bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of mecA gene in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus with Detection of Homologous Sequences isolated from Hospital Acquired Infection Patients admitted at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka City of Bangl
Authors: Tania Noor E Jannat , Shamsuzzaman SM , Islam Aminul , Kubra Khadijatul , Rahman Md. Maminur
Published: February 2025

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a major concern for public health. Compared to infections caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), MRSA causes severe infections with increased morbidity and mortality and also places a large economic pressure on our health care sector.
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of MRSA in different clinical samples isolated from admitted patients in a tertiary care hospital, Bangladesh.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology at the Microbiology Laboratory of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2019 to December 2019 for a period of one year. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from pus, wound swab and blood samples by culture, microscopy and different biochemical tests. MRSA were isolated by oxacillin and cefoxitin disc diffusion method using Kirby-Bauer technique and MIC of oxacillin by agar dilutional method. PCR and sequencing of mecA gene was done.
Results: Out of 208 samples 42.2% MRSA and 57.78% MSSA were detected. Sensitivity and specificity of oxacillin disc diffusion method were 100% and 96.15%, respectively and for cefoxitin disc diffusion method both were 100% in comparison with MIC of oxacillin. All the 19 MRSA strains were positive for mecA gene.
Conclusion: In conclusion there is a high prevalence of MRSA.
Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases, December 2024;11(2):146-151
Pelatihan Konversi Biomass Sawit Menjadi Geo-Textile Nonwoven untuk Kemandirian Ekonomi Desa Wirajaya Kabupaten Bogor
Authors: Nikmatin Siti , Setyaningsih Luluk , Denih Asep , Irmansyah Irmansyah , Zuhri Mahfuddin , Adiati Rima Fitria
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the PDTI program's community service activities is to achieve economic independence through the processing of OPEFB into geotextiles and creative industries. The implementation method uses training and assistance in processing OPEFB into fiber using fibrillation milling tools and arranging them into non-woven textile sheets to be applied in diversifying products with high economic value. Participants in PDTI activities are farmer groups from Wirajaya Village, Bogor Regency, which is <100 m from the IPB Dramaga. The evaluation instrument uses pretest and posttest on the quantitative value of knowledge, skills, and motivation in absorbing the technology provided through training. The results of the evaluation showed a significant improvement in people's knowledge, skills, and motivation. This program not only opens up new business opportunities but also contributes to environmental conservation through organic waste reduction and the promotion of a circular economy. In addition, this program has also increased to have a positive impact on the community in terms of knowledge, motivation, and skills. Meanwhile, the results of intensive training and assistance to the community are also able to convert waste into value-added products such as nonwoven geotextiles.
Pemanfaatan Artificial Intelligence dan Literasi Digital untuk Pembelajaran Menulis di Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Rahmayantis Marista Dwi , Pitoyo Andri , Sujarwoko Sujarwoko , Ramdani Putra Chelya Ilham , Firmansyah Achmad Fathoni , Gigik Yolanda Rensia , Dinso Junio Boy Smara , Rohmiati Rohmiati , Pratiwi Wahyu Adi
Published: February 2025

This community service programme aims to improve the writing skills of elementary school students through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital literacy. The method of implementing this activity uses training with the target, namely teachers at SDN Kampungdalem 1 Tulungagung, East Java. The evaluation instrument uses observation sheets and questionnaires which are then analyzed descriptively quantitatively and qualitatively. The results of this service showed that teacher competence and student writing skills improved through integrating AI and digital literacy in writing learning, as shown by an increase in the average writing score from 65.5 to 84.2. In addition, the success of this activity is supported by a holistic approach that combines teacher training, implementation assistance, and continuous evaluation.
Pemberdayaan Kader Posyandu melalui Inovasi Pentol Lele Kreasi (Pentole Kres) untuk Penanggulangan Stunting di Kelurahan Tobimeita Kota Kendari
Authors: Ainurafiq Ainurafiq , Handriani Indah , Anasari Wa , Deni Deni , Misdayanti Misdayanti , Malik Mayurni Firdayana , Ali Nur Fitriana Muhammad
Published: February 2025

This community service program aims to improve the understanding and skills of Posyandu cadres in optimizing the use of catfish as a source of nutrition through the innovation of the Pentole Kres product to overcome stunting in Tobimeita Village, Kendari City. The method of implementing this service uses community empowerment through education and training activities. The program evaluation uses pre-test and post-test instruments which are analyzed using a paired t-test. The results of the service showed an increase in participant understanding of 85%, while 100% of participants experienced an increase in practical skills, and the average skill score increased from 2.4 before training to 4.5 after training. Based on the results of this community service program, it can be concluded that the community empowerment approach utilizing local potential, such as catfish, is effective in improving the understanding and skills of Posyandu cadres in managing nutritional sources to combat stunting.
PENERAPAN POLA FIBONACCI UNTUK PENGATURAN QOS (QUALITY OF SERVICE) JARINGAN
Authors: Gani Ahmad , Wibawa Sigit , Ilyas Fadli
Published: February 2025

In managing network quality of service (QoS), this research uses the Fibonacci pattern to optimize delay control and bandwidth allocation. QoS is very important in contemporary network management, especially considering the increasing demand for stable and effective data services. This study prioritizes data based on traffic levels using a Fibonacci algorithm simulation. Each priority is assigned a value corresponding to the Fibonacci sequence, which allows for resource allocation that is more in line with network load.The simulation was conducted under normal and overload conditions. The research results show that conventional methods, such as round-robin and weighted fair queuing, can improve QoS efficiency with the Fibonacci pattern by up to 15%. This improvement primarily focuses on managing important data packets such as real-time communication and video streaming, and reducing latency. Additionally, this technique is better at adapting to traffic changes.The research results show that the Fibonacci pattern can be an innovative method for managing network QoS, especially for complex priority needs. By using the Fibonacci pattern as a data priority management technique, this research helps improve network quality of service (QoS). This method is capable of improving bandwidth allocation efficiency and reducing latency by up to 15% compared to conventional approaches such as Round-Robin and Weighted Fair Queuing. The main contribution of this research is to offer a new approach based on Fibonacci patterns that can be adapted to the dynamics of network traffic.
DESIGN OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER ROBOT USING IOT WITH ANDROID APPLICATION CONTROL
Authors: Satria Budy , Hidayatullah Syarif , Yuda Fitra , Tambunan Leonard , Lubis Siti Sahara , Meiditra Irzon
Published: February 2025

Fire is an unsupervised incidental disaster. This disaster has a detrimental impact on living and non-living things in the surrounding environment. This study was conducted to design an intelligent firefighting robot using Arduino Mega 2560 and Android-based IoT technology. This firefighting robot uses several Node MCU ESP8266 components as additional devices to connect to wifi. The L298N module regulates the speed and direction of the DC motor rotation, followed by the L9110 fan as hardware to extinguish the fire. The mobile robot prototype uses a DC motor as its driver. In addition, an Android application has been programmed to control the firefighting robot. This application has features that allow the robot to move in various directions and adjust the fan speed when extinguishing fires, all through an internet network connection. The study results showed that the application can be connected within a distance of 1-8 meters with good network quality. The test results showed that at a distance of 1-28 cm, the fan worked very well according to its function, and the Android application also worked optimally. In that range, the fan can extinguish the simulated fire source. The results of this study obtained a new approach to autonomous fire detection and extinguishing using IoT and robotic technology. In addition, it is able to integrate an Android-based IoT controller to enable remote control with real-time monitoring to overcome problems in previous research.
‘Criminal dreaming’: Reimagining Crime and Justice in Australian Aboriginal Crime Fiction
Authors: Collins-Gearing Brooke , Gulddal Jesper
Published: February 2025

In this article, we analyse Australian Aboriginal crime fiction as a form of world crime fiction that draws on the genre’s globally recognisable devices while at the same time localising them in a specific regional setting. This localisation results in two distinctive features. On the one hand, Aboriginal crime fiction is characterised by a critical revision of crime fiction tropes that are unworkable in the Aboriginal context; specifically, it tends to invert the investigator/criminal dichotomy, challenge investigative practices based on Western epistemologies, and undermine the solution of the murder mystery as a final point of truth and redemption. On the other hand, Aboriginal crime fiction infuses the crime narrative with the traumas, aspirations and knowledges of Australia’s Aboriginal population; in analysing this aspect, we focus on the close relationship in Aboriginal thought between women’s bodies and ‘Country’ as a landscape infused with history, living connections and spiritual depth. We conclude by arguing that the hybrid nature of Aboriginal crime fiction enables different modes of reception: using familiar literary forms to introduce non-Aboriginal readers to Aboriginal culture while also serving as a form of truth-telling that re-frames national narratives about Australia’s colonial beginnings.
Responding to wetiko Crime: Understanding Harold Johnson's Backtrack through the Indigenous Literary Analysis Model (ILAM)
Authors: Million Tara
Published: February 2025

Cree author Harold Johnson's crime novel Backtrack draws on Cree oral traditions and Cree legal traditions to create a contemporary story about the wetiko, a human transformed into a cannibal monster who murders people, and the Cree laws and legal processes that are used to respond to wetiko crimes. The Indigenous Literary Analysis Model (ILAM) is a method developed for critically analysing Indigenous literatures. Through ILAM, analysis of Backtrack identifies that while this novel demonstrates some continuity with Canadian crime fiction genre conventions, it also challenges and rewrites those conventions. Ultimately, Backtrack can be understood as a cultural knowledge text that incorporates elements of Western literary conventions while remaining firmly within the Indigenous literary canon.
Revenge, Final Girls and Indigenous Ghosts: Generic Manipulation in Stephen Graham Jones’s My Heart is a Chainsaw
Authors: Wilson Katharine
Published: February 2025

Blackfeet author Stephen Graham Jones’s 2021 novel My Heart is a Chainsaw manipulates standard slasher movie tropes in order to expose their construction and often racialised underpinnings. This article looks at how Jones makes use of the slasher movie conventions of revenge as motivation for the antagonist and the character of the ‘final girl’ in two primary conflicts in the novel: Blackfeet protagonist Jade Daniels’s relationship to her abusive father and the massacre perpetuated by Stacey Graves, an Indigenous girl turned monstrous. By exposing various deficiencies in various slasher movie tropes, the novel affirms survivance by insisting on actual, complicated Indigenous presence within generic texts. Thus, this article fills a significant gap in scholarship on contemporary Indigenous engagement with subgeneric conventions within crime fiction.
The seven-dimensional universe
Authors: Kesanasetty Sasidhar
Published: February 2025

This paper elucidates the concept of dark energy and the acceleration of the universe through the quantization of space in hidden dimensions, which provides the foundation for gravitational force. Space-time is conceptualized as a four-dimensional elastic grid within a seven-dimensional universe, wherein matter expands concurrently with the universe. Each cube of the grid is considered a quantum of hidden three-dimensional space of Planck volume containing Planck charge, rendering the universe seven-dimensional. The phenomenon of dark energy is attributed to the electrostatic repulsion between Planck charges in each quantum of the hidden space, and the corresponding energy density is correlated with the Hubble parameter H(z), accounting for the accelerated expansion of the universe and the increase in the relative cosmological potential energy/rest mass of matter. The expansion of space-time is posited to result not from the creation of new space but from the stretching of existing space-time, analogous to an elastic ruler where proper length and volume remain constant. The relative values of the Planck constant, gravitational constant, permittivity of free space, and Boltzmann constant are demonstrated to vary due to the expansion or contraction of space in cosmological and gravitational frameworks but are compensated for by the proportional change in the rest mass. This theory also establishes a framework for the relativistic Newtonian theory of gravity, the respective MONDian (Modified Newtonian dynamics) gravity, identifies a rationale for the transition of Newtonian gravity to MOND, and elucidates the dynamics of galaxy clusters without invoking dark matter.
Collatz Sequence Proof 3rd Way
Authors: Muhammad Taha
Published: February 2025

Abstract of I discovered a fact in Collatz Sequence: S (n) = {a,b,c,…,w} ⇔ LS(n) = LS(a) = LS(b) = LS(c) = …. = LS (w) … (Fact1) n, a, b, c, w, r ∈ N_+, LS(n) = {4,2,1} when n ∈ {1,2,3,4,5, …} Let LS(r) = {4,2,1} when n ∈ Z = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, …, r}, when r is even or odd. Part a) If (r+1) ∈ (N_even), and I proved LS(r+1) = {4, 2, 1} ⇒ LS (n) = {4,2,1} for all even #s Part b) If (r+1) ∈ (N_odd), and 2(r + 1) ∈ (N_even), Then I proved LS(r+1) =LS(2(r + 1) ) = {4, 2, 1} by part a. Therefore LS(N) = {4, 2, 1} for all n ∈ N_+
The peacock’s tail is an artifact of a biased decision mechanism: description and simulation of declining threshold search
Authors: Dowling Brian
Published: February 2025

In sexual selection by female choice, declining threshold searching—a biased search strategy predicted by neurophysiology—can produce an open-ended preference for higher intensity displays. This can lead to the evolution of ever more intense displays until the upward pressure on display intensity is balanced by downward pressure from increasing male costs. The declining threshold search/decision mechanism requires no genetic diversity or survival advantage for offspring in males or females to be created or maintained. Here I describe the system and test its efficacy in a computer simulation, in which application of the declining threshold strategy induces spontaneous evolution of costly and intense male display values using only this mechanism. Applications of the mechanism include lekking (leks are simply display coalitions among kin to create a more intense signal than a single male can afford) and sympatric speciation.
Expected values of topological descriptors for possible kink chains of type 2⊤2
Authors: Chen Ruxian , Razzaque Asima , Khalil Maham , Kanwal Salma , Noor Saima , Nazir Robina
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we investigate square-hexagonal chains, a class of systems where the inner dual of a structure with a square-hexagon shape forms a path graph. The specific configuration of square and hexagonal polygons, and how they are concatenated, leads to different types of square-hexagonal chains. A square containing a vertex of degree 2 is classified as having a kink, and the resulting kink is referred to as a type ⊤2 kink. This kink is further subdivided into three types: ⊤12, 2⊤2, and 2⊤3. We focus on the kink chain of type 2⊤2 and compute various topological descriptors for this configuration. By deriving analytical expressions, we determine the maximizing and minimizing values of these descriptors. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the expected values for these descriptors and offer a comparison of their behaviors through analytical, numerical, and graphical methods. These results offer insights into the structural properties and behavior of square-hexagonal chains, particularly in relation to the optimization of topological descriptors.
The DosR regulon of Mycobacterium avium and adaptation to hypoxia
Authors: Belardinelli Juan M. , Avanzi Charlotte , Martin Kelsey E. , Lam Ha , Dragset Marte S. , Wheat William H. , Podell Brendan K. , Gonzalez-Juarrero Mercedes , Jackson Mary
Published: February 2025

Like other tuberculous and nontuberculous mycobacterial pathogens of human lung such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. abscessus, M. avium is likely exposed to a variety of stressors during infection, including hypoxic conditions inside activated macrophages and in the avascular necrotic regions of granulomas. How M. avium survives hypoxic stress to establish a chronic infection is currently not well understood. Using RNA-sequencing, we here show that M. avium grown under progressive microaerophilic conditions activates more than 4-fold a subset of 16 genes, the expression of 13 of which is dependent on the two-component system regulator DosRS. A subset of M. avium DosR regulon genes was confirmed to also be activated upon exposure to nitric oxide. Although a second sensor kinase besides DosS has been proposed to function with the transcriptional regulator DosR in M. avium, we show that this other kinase cannot compensate for a deficiency in DosS. Loss of dosRS expression in M. avium led to a significant reduction in viability under hypoxia that was more marked at acidic than at neutral pH. Unlike the situation in M. abscessus, however, loss of DosRS did not significantly impact the ability of M. avium to establish a drug tolerant state in vitro or form biofilms under host relevant conditions. Collectively, these results are suggestive of a lesser impact of DosRS on the ability of M. avium to develop antibiotic tolerance compared to other nontuberculous mycobacteria. The M. avium dosRS mutant further showed no signs of virulence attenuation in murine macrophages and in chronically infected immunocompetent BALB/c mice.
Quantum natural language processing and its applications in bioinformatics: a comprehensive review of methodologies, concepts, and future directions
Authors: Pallavi Gundala , Prasanna Kumar Rangarajan
Published: February 2025

Quantum Natural Language Processing (QNLP) is a relatively new subfield of research that extends the application of principles of natural language processing and quantum computing that has enabled the processing of complex biological information to unprecedented levels. The present comprehensive review analyses the potential of QNLP in influencing many branches of bioinformatics such as genomic sequence analysis, protein structure prediction, and drug discovery and design. To establish a correct background of QNLP techniques, this article is going to explore the basics of quantum computing including qubits, quantum entanglement, and quantum algorithms. The next section is devoted to the application of QNLP in the extraction of material and valuable information and knowledge related to drug discovery and development, prediction and assessment of drug-target interactions. In addition, the paper also explains the application of QNLP in protein structural prediction by quantum embedding, quantum simulation, and quantum optimization for exploring the sequence-structure relationship. However, this study also acknowledges the future of QNLP in bioinformatics in the discussion of the challenges and weaknesses of quantum hardware, data representation, encoding, and the construction and enhancement of the algorithms. This looks into real-life problems solved from industry applications, benchmarking and assessment criteria, and a comparison with other traditional NLP methods. Therefore, the review enunciates the research and application perspectives, as well as the developmental and implementation blueprint for QNLP in bioinformatics. The plan is as follows: its function is to achieve the objectives of precision medicine, new protein design, multi-omics, and green chemistry.
Predictors of permanent pacemaker requirement in aortic stenosis patients undergoing self-expanding valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the cusp overlap technique
Authors: Lee Yung-Tsai , Tsao Tien-Ping , Lee Kuo-Chen , Lin Huan-Chiu , Liu Chun-Ting , Hsiung Ming-Chon , Yin Wei-Hsian , Wei Jeng
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Since TAVR was approved for lower-risk aortic stenosis (AS) patients, managing post-implantation conduction disturbances has become crucial, especially with self-expanding heart valves (SEV). This study aims to identify risk factors for conduction disturbances in such patients using a specific fluoroscopic cusp overlap (COL) technique.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed AS patients who underwent TAVR with SEV from 2019 to 2022, excluding those needing pacemakers or valve-in-valve procedures. Patients were grouped by conventional (CON) and COL techniques, with outcomes monitored using Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-2 criteria.

Results

In this cohort study of 114 patients, 17 were excluded due to pre-existing pacemakers. Forty-seven received SEVs using COL, and 50 with CON techniques. The COL group showed a significant reduction in new LBBB (27.7% vs. 46%, p = 0.006) and PPI rates (4.3% vs. 18%, p = 0.033) compared to the CON group. Deeper implantation depth below the non-coronary cusp (NCC) and left coronary cusp (LCC) was linked to an increased risk of conduction disturbances. Multivariate analysis identified smaller left ventricular outflow tract diameter, shorter membranous septum length, and greater pre-releasing implantation depth below the LCC as predictors of future PPI risk.

Conclusion

The use of the COL technique significantly reduces the risk of newly developed conduction disturbances after SEV TAVR. Keeping SEV implantation depth within 1 mm of the membranous septum length and maintaining an implantation depth of <6 mm below the LCC before final release further minimizes the risk of PPI.
Right atrial strain in Anderson–Fabry disease
Authors: Lillo Rosa , Cianci Alessio , Meucci Maria Chiara , Iannaccone Giulia , Di Brango Claudio , Tusa Filippo , Marsilia Mario , Lanza Gaetano Antonio , Lombardo Antonella , Burzotta Francesco , Graziani Francesca
Published: February 2025

Background

To date, only limited data are available on right atrium (RA) morphofunctional remodeling in Fabry disease (FD).

Purpose

We aimed to investigate RA structural and functional remodeling in patients with FD vs. healthy controls using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and to explore whether any differences exist in FD patients with and without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients with FD and controls matched for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with FD were divided in two groups according to the presence/absence of LVH (LVH+: left ventricular wall thickness >12 mm). All patients underwent standard echocardiography and STE analysis investigating the mechanics of all cardiac chambers, including RA reservoir, contractile and conduit strain.

Results

A total of 64 patients with FD (50% males; mean age 50 ± 17 years; 51.5% LVH+) and 64 control patients were included in the study. Focusing on right chambers, RA and right ventricular (RV) dimensions were similar between FD and controls. No differences were found for tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p = 0.073) and RV fractional area change (p = 0.461), while RV systolic Tissue Doppler velocity was reduced in patients with FD (p = 0.041). STE analysis revealed impaired strain values for all cardiac chambers in FD vs controls, specifically: left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS, p < 0.001), left atrial (LA) reservoir strain (p = 0.001), conduit strain (p = 0.012), and contractile strain (p < 0.001), RV-GLS and RV free wall strain (p < 0.001). Similarly, all RA strain phases were significantly reduced in patients with FD compared with control patients (RA reservoir 27.4 ± 11.1 vs. 41.9 ± 8.3%, p < 0.001; RA contractile 9.9 ± 5.1 vs. 18.0 ± 4.9%, p < 0.001; RA conduit 19.1 ± 8.1 vs. 24.1 ± 8.1%, p = 0.001). When comparing FD patients without LVH to controls, it was found that RA reservoir and contractile strains were significantly reduced in the former (p < 0.001). In multivariable linear regression analyses, LA reservoir strain (p = 0.010) and LV-GLS (p = 0.044) emerged as independent correlates of RA mechanics after adjustments were made for RA dimensions, RV systolic function parameters and hypertrophy, and LV maximal wall thickness.

Conclusions

In FD impaired RA strain is a common finding. RA reservoir and contractile strains are reduced in FD patients even before LVH ensues, as compared to controls. LA reservoir strain and LV-GLS show an independent correlation with RA reservoir strain.
The impact of Internet-based healthcare derived from the COVID-19 pandemic on outpatients in a cardiology department
Authors: Liu Jie , Fei Yunhan , Gao Ying , Meng Yu , Huang Dongxue , Zhao Wenjuan , Xie Keliang
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study examines the impact of a COVID-19 pandemic-derived online medical service on cardiovascular patient visits and assesses whether these services can ease the strain on medical resources.

Method

This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiology services and hospital operations. We analyzed key primary medical indicators in cardiology, including outpatient visits, inpatient improvement rates, cure rates, and mortality rates, over three years from 2019 to 2021. Furthermore, the study assessed the influence of the development of Internet-based medical services on the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, we compared the changes in the number of outpatient visits in four categories of offline outpatient clinics in the Department of Cardiology during two phases: Phase I (1 February 2019 to 28 February 2020) and Phase II (1 March 2020 to 28 February 2021).

Results

Compared to the period before online services (T1), the second stage (T2) saw a significant decrease in total offline and general clinic visits. After the establishment of the online clinic, the third period (P3) showed a significant reduction in total offline, general, and senior clinic visits compared to the first period (P1), while vice-senior and VIP/international clinic visits increased. The number of online clinic visits and VIP/international clinic visits continued to rise. Online consultations had the highest proportion (55.9%), while prescriptions and examinations had the lowest (3.3%), although they showed a gradually increasing trend. After the implementation of the online clinic, the improvement rate of patients' conditions increased and the mortality rate decreased.

Conclusion

Since the advent of online medical services, cardiovascular patients have increasingly opted for online diagnosis and treatment. Since March 2021, the online outpatient service has driven the overall growth in hospital outpatient numbers while maintaining medical quality. The primary use of the online medical service is for consultations, which shortens medical time and reduces implicit costs for patients.
Adaptation of a digital health intervention for rural adults: application of the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced
Authors: Kepper Maura M. , Walsh-Bailey Callie , Parrish Loni , Mackenzie Ainsley , Klesges Lisa M. , Allen Peg , Davis Kia L. , Foraker Randi , Brownson Ross C.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Adaptation is a key aspect of implementation science; interventions frequently need adaptation to better fit their delivery contexts and intended users and recipients. As digital health interventions are rapidly developed and expanded, it is important to understand how such interventions are modified. This paper details the process of engaging end-users in adapting the PREVENT digital health intervention for rural adults and systematically reporting adaptations using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced (FRAME). The secondary objective was to tailor FRAME for digital health interventions and to document potential implications for equity.

Methods

PREVENT's adaptations were informed by two pilot feasibility trials and a planning grant which included advisory boards, direct clinic observations, and qualitative interviews with patients, caregivers, and healthcare team members. Adaptations were catalogued in an Excel tracker, including a brief description of the change. Pilot coding was conducted on a subset of adaptations to revise the FRAME codebook and generate consensus. We used a directed content analysis approach and conducted a secondary data analysis to apply the revised FRAME to all adaptations made to PREVENT (n = 20).

Results

All but one adaptation was planned, most were reactive (versus proactive), and all adaptations preserved fidelity to PREVENT. Adaptations were made to content and features of the PREVENT tool and may have positive implications for equity that will be tested in future trials.

Conclusion

Engaging rural partners to adapt our digital health tool prior to implementation with rural adults was critical to meet the unique needs of rural, low-income adult patients, fit the rural clinical care settings, and increase the likelihood of generating the intended impact among this patient population. The digital health expansion of FRAME can be applied prospectively or retrospectively by researchers and practitioners to plan, understand, and characterize digital health adaptations. This can aid intervention design, scale up, and evaluation in the rapidly expanding area of digital health.
The rise and drop of online learning: adaptability and future prospects
Authors: Najjar Najib , Rouphael Melissa , Bitar Tania , Hleihel Walid
Published: February 2025

The landscape of higher education is continuously evolving, with online learning emerging as a prominent educational modality. This cross-sectional study, conducted at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) in Lebanon from January to October 2023, aimed to assess Lebanese students’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of online learning as a mode of education and to develop strategies and recommendations for enhancing online learning in Lebanon. Using a convenience-sampling method, we collected 309 responses, focusing on educators’ preparedness, student satisfaction, adaptability in online learning, and preferences for future learning modalities. The results highlighted a pressing demand for innovative course design strategies that promote engagement and interactivity, with 41.4% of respondents expressing this need. Additionally, 34.6% of learners emphasized the need for accessible technical support. Furthermore, 38.8% of participants underscored the necessity of comprehensive training programs for educators and learners in navigating online learning environments effectively. Moreover, the preference for online or hybrid learning models (55%) emphasized the importance of flexibility while preserving the value of in-person interactions. The study also highlighted the potential of educational advances to further enhance online learning environments. These technologies could provide opportunities for personalized learning experiences, tailoring course content, delivery methods, and assessments to meet the diverse needs of students, thus fostering a more adaptable and inclusive learning ecosystem. These insights are crucial for refining online education strategies and addressing the evolving needs of students in Lebanon.
Hippopotamus based optimization for reliable and cost-effective designing of stand-alone hybrid renewable system for a remote area
Authors: Gupta Sanjeev , Sawle Yashwant , Thakre Kishor , Thirunavukkarasu M.
Published: February 2025

Energy is an important aspect of a country’s long-term growth, and to meet the increasing electrical demand for reliable manner, there is an urge to plan for future generations. In this study, metaheuristic optimization approaches that have recently been constructed, which include the coati optimization algorithm and hippopotamus optimization, were applied to determine the perfect dimensions for a grid-independent composite renewable energy infrastructure. The optimization problem attempts to reduce the total annual cost of the system while maintaining the reliability of the loss of power supply probability in an acceptable range. Three combinations of hybrid energy systems were designed and optimized, and the optimization findings point out that the system consisting of a photovoltaic module, wind turbine, storage battery, and battery is the most cost-effective optimal energy system. The lowest total annual cost of the PV/WT/SB/DG system obtained by using HOA is $24473, followed by PV/WT/DG at $ 26270 and PV/SB/DG at $35848. Also, the outcomes of the proposed algorithm were contrasted with those of the HOMER platform. When contrasting the effectiveness of optimization methods, the HOA is the optimal solution for resolving the sizing issue since it offers the most effective compromise among robustness, accuracy, and convergence rate.
Future prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Germany: a projection until 2040 including incidence trends observed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Tönnies T. , Voeltz D. , Voß S. , Hoyer A. , Brinks R.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Previous studies indicate that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) will increase substantially over the coming decades. One projection from 2019 estimated an increase in prevalence in Germany by 54% to 77% (depending on future trends in incidence and mortality) between 2015 and 2040. We aim to update this projection by incorporating recently published trends in T2D incidence in Germany that include the changes during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Materials and methods

We used a partial differential equation that describes the illness-death model to project the age- and sex-specific T2D prevalence among adults between 2015 and 2040. This required input data for the age- and sex-specific incidence, mortality of the general population, mortality rate ratio of people with vs. without T2D and prevalence in the initial year of the projection. We considered five scenarios with different future trends in incidence and their impact on prevalence. Using the most recently available data on T2D incidence, we assumed that the incidence remains constant as observed in 2021 for the whole projection horizon (first scenario). In further scenarios, we assumed that the observed age- and sex-specific trends in incidence between 2015 and 2021 would continue until 2025 (second scenario), 2030 (third scenario), 2035 (fourth scenario) and 2040 (fifth scenario). One additional scenario assumed that the age-specific prevalence remains constant.

Results

Observed trends in incidence suggest a decrease between 2015 and 2017, and a slight upward trend thereafter until 2021 in most age groups. Depending on how long these observed increases in incidence continue, the number of people with T2D in Germany will increase from 6.8 million in 2015 to between 10.9 million and 14.2 million in 2040. These numbers correspond to increases in prevalence from 10.5% in 2015 to between 15.5% and 20.1% in 2040. In the constant prevalence scenario, the overall prevalence and number of people with T2D in 2040 was 11.4% and 8.1 million, respectively.

Conclusions

The future prevalence of T2D in Germany strongly depends on how long the recently observed increasing trend in T2D incidence will continue, which warrants close monitoring of these trends in post-pandemic years.
Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in vertebrate tissues vary by diet type
Authors: Reynard Linda M. , Leichliter Jennifer N. , Winkler Daniela E. , Clauss Marcus , Tütken Thomas
Published: February 2025

Hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios in proteinaceous tissues have been used for some time in migratory, ecological, and archaeological studies. While the result of isotopic variation in drinking water and diet has been investigated with controlled feeding experiments and studies in the wild, there are few controlled feeding studies that manipulate the diet components and diet type, and this across different taxa. In this experiment, the diet fed to rats, guinea pigs, and quail varied from plant-based to insect-based and meat-based pelleted diets. We report the diet to tissue offsets for δ2H (denoted Δδ2H) and δ18O (Δδ18O) of tissue-bound organic matter in two tissue types: muscle and dentine collagen. The diet to tissue offset varies by diet type in muscle of all three species, by up to 16 ‰ (Δδ2H) and 2 ‰ (Δδ18O). In dentine collagen, a range of ~20 ‰ in Δδ2H and ~1.5 ‰ in Δδ18O are observed across diets, though in a smaller number of samples. Additionally, we note large variation in Δδ2H and Δδ18O by tissue type (δ2H = ~60 ‰, δ18O = ~3–4 ‰) and more moderate differences by species (up to δ2H = 7.4 ‰, δ18O = 1.5 ‰). The difference in consumer tissue Δδ2H and Δδ18O by diet type is important to consider as a source of isotopic variability for some studies such as migratory research or diet or drinking water reconstructions and (palaeo-)climate inferences drawn from them, particularly in species that may vary their dietary habits.
Similarities and differences of a proliferation-inducing ligand expression in lacrimal gland lesions of patients with IgG4-associated ophthalmic diseases and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
Authors: He Lvfu , Zhan Lisha , Yang Yu , He Weimin
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the expression condition of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) in lacrimal gland lesions of patients with IgG4-associated ophthalmic diseases (IgG4-ROD) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.

Patients and methods

Fifteen patients with IgG4-ROD, 3 with MALT lymphoma, and 1 with elevated IgG4 with lacrimal gland lesions, treated in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from April 2022 to November 2023, were included. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of APRIL in the specimen of lacrimal gland.

Results

The average expression level of APRIL in patients with lacrimal gland lesions of IgG4-ROD and MALT lymphoma were 8471.12 pixels/HPF and 2950.78 pixels/HPF respectively. The positive rates of APRIL were 10.49% and 7.23% respectively. CD138 and APRIL were colocalized, and the positive rate of their colocalization was 8.83%, and the positive areas of colocalization coincidence was 946.84 pixels/HPF in patients with IgG4-ROD. CD20 and APRIL were colocalized, and the positive rate of their colocalization was 7.04%, and the positive areas of colocalization coincidence was 949.78 pixels/HPF in patients with MALT lymphoma. We also found that the expression level and the positive rate of APRIL were positively correlated with the level of serum IgG4 in IgG4-ROD patients (r=0.5820, P=0.029; r= 0.6261, P=0.017; respectively). In addition, the positive rate and the positive areas of CD138 and APRIL colocalization were also positively correlated with serum IgG4 level (r=0.6420, P=0.013; r= 0.5673, P=0.034; respectively).

Conclusion

APRIL is highly expressed in lacrimal gland lesions of patients with IgG4-ROD and MALT lymphoma. This overexpression may facilitate the enrichment of CD138+ plasma cells and is associated with elevated serum IgG4 levels in patients with IgG4-ROD. Additionally, it may promote the proliferation of CD20+ B lymphocytes in patients with MALT lymphoma.APRIL may play a certain role in the possible transformation of IgG4-ROD into MALT lymphoma.
High-dose radiation induces dendritic cells maturation by promoting immunogenic cell death in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zeng Xianlin , Jin Xianhuai , Leng Ji , Zhang Shuai , Wang Yun , Chen Jin , Zhang Shichao , Teng Lijing , Hu Zuquan , Zhou Shi , Zeng Zhu , Long Jinhua
Published: February 2025

Aim and background

Due to the radiosensitivity and deep anatomical location of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), radiotherapy serves as the cornerstone of standardized treatment for this malignancy. Beyond its cytotoxic effects, radiotherapy can serve as an immunological adjuvant by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD). Dendritic cells (DCs), as potent antigen-presenting cells, play a critical role in tumor immunotherapy, but their exact role in the ICD process of NPC remains unclear. The effects of high-dose radiation (≥2 Gy) on DCs and the type of immune response it elicits in NPC have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

An in vitro study was conducted to assess whether ICD of NPC 5-8F cells induced by high-dose radiation could regulate the immune response of DCs. Specifically, the maturation and antigen-presenting capacity of DCs were evaluated following co-culture with NPC cells exposed to high-dose radiation.

Results

High-dose radiation was found to induce ICD in NPC 5-8F cells, as evidenced by increased pro-inflammatory factor levels and reduced anti-inflammatory factor levels in the cell culture supernatant. Co-culture with NPC cells exposed to high-dose radiation for 15 minutes significantly enhanced the expression of surface molecules on DCs, promoting their immune sensitization.

Conclusion

High-dose radiation-induced apoptosis of NPC 5-8F cells is a form of ICD, which plays an
important role in regulating DC immune function. These findings provide insight into the immunomodulatory effects of radiotherapy in NPC and its potential to enhance tumor immunotherapy through DC activation.
Computer vision model based robust lane detection using multiple model adaptive estimation methodology
Authors: Fakhari Iman , Anwar Sohel
Published: February 2025

Lane-keeping systems are a major part of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Existing lane detection algorithms are based on either Computer Vision (CV) models or deep learning techniques which are often vulnerable to unfamiliar routes, lane marking conditions, night-time driving, weather conditions, etc. To improve lane detection accuracy under various challenging conditions, we propose a framework that utilizes several lane detection models with different features to obtain a robust algorithm. The proposed Multiple Model Adaptive Estimation (MMAE) algorithm works with two cameras, one front camera and one rear camera. The front camera is used for lane offset estimates whereas the rear camera serves as a time-delayed reference for the estimated lane offsets. The offsets from front camera CV models (two) are used as inputs to the MMAE algorithm which compares the offset computed by the rear camera CV model (time-delayed) as the reference. The proposed MMAE algorithm then estimates the probability of lane offsets to match the time-delayed reference model lane offset and selects the offset with higher probability of matching with reference model. The offset from the time-delayed reference model cannot be used for the real-time lane keeping control system since it would produce erroneous steering output due to the time lag in offset estimated by the real camera model. Thus, the MMAE estimated offset offers a more accurate lane offset and hence used in a PID steering controller for the lane keeping system. The proposed algorithm is then deployed in an AirSim simulation environment for performance evaluation. The simulation results show that the proposed MMAE algorithm performed robustly even when one of the models performed poorly. The proposed lane detection algorithm was able to identify the poorly performing model and switch to the other model to ensure better lane detection performance.
The hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet score as a useful predictor for mortality in older patients with hip fracture
Authors: Wang Zhicong , Liu Hailong , Liu Mozhen
Published: February 2025

Objective

With a rapidly aging population, identifying effective prognostic predictors has always been a research hotspot in older patients with hip fracture. Recently, the score combining hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte and platelet (HALP) has been proposed as a novel biomarker for reflecting systemic inflammation and nutritional status. However, it is unclear whether the HALP score could be a potential prognostic indicator for mortality following hip fracture. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the HALP score and mortality risk in older patients with hip fracture, and further evaluate its predictive value.

Methods

Consecutive patients were identified from our institutional hip fracture database over the period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022. Outcomes were 90-day all-cause mortality and overall mortality at the longest follow-up. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were employed to assess this relationship. The incremental predictive performance of the HALP score was assessed using the c statistic, net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Results

In total, 1707 patients were included with a median follow-up duration of 44.4 months, of whom 174 cases (10.2%) died within 90 days and 667 cases (39.1%) died at the longest follow-up. After multivariate adjustment, compared to tertile 1 group, tertile 2 and tertile 3 groups exhibited 0.676-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.471–0.972, p = 0.035) and 0.598-fold (95% CI: 0.390–0.918, p = 0.019) lower risks of 90-day mortality, as well as 0.681-fold (95% CI: 0.566–0.820, p < 0.001) and 0.618-fold (95% CI: 0.504–0.759, p < 0.001) decreased risks of overall mortality, respectively. For each unit increase in the HALP score, there was a significant decrease in 90-day mortality by 1.1% and in overall mortality by 1.0% (all p < 0.05). RCS analyses indicated nonlinear relationships between the HALP score and 90-day and overall mortality (all P for nonlinear <0.01). Moreover, adding the HALP score significantly improved the predictive ability for 90-day and overall mortality (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The HALP score was independently associated with mortality risk, highlighting its potential as a useful prognostic indicator for predicting mortality in older patients with hip fracture.