bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying first-year student musicians’ ‘calling’: Initial implications for professional preparation curriculum design
Authors: Tolmie Diana
Published: September 2023

Over the last decade, vocation preparation formal and informal education has been included in higher music education programs with the purpose to responsibly supplement students’ technical performance skills and graduate sustainable musicians. Such curriculum reform is continually met with mixed responses by students and faculty despite the increased precarity of the music profession within the current global context. This study evolved from one music vocational preparation educator’s observation that student resistance is potentially based in one’s passion for music, capacity for resilience and self-discipline, and perceived calling to pursue a music profession. From 2018 to 2022, first-year music students of an Australian metropolitan conservatoire enrolled in a vocation preparation unit were invited to participate in an online survey answering open and closed questions related to their professional activity and outlook, and personal perceptions of calling, passion, resilience, and discipline. Statistical and thematic analysis of the results were compared with a similarly designed prior study of professional Australian musicians and found that more than two-thirds of first-year student musicians were professionally active. All yearly cohorts consistently strongly agreed they were passionate about music, and agreed they possessed high and calling resilience. The year 2020 demonstrated insight to pandemic impact with more students viewing their professional future with trepidation, yet demonstrated the highest results for passion and resilience. Calling, passion, and resilience literature further served to interpret the data and subsequently suggested higher music education reform their curriculum and pedagogies by adopting a whole-of-program approach enabled by the contagion effect of calling, and alignment with students’ passion, values, and music identities.
Identifying structural asymmetries by jointly estimating tourism expenditure intensity and extensity
Authors: Alfarhan Usamah F , Nusair Khaldoon , Okumus Fevzi , Nikhashemi SR
Published: September 2023

This article proposes a structural framework for the joint estimation of tourists’ daily personal expenditures (intensity) and length of stay (extensity). We reconceptualize commonly accepted exogeneous determinants of both outcomes into a set of exogenous antecedents pre-existing the travel decision and a set of endogenous mediators that capture the role of market exchange after the travel decision and corresponding choices are made. Findings reveal that the effects of some exogenous factors, such as gender, income, and motives on total spending are fully mediated within the intensity and extensity components, absent of any direct impacts. Other factors, such as nationality, appear not to influence spending due to offsetting mediated effects. As these forces are difficult to discern via reduced-form modeling, the proposed structural framework provides tourism managers with deeper insight into the footprints of established expenditure determinants, potentially improving upon the efficacy of marketing strategies.
Satellite poetics and provocations
Authors: Carter Richard A
Published: September 2023

This paper outlines a speculative artistic research project, Orbital Reveries, which develops an alternative representational practice for engaging with satellite sensing. The project appropriates terrestrial satellite imagery and parses it through various algorithmic processes to generate visual-poetic ‘textscapes’. The goal of this exercise is to resituate satellite sensing within other modes of representational knowledge-making, exploring the value of creative speculation and experimental emergence in mapping ecological crises.
Developing sustainable shipping and maritime transport: Multi-criteria analysis between emission abatement methods
Authors: Altarriba Elias , Rahiala Sirpa , Tanhuanpää Taru , Piispa Marko
Published: September 2023

Annual emissions from maritime transport are contributing to the acceleration of global climate change and deteriorating local air quality. Shipowners need information on current and new emission reduction solutions to compare cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. However, emissions reduction in the maritime sector is a complex issue that should also consider the environmental impacts during fuel production and the full impact of different options during use. In this study, different fuel options and emission reduction methods are compared to rank the overall sustainability of alternatives. The overall sustainability assessment is based on the economic and environmental indexes generated, weighted, and aggregated. The results show that the sustainability index of LNG is often the best of the options compared. The difference in fuel prices determines much of the difference in economic performance between fuels. The results emphasize the importance of including several criteria when comparing more sustainable alternatives in shipping.
Is an elliptic jet quieter than a round jet?
Authors: Viswanathan K.
Published: September 2023

Non-axisymmetric geometries, mainly elliptic and rectangular, have been proposed for the reduction of jet noise vis-à-vis round nozzles. Most of the studies of these nozzles are from unheated jets and are restricted to nozzles of very small size. Furthermore, all of them have been carried out at static conditions, thereby rendering their value to insignificance for practical applications. All engines in service with long ducts and a confluent nozzle incorporate an internal lobed mixer. The aeroacoustic characteristics of an elliptic compound nozzle that represents the geometry of an existing low bypass ratio (BPR) turbofan engine, is investigated at 1/7th scale in this study. Typical engine cycle conditions are chosen; data are acquired statically and in the presence of a flight stream. The aspect ratio of the nozzle is 2.0; higher aspect ratios are not suitable for engine applications. The results are compared with a round compound nozzle with the same internal geometry, so as to assess the acoustic benefit, if any, of the elliptic nozzle. Both a simple internal splitter and an in-service lobed mixer have been considered. The elliptic nozzle introduces azimuthal asymmetry even for an unheated jet; the magnitude of azimuthal variation becomes pronounced for heated jets. Typically, the lowest level of noise is observed towards the narrow side of the elliptic nozzle (ϕ = 0°); the noise level gradually increases and reaches a maximum towards the broader side (ϕ = 90°). Though there are some superficial similarities between the elliptic and beveled nozzles, it is shown that the noise characteristics are very different. A systematic study is carried out, with step-by-step build up to realistic geometry, with forward flight. A large noise reduction of ∼3 to ∼4 EPNdB is observed for the splitter nozzle under static conditions. The introduction of a realistic lobed mixer reduces this benefit to close to zero. Finally, there is a noise increase at all azimuthal angles with forward flight. Therefore, the elliptic nozzle does not provide any EPNL benefit for actual nozzle geometry and consequently does not constitute a viable design for noise reduction. The importance of evaluating noise reduction concepts using appropriate geometry and under realistic forward flight conditions is emphasized once again.
Influence of filler types on wear and surface hardness of composite resin restorations
Authors: Chen Fei , Sun Lijuan , Luo Hao , Yu Peng , Lin Jiang
Published: September 2023

Objective:

Wear and surface hardness of resin composites are of relevance from the clinical standpoint. With the incorporation of novel filler system, more studies need to be performed to investigate newly marketed resin composites. The objective of this study was to investigate the abrasive wear and surface hardness of dental restorative with different filler types.

Methods:

Nanohybrid filled Harmonize (HM) and Tetric N-Ceram (TNC), microhybrid filled Filtek Z250 (Z250), nanofilled Filtek Z350 (Z350) were included in the study. Twelve cylindrical resin composites specimens with 10 mm in diameter and 6 mm in thickness were prepared for abrasive wear test. Eight hundred cycles under 17 kg load were conducted for final wear by CW3-1 wear machine. The specimen was cleaned with an ultrasonic unit for 3 min followed with drying procedure. After measurement of weight loss and the density of specimens, the specimens were kept for measurement of surface hardness. Surface hardness was measured using a micro-hardness tester with a Vickers diamond indenter after polishing. Three specimens of each material were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after the abrasion to evaluate the morphology of the surface. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey HSD test ( α = .05).

Results:

Z250 performed the least volume wear loss (41.1 ± 2.1 mm3), as well as the hardest value (102.7 ± 2.9 HV). There was no significant difference with the volume wear loss ( p = 1.000) and surface hardness ( p = 0.874) of HM and TNC. SEM images of nanohybrid filled HM and TNC represented smoother surface compared with other types of resin composites.

Conclusions:

Microhybrid Z250 showed the highest wear resistance and surface hardness, nanofilled and nanohybrid resin composites may still face the insufficient of wear and surface hardness quality.
From Silence to Noise – The Politics of the Other in Organization Theory
Authors: Arnold Philipp , Costas Jana
Published: September 2023

Building on the work of Rancière, this paper theorizes otherness in organization. Extant research primarily understands the Other as a subject silenced by the voices of the One. The underlying assumption is that albeit silent, the Other is still perceived as a subject able to articulate him-/herself in intelligible ways to the One. But what happens when the Other is not even perceived as a subject part of the community of human speech? We introduce the concept of noise to understand such otherness that has remained theoretically neglected and empirically understudied so far. We develop how affect plays a significant role for how the position of Other as noise is produced and overcome – something that we term miscounting and recounting. The paper extends the theoretical repertoire of organizational scholarship by developing the notion of the Other as noise, the role of affect in struggles over otherness and the significance of in/equality enacted in practice.
Change in physical activity and systolic blood pressure trajectories throughout mid-life and the development of dementia in older age: the HUNT study
Authors: Lerfald Maren , Lydersen Stian , Zotcheva Ekaterina , Nilsen Tom I. L. , Eldholm Rannveig S. , Martinez-Velilla Nicolas , Selbæk Geir , Ernstsen Linda
Published: October 2023

Background

There is lack of research on combinations of possible modifiable risk factors for dementia in a life-time perspective. Dementia has currently no cure, and therefore new knowledge of preventive factors is important. The purpose of this study is to investigate if changes in physical activity (PA) in combinations with systolic blood pressure (SBP) trajectories in mid to late life are related to development of dementia in older age.

Methods

This prospective cohort study uses data from four consecutive surveys of the HUNT Study, Norway. Dementia was assessed in the HUNT4 70 + sub-study (2017–19). Group-based trajectory modelling identified three SBP trajectories from HUNT1 (1984–86) to HUNT3 (2006–2008): low, middle, and high. Change in PA was categorized into four groups based on high or low PA level at HUNT1 and HUNT3 and were combined with the SBP trajectories resulting in 12 distinct categories. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of dementia.

Results

A total of 8487 participants (55% women, mean age (SD) 44.8 (6.5) years at HUNT1) were included. At HUNT4 70 + , 15.2% had dementia. We observed an overall decrease in OR of dementia across the PA/SBP categories when ranked from low to high PA (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.00, P = 0.04). Within PA groups, a low SBP trajectory was associated with lower OR for dementia, apart from those with decreasing PA. The strongest association was observed for people with stable high PA and low SBP trajectory (OR, 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.13 to 1.10 and adjusted risk difference, -8.34 percentage points; 95% CI, -15.32 to -1.36).

Conclusion

Our findings illustrate the clinical importance of PA and SBP for dementia prevention and that favorable levels of both are associated with reduced occurrence of dementia.
Evaluation of ethanol and EDTA concentrations in the expression of biofilm-producing smf-1, rpfF genes in XDR clinical isolates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Deilamani Mohadeseh Ostovari , Nikkhahi Farhad , Bakht Mehdi , Ali Alizadeh Safar , Fardsanei Fatemeh , Javadi Amir , Marashi Seyed Mahmoud Amin , Aslanimehr Masoumeh , Peymani Amir
Published: September 2023

Background

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is able to cause infections in immunocompromised patients, and the treatment of this opportunistic pathogen is complicated due to its virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, and the ability of the bacteria to produce biofilm. The main goals of this study were to assess the susceptibility of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) isolates to ethanol and EDTA, and evaluating the synergistic effect of these disinfectants, and also survey the effect of exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of ethanol and EDTA on the expression of biofilm-producing smf-1, rpfF genes.

Results

The results showed that EDTA significantly increased the effectiveness of the ethanol and have a synergistic effect. All of the 10 XDR isolates included in the current study harbored smf-1 and rpfF genes and produced biofilm. After exposure to MIC, sub-MIC, synergism, and sub-synergism of ethanol and EDTA, the expression of smf-1 and rpfF genes was repressed significantly.

Conclusion

In the current study, it was indicated that the expression of biofilm-producing genes was repressed when bacteria are exposed to different concentrations of ethanol and EDTA. Future studies should include more complex microbial communities residing in the hospitals, and more disinfectants use in hospitals. Expression of other virulence genes in different conditions is suggested.
Comparison of different statistical models for the analysis of fracture events: findings from the Prevention of Falls Injury Trial (PreFIT)
Authors: Hossain Anower , Lall Ranjit , Ji Chen , Bruce Julie , Underwood Martin , Lamb Sarah E.
Published: October 2023

Background

Fractures are rare events and can occur because of a fall. Fracture counts are distinct from other count data in that these data are positively skewed, inflated by excess zero counts, and events can recur over time. Analytical methods used to assess fracture data and account for these characteristics are limited in the literature.

Methods

Commonly used models for count data include Poisson regression, negative binomial regression, hurdle regression, and zero-inflated regression models. In this paper, we compare four alternative statistical models to fit fracture counts using data from a large UK based clinical trial evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of alternative falls prevention interventions in older people (Prevention of Falls Injury Trial; PreFIT).

Results

The values of Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion, the goodness-of-fit statistics, were the lowest for negative binomial model. The likelihood ratio test of no dispersion in the data showed strong evidence of dispersion (chi-square = 225.68, p-value < 0.001). This indicates that the negative binomial model fits the data better compared to the Poisson regression model. We also compared the standard negative binomial regression and mixed effects negative binomial models. The LR test showed no gain in fitting the data using mixed effects negative binomial model (chi-square = 1.67, p-value = 0.098) compared to standard negative binomial model.

Conclusions

The negative binomial regression model was the most appropriate and optimal fit model for fracture count analyses.

Trial registration

The PreFIT trial was registered as ISRCTN71002650.
Effect of low-density lipoprotein level and mortality in older incident statin-naïve hemodialysis patients
Authors: Song Je Hun , Park Eun Hee , Bae Jinsuk , Kwon Soon Hyo , Cho Jang-Hee , Yu Byung Chul , Han Miyeun , Song Sang Heon , Ko Gang-Jee , Yang Jae Won , Chung Sungjin , Hong Yu Ah , Hyun Young Youl , Bae Eunjin , Sun In O. , Kim Hyunsuk , Hwang Won Min , Shin Sung Joon , Park Woo Yeong , Kim Hyoungnae , Yoo Kyung Don
Published: October 2023

Background

This study aimed to analyze low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and their relationship with mortality in order to identify the appropriate lipid profile for older Korean hemodialysis patients.

Methods

We enrolled a total of 2,732 incident hemodialysis patients aged > 70 years from a retrospective cohort of the Korean Society of Geriatric Nephrology from 2010 Jan to 2017 Dec, which included 17 academic hospitals in South Korea. Of these patients, 1,709 were statin-naïve, and 1,014 were analyzed after excluding those with missing LDL-C level data. We used multivariate Cox regression analysis to select risk factors from 20 clinical variables among the LDL-C groups.

Results

The mean age of the entire patient population was 78 years, with no significant differences in age between quartiles Q1 to Q4. However, the proportion of males decreased as the quartiles progressed towards Q4 (p < 0.001). The multivariate Cox regression analysis, which included all participants, showed that low LDL-C levels were associated with all-cause mortality. In the final model, compared to Q1, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 0.77 (0.620–0.972; p = 0.027), 0.85 (0.676–1.069; p = 0.166), and 0.65 (0.519–0.824; p < 0.001) for Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively, after adjusting for covariates, such as conventional and age-specific risk factors. The final model demonstrated that all-cause mortality increased as LDL-C levels decreased, as confirmed by a restrictive cubic spline plot.

Conclusions

In older hemodialysis patients who had not previously received dyslipidemia treatment, elevated LDL-C levels were not associated with increased all-cause mortality. Intriguingly, lower LDL-C levels appear to be associated with an unfavorable effect on all-cause mortality among high-risk hemodialysis patients.
Diagnostic challenge of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in a patient with multimorbidity: a case-report
Authors: Yaqub Amber , Ikram Mohammad Kamran , Blankevoort Jeroen , Ikram Mohammad Arfan
Published: October 2023

Background

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rapidly progressive and ultimately fatal neurodegenerative condition caused by prions. The clinical symptoms of CJD vary with its subtype, and may include dementia, visual hallucinations, myoclonus, ataxia, (extra)pyramidal signs and akinetic mutism. In the early course of disease however, several clinical symptoms of CJD may mimic those of co-existing morbidities.

Case presentation

We report a male in his 60s with a history of situs inversus totalis and Churg Strauss syndrome, who presented with speech fluency disturbances, neuropsychiatric symptoms and allodynia, a few months after becoming a widower. Initially presumed a bereavement disorder along with a flare-up of Churg Strauss, his symptoms gradually worsened with apraxia, myoclonic jerks and eventually, akinetic mutism. MRI revealed hyperintensities at the caudate nucleus and thalami, while the cerebrospinal fluid was positive for the 14-3-3 protein and the real-time quick test, making the diagnosis of CJD highly probable. This case illustrates the complexities that may arise in diagnosing CJD when pre-existing multimorbidity may cloud the clinical presentation. We also discuss the potential mechanisms underlying the co-occurrence of three rare conditions (situs inversus totalis, Churg Strauss syndrome, CJD) in one patient, taking into consideration the possibility of coincidence as well as common underlying factors.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of CJD may be easily missed when its clinical symptoms are obscured by those of pre-existing (rare) multimorbidity. This case highlights that when the multimorbidity has neurological manifestations, an extensive evaluation remains crucial to establish the diagnosis, minimize the risk of prion-transmission and provide appropriate guidance to patients and their caregivers.
Impact of maternal psoriasis on adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rahmati Shoboo , Moameri Hossein , Mohammadi Neda Malek , Norouzi Mojtaba , Ghalekhani Nima , Beigzadeh Amin , Changizi Nasrin , Sharifi Hamid
Published: September 2023

Background

There is a dearth of robust evidence regarding the correlation between psoriasis with maternal and neonatal outcomes, making it challenging to establish definitive recommendations for the management of these patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to review the evidence with regard to the impact of maternal psoriasis on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guideline, a systematic search of English articles using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. The search was performed from inception to 22nd of May 2022.

Result

A significant association was observed between psoriasis and maternal outcomes, including cesarean delivery [OR = 1.25 (95% CI: 1.13–1.30, p-value = 0.001)], (pre)eclampsia [OR = 1.29 (95% CI: 1.15–1.44, p-value = 0.0001)], gestational diabetes [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.23 (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 1.15–1.30, p-value = 0.001)], gestational hypertension [OR = 1.31 (95% CI: 1.18–1.45, p-value = 0.001)] and preterm birth [OR = 1.22 (95% CI: 1.10–1.35, p-value = 0.001)]. Also, there was a significant association between psoriasis and neonatal outcomes, including small for gestational age [OR = 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02–1.11, p-value = 0.053)], low birth weight [OR = 1.19 (95% CI: 1.02–1.38, p-value = 0.001)] and stillbirth [OR = 1.27 (95% CI: 1.04–1.55, p-value = 0.023)].

Conclusion

Maternal psoriasis could negatively impact maternal and neonatal outcomes. Our results strengthen the importance of close monitoring of the mothers’ psoriasis status before and during pregnancy.
Active management of the third stage of labor and associated factors among maternity care providers in public health facilities in Eastern Ethiopia: a multi-center study
Authors: Fissahaye Birhane , Dheresa Merga , Assefa Nega , Tesfaye Dejene , Eyeberu Addis , Balis Bikila , Debella Adera , Gebremichael Berhe , Getachew Tamirat
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The third stage of labor is the shortest, most critical, and hazardous stage as it is linked with postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Postpartum hemorrhage can be prevented by 60% with active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL). Few studies have been conducted in different parts of Ethiopia showing rates of AMTSL ranging from 16.7% to 43.3%. Limited information, however, exists about its practice in our study area. Thus, we aimed to assess the practice of AMTSL and associated factors among maternity care providers in public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used among 270 maternity care providers in public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia. They were recruited using cluster sampling techniques in their health facilities from July 15—October 30/2021. Pretested self-administered questionnaires and an observational checklist were used to collect data. Descriptive, binary, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used for statistically significant associations.

Results

Good practice of AMTSL occurred in 40.3% (95% CI: 34.5%—46.1%) of births. Being trained (aOR 3.02; 95% CI 1.60–5.70); presence of birth assistance (aOR 2.9; 95% CI 1.42–6.04); having the highest educational level (aOR 4.21; 95% CI 1.08–16.40); and having good knowledge (aOR 3.00; 95% CI 1.45–6.20) were factors statistically associated with maternity care providers’ good practice of AMTSL.

Conclusion

Active management of the third stage of labor was practiced with low rates in the study area. Therefore, we suggest that the stakeholders could enhance the presence of birth assistance during all births and provide education to attain higher educational levels and continuously update the maternity care providers’ level of knowledge through comprehensive and on-the-job training to increase the good practice of the third stage of labor.
A registration trend in eyelid skin cancers and associated risk factors in Iran, 2005–2016
Authors: Safi Sare , Ahmadzade Mohadese , Karimi Saeed , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil , Rouientan Hamidreza , Abolhosseini Mohammad , Rezaei Kanavi Mozhgan , Khorrami Zahra
Published: September 2023

Background

Eyelid skin cancers are the most prevalent ophthalmic malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the Human Development Index (HDI) and lifestyle risk factors with eyelid skin cancers in Iran.

Methods

This ecological study analyzed the data collected from the Iranian National Population-based Cancer Registry (2005–2016). The data on provincial-level eyelid skin cancer risk factors were obtained from national sources. The association between provincial HDI and lifestyle risk factors with the prevalence of eyelid skin cancers was assessed.

Results

The mean 12-year age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of eyelid skin cancers was 16.22 per 100,000 (9,104 cases). The overall ASIR showed an upward trend with an estimated annual average increase of 0.006 per year. There were positive correlations between the prevalence of overall eyelid skin cancers and provincial HDI, smoking, and obesity (r = 0.32, 0.42, and 0.37, respectively). In multivariate analysis, obesity/overweight remained a positive predictor for high prevalence of total eyelid skin cancers (OR = 1.97, 95%CI = 1.08–3.58, P = 0.026), carcinoma (2.10, 1.15–3.83, P = 0.015), and basal cell carcinoma (1.48, 0.99–2.20, P = 0.054).

Conclusions

An increasing trend in ASIR of eyelid skin cancers was observed in more than a decade in Iran which was positively associated with provincial HDI and prevalence of obesity. The findings of the study highlight the importance of promotional programs for preventing obesity/overweight and appropriate allocation of screening facilities based on the HDI level.
AUDIT-C as a possible source of referral during the COVID-19 pandemic for participants presenting patterns of high-risk alcohol consumption in a South African township
Authors: Goldschmidt Lynne , Mncina Buyisile , Langa Malose , Rebello Steven , Budaza Thokozile , Tshabalala Josephine , Kinfu Yohannes , Achoki Tom
Published: September 2023

Background

Unhealthy alcohol use is a leading contributor to premature death and disability worldwide. The World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health ranked South Africa as having one of the riskiest patterns of alcohol consumption, which calls for intervention. Recognising the need for effective primary care interventions, particularly in the absence of appropriate alcohol-related harm reduction policies at national and local levels, this paper highlights the opportunities and challenges associated with a two-pronged, community-centred approach to the identification of unhealthy alcohol use and interventions.

Methods

This approach included the use of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test–Consumption (AUDIT-C) as a means of screening to identify individuals at moderate (score of 5–7) to high risk (score of 8 +) alcohol use, raising awareness, and investigating the potential utility of brief advice and referrals as a means of reducing risk.

Results

Of the 54,187 participants, 43.0% reported engaging in moderate-risk alcohol consumption, with 22.1% reporting high-risk alcohol consumption. Resistance to brief advice was observed to increase with higher AUDIT-C scores. Similarly, participants engaging in high-risk alcohol consumption were resistant to accepting treatment referrals, with fewer than 10% open to receiving a referral.

Conclusions

While men were most likely to report patterns of high-risk alcohol consumption, they were more resistant to accepting referrals. Additionally, participants who were willing to receive brief advice were often resistant to taking active steps to alter their alcohol use. This study highlights the need to consider how to prevent harmful patterns of alcohol use effectively and holistically, especially in low socioeconomic settings through primary health care and community services.
Potential molecular targets and drugs for basement membranes-related intervertebral disk degeneration through bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking
Authors: Zhou Zelin , Qin Weicheng , Zhang Peng , He Jiahui , Cheng Zhaojun , Gong Yan , Zhu Guangye , Liang De , Ren Hui , Jiang Xiaobing , Sun Yuping
Published: October 2023

Background

Through bioinformatics analysis to identify the hub genes of Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) associated with basement membranes (BMs) and find out the potential molecular targets and drugs for BMs-related annulus fibrosus (AF) degeneration based on bioinformatic analysis and molecular approach.

Methods

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) related targets were obtained from GeneCards, DisGenet and OMIM databases. BMs related genes were obtained from Basement membraneBASE database. The intersection targets were identified and subjected to protein-to-protein interaction (PPI) construction via STRING. Hub genes were identified and conducted Gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis through MCODE and Clue GO in Cytospace respectively. DSigDB database was retrieved to predict therapeutic drugs and molecular docking was performed through PyMOL, AutoDock 1.5.6 to verify the binding energy between the drug and the different expressed hub genes. Finally, GSE70362 from GEO database was obtained to verify the different expression and correlation of each hub gene for AF degeneration.

Results

We identified 41 intersection genes between 3 disease targets databases and Basement membraneBASE database. PPI network revealed 25 hub genes and they were mainly enriched in GO terms relating to glycosaminoglycan catabolic process, the TGF-β signaling pathway. 4 core targets were found to be significant via comparison of microarray samples and they showed strong correlation. The molecular docking results showed that the core targets have strong binding energy with predicting drugs including chitosamine and retinoic acid.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified hub genes, pathways, potential targets, and drugs for treatment in BMs-related AF degeneration and IVDD.
Curriculum mapping of a dental materials science course: a reality check and way forward
Authors: Lin Galvin Sim Siang , Foo Jia Yee , Foong Chan Choong
Published: October 2023

Background

Dental materials science is an important subject, but research on curriculum mapping in preclinical dental materials science courses is still scarce. The present study aimed to conduct a curriculum mapping in analysing elements and suggesting recommendations for an institutional dental materials science course.

Methods

Curriculum mapping was conducted for the Year 2 undergraduate dental materials science course (Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme) in a Malaysian dental school. Based on Harden’s framework, the following steps were used to map the curriculum of the institutional dental materials science course: (1) scoping the task; (2) deciding the mapping format; (3) populating the windows, and (4) establishing the links. Two analysts reviewed the curriculum independently. Their respective analyses were compared, and discrepancies were discussed until reaching a consensus. A SWOT analysis was also conducted to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the curriculum.

Results

Course learning outcomes, course contents, levels of cognitive and psychomotor competencies, learning opportunities, learning resources, learning locations, assessments, timetable, staff, curriculum management and students’ information were successfully scoped from the institutional dental materials science course. The present curriculum’s strengths included comprehensiveness, alignment with standards, adequate learning opportunities, well-defined assessment methods, and sufficient learning resources. However, the identified weaknesses were repetition in curriculum content, limited emphasis on the psychomotor domain, dependency on a single academic staff, and limited integration of technology. The SWOT analysis highlighted the opportunities for curriculum improvement, such as revising repetitive content, emphasising the psychomotor domain, and incorporating advanced teaching strategies and technology.

Conclusions

The present dental materials science curriculum demonstrated several strengths with some areas for improvement. The findings suggested the need to revise and optimise the course content to address gaps and enhance student learning outcomes. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are necessary to ensure the curriculum remains aligned with emerging trends and advancements in dental materials science.
Design and development of a mobile-based self-care application for patients with depression and anxiety disorders
Authors: Moulaei Khadijeh , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz , Mashoof Esmat , Dinari Fatemeh
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim

Depression and anxiety can cause social, behavioral, occupational, and functional impairments if not controlled and managed. Mobile-based self-care applications can play an essential and effective role in controlling and reducing the effects of anxiety disorders and depression. The aim of this study was to design and develop a mobile-based self-care application for patients with depression and anxiety disorders with the goal of enhancing their mental health and overall well-being.

Materials and methods

In this study we designed a mobile-based application for self -management of depression and anxiety disorders. In order to design this application, first the education- informational needs and capabilities were identified through a systematic review. Then, according to 20 patients with depression and anxiety, this education-informational needs and application capabilities were approved. In the next step, the application was designed.

Results

In the first step, 80 education-information needs and capabilities were identified. Finally, in the second step, of 80 education- informational needs and capabilities, 68 needs and capabilities with a mean greater than and equal to 3.75 (75%) were considered in application design. Disease control and management, drug management, nutrition and diet management, recording clinical records, communicating with physicians and other patients, reminding appointments, how to improve lifestyle, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, educational content, sedation instructions, introducing health care centers for depression and anxiety treatment and recording activities, personal goals and habits in a diary were the most important features of this application.

Conclusion

The designed application can encourage patients with depression and stress to perform self-care processes and access necessary information without searching the Internet.
Timing of SGLT2i initiation after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: von Lewinski Dirk , Kolesnik Ewald , Aziz Faisal , Benedikt Martin , Tripolt Norbert J. , Wallner Markus , Pferschy Peter N. , von Lewinski Friederike , Schwegel Nora , Holman Rury R. , Oulhaj Abderrahim , Moertl Deddo , Siller-Matula Jolanta , Sourij Harald
Published: September 2023

Background

Pharmacological post-MI treatment is routinely initiated at intensive/cardiac care units. However, solid evidence for an early start of these therapies is only available for dual platelet therapy and statins, whereas data on beta blockers and RAAS inhibitors are heterogenous and mainly limited to STEMI and heart failure patients. Recently, the EMMY trial provided the first evidence on the beneficial effects of SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) when initiated early after PCI. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, SGLT2i are considered “sick days drugs” and it, therefore, remains unclear if very early SGLT2i initiation following MI is as safe and effective as delayed initiation.

Methods and results

The EMMY trial evaluated the effect of empagliflozin on NT-proBNP and functional and structural measurements. Within the Empagliflozin group, 22 (9.5%) received early treatment (< 24 h after PCI), 98 (42.2%) within a 24 to < 48 h window (intermediate), and 111 (48.1%) between 48 and 72 h (late). NT-proBNP levels declined by 63.5% (95%CI: − 69.1; − 48.1) in the early group compared to 61.0% (− 76.0; − 41.4) in the intermediate and 61.9% (− 70.8; − 45.7) in the late group (n.s.) within the Empagliflozin group with no significant treatment groups—initiation time interaction (pint = 0.96). Secondary endpoints of left ventricular function (LV-EF, e/e`) as well as structure (LVESD and LVEDD) were also comparable between the groups. No significant difference in severe adverse event rate between the initiation time groups was detected.

Conclusion

Very early administration of SGLT2i after acute myocardial infarction does not show disadvantageous signals with respect to safety and appears to be as effective in reducing NT-proBNP as well as improving structural and functional LV markers as initiation after 2–3 days.
Integrative evaluation and experimental validation of the immune-modulating potential of dysregulated extracellular matrix genes in high-grade serous ovarian cancer prognosis
Authors: Wu Qihui , He Xiaoyun , Liu Jiaxin , Ou Chunlin , Li Yimin , Fu Xiaodan
Published: September 2023

Background

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a challenging malignancy characterized by complex interactions between tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment. Understanding the immune landscape of HGSOC, particularly the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM), is crucial for improving prognosis and guiding therapeutic interventions.

Methods and results

Using univariate Cox regression analysis, we identified 71 ECM genes associated with prognosis in seven HGSOC populations. The ECMscore signature, consisting of 14 genes, was validated using Cox proportional hazards regression with a lasso penalty. Cox regression analyses demonstrated that ECMscore is an excellent indicator for prognostic classification in prevalent malignancies, including HGSOC. Moreover, patients with higher ECMscores exhibited more active stromal and carcinogenic activation pathways, including apical surface signaling, Notch signaling, apical junctions, Wnt signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, TGF-beta signaling, and angiogenesis. In contrast, patients with relatively low ECMscores showed more active immune-related pathways, such as interferon alpha response, interferon-gamma response, and inflammatory response. The relationship between the ECMscore and genomic anomalies was further examined. Additionally, the correlation between ECMscore and immune microenvironment components and signals in HGSOC was examined in greater detail. Moreover, the expression of MGP, COL8A2, and PAPPA and its correlation with FAP were validated using qRT-PCR on samples from HGSOC. The utility of ECMscore in predicting the prospective clinical success of immunotherapy and its potential in guiding the selection of chemotherapeutic agents were also explored. Similar results were obtained from pan-cancer research.

Conclusion

The comprehensive evaluation of the ECM may help identify immune activation and assist patients in HGSOC and even pan-cancer in receiving proper therapy.
Minimally invasive valve surgery including patients of combined simultaneous surgery: a retrospective study
Authors: Ling Yun , Chen Huaxin , Zhu Pengxiong , Li Tian , Xue Bangde , Liu Jun
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study investigated the perioperative safety and advantages of performing a minimally invasive valve surgery (MIVS) and conducting a preliminary examination of the combined simultaneous surgery (CSS).

Methods

A total of 29 patients (16 men and 13 women; mean age, 58.41 ± 13.08 years) who underwent MIVS at our center from July 2021 to March 2022 were selected. Among them, 16 patients underwent aortic valve surgery (AVS), 13 patients underwent mitral valve surgery (MVS), and four patients additionally underwent CSS.

Results

The MIVS time ranged from 165 to 420 min, with a mean of 230.54 ± 54.61 min; the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time ranged from 54 to 164 min, with a mean of 120.24 ± 25.98 min; the aortic cross-clamp (ACC) time ranged from 36 to 118 min, with a mean of 78.66 ± 21.01 min and an automatic heart resuscitating rate was 89.66%; the mean tracheal intubation time was 6.30 ± 3.87 h, and the median total postoperative drainage was 317.5 (35, 1470) ml. No difference was observed between preoperative and postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (61.90% ± 6.28% vs. 60.21% ± 5.52%, P = 0.281). The difference in postoperative drainage (419.20 ml ± 377.20 ml vs. 588.75 ml ± 673.63 ml, P = .461), tracheal intubation time (6.66 h ± 4.27 h vs. 4.63 h ± 1.11 h, P = .359), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (3.96 ± 8.62 days vs. 2.00 ± 0.816 days, P = .658), and postoperative hospital stay (9.96 ± 8.45 days vs. 8.25 ± 1.26 days, P = .694) between MIVS and CSS was not significant.

Conclusion

MIVS in our center may be safe and effective. Additionally, CSS may be a feasible option that could be performed after a thorough preoperative evaluation and multidisciplinary discussion.
Affordable optical clearing and immunolabelling in mouse brain slices
Authors: Muza Phillip M. , Pérez Marta , Noy Suzanna , Kurosawa Miyu , Katsouri Loukia , Tybulewicz Victor L. J. , Fisher Elizabeth M.C. , West Steven J.
Published: September 2023

Traditional histological analysis is conducted on thin tissue sections, limiting the data capture from large tissue volumes to 2D profiles, and requiring stereological methods for 3D assessment. Recent advances in microscopical and tissue clearing methods have facilitated 3D reconstructions of tissue structure. However, staining of large tissue blocks remains a challenge, often requiring specialised and expensive equipment to clear and immunolabel tissue. Here, we present the Affordable Brain Slice Optical Clearing (ABSOC) method: a modified iDISCO protocol which enables clearing and immunolabeling of mouse brain slices up to 1 mm thick using inexpensive reagents and equipment, with no intensive expert training required. We illustrate the use of ABSOC in 1 mm C57BL/6J mouse coronal brain slices sectioned through the dorsal hippocampus and immunolabelled with an anti-calretinin antibody. The ABSOC method can be readily used for histological studies of mouse brain in order to move from the use of very thin tissue sections to large volumes of tissue – giving more representative analysis of biological samples, without the need for sampling of small regions only.
Prospective longitudinal associations between adverse childhood experiences and adult mental health outcomes: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Thurston Christina , Murray Aja Louise , Franchino-Olsen Hannabeth , Meinck Franziska
Published: September 2023

Background

Research cites a strong, dose–response relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and poor adult mental health outcomes including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-harm, suicidality, and psychotic-like experiences.

Aim

To systematically investigate the existence and strength of association between ACEs and adult mental health outcomes in prospective longitudinal studies. The review will focus on the outcomes: anxiety, depression, PTSD, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and psychotic-like experiences.

Methods

Twelve electronic databases will be searched: Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Global Health through the OVID interface. ProQuest will be used to search Public Affairs Information Service (PAIS), Dissertations and Theses, Sociology Database (including Sociological Abstracts and Social Services Abstracts), PTSDpubs (formerly The Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress (PILOTS) Database) and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA). CINAHL, World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Index Medicus, and WHO Violence Info will also be searched. Eligible studies will be double screened, assessed, and their data will be extracted. Any disagreement throughout these processes will be settled by a third reviewer. If enough studies meet the criteria and the methodological quality of each study is sufficient, a meta-analysis will be conducted.

Analysis

A narrative synthesis of included studies and the associations between ACEs and adult mental health will be completed. If the number of studies included per mental health outcome is two or more, a multi-level meta-analysis will be completed using odds ratio effect sizes as outcomes.

Discussion

This review will contribute to the existing body of literature supporting the long-term effects of ACEs on adult mental health. This review adds to previous reviews that have either synthesised cross-sectional associations between ACEs and mental health outcomes, synthesised longitudinal studies exploring the effect of ACEs on different physical and mental health outcomes or synthesised longitudinal studies exploring the effect of ACEs on the same mental health outcomes using different methods. This review aims to identify methodological weaknesses and knowledge gaps in current literature that can be addressed in future primary studies.

Systematic review registration

This protocol has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021297882).