bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
USE OF THE NETWORK METHOD OF PLANNING INNOVATIVE PROCESSES IN THE CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Pohorielov Serhiy , Kobielieva Tetiana , Samoilenko Vladyslav
Published: December 2023

The article deals with the theoretical and methodological issues of planning innovative processes, which are carried out mainly with the help of linear (or tape) Gantt charts and network methods. Linear graphs, as a rule, reflect the process of creation and development of new technology (SNT) in a time scale by its main stages or stages. At the same time, where possible, parallel-serial or parallel execution of works (stages) is provided. Linear graphs are characterized by the following disadvantages: conventionality in defining general terms of development; impossibility of establishing the importance of each of the works to achieve the final goal; difficulties in making corrections in connection with forced downtimes and postponements for separate related works; impossibility of multivariate forecasting; difficulties with the automation of planning and accounting work. These shortcomings are largely eliminated by the use of network planning and management (NMP) systems. This system is a complex of graphic and calculation methods, organizational measures and control methods that provide modeling, analysis and dynamic restructuring of the execution plan of complex projects. SPU is one of the methods of the cybernetic approach to the management of complex dynamic systems with the aim of ensuring the determined optimal indicators, for example, the minimum time for completing the entire set of works or the minimum cost of development. Realization of NTP achievements in the creation, production and operation of new equipment increases its efficiency and competitiveness in comparison with the used equipment. On the other hand, the continuity of NTP and the acceleration of its pace shorten the period of effectiveness of specific models of equipment and reduce their total economic effect, and accordingly, their competitiveness during the period of use. This reveals the relationship between the economic efficiency of new technology and its moral wear. This form of influence of NTP on the economic efficiency of new technology makes the time factor one of the most important. A loss in time can reduce to zero the effectiveness of the most advanced technical means at the time of development. For an earlier entry into the market, it is especially important to shorten the period of creation and mastery of production of a new model and the period of mastery of its design release.
EXPERIENCE OF PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS IN THE ASPECT OF INTERCONNECTED PROCESSES (PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS) – SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HUMAN FACTOR
Authors: Garmash Sergii
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the work is to highlight the situation that has developed in higher educational institutions of Ukraine in terms of finding partners for participation in international projects; dynamic changes in the internal and external environments, which are components of the reasons for the decline of this direction; possible development prospects under certain conditions; the influence of the human factor on these processes.

National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” has sufficient experience of working in international projects. For its efficient international cooperation NTU “KhPI” was repeatedly recognized as one of the best universities both in the region and in Ukraine on the whole. The situation in finding partners to participate in international projects of general departments is difficult. That’s why, cooperation of general departments with special departments is necessary to involve the former in international projects. If earlier partnership proposals mostly came from foreign institutions, now the responsibilities of finding foreign partners for the institute's (department's) participation in international projects have been shifted to the shoulders of teachers. The direct officials subconsciously learned one of Andrew Carnegie's famous quotes: “The secret of success lies not in doing your own work, but in recognizing the right man to do it”. The unification of the higher education system with the standards of Western countries in recent years has led to the appearance of a whole wave of paper waste that increasingly fills the teacher's living space. But this is unlikely to trouble officials from education, who mainly pay attention to artificial ratings and redistribution of financial flows in this area.

Obviously, at all levels, the phenomenon of “negative selection of power” is gaining momentum in all structural subdivisions of any organization, as it has already become an integral trend in Ukraine during the years of its independence, on a par with corruption, personal preferences and nepotism. In the conditions of modern challenges that the question of the competence of human resources is becoing increasingly acute. The ability to make informed decisions, to take responsibility, even simply to remain a decent person become guidelines in times of trials, when real leaders emerge and the real elite of society crystallizes.
Uma introdução às equações funcionais com abordagem no ensino médio
Authors: Silva Maikon Jose Santana da , Silva Marcio Luiz Duarte da , Ara´ujo Junior Francisco de Paula Santos de , Trindade Anna Karla Barros da
Published: December 2023

O presente estudo tem por objetivo apresentar alguns conceitos e problemas básicos sobre equações funcionais, bem como os conteúdos que estão diretamente ligados a esse tema como equações e funções, dessa forma, podemos observar que esse assunto pode ser explorado no ensino médio. Esse assunto de equações funcionais acaba sendo uma aplicação dos conceitos de equações e funções, por isso temos a seção conceitos preliminares neste estudo. Historicamente esse conteúdo apresentar vários matemáticos que tiveram grande participação na construção deste conceito. Para mostrar a interdisciplinaridade que as equações funcionais podem proporcionar, foi feita a resolução de alguns exemplos com o objetivo de adquirimos um conhecimento prévios sobre a resolução dos problemas, posteriormente apresentamos uma abordagem das equações funcionais através de funções inversas.
Teoria da relatividade: uma motivação histórica e a matemática por trás
Authors: Fassis Maria Júlia , Gadotti Marta Cilene
Published: December 2023

A Teoria da Relatividade desenvolvida por Albert Einstein (1879 -1955) no início do século XX provocou uma revolução no campo da Física. Buscamos com esse artigo explicitar as circunstˆancias que levaram ao surgimento dessa teoria, entender em que ela foi baseada e desenvolver alguns dos conceitos relacionados a ela, como o Princípio da Equivalˆencia, a simultaneidade, a dilatação do tempo, a Teoria do Espaço-Tempo e a estrutura dos cones de luz.   Nesse trabalho, introduzimos alguns conceitos olhando o desenvolvimento histórico que levou `a Teoria da Relatividade e utilizando algumas ferramentas matem ́aticas. A Geometria Diferencial possui uma importante relação com tal teoria e por isso, a abordamos para discutir sobre a Teoria do Espaço-Tempo, porém buscamos não nos aprofundar nessa geometria para que não seja necessário um conhecimento prévio nesse ramo para compreender as discuss ̃oes exploradas nesse artigo.
Long time coherent integration for maneuvering target detection via multi-radon processing
Authors: Chen Gang , Su Siyuan , Liang Huijian , Jin Yi , Xu Changzhi
Published: December 2023

In radar applications, whether active or passive, increasing the observation time is an effective method to improve the detection performance of a weak moving target in a radar system, whereas the integration performance may deteriorate because of the range migration, including range walk and range curve, and Doppler frequency diffusion effect. Besides, the Doppler mismatch problem in range compress process also deteriorates the coherent integration performance. Aiming at these problems, long-time coherent integration method based on multi-radon processing is developed. In this novel method, range-Doppler processing is achieved in each segmented part of the received signal, which solves the Doppler mismatch problem. Then, a revised Radon Fourier transform is applied to compensate the range walk, range curve and Doppler frequency diffusion of the target echoes along a specific path. Simulation results demonstrate that the method could correct range migration and the Doppler frequency diffusion in passive bistatic radar system.
Rudi Kundini, Pamoja Kundini (RKPK): study protocol for a hybrid type 1 randomized effectiveness-implementation trial using data science and economic incentive strategies to strengthen the continuity of care among people living with HIV in Tanzania
Authors: Kadota Jillian L. , Packel Laura J. , Mlowe Matilda , Ulenga Nzovu , Mwenda Natalino , Njau Prosper F. , Dow William H. , Wang Jingshen , Sabasaba Amon , McCoy Sandra I.
Published: December 2023

Background
Economic incentives can improve clinical outcomes among in-care people living with HIV (PLHIV), but evidence is limited for their effectiveness among out-of-care PLHIV or those at-risk of disengagement. We propose a type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation study to advance global knowledge about the use of economic incentives to strengthen the continuity of HIV care and accelerate global goals for HIV epidemic control.
Methods
The Rudi Kundini, Pamoja Kundini study will evaluate two implementation models of an economic incentive strategy for supporting two groups of PLHIV in Tanzania. Phase 1 of the study consists of a two-arm, cluster randomized trial across 32 health facilities to assess the effectiveness of a home visit plus one-time economic incentive on the proportion of out-of-care PLHIV with viral load suppression (< 1000 copies/ml) 6 months after enrollment (n = 640). Phase 2 is an individual 1:1 randomized controlled trial designed to determine the effectiveness of a short-term counseling and economic incentive program offered to in-care PLHIV who are predicted through machine learning to be at-risk of disengaging from care on the outcome of viral load suppression at 12 months (n = 692). The program includes up to three incentives conditional upon visit attendance coupled with adapted counselling sessions for this population of PLHIV. Consistent with a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study design, phase 3 is a mixed methods evaluation to explore barriers and facilitators to strategy implementation in phases 1 and 2. Results will be used to guide optimization and scale-up of the incentive strategies, if effective, to the larger population of Tanzanian PLHIV who struggle with continuity of HIV care.
Discussion
Innovative strategies that recognize the dynamic process of lifelong retention in HIV care are urgently needed. Strategies such as conditional economic incentives are a simple and effective method for improving many health outcomes, including those on the HIV continuum. If coupled with other supportive services such as home visits (phase 1) or with tailored counselling (phase 2), economic incentives have the potential to strengthen engagement among the subpopulation of PLHIV who struggle with retention in care and could help to close the gap towards reaching global ’95-95-95’ goals for ending the AIDS epidemic.
Phase 1: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05248100, registered 2/21/2022 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05248100
Phase 2: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05373095, registered 5/13/2022 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05373095
Electronic consenting in a randomised control trial of complex intervention for children with autism: Experiences from COMPASS trial, India
Authors: Roy Reetabrata , Abhilashi Minal , Chopra Aanchal , Kaur Abhipreet , Jangra Deepak , Emsley Richard , Green Jonathan , Leadbitter Kathy , Divan Gauri
Published: December 2023

Background: Technological advancements have facilitated increased use of virtual interactions in public health research between investigators and study participants. This includes electronic informed consent (eIC) as a feasible alternative to traditional paper based, in-person consenting processes. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted a large number of studies globally and processes like eIC enabled continued recruitment of participants into trials. Although current evidence on use of eIC are largely positive, further research is required from diverse contexts. This paper presents the processes of development and implementation of eIC in a large RCT on autism from India.
Method: Cognitive interviews with 12 community members and 51 pilots were conducted to develop the eIC standard operating procedure for the RCT. The eIC implementation process included 5 steps and all interactions between participants and researchers were done over calls. This eIC procedure was used to recruit 220 participants to the trial between January 2021-December 2022. 14 researchers of the trial’s evaluation team used the eIC procedures and their feedback was routinely incorporated to the eIC implementation. All qualitative data was thematically analysed to identity strengths and limitations of the eIC procedure and descriptive analysis of quantitative data was done for population characteristics, eIC rates and duration of eIC.
Results: 76.4% (n=220) of participants approached for eIC were found eligible for inclusion and gave consent for participation in the trial. The eIC calls took an average of 20 minutes (Range: 18-30 minutes) including the audio recording of participant responses to consenting statements read out by researchers. Key strengths of the eIC process as shared by researchers were time flexibility of conducting eIC calls and comprehension of trial information among participants. Major limitations were around establishing trust and rapport with participants during virtual interactions and appointment scheduling.
Conclusion: The rate of consenting achieved in this trial using the eIC procedure and the feedback from researchers have provided further evidence supporting the use of eIC in complex trials in low- and middle-income countries.
Trial registration: ISRCTN ID: 21454676; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN21454676?q=21454676; Registration date: 22.06.2018
Levels of Serum Inflammatory Cytokines and Their Correlations with Disease Severity in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Authors: Zeng Wenming , Xia Jining , Zeng Qiming
Published: December 2023

Background: Inflammation is crucial in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Investigating the correlation between levels of serum inflammatory cytokines (SICs) and the severity of CUS is of great significance for understanding the disease mechanism and finding effective treatment strategies.
Methods: This work involved a research group (Res group) of 114 patients with CSU and a control group (Ctrl group) of 100 healthy individuals. SICs including leukotriene B4 (LTB4), leukotriene C4 (LTC4), interleukin (IL) -4, IL-17, IL-31, and tumor necrosis factor-γ (TNF-γ), of patients in different groups were measured and compared. Furthermore, the correlations between each SIC and pruritus severity, duration of pruritus, urticaria activity, and quality of life (QOL) were compared among the patients in different groups.
Results: The Res group exhibited higher LTB4, LTC4, IL-4, IL-17, and IL-31 but lower TNF-γ. Great differences (P < 0.05) were found in IL-4, IL-17, and IL-31 among the patients with different pruritus severity, and positive correlations were observed between IL-17 and IL-31 levels and urticaria activity in the patients (P < 0.05). Additionally, levels of IL-4 and IL-31 exhibited a positive association to QOL scores in the patients, with obvious differences (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: IL-4, IL-17, and IL-31 showed the strongest correlation with the severity of CSU, which may be attributed to their involvement in immune, inflammatory, and pruritic reactions, exacerbating the disease condition.
Metagenomic analysis of soil microbial characteristics associated with Poa alpigena Lindm. in Qinghai Lake Gangcha County
Authors: Dong Zhiqiang , Xu Xuewei , Wang Xia , Dong Nannan , Li Lingling , Chen Kelong , Cheng Cheng , Mao Yahui
Published: December 2023

The Qinghai Lake Basin serves as a pivotal aquatic ecosystem for upholding the ecological security of the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, thereby carrying substantial significance for the conservation of this region's ecology. Poa alpigena Lindm., a prevalent and dominant grass species across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, plays a crucial role in soil and water conservation within the Qinghai Lake Basin. Soil microorganisms actively engage in root-soil interactions, exerting paramount influence on plant growth, health, and adaptability. In this study, we investigated the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils of Poa tableland in the Gangcha region of Qinghai Lake. We examined the impact of Poa tableland on the composition and structure of soil microbial communities, while analyzing the diversity and disparities of microorganisms in these two soil types.The findings of this study indicate that the non-rhizosphere soil in the Gangcha region exhibits significantly higher microbial abundance and diversity compared to the rhizosphere soil. However, the proportions of dominant microorganisms show minimal variation between the two soil types. It is evident that the root system of Poa grass exerts a strong selective influence on the microbial assemblages in the soil environment. Analysis of KEGG metabolic pathways reveals notable enrichment of pathways related to photosynthesis and energy synthesis in the rhizosphere microbiota, whereas pathways associated with gene expression display significant enrichment in the non-rhizosphere soil microbiota. Moreover, the examination of dominant microorganisms across all soil samples reveals the presence of mutual inhibition or promotion relationships among different microbial taxa.
Performance of ChatGPT-4 and Bard Chatbots in Responding to Common Patient Questions on Prostate Cancer 177Lu-PSMA-617 Therapy
Authors: Bilgin Gokce Belge , Bilgin Cem , Childs Daniel S. , Orme Jacob J. , Burkett Brian J. , Packard Ann T. , Johnson Derek R. , Thorpe Matthew P. , Riaz Irbaz B. , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R. , Johnson Geoffrey B. , Sartor Oliver A. , Kendi Ayse T.
Published: December 2023

Background: Many patients use artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots as a rapid source of health information. This raises important questions about the reliability and effectiveness of AI chatbots in delivering accurate and understandable information.
Purpose: To evaluate and compare the accuracy, conciseness, and readability of responses from OpenAI ChatGPT-4 and Google Bard to patient inquiries concerning the novel 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy for prostate cancer.
Materials and Methods: Two experts listed the 12 most commonly asked questions by patients on 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy. These twelve questions were prompted to OpenAI ChatGPT-4 and Google Bard. AI-generated responses were distributed using an online survey platform (Qualtrics) and blindly rated by eight experts. The performances of the AI chatbots were evaluated and compared across three domains: accuracy, conciseness, and readability. Additionally, potential safety concerns associated with AI-generated answers were also examined. The Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were utilized to compare the performances of AI chatbots.
Results: Eight experts participated in the survey, evaluating 12 AI-generated responses across the three domains of accuracy, conciseness, and readability, resulting in 96 assessments (12 responses x 8 experts) for each domain per chatbot. ChatGPT-4 provided more accurate answers than Bard (2.95 ± 0.671 vs 2.73 ± 0.732, p=0.027). Bard's responses had better readability than ChatGPT-4 (2.79 ± 0.408 vs 2.94 ± 0.243, p=0.003). Both ChatGPT-4 and Bard achieved comparable conciseness scores (3.14 ± 0.659 vs 3.11 ± 0.679, p=0.798). Experts categorized the AI-generated responses as incorrect or partially correct at a rate of 16.6% for ChatGPT-4 and 29.1% for Bard. Bard's answers contained significantly more misleading information than those of ChatGPT-4 (p = 0.039).
Conclusion: AI chatbots have gained significant attention, and their performance is continuously improving. Nonetheless, these technologies still need further improvements to be considered reliable and credible sources for patients seeking medical information on 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy.
Rich for its creditors: is tax evasion in the natural resources sector helping to reduce Africa's external debt?
Authors: BIKOULA Séraphin Brice MINKOE , PONDIE Thierry MESSIE , BATE Adalbert Abraham Ghislain MELINGUI
Published: December 2023

The massive drain on resources that tax evasion represents, is undermining the dynamic of optimal mobilisation of national resources. In particular, it is essential to recover the resources needed to finance the State's activities and ensure its external and internal solvency. The ability of economies to achieve sustainable development objectives depends essentially on the security of public finances. The mobilisation of both tax and non-tax revenues is a key element for many governments. This study therefore analyses the effect of tax evasion in the natural resources sector on the external debt of 14 African countries, over the period 2009-2022. The results of this analysis are revealing on two levels: firstly, the use of several estimation techniques, such as Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Pooled Least Squares (PLS), shows a positive and significant direct effect of tax evasion in the natural resources sector on external debt in Africa. This basic result is robust to alternative estimation techniques such as Instrumental Variable Least Squares (IV-2SLS) and System Generalized Least Squares (S-GMM). Second, the consideration of governance variables as transmission channels, shows negative and moderating effects on indebtedness. On the basis of these results, we suggest that good governance should be put in place to mobilise tax revenues and strengthen controls on international profit transfers.
Jel codes: H26, H61, P48, H63
Evaluation of nutritional knowledge and consequences of consuming dietary supplements among expert bodybuilders
Authors: Bajool Yasaman , Hemmatinafar Mohammad , Daryanoosh Farhad , Jahaniboushehri Nima , Jahan Zeinab , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: December 2023

Background: of specific education programs from unreliable sources causes low nutrition knowledge and the use of many dietary supplements (DS) in bodybuilders. This study investigated the nutritional knowledge and prevalence of DS among Iranian bodybuilders.
Method: This cross-sectional research involved a sample of 648 bodybuilding clubs in Iran and a researcher who distributed questionnaires among clubs in different regions and analyzed categorical variables, DS, nutritional knowledge, and sports nutrition data from 160 bodybuilders aged 18 and above in Iran with the results of a quantitative questionnaire.
Results: There was a significant relationship between DS use and gender (p=0.000, r= 0.330), bodybuilding history (p=0.045; r=0.158), participation in nutrition courses (p=0.161, r=0.111), and exercise sessions per week (p=0.050, r=0.156). Whey protein (45.62%) and BCAA (33.75%), vitamin D (50%), Vitamin C (56.25%), caffeine (34.37%), and generally vitamin C (56.25%) were the most common DS used. The most information sources for bodybuilders regarding DS were trainers (35.62%) and nutritionists (34.37%), and regarding nutrition, registered dietitians/nutritionists (58.1%) and trainers (51.87%). Total nutritional knowledge (macronutrients, micronutrients, and sports nutrition) was 58.65%. There was a significant relationship between nutrition knowledge and bodybuilding history (p=0.001, r=0.264) and participation in nutrition courses (P=0.000, r= 0.384).
Conclusion: This study concluded that the most common information sources for bodybuilders were coaches and nutritionists and found poor nutrition knowledge among bodybuilders. The most common DS used by bodybuilders were vitamins C, D and Whey protein. Also, gender, bodybuilding history, and the number of weekly exercise sessions had a significant relationship with the prevalence of DS.
WISP1-β3 integrin pathway promotes early pulmonary fibrosis through EndMT induced by mechanical ventilation in an experimental sepsis model
Authors: Xu Hongjiao , Hong Jia , Liu Di , Wu Xinwan , Yang Xiaohu , Yu Zhuang
Published: December 2023

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is an indispensable life support for patients with sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and is the only proven treatment for improving survival. Many ARDS patients survive sepsis but die of pulmonary fibrosis. In this study, we investigated whether the WISP1-β3 integrin pathway is involved in early pulmonary fibrosis through EndMT, manifesting as accelerating deterioration in moderate mechanical ventilation (MTV) in an experimental sepsis model. To investigate our hypothesis, C57BL/6 mice and β3 integrin knockout mice (β3−/−) were used to perform the study. As expected, the EndMT markers, CD31 and CD34 for endothelial cells and vimentin and α-SMA for mesothelial cells, were markedly changed and collagen deposition increased significantly in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) after 12h later MTV (10 ml/kg; 4h) groups. The protective effects of anti-WISP1 or β3−/− were associated with decreased levels of collagen deposition and vimentin, α-SMA, whereas CD31 and CD34 were opposed in the complex model. Overall, this study demonstrated a new potential molecular mechanism by which the WISP1-β3 integrin pathway mediating EndMT facilitates positively regulates early pulmonary fibrosis induced by sepsis combined with MV.
The Impact of Early Norepinephrine Use on Outcomes in Patients with Septic Shock: A Retrospective Study Based on the MIMIC IV Database
Authors: Fan Zhao-kun , Shen Ying-ying , Yi Ru-qin , Feng Wen , Li Cheng-en , Chen Wei , Zhang Zhirong
Published: December 2023

Background
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that requires timely and effective hemodynamic support. Norepinephrine is a preferred vasopressor in the treatment of septic shock, but there is still controversy regarding the optimal timing of its use. This study aims to assess the impact of norepinephrine administration in the early management of septic shock on short-term and medium-term outcomes.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 3642 septic shock patients from the MIMIC IV 2.2 database. Patients were divided into four groups based on the timing of norepinephrine initiation (within 1 hour, within 3 hours, within 6 hours, and after 6 hours). Mortality rates at 28 days, 90 days, and 180 days, as well as secondary outcome measures such as ICU and hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and urine output were compared among the groups. Survival analysis was employed to evaluate survival rates among different groups.
Results
Primary Outcome: Survival curves showed that the group receiving norepinephrine within 3 hours had the highest survival rate at 28 days, while the group receiving norepinephrine within 6 hours had the highest survival rates at 90 and 180 days (logrank chi2 25.51, p < 0.001). Secondary Outcome: The group receiving norepinephrine within 1 hour had the shortest ICU length of stay (P < 0.001) and hospital length of stay (P < 0.001). This group also had the shortest duration of mechanical ventilation (P < 0.001) and the least fluid administration (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in total norepinephrine usage among the groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Early norepinephrine use, especially within 3 hours, may be associated with lower short-term mortality in patients with septic shock, while initiation within 6 hours may be associated with improved medium-term survival. Early norepinephrine use may also contribute to reduced hospital length of stay, decreased fluid administration, and improved renal perfusion. These findings support considering norepinephrine use in the early management of septic shock, but further research is needed to optimize the timing of its administration.
Factors related to readiness for advance care planning in the general population: a cross sectional study in Iran
Authors: Askari Ali , Roshan Hosein Mohammadi , Abbaszadeh Nasim , Salesi Mahmood , Hosseini Seyed Morteza , Golmohammadi Mobina , Barasteh Salman
Published: December 2023

Introduction
Advanced Care Planning (ACP), as a process for expressing and recording patients' preferences about end-of-life care, has received increasing attention in recent years. However, implementing ACP has been challenging in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate factors related to readiness for ACP (RACP) in the general population of Iran.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on the general population of Iran in 2022. The data was collected using demographic information questionnaire and The RACP Scale. The purpose and methodology of the research was explained to all participants, and upon their agreement an informed consent was obtained. Participants were invited to fill out the questionnaires wherever is more convenient for them, either alone or if needed, with the help of the researcher to protect their privacy. The questionnaires were collected by the researcher. Chi-square, fisher exact test and multiple logistic Regression model were used to assess the effective factors on the RACP. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 26.
Results
A total of 641 people with an average age of 36.85 ± 12.05 years participated in this study. Of those, 377 (58.8%) had high RACP. The logistics model showed an association between the chance of readiness for receiving ACP with participants’ education level, such that the chance of readiness in those with Master's or Ph.D. degrees was three times higher than those with a diploma (p = 0.00, OR:3.178(1.672, 6.043)). However, the chances of readiness in those with bachelor’s degrees was not significantly different from those with a diploma (p = 0.936, OR: 0.984 (0.654, 1.479)). Moreover, the chance of readiness was 1.5 higher in participants over 40 years of age compared with participants under the age of 40 (P = 0.01, OR: 1.571(1.10, 2.23)).
Conclusion
According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that there is a RACP among people in Iranian society. Age and education level are influencing factors in the readiness of individuals for ACP. The readiness of individuals for ACP increases by their age and education level. Therefore, by holding appropriate training workshops and information sessions, we can increase the readiness of the public for ACP to improve their end-of-life outcome.
Isobavachalcone ameliorates Alzheimer disease pathology by autophagy-mediated clearance of amyloid beta and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome in 5XFAD mice
Authors: Kour Dilpreet , Khajuria Parul , Sharma Kuhu , Sharma Alpa , Sharma Ankita , Ali Syed Mudassir , Wazir Priya , Ramajayan P , Sawant Sanghapal D. , Nandi Utpal , Ahmed Zabeer , Kumar Ajay
Published: December 2023

The complex pathology of Alzheimer disease (AD) has led to failure of multiple drugs in clinical trials. We hypothesized that targeting multiple aspects AD pathology may yield better results. Therefore, we identified isobavachalcone (IBC) as a natural compound with dual activity against AD pathology. IBC caused AMPK phosphorylation through CAMKK2 to induce autophagy and inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome in primary astrocytes. The inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by IBC was completely reversed when autophagy was inhibited by siAMPK or bafilomycin A1. Further, the primary astrocytes treated with IBC showed a significant intracellular clearance of amyloid beta, which was added externally to the culture. However, when autophagy was inhibited by siRNA-mediated downregulation of AMPK, the clearance of amyloid beta was significantly reduced. Moreover, the inflammatory phenotype of astrocytes also displayed a sharp decline, as indicated by the reduced levels of GFAP and IL-1β. We validated the anti-Alzheimer effect of IBC by treating transgenic 5XFAD mice for two months with IBC. The 5XFAD mice showed a significant improvement in brain health as indicated by improved memory behavior in the radial arm maze test, along with better performance in the open field and rotarod tests. The data revealed that IBC upregulated the autophagic proteins, which led to decreased levels of amyloid beta in the brain and plasma, which further led to reduced levels of neuroinflammation and improved brain health. This study highlights the importance of autophagy in the simultaneous clearance of amyloid beta and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome to ameliorate AD pathology.
An Evaluation of a Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Outbreak Due to Commercial Arterial Blood Gas Collection Kit
Authors: Kazak Esra , Önal Uğur , Tüzemen Ülkü , Aslan Funda , Çalışkan Gül , Şimşek Hüsniye , Bakkaloğlu Zekiye , Çevik Yasemin Numanoğlu , Heper Yasemin , Çelebi Solmaz , Yılmaz Emel , Hacımustafaoğlu Mustafa Kemal , Özakın Cüneyt , Akalın Emin Halis
Published: December 2023

Background
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a gram-negative bacterium that can cause hospital infections and outbreaks within hospitals. This study aimed to evaluate an outbreak of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, caused by ready-to-use commercial syringes containing liquid lithium and heparin for arterial blood gas collection in a university hospital.
Methods
Upon detecting an increase in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia growth in blood cultures between 15.09.2021 and 19.11.2021, an outbreak analysis and a case-control study (52 patients for the case group, 56 patients for the control group) were performed considering risk factors for bacteraemia. Samples from possible foci for bacteraemia were also cultured. Growing bacteria were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The genetic linkage and clonal relationship isolates were investigated with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) in the reference laboratory.
Results
In the case-control study, the odds ratio for the central venous catheter [3.38 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.444, 8.705 ; p = 0.006)], for surgery [3.387 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.370, 8.373 ; p = 0.008)] and for arterial blood gas collection history [18.584 (95% confidence interval [CI]:4.086, 84.197; p < 0.001)] were identified as significant risk factors. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia growth was found in ready-to-use commercial syringes used for arterial blood gas collection. Molecular analysis showed that the growths in the samples taken from commercial syringes and the growths from blood cultures were the same. After discontinuing the use of the kits with this lot number, the outbreak was brought under control.
Conclusions
According to our results, disposable or sterile medical equipment should be included as a risk factor in outbreak analyses. The method by which injectors containing liquids, such as heparin, are sterilised should be reviewed. Our study also revealed the importance of the cooperation of the infection control team with the microbiology laboratory.
Decomposing the gaps in healthy and unhealthy life expectancies between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians: A burden of disease and injury study
Authors: Zhao Yuejen , Unnikrishnan Renu , Chondur Ramakrishna , Wright Jo , Green Danielle
Published: December 2023

Background
The gaps in healthy life expectancy (HLE) between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians are significant. Detailed and accurate information is required to develop strategies that will close these health disparities. This paper aims to quantify and compare the causes and their relative contributions to the life expectancy (LE) gaps between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous population in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia.
Methods
The age-cause decomposition was used to analyse the differences in HLE and unhealthy life expectancy (ULE), where LE = HLE + ULE. The data was sourced from the burden of disease and injury study in the NT between 2014 and 2018.
Results
In 2014–2018, the HLE at birth in the NT Indigenous population was estimated at 43.3 years in males and 41.4 years in females, 26.5 and 33.5 years shorter than the non-Indigenous population. This gap approximately doubled the LE gap (14.0 years in males, 16.6 years in females) at birth. In contrast to LE and HLE, ULE at birth was longer in the Indigenous than non-Indigenous population. The leading causes of the ULE gap at birth were endocrine conditions (explaining 2.9–4.4 years, 23–26%), followed by mental conditions in males and musculoskeletal conditions in females (1.9 years, 15% and 12% respectively), markedly different from the causes of the LE gap (cardiovascular disease, cancers and unintentional injury).
Conclusions
The ULE estimates offer valuable insights into the patterns of illness morbidity particularly in terms of primary and secondary prevention.
A prospective observational study of laparoscopic approaches for suspected gallbladder cancer in Yamaguchi (YPB-002 LAGBY)
Authors: Tokumitsu Yukio , Kawaoka Toru , Harada Eijiro , Suenaga Shigeyuki , Tanabe Masahiro , Shindo Yoshitaro , Matsui Hiroto , Nakajima Masao , Ioka Tatsuya , Takami Taro , Ito Katsuyoshi , Tanaka Hidekazu , Hamano Kimikazu , Nagano Hiroaki
Published: December 2023

Background: We have previously reported a novel laparoscopic approach for total biopsy of suspected gallbladder cancer (GBC). To evaluate the safety of this approach, the Laparoscopic Approaches for suspected GBC in Yamaguchi (YPB-002 LAGBY) study (UMIN ID 000035352) was conducted as a prospective observational study.
Methods:From August 2018 to September 2022, a laparoscopic approach was applied for 40 patients with suspected GBC based on preoperative imaging diagnosis. Laparoscopic whole-layer cholecystectomy (LWLC) was performed for early-stage or suspected malignant lesions without liver invasion and laparoscopic gallbladder bed resection (LGBR) was performed for lesions with an unclear border between the gallbladder and liver. The appropriate strategy could be selected postoperatively depending on the final pathological diagnosis according to examination of permanent sections of gallbladder. However, if preoperative imaging reveals enlarged lymph nodes (LNs) with possible metastases, LN sampling with intraoperative pathological diagnosis is performed prior to gallbladder removal to determine whether to introduce neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Results: We performed LWLC in 30 cases, LGBR in 8 cases, and LN sampling alone in 2 cases. Median operation time was 165 min and median blood loss was 5.5 ml. No bile leakage caused by intraoperative perforation of the gallbladder was observed. Histologically, GBC was diagnosed in 16 cases (pTis, n=2; pT1a, n=2; pT1b, n=2; pT2, n=6, pT3, n=4). Seven of the 10 pT2/3 cases underwent additional open lymphadenectomy.
Conclusions: Our laparoscopic approach for suspected GBC appears to represent a safe, useful procedure that could play an important role in the optimal treatment strategy.
Discrimination sensitivity of visual shapes sharpens in autistic adults but only after explicit category learning
Authors: Overwalle Jaana Van , Geusens Birte , Donck Stephanie Van der , Boets Bart , Wagemans Johan
Published: December 2023

Background

Categorization and categorical perception (i.e., enhanced discrimination across the category boundary) are essential processes to organize information efficiently. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) are suggested to display enhanced discrimination on the one hand, but also to experience difficulties with generalization and ignoring irrelevant differences on the other, which underlie categorization. Studies on categorization and discrimination in ASC have mainly focused on one process at a time, however, and typically only used either behavioral or neural measures in isolation. Here, we aim to investigate the interrelationships between these perceptual processes using novel stimuli sampled from a well-controlled artificial stimulus space. In addition, we complement standard behavioral psychophysical tasks with frequency-tagging EEG (FT-EEG) to obtain a direct, non-task related neural index of discrimination and categorization.
Methods
The study was completed by 38 adults with ASC and 38 matched neurotypical (NT) individuals. First, we assessed baseline discrimination sensitivity by administering FT-EEG measures and a complementary behavioral task. Second, participants were trained to categorize the stimuli into two groups. Finally, participants again completed the neural and behavioral discrimination sensitivity measures.
Results
Before training, NT participants immediately revealed a categorical tuning of discrimination, unlike ASC participants who showed largely similar discrimination across the stimuli. During training, both autistic and non-autistic participants were able to categorize the stimuli into two groups. However, in the initial training phase, ASC participants were less accurate and showed more variability, as compared to their non-autistic peers. After training, ASC participants showed significantly enhanced neural and behavioral discrimination sensitivity across the category boundary. Behavioral indices of a reduced categorical processing and perception were related to the presence of more severe autistic traits. Bayesian analyses confirmed overall results.

Limitations

Data-collection occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions
Our behavioral and neural findings indicate that adults with and without ASC are able to categorize highly similar stimuli. However, while categorical perception was spontaneously present in the NT group, it only emerged in the autistic group after explicit categorization training. Additionally, during training, adults with autism were slower at category learning. Finally, this multi-level approach sheds light on the mechanisms underlying sensory and information processing issues in ASC.
Assessment of Faecal Microbiota Transplant Stability in Deep Freeze Conditions: A 12-month Ex Vivo Viability Analysis
Authors: Soukupova Hana , Rehorova Veronika , Cibulkova Ivana , Duska Frantisek
Published: December 2023

Background: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an established treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection and is under investigation for other conditions. The availability of suitable donors and the logistics of fresh stool preparation present challenges, making frozen, biobanked stools an attractive alternative.
Aims: This study aims to evaluate the long-term viability of bacterial populations in fecal samples stored at -80°C for up to 12 months, supporting the feasibility of using frozen grafts for FMT.
Methods: Fifteen faecal samples from 9 healthy donors were processed, mixed with cryoprotectants, and stored at -80°C. Samples were assessed at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months using quantitative culturing methods to determine the concentration of live bacteria.
Results: Quantitative analysis showed no significant decrease in bacterial viability over the 12-month period for both aerobic and anaerobic cultures (p=0.09). At all timepoints the coefficients of variability in colony-forming unit (CFU) counts were greater between samples (102±21% and 100±13% for aerobic and anaerobic cultures, respectively) then the variability between measurements of the same sample (30±22% and 30±19%).
Conclusions: The study confirmed that faecal microbiota can be preserved with high viability in deep freeze storage for up to a year, making allogenic FMT from biobanked samples a viable and safer option for patients. However, a multi-donor approach may be beneficial to mitigate the risk of viability loss in any single donor sample.
Optimized table describing the relationship between breast volume and breast size used for implant size selecting in surgery
Authors: Chen Xiaona , Lu Yaya , Sun Guangwu , Sun Tiantian
Published: December 2023

The relationship between breast volume/mass and breast size helps surgeons choose implants with proper size. However, current breast volume/mass table is incomplete or inaccurate. This study aims to compare breast volumes obtained by two methods and achieve a complete relationship between breast volume/mass and breast size. Data of breast volume measured by water displacement method, breast mass predicted by breast tissue cut off in breast reduction surgery, and breast density was acquired by literature research. Breast volume was calculated by breast mass multiply breast density. The quantitative relationship between measured breast volume and calculated breast volume was analysed. It was found that exponential relationship exists between the two kinds of breast volumes. Breast volume table was supplemented according to this relationship and accurate breast mass table was calculated. In the future, more breast volume/mass studies with expanded breast size ranges should be explored to enrich the application group.
Response of soil fungal community in winter wheat to warming and fertilization regimes
Authors: Han Ning , Yang Chaoran , Liu Mengting , Pei Xinyu , Mao Ruilin , Chen Changqing
Published: December 2023

Understanding soil fungal diversity under global warming is significant for the assessment of climate change impacts on soil health and soil nutrient transformation. The interaction effect of warmer temperatures and fertilization regimes on fungal communities in the soils of winter wheat fields is unclear. Two-year potting experiments were conducted under nighttime warming and different fertilization regimes. The two-year continuous temperature increase significantly decreased the soil’s pH. Warming and fertilization did not significantly change the dominant fungal phyla in the soil. However, it significantly increased the soil fungal richness and diversity compared with no warming and no fertilization. Warming increased richness and diversity by 4.15% and 4.24%, respectively, and fertilization increased richness and diversity by 14.15% and 4.27%, respectively. Furthermore, warming significantly increased the relative abundance of Fusarium, which is the causal agent of winter wheat weat root rot, from 1.75–3.62%. However, fertilization reduced the relative abundance of Fusarium, especially under the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers, suggesting that organic manure addition could impair soil fungal pathogens under future warming. The structural equation model demonstrated that the influence of soil temperature on fungal diversity was direct and mediated through soil carbon nitrogen ratios. Soil temperature and soil organic matter directly affected soil fungal diversity and were the most significant parameters influencing fungal diversity.