Availability Of Methods Research Articles

Fairness aware deep reinforcement learning for grant-free NOMA-IoT networks

Next generation networks have special areas related with the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve the performance of cellular networks in terms of throughput. Grant-free non-orthogonal multiple access (GF-NOMA) seems a feasible solution, letting machine type communication (MTC) devices transmits their packets when they ready to transmit. GF-NOMA increases the spectral efficiency by using the superimposing signals with different power levels over the same time and frequency resources. However, the main drawbacks of GF-NOMA are randomness and the management of power level selection of MTC devices. In 6G-IoT networks, the intelligence should be met to random access. It is time to design new access methods to solve the GF-NOMA issues that should be between the randomness and fully coordinated medium access. Deep-Q-Network (DQN) has become a very hot research topic in recent years that let the MTC devices to make a smart decision in an intelligent way to improve the throughput. Selfishness is an undesirable behavior of DQN for GF-NOMA system where the resources have different cost. In this study, we develop a novel learning framework for power domain GF-NOMA. The goal of our learning framework is to maximize the throughput considering fairness in power consumption which provides long-life to the IoT network. The learning algorithm push the MTC devices to exchange the resources between each other over time. The results show that the proposed method outperform the NOMA scheme with random selection in terms of throughput and increase the fairness index when the DQN with selfish behavior is employed.

Method for assessing the content of molybdenum enzymes in the internal organs of fish

Molybdenum enzymes (Mo-enzymes) contain a molybdenum cofactor (MoCo) in the active site. These enzymes are potentially interesting for studying the survival mechanism of fish under hypoxic water conditions. This is because Mo-enzymes can synthesize nitric oxide from nitrates and nitrites, which are present in high concentrations under hypoxic water conditions. However, there is currently no method for assessing the Mo-enzymes content in the fish internal organs. Methods capable of determining Mo-enzymes content in the fish are of major importance. For this purpose, a method for quantitative determination of MoCo from plant tissues was modified. We demonstrated the Mo-enzyme content assessment by isolated MoCo from the fish's internal organs and the Neurospora crassa nit-1 extract containing inactive NADPH nitrate reductase. The Mo enzyme content was calculated using a calibration curve in nM of nitrites as a product of restored NADPH reductase activity after complementation with MoCo. Here we present a robust laboratory method which can be used to assess the content of Mo-enzymes in the internal organs of fish.•Mo-enzymes play a crucial role in detoxifying toxic compounds. Therefore, it is important to develop a method to accurately determine the amount of Mo-enzymes present. Notably, the method demonstrated the efficiency and accuracy as detected high content of Mo-enzymes in the liver and intestines (P < 0.0001). The obtained data on the distribution of Mo-enzymes in the internal organs of this species correspond to that of other vertebrates. Here, we present a rapid, sensitive, accurate and accessible method.•The developed method is simple and easy to use. Importantly, the protocol does not require complex manipulations, and the equipment used is available in most laboratories. The article provides step-by-step instructions for reproducing the method.

DiaNet v2 deep learning based method for diabetes diagnosis using retinal images

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent chronic metabolic disorder linked to increased morbidity and mortality. With a significant portion of cases remaining undiagnosed, particularly in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, more accurate and accessible diagnostic methods are essential. Current diagnostic tests like fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), random plasma glucose (RPG), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) have limitations, leading to misclassifications and discomfort for patients. The aim of this study is to enhance diabetes diagnosis accuracy by developing an improved predictive model using retinal images from the Qatari population, addressing the limitations of current diagnostic methods. This study explores an alternative approach involving retinal images, building upon the DiaNet model, the first deep learning model for diabetes detection based solely on retinal images. The newly proposed DiaNet v2 model is developed using a large dataset from Qatar Biobank (QBB) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) covering wide range of pathologies in the the retinal images. Utilizing the most extensive collection of retinal images from the 5545 participants (2540 diabetic patients and 3005 control), DiaNet v2 is developed for diabetes diagnosis. DiaNet v2 achieves an impressive accuracy of over 92%, 93% sensitivity, and 91% specificity in distinguishing diabetic patients from the control group. Given the high prevalence of diabetes and the limitations of existing diagnostic methods in clinical setup, this study proposes an innovative solution. By leveraging a comprehensive retinal image dataset and applying advanced deep learning techniques, DiaNet v2 demonstrates a remarkable accuracy in diabetes diagnosis. This approach has the potential to revolutionize diabetes detection, providing a more accessible, non-invasive and accurate method for early intervention and treatment planning, particularly in regions with high diabetes rates like MENA.

Massively parallel single-cell sequencing of diverse microbial populations.

Single-cell genetic heterogeneity is ubiquitous in microbial populations and an important aspect of microbial biology; however, we lack a broadly applicable and accessible method to study this heterogeneity in microbial populations. Here, we show a simple, robust and generalizable method for high-throughput single-cell sequencing of target genetic loci in diverse microbes using simple droplet microfluidics devices (droplet targeted amplicon sequencing; DoTA-seq). DoTA-seq serves as a platform to perform diverse assays for single-cell genetic analysis of microbial populations. Using DoTA-seq, we demonstrate the ability to simultaneously track the prevalence and taxonomic associations of >10 antibiotic-resistance genes and plasmids within human and mouse gut microbial communities. This workflow is a powerful and accessible platform for high-throughput single-cell sequencing of diverse microbial populations.

Ultrasound-Guided Venous Axillary Access Versus Standard Fluoroscopic Technique for Cardiac Lead Implantation: ZEROFLUOROAXI Randomized Trial

BackgroundAxillary vein puncture (AVP) and cephalic vein surgical cutdown are recommended in international guidelines because of their low risk of pneumothorax and chronic lead complications. Directly visualizing and puncturing the axillary vein under ultrasound guidance reduces radiation exposure, provides direct needle visualization, and lowers periprocedural complications. Our hypothesis is that ultrasound-guided axillary access is safer and more feasible than the standard fluoroscopic technique. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided axillary venous access during cardiac lead implantation for pacemakers (PMs) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantations. MethodsPatients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to either axillary venous access under fluoroscopic guidance or ultrasound-guided axillary venous access. The composite outcome, including pneumothorax, hemothorax, inadvertent arterial puncture, pocket hematoma, pocket infection, lead dislodgement, and death, was evaluated 30 days after implantation. ResultsWe randomized 270 patients into 2 groups: the standard group for fluoroguided AVP (n = 134) and the experimental group for ultrasound-guided AVP (n = 136). No disparities in baseline characteristics were observed between the groups. The median age of the patients was 81 years, with women comprising 41% of the population. The majority of patients received single- and dual-chamber PMs (87% vs 88%; P = 1.00), and slightly over 10% in both groups received ICDs (13% vs 12%; P = 0.85). In total, we placed 357 leads in PMs and 48 leads in ICDs. Among these, 295 leads were inserted via axillary vein access and 110 via cephalic vein access. Notably, the subclavian vein was never used as a vascular access. The composite outcome was lower in the ultrasound group according to intention-to-treat analysis (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.31-0.99; P = 0.034). The main difference within the composite outcome was the lower incidence of inadvertent axillary arterial puncture in the experimental group (17% vs 6%; P = 0.004). The ultrasound group also exhibited lower total procedural x-ray exposure (10,344 μGy × cm2 vs 7,119 μGy × cm2; P = 0.002) while achieving the same rate of success at the first attempt (61% vs 69%; P = 0.375). ConclusionsUltrasound-guided AVP is safer than the fluoroscopy-guided approach because it achieves the same rate of acute success while maintaining low total procedural radiation exposure. Ultrasound AVP should be considered the optimal venous access method for cardiac lead implantation. (Ultrasound Guided Axillary Access vs Standard Fluoroscopic Technique for Cardiac Lead Implantation [ZEROFLUOROAXI]; NCT05101720)

Abstract B064: Redefining phenotypic heterogeneity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A bottom-up approach

Abstract Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor inter-patient heterogeneity has been well described with two major subtypes (classical and basal-like). An important intra-patient heterogeneity has not yet been extensively studied due to the lack of standardized and easily accessible high throughput methods compatible with clinical routine. Material and Methods: To build an immunohistochemical (IHC) tool capable of differentiating classical and basal-like tumors, relevant antibodies were selected using a multi-step process. The successive stages of an in-silico selection from the bulk transcriptome of 309 PDACs and 30 patient-derived xenografts followed by the validation on tissue microarrays in a cohort of PDAC (n=50) were conducted. We used our final IHC panel on whole slides of serial histology sections in 95 resected PDACs. After image registration, we performed a tile-based-analysis in tumoral and pre-neoplastic areas and a k-means clustering to identify relevant marker combinations. Results: Our final selection of the IHC panel included GATA6, CLN18, TFF1, MUC16, S100A2, KRT17, PanBasal. Among the 44,042 tumor tiles analyzed, 4 different phenotypes were identified: 1 classical (CLN18+, TFF1+, GATA6+), 1 intermediate (KRT17+) and 2 basal-like (MUC16+ vs S100A2+) with specific biological properties. A minor basal contingent drastically reduced overall survival (OS) in the multivariate analysis (HR=2.36, p=0.01). In contrast, the presence of the intermediate and classical clusters did not impact OS. However, among patients with PDAC expressing the classical cluster, a tremendous difference of OS was observed according to the co-occurence of a basal cluster (HR=0.34, p=0.003). These prognostic associations have been validated in an independent cohort of 150 patients with PDAC on tissue microarrays. By analyzing preneoplastic lesions, we showed the evolution process of pancreatic carcinogenesis going from a classical toward a basal through an early intermediate phenotype. Conclusion: Our restricted panel of antibodies could help pathologists to predict the high degree of PDAC heterogeneity, ultimately leading to an improvement of patient management. Citation Format: Marc Hilmi, Flore Delecourt, Jerôme Rafenne, Taib Bourega, Nelson Dusetti, Juan Iovanna, Yuna Blum, Magali Richard, Cindy Neuzillet, Anne Couvelard, Louis De Mestier, Vinciane Rebours, Rémy Nicolle, Jérôme Cros. Redefining phenotypic heterogeneity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A bottom-up approach [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Pancreatic Cancer; 2023 Sep 27-30; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B064.

Response to experimental cold-induced pain discloses a resistant category among endurance athletes, with a distinct profile of pain-related behavior and GABAergic EEG markers: a case-control preliminary study.

Pain is a major public health problem worldwide, with a high rate of treatment failure. Among promising non-pharmacological therapies, physical exercise is an attractive, cheap, accessible and innocuous method; beyond other health benefits. However, its highly variable therapeutic effect and incompletely understood underlying mechanisms (plausibly involving the GABAergic neurotransmission) require further research. This case-control study aimed to investigate the impact of long-lasting intensive endurance sport practice (≥7 h/week for the last 6 months at the time of the experiment) on the response to experimental cold-induced pain (as a suitable chronic pain model), assuming that highly trained individual would better resist to pain, develop advantageous pain-copying strategies and enhance their GABAergic signaling. For this purpose, clinical pain-related data, response to a cold-pressor test and high-density EEG high (Hβ) and low beta (Lβ) oscillations were documented. Among 27 athletes and 27 age-adjusted non-trained controls (right-handed males), a category of highly pain-resistant participants (mostly athletes, 48.1%) was identified, displaying lower fear of pain, compared to non-resistant non-athletes. Furthermore, they tolerated longer cold-water immersion and perceived lower maximal sensory pain. However, while having similar Hβ and Lβ powers at baseline, they exhibited a reduction between cold and pain perceptions and between pain threshold and tolerance (respectively -60% and - 6.6%; -179.5% and - 5.9%; normalized differences), in contrast to the increase noticed in non-resistant non-athletes (+21% and + 14%; +23.3% and + 13.6% respectively). Our results suggest a beneficial effect of long-lasting physical exercise on resistance to pain and pain-related behaviors, and a modification in brain GABAergic signaling. In light of the current knowledge, we propose that the GABAergic neurotransmission could display multifaceted changes to be differently interpreted, depending on the training profile and on the homeostatic setting (e.g., in pain-free versus chronic pain conditions). Despite limitations related to the sample size and to absence of direct observations under acute physical exercise, this precursory study brings into light the unique profile of resistant individuals (probably favored by training) allowing highly informative observation on physical exercise-induced analgesia and paving the way for future clinical translation. Further characterizing pain-resistant individuals would open avenues for a targeted and physiologically informed pain management.

Emotional Salary: beyond traditional compensation

Emotional salary is an essential concept in human resources management that goes beyond traditional financial compensation, focusing on meeting employees' emotional and psychological needs in the workplace. Its importance is enhancing employee satisfaction, retention, and engagement, which influences organizational performance. Over the years, various theories have indirectly substantiated the relevance of emotional salary. These include Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, and Vroom's Expectancy Theory, among others. These theories have provided a conceptual framework for understanding how emotional dimensions, such as recognition and personal development, can impact employee motivation and satisfaction. This article provides a literature review on emotional salary and its relationship with the work environment. The methodology used for this review was based on the collection and analysis of previous studies and research on the subject. Several key dimensions of emotional salary were identified, including development opportunities, work-life balance, psychological well-being, the work environment, and organizational culture. The results highlight that, despite its growing recognition, the literature on emotional salary still needs to be expanded compared to more traditional organizational variables. Additionally, the need for further research into emotional salary and the formulation of more accurate and accessible measurement methods is emphasized. Emotional salary is an emerging trend expected to rapidly expand the academic literature in human resources and organizational management.

Modulatory effects of aerobic training on the degree centrality of brain functional activity in subthreshold depression

BackgroundAerobic training has been shown to effectively prevent the progression of depressive symptoms from subthreshold depression (StD) to major depressive disorder (MDD), and understanding how aerobic training promotes changes in neuroplasticity is essential to comprehending its antidepressant effects. Few studies, however, have quantified the alterations in spontaneous brain activity before and after aerobic training for StD. MethodsParticipants included 44 individuals with StD and 34 healthy controls (HCs). Both groups underwent moderate aerobic training for eight weeks, and resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data were collected before and after training. The degree centrality (DC) changes between the two groups and the DC changes in each group before and after training were quantified. ResultsThe rs-fMRI results showed that compared with the HCs, the DC values of the StD group in the orbital region of the left inferior frontal gyrus significantly depreciated at baseline. After aerobic training, the results of the follow-up examination revealed no significant difference in the DC values between the two groups. In addition, compared with baseline, the StD group exhibited an significant decrease in the DC values of the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus; while the HCs group exhibited an significant decrease in the DC values of the left thalamus. No statistically significant connection was seen between changes in DC values and psychological scale scores in the StD group. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that regular aerobic training can enhance brain plasticity in StD. In addition, we demonstrated that DC is a relevant and accessible method for evaluating the functional plasticity of the brain induced by aerobic training in StD.

A new advanced cellular model of functional cholinergic-like neurons developed by reprogramming the human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line

Modeling human neuronal properties in physiological and pathological conditions is essential to identify novel potential drugs and to explore pathological mechanisms of neurological diseases. For this purpose, we generated a three-dimensional (3D) neuronal culture, by employing the readily available human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line, and a new differentiation protocol. The entire differentiation process occurred in a matrix and lasted 47 days, with 7 days of pre-differentiation phase and 40 days of differentiation, and allowed the development of a 3D culture in conditions consistent with the physiological environment. Neurons in the culture were electrically active, were able to establish functional networks, and showed features of cholinergic neurons. Hence here we provide an easily accessible, reproducible, and suitable culture method that might empower studies on synaptic function, vesicle trafficking, and metabolism, which sustain neuronal activity and cerebral circuits. Moreover, this novel differentiation protocol could represent a promising cellular tool to study physiological cellular processes, such as migration, differentiation, maturation, and to develop novel therapeutic approaches.

Chiral NHC Ligands for Enantioselective Gold(I) Catalysis Under Aerobic Conditions: the Importance of Conformational Flexibility and Steric Hindrance of NHC Ligand on Reactivity.

Gold(I) catalysis has been recognized as a valuable tool for the unique transformation of multiple carbon-carbon bonds. Enantioselective π-catalysis based on gold(I) complexes is, however, still underdeveloped due to lack of privileged ligands. Herein, we present an accessible method to a new family of stable yet catalytically active chiral NHC-Au(I)-Cl complexes. The key to preserving a simultaneous fine balance between reactivity and stability in this newly developed family appears to be sterically hindered, but conformationally flexible NHC ligands. These could be easily accessed on a multigram scale by merging sterically hindered anilines with commercially available amino alcohols and amines via a four-steps synthetic sequence without the need for chromatographic purification. Further investigations of the catalytic activity of NHC-Au-Cl complexes identified the OH functionality incorporated into the NHC core as crucial for the level of enantioselectivity as well as the TsO- anion responsible for the activation of NHC-Au(I)-Cl. Finally, NMR studies and X-ray investigations revealed for the first time that the widely accepted ion metathesis (NHC-Au-Cl to NHC-Au-OSO2 R) responsible for the activation of NHC-Au-Cl complexes does not take place (or it is very slow) in commonly used MeNO2 in contrast to DCM.

Assessment of renal congestion in a rat model with congestive heart failure using superb microvascular imaging.

Renal congestion is a therapeutic target in congestive heart failure. However, its detailed evaluation in a clinical setting is challenging. This study sought to assess renal congestion impairment using superb microvascular imaging (SMI), a simple and accessible method. Dahl salt-sensitive rats, used as a model for congestive heart failure, underwent central venous pressure (CVP) measurements. Renal congestion was evaluated through measurements of renal medullary pressure (RMP) and assessment of renal perfusion using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography at both the early (control group) and heart failure phases (HF group). All rats were assessed with SMI. The region of interest (ROI) was set in interlobular vessels, interlobar vessels, and a combination of these areas. The area ratio was calculated from the color pixel count in the ROI divided by the total pixel count in the ROI. Intrarenal perfusion index (IRPI) was defined as (maximum area ratio-minimum area ratio) / maximum area ratio. There were no significant differences in renal function and left ventricular ejection fraction between the two groups. CVP, time-to-peak (TTP) in the medulla, and RMP were higher in the HF group than in the control group. In the HF group, IRPI, evaluated in the interlobular vessels, was significantly higher than in the control group. IRPI was positively correlated with TTP in the medulla (p = 0.028, R = 0.60) and RMP (p < 0.001, R = 0.84), indicating that IRPI reflected renal congestion. IRPI is a useful tool for assessing renal congestion in rats with congestive heart failure.

Postoperative lymphedema after primary total hip arthroplasty: prospective analysis of bikini incision-type direct anterior approach versus established standard approaches

BackgroundMinimally invasive approaches to the hip joint for total hip arthroplasty such as the DAA (“Direct Anterior Approach with bikini incision”) are increasingly utilized. According to the literature, this approach is more muscle-sparing, results in less postoperative pain, and achieves higher patient satisfaction. The existence of postoperative lymphedema after hip arthroplasty is hardly considered. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the evaluation of the different access methods related to postoperative lymphedema and their functional outcomes.MethodsThis is a prospective non-randomized study at an orthopedic specialist clinic in Northern Europe. The surgeons that performed the arthroplasties are high-volume surgeons in private practice affiliated to the clinic. The study included 188 patients with primary hip arthroplasty in a 1:1 ratio (DAA: standard accesses (posterior, transgluteal, and anterolateral access)). Epidemiologic data, Harris Hip Score, Oxford Hip Score, European Quality of Life 5, and Visual Analog Scale were collected preoperatively on admission day, 3rd and 5th postoperative day, and follow-up after 1 year. Furthermore, the range of motion, gait, and ability to climb stairs, as well as the presence of hypesthesia were assessed. To evaluate the edema situation, both legs were measured on the 3rd and 5th postoperative day. The prescription of manual lymphatic drainage and remaining swelling conditions 1 year postoperatively were recorded.ResultsFor each group, 94 patients with a mean age of 61.7 years (DAA 60.7 and standard access 62.6) were included. All but one patient in the DAA group showed postoperative lymphedema (n: 93/94; 98.9%). In the standard surgery group, only n: 37/94 (39.4%) showed swelling symptoms requiring treatment. After 1 year, lymphedema persisted in 20 patients in the DAA group and 0 patients in the standard-OR group. Hypesthesia at the ventral thigh persisted in 16/94 (= 17%) patients of the DAA group versus 0/94 patients of the standard group after 12 months. Of these 16 cases, 10 had concomitant edema (62.5%). The DAA showed better results than the standard accesses in terms of Oxford Hip Score (p < 0.05) and ability to climb stairs (p < 0.05). In contrast, the Visual Analog Scale and patient quality of life results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe present study demonstrated the increased incidence of postoperative lymphedema in patients operated on via DAA access using a Bikini-type skin incision. In the follow-up, significantly more hypesthesia of the ventral thigh occurred in the DAA group. Otherwise, the DAA proved to be superior to the standard approaches from a functional point of view at short-term follow-up. Future research is needed to compare the horizontally oblique to the longitudinal oblique skin incision technique in direct anterior hip surgery regarding the above-mentioned adverse effects found in this study.

An examination of an inquiry-based hybrid online/in-person science methods course

ABSTRACT This study explored elementary teacher candidates’ perceptions of a hybrid (in-person/asynchronous online) science methods course and aimed to uncover how this blended approach could maximise the benefits of each modality. Grounded in the foundations of Dewey’s experiential learning theory with a focus on an inclusive approach to course design, this study employed a qualitative methodology to investigate the experiences of teacher candidates. Data sources from two elementary science methods course sections included focus groups, pre-and post-surveys, and weekly reflections. Emergent themes were analysed to delve deeply into teacher candidates’ perceptions of the course. Affordances of the online and in-person modalities included flexibility (online), hands-on learning, and peer interactions (in-person). Self-discipline and pacing were key challenges of online learning, and in-person challenges were minimal. Teacher candidates shared the value of the hybrid model, highlighting the benefit of blended online and in-person modalities and the various strategies employed to support the hybrid approach for engaging in inquiry-based science. These included consistent and organised formatting, digital science notebooks, taking student and teacher perspectives, and connecting online and in-person course sessions. Recommendations are offered for an accessible hybrid science methods course through the lens of experiential instruction.

Significance of nuclear medicine methods for diagnosis and predicting the course of renal transplantation complications

Renal transplantation is a replacement-based therapeutic method in end-stage kidney failure.It is based on the interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists and clinicians, which match together the achievements of surgery, immunology, and radiation diagnostics. After transplantation the complications appear, which can be associated with status of the graft, the immunological factors of compatibility between the donor and the recipient, the surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and forehanded treatment of such complications is important, as it helps to evaluate and predict the functionality of the graft. In this article we discuss the complications after kidney transplantation: the reasons of their occurrence, pathogenesis, clinical features, and radiation imaging signs. The opportunities of the radiology methods for the differential diagnostics of complications which appear before, during or after the surgery, are shown. We pay the main attention to the nuclear medicine methods, especially the dynamic renal scintigraphy (DRSG) as a method for the evaluation of graft functionality. This is a safe, accessible and non-invasive method for evaluation the quantitative and qualitative parameters of kidney function. DRSG consequently characterizes the perfusion, the extraction and the excretion in the studied organ. We display the standard DRSG protocols using [99mTc] Tc-MAG3 and [99mTc] Tc-DTPA radiopharmaceuticals. We analyze investigations of kinetic perfusion and parenchymal DRSG parameters and their importance for differential diagnosis of complications, prognosis on delayed and slow graft function, short-term and long-term graft functionality assessment. We make an accent on the prognostic importance of the dynamic changes visible on DRSG. We discuss the perspectives of further development of scintigraphic methods for the assessment of kidney grafts. It is related to the implementation of high-quality 3-dimentional visualization, newest radiopharmaceuticals. We conclude the importance of the nuclear medicine as an element of multidisciplinary approach in transplantology.

Combining legal epidemiology and implementation science to improve global access to medicines: challenges and opportunities.

Laws and policies affecting access to medicines have been in the global health spotlight for decades, yet our understanding of their effects remains substantially underdeveloped. The emerging field of legal epidemiology combined with the methods of implementation science presents an opportunity to help address this gap. Legal epidemiology refers to the scientific study and deployment of law as a factor in the cause, distribution, and prevention of disease and injury in a population. Legal epidemiology studies consist of a systematic collection and coding of laws and policies relating to a particular topic. Quasi-experimental or observational research methods can then be applied to take advantage of natural experiments resulting from heterogenous adoption and/or implementation of laws and policies. Often legal epidemiology studies fail to account for heterogenous law implementation processes, presenting a need and opportunity to integrate implementation science methods. Researchers may face challenges in integrating these methods for access to medicines studies, including data access issues and a complex legal and implementation environment. Yet, the opportunities presented by increasingly transparent legal environments, improved monitoring of medicine availability, universal health coverage expansion, and electronic health and insurance records integration may facilitate overcoming these challenges. Improved collaboration and communication between researchers, health authorities, manufacturers, and health providers from public and private sectors will be critical. In spite of the challenges, combining the fields of legal epidemiology and implementation science may present an important strategy toward creating a legal and policy environment that supports global and equitable access to medicines.

Differences in characteristics and use of complementary and alternative methods for coping with endometriosis-associated acyclic pelvic pain across adolescence and adulthood.

Over four million women in the US alone have been diagnosed with endometriosis. For those living with this disease, surgery and hormonal treatment reduce associated pelvic pain in some, while others continue to experience life impacting pain. Therefore, identification of accessible and cost-effective methods of pain reduction to compliment current treatment is urgently needed. Our objective was to quantify the prevalence of complementary and alternative methods used to manage acyclic pelvic pain and their reported benefit among women of different age groups living with endometriosis. We used baseline questionnaire data from laparoscopically-confirmed endometriosis cases who completed a WERF EPHect compliant questionnaire in the longitudinal cohort of The Women's Health Study: From Adolescence to Adulthood (A2A). Participants with acyclic pelvic pain were asked to indicate specific methods or activities that either helped or worsened their pelvic/lower abdominal pain. Differences among age groups [adolescent (<18 years), young adult (18-25 years), and adult (>25 years)] were assessed using Fisher's exact test. Of the 357 participants included in analysis, sleep for coping was reported more frequently among adolescents (n = 59, 57.3%) compared to young adults (n = 40, 44.0%) and adults (n = 19, 31.1%; p = 0.004). Adolescents also reported more frequent use of music (n = 29, 21.2%) than young adults (n = 10, 7.0%) and adults (n = 7, 9.1%; p = 0.001). Exercise worsened pain most commonly among adolescents (n = 82, 59.9%), followed by younger adults (n = 67, 46.9%), and adults (n = 27, 35.1%; p = 0.002). Our analysis of participants in the A2A cohort showed that the prevalence of complementary and alternative methods used for coping with endometriosis-associated acyclic pelvic pain varied by age group. Future studies should aim to provide information that will further inform decisions in making care plans for managing endometriosis-associated pain that is effective, accessible, and tailored to the preferences of the patient.

Possibilities of identity identification during comprehensive examination of bone remains: A case report

One of the most difficult types of research conducted in the forensic department of the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination is the identification of individuals by bone remains. When examining discovered bone remains, the first stage includes the tasks of determining the belonging of bones to a person and then determining the racial identity, sex, age, and growth of an individual. The set of established characteristics plays a decisive role in further search activities and identification of specific persons. This article presents an actual case. Human bone remains were found in the forest, which was established to belong to a white man. The victim was most likely 173–183.5 cm tall. The anatomical and morphological features of the bones correspond to the age of 49–56.5 years. Further, an identification examination was conducted with the study of radiological images of citizen N (52 years old) using graphic identification algorithms. The results established that the bone remains belong to citizen N. The above case demonstrates the possibilities of identity identification in a comprehensive study of bone remains and confirms the relevance of the problem of identifying unidentified corpses in forensic medicine. However, even today, no specific algorithm has been established for identifying the identity of a corpse in a particular situation, which creates additional difficulties in choosing the most correct method (s). Further modernization and improvement of methods for identifying the identity of unidentified corpses is required, and the search for new, simpler, more accessible and objective research methods has both scientific and significant practical interest.

All-Dielectric Integrated Meta-Antenna Operating in 6G Terahertz Communication Window.

Efficient transceivers and antennas at terahertz frequencies are leading the development of 6G terahertz communication systems. The antenna design for high-resolution terahertz spatial sensing and communication remains challenging, while emergent metallic metasurface antennas can address this issue but often suffer from low efficiency and complex manufacturing. Here, an all-dielectric integrated meta-antenna operating in 6G terahertz communication window for high-efficiency beam focusing in the sub-wavelength scale is reported. With the antenna surface functionalized by metagrating arrays with asymmetric scattering patterns, the design and optimization methods are demonstrated with a physical size constraint. The highest manipulation and diffraction efficiencies achieve 84.1% and 48.1%. The commercially accessible fabrication method with low cost and easy to implement has been demonstrated for the meta-antenna by photocuring 3D printing. A filamentous focal spot is measured as 0.86λ with a long depth of focus of 25.3λ. Its application for integrated imaging and communication has been demonstrated. The proposed technical roadmap provides a general pathway for creating high-efficiency integrated meta-antennas with great potential in high-resolution 6G terahertz spatial sensing and communication applications.

Analytical Method for Production Forecasting During Boundary-Dominated Flow in Unconventional Volatile Oil Reservoirs Using Single-Phase Analogy

Abstract This paper presents an analytical methodology for production forecasting of wells exhibiting boundary-dominated flow in unconventional volatile oil reservoirs. An analytical model using single-phase analogy is established to predict the production rate of a multi-fractured horizontal well under multiphase flow. Pseudo-variables are employed to linearize governing differential flow equations. Therefore, the analytical model for efficiently handling multiphase flow is essentially an advanced adaptation of existing single-phase models, in which we derive new multiphase fluid properties. To calculate the pseudo-variables accurately, we summarize accessible methods for the determination of saturation–pressure (S–P) relation and further provide an appropriate way to calculate multiphase pseudo-variables in unconventional volatile oil reservoirs based on simulation results. The simulation study indicates that the S–P relation given by constant volume depletion data for near-critical volatile oils leads to satisfactory results, and the S–P relation derived from the tank-type model is appropriate for ordinary volatile oils. The analytical solution and associated methods were validated through comparison with results from a compositional simulator; the excellent agreement during boundary-dominated flow demonstrated the accuracy of the analytical methodology. The analytical methodology can greatly reduce computation and is justified to make production forecasting in unconventional volatile oil reservoirs, this tractable methodology should be attractive to the industry.