bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Self-Management Platform for Adult Asthma: Randomized Attention-Placebo Controlled Trial
Authors: Kandola Aaron , Edwards Kyra , Straatman Joris , Dührkoop Bettina , Hein Bettina , Hayes Joseph
Published: April 2024

Background

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide, with a substantial individual and health care burden. Digital apps hold promise as a highly accessible, low-cost method of enhancing self-management in asthma, which is critical to effective asthma control.

Objective

We conducted a fully remote randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the efficacy of juli, a commercially available smartphone self-management platform for asthma.

Methods

We conducted a pragmatic single-blind, RCT of juli for asthma management. Our study included participants aged 18 years and older who self-identified as having asthma and had an Asthma Control Test (ACT) score of 19 or lower (indicating uncontrolled asthma) at the beginning of the trial. Participants were randomized (1:1 ratio) to receive juli for 8 weeks or a limited attention-placebo control version of the app. The primary outcome measure was the difference in ACT scores after 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes included remission (ACT score greater than 19), minimal clinically important difference (an improvement of 3 or more points on the ACT), worsening of asthma, and health-related quality of life. The primary analysis included participants using the app for 8 weeks (per-protocol analysis), and the secondary analysis used a modified intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis.

Results

We randomized 411 participants between May 2021 and April 2023: a total of 152 (37%) participants engaged with the app for 8 weeks and were included in the per-protocol analysis, and 262 (63.7%) participants completed the week-2 outcome assessment and were included in the modified ITT analysis. Total attrition between baseline and week 8 was 259 (63%) individuals. In the per-protocol analysis, the intervention group had a higher mean ACT score (17.93, SD 4.72) than the control group (16.24, SD 5.78) by week 8 (baseline adjusted coefficient 1.91, 95% CI 0.31-3.51; P=.02). Participants using juli had greater odds of achieving or exceeding the minimal clinically important difference at 8 weeks (adjusted odds ratio 2.38, 95% CI 1.20-4.70; P=.01). There were no between group differences in the other secondary outcomes at 8 weeks. The results from the modified ITT analyses were similar.

Conclusions

Users of juli had improved asthma symptom control over 8 weeks compared with users of a version of the app with limited functionality. These findings suggest that juli is an effective digital self-management platform that could augment existing care pathways for asthma. The retention of patients in RCTs and real-world use of digital health care apps is a major challenge.

Trial Registration

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) registry ISRCTN87679686; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN87679686
The Use of Digital Technologies in the Promotion of Health Literacy and Empowerment of Informal Caregivers: Scoping Review
Authors: Soares Suzete , Hoffmeister Louíse Viecili , Fernandes Maria de Fátima , Henriques Adriana , Costa Andreia
Published: April 2024

Background

Informal caregivers (IC) play an important role in the community as health care providers for people who are dependent on self-care. Health literacy contributes to empowerment, better care, and self-management of one’s own health and can be developed using digital technologies.

Objective

This study aims to map scientific evidence about the use of digital technologies to promote health literacy and the empowerment of ICs.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, and PubMed databases were searched to find primary studies on the theme. Inclusion criteria were based on the Population, Concept, and Context logic. To be selected for analysis, studies must have involved informal or family caregivers aged ≥18 years who provide care to dependent persons and who have access to the internet and digital devices (computer, smartphone, and tablet). A total of 2 independent researchers (SS and LVH) performed the screening process. This study is part of a main project that was approved by the Ethics Committee for Health of the Regional Health Administration of Lisbon and Tagus Valley (reference 058/CES/INV/2022).

Results

A total of 9 studies were included in the review. The analysis of the studies showed that ICs use digital tools, such as computers and smartphones, with smartphones being the preferred tool. ICs use the internet to access information; manage home tasks; communicate with relatives, their peers, and health care professionals; and take part in forums. Due to difficulties in leaving their houses, forums are highly valued to preserve human connections.

Conclusions

The use of digital technologies to convey clear, objective, reliable, and accessible information is a strategic action for promoting health literacy and for contemplating the variable care needs of ICs. By working with ICs in the development of new technologies, researchers are building a new tool that meets ICs’ needs.
Marital Self-Disclosure Intervention for the Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Chinese Patients With Gastric Cancer: Protocol for a Quasiexperimental Study
Authors: Zhao Haiyan , Zhou Ye , Che Chong Chin , Chong Mei Chan , Zheng Yu , Hou Yuzhu , Chen Canjuan , Zhu Yantao
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients with gastric cancer experience different degrees of fear of cancer recurrence. The fear of cancer recurrence can cause and worsen many physical and psychological problems. We considered the “intimacy and relationship processes in couples’ psychosocial adaptation” model.

Objective

The study aims to examine the effectiveness of a marital self-disclosure intervention for improving the level of fear of cancer recurrence and the dyadic coping ability among gastric cancer survivors and their spouses.

Methods

This is a quasiexperimental study with a nonequivalent (pretest-posttest) control group design. The study will be conducted at 2 tertiary hospitals in Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. A total of 42 patients with gastric cancer undergoing chemotherapy and their spouses will be recruited from each hospital. Participants from Jingjiang People’s Hospital will be assigned to an experimental group, while participants from Taizhou People’s Hospital will be assigned to a control group. The participants in the experimental group will be involved in 4 phases of the marital self-disclosure (different topics, face-to-face) intervention. Patients will be evaluated at baseline after a diagnosis of gastric cancer and reassessed 2 to 4 months after baseline. The primary outcome is the score of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF) for patients. The secondary outcomes are the scores of the FoP-Q-SF for partners and the Dyadic Coping Inventory.

Results

Research activities began in October 2022. Participant enrollment and data collection began in February 2023 and are expected to be completed in 12 months. The primary results of this study are anticipated to be announced in June 2024.

Conclusions

This study aims to assess a marital self-disclosure intervention for improving the fear of cancer recurrence in Chinese patients with gastric cancer and their spouses. The study is likely to yield desirable positive outcomes as marital self-disclosure is formulated based on evidence and inputs obtained through stakeholder interviews and expert consultation. The study process will be carried out by nurses who have received psychological training, and the quality of the intervention will be strictly controlled.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05606549; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05606549

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/55102
Kecenderungan orthorexia nervosa pada mahasiswa program studi gizi
Authors: Khusna Syifaul , Warsini Sri , Helmiyanti Siti
Published: April 2024

Orthorexia nervosa tendency in nutritional studentsBackground: Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is a condition when someone is over obsessive about healthy food, and focus on food quality can lead to disturbed life. One of the vulnerable group is health related student which include health nutrition student. There is no research about this.Objectives: The study aims to  evaluate the prevalence of ON tendency on nutritional student, and explore and investigate the related factors between common characteristics and ON tendency.Methods: This study is descriptive research with a cross-sectional design involving 100 samples of nutrition students chosen by proportional random sampling. Questionnaire-based on an Indonesian version of ORTO-15 which has been validated. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney, Spearman Rank, and multivariate.Results: Orthorexia nervosa tendency was documented in 38% of the sample (using cut-off point 40). The mean score of the participants from the ORTO-15 test is 39.99± 3.221. Meal frequencies were associated with ON tendency (p=0.040). While no significant correlation between orthorexic tendencies with sex, allergy, dietary pattern, frequent exercising, amount of social media accounts, and accessing social media duration (p>0.05).Conclusions: The prevalence of ON tendencies in nutritional students is 38%. The factor that influences the tendency to ON is the frequency of eating.
Faktor prediktor malnutrisi rumah sakit pada anak di RSUP Dr. Sardjito
Authors: Arsyad Muhammad Tsani , Nurani Neti , Indrawanti Ratni
Published: April 2024

Predictors of pediatric hospital acquired malnutrition in a Sardjito HospitalBackground: In hospitalized children, nutrition is essential for the healing process as well as for reaching adequate growth. Hospital-acquired malnutrition (HAM) is declining in children’s body weight during hospitalization. The impact of undetected HAM including an increase in length of stay, increase in mortality, slowing of healing process, and increasing in hospital bills.Objectives: This study aims to determine the predictive factors of HAM.Method: A prospective study was performed. Samples were 1-month-old – 18-years-old children who hospitalized in pediatric ward of Sardjito Hospital in Yogyakarta from February 2023 to April 2023. Samples were taken using a consecutive sampling method. The relationship between variables was presented as odds ratio (OR), confidence intervals of 95%, the score for each variable, and statistical significance levels p < 0.05.Results: 21 of 196 patients were diagnosed as HAM, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.1: 1. The prevalence of HAM was 10.9%. Bivariate analysis showed that maternal education (OR=2.27; CI 95% 1.02 – 5.05; p=0.041), comorbid of congenital heart disease (CHD) (RR=3.31; CI 95% 1.30 – 8.42; p=0,037), and 3rd degree of severity disease (RR=6.00; CI 95% 2.87 – 12.56; p=0.001) was significantly related to HAM. Multivariate analysis showed that comorbid of CHD (OR=5.33; CI 95% 1.34 – 20.7; p=0.017) and 3rd degree of severity disease (OR=11.54; CI 95% 3.52 – 37.86; p=0.000) increased the odds of developing of HAM.Conclusion: Comorbid of CHD and 3rd degree of severity disease increased the odds of developing HAM during hospitalization.
Intersections and Collective Consciousness in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness: Understanding Micropolitics of Arundhati Roy
Authors: Medhavi Prakhar
Published: April 2024

Interconnected experiences reveal ongoing marginalization and injustice in the contemporary globalized society. The accounts provided in this study connect the experiences of marginalized people, exposing common struggles and collective consciousness. Based on the concepts of Durkheim, the study examines how common challenges cultivate collective identity. Micropolitical dynamics, which take place in an unusual guest house, emphasize power relationships and resistance to systemic oppression. The narrative demonstrates persistent prejudices that widen societal divisions while critically evaluating the unfulfilled promises of globalization. Arundhati Roy's The Ministry of Utmost Happiness presents a transformative vision that questions established norms. Roy's characters demonstrate how neoliberal intersections may spark a collective consciousness and provide insights and inspiration for an alternative model to prevailing neoliberal globalization. This research emphasizes the literature's effectiveness in addressing today's critical concerns and paving the road for diversity and inclusivity.
HELIX: Autonomous AI Agent
Authors: Shinde Dr. Pravin , Paradkar Himali , Vig Poojan , Thalnerkar Sanchay , Jain Vinay
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Artificial Intelligence has transformed the way we interact with technology, introducing us to agents that can think and make choices like humans. At the heart of this evolution is our project, 'HELIX'. Through 'HELIX', we've developed AI agents specialized in a variety of tasks: from digging deep into the web for research, streamlining email communication through automation, efficiently sending out emails in bulk, to strategically identifying and generating potential business leads. By weaving together cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and advanced language models, our system stands as a testament to the proficiency and versatility of AI. What makes 'HELIX' especially groundbreaking is its user-friendly approach, ensuring anyone, regardless of their technical background, can harness its power. As we embrace the dawn of this technological era, 'HELIX' not only showcases the potential of today's AI capabilities but also paves the way for future innovations, promising an expansive horizon for AI-driven solutions across myriad domains.
Advanced Social Media Toxic Comments Detection System Using AI
Authors: Nithya Dr D , S Nanthine K , S Thenmozhi , R Varshinipriya
Published: April 2024

Abstract: In the contemporary digital landscape, social media platforms have evolved into essential components of our daily lives, fostering connections, idea sharing, and meaningful conversations. Nevertheless, the escalating volume of online interactions has ushered in a concerning rise in toxic comments and cyberbullying, casting a shadow over the potential for a healthy onlineenvironment. Toxic comments, spanning hate speech, harassment, and offensive content, not only inflict harm on individuals but also detrimentally affect the overall user experience. This project seeks to address this pressing issue through the development of a cutting-edge Toxic Comment Detection system, leveraging the power of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques. The primary objective of this endeavor is to create an automated system capable of identifying and flagging toxic comments in realtime across various social media platforms. By employing advanced NLP algorithms and ML models, the system aims to analyze textual content swiftly and accurately, pinpointing instances of toxicity. Once identified, the system will promptly notify moderators, enabling swift intervention and potential removal of the harmful content. By implementing this technological solution, the project aspires to contribute significantly to fostering a safer and more inclusive online environment where users can engage without fear of encountering toxic behavior. Through the fusion of NLP and ML, this endeavor aims to exemplify the transformative potential of technology in mitigating the challenges posed by toxic comments in the digital age.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DO ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT NA GESTÃO DE CRISES: PERCEPÇÃO DOS CHIEF RISK OFFICER BRASILEIROS
Authors: De Sousa Barbosa Inaê , Stein Emilly , Zanievicz da Silva Marcia
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: o estudo verificou, sob a perspectiva do Chief Risk Officer, a contribuição do Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) às empresas brasileiras e seu papel no enfrentamento da crise gerada pelo COVID-19.
Método/abordagem: é um estudo exploratório e qualitativo. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e a técnica de análise utilizada foi a de conteúdo.
Principais Resultados: constatou-se que a qualidade da comunicação entre os setores foi relevante para as contribuições do ERM. Identificou-se a importância da alta administração para o sucesso do ERM. Tal processo ocasiona benefícios às organizações, como o crescimento econômico, a execução de tarefas de modo mais ágil e a consecução dos objetivos estratégicos, em um contexto complexo como o corrido na pandemia.
Contribuições teóricas/práticas/sociais: o ERM se mostrou como um diferencial organizacional nas empresas investigadas. E, ainda, o enfretamento da crise gerada pela COVID-19 possibilitou a atualização dos planos de continuidade de negócio das organizações, fazendo com que as empresas estivessem preparadas para diferentes crises por meio da adaptação dos seus planos para escalas menores.
Originalidade/relevância: sendo a função de Chief Risk Officer nova nas organizações, a relevância do estudo está por ampliar a compreensão do valor e do impacto dessa função para o desenvolvimento da estratégia organizacional, especialmente, nas áreas de controle, gestão e mitigação de riscos. Do ponto de vista prático, salienta-se a relevância deste estudo sob a perspectiva dos vários benefícios gerados para as organizações, relacionados à implementação do ERM, e sua capacidade para apoiar o enfrentamento de crises.
Palavras-chave: COVID-19. Enterprise Risk Management. Chief Risk Officer.
Effect of predicted lung mass versus fixed mass regimes on lung dose in SIRT (90Y)
Authors: ABUQBEITAH Mohammad , DEMİR Mustafa
Published: April 2024

This work sought to investigate the impact of fixed lung mass regime versus individualized measures on the lung absorbed dose in 90Y therapy. 14 patients were injected with 3-5 mCi 99mTc-MAA pursued by whole-body scans with 15% photo-peak window width at 140 keV. SPECT/CT scans were acquired with attenuation and scatter correction. The lung shunt fraction (LSF) was generated from whole-body scans (WBS) and SPECT/CT. Lung volume was measured by contouring the target organ over CT images. Variation, Kruskal Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests were applied for statistical analysis. In result, 64% of the patients exhibited less than 1 kg lung mass, and the remaining 26% had lung mass larger than 1 kg. The estimated lung shunt fractions from SPECT/CT were greatly lower than planar images with a median of -45% (range: -28 to -69%). The lung dose estimates varied between fixed lung-mass regime used in (TheraSphere Treatment Sheet) and real measures   approach with a median difference of 9% and a range from -34% to 76%. However, a significant difference was found in lung dose estimates between planar and SPECT/CT modalities independent of lung mass. It was accordingly inferred that lung mass may vary among patients influencing   the predicted dose and the tailored 90Y activity. For precise medicine, the fixed lung mass used on a routine basis should be replaced by patient-specific measures.
INTERMEDIALITY IN FANDOM CULTURE: THE IMPACT OF BTS ON KOREAN LITERATURE READING HABITS: FOCUSING ON INDONESIAN ARMY
Authors: Setyaningsih Nining , Latifah Eva
Published: April 2024

Fandom forms cultural spaces where audiences unite. This article introduces fan activities influenced by idols, discussed and shared in affinity spaces. It offers a theoretical framework, focusing on BTS fandom (ARMY) reading habits in Korean literature. This model highlights content intermediality's importance in analyzing media content within fandom culture. Using content analysis and digital ethnography methods, this study examines Indonesian ARMY fandom through the @IARC_twt twitter account. Results reveal productive reading activities within the Indonesian BTS ARMY fandom, including build reading habit through sub community in twitter, transmedia storytelling through idol reading lists, and hashtag-sharing. These activities also promote books related to BTS album themes and Korean literature to the public. Furthermore, the article explores the positive impact within fandom culture and conceptualizes a productive fandom model.
THE PSEUDO HAPPINESS AS SONG STRATEGY’S SIMULACRA VERSUS PANOPTIC: BTS’S SONGS AND BTS MEMBERS
Authors: Angeliqa Fitria , Andriani Fizzy
Published: April 2024

The reflections of joy in the lyrics are part of the singer's message tactic in his songs. Even so, with the overall packaging of the singer's appearance. The problem is when world-class singers sing self-motivating songs for their listeners, at the same time, life's troubles become familiar to the singer. Many articles also reported how severe depression, mental health, and suicide occurred in the lives of these artists. Demi Lovato, Shia, and Ariana Grande are some Western artists claiming to have experienced mental health problems. In the ranks of Korean artists, names such as Twice Jeongyeon, AOA Kwon Mina, HyunA, Red Velvet Wendy, and Super Junior Heechul are artists who have also experienced mental health problems and severe depression. The same thing happened to the BTS members. RM and Suga are two members who have admitted to experiencing depression and seeing life as an uphill struggle. This study aims to describe how BTS songs with the theme 'Love yourself' do not reflect the lives of BTS members under strict agency rules and fans' supervision. Ultimately, the theme of 'love yourself' is just a simulation strategy that generates 'false joy' for the members but has a substantial economic impact on the agency. This study uses the concepts of simulacra, panopticon, and duality reflection. At the same time, the research method is qualitative, with document study as a data collection technique. The unit of analysis is the text, namely the BTS song lyrics with the theme 'love yourself' and media reports about the members' lives. These two data are then compared and produce a simulacra picture because there is no reflection on what is being sung and what the members are experiencing. A life full of surveillance from fans and companies removes the privacy boundaries of the members who are – in the end – just a commodity for business turnover. It is where the irony occurs. The pseudo happiness experienced by these members generated many economic benefits for the agency. Increasing the number of listeners, purchasing merchandise, selling concert tickets, traffic on social media, and brand endorsements are essential aspects that can be monetized by the agency, which accompanies the fame of the songs sung by BTS. While living without romantic relationships, solitude, and loneliness, the prohibition of direct interaction via social media with fans are some things that fence off the members' lives and make them even more alienated from social life.
LOVE YOURSELF: A SUCCESSFUL TRENDING CAMPAIGN IN BUILDING SELF-ACCEPTANCE OF BTS ARMY
Authors: Mohamed Nurul Hamizah , Mohamed Nurul Hazwani
Published: April 2024

A person can experience a lot of exchange in feelings, different emotions, relationships, loves, and many more throughout their growth. Some of us face failures, traumatic experiences, and downtime that create anxious minds of feeling unworthy and hopeless. Having a role model has been agreed to be helpful in the character development of human beings. In other words, idols affect the admirer’s choices in life matters. Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS), a seven-member boy band from South Korea, stood up at United Nations in 2018 and spoke about their support for self-love to increase child esteem. However, this campaign is not only successful in being delivered to children but also to youngsters and adults. This effort has greatly impacted their 90 million worldwide fans to be aware of their worth, proud of their own, accept their flaws, and respect differences. In a survey on BTS ARMY, 90% of the participating fans agreed to support the artist until today because they can feel the positive energy from BTS. Even though most of the songs in the albums are made in the Korean language, ARMY understands and can feel the message of the songs clearly. They can react and relate the songs easily to their situation. Fans also gain motivation from speeches, advice, or even idols' characters. The slogan of LOVE YOURSELF is very straightforward and adaptable to be a value in human lives.
MIGRATION DECISION-MAKING OF INDONESIAN WOMEN MARRIED TO JAPANESE MEN
Authors: Sari Trivinia Athina , Iskandar Kurniawaty
Published: April 2024

The increasing intensity of interaction between Indonesian and Japanese nationals in the tourism and industrial sectors has led to an increase in international marriages between Indonesian women and Japanese men. This paper explores the migration decision-making factors of Indonesian women who married Japanese men. This qualitative study was done by conducting in-depth interviews in 2023 with Indonesian migrant women who met their spouses in Indonesia and currently living in Japan. We examine the push factors from Indonesia and pull factors from Japan that inform the decision-making of migration. The main pull factor for migrating to Japan is the economic factor where men who are the breadwinners of the family can optimally provide for the family by working in their home country. Although Indonesian migrant women lose the support system of their extended family, it turns out they find new comfort in being away from their extended family in Indonesia.
The Historical Role of the National Museum of China: Reform and Opening-Up (1978-1997）
Authors: Zhang Zhiyu , Musa Mahani
Published: April 2024

Reform and opening-up is an essential part of the history of China in the post-Mao era, and its essence is a historical movement of consciously and actively merging Chinese civilisation with the currents of world history. The National Museum of China created the necessary cultural environment and conditions to promote China's Reform and opening-up (1978-1997). With the implementation and deepening of China's Reform and opening-up policy, the restoration and development of display art in the National Museum of China led to a second surge in the construction and development of local and private museums in China. They contributed to effectively circling the internal cultural environment of China's Reform and opening-up. Secondly, the National Museum of China went abroad to conduct foreign exhibitions, deepening the sense of identity in the field of Chinese history and culture, and to a certain extent opening up the external environment for the implementation of Reform and opening-up. This study uses qualitative research and documentary analysis to elucidate the context and background of the Chinese government's Reform and opening-up policy, and to analyse how the National Museum of China (1978-1997) built a bridge to Reform and opening-up. The study is supported by field visits to museum exhibitions, with the aim of filling in the gaps in the historical role of the National Museum of China in promoting China's Reform and opening-up (1978-1997).
Front Matter Volume 5 No 1 2024
Authors: Saifuddin Ahmad
Published: April 2024

Front Matter Volume 5 No 1 2024
Recent Advances in Nanomaterials mediated Mild Photothermal Therapy for Biomedical Application
Authors: Cai Yu , Lv Zhenye , Chen Xiaoyi , Jin Ketao , Mou Xiaozhou
Published: April 2024

Mild photothermal therapy (MPTT) generates therapeutic effect at the
temperature below 45 ℃, which has the advantages of controllable
treatment efficacy, reduced drug dosage, lower hyperthermia
temperatures, and minimize damage to healthy tissues. MPTT can kill
tumor cells at lower temperatures by blocking heat shock proteins (HSPs)
expression without harming nearby healthy cells. Despite significant
progress in MPTT, it remains primarily in the stages of basic and
clinical research and has not yet seen widespread clinical adoption due
to several technical challenges. In this review, we provide a
comprehensive overview of the recent development of MPTT, emphasizing
its anti-tumor mechanisms, the characteristics of commonly used
photothermal agents (PTAs), and their biomedical applications.
Specifically, we address the key obstacles facing MPTT and propose
potential solutions, and explore the status of MPTT combined with other
anti-tumor therapies and discuss its broader applications in areas such
as anti-infection, obesity treatment, and vascular disease treatment.
Finally, we look ahead to future research directions in MPTT, aiming to
further enhance its efficiency and safety while developing new
strategies for high-efficiency MPTT.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Hepatitis Virus Infection in Adult Patients Before, During the COVID‐19 Pandemic and After Easing of COVID‐19 Restrictive Measures in China
Authors: Hu Lidan , Li Xiang , Yu Bo , Zeng Qiang , Peng Xiujuan , Dang Hao , Chen Xiangjun
Published: April 2024

We aimed to assess the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B
virus (HBV) infection in Chinese adults at different phases of the
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, that is, before, during
the pandemic, and after the easing of restrictive measures. We included
20,357 adult patients who visited Mianyang Hospital and had hepatitis B
DNA tests from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2023. Clinical information
and HBV test results were extracted from the laboratory information
system. We calculated the positive rate of HBV detection by age groups,
gender, seasons, types of patients, and stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Nonlinear associations between age and risk of HBV infection in three
stages of the pandemic were assessed by restricted cubic spline
regression models. Among 20,357 patients, 2,670 (13.1%) were tested as
positive. The highest positive rate was observed in the 18-25 age group
(i.e., 16%). HBV infection showed an insignificant pattern among
seasons. Although there is no statistical significance regarding the
positive rate at three phases of the pandemic, we observed that the rate
went high during the pandemic and saw a sharp decline after easing the
measures among the population ( p < 0.05), which
consisted of our regression models. In addition, regression analyses
suggested that the age effect became weaker after easing all restrictive
measures compared with other stages. Based on our findings, we called
for attention from health professionals and caregivers on the new
epidemiological characteristics of HBV infection in advance to deal with
the potential increase under restrictive measures.
Using generative models of naturalistic scenes to sample neural population tuning manifolds
Authors: Scott Hayden , Murphy Allison , Briggs Farran , Snyder Adam
Published: April 2024

Investigations into sensory coding in the visual system have typically
relied on the use of either simple, unnatural visual stimuli, or natural
images. Simple stimuli, such as Gabor patches, have been effective when
looking at single neurons in early visual areas such as V1, but seldom
produce large responses from mid-level visual neurons or neural
populations with diverse tuning. Many types of “naturalistic” image
models have been developed recently which bridge the gap between
overly-simple stimuli and experimentally infeasible natural images.
These stimuli can vary along a large number of feature dimensions,
introducing new challenges when trying to map those features to neural
activity. This “curse of dimensionality” is exacerbated when neural
responses are themselves high-dimensional, such as when recording neural
populations with implanted multielectrode arrays. We propose a method
that searches high-dimensional stimulus spaces for characterizing neural
population manifolds in a closed-loop experimental design. Stimuli were
generated using a deep neural network in each block by using neural
responses to previous stimuli to make predictions about the relationship
between the latent space of the image model and neural responses. We
found that these latent variables from the deep generative image model
explained stronger linear relationships with neural activity than
various alternative forms of image compression. This result reinforces
the potential for deep generative image models for efficient
characterization of high-dimensional tuning manifolds for visual neural
populations.
Prediction of Potentially Suitable Distribution Areas for Rosa laevigata in China Based on an Optimized MaxEnt Model
Authors: Mao Hongyu , Cheng Xin , Wang Ziyi , Du Xiaofeng , Zhang Changxin , Yu Jie
Published: April 2024

Rosa laevigata, being the only species in the Rosa genus within the
Rosaceae family, possesses significant nutritional and medicinal value.
Moreover, it exhibits a vast genetic diversity, particularly among wild
populations. Such abundant genetic variability provides favorable
conditions for the cultivation, development, and utilization of superior
Rosa laevigata varieties in China. In this research, 265 records of
geographic distribution and 47 environmental variables were collected.
These data were then combined with the future climate predictions
generated by the general circulation model (GFDL-ESM4) and three Shared
Socio-economic Pathways (SSP1_RCP2.6, SSP3_RCP7.0, SSP5_RCP8.5) to
forecast the current and future geographical distribution of Rosa
laevigata. The results indicate a consistently high yield of Rosa
laevigata in China, both presently and in the future. The optimal
parameter combination, determined by using the corrected Akaike
Information Criterion as the index, was selected as the feature class LQ
with a regularized multiplier of 1.0. According to these findings, Rosa
laevigata is currently distributed across the southern provinces of
China, with Chongqing, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Guangxi being the most
suitable regions. Furthermore, compared to the current climatic
conditions, the growing area of Rosa laevigata is expected to expand in
the future. This expansion primarily occurs in a north-western
direction, resulting in an overall increase in the plant’s distribution
area. Notably, Qinghai experienced a reduction in its low-impact zone
area. Several variables such as annual potential evapotranspiration
(annualPET), isothermality (Bio3), mean daily maximum air temperature of
the warmest month (Bio5), precipitation seasonality (Bio15), and snow
cover days (scd), among others, greatly influence the potential
distribution of Rosa laevigata.
Similar conditions with opposite effects: Predation-risk effects on prey abundance are highly contingent
Authors: Peacor Scott , Cressler Clayton , Pangle Kevin , Rafalski Alexandra , Song Chao , Werner Earl
Published: April 2024

Experiments have shown that predation risk effects on prey fitness can
be highly contingent on environmental conditions, suggesting a potential
difficulty in generalizing risk effects on prey abundance in natural
settings. We examine this problem with a novel approach. Rather than
study the influence of a particular controlled factor, we examined the
influence on risk effects of study conditions that would likely be
deemed inconsequential, i.e., to factors incidental to a study. If such
incidental factors influence can influence the magnitude and even
direction of risk effects, this suggests risk effects on prey population
density are profoundly influenced by context in natural communities. We
compared results of multiple experiments conducted under similar
conditions, objectives, measurables and implementation, and which
captured much of the complexity of natural systems (e.g., they were
performed with diverse prey assemblages (≥11 taxa) over multiple prey
generations). There was consistently no risk effect of fish on some
zooplankton prey abundance, but great variability effect on other prey
including combinations of negative, absent or positive effects on the
same prey’s abundance. We review mechanisms that could underlie these
results. Our findings highlight the need to understand the mechanisms
linking trait responses to fitness and, ultimately, to abundance of
prey, to understand risk effects across studies and systems.
Effect of Acid Strength on Spontaneous Imbibition in Calcareous and Siliceous Rocks
Authors: Pratama Muhammad Andiva , Khan Hasan Javed
Published: April 2024

Capillary rise experiments are conducted in a set of calcareous and
siliceous rocks with varying mineralogy and petrophysical properties to
understand the coupled impact of reactivity and spontaneous imbibition.
A capillary rise experiment is performed in each sample: first with
deionized water, then with a dilute acidic solution, and finally again
with deionized water and the capillary rise profile for each is
recorded. Pre- and post-acid petrophysical properties such as porosity,
permeability, pore size distribution, and contact angle are measured for
each sample.The mineral makeup of the rocks significantly influences how the acidic
fluids penetrate the samples. The primary reactions are the dissolution
of Ca and Mg rich minerals which alter the pore network. The higher acid
strength results in higher capillary rise in calcareous rocks and
results in an increase in the average pore size. The same pH acid
results in lower capillary rise in the siliceous rocks and a general
decrease in the average pore size is observed. Changes in contact angle
indicate increased water affinity in carbonate and reduced affinity in
sandstone.The link between capillary interactions and fluid reactivity is often
overlooked in fluid flow studies and this research sheds light on the
importance of reactivity during spontaneous imbibition, offering
insights into dissolution and precipitation processes during capillary
flow.
Imaging the Garlock Fault Zone with a Fiber: A Limited Damage Zone and Hidden Bimaterial Contrast
Authors: Atterholt James , Zhan Zhongwen , Yang Yan , Zhu Weiqiang
Published: April 2024

The structure of fault zones and the ruptures they host are inextricably
linked. Fault zones are narrow, which has made imaging their structure
at seismogenic depths a persistent problem. Fiber-optic seismology
allows for low-maintenance, long-term deployments of dense seismic
arrays, which present new opportunities to address this problem. We use
a fiber array that crosses the Garlock Fault to explore its structure.
With a multifaceted imaging approach, we peel back the shallow structure
around the fault to see how the fault changes with depth in the crust.
We first generate a shallow velocity model across the fault with a joint
inversion of active source and ambient noise data. Subsequently, we
investigate the fault at deeper depths using travel-time observations
from local earthquakes. By comparing the shallow velocity model and the
earthquake travel-time observations, we find that the fault’s
low-velocity zone below the top few hundred meters is at most remarkably
narrow, potentially indicating fault zone healing. Using differential
travel-time measurements from earthquake pairs, we resolve a sharp
bimaterial contrast at depth that suggests preferred westward rupture
directivity.
Sumatra earthquakes positions and prediction. (Completed and corrected version)
Authors: Ostrihansky Lubor
Published: April 2024

Abstract

All earthquakes over 5th magnitude since 1962 were recorded on Sumatra
and surroundings, marking their depths and distinguished whether they
were triggered by maximum westward or north-southward tidal torques.
Greatest differences were found in period 2003-2009 where earthquakes
triggered by north-southward torque were situated on rim of Sumatra
continental area on Mentawai Fault. Period 2009-2023 is characteristic
by large number of westward tidally triggered earthquakes, situated
westward from Sumatra coast reaching sometimes as far as into oceanic
lithosphere. As far as the great earthquake M 9.1, 26.12.2004 was
triggered by the beat of close tidal frequencies: 19 years Metonic cycle
and Moon’s nodal 18.61 years variations and if the beat were symmetric
with maximum amplitude 26.12.2004, then because Full Moon will be
27.12.2023 and New Moon 11.1.2024, (Moon’ declinations large +28.1º and
-27.6º respectively), the earthquake will occur of 6.5 5th magnitude as
similar earthquake 27.12.1985. This prediction has not been fulfilled
because the beat has not been symmetric, but asymmetrically shifted by
westward tidal torque as proved by absolutely missing earthquakes 25.
and 26.12. 2023, documented by very sensitive earthquakes detection up
to 2.5 magnitude.
Comparison of Intralesional Sodium Stibogluconate versus Intralesional Meglumine Antimoniate for the Treatment of Leishmania major Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Solomon Michal , Ollech Ayelet , Pavlotsky Felix , Barzilai Aviv , Schwartz Eli , Baum Sharon , Astman Nadav
Published: April 2024

Israel is endemic for Old-World cutaneous leishmaniasis. The most common species is Leishmania major. However, the available treatment options are limited. This study’s objective was to compare the authors’ experience with different antimony intralesional treatments of Leishmania major cutaneous leishmaniasis. A retrospective evaluation was undertaken for cases of Leishmania major cutaneous leishmaniasis treated by pentavalent antimony in a university-affiliated medical centre in Israel. The previous treatment of intralesional sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam®) was compared with the current treatment of meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®). One hundred cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis were treated during the study period, of whom 33 were treated with intralesional sodium stibogluconate and 67 were treated with intralesional meglumine antimoniate. The patients were 78 males and 22 females, mean age 24 (range 10–67) and there was a total of 354 skin lesions. Within 3 months from treatment, 91% (30/33) of the intralesional sodium stibogluconate group and 88% (59/67) of the intralesional meglumine antimoniate group had complete healing of the cutaneous lesions after an average of 3 treatment cycles (non-statistically significant). In conclusion, the 2 different medications have the same efficacy and safety for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis. Pentavalent antimoniate intralesional infiltration treatment is safe, effective, and well tolerated with minimal side effects for Old-World cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Efecto de la congelación sobre los polifenoles y capacidad antioxidante del fruto de Syzygium paniculatum (eugenio)
Authors: López-Marín Beatriz Estella , Noguera-Córdoba Diego Fernando , Aragón-Rincón Julián Camilo
Published: April 2024

Syzygium paniculatum o eugenio es un árbol empleado con fines ornamentales. Este produce un fruto comestible y caracterizado por tener polifenoles y alta capacidad antioxidante, sin embargo, es poco conocido en Colombia y muchos de sus frutos se desperdician. Una alternativa para incentivar su consumo es la congelación. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de la congelación sobre los niveles de polifenoles y la capacidad antioxidante del fruto de S. paniculatum. Los frutos fueron recolectados en Medellín y Granada, Colombia. Posteriormente, se obtuvo la pulpa y fue sometida a congelación -20 °C. Se determinó la cantidad de polifenoles usando el método de Folin-Ciocalteu y la capacidad antioxidante con la técnica CARO-H (capacidad de absorción de radicales de oxígeno hidrofílicos), las mediciones se realizaron antes de la congelación (línea base), 15 y 45 días post-congelación. Con respecto al contenido de polifenoles se encontró una línea base con un promedio de 826 ± 6,95 mg EAG/100 g muestra (N = 6). Después de la congelación se evidenció una disminución en la concentración de polifenoles en los dos tiempos de almacenamiento (15 y 45 días). En cuanto a la capacidad antioxidante el valor inicial CARO-H en la pulpa fresca fue de 935 ± 7,04 μmol ET/100 g muestra. Durante el tiempo de almacenamiento no hubo cambios significativos en la capacidad antioxidante. Al corroborar que posterior a un proceso de congelación se mantiene una importante capacidad antioxidante, se considera, que el eugenio pudiera ser una alternativa como un alimento con potencial inmunomodulador y de gran importancia en la prevención del cáncer.
A Welsh Vision of Empire: Welsh Imperialists and the Indian Empire
Authors:   , Owens Rhys
Published: April 2024

Neither Welsh history nor imperial history has given much attention to the Welsh connection with empire. While English, Scottish, and Irish imperial history have been developed in recent decades, Wales has been largely ignored. In relation to India, there have been projects on missionaries and the East India Company, but little that focuses on Welsh imperialists during the period of Crown Rule. Despite having a smaller presence than other British nationalities, the Welsh were present in India between 1858-1947, and interacted with imperialism in ways which were distinctly Welsh. This research will explore the Welsh in India during this period and how their Welsh identity interacted with the empire to create a unique Welsh conception of imperialism. Constructed in the domestic press, it emphasised Welsh understanding of indigenous peoples through their own experience of being a minority within the UK and attached itself to a strong sense of Britishness manifested in loyalty to the empire. This ideology, however, had limited impact on the ground in India, with Welsh imperialists generally conforming to the racial and class norms of British India. Welsh imperialism remained a prism through which the Welsh thought about themselves rather than a method of action. Examining this experience adds new dimensions to imperial thinking, especially in relation to how faith and language were transported, reimagined, and contested in the colonial sphere. It demonstrates how the British exported their national and regional ideological baggage which continued to influence their thinking, despite being removed from the physical landscape in which they were forged. Welsh people like Sir Lawrence Jenkins and the missionaries of the Northeast of India had tangible impacts on the colonial space which were fundamentally inspired by their Welshness. This greatly adds to our understanding of how British imperialism operated and has implications far beyond India.
Side effects and efficacy of low-dose amiodarone in rhythm disorders
Authors: Kirkimbayeva Rano , Abdrakhmanov Ayan , Albayev Rustam , Seisembekov Telman , Shaimerdinova Aizhanа
Published: April 2024

Amiodarone is one of the most widely used antiarrhythmic drugs, which is the most effective drug for maintaining sinus rhythm.   Taking this drug correlates with side effects such as pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and skin manifestations. In addition, in some cases, amiodarone remains as a first-line therapy to maintain sinus rhythm. The side effects of amiodarone depend on the dose and duration of the drug. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown the safety profile of a low dose of amiodarone, defined as 200 mg and a very low dose of amiodarone 100 mg. Due to the use of catheter ablation, the use of a low dose of amiodarone is sufficient. In this literature review, we have cited the side effects of a low dose of amiodarone. In addition, although there is evidence of a safer low-dose spectrum, it is not free from side effects and needs to develop an algorithm for early detection of adverse events, as well as studying the effectiveness according to modern research methods, such as an implantable heart monitor, which in turn is of undoubted interest.