bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the prevalence and disparities of heart failure in patients with lung cancer and the associated risk factor analysis.
Authors: Vinagolu-Baur Julia , Javaid Saad , Frasier Kelly , Li Vivian , Ortega Yaguachi Nataly , Rodriguez Evadne , Del Castillo Olivia , Batista Raquel , Jonas Kenlee , Palma Laura
Published: June 2024

12028

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Previous studies have suggested that patients with lung cancers are at increased risk of cardiovascular comorbidities that increase the risk of death in these patients. We studied the disparities in the prevalence of heart failure and risk factor analysis in lung cancer patients. Methods: We utilized the National Inpatient sample (2019-2020) to identify the patients who were admitted with a primary diagnosis of lung cancer (local/regional + advanced metastatic disease) and had a concurrent diagnosis of Heart Failure (HF). Baseline demographic characteristics were analyzed to determine the disparities in the prevalence of HF in lung cancer patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to assess the association of heart failure with lung cancer. Results: A total of 221320 patients had lung cancer, and 25495 had concurrent HF. The mean age of patients with and without HF was 73 and 68, respectively, p<0.001. HF patients had a greater percentage of males than females (55% vs 44%, P<0.001). Female patients were less likely to have HF (OR=0.82(0.77-0.88), p<0.001), and older age was associated with increased risk of HF in lung cancer patients (46-64 years, OR=8.23(1.13-59.49), p=0.03, >65 years OR=15.08(2.07-109), p=0.007). In Lung cancer patients hyperlipidemia had the greatest risk of association with HF (OR=1.85(1.71-1.99), p<0.001), followed by obesity (OR=1.78(1.60-1.99), p<0.001), Diabetes (OR=1.70(1.56-1.85), p<0.001), End stage renal disease (OR=1.61(1.25-2.06), p<0.001) and COPD(OR=1.45(1.34-1.56), p<0.001). Hypertension was associated with decreased odds of HF (OR=0.01(0.01-0.015), p<0.001). Compared to the white population, the Black race had increased odds of association with HF (OR=1.40(1.25-1.56), p<0.001). Compared to Medicare, patients with Medicaid and private insurance were less likely to have HF (OR 0.76(0.65-0.89), p=0.001; OR=0.59(0.52-0.66), p<0.001, respectively). Patients in high-income groups had decreased likelihood of concurrent HF ($65,000-$85,999, OR=0.88(0.80-0.98), p=0.02 and >$86,000, OR=0.88(0.78-0.99), p=0.04). Conclusions: Lung cancer patients of Black race, older age, and those with medicare insurance are at a higher risk of developing heart failure. The presence of hyperlipidemia, obesity, diabetes, end-stage renal disease, and COPD is considered to be among the most significant risk factors for the development of heart failure in lung cancer patients. Addressing underlying risk factors can enhance patient outcomes and promote overall quality of life in patients with lung cancer.
Cannabis use for cancer-related symptoms in rural versus urban Minnesota.
Authors: Borrero Maria , Jewett Patricia , Zylla Dylan M. , Parsons Helen M. , Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y , Blaes Anne Hudson
Published: June 2024

12078

Background: Minnesota currently has a medical cannabis program and recently legalized recreational cannabis in 2023. Evidence suggests that cannabis may have positive effects on various aspects of a cancer patient's quality of life. However, little is known about any differences in cannabis use between rural and urban cancer patient populations. We compared cannabis use, behaviors, attitudes, access, and associations with cancer-related symptom burden in rural versus urban Minnesotans with cancer. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey between 2021 and 2022. Study participants were adults diagnosed in 2018-2019 with cancer and treated at an academic cancer center and its community clinic affiliates in Minnesota. Participants were sent self-administered surveys. 775 surveys were completed and returned. Analysis was restricted to 688 who reported residential ZIP codes to classify them as living in urban versus rural areas based on ZIP-code level Rural Urban Commuting Area codes. Our primary outcomes were cannabis use and perceptions. Secondary outcomes included patterns of use, behavior, attitudes, and self-reported symptom burden. Results: Of 688 participants, 54% were classified as rural and 46% as urban. Of all respondents across both groups, 60% reported never using cannabis, 56% reported cannabis use during cancer treatment, and 21% reported use since cancer diagnosis. The majority of respondents in both groups believed there are potential benefits of cannabis. Those in the urban group reported greater interest in trying medical cannabis in the future compared with rural group. The majority of respondents reported never discussing cannabis use with their healthcare provider, and even fewer reported their provider recommending cannabis to them. Both urban and rural groups reported improvement in pain, stress, insomnia, appetite, and digestion. The rural group experienced more improvement in fatigue and stress compared to the urban group. Nearly no one reported worsening of any symptoms measures after the use of cannabis. Conclusions: Cannabis use, perceptions, and attitudes were overall similar in a cohort of rural and urban patients with cancer. Both groups experienced significant cancer related symptom burden improvement after use of cannabis. While the urban cohort showed greater interest in future cannabis use, the rural cohort reported greatest benefits in relief of stress and fatigue after cannabis use, two important measures of quality of life. Our data suggest that providers rarely recommend or talk about cannabis use to cancer patients. [Table: see text]
The role of personalized therapy in cancer associated depression among 10,673 patients.
Authors: Elnashar Ghada , Jhun Ellie H. , Walker Jason , England Julie , Tam Victor , Jennissen Cathryn , Twist Greyson , Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza , Kelley James Michael
Published: June 2024

12108

Background: Pharmacogenomics can help reduce the trial and error of antidepressant management in cancer patients. Depression is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Additionally genetic variation can affect metabolism for many antidepressants in various ways. CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 impact the pharmacokinetics of anti-depressants, which normally take weeks before clinical outcomes are achieved. Here we underline actionable phenotype frequencies stratified by ethnicity/race for CYP2C19and CYP2D6 in patients investigated for cancer, from a depression standpoint. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 10,673 patients genotyped for CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 was conducted (OneOme LLC, Minneapolis, MN). 1,616 tests were found to be ordered by oncologists and analyzed separately as a sample subset. Phenotype and allele frequencies were calculated and compared to self-reported ethnicity/race. Results: See table. Conclusions: This is the largest cohort to date to our knowledge that looks at the role of personalized therapy in cancer associated depression. Our data show that different tested ethnic group can show a predilection towards certain metabolic patterns. PMs may experience an increased risk of side effects with antidepressant therapy, whereas UMs may observe a reduction in treatment efficacy. Utilizing PGx to guide drug selection and dosing for cancer patients with depression can reduce trial and error, limit the burden of a very debilitating disease, and improve patients’ quality of life. Since our analyses showed very similar frequencies, we speculate that cancer patients suffering from depression can benefit from early identification. [Table: see text]
Examining patient preferences in the delivery of healthcare education.
Authors: Dvorak Tomas , Skinner Lauren , Valentin Leticia , Hajdenberg Julio
Published: June 2024

12113

Background: Important component of patient-centered care includes providing patient education. While traditionally provided on paper, electronic methods are becoming increasingly common. In this study, we evaluated a socially assistive robot (SAR Robot) delivering education information to patients via narration of a video, compared with same information provided via a paper-based brochure (Brochure). Methods: The study was a 2-arm, unblinded, randomized trial with a cross-over design, approved by local IRB. Arm 1 was Brochure first, followed by SAR Robot, and Arm 2 was SAR Robot first, followed by a paper Brochure. Questionnaires were completed after each step. The education information provided was on "Diet and Cancer", and the Brochure and the SAR Robot video were adapted from the same script developed by the study authors. Likert scale was used to assess effectiveness of each method and the enjoyment of the SAR Robot experience. Statistics were performed to assess for significance. Results: Between 2021 and 2023, 129 patients were enrolled at Orlando Health Cancer Institute, randomized to Arm 1 (n=64) vs Arm 2 (n=65); 122 patients were analyzable. There were no differences in demographics. Brochure was judged to be Very Effective by 50% in Arm 1 (Brochure first) and 63% in Arm 2 (Brochure second). SAR Robot was judged to be Very Effective by 60% in Arm 1 and 60% in Arm 2. Composite rates of Effective or Very Effective were 97% for Brochure and 88% for Robot SAR. Patients and guests preferred Brochure in 27% in Arm 1 and 17% in Arm 2. They preferred the SAR Robot in 39% in Arm 1 and 42% in Arm 2. They preferred both in 34% and 42%, and of these majority preferred the SAR Robot for explanation and Brochure to take home. There was no statistical difference between arms in effectiveness. There were no differences across demographics. Answering the "My experience with the SAR Robot today was enjoyable" question, 47% of patients responded Strongly Agree, and further 41% responded Agree, 11% were Neutral, and only 1% responded Disagree. There was a significant correlation between enjoying the SAR Robot experience and effectiveness of the SAR Robot; there was no correlation between enjoying the SAR Robot experience and effectiveness of the Brochure. There was no statistical correlation between enjoying the SAR Rabot experience and demographics. Conclusions: Patient reported no significant difference in effectiveness of obtaining education information via a standard paper brochure or from a socially assisted robot. However, they preferred to receive that information from the socially assisted robot, or in combination with the paper brochure to take home. Significant majority of them (88%) enjoyed the socially assisted robot experience during their visit. Providing patient education materials via socially assisted robots may improve patient experience during their clinic visit, without compromising the quality of their education.
Intraoperative Hypotension in Patients Having Major Noncardiac Surgery Under General Anesthesia: A Systematic Review of Blood Pressure Optimization Strategies
Authors: Lee Sandra , Islam Nehal , Ladha Karim S. , van Klei Wilton , Wijeysundera Duminda N.
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Intraoperative hypotension is associated with increased risks of postoperative complications. Consequently, a variety of blood pressure optimization strategies have been tested to prevent or promptly treat intraoperative hypotension. We performed a systematic review to summarize randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of blood pressure optimization interventions in either mitigating exposure to intraoperative hypotension or reducing risks of postoperative complications.

METHODS:

Medline, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials were searched from database inception to August 2, 2023, for randomized controlled trials (without language restriction) that evaluated the impact of any blood pressure optimization intervention on intraoperative hypotension and/or postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS:

The review included 48 studies (N = 46,377), which evaluated 10 classes of blood pressure optimization interventions. Commonly assessed interventions included hemodynamic protocols using arterial waveform analysis, preoperative withholding of antihypertensive medications, continuous blood pressure monitoring, and adjuvant agents (vasopressors, anticholinergics, anticonvulsants). These same interventions reduced intraoperative exposure to hypotension. Conversely, low blood pressure alarms had an inconsistent impact on exposure to hypotension. Aside from limited evidence that higher prespecified intraoperative blood pressure targets led to a reduced risk of complications, there were few data suggesting that these interventions prevented postoperative complications. Heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes precluded meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Several different blood pressure optimization interventions show promise in reducing exposure to intraoperative hypotension. Nonetheless, the impact of these interventions on clinical outcomes remains unclear. Future trials should assess promising interventions in samples sufficiently large to identify clinically plausible treatment effects on important outcomes.

KEY POINTS

Question:

In patients having inpatient noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia, do blood pressure optimization interventions reduce exposure to intraoperative hypotension and/or risks of postoperative complications?

Findings:

Of the 10 classes of blood pressure evaluated by randomized controlled trials, almost all reduced exposure to intraoperative hypotension but there remains minimal evidence that the same interventions reduce risks of postoperative complications.

Meaning:

High-quality randomized trials remain needed to determine whether promising blood pressure optimization interventions have clinically plausible treatment effects on important adverse postoperative outcomes.
Exploring the cultural portrayal of Vietnamese teachers: an analytical study of professional identity in Vietnamese teaching-themed songs
Authors: Le Thanh Thao , Phuong Hoang Yen , Pham Trut Thuy , Tran Ngoc Bao-Chau , Nguyen Thi Thuy-Linh
Published: June 2024

Background This study delves into the cultural portrayal of teachers in Vietnam, a subject critical to understanding the broader role of educators in shaping societal and educational values. Through an analysis of song lyrics, the research aims to uncover how the professional identity of teachers is reflected and shaped within the unique cultural context of Vietnam. Methods A qualitative approach underpins this study, utilizing theoretical frameworks such as Constructivist Grounded Theory, Sociocultural Theory, Symbolic Interactionism, and Hermeneutic Phenomenology. Twelve Vietnamese songs specifically about teachers were selected for analysis. These songs were carefully chosen to provide a diverse and representative sample of the cultural portrayal of teachers in Vietnam. The project spanned from January 1st until February 21st, 2024. Results The analysis revealed several key themes that collectively characterize the professional identity of Vietnamese teachers. These include ‘Sacrifice and Dedication,’ highlighting the commitment and perseverance of teachers; ‘Respect and Reverence,’ reflecting the deep societal respect for the teaching profession; ‘Nurturing and Inspiration,’ depicting teachers as cultivators of dreams and moral values; ‘Enduring Impact and Memory,’ emphasizing the long-lasting influence of teachers on their students; ‘Teacher as a Guiding Figure,’ portraying the role of teachers as key moral and cultural guides; and ‘Emotional Connection and Affection,’ underlining the deep emotional bonds between teachers and students. Conclusions The study’s findings underscore the significant role of cultural and emotional factors in shaping the professional identity of teachers in Vietnam. These themes highlight the multifaceted role of teachers that transcends academic teaching, involving personal development, cultural transmission, and emotional nurturing. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, suggesting that educational policies and teacher education programs need to consider these cultural and emotional dimensions. Additionally, the study highlights the power of cultural artifacts, like music, in reflecting and shaping societal values and professional identities.
Optimization of timing for maternal immunization to protect newborns from influenza infection
Authors: Wahab Eyad Rabih Abdul , Khalifa Ahmad , Alessi Alexander Warren , Saeed Mohammed , Tahhan Owais , Khan Sidra Bukhtiar , Khalifa Hamza
Published: June 2024

Objectives The primary objective of this systematic review was to identify the optimal timing for immunizing pregnant women to confer the most protection by reducing the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza or influenza-like illness in infants less than 6 months of age. Currently, there are gaps in research regarding the timing of administration during the gestational period to provide maximum immunogenicity to the infant. The research question being addressed is: ‘When considering immunization of pregnant mothers with the influenza vaccine, implementing a vaccination program during which trimester in pregnancy would optimize benefits for infants less than 6 months of age in terms of the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza and influenza-like illness?’ Design Systematic review/Meta-analysis Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCT’s) and observational studies comparing health outcomes of infants and children up to 6 months of age born to women who received inactivated influenza vaccine during pregnancy with mothers who did not receive the vaccine or received a control vaccine. The primary outcome was laboratory-confirmed influenza infection in infants. Secondary outcome measures included influenza –like illness diagnosed by a clinician and acute respiratory illness. Results 7 studies were included: 2 primary RCT’s and 5 observational studies (prospective and retrospective cohort studies).5 of the 7 studies were suitable to be included in the quantitative synthesis part and and were compared. Forrest plot analysis revealed that vaccinating pregnant mothers in the second and third trimester when compared with any trimester (1,2 and 3) (OR 0.18 vs. 0.65) conferred less protection, promoting vaccination in the first trimester. Conclusions Vaccinating pregnant mothers in the first trimester conferred greater protection to infants than any other trimester.
The genome sequence of the Small Brindled Beauty moth, Apocheima hispidaria (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: June 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Apocheima hispidaria (the Small Brindled Beauty; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence is 419.7 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 29 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.31 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,356 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the greater thorn-tipped longhorn beetle, Pogonocherus hispidulus (Piller & Mitterpacher, 1783)
Authors: McCulloch James ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: June 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Pogonocherus hispidulus (the greater thorn-tipped longhorn beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Cerambycidae). The genome sequence is 704.4 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Y and X sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.92 kilobases in length.
A checklist of algae from Afghanistan
Authors: Çelekli Abuzer , Mohammadi Mostafa
Published: June 2024

This first comprehensive checklist of algae from freshwater and soil in Afghanistan is a significant milestone in understanding the country's biodiversity. It is the result of a collaborative effort by researchers from various institutions. It comprises 398 species belonging to 132 genera and five phyla of algae, with samples collected from 19 regions of Afghanistan. The Nitzschia and Navicula genera have the most significant number of species. The checklist also highlights the sensitivity and threatened status of certain species, such as Achnanthidium gracillimum (F. Meister) Lange-Bertalot, Brachysira serians (Brébisson) Round & D.G. Mann, Diploneis ovalis (Hilse) Cleve, Eunotia praerupta Ehrenberg, Eucocconeis flexella (Kützing) F. Meister. The currently accepted name of species, biological condition gradient of species, the status of species in the Red List of Germany, and trophic weight of some diatom species according to two diatom trophic indices were defined in the checklist. This study is a new start for this field of study and intends to provide the groundwork for further research, which will aid in the work of others interested in this topic.
The Effect of COVID-19 on Cardiovascular Diseases and the Need for Beta-Blocker Dose Modification
Authors: Jędrasek Tomasz , Jędrasek Aleksandra , Gawryś Jakub
Published: June 2024

Introduction and purpose: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its effects on patients remain the main focus of many researchers across the world. One of the challenges faced by medical professionals is the impact of the infection on the course of chronic diseases. Manifestations of the infection are observed mainly in the respiratory system, but other organs, particularly the cardiovascular system, are also frequently affected. Recent data indicates that arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most prevalent comorbidities in patients suffering from SARS-CoV-2 infection.  Material and methods: This study aimed to investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the cardiovascular system. Apart from the literature review we conducted a retrospective study to check the necessity for modification of chronic treatment in patients with CVD after recovery from COVID-19, particularly regarding the use of beta blockers.   Results: Using the Mann-Whitney U test a positive correlation (p = 0.04) was found between the presence of coronary artery disease before COVID-19 and a need for an increase in the beta-blockers dose. Conclusions: Patients with preexisting CVD should be closely monitored during and after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the higher risk of complications and the potential need for modifications in the treatment of chronic diseases. Patients with coronary artery diseases may need an increase in beta-blocker doses after recovery. This is an important issue for future research, especially in the context of long COVID-19.
Tense and lax vowels in the Lahu dialect of Yunshan: A laboratory phonological study
Authors: Liu Yan , Wei Yichen , Luo Yongxian
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: A controversy exists regarding whether there are tense-lax vowels in Lahu and whether tense-lax phonation should be accorded phonological status, an issue that is closely related to the physiological movement of the larynx. This study presents an experimental analysis of the acoustic features of the Lahu dialect of Yunshan, using electroglottography to collect acoustic and physiological data and employing VoiceSauce and Eggworks to extract glottal features to explore laryngeal mode of motion. The study demonstrates a distinct tense-lax phonation contrast in Yunshan Lahu, which is characterized by multiple types of phonation, differences between front and back parts of tense vowels, and equal importance of tense-lax contrast and vowel length. To contribute to a systematic description of Tibeto-Burman language, this paper proposes to treat tense-lax contrast as the main feature in phonological induction, using length as its accompanying feature for explanation. From the perspective of the path of historical evolution, tenseness comes from the loss of plosive codas, and is also closely related to voiced, aspirated initials. In the process of transforming tense-lax features to tones, tense vowels retained their features of tenseness as a result of falling tones.1 摘要: 拉祜语是否有松紧元音区别，如果有，其区别是从什么因素演变而来、 是否具有音位地位，这是一直存有争议的问题，也是一个与喉部运动 模式相关的问题。本研究使用电子声门仪对中国云南省云山拉祜语进 行声学和声门信号采集，使用 VoiceSauce 和 Eggworks 软件进行喉部 声带运动模式分析。研究证明，云山拉祜语在发声态上有清晰的松紧 对立，其特点为松紧包含多种发声态、紧元音前段和后段间有差异， 以及松紧-音长并重。考虑到藏缅语描写的系统性，本文赞成以松紧作 为音系归纳中的主要特征、长短作为其伴随特征进行说明。从历史演 变路径看，紧特征来源于促韵尾的丢失，在演变中与浊音、送气音声 母关系密切。在松紧向声调系统性过渡过程中，降调有利于紧特征的 保留。
Grammaticalized uses of the postverbal locative prepositional phrase in Lianhua Gan
Authors: Hu Xiaojuan
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: The postverbal locative prepositional phrase “Prep+DemLoc” of Lianhua Gan Chinese has been grammaticalized as a postverbal durative marker and a sentence-final mood particle. This study examines the syntactic and semantic properties as well as the grammaticalization of these two uses. The postverbal durative “Prep+DemLoc” is attached to some resultative verb compounds with phase complements that have the semantic features of [+dynamic], [–durative], and [+telic], and expresses the durativity of the resultant states expressed by these RVCs. It forms a contrastive distribution with the perfective marker li . The sentence-final “Prep+DemLoc” fits with the distributional and functional properties of a typical sentence-final particle in Chinese. It takes the preceding clause in its scope and can co-occur with other sentence-final particles in a restricted order. It is used to express the subjective mood meaning of emphasizing the existence of the state of affairs expressed by the preceding clause and facilitate the conversation by taking on the discourse function of gaining strength to the speaker’s communicative intention that can be implicit or explicit in the conversation. Based on the synchronic data, I reconstruct two probable pathways of the postverbal “Prep+DemLoc” in Lianhua Gan, i.e., “Locative > Durative > Mood” and “Locative > Mood”. The significance of this study mainly lies in its implications for cross-dialectal comparative studies on the counterparts of the postverbal “Prep+DemLoc” in other Chinese dialects. 摘要: 莲花赣语中位于动词后的处所介词结构“介词+处所指示代词”发展出了持续体标记和句末语气词两种虚化用法。本文关注这两个虚化用法的句法语义特征及其语法化过程。持续体标记用法主要依附于一些包含动相补语的动结式，表示动结式所表达的结果状态正在持续。句末语气词用法符合一般句末语气词的句法语义特征，主要用于强调小句所表达的事态，为说话人的交际意图提供依据和增强语力。基于对共时语料的分析，本文构拟出两条可能平行存在的语法化路径：处所>持续>语气、处所>语气。通过对莲花赣语的充分研究，本文希望能为汉语动后处所结构多功能性和语法化的跨方言比较研究提供更细致的描写框架。
Smartphone applications supporting self-management programme for adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Scoping Review
Authors: Glynn Lisa , Mc Cann Margaret , Mc Cabe Catherine
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) significantly impacts on both the quality and quantity of life for patients due to frequent exacerbations requiring hospital admissions resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. A self-management programme purpose is to increase one’s knowledge, confidence, and skills to self-manage their chronic illness such as COPD. Objective: The objective of this review will therefore answer the following research question: What is the current literature pertaining to the use of a smartphone app in supporting a comprehensive self-management programme among COPD patients? A preliminary search was conducted in, Medline, Embase and CINAHL databases to ascertain index terms and keywords. Following this a rigorous search was carried out on Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and ASSIA. The findings from this search are presented in tabular form using the PRSIMA flow diagram. Results: In this review, fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Across all studies participants engaged with the app and developed self-management skills and knowledge to manage their chronic illness. However, engagement with the app without third party involvement declined over time. Technical issues did not cause harm to participants but in some cases contributed to reduced engagement. Smartphone self-management apps empowered a cohort of COPD participants to engage in managing their chronic illness which proved useful in detecting exacerbations earlier resulting in reducing the need for hospitalisations over a three-to-six-month period. By reducing hospitalisations incurred a cost savings for health care and an improved quality and quantity of life for these participants. Conclusion: It is evident from the literature that smartphone self-management apps may positively influence participants self-management decisions in terms of knowledge, increase physical activity, self-efficacy that may result in reduced hospitalisation and improved quality of life. It is clear that technical issues and sustained engagement over longer periods of time remains a challenge.
South Asia’s unprotected poor: A systematic review of why social protection programs fail to reach their potential
Authors: Javed Warda , Mumtaz Zubia
Published: June 2024

The incongruity between South Asia’s economic growth and extreme poverty has led to a growing interest in social protection and subsequent implementation of anti-poverty initiatives. However, many programs have consistently fallen short of their full potential in reaching the poor. We reviewed the literature to understand the factors behind this failure. A search of EconLit, Global Health Database, MEDLINE and SocINDEX, supplemented by an external search, yielded 42 papers evaluating 23 programs. Inclusion criteria included social and political determinants of program outcomes. Articles were assessed for quality using the GRADE and GRADE CERQual criteria and analyzed using Thomas & Harding’s thematic synthesis approach. We identified five themes: (1) structurally flawed program theories overlook the complexities of poverty and are rooted in simplistic cause-and-effect approaches; (2) elite capture through appropriation of benefits, powerful positioning in program implementation, and gatekeeping through relationships of patronage; (3) insufficient targeting strategies to reach the poorest; (4) neglect of gendered restrictions, hidden costs, lack of legal documentation, and physical and social exclusion; (5) active self-exclusion from social protection to maintain dignity, a perception that programs are substandard, and a lack of resources required. The review highlights the well-documented disconnect between South Asian social protection program designs and the ground realities of their ‘ideal’ beneficiaries. This stems from a dominance of Western-led poverty discourse that disregards the influence of caste, the challenge of effective engagement with a group whose identity remains unclear, and fast-paced funding calls that do not lend themselves to meaningful identification and collaboration with the invisible poor. We suggest this disconnect is intentional and reflects a broader power dynamic rooted in geopolitical interests and national priorities. Study limitations reflect the shortcomings of the existing literature, which largely uses quantitative research methods that fail to capture the multidimensional experiences of the poor.
Feasibility of ultrasound radiomics based models for classification of liver fibrosis due to Schistosoma japonicum infection
Authors: Guo Zhaoyu , Zhao Miaomiao , Liu Zhenhua , Zheng Jinxin , Gong Yanfeng , Huang Lulu , Xue Jingbo , Zhou Xiaonong , Li Shizhu
Published: June 2024

Background

Schistosomiasis japonica represents a significant public health concern in South Asia. There is an urgent need to optimize existing schistosomiasis diagnostic techniques. This study aims to develop models for the different stages of liver fibrosis caused by Schistosoma infection utilizing ultrasound radiomics and machine learning techniques.

Methods

From 2018 to 2022, we retrospectively collected data on 1,531 patients and 5,671 B-mode ultrasound images from the Second People’s Hospital of Duchang City, Jiangxi Province, China. The datasets were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria suitable for radiomics models. Liver fibrosis due to Schistosoma infection (LFSI) was categorized into four stages: grade 0, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3. The data were divided into six binary classification problems, such as group 1 (grade 0 vs. grade 1) and group 2 (grade 0 vs. grade 2). Key radiomic features were extracted using Pyradiomics, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO). Machine learning models were constructed using Support Vector Machine (SVM), and the contribution of different features in the model was described by applying Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP).

Results

This study ultimately included 1,388 patients and their corresponding images. A total of 851 radiomics features were extracted for each binary classification problems. Following feature selection, 18 to 76 features were retained from each groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the validation cohorts was 0.834 (95% CI: 0.779–0.885) for the LFSI grade 0 vs. LFSI grade 1, 0.771 (95% CI: 0.713–0.835) for LFSI grade 1 vs. LFSI grade 2, and 0.830 (95% CI: 0.762–0.885) for LFSI grade 2 vs. LFSI grade 3.

Conclusion

Machine learning models based on ultrasound radiomics are feasible for classifying different stages of liver fibrosis caused by Schistosoma infection.
The molecular epidemiology of a dengue virus outbreak in Taiwan: population wide versus infrapopulation mutation analysis
Authors: Tsai You-Yuan , Cheng Dayna , Huang Sheng-Wen , Hung Su-Jhen , Wang Ya-Fang , Lin Yih-Jyh , Tsai Huey-Pin , Chu Justin Jang Hann , Wang Jen-Ren
Published: June 2024

Dengue virus (DENV) causes approximately 390 million dengue infections worldwide every year. There were 22,777 reported DENV infections in Tainan, Taiwan in 2015. In this study, we sequenced the C-prM-E genes from 45 DENV 2015 strains, and phylogenetic analysis based on C-prM-E genes revealed that all strains were classified as DENV serotype 2 Cosmopolitan genotype. Sequence analysis comparing different DENV-2 genotypes and Cosmopolitan DENV-2 sequences prior to 2015 showed a clade replacement event in the DENV-2 Cosmopolitan genotype. Additionally, a major substitution C-A314G (K73R) was found in the capsid region which may have contributed to the clade replacement event. Reverse genetics virus rgC-A314G (K73R) showed slower replication in BHK-21 and C6/36 cells compared to wildtype virus, as well as a decrease in NS1 production in BHK-21-infected cells. After a series of passaging, the C-A314G (K73R) mutation reverted to wildtype and was thus considered to be unstable. Next generation sequencing (NGS) of three sera collected from a single DENV2-infected patient at 1-, 2-, and 5-days post-admission was employed to examine the genetic diversity over-time and mutations that may work in conjunction with C-A314G (K73R). Results showed that the number of haplotypes decreased with time in the DENV-infected patient. On the fifth day after admission, two new haplotypes emerged, and a single non-synonymous NS4A-L115I mutation was identified. Therefore, we have identified a persistent mutation C-A314G (K73R) in all of the DENV-2 isolates, and during the course of an infection, a single new non-synonymous mutation in the NS4A region appears in the virus population within a single host. The C-A314G (K73R) thus may have played a role in the DENV-2 2015 outbreak while the NS4A-L115I may be advantageous during DENV infection within the host.
On bootstrap based variance estimation under fine stratification
Authors: Habineza Alexis , Otieno Romanus Odhiambo , Orwa George Otieno , Makumi Nicholas
Published: June 2024

The primary focus of all sample surveys is on providing point estimates for the parameters of primary interest, and also estimating the variance associated with those point estimates to quantify the uncertainty. Larger samples and important measurement tools can help to reduce the point estimates’ uncertainty. Numerous effective stratification criteria may be used in survey to reduce variance within stratum. In fine stratification design, the population is divided into numerous small strata, each containing a relatively small number of sampling units as one or two. This is done to ensure that certain characteristics or subgroups of the population are well-represented in the sample. But with many strata, the sample size within each stratum can become small, potentially resulting in higher errors and less stable estimates. The variance estimation process becomes difficult when we only have one unit per stratum. In that case, the collapsed stratum technique is the classical methods for estimating variance. This method, however, is biased and results in an overestimation of the variance. This paper proposes a bootstrap-based variance estimator for the total population under fine stratification, which overcomes the drawbacks of the previously explored estimation approach. Also, the estimator’s properties were investigated. A simulation study and practical application on survey of mental health organizations data were done to investigate properties of the proposed estimators. The results show that the proposed estimator performs well.
Irisin ameliorates UUO-induced renal interstitial fibrosis through TGF-β1/periostin/MMP-2 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yashu , Deng Xinna , Wei Jinying , Yang Zhaohua , Du Yunxia , Song Shan , Shi Yonghong , Wu Haijiang
Published: June 2024

Renal fibrosis is the most common pathway in progressive kidney diseases. The unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model is used to induce progressive renal fibrosis. We evaluated the effects of irisin on renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO mice. The GSE121190, GSE36496, GSE42303, and GSE96101 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In total, 656 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in normal and UUO mouse renal samples. Periostin and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were selected to evaluate the effect of irisin on renal fibrosis in UUO mice. In UUO mice, irisin ameliorated renal function, decreased the expression of periostin and MMP-2, and attenuated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix deposition in renal tissues. In HK-2 cells, irisin treatment markedly attenuated TGF-β1-induced expression of periostin and MMP-2. Irisin treatment also inhibited TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix formation, and inflammatory responses. These protective effects of irisin were abolished by the overexpression of periostin and MMP-2. In summary, irisin treatment can improve UUO-induced renal interstitial fibrosis through the TGF-β1/periostin/MMP-2 signaling pathway, suggesting that irisin may be used for the treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis.
Thinking twice
Authors: Huizi Pello
Published: June 2024

Liburu hau eskuetan hartzean, irakurleak, segur aski, aurrena azalean jarriko du arreta. Hor, liburuaren izena, egilearen izena eta irudi bat aurkituko ditu. Hasteko, esan dezadan zer edo zer horietako bakoitzaz.
Thinking twice du izena liburuak. Badu, ordea, azpititulu bat ere. Zorionez, esango nuke nik. Hona azpititulua: Two minds in one brain. Liburua zertaz ari den hobeki adierazten digu honek izenburuak baino. ‘Think twice’ esapidea oso erabilia da ingelesez, baina horren esanahia ‘bi aldiz pentsatzea’ da, oso ongi pentsatzea, alegia. Eta liburua ez da horretaz ari. Liburuaren gaia honako hau da: inguruneak jartzen dizkion arazoei erantzuteko gizakiak bi era dituela, edo, nahiago bada, azpitituluak berak iradokitzen duen bezala, giza garunean bi gogamen daudela, bata intuiziozkoa eta bestea gogoetazkoa.
¿Cómo evolucionan las noticias sobre la población extranjera en la prensa española regional en relación con las Notas de Prensa que emite el Instituto Nacional de Estadística?
Authors: Castillo Fernández Ariet , García Castaño Francisco Javier
Published: June 2024

Nos interesa indagar sobre cómo evolucionan las noticias periodísticas sobre migraciones; y en concreto, las relativas a las oscilaciones de población extranjera; en prensa española, en lo que refiere a la cobertura regional. Para ello, consideraremos el período de tiempo comprendido entre el año 2002 y 2019i, inclusive. Así, partiremos de las Notas de Prensa que elabora y emite el Instituto Nacional de Estadística y que tienen que ver con los datos demográficos en relación con el Padrón Municipal de Habitantes respecto a la población nacional y extranjera. Analizaremos ocho medios de grupos mediáticos distintos, tanto en su versión impresa como digital; además de ser representativos por tener mayor tirada; para así conocer qué noticias se publican en cada uno de ellos, cuándo y dónde. Asimismo, indagaremos sobre qué espacios ocupan las noticias sobre la población extranjera y quién escribe sobre ello. Desde un enfoque, sobre todo, cuantitativo, analizaremos cómo se representa la población extranjera y cómo esta se muestra en los periódicos de referencia; en sus titulares, subtítulos y entradillas. Nos preguntaremos cómo ha evolucionado la noticia en cuanto a la población extranjera y cuestionaremos si ha cambiado en función del volumen de dicha población o si, sin embargo, incide la tendencia política de la agenda pública.
Resolving Covid-19 with Blockchain and AI
Authors: Singh Suyogita , Verma Satya Bhushan
Published: June 2024

In the early months of 2020, a fast-spreading outbreak was brought about by the new virus SARS-CoV-2. The uncontrolled spread, which led to a pandemic, illustrated the healthcare system’s slow response time to public health emergencies at that time. Blockchain technology was anticipated to be crucial in the effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. In that review, many potential blockchain applications were discovered; however, the majority of them were still in their infancy, and it couldn’t yet be predicted how they could contribute to the fight against COVID-19 through the use of platforms, access kinds, and consensus algorithms. Modern innovations such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) were shown to be promising in limiting the spread of a virus. Blockchain could specifically aid in the battle against pandemics by supporting early epidemic identification, assuring the ordering of clinical information, and maintaining a trustworthy medical chain during disease tracing. AI also offered smart forms of diagnosing coronavirus therapies and supported the development of pharmaceuticals. Blockchain and AI software for epidemic and pandemic containment were analyzed in that research. First, a new conceptual strategy was proposed to tackle COVID-19 through an architecture that fused AI with blockchain. State-of-the-art research on the benefits of blockchain and AI in COVID-19 containment was then reviewed. Recent initiatives and use cases developed to tackle the coronavirus pandemic were also presented. A case study using federated intelligence for COVID-19 identification was also provided. Finally, attention was drawn to problems and prospective directions for further investigation into future coronavirus-like wide-ranging scenarios.
Divinas imágenes y desafío humano en la Odisea: Odiseo en la oposición entre Atenea y Posidón
Authors: López Saco Julio
Published: June 2024

El mito, asociado con el arte narrativo, como una especial forma discursiva, se inserta en el marco tradicional con un carácter panhelénico en la poesía épica homérica. Entre las personalidades heroicas y divinas que intervienen en la narración de la Odisea, destacan dos dioses, Posidón y Atenea, cuyos antagonismos en sus comportamientos y posicionamientos condicionan el devenir de Odiseo, el protagonista principal del poema. Protegido y guiado por la diosa, afín a su personalidad, y perseguido en venganza por el dios, su némesis, el héroe alcanza finalmente su objetivo, el regreso a su casa y reino, aunque no sin antes sufrir numerosas desventuras y quebrantos, cumpliéndose así el designio establecido. Distintos son los motivos que impulsan las humanizadas acciones de ambos dioses, aunque los dos terminan cumpliendo, a su manera, sus expectativas.
Conocimiento médico en tránsito: un estudio sobre el circuito germano-hispano-brasileño (1920-1930)
Authors: Beraldo Renilson
Published: June 2024

Este artículo analiza las posibilidades de circulación transnacional del léxico constitucional, entre las décadas de 1920 y 1930, en el circuito germano-hispano-brasileño. Para ello, el texto examina, en primer lugar, la participación de las librerías y editoriales españolas en esta circulación; en segundo lugar, el intercambio entre asociaciones de especialistas y revistas médicas brasileñas y españolas; y, finalmente, la circulación y apropiación de las traducciones de libros y tratados que articulaban el léxico constitucional. Se demuestra que tales intercambios alentaron a los médicos brasileños a utilizar el idioma español como una herramienta intermediaria para la apropiación del conocimiento médico de origen germánico, operando como una zona de contacto entre culturas lingüísticas distintas. El análisis de su circulación entre los practicantes de las lenguas referidas ejemplifica el ir y venir de nociones y conceptos más allá de las fronteras nacionales. Tan importante como la apropiación del contenido del léxico constitucional, las traducciones demuestran que los médicos brasileños (especialmente los psiquiatras) eligieron estratégicamente la forma en que ese contenido circulaba.
A turizmusfejlesztés helyzet- és teljesítményértékelése a Pécs-Villány turisztikai térségben
Authors: Gyurkó Ádám , Gonda Tibor
Published: June 2024

A tanulmány a Pécs-Villány turisztikai térség helyzetét és teljesítményét vizsgálja a 2018 és 2023 közötti időszakban. A kutatás célja a Covid19-pandémia hatásainak elemzése, a térség területi átrendeződésének feltárása, valamint a turisztikai fejlesztési források mennyiségi és területi eloszlásának vizsgálata. Ezen felül a tanulmány javaslatokat fogalmaz meg a Pécs-Villány turisztikai térség települési szintű lehatárolásának újragondolására. Az eredmények rávilágítanak arra, hogy arányait tekintve a pandémia hatásai az országos átlagtól elmaradó mértékben érintették a térséget, viszont 2023-ban jelentős visszaesés volt tapasztalható az idegenforgalmi szektorban. A kutatás további kiemelt konklúziója, hogy a fejlesztési források hatékonyabb elosztása is kulcsfontosságú lenne a térség kiegyensúlyozott fejlődése érdekében.
Az ESG-értékelés és a részvénypiaci teljesítmény kapcsolata
Authors: Vancsura László , Bareith Tibor
Published: June 2024

A vállalatok fenntartható működése és a pénzügyi teljesítmény összefüggéseinek vizsgálata napjainkban kiemelkedő kutatási területnek számít. Felmerül ugyanakkor a kérdés, hogy az ESG-értékelés hogyan befolyásolja a cégek gazdasági hatékonyságát. A szerzők kutatásukban a részvénypiacokra fókuszálva vizsgálták, hogy milyen kapcsolat van a top 100 ESG-besorolással rendelkező USA székhelyű vállalat és azok részvénypiaci teljesítménye között a 2022-es és a 2023-as időszakban. Arra a kérdésre keresték a választ, hogy a hozam, a kockázati mutatók és a szektorbeli hovatartozás befolyásolják-e az ESG-pontszámok alakulását. A kapott eredmények alapján arra a következtetésre jutottak, hogy a részvények valós hozamainak alakulása nincs hatással az ESG-pontszámra, valamint az ESG-értékelések sem hatnak a részvénypiaci teljesítményre. Eredményeik rávilágítottak arra, hogy a hozamok szórása és az ESG-értékelés között negatív kapcsolat figyelhető meg, mely arra utal, hogy a stabilabb és kevésbé kockázatos vállalatok az ESG szempontjából magasabban rangsoroltak, mint a volatilisebb társaik. Megállapították továbbá azt is, hogy csak a 2022-es adatsor esetében van szignifikáns kapcsolat az adott szektorban elfoglalt hely és az ESG-pontszám között.