bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease Using Graph Frequency Bands and Functional Connectivity-Based Features
Authors: Zamani Jafar , Jafadideh Alireza Talesh
Published: June 2024

Accurate prediction of the progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD) is crucial for disease management. Machine learning techniques have demonstrated success in classifying AD and MCI cases, particularly with the use of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data.This study utilized three years of rs-fMRI data from the ADNI, involving 142 patients with stable MCI (sMCI) and 136 with progressive MCI (pMCI). Graph signal processing was applied to filter rs-fMRI data into low, middle, and high frequency bands. Connectivity-based features were derived from both filtered and unfiltered data, resulting in a comprehensive set of 100 features, including global graph metrics, minimum spanning tree (MST) metrics, triadic interaction metrics, hub tendency metrics, and the number of links. Feature selection was enhanced using particle swarm optimization (PSO) and simulated annealing (SA). A support vector machine (SVM) with a radial basis function (RBF) kernel and a 10-fold cross-validation setup were employed for classification. The proposed approach demonstrated superior performance, achieving optimal accuracy with minimal feature utilization. When PSO selected five features, SVM exhibited accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity rates of 77%, 70%, and 83%, respectively. The identified features were as follows: (Mean of clustering coefficient, Mean of strength)/Radius/(Mean Eccentricity, and Modularity) from low/middle/high frequency bands of graph. The study highlights the efficacy of the proposed framework in identifying individuals at risk of AD development using a parsimonious feature set. This approach holds promise for advancing the precision of MCI to AD progression prediction, aiding in early diagnosis and intervention strategies.
The Agency, Resources, and Institutional Structures for Sanitation-related Empowerment (ARISE) Scales: Psychometric evaluation across Asia and Africa
Authors: Sinharoy Sheela , Xia Derun , Patrick Madeleine , McManus Shauna , Chipungu Jenala , Reddy Malini , Ahmed Tanvir , Mink Thea , Pan Yuzhou , Bhan Tanushree , Conrad Amelia , Caruso Bethany
Published: June 2024

A well-established need exists for valid and reliable measures of empowerment across sectors, including in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). To address this need, we followed a multi-phased, theory-informed approach to develop the Agency, Resources, and Institutional Structures for Sanitation-related Empowerment (ARISE) scales, a set of 16 distinct yet interrelated scales, each of which measures a different sub-domain of women’s empowerment related to urban sanitation in low- and middle-income country settings. The objective of the current phase of work was to evaluate the validity, reliability, and measurement properties of the ARISE scales using cross-sectional data collected between August 2021 and June 2022 from a total of 5,586 women across eight cities in Asia and Africa: Meherpur (N = 720) and Saidpur (N = 730), Bangladesh; Narsapur (N = 721), Tiruchirappalli (N = 563), and Warangal (N = 704), India; Dakar, Senegal (N = 720); Kampala, Uganda (N = 713); and Lusaka, Zambia (N = 715). We evaluated the psychometric properties of the scales, including by using factor analytic methods to assess structural validity and measurement invariance across country settings and over time; calculating coefficients of internal consistency (composite reliability) and test-retest reliability; and using generalized linear regression, nonparametric Spearman rank correlations, t-tests, and ANOVA to test for construct, known groups, and criterion validity. We provide researchers and implementers with tools to measure sub-constructs of sanitation-related empowerment in a valid and reliable way, to generate data for better targeting, design, implementation, and evaluation of strategies to improve women’s empowerment in the context of urban sanitation at the program and policy level. We also describe how these scales can advance the measurement of women’s empowerment not only in WASH but across sectors, through their contribution to our understanding of empowerment as a universal concept and process that can be quantitatively measured across contexts and populations using rigorous psychometric methods.
Combining Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture for Resilience to Global Catastrophic Risks Disrupting Trade: Quantified case study of a median-sized city
Authors: Boyd Matt , Wilson Nick
Published: June 2024

Global catastrophic risks (GCRs) are not improbable and could cause immense disruption to global trade leading to shortages of critical commodities, such as liquid fuels, upon which industrial food production, processing and distribution depends. We aimed to determine the potential contribution a radical pivot to urban agriculture (UA) might have in building resilience to GCRs by calculating the potential land area available and food production under optimal crop selection for UA in a globally median-sized city. Google Earth image analysis was used to estimate UA potential of residential lots and open city spaces. While yield analysis of industrial agriculture was used to estimate the peri-urban land required to make up the UA shortfall under both normal climate, and potential nuclear winter conditions. Results demonstrate that protection of peri-urban cultivation and expansion of crops such as potatoes, wheat and carrots, provide the most efficient method of ensuring food supply (both dietary energy and protein) to the population of a global median-sized city. A 1 km perimeter of peri-urban agriculture focused on optimized and frost-resistant crops could provide resilience for total population food needs in a median-sized city. A relatively small additional peri-urban crop of biofuel feedstock would be sufficient to power the relevant farm machinery in the absence of fuel trade. Governments and municipal authorities could consider protecting peri-urban cultivation and incentivizing expansion of optimal cropping, local biofuel refining and wheat milling capacity.
Investigation of hemodynamic flow patterns caused by aortic stenosis using a combined 4D Flow MRI-CFD framework
Authors: Wang Tianai , Quast Christine , Bönner Florian , Kelm Malte , Zeus Tobias , Lemainque Teresa , Steinseifer Ulrich , Neidlin Michael
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Aortic stenosis (AS) leads to alterations of supra-valvular flow patterns. These patterns might lead to, inter alia, an increased damage of red blood cell (RBC) membranes. The aim of this work was to elucidate these patient-specific patterns between a healthy subject and a patient suffering from severe AS through a 4D Flow MRI-based CFD methodology.
Material and methods
Computational models of subject-specific aortic geometries were created using in-vivo medical imaging data. Temporally and spatially resolved boundary conditions derived from 4D Flow MRI were implemented. After validation of the in-silico results with in-vivo data, the numerical flow fields were investigated regarding their blood flow characteristics, i.e. shear stresses on RBCs and helicity. These insights were used to determine the potential RBC damage in AS.
Results
The accuracy of the 4D Flow MRI-based CFD model was proven with excellent agreement between in-vivo and in-silico velocity fields and R² = 0.9. A pathological high shear stress region in the bulk flow was present during late systole with an increase of 125% compared to the healthy flow. The physiological bihelical structure with predominantly right-handed helices vanished for the pathological state. Instead, a left-handed helix appeared, accompanied by an overall increase in turbulent kinetic energy in areas of accumulated left-handed helicity. These alterations could cause RBC damage.
Conclusion
Validated 4D Flow MRI-based CFD models of healthy and AS patients suggest that altered turbulent and helical structures in the bulk flow are the cause for increased, potentially damaging forces acting upon RBCs in AS.
Case Report: Longitudinal Evaluation and Treatment of a Melanoma-Associated Retinopathy Patient
Authors: Mosavi-Hecht Ryan , Yang Paul , Heyer Barrett , Rosenberg Christopher R. , White Elizabeth , Berry Elizabeth G. , Duvoisin Robert M. , Morgans Catherine W.
Published: June 2024

Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) is a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with cutaneous metastatic melanoma in which patients develop vision deficits that include reduced night vision, poor contrast sensitivity, and photopsia. MAR is caused by autoantibodies targeting TRPM1, an ion channel found in melanocytes and retinal ON-bipolar cells (ON-BCs). The visual symptoms arise when TRPM1 autoantibodies enter ON-BCs and block the function of TRPM1, thus detection of TRPM1 autoantibodies in patient serum is a key criterion in diagnosing MAR. Electroretinograms are used to measure the impact of TRPM1 autoantibodies on ON-BC function and represent another important diagnostic tool for MAR. To date, MAR case reports have included one or both diagnostic components, but only for a single time point in the course of a patient’s disease. Here, we report a case of MAR supported by longitudinal analysis of serum autoantibody detection, visual function, ocular inflammation, vascular integrity, and response to slow-release intraocular corticosteroids. Integrating these data with the patient’s oncological and ophthalmological records reveals novel insights regarding MAR pathogenesis, progression, and treatment, which may inform new research and expand our collective understanding of the disease. In brief, we find TRPM1 autoantibodies can disrupt vision even when serum levels are barely detectable by western blot and immunohistochemistry; intraocular dexamethasone treatment alleviates MAR visual symptoms despite high levels of circulating TRPM1 autoantibodies, implicating antibody access to the retina as a key factor in MAR pathogenesis. Elevated inflammatory cytokine levels in the patient’s eyes may be responsible for the observed damage to the blood-retinal barrier and subsequent entry of autoantibodies into the retina.
A New Attention-Based a convolutional neural network-gated recurrent unit Model for Spatial-Temporal PM2.5 Prediction
Authors: Haghbayan Sara , Momeni Mehdi , Tashayo Behnam
Published: June 2024

Accurately predicting the spatiotemporal distribution of PM2.5 using real data is a challenge, as missing data must be imputed and a suitable modeling method selected. When imputing missing data, the relationships between the variables must be taken into account while preserving their inherent variability and uncertainty. In this study, the imputation of missing data considering the relationships between meteorological variables and other pollutants was performed using different machine learning methods. After handling the missing data, the selection of an appropriate modeling method becomes imperative. In this paper, we attempt to present an innovative spatiotemporal hybrid model based on GRU that aims to obtain and extract spatiotemporal relationships. A dataset collected from 2017 to 2023 in Tehran metropolis was used for the study. The proposed model with (R2 = 0.84) can well determine the changes in PM2.5 concentration for each station and visualize the level of air pollution on a diffusion map.
Study of risk factors for sepsis among patients in the orthopedic department at Damascus Hospital
Authors: Alatrash Randa , Albouini Aseel , daher Nizar
Published: June 2024

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most important problems facing the orthopedic surgeon. Surgical site infection is an important prognostic factor that plays a major role in the progression of the case. This study was undertaken to evaluate the risk factors responsible for SSI and to determine the preventive measures for SSI.
Patients and Methods: This study compromised all the hospitalized patients in the Orthopedic Division in Tishreen University Hospital during 2018. This study analyzed 418 patients and studied the risk factors for the development of SSI and then categorized patients into two groups according to the development of infection (with and without).
Results: Infection has been developed in 42 patients (10%). In statistical analysis, we have found that open fractures were associated with infection (OR:10, 95% CI 4.8-20.9, p=0.0001), chronic kidney disease (OR:5.7, 95% CI 3.1-11.2, P=0.03), Internal fixation (OR:4.8, 95% CI 2.8-9.4, P=0.03), shaving in the patient room (OR:4.29, 95% CI 2.1-8.3, P=0.01), diabetes mellitus (OR:3.8, 95% CI 1.9-7.5, P=0.002), more than 2 hours surgery (OR:2.8, 95% CI 5.7-10.6, P=0.03), emergency stretcher (OR:2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.6, P=0.02), Emergency Operating Room (OR:2.05, 95% CI 1.1-3.5, P=0.01), and lower limb (OR:2, 95% CI 1.1-3.2, P=0.04).
Conclusion: Open fractures, chronic kidney disease, Internal fixation, shaving in the patient room, diabetes mellitus, more than 2 hours’ surgery, emergency stretcher, Emergency Operating Room and lower limb each was an independent risk factor for the developing of SSI in the orthopedic division.
Wastewater surveillance of open drains for mapping the trajectory and succession of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in 23 class-I cities of Maharashtra State (India) during June 2022 to May 2023
Authors: Matra Sejal , Ghode Harshada , Rajput Vinay , Pramanik Rinka , Malik Vinita , Rathore Deepak , Kumar Shailendra , Kadam Pradnya , Tupekar Manisha , Kamble Sanjay , Dastager Syed , Bajaj Abhay , Qureshi Asifa , Kapley Atya , Karmodiya Krishanpal , Dharne Mahesh
Published: June 2024

The timely detection of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for controlling its spread, especially in areas vulnerable to outbreaks. Leveraging Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE), our study examined the proliferation, dissemination, and evolution of the virus across urban, suburban, and densely populated regions in Maharashtra state, India. Over the course of 12-months, from June 2022 to May 2023, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was consistently detected in wastewater samples collected from open drains across various regions of the state. Whole genome sequencing revealed the presence of 22 distinct SARS-CoV-2 lineages, with the Omicron variant dominating from July to September 2022, followed by the XBB variant from February to April 2023, along with other variants such as BF, BQ, CH, and BA.2.86, albeit with lower frequencies. Wastewater surveillance provided early insights into viral transmission, complementing clinical surveillance. Notably, our study detected emerging variants before clinical reporting, highlighting the potential of WBE for early detection. Our findings underscore the importance of WBE in tracking and managing the spread of COVID-19, especially in areas with limited clinical testing. This study highlights the significance of WBE in global infectious disease surveillance especially under low to middle-income countries (LMICs).
Manufacturer Encroachment with Consumer Digital Privacy
Authors: Li Hao , Lu Jizhou , Yan Nina , Lai Kin Keung
Published: June 2024

The rapid advancement of digital tools exacerbates privacy issues in the digital channel, despite providing enhanced media richness. This study distinguishes between consumers who prioritize privacy protection and those who prefer privacy disclosure, examining the impact of digital privacy on manufacturers’ channel strategy choices. Utilizing a game-theoretic model, we analyze manufacturers' decisions regarding the encroachment and retention of existing indirect channels. We explore three key strategies: no encroachment, encroachment, and shifting. Our findings indicate that when consumers favor privacy disclosure, manufacturers consistently opt for encroachment using the shifting strategy. Conversely, when consumers prioritize privacy protection, the optimal strategy for manufacturers varies according to the intensity of these preferences. Specifically, manufacturers tend to choose the encroachment strategy for weak preferences and the no-encroachment strategy for strong preferences. The potential for a win-win outcome between manufacturers and retailers is contingent upon the cost-efficiency of the manufacturer's channel construction. Furthermore, in scenarios where the manufacturer chooses to encroach, consumers consistently benefit. This study highlights the critical importance of assessing the type and degree of consumers' privacy preferences when establishing a direct-to-consumer digital channel. By understanding these nuances, firms can make informed decisions that maximize benefits for both themselves and consumers.
Microscopic and Transcriptome Analysis Reveals That the Self-incompatibility in Rabbiteye Blueberry Belongs to the S-RNase-based Gametophytic Type
Authors: Yang Qin , Fu Yan , Liu Yalan , Zhang Tingting , Peng Shu , Deng Jie
Published: June 2024

Berry fruits produced by Vaccinium (Ericaceae) plants are small but have a signature flavor and have become increasingly popular in the 21st century. However, self-incompatibility (SI) results in a relatively low fruit-set ratio and reduced fruit quality in Vaccinium. In this study, using Vaccinium ashei (V. ashei) styles after cross-pollination (CP) and self-pollination (SP) as material, transcriptomics and gene expression analyses were performed using high-throughput RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Subsequently, evolutionary analysis and conserved sequences analysis of candidate genes were conducted. Among the 135,324 unigenes, 30,863 were shown to be differentially expressed, and eight randomly selected differentially expressed genes were expressed in the styles at 96 hours after SP and CP. The transcriptomics and qRT-PCR results were significantly correlated, which confirmed the reliability of the differentially expressed genes obtained in our study. Compared with SP96, six differentially expressed ribonuclease T2 family genes were obtained in CP96, which were considered candidates for S-RNase. Additionally, the spatiotemporal and organizational expression trends of six candidates for S-RNase were confirmed by qRT-PCR, and the evolutionary and conservative sequence analysis indicated six candidate S-RNases with the typical S-RNase structure. The spatiotemporal and organizational expression results and evolutionary and conservative sequence analyses of the six candidate S-RNases suggest that SI in V. ashei is likely an S-RNase-mediated gametophytic one. This finding suggests the involvement of novel, previously undiscovered components involved in the V. ashei SI system. These findings help elucidate the molecular mechanisms of SI in rabbiteye blueberry and may also benefit breeding, production, and genomics research in V. ashei and other Vaccinium species.
Study of the reform of teaching the course “Principles of Economics” based on the OBE concept
Authors: Han Chao
Published: June 2024

The article suggests that as part of the global transformation of the higher education industry, there is a gradual transition from the use of traditional teaching methods to student-centered teaching strategies focused on achieving educational outcomes. These principles are implemented within the framework of the OBE concept.
The purpose of the study is to analyze the possibilities and methodology for reforming the “Principles of Economics” curriculum based on the OBE concept.
It is shown that within the framework of the concept, teachers should clearly focus on developing in students the competencies they need 5 years after graduation. The conceptual core of EBE consists of such key advantages as clarity of goal setting, flexibility of methodological tools, the possibility of comparative analysis of educational achievements and involvement of subjects of the educational process. OVE creates conditions for comparing educational achievements both at the individual and institutional l
Nrf2-Mediated Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bitra Veera R , Moshapa Florah , Adiukwu Paul C. , Rapaka Deepthi
Published: June 2024

Nrf2 is a major transcriptional factor that controls gene expression in normal health and pathological conditions. It regulates and controls the manifestation of various major elements of oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, autophagy, and mitochondrial bioenergetics in the centre and periphery. Besides, Nrf2 activity is also controlled at various stages, such as protein degradation, transcription, and post-translation. Growing evidence suggests changes in the levels of Nrf2 in degenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is characterised by elevated oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and proteinopathies, which lead to the progressive loss of memory. A decrease in the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes was identified in AD. Recent studies have shown that Nrf2 interferes with various main pathogenic processes in AD, including amyloid and tau pathologies. The current review focuses on brief in the regulation of Nrf2 and the association of Nrf2 with AD, along with the currently available Nrf2 activators.
A Retrospective Analysis of Cases of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria on Treatment with Oral Tofacitinib
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Kumar Rajnish , Bhaikhel Kamal Preet Kaur
Published: June 2024

Background

The term chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) can be defined as urticaria lasting for more than 6 weeks with no established aetiology. Many newer molecules are being tried for managing the CSU cases not responding to conventional treatment as higher doses of antihistamines, oral steroids, oral methotrexate, oral cyclosporine, omalizumab, etc. One such oral agent is tofacitinib. Tofacitinib is known to inhibit the JAK -STAT pathway hence the release of many inflammatory cytokines and so target the pathophysiology of CSU and control symptoms of urticaria. Through this study, we have tried to bring out the efficacy and safety profile of this agent in resolving urticarial symptoms.

Methods

All cases of CSU who had not responded to higher recommended doses of anti-histamine (as per EACI guidelines) and on one or the other immunosuppressive agents were included in the study and based on baseline investigations and patients’ response to initial doses of tofacitinib and patient’s consent six patients were withdrawn from the study.

Results

Out of 15 patients of CSU included for final evaluation, 10 patients were completely cured of CSU at 6 months and 3 patients responded partially.

Conclusion

Tofacitinib is an innovative molecule for treating antihistamine non-responding cases of chronic spontaneous urticaria.
The Relationship between Quality of Work Life and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Manzari Zahra Sadat , Mafi Mohammad Hossein , Nasiri Zahra Haji , Asgari Maryam , Ghaderi Mohammad Sajjad
Published: June 2024

Introduction

In the midst of the global pandemic, nurses were confronted with numerous challenges that put them at risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. These challenges arise from the high mortality rates among patients and the diminished quality of life caused by overwhelming workloads.

Aim

The researchers conducted a study aimed at determining the relationship between the quality of work life and PTSD in nurses facing the healthcare crisis.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mashhad in 2021. The study sample consisted of 180 nurses working in hospitals admitting patients. The research instruments encompassed a demographic information form, the quality of work-life questionnaire with three sub-domains of compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction, and the post-traumatic stress disorder questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-25 software.

Results

Among the participating nurses, the mean and standard deviation of compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction scores in nurses were 24.16 ± 6.77, 25.26 ± 6.09, and 27.42 ± 6.51, respectively. Additionally, the mean score for stress following critical incidents was determined as 42.31 ± 8.71. Spearman's correlation test revealed a significant and positive relationship between the PTSD score and compassion fatigue within this sample.

Conclusion

The results indicated a positive correlation between the decrease in the quality of work life and PTSD. These findings contribute to a better understanding of effective strategies for promoting mental well-being and identifying key aspects to be measured in future interventions. Moreover, these results can guide the development of targeted mental health management interventions aimed at supporting nurses in their vital work during major health crises.
Managing Posterior Segment Ocular Infections: A Review of Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Verma Saurabh , Surve Abhidnya , Azad Shorya Vardhan , Parmanand Kumar , Kumar Vinod , Chawla Rohan , Venkatesh Pradeep
Published: June 2024

Ocular infections affecting the posterior segment of the eye can lead to
severe visual disability. The infections can range from bacterial/fungal endophthalmitis
to various types of viral retinitis to toxoplasma retinitis. In recent years there have been
significant advances in the use of chemotherapeutic agents for managing these
infections. In this review we discuss their management with anti-infective agents. The
choice of drugs, alternatives, mode of delivery and duration of therapy are discussed.
The Students Perception of What Makes A Good Teacher (A Descriptive Quantitative Research Conducted at a Junior High School)
Authors:   Sekolah Tinggi Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan, Mulyani Martina
Published: June 2024

A Teacher is one element influencing the students success in their academic work at school. For that reason, the teacher needs to possess good qualities. The aim of this research is to identify what makes a good teacher in the eye of junior high school students. The research employed quantitative method which utilized numerical data to assess the students perceptions of the teachersâ€™ qualities. 20 students of junior high school were involved in this study. To gain the data the study used questionnaire and interview as the data collection. The findings revealed that a good teacher should possess four different virtues. They are They are technical knowledge, pedagogy skill, interpersonal skill and personality traits with the most wanted qualities are interpersonal skill and personality traits. In the light of the research's findings, it is anticipated that teachers will be able to adopt the personas required by the students.
Productividad de los trabajadores de Coltrans Barranquilla considerando la incidencia del liderazgo, durante el Covid-19
Authors:   Corporación Universitaria Americana, Julio Solano Loraine Paola , Valero Manjarrés María de Lourdes ,   Corporación Universitaria Americana, Martínez Juvene Johanna Carolina ,   Corporación Universitaria Americana, Betancourt Rodriguez Libnazaret ,   Corporación Universitaria Americana
Published: June 2024

i) introducción: la ausencia de un buen liderazgo se refleja directamente en la motivación, comunicación, ambiente laboral y rendimiento de los colaboradores de una empresa, de manera negativa; ii) objetivo: determinar la incidencia del liderazgo en la productividad de los colaboradores de la compañía Coltrans Barranquilla durante el periodo de la pandemia; iii) metodología: el enfoque de este estudio responde a una investigación cuantitativa con alcance descriptivo. Se empleó un cuestionario tipo encuesta con respuestas en escala Likert, a una muestra de 21 participantes, cuyas respuestas fueron anónimas; iv) Resultados: se identificó que la compañía Coltrans, a pesar de contar con una fuerte infraestructura y ofrecer una estabilidad laboral, presenta inconvenientes con el liderazgo en cada una de sus áreas, por lo que, se encontró una falta de reconocimiento y fortalecimiento de los equipos de trabajo llevándolos a nivel alto de deserción; v) conclusiones: la función del liderazgo en las organizaciones puede ser la diferencia entre el desempeño, bienestar laboral y productividad de la empresa, especialmente en momentos de contingencias como lo vivido durante el covid-19.
Detection of Activated Pepsin in Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Acute Cellular Rejection in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Latorre-Rodríguez Andrés R. , Sindu Devika , Mittal Sumeet K. , Arjuna Ashwini
Published: June 2024

Activated pepsin (pepA) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid may be a biomarker of gastric aspiration. We sought to i) evaluate the association of pepA in BAL fluid with acute cellular rejection (ACR) in a cohort of lung transplant recipients (LTRs), ii) assess the association between pepA and isolation of typical gastrointestinal microorganisms from BAL fluid, and iii) explore the accuracy of using pepA concentration as a biomarker of ACR. After IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective observational study analyzing posttransplant BAL fluid samples and concomitant transbronchial biopsies (TBBs) obtained from LTRs who underwent at least two routine surveillance bronchoscopies between March 2020 and August 2022. A total of 349 BAL samples and paired TBBs from 120 LTRs were analyzed. Thirty-five LTRs (29.2%) had at least one episode of ACR during the study period. Most recipients (83.3%) had detectable pepA in at least one BAL sample. LTRs with detection of pepA any time after LTx had a higher likelihood of ACR (OR 9.79 [CI95: 1.26-79.26], P = 0.009). The pepA concentration trended higher as the histological grade of ACR increased, and a cut-off of >2.45 ng/mL provided a sensitivity of 63.3% and specificity of 57.3% to detect ACR. In conclusion, detectable pepA in BAL samples is common among LTRs and was associated with the occurrence of ACR. Furthermore, the BAL pepA concentration trended higher as the histological ACR grade increased; however, this biomarker has several drawbacks if used alone for the detection of ACR, and cautious interpretation is recommended.
Development of a Consolidated Health Facility Masterlist Using Data From Polio Electronic Surveillance in the World Health Organization African Region (Preprint)
Authors: Babona Nshuti Marie Aimee , Touray Kebba , Muluh Ticha Johnson , Ubong Godwin Akpan , Ngofa Reuben Opara , Mohammed Bello Isa , Roselyne Ishimwe , Oviaesu David , Bakata Evans Mawa Oliver , Lau Fiona , Kipterer John , Green Hugh Henry W , Seaman Vincent , Ahmed Jamal A , Ndoutabe Modjirom
Published: June 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Geospatial data reporting from surveillance and immunization efforts is a key aspect of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Polio Eradication Initiative in Africa. These activities are coordinated through the WHO Regional Office for Africa Geographic Information Systems Centre. To ensure the accuracy of field-collected data, the WHO Regional Office for Africa Geographic Information Systems Centre has developed mobile phone apps such as electronic surveillance (eSURV) and integrated supportive supervision (ISS) geospatial data collection programs. While eSURV and ISS have played a vital role in efforts to eradicate polio and control other communicable diseases in Africa, disease surveillance efforts have been hampered by incomplete and inaccurate listings of health care sites throughout the continent. To address this shortcoming, data compiled from eSURV and ISS are being used to develop, update, and validate a Health Facility master list for the WHO African region that contains comprehensive listings of the names, locations, and types of health facilities in each member state. The WHO and Ministry of Health field officers are responsible for documenting and transmitting the relevant geospatial location information regarding health facilities and traditional medicine sites using the eSURV and ISS form; this information is then used to update the Health Facility master list and is also made available to national ministries of health to update their respective health facility lists. This consolidation of health facility information into a single registry is expected to improve disease surveillance and facilitate epidemiologic research for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, as well as aid public health efforts directed at other diseases across the African continent. This review examines active surveillance using eSURV at the district, country, and regional levels, highlighting its role in supporting polio surveillance and immunization efforts, as well as its potential to serve as a fundamental basis for broader public health initiatives and research throughout Africa.
Understanding Device Integrations within Diabetes Apps: App Features and Reviews Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Turner Jessica , Stawarz Katarzyna
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Diabetes management involves a large degree of data collection and self care in order to accurately administer insulin. Several mobile apps are available that allow people to track and record various factors that influence their blood sugar levels. Existing diabetes apps offer features that enable integrations with various devices that streamline diabetes management, such as continuous glucose metres (CGM), insulin pumps or regular activity trackers. While this reduces tracking burden on the users, research highlighted several issues with diabetes apps, including issues with reliability and trustworthiness. As pumps and CGM are safety-critical systems – where issues can result in serious harm or fatalities – it is important to understand what issues and vulnerabilities could be introduced by relying on popular diabetes apps as an interface for interacting with such devices.

OBJECTIVE

As there is lack of research examining in detail the integrations and potential suitability of apps as part of a wider self-management ecosystem, our goal was twofold. First, we aimed to understand the current landscape of device integrations within diabetes apps and how well they meet users’ needs. Second, we identified the key issues users of the most popular apps face currently and what features are the source of these issues.

METHODS

Through searches in Android app stores, we systematically identified 21 diabetes apps that offer integrations. We conducted a detailed analysis of 602 user reviews. For each review we recorded its sentiment, features and issues, and additional contextual information provided by the review writers. We used descriptive statistics to analyse the features and issues. We also analysed the reviews thematically to identify additional trends related to the context of use and consequences of issues reported by the users.

RESULTS

The reviews focused on key features that users found the most important, including: device integrations (43% of reviews), tracking (32.2%), data logging (14.3%) and notifications (11.6%). We found that 54.5% of the reviews were negative (vs 31.1% positive and 14.6% neutral or mixed) and the majority of reviews (62.8%) mentioned issues. The biggest issues related to device integrations included: inability to connect with external devices (25.1%), inability to store, manage or access data (22%), unreliable notifications and alerts (9.2%), issues caused by or related to software updates (8.5%), hardware issues (6.4%) and issues with accessing the app, related services or associated hardware (3.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Apps for diabetes management are a useful part of self-care only if they are reliable, trustworthy, reduce burden and increase health benefits. Our results provide a useful overview of desired features for diabetes apps alongside key issues for existing integrations and highlight the future challenges for AP system development.
Correction: Applying an Evidence-Based Community Organizing Approach to Strengthen HIV Prevention for Cisgender Women in US South: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sheth Anandi N , Dixon Diallo Dazon , Ellison Celeste , Er Deja L , Ntukogu Adaora , Komro Kelli A , Sales Jessica M
Published: June 2024

UNSTRUCTURED
The Digital Shift: Assessing ChatGPT’s Capability as a New Age Standardized Patient. (Preprint)
Authors: Cross Joseph , Kayalackakom Tarron , Robinson Raymond E , Vaughans Andrea , Sebastian Roopa , Hood Ricardo , Lewis Courtney , Devaraju Sumanth , Honnavar Prasanna , Naik Sheetal , Joseph Jillwin , Anand Nikilish , Mohammed Abdalla , Johnson Asjah , Cohen Eliran , Adeniji Teniola , Nnenna Nnaji Aisling , George Julia
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Standardized patients (SPs) have been crucial in medical education, offering realistic patient interactions to students. Despite their benefits, SP training is resource-intensive, and access can be limited. Advances in artificial intelligence, particularly with large language models like ChatGPT, present new opportunities for virtual SPs, potentially addressing these limitations.

OBJECTIVE

To assess medical students' perceptions and experiences of using ChatGPT as a standardized patient (SP) and to evaluate ChatGPT’s effectiveness in performing as a virtual SP in a medical school setting.

METHODS

This qualitative study, approved by the AUA Institutional Review Board (IRB), involved eleven medical student volunteers (5 females, 6 males, aged 20-32) from the American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine. Students were observed during a live role-play, interacting with ChatGPT as an SP using a predetermined prompt. A structured 15-question survey was administered before and after the interaction. Thematic analysis was conducted on the transcribed and coded responses, with inductive category formation.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis identified key themes pre-interaction including: technology limitations (e.g., prompt engineering difficulties), learning efficacy (e.g., potential for personalized learning, reduced interview stress), verisimilitude (e.g., absence of visual cues), and trust (e.g., concerns about AI accuracy). Post-interaction, students noted improvements in prompt engineering, some alignment issues (e.g., limited responses on sensitive topics), maintained learning efficacy (e.g., convenience, repetition), and continued verisimilitude challenges (e.g., lack of empathy and non-verbal cues). No significant trust issues were reported post-interaction. Despite some limitations, students found ChatGPT a valuable supplement to traditional SPs, enhancing practice flexibility and diagnostic skills.

CONCLUSIONS

ChatGPT can effectively augment traditional SPs in medical education, offering accessible, flexible practice opportunities. However, it cannot fully replace human SPs due to limitations in verisimilitude and prompt engineering challenges. Integrating prompt engineering into medical curricula and continuous advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are recommended to enhance the utility of virtual SPs.
Cross-cultural Communication Barriers in Multinational Hotels from the Perspective of Chinese Culture
Authors: Zhao Hui
Published: June 2024

The rapid development of globalization has led to the proliferation of multinational hotels worldwide, emerging like mushrooms after rain, becoming crucial platforms for cultural exchange among nations. However, the challenge of intercultural communication stands as a ubiquitous obstacle for these hotels in their global operations. Particularly within the context of Chinese culture, the challenges faced by multinational hotels in communication are notably intricate. These barriers manifest not only in linguistic disparities but also in incongruities in non-verbal communication and conflicts in cultural values. Through the unique perspective of Chinese culture, a deeper understanding of these communication barriers can be attained, enabling effective responses. This article delves into the primary intercultural communication challenges faced by multinational hotels in the Chinese market through theoretical analysis and practical case studies. It also proposes strategies for addressing these challenges, including fostering cultural sensitivity, enhancing language proficiency, managing multicultural teams, and raising awareness of non-verbal communication. It is hoped that through these discussions, valuable insights and guidance will be provided for the successful operation of multinational hotels in the Chinese market.
Ruby Xenocrystals in Dacite from Central Mexico
Authors: Escamilla Casas Jose Cruz , Ortiz Hernández Luis Enrique
Published: June 2024

The occurrence of 1-2 cm in diameter, anhedral xenocrystals of red corundum (ruby) in a dacitic lava- flow from central Mexico -in the state of Hidalgo- has been recorded. Geochemically, this dacite nearly resembles adakitic rock (SiO2=63.73 66.64 wt %), with low alumina contents (Al2O3=14.38 14.93 wt %), sodium (Na2O=3.29 3.57wt %) and titanium (TiO2=0.55 0.60 wt %), slightly peraluminous (A/ CNK=1.04 1.17) and moderately potassic (K2O=1.90-2.04 wt %; K2O/Na2O=0.53-0.62), with rare earth spectra enriched in light-rare earth elements (La/Yb)N=9.71 10.98. The origin of the dacite is linked to the early geological evolution of the eastern sector of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB) during the Miocene, and its provenance could be a melt of a basaltic and pelitic-sediments slab and magmatic differentiation that generated adakitic magma. The gem-type corundum could have resulted after the addition of refractory products disaggregated from the Precambrian basement, carried, and transported to the surface by ascending magma.
Groundwater identification using geophysical tools and its implications for the stability of slopes in an open pit mine
Authors: Guzzo Duz Beatriz , Moreira César Augusto , Hartwig Marcos Eduardo , Queiroz Miano Felipe , Araújo Ana Flávia
Published: June 2024

The open pit mining development begins with the opening of pits with the rock mass excavation and formation of slopes and berms for ore exploration. Knowledge about the geological conditions represents an important step in this process, since rock masses generally have heterogeneous characteristics and the presence of discon- tinuities can become an aggravating factor in the safety of operations. The characterization and classification of these discontinuities, as well as the identification of the groundwater in the rock mass, has a great importance to ensure the safety of operations during the mine's production process, in addition to ensure the effectiveness of its decommissioning process. The use of DC resistivity geophysical method has been increasing to characterization and identification lithological types and presence of water, since it is a non-invasive research tool with fast ability to obtain data. DC resistivity together with visual investigation methods, such as obtaining the discontinuities orientation and their alteration characteristics, provides important information for the characterization of the rock mass. Given this importance, the present work aimed to use DC resistivity to identify the presence of water and its correlation with lithology and rock mass structure in order to identify how these variables influence the occurrence of ruptures. To this end, two-dimensional resistivity sections were designed and related to visual inspection data and kinematic analyzes obtained from structural data of the rock mass. The integration of these results indicated that the ruptures present in the investigated mine slopes are related to zones whose predominant lithology is volcanic breccia with the presence of water in the subsurface. These ruptures compromise the stability of the slopes and consequently make the decommissioning mine process difficult.
Deforestación y reforestación en la Sierra de Guadalupe, Estado de México, como un sistema social en red.
Authors: Olivares-Rosas Nubia Mayte , Nuñez Espinoza Juan Felipe , Navarro-Garza Hermilio , Pérez Olvera Ma. Antonia , Sámano Rentería Miguel Angel
Published: June 2024

La deforestación es una problemática compleja y multifactorial. En México, este fenómeno se agudiza por la urbanización en las zonas metropolitanas. En la Cuenca de México, se encuentra la Sierra de Guadalupe, un Área Natural Protegida que ha sido devastada continuamente por los asentamientos humanos. En la porción de la sierra ubicada en el Estado de México, se ha tratado de contrarrestar la deforestación con reforestaciones en zonas degradadas. Sin embargo, estas actividades se han visto modificadas por las realidades sociales, econó­micas y políticas de dicha zona. El objetivo, fue analizar el proceso de reforestación en la Sierra de Guadalupe en el Estado de México, en el periodo 2009-2020, utilizando el análisis de redes sociales y la representación estructural generada entre actores sociales, lugares reforestados y especies empleadas. Los resultados mostraron que se han reforestado 416.9 hectáreas, incidiendo en 75 localidades, donde han participado alrededor de 300 actores sociales, utilizándose 50 especies, de las cuales, únicamente 15 son nativas del ecosistema de la Sierra de Guadalupe. Se observó una distribución desigual de los recursos utilizados en las reforestaciones, entre los municipios analizados (Coacalco, Ecatepec, Tlalnepantla y Tultitlán), a pesar de ser parte del mismo corredor ecológico.
Perfil dos acidentes com exposição a material biológico entre residentes e estudantes de medicina
Authors: Sucasas Frison Fernanda , Alonzo Herling Gregorio Aguilar , Guerreiro Inajara de Cássia
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Resident physicians and medical students who suffered occupational accidents involving biological risks can present serious health problems. Objective: To describe occupational accidents involving exposure to biological material among medical undergraduates and residents at the State University of Campinas from 2011 to 2020. Method: This was a retrospective case series study conducted from the records of work accidents involving exposure to biological material that occurred among medical undergraduates and residents. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software, version 9.4. To check the association between the use of personal protective equipment and exposure route, the method Generalized Estimating Equations was used. Results: A total of 1,121 notifications were analyzed, of which 78.5% involved medical residents and 21.5% involved medical undergraduates. Most exposures were due to percutaneous injury (80.1%), the needle with lumen was the main causative agent (37.6%), and 49.0% accidents occurred during surgical procedures or sutures. The operating room and emergency unit had the highest number of accidents. It was evidenced association between accidents that occurred with exposure to the mucous membranes of eyes and non-adherence to eye protection (p<0, 0001). Residents suffered more accidents in the first two years of residency (66.3%), whereas in medical undergraduate students, the prevalence was between the fifth and sixth year of the program (81.9%). Conclusions: Awareness and early education regarding the issue of safety in the work environment should be a priority in medical education, because they provide students with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves from occupational biological hazards.