bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Politicians Under Fire: Citizens’ Incivility Against Political Leaders on Social Media
Authors: Bentivegna Sara , Rega Rossella
Published: November 2024

This research uses artificial intelligence and manual content-analysis to examine the diffusion of incivility against political leaders on Twitter during the 2022 Italian election campaign. Using a mixed approach (artificial intelligence and manual content analysis), we examined 22,465 uncivil tweets posted in the 4 weeks before the vote. Results show that hostility toward leaders increases as voting approaches and as candidates’ public visibility grows, and that it affects frontrunner leaders the most. Furthermore, the analysis of the different forms of incivility showed that it changes depending on the target it hits, revealing unexpected aspects: contrary to expectations, incivility against the only female leader (Giorgia Meloni) are not “sexist attacks” but forms of demonization (i.e., association with figures/symbols concerning totalitarian regimes); while against Giuseppe Conte, accusations of “illegality,” lies and “misinformation” prevail, that is, the same kind of incivility that he and his party use against opponents. Finally, we found that the authors of uncivil attacks are mainly ordinary/sporadic users, with all the consequences that this implies in terms of a normalization of incivility in public debate.
Language Learning Opportunities Abroad and International Student Mobility to China
Authors: Lyu Jingjing , Huang Yue
Published: November 2024

This paper empirically investigates whether Chinese language learning opportunities abroad have exerted a positive effect on international student mobility (ISM) to China. We utilize both official and self-compiled panel data for 182 countries, spanning a period of 15 years. We use the establishment of Confucius Institutes as an indicator of Chinese language learning opportunities. As our benchmark regressions, we employ fixed effects models with both linear and nonlinear regressors. Our findings provide support for a significant positive impact of language learning opportunities on ISM, with evidence suggesting a diminishing marginal effect. This result is seldom documented in the existing literature. We verify the robustness of our findings in three ways. First, we assess whether the number of international students changes significantly before the exposure to Chinese language learning opportunities. Next, we examine if our main findings remain consistent when controlling for region-specific trends. Finally, we test the robustness of our main results against various changes in the estimation sample. We also find evidence of effect heterogeneity based on countries’ geographic distance to China, the linguistic distance from their official language to Chinese, and their income levels. This paper argues that exposure to the destination country’s language and culture is a critical determinant of students’ decisions to study abroad in that country.

JEL Classification: F22, I20, N30.
The Role of Group Formation and Interpersonal Connections in Support: A Qualitative Analysis of Social Structures in Emergency Services Organizations and Hospital-Based Emergency Settings
Authors: Geuzinge Renate , Visse Merel , Duyndam Joachim , Vermetten Eric
Published: November 2024

Professionals in emergency services organizations (firefighters, paramedics, police, military) and professionals in hospital-based emergency settings (emergency rooms, operating rooms, intensive care units) are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic events. They are at higher risk for the development of trauma-related mental health problems than the general population. To maintain mental health, it is essential for individuals to be embedded in a social environment with supportive relationships. We employed ethnographical research that explored the social environment of seven high-risk professional groups in the Netherlands through observational fieldwork, interviews, and document analysis. We analyzed the data using Chie Nakane’s social anthropological model of Group formations and interpersonal connections as a heuristic lens. Findings indicate that in the social environments of these various high-risk occupational groups, two different social structural tendencies can be distinguished: vertical versus horizontal group formation and interpersonal connections. In our discussion, we suggest how these different social structures in which the professional is embedded might explain inconsistent results in current studies, and how knowledge of these different social structures might be relevant for support and prevention of trauma-related mental health problems.
Unveiling the Dynamic Landscape of Translation Studies: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Obiajulu Umeanowai Kingsley , HU Gengshen
Published: November 2024

Translation studies have demonstrated its dynamic and constantly evolving nature, propelled by various influential factors. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to explore the evolving landscape of translation studies by seeking to identify annual publication trends, significant publications, affiliations, authors, countries, sources, co-cited references, and research foci. To achieve this objective, 1,948 papers published in the Web of Science (WoS) database were analyzed using Bibliometrix R, Excel, and VOSviewer software. The result of the study shows an annual growth rate of 131% from 2019 to 2022, indicating growing interest and relevance. It identifies China, the USA, and the UK as the top influential countries, reflecting global collaboration and regional disparities. Prominent journals identified were Perspectives, Babel, and Interpreter and Translator Trainer, offering insights for researchers to target reputable platforms. The finding of co-citation analysis reveals that Meta Journal, Perspectives, and Interpreter and Translator Trainer are influential sources. The co-occurrence network analysis highlights six major research themes: the interdisciplinary nature of translation studies, pedagogy and technology, Language and linguistics, complexities and communication analysis, audio-visual translation, and cognitive demand in interpreting to show evolving research interests. This study illuminates and provides valuable guidance for future research directions, enabling researchers to address gaps and emerging trends in translation studies.
Estimating Pitch Information From Simulated Cochlear Implant Signals With Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Ashihara Takanori , Furukawa Shigeto , Kashino Makio
Published: November 2024

Cochlear implant (CI) users, even with substantial speech comprehension, generally have poor sensitivity to pitch information (or fundamental frequency, F0). This insensitivity is often attributed to limited spectral and temporal resolution in the CI signals. However, the pitch sensitivity markedly varies among individuals, and some users exhibit fairly good sensitivity. This indicates that the CI signal contains sufficient information about F0, and users’ sensitivity is predominantly limited by other physiological conditions such as neuroplasticity or neural health. We estimated the upper limit of F0 information that a CI signal can convey by decoding F0 from simulated CI signals (multi-channel pulsatile signals) with a deep neural network model (referred to as the CI model). We varied the number of electrode channels and the pulse rate, which should respectively affect spectral and temporal resolutions of stimulus representations. The F0-estimation performance generally improved with increasing number of channels and pulse rate. For the sounds presented under quiet conditions, the model performance was at best comparable to that of a control waveform model, which received raw-waveform inputs. Under conditions in which background noise was imposed, the performance of the CI model generally degraded by a greater degree than that of the waveform model. The pulse rate had a particularly large effect on predicted performance. These observations indicate that the CI signal contains some information for predicting F0, which is particularly sufficient for targets under quiet conditions. The temporal resolution (represented as pulse rate) plays a critical role in pitch representation under noisy conditions.
Executive Summary of a Regional Meeting to Accelerate Oral Health Policies in the WHO African Region
Authors: Mutave R. , Muange P. , Carrasco-Labra A. , Urquhart O. , Bhosale A.S. , Makino Y. , Okeibunor J.C. , Glick M.
Published: November 2024

Oral health is integral to general health and supports individuals in participating in society and achieving their potential. Yet, oral diseases are among the most common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the World Health Organization (WHO) African region. The WHO African Regional Oral Health Strategy and the WHO Global Strategy on Oral Health were endorsed in 2016 and 2022, respectively, to address the current alarming situation by integrating oral diseases as part of NCDs toward universal health coverage (UHC). Both strategies highlighted the importance of research, especially the necessity to create and continuously update context- and needs-specific research; however, there is a paucity of information regarding research supporting evidence-informed oral health policies in the region. In this context, the University of Pennsylvania, African universities led by the University of Nairobi, and the WHO Regional Office for Africa initiated an “Evidence to Policy” project. This project consists of 3 phases: (1) preparation: stakeholder analysis; (2) co-creation: online needs assessment survey with oral health academia in the region and 2 scoping literature reviews to identify oral health research and barriers and facilitators for the development, dissemination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of oral health policies; and (3) validation: sharing findings from phase 2 through the stakeholder meetings. This executive summary presents the results of phase 3, the stakeholder in-person meeting held in November 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya. About 70 participants, including oral health educators and representatives from the Ministry of Health and WHO in the region, discussed and identified actionable recommendations based on findings from phase 2. Then, participants assessed their alignment with the WHO Global Strategy. At the end of the meeting, participants pledged to maintain the relationships between academia and policy makers and will work collectively toward UHC for oral health for all in the region based on the “Nairobi Declaration.”

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This executive summary can be used by all key stakeholders involved in creating, disseminating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating oral health policies in the African region to leverage research and accelerate the implementation of the WHO Global and African Regional Strategies on Oral Health.
Optimizing palliative care education nationwide: a practice example from The Netherlands
Authors: van Zuilekom Ingrid , Thiesen – van Staveren Jojanneke , Dericks-Issing Marijke , van den Brand Marieke , van Os-Medendorp Harmieke , Metselaar Suzanne
Published: November 2024

Background:

Every healthcare professional (HCP) in the Netherlands is expected to provide palliative care based on their initial education. This requires national consensus and clarity on the quality and goals of palliative care education and accessible education opportunities nationwide. These requirements were not met in the Netherlands, posing a major obstacle to improving the organization and delivery of palliative care. Therefore, a program, Optimizing Education and Training in Palliative Care (O2PZ), was established to improve palliative care education on a national level.

Objectives:

The main task of the O2PZ program from 2018 to 2021 was to implement and improve palliative care education in initial education for nursing and medical professionals. The program’s ultimate goal was that every HCP be sufficiently educated to provide high-quality generalist palliative care.

Design:

The O2PZ program consists of four projects to improve and consolidate generalist palliative care education nationwide.

Methods:

All projects used a participatory approach, that is, participatory development, implementation, and co-creation with stakeholders, mainly HCPs and education developers. Appreciative inquiry was used to assess, improve, and integrate existing local palliative care education initiatives.

Results:

(1) Establishment of an Education Framework for palliative care for all HCPs, including an interprofessional collaboration model; (2) optimization of palliative care education in the (initial) curricula of vocational education institutions and (applied) universities; (3) establishment of an online platform to disseminate materials to improve palliative care education; and (4) installment of seven regional palliative care education hubs, of which one hub was devoted to pediatric palliative care, as well as one national hub.

Discussion:

We discuss some lessons learned and challenges in accomplishing the goals of the O2PZ program in 2018–2021 and address how these challenges were dealt with. We maintain that co-creation with stakeholders at policy, organizational, and operational levels, as well as ongoing communication and collaboration, is essential to consolidating and implementing results.

Conclusion:

Over the past 4 years, we have improved generalist palliative care education nationwide for all HCPs through four projects in which we collaborated closely with stakeholders. This has resulted in more attention to and implementation of palliative care in education, a national Education Framework for palliative care, including an interprofessional collaboration model, an online platform for palliative care education, and palliative care education hubs covering all regions of the Netherlands.
Amblyopia rehabilitation: A preliminary study on the efficacy of an alternative therapeutic method within Italian patients
Authors: Bari Giambattista , D’Ambrosio Anna , Petrizzelli Francesco , Laborante Antonio
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Amblyopia is the medical term for a “lazy eye.” It occurs when vision in one or both eyes does not develop properly during childhood even though there is no structural abnormality of the eye. It consists of an interocular difference of two lines or more in a visual acuity table (without specifying any), or visual acuity worse than or equal to 20/30 Snellen Feet equivalent to 0.2 LogMAR, with the best optical correction. (American Academy of Ophthalmology) Patching is the international gold standard amblyopia treatment, based on a monocular stimulation of the eye with lower vision. It needs high compliance and a long period of treatment during plastic age. The purpose of our work is to evaluate the efficiency of a different and faster method for amblyopia rehabilitation, useful even for patients out of the plastic age: specifically homebased binocular rehabilitation therapy through specific smartphone/tablet games combined with anagliphyc glasses. This method, due to its ease of use, high compliance and cheap cost, could reach a great number of patients that until now have the risk of being abandoned if they are not able, for different reason, to follow the others common therapies.

Methods:

Fifty-five patients: mean age 8.98 ± 5.38, underwent ophthalmologic and orthoptic evaluations for amblyopia: BVCA with ETDRS logMAR, stereoacuity with Lang Stereotest I, ocular motility examination, fundus oculi and cycloplegic refraction examination. Eligible children had ⩾0.2 (as applicable) logMAR interocular difference, or BVCA worse or equal to 0.2 LogMAR. Patients were rehabilitated with specific dichoptic treatment by digital videogames for 1 hour/day for 2 months. Children wore red–blue anaglyphic glasses to play the games (with low-contrast components visible to 1 eye and high-contrast components visible to the other eye) for 7 hours per week (1 hour per day) for 8 weeks, with 2 outcome examinations programmed by protocol at 4 and 8 weeks from baseline.

Results:

After 8 weeks of treatment, amblyopic eye BCVA improved from 0.28 ± 0.13 logMAR at baseline to 0.10 ± 0.09 ( P < .05) logMAR, with an improvement of 0.18 ± 0.09 logMAR.

Conclusion:

Achieved results relating to visual acuity improvements using binocular rehabilitation by digital videogames were statistically significant and encouraging. It is important that research and experimentation does not cease at this stage. Larger sample sizes, extended rehabilitation treatment periods and longer follow-up must be undertaken, in order to obtain objective data relating to visual acuity maintenance and also to obtained visual acuity results linked to age.
Impact of prior CAR T-cell therapy on mosunetuzumab efficacy in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Chong Elise A. , Penuel Elicia , Napier Ellen B. , Lundberg Rachel K. , Budde Lihua E. , Shadman Mazyar , Matasar Matthew J. , Bartlett Nancy L. , Flinn Ian W. , Bosch Francesc , Fay Keith , Goy Andre , Kumar Anita , Nastoupil Loretta J. , Wei Michael C. , Wu Mei , Yin Shen , Fraietta Joseph A. , Chong Emeline R. , Schuster Stephen J.
Published: November 2024

Mosunetuzumab and other CD20/CD3 bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have efficacy in B-cell lymphomas relapsing after or refractory to CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)–modified T cells (CAR-T). The optimal timing of BsAbs and biomarkers of BsAb response after CAR-T are unknown. We addressed these questions using clinical data and blood samples from patients previously treated with CAR-T and subsequently treated on a phase 1/2 study of mosunetuzumab. Thirty patients had paired samples at baseline and after 1 cycle of mosunetuzumab. The median time from CAR-T to mosunetuzumab was significantly longer for responding than for nonresponding patients (P = .006, unadjusted for multiple comparisons). Most patients (20/30) did not receive intervening therapy between CAR-T administration and mosunetuzumab. The remainder of patients received 1 intervening therapy after a protocol-mandated drug washout. After mosunetuzumab, responding patients had higher lymphocytes (995 vs 400 cells per μL; P = .02) and greater increases in CD4 and CD8 cells (median change, 73 vs –90 cells per μL [P = .005] and 243 vs –103 cells per μL [P = .004], respectively). Additionally, responding patients had an increase in activated CD8 cells (median fold change, 1.7; P = .02). Nonresponders had a relative decrease in CAR transgene levels (n = 16; P = .04). This is, to our knowledge, the first study to assess changes in lymphocytes, T cells, and CAR transgene levels in patients treated with BsAbs after CAR-T. These findings suggest an interaction between prior CAR-T and BsAb outcomes and have implications for optimal timing of BsAb after CAR-T. The trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT02500407.
Arousal threshold modifies the effect of CPAP on executive function among individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Zinchuk Andrey V. , Kushida Clete A. , Walker Alexander , Wellman Andrew , Azarbarzin Ali , Alex Raichel M. , Varga Andrew W. , Sands Scott A. , Yaggi H. Klar
Published: November 2024

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with neurocognitive dysfunction. However, randomised trials evaluating the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on neurocognition in those without dementia do not show a benefit. We thus aimed to assess whether arousal threshold (ArTH) modifies the effect of CPAP on neurocognitive function.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of a randomised, sham-controlled trial (Apnea Positive Pressure Long-term Efficacy Study (APPLES);ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT00051363). ArTH was estimated from polysomnography using a translatable method. Neurocognitive outcomes included the Sustained Working Memory Test-Overall Mid-Day (SWMT-OMD) score (executive function, primary outcome), with the Pathfinder Number Test total time (attention) and Buschke Selective Reminding Test sum recall (learning and memory) as secondary outcomes. Generalised linear modelling assessed whether the effect of CPAP was modified by baseline ArTH (treatment×ArTH interaction). 833 participants with OSA (apnoea–hypopnoea index ≥10 events·h−1), available ArTH and outcomes were analysed (active CPAP n=437 and sham CPAP n=396).

Results

For executive function, the effect of CPAP treatment was modified by ArTH (pinteraction=0.042). Specifically, for every 1sdincrease in ArTH, the SWMT-OMD score improved by 0.091 (95% CI 0.003–0.178) in active compared to sham CPAP at 6 months; at ArTH 1sdabove the mean, SWMT-OMD improvements were nearly three times that in those with average ArTH (0.139 (95% CI 0.018–0.261)versus0.053 (95% CI −0.034–0.140), respectively). No effect modification was observed for attention (p=0.311) or learning and memory (p=0.744).

Conclusion

In OSA, a higher ArTH is associated with greater improvements in executive function following CPAP therapy.
A comprehensive evaluation of murine and humanex vivocultured alveolar macrophages
Authors: David Camille , Brea Deborah , Verney Charles , Cezard Adeline , Vasseur Virginie , Briard Benoit , Khau Sandra , Barsac Emilie , Ferreira Marion , Marchand-Adam Sylvain , Si-Tahar Mustapha , Guillon Antoine
Published: November 2024

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) serve as the frontline defence in the lungs; however, comprehensive cell culture models for their study remain limited. Freshly isolated AMs are hindered by restricted quantities (mice) or challenges in accessing donors (humans). Recently, murine fetal liver-derived macrophages cultured with GM-CSF were proposed as AMs-like macrophage (called MPI). Furthermore, recent technical progress improved the culture and expansion of primary murine AMs. We examined three distinctin vitromodels of alveolar macrophages: MPI, long-term culture-expanded AMs from mice (mAM), and cultured from human (hAM), aiming to compare and elucidate their respective advantages. We observed that: (i) isolated AMs from mice and humans can be cultured for several days (human) or months (mice) with minor loss of AMs-specific surface markers expression over time; (ii) MPI is a self-replicative macrophage model that is easy to culture but lacks the typical AMs surface expression marker (i.e.SiglecF) and presents a constitutive pro-inflammatory phenotype; (iii) responses to TLR-agonists are consistent between MPI, mAM and hAM models but differences in magnitude should be considered; (iv) phagocytic activity of MPI, mAM and hAM were similar; (v) major differences were observed between murine and human AMs regarding programmed cell death, especially for MPI; (vi) ecological and ethical consequences of these AMs models are different and sometime opposed and should be carefully assessed. Thus, our study provides a comprehensive comparison ofex vivomurine and human AMs models and give insight into the translational value of those different AMs models.
Enhanced Surface Mechanical and Tribological Properties of H13 Die Steel with TiAlSiN Coating Deposited by HiPIMS
Authors: Lin Jun , Luan Hanxiao , Li Jiao , Zhai Jiqiang , Guan Yanjin , Zhao Guoqun , Bai Ruqing
Published: November 2024

TiAlSiN is a potential protection coating for die steel to improve the surface hardness, anti-wear performance and suitability. In the present study, TiAlSiN is deposited on H13 die steel by high power impulse magnetron sputtering and the effects of bias voltage, deposition temperature, and film thickness on the performance of coatings are studied. The microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of coatings are analyzed by energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, nanoindentation, friction and wear tests. The results show that with the changes of sputtering parameters, the content of Ti, Al, Si, and N fluctuates slightly. With the increase of bias voltage, deposition temperature and film thickness, the diffraction peaks of Ti3Al2N2 phase become wider. Higher bias voltage, deposition temperature, and film thickness are beneficial for obtaining coatings with high hardness, and strong wear resistance. By observing the surface morphology of coatings after grinding with Si3N4 balls, it was found that the wear mechanism of coatings contains abrasive wear, fatigue wear, and oxidative wear.
Long-term effects of tocilizumab on retinal and choroidal inflammation in Birdshot uveitis
Authors: zur Bonsen Lynn S. , Schulze Daniel , Künzel Steffen E. , Rübsam Anne , Pleyer Uwe , Pohlmann Dominika
Published: November 2024

Background

Tocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, is approved for treating rheumatic diseases and has demonstrated efficacy in managing refractory non-infectious uveitis (NIU). This retrospective study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of TCZ on inflammation in the retinal and choroidal compartments in Birdshot NIU.

Methods

Eight patients (16 eyes) received TCZ and were included in the analysis. The primary outcomes measured were inflammatory activity in the retina and choroid, assessed by fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) using the Angiography Scoring for Uveitis Working Group at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months.

Results

The mean follow-up time with TCZ treatment was 33 months. At baseline, the median FA score was 14 (quartiles: 10.25, 15.25), which significantly decreased over time (at 36 months: 8 (5.5, 11); p = 0.004). In contrast, the ICGA score significantly increased within the first year (median at baseline: 5 (4.75, 7.25); at 6 months: 7 (6, 9.25); at 12 months: 7 (6.5, 9.25); p = 0.002), but returned to baseline levels after two years (at 24 months: 5 (5, 6.5); at 36 months: 5.5 (4, 7.5)). Central retinal thickness (CRT) improved significantly after 6 months (median at baseline: 295 µm (275, 322); at 6 months: 275 µm (251, 308); p = 0.01).

Conclusion

TCZ is effective in reducing retinal vasculitis and CRT in refractory Birdshot uveitis over time, but might be less effective in managing choroidal inflammation. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment strategies for TCZ therapy in NIU.
Preferences for attributes of an artificial intelligence-based risk assessment tool for HIV and sexually transmitted infections: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Latt Phyu M. , Soe Nyi N. , King Alicia J. , Lee David , Phillips Tiffany R. , Xu Xianglong , Chow Eric P. F. , Fairley Christopher K. , Zhang Lei , Ong Jason J.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Early detection and treatment of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are crucial for effective control. We previously developed MySTIRisk, an artificial intelligence-based risk tool that predicts the risk of HIV and STIs. We examined the attributes that encourage potential users to use it.

Methods

Between January and March 2024, we sent text message invitations to the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) attendees to participate in an online survey. We also advertised the survey on social media, the clinic's website, and posters in affiliated general practice clinics. This anonymous survey used a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to examine which MySTIRisk attributes would encourage potential users. We analysed the data using random parameters logit (RPL) and latent class analysis (LCA) models.

Results

The median age of 415 participants was 31 years (interquartile range, 26–38 years), with a minority of participants identifying as straight or heterosexual (31.8%, n = 132). The choice to use MySTIRisk was most influenced by two attributes: cost and accuracy, followed by the availability of a pathology request form, level of anonymity, speed of receiving results, and whether the tool was a web or mobile application. LCA revealed two classes: "The Precisionists" (66.0% of respondents), who demanded high accuracy and "The Economists" (34.0% of respondents), who prioritised low cost. Simulations predicted a high uptake (97.7%) for a tool designed with the most preferred attribute levels, contrasting with lower uptake (22.3%) for the least preferred design.

Conclusions

Participants were more likely to use MySTIRisk if it was free, highly accurate, and could send pathology request forms. Tailoring the tool to distinct user segments could enhance its uptake and effectiveness in promoting early detection and prevention of HIV and STIs.
Perceived stress among graduate students in health sciences at a military university: a mixed-method approach
Authors: Mushtaq Omar , Soh Michael , Dong Ting , Durning Steven J. , Melton John , McCants Khalilah M. , Taylor Laura , Baumann Laura , Olapeju Bolanle
Published: November 2024

Background

There is a gap in the literature about the experiences of active-duty military students pursuing a graduate degree in health sciences at a university that emphasizes a military context. This exploratory study investigates how graduate students navigate stress in the context of a military university.

Method

The study applied a mixed-methods approach including a survey (N = 59) and in-depth interviews (N = 16) of students enrolled in a graduate program at the School of Medicine (368 students) and School of Nursing (187 students). Survey data was collected via email blasts to various health science departments. In the survey, students could opt-in to complete in-depth interviews. Survey data were analyzed using cross-tabulations while a transcendental phenomenological approach was employed to code and analyze qualitative data.

Results

Survey findings showed that more civilian students (70.6%) felt more noticeably and severely stressed than their active-duty counterparts (64.3%). Active-duty students were more likely to see their grades as a source of stress (76.2%) than their civilian counterparts (64.7%). Active-duty students were less likely to see finances as a source of stress (67.7%) than their civilian counterparts. Active-duty students were not as connected to their families and friends as their civilian counterparts were. The interviews found that active-duty students anticipated the coursework and were adept at juggling multiple demands; whereas, the civilian students centered their concerns around culture and collaboration. Active-duty students saw their program as less of a “big deal;” whereas, civilian students highlighted how they were concerned about the program and financial situations. Active-duty students relied on technical knowledge to understand their well-being; whereas, civilian students understood their well-being in holistic terms. Active-duty students focused on the idea of the individual, and how they take personal responsibility; whereas, civilian students focused more on self-care and compassion.

Conclusion

The study found how civilian and active-duty students experienced stress, stressors, and other aspects that contextualize their experience with stress. Study findings may inform the design of interventions to improve student well-being and resilience mechanisms among similar graduate school contexts.
Schools of public health as a cornerstone for pandemic preparedness and response: the Africa COVID-19 experience
Authors: Ndejjo Rawlance , Mitonga Honore Kabwebwe , Amde Woldekidan , Lubega Grace Biyinzika , Muula Adamson S. , Mariam Damen Haile , Kabwama Steven N. , Patrick Sean Mark , Haufiku Desderius , Amour Maryam , Bosonkie Marc , Mukama Trasias , Bello Segun , Dwomoh Duah , Nja Glory Mbe Egom , Bulafu Douglas , Halake Dabo Galgalo , Frumence Gasto , Leye Mamadou Makhtar Mbacke , Katangolo-Nakashwa Ndasilohenda , Abaya Samson Wakuma , Diallo Issakha , Egbende Landry , Worku Netsanet , Bassoum Oumar , Mbunga Branly , Musoke David , Mohamed Hussein , Seck Ibrahima , Fobil Julius , Kiwanuka Suzanne N. , Fawole Olufunmilayo I. , Mapatano Mala Ali , Alfven Tobias , Gilson Lucy , Syombua Muinde Jacinta Victoria , van Marwijk Harm , Lehmann Uta , Speybroeck Niko , Kaseje Margaret , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: November 2024

Background

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused significant morbidity and mortality in Africa, in addition to other socio-economic consequences. Across the continent, Schools of Public Health (SPHs) played several roles in supporting national, regional, and global response to the pandemic. Following a published and grey literature search, this paper reviews and analyses the contribution of SPHs in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contribution of the Schools of Public Health

SPH faculty in most countries contributed their expertise through COVID-19 task forces and advisory committees where they guided and supported decision-making. Faculty also supported the identification, review, and synthesis of rapidly evolving global and local evidence, adapting it to the local context to guide policy decisions. Through research, SPHs contributed to a better understanding of the disease epidemiology, response interventions, as well as prevention and control measures. SPHs engaged in training field epidemiologists, frontline health workers, and district response teams. SPH staff, students and field epidemiology trainees also supported field activities including surveillance, contact tracing, as well as managing quarantine facilities and points of entry. SPHs engaged in public education and awareness-raising initiatives to share information and dispel misinformation. In partnership with other stakeholders, SPHs also developed important innovations and technologies.

Conclusion

SPHs are a critical pillar for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, that support health systems with important functions. To further enhance their capacity, efforts to improve coordination of SPHs, strengthen collaboration among schools, harmonize training and curricula, and enhance capacity for advanced research are needed. There is also a need to bridge the inequities in capacity and resources that exist among SPHs across regions and countries.
Advancing understanding of human variability through toxicokinetic modeling, in vitro-in vivo extrapolation, and new approach methodologies
Authors: Kreutz Anna , Chang Xiaoqing , Hogberg Helena T. , Wetmore Barbara A.
Published: November 2024

The merging of physiology and toxicokinetics, or pharmacokinetics, with computational modeling to characterize dosimetry has led to major advances for both the chemical and pharmaceutical research arenas. Driven by the mutual need to estimate internal exposures where in vivo data generation was simply not possible, the application of toxicokinetic modeling has grown exponentially in the past 30 years. In toxicology the need has been the derivation of quantitative estimates of toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic variability to evaluate the suitability of the tenfold uncertainty factor employed in risk assessment decision-making. Consideration of a host of physiologic, ontogenetic, genetic, and exposure factors are all required for comprehensive characterization. Fortunately, the underlying framework of physiologically based toxicokinetic models can accommodate these inputs, in addition to being amenable to capturing time-varying dynamics. Meanwhile, international interest in advancing new approach methodologies has fueled the generation of in vitro toxicity and toxicokinetic data that can be applied in in vitro-in vivo extrapolation approaches to provide human-specific risk-based information for historically data-poor chemicals. This review will provide a brief introduction to the structure and evolution of toxicokinetic and physiologically based toxicokinetic models as they advanced to incorporate variability and a wide range of complex exposure scenarios. This will be followed by a state of the science update describing current and emerging experimental and modeling strategies for population and life-stage variability, including the increasing application of in vitro-in vivo extrapolation with physiologically based toxicokinetic models in pharmaceutical and chemical safety research. The review will conclude with case study examples demonstrating novel applications of physiologically based toxicokinetic modeling and an update on its applications for regulatory decision-making. Physiologically based toxicokinetic modeling provides a sound framework for variability evaluation in chemical risk assessment.
Muscularity-oriented disordered eating: investigating body image concerns and the moderating role of emotion dysregulation in cyclists
Authors: Mazaraki Jack , Bussey Kay , Cunningham Mitchell , Jewell Tom , Trompeter Nora
Published: November 2024

A lean muscular body of low weight is often associated with performance for cyclists and can be difficult to achieve. Disordered eating for some cyclists may develop in the pursuit of lean muscularity which is perceived to be beneficial to performance. Further, emotion dysregulation may exacerbate negative feelings about body image, increasing the risk of developing disordered eating as a means of controlling weight and shape. While research in athlete populations has been substantial, disordered eating in cyclists is relatively under-explored. The current study examined whether shape and weight concern and drive for leanness were associated with muscularity-oriented disordered eating and whether these relationships were moderated by emotion dysregulation. Interactions between these factors were also investigated. Participants were 139 Australian competitive cyclists (112 males, 27 females, aged 18–68 years) who completed a self-report questionnaire comprised of measures of shape and weight concern, drive for leanness, muscularity-oriented eating and emotion dysregulation variables. Both shape and weight concern and drive for leanness had a unique association with muscularity-oriented disordered eating. Emotion dysregulation was found to have a unique association with muscularity-oriented disordered eating when controlling for drive for leanness, but not when shape and weight concern was controlled. Additionally, emotion dysregulation moderated the association between shape and weight concern and muscularity-oriented disordered eating, whereby the relationship was intensified at higher levels of emotion dysregulation. Our study has extended the literature by indicating that cyclists’ desire to attain a lean body is associated with muscularity-oriented disordered eating. Further, emotion dysregulation moderated this link, suggesting it could be a maintaining factor worth addressing.
Depression like-behavior and memory loss induced by methylglyoxal is associated with tryptophan depletion and oxidative stress: a new in vivo model of neurodegeneration
Authors: Md. Samsuzzaman  , Hong Seong-Min , Lee Jae Hyuk , Park Hyunjun , Chang Keun-A , Kim Hyun-Bum , Park Myoung Gyu , Eo Hyeyoon , Oh Myung Sook , Kim Sun Yeou
Published: November 2024

Background

Depression and memory loss are prevalent neurodegenerative disorders, with diabetic patients facing an elevated risk of brain dysfunction. Methylglyoxal (MGO) formation, which is heightened in diabetes owing to hyperglycemia and gut dysbiosis, may serve as a critical link between diabetes and brain diseases. Despite the high prevalence of MGO, the precise mechanisms underlying MGO-induced depression and memory loss remain unclear.

Results

We investigated the effect of MGO stress on depression like-behavior and memory loss to elucidate the potential interplay between MGO-induced tryptophan (Trp) metabolism impairment and oxidative stress in the brain. It demonstrates that MGO induces depression-like behavior in mice, as confirmed by the OFT, TST, FST, SPT, and EPM behavioral tests. MGO led to the depletion of Trp and related neurotransmitters as 5-HT, EPI, and DA in the mouse brain. Additionally, MGO reduced the cell count in the DG, CA1, and CA3 hippocampal regions and modulated TPH2 levels in the brain. Notably, co-treatment with MGO and Trp mirrored the effects observed after Trp-null treatment in neurons, including reduced TPH1 and TPH2 levels and inhibition of neuronal outgrowth. Furthermore, MGO significantly altered the expression of key proteins associated with neurodegeneration, such as p-Tau, p-GSK-3β, APP, oAβ, BDNF, NGF, and p-TrkB. Concurrently, MGO activated MAPKs through ROS induction, triggering a redox imbalance by downregulating Nrf-2, Ho-1, TXNRD1, Trx, Sirt-3, and Sirt-5 expression levels, NAD+, and CAT activity in the mouse brain. This led to an accelerated neuroinflammatory response, as evidenced by increased expression of Iba-1, p-NF-κB, and the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α. Importantly, Trp treatment ameliorated MGO-induced depression like-behavior and memory loss in mice and markedly mitigated increased expression of p-Tau, APP, p-ERK1/2, p-pJNK, and p-NF-κB in the brain. Likewise, Trp treatment also induced the expression of MGO detoxifying factors GLO-I and GLO-II and CAT activity, suggesting the induction of an antioxidant system and reduced inflammation by inhibiting IL-6 and TNF-α secretion.

Conclusions

Our data revealed that MGO-induced depression like-behavior and memory deficits resulted from disturbances in Trp, 5-HT, BDNF, and NGF levels, increased p-Tau and APP expression, neuroinflammation, and impaired redox status (Nrf-2/Ho-1/TXNRD1/Sirt3/5) in the brain.
New insights on the Xylaria species (Ascomycota, Xylariales) with bright-coloured exudates: Xylaria aurantiorubroguttata sp. nov. and revision of X. haemorrhoidalis and X. anisopleura type collections
Authors: Forin Niccolò , Vizzini Alfredo , Amalfi Mario , Voyron Samuele , Ercole Enrico , Marcolini Simone , Moschin Silvia , Baldan Barbara
Published: November 2024

A new species of Xylaria is described based on morphological characters of both sexual and asexual morphs, and molecular data based on nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer, α-actin, β-tubulin and RNA polymerase subunit II sequences. Xylaria aurantiorubroguttata is characterized by the presence of both upright, cylindrical, long-stipitate and globose to subglobose, short-stipitate stromata, immature stromatal stages producing at first orange and then red drops, and ascospores with a slightly oblique, straight half spore-length germ slit. We provide also new morphological descriptions for X. haemorrhoidalis (holotype) and X. anisopleura (isosyntype), two Xylaria species belonging to X. polymorpha complex together with X. aurantiorubroguttata.
Computational and experimental insights into glycyrrhizin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers: docking, dynamics, design optimization, and anticancer efficacy in lung cancer cells
Authors: Kumar Amit , Tiwari Abhishek , Tiwari Varsha
Published: November 2024

Background

Lung cancer (LC) remains a predominant global health concern, especially with escalating tobacco-smoking rates. Present study provides computational screening, molecular dynamics, DFT and simulation analysis of phytoconstituents on EGFR receptors (2ITY and W2O), followed by selection of highest docking score phytoconstituents among 45 for further analysis. The formulation was optimized by Central composite design. Nanostructured-lipid carriers were prepared by high-speed homogenization, combining a 1:1 ratio of liquid lipid (Castor oil) and melted solid lipid (glyceryl monostearate) with 4% surfactant (tween 80) in a water phase containing Glycyrrhizin. The resulting mixture underwent high-speed homogenization at 8000 rpm for 40 min, followed by sonication for 15 min to achieve formulation development of GNLC. The anticancer potential of GNLC have been proved by experimental analysis through MTT assay using A549 Cell lines.

Results

Glycyrrhizin was found to possess maximum docking score − 8.863 and − 8.837 on both 2ITY and W2O respectively. The study unveils Glycyrrhizin’s interactions with EGFR pivotal in cancer progression and treatment. Molecular dynamics simulations highlighted the structural and dynamic interactions within a protein–ligand complex, indicating both stability and flexibility characteristics. DFT analysis of Glycyrrhizin revealed its molecular properties, suggesting stability and potential reactivity. Glycyrrhizin loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (GNLC) have been developed and analysed by various parameters like particle size and drug release zeta potential, SEM analysis, and solubility analysis reveals critical insights into their optimization for effective drug delivery. Both GNLC and Doxorubicin (0.78–50 µg/ml) were used for the activity. The anticancer potential at 12.50, 25 and 50 µg/ml pf GNLC was found to be statistically significant and was comparable with that of standard group Doxorubicin. The observed structural transformations in Glycyrrhizin into a lipid matrix indicate potential enhancements in its drug release.

Conclusions

GNLC shows promising anti-cancer potential in lung cancer, further pre-clinical and clinical studies, is crucial to validate its efficacy, safety, and integration into standard therapeutic regimens.

Graphical abstract
Integrating the Q-factor well-to-seismic tie with a k-means clustering evaluation for enhanced geologic interpretation: A case study of the North Viking Graben data set in the North Sea
Authors: Amanajas Carlos E. , de Figueiredo Jose J. S. , de Macedo Isadora A. S. , Oliveira Francisco de S. , Teruya Jorge A.
Published: November 2024

This work investigates the influence of precise Q-factor estimation on seismic wavelet estimation, which plays an essential role in rectifying attenuation and distortion in subsurface feature mapping. The Q-factor has a substantial impact on the identification of geologic characteristics and the alignment of seismic and well-log data. We use the peak frequency shift (PFS) methodology, incorporating a redatuming operator to change the Q-factor, in conjunction with sparse-spike and homomorphic deconvolution methods to determine the wavelet. The aforementioned techniques are used on a 2D seismic line located in the North Viking Graben, North Sea. This analysis is combined with the well data and verified through the process of comparing the well data with seismic data. The incorporation of the redatuming operator into the PFS approach effectively minimized the distortions caused by depth variations, whereas sparse-spike deconvolution demonstrated its superiority in intricate geologic structures. The recovery of reflectivity for each segment enabled the precise characterization of lithology. The study indicates that the accurate prediction of the Q-factor improves the interpretation of seismic data, especially in places with complicated geologic features. The integration of many approaches enhanced the precision of subsurface maps, whereas the application of k-means clustering analysis on the lithology and the pore fluid data yielded a more profound understanding of geologic characteristics and hydrocarbon reservoirs.