bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex specific analysis of patients with and without reported statin intolerance referred to a specialized outpatient lipid clinic
Authors: Muck Maximilian A. , Fischer Marcus , Hamerle Michael , Strack Christina , Holzhaeuer Maxime , Pfeffer Dennis , Hubauer Ute , Maier Lars S. , Baessler Andrea
Published: September 2024

Background

Lowering LDL-cholesterol is a fundamental goal for both primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Our study aims to analyse potential sex disparities regarding the tolerability and effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy in patients with and without reported statin intolerance who are being treated at a lipid-outpatient clinic.

Methods

From 2017 to 2022, n = 1062 patients (n = 612 men, n = 450 women) at high-risk were referred to our lipid-outpatient clinic because of difficulties in lipid control by primary healthcare providers. The main therapeutic objective was to optimize lipid-lowering therapy according to current treatment guidelines.

Results

Patients presented with high LDL-C baseline levels (4.97 ± 1.81 mmol/l (192 ± 70 mg/dL) in men and 5.46 ± 2.04 mmol/l (211 ± 79 mg/dL) in women). Intolerance towards statins was reported more frequently by women (48.2%) than by men (38.9%, p = 0.004). LDL-C continuously decreased with individual treatment adjustments across follow-up visits. In total, treatment goals (LDL < 1.4 mmol/l (< 55 mg/dl) or < 1.8 mmol/l (< 70 mg/dl)) were accomplished in 75.8% of men and 55.5% of women after the last follow-up visit (p < 0.0001). In men, these data are almost identical in subjects with statin intolerance. In contrast, treatment goals were reached less frequently in women with statin intolerance compared to women tolerant to statin therapy.

Conclusion

Even if treated in a specialized lipid clinic, women are less likely to reach their target LDL-C than men, particularly when statin intolerant. Nevertheless, many patients with statin intolerance can be successfully treated using oral combination and PCSK9 inhibitor therapy. However, ongoing follow-up care to monitor progress and to adjust treatment plans is necessary to reach this goal.
Provider perceptions of young people living with HIV and unhealthy alcohol use in Southwestern Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Odokonyero Raymond Felix , Nakasujja Noeline , Turiho Andrew , Sanyu Naomi , Muyindike Winnie R. , Nansera Denis , Semitala Fred , Kamya Moses R. , Katahoire Anne R. , Hahn Judith A. , Camlin Carol C. , Muhwezi Wilson W.
Published: September 2024

Background

Unhealthy alcohol use is a common public health problem in HIV care settings in Africa and it affects the HIV continuum of care. In Uganda and other low-income countries, HIV care providers are a key resource in caring for young people (15–24 years) living with HIV (YPLH) with unhealthy alcohol use. Caring for YPLH largely depends on care providers’ perceptions of the problem. However, data that explores HIV care providers’ perceptions about caring for YPLH with unhealthy drinking are lacking in Uganda. We sought to describe the perceptions of HIV care providers regarding caring for YPLH with unhealthy drinking in the Immune Suppression Syndrome (ISS) Clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in southwestern Uganda.

Methods

We used semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs) to qualitatively explore HIV care providers’ perceptions regarding caring for YPLH with unhealthy alcohol use. The study was conducted at the adolescent immunosuppression (ISS) clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using thematic content analysis, data from 10 interviews were analyzed.

Results

HIV care providers were concerned and intended to care for YPLH with unhealthy alcohol use. They understood that unhealthy drinking negatively impacts HIV care outcomes and used counseling, peer support, and referrals to routinely intervene. They however, did not apply other known interventions such as health education, medications and follow-up visits because these required family and institutional support which was largely lacking. Additional barriers that HCPs faced in caring for YPLH included; gaps in knowledge and skills required to address alcohol use in young patients, heavy workloads that hindered the provision of psychosocial interventions, late payment of and low remunerations, lack of improvement in some YPLH, and inadequate support from both their families and hospital management.

Conclusion

HIV care providers are important stakeholders in the identification and care of YPLH with unhealthy alcohol use in Southwestern Uganda. There is a need to train and skill HCPs in unhealthy alcohol use care. Such training ought to target the attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control of the providers.
“What if the patient has a severe reaction, and it is my fault?” A qualitative study exploring factors for sustainable implementation of penicillin allergy delabelling
Authors: Bjørbak Alnæs Marie , Skodvin Brita , Anker Jahnsen Jan , Kalleklev Velure Grete , Oppegaard Oddvar , Reiakvam Kittang Bård , Storaas Torgeir , Aase Schaufel Margrethe
Published: September 2024

Background

Penicillin allergy delabelling (PAD), the process of evaluating penicillin allergy labels, is a key target in antibiotic stewardship, but uptake of the procedure outside clinical studies is limited. We aimed to explore factors that need to be addressed to sustainably implement a clinical pathway for PAD.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with focus groups consisting of a purposive sample of twenty-five nurses and physicians working in four different hospitals in Western Norway. Systematic text condensation was applied for analysis.

Results

Psychological safety was reported as crucial for clinicians to perform PAD. A narrative of uncertainty and anticipated negative outcomes were negatively associated with PAD performance. Education, guidelines, and colleague- and leadership support could together create psychological safety and empower health personnel to perform PAD. Key factors for sustainable implementation of PAD were facilitating the informant’s profound motivation for providing optimal health care and for reducing antimicrobial resistance. Informants were motivated by the prospect of a simplified PAD procedure. We identified three main needs for implementation of PAD: (1) creating psychological safety; (2) utilising clinicians’ inherent motivation and (3) optimal organisational structures.

Conclusion

A planned implementation of PAD must acknowledge clinicians’ need for psychological safety and aid reassurance through training, leadership, and guidelines. To implement PAD as an everyday practice it must be minimally disruptive and provide a contextually adaptive logistic chain. Also, the clinician’s motivation for providing the best possible healthcare should be utilised to aid implementation. The results of this study will aid sustainable implementation of PAD in Norway.

Ethics

The study was approved by the Western Norway Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics (Study No:199210).
Characterizing PFAS hazards and risks: a human population-based in vitro cardiotoxicity assessment strategy
Authors: Ford Lucie C. , Lin Hsing-Chieh , Zhou Yi-Hui , Wright Fred A. , Gombar Vijay K. , Sedykh Alexander , Shah Ruchir R. , Chiu Weihsueh A. , Rusyn Ivan
Published: September 2024

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants of concern because of their wide use, persistence, and potential to be hazardous to both humans and the environment. Several PFAS have been designated as substances of concern; however, most PFAS in commerce lack toxicology and exposure data to evaluate their potential hazards and risks. Cardiotoxicity has been identified as a likely human health concern, and cell-based assays are the most sensible approach for screening and prioritization of PFAS. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes are a widely used method to test for cardiotoxicity, and recent studies showed that many PFAS affect these cells. Because iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes are available from different donors, they also can be used to quantify human variability in responses to PFAS. The primary objective of this study was to characterize potential human cardiotoxic hazard, risk, and inter-individual variability in responses to PFAS. A total of 56 PFAS from different subclasses were tested in concentration-response using human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes from 16 donors without known heart disease. Kinetic calcium flux and high-content imaging were used to evaluate biologically-relevant phenotypes such as beat frequency, repolarization, and cytotoxicity. Of the tested PFAS, 46 showed concentration-response effects in at least one phenotype and donor; however, a wide range of sensitivities were observed across donors. Inter-individual variability in the effects could be quantified for 19 PFAS, and risk characterization could be performed for 20 PFAS based on available exposure information. For most tested PFAS, toxicodynamic variability was within a factor of 10 and the margins of exposure were above 100. This study identified PFAS that may pose cardiotoxicity risk and have high inter-individual variability. It also demonstrated the feasibility of using a population-based human in vitro method to quantify population variability and identify cardiotoxicity risks of emerging contaminants.
Differential changes in the morphology and fuel loads of obligatory and partial migrant passerines over half a century in Britain
Authors: Pickett Holly R. W. , Robinson Robert A. , Nudds Robert L.
Published: September 2024

Migratory distances and stopover locations are changing for many passerines in response to climate change. Morphological changes have been linked to rising global temperatures in both migrants and residents, but the implications of these changes on fuel loads, and associated flight ranges are little studied. Wing length and body mass changes between 1964 and 2020 were calculated for 15 migrant and partially migrant passerines in Britain. Changes in fuel load and lean body mass were also estimated and used to predict flight ranges. Twelve of the species have undergone morphological changes and eight species, estimated fuel load changes. Nine species were estimated to have reduced flight ranges, indicating that the morphological changes have not compensated fully for the reduction in flight range experienced since 1964. Partial migrants showed greater decreases in flight ranges than did full migrants, which may indicate greater behavioural plasticity in the former. Those species which do not adapt morphologically or behaviourally may be unable to complete long migrations, resulting in restriction to sub-optimal breeding/wintering habitats, or a need for a sooner first stop and more stops en route. This highlights the importance of conserving migratory stopover sites, particularly in the Mediterranean and North Africa that immediately precede major geographical barriers, as-well-as breeding and wintering grounds.
Evaluating the efficiency of mandibular molar protraction using Herbst appliances versus temporary anchorage devices: a retrospective case-controlled study
Authors: Taneja Ishita Z. , Zhai Guihua , Kravitz Neal D. , Dischinger Bill , Johnston Mark , Kau Chung-How , Lamani Ejvis
Published: September 2024

Background

Mandibular second premolar agenesis is a common problem in orthodontics and is often treated in conjunction with maxillary counterbalancing extractions. However, in cases without maxillary crowding or dental protrusion, space closure may pose challenges leading to compromised occlusal results or patient profile. Multiple techniques have been described to treat these patients; nevertheless, there is a paucity of data comparing effectiveness of space closure utilizing various anchorage techniques. The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the Herbst device during mandibular molar protraction and compare it to the use of temporary anchorage device (TADs) in patients with mandibular second premolar agenesis.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 33 patients with mandibular premolar agenesis treated without maxillary extractions. Of these patients, 21 were treated with protraction Herbst devices and 12 with TADs. Changes in molar and incisor positions, skeletal base positions and occlusal plane angulations were assessed on pretreatment (T0) and post-treatment (T1) lateral cephalograms. Scans/photographs at T0 and T1 were used to evaluate canine relationship changes representing anchorage control. Space closure and breakage/failure rates were also compared. Data was analyzed with paired and unpaired t-tests at the significance level of 0.05.

Results

Within the Herbst group, changes in mandibular central incisor uprighting and mandibular molar crown angulations were statistically significant. However, no significant differences were noted between the Herbst and TAD groups. Protraction rates as well as overall treatment times were comparable (0.77 mm/month vs. 0.55 mm/month and 3.02 years vs. 2.67 years, respectively). Canine relationships were maintained or improved toward a class I in 82.85% of the Herbst sample, compared to in 66.7% of the TAD sample. Emergency visits occurred in 80.1% of the Herbst group, with cementation failures or appliance breakages as the most common reasons.

Conclusion

The Herbst device could be a viable modality in cases with missing mandibular premolars where maximum anterior anchorage is desired, or if patients/parents are resistant to TADs. Furthermore, they could be beneficial in skeletal class II patients with mandibular deficiency who also need molar protraction. However, the increased incidence of emergency visits must be considered when treatment is planned.
Combined effects of pores and cracks on the effective thermal conductivity of materials: a numerical study
Authors: Shen Yu-Lin , Rose Garrett
Published: September 2024

Porous solids are commonplace in engineering structures and in nature. Material properties are inevitably affected by the internal inhomogeneity. The effective thermal conductivity of porous materials has been and remains to be a subject of extensive research. Less attention has been devoted to thermal conductivity impacted by internal cracks. This study is devoted to theoretical analyses of the combined effects of pores and cracks on the effective thermal conductivity. Systematic numerical simulations using the finite element method are performed based on two-dimensional models, with periodic distributions of internal pores and cracks. The parametric investigations seek to address how individual geometric layout can influence the overall thermal conduction behavior. In addition to circular pores and isolated cracks, angular pores with cracks extending from their sharp corners are also considered. It is found that both isolated cracks and cracks connected to existing pores can significantly reduce the effective thermal conductivity in porous materials. Since it is much easier to microscopically detect internal pores than thin cracks, care should be taken in using the apparent porosity from microscopic images and density measurements to estimate the overall thermal conductivity. Quantitative analyses of the detailed geometric effects are reported in this paper.
Early Intervention after Rape to prevent post-traumatic stress symptoms (the EIR-study): an internal pilot study of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Haugen Tina , Halvorsen Joar Øveraas , Friborg Oddgeir , Mork Paul Jarle , Mikkelsen Gustav , Schei Berit , Hagemann Cecilie
Published: September 2024

Background

Rape is one of the trauma incidents with the highest risk of subsequent post-traumatic stress disorder. Early interventions, such as prolonged exposure therapy (PE), have shown promise in preventing PTSD following a sexual assault. The primary objective of this internal pilot trial was to examine the feasibility of the EIR study protocol, which used modified prolonged exposure therapy (mPE) as a preventive intervention after rape.

Methods

This parallel two-arm clinical pilot study involved three sexual assault centers (SACs) in Trondheim, Oslo, and Vestfold, with data collected between June 2022 and March 2023. Women seeking assistance at one of these three SACs within 72 h after rape or attempted rape received acute medical treatment and forensic examinations. Women who wanted further psychosocial treatment were, if eligible and consenting, recruited to complete baseline assessments and a clinical interview before being randomized to one of two study arms. The intervention group prescribed up to five sessions of modified PE (mPE) in addition to treatment as usual (TAU), starting within the first 14 days after the rape incident, followed by weekly sessions. The other group received TAU.

The present pilot evaluation is based on 22 participants, i.e., nine mPE + TAU and 13 TAU alone. Primary outcomes were predefined progression criteria regarding recruitment, retention, intervention implementation, a harm reporting system, and applying biological measurements and actigraphy.

Results

During the 6-month recruitment period, 235 women visited the three SACs. After eligibility screening and consent, 22 (9.4%) women were randomized. Three months later, 14 (63.6%) participants completed the final assessments. Intervention implementation was successful using trained SAC personnel to deliver mPE. The harm reporting system was used according to the study’s plan, and adverse and serious adverse events were detected during the trial. The biological measurements and actigraphy had substantial missing data but were still considered usable for statistical analyses.

Conclusion

It may be feasible to conduct a full-scale RCT of early intervention after rape by comparing mPE + TAU to TAU alone. Minor design refinements were made to the protocol to enhance the main study outcome.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05489133. Registered on 15 July 2022, retrospectively.
Causes, risk factors, and complications of accidental intra-arterial administration of medications in a children’s hospital: a case series
Authors: Kunioku Yuki , Minoshima Rie , Chida Yutaro , Nishibe Shinichi
Published: September 2024

Background

Accidental intra-arterial administration of a medication can lead to serious iatrogenic harm. Most studies have discussed single cases of accidental intra-arterial administration of a medication, but only a few have described multiple cases occurring in a single, pediatric hospital setting.

Methods

The subjects were pediatric patients with an accidental intra-arterial administration of a medication. After obtaining approval from the institutional review board, the relevant cases were extracted from incident reports submitted to the patient safety office of the study center between November 2016 and April 2023.

Results

A review of 18,204 incident reports yielded 10 cases (patient age: 27 days to 13 years) of accidental intra-arterial administration of a medication. The most common site of the cannulation was the dorsum of the foot followed by the dorsum of the hand. The medications administered were narcotics, sedatives, muscle relaxants, antibiotics, and crystalloids. No serious adverse events occurred after injection. In some cases, the accidental arterial cannulation was not discovered immediately (53 min to 26 days). Seven patients had difficult intravenous access; in two of these, ultrasound-guided peripheral venous cannulation was used.

Conclusions

We experienced 10 cases of accidental intra-arterial administration of a medication. The dorsalis pedis artery and the radial artery around the anatomical tobacco socket were common sites of unintentional arterial cannulation. Difficult intravenous (IV) access may be associated with unintentional arterial cannulation. If IV access is difficult or the free IV drip is sluggish, strict vigilance and repeated confirmation are needed to prevent unintentional arterial cannulation.
The message matters: changes to binary Computer Aided Detection recommendations affect cancer detection in low prevalence search
Authors: Patterson Francesca , Kunar Melina A.
Published: September 2024

Computer Aided Detection (CAD) has been used to help readers find cancers in mammograms. Although these automated systems have been shown to help cancer detection when accurate, the presence of CAD also leads to an over-reliance effect where miss errors and false alarms increase when the CAD system fails. Previous research investigated CAD systems which overlayed salient exogenous cues onto the image to highlight suspicious areas. These salient cues capture attention which may exacerbate the over-reliance effect. Furthermore, overlaying CAD cues directly on the mammogram occludes sections of breast tissue which may disrupt global statistics useful for cancer detection. In this study we investigated whether an over-reliance effect occurred with a binary CAD system, which instead of overlaying a CAD cue onto the mammogram, reported a message alongside the mammogram indicating the possible presence of a cancer. We manipulated the certainty of the message and whether it was presented only to indicate the presence of a cancer, or whether a message was displayed on every mammogram to state whether a cancer was present or absent. The results showed that although an over-reliance effect still occurred with binary CAD systems miss errors were reduced when the CAD message was more definitive and only presented to alert readers of a possible cancer.
Resolved concerns after 28 years of Bt cotton in China
Authors: Zhang Yanjun , Dong Hezhong
Published: September 2024

Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) cotton was widely grown in China from 1997. Since then, it has resulted in many misunderstandings and concerns about Bt cotton. However, extensive research and practical experience over the past 28 years in China have led to the resolution of many of these concerns. This short review explores how the concerns has been resolved, and provides valuable insights for the future utilization of genetically modified products.
A brief review of noncoding RNA
Authors: George Tina P. , Subramanian Suja , Supriya M. H.
Published: September 2024

Background

The genetic code for every organism is stored in biomolecules the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and the ribonucleic acid (RNA). In higher organisms, DNA is found inside the nucleus while RNA is found outside the nucleus. While gene, which is directly responsible for the coding of proteins which are needed by the organism, constitutes only around one per cent of DNA, the remaining 99 per cent is noncoding. Coding RNA generally refers to mRNA that encodes protein, noncoding RNAs Â act as cellular regulators without encoding proteins.

Main text

Although two-thirds of the human genome get transcribed, only 2% of the transcribed genome encodes proteins. It has been found that the remaining gets converted into long ncRNA and other ncRNAs. Noncoding RNA molecules known right from the early days of molecular biology are molecules like tRNA and rRNA. Long ncRNAs (lncRNA) were thought of as transcriptional noise even in the genomic era, but it has been found that they act as regulators at different levels of gene expression including chromatin organisation, transcriptional regulation and post-transcriptional control. This means that long ncRNAs control all stages of cell biogenesis and have critical roles in cell development and diseases. As much as they are vital to the development, evidence from research proves that mutations and dysregulations of these long ncRNA molecules are linked to diverse human diseases ranging from neuro-degeneration to cancers.

Conclusion

The noncoding gene which was largely ignored in the initial days of molecular biology has come to the centre space after the prime role it occupies in the various stages of biogenesis of organisms has come to light. The study of such molecules is vital and central in molecular biology today and they are immensely researched in drug discovery too.
Role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance neurography in the detection of median nerve abnormalities in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Megalaa Beshoy Samuel , Ghany Ahmed Fathy Abd El , Hetta Waleed Mohamed , Din Nourhan Mohammed Hossam El
Published: September 2024

Background

The most prevalent cause of peripheral nerve entrapment is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is characterized by compression of the median nerve at the wrist as a result of nearby or localized microvascular interference as well as structural alterations to the median nerve or adjacent tissues. However, no special information regarding the median nerve or its surroundings is provided by clinical examination or electrophysiological testing. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) and ultrasound in identifying changes and abnormalities of the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods

The twenty-five patients in this study ranged in age from 27 to 63 years old, with a mean age of 47. There were 18 female patients and seven male patients. All patients were sent to the radiology department from the orthopedics, neurology, outpatient clinic, and neurology department, at Ain Shams Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. All of the patients had clinically manifested pain along the median nerve distribution, each of the sixteen patients had hand paresthesia, and four had thenar muscle atrophy.

Results

In the current study, Ultrasound exhibits low negative predictive value of 67% and specificity of 67%, but high positive predictive value of 95%, sensitivity of 95%, and overall accuracy of 92%. On the other hand, (MRN) exhibits a low negative predictive value of 60% and a high specificity of 75% in the diagnosis of nerve entrapment, but it also displays a high positive predictive value of 95%, sensitivity of 90%, and overall accuracy of 88%. Regarding the assessment of the recurrence cause and post-surgical evaluation is more reliable by Magnetic Resonance Neurography examination.

Conclusions

Magnetic resonance neurography and high-resolution ultrasonography can be utilized to diagnose patients with median nerve entrapment and patients who cannot be diagnosed electrophysiologically.

MRN is a more accurate method for detecting the exact location of nerve entrapment and evaluating nerve recovery after surgical intervention than nerve conduction studies and electromyography. Additionally, MRN can be used to identify causes that were not previously recognized based on physical examination and electrophysiological tests.
Alteration of mature neuronal marker of β-III tubulin expression in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells by refinement of foetal bovine serum concentration
Authors: Mohamad Nasir Nurul Fatihah , Mohd Hazli Muhammad Syahir Hakimi , Shamsuddin Shaharum , Zainuddin Azalina
Published: September 2024

Background

The process of differentiating neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) is crucial for obtaining mature neuronal markers. However, there is variability in the concentrations of foetal bovine serum (FBS) used in the differentiation media, ranging from 1 to 10%. This inconsistency in FBS concentrations may contribute to the inconsistent differentiation of cells. To improve the utility of the SH-SY5Y cell line as a model for neuronal cell culture, we investigated the impact of FBS concentrations in the differentiation media using Dulbecco's modified eagle medium and 10 μM all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA). The aim of this study was to optimise the concentrations of FBS in the differentiation media of SH-SY5Y cells. Our study focused on assessing the length of dendrites in neuronal cells and the expression of β-III tubulin, a marker indicative of mature neurons. SH-SY5Y cells were differentiated with 10 µM of ATRA for 7 days. Four treatment groups with different FBS concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%) were examined to assess the alteration of cellular morphology and dendritic length. The expression of the mature neuron marker β-III tubulin was evaluated using immunocytochemistry technique.

Results

SH-SY5Y cells' dendrite length was significantly longer (p < 0.05) when there was a higher concentration of FBS in the differentiation medium. The result was confirmed with the significant increase of β-III tubulin expression (p < 0.001) of the differentiated SH-SY5Y cells that have been incubated with higher concentrations of FBS in the differentiation medium.

Conclusions

We concluded that optimised concentrations of FBS in the differentiation media display longer length of the dendrites and express higher production of β-III tubulin in the differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. The consistency of serum concentration used in the differentiation media is important to produce a sustainable in vitro neuronal model of SH-SY5Y cells for neurodegenerative studies.
Sentiment analysis of internet posts on vaccination using ChatGPT and comparison with actual vaccination rates in South Korea
Authors: Park Sunyoung
Published: September 2024

Background This study used ChatGPT for sentiment analysis to investigate the possible links between online sentiments and COVID-19 vaccination rates. It also examines Internet posts to understand the attitudes and reasons associated with vaccine-related opinions. Methods We collected 500,558 posts over 60 weeks from the Blind platform, mainly used by working individuals, and 854 relevant posts were analyzed. After excluding duplicates and irrelevant content, attitudes toward and reasons for vaccine opinions were studied through sentiment analysis. The study further correlated these categorized attitudes with the actual vaccination data. Results The proportions of posts expressing positive, negative, and neutral attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines were 5%, 83%, and 12%, respectively. The total post count showed a positive correlation with the vaccination rate, indicating a high correlation between the number of negative posts about the vaccine and the vaccination rate. Negative attitudes were predominantly associated with societal distrust and perceived oppression. Conclusions This study demonstrates the interplay between public perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines as expressed through social media and vaccination behavior. These correlations can serve as useful clues for devising effective vaccination strategies.
Combined exosome of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell and hyaluronic acid delays early osteoarthritis progression of ovine sheep model: Clinical, radiographic, macroscopic and microscopic evaluation
Authors: Powantia Pontoh Ludwig Andribert , Fiolin Jessica , Dilogo Ismail Hadisoebroto , Prasetyo Marcel , Antarianto Radiana Dhewayani , Harahap Alida , Tantry Angela Jennifer , Pakasi Trevino Aristakus , Priosoeryanto Bambang Pontjo , Dewi Tri Isyani Tungga
Published: September 2024

Background Current treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) mainly focused on treating symptoms. Exosome from Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell (Ad-MSC) have been shown to delay degenerative process. This study aimed to investigate the clinical, radiological and histological impact of combined intra-articular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) and exosome Ad-MSCs in-vivo using a larger animal model with low-grade OA. Methods Eighteen male Ovies aries sheep underwent total lateral meniscectomy and conventional radiography was performed to confirm low-grade OA after 6 weeks. The sheep were divided into three groups, Group 1 (G1; n=6) received thrice exosome injections, G2 (n=6) received twice HA injection, and G3 (n=6) received both treatments with a 1-week interval after 10 days of meniscectomy. Clinical evaluations were conducted using the Clinical Lameness Score (CLS), radiographic with X-ray using OA score by Innes et al, while macroscopic evaluation by Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores. Results Lameness parameter scored lowest in G3 significantly (2.0±0.0 VS 2.7±0.52 VS 2.7±0.52; p=0.024) at the second month although the overall CLS score did not significantly differ at the 3rd month. The best improvement of conventional total OA radiographic score at the 3rd month compared to all groups (5.2±1.17 vs 6.3±0.82 vs 6.7±1.03; p=0.053). Macroscopic OARSI evaluation showed no difference (p=0.711). Conclusions Combined repeated exosome Ad-MSC and HA IA injection proven to delay OA progression, however longer duration of follow up is required to evaluate its long-term effect.
Association between Hematological Parameters and Severity of Covid-19 Infections
Authors: Krishnan Gokul , Karanth Shubhada , Vidyasagar Sudha , Aggarwal Archit , Udupi Anurupa , Karanth Suresh , Kaniyoor Nagri Shivashankara
Published: September 2024

Background This study aimed to determine the relationships between hematological parameters- hemoglobin, Total Leucocyte Counts (TLC), platelet counts, Absolute Neutrophil Counts (ANC), Absolute Lymphocyte Counts (ALC), Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Systemic Immune Inflammatory Index (SII), Neutrophil Monocyte Ratio (NMR), Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) and the severity of COVID 19 infections and their use in predicting severity of COVID-19 infections. Methods and Material This was a prospective, observational, single-center study of 573 symptomatic adult inpatients of COVID 19 admitted to our tertiary care center. Statistical analysis used The above-mentioned hematological parameter levels were noted and compared between the two categories of COVID-19 infection, namely non-severe and severe COVID-19 using logistic regression methods. Their cut-off values were detected using the ROC curve. Results The median TLC, ANC, NLR, SII, NMR, PLR were notably higher in patients with severe COVID-19 than in those with non-severe COVID-19. Logistic regression analysis showed that NMR (OR=1.029, p=0.006) and ALC (OR=0.999, p=0.002) were statistically significant independent predictors of COVID-19 severity Conclusions The hematological parameters mentioned, can be used for predicting severe COVID-19 infections at admission. ALC and NMR levels could be used as hematological markers to predict severity of COVID-19 in adult patients with their cut off values being < 1105 cells/cubic millimeter and > 10.434 respectively.
Volatilomics: An emerging discipline within Omics Sciences - A systematic review
Authors: Betancourt-Arango Juan Pablo , Villaroel-Solis Erica Elvira , Fiscal-Ladino Jhon Alexander , Taborda-Ocampo Gonzalo
Published: September 2024

Introduction Volatilomics is an omics science that is characterized as being a specific subbranch of metabolomics, which studies the different types of volatile organic compounds that may be present in a certain biological matrix. It has had impacts on the identification of new natural compounds and food safety processes, since it allows the evaluation of emerging contaminants that are present on food matrices, through the identification of biomarkers generated in response to this type of xenobiotic compounds through xenovolatilomic studies. Objective In this way, this review seeks to understand the scientific advances reported towards volatilomic studies, for which different types of primary research are reported depending on the main instrumental techniques used for the characterization of different types of VOCs that have been reported in our country between 2012 and 2022. Methodology Using a qualitative methodology, a search was carried out in the Scopus database, from which the bibliometric information of the primary research reported during this time was obtained, to later analyze the different research concerning the use of volatilomic studies and the fields of action that are currently used, as well as the different techniques for obtaining these compounds and the data analysis methodologies established for the processing of this type of research. Conclusions Finally, it can be concluded that, from the present review, the applicability of volatilomic studies is shown. The incursion carried out by this type of science on the verification of food safety in different types of matrices, in addition to allowing the study of the volatile profile formed by the different volatile organic compounds expressed by said matrix and the respective ecological role expressed by these compounds with the environment in which they are found.
Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Pelargonium Graveolens leaf extract: characterization and anti-microbial properties (An in-vitro study)
Authors: Asker Ahmed Yousif Mahdi , Al Haidar Aseel Haidar M.J.
Published: September 2024

Background In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the level of attention devoted to exploring capabilities of nanoparticles, specifically gold nanoparticles AuNPs, within context of modern times. AuNPs possess distinct biophysical properties, as a novel avenue as an antibacterial agent targeting Streptococcus Mutans and Candida Albicans. The aim of this study to create a nano-platform that has the potential to be environmentally sustainable, in addition to exhibiting exceptional antimicrobial properties against Streptococcus Mutans as well as Candida Albicans. Methods this study involved utilization of Pelargonium Graveolens leaves extract as a cost effective and environmentally sustainable approach for the green synthesis of AuNPs. Subsequently, physicochemical characteristics were assessed employing a variety of analytical methods, including as transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, Zeta potential, Ultraviolet visible absorption spectroscopy, and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The antimicrobial efficacy against Streptococcus Mutans and Candida Albicans was evaluated. Nanoparticles of various shapes, including hexagonal, spherical, semi-spherical, and triangular, were synthesized. These nanoparticles exhibited a mean particle size of 294nm and demonstrated low degree of aggregation. These nanoparticles exhibited long-term stability and were capable of facilely combining with diverse bioactive compounds. Results The study demonstrated that AuNPs which is synthesized by green methods display potent antimicrobial properties. Conclusion Utilization of Pelargonium Graveolens AuNPs may exhibit a promising potential as an antibacterial agent against Streptococcus Mutans and Candida Albicans. Nanoparticles (NPs) have the potential to serve as a novel approach for addressing pathogen infections as well as for biomedical, dental and pharmaceutical purposes in the future.
Impact of public health expenditure on malnutrition among Peruvians during the period 2010-2020: A panel data analysis
Authors: Castro Mejía Percy Junior , Morán Santamaría Rogger Orlando , Llonto Caicedo Yefferson , Cúneo Fernández Francisco Eduardo , Lizana Guevara Nikolays Pedro , Pérez Pérez Milagros Judith , Vela Meléndez Lindon
Published: September 2024

Background The study analyzes the impact of public health spending on malnutrition among Peruvians, using data from the National Household Survey, the Central Reserve Bank of Peru, the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics and the Ministry of Economy and Finance from 2010. -2020. Previous studies have revealed the existing relationship of health spending with the reduction of malnutrition. Methods A quantitative approach is considered, with an explanatory type of research using panel data methodology considering the bidimensionality of the data, which allows quantifying this effect for the Peruvian case using the National Household Survey, data from the Central Reserve Bank of Peru, as well as information from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics and the Transparency Portal of the Ministry of Economy and Finance in the period 2010-2020. Results The results show that public expenditure on health has a negative relationship with malnutrition; the rural sector has a positive relationship with malnutrition given the limitations present for access to adequate food. Similarly, the unemployment rate shows a positive relationship with malnutrition, given that being unemployed leads to a higher cause of malnutrition in the population, and the gross domestic product has a negative relationship with malnutrition, given that greater economic growth produces an impact on reducing malnutrition, with the greatest impact being on the rural population and the gross domestic product. Conclusions In the analysis period 2010-2020 in Peru, based on the panel data analysis, the impact of public health expenditure on reducing malnutrition is observed in 10 departments, achieving a reduction in malnutrition; while in 14 departments, this indicator has not been reduced.
The emergence of a modern paradigm for urban health
Authors: Grant Marcus , de Leeuw Evelyne , Teixeira Caiaffa Waleska , Ivey Boufford Jo , Dora Carlos , Parnell Susan
Published: September 2024

The importance of urban health in achieving global and planetary health goals is increasingly recognized. Cities offer important opportunities to improve health while also presenting significant challenges. As our understanding of and evidence for the importance of determinants of health beyond health care have grown, the need for urban health policies and actions that transcend disciplinary and sectoral boundaries and involve multiple stakeholders in urban decision-making has become clearer. Current urban health practice builds on decades of conceptual and operational work. This paper traces the evolution of the urban health paradigm through research, policy and practice in recent decades. We suggest that, despite the proven utility of urban health as a paradigm and its conceptual and practical evolution for effective urban health governance, significant challenges remain, especially related to implementing the systems approaches needed to improve health amidst the complexity of urban dynamics.
AI2: When Appreciative Inquiry Meets Artificial Intelligence!
Authors: Eisenchteter Alexandre , Hauvette Gilles , Tollec Bernard
Published: September 2024

This article explores the revolutionary potential of integrating Artificial Intelligence with Appreciative Inquiry. The authors present a compelling vision of how this synergy can amplify positive change within organizations. By following key principles and leveraging AI tools, practitioners can unlock new heights of productivity and creativity. Discover how AI and Appreciative Inquiry can reshape the future of organizational development.
Engaging Curiosity:Roundtable Strategies for Merging Artificial Intelligence with Appreciative Inquiry
Authors: Sutton Sherri
Published: September 2024

In a world saturated with technological advancements, the ‘AI’ defined as Artificial Intelligence typically conjures images of algorithms and automation. Yet, for those of us in the field of Appreciative Inquiry, Artificial Intelligence assumes a different guise – it stands as a catalyst for generative conversations and transformative possibilities. This article aims to bridge these two distinct interpretations of AI – Artificial Intelligence and Appreciative Inquiry – exploring how they can synergistically drive meaningful change.
Collaborating Beyond Human Boundaries Towards a Future of Blended Transformation in Organisations
Authors: Haefele Jonas , Taylor-Pitt Paul
Published: September 2024

Appreciative Inquiry and Generative Artificial Intelligence could form a powerful partnership for organisational change. We explore how Appreciative Inquiry practitioners and Artificial Intelligence-driven agents could work together to uncover insights, design targeted interventions and promote a culture of open dialogue, enabling truly transformational change, taking inspiration from fields such as politics and entrepreneurship.
Do Physicians Improve More from Positive or Negative Feedback?
Authors: Singh Manasvini , Zureich Jacob
Published: September 2024

We use clinical data on more than 240,000 surgeries and quasi-experimental methods to examine how physicians respond to the surprise release of a performance “report card.” Such feedback interventions are commonly used to encourage physicians to improve performance yet show limited evidence of success. Our results show that these limited effects mask heterogeneous behavioral responses to feedback valence. In particular, physicians improve more from positive feedback than from negative feedback, with negative feedback even reducing performance for a nontrivial share of patients. Experiments with laypersons replicate these results and show that struggles with negative feedback can be mitigated by giving incentives directly tied to improvement and by adding qualitative information that helps individuals interpret past performance. These results are consistent with behavioral models that suggest cognitive and emotional difficulties limit how well individuals use negative feedback. Thus, feedback interventions in healthcare should be carefully designed to mitigate these counterproductive behavioral responses.

This paper was accepted by Ranjani Krishnan, accounting.

Funding: We acknowledge generous funding provided by Tilburg University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst to run the laboratory experiments.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.01340 .
Disabled people negotiate gender, sexual identity and self-directed social care support in England: how does choice and control operate?
Authors: Abbott David , Coleman-Fountain Edmund , Humphrey Harvey
Published: September 2024

Putting disabled people in charge of their own support was a central component of the UK personalisation agenda. Austerity, staff recruitment difficulties and local authority retrenchment have meant that the experience for disabled people has not always lived up to the rhetorical promise. In this context, disabled people with marginalised sexual and/or gender identities face difficult choices in everyday interactions of support that trouble the idea that control routinely sits with them. In this article, we draw on two research studies with disabled people who use self-directed support in which they discuss navigating gender and sexual identity. In both studies, there are opportunities for disabled people to draw on support that is empowering, but we also hear about ‘bad bargains’ that they are sometimes forced to make. We argue that the hard-won goals of choice and control are being degraded and confronting LGBTQI+ and non-binary disabled people with sometimes impossible dilemmas.
The Semantics of Clausal Complementation: Evidence from Polish
Authors: Kaleta Agnieszka
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This paper offers a new approach to post-verbal complement constructions in present-day Polish. The study is couched in the framework of construction grammar theory (cf. Goldberg 1995, 2006; Croft 2001; Diessel 2015). The focus is on four types of complement clauses—the infinitive, gerund, subjunctive, and indicative clauses, which, in keeping with the constructional framework, are taken to represent distinct form-meaning pairings. The main goal of the study is to examine the extent to which these four morphosyntactically different types of complements exhibit differences in meaning and whether there is any semantic patterning in their distribution in present-day Polish. The study employs the method known as collostructional analysis to determine the sets of predicates with which each of the complement constructions is significantly associated and by which it is repelled. The research findings contribute to the semantically based theories of complementation by revealing systematic correspondences between the form and the function of complement clauses, which are modeled in terms of a radial (prototype-based) network of senses. The study provides empirical evidence in support of the thesis that the distribution of (post-verbal) complement constructions is semantically motivated rather than random or arbitrary.