bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between the Selection and Effectiveness of Emotion-Regulation Strategies and Psychopathological Features: A Daily Life Study
Authors: Houben Marlies , Kalokerinos Elise K. , Koval Peter , Erbas Yasemin , Mitchell Jardine , Pe Madeline , Kuppens Peter
Published: October 2023

Emotion dysregulation is central to psychopathological conditions, including borderline personality disorder (BPD) and depression. However, the nature of emotion-regulation (ER) difficulties in the daily life of people with BPD or depressive features is still unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to disentangle two different ER subprocesses in daily life, (a) selection of ER strategies and (b) the effectiveness of implementing strategies, in terms of their associations with subsequent emotional experience. We analyzed data from a three-wave, longitudinal, experience-sampling study of young adults with varying levels of psychopathological features ( N = 202). BPD features were uniquely linked to the use but not altered effectiveness of several putatively adaptive and maladaptive ER strategies. Depressive features were uniquely associated with the use of putatively maladaptive strategies. These findings suggest that ER deficits in people with more BPD or depressive features may be primarily located in strategy selection rather than the implementation of those strategies.
Developing Human Capability to Believe in Bhutan
Authors: Allen Justin N. , Ulrich Dave
Published: October 2023

The Kingdom of Bhutan is an exemplar of ongoing sustainable transformation. From realising over 20% growth in literacy rates in the last 15 years to sustaining an average economic growth of 7.5% per year since 1980 to becoming the world’s first carbon-negative country with forests covering over 70% of the land, Bhutan quietly continues to lead the way with unique foresight and resilience. This tradition of leadership continued in 2020 when His Majesty, the Fifth King of Bhutan’s urgently called upon Bhutanese civil servants to ‘prepare for the future’ as a ‘self-reliant’ nation. In response, the Royal Civil Service Commission of Bhutan launched a development accelerator called the ‘Nurturing Leadership Program’ which leveraged community-based participatory research methodologies to launch 125 innovation projects and build leadership capacity among over 625 civil servants. In total, 98.6% of more than 3,000 stakeholders surveyed at the end of the program agreed that project efforts positively impacted target outcomes, demonstrating that Bhutan can continue its unique role as a human capability incubator by transforming talent, organisation, leadership and HR into a shared and sustained brand of believe.
Interview with Prof Dave Ulrich and Dr Santrupt Misra on ‘The State of HRM - Where are we? Where do we want to go and how do we get there?
Authors: Thite Mohan , Iyer Ramanathan
Published: October 2023

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the South Asian Journal of Human Resource Management, the authors conducted a wide-ranging interview with two towering figures in HR, namely, Prof Dave, considered the father of modern HR, and Dr Santrupt, CEO and board member at the Aditya Birla Group, an Indian multinational and Fortune-500 conglomerate. The purpose was to bring together a globally renowned academic scholar and an international CEO with a strong HR background to discuss the state of HRM. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, including ‘is it the best time for HR; implications of the Asian century; indigenization of HR models; boundaryless organizations; changing demographics and workforce profile; digital divide, and the future of HR in a technology driven world. The YouTube link of the full recorded interview can be accessed at https://youtu.be/WibBq0ux0zk
Malda: The Birth and Growth of a Small Town in Mughal-Period North Bengal
Authors: Roy Subrata
Published: October 2023

Bengal had a long tradition of emergence, growth and decline of towns from the earliest times to the present century. During the rule of the independent Sultans of Bengal, a list of capital towns appeared in the urban history of early medieval Bengal. The trend of urbanisation also continued in Bengal under Mughal rule. But the European companies’ trade with Bengal also contributed. How the factory of the English at Malda during the seventeenth century contributed to the growth of a manufacturing and trade centre is a key issue in this study.
The association between social care expenditure and multiple-long term conditions: A population-based area-level analysis
Authors: Chukwusa Emeka , Font-Gilabert Paulino , Manthorpe Jill , Healey Andrew
Published: October 2023

Background

Multiple long-term health conditions (MLTCs) are common and increasing among older people, yet there is limited understanding of their prevalence and association with social care expenditure.

Aim

To estimate the prevalence of MTLCs and association with English social care expenditure.

Methods

Our study population included those aged ≥ 65 who died in England in the year 2018 with any of the following long-term conditions recorded on their death certificate: diabetes; cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including hypertension; dementia; stroke; respiratory; and chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). Prevalence was based on the proportion of death reported for older people with MTLCs (≥ 2) in each of the 152 English Local Authorities (LAs). Ordinary least square regression (OLS) was used to assess the relationship between prevalence of MTLCs and adult social care expenditure, adjusting for LA characteristics.

Results

Of the 409551 deaths reported, 19.9% (n = 81395) had ≥ 2 MTLCs, of which the combination of CVDs-diabetes was the most prevalent. Hospitals were the leading place of death for those with MTLCs. Results from the OLS regression model showed that an increased prevalence of MLTCs is associated with higher LA social care expenditure. A percentage point increase in prevalence of MLTCs is associated with an increase of about £8.13 in per capita LA social care expenditure.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the increased prevalence of MTLCs is associated with increased LA social care expenditure. It is important for future studies to further explore the mechanisms or link between LA social care expenditure and the prevalence of MTLCs.
Curiosity as filling, compressing, and reconfiguring knowledge networks
Authors: Patankar Shubhankar P , Zhou Dale , Lynn Christopher W , Kim Jason Z , Ouellet Mathieu , Ju Harang , Zurn Perry , Lydon-Staley David M , Bassett Dani S
Published: October 2023

Theoretical constructs, such as the information gap theory and compression progress theory, seek to explain how humans practice curiosity. According to the former, curiosity is the drive to acquire information missing from our understanding of the world. According to the latter, curiosity is the drive to construct parsimonious mental world models. To complement the densification and simplification processes inherent to these frameworks, we propose the conformational change theory, wherein we posit that curiosity builds mental models with marked conceptual flexibility. We formalize curiosity as a knowledge-network-building process to investigate each theoretical account for individuals and collectives. In knowledge networks, gaps can be identified as topological cavities, compression progress can be quantified using network compressibility, and flexibility can be measured as the number of conformational degrees of freedom. We find that curiosity fills gaps and constructs increasingly compressible and flexible knowledge networks. Across individuals and collectives, we determine the contexts in which each account is explanatory, clarifying their complementary and distinct contributions. Our findings offer a novel networks-based perspective that harmonizes with (and compels an expansion of) the traditional taxonomy of curiosity.
Predictors of Depressive Symptoms Among Parents of Children With Cancer in Ethiopia
Authors: Mezgebu Esubalew , Addis Animut , Challinor Julia , Deribe Leul , Malahlela Dorcas
Published: October 2023

Background: The severity of the psychological impact on parents of children with cancer, often depressive symptoms due to mild-to-severe stress, is well documented. The causes are primarily related to their child's cancer diagnosis and treatment, side effects, lack of social support, missing information about their child's disease, and understanding of how to care for their child during treatment. This study assessed predictors of depressive symptoms among parents of children with cancer in one hospital in Ethiopia. Method: The institution-based, cross-sectional design was employed. Parents ( n = 126) whose child was admitted at Jimma University Medical Center between February 25 and April 25, 2020, and met inclusion criteria were invited to participate. Results: Questionnaires from 122 parents of children with cancer were included (four had missing data). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 60.7%. Multivariate regression analysis revealed gender ( B = 1.207, p = .033) and higher levels of education ( B = 1.019, p < .001) were associated with depressive symptoms in mothers. Receiving information about the child's treatment, however, was negatively associated with depressive symptoms ( B = −1.490, p = .031). Monthly income and contact with religious leaders were not significant predictors. Discussion: Mothers of children hospitalized for initial cancer treatment in Jimma, Ethiopia, are at risk for depressive symptoms. It is possible that mothers with higher education are in occupations demanding their time, not allowing them to fulfill responsibilities felt to be essential in the child's treatment journey. Information on the child's treatment nurses have an important role in identifying depressive symptoms in parents but require training to do so.
Impact of social media on artistic ecosystems: An overview of DIY music cultures in India
Authors: Pathak-Shelat Manisha
Published: October 2023

This article offers an overview of the Indian DIY (do-it-yourself) music ecosystem in relation to current broad debates on DIY scenes, their connections to mainstream cultural industries, platform capitalism, and national policies. This article specifically focuses on the impact of social media on India's artistic ecosystem as social media have been one of the most recent influencing socio-technological factors that have changed the dynamics of India's DIY music cultures. The author examines how the Internet has fuelled and transformed DIY music in India with special attention to three trends—rise of the regional; rise of the small town; and rise of the independent. This article also draws attention to concerning influences of social media on the art ecosystem ranging from precarity and exploitation, trolling and scams to compromising collective solidarity in favor of neo-liberal notions of individual success. This article argues that social media participation for DIY artists is not equitable and fair. Social media, however, facilitates building of social and commercial capital for artists who have had no access to it in the deeply hierarchical conventional system in India. Social media also opens the possibility of negotiating the hegemonic cultural norms, be it with reference to gender, class, caste, or rules imposed on art by established powers. It is ultimately the techno-capitalist power that dominates the artistic eco-systems but through social media, DIY artists find and create small agentic and resistive opportunities, and make themselves a force to reckon with in the Indian and global art and entertainment ecosystem.
Mis-selling Issues and Factors Responsible for Mis-selling in the Financial Services Industry with Special Reference to Insurance Industry: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Thomas Renny
Published: October 2023

Over the years, since the financial opening up of the Indian economy in the early 1990s, under the previous government, there has been an overselling of a lot of financial products. This over selling has led to huge problems to the consumers in the form of mis-selling or overselling. There have also been issues with relation to lack of proper financial education to the consumers by the financial bodies. The present study looks into the problem of mis-selling and how different consumer factors lead to this problem. A conceptual framework to this problem is given and based on that, information is analysed.
The 2008 Financial Crisis: Through the Lens of Phenomenology, Narratology, Metaphorology Methodology
Authors: Prakash Jena Labanya
Published: October 2023

Modern financial theories often fail to predict black swan events in the financial market because these financial theories are built on market participants’ typical behaviours in the last few decades. These theories have not captured the behaviour of market participants in black swan events. In the context of this study, qualitative research such as phenomenology, narratology and metaphorology can be deployed to study randomly from the perspective of uncertainty, risk and chaotic behaviour. These research methodologies remove the numerical assumptions used by the quantitative financial model but lighten the participants’ real experience, who witnessed the crisis very carefully. Thereby, the behaviour of market participants can be captured and examined. The employment of these qualitative research methodologies, along with the pure financial theories, will be more efficient to predict these events, which allows stakeholders to take necessary steps to avert this kind of crisis.
Work–Family Symbiosis in Nurses: Work–Family Positive Spillover in Female Nurses in North India
Authors: Khateeb Fatima Riyaz
Published: October 2023

This study determines the nature and extent of positive spillover between work and family in case of female nurses in Jammu & Kashmir, India. The relationship is construed along three dimensions, namely, affective positive spillover, behavior-based instrumental positive spillover, and value-based instrumental positive spillover in both the directions of work to family and family to work. The work-life positive spillover (WFPS) is examined with respect to life satisfaction and psychological well-being (PWB) of female nurses. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire among female nurses in seven government-run hospitals in Jammu & Kashmir in North India. A total of 311 data points were gathered through random sampling. SPSS is used for analyzing data. Hypotheses were tested through SEM using AMOS 24 and in addition to Pearson correlation, Cronbach’s alpha test, and descriptive statistics were used to draw out the inferences. The findings show that WFPS has a considerable impact on the PWB and life satisfaction of female nurses. This impact varied according to the aspects of spillover, with value-based instrumental positive spillover being most important in the case of psychological well-being and affective positive spillover being most significant in the case of life satisfaction. Thus far the relationship between work and life has been construed as being in conflict which thus has influenced the labor policy formulation in case of nurses and healthcare. A more holistic policy framework must also consider the positive relationship between work and life that this work has posited.
An update on respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Piralla Antonio , Chen Zhengrong , Zaraket Hassan
Published: October 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory infections resulting in a significant burden worldwide, particularly in children and older adults. This collection calls for original research papers that advance our understanding of the epidemiology, evolution, diagnosis, clinical management, and prevention of RSV infections.
DALK combined intralamellar tectonic patch graft: an alternative approach to treat frank corneal perforation
Authors: Xiao Gege , Ben Hanzhi , Gu Shaofeng , Hong Jing
Published: October 2023

Background

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) has gained popularity in cases of corneal thinning and leaking descemetocele. In this study, we introduced an intralamellar tectonic patch graft in addition to conventional DALK procedures to treat frank cornea perforation.

Methods

This retrospective case series included 13 patients (13 eyes) with frank corneal perforations who underwent DALK combined with intralamellar tectonic patch graft between December 2015 and December 2021. In addition to the standard DALK procedure, the perforation site was repaired with an extra intralamellar tectonic patch graft. The collected data included patient demographics, aetiology, size and location of the corneal perforation, visual acuity, surgical details, and postoperative complications.

Results

Seven patients underwent autologous intralamellar patch grafts, whereas six received allogeneic ones. Anatomical success was achieved in all patients. The mean postoperative follow-up was 33.31 ± 25.96 months (6–73 months). The postoperative visual acuity (0.90 ± 0.65 logMAR) was significantly improved (P = 0.003) compared to the preoperative score (1.74 ± 0.83 logMAR). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in 12 eyes (92.3%). The mean endothelial cell density was 2028 ± 463 cells/mm2, 6–12 months postoperatively. There was no recurrence of perforation, and the anterior lamellar graft remained transparent in 12 patients (92.3%). Postoperative complications included epithelial defects (23.1%), ocular hypertension (15.4%), and cataract (7.7%).

Conclusions

DALK combined with intralamellar tectonic patch graft may serve as a secure and effective alternative in treating frank corneal perforation, with reduced complications compared to conventional penetrating keratoplasty.
Sequenced treatment alternatives to relieve adolescent depression (STAR-AD): a multicentre open-label randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: He Yuqian , Gan Xieyu , Li Xuemei , Wang Ting , Li Jie , Lei Tingting , Huang Yajie , Liu Ruibing , Chen Fei , Teng Teng , Xie Yuxin , Ouyang Xuan , Zhou Xinyu
Published: October 2023

Background

Adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health problem with low treatment success rates. Whether fluoxetine or fluoxetine combined with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is the more effective initial treatment for adolescent MDD remains controversial, and few studies have investigated whether treatment switching or augmentation is preferred when the initial treatment is not working well.

Methods

We developed a multicentre open-label Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) design, consisting of two phases lasting 8 weeks each. In phase 1 (at baseline), patients will be recruited and grouped in fluoxetine group or fluoxetine combined with CBT group by patient self-selection. In phase 2 (after 8 weeks of treatment), the nonresponders will be randomly assigned to six groups, in which participants will switch to sertraline, vortioxetine, or duloxetine or added aripiprazole, olanzapine, or lithium carbonate to fluoxetine. After the full 16 weeks of treatment, we will assess the long-term sustainability of the treatment effects by evaluating participants during their subsequent naturalistic treatment. The primary outcome will be the response rate, determined by the Children’s Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R). Secondary outcomes include the change in scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) and the Safe Assessment.

Discussion

The results from this study will aid clinicians in making informed treatment selection decisions for adolescents with MDD.

Trial registration

This protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with Identifier: NCT05814640.
Agoraphobia and panic attacks complicated by primary aldosteronism improved by treatment with eplerenone: a case report
Authors: Kijima Reoto , Tesen Hirofumi , Igata Ryohei , Okamoto Naomichi , Yoshimura Reiji
Published: October 2023

Background

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is an adrenal gland disease, that induces increased secretion of the mineralocorticoid, aldosterone, resulting in symptoms such as hypertension. This study reports a patient with agoraphobia and panic attacks, associated with PA. This patient’s psychiatric symptoms improved after treatment with eplerenone, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist.

Case presentation

The patient was a 40-year-old female with agoraphobia, which refers to the irrational fear of situations that may cause anxiety, and panic attacks characterized by profuse sweating, palpitations, and generalized weakness. She was diagnosed with hypertension from PA. Subsequently, she received treatment with eplerenone, which improved her agoraphobia and panic attacks.

Conclusions

There have been no previous reports on PA associated with agoraphobia and panic attacks that improved with pharmacotherapy. Patients with agoraphobia and panic attacks should be evaluated for PA. In patients with PA, pharmacotherapy with eplerenone should be considered.
The sleep justice study - a prospective cohort study assessing sleep as a cardiometabolic risk factor after incarceration: a protocol paper
Authors: Elumn Johanna E. , Saeed Gul Jana , Aminawung Jenerius , Horton Nadine , Lin Hsiu‑Ju , Yaggi H. Klar , Wang Emily A.
Published: October 2023

Background

An estimated 11 million individuals are released from U.S. jails and prisons each year. Individuals with a history of incarceration have higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality compared to the general population, especially in the weeks following release from carceral facilities. Healthy sleep, associated with cardiovascular health, is an underexplored factor in the epidemiology of CVD in this population. Incarcerated people may have unique individual, environmental, and institutional policy-level reasons for being sleep deficient. The social and physical environment within carceral facilities and post-release housing may synergistically affect sleep, creating disparities in sleep and cardiovascular health. Since carceral facilities disproportionately house poor and minoritized groups, population-specific risk factors that impact sleep may also contribute to inequities in cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods

This study is ancillary to an ongoing prospective cohort recruiting 500 individuals with known cardiovascular risk factors within three months of release from incarceration, the Justice-Involved Individuals Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology (JUSTICE) study. The Sleep Justice study will measure sleep health among participants at baseline and six months using three validated surveys: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the STOP-Bang, and the Brief Index of Sleep Control. In a subsample of 100 individuals, we will assess sleep over the course of one week using wrist actigraphy, a validated objective measure of sleep that collects data on rest-activity patterns, sleep, and ambient light levels. Using this data, we will estimate and compare sleep health and its association with CVD risk factor control in individuals recently released from carceral facilities.

Discussion

The incarceration of millions of poor and minoritized groups presents an urgent need to understand how incarceration affects CVD epidemiology. This study will improve our understanding of sleep health among people released from carceral facilities and its potential relationship to CVD risk factor control. Using subjective and objective measures of sleep will allow us to identify unique targets to improve sleep health and mitigate cardiovascular risk in an otherwise understudied population.
Post-COVID-19 pulmonary complications among recovered COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Seyoum Abebaw Bekele , Tegegnework Sisay Shine , Mengistu Mahider Molla , Mekonnen Tenbite Daniel , Asabel Abdurahman Mohammedamin , Dagnaw Alazar Gizate , Deribe Abenet Girma , Derese Tadios Niguss , Hundie Tsegaye Gebreyes , Getahun Bisrat Kassa , Huluka Dawit Kebede
Published: October 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to chronic pulmonary complications all over the world. Respiratory complications such as chronic cough, dyspnea, increased respiratory rate, and oxygen support demand are prevalent in recovered COVID-19 patients. These problems are long-term and have a negative impact on one’s quality of life. Patients must be evaluated for potential complications, and risk factors must be found. Some reports around the world explain the factors that contribute to the development of these complications. However, to the best of our understanding, no reports of post-COVID-19 complications have been reported from Ethiopia.

Methods

Facility based cross-sectional study was done among 405 participants selected by simple random sampling technique. Structured questionnaire which includes participants’ demographic, clinical and 3rd month visit characteristics was collected by Open Data Kit and exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Percentage with frequency and median with Interquartile range was used in descriptive statistics. The association between variables was analyzed with bivariate and multi variable logistic regression. A statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05, with 95% confidence interval.

Results

The median (Interquartile range) age of participants was 57.0 (43.0, 65.0) years, 63.2% were males. The prevalence of post-COVID-19 pulmonary complication in recovered COVID-19 patients was 14.1% (95% CI: 10.8%, 17.8%). After adjusting for possible confounders on multivariate analysis, older age [AOR = 0.227, 95% CI (0.08–0.66)] and consolidation [AOR = 0.497, 95% CI (0.258–0.957)] were shown to have significant association with post COVID-19 pulmonary complications.

Conclusion

The prevalence of post COVID-19 pulmonary complication was observed to be lower than other reports globally. Older age and the presence of consolidation on lung imaging were associated with those complications. Clinicians are recommended to consider assessing the lasting effects of the pandemic, beyond immediate care, and should also investigate the COVID-19 history in patients presenting with respiratory issues.
Robot versus video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy for large thymic epithelial tumors: a propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Zhu Long-fei , Zhang Ling-min , Zuo Chun-jian , Sun Tian-yu , Jiang Bin
Published: October 2023

Background

Both video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) thymectomy and robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) thymectomy have been suggested as technically sound approaches for early-stage thymic epithelial tumors. However, the choice of VATS or RATS thymectomy for large and advanced thymic epithelial tumors remains controversial. In this study, the perioperative outcomes of VATS and RATS thymectomy were compared in patients with large thymic epithelial tumors (size ≥5.0 cm).

Methods

A total of 113 patients with large thymic epithelial tumors who underwent minimally invasive surgery were included. Sixty-three patients underwent RATS, and 50 patients underwent VATS. Patient characteristics and perioperative variables were compared.

Results

Compared with the VATS group, the RATS group experienced a shorter operation time (median: 110 min vs.130 min;P < 0.001) and less blood loss (30.00 ml vs. 100.00 ml,P < 0.001). No patients in the RATS group needed conversion to open surgery, but in the VATS series, five patients required conversion to open procedures (0% vs. 14.29%,P = 0.054). The rate of concomitant resection in the RATS group was similar to that in the VATS group (11.43% vs. 5.71%;P = 0.673). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the duration of chest tube (P = 0.587), postoperative complications (P = 1.000), and the duration of postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.141).

Conclusion

For large thymic epithelial tumors, RATS thymectomy can be performed safely and effectively in a radical fashion. Due to the advanced optics and precise instrument control, concomitant resections can be easily achieved in larger thymic epithelial tumors using the robotic approach.
Effect of breathing patterns on mandibular cortical bone quality in children and establishment of a preliminary screening model
Authors: Wang Gaoli , Saif Badr Sultan , Cheng Bo , Li Hongfei , Li Yutong , Liu Jiawen , Ren Xiaoyong , Zou Rui , Wang Fei
Published: October 2023

Objective

This retrospective study analyzed breathing patterns and age subgroups effect on cortical bone quality of the mandible in growing subjects, aiming to explore the application value of facial skeletal pattern combined with cortical bone density detection in early screening diagnosis of mouth breathing.

Methods

One hundred twenty-six participants were divided into four groups: mouth breathing group (7–9, 10–12 years old) and nasal breathing group (7–9, 10–12 years old). The mandibular anterior, middle, and posterior cortical bone mineral density (CBMD), cortical bone width (MCW), ANB, and FMA values were measured. Independent T-test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare the measured values. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyze the correlation between measured variables and the children’s breathing patterns. ROC analysis was used to determine the ability of the cortical bone density measurements in early screening diagnosis of MB.

Results

Mouth breathing had a negative impact on CBMD and MCW of the pre-mandibular (Pog) in subjects aged 7–9 years and also impacted the development of (Pog) and submandibular (Me) sites in subjects aged 10–12 years. Older children in the nasal breathing group have higher CBMD, MCW, and SNB values and lower FMA values. Single-factor and multiple-factor logistic binary regression analysis showed that FMA, MSPogCBMD, MSPogMCW, and ANB are correlated factors for children at risk of mouth breathing.

Conclusion

Mouth breathing pattern is closely associated with decreased mandibular CBMD and MCW values in children aged 7–12, where the anterior (Pog) and inferior (Me) sites of anterior mandible are more significantly affected. Furthermore, in combination with facial skeletal pattern, it provides a basis for the early warning diagnosis of mouth breathing.
An ethno-botanical study of medicinal plants used for the management of respiratory tract disorders in northern parts of Palestine
Authors: Shawarb Nuha , Badrasawi Manal , Qaoud Hassan Abu , Hussein Fatima
Published: October 2023

Background

The medicinal application of natural plant remedies is well established. These medicinal plants are still in use within the Palestinian community to treat several illnesses. This research is intended to study the use of natural plants to treat different types of respiratory tract disorders.

Method

This ethno botanical study focused on the medicinal plants that are used to treat respiratory diseases in the northern part of Palestine; Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqilia, and Jenin. A questionnaire was distributed to 120 respondents. The data obtained included names of the plants used, the parts used, the diseases for which the products were applied, as well as the method of preparation. To evaluate results, percentages (%), Fic (factor of informant consensus), and FL (fidelity-level) were calculated.

Results

A total of 120 participants were selected for the final analysis. The highest percentage of herbal use was reported for flu 85.8% (103 participants) followed by cough 83.3%, while the lowest percentage of users was for bronchitis with 54.1%. The study showed that 31 plant species of 19 families were used for respiratory disorders treatment. Six species were from the Lamiaceae family, three species from the Apiaceae family, two species from Amaryllidaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, Rutaceae and Zingiberaceae, and one plant species for each of the rest of families. Leaves and fruits were the most commonly used parts of plants. Decoction was the method of preparation and was taken as a hot drink. Chamomile, mint, sage, lemon, and ginger were in the recipes for the five respiratory diseases.

Conclusion

In Palestine, patients with respiratory diseases rely heavily on the use of herbal remedies. Leaves and fruits were the most commonly used plat elements. Age and marriage were significantly associated with the use of botanical remedies. Whereas there was no significant association between the source of information about medicinal plants and the location where medicinal plants were purchased. It is vital to conduct comprehensive clinical investigations and pharmacological assessments of these herbal remedies, in order to identify their efficacy, safety, and toxicity levels.
Caffeine-folic acid-loaded-chitosan nanoparticles combined with methotrexate as a novel HepG2 immunotherapy targeting adenosine A2A receptor downstream cascade
Authors: Hamed Alaa , Ghareeb Doaa , Mohamed Tarek M. , Hamed Mahmoud , Nofal Mohammed S. , Gaber M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Methotrexate (MTX) is a common chemotherapeutic drug that inhibits DNA synthesis and induces apoptosis. Treatment with MTX increased CD73 expression, which leads to higher levels of extracellular adenosine. Adenosine levels are also high in the tumor microenvironment through Cancer cells metabolism. That promotes the survival of cancer cells and contributes to tumor immune evasion through the Adenosine 2a Receptor. A2A receptor antagonists are an emerging class of agents that treat cancers by enhancing immunotherapy, both as monotherapy and in combination with other therapeutic agents. Caffeine is an adenosine receptor antagonist. Herein, we demonstrate the ability of a novel well prepared and characterized nano formula CAF-FA-CS-NPs (D4) for A2aR blockade when combination with MTX to improve its antitumor efficacy by enhancing the immune system and eliminating immune suppression.

Methods

CAF-FA-CS-NPs (D4) were prepared and characterized for particle size, loading efficiency, and release profile. Molecular docking was used to validate the binding affinity of caffeine and folic acid to A2A receptor. The effects of the nano formula were evaluated on human liver cancer cells (HepG2), breast cancer cells (MCF-7), and MDA-MB-231, as well as normal human cells (WI-38). Different combination ratios of MTX and D4 were studied to identify the optimal combination for further genetic studies.

Results

Molecular docking results validated that caffeine and folic acid have binding affinity to A2A receptor. The CS-NPs were successfully prepared using ionic gelation method, with caffeine and folic acid being loaded and conjugated to the nanoparticles through electrostatic interactions. The CAF loading capacity in D4 was 77.9 ± 4.37% with an encapsulation efficiency of 98.5 ± 0.37. The particle size was optimized through ratio variations. The resulting nanoparticles were fully characterized. The results showed that (D4) had antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity against different cancer cells. The combination of D4 with MTX (IC50 D4 + 0.5 IC50 MTX) resulted in the downregulation of Bcl-2, FOXP3, CD39, and CD73 gene expression levels and upregulation of Bax and A2AR gene expression levels in HepG2 cells.

Conclusions

This study suggests that CAF-FA-CS-NPs (D4) in combination with MTX may be a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy, by inhibiting A2aR signaling and leading to improved immune activation and anti-tumor activity of MTX.
An effectiveness evaluation of a community-based course for medical students: a randomized controlled trial in the teaching of epidemiology
Authors: Zhang Yongming , Huang Ting , Tang Mengling , Meng Lin , Wu Xiaolu , Chen Kun
Published: October 2023

Background

Epidemiology is considered to be the fundamental science of public health and plays an important role in clinical competence and professional development. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a short-term course for the teaching of epidemiology, which was designed as a community-based class for medical students.

Method

This course was designed according to Kern’s six-step approach to curriculum development. A total of 75 undergraduates were recruited. Forty-one students were assigned to an experimental group engaged in theoretical teaching and practical courses, while 34 students were assigned to the control group only taking theoretical courses. All participants were asked to complete a pre- and post-course survey and to take a test after completing the course. The scores between the experimental and control groups were compared using the Wilcoxon test.

Result

The experimental group showed significantly higher self-assessment scores in course understanding (p = 0.0126) and clinical practice skills (p = 0.0005) after completing the course, while no significant difference was observed in the control group. In addition, students in the experimental group reported significantly higher interest (p = 0.0015), stronger learning motivation (p = 0.0113) and a better mastery of epidemiology (p = 0.0167) after completing the course than those in the control group. However, test scores (p = 0.0859) and pass rates (p = 0.1755) demonstrated no statistical significance between the two groups.

Conclusion

The short-term practical course in epidemiology exerted significantly positive effects on the improvement of student learning enthusiasm, course understanding and clinical practice skills. These findings provide new ideas and statistical evidence for the development of epidemiological instruction. Future studies should explore how to more widely and optimally apply community-based courses to the teaching of epidemiology.
Preparing ethical review systems for emergencies: next steps
Authors: Wright Katharine , Aagaard Nic , Ali Amr Yusuf , Atuire Caesar , Campbell Michael , Littler Katherine , Mandil Ahmed , Mathur Roli , Okeibunor Joseph , Reis Andreas , Ribeiro Maria Alexandra , Saenz Carla , Sekhoacha Mamello , Gooshki Ehsan Shamsi , Singh Jerome Amir , Upshur Ross
Published: October 2023

Ethical review systems need to build on their experiences of COVID-19 research to enhance their preparedness for future pandemics. Recommendations from representatives from over twenty countries include: improving relationships across the research ecosystem; demonstrating willingness to reform and adapt systems and processes; and making the case robustly for better resourcing.
How did providers of home care for older adults manage the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic? A qualitative case study of managers’ experiences in Region Stockholm
Authors: Agerholm Janne , Burström Bo , Schön Pär , Liljas Ann
Published: October 2023

Background

In the spring of 2020, the Covid-19 outbreak sent a shock wave through the Swedish society and placed an extraordinary pressure on the health and social care system for older people. In the initial phase there were few guidelines for care providers to follow and staff in home care organisations often had to tackle challenges posed by the pandemic as they appeared. The aim of this study was to understand how the spread of Covid-19 was managed in organisations providing home care to older adults in different municipalities in Region Stockholm, and what actions were taken to minimise the spread of the disease among clients and staff.

Method

A descriptive qualitative study was performed based on eight interviews with managers of home care providers for older adults in three different municipalities in Region Stockholm.Three of the eight providers operate within an integrated care system. Data were analysed using conventional content analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified covering actions taken to handle the spread of the virus, feelings of insecurity and anxiety, and internal and external factors influencing how the pandemic was tackled. There was no single strategy followed by all municipalities or organisations, however, there were similarities between the organisations. One such example was the introduction of cohort care and the experience of lacking personal protective equipment. Providers in the integrated care system emphasized some advantages with their system that was seen as facilitators for minimising the risk of spreading the virus, like the joint meetings with managers from both health and social care and the close contact with healthcare professionals in relation to dissemination of hygiene instructions.

Conclusion

Social care workers providing home care to older persons are an important group in preventing dissemination of infectious diseases like Covid-19. For better readiness and preparedness for future pandemics, municipal home care services would need larger stocks of personal protective equipment, clear guidelines and more training on how to reduce dissemination of disease. Ways to achieve closer communication between health and social care providers should also be investigated.
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) signaling pathways and cancer: foes versus allies
Authors: Hassani Bahareh , Attar Zeinab , Firouzabadi Negar
Published: October 2023

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), is an old system with new fundamental roles in cancer biology which influences cell growth, migration, death, and metastasis. RAAS signaling enhances cell proliferation in malignancy directly and indirectly by affecting tumor cells and modulating angiogenesis. Cancer development may be influenced by the balance between the ACE/Ang II/AT1R and the ACE2/Ang 1–7/Mas receptor pathways. The interactions between Ang II/AT1R and Ang I/AT2R as well as Ang1-7/Mas and alamandine/MrgD receptors in the RAAS pathway can significantly impact the development of cancer. Ang I/AT2R, Ang1-7/Mas, and alamandine/MrgD interactions can have anticancer effects while Ang II/AT1R interactions can be involved in the development of cancer. Evidence suggests that inhibitors of the RAAS, which are conventionally used to treat cardiovascular diseases, may be beneficial in cancer therapies.

Herein, we aim to provide a thorough description of the elements of RAAS and their molecular play in cancer. Alongside this, the role of RAAS components in sex-dependent cancers as well as GI cancers will be discussed with the hope of enlightening new venues for adjuvant cancer treatment.

Graphical abstract
Current ART, determinants for virologic failure and implications for HIV drug resistance: an umbrella review
Authors: SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Afsahi Amir Masoud , Moradi Ali , Parmoon Zohal , Habibi Pedram , Mirzapour Pegah , Dashti Mohsen , Ghasemzadeh Afsaneh , Karimi Elaheh , Sanaati Foziye , Hamedi Zahra , Molla Ayoob , Mehraeen Esmaeil , Dadras Omid
Published: October 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of determinants for virologic failure and to identify predisposing factors to enhance treatment efficacy. Tackling this global public health issue is the key to reducing the rate of virological failure and increasing the success of treatment for those living with HIV.

Methods

This umbrella review delves into various aspects of current anti-retroviral therapy (ART) which is the primary treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Comprehensive searches were conducted in online databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, up to May 26, 2023. Following the screening and selection of relevant articles, eligible articles were included in the data extraction. This study adhered to the PRISMA guideline to report the results and employed the NIH quality and bias risk assessment tool to ensure the quality of included studies.

Results

In total, 40 review studies published from 2015 to 2023 were included. The bulk of these studies concurred on several major factors contributing to HIV drug resistance and virological failure. Key among these were medication adherence, baseline and therapeutic CD4 levels, the presence of co-infections, and the advanced clinical stage of the infection.

Conclusion

The resistance to HIV drugs and instances of determinants for virologic failure have a profound impact on the life quality of those infected with HIV. Primary contributors to this scenario include insufficient adherence to treatment, decreased CD4 T-cell count, elevated viral levels, and certain treatment regimens. Implementing appropriate interventions could address these issues. Sub-Saharan Africa exhibits elevated rates of determinants for virologic failure, attributed to the delay in HIV testing and diagnosis, and late initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). It is essential to undertake further research aimed at enhancing the detection of resistance in HIV patients and mitigating viral failure by addressing these underlying causes.
Attention mechanism based multi-sequence MRI fusion improves prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Zhou Xuezhi , Yu Yi , Feng Yanru , Ding Guojun , Liu Peng , Liu Luying , Ren Wenjie , Zhu Yuan , Cao Wuteng
Published: October 2023

Background

Accurate prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is very important for treatment plan decision in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). The aim of this study was to investigate whether self-attention mechanism based multi-sequence fusion strategy applied to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based deep learning or hand-crafted radiomics model construction can improve prediction of response to nCRT in LARC.

Methods

This retrospective analysis enrolled 422 consecutive patients with LARC who received nCRT before surgery at two hospitals. All patients underwent multiparametric MRI scans with three imaging sequences. Tumor regression grade (TRG) was used to assess the response of nCRT based on the resected specimen. Patients were separated into 2 groups: poor responders (TRG 2, 3) versus good responders (TRG 0, 1). A self-attention mechanism, namely channel attention, was applied to fuse the three sequence information for deep learning and radiomics models construction. For comparison, other two models without channel attention were also constructed. All models were developed in the same hospital and validated in the other hospital.

Results

The deep learning model with channel attention mechanism achieved area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.898 in the internal validation cohort and 0.873 in the external validation cohort, which was the best performed model in all cohorts. More importantly, both the deep learning and radiomics model that applied channel attention mechanism performed better than those without channel attention mechanism.

Conclusions

The self-attention mechanism based multi-sequence fusion strategy can improve prediction of response to nCRT in LARC.