bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reporting gaps in shockwave-assisted orthodontic tooth movement and tooth mobility studies
Authors: Khorram Arsalan
Published: October 2024

Introduction: To date, studies exploring shockwave-assisted orthodontic tooth movement and tooth mobility have produced inconclusive results, largely attributable to varying methodologies and a lack of standardized reporting. This inconsistency hinders the ability to compare findings across studies and draw definitive conclusions.
Objective: The aim of this review is reporting the gaps in shockwave and orthodontic tooth movement/tooth mobility studies and the future opportunities.
Methods: Our search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science up to August 2024. Searches were performed without restrictions on year, publication status, or language.
Results: Upon reviewing the full texts of the articles, only six related studies were found, including four animal studies and two human studies. Key parameters, such as shockwave system characteristics (e.g., type of shockwave system, energy flux density, pulse frequency, focal area, focal distance), patient characteristics (e.g., facial soft tissue thickness, pulpal blood flow changes, salivary gland secretion changes), and study characteristics (e.g., long-term follow-up, tooth movement/mobility measurement tools and their error, number of shockwave episodes, distance of the shockwave system from the face, distance of the shockwave system from the target tooth, the phase during which shockwave is applied), are often not thoroughly described.
Conclusions: This review emphasizes the need for standardized methodologies and comprehensive reporting in future studies to enable meaningful comparisons and reliable conclusions.
Plasma GFAP, NfL, and p-tau181 levels as early biomarkers of dementia in Chinese adults: Shenzhen community cohort study
Authors: Liang Chunhua , Yan Xueqing , Tian Jing , Yang Yunzhu , Xiao Xiaohua , Huang Yaohui , Wang Tianfu
Published: October 2024

Background
Although blood-based biomarkers can be used to detect early Alzheimer’s disease (AD), population differences affect their clinical value in early diagnosis of the disease spectrum.
Aims
To examine the potential of plasma biomarkers to detect different stages along the AD continuum in a Chinese population
Methods
We enrolled 113 adults from the Shenzhen community (53 cognitively unimpaired [CU], 45 with mild cognitive impairment [MCI], and 15 with AD). We used the single-molecule array technique to detect the levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light (NfL), and phosphorylated-tau181 (p-tau181), and performed APOE genotyping. We assessed the association between plasma biomarkers and cognitive scores, and used receiver operating characteristic curves to measure performance for early AD diagnosis.
Results
The plasma GFAP, NfL, and p-tau181 levels increased significantly in AD and were slightly higher in MCI than in CU (GFAP p = 0.811, NfL p = 0.909, p-tau181 p = 0.696). The plasma GFAP and p-tau181 levels negatively correlated with cognitive scores. Blood markers demonstrated higher performance in identifying AD than CU or MCI. Plasma p-tau181 displayed the highest diagnostic value for AD. Predictions of cognitive impairment were more robust when blood markers were combined with clinical indicators for AD (age, sex, body mass index, years of education, and APOE ε4 carrier status).
Discussion
The expression of plasma GFAP, NfL, and p-tau181 increased in the AD continuum. Importantly, plasma p-tau181 could identify individuals with AD from the general population, with superior predictive performance when combined with age or sex.
Conclusions
Plasma biomarkers are useful screening indicators for early AD in Chinese adults.
Multiplex quantification of endocrine proteins in volumetric dried blood spot specimens
Authors: Stauch William Lindgren , Olausson Johan , Bendes Annika , Beck Olof , Schwenk Jochen M
Published: October 2024

Background:
Circulating proteins are routinely quantified from liquid biopsies to deduce health and disease. Among these are endocrine protein hormones, which regulate human growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction. Most commonly, these proteins are analyzed in plasma or serum prepared from venous blood draws. Recently, devices for quantitative capillary sampling from a finger prick have emerged, but their utility for clinical testing remains to be explored.
Methods:
To study the analytical capabilities of quantitative dried blood spots (qDBS), we quantified the luteinizing hormone (LHB), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSHB), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSHB), prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH1) by multiplexed immunoassays. We determined the performance of the endocrine hormone assays in paired qDBS and EDTA plasma samples from 100 donors (90% females) aged 4 to 78. Lastly, we compared the protein levels with those from an accredited clinical chemistry laboratory.
Results:
The multiplexed analysis showed precise protein quantifications in qDBS (mean CV = 8.3%), high concordance with plasma levels (r = 0.88 to 0.99), and accuracy being matrix- and protein-dependent (recovery: 80–225%). Using the current protocol and sample dilutions, reported protein concentrations were 1.2 to 7.5 times higher in plasma than in qDBS eluates. Concentrations from multiplexed plasma assays agreed with the clinical data (r = 0.87 to 0.99) and decreased slightly when comparing clinical plasma data with multiplexed qDBS assays (r = 0.76 to 0.98). Significant increases in age-related FSHB and LHB levels were observed in females in all specimens and assays (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
This study shows the suitability of modern qDBS devices for quantifying clinically informative proteins in multiplexed assays and highlights the need for future work on specimen-specific optimization and standards. Volumetric DBS sampling offers new routines for accurate protein quantification for precision medicine.
Omilayers: a Python package for efficient data management to support multi-omic analysis
Authors: Kioroglou Dimitrios
Published: October 2024

Multi-omic integration involves the management of diverse omic datasets. Conducting an effective analysis of these datasets necessitates a data management system that meets a specific set of requirements, such as rapid storage and retrieval of data with varying numbers of features and mixed data-types, ensurance of reliable and secure database transactions, extension of stored data row and column-wise and facilitation of data distribution. SQLite and DuckDB are embedded databases that fulfil these requirements. However, they utilize the structured query language (SQL) that hinders their implementation by the uninitiated user, and complicates their use in repetitive tasks due to the necessity of writing SQL queries. This study offers Omilayers, a Python package that encapsulates these two databases and exposes a subset of their functionality that is geared towards frequent and repetitive analytical procedures. Synthetic data were used to demonstrate the use of Omilayers and compare the performance of SQLite and DuckDB.
Real-Time and Low Latency DynamicComputational Offloading Deep Neural NetworkTechnique in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV)
Authors: Amar Amar Nayak , Sanju Sanjay Agrawal
Published: October 2024

Recently, a new computing paradigm, edge computing, has gained attention because of high-throughput and short-delay task offloading for large-scale Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications. Computational task offloading in the IoT faces significant challenges relatedto energy consumption, performance, security, and latency. Traditionalmachine-learning cloud-based approaches may not meet the real-timetask offloading and processing requirements of IoT applications. To de-termine the potential of fully connected vehicles, the Internet of Vehicles(IoV) requires high-bandwidth and low-latency services. IoT devices inIoV networks have limited resources to perform large and complex op-erations. This issue of limited resources can be solved by dynamic task offloading using cloud and edge computing to improve IoV performance.This paper proposes an innovative Deep Neural Network (DNN) basedReal-Time and Low Latency dynamic computational offloading alloca-tion method that combines the strengths of Cloud and Edge computingwith low-latency computational offloading for IoT applications, such asIoV, Intelligent Transportation Systems, and smart cities. The proposedDNN model is trained to make decisions about where and when to offloadcomputational tasks dynamically based on input features like availableresources, vehicle network conditions, and speed. Finally, for implement-ing and evaluating the performances of proposed low latency, real-timedynamic computational offloading real traffic data are used to build upthe simulation scenarios. Experimental results indicate that our methodachieves improved performance in terms of latency, dynamic efficient re-source allocation, and computational task offloading compared to thetraditional machine learning cloud-based task offloading method.
Development of a novel person-centered question prompt list to pharmacists in Japanese community pharmacies: Focus Group and Delphi Method
Authors: Hayakawa Masayo , Kizaki Hayato , Yanagisawa Yuki , Suzuki Nobuyuki , Kagawa Yumi , Sayama Kyoko , Imai Shungo , Hori Satoko
Published: October 2024

Background
The concept of shifting from patient-centered to person-centered approach in pharmacy practice has been proposed. This shift requires smooth communication between the patients and pharmacists. Although there exists a question prompt list (QPL) for patients and doctors, the same is not available for pharmacists focused on a person-centered approach. This study aimed to develop a novel question prompt list to pharmacists (QPLP) focusing on a person-centered approach to facilitate communication between patients and pharmacists.
Methods
This study aimed to develop the QPLP in three steps. In the first step, six medical pharmaceutical researchers with pharmacist qualifications and two experienced representatives from patient associations prepared an initial draft of the QPLP, referencing existing QPLs used by patients to prepare questions for doctors before consultation. Next, a focus group interview was conducted with eight patients, and a QPLP was drafted. Finally, a modified Delphi method was used to evaluate and collect opinions, and the QPLP was finalized.
Results
A QPLP comprising 16 questions was developed with patient participation in a three-step process. The content was categorized into five sections: “Medicines,” “How to Take/Use Medicines,” “Daily Life,” “Treatment,” and “Consumer Health Information.” The questions covered concerns regarding medicines, difficulties in using medicines, issues in daily life during treatment, treatment-related problems, authenticity of health information, and community health and exercise information.
Conclusion
In this study, we developed a novel QPLP to enhance communication between patients and pharmacists, focusing on a person-centered approach with active patient involvement. Future studies should investigate the contribution of the developed QPLP in improving patient–pharmacist communication. These questions may encourage healthy people and patients to seek health advice from pharmacists.
Exploring the Association between Plasma Proteins and Frailty Based on Mendelian Randomization and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Chen Shuhui , Pan Hejing , Xu Yaling , Mao Yingying , Huang Lin
Published: October 2024

Background
Frailty is an emerging global burden of disease, characterized as an age-related clinical syndrome. Recent studies have suggested a potential link between plasma protein levels and the onset of frailty. This study aims to analyze the potential causal relationship between plasma proteins and frailty using a Mendelian Randomization (MR) study design.
Methods
Associations between plasma proteins and frailty were assessed using inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, weighted median, maximum-likelihood method, and MR-PRESSO test. Protein-protein interaction network construction and gene ontology functional enrichment analysis were conducted on MR-identified target proteins.
Results
After FDR correction, MR analysis identified five plasma proteins, including BIRC2 [OR = 0.978, 95%CI(0.967–0.990)] and PSME1 [OR = 0.936, 95%CI(0.909–0.965)], as protective factors against frailty, and 49 proteins, including APOB [OR = 1.053, 95%CI(1.037–1.069)] and CYP3A4 [OR = 1.098, 95%CI(1.068,1.128)], as risk factors. Network pharmacology suggested BIRC2, PSME1, APOE, and CTNNB1 as key intervention targets.
Conclusion
This study employed MR design integrated with network pharmacology analysis to investigate the association between circulating plasma proteins and frailty, identified 5 plasma proteins negatively associated with frailty risk and 49 plasma proteins positively associated with frailty.
Impact of Surgical Timing on Mortality in Patients with Fragility Hip Fracture: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fu Hairui , Li Feixiong , Cheng Caitong , Shi Xianfeng
Published: October 2024

Background
It is important to improve outcomes and reduce mortality in fragility hip fracture patients. There is conflicting evidence on the prognostic role of surgery timing, and previous studies have been riddled with methodological flaws; therefore, further investigation is warranted. This review seeks to elucidate the prognostic significance of surgery timing for mortality risk among this patient population.
Methods
In accordance with the PRISMA-P 2015 guidelines, the MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases will be searched up to October 13, 2024, without language restrictions. EndNote and EPPI-Reviewer software will be utilized for the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment processes. The primary outcome will be all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes will be postoperative complications, readmission rates, and length of hospital stay. Meta-analysis will be performed when feasible, and subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be planned to explore the effects of variations in study design and bias assessment methods.
Discussion
This systematic review aims to synthesize existing evidence regarding the prognostic impact of surgery timing on mortality risk in fragility hip fracture patients. Additionally, this systematic review will investigate how different definitions of early surgery and varying follow-up durations may influence these outcomes, thus providing valuable guidance for clinical decision-making.
Trial registration:
Clinical trial number: not applicable
Predictors of weaning success from prolonged mechanical ventilation: A protocol study
Authors: Bartal Amir , Mai Ofri , shira Turgeman , Peles Ido , Paran Nave , Bartal Carmi
Published: October 2024

Objectives
To describe the outcomes of a large cohort of patients who have been on ventilation for > 14 days (extended prolonged ventilation) and identify unique predictors of weaning success within this group. We also aimed to examine the impact of diuretic therapy before weaning on the likelihood of successful weaning.
Design:
A retrospective study.
Setting:
The computerized database of Soroka University Medical Center, a tertiary 1191-bed medical center serving a population of 1.2 million residents.
Participants:
Overall, 88 patients were included in our study cohort. Forty patients (45%) were successfully weaned off mechanical ventilation and subsequently discharged either to rehabilitation facilities or directly to their homes.
Main outcome measures:
We analyzed the weaning success rate from extended prolonged mechanical ventilation and explored potential predictors for success using multivariate logistic regression.
Results
The in-hospital mortality rate was 28% (25 patients). All-cause mortality within 1 month and 1 year of discharge was 11% (10 patients) and 28% (20 patients), respectively. Hypoalbuminemia was the only significant predictor of weaning failure, with an odds ratio of 7.27. However, demographic factors such as age, comorbidities, reasons for mechanical ventilation, clinical and laboratory data at the time of admission, and diuretics treatment a few days before the initiation of weaning were not significant predictors of weaning success.
Conclusions
As patients stabilize and recover from the acute phase of illness that necessitates mechanical ventilation, rapid weaning success predictors may become less relevant in patients on long-term ventilation. Hypoalbuminemia has multiple potential mechanisms that may cause weaning failure in cases of prolonged ventilation. Therefore, interventions aimed at correcting hypoalbuminemia by improving the metabolic state may potentially enhance weaning success rates.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing combined with stress echocardiography for the evaluation of myocardial dysfunction in children at risk
Authors: Schöffl Isabelle , Trager Eva , Kessler Lennart , Paech Christian , Weigelt Annika , Dittrich Sven , Wällisch Wolfgang
Published: October 2024

Aims
In paediatric cardiology stress echocardiography is rarely used, even though it is an established tool for investigating myocardial insufficiency which represents a threat in children after arterial switch operation (ASO) or Kawasaki disease (KD). This study combines stress echocardiography with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) for evaluating these children.
Methods:
We recruited former patients from our database after ASO or KD. All undertook a CPET either on a tilt-recline ergometer or on a treadmill with intermittent echocardiography with strain measurements. In addition to the standard cardiopulmonary exercise parameters the behaviour of the O2pulse before and after the end of exercise was evaluated.
Results:
43 children, adolescents and adults (21 ASO mean age 14.7, 10 KD aged 15.0, and 13 controls aged 15.3 years) participated in this study. The patients after ASO showed a significantly lower peak cardiopulmonary function (\(\:\dot{V}{O}_{2}peak\): 39.6 vs 45.9 ml/kg/min) as well as a lower first ventilatory threshold (VT1) in percent of \(\:\dot{V}{O}_{2}peak\) (45.7 vs. 54%). The only other significant difference was a slower decline of the O2pulse following the end of exercise. The strain values were normal. The patients undertook significantly less sport.
Conclusion:
The lower \(\:\dot{V}{O}_{2}peak\) in combination with the lower VT1 observed in the ASO group point to a lower cardiopulmonary function with poor endurance. In combination with the slower recovery of the O2pulse after exercise this could point to an impairment in cardiac output. Interestingly this was not true for the KD patients even when giant aneurysms were present.
Isolation and characterization of Salmonella enteritidis bacteriophage Salmp-p7 isolated from slaughterhouse effluent and its application in food
Authors: Chen Mengge , Yu Tong , Cao Xiangyu , Pu Jiaqi , Wang Deshu , Deng Hongkuan
Published: October 2024

Salmonella enteritidis is one of the most common pathogens that cause foodborne outbreaks and food spoilage, which seriously threatens human health. In this study, Salmonella enteritidis bacteriophage Salmp-p7 was isolated and characterized from slaughterhouse wastewater. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed that Salmp-p7 belonged to the Siphoviridae family and was active against Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli. Whole genome sequence analysis showed that Salmp-p7 was a lytic bacteriophage with a total length of 60066 bp. In vitro, antimicrobial curves and inhibition of biofilm removal experiments showed that Salmp-p7 could effectively inhibit and eliminate Salmonella enteritidis. The application of Salmp-p7 to the whole liquid of infected eggs resulted in a significant reduction of viable bacteria in the egg liquid. In conclusion, the bacteriophage Salmp-p7 has high stability and lytic activity and has the potential to become a new biological control agent for Salmonella enteritidis in eggs.
Causal relationship between drug target genes of LDL-cholesterol and coronary artery disease: Drug Target Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Jee Yongho , Shin Jong Won , Ryu Mikyung , Song Tae-Jin
Published: October 2024

Background
High LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) is a well-known risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). PCSK9, HMGCR, NPC1L1, ACLY, and LDLR gene have been reported as lipid lowering drug genes related to LDL-C lowering. However relevant Asian studies were rare.
Methods
We examined the causality between LDL-c drug target genes and CAD using Korean and Japanese data using the two sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) method. We conducted two-sample MR analysis of LDL-c lowering drug target genes (7 Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in PCSK9, 6 SNPs in HMGCR, 5 SNPs in NPC1L1, 9 SNPs in ACLY, 3 SNPs in LDLR) and CAD. We used summary statistics data from the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study (KOGES) for LDL-C data, and Biobank of Japan (BBJ) for CAD data.
Results
For every 10 mg/dl decrease in LDL-C determined by four significant SNPs in the PCSK9 gene, the risk of CAD decreased by approximately 20% (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.75–0.86). The risk of CAD decreased by 10% for every 10 mg/dl decrease in LDL-C due to the six significant SNPs in the HMGCR gene (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.86–0.94). Due to the two significant SNPs in the gene LDLR, the risk of CAD decreased by approximately 26% for every 10 mg/dl decrease in LDL-C (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.66–0.82). The combined effect on CAD showed the largest effect size for the PCSK9 gene and LDLR gene, and the reduced CAD risk induced by these two genes together was OR = 0.78 (95%CI, 0.74–0.83). Finally, the combined effect of all three genes (PCSK9, HMGCR, and LDLR) was OR = 0.85 (95%CI, 0.79–0.91) (Fig. 3D).
Conclusion
LDL-C reduction estimated by SNPs in LDL-C lowering drug target genes significantly reduced the risk of CAD. We found the potential of using of proxy research design for clinical trials using LDL-C lowering drugs.
Risk factors for the occurrence and recurrence of papillary thyroid carcinoma with Hashimoto's thyroiditis based on next- generation sequencing
Authors: Zhang Wanxue , Liu Bin
Published: October 2024

Purpose To investigate the risk factors for the occurrence and recurrence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) combined with PTC using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Methods 249 patients who underwent thyroid cancer surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from October 2020 to December 2020 were included, and the clinical data, NGS results and 4-year follow-up recurrence were collected, analyzing the related risk factors causing HT combined with PTC and its risk factors for recurrence. Results patients with RET rearrangement-positive patients in the HT group had a higher lymph node metastasis(LNM) and recurrence rate (P < 0.05); and patients with BRAF mutation in the HT group had more males and were more often seen with multifocal ( P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis suggested that multifocal, RET rearrangement, low age, and lymph node negativity were risk factors for HT combined with PTC. The results of univariate COX analysis showed that the number of cancer foci, LNM, extrathyroidal extension(ETE), recurrence risk stratification, TSH, RET rearrangement positivity, and RET rearrangement interaction with Hashimoto's effect were risk factors for recurrence after PTC. The results of multifactorial COX regression analysis showed that ETE, recurrence risk stratification were risk factors for recurrence after PTC surgery. Conclusions BRAF mutations are lower in HT combined with PTC but do not have a significant role in recurrence, and the recurrence rate of PTC combined with HT is higher if accompanied by RET rearrangement, and more caution is needed for intraoperative clearance in such patients.
Design of a novel multiple epitope-based vaccine: An immune-informatics approach to combat Dengue virus
Authors: Rahman Md. Bokhtiar , Rahman Simo
Published: October 2024

Dengue fever is a vector-borne viral disease that is responsible for 25,000 people deaths per year globally. Elimination of the virus from the bloodstream of affected individuals is the primary goal of the treatment. However, there is no successful dengue vaccine candidate that can prevent this virus to date. The purpose of this study was to develop a potential vaccine by targeting B cell and T cell epitopes of DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4 serotypes by using bioinformatics approaches. Epitopes were predicted from envelopes protein of DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-4 and polyprotein of DENV-3. These epitopes were analyzed and selected by layer-by-layer filtration method based on different bioinformatics approaches. DENV-BkS8 and DENV-BkS10 passed all filtration criteria, among all 21 constructed vaccine models. All selected epitope candidates showed good results in worldwide population coverage. DENV-BkS8 and DENV-BkS10 showed good docking properties against TLR 2, TLR4, HLA- A*02:01, and HLA- DRB1*01:01 and promising immunomodulation properties. Vaccine constructs were cloned into PET28a (+) vector for expression study in Escherichia coli. DENV-BkS8 and DENV-BkS10 proved effective in various computer-based immune response analyses. Laboratory-based studies and clinical trials will be needed for further confirmation of the efficacy and safety of vaccines.
Artificial Intelligence Methods to Assess the Decision Diagnosis in Chronic Wounds: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reifs-Jiménez David , Casanova-Lozano Lorena , Reig-Bolañoo Ramon , Grau-Carrión Sergi
Published: October 2024

Purpose
Chronic wounds, which take over six weeks to heal, are a major global health issue linked to conditions such as diabetes, venous insufficiency, arterial diseases, and pressure ulcers. These wounds cause pain, reduce quality of life, and impose significant economic burdens. This systematic review explores the impact of technological advancements on the diagnosis of chronic wounds, focus- ing on how computational methods in wound image and data analysis improve diagnostic precision and patient outcomes.
Methods
A literature search was conducted in databases including ACM, IEEE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering studies from 2013 to 2023. The focus was on articles applying complex computational techniques to analyze chronic wound images and clinical data. Exclusion criteria were non-image sam- ples, review articles, and non-English or non-Spanish texts. From 2711 articles identified, 93 full-text studies were selected for final analysis.
Results
From 2711 articles identified, 93 full-text studies were selected for final analysis. The review identified significant advancements in tissue classification, wound measurement, segmentation, prediction of wound aetiology, risk indica- tors, and healing potential. The use of image-based and data-driven methods has proven to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency in chronic wound care.
Conclusions
The integration of technology into chronic wound diagnosis has shown a transformative effect, improving diagnostic capabilities, patient care, and reducing healthcare costs. Continued research and innovation in computational techniques are essential to unlock their full potential in managing chronic wounds effectively.
Sociocultural Determinants and Behavioral Risk Factors of COVID-19: A Study of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Bangladesh
Authors: Das Jewel , Akter Dilruba
Published: October 2024

Experts say that community transmission of coronavirus connects to sociocultural and behavioral contexts. As such, it is necessary to understand the health behaviors of local people to explore the sociocultural determinants and socio-demographic risk factors that might be responsible for coronavirus infections. A study was done in five sub-districts of Chittagong, a southeastern district of Bangladesh, to generate evidence on sociocultural and behavioral perspectives of COVID-19 risk factors. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, this study observed 555 people and administered a vaccination survey to 200 respondents to understand individuals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 safety measures. Researchers also conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 20 key informants. Interview data was analyzed through thematic analysis, whereas descriptive statistics were used to analyze observational and survey data. Under the framework of the KAP model, the study results show that around half of the observed people do not wear face masks, and more than three-quarters do not maintain social distancing in public. The study also demonstrates no handwashing or hand-sanitizing facilities in over half of the observed places. The vaccination survey indicates that although 60.2% of respondents have been vaccinated, 21% of respondents do not know that they might be infected by the coronavirus even after getting vaccinated, whereas 15.5% do not know that vaccinated people still need to wear masks. Qualitative data shows that individuals’ perception of coronavirus was influenced by their sociocultural context of digesting mass media-generated COVID-19 knowledge and information. Unhealthy behavioral practices and undesirable attitudes of community members are also responsible for COVID-19 infections. From this perspective, examining individuals’ attitudes and views on the causes of COVID-19 might help in proper planning, designing, and implementing risk communication and community engagement interventions and policies to encounter the pandemic in Bangladesh.
A simple method for the measurement of Pelvic Incidence on standard lumbar CT and MRI studies
Authors: İplikçioğlu Ahmet Celal , Karabag Hamza
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to describe a simple method for the measurement of pelvic incidence on standard lumbar CT and MRI studies not involving the femoral heads.
Methods: Three groups of asymptomatic participants were recruited according to radiological modalities (X-ray [n = 50], CT [n = 54], and MRI [n = 38]). In each group, the hip axis was found and PI was measured. Then the intersection point (X point) of a line connecting the midpoint of the sacral endplate to the posterior pubic end and a line connecting the anterior pubic edge to the inferior border of the S4 segment was determined and referred to as the new hip axis. Using this point, PI was measured again. The distances between the hip axis and the X point were measured in each group and the corresponding PI values were compared.
Results: The average distance between the hip axis and X point and the average PI difference were 4.39 ± 3.9 mm and 1.91°, 4.14 ± 3.2 mm and 0.80°, and 4.65 ± 2.94 mm and 0.23° in the X-ray, CT, and MRI groups. Likewise, the mean absolute difference between PI values in the X-ray, CT, and MRI groups was 2.4°, 2.9°, and 1.3°, respectively.
Conclusion: Determining the hip axis on standard spinal CT and MRI studies allows almost accurate measurement of PI (difference 1°–2o) without any additional time or cost. This method can be used routinely to measure PI on standard CT or MRI in clinical practice and research.
The Impact of Urbanization-Induced Eviction on Food Security of peri-urban households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gnamura Kejela , Antwi Michael , Abenet Belete
Published: October 2024

This study examines the effects of urbanization-induced displacement on the food security status of peri-urban farming households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed-methods approach to examine the impact of urbanization-induced eviction on food security in peri-urban farming households of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We employed multiple techniques of data analysis; namely, binary logistic regression, Sustainable Livelihood Security Index (SLSI), and thematic content analysis. The logistic regression analysis identified key factors influencing food security, including eviction, education levels, social capital, agricultural land security, and composite sustainable livelihood security index. The eviction status’s odds ratio (0.066) suggests that the odds of being food secure for evicted households are 93.4% lower than for non-evicted households. In other words, evicted households have approximately 1/15th the odds of being food secure compared to non-evicted households. The analysis confirms that the null hypothesis is rejected, implying urban eviction without appropriate policy measures would lead the evicted households into food insecurity. The findings highlight the need for targeted policies to protect agricultural land, support displaced communities, and ensure long-term food security in rapidly urbanising areas.
Organic cation transporter 3 on neuronal mitochondria mediates MPP + -induced mitochondrial dysfunction and neurotoxicity in a TIMM22-dependent manner
Authors: Guan Ao , Han Sida , Liang Suzhen , Shen Weiwei , Guo Min , Cui Mei
Published: October 2024

Background
Emerging evidence demonstrates the multifaceted roles of mitochondria in cellular metabolism. The intracellular compartmentalization of metabolites profoundly impacts mitochondrial function and the pathophysiology in many diseases. MPP+ compartmentalization is a well-established phenomenon in MPTP-dependent neurodegeneration. The accumulation of MPP+ in mitochondria contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as respiratory chain inhibition, ultimately leading to neuronal death. However, the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial MPP+ accumulation remain poorly understood. Organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3), a passive transporter mediating MPP+ transport, has been observed on the mitochondrial membrane, but it remains unclear whether mitochondrial OCT3 is involved in MPP+ accumulation in mitochondria.
Results
OCT3 expression was detected in mitochondria fraction extracted from SH-SY5Y cells. Following MPP+ incubation, there was a significant increase in mitochondrial uptake of MPP+, which was mitigated by OCT inhibition. Knockdown of the inner mitochondrial membrane 22 (TIMM22), an important component of mitochondrial protein import apparatus, successfully reduced OCT3 levels on mitochondria without impairing mitochondrial morphology or function. This resulted in a decrease in mitochondrial uptake of MPP+, which in turn rescued MPP+-induced mitochondrial fragmentation, complex Ⅰ inhibition and mitochondrial membrane potential reduction. Furthermore, TIMM22 knockdown suppressed caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation and reversed the alterations of BAX and BCL-xL induced by mitochondrial MPP+ accumulation.
Conclusions
Here we found that OCT3 on neuronal mitochondria serves as an effective MPP+ transporter and plays a crucial role in mitochondrial MPP+ uptake as well as MPP+-induced neurotoxicity. Furthermore, our findings indicated that downregulation of TIMM22 can selectively reduce mitochondrial OCT3 and reverse MPP+-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and neurotoxicity, highlighting TIMM22 and OCT3 as potential therapeutic targets for MPP+-associated neurodegeneration and diseases.
Coronary microvascular disease is a risk factor for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: An AWARD substudy
Authors: Wen Wei , Gao Mengjie , Chi Yi , Liu Mingwang , Xie Beili , Jiang Lulian , Chen Keji , Zhao Fuhai
Published: October 2024

Background:
Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) caused by myocardial ischemia is an important pathogenetic factor in the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
Objective:
To explore the differences in LVDD triggered by two ischemic injuries (microvascular lesions and epicardial stenosis).
Methods:
Angiographic function indicators involving angiography-derived index of microcirculatory (AMR) simulating hyperemic velocity (SHV) and diagnostic indicators for LVDD including average E/e', septal e’velocity, and lateral e’velocity (based on echocardiography) were derived from records of enrolled patients suffering from coronary microvascular disease (CMVD) or obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) (without microvascular dysfunction). The linear correlation between AMR, SHV, and echocardiographic indicators was evaluated by the Spearman's coefficient method. And logistics regression analyses evaluated risk factors for LVDD. Besides, we performed the by stratified analysis to explore Differences in AMR and SHV distribution between LVDD and non-LVDD groups. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses evaluated the efficacy of AMR in recognizing LVDD.
Results:
CMVD was more susceptible to LVDD compared to obstructive-CAD (18.8% vs. 6.2%). AMR, SHV were linearly correlated with the relevant indicators of LVDD. And in the CMVD group, AMR were higher in the LVDD group than in the non-LVDD group, while SHV was opposite. Furthermore, AMR promoted LVDD (OR=1.02), whereas SHV inhibited the formation of LVDD (OR=0.59). ROC analyses revealed AMR can identify LADD.
Conclusion:
Microvascular lesions are more susceptible to LVDD.
A Patient-Doctor-NLP-System to contest inequality for less privileged
Authors: DIKSHIT SUBRIT , TIWARI RITU , JAIN PRIYANK
Published: October 2024

Transfer Learning (TL) allowed development, generation and availability of various Large Language Models (LLMs) in Natural language processing (NLP) which emerged and became prevalent in this era. In real environments, training of gigantic LLM is not always feasible and there has been less energies put towards implementation of LLM based solutions that focus the least privileged such as visually impaired or who speak native languages such as Hindi while needing medical support in rural areas. To overcome this challenge, our work demonstrates an initiative which utilize our prescribed PDFTEMRA (Performant Distilled Frequency Transformer Ensemble Model with Random Activations) network. This network incorporates multiple advanced additional modifications to transformer-based structure and utilizes underlying concepts, such as, ensemble, distillation, frequency modulation, random activations, and supplementary forward-thinking scientific renovations.
Unraveling Interconnected Dynamics: Herpes Zoster, Postherpetic Neuralgia, and COVID-19 – A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Chi Zhang , Xiang Wei , Xiao Li , Kejia Wang , Junyi Zheng
Published: October 2024

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increase in the number of patients experiencing herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), yet the association between these two conditions remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and HZ as well as PHN, providing guidance for clinical intervention.
Methods: Employing Mendelian randomization to minimize bias at the methodological level, we conducted bidirectional Mendelian randomization to investigate pathogenic associations between diseases. Our research focused on the disease genetic data related to HZ and PHN within European populations sourced from FinnGen. Additionally, we utilized the severity and susceptibility phenotype data of COVID-19 from the largest GWAS dataset of COVID-19 as integral components of our investigation.
Results: Our study revealed that HZ may contribute to the onset of COVID-19, whereas COVID-19 does not elevate the susceptibility to HZ, and there is no apparent causal relationship between PHN and COVID-19.
Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that the activation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) may heighten the susceptibility of patients to COVID-19. These insights play a crucial role in guiding the development of more effective clinical intervention strategies, especially in the context of preventing COVID-19 among patients with HZ.
Is Science Driving Technology?
An Investigation in the Field of Breast Cancer:
Analysis of Polymerase Chain Reaction and CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Grochau Christian
Published: October 2024

The debate about whether science drives technology or conversely remains unresolved. Various approaches have been proposed to determine the driving force and influence of science on technology. Numerous technologies have been analyzed and compared, and in some cases, science has been shown to drive technological progress, particularly in the field of biochemistry. However, whether the influence of science on different technologies within the same sector changes over time has not yet been investigated. This study analyzes how the influence of science on technologies in the field of breast cancer therapy has evolved over the years, using polymerase chain reaction and CRISPR/Cas9 as examples. For the study, two data sets were created for each technology: one for scientific publications and the other for patents. This approach allowed for the inclusion of approximately 1,800 articles and 400 patents. It was observed that in the case of CRISPR, the scientific literature is only slightly ahead of the patents. In addition, a shift in the patenting strategy of China and the USA was observed: from predominantly scientific activity to increased patenting. Although these two technologies are in a science-intensive field, there is little to no evidence of a significant time lag. The country analysis revealed that China, in particular, is increasingly focusing on commercial applications, more so than was previously observed with PCR.
Secondary School – Higher Education Institution Continuity on the Example of Teaching Computer Science and Information Technology
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Zamoshnikova Nadezhda N. , Kholmogorova Elena I. ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: October 2024

The problem of continuity at different levels of education is not new for pedagogy, teaching individual disciplines, including computer science and information technology. It is impossible not to take into account that information technologies are an independent discipline, a means through which the transformation of school and university education has been taking place in recent decades. The content of informatics at school and university should to a certain extent correspond to the level of science development and the requirements of society. The variety of digital tools and the ubiquitous availability of information create huge opportunities for their creative use within their discipline, related natural science subjects, and in various other spheres of human activity. Based on a comparative analysis, the article draws conclusions about the problems faced by both domestic and foreign specialists in the field of education. The article analyzes the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and problems of the school and university education systems in Russia and abroad, and considers their relationship. It is substantiated that the lack of consistency and discreteness in the process of teaching computer science and information technology at school lead to a discrepancy between the training of school graduates and the requirements for the basic knowledge of first-year university students. The article presents the results of the analysis of basic curricula at school (in the field of computer science) and curricula in the preparation of future computer science teachers at the university (using the Transbaikal State University as an example). The authors analyze the results of diagnostic testing, which was conducted with first-year students of the Transbaikal State University in September 2023/2024, in order to monitor their existing knowledge and skills in the field of computer science. The article suggests ways to solve the problem of secondary school – higher education institution continuity in the field of computer science. The results of the study can be used in the preparation of future computer science teachers in higher educational institutions. Keywords: continuity of education, lifelong education, computer science and educational technologies, information competence, computer literacy
Study of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance at Engineering and Medical Universities
Authors:   National Research University “MAI”, Mashinyan Alexander A. , Kochergina Nina V. ,   Russian National Research University them. N. I. Pirogova
Published: October 2024

The relevance of this study is related to the breadth of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method application in modern engineering and medical technologies. The purpose of the work is to adapt the material using the NMR method for students of medical, engineering and socio-humanitarian specialties and areas of study at different levels of presentation. The novelty of the research is as follows: the elements of knowledge for explaining the NMR method are highlighted; three levels of NMR explanation are justified and defined – classical and two quantum (qualitative and quantitative). The following methods have been used in the work: analysis and generalization of scientific, educational and methodological literature (on the content of the NMR method, nuclear spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging, the main professional educational programs of specialties and areas of study for undergraduate and graduate students of engineering and medical universities); designing the content of educational material; designing teaching methods and methods. Specific results include the development of three levels of NMR study. The classical level is based on the concepts of the magnetic induction vector of a circular current and its rotation around the magnetic induction of a constant magnetic field with a certain frequency, resonant absorption of radio signal energy by the core when their frequencies coincide. Quantum levels of study operate with the concepts of the orbital and magnetic spins of the atomic nucleus, the gyromagnetic ratio, Larmor precession, splitting of the energy levels of the atomic nucleus, the Bohr magnetone, and resonant absorption of energy by the nucleus. The classical level is recommended for students of social and humanitarian fields who do not study pure physics. The quantum qualitative level is recommended for students of specialties and fields of study at medical and engineering universities who do not study quantum physics as a special discipline. For students of engineering specialties related to quantum technologies, and medical specialties “Pharmacy” and “Dentistry”, undergraduates studying medical technology, a quantum quantitative level is recommended. The material of this study is of practical importance in teaching students of engineering and medical universities the physical basics of modern methods and technologies. Keywords: nuclear magnetic resonance, physics course, difficulty levels, engineering university, medical university, production technologies, medical technologies