Research Institute Research Articles

Retracted] Galectin‑3 blockade suppresses the growth of cetuximab‑resistant human oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that the colony formation assay data shown in Fig. 4C on p. 6 were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles written by different authors at different research institutes, which had already been published. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, they accepted the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 24: 685, 2021; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12325].

Behavior guidelines of university academics during the pandemic

The objective of this descriptive study aimed to identify the behavioral patterns of academics from a research institute in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic. The instrument used was a questionnaire validated before its application, and once corrections were made to the instrument, it was applied by digital means to a convenience sample made up of 22 academics from a research institute of the Universidad Veracruzana in Mexico. Some of the results found were: the academics highlighted some positive situations of their academic activity in the digital channel such as time savings, remote work, and the development of technological teaching-learning skills. Significant portion of academics felt sufficiently trained for digital interaction with their students, despite the fact that the majority of them did not receive emerging training to be able to face the needs of digital teaching. On the other hand, it was found that there were difficulties with online work, more time was spent at work and there was a greater workload, technological and interaction problems. Furthermore, the teachers identified that the students' decline in student performance.

COMPARISON OF CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM COMPUTING FOR PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION

The article explored and delved into the advanced computational strategies of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) by contrasting classical and quantum computing paradigms. The advantages of quantum computing lie in its potential to solve computationally complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers. One of the advantages of Particle Swarm Optimization is its ability to find optimal solutions in complex search spaces. The research centers around the performance of PSO algorithms, as a part of the biological swarm optimization algorithms, when applied to a set of single-objective optimization functions, namely the Sphere, Rosenbrock, Booth, and Himmelblau functions. Utilizing a controlled setup of 100 particles, iterating 100 times across various dimensions tailored to each function, our study reveals that quantum Particle Swarm Optimization, implemented via Q# programming language and tested in Azure Quantum Workspace, consistently surpasses classical PSO in precision and convergence to global minima, despite the increased computational demands and error sensitivity inherent to quantum computations. The classical approach facilitated through Python programming language and leveraging deterministic pseudorandom number generators demonstrates robustness and lower computational costs but does not achieve the quantum's level of accuracy. The paper highlights the potential of quantum PSO to achieve superior optimization results in scenarios with smaller datasets and less complex problem spaces, paving the way for future applications where quantum advantages can be fully realized. The analysis goes further to discuss the implications of these findings for the future of optimization in various industries, including logistics, engineering, and finance, where optimization plays a critical role. The potential of quantum Particle Swarm Optimization to achieve superior optimization results in scenarios with smaller datasets and less complex problem spaces is particularly notable. It suggests that quantum computing could soon transform the landscape of computational optimization, providing solutions that are not only quicker but also more accurate.

Intergrowth 21 Versus Fenton 2013 Growth Charts: Congruence in Assessing the Birth Size and the Proportion of Extra-uterine Growth Restriction in Preterm Babies

Background: Intergrowth-21st and Fenton 2013 growth charts are used for postnatal growth monitoring in preterms. There is no international consensus on which graph to refer to and why. This study is a local validation, of which graph would be plausible for the Indian population to detect small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and extra-uterine growth restriction (EUGR) babies, abetting in the settlement of this ambiguity. Objectives: The primary objective was to compare the Intergrowth-21st with Fenton 2013 growth charts for birth size classification and to detect the proportion of EUGR in preterms. The secondary objective was to assess the proportion of comorbidities in SGA babies by both these graphs. Methods: The design of the study was a prospective comparative observational study. All preterm newborns (24–<37 weeks of gestation) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Noble Hospital and Research Center, Maharashtra, were the participants. Weight, length, and head circumference were plotted on Intergrowth 21 and Fenton growth charts at birth and at 4 weeks of age or at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age whichever is later. Corresponding Z-scores and percentiles were calculated electronically from their respective online software. Outcome: the reliability of Intergrowth-21st when compared to Fenton 2013 growth charts in assessing the birth size was better, and detection of the proportion of EUGR in preterm babies was better with Fenton charts. Results: A total of 429 preterm babies with a mean gestational age of 33.3 ± 2.4 weeks were included in the study. Fenton (67.1%) overestimated the proportion of EUGR when compared to Intergrowth-21st (18.6%) which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). On the contrary, although the proportion of SGA babies detected was higher with Intergrowth-21st (29.8%) when compared to Fenton (19.6%), there was moderate-to-high statistically significant agreement observed between the two growth charts in detecting SGA babies (Kappa = 0.716, P < 0.001). The proportion of comorbidities did not vary significantly among the SGA babies between the growth charts (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Fenton overestimates EUGR when compared to Intergrowth-21st, whereas both the growth charts are equally good in identifying SGA babies with no differences in the comorbidities detected. Intergrowth-21st standards look more pertinent for growth monitoring in the current study setting for Indian preterm babies.

Is it the people or the place? The remarkable 30-year period of integrative physiology research in the Carlson Gymnasium at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Historically, programs of physical education and sport were housed in gymnasium buildings on academic campuses. As physical education evolved to the more scientifically focused successor departments of exercise science and kinesiology, faculty specialization developed in the physiology of exercise. With time, some faculty broadened their research to study the integrative physiology of other biological states and stressors. Through this series of events, a small group of integrative physiologists was formed in the Carlson Gymnasium at the University of Colorado Boulder during the 1990s with the goal of conducting novel biomedical research. The challenges were daunting: no contemporary core laboratory facilities, lack of temperature control, piercing external noise, pests, regular flooding, electrical power outages, and lack of funds for renovation. Despite these obstacles, the group established an innovative program of translational physiological research ranging from high-throughput molecular analyses to cell models to rodent studies to clinical trials in humans. These investigators supported their work with grant awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), American Heart Association, and private research foundations totaling ∼$80 M in direct costs from the late 1980s to 2020. Collectively, the faculty and their laboratory personnel published ∼950 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Over that period, 379 undergraduate students, 340 graduate students, 84 postdoctoral fellows, and dozens of junior research faculty received scientific training in Carlson, supported by >$21 M in extramural funding. What was accomplished by this handful of integrative physiologists speaks to the importance of the qualities of the investigators rather than their research facilities in determining scientific success.

Smart investment framework for energy resilience: A case study of a campus microgrid research facility

Energy resilience is a vital consideration for ensuring the survivability of modern infrastructure systems. Achieving 100% resilience, however, is often impractical and economically burdensome. In this paper, we propose a smart investment framework that enables decision-makers to determine optimal investments in energy resilience based on available resources and desired levels of resilience. To illustrate the effectiveness of this framework, we present a case study of a campus microgrid research and testing facility. Using a real-time simulation approach conducted with Typhoon Hardware In Loop (HIL), we evaluate the performance of the microgrid system over 24 hours following 4 historically significant hurricanes that have affected Louisiana in the past few years. The microgrid is designed to power local loads during outages, providing an effective solution for enhancing energy resilience. Real solar data collected from our 1.1 Megawatt (MW) solar facility on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus is integrated into the simulation, enabling a realistic evaluation of the system’s performance under hurricane-induced disruptions. By employing the proposed smart investment framework, decision-makers can better identify and address resilience challenges. The framework facilitates informed investment decisions by considering available resources and aligning them with the desired level of resilience. This approach avoids over-investment in unnecessary redundancy while ensuring critical systems are adequately protected. Our research contributes to the field by demonstrating the practicality and benefits of a smart investment framework for energy resilience in a real-world scenario. The case study of the campus microgrid research facility provides valuable insights for decision-makers in similar contexts, highlighting the potential of this framework to guide resilient energy infrastructure planning and investment strategies.

E-ΔE DETECTION MODULE OF DGFRS-2 SETUP

Thе paper describes a new E-ΔE detection module which includes a position-sensitive double-sided strip detector (DSSD) and a low-pressure pentane-filled ΔE chamber for detection of Evaporation Residues (ERs) in complete fusion reactions. The goal is to synthesize superheavy isotopes at the new DC-280 (Dubna Cyclotron) cyclotron of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR). With the 48Ca ion beam intensity of about 5-7 pμA (particle micro ampere) and the ΔE counter count rate of approximately 104 sec-1, we observe a decrease in the overall registration efficiency of the gas ΔE counter. The paper proposes a solution to this problem: introduction of an additional negatively biased electrode, which results in the stabilization of the ΔE detector operation.

Improving Amplification Bandwidth by Combining Josephson Parametric Amplifiers for Active Axion Search Experiments at IBS/CAPP

AbstractThe Center for Axion and Precision Physics Research at the Institute for Basic Science in Republic of Korea is home to multiple active axion search experiments using cavity haloscopes that operate within the frequency range of 1–6 GHz. The haloscopes convert axions to photons, resulting in an output power of about 10$${^{-24}}$$ - 24 –10$${^{-22}}$$ - 22 W. To detect such a small signal amidst noise, quantum-limited noise amplifiers and ultra-low-temperature environment (a few tenths of mK) are required for all critical readout components to minimize noise from all active and passive lossy components. Our primary objective is to achieve the highest possible scanning-frequency speed, which includes the time for maintenance and system calibration. This paper presents the development and operation of low-noise amplifiers for haloscope experiments targeting different frequency ranges and provides design, operational, and performance details of the amplifiers.

ECR Spotlight – Claire Bottini

ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Claire Bottini is an author on ‘ Effects of sublethal methylmercury and food stress on songbird energetic performance: metabolic rates, molt and feather quality’, published in JEB. Claire conducted the research described in this article while a PhD student in Dr Scott A. MacDougall-Shackleton's lab at the Advanced Facility for Avian Research, University of Western Ontario, Canada.

Challenges of radiation measurements in an institute with various large-scale research facilities

The Paul Scherrer Institute is a unique Swiss research institute that operates five large-scale research facilities in which different types of particles, such as electrons, protons, neutrons, pions and muons, are accelerated or produced. Depending on the facility and location, the operational radiation protection has to deal with challenging measurements of mixed radiation fields, which can be in addition pulsed and of high-energy. In this article, we provide insight into the associated demands and challenges using two examples with different requirements for the monitoring technology. Using the example of the high-intensity proton accelerator (HIPA), the measurement technology around high-energy accelerators is examined in more detail. On the other hand, the problems of measuring technology for pulsed radiation and its dynamic range are discussed using the example of the Swiss X-ray free electron laser SwissFEL. The aim of this paper is to highlight the different requirements and technical challenges in radiation measurements for such complex facilities and, thus, to raise awareness and provide a stimulus for further developments in measurement technology.

Psilocybin Therapy for Females With Anorexia Nervosa: A Phase 1, Open-Label Feasibility Study.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a deadly illness with no proven treatments to reverse core symptoms and no medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Novel treatments are urgently needed to improve clinical outcomes. In this open-label feasibility study, 10 adult female participants (mean body mass index 19.7 kg m-2; s.d. 3.7) who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for AN or pAN (partial remission) were recruited to a study conducted at an academic clinical research institute. Participants received a single 25-mg dose of synthetic psilocybin in conjunction with psychological support. The primary aim was to assess safety, tolerability and feasibility at post-treatment by incidences and occurrences of adverse events (AEs) and clinically significant changes in electrocardiogram (ECG), laboratory tests, vital signs and suicidality. No clinically significant changes were observed in ECG, vital signs or suicidality. Two participants developed asymptomatic hypoglycemia at post-treatment, which resolved within 24 h. No other clinically significant changes were observed in laboratory values. All AEs were mild and transient in nature. Participants' qualitative perceptions suggest that the treatment was acceptable for most participants. Results suggest that psilocybin therapy is safe, tolerable and acceptable for female AN, which is a promising finding given physiological dangers and problems with treatment engagement. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04661514. Appeared originally in Nat Med 2023; 29:1947-1953.

Using Knowledge Graphs to Analyze the Characteristics and Trends of Forest Carbon Storage Research at the Global Scale

Research on forest carbon storage (FCS) is crucial for the sustainable development of human society given the context of global climate change. Previous FCS studies formed the science base of the FCS field but lacked a macrolevel knowledge summary. This study combined the scientometric mapping tool VOSviewer and multiple statistical models to conduct a comprehensive knowledge graph mining and analysis of global FCS papers (covering 101 countries, 1712 institutions, 5435 authors, and 276 journals) in the Web of Science database as of 2022, focusing on revealing the macro spatiotemporal pattern, multidimensional research status, and topic evolution process of FCS research at the global scale, so as to grasp the status of global FCS research more clearly and comprehensively, thereby facilitating the future decision-making and practice of researchers. The results showed the following: (1) In the past three decades, the number of FCS papers indicated an increasing trend, with a growth rate of 4.66/yr, particularly significant after 2010. These papers were mainly from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, while there was a huge gap between Africa, Oceania, and the above regions. (2) For the research status at the national, institutional, scholar, and journal levels, the USA, with 331 FCS papers and 18,653 total citations, was the most active and influential country in global FCS research; the United States Forest Service topped the influential ranking with 4115 citations; Grant M. Domke and Jerome Chave were the most active and influential FCS researchers globally, respectively. China’s activity (237 papers) and influence (5403 citations) ranked second, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences was the most active research institution in the world. Currently, FCS research is published in a growing number of journals, among which Forest Ecology and Management ranked first in the number of papers (154 papers) and citations (6374 citations). (3) In recent years, the keyword frequency of monitoring methods, driving factors, and reasonable management for FCS has increased rapidly, and many new related keywords have emerged, which means that researchers are not only focusing on the estimation and monitoring of FCS but also increasingly concerned about its driving mechanism and sustainable development.

Cost effectiveness analysis of a fixed dose combination pill for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease from an individual participant data meta-analysis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to impart a large burden on the global population, especially in lower income countries where affordability limits the use of cardiovascular medicines. A fixed dose combination strategy of at least 2 blood pressure lowering medications and a statin with aspirin in a single pill has been shown to reduce the risk of incident CVD by 38% in primary prevention in a recent meta-analysis. We report the in-trial (median follow-up: 5 years) cost-effectiveness of a fixed dose combination (FDC) pill in different income groups based on data from that meta-analysis. Countries were categorized using World Bank economic groups: Lower Middle Income Countries (LMIC), Upper Middle Income Countries (UMIC) and High Income Countries (HIC). Country specific costs were obtained for hospitalized events, procedures, and non-study medications (2020 USD). FDC price was based on the cheapest equivalent substitute (CES) for each component. For the CES-FDC pill versus control the difference in cost was $346 (95% CI: $294-$398) per participant in Lower Middle Income Countries, $838 (95% CI: $781-$895) in Upper Middle Income Countries and $42 (95% CI:-$155 to $239) (cost-neutral) in High Income Countries. During the study period the CES-FDC pill was associated with incremental gain in quality-adjusted life years of 0.06 (95% CI: 0.04-0.08) resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $5767 (95% CI: 5735-$5799), $13,937 (95% CI: $13,893-$14,041) and $700 (95% CI: $662-$738) respectively. In subgroups analyses, the highest 10 years CVD risk subgroup had ICERs of $2033, $7322 and-$6000/QALY. A FDC pill produced at CES costs is cost-neutral in HIC. Governments of LMI and UMI countries should assess these results based on the ICER threshold accepted in their own country and own specific health care priorities but should consider prioritizing this strategy for patients with high 10 years CVD risk as a first step. Population Health Research Institute.

Влияние поражения сердца на прогноз у пациентов с системным AL-амилоидозом

AIM. To assess the clinical features as well as the factors affecting prognosis and long-term treatment outcomes in systemic AL amyloidosis patients with cardiac involvement. MATERIALS & METHODS. The trial enrolled 123 systemic AL amyloidosis patients with cardiac involvement who were treated at the RM Gorbacheva Scientific Research Institute in 2004–2023. The patients were 34–85 years of age (median 61 years); there were 61 women (49.6 %) and 62 men (50.4 %). RESULTS. Cardiac disease grades 1, 2, 3a, and 3b were identified in 13.8 %, 50.4 %, 17.9 %, and 17.9 % of AL amyloidosis patients, respectively. Chronic cardiac failure (CCF) developed in 65.9 % (n = 81), and severe cardiac failure was detected in 25.4 % (n = 31) of patients. Most of them (90,2 %), despite CCF, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (> 40 %) with the mean value of 59.6 % (range 33–78 %). The left ventricular stroke volume index (SVI) was below the normal values (< 41 mL/m2) in 92.7 % of patients. The mean SVI value was 26.1 mL/m2 (range 8.3–49.5 mL/m2). The lower SVI was associated with cardiac disease grades. This parameter appeared to be 30.9 mL/m2, 26.8 mL/m2, 24.8 mL/m2, and 21.4 mL/m2 in grades 1, 2, 3a, and 3b (p = 0.006), respectively. Total global strain (TGS) in the left ventricle myocardium was decreased (< 20 %) in 94.6 % of patients. The mean TGS value was 13.8 % (range 4.4–34.8 %). TGS was diminishing with increasing cardiac disease grade (grade 1 with 17.8 %, grade 2 with 14.6 %, grade 3a with 13.1 %, and grade 3b with 9.6 %) (p = 0.007). Atrial fibrillation was reported in 23 % of patients, supraventricular tachycardia was observed in 31.9 %, and supraventricular extrasystoles were registered in 39.7 %. Ventricular extrasystoles were found in 73.7 % of patients, and ventricular tachycardia was seen in 13.2 %. Sinoatrial block was reported in 6.6 % of patients, and atrioventricular block was identified in 19.8 %. Syncope occurred in 12.3 % of patients. An artificial cardiac pacemaker was implanted in 8 patients. The thromboembolism rate was 13 %: the myocardial infarction rate was 11.4 %, and the rate of acute cerebrovascular accidents was 5.7 %. Atrial clots were detected in 2 (1.6 %) patients. The cumulative incidence of hematologic response for 2 years was 57 % and did not depend on cardiac disease grade, the 2-year rate of cardiac response was 39.1 %. Before achieving hematologic and cardiac responses, mortality was 26.5 % and 29.9 %, respectively. The overall 5-year survival was 62.6 %, and the 5-year hematologic progression-free and major organ impairment-free survival was 39.3 %. Cox regression model confirmed 3 independent predictors of poor prognosis: the level of NT-proBNP ≥ 2500 pg/mL (p = 0.004), SVI < 25 mL/m2 (p = 0.0174), and prior syncope (p = 0.0191). The achievement of hematologic response had a positive effect on survival rates (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION. A comprehensive assessment of cardiac damage by the time of primary AL amyloidosis diagnosis as well as appropriate treatment of this disease can reduce the risk of early cardiac mortality and enhance chances of not only achieving hematologic response but also improving survival rates.

Using a Monte Carlo simulation to analyze the ideal activity for a phosphorus-32 polymeric brachytherapy source for paraspinal tumors

A promising radioactive source for use in intracavitary brachytherapy is phosphorus-32. This source has been prominent as a minimally invasive treatment for craniopharyngiomas and in the treatment of metastatic bone diseases in general and has been developed at Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN). In this work, a Monte Carlo simulation was used to evaluate the ideal activity this source must have to deliver a 1 Gy/min dose rate. TOPAS was used to model the simulation, and its geometry was simulated with the source centered in the origin point, inserted into an isotropic volume of water of 17.42 cm3. The source has the decay properties of phosphorus-32. The total dose was calculated using volumetric scorers. The results were promising, showing that the initial activity must be 86.14 mCi or 2871 MBq to obtain the 1 Gy/min dose rate. With the initial activity measured in this work, it is possible to minimize the patient’s exposure to radiation, while ensuring the quality of the treatment.

The ReCoDe addiction research consortium: Losing and regaining control over drug intake-Findings and future perspectives.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are seen as a continuum ranging from goal-directed and hedonic drug use to loss of control over drug intake with aversive consequences for mental and physical health and social functioning. The main goals of our interdisciplinary German collaborative research centre on Losing and Regaining Control over Drug Intake (ReCoDe) are (i) to study triggers (drug cues, stressors, drug priming) and modifying factors (age, gender, physical activity, cognitive functions, childhood adversity, social factors, such as loneliness and social contact/interaction) that longitudinally modulate the trajectories of losing and regaining control over drug consumption under real-life conditions. (ii) To study underlying behavioural, cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms of disease trajectories and drug-related behaviours and (iii) to provide non-invasive mechanism-based interventions. These goals are achieved by: (A) using innovative mHealth (mobile health) tools to longitudinally monitor the effects of triggers and modifying factors on drug consumption patterns in real life in a cohort of 900 patients with alcohol use disorder. This approach will be complemented by animal models of addiction with 24/7 automated behavioural monitoring across an entire disease trajectory; i.e. from a naïve state to a drug-taking state to an addiction or resilience-like state. (B) The identification and, if applicable, computational modelling of key molecular, neurobiological and psychological mechanisms (e.g., reduced cognitive flexibility) mediating the effects of such triggers and modifying factors on disease trajectories. (C) Developing and testing non-invasive interventions (e.g., Just-In-Time-Adaptive-Interventions (JITAIs), various non-invasive brain stimulations (NIBS), individualized physical activity) that specifically target the underlying mechanisms for regaining control over drug intake. Here, we will report on the most important results of the first funding period and outline our future research strategy.

Treatment Outcomes in Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Experience of the AF Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Center (Obninsk)

AIM. To assess chemotherapy outcomes in patients with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) treated at the AF Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Center from 2016 to 2023. MATERIALS & METHODS. The analysis focused on the data from 58 patients with the morphologically verified diagnosis of PMBCL. The patients were aged 17–62 years (median 34 years), there were 39 women and 19 men. The median follow-up was 51.2 months (range 0.4–200.9 months). Depending on drug chemotherapy regimens, patients were divided into 3 groups: R-NHL-BFM-90 (n = 9), R-CHOP (n = 17), and R-MACOP-B (n = 32). Most patients (90 %) received mediastinal radiotherapy of total 30–46 Gy. RESULTS. The 5-year overall survival in the therapy groups was 66.7 %, 88.2 %, and 100 %, respectively (p = 0.007), progression-free survival was 66.7 %, 70.6 %, and 96.9 % (p = 0.006), and event-free survival was 66.7 %, 54.7 %, and 90.6 % (p = 0.038). On the whole, the toxicity profile of chemotherapy was quite acceptable. Neither low blood values nor other adverse events essentially affected a complete implementation of chemoradiotherapy program. The intermediate outcomes were based on PET-CT data after 2–4 therapy cycles in 37 (64 %) patients. PET-CT showed that at the stage of drug chemotherapy, complete response (CR) was achieved in 27 (73 %) patients, and partial response (PR) was achieved in 4 (11 %) patients. With respect to the CR and PR criteria, there were 6 (16 %) non-responders. CONCLUSION. PMBCL is one of extranodal lymphomas with thymic B-cells being primary source of tumor growth. PMBCL is characterized by aggressive course and extreme heterogeneity of clinical manifestations. Up to now, the first-line chemotherapy decision making in PMBCL has remained an issue with practical importance. This paper reports immediate and long-term outcomes of the program chemoradiotherapy regimen R-MACOP-B with subsequent consolidation radiotherapy. The results obtained can be termed quite satisfactory and noninferior to the data from national and international sources. Nevertheless, more effective chemoradiotherapy programs for PMBCL continue to be elaborated. In this context, immune checkpoint inhibitors as part of therapy programs seem to hold promise for the treatment of newly diagnosed PMBCL.

The role of social media in public health awareness during times of war in Sudan: snakebites and scorpion stings

BackgroundSnakebite envenomation (SBE) and scorpion sting envenomation (SSE) are significant neglected tropical diseases that primarily affect impoverished communities in rural areas of developing nations. A lack of understanding about snake and scorpion species and their distribution exacerbates the disabilities and fatalities caused by SBE and SSE. In Sudan, particularly in regions affected by ongoing conflicts where healthcare resources are scarce, social media platforms offer a cost-effective approach to addressing public health challenges. Our aim in this study is to highlight the benefits of using social media for data collection and health promotion in such environments.MethodsWe present a cost-effective communication and data collection strategy implemented at the Toxic Organisms Research Centre (TORC) of the University of Khartoum, focusing on a Facebook group, “Scorpions and Snakes of Sudan”, as our primary social media platform. Additionally, we discuss the lessons learned and the initial impact of this strategy on enhancing population health literacy.ResultsThe group community is composed of ~ 5000 members from 14 countries. During the period from January 2023 to January 2024, we received 417 enquiries about snakes and scorpions belonging to 11 families and composed of 55 species. In addition, 53 other enquiries covered a range of organisms and their tracks (e.g., spiders, skinks, chameleons, foxes, sun spiders, centipedes, lizards, moth larvae, and insect tracks). The first photographic evidence of Malpolon monspessulanus in Sudan was via the group activities. The rare species Telescopus gezirae, the Blue Nile cat snake, is also documented via the group member’s queries. Recognizing the evolving nature of social media use in public health, we also address the current limitations and evidence gaps that need to be addressed to effectively translate best practices into policy.ConclusionIn conclusion, utilizing Facebook as an institutional platform to share scientific information in simple Arabic language underscores the proactive roles that citizens, scientists, and public health stakeholders can play in leveraging social media for eHealth, eAwareness, and public health initiatives. This approach highlights the potential for collaborative efforts, particularly during crises, to maximize the benefits of social media in advancing public health.

Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a digital guided self-management intervention to support transition from intensive care to community care in anorexia nervosa (TRIANGLE): pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation

There is uncertainty regarding how best to support patients with anorexia nervosa following inpatient or day care treatment. This study evaluated the impact of augmenting intensive treatment with a digital, guided, self-management intervention (ECHOMANTRA) for patients with anorexia nervosa and their carers. In this pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation, patients with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa, aged 16+ and attending one of the 31 inpatient or day-patient services in the UK were randomised with one of their carers to receive ECHOMANTRA plus treatment as usual (TAU), or TAU alone. ECHOMANTRA was hosted on a digital platform and included a workbook, recovery-oriented video-clips and online facilitated groups (patients only, carers only, joint patient-carer). Participants were randomised on a 1:1 ratio using a minimisation algorithm to stratify by site (N=31) and severity (defined by BMI <15 and≥15kg/m2 at baseline). The primary outcome was patient depression, anxiety, and stress at 12months. Primary and secondary outcomes were compared between trial arms on an intention-to-treat basis (ITT). This trial is registered with the ISRSTN registry, ISRCTN14644379. Between July 01, 2017 and July 20, 2020, 371 patient-carer dyads were enrolled and randomly assigned to ECHOMANTRA+TAU (N=185) or TAU alone (N=186). There were no significant differences between trial arms with regards to the primary outcome (completed by N=143 patients in the TAU group, Mean=61.7, SD=29.4 and N=109 patients in the ECHOMANTRA+TAU group, Mean=58.3, SD=26.9; estimated mean difference 0.48 points; 95% CI-5.36 to 6.33; p=0.87). Differences on secondary outcomes were small and non-significant (standardised effect size estimates ≤0.25). Five patients died (2 from suicide and 3 from physical complications) over the course of the trial, and this was unrelated to their participation in the study. ECHOMANTRA added to TAU was not superior to TAU alone in reducing patient depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. This may be explained by limited engagement with the intervention materials and changes in usual care practices since the beginning of the trial. National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), under its Health Technology Assessment Programme (HTA) Programme (Grant Reference Number 14/68/09). NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, and King's College London. NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South London (NIHR ARC South London) at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Synergy effects of cavitation and particle erosion based on the Erosion/Corrosion Research Center erosion model

This study presents a new synergy model that incorporates the accelerated motion of particles resulting from bubble collapse. The model uses the Erosion/Corrosion Research Center erosion model to predict the combined effect of cavitation and particle erosion on wall surfaces. The results show that, compared with the conventional erosion model, the synergy model reduces the error in the erosion mass loss by up to 24.60%. The significant improvement in prediction accuracy confirms the effectiveness of the synergy model. The severity of sample erosion is positively correlated with the cavitation-inducer angle. The synergy effect leads to an increase in the extent and severity of erosion. Smaller particles demonstrate a more pronounced synergy effect, resulting in significantly accelerated motion and a highly concentrated particle distribution. High erosion rates are associated with high-speed impacts and small-angle impact zones, primarily caused by high-speed cutting erosion. This study presents a novel prediction method for exploring the synergy effect of cavitation and particles on wall erosion and investigates the motion characteristics of particles under this effect.