bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-protective behaviors of Thai village health volunteers in community engagement during a COVID-19 outbreak: interpretation using the health belief model
Authors: Wongrith Paleeratana , Buakate Phuwasin , Doylee Lateefah , Phonla Naseeyah , Dadras Omid , Frampton Geoff
Published: March 2024

Background

Village health volunteers (VHVs) engaging in community-based COVID-19 prevention and control measures played a key role in mitigating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey study to investigate factors affecting VHVs’ COVID-19 self-protective behaviors and social distancing in Songkhla Province during the first COVID-19 outbreak. Such information may help to understand how to support VHVs in future pandemics.

Methods

A total of 152 VHVs from 13 sub-districts participated in the study, completing a 54-item questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). The questionnaire included items assessing susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, self-efficacy, social distancing, and self-protective behavior. Stepwise multiple regression analysis determined which aspects of the HBM could explain VHVs’ self-protective behavior.

Results

The VHV population sampled broadly reflected the main demographic characteristics of the local population, although VHVs were predominantly female. Self-protective behavior was significantly associated with VHVs’ role (higher perceived compliance for village leaders than non-leaders) but not with other demographic characteristics. Most VHVs reported high levels of self-efficacy (80.5%), adherence to social distancing measures (70.9%), and engagement in self-protective behavior (72.8%) against COVID-19. However, compliance with hand hygiene appeared to be suboptimal, suggesting room for improvement. Self-efficacy and perceived social distancing showed strong and moderate correlations with self-protective behavior against COVID-19 (r = 0.917, β = 0.819; and r = 0.561, β = 0.173 respectively; p < 0.001). The final HBM-based regression model accounted for 87.2% of the variance in VHVs’ self-protective behavior.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of VHVs’ self-efficacy for achieving self-protective behavior during a COVID-19 outbreak, and suggests that self-efficacy may help to overcome barriers that might otherwise hinder behaviors to mitigate against COVID-19. Policies that support self-efficacy should be implemented in any future pandemic, and steps to support VHVs with hand hygiene compliance and empower non-leaders to increase their self-protective behavior may also be helpful. Whilst the HBM provided a useful framework for interpretation, the final model was driven mainly by self-efficacy.
Emergency department visits by nursing home residents. A retrospective Italian study of administrative databases from 2015 to 2019
Authors: Albanesi Beatrice , Conti Alessio , Politano Gianfranco , Dimonte Valerio , Gianino Maria Michela , Campagna Sara
Published: March 2024

Background

Visits to Emergency Departments (ED) can be traumatic for Nursing Home (NH) residents. In Italy, the rate of ED visits by NH residents was recently calculated as 3.3%. The reduction of inappropriate ED visits represents a priority for National Healthcare Systems worldwide. Nevertheless, research on factors associated with ED visits is still under-studied in the Italian setting. This study has two main aims: (i) to describe the baseline characteristics of NH residents visiting ED at regional level; (ii) to assess the characteristics, trends, and factors associated with these visits.

Methods

A retrospective study of administrative data for five years was performed in the Piedmont Region. Data from 24,208 NH residents were analysed. Data were obtained by merging two ministerial databases of residential care and ED use. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the residents, trends, and rates of ED visits were collected. A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) regression was used to evaluate the factors associated with ED visits.

Results

In 5 years, 12,672 residents made 24,609 ED visits. Aspecific symptoms (45%), dyspnea (17%) and trauma (16%) were the most frequent problems reported at ED. 51% of these visits were coded as non-critical, and 58% were discharged to the NH. The regression analysis showed an increased risk of ED visits for men (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.51–1.70) and for residents with a stay in NH longer than 400 days (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 2.08–2.31).

Conclusions

Our study indicates that more than half of NH residents’ ED visits could potentially be prevented by treating residents in NH. Investments in the creation of a structured and effective network within primary care services, promoting the use of health technology and palliative care approaches, could reduce ED visits and help clinicians manage residents on-site and remotely.
COVID-19 outbreaks surveillance through text mining applied to electronic health records
Authors: Rocha Hermano Alexandre Lima , Solha Erik Zarko Macêdo , Furtado Vasco , Justino Francion Linhares , Barreto Lucas Arêa Leão , da Silva Ronaldo Guedes , de Oliveira Ítalo Martins , Bates David Westfall , de Góes Cavalcanti Luciano Pamplona , Lima Neto Antônio Silva , de Oliveira Erneson Alves
Published: March 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to everyday life and has had social, political, and financial consequences that will persist for years. Several initiatives with intensive use of technology were quickly developed in this scenario. However, technologies that enhance epidemiological surveillance in contexts with low testing capacity and healthcare resources are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by developing a data science model that uses routinely generated healthcare encounter records to detect possible new outbreaks early in real-time.

Methods

We defined an epidemiological indicator that is a proxy for suspected cases of COVID-19 using the health records of Emergency Care Unit (ECU) patients and text mining techniques. The open-field dataset comprises 2,760,862 medical records from nine ECUs, where each record has information about the patient’s age, reported symptoms, and the time and date of admission. We also used a dataset where 1,026,804 cases of COVID-19 were officially confirmed. The records range from January 2020 to May 2022. Sample cross-correlation between two finite stochastic time series was used to evaluate the models.

Results

For patients with age ≥18 years, we find time-lag ($$\tau_c$$

τ
c

) = 72 days and cross-correlation ($${\widehat p}_{ij}$$

p
^

ij

) ~0.82, $$\tau_c$$

τ
c

= 25 days and $${\widehat p}_{ij}$$

p
^

ij

~0.93, and $$\tau_c$$

τ
c

= 17 days and $${\widehat p}_{ij}$$

p
^

ij

~0.88 for the first, second, and third waves, respectively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the developed model can aid in the early detection of signs of possible new COVID-19 outbreaks, weeks before traditional surveillance systems, thereby anticipating in initiating preventive and control actions in public health with a higher likelihood of success.
Experiences of a digital health intervention for young people exposed to technology assisted sexual abuse: a qualitative study
Authors: Quayle Ethel , Larkin Amanda , Schwannauer Matthias , Varese Filippo , Cartwright Kim , Chitsabesan Prathiba , Green Victoria , Radford Gillian , Richards Cathy , Shafi Sara , Whelan Pauline , Chan Cindy , Hewins William , Newton Alice , Niebauer Erica , Sandys Marina , Ward Jennifer , Bucci Sandra
Published: March 2024

Background

There is growing evidence that Technology Assisted Sexual Abuse (TASA) represents a serious problem for large numbers of children. To date, there are very few evidence-based interventions available to young people (YP) after they have been exposed to this form of abuse, and access to support services remains a challenge. Digital tools such as smartphones have the potential to increase access to mental health support and may provide an opportunity for YP to both manage their distress and reduce the possibility of further victimization. The current study explores the acceptability of a digital health intervention (DHI; the i-Minds app) which is a theory-driven, co-produced, mentalization-based DHI designed for YP aged 12–18 who have experienced TASA.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 YP recruited through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre and an e-therapy provider who had access to the i-Minds app as part of a feasibility clinical trial. Interviews focused on the acceptability and usability of i-Minds and were coded to themes based on the Acceptability of Healthcare Interventions framework.

Results

All participants found the i-Minds app acceptable. Many aspects of the app were seen as enjoyable and useful in helping YP understand their abuse, manage feelings, and change behavior. The app was seen as usable and easy to navigate, but for some participants the level of text was problematic and aspects of the content was, at times, emotionally distressing at times.

Conclusions

The i-Minds app is useful in the management of TASA and helping change some risk-related vulnerabilities. The app was designed, developed and evaluated with YP who had experienced TASA and this may account for the high levels of acceptability seen.

Trial registration

The trial was registered on the ISRCTN registry on the 12/04/2022 as i-Minds: a digital intervention for young people exposed to online sexual abuse (ISRCTN43130832).
How do people with long COVID utilize COVID-19 vaccination and rehabilitation services and what are their experiences with these services? results of a qualitative study with 48 participants from Germany
Authors: Schmachtenberg Tim , Königs Gloria , Roder Sascha , Müller Frank , Müllenmeister Christina , Schröder Dominik , El-Sayed Iman
Published: March 2024

Background

Studies estimate that at least 7.5% of adults are affected by long-term symptoms such as fatigue or cognitive impairment after the acute phase of COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination may reduce the risk of long COVID. Rehabilitation can have a positive impact on recovery. This study aims to present the experiences of people with long COVID with COVID-19 vaccination and rehabilitation. Such research is important because perceptions of these measures can impact healthcare utilization and health status.

Methods

48 adults with long COVID participated in this qualitative study, 25 of them in one-on-one interviews and 23 in focus groups. Participants were recruited via calls for participation on the websites and social media channels of two university hospitals and with the help of respondents’ networks. The conversations were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Subsequently, the results were compared, interpreted, and discussed by scientific literature.

Results

35 study participants reported that they had received a COVID-19 vaccination and 16 of them stated that they had utilized a rehabilitation service. These participants had varying experiences with COVID-19 vaccination and rehabilitation. Nine of them stated that they developed long COVID despite vaccination before COVID-19. Ten participants reported vaccine reactions, and two participants reported severe side effects. Two participants reported persistent deterioration of their long COVID symptoms after vaccination. This led to uncertainty about the safety, benefits, and handling of COVID-19 vaccination. However, most participants perceived the vaccine as effective regarding milder COVID-19 sequelae. Four participants felt their rehabilitation was helpful and four participants felt it was unhelpful. Two persons found the combination of inpatient rehabilitation and rehabilitation sport helpful.

Conclusions

Several implications can be derived from this study: (1) researchers should explore the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on long COVID symptoms; (2) vaccination campaigns should be more responsive to the perspectives of people with long COVID on vaccination; (3) care planners should build rehabilitation facilities specialized in long COVID; (4) rehabilitation providers should train their professionals regarding long COVID and develop rehabilitation programs tailored to different clinical pictures.

Trial registration

German register for clinical trials DRKS00026007, 09 September 2021.
Aphallia - congenital absence of the penis: a systematic review
Authors: Yuri Prahara , Yunir Peri Eriad , Utama Eldo Taufila Putra , Zulfiqar Yevri , Thobari Jarir At
Published: March 2024

Background

Aphallia is a rare congenital anomaly often associated with other urogenital anomalies. The management of aphallia cases for both the immediate and long-term treatment of patients with aphallia pose a major dilemma. Patients are at risk for psychosocial and psychosexual challenges throughout life.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted on aphallia cases. We searched online databases until March 2023 for relevant articles and performed according to the PRISMA-P guidelines.

Results

Of the 43 articles screened, there were 33 articles included. A total of 41 patients were analyzed qualitatively. Asia is the region with the most aphallia cases with 53% (n:22), while the United States is the country with the most most reported aphallia cases 31% (n:13). Most cases were identified as male sex (n: 40), and most cases were neonate with 68% (n:28) cases. Physical examination generally found 85% (N = 35) with normal scrotal development and palpable testes. The most affected system with anomalies is the genitourinary system with fistulas in 80% (n:29) cases. Initial management in 39% (n:16) of patients involved vesicostomy. Further management of 31% (n:13) included phalloplasty or penile reconstruction, and 12% (n:5) chose female sex. 17% (n:7) of patients refused medical treatment or were lost to follow-up, and 12% (n = 5) patients deceased.

Conclusion

Aphallia is a rare condition and is often associated with other inherited genitourinary disorders. In most cases, physical examinations are normal except for the absence of a phallus, and laboratory testing shows normal results. The initial management typically involves the vesicostomy procedure. Subsequent management focuses on gender determination. Currently, male sex is preferred over female. Due to the significant variability, the rarity of cases, and the lack of long-term effect reporting in many studies on aphallia, further research is needed to minimize bias.
Using the consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to integrate innovation recipients’ perspectives into the implementation of a digital version of the spinal cord injury health maintenance tool: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Bourke John A , Jerram K. Anne Sinnott , Arora Mohit , Craig Ashley , Middleton James W
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite advances in managing secondary health complications after spinal cord injury (SCI), challenges remain in developing targeted community health strategies. In response, the SCI Health Maintenance Tool (SCI-HMT) was developed between 2018 and 2023 in NSW, Australia to support people with SCI and their general practitioners (GPs) to promote better community self-management. Successful implementation of innovations such as the SCI-HMT are determined by a range of contextual factors, including the perspectives of the innovation recipients for whom the innovation is intended to benefit, who are rarely included in the implementation process. During the digitizing of the booklet version of the SCI-HMT into a website and App, we used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) as a tool to guide collection and analysis of qualitative data from a range of innovation recipients to promote equity and to inform actionable findings designed to improve the implementation of the SCI-HMT.

Methods

Data from twenty-three innovation recipients in the development phase of the SCI-HMT were coded to the five CFIR domains to inform a semi-structured interview guide. This interview guide was used to prospectively explore the barriers and facilitators to planned implementation of the digital SCI-HMT with six health professionals and four people with SCI. A team including researchers and innovation recipients then interpreted these data to produce a reflective statement matched to each domain. Each reflective statement prefaced an actionable finding, defined as alterations that can be made to a program to improve its adoption into practice.

Results

Five reflective statements synthesizing all participant data and linked to an actionable finding to improve the implementation plan were created. Using the CFIR to guide our research emphasized how partnership is the key theme connecting all implementation facilitators, for example ensuring that the tone, scope, content and presentation of the SCI-HMT balanced the needs of innovation recipients alongside the provision of evidence-based clinical information.

Conclusions

Understanding recipient perspectives is an essential contextual factor to consider when developing implementation strategies for healthcare innovations. The revised CFIR provided an effective, systematic method to understand, integrate and value recipient perspectives in the development of an implementation strategy for the SCI-HMT.

Trial registration

N/A.
Peripheral blood indicators and COVID-19: an observational and bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chang Zhenglin , Wang Suilin , Liu Kemin , Lin Runpei , Liu Changlian , Zhang Jiale , Wei Daqiang , Nie Yuxi , Chen Yuerong , He Jiawei , Li Haiyang , Cheng Zhangkai J. , Sun Baoqing
Published: March 2024

Blood is critical for health, supporting key functions like immunity and oxygen transport. While studies have found links between common blood clinical indicators and COVID-19, they cannot provide causal inference due to residual confounding and reverse causality. To identify indicators affecting COVID-19, we analyzed clinical data (n = 2,293, aged 18–65 years) from Guangzhou Medical University’s first affiliated hospital (2022-present), identifying 34 significant indicators differentiating COVID-19 patients from healthy controls. Utilizing bidirectional Mendelian randomization analyses, integrating data from over 2.46 million participants from various large-scale studies, we established causal links for six blood indicators with COVID-19 risk, five of which is consistent with our observational findings. Specifically, elevated Troponin I and Platelet Distribution Width levels are linked with increased COVID-19 susceptibility, whereas higher Hematocrit, Hemoglobin, and Neutrophil counts confer a protective effect. Reverse MR analysis confirmed four blood biomarkers influenced by COVID-19, aligning with our observational data for three of them. Notably, COVID-19 exhibited a positive causal relationship with Troponin I (Tnl) and Serum Amyloid Protein A, while a negative association was observed with Plateletcrit. These findings may help identify high-risk individuals and provide further direction on the management of COVID‐19.
A review of implementation and evaluation frameworks for public health interventions to inform co-creation: a Health CASCADE study
Authors: Longworth Giuliana Raffaella , Goh Kunshan , Agnello Danielle Marie , Messiha Katrina , Beeckman Melanie , Zapata-Restrepo Jorge Raul , Cardon Greet , Chastin Sebastien , Giné-Garriga Maria
Published: March 2024

Background

By including the needs and perspectives of relevant stakeholders, co-creation is seen as a promising approach for tackling complex public health problems. However, recommendations and guidance on how to plan and implement co-creation are lacking. By identifying and analysing existing implementation and evaluation frameworks for public health, this study aims to offer key recommendations for professional stakeholders and researchers wanting to adopt a co-creation approach to public health interventions.

Methods

Firstly, PubMed and CINAHL databases were screened for articles introducing original implementation and evaluation frameworks for public health interventions. Backwards snowballing techniques were applied to the included papers. Secondly, identified frameworks were classified and relevant data extracted, including steps and constructs present in the frameworks. Lastly, recommendations were derived by conducting thematic analysis on the included frameworks.

Results

Thirty frameworks were identified and data related to their nature and scope extracted. The frameworks’ prominent steps and constructs were also retrieved. Recommendations related to implementation and evaluation in the context of co-creation were included.

Conclusion

When engaging in co-creation, we recommend including implementation considerations from an early stage and suggest adopting a systems thinking as a way to explore multiple levels of influence, contextual settings and systems from an early planning stage. We highlight the importance of partnering with stakeholders and suggest applying an evaluation design that is iterative and cyclical, which pays particular attention to the experience of the engaged co-creators.
Infinitely many solutions for three quasilinear Laplacian systems on weighted graphs
Authors: Pang Yan , Xie Junping , Zhang Xingyong
Published: March 2024

We investigate a generalized poly-Laplacian system with a parameter on weighted finite graphs, a generalized poly-Laplacian system with a parameter and Dirichlet boundary value on weighted locally finite graphs, and a $(p,q)$
(
p
,
q
)
-Laplacian system with a parameter on weighted locally finite graphs. We utilize a critical points theorem built by Bonanno and Bisci [Bonanno, Bisci, and Regan, Math. Comput. Model. 52(1-2):152–160, 2010], which is an abstract critical points theorem without compactness condition, to obtain that these systems have infinitely many nontrivial solutions with unbounded norm when the parameters locate some well-determined range.
Validation of machine learning models for estimation of left ventricular ejection fraction on point-of-care ultrasound: insights on features that impact performance
Authors: Luong Christina L. , Jafari Mohammad H. , Behnami Delaram , Shah Yaksh R. , Straatman Lynn , Van Woudenberg Nathan , Christoff Leah , Gwadry Nancy , Hawkins Nathaniel M. , Sayre Eric C. , Yeung Darwin , Tsang Michael , Gin Ken , Jue John , Nair Parvathy , Abolmaesumi Purang , Tsang Teresa
Published: March 2024

Background

Machine learning (ML) algorithms can accurately estimate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from echocardiography, but their performance on cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is not well understood.

Objectives

We evaluate the performance of an ML model for estimation of LVEF on cardiac POCUS compared with Level III echocardiographers’ interpretation and formal echo reported LVEF.

Methods

Clinicians at a tertiary care heart failure clinic prospectively scanned 138 participants using hand-carried devices. Video data were analyzed offline by an ML model for LVEF. We compared the ML model's performance with Level III echocardiographers' interpretation and echo reported LVEF.

Results

There were 138 participants scanned, yielding 1257 videos. The ML model generated LVEF predictions on 341 videos. We observed a good intraclass correlation (ICC) between the ML model's predictions and the reference standards (ICC = 0.77–0.84). When comparing LVEF estimates for randomized single POCUS videos, the ICC between the ML model and Level III echocardiographers' estimates was 0.772, and it was 0.778 for videos where quantitative LVEF was feasible. When the Level III echocardiographer reviewed all POCUS videos for a participant, the ICC improved to 0.794 and 0.843 when only accounting for studies that could be segmented. The ML model's LVEF estimates also correlated well with LVEF derived from formal echocardiogram reports (ICC = 0.798).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that clinician-driven cardiac POCUS produces ML model LVEF estimates that correlate well with expert interpretation and echo reported LVEF.
Proton Therapy: Current Status and Controversies
Authors: Press Robert H. , Mehta Minesh P.
Published: March 2024

Expert commentary on the evolving role of proton therapy, discussing the current status and controversies of proton therapy in the modern era.
Effect of Hormone Therapy on Lipoprotein Subfractions in Early and Late Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Sriprasert Intira , Kim Stephanie S , Mohammed Iram Elias , Kono Naoko , Karim Roksana , Allayee Hooman , Hodis Howard N , Mack Wendy J , Krauss Ronald M
Published: March 2024

Context

The Early vs Late Intervention Trial with Estradiol (ELITE) showed that hormone therapy (HT) reduced atherosclerosis progression among early but not late postmenopausal women (PMW).

Objective

Determined by time-since-menopause (1) HT effects on lipids and lipoprotein particle subfractions (LPs), (2) associations of estradiol (E2) level with lipids and LPs, (3) associations of lipids and LPs with atherosclerosis progression.

Design

Randomized controlled trial stratified by time-since-menopause.

Setting

Academic institution.

Participants

Healthy postmenopausal women.

Intervention

Oral E2 with/without sequential vaginal progesterone.

Main Outcome Measures

Standard lipids and 21 LPs quantitated by ion mobility every 6 months.

Results

Among 562 PMW (240 early, 322 late), HT significantly increased total triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, small low-density lipoproteins (LDL), large HDL, and TG/C ratio in LDL and HDL and decreased LDL-cholesterol, total very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), small VLDL, intermediate-density lipoproteins, large LDL, and LDL peak diameter. HT showed no lipid or LP differences between time-since-menopause. Associations of E2 level with lipids and LPs explained the HT effects. Despite the nonsignificant P interaction by time-since-menopause, we observed that very small LDL and total HDL LPs were associated with atherosclerosis progression in late PMW.

Conclusion

HT effects on standard lipids and LPs are consistent with the literature. HT has similar effect on lipids and LPs in early and late PMW. Novel findings include discordant effects of HT on TG and VLDL particles, which can be explained by increased catabolism of atherogenic remnants of TG-rich lipoproteins. Our findings extend the well-known HT effects on standard lipids and LPs that may contribute to the beneficial effects on atherosclerosis progression in PMW.
Enhanced Chronic Inflammation and Increased Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Adrenal Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kittithaworn Annop A , Dogra Prerna , Saini Jasmine , Gruppen Eke G , Atkinson Elizabeth , Achenbach Sara , Yu Kai , Thangamuthu Karthik , Connelly Margery A , Dullaart Robin P F , Bancos Irina
Published: March 2024

Context

Patients with adrenal hormone excess demonstrate increased cardiovascular (CV) risk and mortality.

Objective

We aimed to determine the effect of adrenal disorders on the inflammation marker glycoprotein acetylation (GlycA), total branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), ketone bodies, and the gut microbiome-derived metabolites trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and betaine.

Methods

We conducted a single-center cross-sectional study of patients with nonfunctioning adenomas (NFAs), mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), primary aldosteronism (PA), Cushing syndrome (CS), pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas (PPGLs), other benign or malignant adrenal masses, and adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) between January 2015 and July 2022 (n = 802). Referent individuals included participants in the PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease) study (n = 5241). GlycA, BCAAs, ketone bodies, TMAO, and betaine were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multivariable logistic analyses were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and statin therapy.

Results

In age- and sex-adjusted comparison to referent individuals, increased GlycA was noted in all patient categories, increased BCAAs in NFA, MACS, CS, PA, and ACC, increased TMAO in patients with other malignant adrenal masses, increased betaine in NFA and MACS, and increased ketone bodies in NFA, CS, and ACC. Essentially similar findings were observed in fully adjusted analysis and after exclusion of participants with diabetes and CV disease.

Conclusion

Patients with functioning and nonfunctioning adrenal masses demonstrated increased GlycA and BCAAs, biomarkers associated with adverse cardiometabolic disorders and mortality. Patients with NFA demonstrated an adverse metabolic profile similar to patients with MACS and CS.
Lethal Giant Disc is a target of Cdk1 and regulates ESCRT-III localization during germline stem cell abscission
Authors: Hermant Catherine , Matias Neuza Reis , Michel-Hissier Pascale , Huynh Jean-René , Mathieu Juliette
Published: March 2024

Abscission is the final step of cytokinesis that allows the physical separation of sister cells through the scission of the cellular membrane. This deformation is driven by ESCRT-III proteins, which can bind membranes and form dynamic helices. A crucial step in abscission is the recruitment of ESCRT-III proteins at the right time and place. Alix is one of the best characterized proteins that recruits ESCRT-III proteins from yeast to mammals. However, recent studies in vivo have revealed that pathways acting independently or redundantly with Alix are also required at abscission sites in different cellular contexts. Here, we show that Lgd acts redundantly with Alix to properly localize ESCRT-III to the abscission site in germline stem cells (GSCs) during Drosophila oogenesis. We further demonstrate that Lgd is phosphorylated at multiple sites by the CycB/Cdk1 kinase. We found that these phosphorylation events potentiate the activity of Shrub, a Drosophila ESCRT-III, during abscission of GSCs. Our study reveals that redundancy between Lgd and Alix, and coordination with the cell cycle kinase Cdk1, confers robust and timely abscission of Drosophila germline stem cells.
Results of a Randomized Clinical Study of Gemcitabine Plus Nab-Paclitaxel Versus Gemcitabine Plus S-1 as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Resectable and Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (RCT, CSGO-HBP-015)
Authors: Yamada Daisaku , Kobayashi Shogo , Takahashi Hidenori , Iwagami Yoshifumi , Akita Hirofumi , Asukai Kei , Shimizu Junzo , Yamada Terumasa , Tanemura Masahiro , Yokoyama Shigekazu , Tsujie Masanori , Asaoka Tadafumi , Takeda Yutaka , Morimoto Osakuni , Tomokuni Akira , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi
Published: March 2024

Background

The optimal neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimen for patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains uncertain. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) regimens, gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GA) and gemcitabine plus S-1 (GS), in patients with resectable/borderline-resectable (R/BR) PDAC.

Patients and Methods

Treatment-naïve patients with R/BR-PDAC were enrolled and randomly allocated. They received two cycles (2 months) of each standard protocol, followed by radical surgery for those without tumor progression in general hospitals belonging to our intergroup. The primary endpoint was to determine the superior regimen on the basis of achieving a 10% increase in the rate of patients with progression-free survival (PFS) at 2 years from allocation.

Results

A total of 100 patients were enrolled, with 94 patients randomly assigned to the GS arm (N = 46) or GA arm (N = 48). The 2-year PFS rates did not show the stipulated difference [GA, 31% (24–38%)/GS, 26% (18–33%)], but the Kaplan–Myer analysis showed significance (median PFS, GA/GS 14 months/9 months, P = 0.048; HR 0.71). Secondary endpoint comparisons yielded the following results (GA/GS arm, P-value): rates of severe adverse events during NAC, 73%/78%, P = 0.55; completion rates of the stipulated NAC, 92%/83%, P = 0.71; resection rates, 85%/72%, P = 0.10; average tumor marker (CA19-9) reduction rates, −50%/−21%, P = 0.01; average numbers of lymph node metastasis, 1.7/3.2, P = 0.04; and median overall survival times, 42/22 months, P = 0.26.

Conclusions

This study found that GA and GS are viable neoadjuvant treatment regimens in R/BR-PDAC. Although the GA group exhibited a favorable PFS outcome, the primary endpoint was not achieved.
Motivated Errors
Authors: Exley Christine L. , Kessler Judd B.
Published: March 2024

Myriad environments allow for the possibility of confusion. Agents may appeal to such confusion—or the possibility of making an honest mistake—to justify their behavior. In three sets of experiments involving thousands of subjects, we document evidence of such motivated errors. We document this evidence in a simple environment in which the scope for errors is small and in more complex environments in which subjects display correlation neglect and an anchoring bias. (JEL C91, D12, D64, D81, D83, D91)
Is it possible to develop a digital twin for noise monitoring in manufacturing?
Authors: Yi Li , Ruediger-Flore Patrick , Karnoub Ali , Mertes Jan , Glatt Moritz , Aurich Jan C.
Published: March 2024

Noise monitoring is important in the context of manufacturing because it can help maintain a safe and healthy workspace for employees. Current approaches for noise monitoring in manufacturing are based on acoustic sensors, whose measured sound pressure levels (SPL) are shown as bar/curve charts and acoustic heat maps. In such a way, the noise emission and propagation process is not fully addressed. This paper proposes a digital twin (DT) for noise monitoring in manufacturing using augmented reality (AR) and the phonon tracing method (PTM). In the proposed PTM/AR-based DT, the noise is represented by 3D particles (called phonons) emitting and traversing in a spatial domain. Using a mobile AR device (HoloLens 2), users are able to visualize and interact with the noise emitted by machine tools. To validate the feasibility of the proposed PTM/AR-based DT, two use cases are carried out. The first use case is an offline test, where the noise data from a machine tool are first acquired and used for the implementation of PTM/AR-based DT with different parameter sets. The result of the first use case is the understanding between the AR performance of HoloLens 2 (frame rate) and the setting of the initial number of phonons and sampling frequency. The second use case is an online test to demonstrate the in-situ noise monitoring capability of the proposed PTM/AR-based DT. The result shows that our PTM/AR-based DT is a powerful tool for visualizing and assessing the real-time noise in manufacturing systems.
Association between nitric oxide and cancer and stroke risk: A meta-analysis
Authors: Tualeka Abdul Rohim , Jalaludin Juliana , Gasana Janvier , Sopian Nor Ashikin , Chao How Ran , Yusmaidie Mohd , Perumal Velu , Zurimi Suardi , Rahmawati Pudji , Ahsan Ahsan , Novianti Salsabila
Published: March 2024

Background Numerous case-control studies have been carried out to test the mechanism by which nitric oxide, specifically the polymorphism 894G>T in the eNOS gene, or endothelial nitric oxide synthase, raises the possibility of stroke and cancer. This meta-analysis aimed to describe the correlation between cancer and stroke risk with nitric oxide (eNOS 894G>T polymorphism). Methods A comprehensive search was conducted on various digital databases, including Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar, for articles published between 2012-2023. All related studies were collected and analysed to observe the published results. Results The meta-analysis included a total of fifteen case-control studies. These studies involved 3,019 cases (2,013 cancer and 1,006 strokes) and 3,333 controls (2,187 to evaluate cancer risk and 1,146 to evaluate stroke risk) overall. This study found that the GG versus GT+TT genotype of eNOS 894G>T polymorphism was significantly positively correlated with cancer risk, indicating that there is an association between eNOS 894G>T polymorphisms and an increased risk of developing cancer. Additionally, The significance of this association was further attributed to the specific type of polymorphism involved, as well as the risk of stroke in the T versus G model, followed by TT versus GG+GT. Conclusions The eNOS 894G>T polymorphism showed a significant association with cancer and stroke risk. Specifically, the GT+TT model was associated with increased cancer risk compared to the GG model. This polymorphism also showed an association with stroke risk, with the T and TT models showing increased risk compared to the G and GG+GT models. These results suggest that the eNOS 894G>T polymorphism may be a potential risk factor for cancer and stroke.
How research consortia can contribute to improvements in PhD students’ research environment and progress in sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: El Hajj Taghreed , Wiltgen Georgi Neele , Crossman Susie , Tagoe Nadia , Bates Imelda
Published: March 2024

Background The Africa Capacity Building Initiative (ACBI) programme aimed to ‘strengthen the research and training capacity of higher education institutions and support the development of individual scientists in sub-Saharan Africa through UK-Africa research collaborations’ including by funding PhD studentships. We conducted research to understand students’ experiences and to see how consortia-based programmes such as ACBI and their own institutions can enhance PhD students’ research environment and progress. Methods In-depth interviews with 35 ACBI-funded PhD students explored their perspectives about how their research and personal development benefitted from belonging to a research consortium. Questionnaires were used to corroborate interview findings. Results Students recognised that membership of a research consortium provided many benefits compared to less well-resourced peers. By drawing on the programme and consortiums’ resources, they were often able to overcome some limitations in their own institution’s systems and facilities. Through their consortia they could access a wide range of international expertise and support from mentors and colleagues for their technical and psychosocial needs. Multiple consortia opportunities for engaging with the international scientific community and for networking, gave them confidence and motivation and enhanced their career prospects. Conclusion Our study and its recommendations highlight how the breadth and diversity of resources available to PhD students through research consortia can be harnessed to facilitate students’ progress and to create a supportive and conducive research environment. It also underlines how, through a multi-level approach, consortia can contribute to longer-term improvements in institutional research environments for PhD students.
Implementation of ESG Standards by Russian Business: Development of a Set of Priority Measures for the System of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation
Authors: SHubyenkova YEvgyeniya , Krasavina E. , Fateev M.
Published: March 2024

The article is devoted to issues affecting the implementation of ESG standards by the Russian business community and the role of the Russian Chambers of Commerce and industry in this process. This scientific article presents the results of a large-scale sociological study (by means of a questionnaire survey) conducted in order to identify what semantic meaning representatives of Russian business put into understanding the essence of ESG principles, how ready they are to follow them in their current professional activities, etc.

The respondents were both direct representatives of Russian business and representatives of the system of Chambers of commerce and industry of the Russian Federation. The survey results served as the basis for the development of a set of measures to support the implementation of ESG standards by the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Russia.
The evaluation of simultaneous combined surgery of the heart and thyroid - own experience
Authors: Gniłka Andrzej , Gniłka Włodzimierz , Juraniec Olga , Pawliszak Wojciech , Anisimowicz Lech , Junik Roman
Published: March 2024

Background: Patients referred for cardiac surgery usually also have other comorbidities. These include thyroid disease, which is relatively common in patients with heart problems.
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of combined cardiac surgery and thyroidectomy.
Material and methods: Six patients (age range: 54-74 years) qualified for elective, simultaneous surgeries on the heart and the thyroid were included in the study. In preparation for thyroidectomy, three patients were diagnosed with diseases requiring cardiac surgery. Two patients, initially referred for coronary artery bypass surgery in one case, and surgery for recurrent fluid in the pericardial sac with concomitant mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation and atrial fibrillation in the other, were diagnosed in large hyperactive goitre. The last patient with a history of oncology (lung tumour), admitted to the Department of Cardiology due to a heart attack, had a CT scan of the chest, which revealed retrosternal goitre narrowing the lumen of the trachea to 9 mm. All patients underwent combined heart and thyroid operation and were discharged home 8-27 days after surgery.
Conclusions: Although preoperative qualification requires a very cautious and individual approach, simultaneous surgeries in patients requiring thyroid and heart interventions are expedient and should be promoted.
Assigning and Scheduling Generalized Malleable Jobs Under Subadditive or Submodular Processing Speeds
Authors: Fotakis Dimitris , Matuschke Jannik , Papadigenopoulos Orestis
Published: March 2024

Handling Heterogeneous Machines in Malleable Scheduling

Parallelization is an important and widespread technique to speed up the completion of time-critical tasks, not only in high-speed computing, but also in operations planning in production and logistics. A fundamental model in this context is that of malleable jobs, each of which can be assigned to a subset of machine for parallel processing. In “Assigning and Scheduling Generalized Malleable Jobs Under Submodular or Subadditive Processing Speeds,” Fotakis, Matuschke, and Papadigenopoulos go beyond the by now well-understood identical-machine setting in malleable scheduling and develop algorithmic approaches for scheduling malleable jobs under various discrete concavity assumptions on the joint processing speeds of the assigned (possibly very heterogeneous) machines. They show that under these assumptions, the task of finding a schedule of small makespan can be reduced to that of finding an assignment with small maximum machine load. For this latter problem, numerous efficient approximation algorithms are derived and their practical performance explored in a computational experiments. These results indicate that the computational challenges posed by parallelization in heterogeneous environments can indeed be overcome, enabling the optimization of heavily parallelized schedules in the aforementioned applications.
Eureka Role Playing Game: An Instructional Tool In Improving The Proficiency Level In Chemistry 7
Authors: C. Bacho Ma. Maybelle , C. Dimanarig Ginalyn , B.  Gache Cris Nelson , B. Garcia Lenber , B. Hermoso Ed Christian , A. Ramuyan Honey Camille , D. Cronico Andrei
Published: March 2024

The Eureka Role Playing Game is a game-based instructional tool for learning science concepts. The study aimed to improve proficiency level of the learners in Science 7 particularly in Chemistry subject. This study utilized a Quantitative Method to measure the gathered data and test the hypothesis. Quasi-experimental pretest-posttest research design was also used with a validated questionnaire and Eureka Role-Playing Game (RPG) as the primary data gathering instrument to evaluate students’ proficiency level improvement as the intervention was administered to experimental group and traditional teaching method for controlled group. Results showed that in the controlled group, the mean post-test result was higher than the mean pre-test result, but still at the beginning level of proficiency. Meanwhile, the mean post-test result of the experimental group is higher compared to the mean pre-test result. Therefore, the level of proficiency of the experimental group has improved from a beginning level to a developing level after the intervention. A significant difference in the pre-test and post-test between the experimental group and the control group is in favor of the experimental group. Therefore, the alternative hypotheses of this study are accepted. Evaluated by the Science experts, the instructional tool passed the curricular validity criteria. The researchers recommend the use of Eureka Role Playing Game since it significantly increased the proficiency level of the students from beginning to developing level based on the findings.
Student’s Thinking Skills At Pesantren
Authors: Yuliana Yuliana , Kusumadewi Riema Afriani , Gunawan Heri , Adawiyah Siti Robiah
Published: March 2024

The learning process in education today tends to be focused on developing a memory of the content of information. Few educational institutions still apply learning methods that can train students' thinking skills to find solutions to solving a problem or making a decision. This research aims to identify learning in building the thinking skills of students at Pondok Pesantren (PP) Darussalam Kunir Subang. This pesantren applies the Kuliyyatul Mu'allimin Al-Islamiyah (KMI) which combines a system of educational methodology and pesantren teaching (salaf/traditional) with modern education. The approach used in this research is qualitative with descriptive methods to identify, describe, and analyze information needs regarding learning in the pesantren. The subjects in this research were four administrators, four teachers, and thirty students at PP Darussalam Kunir Subang. Data collection is done by interview, observation, and documentation. Data analysis includes data reduction, data presentation, and conclusions. The results showed that learning at PP Darussalam Kunir Subang in the form of turats deliberation activities could train students' thinking skills. Th Beside that, project-based teaching and problem-based teaching also can help students develop their thinking skills.
Application of SEAMON as Edible Bird’s Nest cleanser in the Edible Bird’s Nest Industry
Authors: Ningrum Siti Gusti , Yulianto Andreas Berny , Purnamasari Kartika
Published: March 2024

Background: In Surabaya, the edible bird's nest industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for this highly prized delicacy, known for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. As the industry expands, effective cleaning methods for edible bird's nests become paramount. Contaminants, impurities, and feathers can compromise the quality and purity of edible bird's nests, affecting their market value and consumer appeal.
Contribution: In response to this challenge, applying SEAMON as an edible bird's nest cleanser has emerged as a promising solution. SEAMON, a specific cleaning agent for edible birds' nests, offers the potential to revolutionize the cleaning process within the edible birds' nest industry. This innovative approach addresses the cleanliness and hygiene standards required for edible bird's nests, ensuring that consumers receive the highest quality product.
Method: The SEAMON application was carried out at the edible bird's nest industry in Surabaya, East Java, on July 2, 2023, with twelve samples of edible bird's nests with heavy feather characteristics. All samples were tested for nitrite analysis using a Genesys 30 visible spectrophotometer.
Results: Based on the results of its application, this innovation has the potential as an edible bird’s nest cleaning agent to clean hydrogen peroxide residue and can reduce nitrite levels in the white edible bird’s nest.
Conclusion: This washing liquid is the first cleanser specifically for white edible bird’s nests, and another advantage is that it is food grade, so edible bird’s nests cleaned with SEAMON is safe for human consumption.
The importance of appreciation
Authors: Hylton Preetee , Wilkes Shannon
Published: March 2024

Preetee Hylton speaks with Shannon Wilkes about her dental nursing career and achievements.