bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Competence among Health Care Providers at a Teaching Hospital in Ethiopia
Authors: Gudu Wondimu , Birara Malede , Wondafrash Mekitie
Published: April 2024

Background
Cultural competence in health care means delivering effective, quality care to patients who have diverse beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors. Most health care professionals are not culturally competent in health care provision which compromises quality of care. The aim of this study was to explore cultural competence among health care providers at Saint Paul’s hospital.
Methods
A cross sectional s study was conducted among 353 health care providers. Data was collected using the Campinha-Bacote’s Cultural awareness assessment tool. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure the respondents’ overall level of cultural competence which included 5 constructs: cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, cultural skills, cultural encounters and cultural desire. Data was analyzed using Stata Statistical Software Re. The score was classified as culturally incompetent (25–50 points), culturally aware (51–74 points), culturally competent (75–90 points) and culturally proficient (91–100 points). Ethical clearance was obtained from the IRB of the hospital and written consent was obtained from the study participants.
Results
The Campinha-Bacote’s cultural awareness assessment tool had an acceptable internal consistency with the calculated Chronbach’s α of 0.82. The overall cultural competence mean (SD) score was 67(9.3) among all health care professionals. Only 16% of the health care providers were culturally competent. Among the cultural competence constructs, the highest mean scores were obtained for cultural desire (15.7) followed by cultural encounter (13.2), cultural awareness (13.1). Male, those with higher incomes and midwives were found to have better cultural competence scores.
Conclusion
The Campinha-Bacote’s tool had a good internal consistency and can be utilized for assessment of cultural competence in a low income countries context. The overall cultural competence score among the health care professionals was low. Hence the hospital needs to devise strategies to improve cultural competence of its health care providers.
Integrating Transformers and Many-Objective Optimization for Cancer Drug Design
Authors: Aksamit Nicholas , Hou Jinqiang , Li Yifeng , Ombuki-Berman Beatrice
Published: April 2024

Background: Drug design is a challenging and important task that requires the generation of novel and effective molecules that can bind to specific protein targets. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have recently showed promising potential to expedite the drug design process. However, existing methods adopt multi-objective approaches which limits the number of objectives.
Results: In this paper, we expand this thread of research from the many-objective perspective, by proposing a novel framework that integrates a latent Transformer-based model for molecular generation, with a drug design system that incorporates absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) prediction, molecular docking, and many-objective metaheuristics. We compared the performance of two latent Transformer models (ReLSO and FragNet) on a molecular generation task and show that ReLSO outperforms FragNet in terms of reconstruction and latent space organization. We then explored six different many-objective metaheuristics based on evolutionary algorithms and particle swarm optimization on a drug design task involving potential drug candidates to human lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA1), a cancer-related protein target.
Conclusion: We show that multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on dominance and decomposition (MOEA/DD) performs the best in terms of finding molecules that satisfy many objectives, such as high binding affinity and low toxicity, and high drug-likeness. Our framework demonstrates the potential of combining Transformers and many-objective computational intelligence for cancer drug design.
Assessment of Annual Effective Dose and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk Due to Natural Background Radiation Levels in West Pokot, Kenya
Authors: Pkemoi Elijah , Mwangi Elijah , Mangala Michael , Karuga Susan
Published: April 2024

This research determined the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) resulting from background ionizing radiation (BIR) within the vicinity of the Ortum and River Muruny artisanal gold mining sites in West Pokot, Kenya. The study employed a portable hand-held thermo Scientific RADEYE PRD Personal Radiation Detector for data collection. Measurements of absorbed dose rate (ADR) in air were conducted at thirty-two distinct locations within the sites and their surroundings, each positioned at 1.0 meters above ground level. The recorded ADR values ranged from 66 to 155 nGy h− 1 within the sites, with an average of 106 ± 22 nGy h− 1. These readings were slightly above the global average value of 60 nGy h− 1. The AEDE ranged from 0.08 to 0.19 mSv with a mean of 0.13 ± 0.03 mSv/yr which is below the threshold limit of 1 mSv/yr. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) ranged from 0.28x10− 3 to 0.67x10− 3, with an average of 0.46 ± 0.10. The values, surpass the recommended limit value of 0.299×10− 3. While AEDE values were compliant with international recommendations 1mSv/y, ELCR values surpassed the average recommended limit. This suggests that the artisanal gold mining sites pose no immediate radiological health hazards due to the absorbed dose from BIR, yet the risk of cancer development over a lifetime of exposure remains considerably high. Thus, routine monitoring of BIR, radioactivity concentration in soil and rocks, and minimizing prolonged exposure are recommended to ensure the safety of workers and residents.
A retrospective study on solitary deaths (kodoku-shi) from the aspects of forensic and social medicine
Authors: Hashizume Yumiko , Ishigami Akiko , Ishida Yuko , Nosaka Mizuho , Kuninaka Yumi , Yamamoto Hiroki , Hata Satoshi , Matsuki Jumpei , Yasuda Haruki , Takayasu Tatsunori , Furukawa Fukumi , Kimura Akihiko , Kondo Toshikazu
Published: April 2024

Background: Solitary death is a major social and medical problem. However, the situation of solitary death has not been investigated fully. Our purpose was to clarify the present situation of solitary death from the viewpoint of forensic medicine.
Methods:A total of 3,000 forensic autopsies were performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, from April 2003 to December 2018. We retrospectively reviewed the autopsy reports of all cases and selected cases of solitary death or presumed solitary death. Solitary death was defined as death in people living alone that occurred at home or on the premises of home. A total of 637 cases were selected as solitary death cases or presumed solitary death cases in accordance with the abovementioned definition. We investigated the tendency of solitary death in forensic autopsies, sex, age distribution, manner or cause of death, dementia cases, postmortem interval until finding (PMI-f), first finder, past medical histories, and economic conditions. Moreover, the regional characteristics in Wakayama Prefecture were also examined.
Results:Solitary death predominantly occurred in men (471 males, 166 females). This tendency increased from the age of 40 years in men and 60 years in women. Among the cases, 349 and 199 were natural death and external death, respectively. Ischemic heart disease- and fire-related fatalities were most common in natural death and external death cases, respectively. Suicidal death was more frequent in women than in men. The PMI-f in female cases was significantly shorter than that in male cases (p<0.001). Kushimoto and Shingu, located in the southern part (Kinan region), had a high solitary death rate in forensic autopsy cases. However, focusing on the economic state, few cases were welfare recipients in solitary death cases in Kinan region (non-urban area), and 23 of 36 welfare recipients lived in Wakayama City, indicating that the economic state would contribute more to the occurrence of solitary death in Wakayama City (urban area).
Conclusions:We identified several risk factors and regional characteristics for solitary death cases, and our observations could contribute to administrative welfare measures for the prevention of solitary deaths.
Examining the Involvement of Ferroptosis-Related Genes in Ankylosing Spondylitis and the Infiltration of Immune Cells
Authors: Zheng Yuhao , Shi Zhuohua , Wen Yanbo , Yang Qiyuan , Bing Tan
Published: April 2024

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease which is characterized by pain and progressive stiffness and which spinal and sacroiliac joints are mainly affected, with insidious onset, high rates of disability among patients, unknown pathogenesis, and no effective treatment. Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death that is important for normal development and tissue homeostasis. However, its relation to AS is not clear. In this study, we identified two potential therapeutic targets for AS based on genes associated with ferroptosis and explored their association with immune cell infiltration (ICI) and immune cells. We studied gene expression profiles of two cohorts of patients with AS (GSE73754 and GSE41038) derived from the gene expression omnibus database at NCBI, and ferroptosis-associated genes (FRGs) were obtained from the FerrDb database. LASSO regression analysis was performed to estimate predictive factors for AS based on FRGs, and the ferroptosis level in each sample was performed via single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were assessed. The relationship between key genes and ICI levels was assessed using the CIBERSORT algorithm, followed by gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses. These results suggest that ALKBH5 and NDUFA12 might serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers and targets for AS. And both was negatively correlated with the infiltration levels of several different types of immune cells. In conclusion, ALKBH5 and NDUFA12 may induce ferroptosis in the cells of patients with AS via changes in the inflammatory response in the immune microenvironment, and these genes could serve as molecular targets for AS therapy.
Sero-epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza viruses among wild birds in subarctic intercontinental transition zones
Authors: Gass Jonathon D. , Dusek Robert J. , Hill Nichola J. , Borkenhagen Laura K. , Hall Jeffrey S. , Hallgrimsson Gunnar Thor , Bishop Mary Anne , Ramey Andrew M. , Spivey Timothy J. , Vignisson Solvi Runar , Ragnarsdottir Sunna Bjork , Halldórsson Halldór Pálmar , Jónsson Jón Einar , Simulynas Alexa D. , Nutter Felicia B.
Published: April 2024

Background
The geographic expansion and evolution of A/Goose/Guangdong/1/1996(H5N1) (Gs/GD) lineage H5Nx highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses since 1996 have raised awareness of enzootic circulation among migratory birds and the potential for intercontinental transport and spread. Recent Pacific- and Atlantic-route introductions of HPAI to North America were facilitated by avian migration through subarctic zones, specifically Alaska and Iceland. This study aimed to identify recent historic patterns of exposure to HPAI viruses among birds within and migrating through both regions and evaluate how geographic, demographic, and taxonomic differences contribute to exposure risk at two intercontinental staging locations.
Methods
During 2010–2019, blood samples were obtained from captured wild migratory seabirds and waterfowl in Alaska and Iceland. All live birds were released following completion of sampling. Sampling date, species, sampling location, and age class was documented for each bird, and sex was documented when possible. Lentiviral pseudoviruses that express the influenza hemagglutinin surface glycoprotein for H5Nx HPAI and H5 low-pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) were constructed for use in serological assays to screen for and quantify titers of antibodies against the latter viruses. Data were analyzed to compare a) categorical baseline ecological traits between Iceland and Alaska, and b) ecological traits between birds identified to be seropositive and suggestive/seronegative/fully cross-reactive birds to H5Nx HPAI in Iceland and Alaska. Factors associated with seroreactivity to H5Nx HPAI and H5 LPAI were assessed.
Results
The seroprevalence of HPAI among birds in both locations was 7.3% (112/1528). Findings reveal variability in seroprevalence by year, higher rates of exposure to H5 LPAI than H5Nx HPAI overall, and significantly more seropositive and suggestive exposure of birds to H5Nx HPAI in Alaska as compared to Iceland. Geographic, demographic, and taxonomic differences contribute to exposure risk between Alaska and Iceland. Most tested birds were immuno-naïve to HPAI in both locations, which suggests many migratory birds in the subarctic are susceptible to HPAI infection, demonstrating significant risk for intercontinental transmission between Asia, Europe, and North America.
Conclusions
Our findings provide further justification for increased viral and serosurveillance in Alaska and Iceland to monitor subarctic movements of migratory birds and intercontinental transmission dynamics of currently circulating and new strains of HPAI globally.
The Impact of Public Infrastructure on Regional Social Welfare——An Analysis Based on the Spatial Durbin Model
Authors: liu lunwu
Published: April 2024

Investing in public infrastructure is an important way to improve regional social welfare, and its effects on social welfare vary spatially across regions. Based on data from 33 counties (cities, districts) in China from 2005 to 2019, this paper employed SDM(spatial durbin model) to analyze the impact of public infrastructure on regional social welfare growth. The results show that public infrastructure has a positive impact on social welfare. Different types of infrastructure have significantly different effects on social welfare. Energy, transportation, communication, and environmental infrastructure have a positive impact on social welfare, while education, medical, and cultural infrastructure exhibit a “U-shaped” feature of initially inhibiting and then promoting social welfare. The spatial spillover effects of energy, transportation, and communication infrastructure on social welfare are also significantly positive, while those of the environment, education, medical, and cultural infrastructure are significantly negative. Therefore, it is necessary to plan for the long term, classify infrastructure construction, strengthen interregional cooperation, and enhance public infrastructure construction to improve the level of regional social welfare.
Influence of conservation messages and psychological factors on non-native plants removal behaviors
Authors: Mitsui Satomi , Uno Tadashi , Horiuchi Masahiro
Published: April 2024

This study demonstrated the differences in behavioral changes caused by the two types of conservation messages through the field experiments at Mt. Fuji, Japan. The target behavior was to use a cleaning mat set up on a mountain trail to remove non-native plant seeds from the soles of visitors’ shoes. To further understand the context of behavioral change, a questionnaire survey was used to examine the influence of different conservation messages and psychological and personal factors, including awe. Knowledge linked to behavior and a sense of perceived behavioral control promoted behavior, whereas positive attitudes toward behavior and higher awe had a negative impact on behavior. Conservation messages interact with norms, and effective message-promoting behavior differs depending on the norm level. Conservation messages should be selected based on the characteristics of the target segmentation. Even short conservation messages, such as signboards, can enhance the effectiveness of behavioral change, and it is valuable to think strategically about message content.
Prevalence and risk factors of cervical lesion among married women with low socioeconomic status: a study based on a cervical cancer screening program
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Wang Haoyue , Ding Ruoxi , Li Wen , He Ping , Li Hui
Published: April 2024

Background
Although China has a high incidence of cervical cancer, the screening rate is very low in women aged 35–64 years.
Object:
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cervical lesions in married women with low socioeconomic status, and the related risk factors to provide evidence for the development of cervical cancer prevention strategies.
Methods
We obtained data from the Cervical Cancer Screening Program database of Jinan, Shandong Province in 2020. Descriptive analysis was employed to estimate the prevalence of cervical lesions. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to investigate the association between the related variables and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
Results
Among 142677 women aged 35–64 years, 787 (0.55%) cervical lesions were detected, of which 503(0.35%) were CIN Ⅰ, 254(0.18%) were CIN Ⅱ/Ⅲ, and 30(0.02%) were invasive cervical cancer. Being in the age group of 35–44 years (vs 55–64 years, Odds Ratio OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03–1.72), high or technical secondary school level education (vs primary or below, OR = 1.47, 95%CI:1.13–1.90), living at higher level regions of economic development (vs living at lower level regions of economic development, OR = 1.40, 95%CI:1.16–1.68), and abnormal leukorrhea (vs normal leukorrhea, OR = 1.61, 95% CI:1.07–2.41) were associated with increased risk of cervical lesions. Menopause was found to be protective (vs no menopause, OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.65–0.94).
Conclusions
Married women with lower socioeconomic status had a lower prevalence of cervical lesions but had a higher prevalence of cervical cancer. Those aged 35–44 years, with high or technical secondary school level education, living at higher level regions of economic development, with abnormal leucorrhea, and who were pre-menopausal were at higher risk for cervical lesions. Cervical cancer screening and prevention for these women should be strengthened.
Reproductive Health Literacy and Associated Factors among High School Adolescents in Boke District, Oromia Region, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Batu Getachew Bejiga , Oljira Lemessa , Sisay Mekonnen , Kebira Jemal Yusuf
Published: April 2024

Background: Health literacy has recently attracted global interest in public health. Sexual and reproductive health literacy, in particular, affects people's ability to make sound sexual and reproductive health decisions and is shown as a strong predictor of adolescent sexual and reproductive health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the reproductive health literacy status and associated factors among high school adolescents in Boke District, Oromia Region, Eastern Ethiopia.
Methods: Institutional-based Cross-sectional study was conducted on 403 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years from January 1-5, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. Pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were entered using Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were executed. The model fitness and Multicollinearity were checked using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fitness test and variance inflation factor, respectively. The significant statistical association was determined at a P-value <0.05 using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI.
Results: The study revealed that the overall prevalence of adequate reproductive health literacy among adolescents was 18.4% with a 95% CI (14.8%-22.5%). Female sex was about 52% times (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.88) less likely to have adequate reproductive health literacy status. School adolescents never attending reproductive health topics in class were about 56% times (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.84) less likely to have adequate reproductive health literacy status. School adolescents who never used reproductive health services ever were also about 60% times (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.70) less likely to have adequate reproductive health literacy status.
Conclusion: The finding of this study showed a large proportion of school adolescents have limited reproductive health literacy, suggesting school adolescents are at higher risk of reproductive health literacy-related problems. Thus, efforts should be made to improve adolescent reproductive health literacy with due attention to school sexual and reproductive health education.
Transcriptome revealed the role of autophagy in nitrite oxidative stress of Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Lin Xinghao , Liu ZhengXinYu , Chen JiaQian , Dong BeiBei , Liang QingJian
Published: April 2024

Nitrite constitutes a significant pollutant that impedes the growth of P. vannamei. Conventional treatments are primarily geared toward decreasing nitrite concentrations from an environmental standpoint. Nevertheless, investigating methodologies to enhance the ability of shrimp to withstand nitrite-induced stresses on an individual basis remains an unexplored topic. The present study examines the impact of autophagy on shrimp’s response to high nitrite environments through rapamycin injection. The research findings indicate that activating autophagy can effectively enhance the survival rate of shrimp under high nitrite conditions. Additionally, total hemocyte count (THC) results in the hemolymph demonstrate that autophagy can alleviate the reduction in blood cell count caused by nitrite stress. The transcriptome results show that up-regulation of 718 genes and down-regulation of 1,071 genes after nitrite stress. Most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after nitrite stress were related to physiological processes, including oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and lysosomes. Compared with nitrite stress, there are 911 up-regulated genes and 713 down-regulated genes activated by autophagy, which are related to immune response, specifically involving glutathione metabolism, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, lysosomes, autophagy, phagosomes, and MAPK signaling pathways. These pathways can reduce oxidative stress and promote the metabolism of harmful substances in the body, in shrimp, thereby improving their survival rates. These findings provide new insights for research aimed at enhancing nitrite tolerance in shrimp.
Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of improved electrochemical performance of vanadium and zinc co-doped Ni-rich oxide cathode materials: Experimental and first-principles study
Authors: Usman Ahmad , Murtaza G. , Ayyaz Ahmad
Published: April 2024

Ni-rich transition metal-based oxide materials have excellent electrochemical properties that make their specific discharge capacity and voltages suitable as cathodes in Li-ion batteries. This current investigation uses solid-state synthesis to create a variety of Ni-rich metal oxide cathode materials, including vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn) co-doped LiNiO2. XRD analysis demonstrates that the synthesized materials exhibit a stable hexagonal structure with an R3m space group. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) reveal the production of well-shaped particles with different doping concentrations, while Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) mapping validates the presence of Ni, V, Zn, and O with the correct compositions. Selected area electron diffraction (SEAD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirm that the synthesized polycrystalline LiNi0.80Zn0.06V0.14O2 cathode material has crystals organized in a hexagonal phase. Structural properties are calculated by Wien2K code forms the hexagonal supercell structure using density functional theory (DFT). The spin-polarised electronic band structures and density of states (DOS) are calculated for all given compounds showing the ferromagnetic nature. The theoretical discharge capacity and intercalation voltages are determined by adding up the total energies of the optimized compounds. Theoretical calculations and experimental results both examined Ni-rich co-doped Zn and V transition metal oxides as potential materials for fabricating coin cells in next-generation batteries.
Primary Nuclear Protein in Testis (NUT) Carcinoma of the Lung: Clinical, Genetic, and Pathological Characterization
Authors: Qu Jingjing , Chen Zhen , Zhu Yanping , Huang JinYan , Shen Qian
Published: April 2024

Background: Nuclear protein in testis(NUT) carcinoma of the lung is an extremely rare malignancy, predominantly affecting adolescents and young adults, and is associated with poor prognosis. To date, no comprehensive review has synthesized clinical, imaging, pathological, and genetic features, as well as management strategies for patients with primary NUT carcinoma of the lung.
Method: This study retrospectively analyzed a cohort of five adult patients with pulmonary NUT carcinoma treated at the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, between 2020 and 2023. Clinical, imaging, pathological, and genetic data were collected and analyzed. Treatment decisions, therapeutic responses, and overall survival (OS) were closely monitored. Additionally, tumor genome sequencing data were subjected to a thorough analysis.
Results: The median age at diagnosis for patients in this cohort was 44 years (range: 20–74 years), with 60% (3/5) testing positive for the BRD3-NUTM1 fusion gene. Most patients (60%, 3/5) had a confirmed distant metastasis status based on pathology or imaging at the time of diagnosis. In all cases, the primary lung mass was centrally located, predominantly in the lower lobes. Airway neobiological masses were the primary manifestations in two patients, while three cases showed bilateral mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis revealed that all patients were positive for P40 or P63. Among the five patients, patient 1 received chemotherapy, resulting in an OS of only 10 months. Patients 2 and 4 underwent chemoimmunotherapy, achieving OS durations of 15 and 8 months, respectively. Patients 3 and 5 underwent surgery due to early diagnosis, resulting in OS durations of more than 9 and 28 months, respectively.
Conclusion: Diagnosis and management of NUT carcinoma of the lungs pose significant challenges. IHC, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and RNA-sequencing play crucial roles in distinguishing poorly differentiated lung squamous cell carcinoma from NUT carcinoma. Surgical resection substantially improves survival rates for patients with early-stage NUT midline carcinoma of the lung. However, for those with advanced pulmonary NC, specialized nationwide clinical studies are imperative, as current treatment modalities are unlikely to achieve long-term survival.
lncRNAs ITFG2-AS1 and MMP25-AS1 have significant high-expression in gastric cancer patients as the potential diagnostic biomarkers: integrated bioinformatics and experimental investigation
Authors: Mohebi Fatemeh , Zamanzadeh Zahra , Abkar Morteza , Azadeh Mansoureh
Published: April 2024

Background
The third most frequent cause of cancer-related death is gastric cancer (GC). Recent studies have reported that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) seem to play a crucial role in many tumors. Due to their extraordinary stability, long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have the potential to be employed as biomarkers to identify the presence and prognosis of GC. In this study, we performed an integrated bioinformatics and experimental approach to evaluate the expression and interaction of two novel lncRNAs in the GC samples.
Methods
Bioinformatics analyses was performed to demonstrate the lncRNA expression profile of gastric cancer patients. Microarray data analysis was executed by R Studio, using affy and limma packages. Validation of gene expression analysis was carried out by ENCORI online database. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using enrichr and Reactome. Protein interaction analysis was performed by STRING. LncRNA interaction analysis was carried out by lncRRIsearch. RT-qPCR experiment was implemented for validation. Using Receiver operating characteristic (ROC), correlation, and t-tests, the biomarker potential of selected lncRNAs, co-expression of selected lncRNAs, and the differences in the expression level of GC samples have been investigated, based on qRT-PCR experiment.
Results
Microarray analysis revealed that ITFG2-AS1 (logFC: 2.25, adj. P. Val: 0.00029) and lncRNA MMP25-AS1 (logFC: 2.25, adj. P. Val: 0.0026) have a significant high-expression in GC samples. RT-qPCR experiments validate the up-regulation of MMP25-AS1 and ITFG2-AS1. Based on the ROC test, ITFG2-AS1 could be a significant diagnostic biomarker of GC (AUC: 0.7225, p-value: 0.0161). ITFG2-AS1 and MMP25-AS1 have a significant co-expression in human GC samples (r: 0.9086, p-value < 0.0001). ITFG2-AS1 and MMP25-AS1 regulate the RPGR expression level of RPGR gene. RPGR is a crucial gene in the “Cilium Assembly signaling pathway”. The expression level of ITFG2-AS1 has a non-significant negative correlation with the survival rate of GC patients.
Conclusion
ITFG2-AS1 and MMP25-AS1 could be considered as the two potential diagnostic GC biomarkers with significant low expression in tumor samples.
Electron probe microanalysis of trace sulfur in experimental basaltic glasses and silicate minerals
Authors: Johnson Anna , Dasgupta Rajdeep , Costin Gelu , Tsuno Kyusei
Published: April 2024

Sulfur (S) in the mantle is conventionally assumed to be exclusively stored in accessory sulfide phases, but recent work shows that the major silicate minerals that comprise >99% of the mantle could be capable of hosting trace amounts of S. Assessing the incorporation of trace S in nominally S-free mantle minerals and determining equilibrium S partitioning between these minerals and basaltic melt requires analyzing small experimental phases with low S contents. Here, we develop a protocol for EPMA analysis of the trace levels of S in silicate phases. We use a suite of natural and experimental basaltic glass primary and secondary standards with S contents ranging from 44 ppm to 1.5 wt%. The effects of beam current and counting time are assessed by applying currents ranging from 50 to 200 nA and total counting times between 200 and 300 s at 15 kV accelerating voltage. We find that the combination of 200 nA beam current with a 200 s counting time (80 s peak, 60 s each for upper and lower background, respectively) achieves precise yet cost-effective measurements of S down to a calculated detection limit of ~5 ppm and a blank-derived, effective detection limit of ~17 ppm. Close monitoring of the S peak intensity and position throughout the duration of each spot also shows that high currents and extended dwell times do not compromise the accuracy of measurements, and even low S contents of 44 ppm can be reproduced to within one standard deviation. Using our developed recipe, we analyzed a small suite of experimental clinopyroxenes (Cpx) and garnets (Gt) from assemblages of silicate partial melt + Cpx ± Gt ± sulfide, generated at 1.5 to 3.0 GPa and 1200 to 1300 °C. We find S contents of up to 71 ± 35 ppm in Cpx and 63 ± 28 ppm in Gt and calculate mineral-melt partition coefficients (Dsmin/melt) of up to 0.095 ± 0.064 and 0.110 ± 0.064 for DsCpx/melt and DsGt/melt, respectively. The sulfur capacity and mineral-partitioning for Cpx are in good agreement with SXRF measurements in a prior study by Callegaro et al. (2020), serving as an independent validation of our EPMA analytical protocol.
The interplay of mindfulness in mitigating the effects of workplace ostracism on knowledge sharing: Insights from Jordanian private hospitals
Authors: Abu Lehyeh Salman , Alzghoul Amro
Published: April 2024

The study aims to investigate the relationship between workplace ostracism and employee willingness to share knowledge with the moderating role of mindfulness. The data were collected from six leading private hospitals in Amman, Jordan, targeting 271 employees holding different medical and administrative positions regarding their experiences with workplace ostracism and the corresponding impact on knowledge sharing. Thus, the study sample being healthcare professionals is not by default but rather a conscious choice in light of the critical role they play in a high-stake environment; moreover, in some cases, knowledge hoarding has proven to have dire repercussions. The results revealed that workplace ostracism significantly and negatively affected degrees of knowledge sharing (p < 0.001). This indicates that ostracized workers would feel shut out and likely become a hindrance to the information and insight flow. The positive outcome is that employees engaging in mindfulness practices seem to cushion the blow that such negative experiences deliver. Those likely to become easily focused are likely to be less threatened by knowledge sharing – they expect that the impact of ostracism will be transient, which could protect a person from the potentially isolating effects of ostracism in the workplace.
The Sustainable Project Manager: Constructing the Water Systems of the Future
Authors: Ingildsen Pernille , Thorkilsen Mette
Published: April 2024

As our planet faces increasing challenges from sustainability-related crises such as droughts, floods and deteriorating water quality, the demand for resilient and eco-intelligent water systems has never been more pressing. This book is a much-needed guide for professionals in the water sector exploring how to navigate the intersections between sustainability, leadership, and project management. It is an essential blueprint for professionals ready to reshape the future of water.

Equipped with decades of cumulative expertise in project management and environmental sustainability, the authors present a comprehensive framework for leading complex water-related projects with a commitment to making enduring contributions to the future of the water industry everywhere. This manual provides essential knowledge and fosters an appreciation for water stewardship and sustainability, emphasising the delicate balance between human needs and natural water ecosystem needs.

Through a series of exercises, readers are encouraged to reflect on their project management practices and develop a personal leadership philosophy grounded in sustainability. The book offers practical strategies for systematic project execution suited for real-world applicability. It enables readers to foster cohesive team dynamics and achieve remarkable outcomes through co-creative work.

The responsibility for pro-active handling of current and future sustainability crises lies to a great extent with water professionals. This book is a ‘call to action' to elevate your professional value and make a tangible, positive difference in the world. Join us on this journey towards a better, more sustainable future, one project at a time.
Tracing the pathways: the journey of emerging contaminants from wastewater into the environment
Authors: Tripathy Purusottam , Juneja Charu , Sharma Abhishek , Prakash Om , Pal Sukdeb
Published: April 2024

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are pervasive in the environment and have gained more prominence over the past few years. ECs such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine disrupting compounds, and their active congeners, whose occurrences at trace levels in untreated/treated wastewater are detrimental to human health and the natural biota. The search for these chemicals’ origins has frequently led to wastewater treatment facilities as a portal of entry for pollutants into the environment. Emerging pollutants enter wastewater via a variety of routes, including hazardous spills, farm runoff, excretion via urine and feces, and consumer product disposal and usage. Another source could be items like shampoo, toothpaste, soap, and disinfection washes which contain biologically active components that, when used, release these pollutants into the sewage system and are subsequently transferred to a wastewater treatment plant. Since these contaminants were introduced or detected relatively recently, there is an existential knowledge gap about their fate, impacts, and behaviors, as well as treatment strategies for their effective removal. The word “emerging pollutants,” which is frequently used in environmental debates, refers to new health risks that emerge as a result of microlevel exposure to existing pollutants. Emerging contaminants have a variety of physicochemical characteristics that influence their exposure, fate, persistence, and toxicity in the environment. In the present chapter, a brief overview of emerging pollutants, their main categories, occurrences, points of discharge, and toxicity in natural and engineered systems will be provided, followed by an illustration of physicochemical properties and detected micropollutant concentrations that have raised concerns in recent years. This chapter also focuses on existing research that provides credible and quantitative information on ECs in various water sources, as well as the removal efficacy of different treatment techniques for different emerging contaminants.
Interpretable GBDT model-based multi-objective optimization analysis for the lateral inlet/outlet design in pumped-storage power stations
Authors: Guo Ganggui , Liu Yakun , Cao Ze , Zhang Di , Zhao Xiukui
Published: April 2024

The uneven velocity distribution formed at the lateral inlet/outlet poses a significant risk of damaging the trash racks. Reasonable design of the inlet/outlet structures requires the consideration of two major aspects: the average velocity (Vm) and the coefficient of unevenness (Uc). This paper developed an optimization framework that combines an interpretable Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (SOBOL-GBDT) with a Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II). 125 conditions are simulated by performing CFD simulations to generate the dataset, followed by GBDT implemented to establish a nonlinear mapping between the input parameters including vertical (α) and horizontal (β) diffusion angles, diffusion segment length (LD), channel area (CA), and the objectives Uc and Vm. The SOBOL analysis reveals that in Uc prediction, CA and α play more significant roles in the model development compared to β and LD. Besides, GBDT is observed to better capture interactive effects of the input parameters compared with other machine learning models. Subsequently, a multi-objective optimization framework using GBDT-NSGA-II is developed. The framework calculates the optimal Pareto front and determines the best solution using a pseudo-weight method. The results demonstrate that this framework leads to significant improvements in flow separation reduction in the diffusion segment and the normalized velocity distribution. The SOBOL-GBDT-NSGA-II framework facilitates a rational and effective design of the inlet/outlet.
An inflection point-based method for estimating metrics of mangrove phenology combining climatic factors and Landsat NDVI time series
Authors: Manne Mounika , K. Rajitha
Published: April 2024

The present research evaluated the prospects of utilizing rainfall and temperature combined with Landsat-8 derived HANTS (Harmonic Analysis of Time Series) reconstructed NDVI for estimating the metrics of the mangrove phenology. The selected period of the study was from 2013 to 2020 for the Pichavaram mangroves of Tamil Nadu. The NDVI and ERA5 (ECMWF Re-Analysis) datasets of rainfall and temperature were the input datasets for developing the new algorithm. The ‘z-score sum’ provided a measure of the cumulative impact of rainfall and temperature, displaying its most negative value coinciding with the peak positive value of the NDVI time series datasets. The algorithm developed for phenological metrics estimation identified the common inflection points of the z-score sum and NDVI curves. The temporal analysis of metrics revealed the average Length of Season (LoS) as 230 days. The metrics also identified the drought year 2016 with the shortest LoS and the least Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) values. The analysis showed the influences of the preceding year’s monsoon rainfall on the GPP values of the later part of the phenological cycle. The temperatures during the days of PoS were found to be the optimum temperature for the growth of mangroves.
Enhancing flood risk assessment in the Johor River Basin through trivariate copula
Authors: Aminuddin Jafry Naqibah , Suhaila Jamaludin , Yusof Fadhilah , Mohd Nor Siti Rohani , Alias Nor Eliza
Published: April 2024

Copulas are a vital statistical tool, particularly in hydrology, for understanding complex relationships among flood characteristics. This study focuses on three key flood features: peak discharge, flood volume, and flood duration, using trivariate copulas to capture their interdependencies. This is crucial because bivariate and univariate analyses fall short in considering all three factors simultaneously. To handle extreme flood values, L-moment is proposed over maximum likelihood estimation and inference function margin due to its enhanced reliability and susceptibility to outliers and extreme values. Akaike information criterion was employed to identify the best-fit marginal distribution and copula. The Lognormal distribution effectively models peak discharge, while Weibull and generalized extreme value distributions fit flood volume and duration best, respectively. Various copula families, including elliptical and Archimedean, are assessed, where Clayton copula emerge as the most suitable. This analysis demonstrates that when more flood features are considered together, the return period increases, indicating the reduced likelihood of occurrence. The trivariate case of the AND-joint return period surpasses the trivariate case of the OR-joint return period where the TP, V, DAND=5, 405.93 years, while TP, V, DOR=500.46 years. This comprehensive approach enhances hydrological modeling and decision-making for water resource management and flood mitigation projects.
Immediate results of aortic valve reconstruction by using autologous pericardium (Ozaki procedure)
Authors: Rosseykin, E. , Bazylev V. , Batrakov P. , Karnakhin V. , Rastorguev A.
Published: April 2024

Aim: The study was designed to compare the immediate echocardiographic characteristics of aortic valve reconstruction by using autologous pericardium and the method proposed in 2007 by Shigeyuki Ozaki, as well as aortic valve replacement by means of frame-mounted biological prostheses Medtronic HANCOCK®II T505 CINCH® II and the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT.Methods: Over a period from January 2014 to February 2016, 76 patients underwent aortic valve replacement by means of frame-mounted biological prostheses Medtronic HANCOCK®II T505 CINCH® II (n=41) and Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT (n=35) at our hospital. 20 patients underwent the Ozaki procedure. These three groups of patients were assigned to the study. Demographic and preoperative indicators of patients from all three groups were homogeneous (р>0.05). The evaluation of the aortic valves replaced was carried out by echocardiography.Results: Echocardiography was performed before the procedure and in the early postoperative period. Statistical analysis using ANOVA showed significantly lower values of the aortic valve pressure gradient (p<0.001) and larger effective orifice area and indexed effective orifice area of the valve (p<0.001) in the group of the Ozaki procedure.Conclusion: According to echocardiography data, in the immediate postoperative period the Ozaki procedure is associated with lower mean and peak gradients of pressure on the aortic valve and larger effective orifice area and indexed effective orifice area of the valve, as compared with the frame-mounted biological aortic prostheses Medtronic HANCOCK®II T505 CINCH® II and the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT.FundingThe study had no sponsorship.Conflict of interestThe authors declare no conflict of interest.
Letter to the editor
Authors: Falykovsky G.
Published: April 2024

Letter to the editor
Work hard for patient care
Authors: Muratov R.
Published: April 2024

An interwiev with Renat M. Muratov, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Prof., A.N. Bakoulev Scientific Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Moscow
Role of Sthanik Chikitsa in Stri Roga
Authors: Yashi Joshi  , Sucheta Ray  , Ekta Singh Parihar  , Priyanka Hajare
Published: April 2024

Women play crucial roles in various aspects of life, contributing significantly to society, economy, and culture. She keeps herself so busy in fulfilling the duties, she ignores her health. She neglects her health condition, which leads to major health illness. Various diseases can impact women's Reproductive health. Ayurveda is one of the broad spectrum’s human ancient sciences. In Ayurveda, there is a brief description of various types of Yonivyapada. Nowadays most females are suffering from stress, anxiety, emotional behaviour. Also, many females are workers so they can’t maintain proper hygiene, due to unhygienic conditions they are suffering from various Yonirogas. To treat the ailment of women’s reproductive health Sthanik Chikitsa can be the better option Sthanik Chikitsa in Striroga includes Uttar Basti, Yoni Pichu, Yoni Dhavana, Yoni Dhoopan etc. Sthanik Chikitsa means some treatment to be applied locally in or on reproductive organ to combat any diseased condition. Local treatments possess Shamana and Shodhana properties according to their Prayojana. Sthanik Chikitsa (Local therapies) are available which were described in our Classics. In this review, a conceptual study is being elaborated regarding the Sthanika Chikitsa.
Clinical evaluation of Erand Tail Nabhi Puran in the management of Dysmenorrhea : Pilot Study
Authors: Trupti Shrirang Sawarde  , Varsha Suresh Deshmukh
Published: April 2024

Dysmenorrhea is defined as painful menstrual cramps of uterine origin which can be correlated with Udavartini Yonivyapad. It is very common gynecological disorder in females specially in reproductive age. Sometimes it also hampers women’s daily routine. Udavarta Yonivyapad is explained in Ayurveda as a Nanatmaja Vata Vyadhi by Charaka where there is abnormal movement of Vayu in Pakwashay with painful menses. There are different types of NSAIDS, OC pills, painkillers, etc. to give temporary relief from pain but it also has side effects on body if taken in excess amount. In Ayurveda lot of formulations are used for treatment of same. An attempt has been made through Ayurveda classics in regards to dysmenorrhea with Nabhi Puran using Eranda Taila.
Validation of Biomarkers and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures to Improve the Diagnosis and Treatment of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Authors:   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research Program, Center for Executive and Continuing Professional Education, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA, Kim Hee-Young
Published: April 2024

Patients who suffer from Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) experience a significant decline in quality of life. To enhance patient outcomes, it is crucial to establish an accurate diagnosis, assess treatment effectiveness, and evaluate the severity of the condition. Substantial progress has recently been made in identifying biomarkers (BMs) and developing ETD clinical outcome assessments (COAs). This study examines the current state of BMs and COAs in ETD, including the methods evaluated historically and their potential clinical applications. The research in this area emphasizes the importance of using objective measures, such as middle ear pressure (MEP) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), for diagnosing and evaluating ETD. Further, I discuss how electronic PROMs (ePROMs) and other digital health technologies can guide the development of innovative PROMs that ETD. Despite significant advances in COAs for ETD, much work remains to validate and improve them before their implementation in clinical practice. There has been less focus on vertigo as a symptom in recent assessments of ETD, suggesting that further examination of this aspect is needed. By validating BMs and COAs for ETD, we could enhance long-term patient outcomes and quality of life through improved diagnostic accuracy and evaluation of treatment efficacy.