bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High modulation efficiency sinusoidal vertical PN junction phase shifter in silicon-on-insulator
Authors: Ma Li , Liu Pengfei , Xia Changquan , Qian Qinyu , Chen Haitao , Cheng Liwen
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a sinusoidal vertical PN junction phase shifter on a silicon waveguide is designed, and the results demonstrate that modifying the shape of the PN junction significantly increases the area of the depletion region within the standard waveguide width of 500 nm, thereby enhancing the overlap between the depletion region and optical waveguide modes under reverse bias conditions. Furthermore, by adjusting the sinusoidal amplitude (A) of the doping contact interface, it is observed that when A=0.065µm, the resulting sinusoidal PN junction most effectively enhances the interaction between carriers and photons, leading to the highest modulation efficiency and the lowest loss. Based on this, further adjustment of the doping concentration distribution in the waveguide was conducted using a doping compensation method. It is observed that setting the doping concentration at 3×1018cm−3 in the heavily doped region and at 1×1018cm−3 in the lightly doped region enables the phase shifter to achieve high modulation efficiency while maintaining low loss. This is attributed to the highest optical intensity being concentrated in the central region of the waveguide, as well as to the positive correlation between doping concentration and modulation efficiency. The final designed device with a length of 1.5 mm successfully attained a low V
π
L of 0.58V⋅cm, resulting in high modulation efficiency. By employing traveling wave electrodes and ensuring that the effective refractive index of the radio frequency (RF) matches the optical group index (OGI), circuit-level simulations were conducted. The device exhibited a 3 dB bandwidth of 8.85 GHz and eye diagrams of up to 40 Gbit/s, with a maximum extinction ratio (ER) of 8.27 dB and a bit error rate (BER) of 8.83×10−6, which can be widely used in the field of high-speed silicon optical modules.
Cracking AlphaFold2: Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence in undergraduate biochemistry curriculums
Authors: Boland Devon J. , Ayres Nicola M.
Published: June 2024

AlphaFold2 is an Artificial Intelligence-based program developed to predict the 3D structure of proteins given only their amino acid sequence at atomic resolution. Due to the accuracy and efficiency at which AlphaFold2 can generate 3D structure predictions and its widespread adoption into various aspects of biochemical research, the technique of protein structure prediction should be considered for incorporation into the undergraduate biochemistry curriculum. A module for introducing AlphaFold2 into a senior-level biochemistry laboratory classroom was developed. The module’s focus was to have students predict the structures of proteins from the MPOX 22 global outbreak virus isolate genome, which had no structures elucidated at that time. The goal of this study was to both determine the impact the module had on students and to develop a framework for introducing AlphaFold2 into the undergraduate curriculum so that instructors for biochemistry courses, regardless of their background in bioinformatics, could adapt the module into their classrooms.
Healthcare consumers’ perceptions of incentive-linked prescribing: A scoping review
Authors: Noor Muhammad Naveed , Abbasi Haider Safdar , van Der Mark Nina , Azizullah Zahida , Linton Janice , Rahman-Shepherd Afifah , Siddiqui Amna Rehana , Khan Mishal Sameer , Hasan Rumina , Shakoor Sadia
Published: June 2024

Incentive-linked prescribing (ILP) is considered a controversial practice universally. If incentivised, physicians may prioritise meeting pharmaceutical sales targets through prescriptions, rather than considering patients’ health and wellbeing. Despite the potential harms of ILP to patients and important stakeholders in the healthcare system, healthcare consumers (HCCs) which include patients and the general public often have far less awareness about the practice of pharmaceutical incentivisation of physicians. We conducted a scoping review to explore what existing research says about HCCs’ perceptions of the financial relationship between physicians and pharmaceutical companies. To conduct this scoping review, we followed Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework: identifying research questions, identifying relevant studies, selecting eligible studies, data charting, and collating, summarising, and reporting results. We also used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses’ extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR), as a guide to organise the information in this review. Quantitative and qualitative studies with patients and the general public, published in the English language were identified through searches of Scopus, Medline (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), and Google Scholar. Three themes emerged through the analysis of the 13 eligible studies: understanding of incentivisation, perceptions of hazards linked to ILP, and HCCs’ suggestions to address it. We found documentation that HCCs exhibited a range of knowledge from good to insufficient about the pharmaceutical incentivisation of physicians. HCCs perceived several hazards linked to ILP such as a lack of trust in physicians and the healthcare system, the prescribing of unnecessary medications, and the negative effect on physicians’ reputations in society. In addition to strong regulatory controls, it is critical that physicians self-regulate their behaviour, and publicly disclose if they have any financial ties with pharmaceutical companies. Doing so can contribute to trust between patients and physicians, an important part of patient-focused care and a contributor to user confidence in the wider health system.
Effect of status disclosure on quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana: A health facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Saah Farrukh Ishaque , Aidam Kizito , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Amu Hubert , Bain Luchuo Engelbert
Published: June 2024

Status disclosure to family and friends among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is necessary to ensure social and material support, which are important predictors of quality of life. We examined HIV/AIDS status disclosure and its influence on quality of life (QoL) among PLWHA in a Ghanaian population. This was a health facility-based cross-sectional study of 124 PLWHA accessing antiretroviral therapy at a hospital in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire adopting the WHO HIV-QOL BREF. The data were analysed descriptively and inferentially using STATA 15.0. Statistical significance was set at a p value<0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Forty-two percent of the respondents disclosed their HIV status. Social support was available for 76.9% of those who had disclosed their status. The mean QoL was highest within the physical domain (14.3±2.9), while the psychological domain indicated the lowest quality of life (11.03±3.26). Approximately 47.6% attained the mean overall QoL score (73.18). Being a male predicted lower QoL in all domains than being a female. Being a Muslim, having tertiary education, and being an urban resident significantly predicted better QoL than being a Christian, having no formal education, and being a rural resident, respectively. Respondents’ age negatively predicted overall quality of life. Although disclosing one’s HIV/AIDS status positively predicted QoL, the difference was not statistically significant. A significantly poor quality of life among patients can drag efforts by Ghana towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing the HIV/AIDS pandemic and its associated mortality. Stakeholders in AIDS prevention and management in Ghana should employ innovative methods such as peer support to encourage status disclosure and provide education on the provision of social and emotional support for PLWHA.
Virulence and transmission vary between Usutu virus lineages in Culex pipiens
Authors: Prat Maxime , Jeanneau Mélanie , Rakotoarivony Ignace , Duhayon Maxime , Simonin Yannick , Savini Giovanni , Labbé Pierrick , Alout Haoues
Published: June 2024

Usutu virus (USUV) is a zoonotic arbovirus infecting mainly wild birds. It is transmitted by ornithophilic mosquitoes, mainly of the genus Culex from birds to birds and to several vertebrate dead-end hosts. Several USUV lineages, differing in their virulence have emerged in the last decades and now co-circulate in Europe, impacting human populations. However, their relative transmission and effects on their mosquito vectors is still not known. We thus compared the vector competence and survival of Culex pipiens mosquitoes experimentally infected with two distinct USUV lineages, EU2 and EU3, that are known to differ in their virulence and replication in vertebrate hosts. Infection rate was variable among blood feeding assays but variations between EU2 and EU3 lineages were consistent suggesting that Culex pipiens was equally susceptible to infection by both lineages. However, EU3 viral load increased with viral titer in the blood meal while EU2 viral load was high at all titers which suggest a greater replication of EU2 than EU3 in mosquito. While their relative transmission efficiencies are similar, at least at low blood meal titer, positive correlation between transmission and blood meal titer was observed for EU3 only. Contrary to published results in vertebrates, EU3 induced a higher mortality to mosquitoes (i.e. virulence) than EU2 whatever the blood meal titer. Therefore, we found evidence of lineage-specific differences in vectorial capacity and virulence to both the vector and vertebrate host which lead to balanced propagation of both viral lineages. These results highlight the need to decipher the interactions between vectors, vertebrate hosts, and the diversity of arbovirus lineages to fully understand transmission dynamics.
Using fatherhood to engage men in HIV services via maternal, neonatal and child health entry points in South Africa
Authors: Chinyandura Cathrine , Davies Natasha , Buthelezi Fezile , Jiyane Anele , Rees Kate
Published: June 2024

Introduction

In South Africa, uptake of HIV services remains lower amongst men compared to women, resulting in poorer clinical outcomes. Several factors contribute to this situation, including stigma, confidentiality concerns, inconvenient clinic operating hours, fear of an HIV-positive test result, and long-waiting times. Additionally, women living with HIV are frequently identified whilst accessing other routine services, particularly antenatal and well-baby care. Novel approaches and strategies are needed to increase men’s routine utilization of health services. For many men, fatherhood is an important part of being a man. Maternal, neonatal and child health services (MNCH) present an opportunity to improve male engagement with routine health services and subsequent uptake of integrated HIV care. However, men’s involvement in MNCH services remains low. This study explored the concept of fatherhood and factors influencing men’s involvement in MNCH services.

Methods

This was an exploratory, qualitative study. Three focus group discussions (FGDs), involving 33 male participants, were conducted with men living in communities across Johannesburg. Men were recruited by male peer counsellors, employed by Anova Health Institute under the men’s health programme. Data was collected between May and July 2021. Authors had no access to information that identify individual participants during or after data collection. Data were transcribed inductively and analyzed thematically using NVivo software.

Results

The study found that male participants were eager to be involved in MNCH services. They valued fatherhood and were making concerted efforts to be involved fathers. However, multiple factors influenced men’s involvement in MNCH services. Barriers included sociocultural norms, employment commitments, boredom and disengagement while waiting for services, negative staff attitudes and long waiting times. Participants identified multiple facilitators that would encourage their attendance at MNCH services including positive staff attitudes, quick service, active engagement, positive affirmations by health care workers and the visibility of male health workers’ in MNCH spaces.

Conclusions

The study highlights that men strongly desire to be involved fathers and included in MNCH services. HIV programmes should support this and harness it to actively engage men in HIV services. However, to encourage greater male involvement in MNCH, socio-economic and healthcare system related factors need to be addressed when designing strategies that create more inclusive, family-orientated, male-friendly, and integrated MNCH services.
CKG: Improving ABSA with text augmentation using ChatGPT and knowledge-enhanced gated attention graph convolutional networks
Authors: Gao Yapeng , Zhang Lin , Xu Yangshuyi
Published: June 2024

Aspect-level sentiment analysis (ABSA) is a pivotal task within the domain of neurorobotics, contributing to the comprehension of fine-grained textual emotions. Despite the extensive research undertaken on ABSA, the limited availability of training data remains a significant obstacle that hinders the performance of previous studies. Moreover, previous works have predominantly focused on concatenating semantic and syntactic features to predict sentiment polarity, which inadvertently severed the intrinsic connection. Several studies have attempted to utilize multi-layer graph convolution for the purpose of extracting syntactic characteristics. However, this approach has encountered the issue of gradient explosion. This paper investigates the possibilities of leveraging ChatGPT for aspect-level text augmentation. Furthermore, we introduce an improved gated attention mechanism specifically designed for graph convolutional networks to mitigates the problem of gradient explosion. By enriching the features of the dependency graph with a sentiment knowledge base, we strengthen the relationship between aspect words and the polarity of the contextual sentiment. It is worth mentioning that we employ cross-fusion to effectively integrate textual semantic and syntactic features. The experimental results substantiate the superiority of our model over the baseline models in terms of performance.
Digital financial inclusion, industrial structure and urban–Rural income disparity: Evidence from Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Wen Changcun , Xiao Yiping , Hu Bao
Published: June 2024

Rising income inequality challenges economic and social stability in developing countries. For China, the fastest-growing global digital economy, it could be an effective tool to promote inclusive development, narrowing urban–rural income disparity. It investigates the role of digital financial inclusion (DFI) in narrowing the urban–rural income gap. The study uses panel data from 52 counties in Zhejiang Province, China, from 2014 to 2020. The results show that the development of DFI significantly reduces rural–urban and rural income inequality. The development of DFI helps optimize industrial structure and upgrade the internal structure of agriculture, facilitating income growth for people in rural areas. Such effects are greater in poorer counties. Our findings provide insights into why rapid DFI and the narrowing of the rural–urban income disparity exist in China. Moreover, our results provide clear policy implications on how to reduce the disparity. The most compelling suggestion is that promoting the optimization of industrial structure through DFI is crucial for narrowing the urban–rural income gap.
Iodine enriched kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica L.)—The influence of heat treatments on its iodine content, basic composition and antioxidative properties
Authors: Krzemińska Joanna , Kapusta-Duch Joanna , Smoleń Sylwester , Kowalska Iwona , Słupski Jacek , Skoczeń-Słupska Radosława , Krawczyk Katarzyna , Waśniowska Justyna , Koronowicz Aneta
Published: June 2024

Iodine deficiency in the diet globally continues to be a cause of many diseases and disabilities. Kale is a vegetable that has health-promoting potential because of many nutrients and bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, carotenoids, glucosinolates and phenolic compounds). Brassica vegetables, including kale, have been strongly recommended as dietary adjuvants for improving health. The nutrient and health-promoting compounds in kale are significantly affected by thermal treatments. Changes in phytochemicals upon such activities may result from two contrary phenomena: breakdown of nutrients and bioactive compounds and a matrix softening effect, which increases the extractability of phytochemicals, which may be especially significant in the case of iodine-fortified kale. This study investigated changes of basic composition, iodine, vitamin C, total carotenoids and polyphenols contents as well as antioxidant activity caused by steaming, blanching and boiling processes in the levels of two cultivars of kale (green and red) non-biofortified and biofortified via the application to nutrient solutions in hydroponic of two iodoquinolines [8-hydroxy-7-iodo-5-quinolinesulfonic acid (8-OH-7-I-5QSA) and 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-quinoline (5-Cl-7-I-8-Q)] and KIO3. Thermal processes generally significantly reduced the content of the components in question and the antioxidant activity of kale, regardless of cultivar and enrichment. It was observed that the red cultivar of kale had a greater ability to accumulate and reduce iodine losses during the culinary processes. 8-hydroxy-7-iodo-5-quinolinesulfonic acid showed a protective effect against the treatments used, compared to other enrichments, thus contributing to the preservation of high iodine content.
State-level population estimates of sexual minority adolescents in the United States: A predictive modeling study
Authors: Ferstad Johannes O. , Aslam Maria , Wang Li Yan , Henaghan Katherine , Zhao Jiayi , Li Jingjing , Salomon Joshua A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) among high school students includes standard questions about sexual identity and sex of sexual contacts, but these questions are not consistently included in every state that conducts the survey. This study aimed to develop and apply a method to predict state-level proportions of high school students identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) or reporting any same-sex sexual contacts in those states that did not include these questions in their 2017 YRBS.

Methods

We used state-level high school YRBS data from 2013, 2015, and 2017. We defined two primary outcomes relating to self-reported LGB identity and reported same-sex sexual contacts. We developed machine learning models to predict the two outcomes based on other YRBS variables, and comparing different modeling approaches. We used a leave-one-out cross-validation approach and report results from best-performing models.

Results

Modern ensemble models outperformed traditional linear models at predicting state-level proportions for the two outcomes, and we identified prediction methods that performed well across different years and prediction tasks. Predicted proportions of respondents reporting LGB identity in states that did not include direct measurement ranged between 9.4% and 12.9%. Predicted proportions of respondents reporting any same-sex contacts, where not directly observed, ranged between 7.0% and 10.4%.

Conclusion

Comparable population estimates of sexual minority adolescents can raise awareness among state policy makers and the public about what proportion of youth may be exposed to disparate health risks and outcomes associated with sexual minority status. This information can help decision makers in public health and education agencies design, implement and evaluate community and school interventions to improve the health of LGB youth.
The Polish version of the Process-Based Assessment Tool (PBAT)—The measure of processes of change in psychological interventions
Authors: Cyniak-Cieciura Maria , Dudek Joanna , Ostaszewski Paweł
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to conduct a Polish adaptation of Process-Based Assessment Tool (PBAT), to be used primarily for measurement of the processes of change occurring within psychological interventions, regardless of the therapeutic approach. PBAT includes a set of statements related to negative and positive behaviors in the domains of selection, variation, and retention, as it is theoretically embedded in the evolutionary approach. The tool’s construction was determined by resolving the issue of ergodic error, hence employs an idiographic approach. A total of 602 (319 F, 281 M) participants in the age 18–85 took part in the study. Apart from the original 21 PBAT items, two additional items related to self-care vs. self-impatience were tested. The included criterion variables related to the assessment of individual functioning in terms of distress (sadness, anxiety, stress, anger, lack of social support), health (health and vitality levels), the fulfillment or frustration of autonomy, connection, and competence need, as well as well-being (life-satisfaction and sense of professional burnout). The machine learning Boruta algorithm was utilized. PBAT items significantly predicted criterion variables. Positive selection behaviors were strongest predictors of Health, Vitality, Life-satisfaction as well as satisfaction of autonomy, connection and competence needs. Negative selection behaviors were strongest predictors of distress, lack of social support, work burnout as well as the frustration of autonomy, connection and competence needs. Overall, the PBAT items were more predictive of variables encompassing negative aspects of functioning than positive aspects or well-being. The overall relationships and conclusions are consistent with those obtained in the original study. The Polish version of PBAT is recommended for use in further scientific research and therapeutic processes.
The combined tumour-based Fascin/Snail and stromal periostin reveals the effective prognosis prediction in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Jirapongwattana Niphat , Thongchot Suyanee , Pongpaibul Ananya , Trakarnsanga Atthaphorn , Quinn Jean , Thuwajit Peti , Thuwajit Chanitra , Edwards Joanne
Published: June 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes cancer metastasis and a tumour-based Glasgow EMT score was associated with adverse clinical features and poor prognosis. In this study, the impact of using the established five tumour-based EMT markers consisting of E-cadherin (E-cad), β-catenin (β-cat), Snail, Zeb-1, and Fascin in combination with the stromal periostin (PN) on the prediction of CRC patients’ prognosis were invesigated. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of 202 CRC patients were studies the expressions of E-cad, β-cat, Snail, Zeb-1, Fascin, and PN by immunohistochemistry. Individually, cytoplasmic Fascin (Fc), cytoplasmic Snail (Sc), nuclear Snail (Sn), stromal Snail (Ss), and stromal PN (Ps) were significantly associated with reduced survival. A combination of Ps with Fc, Fs, and Sn was observed in 2 patterns including combined Fc, Fs, and Ps (FcFsPs) and Fc, Sn, and Ps (FcSnPs). These combinations enhanced the prognostic power compared to individual EMT markers and were independent prognostic markers. As the previously established scoring method required five markers and stringent criteria, its clinical use might be limited. Therefore, using these novel combined prognostic markers, either FcFsPs or FcSnPs, may be useful in predicting CRC patient outcomes.
Afatinib or Bevacizumab in combination with Osimertinib efficiently control tumor development in orthotopic murine models of non-small lung cancer
Authors: Jarry Ulrich , Bostoen Megane , Archambeau Jérome , Pineau Raphaël , Chaillot Laura , Jouan Florence , Solhi Hélène , Ferrari Hugo , Le Guevel Rémy , Mennessier Valentine , Lena Hervé , Corre Romain , Ricordel Charles , Guillaudeux Thierry , Pedeux Rémy
Published: June 2024

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers. Preclinical models are essential to study new therapies and combinations taking tumor genetics into account. We have established cell lines expressing the luciferase gene from lines with varied genetic backgrounds, commonly encountered in patients with pulmonary adenocarcinoma. We have characterized these lines by testing their response to multiple drugs. Thus, we have developed orthotopic preclinical mouse models of NSCLC with very high engraftment efficiency. These models allow the easy monitoring of tumor growth, particularly in response to treatment, and of tumor cells dissemination in the body. We show that concomitant treatment with osimertinib (3rd generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting mutated EGFR) and bevacizumab (anti-angiogenic targeting VEGF) can have a beneficial therapeutic effect on EGFR-mutated tumors. We also show that the addition of afatinib to osimertinib-treated tumors in escape leads to tumor growth inhibition. No such effect is observed with selumetinib or simvastatin. These preclinical mouse models therefore make it possible to test innovative therapeutic combinations and are also a tool of choice for studying resistance mechanisms.
Invasive pneumococcal disease in Latin America and the Caribbean: Serotype distribution, disease burden, and impact of vaccination. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bardach Ariel , Ruvinsky Silvina , Palermo M. Carolina , Alconada Tomás , Sandoval M. Macarena , Brizuela Martín E. , Wierzbicki Eugenia Ramirez , Cantos Joaquín , Gagetti Paula , Ciapponi Agustín
Published: June 2024

Background

Invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and health costs worldwide, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Surveillance about the distribution of serotypes causing IPD and the impact of pneumococcal vaccination is an important epidemiological tool to monitor disease activity trends, inform public health decision-making, and implement relevant prevention and control measures.

Objectives

To estimate the serotype distribution for IPD and the related disease burden in LAC before, during, and after implementing the pneumococcal vaccine immunization program in LAC.

Methods

Systematic literature review following Cochrane methods of studies from LAC. We evaluated the impact of the pneumococcal vaccine on hospitalization and death during or after hospitalizations due to pneumococcal disease and serotype-specific disease over time. We also analyzed the incidence of serotyped IPD in pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV10 and PCV13. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023392097).

Results

155 epidemiological studies were screened and provided epidemiological data on IPD. Meta-analysis of invasive diseases in children <5 years old found that 57%-65% of causative serotypes were included in PCV10 and 66%-84% in PCV13. After PCV introduction, vaccine serotypes declined in IPD, and the emergence of non-vaccine serotypes varied by country.

Conclusions

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines significantly reduced IPD and shifted serotype distribution in Latin America and the Caribbean. PCV10/PCV13 covered 57–84% of serotypes in children under 5, with marked decline in PCV serotypes post-vaccination. Continuous surveillance remains crucial for monitoring evolving serotypes and informing public health action.
Quality of life of breast cancer patients in Amhara region, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alem Tamrat , Nigatu Dabere , Birara Amsalu , Fetene Tamene , Giza Mastewal
Published: June 2024

Background

Although breast cancer has a markedly higher incidence in developed countries, seven out of ten deaths occur in developing countries, including Ethiopia. However, there is a limited information on the quality of life (QoL) among breast cancer patients in Ethiopia, notably in the Amhara region. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the QoL and its associated factors among patients with breast cancer in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from 25th March 2019 to 7th July 2019. A systematically selected sample of 256 breast cancer patients were participated in the study. A standardized interviewer-administered Amharic version questionnaire was used to collect the data. We used the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire core 30 (EORTC QLQ C30) and breast cancer supplementary measure (QLQ-BR23) to measure QoL. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 23. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the predictors of QoL. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported to show the strength of the association.

Results

Sixty-eight percent of breast cancer patients had poor QoL (68.4%; 95% CI: 62.5–73.8). The mean score of QoL was 70.6 (standard deviation (SD) ±13.9; 95% CI: 69.0–72.4). All functional component scores were less than 75 on the symptom scale. Diarrhea (11.6), constipation (17.5), and dyspnea (24.7) were less noticeable symptoms. Being out of marriage (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.32–5.07), being poor (AOR = 2.39, 95%CI: 1.32–5.03), being non-housewife (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.16–7.22), and being complaints of dyspnea (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.79–6.79), and insomnia (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.05–3.91) were significantly associated with QoL.

Conclusions

The proportion of poor QoL among breast cancer patients was high. Health care professionals should give attention to breast cancer patients who are out of marriage, poor and non-housewife while offering the recommended treatment courses.
Characterisation and causal model of the holistic dynamics of the integral sustainability of the agri-food system
Authors: Leon-Romero Luvis P. , Zamora-Polo Francisco , Luque-Sendra Amalia , Aguilar-Fernández Mario , Francisco-Márquez Misaela
Published: June 2024

The transformation of the food and industrial agricultural production system into adaptative and sustainable systems capable of being productive within social, environmental, and economic limits is a crucial factor in reducing the risk to food security and to economic growth. However, the analysis structure of the effect of these variables in sustainable environments remains unknown, whereby the technology and processes are considered as variables of the equivalent critical level as those already described. The purpose of this study is to design a model that enables the characterisation of the agri-food sector based on the determination of sustainable variables from a sustainable and integral systemic approach. Tools, such as the viable system model, are employed to analyse the dynamics and generate the balanced scorecard, to which the items of learning and continuous improvement are added. Lastly, the impact of the principles of sustainability versus the variation of sustainability in the agri-food system is revealed, which is useful in determining the appropriate levels to guarantee a balance in the foundations of circularity. From a systemic approach, this model can be adopted by agronomists and scientists to design alternative strategies for the management of food sustainability.
Suboptimal factors in maternal and newborn care for refugees: Lessons learned from perinatal audits in the Netherlands
Authors: Verschuuren A. E. H. , Tankink J. B. , Postma I. R. , Bergman K. A. , Goodarzi B. , Feijen-de Jong E. I. , Erwich J. J. H. M.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Refugees and their healthcare providers face numerous challenges in receiving and providing maternal and newborn care. Research exploring how these challenges are related to adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes is scarce. Therefore, this study aims to identify suboptimal factors in maternal and newborn care for asylum-seeking and refugee women and assess to what extent these factors may contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes in the Netherlands.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of national perinatal audit data from 2017 to 2019. Our analysis encompassed cases with adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes in women with a refugee background (n = 53). Suboptimal factors in care were identified and categorized according to Binder et al.’s Three Delays Model, and the extent to which they contributed to the adverse outcome was evaluated.

Results

We identified 29 suboptimal factors, of which seven were related to care-seeking, six to the accessibility of services, and 16 to the quality of care. All 53 cases contained suboptimal factors, and in 67.9% of cases, at least one of these factors most likely or probably contributed to the adverse perinatal or maternal outcome.

Conclusion

The number of suboptimal factors identified in this study and the extent to which they contributed to adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes among refugee women is alarming. The wide range of suboptimal factors identified provides considerable scope for improvement of maternal and newborn care for refugee populations. These findings also highlight the importance of including refugee women in perinatal audits as it is essential for healthcare providers to better understand the factors associated with adverse outcomes to improve the quality of care. Adjustments to improve care for refugees could include culturally sensitive education for healthcare providers, increased workforce diversity, minimizing the relocation of asylum seekers, and permanent reimbursement of professional interpreter costs.
Progress towards World Health Organization HIV Infection 95-95-95 measures in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Authors: Holder Kayla A. , Ding Erin , Kao Diana , Shokoohi Mostafa , Trigg Jason , Hogg Robert S. , Morkar Jatin , Grant Michael D. , Kelly Deborah V.
Published: June 2024

The HIV program in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) provides care for all persons living with HIV (PLWH) in NL, yet progress toward UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals for diagnosis, linkage to care and viral suppression has not previously been documented. This analysis describes engagement in HIV care and virologic outcomes for the NL cohort in 2016 and 2019 and compares this data to the Canadian HIV Observational Cohort (CANOC). A retrospective review of the NL clinic included adults aged >18 years and descriptive statistics for demographics, risk factors, and clinical variables were assessed and compared using χ2 test or Fisher’s Exact test (categorical) or Wilcoxon Sum Rank test (continuous). Engagement in care and virologic outcomes for the NL cohort were consistently high over the 2016 to 2019 period with > 98% on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and > 96% having a suppressed virus load. Engagement in care and virologic outcomes among PLWH in NL is high and compares favorably to a national cohort.
Communicative modulations of early action components support the prediction of distal goals
Authors: Dockendorff Martin , Schmitz Laura , Vesper Cordula , Knoblich Günther
Published: June 2024

The successful unfolding of many social interactions relies on our capacity to predict other people’s action goals, whether these are proximal (i.e., immediate) or distal (i.e., upcoming). The present set of studies asks whether observers can predict the distal goal of two-step action sequences when presented with communicative modulations of the first movement component of the sequence. We conducted three online experiments in which we presented participants with animations of a box moving to a first target location before moving onwards to a final, either near or far, target location. The second movement component and the target locations were occluded. After observing the first movement, participants were asked to select the most likely final target location, i.e., the distal goal of the sequence. Experiment 1 showed that participants relied on the velocity modulations of the first movement to infer the distal goal. The results of Experiment 2 indicated that such predictions of distal goals are possible even when the second movement in the sequence does not contain any velocity information, thus suggesting that the information present in the first movement plays the major role in the process of linking movements to their distal goals. However, Experiment 3 showed that under some circumstances the second movement can also contribute to how observers predict a distal goal. We discuss these results in terms of the underlying simulation processes that enable observers to predict a distal goal from the observation of proximal communicative modulations.
A mozgásfejlődés és mozgásfejlesztés jelentősége, gyakorlatai egy mozgásszintfelmérő teszt eredményei alapján
Authors: Dorka Péter , Tőke Anita
Published: June 2024

A kisiskolás korú gyermekek, a rendelkezésükre álló szabadidőben, egyre kevesebb fizikai aktivitást végeznek. A mozgásos aktivitás helyébe az informatikai eszközök használata, a gyalogos, kerékpáros közlekedés helyébe, kisebb távolságok leküzdésére is, a motorizáció lépett. Ebben a munkában a mozgásfejlődés és a mozgásfejlesztés alapvető ismereteit foglaljuk össze. Ezt a rövid elméleti áttekintést egy mozgásfelmérő és mozgásfejlesztő programmal, gyakorlatokkal egészítjük ki.
A JGYTF Matematika Tanszékének szerepe a matematikaoktatás reformjában
Authors: Krisztin Német István , Pintér Klára
Published: June 2024

Az 1960-as évektől kezdődött a matematikaoktatás megújítását célzó „New Math”, „Új Matematika” nevű, az országok széles körét érintő reform. E folyamatba hazánk is bekapcsolódott a kezdetektől. A fővárosi, központi szervezetek mellett a JGYTF Matematika Tanszéke is fontos szerepet játszott a reformfolyamat megtervezésében, kivitelezésében, értékelésében és korrekciójában. Jelen írásunkban bemutatjuk a JGYTF, majd SZTE JGYPK Matematika Tanszéke és Szakcsoportja oktatóinak tevékenységét a reform előkészítésével, megvalósításával és utóéletével kapcsolatban.
Atrial Fibrillation Following Esophageal Stent Placement: A Rare but Important Complication to Recognize
Authors: Mirminachi Seyedbabak , Yaghnam Ibrahim , Muallem Samer , Razjouyan Hadie
Published: June 2024

There is a risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with esophageal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy/radiotherapy followed by esophagectomy. However, the occurrence of AF after stent placement for esophageal cancer is less explored. Here, we present a case of esophageal cancer where AF developed poststent placement. The potential mechanisms linking stent placement and atrial dysrhythmias may involve left atrial compression and epicardial irritation. It is essential to remain vigilant about this arrhythmia following stent placement to promptly identify any early signs of atrial dysrhythmias, particularly given the frequently observed hypercoagulable state in these individuals.
Decreased Serum Tryptophan and Severe Ulcerative Damage of Colon Mucosa Identify Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients With High Risk of Cytomegalovirus Colitis
Authors: Rüsing Sophia , Welz Lina , Pfitzer Constanze , Harris Danielle Monica , Röcken Christoph , Rosenstiel Philip , Nikolaus Susanna , Tran Florian , Schreiber Stefan , Aden Konrad , Sievers Laura Katharina
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are predisposed to the reactivation of viral infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV). Clinical discrimination of disease flares and colonic CMV reactivation is difficult in patients with established diagnosis of IBD, and there are no reliable noninvasive diagnostic tools yet. Furthermore, the influence of novel therapeutics including biologicals and Janus kinase inhibitors on the risk of CMV colitis is unclear. The goal of this study was to identify risk factors and clinical determinants of CMV colitis that could serve as minimally invasive markers both for active CMV colitis and relapse.

METHODS:

To this end, a retrospective analysis of 376 patients with suspected or confirmed CMV colitis 2016–2023 was performed.

RESULTS:

Previous administration of systemic steroids increased the odds of CMV colitis to OR 4.6. Biologicals did not change the incidence of CMV colitis but decreased the OR of a relapse to 0.13. Clinical parameters such as severely bloody diarrhea, intense microscopic ulcerative damage, and decreased serum tryptophan correlated with detection of CMV. Importantly, persistent decrease of tryptophan was observed in patients with CMV relapse. Furthermore, tryptophan degradation through the kynurenine pathway was increased in CMV-positive patients.

DISCUSSION:

Taken together, we identify decreased serum tryptophan as a novel potential minimally invasive marker to aid identification of IBD patients with active CMV colitis and at high risk for relapse.
Neuere Entwicklungen in der örtlichen und regionalen Energieversorgungsplanung
Authors: Lutter Horst
Published: June 2024

Eine stringentere Anpassung der Energieversorgungsplanung an die vorhandene Siedlungsstruktur und die Siedlungsentwicklung hilft die energiepolitischen Ziele der Regierungen von Bund und Ländern umzusetzen. Insbesondere in der Wärmeversorgung können durch siedlungsangepaßte Konzepte erhebliche Potentiale der Energieeinsparung Ölsubstitution und Umweltentlastung ausgeschöpft werden.Das interministrielle Arbeitsprogramm „Örtliche und regionale Energieversorgungskonzepte“ des Bundesministers für Forschung und Technologie und des Bundesministers für Raumordnung Bauwesen und Städtebau soll die Möglichkeiten und Auswirkungen von siedlungsangepaßten, integrierten Energieversorgungskonzepten an konkreten Modellstädten und -regionen erforschen. In diesem Beitrag werden die ersten Erfahrungen der 25 Modellkonzepte des Arbeitsprogramms ergebnisorientiert ausgewertet. Mit einer groben siedlungsstrukturellen Typisierung in Verdichtungsräume und Großstädte, Klein- und Mittelstädte sowie den ländlichen Raum wird versucht, die verschiedenen Konzeptbausteine einer siedlungsstrukturellen Bewertung zu unterziehen. Neben Maßnahmen zur Energieeinsparung im Gebäudebestand und bei der Neubauplanung werden dabei die Ausbaustrategien der leitungsgebundenen Energieversorgungssysteme (Fern- und Nahwärme, Gas) sowie der Einsatz von konventionellen Energieträgern behandelt.Schließlich sind für die drei Siedlungstypen drei – bereits abgeschlossene – Modellstudien im Überblick dargestellt.
Regionale Unterschiede in der Struktur und Leistungsfähigkeit kleiner und mittlerer Unternehmen
Authors: Irsch Norbert , Müller-Kästner Burkhard
Published: June 2024

In diesem Beitrag wird der Frage nachgegangen, oh es regionaltypische Unterschiede in der Struktur und der Leistungsfähigkeit kleiner und mittlerer Unternehmen gibt. Um diese Frage zu beantworten, wurden die Daten von rund 6 500 Unternehmen ausgewertet, die im Jahr 1981 Investitionsvorhaben durchführten und deren Kreditanträge von der Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau bearbeitet wurden.Die Unternehmen wurden danach unterschieden, ob sie in einer Agglomeration oder in der räumlichen Peripherie tätig sind.Diese beiden räumlichen Teilgruppen wurden dann daraußin untersucht, ob sich signifikante Unterschiede im Bezug auf
Kleinräumliche Unterschiede der Sterblichkeit in Bayern und deren mögliche Ursachen
Authors: Neubauer Günter
Published: June 2024

Diese Mortalitätsstudie versucht am Beispiel Bayerns erstmals räumlich und sachlich differenziert Sterblichkeitunterschiede auf der Ebene der 96 Land- und Stadtkreise darzustellen. Die Datenbasis bilden Statistiken von 1973 bis 1982, die Werte sind für die Altersstruktur standardisiert und nach Geschlecht differenziert. Die Deskription der räumlichen Verteilung ergibt, daß Ost- und Nordostbayern generell ungünstigere, Südbayem dagegen besonders günstige Sterbeziffern auf weisen: das Gefälle ist bei Männern deutlicher ausgeprägt als bei Frauen.Die Ursachenanalyse ist nach wie vor äußerst schwierig. Lediglich bei einigen Einzelaspekten sind enge Zusammenhänge plausibel, wie etwa zwischen Kfz-bedingter Sterblichkeit und Siedlungs- bzw. Altersstruktur. Bei der Überprüfung von möglichen statistischen Zusammenhängen zwischen der Gesamtsterblichkeit und 40 Indikatoren stellt sich heraus, daß die Mortalität am höchsten mit Mobilitätsindikatoren korreliert. Analytisch und methodisch gilt es bei der regionalen Mortalitätsforschung noch viele offene Fragen zu beantworten.
The Influence of CYP2C19 Gene Polymorphism on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors In Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A Pharmacogenetic Prospecting Approach
Authors: Urbaningrum Lestari Mahardika , Hermosaningtyas Anastasia Aliesa , Kasasiah Ahsanal , Rahmasari Ratika , Raekiansyah Muhareva , Hartanto Adrian , Malau Jekmal
Published: June 2024

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a chronic disorder characterized by at least a two-week-long major depressive episode. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) remain the primary prescribed antidepressants to treat MDD. However, SSRIs themselves are found to be ineffective in some individuals or may even lead to adverse side effects. These variable responses have been linked to the drug being metabolized by CYP2C19, which exhibited various polymorphisms. Understanding how gene polymorphism affects drug metabolism is essential since these insights can revolutionize clinical practice, allowing for more precise and personalized treatment approaches that optimize efficacy while minimizing side effects. This issue is particularly pertinent in Indonesia, where research in this area lags behind the pressing need for such studies. In this review, the impact of CYP2C19 polymorphism on the effectiveness of SSRI class drugs, namely citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline, are explored. Nine relevant articles related to the topic have been studied in Japan, China, Turkey, Russia, Scandinavia, and Australia. The results concluded that CYP2C19 polymorphism can influence the metabolism of SSRIs (citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline) due to its variability in enzyme activities, which includes both loss-of-function (*2, *3) and gain-of-function (*17) polymorphisms. Consequently, these genetic variations can lead to significant changes in drug efficacy and safety changes within individual patients. This review sheds light on the importance of considering genetic factors when prescribing SSRIs for MDD in the future treatment strategies.
O wykorzystaniu wiadomości sms w nauczaniu komunikacji w języku obcym na przykładzie języka niemieckiego jako języka obcego
Authors: Bawej Izabela
Published: June 2024

Acquiring proficiency in conveying information through short text messages is clearly connected with the changes that have taken places in the world around us. It should, therefore, find its reflection in the teaching of foreign languages, especially in language studies. It is worth noting that SMS messages, as a means of communication, can be an interesting and useful topic for students who can no longer (or perhaps do not want to) function without a smartphone. The considerations presented here are rooted in educational practice and provide a description of a project aimed at developing proficiency in understanding and creating text messages in practical German language classes. Features included writing with correct spelling, the style of SMS messages, the choice of linguistic elements and the use of abbreviations, both in German and English. The paper also includes examples of exercises and discusses the impact of SMS messages on the progress and quality of German language classes. The project presented aims to demonstrate the relevance of introducing such texts and their didactic value in foreign language teaching. It offers sample solutions that can be employed in the process of developing writing skills in a foreign language and suggests how SMS messages can be used as a communication tool in foreign language classes to broaden and reinforce vocabulary related to mobile phones.