bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of ST2, Galectin-3, and NT- Probnp in Elderly Hypertensive Patients and Heart Failure with a Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Li Ping , Wang Lin , Yang Fan , Yu Hui , Xiao Fan Kai
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to explore the relationship among serum levels
of the growth-stimulating expressed gene 2 protein (ST2), Galectin-3(GAL-3), N-terminal pro-B-type
natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in elderly hypertensive patients and heart failure with preserved
ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Materials and Methods:

Eighty-five elderly hypertensive patients with HFpEF were registered as the
HFpEF group, and 46 hypertensive patients without HF were registered as the Non-HF group. The
levels of serum sST2 (soluble ST2), Galectin-3, and NT-proBNP were measured, and related indexes
of heart function were performed with echocardiography in two groups, respectively.The obtained
variables were applied to statistical software for analysis.

Results:

Age, BMI, SBP, DBP, TC, LDL-C, HCY, sST2, Galectin-3, NT- proBNP, LVEDD, IVSD,
LVEF, and E/A were obviously different between the two groups (p < 0.05). The levels of sST2, Galectin-
3 and NT- proBNP in the HFpEF group were higher than in the Non-HF group (P < 0.05).
ANOVA results indicated that sST2, Galectin-3, and NT- proBNP levels increased gradually with the
increasing NYHA grades (P<0.05). BMI, SBP, DBP, TC, LDL-C, FBG,UA, HCY, LVEDD, IVSD,
LVEF, and E/A were significant differences in patients with different NYHA classes (P < 0.05).
Spearman indicated that sST2, Galectin-3, and NT-proBNP were positively correlated with BMI,
SDP, DBP, LDL-C, FBG, and HCY (P < 0.05). Logistic analysis indicated that BMI, SBP, DBP,
FBG, HCY,sST2, Galectin-3, NT-proBNP, LVEDD, LVEF, and E/A were risk factors for hypertension
with HFpEF. (P < 0.05). ROC indicated that the AUC of the diagnostic performance of sST2,
Galectin-3, and NT-proBNP were all above 0.7, which may have some forecasting value for elderly
hypertensive patients with HFpEF.

Conclusion:

The levels of sST2, Galectin-3, and NT-proBNP were closely related to cardiac function
grades. sST2, Galectin-3, and NT-proBNP have similar diagnostic performance and predictive value
for elderly hypertensive patients with HFpEF. sST2 was more sensitive than NT-proBNP. It is recommended
that measurements of sST2, Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP levels in elderly hypertensive
patients may be useful in classifying early HFpEF.
Pyridine Derivatives: A Comprehensive Review of Their Potential as Anti-Diabetic Agents
Authors: Dua Deepak , Kumar Prakash , Anand Riya , Sood Salvi , Singh Gurdeep
Published: January 2025

Background:

Diabetes mellitus and obesity are two of the most frequent health conditions
in the world, prompting medical researchers to seek novel effective treatments. According to
World Health Organization (WHO) regulations and several research studies, diabetes is regarded as
a significant and leading health concern worldwide. The search for efficient and safe antidiabetic
drugs has led to the study of pyridine derivatives, a family of molecules with a wide range of pharmacological
characteristics. Pyridines are important heterocyclic chemicals renowned for their
various pharmacological properties.

Methods:

Materials were compiled using the three databases of ScienceDirect, PubMed, and
Google Scholar. For this study, only English-language publications have been evaluated based on
their titles, abstracts, and full texts using keywords like diabetes, pyridine Derivatives, α-
glucosidase inhibitors, and α-amylase inhibitors.

Results:

Pyridine and its derivatives have received a lot of attention due to their wide range of potential
uses in medicinal chemistry and pharmacology. Structural alterations and optimization efforts
have resulted in higher effectiveness, selectivity, and safety characteristics. These discoveries
highlight the importance of pyridine analogues as a novel class of therapeutic agents for diabetes
management.

Conclusion:

The review highlights the significance of pyridine analogues in the development of
antidiabetic treatments, opening new avenues for developing drugs and clinical use. The ongoing
advancements in the discovery of pyridine derivatives underscore their potential as prospective
agents in diabetic treatments.
Comparative Analysis of Essential Oil Composition in Pinus sylvestris, Leucadendron argenteum, Impatiens balsamina and Abies sibirica
Authors: Gopinath Arun , Yadav Sangilimuthu Alagar
Published: January 2025

Background:

Essential oil components play an important role in food flavoring industries
and chemical industries. Essential oil from Pinus sylvestris (pine oil, scotch pine oil, Turpentine Oil),
Leucadendron argenteum (silver fir needle oil), Impatiens balsamina (balsam fir needle oil), and
Abies sibirica (siberianfirn needle oil) contains numerous active ingredients that help to develop drug
preparation.

Objective:

To compare the phytoconstituents present in the essential oil of Pinus sylvestris (wood,
cone, needle), Leucadendron argenteum (needle), Impatiens balsamina (needle) and Abies sibirica
(needle).

Methods:

This study concentrates on analyzing the natural flavor in six essential oils of Pinus
sylvestris (wood, cone, needle), Leucadendron argenteum (needle), Impatiens balsamina (needle),
and Abies sibirica (needle) subjected to gas chromatography analysis with the condition of 40ºC for
2 min, 40ºC to 180ºC @ rate 15 ºC; 180ºC to 230ºC at 10ºC/min and final hold at 230ºC for 2 min.
AFID detector was used.

Results:

The results showed the presence of several organic flavoring compounds, especially
terpenes and terpenoids. Alpha pinene are the major flavoring molecules present in all the selected
oils with a higher percentage. Alpha pinene (60.25 % and 50.37 %) was found to be highest in
turpentine and scotch pine oils respectively. Alpha terpineol (51.73 %), limonene (34.33%), betapinene
(36.12 %), and bornyl acetate (35.94 %) were found higher levels in Pinus sylvestris,
Leucadendron argenteum, Impatiens balsamina and Abies sibirica respectively. Alpha-pinene, betapinene,
alpha terpineol, beta phellandrene, alphafenchene, borneol, limonene, camphene, bornyl
acetate, myrcene, and delta 3 carene are the most common phytocompounds found in the essential
oils.

Conclusion:

Alpha pinene, beta pinene, and limonene were present in all four plants Pinus sylvestris,
Leucadendron argenteum, Impatiens balsamina and Abies sibirica and also utilized in aromatherapy
and the perfume industry.

conclusion:

Alpha pinene, beta pinene and limonene were present in all four plants Pinus sylvestris, Leucadendron argenteum, Impatiens balsamina and Abies sibirica and also utilized in aromatherapy and in perfume industry.
New Research on Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Continuum
Authors: Vecchio Immacolata , Colica Carmela
Published: January 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial pathology, responsible for neurodegenerative disorders which in more than 60% of patients evolve into dementia. Comprehension of the
molecular mechanisms underlying the pathology and the development of reliable diagnostic methods have made new and more effective therapies possible. In recent years, in addition to the classic anticholinesterases (AChEs), which can control the clinical symptoms of the disease, compounds able to reduce deposits of amyloid-β (Aβ) and/or tau (τ) protein aggregates, which are disease-modifying therapeutics (DMTs), have been studied. The results have shown that symptomatic therapy works best when administered in the disease's mild to moderate clinical phase. On the
other hand, treatment with DMTs has been found to be more effective in the preclinical stage of
AD, when Aβ and τ protein neurofibrillary tangles have not yet been compromised and patients
still have a normal quality of life. This innovative approach requires the identification of specific
biomarkers predictive of the disease, detectable many years before clinical signs are evident. Biomarkers allow early diagnosis, give indications of the possible development of dementia in the future, and make it possible to study the evolution of the disease. New scenarios, involving different
pathways and approaches, could emerge and provide effective therapies to treat the very early
stages of the disease and hamper its progression. The specific biomarkers studied so far have been
reported here.
Introduction to Memristive Mechanisms and Models
Authors: Cipollini Davide , Schomaker Lambert
Published: January 2025

The increase in computational power demand led by the development of Artificial Intelligence
is rapidly becoming unsustainable. New paradigms of computation, which potentially differ from
digital computation, together with novel hardware architecture and devices, are anticipated to reduce
the exorbitant energy demand for data-processing tasks. Memristive systems with resistive switching
behavior are under intense research, given their prominent role in the fabrication of memory devices
that promise the desired hardware revolution in our intensive data-driven era. They are suggested to
provide the hardware substrate to scale up computational capabilities while improving their energy
expenditure and speed. This work provides an orientation map for those interested in the vast topic
of memristive systems with application to neuromorphic computing. We address the description of
the most notable emerging devices and we illustrate models that capture the complex dynamical behavior
of these systems under the dynamical-systems framework developed by Chua. We then review
the memristive behavior under the perspective of statistical physics and percolation theory
suited to describe fluctuations and disorder which are otherwise precluded in the dynamical-system
approach. Percolation theory allows the investigation of these systems at the mesoscopic level, enabling
material-independent modeling of non-linear conductance networks. We finally discuss recent
and less recent successes in deep learning methods that bridge the field of physics-based and biological-
inspired neuromorphic computing.
Nanoemulsion: A Promising Nanotechnology Tool to Achieve the Unmet Oral Bioavailability Enhancement Needs
Authors: Panwar Jonee , Ekbbal Rustam , Ali Hasan
Published: January 2025

Background:

Low oral permeability and low aqueous solubility are considered significant
obstacles in achieving systemic therapeutic concentration to show optimum pharmacological
response. Pharmaceutical scientists endeavored to overcome the above-stated problem after utilizing
various approaches like salt formation, pro-drugs, co-solvency, complexation, solubilization,
pH adjustment, sold dispersion, hydrotrophy, and nanotechnology-based techniques.

Objective:

Among these approaches, nanotechnology-based drug carrier systems have been investigated
to address the challenges of the drugs exhibiting poor oral absorption. Essentially, these
systems have the potential to overcome the limitations associated with the oral route of drug administration.
Among various nano-technological tools, nanoemulsion plays an important role in
the bioavailability enhancement of biopharmaceutical classification system Class II, and Class IV
drugs, in general and, Class III, in particular.

Method:

A nanoemulsion is a colloidal system with a size in nanometers, an increased fraction of
the dispersed phase, and intensified transparency. Either water is dispersed in oil (w/o type) or oil
is dispersed in water (o/w type), and it has a longer shelf life.

Results:

Nanoemulsion is being utilized as an important drug carrier for bioavailability enhancement;
however, it poses some challenges, such as clinical translation, large-scale manufacturing,
and regulatory guidelines.

Conclusion:

The current review aims to compile and discuss the problems faced in the delivery of
drugs exhibiting poor oral absorption, challenges faced in oral drug delivery, oral absorption enhancement
techniques, mechanism of oral uptake using nanoemulsion, various modifications of nanoemulsion,
clinical status, large-scale manufacturing, regulatory status, and new prospects in the
future.
Harnessing Polyphenols and Novel Delivery Strategies for Effective Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Sandhu Varneet , Taneja Ayushi , Dhiman Sonia , Singh Thakur Gurjeet , Singh Inderbir
Published: January 2025

Breast cancer continues to pose a significant global health challenge, with conventional
therapies frequently hindered by resistance mechanisms and undesirable side effects. This review
investigates the therapeutic potential of polyphenols—naturally occurring compounds recognized
for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties—as alternative or complementary
treatments for breast cancer. We examine the molecular pathways through which polyphenols
exert their effects, including their influence on oxidative stress modulation, inflammatory responses,
cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and estrogen receptor signalling. Additionally, this review addresses
innovative nano-based drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, liposomes, niosomes,
and phytosomes that enhance the stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of polyphenols.
These advanced formulations aim to overcome challenges related to polyphenol degradation, low
solubility, and rapid systemic clearance, thereby enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. Through a
detailed analysis, we assess the contributions of various nanocarriers in optimizing the delivery of
polyphenols specifically to breast cancer cells while minimizing systemic toxicity. The evidence
presented highlights the potential of polyphenols in breast cancer management, further supported
by nanoformulations that improve both stability and delivery efficiency.
Prevention of Chemotherapy-related Oral Mucositis by Topical Timolol:
A Prospective Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical
Trial in Cancer Patients
Authors: Saghafi Fatemeh , Shaker-Ardakani Fatemeh , Nabi-Meybodi Mohsen , Vahedian-Ardakani Hassan-Ali , Sahebnasagh Adeleh
Published: January 2025

Background:

Timolol is a beta-adrenergic blocker that has been shown to be effective
in the healing of wounds. Oral mucositis (OM), an acute inflammation of the oral mucosa, is a
bothersome side effect of some regimens of chemotherapy in which the oral mucosa becomes ulcerated. The current study aimed to evaluate the prophylactic effects of timolol mouthwash in preventing OM in adult patients receiving chemotherapy compared to the placebo

Method:

This randomized, double-blind trial was conducted on 30 adult patients receiving chemotherapy regimen, including doxorubicin or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either timolol 0.5% (w/v) (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) mouthwash 5 ml three times per day. The outcomes of the study were the intensity of OM evaluated by
the World Health Organization (WHO) mucositis scale and OM-related pain based on the Visual
Analog Scale (VAS) weekly during the seven weeks of the study period.

Results:

The results of the study showed that the scores of WHO mucositis scale significantly decreased in the timolol group compared to the control group during the study [week 1: mean (SD),
0.02 (0.41) in the timolol group, and 0.67 (0.48) in the control group; week 7: mean (SD), 0.33
(0.61) in the timolol group, and 0.87 (0.74) in the control group; P-value = 0.049]. Moreover, the
mean pain scores significantly decreased in the first, second, and third weeks in the timolol group
compared to the control group (P-value < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The results of this preliminary clinical trial demonstrated that among the patients receiving doxorubicin or 5-FU chemotherapy regimens, the preventive use of timolol mouthwash
significantly diminished the severity of OM compared to the control group during the seven
weeks of follow-up. The severity of pain was also significantly lower during the first three weeks
of the study; however, the effect size was less than the minimal clinically important difference.
Further studies are required to assess both the long-term efficacy and safety of timolol mouthwash
in preventing OM.
Detecção precoce de transtornos de saúde mental em português
Authors: Nagamatu Bruno , Paraboni Ivandré
Published: January 2025

O presente estudo enfoca o problema da detecção precoce de transtornos de saúde mental nos moldes da série de desafios eRisk (originalmente voltado ao domínio de fóruns de discussão sobre saúde mental no idioma inglês) em uma rede social de propósito geral em português. De forma mais específica, propõe a adaptação de uma estratégia vencedora em diversas edições deste shared task para o caso da detecção precoce de depressão e transtorno de ansiedade no domínio do Twitter/X brasileiro, usando para este fim uma abordagem inédita baseada em LLMs com uso de engenharia de prompts. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o uso de LLMs apresenta maior poder de antecipação de diagnóstico em relação a abordagens tradicionais da área, e que a detecção com base em publicações da redes social de propósito geral é potencialmente mais desafiadora do que na formulação original do problema, sendo dependente da proximidade das mensagens do momento do diagnóstico na ordem cronológica da timeline do Twitter/X.
Explorando Técnicas de Aprendizado em Modelos de Linguagem para Classificação de Discurso de Ódio e Ofensivo em Português
Authors: Assis Gabriel , Amorim Annie , Carvalho Jonnathan , Ferro Mariza , De Oliveira Daniel , Vianna Daniela , Paes Aline
Published: January 2025

As Redes Sociais, que desempenham um papel significativo no debate e na comunicação moderna, enfrentam o desafio contemporâneo do grande volume desordenado de conteúdo nocivo, como discurso de ódio e desinformação. Este artigo aborda a detecção de discurso de ódio em português, considerando suas particularidades linguísticas e nuances culturais. Utilizando-se modelos derivados de Transformers, juntamente com diversas estratégias de treinamento e ativação, são investigados nove modelos com variações em arquitetura, tamanho e corpora de pré-treinamento. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que, apesar de grandes modelos generativos acessados via prompts apresentarem resultados promissores, modelos de linguagem de menor escala ajustados permanecem superiores na realização dessa delicada tarefa.
Extração de Informação Aberta com LLM para a Língua Portuguesa
Authors: Cabral Bruno , Souza Marlo , Claro Daniela Barreiro
Published: January 2025

Neste estudo, investigamos a aplicação de Modelos de Linguagem de Grande Escala (LLMs) para Extração de Informação Aberta (EIA) em língua portuguesa. Enquanto a maioria dos métodos de EIA foi desenvolvida visando a língua inglesa, poucos trabalhos na literatura exploram cenários multilíngues e interlinguísticos. Embora haja um crescente interesse em métodos de EIA para o português, o uso de LLMs especificamente focados em EIA nesta língua ainda é pouco explorado. Analisamos a viabilidade de incorporar LLMs abertos e comerciais utilizando engenharia de prompts com poucos exemplos para EIA em português. Fornecemos uma análise detalhada do desempenho desses LLMs em tarefas de EIA, demonstrando que eles alcançam métricas de desempenho comparáveis aos sistemas de última geração. Além disso, refinamos e lançamos um LLM aberto para EIA, denominado PortOIE-Llama, que supera os LLMs comerciais em nossos experimentos. Nossos resultados destacam o potencial dos LLMs em tarefas de EIA em português e sugerem que um refinamento e ajuste fino de modelos maiores podem aprimorar ainda mais esses resultados.
Conflict in Ukraine: Inflections Points after the Zeitenwende and Article 51 of the Charter of United Nations
Authors: Kornhauser Sebastian
Published: January 2025

The world stands at a juncture of violence where unipolarity ends and multipolarity begins. Manifestations of Western hegemonism, incremental NATO eastward expansion, the proliferation of US military bases overseas and the unilateral resort to force in ways that transgressed the constraints contained in Article 51 of the UN Charter were instrumental in provoking Russia into aggression. The US, as a pioneer in interpreting the right to self-defence widely to include anticipatory and pre-emptive self-defence, resulted in disastrous consequences in, inter alia, Iraq and Afghanistan. US hegemonism became offensive to the non-Western world. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, partially in reliance on collective self-defence in Article 51, partially on mutual assistance contained in Articles 4 common to the Treaties of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance with both Donbas Republics and partially in defiance to the collective West, is geographically reciprocal. A synallagmatic wrong parallel to how the US acted in Iraq and Afghanistan on an ‘if you can break international law, then so can we’ basis.
Internationalization of TESOL Teacher Education
Authors: Tavares Vander
Published: January 2025

This book examines internationalization practices, policies and experiences within TESOL teacher education. The chapters offer empirical, conceptual and theoretical engagements with the internationalization of TESOL teacher program curricula from both global and critical perspectives.
Performance of an Electronic Health Record–Based Automated Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index Score Calculator: Cohort Study in the Emergency Department
Authors: Joyce Elizabeth , McMullen James , Kong Xiaowen , O'Hare Connor , Gavrila Valerie , Cuttitta Anthony , Barnes Geoffrey D , Greineder Colin F
Published: January 2025

Background

Studies suggest that less than 4% of patients with pulmonary embolisms (PEs) are managed in the outpatient setting. Strong evidence and multiple guidelines support the use of the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) for the identification of acute PE patients appropriate for outpatient management. However, calculating the PESI score can be inconvenient in a busy emergency department (ED). To facilitate integration into ED workflow, we created a 2023 Epic-compatible clinical decision support tool that automatically calculates the PESI score in real-time with patients’ electronic health data (ePESI [Electronic Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index]).

Objective

The primary objectives of this study were to determine the overall accuracy of ePESI and its ability to correctly distinguish high- and low-risk PESI scores within the Epic 2023 software. The secondary objective was to identify variables that impact ePESI accuracy.

Methods

We collected ePESI scores on 500 consecutive patients at least 18 years old who underwent a computerized tomography-pulmonary embolism scan in the ED of our tertiary, academic health center between January 3 and February 15, 2023. We compared ePESI results to a PESI score calculated by 2 independent, medically-trained abstractors blinded to the ePESI and each other’s results. ePESI accuracy was calculated with binomial test. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated using logistic regression.

Results

Of the 500 patients, a total of 203 (40.6%) and 297 (59.4%) patients had low- and high-risk PESI scores, respectively. The ePESI exactly matched the calculated PESI in 394 out of 500 cases, with an accuracy of 78.8% (95% CI 74.9%‐82.3%), and correctly identified low- versus high-risk in 477 out of 500 (95.4%) cases. The accuracy of the ePESI was higher for low-risk scores (OR 2.96, P<.001) and lower when patients were without prior encounters in the health system (OR 0.42, P=.008).

Conclusions

In this single-center study, the ePESI was highly accurate in discriminating between low- and high-risk scores. The clinical decision support should facilitate real-time identification of patients who may be candidates for outpatient PE management.
Methods to Adjust for Confounding in Test-Negative Design COVID-19 Effectiveness Studies: Simulation Study
Authors: Rowley Elizabeth AK , Mitchell Patrick K , Yang Duck-Hye , Lewis Ned , Dixon Brian E , Vazquez-Benitez Gabriela , Fadel William F , Essien Inih J , Naleway Allison L , Stenehjem Edward , Ong Toan C , Gaglani Manjusha , Natarajan Karthik , Embi Peter , Wiegand Ryan E , Link-Gelles Ruth , Tenforde Mark W , Fireman Bruce
Published: January 2025

Background

Real-world COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) studies are investigating exposures of increasing complexity accounting for time since vaccination. These studies require methods that adjust for the confounding that arises when morbidities and demographics are associated with vaccination and the risk of outcome events. Methods based on propensity scores (PS) are well-suited to this when the exposure is dichotomous, but present challenges when the exposure is multinomial.

Objective

This simulation study aimed to investigate alternative methods to adjust for confounding in VE studies that have a test-negative design.

Methods

Adjustment for a disease risk score (DRS) is compared with multivariable logistic regression. Both stratification on the DRS and direct covariate adjustment of the DRS are examined. Multivariable logistic regression with all the covariates and with a limited subset of key covariates is considered. The performance of VE estimators is evaluated across a multinomial vaccination exposure in simulated datasets.

Results

Bias in VE estimates from multivariable models ranged from –5.3% to 6.1% across 4 levels of vaccination. Standard errors of VE estimates were unbiased, and 95% coverage probabilities were attained in most scenarios. The lowest coverage in the multivariable scenarios was 93.7% (95% CI 92.2%-95.2%) and occurred in the multivariable model with key covariates, while the highest coverage in the multivariable scenarios was 95.3% (95% CI 94.0%-96.6%) and occurred in the multivariable model with all covariates. Bias in VE estimates from DRS-adjusted models was low, ranging from –2.2% to 4.2%. However, the DRS-adjusted models underestimated the standard errors of VE estimates, with coverage sometimes below the 95% level. The lowest coverage in the DRS scenarios was 87.8% (95% CI 85.8%-89.8%) and occurred in the direct adjustment for the DRS model. The highest coverage in the DRS scenarios was 94.8% (95% CI 93.4%-96.2%) and occurred in the model that stratified on DRS. Although variation in the performance of VE estimates occurred across modeling strategies, variation in performance was also present across exposure groups.

Conclusions

Overall, models using a DRS to adjust for confounding performed adequately but not as well as the multivariable models that adjusted for covariates individually.
Leveraging Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Optimal Dose Selection in Early Phase Cancer Trials
Authors: Byrom Bill , Everhart Anthony , Cordero Paul , Garratt Chris , Meyer Tim
Published: January 2025

While patient-reported outcome measures are regularly incorporated into phase 3 clinical trials, they have been infrequently used in early phase trials. However, the patient’s perspective is vital to fully understanding dose toxicity and selecting an optimal dose. This viewpoint paper reviews the rationale for and practical approach to collecting patient-reported outcome data in early phase oncology drug development and the rationale for electronic collection.
Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy of Lung Nodules in Chest Computed Tomography Using Artificial Intelligence: Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Liu Weiqi , Wu You , Zheng Zhuozhao , Bittle Mark , Yu Wei , Kharrazi Hadi
Published: January 2025

Background

Uncertainty in the diagnosis of lung nodules is a challenge for both patients and physicians. Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are increasingly being integrated into medical imaging to assist diagnostic procedures. However, the accuracy of AI systems in identifying and measuring lung nodules on chest computed tomography (CT) scans remains unclear, which requires further evaluation.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an AI-assisted diagnostic system on the diagnostic efficiency of radiologists. It specifically examined the report modification rates and missed and misdiagnosed rates of junior radiologists with and without AI assistance.

Methods

We obtained effective data from 12,889 patients in 2 tertiary hospitals in Beijing before and after the implementation of the AI system, covering the period from April 2018 to March 2022. Diagnostic reports written by both junior and senior radiologists were included in each case. Using reports by senior radiologists as a reference, we compared the modification rates of reports written by junior radiologists with and without AI assistance. We further evaluated alterations in lung nodule detection capability over 3 years after the integration of the AI system. Evaluation metrics of this study include lung nodule detection rate, accuracy, false negative rate, false positive rate, and positive predictive value. The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and chi-square, Cochran-Armitage, and Mann-Kendall tests.

Results

The AI system was implemented in Beijing Anzhen Hospital (Hospital A) in January 2019 and Tsinghua Changgung Hospital (Hospital C) in June 2021. The modification rate of diagnostic reports in the detection of lung nodules increased from 4.73% to 7.23% (χ21=12.15; P<.001) at Hospital A. In terms of lung nodule detection rates postimplementation, Hospital C increased from 46.19% to 53.45% (χ21=25.48; P<.001) and Hospital A increased from 39.29% to 55.22% (χ21=122.55; P<.001). At Hospital A, the false negative rate decreased from 8.4% to 5.16% (χ21=9.85; P=.002), while the false positive rate increased from 2.36% to 9.77% (χ21=53.48; P<.001). The detection accuracy demonstrated a decrease from 93.33% to 92.23% for Hospital A and from 95.27% to 92.77% for Hospital C. Regarding the changes in lung nodule detection capability over a 3-year period following the integration of the AI system, the detection rates for lung nodules exhibited a modest increase from 54.6% to 55.84%, while the overall accuracy demonstrated a slight improvement from 92.79% to 93.92%.

Conclusions

The AI system enhanced lung nodule detection, offering the possibility of earlier disease identification and timely intervention. Nevertheless, the initial reduction in accuracy underscores the need for standardized diagnostic criteria and comprehensive training for radiologists to maximize the effectiveness of AI-enabled diagnostic systems.
Adaptation of a Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) Community Intervention for the Prevention and Control of Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Urban and Rural Settings of Pakistan and Afghanistan: A Study Protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Tahir Amber , Sanauddin Noor , Imtiaz Sara , Khaleeq Nadia , AbdeAli Mariam , Khan Asima , Ahmed Farrukh , Jennings Hannah Maria , Zafar Rubia , Rehman Khalid , Shahab Abdul Rahman , Afaq Saima
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Type II Diabetes Mellitus (TIIDM) is a critical global health issue, especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Afghanistan and Pakistan, where many cases remain undiagnosed and specialized care is costly. Community Health Participatory Research (CHPR) actively involves community members in addressing health issues, with Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) being one such CHPR approach. The D-Magic trial in Bangladesh utilized PLA through a group-based approach where communities identified their own problems and planned and implemented strategies to address these problems.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to adapt the PLA-based D-Magic intervention for the prevention and control of TIIDM in rural and urban communities of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

METHODS

Under the Centre for Improving Mental and Physical Health Together (C4IMPACT) program, the EMPOWER-D Trial will systematically adapt the D-Magic intervention using the ADAPT Guidance framework. The study will be conducted across three sites: rural Afghanistan (Kabul), rural Pakistan (Peshawar and Swabi), and urban Pakistan (Karachi). Stakeholders and community members will be involved to ensure cultural relevance. The process includes identifying barriers and facilitators to the implementation of community-based interventions through a qualitative study and a scoping review, co-designing intervention materials, and piloting for feasibility and effectiveness.

RESULTS

-

CONCLUSIONS

The EMPOWER-D adaptation will align the PLA-based intervention with local sociocultural context, ensuring health equity and participation. Building on the D-Magic trial's success, this adaptation will ensure the intervention's effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in preventing and managing TIIDM in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other LMICs.

CLINICALTRIAL

The full version of the EMPOWER-D trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov. NCT06561126 for rural Pakistan; registered 23rd August 2024 and NCT06570057 for urban Pakistan; registered 26th August, 2024.
Triassic-Jurassic Boundary in the Anabar Bay Section (Northern Yakutia)
Authors: Lutikov Oleg , Sobolev Evgeny , Rogov Mikhail , Ilyina Natalia , Alexandrova Galina
Published: January 2025

The section of Cape Airkat on the western shore of the Anabar Bay has been a reference section for the study of the Triassic and Jurassic in the Anabar region, but its subdivision is still a subject of controversy. A detailed lithological and paleontological characteristic of the section is given. Based on the existing data on the genesis of the Triassic-Jurassic boundary deposits, the boundaries of local stratigraphic units were revised, and for the first time the Bulunkan Formation was identified in the interval of the section, which was previously considered the basal part of the “Zimnyaya Formation”. A new Laptevomorskaya Formation was identified in place of the Zimnyaya Formation, which was previously found to be widespread in western Siberia. Its lower boundary is drawn at the base of a marking horizon of clays of coastal-marine genesis. The Hettangian age of the lower part of the Laptevomorskaya Formation was determined on the basis of bivalves. The Triassic-Jurassic boundary is proposed to be conditionally combined with the base of the Laptevomorskaya Formation. Key species of Rhaetian and Lower Hettangian bivalves and brachiopods are figured.
Pharmacological prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in surgical patients
Authors: Savoliuk S.I. , Bondarenko L.B.
Published: January 2025

Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cardiovascular disease after myocardial infarction and stroke, affecting a significant percentage of the population. Surgery is a well-known risk factor for venous thromboembolism, and the more serious the surgical procedure, the higher the risk of developing it. This review provides an analysis of the main risk factors for venous thromboembolism in operated patients, the role of optimizing the balance of thromboembolism/bleeding risk in determining the individual risks of surgical patients, and a comparative analysis of therapy for venous thromboembolism using drugs with antiplatelet and anticoagulant activity. A summary of the data available in the scientific literature shows that, despite the existing variety of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, the second-generation low-molecular-weight heparins, with bemiparin as A prominent representative, are currently the first-line drugs for the pharmacoprophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in the context of major surgical interventions, which has been confirmed by numerous clinical trials conducted around the world. Special clinical studies have confirmed the equivalence of efficacy and safety, and in some cases, also certain advantages of second-generation drugs (for example, bemiparin) in comparison with enoxaparin, the most common first-generation drug currently used in clinical practice in surgical/oncological patients. The duration of bleeding prophylaxis with bemiparin and other low-molecular-weight heparins in surgical/oncological patients, according to the data of most clinical trials with an appropriate level of evidence, may range from 1–2 weeks up to 35 days, depending on the individually assessed balance of thromboembolism/bleeding risks.
On Cognitive Conflict in the College Classroom Teaching
Authors: Cheng Manli , Sun Xiaojun
Published: January 2025

This paper focuses on cognitive conflicts in college classroom teaching. It elaborates on the significance of cognitive conflicts based on cognitive development theories, especially Piaget's theory. By analyzing the classical conditioning and operant conditioning theories, it explores methods to promote and resolve cognitive conflict. The research provides valuable guidance for enhancing teaching effectiveness and fostering students' cognitive development.
SELF-ESTEEM AND BODY ESTEEM AS PREDICTORS OF QUALITY OF LIFE IN EMERGING ADULTS
Authors: Guberinić Mila , Spasić Šnele Miljana
Published: January 2025

The main aim of this study was to determine whether the domains of quality of life can be predicted by the dimensions of body esteem (appearance, weight, attribution) and self-esteem (performance, social) in emerging adults. The Body Esteem Scale, The State Self-Esteem Scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life – Brief were applied. The sample consisted of 155 emerging adults - psychology students (133 females), aged 19 to 29 years (M=21.05, SD=2.05). The percentage of variance of the criterion variables (domains of quality of life) explained by predictor models ranges from 21.3 % for the environment to 58.6% for psychological health. The dimension of body esteem appearance is a statistically significant predictor of all domains of quality of life with positive β coefficients. Another significant predictor for domains of physical and psychological health is the dimension of self-esteem performance. In line with previous findings, the results of this study showed that the higher the self-esteem and the less the concern/dissatisfaction of individuals with their own body, the better the quality of life of these individuals.
Léon Péan de Saint-Gilles
Authors: Wisniak Jaime
Published: January 2025

Léon Péan de Saint-Gilles (1832-1863) was a French chemist, without a formal education,  who studied the allotropy of sulfur and the properties and reactions of the different species, the oxidizing properties of potassium permanganate, the oxidation of copper under the simultaneous influence of air and ammonia, and the action of cyanogen on acetaldehyde. With Marcellin Berthelot they determined the basic rules of the esterification of an acid by an alcohol in its many routes.
Balanceo de ecuaciones químicas: un método algebraico con Gauss-Jordán y herramientas computacionales
Authors: González Victor , Jaque-Puca Darwin , Hidalgo Irene , Urbano Brayan , González Martha
Published: January 2025

El balanceo de ecuaciones químicas, piedra angular de la química, ha impulsado el desarrollo de diversos métodos, entre los que se encuentran el algebraico con Gauss-Jordán y el software computacional. Este estudio demuestra eficacia del método algebraico de Gauss-Jordán y el software computacional como una herramienta para el balanceo de ecuaciones químicas. Se propone un método manual simplificado y un programa de computadora que aporta información adicional, sin olvidar la importancia de optimizar el tiempo en el aprendizaje. El artículo describe el uso del método de Gauss-Jordán para balancear ecuaciones químicas, comparado con otros métodos como el tanteo y el vectorial. Se presenta el software WolframAlpha, EBAS-equation balancer® y Matlab para el balanceo automático de ecuaciones, resaltando la importancia de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje del balanceo de ecuaciones químicas en la formación de los estudiantes universitarios.
Propuesta didáctica sobre evaluación de riesgos para la salud de las sustancias tóxicas atmosféricas
Authors: Altúzar Villatoro Faviola , García Reynoso José Agustín
Published: January 2025

En México, el marco regulatorio obliga a los sectores industriales que realizan actividades altamente riesgosas, a presentar una evaluación de riesgo ambiental en casos específicos como derrames, fugas, incendios o explosiones sin tomar en cuenta, los posibles impactos que pueden generarse por la operación diaria de las industrias que liberan continuamente sustancias tóxicas a la atmósfera. Si bien, se contempla la evaluación de la calidad del aire con base en límites máximos permisibles de contaminantes criterio que buscan proteger la salud, no se cuenta con instrumentos que exijan a la industria a realizar un análisis de riesgos para la salud de la población expuesta a contaminantes atmosféricos que ellos mismos emiten, por lo que no se lleva a cabo. En este trabajo se presenta una propuesta metodológica para enseñar la evaluación de estos riesgos, que comienza con el marco teórico, el procedimiento de evaluación de riesgos de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA) y los índices comunes para la comunicación de riesgos. Se incluye el proceso de evaluación mediante un caso de estudio que utiliza información del Registro de Emisiones y Transferencia de Contaminantes (RETC), así como de la Tabla Consolidada de Valores de la Junta de Recursos del Aire de California. Además, se proporcionan otras referencias que muestran casos de estudio desarrollados con esta metodología, los cuales han permitido identificar fuentes y sustancias que podrían representar un riesgo potencial para la salud humana y el medio ambiente. Este trabajo puede servir como guía para el desarrollo de material didáctico y legislación ambiental en la materia.
Combined Loading Effects on the Buckling Strength of Q690 Steel Tubes: An Experimental and Numerical Study
Authors: Rajib Shek , Lei Chen
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This study investigates the stability and buckling behavior of Q690 high-strength steel cylindrical tubes subjected to
combined axial compression and bending loads. Experimental testing on 27 specimens, combined with finite element analysis
using ABAQUS, revealed critical insights into load-bearing capacity, deformation patterns, and failure modes. The study found
that geometric imperfections, such as initial out-of-roundness and local dents, and residual stresses significantly influenced the
buckling strength of the tubes, particularly those with high diameter-to-thickness ratios. Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
effectively modeled the complex behavior, with deviations from experimental results ranging from 5.6% to 7.9%. Based on these
findings, design recommendations, including optimized D/t and slenderness ratios, are proposed to enhance structural safety and
efficiency. These results contribute to a better understanding of Q690 steel behavior and can inform the development of
improved design codes for critical infrastructure applications
Scientists' views about relationship-based science communication strategies
Authors: Staus Nancy L. , Risien Julie , Cho Holly
Published: January 2025

Scientists are increasingly expected to share their research with the public using learner-centered strategies that build trust, such as engaging in relationship-building activities. A growing number of science communication training programs have been developed to address this need but little is known about whether and how scientists value such programs. In this paper we examine scientists' experiences with the STEM Ambassadors Program (STEMAP), a science communication training program that aims to build relationships for open-minded exchange between scientists and the public. We discuss benefits and challenges for scientists when using the STEMAP model for public outreach.
Security of differential phase shift QKD from relativistic principles
Authors: Sandfuchs Martin , Haberland Marcus , Vilasini V. , Wolf Ramona
Published: January 2025

The design of quantum protocols for secure key generation poses many challenges: On the one hand, they need to be practical concerning experimental realisations. On the other hand, their theoretical description must be simple enough to allow for a security proof against all possible attacks. Often, these two requirements are in conflict with each other, and the differential phase shift (DPS) QKD protocol exemplifies these difficulties: It is designed to be implementable with current optical telecommunication technology, which, for this protocol, comes at the cost that many standard security proof techniques do not apply to it. After about 20 years since its invention, this work presents the first full security proof of DPS QKD against general attacks, including finite-size effects. The proof combines techniques from quantum information theory, quantum optics, and relativity. We first give a security proof of a QKD protocol whose security stems from relativistic constraints. We then show that security of DPS QKD can be reduced to security of the relativistic protocol. In addition, we show that coherent attacks on the DPS protocol are, in fact, stronger than collective attacks. Our results have broad implications for the development of secure and reliable quantum communication technologies, as they shed light on the range of applicability of state-of-the-art security proof techniques.
Ubicación Ministerial de la Policía Nacional de Colombia: Antecedentes, iniciativas y acciones necesarias para su posible cambio
Authors: Hurtado Martínez Carlos Alberto , Molina Garzón Alba Luz , Velásquez Bonilla Karen
Published: January 2025

El posible cambio de ministerio en el que se ubica la Policía Nacional de Colombia constituye un elemento de debate entre sectores académicos y políticos. Se trataría de una transformación que impactaría profundamente en el imaginario de todos los colombianos, y que recientemente ha sido promovida desde el actual Gobierno, luego de las duras jornadas de movilización social que en años recientes se presentaron. Fue desde ellas que se fortaleció la necesidad de reforma policial, de allí que surja como tema de interés prioritario para la investigación institucional la pregunta problema: ¿Cuáles son los antecedentes, iniciativas y acciones necesarias para el posible cambio de ubicación ministerial?
El proceso investigativo elaborado empleó un enfoque cualitativo, enmarcado en el propósito de la investigación básica, con un alcance exploratorio descriptivo y bajo consideraciones del paradigma histórico-hermenéutico, lo que permitió alcanzar los objetivos planeados de establecer los antecedentes, indagar procesos y acciones e integrar los hallazgos en referencia al posible cambio de Ministerio. Este es el resultado del procesamiento de la información recopilada y construida con el acercamiento documental, la interpelación de los relatos de los entrevistados y el análisis de las construcciones de los participantes en los grupos focales.
PANTALLAS Y JUEGO EN LA PRIMERA INFANCIA SEGÚN LAS VOCES PARENTALES
Authors: Fanaro María de los Angeles , Pezzi Marilina , Miralles Anabella , Sandoval Jorgelina
Published: January 2025

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo examinar el uso de pantallas en la primera infancia en el entorno del hogar, a través de la percepción de los adultos responsables del cuidado y crianza de niños y niñas, y plantear algunas tensiones en relación al juego. Se parte de la premisa de la importancia del juego desde el nacimiento y su papel fundamental en la infancia y a lo largo de la vida, y se cuestiona si el uso de pantallas en edades tempranas puede afectar el desarrollo del juego. Para ello, se diseñó y aplicó un cuestionario asincrónico y voluntario a un grupo de adultos encargados del cuidado de niños y niñas de 45 días a 6 años, pertenecientes a siete instituciones de nivel inicial (jardín maternal y jardín de infantes). Los resultados obtenidos indican que las familias parecen tener un conocimiento limitado sobre los efectos de un uso inadecuado de las pantallas, y demuestran una marcada necesidad de recibir información al respecto, con el fin de preservar la salud y la esencia de la infancia.