bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Summarizing Recommendations for the Prevention of Occupational Heat-Related Illness in Outdoor Workers: A Scoping Review
Authors: Edgerly Ashley , Gillespie Gordon Lee , Bhattacharya Amit , Hittle Beverly M.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Outdoor workers face unique challenges in preventing heat-related illnesses (HRI). Although preventable, HRI and death from heat exposure continue. A review of the most recent recommendation for HRI prevention in outdoor workers in the United States was warranted. A scoping review using PRISMA guidelines was conducted to compile policy statements and recommendations on the prevention of HRI and synthesize them into a three-step plan for prevention using the Haddon Matrix.

Method:

PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, and websites from organizations and regulating bodies were searched for sources. Key terms such as occupational OR workers OR employers OR policymakers, HRI OR heat stress OR heat, prevention, recommendations OR position statements were used. Inclusion criteria were articles published within the last 5 years written in English and containing recommendations for preventing HRI in outdoor workers. Research not based on U.S. workers was excluded from the review.

Results:

Twenty sources comprised the review. Several themes emerged, indicating deficient recommendations for secondary and tertiary prevention.

Conclusion/Application to Practice:

This review’s findings can be used by occupational health nurses (OHNs) in developing comprehensive interventions for preventing HRI and injury, using clear language, and following evidenced-based practices to increase workplace health and safety and promote equity.
How do Carbon  Emissions Spillovers Reshape Metal Market Dynamics? Time– Frequency Insights on Precious and Non-precious Metals
Authors: Gupta Himani , Katoch Rupinder
Published: October 2024

Global disruptions, such as health crises and geopolitical tensions, significantly impact both climate and commodity dynamics. This study, well-grounded on environmental finance theory, input–output modelling, socio-transition philosophy and behavioural finance perspectives, explores the evolving interactions between carbon emissions (CE) and metal markets during COVID-19 pandemic and Russia–Ukraine war (RUW). The study uses time-varying parameter vector autoregressive model (TVP-VAR) technique to evaluate time and frequency varying connectedness between CE and metal markets from 3 January 2020 to 28 June 2024. During the COVID-19 pandemic, initial connectedness among selected markets peaked at 85%, averaging 46%, highlighting a significant CE–metal nexus that necessitates strategic responses. In the RUW period, connectedness averaged 47.82%. CE influence metal markets primarily in the short term. Wavelet coherence analysis reveals that palladium and platinum are highly sensitive to CE over the long term, while gold and silver may serve as effective diversifiers and hedges against carbon-related risks in metal investments. The study is relevant for investors in the metal sector with environmental considerations.

JEL Classifications: G110, Q430, L720
Do Financial Community’s Tweet Sentiments  Affect the Stock Market? Evidence from an  Emerging Economy
Authors: Saini Shivani , Bodla Bhag Singh
Published: October 2024

In the era of social media and internet, Twitter (presently ‘X’) has been recognized as the prominent factor for financial markets by multiple corporates and experts. The motivation of present research hinges on burgeoning popularity of Twitter in the financial community for sharing information and impact of their hidden sentiments on financial markets. Research on tweet-based sentiments and their influence on financial markets in India is still in the infancy stage. To cover this gap, the present study empirically investigates the predictive impact of financial tweet sentiments on the Indian stock Index’s returns over a short period. The paper scraped 22,816 tweets and Nifty 50 index’s intraday hour end values for January 2023. Using Natural Processing Technique, the overall sentiments of the financial community are found as highly positive for each trading hour. Next, it presents a low positive correlation between positive sentiments, sentiment polarity, and hourly returns. Lagged negative sentiments reflect the better ability to impact current period returns than positive sentiments and polarity. Additionally, sentiment polarity and returns reflect bi-directional causation for the future period impact. Investors, stock market traders, and other practitioners can employ the proven concept of linkage between tweet sentiments and returns for constructing effective investment and trading strategies.

JEL Classifications: G41, D53, G17, G02, G19
Clostridium paraputrificum in a Middle-Aged Male With Liver Disease
Authors: Dao Kevin Trong , D’Assumpcao Carlos , Sharma Rupam , Heidari Arash
Published: October 2024

Clostridium paraputrificum is a gram-positive anaerobic spore-forming bacillus with a pathological prevalence of <1% among all Clostridium species. However, despite being a rare bacterium, there have been reported cases of C paraputrificum causing a wide range of varying pathologies. Herein presented is a case of cirrhosis secondary to alcoholism complicated by developing C paraputrificum bacteremia suspected due to gastrointestinal mucosal damage. There is literature demonstrating certain comorbid conditions having an impact on the overall prognosis of patients with C paraputrificum bacteremia.
Emotion-Focused Teaching Differs Across Preschool Activity Settings
Authors: Curby Timothy W. , Zinsser Katherine M. , Gordon Rachel A. , Casey Emma G.
Published: October 2024

This study explores how observed emotion-focused teaching in preschool classrooms differs across classroom activity settings. Forty-three teachers were observed across several mornings. A total of 1,604 video cycles were coded for levels of emotion-focused teaching (e.g., total, modeling, responding, and instructing) and their activity settings (e.g., mealtimes and transition). Activity settings seemed to afford—to varying degrees for different teachers—the opportunity to interact with children around their emotional learning. Small-group activity settings had the highest levels of emotion-focused teaching, and mealtimes had the lowest. Emotion instructing occurred most often during whole-group interactions, and emotion modeling occurred most often during children’s independent work. Findings can inform the creation and implementation of professional development to promote these emotion-focused teaching practices. While research is increasingly demonstrating the value of emotion-focused teaching, understanding the variability of such practice over the various activity settings may identify opportunities to enhance the intentional support of children’s emotional learning.
Birth country identification and exploration in adolescents internationally adopted from Russia
Authors: Carrera Pablo , Ferrari Laura , Cáceres Isabel , Ranieri Sonia , Rosnati Rosa , Palacios Jesús , Román Maite
Published: October 2024

In this study, we examined identification and interest with birth country, perceived discrimination, and related issues through self-report in 69 adolescents adopted from Russia to Spain. The adolescents showed a high degree of interest in their birth country, and most of them considered that their birth country is a part of their identity. There were differences in birth-country related variables depending on how much adopted adolescents felt others perceived them as foreigners. Considering internationally adopted youth needs regarding their origins, even in traditionally considered “same-race” adoptions, is essential for supporting them in the path towards integrated identity development.
Supplier Relationship Management and Operational  Performance: The Mediating Role of  Supply Chain Resilience
Authors: Dza Mawuko , Acquah Ishmael Nanaba , Atsu Williams
Published: October 2024

This article examines the mediating role of supply chain resilience on the relationship between supplier relationship management and operational performance. The research utilized positivist philosophical assumptions and a quantitative research approach. The study used a sample of 179 food and beverages companies in Ghana to address the research objectives. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling. The findings of the study revealed that supplier relationship management positively impacts the operational performance of the food and beverages industry in Ghana. Additionally, the study found that supply chain resilience plays a significant role in enhancing the operational performance of firms within the food and beverages industry in Ghana. Finally, the analysis of the study concludes that supply chain resilience further plays a significant mediating role in increasing the impact of supplier relationship management and operational performance of the food and beverages industry. The study is significant because the findings would help expand existing literature on supplier relationship management, resilience, and operational performance, thereby offering valuable insights for theory, practice, and policy development.
The Role of Personality Traits in Health Care Utilization
Authors: Weston Sara , Condon David , Graham Eileen , Mroczek Daniel
Published: October 2024

It is unclear which psychosocial factors explain individual differences in seeking primary, secondary, and tertiary care, and under which conditions. The current work integrates the study of personality and health care into existing theoretical models to determine extent to which traits can be used to understand who seeks health services. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study ( N = 14,358, with 141,401 distinct measurements), multilevel logistic models were used to estimate the likelihood of using health services from known correlates of healthcare utilization (age, self-rated health, and diagnosis of chronic conditions), personality traits, and the interaction of these domains. Independent of health status, traits were associated with the use of health services. Little evidence of moderation was found, although chronic conditions strengthened the association between conscientiousness and seeking health care. These results suggest that personality traits may influence health beyond simply affecting the need for health services.
All the Working World’s A Stage: Narcissism, Work Values, and Vocational Preferences
Authors: Fezzey Tyler N. A. , Harms Peter D. , Cho Younsung
Published: October 2024

Prior research has established that individuals high in narcissism may favor certain professions over others, but the reasons for this remain speculative. The present study employs the Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Concept model to differentiate between two motivational drivers of narcissism – admiration (desire for praise) and rivalry (desire to denigrate others) – and explores their influence on vocational preferences in an online sample of 386 full-time U.S. employees. Further, we examine the role of work values (achievement, comfort, status, altruism, safety, autonomy) as mediators in these preferences. By understanding how narcissism’s two dimensions shape interest in various vocations, we expand upon previous research on subclinical personality and career preferences, offering organizations a way to proactively identify workers with potentially derailing personality characteristics. Finding that work values mediate the relationship between narcissism and vocational interests suggests the importance of investigating this mediating mechanism with other bright and dark traits.
Effects of SGLT2i and Pioglitazone on FIB-4 Index in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease—A Real World Retrospective Study from India
Authors: Seshadri Krishna G. , Padhye Dakshata , Tippisetty Surekha , Polisetti Subhadra , Gadia Smriti
Published: October 2024

Aims:

Several studies support type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as one of the risk factors of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Recently, the use of pioglitazone and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) has been on the rise considering its beneficial effects in reducing liver dysfunction. We aim to determine the clinical effectiveness of these drugs in improving MASLD and T2DM.

Materials and methods:

We conducted a retrospective study of 279 T2DM patients with MASLD who were prescribed pioglitazone and/or SGLT2i from two clinics in India. The primary endpoint was change in fibrosis (FIB-4) index and the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) score at one year follow-up. Appropriate statistical tests were applied to assess the significance of the outcomes.

Results:

Of the total (276) patients, 46% of patients were at low risk of advanced fibrosis, 11% were at high risk for advanced fibrosis, and the majority (50%) were on SGLT2i treatment. At follow-up, there is a statistically significant reduction in the mean (SD) FIB-4 index (1.92 [1.22] vs. 1.68 [0.99]) and APRI score (0.42 [0.34] vs. 0.33 [0.21]); p < .001. Among treatment groups, there is a significant difference in the mean FIB-4 index both at baseline (F: 4.23; p < .05) and follow-up (F: 3.45; p < .05). These scores were highly significant in the combination treatment with SGLT2i and pioglitazone ( p < .05).

Conclusions:

Our results indicate a combination therapy with SGLT2i and pioglitazone might be beneficial in managing MASLD, especially in reducing the FIB-4 index and APRI score in Indian T2DM patients with MASLD.
Perceptions of the 2D short animated videos for literacy against chronic diseases among adults with diabetes and/or hypertension: a qualitative study in primary care clinics
Authors: Pichayapinyo Panan , Sompopcharoen Malinee , Thiangtham Weena , Sillabutra Jutatip , Meekaew Phenchan , Bureerat Benyada , Somboonkaew Armote
Published: October 2024

Background

Animation has promise for teaching complex health content through smartphone applications. However, smartphones have had limited use in Thailand for health literacy improvement among adults with chronic diseases. This study aims to explore the perceptions of adults with diabetes and/or hypertension resulting from 2D short animated videos for literacy against chronic disease that are available via smartphones.

Methods

Four animated videos were initially developed based on clinical practice guidelines and nursing experience. Physicians, an expert in health education, and an animation team developed and revised scripts and storyboards of the animated videos. Lastly, videos were validated by physicians and health educators for content breadth and depth and by media experts for motion graphics and illustration. Each video presents a different situation in diabetes, hypertension, missing appointments, and obesity, ranging from 2.18 to 4.14 min in duration. The inclusion criteria were adults 35–70 years old with diabetes or hypertension who received care from primary care units. Thematic analysis was performed on the extracted data.

Results

Twenty participants with a mean age of 58.4 years (SD 6.7; ranged 41–68) were focus-group interviewed. Three animation elements were assessed, including presentation, impacts, and suggestions. Participants had positive responses regarding the presentation (suitability of images and smooth motion graphics, short length of videos, simple language, understandable content, and clear sound) and impacts (recalling information, enhancing engagement, and motivating health awareness and behavior change). Suggested improvements were for a bigger font size for subtitles and considering the use of spoken text instead of on-screen text for recommendations at the end of the animations.

Conclusions

Animated videos are acceptable for delivering health information. Pilot testing animated videos for promoting literacy against chronic diseases in adults with diabetes and hypertension is needed for optimal utility.
Risk factors of the antenatal depression in a sample of Italian pregnant women: a preliminary study
Authors: Sergi Maria Rita , Saggino Aristide , Balsamo Michela , Picconi Laura , Anchora Luigi , Tommasi Marco
Published: October 2024

Background

Antenatal depression is characterized by low mood, insomnia, disorganised behaviour, irritability, and agitation during the pregnancy. If underestimated, antenatal depression is untreated during the pregnancy. It is associated to higher levels of suicide, higher risk of depression after childbirth, preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, poor interactions between child and mother and severe obstetric outcomes. New data underlined the importance to prevent the risk of depression during the pregnancy. This study examines the predictive validity of potential risk factors, such as socio-demographic and psychological factors, in developing the antenatal depression.

Methods

The sample was composed by Italian pregnant women (N = 247, mean age of 33.77, SD = 4.78 years). This sample completed the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Teate Depression Inventory (TDI) and questionnaires about demographic variables. To study associations among variables examined bivariate correlations were computed. To analyse the role of socio-demographic factors and the psychological dimension to predict the severity of the antenatal depression a logistic regression was performed.

Results

Results showed significantly positive correlations between the EPDS and the TDI, and no associations among the EPDS and all socio-demographic factors. Therefore, only the psychological factors were significant predictive risk factors of antenatal period. Finally, higher score of the depression measured via TDI predicted higher score of the EPDS.

Conclusions

Our results had implications in clinical field. Indeed, the early diagnosis of depression during the pregnancy can help operators in the gynaecological field to prevent the depression in the post-partum period.
Factors associated with dementia-related stigma in British adolescents
Authors: Hassan Esra , Hicks Ben , Tabet Naji , Farina Nicolas
Published: October 2024

Background

Dementia-related stigma is a prominent barrier for people living with dementia, leading to poor well-being and social isolation. Adolescents are an under-researched group in society that may already have experience of dementia and are more susceptible to attitudinal change which makes them ideal targets for anti-stigma initiatives outlined by public health policy. For the development of evidence-based anti-stigma initiatives in adolescents, it is important to understand which socio-demographic groups are most likely to develop stigmatising attitudes and why. This study aims to identify factors of dementia-related stigma in adolescents.

Methods

A total of 1,044 adolescents (aged 11–18 years) from across six regions of England were included in the analysis of this cross-sectional, survey-based study. Descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were employed to explore the association between demographic variables, modifiable factors of dementia-related stigma and the outcome of dementia-related stigma. A path analysis via a structural equation model was employed to test for direct and mediatory effects.

Results

Multiple regression models revealed that younger adolescents, those with higher levels of contact with dementia, higher levels of empathy, higher levels of dementia knowledge, and higher affinity to older adults, are associated with more positive dementia attitudes in adolescents (p < 0.05). Within the accepted structural equation model, empathy, level of contact and dementia knowledge were key mediators of dementia-related stigma (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study highlights that modifiable factors such as level of contact, ageism, and empathy have a potentially important role in how dementia-related stigma may start to form in the adolescent years. Developing contact-based strategies that stimulate empathetic responses may be useful targets for stigma reduction initiatives for adolescents.
“I have learned that nothing is given for free”: an exploratory qualitative evaluation of a social norms edutainment intervention broadcast on local radio to prevent age-disparate transactional sex in Kigoma, Tanzania
Authors: Howard-Merrill Lottie , Pichon Marjorie , Witt Alice , Sono Revocatus , Gimunta Veronicah , Hofer Enrica , Kiluvia Fatina , Alfred Mengi , Yohanna Emmanuel , Buller Ana Maria
Published: October 2024

Background

Promising evidence supports the effectiveness of edutainment interventions in shifting norms to prevent violence against women and girls and other harmful practices, yet further research into mechanisms and pathways of impact is needed to inform intervention development, delivery and scale-up. This exploratory qualitative evaluation examined the feasibility and indications of change in attitudes, beliefs, norms and behaviours following the broadcast of a radio drama aired to prevent age-disparate transactional sex in Kigoma, Tanzania.

Methods

Over seven weeks, six episodes were broadcast on local radio weekly, between November and December 2021 in Kigoma, targeting adolescent girls (aged 13–15 years) and their caregivers. Reflection sessions were conducted twice a week with 70 girls across seven schools, supplemented by after-school Girls’ Club listening sessions for a subgroup of 30 girls. We conducted seven before and after focus group discussions, five with girls (n = 50), one with men caregivers (n = 9) and one with women caregivers (n = 9) and analysed them using thematic and framework analysis approaches.

Results

Overall, we found that while girls exhibited significant engagement with the drama, caregiver participation, particularly among men, was low. Thus, no clear changes were detected in men. We did not find any differences in impact based on listening sessions’ attendance vs. home listening. We detected positive changes among girls and women in four thematic areas after listening to the drama: (1) participant’s increasingly challenged perceptions about what kinds of girls and men take part in age-disparate transactional sex, what can be exchanged, and men’s motivations for engaging; (2) there was a shift from attributing blame for age-disparate transactional sex relationships from girls to men; (3) girl’s reported increased agency and confidence to avoid age-disparate transactional sex relationships; and (4) we found a heightened sense of responsibility and recognition for the role of parents, peers and community members in preventing age-disparate transactional sex.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the need for further implementation research to explore ways to effectively engage men. They also underscore the potential of engaging, evidence-based edutainment interventions in fostering spontaneous critical reflection about complex behaviours such as age-disparate transactional sex, and diffusing key messages among target populations without the use of organised diffusion activities.
Implementation of digital remote postoperative monitoring in routine practice: a qualitative study of barriers and facilitators
Authors: McLean Kenneth A. , Sgrò Alessandro , Brown Leo R. , Buijs Louis F. , Mozolowski Kirsty , Daines Luke , Cresswell Kathrin , Potter Mark A. , Bouamrane Matt-Mouley , Harrison Ewen M.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Remote monitoring can strengthen postoperative care in the community and minimise the burden of complications. However, implementation requires a clear understanding of how to sustainably integrate such complex interventions into existing care pathways. This study aimed to explore perceptions of potential facilitators and barriers to the implementation of digital remote postoperative monitoring from key stakeholders and derive recommendations for an implementable service.

Methods

A qualitative implementation study was conducted of digital remote postoperative wound monitoring across two UK tertiary care hospitals. All enrolled patients undergoing general surgery, and all staff involved in postoperative care were eligible. Criterion-based purposeful sampling was used to select stakeholders for semi-structured interviews on their perspectives and experiences of digital remote postoperative monitoring. A theory-informed deductive-inductive qualitative analysis was conducted; drawing on normalisation process theory (NPT) to determine facilitators for and barriers to implementation within routine care.

Results

There were 28 semi-structured interviews conducted with patients (n = 14) and healthcare professionals (n = 14). Remote postoperative monitoring was perceived to fulfil an unmet need in facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of postoperative complications. Participants perceived clear benefit to both the delivery of health services, and patient outcomes and experience, but some were concerned that this may not be equally shared due to potential issues with accessibility. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated telemedicine services are feasible to deliver and acceptable to participants, with examples of nurse-led remote postoperative monitoring currently supported within local care pathways. However, there was a discrepancy between patients’ expectations regarding digital health to provide more personalised care, and the capacity of healthcare staff to deliver on these. Without further investment into IT infrastructure and allocation of staff, healthcare staff felt remote postoperative monitoring should be prioritised only for patients at the highest risk of complications.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked the digital transformation of international health systems, yet the potential of digital health interventions has yet to be realised. The benefits to stakeholders are clear, and if health systems seek to meet governmental policy and patient expectations, there needs to be greater organisational strategy and investment to ensure appropriate deployment and adoption into routine care.

Trial registration

NCT05069103.
CardioGraph: a platform to study variations associated with familiar cardiopathies
Authors: García S. Alberto , Costa Mireia , Perez Ana , Pastor Oscar
Published: October 2024

Background

Familiar cardiopathies are genetic disorders that affect the heart. Cardiologists face a significant problem when treating patients suffering from these disorders: most DNA variations are novel (i.e., they have not been classified before). To facilitate the analysis of novel variations, we present CardioGraph, a platform specially designed to support the analysis of novel variations and help determine whether they are relevant for diagnosis. To do this, CardioGraph identifies and annotates the consequence of variations and provides contextual information regarding which heart structures, pathways, and biological processes are potentially affected by those variations.

Methods

We conducted our work through three steps. First, we define a data model to support the representation of the heterogeneous information. Second, we instantiate this data model to integrate and represent all the genomics knowledge available for familiar cardiopathies. In this step, we consider genomic data sources and the scientific literature. Third, the design and implementation of the CardioGraph platform. A three-tier structure was used: the database, the backend, and the frontend.

Results

Three main results were obtained: the data model, the knowledge base generated with the instantiation of the data model, and the platform itself. The platform code has been included as supplemental material in this manuscript. Besides, an instance is publicly available in the following link: https://genomics-hub.pros.dsic.upv.es:3090.

Conclusion

CardioGraph is a platform that supports the analysis of novel variations. Future work will expand the body of knowledge about familiar cardiopathies and include new information about hotspots, functional studies, and previously reported variations.
Provider and community perceptions of integrated COVID-19 and routine childhood immunisation programmes in Nigeria: a qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Bakare Ayobami A. , Akinsola Kofoworola O. , King Carina , Sogbesan Abiodun A. , Bakare Oluwabunmi R. , Fadahunsi Opeyemi Y. , Salako Julius , Falade Adegoke G. , Herzig van Wees Sibylle
Published: October 2024

Background

In Nigeria, COVID-19 vaccines were delivered through outreach activities, as well as integrated within routine immunisation. However, evaluations of integrated approaches for novel vaccines are scarce. We aimed to understand the perceived benefits and challenges of integrating the COVID-19 vaccine within routine immunisation in Nigeria, and identify ways to strengthen this approach.

Methods

We conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with community members and healthcare workers in primary healthcare facilities (PHCs) in Jigawa (n = 16) and Oyo (n = 14) states, Nigeria from 08 August to 13 September 2022. Participants were selected purposively from PHCs. We obtained information on participants’ perception about routine immunisation, and perceived benefits and challenges associated with integrated COVID-19 vaccine delivery. Healthcare worker and community interviews were analysed separately following a thematic analysis approach.

Results

We identified four themes that describe the community and healthcare workers’ responses, perceived impact, and the health system adaptions to the challenges associated with the integrated vaccine delivery approach. Community members expressed concern that children might be given COVID-19 vaccines instead of routine immunisations, while others appreciated the integrated approach due to their trust in the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, government, and healthcare providers. Healthcare providers perceived the integrated approach as improving vaccination coverage and awareness but noted additional problems of increased workload, vaccine scarcity, and prolonged clinic visits. Insufficient resources were subsisting barriers to effective integration in both states, but the provider’s gender was also a challenge in Jigawa state. Additionally, the use of incentives to generate demand had ambiguous effects in Jigawa state.

Conclusion

Taking an integrated approach to deliver COVID-19 vaccines was acceptable by healthcare providers but community members expressed concerns. Given existing vaccination programmes have persistent challenges, it is pertinent to address these barriers to enhance effectiveness of an integrated approach.
Cost-effectiveness of screening and treating alcohol use and depression among people living with HIV in Zimbabwe: a mathematical modeling study
Authors: Su Jasmine I-Shin , Yeo Yao-rui , Jeetoo Mellesia , Morojele Neo K. , Francis Joel M. , Shenoi Sheela , Braithwaite R. Scott
Published: October 2024

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) drive HIV transmission in many sub-Saharan African settings. The impact of screening and treating AUD and MDD on HIV outcomes is unknown. We aimed to identify the cost-effectiveness of AUD and MDD interventions in Zimbabwe, and their potential contribution to reaching Zimbabwe’s Ending the HIV Epidemic 2030 goal.

Methods

Using a validated HIV compartmental transmission model in Zimbabwe, we compared four policy scenarios: prevention as usual (baseline); implement AUD screening (using AUDIT) and treatment (motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy); implement MDD screening (using PHQ-9) and treatment (cognitive-behavioral therapy); and implement screening and treatment for both. Outcomes were HIV incidence projections, infections averted through 2030, quality-adjusted life-years gained, cost per infection averted, and cost per QALY gained. Analyses considered “spillover,” when treatment for AUD also results in an improvement in MDD and the converse. Sensitivity analyses identified cost reductions necessary for AUD and MDD interventions to be as cost-effective as other HIV interventions, particularly the scale-up of long-acting PrEP.

Results

AUD and MDD combined will be responsible for 21.1% of new HIV infections in Zimbabwe by 2030.Without considering spillover, compared to the baseline, MDD intervention can reduce new infections by 5.4% at $2039/infection averted and $3186/QALY. AUD intervention can reduce new infections by 5.8%, but at $2,968/infection averted and $4753/QALY, compared to baseline. Both MDD and AUD interventions can reduce new infections by 11.1% at $2810/infection averted and $4229/QALY, compared to baseline.Considering spillover, compared to the baseline, MDD intervention can reduce new infections by 6.4% at $1714/infection averted and $2630/QALY. AUD intervention can reduce new infections by 7.4%, but at $2299/infection averted and $3560/QALY compared to baseline. Both MDD and AUD interventions can reduce new infections by 11.9% at $2247/infection averted and $3382/QALY compared to baseline. For MDD intervention to match the cost-effectiveness of scaling long-acting PrEP, the cost of MDD intervention would need to be reduced from $16.64 to $12.88 per person.

Conclusions

Implementing AUD and MDD interventions can play an important role in HIV reduction in Zimbabwe, particularly if intervention cost can be decreased while preserving effectiveness.
Isolation and evaluation of the pathogenicity of a hybrid shiga toxin-producing and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli in pigs
Authors: Nammuang Danaya , Shen Yi-Wen , Ke Chiao-Hsu , Kuan Nan-Ling , Lin Chao-Nan , Yeh Kuang-Sheng , Chang Yen-Chen , Chang Chia-Yu , Chang Hui-Wen
Published: October 2024

Background

Porcine pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli), the globally recognized important pathogen, causes significant economic loss in the field. Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) causes porcine neonatal and post-weaning diarrhea (PWD), frequently carrying F4 adhesin, F18 adhesin, Heat-Stable toxin (ST), and Heat-Labile toxin (LT). Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) produces F18 adhesin and Shiga toxin type 2e (stx2e), majorly leading to systemic endothelial cell damage and edema disease. In this study, hemolytic pathogenic hybrid STEC/ETEC strains carrying ST and LT genes of ETEC and the Stx2e gene of STEC isolated from pigs with PWD in Taiwan were identified. The pathogenicity of a Taiwan hybrid STEC/ETEC strain was evaluated by oral inoculation in post-weaning pigs.

Results

Next generation sequencing and multilocus sequence typing of two hybrid Taiwan porcine STEC/ETEC isolates indicated that these two isolates were closely related to the ST88 porcine hybrid STEC/ETEC isolated from pigs with watery diarrhea. Furthermore, the two hybrid Taiwan porcine STEC/ETEC isolates also displayed combinations of multiple resistance genes encoding mechanisms for target modification and antibiotic inactivation. Animal experiments confirmed that the Taiwan hybrid STEC/ETEC could cause watery diarrhea in post-weaning pigs with no signs of edema disease and minimal histopathological lesions.

Conclusion

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first study demonstrating intestinal pathogenicity of the hybrid STEC/ETEC in pigs. The result suggests that the hybrid STEC/ETEC should be considered as a new emerging pathogen and a new target for vaccine development.
Transcriptional pathways of terminal differentiation in high- and low-density blood granulocytes in sepsis
Authors: Guenther Tobias , Coulibaly Anna , Velásquez Sonia Y. , Schulte Jutta , Fuderer Tanja , Sturm Timo , Hahn Bianka , Thiel Manfred , Lindner Holger A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Trauma and infection induce emergency granulopoiesis. Counts of immature granulocytes and transcriptional pathways of terminal granulocytic differentiation in blood are elevated in sepsis but correlate with disease severity. This limits their performance as sepsis biomarkers in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that activation of these pathways in sepsis is attributable to immature low-density (LD) rather than mature high-density (HD) granulocytes.

Methods

We included patients with sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) of comparable disease severity, and additionally septic shock, on intensive or intermediate care unit admission. Blood granulocyte isolation by CD15 MicroBeads was followed by density-gradient centrifugation. Flow cytometry was used to determine counts of developmental stages (precursors) and their relative abundancies in total, HD, and LD granulocytes. Five degranulation markers were quantified in plasma by multiplex immunoassays. A set of 135 genes mapping granulocyte differentiation was assayed by QuantiGene™ Plex. CEACAM4, PLAC8, and CD63 were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Nonparametric statistical tests were applied.

Results

Precursor counts appeared higher in sepsis than SIRS but did not correlate with disease severity for early immature and mature granulocytes. Precursor subpopulations were enriched at least ten-fold in LD over HD granulocytes without sepsis-SIRS differences. Degranulation markers in blood were comparable in sepsis and SIRS. Higher expression of early developmental genes in sepsis than SIRS was more pronounced in LD and less in HD than total granulocytes. Only the cell membrane protein encoding genes CXCR2 and CEACAM4 were more highly expressed in SIRS than sepsis. By qRT-PCR, the azurophilic granule genes CD63 and PLAC8 showed higher sepsis than SIRS levels in LD granulocytes and PLAC8 also in total granulocytes where its discriminatory performance resembled C-reactive protein (CRP).

Conclusions

Transcriptional programs of early terminal granulocytic differentiation distinguish sepsis from SIRS due to both higher counts of immature granulocytes and elevated expression of early developmental genes in sepsis. The sustained expression of PLAC8 in mature granulocytes likely accounts for its selection in the whole blood SeptiCyte™ LAB test. Total granulocyte PLAC8 rivals CRP as sepsis biomarker. However, infection-specific transcriptional pathways, that differentiate sepsis from sterile stress-induced granulocytosis more reliably than CRP, remain to be identified.
Massive citizen science sampling and integrated taxonomic approach unravel Danish cryptogam-dwelling tardigrade fauna
Authors: Gąsiorek Piotr , Sørensen Martin V. , Lillemark Marie Rathcke , Leerhøi Frederik , Tøttrup Anders P.
Published: October 2024

Tardigrade diversity and distribution are enigmatic in most parts of the globe, and only some European countries can boast of a relatively well-studied water bear fauna. However, even these suffer from the lack of genetic data, which would substantiate faunistic data and make biogeographic comparisons easier. Denmark has never been intensively and systematically researched in this regard, thus a citizen science sampling of cryptogams (mosses, liverworts, and lichens) was launched in spring 2023, aiming at a comprehensive biodiversity survey across this insular country. Nearly 700 samples were selected out of 8.000 sent to NHMD, based on the quality of samples, representativeness of various regions of Denmark, and the type of substrate to allow unravelling of potential ecological associations between tardigrades and cryptogams. Importantly, a large fraction of morphological identifications was backed up by DNA barcode data based on ITS-2 (1001 sequences), and in some cases also on COI (93 sequences) and ITS-1 (22 sequences) molecular markers, which are recognised DNA fragments used in species delimitation. We quadruple the number of known Danish limno-terrestrial tardigrade species (55 spp. reported in this paper vs. 14 spp. reported in literature so far, most of which were contentious due to the insufficient knowledge on tardigrade taxonomy), demonstrating the power of integrative taxonomy. No fewer than nine spp. are new to science. This is the first case where tardigrade fauna of an entire country is examined both from morphological and DNA barcoding data perspective.
Greenness and whiteness appraisal for bioanalysis of quetiapine, levodopa and carbidopa in spiked human plasma by high performance thin layer chromatography
Authors: Hindam Finan T. , Abou Al Alamein Amal M. , Arafa Reham M. , Ahmed Neven , Eltanany Basma M.
Published: October 2024

A sustainable HPTLC-densitometric method was developed for quantitative determination of Quetiapine (QUET), Levodopa (LD) and Carbidopa (CD) in presence of Dopamine (DOP) as an internal standard. This applicable technique was achieved by spiking human plasma and extraction was performed using the protein precipitation approach. The mobile phase used was acetone, dichloromethane, n-butanol, glacial acetic acid and water (3: 2.5: 2: 2: 1.75, by volume). Method validation was done according to US-FDA guidelines and was able to quantify Quetiapine, Levodopa and Carbidopa in the ranges of 100–4000, 200–8000 and 30–1300 ng/mL, respectively. Bioanalytical method validation parameters were assessed for the studied drugs. Finally, the analytical suggested methodology was evaluated using various green and white analytical chemistry metrics and other tools, such as the green solvent selection tool, analytical eco-scale, green analytical procedure index, analytical greenness metric approach and the red–green–blue algorithm tool. The results revealed that the applied analytical method had a minor impact on the environment and is a relatively greener option than other previously reported chromatographic methods.

Graphical Abstract
Model-based estimation of heart movements using microwave Doppler radar sensor
Authors: Ota Takashi , Okusa Kosuke
Published: October 2024

Background

Heart rate is one of the most crucial vital signs and can be measured remotely using microwave Doppler radar. As the distance between the body and the Doppler radar sensor increases, the output signal weakens, making it difficult to extract heartbeat waveforms. In this study, we propose a new template-matching method that addresses this issue by simulating Doppler radar signals. This method extracts the heartbeat waveform with higher accuracy while the participant is naturally sitting in a chair.

Methods

An extended triangular wave model was created as a mathematical representation of cardiac physiology, taking into account heart movements. The Doppler radar output signal was then simulated based on this model to automatically obtain a template for one cycle. The validity of the proposed method was confirmed by calculating the PPIs using the template and comparing their accuracy to the R-R intervals (RRIs) of the electrocardiogram for five participants and by analyzing the signals of eight participants in their natural state using the mathematical model of heart movements. All measurements were conducted from a distance of 500 mm.

Results

The correlation coefficients between the RRIs of the electrocardiogram and the PPIs using the proposed method were examined for five participants. The correlation coefficients were 0.93 without breathing and 0.70 with breathing. This demonstrates a higher correlation considering the long distance of 500 mm, and the fact that body movements were not specifically restricted, suggesting that the proposed method can successfully estimate RRI. The average correlation coefficients, calculated between the Doppler output signals and the templates for each of the eight participants, exceeded 0.95. Overall, the proposed method showed higher correlation coefficients than those reported in previous studies, indicating that our method performed well in extracting heartbeat waveforms.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the proposed method of remote heart monitoring using microwave Doppler radar demonstrates higher accuracy in estimating the RRI of the electrocardiogram while at rest sitting in a chair, and the ability to extract the heartbeat waveforms from the measured Doppler output signal, eliminating the need to create templates in advance as required by conventional template matching methods. This approach offers more flexibility in the measurement environment than conventional methods.
Comparison of AI-assisted cephalometric analysis and orthodontist-performed digital tracing analysis
Authors: Bor Sabahattin , Ciğerim Saadet Çınarsoy , Kotan Seda
Published: October 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate three AI-assisted cephalometric analysis platforms—CephX, WeDoCeph, and WebCeph—with the traditional digital tracing method using NemoCeph software.

Material and method

A total of 1500 lateral cephalometric films that met the inclusion criteria were classified as Class I, Class II, and Class III. Subsequently, 40 patients were randomly selected from each class. These selected films were uploaded to 3 AI-assisted cephalometric analysis platforms and analyzed without any manual intervention. The same films were also analyzed by an orthodontist using the NemoCeph program.

Results

The results revealed significant differences in key angular measurements (ANB, FMA, IMPA, and NLA) across Class I, II, and III patients when comparing the four cephalometric analysis methods (WebCeph, WeDoCeph, CephX, and NemoCeph). Notably, ANB (p < 0.05), FMA (p < 0.001), IMPA (p < 0.001), and NLA (p < 0.001) varied significantly. Linear measurements also differed, with significant differences in U1-NA (p = 0.002) and Co-A (p = 0.002) in certain classes. Repeated measurement analysis revealed variation in SNA (p = 0.011) and FMA (p = 0.030), particularly in the Class II NemoCeph group, suggesting method-dependent variability.

Conclusion

AI-assisted cephalometric analysis platforms such as WebCeph, WeDoCeph, and CephX give rise to notable variation in accuracy and reliability compared to traditional manual digital tracing, specifically in terms of angular and linear measurements. These results emphasize the importance of meticulous selection and assessment of analysis methods in orthodontic diagnostics and treatment planning.
Comments on the paper “Data-driven gating (DDG)-based motion match for improved CTAC registration. EJNMMI Physics. 2024;11(1):42.”
Authors: Pan Tinsu
Published: October 2024

Misregistration between CT and PET in PET/CT is mainly caused by respiratory motion or irregular respiration during the CT scan in PET/CT. Other than repeat CT, repeat PET/CT, or data-driven gated (DDG) CT, there is no practical approach to mitigate the misregistration artifacts and subsequent CT attenuation correction (CTAC) of the PET data. DDG PET derives a respiratory motion model based on the multiple phases of PET images without hardware gating and it allows for a potential correction of the misregistration artifacts based on the respiratory motion model. The purpose of this commentary was to compare the recent two publications on matching the random phase of helical CT with one of the PET phases derived from the motion model of DDG PET and warping the misregistered helical CT for CTAC of and registration with PET or DDG PET. The two publications were similar in methodology. However, the data sets used for the comparison were different and could potentially impact their conclusions.