bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Review of Breast Cancer Consequences for the Patients and Their Coping Strategies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kasgri Kobra A. , Abazari Morteza , Badeleh Safa M. , Badeleh Kosar M. , Peyman Nooshin
Published: May 2024

Background

Women with breast cancer usually face multiple short-term and long-term problems in dealing with their acute and chronic symptoms during and after cancer treatment. However, serious gaps remain in addressing these issues in clinical and public health practice.

Methods

According to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature search from 2000-2021 in electronic databases, including Medline, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar databases using predefined keywords.

Results

The review identified several significant and interconnected problems in breast cancer patient’s treatment and supportive care. The results revealed that these issues are very common among breast cancer patients, and specific attention and serious measures are needed to address these problems. Despite implementing different protocols and programs for covering and addressing these problems, serious gaps still exist in supporting breast cancer patients during clinical and follow-up care.

Conclusion

Developing innovative and holistic approaches and programs based on the multifactorial assessment of symptoms are suggested for addressing and covering the multidimensional requirements of this population. Consequently, thorough evaluation, education, treatment, and referrals should be provided for the most common sequelae of these patients by including appropriate medication, exercise, counselling, occupational therapy, and complementary therapies. The present study provides a more comprehensive source of information about breast cancer patient’s medical and supportive needs in comparison with individual studies on symptom experiences.
Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis Based on Cell-Free DNA Methylation
Authors: Gao Yajuan , Zhou Nanyang , Liu Jie
Published: May 2024

Background: Ovarian cancer stands as the deadliest malignant tumor within the female reproductive tract. As a result of the absence of effective diagnostic and monitoring markers, 75% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage, leading to a mere 50% survival rate within five years. The advancement of molecular biology is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. Methods: A review of several randomized clinical trials, focusing on the ovarian cancer, was undertaken. The advancement of molecular biology and diagnostic methods related to accurate diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer were examined. Results: Liquid biopsy is an innovative method of detecting malignant tumors that has gained increasing attention over the past few years. Cell-free DNA assay-based liquid biopsies show potential in delineating tumor status heterogeneity and tracking tumor recurrence. DNA methylation influences a multitude of biological functions and diseases, especially during the initial phases of cancer. The cell-free DNA methylation profiling system has emerged as a sensitive and non-invasive technique for identifying and detecting the biological origins of cancer. It holds promise as a biomarker, enabling early screening, recurrence monitoring, and prognostic evaluation of cancer. Conclusions: This review evaluates recent advancements and challenges associated with cell-free DNA methylation analysis for the diagnosis, prognosis monitoring, and assessment of therapeutic responses in the management of ovarian cancers, aiming to offer guidance for precise diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Modified superior bleb needling of rare hypertrophic bleb after trabeculectomy: A case series
Authors: Gan Lu , Tang Fei , Liao Jinying , Xiang Haotian , Tang Li
Published: May 2024

Background

Hypertrophic bleb is a rare complication of glaucoma filtration surgery characterized by an elevated bleb extended through the nasal 180 degrees of the eye and usually with a normal IOP. Currently, there is little experience and no existing standardized treatment. We describe a new method called modified superior bleb needling and evaluate the clinical outcomes in affected eyes.

Methods

In this retrospective, consecutive interventional case series, patients who developed hypertrophic blebs after trabeculectomy from November 2015 to August 2020 at West China Hospital were enrolled. We innovatively adopted a modified superior bleb needling to allow aqueous humor to outflow into the superior subconjunctival space. Repeat needlings were performed if necessary. The technical and clinical success rate and complications were reported.

Results

At the time of the last follow-up, complete success was achieved in 8/10 patients, qualified success was achieved in 9/10 patients, and failure was achieved in 1/10 patients. Eight patients had a low filtering bleb and IOP ≤21 mmHg. There was no statistically significant difference between the preneedling and postneedling IOP (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Modified superior bleb needling is effective for hypertrophic blebs after trabeculectomy, and there was no significant impact on anterior chamber depth or IOP, making it a viable or preferred alternative option. It is worthy of further study and wider usage.
Incidence of risk factors in developmental dysplasia of the hip: a retrospective study on 18,954 cases
Authors: Caruso Gaetano , Gambuti Edoardo , Spadoni Elisa , Filipponi Sara , Saracco Achille , Artioli Francesca , Galla Ambra , Massari Leo
Published: May 2024

Background:

DDH is 1 of the most important causes of childhood disability. A diagnosis of instability can be made in the neonatal period via the Ortolani and Barlow manoeuvres. However, clinical examination, although highly specific, has poor sensitivity as compared to ultrasound. There is controversy between the necessity of universal screening for dysplasia of all newborns or selective screening reserved for those with clinical signs of instability or known risk factors of DDH.

Aim:

To analyse the risk factors of congenital hip dysplasia in a consecutive case series of children referred for diagnosis and treatment of DDH.

Materials and methods:

This was a cross-sectional study on infants consecutively examined between January 2000 and December 2019 at the Marino Ortolani Centre in Ferrara, Italy. The first 3 types on Graf’s classification were considered physiological (1A, 1B, 2A+), while the last 6 pathological (2A-, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3, 4).

Results:

18,954 infants met the inclusion criteria and were therefore considered eligible for the study. Of these 18,954 infants, 56% ( n = 10,629) were females and 44% ( n = 8325) were males. According to Graf classification, 34.9% ( n = 6621) were 1A, 52.7% ( n = 9999) were 1B, 4.0% ( n = 753) were 2A+, 2.5% ( n = 478) were 2A-, 1.5% ( n = 284) were 2B, 1% ( n = 196) were 2C, 1.3% ( n = 243) were 2D, 1% ( n = 193) were 3 and 1.0% ( n = 187) were 4. The most significant risk factor was the female gender (OR 5.36; 95% CI, 4.63–6.20) followed by a family history (OR 2.35; 95% CI, 2.08–2.65), then skeletal pathologies (OR 2.04; 95% CI, 1.21–3.42), oligohydramnios (OR 1.75; 95% CI, 1.44–2.13), and finally breech presentation (OR 1.42: 95% CI, 1.27–1.60).

Conclusions:

Based on our data, family history, musculoskeletal disease, oligohydramnios and breech presentation are the main risk factors for DDH development, as is the female sex.
Transmission of Genetic Material and Malignant Cells of Cutaneous Origin via Surgical Sutures
Authors: Berl Ariel , Shir-az Ofir , Tartakover-Matalon Shelly , Kravtsov Vladimir , Golberg Alexander , Kashyap Mrinal , Shalom Avshalom
Published: May 2024

Background:

Seeding of skin cancer cells following diagnostic or therapeutic surgical procedures can occur and might cause local recurrences. As current preferred therapy for skin malignancy is surgical excision, seeding of tumour cells by manipulating malignant tissue or suturing can be another factor leading to recurrences.

Objective:

To evaluate whether genetic material and malignant cells adhere to standard suture materials.

Methods:

This prospective study included patients who underwent excision of skin lesions. Monofilament and braided sutures were examined. Sutures were passed through the observed tumour or healthy skin margins and were examined for DNA material and cells by cytological analysis, cell culture and characterization, and DNA analysis.

Results:

Twenty-two patients and 148 sutures were included. DNA quantification showed DNA material on all sutures, with no significant difference between braided and monofilament sutures. Cytological analysis showed that all slides prepared from cell blocks contained normal squamous and atypical cells. Cell culture and characterization showed viable cells adhering to the sutures under direct light microscopy. Cell cultures showed rapid proliferation of epithelial cells from squamous cell carcinoma specimens.

Conclusion:

Suture materials carry DNA material and cells, including malignant cells of cutaneous origin and may seed them at distant sites.
“We can do this”: Physical educators’ role breadth self-efficacy to be involved with CSPAPs from an occupational socialization perspective
Authors: Merica Christopher B. , Egan Cate A. , Webster Collin A. , Kern Ben , Orendorff Karie , Simonton Kelly
Published: May 2024

In the United States, the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) is a whole-of-school framework to ensure youth meet physical activity guidelines. Physical education teachers (PETs) are poised to be CSPAP leaders, but implementation is low. PETs’ involvement with CSPAPs may be better understood through the lens of their role breadth self-efficacy, which captures how professionals feel about their ability to undertake expanded workplace roles. Furthermore, investigating PETs’ CSPAP-related role breadth self-efficacy from the perspective of occupational socialization theory could help to identify critical intervention points in PETs’ career development to support CSPAP implementation. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to explore PETs’ perceptions of how the phases of occupational socialization theory influence their role breadth self-efficacy to be involved with CSPAPs. Stratified random sampling and convenience sampling were used to recruit 25 PETs ( n = 16 female) in the United States. Data were collected using individual, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using constant comparison. The findings are represented in three overarching themes, each accompanied by corresponding subthemes: (a) modeling and encouragement from socializing agents, (b) learn by doing: mastery experiences, and (c) agent of change: “I believe in this.” The PETs’ childhood physical activity experiences, physical activity leadership development within teacher education, mentorship from experienced educators who exemplify effective strategies, and the capacity to foster social capital within the workplace are key factors impacting PETs’ CSPAP-related role breadth self-efficacy. Further investigation into mentorship programs for novice PETs to lead CSPAPs and best practices for CSPAP training in teacher education is recommended.
The relative effects of direct and indirect written corrective feedback on L2 learning: The moderating role of field dependence/independence
Authors: Shao Jinshi , Zeng Simin , Wu Yuxi (Jessie)
Published: May 2024

The current study investigated the relative effects of direct and indirect written corrective feedback (WCF) on the learning of regular past tense, and the extent to which learning outcomes were related to individual variation in field dependence/independence (FDI). Fifty-nine Chinese intermediate second language (L2) learners of English were randomly assigned to two treatment groups and a control group. The two treatment groups carried out three written dictogloss tasks and received direct WCF and indirect WCF, respectively, on their erroneous use of regular past tense. The control group performed the same writing tasks but received feedback on the content of their writing. To evaluate the effect of treatment, a grammaticality judgement task and a picture description task were administered as the pretest, immediate posttest, and delayed posttest. The Group Embedded Figures Test was used to measure learners’ FDI orientation. The results showed that both treatment groups outperformed the control group on the posttests, but no significant differences were observed between the two treatment groups. In addition, the results suggested that FDI was related to learning outcomes as measured by the picture description task. Field independent learners had an overall advantage over field dependent learners, especially where indirect WCF was provided.
Self-reported problems and functional difficulties in anxious pregnant women in Pakistan: The use of a patient-generated mental health outcome measure
Authors: Rauf Nida , Park Soim , Zaidi Ahmed , Malik Abid , Atif Najia , Surkan Pamela J.
Published: May 2024

Anxiety during pregnancy affects women worldwide and is highly prevalent in Pakistan. The Psychological Outcome Profiles (PSYCHLOPS) questionnaire is an instrument used in therapy to assess patient-generated problems and the consequent functional difficulties. Using the PSYCHLOPS, we aimed to describe the type of problems and the consequent functional difficulties faced by anxious pregnant women in Pakistan. Secondarily, we sought to explore if a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based intervention brought about changes in the severity score for certain problems or functional difficulties. Anxious pregnant women were recruited from the Obstetrics/Gynecology Department of a tertiary hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Of 600 pregnant women randomized to receive a psychosocial intervention for prenatal anxiety delivered by non-specialist providers, 450 received ≥1 intervention session and were administered the PSYCHLOPS. Eight types of problems were identified; worries about the unborn baby's health and development (23%), concerns about family members (13%), and financial constraints (12%) were the most frequently reported primary problems. Severity scores between baseline and the last available therapy session indicated the largest decrease for relationship problems (mean = 2.4) and for concerns about family members (mean = 2.2). For functional difficulties, 45% of the participants reported difficulties in performing household chores, but the intervention showed the greatest decrease in severity scores for mental or emotional functional difficulties. Focus on certain types of patient-generated problems, e.g., relationship problems, could anchor therapy delivery in order to have the greatest impact. Tailored CBT-based intervention sessions have the potential to address important but neglected problems and functional difficulties in anxious pregnant women.
The principle of adequate social protection in the European Pillar of Social Rights: Assessing the instruments used to realise its potential
Authors: Becker Eleni De
Published: May 2024

Improving the social security protection of atypical workers has been high on the EU agenda in recent years. With the adoption of the European Pillar of Social Rights in 2017, the EU wished to break away from a decade of austerity measures. The EU further developed the right to adequate social protection in the Pillar through the Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed. This instrument urges EU Member States to ensure adequate access to social protection for workers, regardless of their employment relationship, and the self-employed. As part of the EU's recovery strategy during and after the Covid-19 crisis, several financial instruments were developed to support EU Member States. Through the Temporary Support to Mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency, EU Member States received support for job retention schemes. The EU also adopted the Recovery Resilience Facility, which provided grants and loans. Another support instrument was the European Social Fund Plus. This article discusses those recent EU initiatives, focusing on unemployment and the protection of atypical workers and the self-employed. With the introduction of the European Employment Strategy (1997), a closer link was made at EU level between unemployment, increasing labour market participation and activation measures. Less attention was paid to ensuring adequate unemployment protection. In recent years, however, it appears that the EU has been playing an increasing role in providing funding for temporary support and in introducing changes to EU Member States’ policies.
The identification and development of young talent in Spanish soccer academies: A 10-year multi-study follow-up
Authors: Moran Jason , Raga Victor Cervera , Jones Benjamin , Tallent Jamie , Howe Louis , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Arede Jorge , Freeman Paul
Published: May 2024

The nurturing of young players in youth academies is seen as an important step on the way to becoming a full professional in the sport of soccer. This longitudinal multi-study investigation, spanning 2009 to 2021, analysed the career paths of Spanish academy soccer players. It consisted of three studies investigating players’ transition from academy to professional status and the identification of technical skills and psychological traits which could distinguish future professionals from amateurs. The sample involved 198 male academy soccer players (aged 13.5–17.9) from two Madrid-based professional clubs. Study 1 assessed the outcomes of these players a decade after their academy-level evaluations. Studies 2 and 3 focused on the subgroup of 85 players whose playing status could be verified a decade later. Results showed that 12 players (6.1%) progressed to full-time professional soccer. Of these 12, just 7 reached Spain's highest professional league within 10 years of their final academy tests. Significant differences favouring professional players were observed in the trait of ‘self-confidence’, ‘ball reception’, ‘dribbling forward with the ball’ and coaches’ global technical assessments. In conclusion, the chances of academy soccer players achieving professional status are low. Accordingly, providing more developmental opportunities before deselection is crucial to maximise player potential. Coaches could prioritise players’ self-confidence and ball control to increase the conversion rate of academy players to professional status. Furthermore, recruitment of players who are already strong in these attributes could also improve the productivity of talent development pipelines.
Reliability inference for a family of inverted exponentiated distributions under block progressive Type II censoring
Authors: Kumari Rani , Tripathi Yogesh Mani , Wang Liang , Sinha Rajesh Kumar
Published: May 2024

In this article, estimation of survival characteristics is discussed when life tests are performed against different test facilities using block progressive Type-II censoring. Under the assumption that the lifetimes of test units follow a family of inverted exponentiated distributions, estimates are derived under classical and hierarchical Bayesian frameworks when the differences in different test facilities are taken into consideration. Maximum likelihood estimators are obtained and their existence and uniqueness properties are also established. In addition, Bayes estimators are provided under a hierarchical framework, and a hybrid Metropolis-Hastings sampling procedure is proposed for complex posterior computation. The performance of all the proposed approaches is compared via extensive simulation studies and two real-life data are analyzed for illustration. From numerical results we observe that the hierarchical approach provides relatively better estimates for model parameters.
The utility of phospholipase A2 receptor antibody in pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Orsillo Alessandra , Tangirala Nishanta , Jesudason Shilpanjali
Published: May 2024

Primary membranous nephropathy remains a rare but challenging condition to manage in pregnancy. We present a case of an unplanned pregnancy in a 35-year-old woman with PLA2R-antibody positive membranous nephropathy, who had demonstrated serological response to rituximab given three months prior to pregnancy (PLA2R 115 IUmL reducing to 2 IU/mL, normal <13.9 IU/mL)). Throughout pregnancy, serial measurements of proteinuria and PLA2R-antibodies were used to understand disease activity and inform the decision to escalate treatment. Delivery of a healthy male infant occurred at 34 weeks, due to threatened pre-eclampsia and reduced fetal growth. There was evidence of trans-placental transfer of antibodies (15.2 IU/mL – normal <13.9 IU/mL) but no associated nephrotic syndrome in the infant. This case highlights the potential of PLA2R antibody as a diagnostic and monitoring tool during pregnancy, and adds to a small body of literature around the consequences of fetal–maternal transfer of the PLA2R antibody.
Chemotherapy-free treatment targeting fusions and driver mutations in KRAS wild-type pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a case series
Authors: Mehdi Maahum , Szabo Aniko , Shreenivas Aditya , Thomas James P. , Tsai Susan , Christians Kathleen K. , Evans Douglas B. , Clarke Callisia N. , Hall William A. , Erickson Beth , Ahmed Gulrayz , Thapa Bicky , McFall Thomas , George Ben , Kurzrock Razelle , Kamgar Mandana
Published: May 2024

Background:

KRAS wild-type (WT) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents a distinct entity with unique biology. The therapeutic impact of matched targeted therapy in these patients in a real-world setting, to date, is less established.

Objectives:

The aim of our study was to review our institutional database to identify the prevalence of actionable genomic alterations in patients with KRAS-WT tumors and to evaluate the therapeutic impact of matched targeted therapy in these patients.

Design:

We reviewed electronic medical records of patients with KRAS-WT PDAC and advanced disease ( n = 14) who underwent clinical-grade tissue ± liquid next-generation sequencing (315–648 genes for tissue) between years 2015 and 2021.

Methods:

Demographic and disease characteristics were summarized using descriptive parameters. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:

Of 236 PDAC patients, 14 had advanced/metastatic disease with KRAS-WT tumors. Median age at diagnosis was 66 years. There was a high frequency of potentially actionable genomic alterations, including three (21%) with BRAF alterations, two (14%) with fusions [ RET-PCM1 and FGFR2-POC1B ( N = 1 each)]; and one with a druggable EGFR ( EGFR E746_A755delISERD) variant; two other patients had an STK11 and a MUTYH alteration. Five patients were treated with matched targeted therapy, with three having durable benefit: (i) erlotinib for EGFR-altered tumor, followed by osimertinib/capmatinib when MET amplification emerged (first-line therapy); (ii) pralsetinib for RET fusion (fifth line); and (iii) dabrafenib/trametinib for BRAF N486_P490del (third line). Duration of time on chemotherapy-free matched targeted therapy for these patients was 17+, 11, and 18+ months, respectively.

Conclusion:

Sustained therapeutic benefit can be achieved in a real-world setting in a subset of patients with advanced/metastatic KRAS-WT PDAC treated with chemotherapy-free matched targeted agents. Prospective studies are warranted.
Invited Reaction to “The Death of the GirlBoss”
Authors: Gedro Julie A.
Published: May 2024

This invited reaction offers appreciation for the article “The Death of the GirlBoss.” The invited reaction discusses issues of gender bias and discrimination; cisnormativity and cisgenderism; and the importance of working for positive change at multiple levels.
State-led venture capital as capitalist state-led ventures
Authors: Whiteside Heather
Published: May 2024

Structured around the questions posed by Su and Lim's research agenda, this commentary looks at the why of state-led venture capital (SVC) through state theory, the how of SVC through changes in the Business Development Bank of Canada, and the what of SVC through dynamics of capitalist public ownership.
Assessment of the hematological profiles among COVID-19 patients during the first and second waves in Ethiopia: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Baye Minale Fekadie , Desta Diliab , Hunegnaw Samuel , Johar Ahmed , Bekele Israel , Angasu Kebenesa , Bayleyegn Nebiyou Simegnew , Abebe Getahun Habtamu , Sisay Assefa Legesse
Published: May 2024

Background:

The coronavirus disease 2019 is highly infectious and patients with coronavirus diseases demonstrated a series of clinical symptoms caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. Without a break of the wave’s hematological profile of the patients is still ambiguous and differs from wave to wave.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the hematological profile among coronavirus disease 2019 patients during the first and the second waves in Ethiopia.

Methods:

A multi-centered facility-based retrospective cohort study design was conducted at six coronavirus disease 2019 treatment centers. A total of 538 study participants were enrolled in the selected coronavirus disease 2019 treatment centers during the first and second waves of the pandemic. The demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, symptoms, and hematological parameters of patients were recorded. Data were entered into Epi-Data Manager 4.6 and analyzed using STATA 14.2. An independent sample t-test was used to assess the mean differences in hematological parameters across waves. Associations between categorical variables across waves were also determined using Chi-square and Fisher exact tests.

Results:

Among the total study participants, 240 (44.6%) and 298 (55.4%) patients were taken from wave-1 and wave-2, respectively. The average age of the study participants was 56.44 ± 16.25 years. The most frequent comorbidities in this study were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and asthma. The most presenting symptoms of COVID-19 infection across the two waves were presented. In the first wave, dry cough 166 (69.2%), fatigue 153 (63.75%), shortness of breath 148 (61.67%), and fever accounted 116 (48.33%), while during the second wave, dry cough 242 (81.2%), fatigue 244 (81.88%) shortness of breath 204 (68.47%) and fever account 180 (60.40%). White blood cells (WBC), neutrophils, and lymphocytes had shown increment during the first wave. Platelet count and platelet distribution width ( p < 0.001) had significant mean differences across the two waves, while the other had no significant mean difference.

Conclusion:

In the present study, dry cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and fever were found to be the most presenting symptoms of COVID-19 infection across the two waves. Only the platelet count and platelet distribution width had significant mean differences across the two waves, while the other had no significant mean difference across waves.
User-centered development of an mHealth app for cardiovascular prevention
Authors: Reimer Lara Marie , Nissen Leon , von Scheidt Moritz , Perl Benedikt , Wiehler Jens , Najem Sinann Al , Limbourg Florian P. , Tacke Theodora , Müller Angelina , Jonas Stephan , Schunkert Heribert , Starnecker Fabian
Published: May 2024

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) apps can be used for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. User-centered design, evidence-based content and user testing can be applied to ensure a high level of usability and adequate app access.

Objective

To develop and evaluate an mHealth app ( HerzFit) for CVD prevention.

Methods

HerzFit´s development included a user-centered design approach and guideline-based content creation based on the identified requirements of the target group. Beta testing and a preliminary usability evaluation of the HerzFit prototype were performed. For evaluation, German versions of the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (GER-MAUQ) as well as free text feedback were applied.

Results

User-centered design thinking led to the definition of four personas. Based on their requirements, HerzFit enables users to individually assess, monitor, and optimize their cardiovascular risk profile. Users are also provided with a variety of evidence-based information on CVD and their risk factors. The user interface and system design followed the identified functional requirements. Beta-testers provided feedback on the structure and functionality and rated the usability of HerzFit´s prototype as slightly above average both in SUS and GER-MAUQ rating. Participants positively noted the variety of functions and information presented in HerzFit, while negative feedback mostly concerned wearable synchronization.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates the user-centered development of a guideline-based mHealth app for CVD prevention. Beta-testing and a preliminary usability study were used to further improve the HerzFit app until its official release.
Disentangling the Web of Marginalization: A Multigroup SEM Study on Social and Academic Inequality in Danish Public Schools
Authors: Andersen Martin Brygger
Published: May 2024

This study examined the variable relationships among four factors and school liking, controlling for gender, grade level, and maternal educational level. Repeated cross-sectional survey data from Danish public schools were analyzed across three measurement points (2015, 2017, and 2019) using multigroup structural equation modeling. Responses of students (Grades 0–3; ages 6–9), class teachers, and parents were analyzed in conjunction. The results revealed a strong association between adaptation to school norms and academic performance. Notably, girls demonstrated easier adaptation to school norms than boys, partly explaining the prevalent gender gap in academic performance. Furthermore, a positive association was found between classroom inclusion and school liking, indicating that socially marginalized students experience lower well-being. Finally, the parental community was associated with classroom inclusion, suggesting that strengthened cooperation among parents can protect students from social marginalization in the classroom. The findings emphasize the significance of students’ social skills for both academic performance and classroom inclusion, and also the importance of classroom inclusion for student well-being.
Cyberbullying Profiles: Differences in Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in a Sample of Spanish Students
Authors: Martínez-Monteagudo María Carmen , Martínez-Monteagudo Ángela , Estévez Estefanía , Delgado Beatriz
Published: May 2024

The increased prevalence and significant negative consequences associated with cyberbullying justify the need for empirical research that helps provide a deeper understanding of the problem. The objective of this study was to identify the existence of different cyberbullying profiles (according to degree of cybervictimization and cyberaggression of students) and whether these profiles vary with regard to anxiety, depression, and stress. The sample consisted of 1,185 students aged 12 to 18 ( M = 14.01; DT = 2.36). A latent class analysis and ANOVA were carried out. The data showed four profiles: not-involved (low scores for cybervictimization and cyberaggression), cybervictims (moderately high scores for cybervictimization and low scores for cyberaggression), cyberbullies (low scores for cybervictimization and moderately high scores for cyberaggression), and cybervictims-cyberbullies (high scores for cybervictimization and cyberaggression). Statistically significant differences in anxiety, depression, and stress were found between the profiles. The group of cybervictims and cybervictims-cyberbullies presented higher anxiety than the not-involved group and cyberbullies. The cybervictims-cyberbullies group showed higher depression and stress levels than the other groups, and the cyberbully group showed a higher level of depression than the not-involved group.
International Student Mobility in the Context of Migration and Development
Authors: Krannich Sascha
Published: May 2024

The impact of international student mobility on the development in countries of origin is an under-researched topic in migration studies. In a global knowledge economy, immigration countries in the Global North perceive international students almost exclusively as ideal immigrants who are (mostly) young, flexible, and highly skilled when they enter the labour market after graduation. However, international students can play an important role for their countries of origin. For instance, our own research on international students and alumni from selected countries in the Global South (Colombia, Georgia, Ghana, and Indonesia) studying in Germany and the United States shows that they transfer development-related knowhow back to their country of origin by doing diverse activities in leading positions. They do that through return migration as well as by remaining in the country of graduation (by creating transnational social networks from abroad) and through circular mobility. However, these processes need more institutional support. Therefore, international student mobility should be an integral part of global migration governance, where scholarships for students from poor countries are the key drivers for international mobility. These considerations can stimulate the broader discussion about international migration and development.
Geographies of entitled anger: Revanchist populism in Brazil and beyond
Authors: Centner Ryan , Nogueira Mara
Published: May 2024

In an age of resurgent populism, emotional geographies play an underexamined yet pivotal role in explaining cross-class alliances that have enabled particularly angry forms of revanchist politics across world regions. This essay delineates the notion of “revanchist populism” and its grounding in “entitled anger,” as well as self-righteous geographical imaginations more broadly, to shed new light on the Brazilian case in recent years, which is further explored in this special issue. Beyond Brazil, we suggest how this approach can be used to bring a more geographical perspective to related iterations of revanchist populism elsewhere in the world and across the political spectrum, from Venezuela to Turkey, and Argentina to India.
Exploring Poverty-driven Migration in Rural Karnataka, India: A Call for Effective Implementation of Policies and Programmes
Authors: Bellampalli Praveen Naik , Yadava Neelam
Published: May 2024

The study examines the poverty-induced migration and experiences among poor rural households in four villages of Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. A sample of 320 migrant households was interviewed to explore poverty-driven migration and identify influencing factors in rural areas. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources, encompassing information on poverty status in India, including rural and urban poverty. Findings from the study indicate that drought, agricultural underdevelopment and a lack of employment opportunities in rural areas are fundamental factors contributing to poverty-induced migration. The study further reveals that household poverty has significantly increased, leading to challenges in sustaining livelihoods among migrants. Consequently, the labour force from rural areas is forced to migrate in search of livelihood opportunities. Policies and programmes meant for them need to be effectively implemented in rural areas.
Revolutionizing Sickle Cell Disease Treatment: Unveiling CRISPR and Lentiviral Therapies—Navigating Complexities in Access, Equity, and Global Health Dynamics
Authors: Ashinze Patrick
Published: May 2024

Advancing Sickle Cell Disease Treatment: Addressing Access Challenges

In this editorial, we discuss the recent approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of two new treatments, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, for sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients aged 12 and older. These treatments are significant because Casgevy is the first FDA-approved therapy to use a new genome editing technology. This approval represents a big step forward in gene therapy and in the treatment of sickle cell disease which is clinically characterised by the complications of an unresponsive hemoglobin. However, while celebrating this achievement, we need to think about how to make sure everyone who needs these treatments can get them, especially in Africa where SCD affects many people. It's not just about making the treatments, but also about making sure they reach the people who need them the most. This means we need to work on things like logistics (how to get the treatments to the right places) and political will (making sure governments support getting these treatments to everyone who needs them). In the end, it's not enough to have these new treatments available - we need to make sure they actually help the people who need them most, wherever they are in the world.
Genome analyses of colistin-resistant high-risk blaNDM-5 producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST147 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST235 and ST357 in clinical settings
Authors: Talat Absar , Khan Fatima , Khan Asad U.
Published: May 2024

Background

Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic used in extreme cases of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections. Colistin resistance has increased in recent years and often goes undetected due to the inefficiency of predominantly used standard antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST). To address this challenge, we aimed to detect the prevalence of colistin resistance strains through both Vitek®2 and broth micro-dilution. We investigated 1748 blood, tracheal aspirate, and pleural fluid samples from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease centre (TBRD) in an India hospital. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of extremely drug-resitant (XDR) and pan-drug resistant (PDR) strains revealed the resistance mechanisms through the Resistance Gene Identifier (RGI.v6.0.0) and Snippy.v4.6.0. Abricate.v1.0.1, PlasmidFinder.v2.1, MobileElementFinder.v1.0.3 etc. detected virulence factors, and mobile genetic elements associated to uncover the pathogenecity and the role of horizontal gene transfer (HGT).

Results

This study reveals compelling insights into colistin resistance among global high-risk clinical isolates: Klebsiella pneumoniae ST147 (16/20), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST235 (3/20), and ST357 (1/20). Vitek®2 found 6 colistin-resistant strains (minimum inhibitory concentrations, MIC = 4 μg/mL), while broth microdilution identified 48 (MIC = 32–128 μg/mL), adhering to CLSI guidelines. Despite the absence of mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes, mechanisms underlying colistin resistance included mgrB deletion, phosphoethanolamine transferases arnT, eptB, ompA, and mutations in pmrB (T246A, R256G) and eptA (V50L, A135P, I138V, C27F) in K. pneumoniae. P. aeruginosa harbored phosphoethanolamine transferases basS/pmrb, basR, arnA, cprR, cprS, alongside pmrB (G362S), and parS (H398R) mutations. Both strains carried diverse clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), including plasmid-mediated blaNDM-5 (K. pneumoniae ST147) and chromosomally mediated blaNDM-1 (P. aeruginosa ST357).

Conclusion

The global surge in MDR, XDR and PDR bacteria necessitates last-resort antibiotics such as colistin. However, escalating resistance, particularly to colistin, presents a critical challenge. Inefficient colistin resistance detection methods, including Vitek2, alongside limited surveillance resources, accentuate the need for improved strategies. Whole-genome sequencing revealed alarming colistin resistance among K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa in an Indian hospital. The identification of XDR and PDR strains underscores urgency for enhanced surveillance and infection control. SNP analysis elucidated resistance mechanisms, highlighting the complexity of combatting resistance.
Weighted gene co-expression network analysis reveals hub genes regulating response to salt stress in peanut
Authors: Wang Feifei , Miao Huarong , Zhang Shengzhong , Hu Xiaohui , Chu Ye , Yang Weiqiang , Wang Heng , Wang Jingshan , Shan Shihua , Chen Jing
Published: May 2024

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oilseed crop worldwide. However, soil salinization becomes one of the main limiting factors of peanut production. Therefore, developing salt-tolerant varieties and understanding the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance is important to protect peanut yield in saline areas. In this study, we selected four peanut varieties with contrasting response to salt challenges with T1 and T2 being tolerance and S1 and S2 being susceptible. High-throughput RNA sequencing resulted in more than 314.63 Gb of clean data from 48 samples. We identified 12,057 new genes, 7,971of which have functional annotations. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of uniquely expressed genes in salt-tolerant peanut revealed that upregulated genes in the root are involved in the MAPK signaling pathway, fatty acid degradation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and upregulated genes in the shoot were involved in plant hormone signal transduction and the MAPK signaling pathway. Na+ content, K+ content, K+/ Na+, and dry mass were measured in root and shoot tissues, and two gene co-expression networks were constructed based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) in root and shoot. In this study, four key modules that are highly related to peanut salt tolerance in root and shoot were identified, plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, carbon metabolism were identified as the key biological processes and metabolic pathways for improving peanut salt tolerance. The hub genes include genes encoding ion transport (such as HAK8, CNGCs, NHX, NCL1) protein, aquaporin protein, CIPK11 (CBL-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 11), LEA5 (late embryogenesis abundant protein), POD3 (peroxidase 3), transcription factor, and MAPKKK3. There were some new salt-tolerant genes identified in peanut, including cytochrome P450, vinorine synthase, sugar transport protein 13, NPF 4.5, IAA14, zinc finger CCCH domain-containing protein 62, beta-amylase, fatty acyl-CoA reductase 3, MLO-like protein 6, G-type lectin S-receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase, and kinesin-like protein KIN-7B. The identification of key modules, biological pathways, and hub genes in this study enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in peanuts. This knowledge lays a theoretical foundation for improving and innovating salt-tolerant peanut germplasm.
Efficacy and safety of video double-lumen tube intubation in lateral position in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rao Qianqian , Yu Hong , Li Ping , Zhang Gongwei , Zeng Jun , Pu Qiang , Yu Hai
Published: May 2024

Background

Video double-lumen tube (VDLT) intubation in lateral position is a potential alternative to intubation in supine position in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. This non-inferiority trial assessed the efficacy and safety of VDLT intubation in lateral position.

Methods

Patients (18–70 yr) undergoing right thoracoscopic lung surgery were randomized to either the left lateral position group (group L) or the supine position group (group S). The VDLT was placed under video larygoscopy. The primary endpoint was the intubation time. Secondary endpoints included VDLT displacement rate, intubation failure rate, the satisfaction of surgeon and nurse, and intubation-related adverse events.

Results

The analysis covered 80 patients. The total intubation time was 52.0 [20.4]s in group L and 34.3 [13.2]s in group S, with a mean difference of 17.6 s [95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9 s to 25.3 s; P = 0.050], failing to demonstrate non-inferiority with a non-inferiority margin of 10 s. Group L, compared with group S, had significantly lower VDLT displacement rate (P = 0.017) and higher nurse satisfaction (P = 0.026). No intubation failure occurred in any group. Intubation complications (P = 0.802) and surgeon satisfaction (P = 0.415) were comparable between two groups.

Conclusions

The lateral VDLT intubation took longer time than in the supine position, and non-inferiority was not achieved. The incidence of displacement as the secondary endpoint was lower in the L group, possibly due to changing body positions beforehand. The indication of lateral VDLT intubation should be based on a balance between the safety of airway management and the lower incidence of displacement.

Trial registration

The study was registered at Chictr.org.cn with the number ChiCTR2200064831 on 19/10/2022.
Evaluation of different landing pages on behavioural engagement with the CARA dashboard: A user research protocol
Authors: Garzón-Orjuela Nathaly , Vornhagen Heike , Blake Catherine , Vellinga Akke
Published: May 2024

Background

CARA set out to develop a data-visualisation platform to facilitate general practitioners to develop a deeper understanding of their patient population, disease management and prescribing through dashboards. To support the continued use and sustainability of the CARA dashboards, dashboard performance and user engagement have to be optimised. User research places people at the centre of the design process and aims to evaluate the needs, behaviours and attitudes of users to inform the design, development and impact of a product.

Objective

To explore how different initial key messages impact the level of behavioural engagement with a CARA dashboard.

Methods

Participating general practices can upload their practice data for analysis and visualisation in CARA dashboards. Practices will be randomised to one of three different initial landing pages: the full dashboard or one of two key messages: a between comparison (their practice prescribing with the average of all other practices) or within comparison (with practice data of the same month the previous year) with subsequent continuation to the full dashboard. Analysis will determine which of the three landing pages encourages user interaction, as measured by the number of ‘clicks’, ‘viewings’ and ‘sessions’. Dashboard usage data will be collected through Google analytics.

Discussion

This study will provide evidence of behavioural engagement and its metrics during the implementation of the CARA dashboards to optimise and sustain interaction.

Trial registration

ISRCTN32783644 (Registration date: 02/01/2024).