populations were included. The pooled prevalence of HAP was 35.4% (95% CI 23.8 to 47.9). In contrast, the pooled prevalence of PCP among HIV-negative patients was 10.16% (95% CI 2 to 25.3). HIV-positive patients are almost 12 times more susceptible to PCP than the HIV-negative population (OR: 11.710; 95% CI: 5.420 to 25.297). The mortality among HAP patients was 52% higher than non-PCP patients (OR 1.522; 95% CI 0.959 to 2.416). HIV-positive men had a 7% higher chance rate for PCP than women (OR 1.073; 95% CI 0.674 to 1.706). Prophylactic (OR: 6.191; 95% CI: 0.945 to 40.545) and antiretroviral therapy (OR 3.356; 95% CI 0.785 to 14.349) were used in HAP patients six and three times more than HIV-positive PCP-negatives, respectively. The control and management strategies should revise and updated by health policy-makers on a worldwide scale. Finally, for better management and understanding of the epidemiology and characteristics of this coinfection, designing further studies is recommended.
Bacteria-mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antifungal potentials against Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Bharose Achyut Ashokrao , Hajare Sunil Tulshiram , H. P. Gajera , Soni Mukesh , Prajapati Krushna Kant , Singh Suresh Chandra , Upadhye Vijay
Published: March 2024

The best biocontroller Bacillus subtilis produced silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with a spherical form and a 62 nm size through green synthesis. Using UV-vis spectroscopy, PSA, and zeta potential analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the properties of synthesized silver nanoparticles were determined. Silver nanoparticles were tested for their antifungicidal efficacy against the most virulent isolate of the Aspergillus flavus fungus, JAM-JKB-BHA-GG20, and among the 10 different treatments, the treatment T6 [PDA + 1 ml of NP (19: 1)] + Pathogen was shown to be extremely significant (82.53%). TG-51 and GG-22 were found to be the most sensitive groundnut varieties after 5 and 10 days of LC-MS QTOF infection when 25 different groundnut varieties were screened using the most toxic Aspergillus flavus isolate JAM- JKB-BHA-GG20, respectively. In this research, the most susceptible groundnut cultivar, designated GG-22, was tested. Because less aflatoxin (1651.15 g.kg-1) was observed, treatment T8 (Seed + Pathogen + 2 ml silver nanoparticles) was determined to be much more effective. The treated samples were examined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for the detection of metal ions and the fungicide carbendazim. Ag particles (0.8 g/g-1) and the fungicide carbendazim (0.025 g/g-1) were found during Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry analysis below detectable levels. To protect plants against the invasion of fungal pathogens, environmentally friendly green silver nanoparticle antagonists with antifungal properties were able to prevent the synthesis of mycotoxin by up to 82.53%.
Recombinant cyclin B-Cdk1-Suc1 capable of multi-site mitotic phosphorylation in vitro
Authors: Shintomi Keishi , Masahara-Negishi Yuki , Shima Masami , Tane Shoji , Hirano Tatsuya
Published: March 2024

Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) complexed with cyclin B phosphorylates multiple sites on hundreds of proteins during mitosis. However, it is not fully understood how multi-site mitotic phosphorylation by cyclin B-Cdk1 controls the structures and functions of individual substrates. Here we develop an easy-to-use protocol to express recombinant vertebrate cyclin B and Cdk1 in insect cells from a single baculovirus vector and to purify their complexes with excellent homogeneity. A series of in-vitro assays demonstrate that the recombinant cyclin B-Cdk1 can efficiently and specifically phosphorylate the SP and TP motifs in substrates. The addition of Suc1 (a Cks1 homolog in fission yeast) accelerates multi-site phosphorylation of an artificial substrate containing TP motifs. Importantly, we show that mitosis-specific multi-subunit and multi-site phosphorylation of the condensin I complex can be recapitulated in vitro using recombinant cyclin B-Cdk1-Suc1. The materials and protocols described here will pave the way for dissecting the biochemical basis of critical mitotic processes that accompany Cdk1-mediated large-scale phosphorylation.
Neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy is improved with a novel pulsed electric field technology in an immune-cold murine model
Authors: Pastori Chiara , Nafie Ebtesam H. O. , Wagh Mukta S. , Hunt Stephen J. , Neal Robert E.
Published: March 2024

Chemo-immunotherapy uses combined systemic therapies for resectable and unresectable tumors. This approach is gaining clinical momentum, but survival increases leave considerable room for improvement. A novel form of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) ablation combines focal tissue destruction with immune activation in preclinical settings. The PEFs induce lethal cell damage without requiring thermal processes, leaving cellular proteins intact. This affords PEF a favorable safety profile, improved antigenicity, and significant immunostimulatory damage-associated molecular pattern release compared to other focal therapies. Preclinical investigations demonstrate a combinatorial benefit of PEF with immunostimulation. This study evaluates whether this proprietary PEF therapy induces an immunostimulatory effect sufficient to augment systemic neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy to reverse metastatic disease in an immune-cold murine tumor model. To determine whether PEF improves a neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy standard-of-care, partial PEF ablation was delivered to orthotopically inoculated 4T1 metastatic tumors in addition to combinations of cisplatin chemotherapy and/or αPD-1 immunotherapy, followed by resection. In addition, to determine whether PEF combined with chemo-immunotherapy improves local and metastatic response in unresectable populations, partial PEF ablation was added to chemo-immunotherapy in mice that did not receive resection. Blood cytokines and flow cytometry evaluated immune response. Partial PEF ablation generates an immunostimulatory tumor microenvironment, increases systemic immune cell populations, slows tumor growth, and prolongs survival relative to neoadjuvant systemic therapies-alone. These data suggest the addition of this proprietary PEF locoregional therapy may synergize with systemic standard-of-care paradigms to improve outcomes with potential or demonstrated metastatic disease in both resectable and unresectable patient cohorts.
Estimation of the lost productivity to the GDP and the national cost of correcting visual impairment from refractive error in Kenya
Authors: Muma Shadrack , Naidoo Kovin Shunmugam , Hansraj Rekha
Published: March 2024

Background

In developing countries such as Kenya, minimal attention has been directed towards population based studies on uncorrected refractive error (URE). However, the absence of population based studies, warrants utilization of other avenues to showcase to the stakeholders in eye health the worth of addressing URE. Hence this study estimated the lost productivity to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a result of URE and the national cost required to address visual impairment from URE in Kenya.

Methods

The lost productivity to the GDP for the population aged 16–60 years was calculated. Thereafter the productivity loss of the caregivers of severe visual impaired individuals was computed as a product of the average annual productivity for each caregiver and a 5% productivity loss due to visual impairment. The productivity benefit of correcting refractive error was estimated based on the minimum wage for individuals aged between 16–60 years with URE. Estimation of the national cost of addressing URE was based on spectacle provision cost, cost of training functional clinical refractionists and the cost of establishing vision centres. A cost benefit analysis was undertaken based on the national cost estimates and a factor of 3.5 times.

Results

The estimated lost productivity to the GDP due to URE in in Kenya is approximately US$ 671,455,575 -US$ 1,044,486,450 annually for population aged between 16–60 years. The productivity loss of caregivers for the severe visually impaired is approximately US$ 13,882,899 annually. Approximately US$ 246,750,000 is required to provide corrective devices, US$ 413,280- US$ 108,262,300 to train clinical refractionists and US$ 39,800,000 to establish vision centres. The productivity benefit of correcting visual impairment is approximately US$ 41,126,400 annually. Finally, a cost benefit analysis showed a return of US$ 378,918,050 for human resources, US$ 863,625,000 for corrective devices and US$ 139,300,000 for establishment of vision centres.

Conclusion

The magnitude of productivity loss due to URE in Kenya is significant warranting prioritization of refractive error services by the government and all stakeholders since any investment directed towards addressing URE has the potential to contribute a positive return.
Moral judgment of objectionable online content: Reporting decisions and punishment preferences on social media
Authors: Vahed Sarah , Goanta Catalina , Ortolani Pietro , Sanfey Alan G.
Published: March 2024

Harmful and inappropriate online content is prevalent, necessitating the need to understand how individuals judge and wish to mitigate the spread of negative content on social media. In an online study with a diverse sample of social media users (n = 294), we sought to elucidate factors that influence individuals’ evaluation of objectionable online content. Participants were presented with images varying in moral valence, each accompanied by an indicator of intention from an ostensible content poster. Half of the participants were assigned the role of user content moderator, while the remaining participants were instructed to respond as they normally would online. The study aimed to establish whether moral imagery, the intention of a content poster, and the perceived responsibility of social media users, affect judgments of objectionability, operationalized through both decisions to flag content and preferences to seek punishment of other users. Our findings reveal that moral imagery strongly influences users’ assessments of what is appropriate online content, with participants almost exclusively choosing to report and punish morally negative images. Poster intention also plays a significant role in user’s decisions, with greater objection shown to morally negative content when it has been shared by another user for the purpose of showing support for it. Bestowing a content moderation role affected reporting behaviour but not punishment preferences. We also explore individual user characteristics, finding a negative association between trust in social media platforms and reporting decisions. Conversely, a positive relationship was identified between trait empathy and reporting rates. Collectively, our insights highlight the complexity of social media users’ moderation decisions and preferences. The results advance understanding of moral judgments and punishment preferences online, and offer insights for platforms and regulatory bodies aiming to better understand social media users’ role in content moderation.
Interventions to address mealtime support needs in dementia: A scoping review
Authors: Passos Lígia , Tavares João , Batchelor Melissa , Figueiredo Daniela
Published: March 2024

The decrease in cognitive and physical ability among people with dementia can significantly affect eating performance, resulting in mealtime support needs that could lead to inadequate oral intake, weight loss, malnutrition, and reduced functionality in activities of daily living. This scoping review aimed to identify and summarize available research literature on mealtime interventions for people with dementia, and their impact on older people with dementia living in a residential care setting, care staff, and care context/environment. A scoping review of available research published in English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish, was conducted according to the methodology established by The Joanna Briggs Institute. The search was conducted between November 2022 and February 2023 in the following databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL Complete, and SciELO. A total of 275 articles were retrieved, of which 33 studies were selected according to inclusion criteria. The interventions were classified into four general categories: environmental, mealtime assistance, staff training, and multicomponent. Most studies demonstrated effectiveness in increasing oral intake and improving behaviors such as agitation and aggression in people with dementia. The impact of interventions on care staff was linked to greater knowledge and attitudes towards mealtime support needs. There is a lack of reporting on the impact of interventions on the care context/environment. Most interventions examined the effects exclusively on residents, focusing on their oral intake and behavioral patterns, particularly agitation among individuals with dementia. However, it is crucial to conduct studies that evaluate the impact on administrators, to comprehend the viewpoints of various hierarchical levels within an organization regarding challenges associated with mealtime. The findings of this scoping review can support the development of new supportive programs, or strategies to improve mealtime experience with positive impact according to the reality and needs of each person or institution.
La technique du labyrinthe dans Les Éthiopiques d’Héliodore
Authors: Graebin Geruza de Souza
Published: March 2024

Héliodore est connu pour sa technique narrative élaborée. Cet effet est dû à l’ekphrasis, une ressource largement employée par les sophistes et recommandée dans les manuels de rhétorique (Progymnasmata). Dans le premier bloc de l’œuvre, Héliodore utilise cette ressource, mais pas au hasard. Il y a une image, littéral ou métaphoriquement se répète : le labyrinthe. Notre intention est de démontrer que les répétitions ont un point commun, en plus d’un fort attrait herméneutique. De plus, les labyrinthes sont introduits dans la partie où le récit est habilement écrit in medias res. C’ést précisément dans ce passage que le lecteur, comme dans un labyrinthe, est sinueusement conduit par plusieurs chemins, jusqu’à ce qu’il atteigne la compréhension de la scène d’ouverture, à l’embouchure du Nil. L’analyse des procédures utilisées par Héliodore permet de conclure que la succession de labyrinthes textuels ou imagethiques place le lecteur dans un jeu, dont il ne pourra sortir qu’à la fin du cinquième livre.
The prevalence of diabetes and the association with all-cause mortality among patients presenting with COVID-19 at a tertiary hospital in the North-West Province, South Africa
Authors: Mehta Ruchika , Variava Ebrahim , Mohamed Nazeer Ahmed , Sabet Ryan , Kamfer Corlia Kamfer , Sajeev Rahul Sajeev , Dumas Kgali Dumas , Kaskar Mohamed Kaskar , Samuel Stan , Evans Denise
Published: March 2024

The prevalence of diabetes and the association with all-cause mortality among patients presenting with COVID-19 at a tertiary hospital in the North-West Province, South Africa

ABSTRACT

The relationship between diabetes and Covid is bi-directional, and we analysed the factors impacting mortality in these patients whereby a cohort of adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at a public hospital in the North-West Province, South Africa were analysed.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex between June 2020 and May 2021 was done and the patient journey summarised. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, we identify factors associated with multiple outcomes along the patient journey including inpatient versus outpatient management, admission to ICU, and all-cause mortality.

Results: Among the 846 patients with Covid the prevalence of diabetes was 20.2% with 11 patients being newly diagnosed with diabetes (11/171; 6.4%). The prevalence of diabetes was higher among those managed as inpatients (142/486; 29.2%) compared to outpatients (29/360; 8.1%). More than a third of patients with moderate or severe COVID-19 had diabetes (100/261) – mostly with poorly controlled HbA1c (>8%) (48/71; 68%). We found that patients with diabetes were more likely to present with severe COVID-19 (RR 4.09 95% CI 2.48-6.76), had more co-morbidities and were more likely to be managed as inpatients (RR 1.63 95% CI 1.47-1.80), admitted to ICU (aRR 1.99 95% CI 1.21-3.27) and die (RR 3.16 95% CI 1.27-7.88) compared to those without diabetes.

Conclusion: COVID-19 patients with diabetes had more severe outcomes than those without diabetes and they merit closer monitoring with more intensive medical intervention to manage their diabetes alongside the COVID-19 infection.
Brechas de desarrollo productivo en la Región Centro para el período de la posconvertibilidad (2004–2019)
Authors: Rubies Francisco
Published: March 2024

Las disparidades y heterogeneidades existentes, tanto entre países como entre regiones dentro de ellos, han captado el interés de los investigadores a lo largo de todo el siglo XX. En Argentina tales disparidades se han manifestado a través de la existencia de regiones de gran desarrollo económico, con estructuras productivas complejas y diversificadas y otras rezagadas y de baja productividad. Si bien el producto per cápita es una buena medida resumen de desarrollo, carece de gran poder explicativo a la hora de instrumentar políticas públicas, impidiendo identificar qué sectores y regiones deben recibir estímulos y cuáles no. El presente trabajo tiene por objetivo estimar y analizar las brechas desarrollo productivo para la Región Centro en relación con Buenos Aires y el país para el período 2004–2019. El principal hallazgo es que las brechas productivas se han mantenido prácticamente constantes a lo largo de una década y media, evidenciando un estancamiento estructural en todas las dimensiones estudiadas.
Análisis del impacto de la Barrera Zoosanitaria sobre el flujo de exportaciones ganaderas para la Provincia de Río Negro
Authors: Casco Sofía Luciana
Published: March 2024

Este trabajo evalúa, en términos cuantitativos, el impacto de la unificación de la Barrera Zoosanitaria Patagónica contra la Fiebre Aftosa sobre las exportaciones rionegrinas de productos cárnicos vacunos, para el período comprendido entre 2005 y 2017. Con este fin se emplearon en forma complementaria el método de diferencias en diferencias y un modelo gravitacional de comercio exterior. 
Los resultados del análisis realizado muestran que Río Negro posee un desempeño diferencial en sus exportaciones, respecto al del resto de las provincias utilizadas como contraste, aunque no se observan impactos que se puedan adjudicar al cambio en la normativa vigente sobre la cobertura de la barrera sanitaria.