bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enlarging and shrinking focal perivascular spaces
Authors: Boutet Alexandre , Son Hyo Jin , Malik Mikail , Haile Samuel , Yang Andrew Z , Pai Vivek , Germann Jurgen , Mandell Daniel M
Published: April 2024

Background and Purpose

Perivascular spaces (PVS) are interstitial fluid-filled spaces surrounding blood vessels traversing the deep gray nuclei and white matter of the brain. These are commonly encountered on CT and MR imaging and are generally asymptomatic and of no clinical significance. However, occasional changes in the size of focal PVS, for example, when enlarging, may mimic pathologies including neoplasms and infections, hence potentially confounding radiological interpretation. Given these potential diagnostic issues, we sought to better characterize common clinical and imaging features of focal PVS demonstrating size fluctuations.

Materials and Methods

Upon institutional approval, we retrospectively identified 4 cases demonstrating PVS with size changes at our institution. To supplement our cases, we also performed a literature review, which identified an additional 14 cases. Their clinical and imaging data were analyzed to identify characteristic features.

Results

Of the 18 total cases (including the 4 institutional cases), 10 cases increased and 8 decreased in size. These focal PVS ranged from 0.4–4.5 cm in size. Whereas a decrease in size did not represent a diagnostic issue, focal increase in size of PVS led to concerning differential diagnoses in at least 30% of the radiology reports. These enlarging PVS were most found in the basal ganglia and temporal lobe, and in patients with previous brain radiation treatment.

Conclusion

Focal size change of PVS can occur, especially years after brain radiation treatment. Being cognizant of this benign finding is important to consider in the differential diagnosis to avoid undue patient anxiety or unnecessary medical intervention.
Towards ‘a progressive sense of thick time’ and the future of geographical thinking
Authors: Bose Debangana
Published: April 2024

In this commentary, I reflect on a ‘nascent temporal turn’ in geography and its future possibilities. I draw on and extend Kitchin's (2023) concept of ‘a progressive sense of time’ by juxtaposing it with other temporal frameworks such as ‘thick time’ (Datta, 2022) as well as practices of temporal politics such as ‘relational remembering’ (Hunfeld, 2022) and ‘anticipatory action’ (Anderson, 2010). I also draw upon the temporal politics of labour among the Gorkhas, an ethno-racial community in Darjeeling, a colonial hill station in India. I argue and show that the Gorkhas connect their resistance against external platforms such as ride-hailing and food delivery platforms with their longstanding subnationalist struggles for a separate state to reverse past colonial injustices and reconfigure their future. I reflect on how the temporal politics of labour among Gorkhas and the concept of a ‘progressive sense of thick time’ not only inform each other but also open up future pathways for geographical thinking and praxis.
Does social self-efficacy act as a mediator in the relationship between parental control and social anxiety?
Authors: Fatemi Mozhgan , Bakhtiarpour Saeed , Hafezi Fariba
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of social self-efficacy in the relationship between parental control and social anxiety. The study population comprised all first and second-year high school students studying in Ahvaz County during the academic year 2020 to 2021. A total of 373 (53.08% female and 46.92% male) students were selected using multistage cluster sampling. The mean age ( SD) of the participants was 15.06 (2.4) years. The data were collected using the Parental Psychological Control Scale (PPCS), the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A), and the Self-Efficacy for Social Situations Scale (SESS). The reliability of the research tools was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha method, and path analysis was used to analyze the data. The results showed that both achievement-oriented and dependency-oriented parental control was directly related to social self-efficacy, which, in turn, was significantly related to social anxiety. Moreover, social self-efficacy completely mediated the relationships between achievement-oriented and dependency-oriented parental control with social anxiety. Therefore, reducing parental psychological control can increase adolescents’ level of social self-efficacy, which can subsequently decrease their social anxiety.
Reflection-on-/in-/for-actions: Deconstructing hegemonic pedagogical culture in science education
Authors: Thapaliya Pratima , Luitel Bal Chandra
Published: April 2024

This paper explores the hegemonic pedagogical-cultures-based narratives that I experienced in my science teaching and learning journey. Furthermore, in this paper, I also envisage different methods for deconstructing the overwhelming influence of hegemony in the science classroom. I focus on two research questions: (1) In what ways could I explore the deep-seated, hegemonic-science, pedagogical culture in my science teaching and learning? (2) How could I envisage the possible ways for deconstructing hegemony in science education? In this autoethnographic inquiry, I used the ‘knowledge-constitutive interests’ theory as a referent in data text generation and meaning-making. This theoretical lens helped unfold the deep-rooted, hegemony-like singular and absolute scientific knowledge consumption practice. While engaging in reflection-on-/in-/for-actions, I realized the need for curious, contextual and cultural selves and communication as a dance rather than a war for reforming and transforming these deep-seated, hegemonic, pedagogical cultures and identities. Moreover, I also attempt to practise the transdisciplinary STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) approach for connecting classroom science learning with learners’ lives. I believe that it could support reforming/transforming my sit-and-get science teaching. Therefore, I also offer to be involved in a transdisciplinary pedagogy (like STEAM), research and academic writing for transformative curricular praxis and inclusive science learning.
Traditional eye medicine practice and its determinant factors among ophthalmic patients in the West Bank
Authors: Atawi Raghda , Ayed Ahmad , Batran Ahmad
Published: April 2024

Background:

Traditional eye medicine (TEM) is becoming more widely used across the world. Depending on the drugs used, TEM usage can be considered harmful or innocuous. The therapy may induce infection or irreparable blindness in the already injured eye. The aim of the study was to determine the proportion of traditional eye medicine practices and associated factors among adult ophthalmic patients attending ophthalmic clinics in the governmental hospitals in the West Bank.

Design and methods:

A cross-sectional study conducted on 300 patients. The data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire.

Results:

The results of the study revealed that 65.7% of people use TEM. The most common symptoms that necessitated the use of traditional eye practice were inflammatory symptoms of the eye (49.2%), blurred vision (15.7%), and allergic conjunctivitis (10.7%). The most common TEM used was tea (34.0%), followed by herbal products (25.4%) and vegetable slices (potato, cucumber, and onion) (14.7%). The most traditional eye treatment was the topical route (92.9%). The majority of prescribers of traditional eye practice were traditional healers (48.7%). Furthermore, the current study found that occupation and the income were predictors of using traditional eye practice among ophthalmic patients attending ophthalmic clinics in selected West Bank hospitals.

Conclusion:

The proportion of traditional eye medicine practice was high among ophthalmic patients in the West Bank. The predictors of using traditional eye treatment were occupation and the income. The most common TEM used was tea, followed by herbal products and vegetable slices (potato, cucumber, and onion).
University or Personal Sustainability—What Shapes Sustainable Entrepreneurship Intentions of Students?
Authors: Chahal Jyoti , Baber Hasnan
Published: April 2024

The intentions and behaviour of entrepreneurs have been well researched and explored and now the limelight has shifted to sustainable entrepreneurship. The present study aims to examine the personal and institutional sustainability inclination that may help students develop their intent for sustainable entrepreneurship. Quantitative analysis with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was performed with 422 samples collected from students at Indian universities. The model tested the first-order variables for university and personal sustainability and further the effect on the intentions to start sustainable entrepreneurship. The first-order variables of university sustainability are education on sustainability and campus sustainability and the students’ personal consumption profile and moral obligations for the first-order variables of personal sustainability. The findings indicated that the tendency towards sustainable entrepreneurship was more strongly influenced by personal than university sustainability inclination. Further, the results of the importance–performance map analysis (IPMA) highlighted the importance of personal sustainability as well as further advancements in ethical standards and campus sustainability to nurture students’ intentions for sustainable entrepreneurship. The findings of this study offer policymakers, researchers and higher education institutes insights to establish campuses that contribute to sustainability and reframe the educational curriculum to focus on students’ innate propensities to engage in sustainable endeavours. This article outlines the pioneering research effort into the personal and university sustainability inclination in consideration for shaping sustainable entrepreneurship intentions among students.
On the Nonlinear Effects of Globalization on Poverty: Insights from African Countries
Authors: Osinubi Tolulope , Ojeyinka Titus
Published: April 2024

The study examines both the linear and nonlinear effects of globalization in 38 African countries between 1996 and 2018. In doing this, the study employs both linear and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag estimation techniques. The findings from the two approaches show that globalization reduces poverty in Africa. Specifically, the findings from the symmetric models imply that the selected countries have benefited, in terms of poverty reduction, from an increase in trade and information flows occasioned by the current wave of globalization. On the other hand, the results from the asymmetric effect of globalization on poverty suggest that positive and negative shocks in overall and social globalization ameliorate poverty in the selected African countries. Thus, the study recommends that African governments should embark on those activities that will help in increasing the level of globalization for poverty to reduce in the region.
Efficacy and safety of oral factor Xa inhibitors versus vitamin-K antagonists in the early phase after acute ischemic stroke or TIA in the real-world setting: The PRODAST study
Authors: Diener Hans-Christoph , Grosse Gerrit M , Hüsing Anika , Stang Andreas , Kuklik Nils , Brinkmann Marcus , Maurer Gabriele D , Soda Hassan , Pohlmann Carsten , Hilker-Roggendorf Rüdiger , Popovic Nikola , Kraft Peter , Mackert Bruno-Marcel , Eschenfelder Christoph C , Weimar Christian
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Factor Xa (FXa) inhibitors are superior to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in terms of avoiding hemorrhagic complications. However, no robust data are available to date as to whether this also applies to the early phase after stroke. In this prospective registry study, we aimed to investigate whether anticoagulation with FXa inhibitors in the early phase after acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is associated with a lower risk of major bleeding events compared with VKAs.

Materials and methods:

The Prospective Record of the Use of Dabigatran in Patients with Acute Stroke or TIA (PRODAST) study is a prospective, multicenter, observational, post-authorization safety study at 86 German stroke units between July 2015 and November 2020. Primary outcome was a major bleeding event during hospital stay. Secondary endpoints were recurrent strokes, recurrent ischemic strokes, TIA, systemic/pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, death and the composite endpoint of stroke, systemic embolism, life-threatening bleeding and death.

Results:

In total, 10,039 patients have been recruited. 5,874 patients were treated with FXa inhibitors and 1,050 patients received VKAs and were eligible for this analysis. Overall, event rates were low. We observed 49 major bleeding complications during 33,297 treatment days with FXa-inhibitors (rate of 14.7 cases per 10,000 treatment days) and 16 cases during 7,714 treatment days with VKAs (rate of 20.7 events per 10,000 treatment days), translating into an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.70 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.37–1.32) in favor of FXa inhibitors. Hazards for ischemic endpoints (63 vs 17 strokes, aHR: 0.96 (95% CI: 0.53–1.74), mortality (33 vs 6 deaths, aHR: 0.87 (95% CI: 0.33–2.34)) and the combined endpoint (154 vs 39 events, aHR: 0.99 (95% CI: 0.65–1.41) were not substantially different.

Discussion and conclusion:

This large real-world study shows that FXa inhibitors appear to be similarly effective in terms of bleeding events and ischemic endpoints compared to VKAs in the early post-stroke phase of hospitalization. However, the results need to be interpreted with caution due to the low precision of the estimates.
Evolution of 3d printing technology in fabrication of microfluidic devices and biological applications: a comprehensive review
Authors: Saha Ranamay , Sarkar Moloy , Choudhury Sagnik Sarma , Kumar Hemant , Bhatt Geeta , Bhattacharya Shantanu
Published: April 2024

Lab-on-a-chip or LOC is a term that is used to describe microfluidic devices that integrate multiple analyte detection, which are normally carried out in a laboratory, into one micro-chip unit and may have applications in diverse fields such as electronics, medicine and biomedical domains. Even though microfluidics has advanced greatly during the past decade due to increased needs for portability, reduced sample requirement and multiple analyte detection capabilities biological research has not adopted the technology at the required pace. This may be owing to the time-consuming and expensive process involved in the microfabrication of biochips, the requirement of specialised setup facilities and the extremely high cost associated with microfluidics as compared to conventional technologies. In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) printing has piqued curiosity in the scientific community. It has the potential to create complex, high-resolution structures and that too in a short timeframe depending upon device complexity. This could inspire progressive research in microfluidics, particularly finding applications in biomedical engineering and point-of-care diagnostics. This article gives an overview of how 3D printing aids in the manufacture of microfluidic devices for biological applications, as well as the existing 3D printing methods which are utilised for fabrication and the future perspective in the development of microfluidic devices.
Generation of array of square microcavity on quartz by ultrasonic micromachining process utilizing developed micro tool
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Doloi Biswanath , Bhattacharyya B.
Published: April 2024

Quartz possesses distinct characteristics such as exceptional hardness, high brittleness, non-conductivity, remarkable corrosion resistance, efficient transmission within specific wavelengths, strong electrical insulation properties, and the ability to withstand high temperatures and thermal shocks. These extraordinary attributes have led to its component in a wide range of applications, including the fabrication of microelectronic chips, biochips, biological channels, microfluidics, optical lenses, beam-splitting lenses, etc. Ultrasonic micromachining (USMM) is a highly promising technique within the realm of micromachining to create micro features on quartz surfaces. In the present research, array of square micro tools has been designed and developed by the wire-electrical discharge machining (EDM) process. By utilizing the developed array of square micro tools, microcavity arrays have been generated by the USMM process. The influences of process parameters on material removal rate (MRR), width deviation (WD), angular deviation, and taper of square microcavities have been investigated in the present research work. The higher MRR is obtained as 1.427 mm3/min at higher abrasive slurry concentration and lower WD of micro cavities is obtained as 37 µm and lower taper angle is 1.109° at 5% abrasive slurry concentration. The lower value of angular deviation is obtained as 0.836° at a lower power rating during the generation of an array of square microcavity on quartz by the USMM process. By employing array of micro tools, the accuracy of micro features can be improved, and also productivity can be increased.
Analysis of induced stress during construction and production stages of drawbells in block caving mines
Authors: Bustos Nadia , Villaescusa Ernesto , García Fernando
Published: April 2024

Drawbells are large constructions that allow the flow of the broken ore at the production level within the drawpoints. The results of drawbell construction are crucial for a successful mine plan extraction in a block caving mine. Analysis and integration of all the topics related to a drawbell can improve the performance of the surrounding area of drawbells, particularly the damage associated to induced stress during the different stages of a block caving operation. The improvement of operational aspects related to the drawbells would decrease the risk of failure, particularly in deep mines subject to large stresses, which are more likely to experience sudden violent or progressive failure. A large-scale numerical model was developed to analyse different mining sectors using sub-models. It was found that the geotechnical response is highly correlated to the stress field, which also controlled the resulting seismicity. In a scale of a drawbell, the drawpoint drift roof and the bridge pillar between the drawbell and the undercutting level were found the most critical zones in the design. When geological structures are present, they can be activated in the construction at an earlier stage and, therefore, could easily become critical in the resulting rock mass damage.
Perceived mental illness is associated with judgments of less agency, yet more moral wrongness
Authors: Maheshka Charul , Doyle Meriel , Mercier Brett , Shariff Azim , Clark Cory J.
Published: April 2024

For a set of 10 conditions (e.g. homosexuality, obesity, drug addiction), we explored associations between moral judgments, agency evaluations, and perceptions that a condition is a mental illness. In a preregistered study ( n = 1,249 U.S. adults), we found that perceptions of lower agency were associated with decreased moral wrongness judgments, as well as increased perceptions of mental illness, yet perceived moral wrongness was the most robust predictor of perceived mental illness. In other words, although perceived mental illness was associated with evaluations that tend to be morally exonerating (such as less control and greater difficulty changing), we observed positive associations between wrongness judgments and perceived mental illness. We also found that—at least within our set of conditions—political conservatives tended to evaluate conditions as more controllable, more morally wrong, and more of a mental illness, yet on the whole, ideology was not a reliable predictor of perceived mental illness. Instead, liberals and conservatives with similar wrongness evaluations tended to similarly ascribe mental illness. These findings raise questions about potential causal relationships between mental illness perceptions and moral evaluations and the possibility that perceived moral wrongness might sometimes contribute to perceptions that a condition ought to be considered a mental illness.
Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life? Testing fundamental assumptions about calling, effort, and enjoyment
Authors: Tosti-Kharas Jennifer , Dobrow Shoshana R. , Kappes Heather Barry
Published: April 2024

We test the fundamental assumptions that people experiencing a stronger sense of calling invest more effort in their work tasks, and find those tasks more enjoyable, than people with a weaker sense of calling. Both assumptions have been expressed theoretically, yet received limited empirical support. Among 2,839 workers in a crowdsourced marketplace, we found that people with a stronger calling toward their work completed more of a relatively unengaging work task and enjoyed the task more than those with a weaker calling. The calling-effort relationship was particularly strong when there was no financial incentive for effort (i.e., paid a fixed amount), highlighting the risk of exploitation for strong-calling employees. People with stronger callings nonetheless responded to financial incentives—they completed more work when offered additional pay to do so. The relationship between calling and enjoyment of the task was particularly strong when there was a financial incentive for effort (i.e., paid piece-rate), indicating that extrinsic rewards did not “crowd out” intrinsic rewards. Our findings are thus consistent with research about the presence of multiple motives for behavior. Our empirical support for these assumptions using more appropriate, rigorous methods paves the way to further develop novel calling theory.
Adolescent Substance Use at the Intersection of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Authors: Gerke Donald R. , Atteberry-Ash Brittanie , Call Jarrod , Hostetter C. Riley
Published: April 2024

Background:

Substance use in adolescence is associated with multiple negative outcomes. Lesbian, gay, or bisexual or transgender or nonbinary (TNB) youth, and those who question their sexual orientation or gender, are more likely to engage in substance use than straight or cisgender youth. However, the extant literature largely considers sexual orientation and gender identity independently. Accordingly, this study examines the associations between the intersectional identities of sexual orientation and gender and substance use to identify those with the greatest need for prevention interventions.

Methods:

Data were from 36 504 high school students aged 14 to 18 years (mean = 15.7, SD = 1.18) enrolled in the 2019 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey using a statewide stratified random sampling design. Logistic regression models examined the associations between intersectional sexual orientation and gender on marijuana use, prescription drug misuse, and polysubstance use, as well as depression and violence victimization (eg, forced sex, partner violence).

Results:

Adjusted odds of substance use for sexual and gender minority youth varied by intersectional identity and substance. The largest effect sizes were seen for prescription drug misuse, especially among those questioning their gender and sexual orientation and heterosexuals either questioning their gender or who identified as TNB. Effect sizes for marijuana use and polysubstance use were highest for TNB and heterosexual participants. Depression and violence victimization were significantly associated with each substance use outcome.

Conclusions:

Interventions to reduce substance use in these populations may benefit from targeted interventions for youth with different intersectional identities, and a focus on violence prevention and depression screening and treatment.
Detecting DSM-5 Opioid and Methamphetamine Use Disorders With the UNCOPE Screen
Authors: Kopak Albert M. , Thomas Sierra D. , Hoffmann Norman G.
Published: April 2024

Background:

The most recent wave of the opioid epidemic has contributed to record number of drug overdoses. Most fatal outcomes are associated with opioids and methamphetamine; two substances that tend to be used at high rates among criminal justice populations. Despite the steady rise in the number of overdoses in local detention centers, many correctional facilities do not conduct routine screens for opioid and methamphetamine use disorders. This study examines the utility of the UNCOPE, a 6-item brief screen, to detect probable Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) diagnoses for these 2 specific substance use disorders (SUDs). The study also examines key indicators of these specific SUDs.

Methods:

Data were collected from comprehensive substance use assessments conducted with 717 adults who were recently admitted to 4 county jails.

Results:

Findings indicate that 3 positive UNCOPE responses accurately detected 99.8% of opioid use disorder diagnoses and 98.7% of methamphetamine use disorder diagnoses. Receiver operating characteristic curve results generate an area under the curve at 0.99 for severe opioid use cases and 0.98 for severe methamphetamine use cases. Subsequent analyses indicate 2 of the 6 items on the UNCOPE function to accurately identify 100% of cases classified with opioid use disorder and 99.6% of cases classified with methamphetamine use disorder.

Conclusions:

Evidence suggests that UNCOPE is a practical and efficient approach to identifying opioid and methamphetamine use disorders. In addition, 2 items can serve as an ultra-brief method to detecting these conditions at the time of admission to detention centers.
Are long-term biomonitoring efforts overlooking crayfish in European rivers?
Authors: Haubrock Phillip J. , Soto Ismael , Kurtul Irmak , Kouba Antonín
Published: April 2024

Background

Long-term biomonitoring of macroinvertebrates is a popular and valuable approach for assessing the status of freshwater ecosystems, identifying the impact of stressors, and evaluating ecosystem health. Although macroinvertebrate-based biomonitoring can be effective in detecting changes in distribution patterns and community trends over time, crayfish often remain undetected or unreported by biomonitoring efforts despite their importance in maintaining the functioning of aquatic ecosystems.

Results

By analyzing a comprehensive database of long-term macroinvertebrate time series, we found that most sampling methods and assessment schemes can detect both native and non-native crayfish in running waters if sites are continuously sampled. However, native crayfish were detected to a lesser extent and by fewer methods. Kick-net sampling and assessment techniques prevailed as the most efficient methods for capturing crayfish. However, the substantial number of time series lacking crayfish data calls into question whether these methods are sufficiently comprehensive to encapsulate crayfish populations accurately. The use of other targeted methods such as baited traps or hand catching may provide a more reliable estimate of their presence.

Conclusions

Given the detrimental impacts of non-native crayfish and the decline in native crayfish populations, we strongly recommend that stakeholders and managers incorporate a combination of these approaches into their monitoring efforts. The use of different taxonomic levels (family vs. genus vs. species level) in estimating biological indices and biomonitoring tools can cause delays in identifying new non-native specie’s occurrences, hindering effective water quality assessment and ecosystem management by governments and stakeholders. Therefore, whenever possible, we call for standardized taxonomic levels for biomonitoring studies and management strategies to accurately address these issues and make recommendations going forward.
Assessment of genetic homogeneity of in-vitro propagated apple root stock MM 104 using ISSR and SCoT primers
Authors: Bisht Vandana , Rawat Janhvi Mishra , Gaira Kailash Singh , Purohit Sumit , Anand Jigisha , Sinha Somya , Mitra Debasis , Ataya Farid S. , Elgazzar Ahmed M. , El-Saber Batiha Gaber , Rawat Balwant
Published: April 2024

Apple is an important fruit crop that is always in demand due to its commercial and nutraceutical value. Also, the requirement for quality planting material for this fruit crop for new plantations is increasing continuously. In-vitro propagation is an alternative approach, which may help to produce genetically identical high grade planting material. In this study, for the first time, an efficient and reproducible propagation protocol has been established for apple root stock MM 104 via axillary bud. Culturing axillary buds on Murashige and Skoog apple rootstock (MM 104) resulted in better in-vitro propagation. (MS) basal medium supplemented with 3.0% (w/v) sucrose and 0.8% (w/v) agar. The axillary buds were established in MS basal medium with BA (5.0 µM), NAA (1.0 µM) and further used to establish invitro propagation protocol. Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs), BA (1.0 µM) in combination with NAA (1.0 µM) was found most efficient for shoot multiplication (100%) and produced 9.8 shoots/explants with an average shoot length of (2.4 ± cm). All the shoots produced roots in 0.1 µM IBA with a 5-day dark period. Acclimatization of in-vitro raised plantlets was obtained with vermiculite: perlite: sand: soil (2:2:1:1) resulting in 76% survival under field conditions. The study showed that the use of axillary bud is efficient for multiple-shoot production of apple rootstock (MM 104). This is the first comprehensive report on in-vitro growth of apple root stock MM 104 with an assessment of genetic stability using DNA fingerprinting profiles based on Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and Start Codon Targeted (SCoT). The genetic stability of in-vitro-produced plants, as determined by SCoT and ISSR primers, demonstrated genetic closeness to the mother plant.
Analysis of m6A-regulated genes and subtype classification in lupus nephritis
Authors: Li Diangeng , Li Yanchun , Zhu Kaiyi , Yuan Yuqing , He Zheng , Sun Qianmei , Jin Meiling
Published: April 2024

Background

Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common and severe clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a reversible RNA modification and has been implicated in various biological processes. However, the roles of m6A regulators in LN are not fully demonstrated.

Methods

We downloaded the kidney tissue transcriptome dataset of LN patients and normal controls from the GEO database and extracted the expression levels of m6A regulators. We constructed and compared Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) models, and subsequently selected featured genes to develop nomogram models. The m6A subtypes were identified based on significantly differentially expressed m6A regulators, and the m6A gene subtypes were identified based on m6A-associated differential genes, and the two m6A modification patterns were comprehensively evaluated.

Results

We obtained the GSE32591 and GSE112943 datasets from the GEO database, including 78 LN samples and 36 normal control samples. We extracted the expression levels of 20 m6A regulators. By RF analysis we identified 7 characteristic m6A regulators and constructed nomogramh models with these 7 genes. We identified two m6A subtypes based on these seven important m6A regulators, and the immune cell infiltration levels of the two subtype clusters were significantly different. We identified two more m6A gene subtypes based on m6A-associated DEGs. We calculated the m6A scores using the principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm and found that the m6A scores of m6A cluster A and gene cluster A were lower than those of m6A cluster B and gene cluster B. In addition, we found that the levels of inflammatory factors were also significantly different between m6A clusters and gene clusters.

Conclusion

This study confirms that m6A regulators are involved in the LN process through different modes of action and provide new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for LN.
The development and validation of the Palestinian children's traumatic events checklist in a war-torn environment
Authors: Veronese Guido , Mahamid Fayez , Bdier Dana , Obaid Hania , Cavazzoni Federica
Published: April 2024

Traumatic experiences in childhood can lead to trauma symptoms and impaired mental health, especially when children are exposed to war and political violence. Despite significant attention to child's exposure to traumas, few instruments to detect potentially traumatic events have been validated psychometrically. Our study aimed to develop, adapt and validate a user-friendly traumatic events checklist in Palestinian children living in three areas affected by low-intensity war and ongoing political and military violence. 965 Palestinian children (494 males and 471 females) living in the Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem were administered with a tailor-made Traumatic Events checklist, Children Impact of Events scale, and Strengths and Difficulties Scale. Exploratory and Confirmatory factor analysis was run to detect the factorial structure of the checklist. Furthermore, ANOVA was performed to identify statistically significant demographic differences among participants. A three factors structure emerged with Political violence-related traumatic experiences (PVTE), military violence against individuals (MVI), and military violence against individuals and families (MVF). Gaza children and adolescents resulted in being the most exposed to potentially traumatic events. The instrument can clearly portray potentially traumatic experiences in children exposed to violent events and adverse childhood experiences.
Endobronchial valves for emphysema and persistent air-leak: 10-year experience in an Asian country
Authors: Huh Jin-Young , Jeong Byeong-Ho , Yoon Ho il , Kim Hojoong , Cho Young-Jae , Kim Changhwan , Lee Seung Jun , Kim Hwan hee , Ra Seung Won , Lee Ye Jin , Kim Beong Ki , Kim Sung Kyoung , Seo Ki Hyun , Lee Sei Won
Published: April 2024

Background

Endobronchial valve (EBV) therapy, a validated method for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) in severe emphysema, has been explored for persistent air-leak (PAL) management. However, its effectiveness and safety in the Asian population require further real-world evaluation. In this study, we assessed the outcomes of treatment with EBV within this demographic.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records from 11 Korean centers. For the emphysema cohort, inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with emphysema who underwent bronchoscopy intended for BLVR. We assessed these patients for clinical outcomes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All patients with PAL who underwent treatment with EBV were included. We identified the underlying causes of PAL and evaluated clinical outcomes after the procedure.

Results

The severe emphysema cohort comprised 192 patients with an average age of 70.3 years, and 95.8% of them were men. Ultimately, 137 underwent treatment with EBV. Three months after the procedure, the BLVR group demonstrated a significant improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (+160 mL vs. +30 mL; P = 0.009). Radiographic evidence of lung volume reduction 6 months after BLVR was significantly associated with improved survival (adjusted hazard ratio 0.020; 95% confidence interval 0.038–0.650; P = 0.010). Although pneumothorax was more common in the BLVR group (18.9% vs. 3.8%; P = 0.018), death was higher in the no-BLVR group (38.5% vs. 54.5%, P = 0.001), whereas other adverse events were comparable between the groups. Within the subset of 18 patients with PAL, the predominant causes of air-leak included spontaneous secondary pneumothorax (44.0%), parapneumonic effusion/empyema (22.2%), and post-lung resection surgery (16.7%). Following the treatment, the majority (77.8%) successfully had their chest tubes removed. Post-procedural complications were minimal, with two incidences of hemoptysis and one of empyema, all of which were effectively managed.

Conclusions

Treatment with EBV provides substantial clinical benefits in the management of emphysema and PAL in the Asian population, suggesting a favorable outcome for this therapeutic approach.
Influence of augmented reality technique on the accuracy of autotransplanted teeth in surgically created sockets
Authors: Marhuenda Ramos María Teresa , Faus-Matoses Ignacio , Zubizarreta-Macho Álvaro , Riad Deglow Elena , Lobo Galindo Ana Belén , Abella Sans Francesc , Belanche Monterde Alba , Faus Matoses Vicente
Published: April 2024

Background

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the reliability of an augmented reality drilling approach and a freehand drilling technique for the autotransplantation of single-rooted teeth.

Materials and methods

Forty samples were assigned to the following surgical techniques for drilling guidance of the artificial sockets: A. augmented reality technique (AR) (n = 20) and B. conventional free-hand technique (FT) (n = 20). Then, two models with 10 teeth each were submitted to a preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan and a digital impression by a 3D intraoral scan. Afterwards, the autotrasplanted teeth were planned in a 3D dental implant planning software and transferred to the augmented reality device. Then, a postoperative CBCT scan was performed. Data sets from postoperative CBCT scans were aligned to the planning in the 3D implant planning software to analize the coronal, apical and angular deviations. Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney non-parametric statistical analysis were used to analyze the results.

Results

No statistically significant differences were shown at coronal (p = 0.123) and angular (p = 0.340) level; however, apical deviations between AR and FT study groups (p = 0.008) were statistically significant different.

Conclusion

The augmented reality appliance provides higher accuracy in the positioning of single-root autotransplanted teeth compared to the conventional free-hand technique.
Analysis of sterilizer allocation and related factors in dental health-care settings in Yunnan Province, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zou Xinchun , Ding Haiyan , Sun Qi , Lu Wen Lin , Liu Ying , Zhang Shinan , Yin Zhangcheng , Shi Congchong , He Guozhong , Chien Ching-Wen , Liu Jie , Liu Juan
Published: April 2024

Objective

To investigate the status and related factors of sterilizers in dental health-care settings in Yunnan Province, with the aim of providing a theoretical basis for the health administrative department to formulate regional quality control programs and systems, proposing reasonable suggestions for optimizing the allocation of sterilizer resources in Yunnan’s dental health-care settings, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2600 dental health-care settings in Yunnan Province in March 2020. Uni-variable linear regression, multi-variable linear regression, curve fitting and threshold effect analysis were used to understand the relationship between dental units and sterilizers.

Results

A total of 2600 dental health-care settings were included. The disinfection and sterilization work were mainly completed by the dental department in 1510(58.1%) institutions. 44(1.7%) institutions were not allocated sterilization equipment, and 1632 (62.8%) had only one sterilizer. The median allocation of sterilizers was 1.0. Uni-variable linear regression showed significant differences in covariates such as dental unit, dental handpiece, disinfection equipment, dentist, and dental assistant, which were more sensitive (p < 0.001) and statistically significant. The adjusted model was more stable in the multi-variable linear regression, and the differences in covariates between different settings were statistically significant. Curve fitting revealed an S-shaped curvilinear relationship between the number of dental units and sterilizers in oral healthcare settings.

Conclusion

The disinfection and sterilization work was mainly completed by the dental department in dental health-care settings in Yunnan Province. Sterilizer allocation increases with the number of dental units, but some institutions have insufficient allocation of sterilizer and manpower resources, resulting in certain risks of infection control. Thus, it is necessary to strengthen supervision, inspection and regional quality control work in infection control of dentistry.
Perimenopausal syndrome and hypertension during perimenopause in South China: prevalence, relationships and risk factors
Authors: Li Zheng , Guo Jun-Ping , Huang Liu
Published: April 2024

Background

More than 2 billion women are experiencing the menopausal transition in China, and some of these women have hypertension. Limited studies has focused on perimenopausal syndrome and hypertension in a specific population, so we aimed to investigate the prevalence of perimenopausal syndrome and hypertension and to analyse their relationships and risk factors in perimenopausal women in South China.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 3553 women aged 40 to 60 years from South China. We collected medical report, lifestyle, blood sample, general condition questionnaire, and modified Kupperman index (mKMI) data. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for perimenopausal syndrome and hypertension during perimenopause.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension in perimenopause patients was 16.58%, and the prevalence of perimenopausal syndrome was 9.9%. Compared with women without hypertension during perimenopause, women with HTN during perimenopause had an increased risk of perimenopausal syndrome (26.4% vs. 8.7%, P < 0.001). Lipid levels and urinary tract infections were risk factors for hypertension and perimenopausal syndrome, in addition to the presence of breast nodules, the intake of snacks at night, high-salt diets, red meat and sugar-sweetened beverages, and a history of smoking and drinking for perimenopausal syndrome and the presence of gestational hypertension and diabetes for hypertension.

Conclusion

We concluded that perimenopausal syndrome and HTN are common in perimenopausal women in South China, and the associations between them are strong and positive. Perimenopausal syndrome shares some common risk factors with HTN during perimenopause, such as BMI and dyslipidaemia. Therefore, gynaecological endocrinologists in China should consider screening for perimenopausal syndrome in hypertensive perimenopausal women, and appropriate management of perimenopause is needed to alleviate these conditions.
Assessment of breast cancer awareness among female pharmacy students at a university in Turkey
Authors: Albayrak Aslınur , Cengiz Kayhan Nuri
Published: April 2024

Background

Female breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, and knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, and symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and prevention. This study aims to evaluate breast cancer awareness among female students at a pharmacy faculty in Turkey.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey study was conducted among female students at the Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Pharmacy between 2 November and 17 November 2023, in Isparta, Turkey.

Results

This survey was answered by 237 (74.5%) female students. The median breast cancer risk factors score was 8 (IQR, 5–11), and the median breast cancer symptoms score was 5 (IQR, 2–8). Additionally, the breast cancer risk factors score was 46.16% (mean/max = 8.31/18, SD = 4.33) and the breast cancer symptom score was 58.5% (mean/max = 4.68/8, SD = 2.8). Few of the respondents (26.2%, and 20.3%, respectively) knew breast cancer risk factors such as late menopause, and no childbirth experience. Most respondents correctly answered symptoms of breast cancer, such as a painless and palpable breast lump, indrawing of the nipple, and sudden changes in breast shape (76.8%,44.3%, and 67.1% respectively). The students’ sources of information were medical websites (29.5%), social media (27%), physicians (22.8%), friends & family (14.8%), and pharmacists (5.9%).

Conclusions

This study showed that students’ knowledge of breast cancer risk factors was poor, but their knowledge of breast cancer symptoms was acceptable. Breast cancer awareness courses should be included in faculties. Additionally, more attention should be given to different educational interventions such as social media, television, and brochure distribution.
The environmental awareness of nurses as environmentally sustainable health care leaders: a mixed method analysis
Authors: Luque-Alcaraz Olga María , Aparicio-Martínez Pilar , Gomera Antonio , Vaquero-Abellán Manuel
Published: April 2024

Background

People worldwide are concerned with the possibility of climate change, microplastics, air pollution, and extreme weather affecting human health. Countries are implementing measures to reduce environmental impacts. Nurses play a vital role, primarily through Green Teams, in the process of promoting sustainable practices and minimizing the environmental footprint of health care facilities. Despite existing knowledge on this topic, assessing nurses’ environmental awareness and behavior, including the barriers they face, is crucial with regard to improving sustainable health care practices.

Aim

To analyze the environmental awareness and behavior of nurses, especially nurse leaders, as members of the Green Team and to identify areas for improvement with regard to the creation of a sustainable environment.

Methods

A sequential mixed-method study was conducted to investigate Spanish nurses. The study utilized an online survey and interviews, including participant observation. An online survey was administered to collect quantitative data regarding environmental awareness and behavior. Qualitative interviews were conducted with environmental nurses in specific regions, with a focus on Andalusia, Spain.

Results

Most of the surveyed nurses (N = 314) exhibited moderate environmental awareness (70.4%), but their environmental behavior and activities in the workplace were limited (52.23% of participants rarely performed relevant actions, and 35.03% indicated that doing so was difficult). Nurses who exhibited higher levels of environmental awareness were more likely to engage in sustainable behaviors such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and environmentally conscious purchasing decisions (p < 0.05). Additionally, the adjusted model indicated that nurses’ environmental behavior and activities in the workplace depend on the frequency of their environmental behaviors outside work as well as their sustainable knowledge (p < 0.01). The results of the qualitative study (N = 10) highlighted certain limitations in their daily practices related to environmental sustainability, including a lack of time, a lack of bins and the pandemic. Additionally, sustainable environmental behavior on the part of nursing leadership and the Green Team must be improved.

Conclusions

This study revealed that most nurses have adequate knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to environmental sustainability both inside and outside the workplace. Limitations were associated with their knowledge and behaviors outside of work. This study also highlighted the barriers and difficulties that nurses face in their attempts to engage in adequate environmental behaviors in the workplace. Based on these findings, interventions led by nurses and the Green Team should be developed to promote sustainable behaviors among nurses and address the barriers and limitations identified in this research.

Graphical Abstract