Access To Options Research Articles

Management of severe pediatric Guillain-Barré syndrome in a low-income country: efficacy and safety of therapeutic plasma exchange in pediatric patients: a retrospective study

BackgroundGuillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the peripheral nervous system leading to motor, sensory, and sometimes autonomic manifestations. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), which involves the selective removal of pathological molecules, such as auto-antibodies, from plasma, has proven to be safe and effective in adults with GBS. However, its application in pediatric patients lacks sufficient evidence. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TPE in pediatric patients with severe GBS, in a low-resource setting.MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective study of 36 GBS patients aged between 2 and 13 years. A total of 122 TPE sessions were administered, with a median of four sessions per patient. A human albumin solution was the exchange fluid in all the sessions. Clinical improvement was evaluated through general examination and muscle power assessment using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.ResultsAll patients showed clinical improvement upon treatment with TPE. The grade of power in the upper extremities increased from a mean of 1.7 ± 1.1 at the peak of illness to 3.7 ± 0.9 at discharge, indicating an increase of 2.0 ± 1.1 (95% CI, 1.6 to 2.4, p< 0.001). Alternatively, in the lower extremities, it increased from 1.2 ± 1.1 to 2.5 ± 0.8, indicating a significant rise of 1.4 ± 0.8 (95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6, p< 0.001). There was a significant improvement in the cranial, autonomic, and respiratory functions among all patients. Half of the patients were available for follow-up and showed full recovery, with six of them still exhibiting minimal residual deficits. TPE-related complications were mostly mild or moderate, with tachycardia, hypotension, and mild anemia being the most common. However, serious complications occurred in three of the patients, necessitating the discontinuation of the treatment in two of them. There was no mortality related to TPE in this study.ConclusionsTPE shows promise in treating pediatric GBS. In this study, TPE was associated with the recovery of neurological functions, yielding positive outcomes with only minimal residual deficits. However, balancing its benefits with potential risks requires careful clinical judgment and rigorous monitoring to ensure patient safety and optimize outcomes. TPE was a more cost-effective and accessible option than IVIG in this financially restricted, low-income setting.

Rapid diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis using machine-learning-assisted surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of human vaginal fluids.

The accurate and rapid diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is crucial due to its high prevalence and association with serious health complications, including increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although widely used, traditional diagnostic methods have significant limitations in subjectivity, complexity, and cost. The development of a novel diagnostic approach that integrates SERS with ML offers a promising solution. The CNN model's high prediction accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and extraordinary rapidity underscore its significant potential to enhance the diagnosis of BV in clinical settings. This method not only addresses the limitations of current diagnostic tools but also provides a more accessible and reliable option for healthcare providers, ultimately enhancing patient care and health outcomes.

Features of surgical line managements in Baku

Aims: Central venous catheters (CVC) have become an acceptable form of permanent access in patients with limited access options. Proper management of this procedure is crucial for a successful treatment period. Therefore, we aim to demonstrate our insertion steps and discuss our findings with the literature, highlighting the successful outcomes we have achieved. Methods: After the approval of the hospital directorate, central catheters were inserted into pediatric patients at a Children’s Hospital in Baku through a retrospective review of patient notes over the last two years. Experienced or inexperienced staff, operating theatre or ward, emergent or elective insertions, catheter diameters, catheter dimensions, selected models, number of lumens, reason for insertion, insertion method, fixation methods, dressings, and locations of catheter tips are evaluated. Also, companies that produce catheters are mentioned. Results: Sixty-three CVC insertions were performed via CVC between 2021 and 2023. Forty-one catheters were inserted by senior staff. Sixty-one were inserted in the operating theatre. Fifty-four were emergent applications. Mainly, 6.5 and 7 French lines were used. Three different international companies supplied the catheters. Half of the catheters used were double-lumen. Oncology diseases were the most common reasons for insertions (n=40). Seldinger’s method was the main one chosen for insertions (n=59). Prolene sutures are mainly used to fix catheters. After insertions, iodine dressings (tegaderm®) are commonly used (n=48). The right atrium was the principal place for the lumen tip (n=39). Conclusion: Our procedures for central venous catheterizations are similar to those in the literature. Nevertheless, the catheter might be positioned at the ending area of the superior vena cava. We observed no harm in the patients with the right atrium location. Also, fixation and trademarks might be matters of evaluation about the effectiveness of procedures.

Toward a cure for diabetes: iPSC and ESC-derived islet cell transplantation trials.

Advancements in regenerative medicine, particularly through the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs), are garnering substantial attention as potential solutions to the limited availability of donors, leading to prolonged waiting periods for people with type 1 diabetes who require transplantation of pancreatic islets from deceased donors. The promising outcomes from recent clinical trials suggest that transplantation of iPSC- or ESC-derived islet cells could pave the way for more effective and broadly accessible treatment options. This progress holds potential not only for individuals with type 1 diabetes but may also extend to type 2 diabetes treatment in the future.

Prospective Analysis of Arteriovenous Fistula Performance in the Context of Competing Risks.

Many patients with newly created arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) may die before the AVF is needed for hemodialysis. However, formal competing risks frameworks are rarely used to report AVF patency, which may lead to biased estimates. We sought to identify the proportion of newly created AVF experiencing primary non-function and to describe long-term patency using a competing risk framework. We did a prospective observational study in 257 adults with newly created AVF in Alberta, Canada. The primary outcome was primary non-function. Secondary outcomes included loss of primary-patency, loss of assisted primary-patency, and loss of secondary functional-patency. Results were presented using icon-array plots to form the basis for future decision aids. Participants were 63.0% male with mean age 62.3 years and median follow-up of 18.5 months (range 0.02-180 months). Of 257 participants, 50 could not be assessed for function or primary non-function, usually due to death. Of the remaining 207, 102 (49.3%) had primary non-function, and function was ultimately established for 142 (68.6%). Thus, only 142 of the 257 participants (55.3%) ultimately used the AVF for hemodialysis. High rates of competing risks led to biased results from Kaplan-Meier analyses of lost patency. When accounting for competing risks, loss of primary-patency among AVF with established function was 36.6%, 65.5% and 66.2%, at 1y, 3y and 5y respectively. Only 55% of fistulas were ultimately used for hemodialysis when accounting for competing risks and primary non-function. These results and the icon-array plots may inform discussions surrounding vascular access options for patients.

Intensive Treatment of Chronic Pain and PTSD: The PATRIOT Program.

Military combat can result in the need for comprehensive care related to both physical and psychological trauma, most commonly chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions tend to co-occur and result in high levels of distress and interference in everyday life. Thus, it is imperative to develop effective, time-efficient treatments for these conditions before they become chronic and resistant to change. We developed and pilot-tested the Pain and Trauma Intensive Outpatient Treatment (PATRIOT) Program, a brief, intensive (3 weeks, six sessions) integrated chronic pain and PTSD treatment. An overview and session-by-session outline of the PATRIOT Program is provided, followed by results from the first pilot evaluation of the PATRIOT Program's feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy in a sample of eight participating Veterans with comorbid chronic pain and PTSD. There were no treatment dropouts. At post-treatment, there were significant reductions in PTSD symptoms based on the Clinician-Administered Assessment of PTSD (CAPS). Pain and catastrophic thinking also decreased from pre- to post-treatment. With continued investigations and support, the PATRIOT Program may offer a brief, cost-effective, and more easily accessible treatment option for individuals who could benefit from learning skills to manage pain and PTSD more effectively.

EXPLORING DEBT FINANCING OPTION FOR SME’S : A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

The development and success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are highly dependent on accessible and suitable financing options. This article provides an in-depth review of various SME financing sources, examining the benefits, drawbacks, and impacts of each option, including fintech lending, traditional bank financing, and venture capital. The findings offer a systematic understanding of SME finance dynamics. Results indicate that while venture capital can accelerate growth, it often raises challenges related to sustainability and governance. In contrast, bank financing provides stability but is hindered by high interest rates and complex bureaucratic processes. Fintech financing offers rapid access and ease but comes with heightened security and risk assessment concerns. The study suggests that SMEs should align funding choices with their unique needs and characteristics. Additionally, regulators and stakeholders are encouraged to increase their knowledge and safeguards in response to the expanding fintech lending market. Future research could explore innovative, eco-friendly financing solutions to meet SMEs' evolving needs. This article contributes valuable insights to stakeholders, supporting the sustainable growth of SMEs. Keywords: SME Financing; Debt Financing; Fintech Lending; Bank Financing; Venture Capital

Feasibility of Fruit Waste-Derived Media for Microbial Culture: A Sustainable and Low-cost Approach

The present study, conducted at the College of Agriculture, Latur during 2023-2024, explores the viability of using fruit waste-derived media as a cost-effective alternative to conventional media for the growth of plant pathogens. The research focuses on the growth performance of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum, and Sclerotium rolfsii on media prepared from fruit peel of eight fruits (Banana, Pineapple, Papaya, Orange, Guava, Pomegranate, Dragon fruit, and Sapota). These fruit-based media were compared to traditional Nutrient Agar (NA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Results revealed that Sclerotium rolfsii showed maximum growth on Papaya Dextrose Agar, while Pseudomonas fluorescens exhibited the most robust growth on Banana, Papaya and Dragon Fruit Dextrose Agar. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum demonstrated the highest radial growth on Banana Dextrose Agar. The study also observed that fruit-based media significantly reduced costs compared to Potato Dextrose Agar and Nutrient Agar making them a sustainable and accessible option for microbiological research, particularly in resource-limited environments.

Examining healthcare access with physical vs. telehealth options: Promise and peril for socially vulnerable older adults

IntroductionThis paper seeks to understand barriers to healthcare access faced by socially vulnerable older adults in Chicago using qualitative analysis. As the U.S. population ages, ease of healthcare access by older adults grows in importance. Yet, current literature lacks an examination of pain points and coping strategies in accessing healthcare, specifically by socially vulnerable older adults. This is especially relevant as virtual telehealth access and transportation options that shape healthcare access evolve rapidly. MethodsIn this work, we conduct three listening sessions with 40 total participants to understand the lived experiences of Black and Latino older adults living in low-income areas of Chicago. Transcript data was analyzed using qualitative concept and emotion coding to identify vulnerabilities that older patients face in accessing care. ResultsThis work highlights five key takeaways from the qualitative analysis: 1) technology struggles and prospects in accessing healthcare, 2) social resources for coping give rise to tension between dependence and autonomy, 3) system disconnects (medical-pharmacy-transportation) represent key pain points, 4) different means of accessing healthcare (traditional transportation vs. telehealth) are value and emotion ladened, 5) different means of observing lead to new methodological insights. ConclusionOvercoming healthcare access barriers for older adults ultimately requires analysis of specific interfaces between infrastructure, healthcare, and communications systems. Solutions should prioritize the autonomy of older adults by offering physical accessibility and customized technology. The three intervention policies recommended in this paper include: health kiosks implementation, digital access classes, and specialized training for transit drivers and medical staff.

Web-based interventions for fear of cancer recurrence: A scoping review with a focus on suggestions for the development and evaluation of future interventions.

The objective of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the available evidence on the effectiveness of web-based interventions for fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and a discussion of drawbacks and possible improvements for web-based interventions identified in the reviewed studies. These steps fulfil the aim of this review, which is to offer suggestions for developing future web-based interventions based on the reviewed studies. Five databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science) were searched. Original peer-reviewed articles, written in English, on web-based interventions for FCR were included for review. The data from the included studies was synthesised thematically. We included 34 papers reporting on 28 interventions. Most of the studies in the papers were quantitative and mixed quantitative studies with a qualitative element, e.g. an interview post-intervention. Interventions were most commonly trialled with women breast cancer patients. Top three countries where studies were conducted were USA, Australia and the Netherlands. The most common theoretical framework for interventions is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), followed by mindfulness-based and mixed CBT, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), relaxation approaches. FCR was the primary focus/measure in 19 Studies, in 9 studies FCR was a secondary/related outcome/measure. Overall, the evidence of efficacy of web-based interventions on FCR is mixed. The existing research suggests several key points for producing more robust evidence about the effectiveness of web-based interventions for FCR. First, the studies suggest that it is a priority to better define eligibility criteria to proactively include people with higher levels of FCR. Second, there is a need for longer-term follow-up and outcome measuring period. Third, research examining the reasons for dropout from web-based interventions for FCR is critical to improve the effectiveness of web-based interventions. Fourth, while web-based interventions do not involve the costs of transportation, traveling time, space, equipment, cleaning, and other expenses, further cost utility analyses should be performed. Finally, future studies should assess how intervention accessibility, adherence, and effectiveness can be improved across different intervention designs, varying from intensive synchronous individual therapist-assisted web-based programme to blended designs combining the advantages of face-to-face and internet-based elements, to entirely self-managed programmes. Developing and evaluating more accessible FCR treatments have been identified among top international FCR research priorities (Shaw et al. 2021). While there is some evidence that web-based interventions can be as effective as face-to-face interventions, currently there is a dearth of systematic data about the ways in which the web-based modality specifically can enhance supportive care for FCR. Developing knowledge about effective web-based interventions has implications for cancer survivors as they can be presented with more accessible, low-cost and low-burden options for managing fear of cancer recurrence.

An Example of Using Low-Cost LiDAR Technology for 3D Modeling and Assessment of Degradation of Heritage Structures and Buildings.

This article examines the potential of low-cost LiDAR technology for 3D modeling and assessment of the degradation of historic buildings, using a section of the Koszalin city walls in Poland as a case study. Traditional terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) offers high accuracy but is expensive. The study assessed whether more accessible LiDAR options, such as those integrated with mobile devices such as the Apple iPad Pro, can serve as viable alternatives. This study was conducted in two phases-first assessing measurement accuracy and then assessing degradation detection-using tools such as the FreeScan Combo scanner and the Z+F 5016 IMAGER TLS. The results show that, while low-cost LiDAR is suitable for small-scale documentation, its accuracy decreases for larger, complex structures compared to TLS. Despite these limitations, this study suggests that low-cost LiDAR can reduce costs and improve access to heritage conservation, although further development of mobile applications is recommended.

Chemical-Driven Amyloid Clearance for Therapeutics and Diagnostics of Alzheimer's Disease.

ConspectusA century ago, German neurologist Alois Alzheimer documented the first case of Alzheimer's disease (AD), illuminating cognitive impairments associated with the presence of abnormal protein clusters, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles, within the brain. In a typical physiological state, the equilibrium of amyloid-β (Aβ) levels is maintained, but aging can precipitate disruptions in the homeostasis of Aβ due to its overproduction, impaired clearance, and other factors, ultimately leading to its accumulation. Although the link between Aβ aggregates and neurodegeneration has long made Aβ a promising target for AD, decades without successful drug development targeting Aβ have generated skepticism regarding the efficacy of this strategy for AD therapy. However, recent approvals of anti-Aβ antibody drugs by the FDA, including aducanumab (Aduhelm), lecanemab (Leqembi), and donanemab (Kisunla), have prompted a re-evaluation of this perspective. These therapies have demonstrated efficacy in reducing brain Aβ levels, thereby decelerating disease progression and reaffirming Aβ as a key target. Despite advancements, immunotherapies are accompanied by considerable disadvantages, including adverse effects, high costs, and cumbersome administration. To address these limitations, our research has focused on developing small molecules that can mitigate the challenges of antibody treatments while offering practical and accessible options. We identified 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazine propanesulfonic acid (EPPS) as a promising compound that significantly reduces aggregated Aβ in the brain and enhances behavior in AD rodent models. Following administration, EPPS penetrates the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and binds to toxic Aβ aggregates, subsequently breaking them down into nontoxic monomers. This leads to two significant outcomes: a reduction of Aβ aggregates in the brain and a subsequent increase in Aβ monomers in blood. The monomeric Aβ, unlike its aggregated form, can now traverse the BBB and enter the bloodstream. This mechanism provides an innovative approach to AD treatment and diagnosis. By detaching cerebral Aβ aggregates, EPPS facilitates Aβ clearance and addresses a key pathological feature of AD. Concurrently, the increase in blood Aβ levels offers a potential biomarker for monitoring treatment efficacy and disease progression, thereby revolutionizing both AD treatment and diagnosis. Investigating the detailed mode of action of drug candidates requires structural information about a target protein. Unfortunately, the unstable and heterogeneous nature of Aβ aggregates, which form larger clusters, complicates the identification of these structures. Therefore, we developed new tools for screening small molecules by immobilizing monomeric Aβ and its fragments on plates. This allows us not only to identify novel compounds that target Aβ but also to elucidate their mechanisms of action, enabling the development of Aβ-targeting therapeutic avenues in AD. We believe that our work on chemical-driven amyloid clearance through small molecules represents an advance in AD research, offering chemical diversity and straightforward, economical development processes. In clinical practice, we anticipate that these findings will contribute to the development of patient-friendly therapeutic and diagnostic interventions, including self-administered and orally available options, thereby enhancing disease management and overall quality of life for individuals with AD. Furthermore, this research extends beyond AD, potentially offering insights into other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by protein aggregation.

Zéro allergie research clinic: a clinical and research initiative in oral immunotherapy for managing IgE-mediated food allergy

Background and methodsThe Zéro allergie research clinic (Saguenay, Canada) is a clinical and research initiative in oral immunotherapy (OIT) for managing IgE-mediated food allergy (FA). A total of 183 children with FA and 27 non-allergic siblings were recruited to date in the Zéro allergie cohort (ZAC) to better understand biological mechanisms underlying FA and OIT prognosis. The primary aims are to (a) better understand the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and microbial diversity associated with FA; (b) establish the multi-omics and microbial diversity profiles of children following OIT to identify predictive prognosis biomarkers, (c) make OIT more accessible to the population of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, and (d) build a biobank of data and biological material.ResultsThe ZAC constitutes a unique and rich biobank of biological samples (blood, buccal swabs, microbiota samples [intestinal, buccal, nasal, and cutaneous]) combined with clinical data and more than 75 phenotypic characteristics.ConclusionsThis represents an innovative interdisciplinary initiative by researchers, allergists, and paediatricians to make FA care accessible to a greater number of children with IgE-mediated FA. Ultimately, it will contribute to provide more accessible treatment options with greater chances of success through a better understanding of the biological nature of FA and OIT.

The Pittsburgh Study: A Tiered Model To Support Parents During Early Childhood

ObjectiveTo test the feasibility of implementing The Pittsburgh Study’s (TPS) Early Childhood Collaborative, a population-level, community-partnered initiative to promote relational health by offering accessible preventive parenting program options for families with young children. Study designTPS partnered with healthcare and community agencies serving families in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to enroll and screen 878 parents of 1,040 children 4-years-old and under. Participants were assigned to one of four tiered groups based on identified needs: (1) universal, (2) targeted/universal, (3) secondary/tertiary, or (4) tertiary programs. Parents were offered choices in empirically supported parenting programs within group ranging from texting programs to intensive home visiting. Program selection was optional. Chi-square tests were conducted to examine the likelihood of selecting a program by group. ResultsAbout 25% of participants were assigned to each tiered group; 78% of parents chose to enroll in a parenting program. In general, parents with higher levels of adversity were more likely to select a parenting program compared with those reporting less adversity, including secondary/tertiary versus targeted/universal groups (81.4% vs. 72.8%), and tertiary versus universal and targeted/universal groups (83% vs. 74.1% and 72.8%, respectively; p < .001). ConclusionOur high program enrollment rate supports the feasibility of TPS. TPS successfully engaged families in the study by offering choices in, and optimizing accessibility to, parenting programs. TPS is highly aligned with recent recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics for tiered approaches as part of a broad public health strategy for supporting early relational health.

Quantifying the reversibility of ATP hydrolysis in rabbit skeletal myosin subfragment 1 using a luciferase assay

BackgroundIt is known that the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis in a number of ATPases is reversible. Radioactive methods are standard in measuring ATPase reversibility. We used myosin as a well-studied model enzyme to develop a luciferase-based assay to quantify the reversibility of ATP hydrolysis. In myosin, ATP bound to the active site is hydrolyzed into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) and recombined back into ATP multiple times before products of hydrolysis are released. The reversibility of ATP hydrolysis by skeletal myosin was previously confirmed using radioactively labeled isotopes. Transient kinetics studies indicated that the ATP hydrolysis step is temperature-sensitive, with a dissociation equilibrium constant of 1.6 at 3 °C. Consequently, the association equilibrium constant at this temperature is 0.63. The goal of our work was two-fold, (a) to develop a luciferase-based assay to measure the equilibrium constant of enzymatic ATP hydrolysis, eliminating the need for radioactively labeled Pi, and (b) refine the value of the association equilibrium constant of the myosin ATPase hydrolysis step.MethodsIn this assay, a reaction mixture containing myosin and saturating levels of ADP and Pi was incubated to reach equilibrium, then the reaction was terminated, and the amount of ATP produced by myosin was quantified using the luciferase assay. The equilibrium constant of ATP hydrolysis was defined as the ratio of ATP to ADP bound to myosin.ResultsWe obtained a value of 0.78 ± 0.14 for the association equilibrium constant of ATP hydrolysis at 0 °C. 50 μM ADP bound to myosin is turned into 21.9 ± 3.0 μM ATP. Our result is in excellent agreement with the literature data, supporting the viability of the new methodology.DiscussionThis methodology allows a more accessible and safe option to measure ATP production and reversibility of ATPase enzymes. Standard laboratory equipment is utilized in the assay, and the number of steps in the developed assay is reduced significantly compared to the radioactive method.

Experiences with One-to-One Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Sessions: Consensual Qualitative Research.

Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) is an evidence-based yoga intervention that has been used as an effective adjunct treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research has focused on TCTSY offered in group settings. The present study examined experiences of individuals practicing TCTSY one-to-one (i.e., one client, one TCTSY facilitator). Study aims were to: (1) learn about participants' experiences with and reasons for attending one-to-one TCTSY; (2) describe and compare participants' experiences between group and one-to-one yoga settings; (3) explore participants' perceptions of the impacts of TCTSY on their trauma healing; and (4) document participants' intentions for continued one-to-one TCTSY use. Semistructured interviews were offered to participants at completion of a longitudinal observational study of one-to-one TCTSY; 4 of the 10 participants agreed to be interviewed. Interviewees were located in the United States and self-reported experiencing childhood trauma and a current PTSD diagnosis. Following the consensual qualitative research method, domains were initially created deductively by the team. Adjustments, as well as categories and core ideas, were created inductively. Results indicated that participants: (1) preferred one-to-one over groups because of perceived safety and comfort; (2) had positive experiences with TCTSY; (3) perceived biopsychosocial benefits from the practice and described using TCTSY principles outside of sessions; and (4) intended to practice indefinitely. This study provided insight to the lived experiences of participants who use TCTSY as complementary care. Yoga facilitators and clinical trauma care providers are recommended to collaborate to offer one-to-one somatic-based approaches to create more access options for trauma healing.

Pelatihan Pembuatan Video sebagai Media Promosi Dusun

One of the most accessible options for the public to build a digital ecosystem is to use social media in communication and socializing practices. This community service activity basically aims to provide training on making village promotional videos for youth groups in Dusun Demen, Pakembinangun, Pakem, Sleman, Yogyakarta, aged 16-20 years. Involving young people as participants in this video training activity is an urgency that is expected to represent Gen Z as active users of the YouTube networking media. The result of this activity is to make young people understand more about the function of social networking media, especially Youtube as a promotional medium. Almost all of the participants became more knowledgeable about procedures and implementing the basic techniques of making videos. They also gain experience and skills on how to direct a video production process. So, it is hoped that in the future young people will be more skilled and more skilled in creating videos that are published on the YouTube channel, especially in an effort to promote the village.

A libraries reproducibility hackathon: connecting students to University research and testing the longevity of published code

Reproducibility is a basis of scientific integrity, yet it remains a significant challenge across disciplines in computational science. This reproducibility crisis is now being met with an Open Science movement, which has risen to prominence within the scientific community and academic libraries especially. To address the need for reproducible computational research and promote Open Science within the community, members of the Open Science and Data Collaborations Program at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries organized a single-day hackathon centered around reproducibility. Partnering with a faculty researcher in English and Digital Humanities, this event allowed several students an opportunity to interact with real research outputs, test the reproducibility of data analyses with code, and offer feedback for improvements. With Python code and data shared by the researcher in an open repository, we revealed that students could successfully reproduce most of the data visualizations, but they required completing some manual setup and modifications to address depreciated libraries to successfully rerun the code. During the event, we also investigated the option of using ChatGPT to debug and troubleshoot rerunning this code. By interacting with a ChatGPT API in the code, we found and addressed the same roadblocks and successfully reproduced the same figures as the participating students. Assessing a second option, we also collaborated with the researcher to publish a compute capsule in Code Ocean. This option presented an alternative to manual setup and modifications, an accessible option for more limited devices like tablets, and a simple solution for outside researchers to modify or build on existing research code.

Assessing Fintech Awareness and Knowledge Among Students at Selected Universities in Somalia

This study examines financial technology awareness among students at four Mogadishu universities (Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology, Banadir University, SIMAD University, and the University of Somalia), using a cross-sectional descriptive research design. The study utilized a structured questionnaire to evaluate 231 students’ understanding and familiarity with fintech concepts, focusing on demographic factors and perceived curriculum gaps. The study’s participants were diverse in gender, age, institution, major, and year of study. The majority were male (63%), with 78% aged between 20 and 25. The study reveals that students’ familiarity and understanding of fintech concepts like blockchain, smart contracts, neo- banking, crowdfunding, cloud computing, big data analytics, robo-advisors, and AI are low. This highlights significant gaps in students’ knowledge of critical areas digital finance, e-payments or e-banking. The study shows a moderate correlation between demographic factors and students’ fintech awareness, with 13.9% of variation explained by these factors. The overall model is statistically significant (F = 7.265, P &lt; 0.001), indicating that these factors collectively impact students’ knowledge and awareness of fintech. Gender, age, and university attended do not significantly influence fintech awareness, suggesting they are not major determinants. However, the study reveals that students’ awareness of fintech increases as they progress through their academic years, with certain majors showing higher levels of awareness. The study recommends universities incorporate fintech topics into their courses, develop accessible options, invest in resources, collaborate with fintech companies, strengthen industry partnerships, and offer cross-disciplinary electives.

Tafamidis treatment for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: results from an open-label, early-access, long-term study extension in an all-comers population

Abstract Background In the pivotal Tafamidis in Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy Clinical Trial (ATTR-ACT NCT01994889), tafamidis significantly reduced mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Given the high clinical unmet need and the favorable benefit-to-risk profile of tafamidis, there was a justification to provide patients with an option for early access to treatment as part of the ATTR-ACT long-term extension study (LTE; NCT02791230). Purpose To assess long-term safety in an all-comers population receiving early access to tafamidis. Methods Following protocol amendment (20 July 2018), patients with ATTR-CM, not previously enrolled in ATTR-ACT, and without commercial access to tafamidis, were enrolled in the LTE early-access study arm in 13 countries. Patients received open-label, once-daily tafamidis free acid 61 mg for up to 60 months, until they gained product access by prescription or study discontinuation by the sponsor. All-cause and cardiovascular (CV)-related mortality, CV-related hospitalization, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were assessed. Results Of 1481 patients enrolled in the early-access cohort, 1476 received at least one dose of tafamidis and were included in the analysis. Mean (SD) age at enrollment was 76.5 (7.8) years old, 37.5% were ≥80 years old, and 88.8% were male. Most patients (85.6%) had wild-type ATTR-CM, and 14.9%, 52.9%, 30.8%, and 1.3% were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Over a mean (SD) follow-up period of 17.7 (13.8) months, all-cause and CV-related mortality rates were 23.4% and 13.8%, respectively (Table). Mean frequency of CV-related hospitalization per year was 0.28 (0.60). Serious TEAEs and TEAEs leading to discontinuation of the study were observed in 0.6% of patients (both); no new safety signals were identified. Conclusions Findings from the early-access cohort of the ATTR-ACT LTE highlight the safety of tafamidis treatment in an all-comers ATTR-CM patient population.