bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovation Attributes Composite and Adoption of Activity-Based Costing (ABC) in Tanzanian Manufacturing and Service Sectors: The Mediating Role of Behavioral Preferences
Authors: Molela Godfrey Frank , Kasoga Pendo Shukrani , Ismail Ismail Juma
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to explore barriers to ABC adoption in the Tanzanian manufacturing and service sectors, notwithstanding its superiority over the traditional costing system. It went further to suggest solutions to such barriers by evaluating the mediating role of behavioral preferences on the causal relationship between the innovation attributes composite and ABC adoption. Based on the cross-sectional survey design, primary data were collected from a sample of 188 companies located in the Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Dodoma regions. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed that none of the behavioral preferences positively mediated the causal relationship between the innovation attributes composite and ABC adoption at level 1. At level 2, the findings show that, it was the mediating effect by the perceived usefulness ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) only that was statistically significant. With the exception of the perceived ease of use, the mediating effects by perceived usefulness ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and normative beliefs ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) were further confirmed to be statistically significant at level 3 of adoption. Moreover, the mediating effects by the perceived ease of use ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and normative beliefs ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) were found to be statistically significant at level 4 of adoption. At the highest level 5 of ABC adoption, it was the normative belief ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) only that positively mediated the causal relationship between the innovation attributes composite and ABC adoption.
Caputo Fractional Derivative for Analysis of COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS Transmission
Authors: Cheneke Kumama Regassa
Published: September 2023

In this study, Caputo fractional derivative model of HIV and COVID-19 infections is analyzed. Moreover, the well-posedness of a model is verified to depict that the developed model is mathematically meaningful and biologically acceptable. Particularly, Mittag Leffler function is incorporated to show that total population size is bounded whereas fixed point theory is applied to show the existence and uniqueness of solution of the constructed Caputo fractional derivative model of HIV and COVID-19 infections. The study depicts that as the order of fractional derivative increase the size of the infected variable decrease as time increase. Additionally, memory effects correspond to order of derivative in the reduction of a number of populations infected both with HIV and COVID-19 infections. Numerical simulations are performed using MATLAB platform.
Secured Wireless Network Based on a Novel Dual Integrated Neural Network Architecture
Authors: Ramachandra H. V. , Chavan Pundalik , Supreeth S. , Ramaprasad H. C. , Chatrapathy K. , Balaraju G. , Rohith S. , Mohan H. S.
Published: September 2023

The development of the fifth generation (5G) and sixth generation (6G) wireless networks has gained wide spread importance in all aspects of life through the network due to their significantly higher speeds, extraordinarily low latency, and ubiquitous availability. Owing to the importance of their users, components, and services to our everyday lives, the network must secure all of these. With such a wide range of devices and service types being present in the 5G ecosystem, security issues are now much more prevalent. Security solutions, are not implemented, must already be envisioned in order to deal with a range of attacks on numerous services, cutting-edge technology, and more user information available over the network. This research proposes the dual integrated neural network (DINN) for secure data transmission in wireless networks. DINN comprises two neural networks based on sparse and dense dimensions. DINN is designed for any presence of deep learning-based attack in a physical security layer. DINN is evaluated considering the various machine learning attack such as basic_iterative_method attack, momentum_iterative_method attack, post_gradient_descent attack, and C&W attack; comparison is carried out on existing and DINN, considering attack success rate and MSE. Performance analysis suggests that DINN holds a higher level of security against the above attacks.
Supplementary Table S6 from An Early Neoplasia Index (ENI10), Based on Molecular Identity of CD10 Cells and Associated Stemness Biomarkers, is a Predictor of Patient Outcome in Many Cancers
Authors: Guyot Boris , Clément Flora , Drouet Youenn , Schmidt Xenia , Lefort Sylvain , Delay Emmanuel , Treilleux Isabelle , Foy Jean-Philippe , Jeanpierre Sandrine , Thomas Emilie , Kielbassa Janice , Tonon Laurie , Zhu Helen He , Saintigny Pierre , Gao Wei-Qiang , de la Fouchardiere Arnaud , Tirode Franck , Viari Alain , Blay Jean-Yves , Maguer-Satta Véronique
Published: September 2023

Supplementary Table S6 shows the correlation between the ENI10 score and the IC50 of the indicated drugs in cancer cell lines from the "Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer Project".
Supplementary Table S3 from An Early Neoplasia Index (ENI10), Based on Molecular Identity of CD10 Cells and Associated Stemness Biomarkers, is a Predictor of Patient Outcome in Many Cancers
Authors: Guyot Boris , Clément Flora , Drouet Youenn , Schmidt Xenia , Lefort Sylvain , Delay Emmanuel , Treilleux Isabelle , Foy Jean-Philippe , Jeanpierre Sandrine , Thomas Emilie , Kielbassa Janice , Tonon Laurie , Zhu Helen He , Saintigny Pierre , Gao Wei-Qiang , de la Fouchardiere Arnaud , Tirode Franck , Viari Alain , Blay Jean-Yves , Maguer-Satta Véronique
Published: September 2023

Supplementary Table S3 shows the genes part of the ENI10, ENI10-GO and ENI10-SA molecular signatures.
Supplementary Table S1 from An Early Neoplasia Index (ENI10), Based on Molecular Identity of CD10 Cells and Associated Stemness Biomarkers, is a Predictor of Patient Outcome in Many Cancers
Authors: Guyot Boris , Clément Flora , Drouet Youenn , Schmidt Xenia , Lefort Sylvain , Delay Emmanuel , Treilleux Isabelle , Foy Jean-Philippe , Jeanpierre Sandrine , Thomas Emilie , Kielbassa Janice , Tonon Laurie , Zhu Helen He , Saintigny Pierre , Gao Wei-Qiang , de la Fouchardiere Arnaud , Tirode Franck , Viari Alain , Blay Jean-Yves , Maguer-Satta Véronique
Published: September 2023

Supplementary Table S1 shows the full Gene Ontology terms enrichment analysis of the indicated cell lines transcriptome.
Supplementary Figure S1 from An Early Neoplasia Index (ENI10), Based on Molecular Identity of CD10 Cells and Associated Stemness Biomarkers, is a Predictor of Patient Outcome in Many Cancers
Authors: Guyot Boris , Clément Flora , Drouet Youenn , Schmidt Xenia , Lefort Sylvain , Delay Emmanuel , Treilleux Isabelle , Foy Jean-Philippe , Jeanpierre Sandrine , Thomas Emilie , Kielbassa Janice , Tonon Laurie , Zhu Helen He , Saintigny Pierre , Gao Wei-Qiang , de la Fouchardiere Arnaud , Tirode Franck , Viari Alain , Blay Jean-Yves , Maguer-Satta Véronique
Published: September 2023

Supplementary Figure S1 shows the doubling time of MCF10A-CT, MC26 and M1B26 cell lines in A; the expression of the CD10 mRNA in the METABRIC cohort in B; the probability of survival of patients from the METABRIC cohort in function of CD10 expression in C; the ENI10 score of patients form the METABRIC cohort in D; the relapse-free interval of patients from the METABRIC cohort in function of the ENI10 score in E and the progression free interval in F or overall survival in G of patients form the METABRIC cohort in function of the ENI10 score and of the molecular subtype of the breast tumor.
FIGURE 4 from An Early Neoplasia Index (ENI10), Based on Molecular Identity of CD10 Cells and Associated Stemness Biomarkers, is a Predictor of Patient Outcome in Many Cancers
Authors: Guyot Boris , Clément Flora , Drouet Youenn , Schmidt Xenia , Lefort Sylvain , Delay Emmanuel , Treilleux Isabelle , Foy Jean-Philippe , Jeanpierre Sandrine , Thomas Emilie , Kielbassa Janice , Tonon Laurie , Zhu Helen He , Saintigny Pierre , Gao Wei-Qiang , de la Fouchardiere Arnaud , Tirode Franck , Viari Alain , Blay Jean-Yves , Maguer-Satta Véronique
Published: September 2023

ENI10 predict pan-cancer survival independently of the cell cycle and more efficiently than other SC–derived signatures. A, ssGSEA score of the ENI10 signature in all tumors and normal samples from TCGA database. B, Correlation of CD10 signature score and survival in TCGA's Pan-Cancer Atlas. All tumor samples were pooled and the effect of the CD10-signature score discretized by deciles on survival outcome was evaluated from Cox models stratified on cancer types, using unadjusted (black marks), adjusted on age alone (blue marks, modeled with a 3-degree polynomial spline) or with a supplemental stratification term for stage (I/II/III/IV; green marks) or grade (1/2/3/4; red marks) pathologic scoring systems. Dots show the HR for PFI and adjacent bars the 95% confidence interval. C, Left: Overall Pan-Cancer analysis of the correlation between the ENI10 score and survival in TCGA's Pan-Cancer Atlas. All tumor samples were pooled and the effect of the ENI10 score discretized by deciles on survival outcome was evaluated from Cox models stratified on cancer types. Right: Same analysis with a reduced ENI10 signature were genes known to be regulated during the cell cycle were removed. D and E, Overall Pan-Cancer analysis of the effect of CD10 score on survival in TCGA's Pan-Cancer atlas. All tumor samples were pooled and the effect of the CD10 enrichment score discretized by deciles on survival outcome was evaluated using a multivariable Cox model including as covariables both the CD10 score and the Smith and colleagues (D) or Pece and colleagues (E) signatures. Dots show the hazard ratio for PFI and adjacent bars the 95% confidence interval.
FIGURE 2 from An Early Neoplasia Index (ENI10), Based on Molecular Identity of CD10 Cells and Associated Stemness Biomarkers, is a Predictor of Patient Outcome in Many Cancers
Authors: Guyot Boris , Clément Flora , Drouet Youenn , Schmidt Xenia , Lefort Sylvain , Delay Emmanuel , Treilleux Isabelle , Foy Jean-Philippe , Jeanpierre Sandrine , Thomas Emilie , Kielbassa Janice , Tonon Laurie , Zhu Helen He , Saintigny Pierre , Gao Wei-Qiang , de la Fouchardiere Arnaud , Tirode Franck , Viari Alain , Blay Jean-Yves , Maguer-Satta Véronique
Published: September 2023

The molecular identity of untransformed CD10-positive cells increase with mammary gland transformation. A, CD10 transcript expression in TCGA breast tumors according to the molecular classification compared with normal samples. B, Kaplan–Meier plot of patients with breast cancers in TCGA cohort as a function of CD10 expression level. C, Quantification in a TMA of the percentage of tumors with CD10 IHC staining higher than 20% according to tumor subtype. D, Kaplan–Meier plot of patients with breast cancers from the TMA (as in C) as a function of CD10 protein expression level. E, Schematic representation of the experimental protocol used to obtain identify the ENI10 molecular signature. F, ssGSEA quantification of the CD10 signature score in the different MCF10A-derived cell lines with nontransformed (CT, n = 6), early (MC26, n = 6) and more aggressive (M1B26, n = 8) transformed models. G, ssGSEA ENI10 score of human primary DCIS versus healthy mammary gland (series GSE21422). H, ssGSEA ENI10 score of matched normal or tumoral breast tissue from breast cancer subtypes from TCGA's Pan-Cancer Atlas. I, ssGSEA ENI10 score from RNA-seq transcriptomic data from three normal breast epithelial cells samples (wildtype) and six BRCA mutated healthy epithelial cells samples. J, Kaplan–Meier plots of patients with breast cancers in TCGA cohort as a function of cancer stage and ENI10 score. K, Using transcriptomic data from the “Genomics of drug sensitivity in cancer” project from the Sanger Institute, ENI10 score of human breast cancers cell lines were correlated with their IC50 to 441 drugs. Drugs showing a significative negative correlation between the ENI10 ssGSEA score and IC50 (indicating a sensitivity to the drug when the ENI10 score increase) are shown. According to the GDSC guidelines, red dots show drugs with a significative IC50 correlation with the ENI10 score with a P value inferior to 0.001 and a Benjamini–Hochberg FDR inferior to 0.25. Black dots show suggestive correlations with a P value inferior to 0.005 and a nonparametric P value inferior to 0.1.
Rosy-faced lovebirds’, Agapornis roseicollis (Aves: Psittaciformes), response to their own image reveals self-recognition behaviour
Authors: Silveira R.M.L. , Almeida J.M. , Alves M.A.S.
Published: September 2023

Self-recognition is the ability of an animal to identify itself when observing its reflected image. Although many species have been tested, self-recognition has only been confirmed conclusively in a few taxa. We presented five Rosy-faced lovebirds, Agapornis roseicollis, with their own image using a mirror and applied the mark test, attaching a black sticker to each bird’s throat. We evaluated the potential tactile effect of the mark by attaching a transparent sticker to the bird’s throat. The results were analysed using Generalised Linear Mixed Models, which showed that four of five birds touched the black mark more than the transparent mark. There was no evidence that the birds could see the mark without the assistance of the mirror. The results of the study provide encouraging evidence that Agapornis roseicollis is able to recognise itself in a mirror and is the first parrot species to pass the mark test.
What Healthcare Services Temporary Protection Entitles to Have? Navigating the European Social Charter
Authors: Litins’ka Yana
Published: September 2023

Due to the war against Ukraine, the European Union Temporary Protection Directive, establishing a new migration status of temporary protection, was activated for the first time. The substance of the minimum requirement for providing healthcare services in the Directive appears unclear but is supposed to correspond to human rights standards. This article analyses the standards established in the European Social Charter (revised), recognising several health-related rights. The paper clarifies the material scope of health-related rights and analyses to what extent the Charter applies to persons enjoying temporary protection. The application of health-related rights in the Charter varies depending on citizenship, whether refugee status was additionally sought, and whether a person is seen as a resident or regular worker. The study indicates ambiguity in the position of this group and how the European Social Rights Committee may include it in the scope of protection.
The Development and Operational Use of an Integrated Numerical Weather Prediction System in the National Center for Meteorology of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Patlakas Platon , Stathopoulos Christos , Kalogeri Christina , Vervatis Vassilios , Karagiorgos John , Chaniotis Ioannis , Kallos Andreas , Ghulam Ayman S. , Al-omary Mohammed A. , Papageorgiou Ioannis , Diamantis Dimitrios , Christidis Zaphiris , Snook John , Sofianos Sarantis , Kallos George
Published: September 2023

The weather and climate greatly affect socioeconomic activities on multiple temporal and spatial scales. From a climate perspective, atmospheric and ocean characteristics have determined the life, evolution, and prosperity of humans and other species in different areas of the world. On smaller scales, the atmospheric and sea conditions affect various sectors such as civil protection, food security, communications, transportation, and insurance. It becomes evident that weather and ocean forecasting is high-value information highlighting the need for state-of-the-art forecasting systems to be adopted. This importance has been acknowledged by the authorities of Saudi Arabia entrusting the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) to provide high-quality weather and climate analytics. This led to the development of a numerical weather prediction (NWP) system. The new system includes weather, wave, and ocean circulation components and has been operational since 2020 enhancing the national capabilities in NWP. Within this article, a description of the system and its performance is discussed alongside future goals.
Alk-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma: From molecular genetics to therapeutic targeting
Authors: Testa Ugo , Castelli Germana , Pelosi Elvira
Published: September 2023

Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) is a potent oncogenic driver of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). ALK is constitutively activated by gene fusion events between the ALK and other gene fusion partners in about 2-3% of LUADs, characterized by few other gene alterations. ALK-fusions are a druggable target through potent pharmacological inhibitors of tyrosine kinase activity. Thus, several ALK-TKIs (Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors) of first-, second- and third-generation have been developed that improved the outcomes of ALK-rearranged LUADs when used as first- or second-line agents. However, resistance mechanisms greatly limit the durability of the therapeutic effects elicited by these TKIs. The molecular mechanisms responsible for these resistance mechanisms have been in part elucidated, but overcoming acquired resistance to ALK-derived therapy remains a great challenge. Some new therapeutic strategies under investigation aim to induce long-term remission in ALK-fusion positive LUADs.
The Strategy of Strengthening Efficiency and Environmental Performance of Product Changeover in the Multiproduct Production System
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Liang Xuedong , Li Zhi
Published: September 2023

Product changeovers are especially critical for multiproduct environments where key production system requirements are flexibility, time, and quality. Massive waste of production time and environmental pollution increase with changeovers significantly. It is noted that the green supply chain is gradually emerging, and the environmental policies in countries are also increasing pressure on manufacturers globally. However, how to improve the changeovers’ environmental performance in manufacturing enterprise are not entirely focused. The present study aims to raise the changeovers’ time efficiency and reduce environmental pollution in the multiproduct production system. This paper first analyzes the characteristics of multiproduct production systems and the causes of inefficient work and pollution and then extracts the problems that need to be optimized. They are the frequent changeover work, complex operation programs, and load imbalance. Multiproduct Production Fast Changeover (MPFC) is developed based on these problems, which integrates the Analytic Hierarchy Process, Entropy Weight method, Divisive Analysis, and Firefly algorithm. In addition, Divisive Analysis’s distance calculation is improved for flexible clustering targets. Firefly algorithm’s exploration, exploitation, and population coordination mechanisms have also been enhanced. The effectiveness of MPFC is proved in a real multiple flow-lines production case: time efficiency was increased, while the multiple industrial pollutions and key resource consumption were also reduced.
The Image of China as a Destination for Tourist: Translation Strategies of Culture-Specific Items in the Chinese-English Food Menus
Authors: Amenador Kate Benedicta , Wang Zhiwei
Published: September 2023

This study investigated how culture-specific items in Chinese-English food menus were translated. The Chinese menu corpus was examined using a descriptive case study method for qualitative analysis and a corpus-based method for relevant data extraction and quantitative analysis. The study aimed to identify the categories of culture-specific items (CSIs) in the corpus and also examine whether, and if so, how CSI categories condition the choice of translation procedures and its influence exerted at the macro macro-level on the image of China, projected as a tourist destination. The results indicated that CSIs categories existent in the corpus include the linguistics, historical, and social categories. These categories were also a conditioning factor modulating the selection and use of a particular translation procedure. The linguistic CSI category influenced the employment of description procedures; retention was largely used for the social category, whereas retention and description procedures were utilized for the historical category. Employing Lawrence Venuti’s domestication and foreignization strategies and the neutralization strategy of some scholars (e.g. Josep Marco) as a conceptual framework, the results also revealed a strong preference for the use of neutralization strategy in translating CSIs where the strangeness of the source text is demystified, their connotative meanings explicitly rendered, thereby projecting China as a friendly, welcoming, and accommodating destination for tourists. The quantitative methodology employed to analyze the translation of CSIs in the menu text is a crucial contribution that counterbalances the predominant qualitative methods employed in the field.
Analysis of Quadriceps Muscle Tightness as a Risk Factor for Osgood-Schlatter Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Murayama Yusuke , Funasaki Hiroki , Hayashi Hiroteru , Kubota Daisuke , Tanaka Kota , Nagai Akiko , Ogawa Michiyo , Saito Mitsuru
Published: September 2023

Background:

The prevalence of Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is unknown. Tightness of the quadriceps femoris has been reported to be a risk factor for OSD.

Hypothesis:

Quadriceps muscle tightness would not contribute to the development of OSD.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

We enrolled 150 Japanese male junior high school soccer players (N = 300 knees), with a mean age at first examination of 12.5 years (range, 12-13 years). All players were assessed annually and evaluated for 2 years. Ten players (n = 14 knees) had a history of OSD before the first medical examination. After excluding these 10 players (n = 20 knees), the remaining 140 players (n = 280 knees) were included in this prospective analysis. Age at the time of starting soccer, history of injury (including OSD and time missed), height, weight, annual increase in height, body mass index (BMI), straight-leg raise angle, heel-buttock distance (HBD), and ultrasound images of the tibial tuberosity (maturity and morphology) were compared between players who developed OSD and those who did not.

Results:

OSD was identified in 8 knees of 6 players, with an incidence of 2.9% of knees (8/280) and 4.3% of players (6/140). Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between the OSD and non-OSD groups regarding BMI (17.1 ± 1 kg/m2 vs 18.5 ± 1.6 kg/m2, respectively; P = .018), HBD (1.5 ± 1.6 cm vs 4.8 ± 4.5 cm; P < .001 ), and stage of tibial tuberosity maturity (P < .001 ). The maturity of the tibial tuberosity was the only independent risk factor for the development of OSD in multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 9.848 [95% CI, 3.297-29.41]; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Study findings indicated that quadriceps muscle tightness did not contribute to the development of OSD.
Host individual and gut location are more important in gut microbiota community composition than temporal variation in the marine herbivorous fish Kyphosus sydneyanus
Authors: Pisaniello Alessandro , Handley Kim M. , White W. Lindsey , Angert Esther R. , Boey Jian Sheng , Clements Kendall D.
Published: September 2023

Background

Gut microbiota play a key role in the nutrition of many marine herbivorous fishes through hindgut fermentation of seaweed. Gut microbiota composition in the herbivorous fish Kyphosus sydneyanus (family Kyphosidae) varies between individuals and gut sections, raising two questions: (i) is community composition stable over time, especially given seasonal shifts in storage metabolites of dietary brown algae, and (ii) what processes influence community assembly in the hindgut?

Results

We examined variation in community composition in gut lumen and mucosa samples from three hindgut sections of K. sydneyanus collected at various time points in 2020 and 2021 from reefs near Great Barrier Island, New Zealand. 16S rRNA gene analysis was used to characterize microbial community composition, diversity and estimated density. Differences in community composition between gut sections remained relatively stable over time, with little evidence of temporal variation. Clostridia dominated the proximal hindgut sections and Bacteroidia the most distal section. Differences were detected in microbial composition between lumen and mucosa, especially at genus level.

Conclusions

High variation in community composition and estimated bacterial density among individual fish combined with low variation in community composition temporally suggests that initial community assembly involved environmental selection and random sampling/neutral effects. Community stability following colonisation could also be influenced by historical contingency, where early colonizing members of the community may have a selective advantage. The impact of temporal changes in the algae may be limited by the dynamics of substrate depletion along the gut following feeding, i.e. the depletion of storage metabolites in the proximal hindgut. Estimated bacterial density, showed that Bacteroidota has the highest density (copies/mL) in distal-most lumen section V, where SCFA concentrations are highest. Bacteroidota genera Alistipes and Rikenella may play important roles in the breakdown of seaweed into useful compounds for the fish host.
Economic evaluation of a multimorbidity patient centered care model implemented in the Chilean public health system
Authors: Zamorano Paula , Espinoza Manuel Antonio , Varela Teresita , Abbott Tomas , Tellez Alvaro , Armijo Nicolás , Suarez Francisco
Published: September 2023

Multimorbidity and patient-centered care approaches are growing challenges for health systems and patients. The cost of multimorbidity patients and the transition to a new care strategy is still sightly explored. In Chile, more than 70% of the adult population suffer from multimorbidity, opening an opportunity to implement a Multimorbidity patient-centered care model. The objective of this study was to perform an economic evaluation of the model from the public health system perspective.

The methodology used a cost-consequence evaluation comparing seven exposed with seven unexposed primary care centers, and their reference hospitals. It followed three steps. First, we performed a Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing with routinely collected data routinely collected. Second, we run a comparative analysis through a propensity score matching and an estimation of the attributable costs to health services utilization at primary, secondary and tertiary care and health outcomes. Third, we estimated implementation and transaction costs.

Results showed savings in aggregate costs of the total population (-0.12 (0.03) p < 0.01) during the period under evaluation. Costs in primary care showed a significant increase, whereas tertiary care showed significant savings. Health outcomes were associated with higher survival in patients under the new care model (HR 0.70 (0.05) p < 0.01). Implementation and transaction costs increased as the number of pilot intervention centers increased, and they represented 0,07% of the total annual budget of the Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Sur Oriente. After three years of piloting, the implementation and transaction cost for the total period was USD 1,838,767 and 393,775, respectively.

The study’s findings confirm the purpose of the new model to place primary health care at the center of care for people with non-communicable chronic diseases. Thus, it is necessary to consider implementation and transaction costs to introduce a broad health system multimorbidity approach. The health system should assume some of them permanently to guarantee sustainability and facilitate scale-up.
Neck stiffness and bone osteolytic lesion in a 3-years old child: a case report
Authors: Carraro Carolina , Rabusin Marco , Murru Flora Maria , Ammar Lydie , Barbi Egidio , Amaddeo Alessandro , Cozzi Giorgio
Published: September 2023

Background

Neuroblastoma is the most frequent extracranial solid tumor occurring in childhood, representing approximately 28% of all cancers diagnosed in infants. Signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma vary with the site of development of the tumor and can mimic other diseases due to its extreme clinical variability. However, torticollis is not reported in the medical literature as a leading symptom of neuroblastoma.

Case presentation

Here we report the case of a 3 years-old girl with fever and neck stiffness. Blood tests revealed a mild anemia and a rise in inflammatory markers. CT-scan showed a solid, heterogeneous, predominantly hypodense surrenal mass with eccentric calcification and extensive inhomogeneity of the vertebral metamers. Blood tests revealed raised serum levels of Neuron-Specific Enolase. At the 24-hours urine collection urinary catecholamines were greatly increased. A course of chemotherapy for neuroblastoma was promptly started with immediate clinical improvement.

Conclusions

This case shows that the presence of torticollis could be a chief complaint of neuroblastoma. To our knowledge, neuroblastoma is not mentioned among life-threatening underlying conditions of torticollis in most recent literature reviews.
Periampullary tumors in a patient with pancreatic divisum and neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report
Authors: Li Bin-bin , Zheng Hui , Lou Yi-Dan , Zhang Wen-Wei , Zheng Song
Published: September 2023

Introduction

We present a case of a male patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 diagnosed with pancreatic divisum and several gastrointestinal tumors. A 55-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with recurrent chronic pancreatitis, indicating a large mass in the ampulla. In addition, genetic testing revealed two unique germline mutations in the neurofibromin (NF1) gene, and their potential interaction in promoting cancer was further investigated.

Conclusion

The first similar case was reported in 2020. The current case was distinct from other cases since an additional two NF1 mutations were found in the patient. In conjunction with prior case reports, our findings imply that genetic testing in patients diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 could be helpful in the development of effective treatments.
A brief note from Pakistan: reflections from a British psychiatrist
Authors: Sami Musa Basseer
Published: September 2023

A British general adult psychiatrist born and trained in the UK, who also considers himself Pakistani, had the opportunity to spend 2 weeks running a psychiatric clinic in a remote hospital in the Punjab province of Pakistan. In this article he offers some reflections on the unexpected culture shock he felt, on the hospital system, the patients he treated and their resilience in such a poor country.
Efficient genetic editing of human intestinal organoids using ribonucleoprotein-based CRISPR
Authors: Skoufou-Papoutsaki Nefeli , Adler Sam , D'Santos Paula , Mannion Liz , Mehmed Shenay , Kemp Richard , Smith Amy , Perrone Francesca , Nayak Komal , Russell Alasdair , Zilbauer Matthias , Winton Douglas J.
Published: September 2023

Organoids, combined with genetic editing strategies, have the potential to offer rapid and efficient investigation of gene function in many models of human disease. However, to date, the editing efficiency of organoids with the use of non-viral electroporation methods has only been up to 30%, with implications for the subsequent need for selection, including turnaround time and exhaustion or adaptation of the organoid population. Here, we describe an efficient method for intestinal organoid editing using a ribonucleoprotein-based CRISPR approach. Editing efficiencies of up to 98% in target genes were robustly achieved across different gut anatomical locations and developmental timepoints from multiple patient samples with no observed off-target editing. The method allowed us to study the effect of loss of the tumour suppressor gene PTEN in normal human intestinal cells. Analysis of PTEN-deficient organoids defined phenotypes that likely relate to its tumour suppressive function in vivo, such as a proliferative advantage and increased organoid budding. Transcriptional profiling revealed differential expression of genes in pathways commonly known to be associated with PTEN loss, including mTORC1 activation.
Monitoring of magnetospheric parameters based on cosmic ray effects in August 2018
Authors: Kovalev Ivan , Olemskoy Sergey , Sdobnov Valeriy
Published: September 2023

Using data (uncorrected for the temperature effect) from the global network of neutron monitors (GNNM), along with data from the Yakutsk muon telescope complex and the muon hodoscope URAGAN (Moscow), we have applied a modified spectrographic global survey (SGS) method to the 2018 August event in order to split cosmic ray variations into components of primary, magnetospheric, and atmospheric origin. We obtained time variations in the 4 GV-rigidity primary particle isotropic flux and pitch-angle anisotropy, as well as in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientation. We also showed variations in the geomagnetic cutoff rigidity (GCR) in Irkutsk.

Using the obtained data on the changes in the planetary system of GCR within a simple model of a bounded magnetosphere, we have calculated some parameters of magnetospheric current systems, namely, the ring current radius, the magnetopause current radius, and the Dst index.
Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: a rare lymphoma with isolated hepatic presentation
Authors: Freitas Bruno , Salgadinho Machado Andreia , Lagarto Margarida , Araújo Inês , Fonseca Cândida
Published: September 2023

Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) is extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of all lymphomas, and is limited to the liver without extrahepatic involvement. A 30-year-old male was admitted in the Emergency Department complaining of weakness, fever, night sweats, significant weight loss, discrete ring alopecia, hepatomegaly, right axillary adenopathy and oedema of both legs. Laboratory evaluation showed normocytic normochromic anaemia, thrombocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia, cholestasis and increased international normalised ratio (INR). A computed tomography (CT) scan found an enlarged liver with a heterogeneous structure and moderate ascites. After admission in our ward further investigation revealed increased sedimentation velocity, ferritin and serum lactate dehydrogenase. A hepatic biopsy was performed which confirmed the diagnosis as a nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL). The patient was transferred to a haematological ward and underwent chemotherapy with six cycles of R-CHOP. He is in complete remission after a year and half since the beginning of treatment. NLPHL, a very rare lymphoma, is more common in men between the third and fifth decades of life. Usually, the symptoms are very unspecific; a few patients have B symptoms at admission. This kind of presentation is also common in infectious, metabolic and autoimmune diseases, which were excluded in this case. Due to technical issues the final diagnosis was only possible due to the liver biopsy. Treatment with standard Hodgkin lymphoma protocols leads to complete remission in more that 95% of patients with NLPHL.
PICC line associated brachiocephalic vein rupture with consequent mediastinal placement causing pneumomediastinum and large total parenteral nutrition bilateral effusion
Authors: Andrade Soares Ribeiro de Campos Gonçalo
Published: September 2023

We present a rare case of large bilateral pleural effusion, pericardial effusion and pneumomediastinum caused by a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line rupturing the left brachiocephalic vein, causing severe respiratory failure. The PICC line had been inserted with the aim of providing total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The patient developed symptoms within a day with effusions diagnosed on computer tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). Bilateral pleural drains were inserted with a white milk-like substance drained consistent with TPN, prompting a further review of the CTPA revealing the mediastinal-positioned PICC line. The patient was transferred to the thoracic unit and was successfully managed with conservative measures. We propose some ideas such as the use of intracavitary electrocardiogram (IC-ECG) guidance as an adjuvant to obtain a correct and safe position.
Coming to each other's aid
Authors: Brown Clementine Rees , Wassall Claire
Published: September 2023

Clementine Rees Brown speaks with Claire Wassall about her role as a mental health first aider.
Digital workflows part 2: applications of digital technology in orthognathic surgical planning – a case series
Authors: Keating Chris , Haworth Jennifer , Ireland Tony , Bousfield Joanne , Felstead Andrew , Parvizi Farnaz
Published: September 2023

This is the second article in a two-part series considering the relevance and clinical uses of digital technologies in relation to orthodontics. The aim is to take a closer look at the application of digital technology in relation to joint orthodontic/orthognathic treatment and present two clinical cases that have undergone treatment by means of a digital workflow.

CPD/Clinical relevance: Digital technologies can enhance pre-operative orthognathic planning
Assessment of Strength of Concrete containing ESP and IESP as Partial Cement Replacement
Authors: S. Senthilkumar  , K. Sargunan  , S. Elango
Published: September 2023

In the present era of technically feasible and environmentally compatible low-cost material substitution with the basic ingredients of conventional concrete mix, the infusion of eggshell powder in its raw as well as incinerated forms was tried with the cement mantle. Experimentations carried out to endorse the compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, workability and durability aspects revealed that it had the edge over the properties standardized for the conventional concrete mix at a specific mix strength of 20 MPa. The experimental results for variations in the treatments of eggshell powder and incinerated eggshell powder corresponding to the responses on the evaluation parameters were compared with the conventional concrete mix by means of regression analysis and modelling. The regression model at more than 95% correlation level of the experimental data fortified the relative supremacy of eggshell powder and incinerated eggshell powder-infused concrete mixes over the conventional concrete mix in terms of workability, strength, and durability. Based on the statistical regression point of inflexion and the point of tolerance, it was clearly established that 20% optimal proportional addition of eggshell powder or 30% addition of incinerated eggshell powder could result in a superlative performance compared to the conventional concrete mix. This final outcome of the optimal combinations of eggshell powder and incinerated eggshell powder incorporated concrete (EPIC) was also test verified by SEM and EDAX analyses.
Promises and pitfalls for advancing the human right to education of children with disabilities in South Africa
Authors: Manomano Tatenda
Published: September 2023

In South Africa, the right to education is guaranteed by Section 29 of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution. The government is therefore obliged to develop policies, pass laws and establish programmes that promote and fulfil the right to education. Contrary to this, it has been argued that children with disabilities benefit less from the human right to education, as reflected by the number of children with disabilities currently attending school. This article aims to examine the gap between the promises made on the advancement of the human right to education of children with disabilities and the pitfalls experienced in fulfilling those promises. A literature review method was used to assess the access to education, and findings identify that inequalities in opportunities continue to occur not only because the government has not managed the key drivers of poverty but also due to a persistent lack of activism to address these issues.
Programming multilevel crystallization states in phase-change-material thin films
Authors: Taute Arnaud , Al-Jibouri Sadek , Laprais Capucine , Monfray Stéphane , Lumeau Julien , Moreau Antonin , Letartre Xavier , Baboux Nicolas , Saint-Girons Guillaume , Berguiga Lotfi , Cueff Sébastien
Published: September 2023

We propose and demonstrate a simple method to accurately monitor and program arbitrary states of partial crystallization in phase-change materials (PCMs). The method relies both on the optical absorption in PCMs as well as on the physics of crystallization kinetics. Instead of raising temperature incrementally to increase the fraction of crystallized material, we leverage the time evolution of crystallization at constant temperatures and couple this to a real-time optical monitoring to precisely control the change of phase. We experimentally demonstrate this scheme by encoding a dozen of distinct states of crystallization in two different PCMs: GST and Sb2S3. We further exploit this ’time-crystallization’ for the in-situ analysis of phase change mechanisms and demonstrate that the physics of crystallization in Sb2S3 is fully described by the so-called Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov formalism. The presented method not only paves the way towards real-time and model-free programming of non-volatile reconfigurable photonic integrated devices, but also provides crucial insights into the physics of crystallization in PCMs.
Exploring the impact of incubation times and concentrations of self-assembled monolayers on electron transfer in biosensing
Authors: Qatamin Aymen H. , Alnaanah Shadi A.
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the impact of different incubation times and concentrations of a self-assembled monolayer (SAMs) of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) on the rate of electron transfer in redox processes. The aim is to understand how these parameters can affect the sensitivity and efficiency of biosensors based on direct electron transfer in redox proteins. Through a series of experiments, different incubation times and concentrations of MPA were examined to determine their impact on the electron-transfer rate. Using methylene blue MB molecules as a model system and employing the EC-SPR technique, the reflectance differences (ΔR) between the reduced and oxidized states of MB were analyzed, serving as an indicator of the electron transfer rate. The results revealed significant variations in the rate depending on the incubation times and concentrations of the MPA. It was determined that a combination of 1 mM MPA concentration and 6-hour incubation time provided optimal conditions for maintaining a significant (ΔR). These findings have important implications for optimizing sensor surfaces in biosensors based on direct electron transfer in redox proteins.
No One Wants to Hire Us: The intersectional precarity experienced by Venezuelan LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in Brazil during COVID-19
Authors: Su Yvonne
Published: September 2023

This article presents a case study of how COVID-19 has increased the precarity and risks of labour exploitation for vulnerable populations. Looking at the situation of LGBTQ+ Venezuelan asylum seekers in Brazil during COVID-19, it examines how the challenges they faced were exacerbated during the pandemic and how the Brazilian government’s poor response to COVID-19 and lockdown policies forced LGBTQ+ Venezuelan asylum seekers to take greater risks that exposed them to the virus. Based on 56 surveys with LGBTQ+ Venezuelan asylum seekers in Manaus, Brazil, the article discusses how COVID-19 impacted the livelihoods of LGBTQ+ Venezuelan asylum seekers. Specifically, it demonstrates that transgender and travesti Venezuelan asylum seekers experienced more labour precarity, discrimination, and violence during the pandemic than their cisgender counterparts.
Key Stakeholder Perspectives on the Potential Impact of COVID-19 on Human Trafficking for the Purpose of Labour Exploitation
Authors: Murphy Muiread
Published: September 2023

While human trafficking in its different forms has received growing recognition, currently there is an absence of research providing empirical evidence on the potential impact of COVID-19. COVID-19 and its related challenges provide a lens through which the vulnerability and complexities inherent in human trafficking can be further ascertained and analysed. This article explores challenges encountered by key stakeholders primarily operating in the field of countering human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation across Europe. These challenges are categorised as increased vulnerability to human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation; the impact on services and support; and limitations on professional duties. A qualitative method involving sixty-five semi-structured interviews was employed to capture the on-the-ground experiences of a diverse cohort of stakeholders active during the pandemic.
Pekerja migran Malaysia asal Kerinci Jambi dan pendidikan anak-anak mereka
Authors: Musli Musli , Yusra Della Amrina , Yumasdaleni Yumasdaleni
Published: September 2023

The existence of the name Kerinchi village in Kuala Lumpur is a trace of the migration of Kerinci residents to Malaysia. The increase in Indonesian migrant workers was parallel to the increase in the Malaysian economy in the 1990s that continues to this day. Although bringing children to settle in Malaysia is not allowed, the practise of bringing children illegally can be found. The study investigated the migration process of Kerinci residents and the education of their children. Data were collected using a qualitative method in Selangor, Malaysia and Danau Kerinci District (Jambi) in 2019 and 2021. The migration process is explained through four main factors, namely (1) lack of job opportunities in area of origin, (2) a higher value work and results in the destination area, (3) intention to have assets and continue children's education, and (4) social and family networks. Further, observations on the educational practises of the children who stay under illegal status show that they went to madrasah schools in the vicinity of PMI's residence because there are no document requirements, followed by returning back to Kerinci to take the Package A exam. Alternatively, migrant workers placed guardians over families with Malaysian citizenship status so that children born in Malaysia could attend formal schools. For the children who live in Kerinci, many of them go to university and some of them work in the formal sector. Migrating to become workers abroad is a form of effort to improve their children's education for Kerinci residents.