bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric ping-pong skull fractures treated with vacuum-assisted elevation
Authors: Ahmed Syed D. , Allhusen Virginia D. , Muhonen Michael G. , Magge Suresh N
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Depressed (“ping-pong”) skull fractures can be treated by different means and the outcomes for children treated with vacuum-assisted elevation are comparable to surgical treatment.
Methods
We present a retrospective review of all ping-pong skull fractures treated with vacuum-assisted elevation at Children’s Hospital of Orange County in 2021-22. Variables included patient age, mechanism of injury, fracture depth, bone thickness at fracture site, and degree of elevation.
Results
Seven patients underwent vacuum-assisted elevation of ping-pong fractures bedside without the use of anesthesia. Fractures caused by birth-related trauma were deeper than those caused by falls (p < .001). There was no difference between groups in bone thickness at the fracture site (2.10mm vs 2.16mm, n.s). Six of the seven patients experienced significant improvement in fracture site depression, with four displaying a complete fracture reduction and two displaying significant reduction. Degree of fracture reduction was modestly related to depth of fracture, with the two deepest fractures failing to achieve full reduction. Age appeared to be related to fracture reduction, with the lowest reduction observed in one of the oldest patients in this sample. No complications were observed in any patient other than temporary mild swelling at the suction site, and no re-treatment or surgery for the fractures was required.
Conclusion
Vacuum-assisted elevation of ping-pong skull fractures is a safe and effective treatment option for infants under certain circumstances and has many benefits. The procedure can be safely done at the bedside, avoids the need for open surgical intervention, anesthesia, or hospital admission, and is a relatively quick procedure.
Tyrosinase-based proximity labeling in living cells and in vivo
Authors: Hamachi Itaru , Zhu Hao , Oh Jae Hoon , Matsuda Yuna , Mino Takeharu , Ishikawa Mamoru , Nakamura Hideki , Tsujikawa Muneo , Nonaka Hiroshi
Published: September 2023

Proximity labeling (PL) has emerged as a promising technology for spatial proteomics. However, most enzymes adopted for PL still have poor biocompatibility in vivo or suffer from slow or high-background labeling. We introduce a bacterial tyrosinase, BmTyr, as a new PL enzyme that addresses these limitations. BmTyr can be genetically fused or ligand-guided to a protein-of-interest in living cells and in vivo, unveiling its surrounding proteome efficiently by PL-based proteomics.
Identification of Neuropathogenic Equid Herpesvirus 1 as a Potential Cause of Respiratory Disease Outbreaks among Horses in North Xinjiang, China, from 2021-2023
Authors: Tong Panpan , Yang Enhui , Liu Bin , tian Shuyao , Suo Youtu , Pan JuanJuan , Dang Yueyi , Palidan Nuerlan , Jia Chenyang , Kuang Ling , Xie Jinxin
Published: September 2023

Background: Equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is among the most important viruses responsible for respiratory disease outbreaks among horses throughout the world. No reports to date have detailed the association between EHV-1 and respiratory disease among horses in China. This study described one such outbreak among a population of horses in north Xinjiang that occurred from April 2021 - May 2023.
Results: qPCR revealed that EHV-1 was detectable in all samples and this virus was identified as a possible source of respiratory disease, although a limited subset of these samples were also positive for EHV-2, EHV-4, and EHV-5. In total, three EHV-1 strains responsible for causing respiratory illness in horses were isolated successfully, and full-length ORF33 sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses indicated that these isolates may have originated from EHV-1 strains detected in Yili horse abortions. ORF30 sequence data additionally suggested that these strains were neuropathic, as evidenced by the presence of a guanine residue at nucleotide position 2254 corresponding to the aspartic acid present at position 752 in the DNA polymerase encoded by this virus.
Conclusion: This study is the first report of an outbreak of respiratory disease among horses in China caused by EHV-1. ORF30 sequence characterization revealed that these EHV-1 strains harbored a neuropathogenic genotype. Given the detection of this virus in both aborted equine fetuses and in horses suffering from respiratory disease, concern is warranted with respect to this neuropathogenic EHV-1 outbreak.
Diverse Characteristics of Users for Personalized Sequential Recommendation
Authors: Hu Jiahao , Zhao Fen , Chen Ruizhen
Published: September 2023

The dynamic sequence is a core feature in many modern recommendation systems. Transformer models have achieved significant success in machine translation, inspiring some researchers to introduce self-attention mechanisms into the sequential recommendation, yielding satisfactory results. However, these models share a common issue in that they lack consideration of the user's information, making it impossible to perform multi-level modeling of users accurately. Essentially, they are non-personalized models. To address the above challenges, this study proposes an approach called DCUPSRec (a personalized sequential recommendation model based on the diverse characteristics of users). This method establishes relationships between users and items in their historical interaction data and, within the sequential framework, models complex relationships between users based on their diverse characteristics and the impact of these relationships on recommended items. In addition, we use Stochastic Shared Embeddings (SSE) regularisation techniques to address potential overfitting problems caused by the introduction of users' diverse features. Extensive experiments using various users' features demonstrate that our approach transcends other sequential models when dealing with sparse and dense datasets and a variety of evaluation metrics.
Competition explains tropical tree species coexistence and abundance
Authors: Kohyama Takashi S. , Shigesada Nanako , Kawasaki Kokichi , Potts Matthew D. , Hajar Zamah S. Nur , Kohyama Tetsuo I. , Sheil Douglas
Published: September 2023

The numerous tree species co-occurring in tropical forests presents a challenging puzzle1. Conventional competition models suggest that such coexistence is improbable2–7, but this study offers a novel solution. By modelling interspecific competition as both competitive intensity and susceptibility, we provide conditions for stable coexistence of multiple species8. We test how well our model captures the aboveground biomass dynamics of a Malaysian rainforest tree community. We use estimated leaf biomass per species as a proxy for competitive intensity and derive model parameters from repeated measurements. Our model predicts that 370 out of the 486 tree species assessed coexist stably. This coexistence hinges on that the species’ susceptibility to conspecific competitive intensity, which we refer to as the conspecific negative biomass dependence (CNBD), is greater than their susceptibility to heterospecific competitive intensity. The modelled equilibrium biomass of the forest, and that of most species, align closely with empirical observations, suggesting the reliability of our approximations. Notably, strong CNBD corresponds to the decline of relative tree growth rates as tree size increases. Our study provides an unexpectedly simple and coherent explanation for the stable coexistence of numerous tree species, resolves the long-standing diversity-stability paradox, and challenges previous interpretations of competitive coexistence.
Phenotypic characterisation and comparative non-targeted GC-MS-based metabolomic profiling of two contrasting seedling fonio millet (Digitaria exilis) accessions: an insight to drought tolerance in small millets
Authors: Animasaun David Adedayo , Lawrence Judith Amaka
Published: September 2023

Fonio millet is an orphan crop with great economic and food security potential. However, drought negatively affects its production and yield in semi-arid and arid regions. This study compared the growth and metabolomic profiles of two contrasting fonio accessions (NGB02089 and NGB02082) in response to water stress at the seedling stage. The results showed variation in the morph-agronomic characters of the accessions. There were also significant (p < 0.05) positive correlations in the traits studied which means that the traits can be improved simultaneously. Chlorophyll content increased progressively with weeks after sowing (WAS) but decreased when seedlings were exposed to water stress. Biomass yield of NGB02082 was higher than that of NGB02089 although the latter grew more vigorously. However, NGB02089 had longer roots. The GC-MS analysis identified 12 significant metabolites that differed in composition between the fonio accessions, including sugars, fatty acids and siloxanes. The amount of siloxane decreased in NGB02082 with increasing drought duration increased but increased in NGB02089. Similarly, cis-13-octadecenoic acid was present in NGB02082 at 4 WAS but absent at 5 WAS, whereas NGB02089 produced more metabolites. Similarly, phthalimide, triacontane, vaccenic acids, and cholestane were produced in response to drought stress duration. The results of this study showed that NGB02089 and NGB02082 have different metabolomic responses to drought, which confers resistance to NGB02089 while NGB0282 is drought susceptible. The result of this study suggests that metabolic responses to drought may be useful in developing varieties with a better tolerance or adaptation to drought conditions.
Nós amávamos tanto o acesso aberto
Authors: Packer Abel , Suber Peter , Kiley Robert , Terry Rob , Barbour Ginny , Paul Eve Martin , Hagemann Melissa , Arunachalam Subbiah , Rentier Bernard , Prosser David , Bosc Hélène , Veldsman Susan , Willinsky John , Babini Dominique , Velterop Jan
Published: September 2023

Nós amávamos tanto o acesso aberto
We so loved Open Access
Authors: Packer Abel , Suber Peter , Kiley Robert , Terry Rob , Barbour Ginny , Paul Eve Martin , Hagemann Melissa , Arunachalam Subbiah , Rentier Bernard , Prosser David , Bosc Hélène , Veldsman Susan , Willinsky John , Babini Dominique , Velterop Jan
Published: September 2023

We so loved Open Access
Тезисы XXII Российского конгресса «Инновационные технологии в педиатрии и детской хирургии» с международным участием, 20-22 сентября 2023 года, г. Москва
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: September 2023

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Detection of transverse cracks in steel beams using damage location coefficients and artificial neural networks
Authors: Aman Alexandra-Teodora , Tufisi Cristian , Gillich Gilbert-Rainer , Praisach Zeno Iosif
Published: September 2023

Structural health monitoring plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and safety of engineering structures such as steel beams. This research paper presents a comprehensive methodology for detecting transverse cracks in beams with a constant section and any boundary conditions. The proposed approach utilizes the normalized squared modal curvature of the beam, the damage severity, and the natural frequency of the undamaged beam. By analyzing the natural frequencies of both the undamaged and damaged states, Relative Frequency Shift (RFS) values are obtained. Subsequently, the Damage Location Coefficients (DLC) are calculated by normalizing the RFS values. These DLC values are then employed to establish a comprehensive database of known damage signatures, enabling the training of an artificial neural network (ANN) in MATLAB. The trained ANN can predict the locations of damages for new scenarios by utilizing DLC values obtained from measurements. To validate the effectiveness of the ANN, extensive simulations using Finite Element Method (FEM) and experimental measurements are conducted on a steel cantilever beam. The results demonstrate the ANN’s capability to accurately predict the locations of transverse cracks, showcasing its potential as a reliable tool for structural health monitoring of steel beams.
The influence of vehicle rolling on the retroreflective coefficient of hot melt markings
Authors: Liu Tao , Yao Wenhao , He Rui , Wang Xiamang
Published: September 2023

In the service life of traffic markings, the visibility of the markings can be significantly impacted due to continuous rolling by vehicles. This study aims to investigate the change of retroreflective coefficient of traffic markings at different positions on the road after being rolled by vehicles. A two-month follow-up study was conducted on a specific section of the road, focusing on the sideline and middle line of the lane. The retroreflective coefficient instrument was utilized to collect data on the retroreflective coefficient of the markings. Results revealed that the middle line, due to more frequent vehicle rolling, exhibited a larger range in its retroreflective coefficient as compared to the sideline of the lane. The change in reflection ability of hot melt markings, when rolled by the vehicle, depends on the mosaic condition of the glass beads within the coating. It was observed that the rolling of the vehicle had a direct impact on the retroreflective coefficient of the hot melt marking line. Furthermore, it was found that with increased rolling of the marking line, the greater the impact on its reflection capacity and the thickness also demonstrated a significant decrease.
Mechanical performance of heterogeneous lattice structure
Authors: Yu Guoji , Miao Cheng , Wu Hailing , Liang Jiayi
Published: September 2023

Heterogeneous lattice structure was constructed with rhombic dodecahedron and octet-truss lattice structures. The rhombic dodecahedron lattice was bending-dominated, while octet-truss lattice was stretching-dominated. The rhombic dodecahedron lattice fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) was compressed by a universal testing machine, which was also investigated by finite element model. Afterwards, the validated numerical model was used to study the designed heterogeneous lattice. Calculations indicates that heterogeneous lattice structures outperform the rhombic dodecahedron lattice structure. The introduction of octet-truss unit cell enhances the mechanical behavior of the heterogeneous lattice structure in terms of Young’s modulus and stress magnitude, which depends on the pattern of octet-truss cells.
Study of age changes of basic anthropometric characteristics of Bulgarian females: groups 18-25 versus 30-40 years old
Authors: Nikolova Gergana , Dantchev Daniel
Published: September 2023

The present article aims to examine the age-related changes in the basic characteristics important for biomechanics (body height and body weight) of Bulgarian men. We do this after dividing the measured individuals into two age groups: I) 18-25 years and II) 30-40 years. The data used in the investigation were collected by performing our own anthropometric measurements. In group I) we measured 41 men and in group II) – 44 men. We present the mean values, standard deviations, and minimal and maximal values of the height, weight, and body mass index of each of the groups, as well as the corresponding probability distributions of these characteristics. The obtained results can be used when there is a need for such anthropometric and mass parameters, e.g., in problems related to the biomechanics of human movements, ergonomics, rehabilitation, orthopaedics and traumatology, sports, forensic studies, etc.
Tata Kelola Perusahaan dan Manajemen Laba Riil pada Perusahaan Manufaktur di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI)
Authors: Mardianto Mardianto , Trisnawati Maria
Published: September 2023

This study aims to examine the effect of the characteristics of the board of directors and audit committee on real earnings management. Three measurements are used to measure real earnings management, namely abnormal cash flow from operations, abnormal discretionary expenses, and abnormal production costs. Company management can manipulate operational activities such as sales, reduce discretionary costs and manipulate production levels excessively. The object under study is the annual reports of manufacturing companies from 2017 to 2021 which are listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The data collected will be processed with the help of Eviews software. The data analysis method used is descriptive statistical analysis, panel data regression test, and hypothesis testing. The results of this study prove that the audit committee size variable has a significant positive effect on real earnings management, while the board of directors size variable, board of directors independence, board of directors meetings, audit committee independence, audit committee meetings, and audit committee expertise do not affect real earnings management.
The Impact of Cognition-affecting Neurological Diseases on Reaction Time and Driving Speed Deviation
Authors: Diamanti Athina , Ziakopoulos Apostolos , Yannis George
Published: September 2023

Background:

Globally, more than 322 million people are living with depression, with a considerable percentage driving while under the effects of such impairments. Their impacts on specific parameters of driver behavior and road safety, such as driver speed and reaction time, however, remain understudied. The literature indicates that driving performance deteriorates in patients with depressive symptoms, causing increased crash probability and more aggressive behavior.

Objective:

The objective of this research was to examine the influence of neurological diseases on driving performance, and particularly, how depression affects reaction time and the standard deviation of driving speed.

Methods:

Data were obtained from a large-scale simulator study comprising 12 driving urban and rural trials. The sample consisted of 113 impaired participants, suffering from mild cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression, and 92 people with no cognitive impairments as the control group. Inclusion criteria comprised having a driving license and driving experience (≥3 years), being active drivers, not having critical psychosis, eye or motor disorders, and not having drug/alcohol addictions.

Results:

Analysis of cognitive impairments based on GDS questions showed that frequent ‘feelings of boredom’ correlated with a 7% increase in reaction time and a 8% increase in the standard deviation of driving speed. Conversely, ‘feelings of worthlessness’ reduced the standard deviation of driving speed by 4.5%. ‘Feeling full of energy’ contributed marginally significant increases to reaction times of 4%. Drivers with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases showed higher reaction times, while drivers with depression and the control group showed lower reaction times. Drivers with Parkinson’s disease showed statistically fewer deviations of average speed.

Conclusion:

This research shows that cognitively impaired individuals have larger reaction times and more erratic driving speeds. Present findings can be used to inform both patients and authorities of their driving behavior and can be considered when (re)issuing driving licenses.
Hand gesture control accuracy through increased epoch and batch size
Authors: AJAYI O.K.
Published: September 2023

Abstract. The conventional method of mechanism control which requires physical contact is being replaced with remote control, especially with the advent of the Internet of things (IoT). Facial recognition is used to identify and authenticate faces from images or videos. It has many applications, including granting or restricting access to a facility, or secured areas, or preventing unauthorized users, including selective access. The accuracy of such a recognition and control system is very important and depends on how the system was modeled and adopted. In this study, facial images and gesture images were collated and modeled in a python neural network, then optimized using TensorFlow. The algorithm was compiled unto a raspberry pi for testing on a developed automatic gate. An effective method of achieving accuracy using the epoch is presented in this work. Five (0, 5, 10, 15, 20) batch number and epoch respectively were modeled to achieve accuracy for the system. The model was trained with five gestures; fist, palm, thumb up, thumb, and last finger. The gesture recognition accuracy achieved through the epoch was maximum at 99.97 when both batch number and epoch were set to 20. However, when no epoch was set, the accuracy was below 10.2, whereas there was no accuracy below 98% when the epoch was introduced. This depicts the importance of epoch in achieving accuracy in image recognition. It was also discovered that the higher the epoch and the batch number the greater the accuracy, but the processing would require a very high processing unit.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Harmful Health Behaviour among Youth: A Cross-sectional Study in Western Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Khan Huma , Kumar Ravi , Pandey Abhinav
Published: September 2023

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are quitecommon and significantly affect adolescent health, reproductivehealth, smoking, alcoholism, illicit drug use, sexual behaviour,mental health, and job performance. The present study aimsto determine how prevalent ACE are among youth and theprevalence of harmful behaviour among research participants.Further determine the correlation of ACE with the harmfulbehaviour among study participants.
Setup Errors in Interfraction Radiotherapy in Patients of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Yadav R , Chauhan AK , Kumar P , Kumar P , Nigam J , Silambarasan NS
Published: September 2023

Reproducibility of daily position is necessary forefficacious delivery of radiotherapy. There are uncertaintiesduring the delivery of radiotherapy which increases the risk ofinadequate dose delivery to the target as well as unnecessaryirradiation of nearby normal tissues. These uncertainties, knownas setup errors, should be clinically in order to attain optimumplanning target volume (PTV) margins. The present study aimsto find out the optimum PTV margins in our department withexisting immobilization system and imaging facilities.
Dose Escalation by Intraluminal Brachytherapy in Cancer Esophagus – A Retrospective Audit
Authors: Gupta Richa , Kumar Piyush , Mehta Ankita , Garg Ayush , Agarwal Shubhi
Published: September 2023

Introduction- Chemoradiation (CRT) in esophageal cancer as a definitive modality of treatment has shown an increasing trend of utilization over surgical modalities. Local failures after chemoradiotherapy have led to the concept of radiation dose escalation, but simultaneously it leads to the concerns of radiation related toxicities of strictures and fistulas. Considering this fact dose escalation with intraluminal brachytherapy seems and optimal option. The present study retrospectively analyzed the safety and efficacy of using ILBT as a boost after external beam radiotherapy.Materials and Methods- Records of patients with Esophageal Carcinoma (EC) registered in the radiotherapy department between December 2008 to June 2016 were retrospectivelyanalyzed. Data was collected on patient, tumor and treatment characteristics and patient outcomes. The toxicitieshematological or radiation-induced were documented. Theresponse assessment after treatment and survival parameters were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done for survival parameters. Statistical significance was considered if p-value was less than 0.05.Results- A total of 69 patients were eligible for the present analysis. Male to female ratio 1.09:1, with median age of 60 years. The common primary side was the middle 1/3rd esophagus. The mean tumor length was 6.4cm and all patients had squamous cell carcinoma. EBRT dose of 59.4 Gy was received 94.2% of patients, 13 (18.8%) received ILRT radiotherapy with 6Gy in a single setting. The median concurrent chemotherapy administered were 5. Grade 3 and 4 acute hematological toxicities were seen in terms of anemia (7.2%), leucopenia (18.8%) and thrombocytopenia (1.4%). Stenosis was seen in 40.6% of patients among which only 13 patients required dilatation. Nine of the patients receiving intraluminal brachytherapy (ILBT) developed fistula. The compete response was better in ILBT group (84.61 vs 57.49%, p=0.07). The median overall survival for all patients was 15 months. Overall  survival was increased in patients of ILBT group (41 months versus 12 months, p=0.005).Conclusion- ILBT has the advantage of high precision and avoidance of dose to critical structures which could be optimally used for dose escalation in patients of cancer esophagus.
Spectrum of Skin Dermatoses among Patients of Substance Use Disorder: A Hospital-based Study
Authors: . Vishvajot , Gahalaut Pratik , Rastogi Madhur K , Charan Deepak
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Various substances of abuse are known to cause specific cutaneous manifestations. Cutaneous manifestations are associated with the use of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, alcohol, anabolic steroids, and general signs of drug abuse, including the stigmata of injection drug use, infectious complications, and vascular complications. However, the literature on the same is very limited from the Indian subcontinent. The purpose of the study is to find out various dermatoses in patients of substance use disorder.Materials and Methods: In the present study, 46 Diagnosed cases of substance use disorder as per the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder-5 (DSM-5)1 and confirmed by a qualified psychiatrist, were taken. The cutaneous examination was performed accordingly. Laboratory investigations were done as per need.Results: Mean age was 42.21 ± 16.64. The majority of the patients were illiterate (41.3%) and 26.1% were either graduate or postgraduate and 21.7% were high school pass and 6.5%were in middle school and the minority had primary school education (4.3%). The majority of the patients had complaints of raised lesions (56.5%) and followed by redness (23.9%), pain (19.6%), burning (13%) and oozing (13%) discomfort and flaking of skin (10.9%), rash (8.7%), light spots (6.5%) and fluid-filled lesions (4.3%).Conclusion: Few substances were associated with specific dermatoses. However, there is very little data, so this study will add upon the minuscule literature on this topic.
Development and evaluation of a nursing care profile for the promotion of preventive care measures in post-disaster evacuation areas
Authors: Ito Naomi
Published: September 2023

Japan is the first country to adopt a return policy after the all-village evacuation due to the Fukushima disaster and reporting on what's happening in such areas is important. This is the premise of the work of Naomi Ito, a Public Health Nurse with a Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree and a research assistant in the Department of Radiation Health Management at Fukushima Medical University, Japan. Her research focuses on health issues, including both the direct impacts and secondary health effects in communities where people are encouraged to return following an evacuation order. Important issues are nursing care for the elderly and the concept of ´ageing in place´. In her current study, Ito is investigating a number of cases of Fukushima nuclear accident evacuees following the 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima and how ageing in place was impacted by relocation, including the cases of three individuals evacuated from Katsurao village who did not return to their original homes following evacuation orders. By looking at their respective health conditions, Ito gained insight into the current situation and key challenges. This research is highlighting issues associated with the provision of medical and welfare services in areas affected by the nuclear accident, with hospitals closed and the evacuation of younger people changing the social structure and impacting the future of this community. The researchers believe that a comprehensive community care system is crucial and that it is important to consider the health challenges facing evacuated residents and a required improvement to medical, welfare and transportation systems.
Development of a novel treatment by inhibition of mast cell-associated proteins in neurofibroma tumours
Authors: Yamamoto Misa
Published: September 2023

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), also known as von Recklinghausen's disease, is an inherited disorder that will (with high probability) lead to multiple benign tumors in the future. There are several types of NF1 tumors and there is no way to control their incidence other than surgical
resection. Associate Professor Misa Yamamoto, an expert in regenerative medicine, is currently conducting a project to elucidate the tumor growth mechanism in NF1 patients. This will lead to the development of innovative treatments for this disease. The researchers are affiliated with the
Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Japan. Currently, we have worked on analyzing the function of mast cells in cutaneous neurofibroma and aim to develop a new treatment method that suppresses the function of mast cells involved in
tumor growth. There are still many gaps in knowledge regarding NF1. Neurofibroma tumors are known to contain a considerable number of mast cells though Professor Yamamoto found with the research has shown that each cell has an abnormally high concentration of an inflammatory substance called
tryptase. This means that neurofibromas are constantly exposed to a strong inflammatory state, suggesting that it is difficult to stop tumor growth unless inflammation is stopped. Professor Yamamoto investigated the differences in the properties of disease-specific mast cells with NF1 gene
mutations and mast cells derived from healthy subjects, and clarified differences in the production of tryptase, TGF-β1, and Stem Cell Factor. These findings suggest that tumor growth is driven by the overexpression of these proteins, and researchers believe that blocking the pathways
that suppress the expression of these proteins can reduce inflammation and tumor growth.
Comprehensive identification of molecules at synapses and non-synaptic cell-adhesion structure
Authors: Takano Tetsuya
Published: September 2023

The brain is incredibly complex and there is so much we don't know about this organ and its mechanisms. Assistant Professor Tetsuya Takano, School of Medicine, Keio University, Japan, is working to better understand neuroscience. One area of interest is neurons and astrocytes; specifically elucidating the protein component functions in each neural circuit. He and his team are working to shed light on the pathological mechanism of psychiatric and neurological disorders and, in doing so, enabling improved treatments and benefiting patients across the globe. The team has developed spatio-temporal proteome technologies: TurboID-surface and Split-TurboID, that can not only explain the formation and operation principle of neural networks, but also provide essential knowledge for research into psychiatric and neurological diseases. To overcome limitations associated with conventional proteome analysis, Takano and the team recently developed a new in vivo proximal-dependent biotin labelling (BioID) method. Using this, the researchers can label and analyse adjacent proteins with biotin, which enables them to comprehensively analyse local protein components within cells with extremely high spatial resolution. The team has used the BioID method to develop the Split-TurboID method and an innovative spatial proteome technique for searching for molecular groups among heterogeneous cells that makes it possible to comprehensively analyse the protein components in the vicinity of the adhesion site. Using the Split-TurboID method, the team has comprehensively searched for functional molecules between astrocytes and neurons and revealed that astrocytes directly control the formation of inhibitory synapses and neuronal activity in neurons via a novel tripartite synaptic molecule known as NRCAM.
Research and development on therapeutic materials for corneal stromal disease consisting of transparent decellularised porcine corneas
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshihide
Published: September 2023

Investigations to discover potential corneal stromal substitutes to effectively treat corneal stromal disease tend to focus on transparent and bio-inert synthetic polymer materials and hydrogel materials. More recent studies are looking at alternative therapeutic materials that utilise
corneas from pigs. Assistant Professor Yoshihide Hashimoto, Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan, is part of a team developing functional materials and therapeutic techniques to restore the function of damaged biological tissues and organs
based on biomaterials and bioengineering. At present, the researchers are focused on restoring the function of corneas, but the research has the potential for broader applications. After blindness caused by clouding or shape change, corneal transplantation is the only effective treatment but
there is a worldwide shortage of donated human corneas. To establish an advanced treatment for corneal diseases in combination with cell therapy, reliable artificial corneal stroma is required and Hashimoto and the team are exploring the potential of highly transparent decellularised porcine
cornea for the treatment of corneal stroma disease. This has potential to overcome the issues associated with existing treatments and can also be developed for reconstruction of full-thickness cornea. In decellularised corneas, cellular components are removed from animal-derived corneal tissue.
The method the team is using does not use surfactants, which means the functional proteins and tissue structure can be retained.
Navigating the crowdfunding landscape for women entrepreneurs in India: Opportunities and barriers
Authors: Seeboli G. K. , Girish G. P. , Aruna B. , Geetha S.
Published: September 2023

The proliferation of advanced technologies has ushered in diverse and accessible fundraising avenues for entrepreneurs, profoundly influencing the burgeoning startup landscape in India. Among these innovative fundraising mechanisms, crowdfunding has emerged as a prominent platform with the potential to alleviate funding challenges and catalyze the Indian startup revolution. This research endeavors to discern disparities between male and female entrepreneurs concerning their fundraising attitudes, crowdfinancing method preferences, and perceptions of crowdfinancing's viability as a funding mechanism. Our study encompasses a sample of Indian entrepreneurs with basic knowledge of various crowdfunding options, comprising a dataset of approximately 300 respondents. Of this sample, 224 are Indian entrepreneurs, with 116 being female entrepreneurs. Hypothesis testing, employing Chi-square and Discriminant Analysis, was conducted to assess gender-based distinctions. Our findings reveal that female entrepreneurs exhibit a stronger inclination toward specific funding methods compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, our study elucidates the aspects of crowdfinancing that women entrepreneurs view favorably, suggesting a greater affinity for crowdfinancing among female entrepreneurs. This research sheds light on gender-related nuances in fundraising attitudes and preferences, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of entrepreneurship and funding strategies in the Indian context.
Coproduction of Low-Barrier Hepatitis C Virus and HIV Care for People Who Use Drugs in a Rural Community: Brief Qualitative Report (Preprint)
Authors: Bardach Shoshana H , Perry Amanda N , Eccles Elizabeth , Carpenter-Song Elizabeth A , Fowler Ryan , Miers Erin M , Ovalle Anais , de Gijsel David
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

People who inject drugs are experiencing syndemic conditions with increasing risk of infection with hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV. However, rates of accessing HCV and HIV testing and treatment among people who inject drugs are low for various reasons, including the criminalization of drug use, which leads to a focus on treating drug use rather than caring for drug users. For many people who inject drugs, health care becomes a form of structural violence, resulting in traumatic experiences, fear of police violence, unmet needs, and avoidance of medical care. There is a clear need for novel approaches to health care delivery for people who inject drugs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the process of a multidisciplinary team—encompassing health care professionals, community representatives, researchers, and people with lived experience using drugs—that was formed to develop a deep understanding of the experiences of people who inject drugs and local ecosystem opportunities and constraints to inform the cocreation of low-barrier, innovative HCV or HIV care in a rural community. Given the need for innovative approaches to redesigning health care, we sought to identify challenges and tensions encountered in this process and strategies for overcoming these challenges.

METHODS

Analysis was based on an in-depth review of meeting notes from the project year, followed by member-checking with the project team to revise and expand upon the challenges encountered and strategies identified to navigate these challenges.

RESULTS

Challenges and tensions included: scoping the project, setting the pace and urgency of the work, adapting to web-based work, navigating ethics and practice of payment, defining success, and situating the project for sustainability. Strategies to navigate these challenges included: dedicated effort to building personal and meaningful connections, fostering mutual respect, identifying common ground to make shared decisions, and redefining successes.

CONCLUSIONS

While cocreated care presents challenges, the resulting program is strengthened by challenging assumptions and carefully considering various perspectives to think creatively and productively about solutions.
Drivers and Barriers to Implementing the Internet of Things in the Health Care Supply Chain: Mixed Methods Multicase Study (Preprint)
Authors: Heeres Tjitske J. , Tran Tri Mikael , Noort Bart A.C.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Over the past 2 years, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed enormous pressure on the health care industry. There has been an increase in demand and, at the same time, a shortage of supplies. This has shown that supply chain management in the health care industry cannot be taken for granted. Furthermore, the health care industry is also facing other major challenges, such as the current labor market shortage. In the literature, the Internet of Things (IoT) is highlighted as an effective tool to build a more resilient and efficient supply chain that can manage these challenges. Although using IoT in supply chain management has been extensively examined in other types of supply chains, its use in the health care supply chain has largely been overlooked. Given that the health care supply chain, compared to others, is more complex and is under growing pressure, a more in-depth understanding of the opportunities brought by IoT is necessary.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to address this research gap by identifying and ranking the drivers of and barriers to implementing IoT in the health care supply chain.

METHODS

We conducted a 2-stage study. In the first, exploratory stage, a total of 12 semistructured interviews were conducted to identify drivers and barriers. In the second, confirmatory stage, a total of 26 health care supply chain professionals were asked in a survey to rank the drivers and barriers.

RESULTS

The results show that there are multiple financial, operational, strategy-related, and supply chain-related drivers for implementing IoT. Similarly, there are various financial, strategy-related, supply chain-related, technology-related, and user-related barriers. The findings also show that supply chain-related drivers (eg, increased transparency, traceability, and collaboration with suppliers) are the strongest drivers, while financial barriers (eg, high implementation costs and difficulties in building a business case) are the biggest barriers to overcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study add to the limited literature regarding IoT in the health care supply chain by empirically identifying the most important drivers and barriers to IoT implementation. The ranking of drivers and barriers provides guidance for practitioners and health care provider leaders intending to implement IoT in the health care supply chain.
Nasopharyngeal Cancer Incidence and Mortality in 185 Countries in 2020 and the Projected Burden in 2040: Population-Based Global Epidemiological Profiling (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Yanting , Rumgay Harriet , Li Mengmeng , Cao Sumei , Chen Wanqing
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is one of the most common head and neck cancers.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes the global epidemiological profiles of NPC incidence and mortality in 185 countries in 2020 and the projected burden in 2040.

METHODS

The estimated numbers of NPC cases and deaths were retrieved from the GLOBOCAN 2020 data set. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) were calculated using the world standard. The future number of NPC cases and deaths by 2040 were estimated based on global demographic projections.

RESULTS

Globally, approximately 133,354 cases and 80,008 deaths from NPC were estimated in 2020 corresponding to ASIRs and ASMRs of 1.5 and 0.9 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. The largest numbers of both global cases and deaths from NPC occurred in Eastern Asia (65,866/133,354, 49.39% and 36,453/80,008, 45.56%, respectively), in which China contributed most to this burden (62,444/133,354, 46.82% and 34,810/80,008, 43.50%, respectively). The ASIRs and ASMRs in men were approximately 3-fold higher than those in women. Incidence rates varied across world regions, with the highest ASIRs for both men and women detected in South-Eastern Asia (7.7 and 2.5 per 100,000 person-years, respectively) and Eastern Asia (3.9 and 1.5 per 100,000 person-years, respectively). The highest ASMRs for both men and women were found in South-Eastern Asia (5.4 and 1.5 per 100,000 person-years, respectively). By 2040, the annual number of cases and deaths will increase to 179,476 (46,122/133,354, a 34.58% increase from the year 2020) and 113,851 (33,843/80,008, a 42.29% increase), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Disparities in NPC incidence and mortality persist worldwide. Our study highlights the urgent need to develop and accelerate NPC control initiatives to tackle the NPC burden in certain regions and countries (eg, South-Eastern Asia, China).
Education in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Design and Feasibility Study of the LapBot Safe Chole Mobile Game (Preprint)
Authors: Noroozi Mohammad , St John Ace , Masino Caterina , Laplante Simon , Hunter Jaryd , Brudno Michael , Madani Amin , Kersten-Oertel Marta
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

 Major bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), often stemming from errors in surgical judgment and visual misperception of critical anatomy, significantly impact morbidity, mortality, disability, and health care costs.

OBJECTIVE

 To enhance safe LC learning, we developed an educational mobile game, LapBot Safe Chole, which uses an artificial intelligence (AI) model to provide real-time coaching and feedback, improving intraoperative decision-making.

METHODS

 LapBot Safe Chole offers a free, accessible simulated learning experience with real-time AI feedback. Players engage with intraoperative LC scenarios (short video clips) and identify ideal dissection zones. After the response, users receive an accuracy score from a validated AI algorithm. The game consists of 5 levels of increasing difficulty based on the Parkland grading scale for cholecystitis.

RESULTS

 Beta testing (n=29) showed score improvements with each round, with attendings and senior trainees achieving top scores faster than junior residents. Learning curves and progression distinguished candidates, with a significant association between user level and scores (P=.003). Players found LapBot enjoyable and educational.

CONCLUSIONS

 LapBot Safe Chole effectively integrates safe LC principles into a fun, accessible, and educational game using AI-generated feedback. Initial beta testing supports the validity of the assessment scores and suggests high adoption and engagement potential among surgical trainees.
Inklusi Dasar untuk Ekowisata Berkelanjutan sebagai Implementasi Teknologi Keuangan
Authors: Umamah Lidhatul , Rukmana Devi Hardianti , Masruroh Laelatul Dwi , Abdillah Rifqi
Published: September 2023

Ledokombo merupakan daerah yang memiliki banyak unsur kekayaan; ekonomi, wisata, pendidikan terlebih sosial yang pantas untuk diapresiasi. Namun, problem pada akses yang tidak bisa membawa daerah ini mampu memiliki daya saing dalam pengembangan potensinya. Studi kasus ini bertujuan untuk menganalisa lebih jauh local wisdom yang menjadi potensi unggul di daerah ini, metode yang dipakai dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif dan observasi langsung dengan memakai beberapa literatur sebagai penunjang dan data yang diperoleh langsung melalui investigasi terhadap masyarakat sekitar. Output yang akan menjadi inklusi ke depannya adalah penggunaan e-portofolio dengan akses baru yang menyediakan fitur-fitur lengkap sebagai simplifikasi dari financial technology.
Analisis Kelemahan APIP Inspektorat dalam Mengimplementasikan Probity Audit pada Pengadaan Barang dan Jasa Pemerintah Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin
Authors: Septiani Hafidzah , Nurhayati Ratna
Published: September 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi bagaimana APIP Inspektorat Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin mengimplementasikan probity audit pada PBJ pemerintah. Selain itu, penelitian juga menganalisis faktor-faktor yang menjadi kelemahan APIP Inspektorat Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin dalam mengimplementasikan probity auditpada PBJ.Pendekatan kualitatif dengan studi kasus digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah wawancara mendalam dengan jenis wawancara semiterstruktur dan dokumen yang berkaitan dengan penelitian. Partisipan terdiri atas enam orang yaitu Inspektur Pembantu Bidang Pembangunan, Ketua Tim probity audit dan dua orang anggota probity audit, Kuasa Pengguna Anggaran, dan Pejabat Pelaksana Teknis Kegiatan.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa implementasi probity audit yang dilaksanakan oleh Inspektorat Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin belum optimal karena hanya berdasarkan surat permintaan dari perangkat daerah, surat pernyataan probity audit dan surat manajemen representasi tidak dilakukan, melaksanakan probity audit untuk memenuhi MCP KPK, serta tidak dilakukan secara real time dan hanya dilaksanakan pada tahap pelaksanaan kontrak. Selain itu, terdapat faktor-faktor kelemahan APIP dalam implementasi  probity audit yaitu pada tahap perencanaan PKPT tidak dijadikan sebagai mandat, tidak ada kebijakan probity audit, dan pada tahap pelaksanaan, yaitu keterbatasan waktu pelaksanaan, pemenuhan dokumen, dan kompetensi auditor.