bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conveying Extended Reach Solutions: First Coiled Tubing Perforation in Horizontal Live Gas Wells with Downhole Tractors
Authors: Tapia William R. , Delaune Julien , Villagrana Luis C. , Afsal A. M. , Stephens A. Abouganem , Borkin A. , French A.
Published: March 2024

A comprehensive study was conducted on the strategic utilization of coiled tubing (CT) to convey over 1,200 ft of perforating guns in single runs in extended reach wells, effectively overcoming the lockup effect in 7-in. monobore completion using downhole tractor and real-time monitoring tools. This solution serves as the key enabler for the project, reducing risks and maximizing operational efficiency.

CT reach simulations exposed the limitations in conveying long 2 7/8-in. perforating guns using 2 3/8-in. outside diameter (OD) CT strings to the lowermost intervals. The assessment highlighted the need for additional forces, achievable through hydraulic hammers or downhole tractors, or the options to convey the perforating guns with CT in multiple runs to perforate the lowermost intervals or to rely on conventional tubing-conveyed perforations (TCP) for the most challenging combination of interval length and well trajectory. After a comprehensive risk analysis, downhole tractors emerged as the preferred choice, being less intrusive and more reliable.

The main challenge was to design the bottomhole assembly to allow appropriate circulating parameters for the tractor activation without disrupting the hydraulic firing head activation. Fiber-optics-enabled CT strings facilitated real-time downhole data collection to meet all parameters. Collaborative efforts, meticulous planning, yard tests, and strategic arrangements demonstrated the operational feasibility, inspiring confidence in this technique.

The successful implementation of the CT downhole tractor proved transformative for the project by achieving the ability to perforate deeper and longer intervals without relying on conventional TCP. This resulted in significant cost savings by reducing rig time by at least 3 days per run and minimizing operational complexities. It also eliminated the need for an electromechanical plug setting between the TCP perforation and the completion stages and the removal of the plug prior to the CT stimulation of the perforated intervals.

Compared to TCP, the CT approach exhibited superior efficacy. The strategic implementation of downhole tractors serves as a prime example of innovation, enhancing operational efficiency while staying aligned with the project's vision.
Impact of foliar spray of zinc in nano form on lentil grown under residual fertility of preceding rice
Authors: NANDY POULOMI , Das Sanjib Kumar , Tarafdar Jagadish Chandra
Published: March 2024

Field trials were carried out during the rabi season of 2018-19 and 2019-20 to observe the combined impact of recommended fertilizer dose with or without nano zinc on lentils under residual soil status of preceding rice. The experiment was designed in split-plot with three replications holding sixteen treatment combinations viz. residual effect of eight treatments applied in rice as main plot factors and recommended dose of nutrients with and without nano zinc spray in lentil in two treatments as subplots factors. Experimental results revealed that better growth, yield associating traits and yield of lentil was found in the residual effect of integrated nutrient management treated plots with foliar application of nano zinc. Among the main plot factors residual effect of 50% RDN via synthetic fertilizer + 50% via FYM applied in preceding rice achieved the maximum seed yield and between the subplot factors significantly higher seed yield was obtained from recommended dose of nutrients with nano zinc spray in lentil which was increased by 11.11% than without nano zinc sprayed treatments.
Development and optimization of LSPR-based aptasensor for detection of Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Abolghasemi Zahra , Robatjazi Seyed Morteza , Zeinoddini Mehdi
Published: March 2024

Vibrio cholera was one of the major water-borne pathogens that can enter into the biofilm phase in a period of life; hence, it was challenging to recognize these bacteria. For this, we reported the development of a colorimetric aptasensor based on aptamer and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for effective management and treatment of this disease. The aptamer sequence was selected according to previous work and amplified-based PCR and specific primers. Aptamer with high binding affinity to V.cholerae was firstly immobilized on the surface of GNPs, and detection was accomplished through aggregation of GNPs induced by target bacteria, which was associated with color changes of the reaction after addition of NaCl. To find an optimum condition, a specific approach based on a Taguchi orthogonal array was therefore used to evaluate critical parameters and to optimize them such as conjugation time, temperature, pH, and aptamer concentration. Analysis of signal-to-noise ratios revealed the great influence of temperature and pH on the conjugation of GNPs-aptamers. The optimum conditions for immobilization of aptamer were determined to be 9 for pH, 3 h for incubation time, 10˚C for incubation temperature, and 550nM for aptamer concentration. Under the optimum conditions, a linear calibration relationship was obtained between the ratio of A630/A524 and concentrations of V.cholerae over the range from 102 to 107CFU/mL. The detection limit and time were 6 CFU/mL and 80min, respectively. The developed colorimetric aptasensor is simple, convenient, and suitable for on-site detection of V.cholerae.
Impact of the Pandemic on the Mental Health of Professional Workers
Authors: Atanackovic Jelena , Akuamoah-Boateng Henrietta , Park Jungwee , Corrente Melissa , Bourgeault Ivy Lynn
Published: March 2024

Background:This study focuses on the impact of the pandemic on professional workers from an explicitly comparative perspective. High levels of stress and burnout have been reported among professional workers pre-pandemic, but the pandemic has had unique consequences for certain professional workers. Gender has emerged as a particularly important factor. While the existing research yields important insights of mental health concerns among professional workers, there is a need for more research that examines these impacts empirically, explicitly from a comparative perspective across professions taking gender more fully into consideration.Methods: This paper undertakes a secondary data analysis of two different pan Canadian sources to address the pandemic impact on professional workers: The Canadian Community Health Survey (2020, 2021) administered by Statistics Canada and the Healthy Professional Worker survey (2021). Across the two datasets, we focused on the following professional workers - academics, accountants, dentists, nurses, physicians and teachers - representing a range of work settings and gender composition. Descriptive statistics analyses were conducted to provide prevalence rates of self-perceived worsened mental health since the pandemic and to examine the inter-group differences.Results:Statistical analysis of these two data sources revealed a significant impact of the pandemic on the mental health of professional workers, that there were differences across professional workers and that gender had a notable impact both at the individual and professional level. This included significant differences in self-reported mental health, distress, burnout and presenteeism prior to and during the pandemic, as well as the overall impact of the pandemic on mental health.Conclusions:These findings have timely policy relevance. Specifically, interventions to address the mental health consequences of the pandemic, including their unique gendered dimensions, should take into account the specific impacts and differences revealed through our analysis. In particular, in addition to being gender sensitive, interventions need to take into account the unique circumstances of each profession in order to adequately respond to the mental health needs of each professional group.
The influence of flood risk behavior on crop insurance purchase decisions among Bangladeshi smallholder farmers
Authors: Hossain Md Shakhawat
Published: March 2024

Bangladesh's agricultural sector is at risk from persistent flooding, and substantial crop losses occur without crop insurance. To better understand the connection between farmers' flood risk behavior and their propensity to purchase crop insurance, this study analyzes survey responses, personal risk assessments, and experimentally obtained risk preferences from 480 flood-prone families in northern Bangladesh. To do this, equally likely certainty equivalent (ELCE), risk matrix and probit model were used. Farmers’ insurance purchase decisions were correlated with their experimental measures of risk aversion and subjective risk perception behavior. Farmers who were risk averse and those who predicted a higher possibility of flooding were more likely to obtain crop insurance. Furthermore, farmers' past flood experience, non-farm earnings, farmers’ group, land ownership, accessibility to extension and informational sources all had significant impact on their crop insurance purchase decisions. The findings may assist policymakers understand farmers' flood-risk behavior, leading to more effective flood-risk measures.
Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome Pregnance Outcome and Duration of Labor Stages
Authors: KONUKCU Birsen , Şentürk Mehmet Baki
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Benign joint hypermobility syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder caused by abnormal collagen synthesis. Little is known about its effects on pregnancy and labor. The purpose of this study was to evaluatepregnancy outcomes in women with joint hypermobility syndrome.
Materials and methods: For this prospective study, Brighton scoring was applied to women who were pregnant for less than 10 weeks at our clinic, and the results were noted for these patients; 182 women with joint hypermobility syndrome and 821 healthy women who came to our hospital for delivery were included in our study. Additional problems (abortus imminens intrauterine growth restriction, gestational hypertensive disease, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm premature rupture of membranes, etc.) occurring during the pregnancies of these pregnant women were noted in the hospital records.Laborfollow-up was performed, and data were obtained for obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Results: Compared with those in the control group, women with joint hypermobility syndrome were more likely to experience abortus imminens (11.6%, p = 0.011), preterm birth (6.1%, p = 0.01) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (7.2, p = 0.012). The average number of weeks at which the pregnancy was completed was 38.6, which was shorter than that in the control group. (p 0.001). In the birth phase, the 1ststage active phase (237 min) and 2ndstage active phase (16.75 min) were shorter than those in the control group (p 0.001), while no significant differences were observed in terms of cesarean section rates, cesarean indications or neonatal outcomes.
Conclusion. Women with joint hypermobility syndrome seem to be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
PAIN-AGE, a Controlled Before/After Study Assessing an Audit and Feedback Perioperative Pain Management Intervention in Older Patients with Hip Fracture.
Authors: Drevet Sabine , Boussat Bastien , Grevy Armance , Brevet Audrey , Olive Frederic , Richard Marion , Marchesi Laura , Guyomard Alize , Maindet Caroline , Pailhe Regis , Duval Brice Rubens , Bouzat Pierre , Tonetti Jérôme , Bioteau Catherine , Gavazzi Gaetan , Francois Patrice , Gibert Prudence
Published: March 2024

Background
Pain in older adults is historically neglected. The study assessed the ability of an audit and feedback (A&F) intervention built with nurses to improve the quality of perioperative pain management in older patients hospitalized for hip fracture.
Methods
Controlled before/after study in an orthogeriatric unit (experimental group); a conventional orthopedic unit served as control (no intervention). Quality of perioperative pain management was evaluated based on acetaminophen distribution and prescription adherence. The primary endpoint was the evolution of the percentage of patients who received 3g/day of acetaminophen during the three postoperative days. Secondary endpoints included nurses’ adherence to medical prescriptions and factors associated with intervention. The significative level was set at 0.05 for statistical analysis.
Results
We studied data from 398 patients (mean age, 89 years). During the postoperative period, 16% of patients from the experimental group received 3g/day of acetaminophen before the A&F intervention; the percentage reached 60% after the intervention. The likelihood of receiving 3g/day of acetaminophen during the postoperative period and adhering to the medical prescription of acetaminophen were significantly increased in the experimental group as compared with the control group. The patient’s functional status at discharge (assessed by Activities of Daily Living scores) was significantly better and the length of hospital stay significantly reduced after the A&F intervention.
Conclusion
Our controlled before/after study showed that an A&F intervention significantly improved perioperative pain management in older adults hospitalized for hip fracture. Involving teams in continuous education programs appears crucial to improve the quality of pain management and ensure nurses’ adherence to medical prescriptions.
Transcriptional Responses of Sodium-Silicate-Induced Potato Resistance Against Rhizoctonia solani AG-3
Authors: Feng YaYan , hao jianjun , zhang dongmei , huo hongli , li lele , xiu zhijun , yang chunfang , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: March 2024

Stem canker and black scurf of potatoes, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is a highly destructive worldwide. In controlling the disease, the application of sodium silicate in potato fields has shown promise in improving potato resistance against R. solani, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we used RNA sequencing analysis to examine the transcriptome of potato subterraneous stems of potato plants. These stems were both inoculated with R. solani and treated with sodium silicate, while a control group received no sodium silicate treatment. Transcriptome analysis was performed at 4, 8, and 12 days post-application (Group SS) and compared with the control (Group CK). A total of 1491 genes were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Furthermore, these DEGs are involved in hydrolase activity, plant-pathogen interactions, hormone signal transduction, and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. These findings suggest that the application of sodium silicate induces a complex defense network in plants, involving physical barriers, innate immunity, phytohormone signaling, and various phenylpropanoid compounds, to combat R. solani infection. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sodium silicate-induced resistance and its potential for reducing stem canker and black scurf in potato crops.
Association between ethylene oxide and the risk of depression symptoms in US adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES
Authors: zhang huanli , Zhang Zhen , wang chunyan
Published: March 2024

Ethylene oxide (EO) is an organic compound widely distributed in the environment. However, the association between EO exposure and the risk of depression remains uncertain. The objective of our study was to evaluate the potential link between EO exposure and depression risk.In this cross-sectional study, a total of 5,120 persons aged 20 years or older from 2013 to March 2020 NHANES database were included. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and scored by asking respondents about the frequency of depressive symptoms in the past two weeks, with a total score of ≥ 10 considered clinically relevant depression. Logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression modeling, and sensitive analyses were used to assess whether hemoglobin adducts of blood ethylene oxide (HbEO) were associated with depression.In this study, the overall prevalence of depression was 7.8%, and the prevalence was 6.2% in male VS 9.3% in female. Regression analysis using log2-transformed HbEO as a continuous and quartile variable revealed that blood HbEO levels were associated with the risk of depression, not only different depressive symptoms,but the different factor models.
Thermal and Chemical Characterization of Bleached Cellulose From Horse Grass (Andropogon Tectorum)
Authors: Otitoju Olawale , Ashogbon Adeleke Omodunbi
Published: March 2024

Horse grass fibers were pretreated with 10% (w/v) sulfuric acid solution to eliminate hemicelluloses and obtained cellulose fibers. Cellulose fibers obtained were then de-lignified with 25% methanol, 60 min cooking time at 1210C, and later subjected to hydrogen peroxide–acetic acid (HPAC) bleaching process. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry, Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), analysis was applied to analyze treated cellulose fibers obtained from horse grass. The chemical analysis showed cellulose yields of 48.10%, 82.74%, and, 92.59% for raw horse grass fibers, methanol-treated fibers, and hydrogen peroxide acetic acid treated fibers respectively. The FT-IR spectral characterization has established the elimination of hemicelluloses and lignin. TGA analysis results showed that treated fibers have high thermal stability. XRD results show diffraction peaks that are comparable to cellulose pulp. It was, therefore, concluded that horse grass fibers can serve as alternative raw materials for cellulose production.
Preventing Overdoses Involving Stimulants: The POINTS Study Protocol
Authors: Hughto Jaclyn , Rich Josiah , Kelly Patrick , Vento Stephanie , Silcox Joseph , Noh Madeline , Pletta David , Erowid Earth , Erowid Fire , Green Traci
Published: March 2024

Background: In recent years, overdoses involving illicit cocaine, methamphetamine, and other stimulants have increased in the U.S. The unintentional consumption of stimulants containing illicit fentanyl is a major risk factor for overdoses, particularly in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Understanding the drug use patterns and strategies used by people who use stimulants (PWUS) to prevent overdose is necessary to identify risk and protective factors for stimulant-involved overdoses. Mixed-methods research with people who distribute drugs (PWDD) can also provide critical information into the mechanisms through which fentanyl may enter the stimulant supply, and the testing of drug samples can further triangulate PWUS and PWDD perspectives regarding the potency and adulteration of the drug supply. These epidemiological methods can inform collaborative intervention development efforts with community leaders to identify feasible, acceptable, and scalable strategies to prevent fatal and non-fatal overdoses in high-risk communities.
Methods: Our overall objective is to reduce stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses in regions disproportionately affected by the overdose epidemic. To meet this long-term objective, we employ a multi-pronged approach to identify risk and protective factors for unintentional stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses among PWUS, and use these findings to develop a package of locally tailored intervention strategies that can be swiftly implemented to prevent overdoses. Specifically, this study aims to [1] Carry out mixed-methods research with incarcerated and non-incarcerated people who use or distribute illicit stimulants to identify risk and protective factors for stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses; [2] Conduct drug checking to examine the presence and relative quantity of fentanyl and other adulterants in the stimulant supply; and [3] Convene a series of working groups with community stakeholders involved in primary and secondary overdose prevention in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to contextualize our mixed-methods findings and identify multilevel intervention strategies to prevent stimulant-involved overdoses.
Discussion: Completion of this study will yield a rich understanding of the social epidemiology of stimulant and opioid-involved overdoses in addition to community-derived intervention strategies that can be readily implemented and scaled to prevent such overdoses in two states disproportionately impacted by the opioid and overdose crises: Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Effects of the Active Break intervention on nonspecific low back pain among young people: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Plandowska Magdalena , Labecka Marta Kinga , Truszczyńska-Baszak Aleksandra , Rajabi Reza , Różańska Dorota , Płaszewski Maciej
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Every end-range position maintained for a prolonged time causes a static load on the spine and may lead to musculoskeletal discomfort. Prolonged flexed sitting is a strong predictor of low back pain (LBP). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Active Break intervention with the spine extension program in reducing LBP and perceived low back discomfort during prolonged sitting among young people.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among young people with non-specific LBP. Participants were randomized into groups: an experimental group participating in the tested Active Break intervention (AB-group, n=25), and a control group (C-group, n=25) with self-administered care recommendations. The program took 12 weeks. The outcomes were average pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), disability (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI), perceived low back discomfort (LBD) during prolonged sitting (Borg scale), and global perceived improvement (Global Perceived Effect).
Results: VAS, ODI, and LBD scores after the 12-week intervention were significantly lower than those at baseline in the AB-group. In the C-group, differences were not statistically significant. Post-intervention inter-group VAS, LBD, and GPE differences were significant.
Conclusions: The 12-week study of the Active Break intervention for young people with non-specific low back pain demonstrated significant improvement. Our research offers valuable evidence-based practices for managing and preventing low back pain, benefiting individuals, educators, healthcare professionals, personal trainers, and family physicians.
Effects of sunflower cake in lamb diets on meat quality and its fatty acid profile
Authors: Costa Ana Claudia da , Fonseca Alessandra S. R. , Abreu Matheus Lima Correa , de Paula Nelcino Francisco , Zervodakis Joanis Tilemahos , Silva Luciana Kimie Savay da , Costa Quezia P.B. , Costa Dorival P.B. , Roça Roberto , Rodrigues Deivison Novaes , Negrão Fagton de Mattos , Cabral Luciano da Silva
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sunflower cake (SFC) levels (0, 7, 14, 21 and 28% dry matter) in the diet for feedlot lambs on meat quality and its fatty acid profile. Forty crossbreed non castrated hair lambs were fed with experimental diets through 70 days when they were slaughtered and a Longissimus lumborum section were evaluated for physicochemical quality and fatty acid profile. There were no effects of SFC levels (P > 0.05) on chemical composition of meat, except on moisture (P < 0.05) which was quadratically affected by SFC. The fat thickness (EG) was quadratically affected by SFC level (P < 0.05), but cooking losses, meat pH, shear force, loin eye area were not affected by SFC. The saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), total of unsaturated fatty acids (TUFA) and MUFA: SFA ratio were not affected by the inclusion of SFC (P < 0.05), however, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and PUFA:SFA ratio increased linearly (P < 0.05) while saturated hypercholesterolemic (SHC) were quadratically affected (P < 0.05). The SFC promoted a linear decrease on palmitoleic acid in the meat whereas linoleic, cis-9, trans-11 CLA and trans-10, cis-12 CLA were linearly increased (P < 0.05). Taken together, these data suggest that SFC fed up 28% on dry matter basis in lamb diets do not cause negative effects on meat quality and still promote improvement on its quality in health perspective by increasing CLA content.
A novel theoretical model to predict thawing settlement of clayey permafrost
Authors: Qu Haigang , Tang Aiping , Zhao Anping , Mu Dianrui , Wang Zhongyue
Published: March 2024

As infrastructure construction increases in cold climates, the thermal deformation of frozen soil needs to be taken seriously. In contrast to frost heave, thawing settlement is another type of thermal deformation less attention received in recent years but has yet caused significant harm to early infrastructure like roadways, railways, and pipelines in cold climates. Engineers attempted to foresee the thawing settlement of frozen soil before design, but there was no universally accepted and satisfactory theoretical model for the prediction. Based on the four-phase charting of frozen soil and taking into account the change of frozen soil systems experiencing thawing settlement, an original theoretical model is developed. The derivation offers seven postulates, induces three new factors that describe the thermal-hydraulic- structural characteristics of soil, and attempts to take specimen scale into account. The innovative model adopts initial water content and dry density to forecast the thawing settlement coefficient. Thawing settlement data of clayey permafrost from various regions of Northeast China were substituted for verification. The model demonstrates that in addition to the initial water content and dry density, the unfrozen water content, water holding capacity, and skeletal structure maintenance properties of frozen soil also affect the thawing settlement of frozen clayey permafrost but with different weights. The model also explains some essence of thawing settlement distribution problems. Finally, a happening probability list of various thawing settlement coefficients is provided based on the probability of various combinations of water-holding capacity and skeleton structure.
A Pathway for Nurses From Work Strain to Anger: Mediation of Social Intelligence
Authors: SEN Hanife TIRYAKI , TÜRKMEN Emine , KARATEPE Hilal KUŞCU , YURTSEVER Demet
Published: March 2024

Background
This study aimed to determine the mediating role of social intelligence in the effect of nurses' work-related strain on trait anger and anger expressions. The challenging working conditions for nurses often result in increased strain and anger. Social intelligence could help to manage anger.
Methods
This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with 446 nurses at a public hospital in Türkiye between April and May, 2021. The questionnaire consisted of nurse demographics, Trait Anger and Anger Expression Inventory, Tromso Social Intelligent Scale, and Work-Related Strain Inventory. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient were conducted using SPSS (v.26) and mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS macro (Hayes, model 4).
Findings:
Social intelligence played a mediating role in the effect of work-related strain on trait anger, anger-in, anger-out, and anger-control (β = .105, β = .100, β = .131, β=-.136, respectively). Social intelligence reduced the effect of work-related strain on trait anger and anger in/out expressions, while increasing anger control.
Conclusion
The findings of this study show that social intelligence could be used to manage anger of nurses. Nurse managers could implement initiatives aimed at managing nurses' anger and anger expressions through the decreasing of work-related strain and increasing of nurses’ social intelligence.
Inclusive Climate Action: A Scoping Review on the Representation and Inclusion of People with Intellectual Disability in Climate Change Research
Authors: Watfern Chloe , Carnemolla Phillippa
Published: March 2024

Climate change disproportionally affects people with intellectual disability. Despite this, people with intellectual disability are rarely included in conversations about just environmental futures. Using PRISMA-P guidelines, this scoping review maps the academic literature surrounding intellectual disability and climate change. We identified three key themes in the thirteen articles included in our review. First, people with intellectual disability experience heightened risks and barriers during and after natural disasters. Second, they are largely absent from government disaster planning and response. Third, inclusive education initiatives are in their infancy. Overall, people with intellectual disability are not involved as leaders or collaborators in research or practice related to climate change. The literature focuses almost exclusively on natural disasters as opposed to the broader context of the climate crisis. We take a critical lens, reframing the role of people with intellectual disability in climate change discourses: from helpless victims to potential caretakers and advocates for a safer climate.
A Scoping Review of COVID-19 and Other Vaccination Models for Refugees and Migrants
Authors: Aghajafari Fariba , Guzek Dorota , Kamal Huzaifa , Ness Alyssa , Wall Laurent , McClurg Caitlin , Pooladi-Darvish Arshya , Weightman Amanda M. , Coakley Annalee
Published: March 2024

Background: Refugees and migrants face inequities in healthcare and vaccination access. Diverse vaccination programs have been implemented globally to address refugee specific COVID-19 inequities to access, hesitancy and barriers to vaccination. The aim of this scoping review was to review evidence on the models of delivery of COVID-19 and other vaccinations for refugee and migrant populations.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Eleven electronic databases including SCOPUS, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science as well as grey literature were searched with the keywords COVID-19, vaccines/immunizations, refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants for all studies published between the years 2000 to October 2023. The main outcome was models of delivery of COVID-19 vaccines or other vaccines for refugee or migrant populations. Models of delivery were reviewed and thematically analyzed using the World Health Organization’s 2022 operational guide, Strengthening COVID-19 vaccine demand and uptake in refugees and migrants.
Results: A total of n=11,825 unique studies were identified through database searches. A total of thirty-three (n=33) studies met full-text inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Fifteen studies (n=15) focused on the COVID-19 vaccine, while other studies (n=18) focused on influenza (n=6), HPV (n=2), Hepatitis B (n=2), multiple vaccines (n=5), and polio, cholera, and meningococcal vaccinations (n=3). COVID-19 vaccine models of delivery often utilized innovative social media strategies and relied on frameworks to drive interventions. Furthermore, models of vaccine delivery included multiple components which leveraged community and multi-stakeholder partnerships and co-design strategies, while striving to deliver culturally-sensitive approaches with accessible vaccination services.
Conclusions: Models of vaccine delivery for refugees and migrants are multipronged, utilizing various strategies and extensive community and multisectoral collaborations to address accessibility barriers in alignment with most WHO recommendations for vaccinating refugee and migrant populations. An increasing reliance on innovative social media, co-design, and customization strategies drives interventions. Further collection and use of disaggregated real-time data to inform and evaluate customized strategies for specific migrant groups is recommended.
Hyperconnectivity and connectome gradient dysfunction of cerebello-thalamo-cortical circuitry in Alzheimer’s disease spectrum disorders
Authors: Yao Chenyang , Shan Yi , Cui Bixiao , Chen Zhigeng , Bi Sheng , Wang Tao , Yan Shaozhen , Lu Jie
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Cerebellar functional connectivity changes have been reported in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but a comprehensive framework integrating these findings is lacking. This retrospective study investigates the cerebello-thalamo-cortical (CTC) circuit in AD, using functional gradient analysis to elucidate deficits and potential biomarkers.
Method:246 participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) (58 AD, 103 mild cognitive impairment [MCI], 85 normal cognitions [CN]) underwent 3T MRI. The CTC circuitry was constructed using T1 weighted imaging and resting-state functional MRI. Voxel-based gradient values were analyzed globally, in subfields, and cerebellar functional networks. Cognitive scores (MMSE, MoCA, ADAS-Cog) were assessed at each ADNI site. Statistical analyses included ANCOVA, post hoc analyses, Pearson correlations, LASSO regression, logistic regression, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. False discovery rate (FDR) corrections were used, setting the statistical significance threshold was set at P < 0.05.
Results: AD and MCI individuals exhibited increased CTC connectivity compared to CN (all P < 0.05). Average CTC connectivity did not correlate with cognitive scores (P > 0.05), but specific CTC edges were correlated. LASSO regression identified 20 discriminative edges, achieving high accuracy in AD-CN classification (AUC = 0.92 training, AUC = 0.80 test). Thalamic and cerebellar gradient distributions differed significantly across groups (all P < 0.05), with specific regions showing distinct gradient scores. Five cerebellar functional networks exhibited decreased gradient scores.
Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence supporting CTC hyperconnectivity as a potential diagnostic biomarker for AD. It suggests the involvement of the thalamus and cerebellum in cognitive impairment in individuals with AD.
Implementing Competency-based Medical Education in Japan Through Information and Communication Technology, Self-management, and Medical Exploration Post-COVID-19: Content Analysis and Nationwide Comparative Studies
Authors: Onodera Misaki , Takahashi Zaiya , Kasai Hajime , Yokoh Hidetaka , Shikino Kiyoshi , Kimura Yasuhiko , Shimizu Ikuo , Yamauchi Kazuyo , Asahina Mayumi , Ito Shoichi
Published: March 2024

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to considerable advances in medical education through technological integration. The crisis generated by the pandemic in medical practice, education, and evolving technology has led to changes in the skills of medical professionals. This study aimed to examine the competencies required of medical students in the post-pandemic era.
Methods
We conducted two studies. Study 1 explored the competencies of medical students necessary after the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted group work with faculty members and students from Chiba University School of Medicine and coded the collected data using content analysis to extract the competencies. In Study 2, we compared the categories classified in Study 1 with the competencies required prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which were extracted from the websites of 82 medical schools and colleges in Japan, to identify the differences in competencies before and after the pandemic. In Study 1, the competencies ascertained during the workshop were coded into 12 categories and 62 subcategories.
Results
The results of Study 2 showed that the increased occurrence of competencies was related to the utilization of information and communication technology and artificial intelligence, self-management, information gathering and explanation, liberal arts and generic skills, and exploring medicine and medical care/research presentations. The prevalence rates of these factors prior to the COVID-19 outbreak were 17.1%, 28.0%, 39.0%, 41.5%, and 48.8%, respectively.
Conclusions
Competency-based medical education in information and communication technology, self-management, and medical exploration has become increasingly important after the pandemic. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an educational curriculum to enable medical students to acquire these competencies. The study findings contribute to the literature on medical education and offer valuable insight into setting effective academic goals and designing suitable curricula for undergraduate medical students in the post-pandemic era.
Economics of First-line Treatment with Tislelizumab in Patients with Nonsquamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Four-state Markov Model
Authors: Wang Lin , Liu Ting , Lin Xihan , Zhang Yu , Shi Luwen , You Ruxu , Liu Jinyu
Published: March 2024

Background
Tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy has demonstrated significant clinical benefits as a first-line treatment for patients with nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (nsq-NSCLC). This study aimed to evaluate its cost-effectiveness from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system.
Methods
A dynamic four-state Markov model was adapted to China’s settings to project health outcomes and costs over a lifetime horizon. Model health states included progression-free survival (PFS), progressive disease state (PDS), terminal progressive disease (TPD) or death. Clinical data for tislelizumab were sourced from a multicenter, open-label, randomized phase III clinical trial conducted at 47 research sites in China. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) served as the primary outcome measure, with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) calculated accordingly. We conducted sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of the base-case results.
Results
According to the base-case analysis, compared with chemotherapy alone, tislelizumab combination therapy resulted in an incremental cost per patient of $19,594.75 and an incremental outcome of 1.06 QALYs, yielding an ICER of $18,512.47/QALY. This ICER ($18,512.47/QALY) falls below the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of three times the 2023 per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of China ($36,672.23/QALY), suggesting that tislelizumab is an economically favorable choice. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the base-case results.
Conclusion
Given that the WTP threshold set at three times the 2023 per capita GDP of China, tislelizumab combination therapy can be considered a cost-effective first-line treatment option for patients with NSCLC.
Dipodidae (Rodentia, Mammalia) from the Miocene of Damiao, Nei Mongol, China
Authors: Ma Hai-Dan , Zhang Zhao-Qun , Bi Shun-Dong
Published: March 2024

The Damiao deposit in Nei Mongol, China is a crucial locality for Neogene stratigraphy and faunal turnover in Central Asia. In this study, we described thirteen dipodid species, including two new species, Sinozapus damiaoensis sp. nov. and Lophocricetus parvus sp. nov.. Sinozapus damiaoensis sp. nov. is distinguished by the metaloph connecting to the central hypocone on M1-2, the absence of the anterior arm of the protoconid, and the posterior arm of the protoconid merging with the metaconid on m2. Lophocricetus parvus sp. nov. presents a suit of transitional morphological traits between Heterosminthus and Lophocricetus. It is similar to Heterosminthus by its small size, the presence of the mesocone and mesoloph on M1-2, double anteroloph on M2, remnant of the pseudomesolophid, and the posterior crest of the protoconid on m1. Meanwhile, it possesses the characteristics of Lophocricetus, including the protostyle on M1 and the connection of hypoconid-entoconid on m1. These two new species represent the earliest records of their respective genera. These new fossil records further expand the diversity of Neogene dipodids. Additionally, biostratigraphic comparisons with adjacent regions have refined the Neogene stratigraphic framework of the central Nei Mongol. Faunal transitions can be observed from small, low-crowned primitive taxa adapted to the relatively humid environments of the Early Miocene to an increasing ecological diversification by the late Middle Miocene. The emergence of desert-adapted jerboa taxa indicates regional aridification and grassland expansion. However, relict sicistines and zapodines suggest localized persistence of humid refugia during broader drying, which is consistent with previous studies.
Coupling coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation with adsorption on biosorbent (Corncob) for the removal of textile dyes from aqueous solutions
Authors: Rahmoun Hadj Boumedien , Boumediene Maamar , Ghenim Abderahmane Nekkache , Silva Eduardo Ferreira , Labrincha João
Published: March 2024

In this study, we assessed the efficacy of coupling coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation (CFS) with adsorption onto a biosorbent (corncob) for the removal of textile dyes from aqueous solutions. Two synthetic dyes, Bemacron Blue RS 01 (BB-RS01) and Bemacid Marine N-5R (BM-N5R), were selected for examination. Initially, aluminum sulphate (Al2(SO4)3.18H2O) served as the coagulant, followed by the addition of superfloc 8396 as a flocculation polymer. Corncob (CC) acted as the biosorbent material for adsorption. We optimized coagulation parameters, including coagulant and flocculant doses, and assessed pH influence. In the adsorption phase, we investigated adsorbent mass, particle size, pH, temperature, contact time, and initial dye concentration. Analytical techniques such as FTIR, SEM, TGA, BET, and pHpzc were employed to characterize corncob (CC). Both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were employed to analyze equilibrium adsorption data, with the Langmuir isotherm yielding the highest correlation (0.94 < R2 < 0.97). Our results demonstrated significant reduction in dye concentration through CFS, achieving elimination rates of 94% at pH 6 for BB-RS01 and 90.3% at pH 4 for BM-N5R. Corncob's adsorption for each dye was notably influenced by solution pH during the adsorption process, with removal rates of 26.19% observed at pH 6 for BB-RS01 and 7.69% for BM-N5R at pH 4. Maximum dye adsorption capacities were 99.01 mg/g for BB-RS01 and 46.08 mg/g for BM-N5R. This study underscores the effectiveness of coupling CFS with corncob adsorption for efficient and economical dye removal, especially with agricultural waste as an adsorbent material.
Personalized Prediction of Survival Rate with Combination of Penalized Cox Models and Machine Learning in Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lee Seon Hwa , Cha Jae Myung , Shin Seung Jun
Published: March 2024

Background The investigation into individual survival rates within the patient population was typically conducted using the Cox proportional hazards model, with geometric black box models not being employed Aims We aims to evaluate the performance of machine learning algorithm in predicting survival rates more than 5 years for individual patients with colorectal cancer. Methods A total of 475 patients with CRC and complete data who had underwent surgery for colorectal cancer were analyze to measure individual's survival rate more than 5 years using a machine learning based on penalized Cox regression. We conducted thorough calculations to measure the individual's survival rate more than 5 years for performance evaluation. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the LASSO penalized model, the SCAD penalized model, the unpenalized model, and the RSF model were analyzed. Results The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalized model displayed a mean AUC of 0.67 ± 0.06, the smoothly clipped absolute deviation penalized model exhibited a mean AUC of 0.65 ± 0.07, the unpenalized model showed a mean AUC of 0.64 ± 0.09. Notably, the random survival forests model outperformed the others, demonstrating the most favorable performance evaluation with a mean AUC of 0.71 ± 0.05. Conclusions Penalized Cox model is more efficient and leads to a more generalized model selection compared to the unpenalized Cox model as a prognosis prediction model for CRC. The results indicated that the random forest model, a black box model, outperformed the penalized Cox model in terms of performance.
Trends in the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer in the Netherlands from 2016 to 2020, a national cancer registry analysis
Authors: Suazo-Zepeda E. , Maas W. J. , Vinke P. C. , Hiltermann T. J.N. , Aarts M. J. , Bock G. H. , Heuvelmans M. A.
Published: March 2024

Introduction
This study aims to describe immune checkpoint inhibitors’ (ICIs) prescription trends for Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the Netherlands and their association with survival. We compared our results with data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Methods
We analyzed ICIs prescription trends and their relationship with survival using national-level data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) for first-line treatments from 2016–2020. Additionally, we performed a secondary analysis using data from the Oncological Life Study (OncoLifeS) for any-line treatments. Descriptive statistics and annual percentage change (APC) assessed trends in patient and treatment characteristics. Overall survival analyses were performed.
Results
In the Netherlands (2016–2020) the proportion of first-line ICI-treated NSCLC patients significantly increased from 1.1–54.9% (APC = 14.5%, p = 0.002), replacing chemotherapy monotherapy. Stage III ICI-treated patients' proportion increased (APC = 3.5%, p = 0.034), while the proportion of ICI-treated patients with ≥ 50% PD-L1 expression decreased (APC=-13.82%, p = 0.039). 2-year overall survival (OS) was 25.9%. Median OS increased from 2016 to 2018 (16.6 to 19.4 months) and declined in 2019 and 2020 (17.3 and 16.6 months, respectively). In the secondary analysis, median OS varied by treatment line, being 18.8, 9.4 and 7.5 months for first-, second- and third-line treated patients respectively.
Conclusion
Using real-world data, we determined that ICI-based therapies replaced chemotherapy-only schemes as first-line treatment for NSCLC. Our survival data is comparable with data from RCTs on first-line ICI-treated NSCLC. The decreased survival over time may be attributed to the proportional decrease of individuals with ≥ 50% PD-L1 expression in treatment regimens. Further-line treatments are associated with lower survival.
Unraveling the Help-Seeking Process and Predictors of Mental Health Care Use among Individuals with Depressive Symptoms: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Peter Lina-Jolien , Juergensen Vanessa , Steyrl David , Lor Cindy Sumaly , Bui Anh Phi , McLaren Thomas , Muehlan Holger , Schmidt Silke , Schomerus Georg
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The goal of the study was to identify the most important influences on help-seeking from a wide range of factors. We incorporated findings from research areas of health behaviors, stigma, and motivation.
Methods
A sample of 1368 adults with untreated depressive symptoms participated in an online survey with three- and six-month follow-ups. We conducted multiple linear regressions for (a) help-seeking attitudes, (b) help-seeking intentions, and logistic regression for (c) help-seeking behavior with machine learning.
Results
While self-stigma and treatment experience are important for attitudes, complaint perception is relevant for intention. The best predictor for healthcare use remains the intention. Along the help-seeking process, we detected a shift of relevant factors from broader perceptions of mental illness and help-seeking, to concrete suffering, i.e. subjective symptom perception.
Conclusion
The results suggest a spectrum of influencing factors ranging from personal, self-determined factors to socially normalized factors. We discuss social influences on informal and professional help-seeking. [Clinical trials registration masked for review]
Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register: [masked for review]. Registered 11 December 2020. World Health Organization, Universal Trial Number: [masked for review]. Registered 16 February 2021.