bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The study of the impact of additional chromosomal aberrations and c-MYC and BCR::ABL1 genes amplification on CML patient’s characteristics: relation to haematological parameters and patient outcome
Authors: Attia Hend , Fouad Dina Adel , Samy Heba
Published: December 2023

Background

Chronic myeloid leukaemia is characterised by genetic instability which results in additional cytogenetic aberrations that have been linked to progression to advanced phase. Genomic study linked amplified genes in the form of c-MYC and/or the rare BCR::ABL1 genes amplification to chronic myeloid leukaemia. The effect of these genes’ amplification on patients’ characteristics and disease progression still needs further study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the frequency of additional chromosomal aberrations in addition to c-MYC and BCR::ABL1 genes amplification in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients and their impact on patient’s characteristics, disease progression, and level of remission. The study included cytogenetic analysis of 49 Philadelphia positive chronic myeloid leukaemia patients and investigation of c-MYC and BCR::ABL1 genes amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results

Patients with additional chromosomal aberrations represented 36.7% and had significantly lower platelet count (P = 0.003) and higher blast count (P = 0.008). The acquisition of additional chromosomal aberrations was significantly higher in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients with advanced stages (P = 0.014). Follow-up of the patients for 6 months revealed significant higher frequency of additional chromosomal aberrations in patients with failure of remission (P < 0.0001). A highly significant association between cases with failure of molecular remission (P = 0.001) and co-existing additional chromosomal aberrations.

Amplification of the c-MYC gene was detected in 6 cases. The cases with c-MYC amplification showed significantly higher peripheral blood and bone marrow blasts (P = 0.029 and P = 0.008, respectively) and significantly lower platelet count (P = 0.044). Amplification of c-MYC was significantly associated with additional chromosomal aberrations (P = 0.011). Molecular remission was not achieved in any of the instances with c-MYC amplification. A highly significant association between c-MYC amplification and poor patient outcome was detected (P = 0.002). BCR::ABL1 amplification was detected in three cases, and ABL amplification was detected in four cases. Patients with BCR::ABL1 amplification showed significantly higher blast count. BCR::ABL1 amplification was significantly associated with disease progression and failure of molecular remission (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Additional chromosomal aberrations, c-MYC amplification, and BCR:ABL1 amplification in chronic myeloid leukaemia stratify patients with disease progression, which may lead to better interventions and improved outcome in the future chronic myeloid leukaemia patients.
The impact of smartphone addiction on attention control and sleep in Egypt—an online survey
Authors: Khalifa Dalia , Magdy Rehab , Khalil Doaa Mahmoud , Hussein Mona , Ismaeel Ahmed Yehia , Adel Shaden , Abdelhamied Nadine , Abdeltwab Mohamed Adel , Eltaweel Mazen , Essam Alaa M. , Hassan Amira , Ali Mona , Naguib Esraa Mohamed , Fares Samar , Abd El-Aziz Hadeer Mohammed , Eweis Alzahraa Ghareeb , Desouki Sara , Tarek Mennat-Allah
Published: December 2023

Background

The widespread use of smartphones makes it imperative for researchers to study the adverse effect of smartphone addiction. We aimed to study the risk factors of smartphone addiction, insomnia, and attention deficit among smartphone users among a sample of Egyptian adolescents and adults.

Methods

An online survey was disseminated among Egyptian social media groups. Participants were requested to complete Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scale, and attention control scale (ACS).

Results

Two-thousand seven-hundred sixteen responded to our survey with a mean age of 31.4 ± 10.3 years. Smartphone addiction was documented in 2386 (87.8%) participants, with a median daily time for smartphone use of 5 h (IQR: 3–7). A significant association was found between smartphone addiction and younger age, higher educational levels, and urban residency (unadjusted or adjusted). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the only factor affecting the probability of moderate to severe insomnia was the higher SAS-SV score, either unadjusted (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.08–1.1) or adjusted (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.08–1.11). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that higher scores on SAS-SV (P < 0.001) and ISI (P < 0.001), being female (P < 0.001), and being of rural residency (P = 0.025) were associated with lower total scores on ACS. On the other hand, older age (P < 0.001) and longer intervals between smartphone cessation and bedtime (P = 0.004) were found to increase the attention score.

Conclusion

Smartphone addiction is prevalent in Egypt, which deserves special concern as it may have negative consequences such as insomnia and poor attention control, particularly in younger age groups.
A critical review on techno-economic analysis of hybrid renewable energy resources-based microgrids
Authors: Manas Munish , Sharma Shivi , Reddy K. Shashidhar , Srivastava Abhinav
Published: December 2023

Now that the population is growing, the expenditure on basic needs of life is also increasing due to a lack of or less availability of resources. The economy consumed electricity is reaching peaks as its main fuel, coal, is decreasing day by day. Due to this, 90% of the population who are in the middle class, lower middle class, or rural areas are economically poor and are unable to bear the prices. To overcome the financial problems, many researchers have prepared various types of microgrids that generate electricity from various types of flow resources, like hydro, solar, biogas, and air current power stations, whose system is called a compound flow power system. This paper gives a combined review of various research papers that discuss some case studies and some research on various models designed on software like HOMER Pro, how microgrids become economic barriers, optimal power supply solutions with CFPS, distributed and centralized microgrid components, the technical and economic feasibility of EV charging stations, and the analysis of various combinations of power systems at various locations like Bangladesh, Canada, the Republic of Djibouti, China, Indonesia, Sierra Leone, some rural sites in India, and some developing countries. This overview provides a glimpse into the various aspects of CFPS, including fusion approaches, techno-economic analysis, simulation platforms, storage technologies, design specifications, unit sizing methodologies, and control techniques. Further research and analysis in these areas are needed to explore their applications and advancements in CFPS development. The main reason for the study is to analyze and bring various ideas and models of various researchers together on a common platform and make a combined conceptual framework for further proceedings.
The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale: Development and Validation of the General Measure
Authors: Cella D F , Tulsky D S , Gray G , Sarafian B , Linn E , Bonomi A , Silberman M , Yellen S B , Winicour P , Brannon J
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

We developed and validated a brief, yet sensitive, 33-item general cancer quality-of-life (QL) measure for evaluating patients receiving cancer treatment, called the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) scale.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The five-phase validation process involved 854 patients with cancer and 15 oncology specialists. The initial pool of 370 overlapping items for breast, lung, and colorectal cancer was generated by open-ended interview with patients experienced with the symptoms of cancer and oncology professionals. Using preselected criteria, items were reduced to a 38-item general version. Factor and scaling analyses of these 38 items on 545 patients with mixed cancer diagnoses resulted in the 28-item FACT-general (FACT-G, version 2). In addition to a total score, this version produces subscale scores for physical, functional, social, and emotional well-being, as well as satisfaction with the treatment relationship. Coefficients of reliability and validity were uniformly high. The scale's ability to discriminate patients on the basis of stage of disease, performance status rating (PSR), and hospitalization status supports its sensitivity. It has also demonstrated sensitivity to change over time. Finally, the validity of measuring separate areas, or dimensions, of QL was supported by the differential responsiveness of subscales when applied to groups known to differ along the dimensions of physical, functional, social, and emotional well-being.

CONCLUSION

The FACT-G meets or exceeds all requirements for use in oncology clinical trials, including ease of administration, brevity, reliability, validity, and responsiveness to clinical change. Selecting it for a clinical trial adds the capability to assess the relative weight of various aspects of QL from the patient's perspective.
Robotic-Assisted Navigation for Stereotactic Neurosurgery: A Cadaveric Investigation of Accuracy, Time, and Radiation
Authors: Anderson William , Ponce Francisco A. , Kinsman Michael J. , Sani Sepehr , Hwang Brian , Ghinda Diana , Kogan Michael , Mahoney Jonathan M. , Amin Dhara B. , Van Horn Margaret , McGuckin Joshua P. , Razo-Castaneda Dominic , Bucklen Brandon S.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Despite frequent use, stereotactic head frames require manual coordinate calculations and manual frame settings that are associated with human error. This study examines freestanding robot-assisted navigation (RAN) as a means to reduce the drawbacks of traditional cranial stereotaxy and improve targeting accuracy.

METHODS:

Seven cadaveric human torsos with heads were tested with 8 anatomic coordinates selected for lead placement mirrored in each hemisphere. Right and left hemispheres of the brain were randomly assigned to either the traditional stereotactic arc-based (ARC) group or the RAN group. Both target accuracy and trajectory accuracy were measured. Procedural time and the radiation required for registration were also measured.

RESULTS:

The accuracy of the RAN group was significantly greater than that of the ARC group in both target (1.2 ± 0.5 mm vs 1.7 ± 1.2 mm,P= .005) and trajectory (0.9 ± 0.6 mm vs 1.3 ± 0.9 mm,P= .004) measurements. Total procedural time was also significantly faster for the RAN group than for the ARC group (44.6 ± 7.7 minutes vs 86.0 ± 12.5 minutes,P< .001). The RAN group had significantly reduced time per electrode placement (2.9 ± 0.9 minutes vs 5.8 ± 2.0 minutes,P< .001) and significantly reduced radiation during registration (1.9 ± 1.1 mGy vs 76.2 ± 5.0 mGy,P< .001) compared with the ARC group.

CONCLUSION:

In this cadaveric study, cranial leads were placed faster and with greater accuracy using RAN than those placed with conventional stereotactic arc-based technique. RAN also required significantly less radiation to register the specimen's coordinate system to the planned trajectories. Clinical testing should be performed to further investigate RAN for stereotactic cranial surgery.
Development and Initial Implementation of a Clinical Monitoring Strategy in a Non-regulated Trial: a research note from the ReStOre II Trial
Authors: O'Neill Linda , Murphy Fiona , Reidy Derval , Poisson Camille , Hussey Juliette , Guinan Emer
Published: December 2023

Background Data and Safety Monitoring is integral to quality assurance of clinical trials. Although monitoring is a core legal component of regulated clinical trials, non-regulated trials are not mandated to incorporate monitoring. Consequently, the monitoring process has been underutilised and underreported in this setting. This research report outlines the development and plans for implementing a bespoke Clinical Monitoring Strategy within the ‘Rehabilitation Strategies Following Oesophagogastric and Hepatopancreaticobiliary Cancer (ReStOre II) Trial’, a non-regulated trial comparing a 12-week multidisciplinary programme of rehabilitation to standard care in a cohort of 120 cancer survivors. Methods This research note provides a detailed overview of the ReStOre II Clinical Monitoring Strategy and describes the development of the strategy pre and post awarding of the grant. The strategy consists of the establishment and implementation of a comprehensive trial governance structure, inclusive of a Trial Management Group, Trial Steering Committee Meeting, and Independent Data Monitoring Committee. In addition, external trial monitoring by the Clinical Research Facility at St James’s Hospital. Three monitoring visits will be conducted during the trial; i) site initiation visit, ii) interim monitoring visit, and iii) close our visit. Results The Clinical Monitoring Strategy has been finalised and is currently being implemented within the ReStOre II Trial. Two site initiation visits and one interim monitoring visit have been completed to date. Conclusion This research note provides a template for implementation of a Clinical Monitoring Strategy in a non-regulated clinical trial. Registration ReStOre II Trial: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03958019
The genome sequence of the Webb’s Wainscot, Globia sparganii (Esper, 1790)
Authors: Broad Gavin R. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Globia sparganii (the Webb’s Wainscot; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 676.7 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.36 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 18,385 protein coding genes.
The lactation and chestfeeding/breastfeeding information, care and support needs of trans and non-binary parents: An integrative literature review
Authors: Gargiulo-Welch Sarita , Parker George , Miller Suzanne
Published: December 2023

Background: The National Breastfeeding Strategy launched by the Ministry of Health in 2020, commits to the protection, promotion and support for breastfeeding with the aim of increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates in Aotearoa New Zealand. This strategy includes a recommendation that the breastfeeding/chestfeeding information and support needs of trans and non-binary parents and their whānau are identified so that those involved in their care are knowledgeable about these specific needs. Midwives are the primary providers of lactation and breastfeeding/chestfeeding information, care and support for most pregnant people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Aims: An integrative literature review was undertaken: to ascertain the specific lactation and chestfeeding/breastfeeding information and care needs for trans, non-binary, takatāpui and other gender diverse whānau; to consider the implications of this knowledge for contemporary midwifery in Aotearoa New Zealand; and to identify continuing research needs. Method: Literature for this integrative review was primarily sourced through the Ovid Online Database using search terms pertinent to the topic and limited to articles published in peer reviewed journals in English, excluding editorials, commentaries and opinion pieces. Findings: Literature about trans and non-binary parents and chestfeeding/breastfeeding, although increasing since 2010, is limited internationally and absent nationally. From extant literature, connections between healthcare barriers and the negative experiences of trans and non-binary parents are identified and explored in three overarching themes: the foundations of Western perinatal healthcare systems; the invisibility of trans and non-binary people within perinatal healthcare systems; and the lack of perinatal healthcare provider knowledge. Conclusion: Cis-normative, gender binary foundations are omnipresent in perinatal healthcare, rendering trans and non-binary people invisible, and excluded from this space. These factors contribute to the limiting of perinatal healthcare provider knowledge, an overwhelming finding in the literature. The absence of locally produced literature presents scope for research production here in Aotearoa New Zealand, exploring this topic from our unique cultural contexts. Such contributions may help inform whether adaptations and additions to current midwifery education are necessary to support midwives in the provision of equitable, safe, culturally appropriate, gender-inclusive care.
Improving Communication and Collaboration Using Artificial Intelligence: An NLP-Enabled Pair Programming Collaborative-ITS Case Study
Authors:   , Ubani Solomon
Published: December 2023

This dissertation investigates computational models and methods to improve collaboration skills among students. The study targets pair programming, a popular collaborative learning practice in computer science education. This research led to the first machine learning models capable of detecting micromanagement, exclusive language, and other types of collaborative talk during pair programming. The investigation of computational models led to a novel method for adapting pretrained language models by first training them with a multi-task learning objective. I performed computational linguistic analysis of the types of interactions commonly seen in pair programming and obtained computationally tractable features to classify collaborative talk. In addition, I evaluated a novel metric utilized in evaluating the models in this dissertation. This metric is applicable in the areas of affective systems, formative feedback systems and the broader field of computer science. Lastly, I present a computational method, CollabAssist, for providing real-time feedback to improve collaboration. The empirical evaluation of CollabAssist demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in micromanagement during pair programming. Overall, this dissertation contributes to the development of better collaborative learning practices and facilitates greater student learning gains thereby improving students' computer science skills.
Quantitative Modeling of Healthcare Services and Biodegradable Medical Supplies
Authors:   , Kumar Abhijeet
Published: December 2023

This research presents a mathematical model for the transportation and distribution of COVID-19 vaccine, a simulation model for fleet optimization, and a measurement model for "Healthcare 4.0." Essay 1 examines the development of a distribution model using mixed integer programming (MIP) with the objective of maximizing the number of vaccinated individuals, minimizing transportation costs across the entire network, and ensuring widespread access. This research primarily focuses on the distribution aspect of the vaccine and accordingly devises a model for transportation and distribution that ensures swift and efficient delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. Essay 2 provides a simulation-based model to enhance logistics performance by including drones along with vaccine trucks and air cargo in the vaccine distribution fleet. The simulation model focuses on minimization of the overall cost of distribution of medical supplies. This second study shows that the types of vehicles utilized have an impact on overall system performance. The selection of the appropriate mix for the mode of transportation impacts transportation costs and lead time. To increase the responsiveness and cost-effectiveness of the logistics system for delivery of the vaccine a proper fleet configuration is required. The model developed in this study is validated via application in Telangana, India as well as through confirmation about the applicability of the model with healthcare executives. Essay 3 introduces a measurement model and constructs for Healthcare 4.0, specifically tailored for implementation by healthcare service providers. While the concept of Healthcare 4.0 and its various components have been explored in the literature, the existing body of research primarily consists of conceptual and theoretical studies, indicating that Healthcare 4.0 is still a relatively nascent research domain. In order to facilitate practical and theoretical advancements in this field, it is imperative to refine the constructs and establish a consensus on perspectives and definitions. To address this need, the items pertaining to Healthcare 4.0 for healthcare service organizations were developed through an extensive literature review and interviews conducted with practitioners in the field. The resulting theoretical model was further validated by surveying experienced professionals from the healthcare industry, utilizing Mturk as a platform.
Mobile Money as a Stepping Stone to Financial Inclusion: How Digital Multisided Platforms Fill Institutional Voids
Authors: Agarwal Aparajita , Assenova Valentina A.
Published: December 2023

The literature on institutional voids examines how intermediaries, such as business groups and business incubators, address such voids in emerging economies. However, it remains unclear whether and how digital multisided platforms fill these voids given their unique features. This study focuses on mobile money platforms, which allow users without bank accounts or credit cards to perform financial transactions. We propose that these platforms fill institutional voids in three ways by (i) enabling data-based certification, (ii) providing unified access to distributed services, and (iii) scaling through network effects to reach previously excluded market participants. We argue that these novel mechanisms enable mobile money platforms to expand credit access to end users from formal financial institutions and thereby act as stepping stones to financial inclusion. Our analysis is based on a difference-in-difference design that leverages regulatory changes that allowed nonbanks to operate as mobile money operators and data from a representative random sample of 151,771 individuals in 78 countries. We supplement our quantitative analysis with rich, hand-collected qualitative evidence to illustrate the mechanisms underlying our findings.

Funding: Financial support from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.16562 .
Prospero’s Clock-Architecture in “The Masque of the Red Death” Revisited
Authors: Zimmerman Brett
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT:
In chapter 3 of Brett Zimmerman’s book Edgar Allan Poe: Rhetoric and Style —titled “ Allegoria , Chronographia , and Clock Architecture in ‘The Masque of the Red Death’”—he offers a diagram of Prospero’s imperial suite as shaped like a half-clock, each of the seven rooms an allegorical representation of the hours between 6 p.m. and midnight. Within those rooms walk Prospero, representing the quickly moving minute hand as it makes its way from the 11:30 p.m. position through the thirty minutes to midnight, and the Phantom of the Red Death, representing the slowly moving hour hand. David Ketterer, however, has challenged that schema as inaccurate, arguing, as well, that the architectural plan of Prospero’s suite has no discernible pattern. In this refutation of Ketterer’s refutation, Zimmerman makes some minor concessions but bolsters his original argument that the numbers the mathematics-minded Poe provides in the tale are essential clues not to be dismissed. Additionally, he provides an alternative schema addressing Ketterer’s complaint that the original diagram does not sufficiently show the “sharp turn” experienced by Prospero’s masqueraders as they go from one symbolically significant room to the next.
Measurement method of the RDC for the IPS and FFS-LCD
Authors: Yi Jiang , Chen Lixuan , Lan Song , Geng Lifeng , Bao Junjie , Wu Mingzhou , Zhang Xin
Published: December 2023

The residual direct current (RDC) almost always brings serious image sticking (IS) problems in LCDs and is mainly related to the liquid crystal (LC) and photoaligned polyimide. In this paper, we propose a novel method, to the best of our knowledge, to evaluate the RDC of the FFS-LCDs through an optical measurement system. By this means, the accumulation and release of the ions can be seen distinctly through the transmittance-time curves with the voltage regulation. Hence, it is helpful to compare and analyze the RDC problem of different displays. Moreover, this method possesses the advantage of high efficiency and simplicity in order to benefit the material design in photoaligned polyimide or the LC.
Identifying ecological and evolutionary research targets and risks in climate change studies to break barriers to broad inference
Authors: Love Sarah J. , Edwards Joseph D. , Barnes Caitlin N. , d’Entremont Tyler W. , Hord Ashlynn M. , Nytko Alivia G. , Sero Nadejda B. , Bayliss Shannon L. J. , Kivlin Stephanie N. , Bailey Joseph K.
Published: December 2023

Understanding the responses of plants, microbes, and their interactions to long-term climate change is essential to identifying the traits, genes, and functions of organisms that maintain ecosystem stability and function of the biosphere. However, many studies investigating organismal responses to climate change are limited in their scope along several key ecological, evolutionary, and environmental axes, creating barriers to broader inference. Broad inference, or the ability to apply and validate findings across these axes, is a vital component of achieving climate preparedness in the future. Breaking barriers to broad inference requires accurate cross-ecosystem interpretability and the identification of reliable frameworks for how these responses will manifest. Current approaches have generated a valuable, yet sometimes contradictory or context dependent, understanding of responses to climate change factors from the organismal- to ecosystem-level. In this synthesis, we use plants, soil microbial communities, and their interactions as examples to identify five major barriers to broad inference and resultant target research areas. We also explain risks associated with disregarding these barriers to broad inference and potential approaches to overcoming them. Developing and funding experimental frameworks that integrate basic ecological and evolutionary principles and are designed to capture broad inference across levels of organization is necessary to further our understanding of climate change on large scales.
Machine learning to predict mortality for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) using a large nationwide EHR database
Authors: Zhu Gen , Yuan Anthony , Yu Duo , Zha Alicia , Wu Hulin
Published: December 2023

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) develops quickly once it occurs and threatens the life of patients. We aimed to use machine learning to predict mortality for SAH patients at an early stage which can help doctors make clinical decisions. In our study, we applied different machine learning methods to an aSAH cohort extracted from a national EHR database, the Cerner Health Facts EHR database (2000–2018). The outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality, as either passing away while still in the hospital or being discharged to hospice care. Machine learning-based models were primarily evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The population size of the SAH cohort was 6728. The machine learning methods achieved an average of AUCs of 0.805 for predicting mortality with only the initial 24 hours’ EHR data. Without losing the prediction power, we used the logistic regression to identify 42 risk factors, —examples include age and serum glucose—that exhibit a significant correlation with the mortality of aSAH patients. Our study illustrates the potential of utilizing machine learning techniques as a practical prognostic tool for predicting aSAH mortality at the bedside.
Seeking help for mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal analysis of adults’ experiences with digital technologies and services
Authors: Parsons Christine E. , Purves Kirstin. L. , Davies Molly R. , Mundy Jessica , Bristow Shannon , Eley Thalia C. , Breen Gerome , Hirsch Colette R. , Young Katherine S.
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about dramatic changes in how patients access healthcare from its outset. Lockdown restrictions and remote working led to a proliferation of digital technologies and services, which also impacted mental health provisions. Against the backdrop of new and changing support services, along with an unprecedented emphasis on mental health, relatively little is known about how adults sought out and received support for their mental health during this period. With a sample of 27,574 adults assessed longitudinally online over 12 months of the pandemic in the UK, we analysed reports of help-seeking for mental health, as well as sources of treatment or support and the perceived helpfulness of treatments received. We observed that the proportions of participants who reported seeking help remained relatively consistent throughout the 12-month period (ranging from 12.6% to 17.0%). Online talking therapies were among the most frequently sought sources (15.3%), whereas online self-guided treatments were among the least frequently sought sources (5%). Telephone lines, both NHS and non–governmental, had marked treatment ‘gaps’. These treatment gaps, where individuals sought treatment but did not receive it, were especially evident for men and older adults. Our findings underscore online talking therapies as being a widely-sought and helpful source of mental health support. This is important given the current global need for accessible treatment options.
Ensuring diagnostic testing accuracy for patient care and public health- COVID-19 testing scale-up from an EQA provider’s perspective
Authors: Restelli Veronica , Vimalanathan Selvarani , Sreya Mahfuza , Noble Michael A. , Perrone Lucy A.
Published: December 2023

In response to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and scale up of diagnostic testing, the Canadian Microbiology Proficiency Testing program created a new proficiency testing (PT) program for the molecular and antigen detection of SARS-CoV-2. The program was geared to point of care testing (POCT) sites located in each of the eight provincial Health Authorities across British Columbia, Canada, with the intention to monitor testing quality. The PT program consisted of 6 shipments in a year, each containing a set of 4 samples either positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus or negative. The program began with initial 23 sites enrolling in March 2021, expanding to >100 participants by December 2021. After the first two surveys, it was observed that testing performance (accuracy) was consistently acceptable for sites using nucleic acid technology (NAT), however performance by sites using rapid antigen detection (RAD) methods was poor, especially when testing the weakly positive samples. A root cause investigation of poor testing performance revealed gaps in the execution of testing methods and also in results interpretation. These quality issues were most commonly associated with new testers who lacked experience with diagnostic testing. Tester training and mentoring was reinforced as was retraining of personnel; sample processing instructions were modified, and a training video was also created for testing sites. As a result of these interventions, sites improved their testing accuracy and the performance of POCT sites using RAD methods came to more closely match the performance of sites utilizing NAT. Overall, the PT program was highly successfully and improved quality of testing in the province. This work demonstrates the critical value of an external quality assessment (EQA) partner towards improving patient and public health and safety, especially when testing is conducted outside of an accredited medical laboratory setting.
Determinants of congenital syphilis in Fortaleza, Brazil: A retrospective case-control study
Authors: Etti Melanie , Neto Antonio Silva Lima , Monteiro Higor S. , Araújo Maria Alix Leite , dos Santos de Sousa Geziel , Castro Marcia C.
Published: December 2023

Congenital syphilis (CS) is a significant public health problem in Brazil. Despite efforts to increase syphilis testing and treatment among pregnant women, rates of CS in the country remain high. We conducted a retrospective case-control study to identify potential associations between the mothers’ sociodemographic characteristics, clinical factors related to the current and previous pregnancies, and the occurrence of CS among newborns in Fortaleza, a populous city with one of the highest incidences of CS in Brazil. Data from newborns diagnosed with CS between 2017 and 2020 were extracted from SINAN, the national database for notifiable diseases. Data from women who had delivered an infant with CS were extracted from SINASC, the national database for registration of live births, and linked with their infant’s data. CS cases and non-CS controls were matched by year of birth at a ratio of 1:3 respectively. Potential associations were estimated using a multivariate regression model accounting for sociodemographic, obstetric, and antenatal care-related factors. Epidemiological data from 8,744 live births were included in the analysis, including 2,186 cases and 6,588 controls. The final multivariate regression model identified increased odds of delivering an infant with CS among pregnant women and girls aged below 20 years (OR 1.29), single women (OR 1.48), women who had less than 8 years of formal education (OR 2.42), women who delivered in a public hospital (OR 6.92), women who had more than 4 previous pregnancies (OR 1.60), and women who had one or more prior fetal loss (OR 1.19). The odds of delivering an infant with CS also increased as the number of antenatal visits decreased. Women who did not attend any antenatal visits had 3.94 times the odds of delivering an infant with CS compared to women who attended 7 or more visits. Our study found that increased odds of delivering an infant with CS were highly associated with factors related to socioeconomic vulnerability. These determinants not only affect the access to essential antenatal care services, but also the continuity and quality of such preventive measures. Future policies aimed at reducing the incidence of CS should not only target those pregnant women and adolescents with identifiable risk factors for testing, but also assure high quality care, treatment and follow-up for this group.
Differences in gene expression profiles in early and late stage rhodesiense HAT individuals in Malawi
Authors: Nambala Peter , Mulindwa Julius , Noyes Harry , Alibu Vincent Pius , Nerima Barbara , Namulondo Joyce , Nyangiri Oscar , Matovu Enock , MacLeod Annette , Musaya Janelisa ,   on behalf of the TrypanoGEN+ Research Group as Members of the H3Africa Consortium
Published: December 2023

T. b. rhodesiense is the causative agent of Rhodesian human African trypanosomiasis (r-HAT) in Malawi. Clinical presentation of r-HAT in Malawi varies between foci and differs from East African HAT clinical phenotypes. The purpose of this study was to gain more insights into the transcriptomic profiles of patients with early stage 1 and late stage 2 HAT disease in Malawi. Whole blood from individuals infected with T. b. rhodesiense was used for RNA-Seq. Control samples were from healthy trypanosome negative individuals matched on sex, age range, and disease foci. Illumina sequence FASTQ reads were aligned to the GRCh38 release 84 human genome sequence using HiSat2 and differential analysis was done in R Studio using the DESeq2 package. XGR, ExpressAnalyst and InnateDB algorithms were used for functional annotation and gene enrichment analysis of significant differentially expressed genes. RNA-seq was done on 23 r-HAT case samples and 28 healthy controls with 7 controls excluded for downstream analysis as outliers. A total of 4519 genes were significant differentially expressed (p adjusted <0.05) in individuals with early stage 1 r-HAT disease (n = 12) and 1824 genes in individuals with late stage 2 r-HAT disease (n = 11) compared to controls. Enrichment of innate immune response genes through neutrophil activation was identified in individuals with both early and late stages of the disease. Additionally, lipid metabolism genes were enriched in late stage 2 disease. We further identified uniquely upregulated genes (log2 Fold Change 1.4–2.0) in stage 1 (ZNF354C) and stage 2 (TCN1 and MAGI3) blood. Our data add to the current understanding of the human transcriptome profiles during T. b. rhodesiense infection. We further identified biological pathways and transcripts enriched than were enriched during stage 1 and stage 2 r-HAT. Lastly, we have identified transcripts which should be explored in future research whether they have potential of being used in combination with other markers for staging or r-HAT.
Leadership effectiveness through coaching: Authentic and change-oriented leadership
Authors: Halliwell Peter R. , Mitchell Rebecca J. , Boyle Brendan
Published: December 2023

There has been an increasing shift towards individually owned leader development programs within organizations. Whilst leadership coaching is one of these and is gaining in popularity, the mechanisms of its effect remain poorly understood. We develop and investigate a model in which leadership coaching enhances leader effectiveness through coaching’s positive effect on authentic and change-oriented leadership behaviours as well as self-efficacy. To assess the model, multi-source data were collected for organizational leaders (N = 70) pre- and post-coaching. To investigate mechanisms of coaching’s effect, relations between latent change scores were assessed in structural equation modelling using partial least squares indicating that after accounting for base-line scores, coaching-related increases in authentic leadership behaviour has the largest total effect on leadership effectiveness.
IMPLANTANDO A LEI 14.164/21 NA ESCOLA PÚBLICA:
Authors: Ferreira Gisele Martins
Published: December 2023

Para a implantação da Lei 14.164/21, foram realizadas ações pedagógicas e formativas com a comunidade escolar. Por fim, foi aplicado um formulário digital aos servidores. Objetivou-se criar um espaço de reflexão e formação para a equipe de servidoras (es) e conhecer experiências pessoais e profissionais de violência de gênero, que servirão como ponto de partida para futuras formações. A maioria das mulheres relatou que foram vítimas de violência de gênero tanto no ambiente familiar quanto profissional. Enquanto que entre os homens, poucos foram vítimas desse tipo de violência. Ações de formação continuada com os professores são necessárias para o combate à violência contra mulher, tornando-os aliados nessa luta.
Uso off-label de medicamentos em pediatria: uma reflexão a respeito dos aspectos para o uso racional.
Authors: Barbosa Bruna Alves dos Santos , Guimarães Beatriz de Oliveira , Teixeira Ellen Lorrany Ximenes , Lima Isabela Sousa De , Silva Esaú Miarfe de Jesus , Costa Lucas Assis Alves , Sousa Felipe Rodrigues de , Batista Amanda Lopes , Dias Lorrayne Pereira , Silva Marayane Kálita Will , Silva Patrícia Dias da , Galato Dayani
Published: December 2023

Introdução: o uso off-label de medicamentos na pediatria é frequente e, dependendo do cenário, pode ser inevitável, sendo assim é importante garantir que haja racionalidade no seu uso. Objetivo: descrever aspectos para garantir o uso racional off-label de medicamentos na pediatria. Métodos: foi realizada uma revisão integrativa adotando-se a base de dados PubMed/Medline e documentos de sites de organizações governamentais e científicas. Para auxiliar na revisão dos artigos identificados na busca foi adotado o programa Rayyan®. Os aspectos foram classificados entre individuais e coletivos e considerou-se pacientes pediátricos aqueles com até 18 anos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 27 documentos na revisão. Os tipos de uso off-label são aqueles de: rotina; uso excepcional/individual; uso condicional com evidências em desenvolvimento; uso em investigação (que requer a avaliação por um comitê de ética) e; uso não recomendado.  Os aspectos identificados como individuais estavam relacionados com: seleção; dispensação e garantia de acesso; administração e; avaliação das etapas de uso. Além disso, neste processo de uso racional, há perguntas que podem nortear a equipe de saúde no melhor uso dos medicamentos. Os aspectos coletivos identificados estavam relacionados a ações a serem desenvolvidas: pela equipe que presta o cuidado ao paciente pediátrico; pelas instituições sanitárias e governamentais; pelas instituições de ensino; pelas indústrias de medicamentos; pelos grupos de pesquisa e; pela população. Observou-se que o farmacêutico deve ter atribuições para a promoção do uso racional off-label de medicamentos na pediatria, entre elas: atuar em pesquisas; participar da elaboração e revisão de bulas; fazer a análise crítica e a documentação do uso dos medicamentos, o que inclui o processo de notificação; participar da elaboração de documentos para o uso como guias e protocolos; elaborar guias de manipulação; desenvolver ações educativas relacionadas ao tema junto a prescritores e escolas, e; realizar orientações aos pacientes e responsáveis. Conclusão: Há aspectos individuais a serem aplicados a cada paciente pediátrico para a promoção do uso racional de medicamentos de forma off-label, estes aspectos podem estar distribuídos em várias etapas do ciclo de uso dos medicamentos. Também se observou que na literatura há muitos aspectos coletivos para promover o uso racional, e estas estratégias envolvem um ou diversos stakeholders.
O Filho de Mil Homens:
Authors: Castro Soares Maria Luísa , Costa Bruna , Veiga Ana Beatriz , Monteiro Francisca
Published: December 2023

No presente artigo faz-se uma leitura, pelo método hermenêutico, da obra O Filho de Mil Homens de Valter Hugo Mãe, um romance que combina uma série de histórias. Posto isto, tem-se como objetivo abordar o romance do ponto de vista genológico e temático-ideológico, tendo-se em conta a ação, o espaço, o tempo e, sobretudo, o estudo da personagem de feição pós-modernista e hipercontemporânea. Pelo retrato da vida como ela é, com personagens que se destacam por uma vida pautada entre o inócuo e o grotesco, debatem-se neste estudo questões da contemporaneidade. Visa-se, enfim, provar que esta obra de Valter Hugo Mãe abre um novo caminho de reflexão sobre o ser humano nestes tempos hipermodernos.
Níveis de Apropriação de TIC por Professores:
Authors: Colombo Dalilla Alves , Bologna Soares de Andrade Mariana Aparecida
Published: December 2023

Com a necessidade de compreender o trabalho docente no uso das Tecnologias da Informação e da Comunicação (TIC), essa pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar os níveis de apropriação de professores de ciências e outras áreas que participaram de um curso de formação sobre Tecnologias e identificar possíveis potencialidades de um indicador de apropriação das TIC. Para isso, contou como referencial a Matriz de Descritores das Competências Digitais dos Professores para a Área Pedagógica desenvolvida pelo Centro de Inovação para a Educação Brasileira (CIEB). A matriz apresenta cinco níveis de apropriação (Exposição, Familiarização, Adaptação, Integração e Transformação) em três aspectos da prática pedagógica (Autonomia dos alunos, Integração das tecnologias ao currículo e Fluência no uso das tecnologias). As informações foram coletadas mediante atividades desenvolvidas por cinco docentes que participaram do curso, de forma remota. Os dados mostraram que os docentes não se apresentam em apenas um único nível de apropriação, mas transitam por diferentes níveis, a depender de diferentes fatores, como: as novas ferramentas que surgem na prática pedagógica, a infraestrutura, as metodologias empregadas, a alfabetização digital dos professores e dos alunos. Outro aspecto observado é a apropriação parcial com relação aos descritores dos diferentes níveis, nos quais os docentes não apresentam todas as características indicadas em cada descritor. Com isso, os docentes apresentaram apropriações parciais de diferentes níveis de apropriação, o que indica que a apropriação das TIC, na prática docente, acontece de maneira não linear e não uniforme.
Aesthetic Education:
Authors: Zhytnik Тetiana , Kanarova Olga , Liapunova Valentyna , Batareina Iryna
Published: December 2023

In the research article, we seek to determine the importance of demonstrating works of art of the 20th century in the process of artistic and aesthetic development of a child of older preschool age, as something that is «most understandable to children». The content analysis of the works of Fauvist artists, surrealists and drawings of children of older preschool age allows us to determine the main common features of artistic images, expressive means and, most importantly, the psychological aspect of the attraction of these groups of recipients to the creation of an emotional and sensual artistic image. The main common characteristics are defined as dominant and/or strikingly contrasting colours, decorative interweaving and/or geometric shapes, a complete lack of academicism and reference to the laws of composition, violation of spatial ideas and boldness during colour selection, simultaneous use of several means of expression and their combination (compositional centre, symmetry, asymmetry, rhythm, balance, statics, dynamics, dominants, accent).
The importance of multimedia means usage in improving the quality of education
Authors: Rumiantseva Kateryna , Yevdokymova Natalia , Bratushka Sergiy , Kharchenko Nataliia , Iievliev Oleksandr
Published: December 2023

Integrating innovative technologies into the educational process can significantly enhance both students’ understanding of the subject matter and improve the quality of education. The article deals with the issue of multimedia technology implementation with the aim of education quality improvement. The paper aims to research the most effective multimedia means in Ukrainian education establishments. To achieve the aim of the research, a set of methods was used: theoretical: analysis of scientific psychological and pedagogical sources; empirical: questionnaires, interviews; graphics. The research results have found that students get an opportunity to solve several academic problems in the process of multimedia tools using. It has been revealed that the most used multimedia technologies in Ukrainian education institutions are digital presentations, video and audio materials, e-learning platforms, webinars and video conferences. The research results made it possible to outline the key factors affecting the quality of education in Ukraine and the main reasons for the usage of multimedia to improve educational quality.