bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Novel Integrative Health Equity and Anti-racism Tool (IHEART) for Pilot Application in a Multicenter Integrative Health Elective for Medical Students and Resident Physicians: A Study Protocol
Authors: Minichiello Vincent , Ring Melinda , Walsh Elizabeth G , Mehta Darshan
Published: January 2025

Background

This study protocol introduces the Integrative Health Equity and Anti-Racism Tool (IHEART), an innovative instrument designed to infuse equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into Integrative Health (IH) education. Recognizing the gaps in current IH training that fail to address social and systemic inequities adequately, the IHEART is intended to respond to the growing need for inclusivity in IH practices and educational materials. The tool is mainly focused on addressing issues such as accessibility of complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapies, cultural misappropriation, anti-racism, gender diversity, disability justice, trauma-informed care, weight inclusivity, and planetary health, which are currently inconsistently covered in IH training.

Methods/Design

Developed by a team seeking to embed EDI more consistently in IH education, the IHEART provides reflection questions tailored to the unique philosophy and topics of IH. These questions are intended for use by IH educators in creating and delivering educational content, including handouts, slides, textbooks, and curricula. This tool differentiates itself from existing health equity tools used in general medical education by catering to the nuanced needs of IH training. The article outlines the iterative development process of the IHEART and plans for future pilot implementation and revision.

Discussion

By introducing this tool, the study protocol aims to enhance the inclusivity and relevance of IH education, aligning it more closely with contemporary social justice imperatives. The IHEART is positioned as a crucial step towards transforming IH education and practice, making it more accessible and equitable for diverse communities and ensuring that IH continues to evolve as a holistic and inclusive field.
A Haze Intensity Sensing and Texture Enhanced Transformer for Image Dehazing
Authors: Zhang Tianli , Zeng Hao
Published: January 2025

The degradation of images captured in hazy weather can severely affect practical applications. However, most existing learning-based methods ignore the varied haze distribution in an image, resulting in incomplete dehazing of some areas. Also, the presence of haze can blur the textures and details, which will heavily impact the subsequent image processing. In this paper, we propose a transformer-based framework for dehazing tasks called HITFormer. Firstly, we introduce a texture recovery and enhance module as a preprocess to strengthen details. Then, we propose an adaptive haze intensity prediction subnet to predict the haze intensity of different areas. Lastly, we use a semantic-based luminance and chrominance adjustment module to fuse the feature maps in YUV color space and form a transformation coefficient to get a recovery image. The extensive experiments demonstrate that our HITFormer achieves state-of-the-art performance on several image dehazing datasets.
Investigating BLS instructors’ ability to evaluate CPR performance: focus on compression depth, rate, and recoil
Authors: Lin Shih-Jhan , Chang Chih-Jan , Chu Shao-Chung , Chang Ying-Hsin , Hong Ming-Yuan , Huang Po-Chang , Kao Chia-Lung , Chi Chih-Hsien
Published: January 2025

Background

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) presents significant challenges with low survival rates, emphasizing the need for effective bystander CPR training. In Basic Life Support (BLS) training, the role of instructors is pivotal as they assess and correct learners’ cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques to ensure proficiency in life-saving skills. This study evaluates the concordance between CPR quality assessments by Basic Life Support (BLS) instructors and those determined through Quantitative CPR (QCPR) devices, utilizing data from BLS courses conducted at National Cheng Kung University Hospital from October 2017 to April 2018.

Methods

The study analyzed existing data from BLS courses, comparing CPR quality assessments made by instructors with those recorded by QCPR devices. Key metrics such as chest compression speed, depth, and recoil were examined to identify the degree of consistency between human and automated evaluations.

Results

In this study, CPR performance was analyzed using QCPR devices and BLS instructors across metrics like speed, depth, and recoil. Employing the Cohen kappa statistic revealed moderate to low interrater reliability, the kappa value is 0.65 (95% C.I. 0.65–0.65) for depth, 0.56 (95% C.I. 0.33–0.79) for speed, and 0.50 (95% C.I.0.28–0.71) for recoil. Correlation analysis visualized in a heatmap indicated a higher consistency in depth evaluations (correlation coefficient = 0.7) compared to speed and recoil, suggesting a need for improved alignment in CPR training assessments.

Conclusions

The study underscores the importance of refining CPR training methods and adopting advanced technological aids to enhance the reliability of CPR skill assessments. By improving the accuracy of these evaluations, the training can be better tailored to increase the effectiveness of life-saving interventions, potentially boosting survival rates in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest scenarios.
Circulating Levels of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) in Schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Davarinejad Omran , Komasi Saeid , Moradi Mohammad-Taher , Golmohammadi Farzaneh , Bahrami Maryam , Lashgarian Hamed Esmaeil , Jalalvand Masumeh , Hookari Sara , Kazemisafa Fatemeh
Published: January 2025

Background

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has emerged as a potential biomarker for schizophrenia (SCZ). However, GDNF levels remain unclear in affected individuals compared to healthy controls. Therefore, we aimed to calculate a pooled estimate of GDNF levels in patients with SCZ in comparison with healthy controls.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct for published studies from the first date available up to 17 June 2024. Twelve studies (n = 817 patients and 691 healthy controls) were included in the meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed, addressing heterogeneity and publication bias.

Results

Random-effects estimates (d = –0.80, p < 0.001) of the present meta-analysis revealed a significant mean difference in GDNF levels between SCZ patients and healthy controls. Subgroup analyses indicated that the standardized mean difference of GDNF was larger in European samples (d = –1.01, p ≤ 0.001) than in the Asian population (d = –0.61, p = 0.011). Non-medicated SCZ patients (d = –1.08, p ≤ 0.001) exhibited lower GDNF levels than those on medication (d = – 0.70, p = 0.004). Additionally, patients with a disease duration of ≥ 10 years showed lower levels of GDNF (d = –0.93, p = 0.058 versus d = –0.82, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

The findings suggested that GDNF may be a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for schizophrenia. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying altered GDNF levels and exploring its implications for treatment strategies.
Prominosomes - a particular class of extracellular vesicles containing prominin-1/CD133?
Authors: Karbanová Jana , Thamm Kristina , Fargeas Christine A. , Deniz Ilker A. , Lorico Aurelio , Corbeil Denis
Published: January 2025

Extracellular membrane vesicles (EVs) offer promising values in various medical fields, e.g., as biomarkers in liquid biopsies or as native (or bioengineered) biological nanocarriers in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and cancer therapy. Based on their cellular origin EVs can vary considerably in composition and diameter. Cell biological studies on mammalian prominin-1, a cholesterol-binding membrane glycoprotein, have helped to reveal new donor membranes as sources of EVs. For instance, small EVs can originate from microvilli and primary cilia, while large EVs might be produced by transient structures such as retracting cellular extremities of cancer cells during the mitotic rounding process, and the midbody at the end of cytokinesis. Here, we will highlight the various subcellular origins of prominin-1+ EVs, also called prominosomes, and the potential mechanism(s) regulating their formation. We will further discuss the molecular and cellular characteristics of prominin-1, notably those that have a direct effect on the release of prominin-1+ EVs, a process that might be directly implicated in donor cell reprogramming of stem and cancer stem cells. Prominin-1+ EVs also mediate intercellular communication during embryonic development and adult homeostasis in healthy individuals, while disseminating biological information during diseases.

Graphical abstract
Longitudinal assessment of diffusion-weighted imaging during magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy in head and neck cancer
Authors: Boeke Simon , Habrich Jonas , Kübler Sarah , Boldt Jessica , Schick Fritz , Nikolaou Konstantin , Kübler Jens , Gani Cihan , Niyazi Maximilian , Zips Daniel , Thorwarth Daniela
Published: January 2025

Background

For radiotherapy of head and neck cancer (HNC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role due to its high soft tissue contrast. Moreover, it offers the potential to acquire functional information through diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) with the potential to personalize treatment. The aim of this study was to acquire repetitive DWI during the course of online adaptive radiotherapy on an 1.5 T MR-linear accelerator (MR-Linac) for HNC patients and to investigate temporal changes of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the tumor and subvolume levels.

Methods

27 patients treated with curative RT on the 1.5 T MR-Linac with at least weekly DWI in treatment position were included into this prospective analysis and divided in four risk groups (HPV-status and localisation). Tumor and lymph node volumes (GTV-P/GTV-N) were delineated on b = 500 s/mm2 images while ADC maps were calculated using b = 150/200 and 500 s/mm2 images. Absolute and relative temporal changes of mean ADC values, tumor volumes and a high-risk subvolume (HRS) defined by low ADC tumor voxels (600 < ADC < 900 × 10−6 mm2/s) were analyzed. Relative changes of mean ADC values, tumor volumes and HRS were statistically tested using Wilcoxon-signed-rank test.

Results

Median pretreatment ADC value for all patients resulted in 1167 × 10−6 mm2/s for GTV-P and 1002 × 10−6 mm2/s for GTV-N while absolute pretreatment tumor volume yielded 9.1 cm3 for GTV-P and 6.0 cm3 for GTV-N, respectively. Pretreatment HRS volumes were 1.5 cm3 for GTV-P and 1.3 cm3 for GTV-P and GTV-N. Median ADC values increase during 35 fractions of RT was 49% for GTV-P and 24% for GTV-N during RT. Median tumor volume decrease was 68% and 52% for GTV-P and GTV-N with a median HRS decrease of 93% and 87%. Significant differences from 0 for mean ADC were observed starting from week 1, for tumor volumes from week 2 for GTV-P and week 1 for GTV-N and for HRS in week 1 for GTV-P and week 2 for GTV-N.

Conclusion

Longitudinal DWI acquisition in HNC is feasible on a MR-Linac during the course of online adaptive MR-guided radiotherapy. Changes in ADC and volumes can be assessed, but future work needs to explore the potential for biologically guided treatment individualization.

Trial registration: NCT04172753, actual study start: 09.05.2018.
Circumstantial risk factors for death after intensive care unit-to-unit inter-hospital transfer—a Swedish registry study
Authors: Sternley Jesper , Stattin Karl , Petzold Max , Oras Jonatan , Rylander Christian
Published: January 2025

Background

Unit-to-unit transfer of critically ill patients infers hazards that may cause adverse events. Circumstantial factors associated with mortality after intensive care include days in the ICU, night-time or weekend discharge and capacity transfer as compared to other reasons for transfer. Distance travelled may also constitute an indirect risk. The aim of this study was to assess potential associations between these circumstantial factors and the risk of death 30 days after transfer.

Methods

Data from 2015 to 2019 was retrieved from the Swedish Intensive Care Registry. Logistic regression was used for risk analysis.

Results

Among 4,327 patients, 965 (22%) were deceased 30 days after transfer. 1351 patients undergoing capacity transfer had a higher morbidity than patients transferred for other reasons. Using univariable logistic regression, days spent in the referring ICU before transfer, capacity transfer as compared to clinical transfer and repatriation as well as SAPS3 in the receiving ICU were associated with a higher risk of death at 30 days. However, after multivariable regression with adjustment for ICD-10 diagnosis and Standardised Mortality Rate in the receiving ICU, these associations were lost.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that inter-hospital transfer is safe to carry out at any time of day and over shorter as well as longer distances.
Abnormal characteristics of inferior vena cava and abdominal aorta among neonates with early onset septic shock
Authors: Mi Lanlan , Liu Yiman , Bei Fei , Sun Jianhua , Bu Jun , Zhang Yuqi , Guo Weiwei
Published: January 2025

Background

The variety of shocks in neonates, if not recognized and treated immediately, is a major cause for fatality. The use of echocardiography may improve assessment and treatment, but its reference values across gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) are lacking. To address the information gap, this study aimed at correlating GA and BW of newborns with nonhemodynamic abnormalities, and at evaluating the usefulness of such reference values in neonates with early onset septic (EOS) -shock.

Methods

A total of 200 normal newborns were enrolled as controls and subdivided into groups based on GA, BW, days of age, and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Echocardiography was used to document inferior vena cava diameter (IVC), inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVC-CI), and inferior vena cava to abdominal aorta ratio (IVC/AO). In addition, 18 neonates with EOS shock were recruited and evaluated using echocardiography.

Results

Among the control newborns, IVC and AO were significantly increased with GA and BW (P < 0.05) but IVC-CI and IVC/AO did not correlate with GA, BW, day of age, and PDA. Compared to the control group, the EOS-shock group had significantly decreased IVC and IVC/AO, and increased IVC-CI (P < 0.05). The cut-off values for indicating EOS-shock were > 34.15% for IVC-CI, < 47.58% for IVCmin/AO, and < 66.11% for IVCmax/AO.

Conclusions

The IVC-CI, IVCmin/AO, and IVCmax/AO indices are applicable to all neonates. Although the number of neonates with EOS-shock in our study is small, the cut-off values showed usefulness for diagnosis. Further research is needed to determine the application of the indices in a larger population and among other populations, especially for clinical application in treatment of shock among neonates.
Periapical bone edema volume in 3D MRI is positively correlated with bone architecture changes
Authors: Marka Alexander W. , Probst Monika , Greve Tobias , Lenhart Nicolas , Graf Niklas , Probst Florian , Andreisek Gustav , Frauenfelder Thomas , Folwaczny Matthias , Burian Egon
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To compare and correlate bone edema volume detected by 3D-short-tau-inversion-recovery (STIR) sequence to osseous decay detected by a T1-based sequence and conventional panoramic radiography (OPT).

Materials and methods

Patients with clinical evidence of apical periodontitis were included retrospectively and received OPT as well as MRI of the viscerocranium including a 3D-STIR and a 3D-T1 gradient echo sequence. Bone edema was visualized using the 3D-STIR sequence and periapical hard tissue changes were evaluated using the 3D-T1 sequence. Lesions were segmented and volumes were calculated for bone edema and structural decay. OPTs were assessed for corresponding periapical radiolucencies using the periapical index (PAI).

Results

Of the 42 patients of the initial cohort 21 patients with 38 periapical lesions were included in the analysis (mean age 57.2 ± 13.8 years, 9 women). Reactive bone edema was detected on MRI in 23 periapical lesions with corresponding radiolucency on OPT. Fifteen periapical lesions were detected only in the STIR sequence. The volume of edema measured in the STIR was significantly larger in OPT-positive lesions (mean: STIR (OPT+) 207.3 ± 191.1 mm³) compared to OPT-negative lesions (mean: STIR (OPT−) 29.5 ± 34.2 mm³, p < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that Volume T1 (0.905, p < 0.01) and Volume STIR (0.857, p < 0.01) measurements have strong diagnostic performance for distinguishing OPT-positive from OPT-negative lesions.

Conclusion

Clinically symptom-free patients without pathologic changes in OPT can show signs of inflammation within the periapical bone. Bone edema volume visualized by STIR sequence exceeds bone architecture changes indicated in T1-based imaging and might precede osteolysis in dental radiography.

Critical relevance statement

These results show that subtle intraosseous inflammation within the periapical tissue might remain undetected by conventional dental radiography and T1-based sequences. This emphasizes the potential of MRI in secondary prevention in dentistry.

Key Points

Conventional panoramic radiography (OPT) may show only delayed findings of pathological periapical changes.

MRI detected bone edema in 23 radiolucent lesions on OPT.

MRI revealed 15 lesions only visible with STIR sequences.

STIR sequences showed bone inflammation undetectable by conventional radiography or T1 imaging.

MRI offers diagnostic advantages for early dental pathology detection.

Graphical Abstract
mHealth Incentivized Adherence Plus Patient Navigation (MIAPP): protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial to improve linkage and retention on buprenorphine for hospitalized patients with methamphetamine use and opioid use disorder
Authors: Bhatraju Elenore P. , Kennedy Devin N. , Gojic Alexander J. , Iles-Shih Matthew , Merrill Joseph O. , Samet Jeffrey H. , Hallgren Kevin A. , Tsui Judith I.
Published: January 2025

Background

Initiation of buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in acute care settings improves access and outcomes, however patients who use methamphetamine are less likely to link to ongoing treatment. We describe the intervention and design from a pilot randomized controlled trial of an intervention to increase linkage to and retention in outpatient buprenorphine services for patients with OUD and methamphetamine use who initiate buprenorphine in the hospital.

Methods

The study is a two-arm pilot randomized controlled trial (N = 40) comparing the mHealth Incentivized Adherence Plus Patient Navigation (MIAPP) intervention to treatment as usual. Development of the MIAPP intervention was guided by the information-motivation-behavioral skills model and combines financial rewards via mobile health-based adherence monitoring with the “human touch” of a patient navigator. Participants receive financial incentives for submitting videos of themselves taking buprenorphine via smartphone. The Patient Navigator reviews videos and provides treatment adherence coaching, care coordination and motivational enhancement. The intervention is introduced prior to hospital discharge and is offered for 30 days. The primary outcome is linkage to outpatient buprenorphine care within 30 days of hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes include retention on buprenorphine 90 days post discharge, hospital readmissions, and past 30-day methamphetamine use.

Discussion

Interventions are needed to increase linkage and retention to outpatient buprenorphine among hospitalized patients with OUD, especially for people who co-use methamphetamine. We will examine the MIAPP intervention to improve buprenorphine adherence and linkage to outpatient treatment in a pilot randomized controlled trial which will provide valuable insights about research approaches for hospitalized patients with substance use disorder.

Trial registration number: NCT06027814. Date of Initial Release: 08/30/2023. Protocol Version: 03/21/2024.
EZH2 inhibition induces pyroptosis via RHA-mediated S100A9 overexpression in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Zhang Qi , Luo Yingwan , Ye Li , Wang Yuxia , Wang Lu , Yang Wenli , Lang Wei , Zhu Shuanghong , Jiang Lingxu , Jin Weimei , Mei Chen , Zhou Xinping , Ren Yanling , Ma Liya , Xu Gaixiang , Bowattage Bowatte Gedara Lakmal Vimukthi Band , Tong Hongyan , Sun Jie
Published: January 2025

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) represent a group of heterogeneous myeloid clonal diseases derived from aberrant hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is an important regulator in gene expression through methyltransferase-dependent or methyltransferase-independent mechanisms. Herein, we found EZH2 inhibition led to MDS cell pyroptosis through RNA Helicase A (RHA) down-regulation induced overexpression of S100A9, a key regulator of inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. Moreover, EZH2 inhibitor reduced tumor burden and prolonged the survival of the mice transplanted with MDS cells. In summary, our results uncovered a novel pyroptosis pathway induced by EZH2 inhibition and provided a rationale for EZH2 inhibitor treatment in MDS.
A supervised model to identify wolf behavior from tri-axial acceleration
Authors: Lorand Charlotte , Bouet Léa , Devineau Olivier , Chimienti Marianna , Evans Alina L. , Callahan Peggy , Beckel Mark , Laske Timothy G. , Eriksen Ane
Published: January 2025

Background

In wildlife studies, animal behavior serves as a key indicator of the impact of environmental changes and anthropogenic disturbances. However, wild animals are elusive and traditional GPS studies only provide limited insight into their daily activities. To address this issue, behavior classification models have increasingly been used to detect specific behaviors in wildlife equipped with tri-axial accelerometers. Such models typically need to be trained on data from the target species. The present study focuses on developing a behavioral classification model tailored to the grey wolf (Canis lupus) and encompassing a variety of ecologically relevant behaviors.

Methods

We collected data from nine captive wolves equipped with collar-mounted tri-axial accelerometers recording continuous acceleration at 32 Hz (“fine-scale”) and averaged acceleration over 5-min intervals (“activity”). Using simultaneous video observations, we trained Random Forest models to classify wolf acceleration data into specific behaviors. We investigated the potential limits to the generalizability of these models to unlabeled data through individual-based cross-validation.

Results

We present: (1) a model classifying fine-scale acceleration data (32 Hz) into 12 distinct behaviors (lying, trotting, stationary, galloping, walking, chewing, sniffing, climbing, howling, shaking, digging and jumping) with a class recall of 0.77–0.99 (0.01–0.91 in cross-validation), (2) a model classifying activity data (5-min averages) into 3 behavior categories (static, locomotion and miscellaneous) with a class recall of 0.43–0.91 (0.39–0.92 in cross-validation). Although classification performance decreased following cross-validation, recall scores for lying, trotting, stationary, galloping, walking and chewing individual behaviors (as well as static and locomotion categories) remained above 0.6. Classification performance was consistently poorer for rare behaviors, which constituted less than 1.1% of the training dataset.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the use of collar-mounted accelerometer to distinguish between 12 behaviors and 3 behavior categories in captive wolves, at fine-scale (32 Hz) and averaged 5-min resolutions, respectively. We also discuss the generalizability of the two models to free-ranging settings. These models can be employed to support future behavioral studies examining questions such as conflict mitigation, wolf responses to human disturbances, or specific activity budgets.
Exploring the impact of robot interaction on learning engagement: a comparative study of two multi-modal robots
Authors: Fung Ka Yan , Fung Kwong Chiu , Lui Tze Leung Rick , Sin Kuen Fung , Lee Lik Hang , Qu Huamin , Song Shenghui
Published: January 2025

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using robots within educational environments due to their potential to augment student engagement and motivation. However, current research has not adequately addressed the effectiveness of these robots in facilitating inclusive learning for diverse student populations, particularly those with dyslexia. This study proposes an inclusive learning system developed on two multi-modal robots, Kebbi and Minibo, with interactive (i.e., movable hands) and straightforward features. The system integrates various interactive elements, such as animations, songs, dance, gestures, and touch, to enhance students’ learning engagement, interaction, and motivation and cater to their diverse needs. The study aims to examine the influence of different features from two unique multi-modal robots on the engagement levels of students with/without dyslexia and their needs when engaging with robot learning. Two research questions are posed: (1) What are the features of multi-modal robots that could effectively improve the learning engagements of students with/without dyslexia? (2) What are the needs of students with/without dyslexia when engaging with robot learning? To this end, a comparative study is conducted where 64 students participate in a five-day robot-led training program, while another 73 students receive traditional teacher-led training. Pre/post questionnaires are administered to evaluate students’ engagement levels, and semi-structured interviews are conducted to obtain additional insights. The findings reveal that students with dyslexia are better suited to the interactive and multi-modal features of Kebbi. In contrast, students without dyslexia may prefer the more straightforward features of Minibo, which can still effectively promote engagement and learning. Multi-modal robots can boost engagement and motivation in students with and without dyslexia through novelty and cognitive load management. Emotional connections and interactive elements, such as empathetic and customizable features, enhance engagement and improve learning outcomes.
Comparison of clinical and virological features in pediatric and adult dengue cases at Insein General Hospital during Myanmar’s 2022 dengue season
Authors: Lin Htin , Ngwe Tun Mya Myat , Zin Yin Mon Wint , Myint Khin Theingi , Khine Win Kay , Nwe Khine Mya , Thant Aye Aye , Shwe Thin Thin , Mar Win , Aye Khin Sandar , Aung Khaing Moe , Takamatsu Yuki , Aung Wah Wah , Kyaw Yi Yi , Urano Takeshi , Morita Kouichi , Thu Hlaing Myat
Published: January 2025

Background

Myanmar is one of the countries in Southeast Asia where serious dengue outbreaks occur and Yangon is among the regions with the highest number of cases in the country. Many infections including dengue are common in Yangon during the rainy season, and co-infections may also occur. Adults are more likely than children to experience co-infections of dengue and other diseases. Although pediatric dengue has been studied in Yangon for decades, research on adult dengue is scant. Therefore, this study compared the clinical and virological characteristics of pediatric and adult dengue cases in Yangon.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at Insein General Hospital in Yangon, Myanmar, from June to September 2022. We recruited 221 suspected dengue patients (134 children and 87 adults), with or without other diseases, and tested their dengue serological markers using a serological method and their dengue virus (DENV) serotypes using conventional RT-PCR. Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were conducted to assess significance.

Results

The dengue non-structural protein-1 antigen (NS1Ag) positivity was 37% in children and 32% in adults. DENV serotypes were identified in 80% of NS1Ag-positive patients. Among NS1Ag-positive cases, the DENV-1 serotype predominated (67%), followed by DENV-2 (17%), DENV-3 (9%), DENV-4 (5%), and mixed DENV-1 and DENV-2 (2%) serotypes. Shock was observed in 14% of children and 3% of adults. Anti-dengue IgG antibody positivity was positively correlated with dengue shock. Three pediatric dengue cases (6%) also had other infections including bronchiolitis, ear infection, and diarrhea. Seven adult dengue cases (25%) also had other diseases including advanced HIV infection, severe pneumonia, tonsillitis, thyroid disease, cholecystitis, drug poisoning, and thalassemia.

Conclusion

The serotype distribution and clinical presentations of pediatric and adult dengue cases were not significantly different, but adults were more likely to have dengue together with other diseases than children. This study provides information for the better management of febrile children and adults in hospital settings and provides a foundation for nationwide epidemiological studies on dengue serotypes and modifications of the national guidelines for dengue management in Myanmar.
Emergence and expansion of dengue in Paltas: possible implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and climatic variations
Authors: Quintero Beatriz , Ramón-Ochoa Angélica X. , Morillo-Puente Solbey , Tenezaca-Ramón Daniel A. , Cevallos-Naranjo Alejandra S.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Dengue is one of the most widespread arboviruses in Latin America and is now affecting areas previously free of transmission. The COVID-19 pandemic and climatic variations appear to have affected the incidence of the disease, abundance of vectors and health programs related to dengue in some countries.

Objective

To analyze the epidemiology of dengue in Paltas, Ecuador (2016–2022), compare the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, examine entomological reports and discuss the possible implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and climatic variations.

Methodology

In this observational, retrospective study, cases of dengue registered in the SIVE-Alert epidemiological surveillance system and the available larval indices were examined.

Results

No autochthonous cases were reported before 2016. Between 2016 and 2022, 182 cases without warning signs were reported, mostly in women (51.1%), people ≥ 20 years (68.7%) and people living in urban areas (78.6%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant decline in cases in urban areas, with displacement toward rural areas (p < 0.001). A clear pattern of dengue incidence was observed throughout the year, with a predominance (84.6%) in epidemiological weeks 16–39 (April–September), which coincided with the dry season in the region. In 2016 and 2018, larval rates were high in urban areas but decreased in 2019. Postpandemic incidence rates increased in urban and rural areas, even in areas without transmission of the disease.

Conclusions

There is a clear pattern of incidence of dengue in the dry season in the region. After the 2016 outbreak, larval cases and rates decreased, suggesting the effectiveness of vector control before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during the pandemic there was a resurgence in dengue with expansion in rural and urban areas. The increase in larval rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, even in dengue-free areas, is worrisome. A critical challenge in the control of mosquito breeding sites is climatic variations, which increase the need to reserve water for domestic use.
A head-to-head comparison of the adult EQ-5D-5L and youth EQ-5D-Y-5L in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Bonsel Joshua M. , Peeters Charles M. M. , Reijman Max , Dings Tim , Rutges Joost P. H. J. , Kempen Diederik H. R. , Verhaar Jan A. N. , Bonsel Gouke J.
Published: January 2025

Background

Multiple diseases, such as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), present at adolescent age and the impact on quality of life (QoL) prolongs into adulthood. For the EQ-5D, a commonly used instrument to measure QoL, the current guideline is ambiguous whether the youth or adult version is to be preferred at adolescent age. To assess which is most suitable, this study tested for equivalence along predefined criteria of the youth (EQ-5D-5L) and adult (EQ-5D-Y-5L) version in an adolescent population receiving bracing therapy for AIS.

Methodology

107 adolescents were recruited from 4 scoliosis centers in the Netherlands between March 2022 and January 2023; they completed both EQ-5D’s and the SRS-22r (scoliosis-specific questionnaire). The following criteria were evaluated using the individual and sum of domains (level-sum-score (LSS)). Our primary criterion for non-equivalence of the EQ-5D’s was less than excellent (≤ 0.9) intra-individual agreement using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) analysis for LSS and weighted (quadratic) kappa for domains. Secondary criteria were differences in ceiling using McNemar test; a different number of quantified hypotheses for construct validity achieved using the SRS-22r as comparator; differences in test-retest reliability by comparing ICC/kappa values using a Z-test.

Results

Adolescents had a mean age of 14 years (range 12–18), and 78% were female. Ceiling was mostly comparable between EQ-5D’s, ranging from 78 to 81% for mobility and self-care, 52–54% for usual activities, and 31–36% for pain/discomfort. The EQ-5D-5L showed more ceiling (57%) compared to the EQ-5D-Y-5L (41%) on anxiety/depression (p = 0.006). Agreement between the EQ-5D’s did not meet our criterion for the LSS (ICC 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.70–0.85)), and decreased further at the domain-level. Both EQ-5D’s achieved 5/7 validity hypotheses. Test-retest reliability was slightly better for EQ-5D-5L LSS (ICC 0.76 (0.64–0.84)) compared to EQ-5D-Y-5L LSS (ICC 0.69 (0.55–0.79)), although this was statistically insignificant (p = 0.284). This pattern was similar for most domains.

Conclusions

The EQ-5D versions showed insufficient agreement, and cannot be considered fully equivalent. While they were similar in terms of validity and test-retest reliability, differences in score distribution were present. Taken together, we advise using the EQ-5D-5L to monitor the QoL in adolescent patients with AIS, as it avoids switching instruments and thus data discontinuities. Future studies should verify these findings in different patient groups and the general population.
Use of Preoperative Spinal Angiography in Severe Spinal Deformity Patients Who Require Thoracic 3 Column Osteotomy: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Neifert Sean N. , Rutledge W. Caleb , Frempong-Boadu Anthony , Lau Darryl
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Three-column osteotomy (3CO) offers substantial spinal deformity correction. Thoracic neurovascular bundle sacrifice is often required, and anterior spinal artery (ASA) perfusion can be compromised. Spinal angiography allows localization of variable ASA vascular contribution. This study's objective was to describe a series of patients who underwent preoperative spinal angiography and discuss the impact on surgical planning and execution of thoracic 3CO for deformity correction.

METHODS:

Patients who underwent preoperative spinal angiograms and thoracic 3CO for deformity correction were reviewed. Preoperative, angiographic, and postoperative information was recorded. A literature review on preoperative spinal angiography in deformity surgery was performed.

RESULTS:

Eight patients were identified: single-level pedicle subtraction osteotomies (1), single-level vertebral column resections (2), and multilevel vertebral column resections (5). The average age was 40.0 years, and 75.0% were female. Thoracic scoliosis ranged from 0 to 105° preoperatively and 0 to 45.1° postoperatively. Thoracic kyphosis ranged from 29° to 120° preoperatively and 20.6° to 54.9° postoperatively. Twelve ASA supply vessels were identified bilaterally in 6 patients. Four patients had nontraditional ASA supply at T4 (1), T6 (1), and L2 (2), and 4 had multiple ASA feeders. Based on angiographic results, osteotomy site was changed (1), and neurovascular bundles were spared (2), a 37.5% rate of surgical plan alteration. There were no permanent neuromonitoring changes or postoperative neurologic deficits. No articles reported on using spinal angiography specifically for deformity surgery.

CONCLUSION:

Spinal angiography is low risk and provides critical information regarding ASA supply to potentially mitigate ischemic risk during neurovascular bundle takedown during thoracic 3CO. Further case series are warranted to evaluate the benefits in larger populations, but its clinical applications appear practical.
Nuclear blebs are associated with destabilized chromatin-packing domains
Authors: Pujadas Liwag Emily M. , Acosta Nicolas , Almassalha Luay Matthew , Su Yuanzhe (Patrick) , Gong Ruyi , Kanemaki Masato T. , Stephens Andrew D. , Backman Vadim
Published: January 2025

Disrupted nuclear shape is associated with multiple pathological processes including premature aging disorders, cancer-relevant chromosomal rearrangements and DNA damage. Nuclear blebs (i.e. herniations of the nuclear envelope) can be induced by (1) nuclear compression, (2) nuclear migration (e.g. cancer metastasis), (3) actin contraction, (4) lamin mutation or depletion, and (5) heterochromatin enzyme inhibition. Recent work has shown that chromatin transformation is a hallmark of bleb formation, but the transformation of higher-order structures in blebs is not well understood. As higher-order chromatin has been shown to assemble into nanoscopic packing domains, we investigated whether (1) packing domain organization is altered within nuclear blebs and (2) whether alteration in packing domain structure contributed to bleb formation. Using dual-partial wave spectroscopic microscopy, we show that chromatin-packing domains within blebs are transformed both by B-type lamin depletion and the inhibition of heterochromatin enzymes compared to what is seen in the nuclear body. Pairing these results with single-molecule localization microscopy of constitutive heterochromatin, we show fragmentation of nanoscopic heterochromatin domains within bleb domains. Overall, these findings indicate that chromatin within blebs is associated with a fragmented higher-order chromatin structure.
Impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 na saúde mental e qualidade de vida de colaboradores da Atenção Primária a Saúde em Fortaleza, nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Nunes Gabriela Pessoa de Brito , Macedo Gisa da Costa de , Sousa Iasmim Veras de , Rocha Letícia Maria Queiroz , Jereissati Ana Amélia Reis , Feijó Lorena Pinho
Published: January 2025

Objetivo: avaliar o impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 na qualidade de vida em geral dos profissionais de saúde da Atenção Primária de Fortaleza. Métodos: estudo transversal e quantitativo, com a aplicação do questionário MEDICAL OUTCOMES STUDY 36-ITEM SHORT-FORM HEALTH SURVEY, entre os trabalhadores das Unidades de Atenção Primária da Regional II. Resultados: foi obtida uma amostra de 146 pessoas, sendo mais de 70% do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 40 anos. Do total, 65,8% apresentaram histórico de infecção por COVID-19 e apenas 3 foram internados. quando comparado às médias brasileiras, na amostra estudada foram encontradas médias mais elevadas em capacidade funcional (82,5 (18,05)) e aspectos físicos (78,3 (31,39)) e menores média nos tópicos de aspectos sociais (41,9 (25,87)) e dor (51,1 (40,94)). Quando comparados os profissionais de acordo com o tempo de trabalho, aqueles com mais de 5 anos de profissão destacaram-se em aspectos físicos (81,6(30,91)) (p=0,0074), vitalidade (60,5(23,34)) (p=0,0097) e saúde mental (70,5(20,32)) (p=0,0131). Conclusão: os profissionais de saúde da atenção primária, que atuavam na regional 2, apresentaram menor qualidade de vida, porém não é possível relacionar diretamente com a infecção pelo vírus
Γεώργιος Μέργος. Κoινωνικo-oικoνoμική αξιoλόγηση επενδύσεων και πoλιτικών.
Authors: Χασσίδ Ιωσήφ
Published: January 2025

Τόμος Α: ΘεωρίαΕκδόσεις Μπένου, Α’ Έκδοση 2003, Β’ 2007, 472 σελ. ISBN 978-960-8249-58-5Τόμος Β: Εφαρμογές και ΑσκήσειςΕκδόσεις Μπένου, Α’ Εκδοση 2009, 476 σελ. ISBN 978-960-8249-63-9Η αξιολόγηση προγραμμάτων δια βίου μάθησης στις μικρές επιχειρήσεις
Code and Data Repository for The Balanced Facility Location Problem: Complexity and Heuristics
Authors: Schmidt Malena , Singh Bismark
Published: January 2025

The software and data in this repository are a snapshot of the software and data that were used in the research reported on in the paper The Balanced Facility Location Problem: Complexity and Heuristics by Malena Schmidt and Bismark Singh.
Consumer Privacy in Online Retail Supply Chains
Authors: Xu Fasheng , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Fuqiang
Published: January 2025

Exploitation of consumer data allows online retailers to enhance services provided to consumers but at the risk of causing unintended privacy issues. There has been debate about whether to devise regulation policies to restrict data collection and usage by online retailers. This paper studies the implications of newly adopted privacy policies, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), for an online retail supply chain comprising a retailer and a supplier. We find that despite the GDPR’s intention to safeguard consumer privacy, it may inadvertently hurt consumer surplus while benefiting the retailer. In fact, the GDPR may lead to an outcome detrimental to all parties involved, including the retailer, supplier, and consumers, thereby resulting in a triple-lose situation. Our results hold significant implications for consumers, supply chain firms, and policymakers alike, contributing to the existing literature on evaluating the impact of privacy regulations on technology innovation and adoption.

This paper was accepted by Karan Girotra, operations management.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01819 .
Boole’s Probability Bounding Problem, Linear Programming Aggregations, and Nonnegative Quadratic Pseudo-Boolean Functions
Authors: Boros Endre , Lee Joonhee
Published: January 2025

Hailperin (1965) introduced a linear programming formulation to a difficult family of problems, originally proposed by Boole (1854, 1868). Hailperin’s model is computationally still difficult and involves an exponential number of variables (in terms of a typical input size for Boole’s problem). Numerous papers provided efficiently computable bounds for the minimum and maximum values of Hailperin’s model by using aggregation that is a monotone linear mapping to a lower dimensional space. In many cases the image of the positive orthant is a subcone of the positive orthant in the lower dimensional space, and thus including some of the defining inequalities of this subcone can tighten up such an aggregation model, and lead to better bounds. Improving on some recent results, we propose a hierarchy of aggregations for Hailperin’s model and a generic approach for the analysis of these aggregations. We obtain complete polyhedral descriptions of the above mentioned subcones and obtain significant improvements in the quality of the bounds.
Well-Posedness and Sensitivity Analysis of a Fluid Model for Multiclass Many-Server Queues with Abandonment Under Global FCFS Discipline
Authors: Kang Weining
Published: January 2025

In this paper, under mild conditions on the arrival, service, and patience time distributions, we establish the well-posedness of the fluid model of a multiclass many-server queueing model with differentiated service and patience times operated under the global FCFS service discipline. In particular, the well-posedness of the fluid model is established through the study of the existence and uniqueness of fixed points of a certain functional map of Volterra type. In addition, by showing a local Lipschitz property of this functional map as a functional of the initial data to the fluid model, we also perform a sensitivity analysis on the fluid model.
O brega como manifestação da cultura popular e sua apropriação pelos humoristas da cidade de Fortaleza
Authors: Silva Neto Francisco Secundo , Acselrad Marcio
Published: January 2025

O humor é hoje um dos principais atrativos turísticos do Ceará, sendo divulgado lado a lado com as belezas naturais do Estado. Trata-se de um humor muito peculiar e com características próprias e distintas: a molecagem, a irreverência e a linguagem popular. Sete dias por semana, ao longo de todo o ano, grande número de profissionais se apresentam em bares, restaurantes e barracas de praia bem como fazem participação nos meios de comunicação de massa locais. Esta forma relativamente nova de entretenimento-turismo tem como protagonistas os chamados ‘humoristas do Ceará’, denominação que se refere à geração que surgiu a partir de um movimento artístico inovador de apresentações cômico-teatrais nos bares da cidade em meados dos anos 1980. A hipótese deste trabalho é que foi a partir de sua aparição bem como da apropriação de uma linguagem e estilo ditos bregas que a produção artístico-cultural de humor no estado passou a ser encarada com uma característica local, sendo então agregada ao próprio espírito da cidade e passando, posteriormente, a integrar o pacote turístico do estado do Ceará.
La información etimológica en los diccionarios generales españoles del siglo XX
Authors: Iannotti Maria
Published: January 2025

Relacionándose directamente con el pensamiento griego, que consideraba la etimología como conocimiento del ‘verdadero’ sentido de las palabras, la búsqueda del origen supone una actitud que explique la naturaleza de las cosas a través de la interpretación del lenguaje. Aspecto puramente filosófico, el de relacionar significata y designata, que en la época moderna adquiere un sentido histórico: hacer de la etimología una verdadera historia de palabras a través de etapas documentales y documentables, tanto en la evolución morfofonemática como en la semántica, llevando a la reconstrucción de estructuras o verdaderos sistemas (Zamboni, 1989: 1). Establecer génesis, entrada a la lengua y cronología, por tanto, resulta imprescindible.La etimología tiene su mejor representación en la lexicografía. Es en el diccionario etimológico donde encuentra su natural e inevitable desarrollo, con el fin de registrar y fundamentar de manera científica el origen de las palabras; no obstante, la información etimológica está presente también en algunos diccionarios generales sincrónicos, ya sean descriptivos o normativos, y obedece mayoritariamente al concepto de etimología-origen, que aporta noticias sobre la raíz léxica, la procedencia y la composición de la palabra. De hecho, muchos de los diccionarios modernos ofrecen una indicación etimológica y, aunque a veces contienen forzosamente etimologías inciertas, satisfacen el deseo del lector de conocer, entre otras cosas, el origen de la voz que buscan.Aproximarnos a las principales obras españolas que aportan la información sobre el origen de la palabra y ver cómo ha evolucionado la percepción sobre dicha historia es el cometido de este trabajo.
O Rádio AM em Mato Grosso do Sul: um estudo cartográfico das emissoras que vão migrar para FM
Authors: Lima Helder Samuel dos Santos , Ota Daniela Cristiane
Published: January 2025

Com qualidade de som inferior, as emissoras AMs chegaram ao século XXI sem novidades que fossem capazes de torná-las atrativas para novos ouvintes. Desde 2013, com a autorização da migração, estas emissoras apostam no formato de Frequência Modulada para recuperar audiência. Em Mato Grosso do Sul, cerca de 90% das emissoras vão migrar para FM. Diante da relevância da temática, propusemos um mapeamento das emissoras sul-mato-grossenses nesta etapa de transição com o objetivo de identificar os fatores que levaram a migrar, as expectativas comerciais, e o que está sendo pensado em termos de programação. Para responder tais questionamentos, optamos por realizar estudo de caso múltiplo nas Rádios Difusora de Aquidauana, Corumbá, Três Lagoas e Campo Grande. Abordamos também a Rádio Caçula de Três Lagoas por ser uma das pioneiras a migrar no estado.