bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does middle leaders’ learning-centred leadership matter in promoting teacher professional learning? A partial least squares analysis
Authors: Thien Lei Mee , Uthai Malikka , Yeap Sock Beei
Published: July 2022

The ignorance of the role of middle leaders as a ‘key broker’ between school principals and teachers in the literature has motivated this study to investigate the effects of middle leaders’ learning-centred leadership on teacher professional learning through teacher mastery goals and their self-efficacy with the moderating effect of the quality of communication between middle leaders and teachers. A total of 453 data were collected from 24 primary and secondary school teachers in six districts in Kedah. This study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling approach. Findings revealed that learning-centred leadership has a significant and positive effect on teacher professional learning. Teacher mastery goals and teacher self-efficacy have significant mediating effects on teacher professional learning. The effect of learning-centred leadership on teacher professional learning is stronger when the levels of quality of communication between leaders and teachers are higher compared to their counterparts. Hence, future principal preparation programmes should equip future principals with the knowledge of learning-centred leadership that could facilitate teacher learning happening and flourishing.
Fullerene Nanoparticles Using Technol PG for Inexpensive Preparation
Authors: Uchida Noriyuki , Yanagi Masayoshi , Hamada Hiroki
Published: July 2022

Fullerene has attracted much attention for applications in biomaterials because of its high antioxidant activity. In this study, C60 and C70 fullerenes were mixed with a commercially available anionic phospholipid mixture, Technol PG, and sodium cholate, resulting in effective dispersion of the fullerenes to give small-sized fullerene nanoparticles.
Early onset, delayed diagnosis and laterality of breast carcinoma: Evidence from a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Sume Bickes Wube , Assefa Wubshet , Merkeb Alamneh Yoseph
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

To assess age at onset, delayed diagnosis and laterality of breast carcinoma among women at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North West Ethiopia.

Methods:

Hospital-based descriptive study was conducted on 120 breast carcinoma cases at pathology department of Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, from October 2019 to December 2021. The women aware of symptoms until first medical consultation time was asked. The height and weight of the women were measured using the height and weight scale. The attending physician examined both breasts and regional lymph nodes. Pathological features of breast carcinomas were recorded when biopsy results arrived at the pathology department. Data were entered in Epi data version 3.1. Then, it was exported to SPSS version 25.0 statistical software for analysis.

Results:

Mean age of women was 39.9 ± 11.6 years, and median age was 38 years. Most women, 87 (72.5%) were aged less than 46 years. One hundred three (85.8%) women had complained breast lump pain for greater than 3 months before diagnosis. About 61 (50.8%) women had left breast carcinomas; 44 (36.7%) had right breast carcinomas and 15 (12.5%) had bilateral breast carcinomas. Of total, 53 (44.2%) cases were invasive ductal carcinomas; 41 (34.2%) had ductal carcinoma in situ; 14 (11.7%) were invasive lobular carcinomas; 8 (6.7%) were lobular carcinoma in situ and only 4 (3.3%) cases were mixed carcinomas.

Conclusion:

In this study, about two-third of the cases had early onset breast carcinoma. Most of the cases had delayed diagnosis of breast carcinoma. More than half of the cases had left breast carcinoma.
Comparative harms assessments for cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco: Risk for psychosis, cognitive impairment, and traffic accident
Authors: Johnstad Petter Grahl
Published: July 2022

Researchers have associated cannabis use with risk for psychosis, cognitive impairment, and traffic accident. However, this review shows that the association between moderate cannabis use and psychosis is no stronger, and often considerably weaker, than the corresponding association for moderate tobacco use. The same holds for associations with cognitive impairment. For the risk of traffic accident, the review confirms that the risk from alcohol use is substantially stronger than the risk from cannabis use, while the corresponding risk from tobacco use appears to be almost as strong as that from cannabis use. It thus appears that the risk for psychosis, cognitive impairment, and traffic accident associated with cannabis use is generally comparable to that from tobacco use. The article discusses different interpretations of these comparative harms assessments and presents two points of methodological critique to argue that the risks associated with cannabis and other generally criminalized drugs are probably exaggerated. First, any measurement of harms associated with high escapist activities such as drug abuse will be affected by the general dysfunction associated with the underlying reason why a person settles for frequent escapism. From this perspective, cannabis and tobacco use disorder are probably both associated with underlying problems and life issues that are, in and of themselves, associated with psychopathology, and researchers should be careful not to conflate the selection effect from belonging to the population segment that opts for high escapist lifestyles with any (putative) harmful effect from drug use itself. Second, criminalization probably shifts the composition of the user population in the direction of more dysfunctional users. From this perspective, the association between substance use disorder and underlying problems and life issues is stronger for criminalized substances, since people who live troubled lives are less likely to be deterred by the prospect of legal problems.
Technology-integrated Pedagogy, Learning Outcomes and Retention: Can Public–Private Partnerships Play a Role in Primary Education in India?
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Simanti , Sharma Aishna
Published: July 2022

We undertake a case study on the SHIKSHA initiative in Uttar Pradesh in Northern India to understand how impactful the technology-integrated pedagogy through public–private partnerships (PPP) in education has been on the learning outcomes of students. A content analysis to understand the processes adopted by the SHIKSHA initiative is attempted. The digitized curriculum developed is found to be contextualized in accordance with the background of students, which can be aligned with constructivist learning theory. We also attempt a quantitative analysis to estimate the impact of these pedagogical practices on learning outcomes. The analysis finds that the average scores of schools with SHIKSHA interventions are higher by 58 percentage points. Also, under SHIKSHA, a 15-day period was given to the students for revision of the courses with the active participation of the teachers. The average scores after these revisions record an improvement as compared to the average scores before revisions. The paper suggests that the digitization of content by the government or through PPPs can help boost effective learning.

JEL Classifications: C120, H520, I200, I210, I220, I280
Patient Activation Among Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hussein Wael F , Bennett Paul N , Sun Sumi J , Reiterman Marc , Watson Emily , Farwell Ian M , Schiller Brigitte
Published: July 2022

Patient activation is the product of knowledge, skills, and confidence that enables a person to manage their own healthcare. It is associated with healthy behaviors and improved patient outcomes. We surveyed prevalent hemodialysis (HD) patients at 10 centers using the Patient Activation Measure 13-item instrument (PAM-13). Activation was reported as scores (0-100) and corresponding levels (1-4). Of 1149 eligible patients, surveys were completed by 925 patients (92% response rate). Mean age was 62 ± 14 years, 40% were female, median vintage was 41 (IQR 19-77) months, and 66% had diabetes. Mean PAM score was 56 ± 13, with 14%, 50%, 25%, and 10% in levels 1 to 4, respectively. In adjusted analysis, older age and having diabetes were associated with lower activation, whereas higher educational levels and female gender were associated with higher scores. Significant variation in activation was observed among participants from different centers even after adjustment for other variables. In conclusion, low activation is common among prevalent HD patients.
Polarized Citizen Preferences for the Ethical Allocation of Scarce Medical Resources in 20 Countries
Authors: Awad Edmond , Bago Bence , Bonnefon Jean-François , Christakis Nicholas A. , Rahwan Iyad , Shariff Azim
Published: July 2022

Objective. When medical resources are scarce, clinicians must make difficult triage decisions. When these decisions affect public trust and morale, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic, experts will benefit from knowing which triage metrics have citizen support. Design. We conducted an online survey in 20 countries, comparing support for 5 common metrics (prognosis, age, quality of life, past and future contribution as a health care worker) to a benchmark consisting of support for 2 no-triage mechanisms (first-come-first-served and random allocation). Results. We surveyed nationally representative samples of 1000 citizens in each of Brazil, France, Japan, and the United States and also self-selected samples from 20 countries (total N = 7599) obtained through a citizen science website (the Moral Machine). We computed the support for each metric by comparing its usability to the usability of the 2 no-triage mechanisms. We further analyzed the polarizing nature of each metric by considering its usability among participants who had a preference for no triage. In all countries, preferences were polarized, with the 2 largest groups preferring either no triage or extensive triage using all metrics. Prognosis was the least controversial metric. There was little support for giving priority to healthcare workers. Conclusions. It will be difficult to define triage guidelines that elicit public trust and approval. Given the importance of prognosis in triage protocols, it is reassuring that it is the least controversial metric. Experts will need to prepare strong arguments for other metrics if they wish to preserve public trust and morale during health crises.

Highlights

We collected citizen preferences regarding triage decisions about scarce medical resources from 20 countries. We find that citizen preferences are universally polarized. Citizens either prefer no triage (random allocation or first-come-first served) or extensive triage using all common triage metrics, with “prognosis” being the least controversial. Experts will need to prepare strong arguments to preserve or elicit public trust in triage decisions.
T-cell exhaustion induced by continuous bispecific molecule exposure is ameliorated by treatment-free intervals
Authors: Philipp Nora , Kazerani Maryam , Nicholls Alyssa , Vick Binje , Wulf Jan , Straub Tobias , Scheurer Michaela , Muth Amelie , Hänel Gerulf , Nixdorf Daniel , Sponheimer Monika , Ohlmeyer Malte , Lacher Sonja M. , Brauchle Bettina , Marcinek Anetta , Rohrbacher Lisa , Leutbecher Alexandra , Rejeski Kai , Weigert Oliver , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Theurich Sebastian , Kischel Roman , Jeremias Irmela , Bücklein Veit , Subklewe Marion
Published: July 2022

T-cell–recruiting bispecific molecule therapy has yielded promising results in patients with hematologic malignancies; however, resistance and subsequent relapse remains a major challenge. T-cell exhaustion induced by persistent antigen stimulation or tonic receptor signaling has been reported to compromise outcomes of T-cell–based immunotherapies. The impact of continuous exposure to bispecifics on T-cell function, however, remains poorly understood. In relapsed/refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, 28-day continuous infusion with the CD19xCD3 bispecific molecule blinatumomab led to declining T-cell function. In an in vitro model system, mimicking 28-day continuous infusion with the half-life–extended CD19xCD3 bispecific AMG 562, we identified hallmark features of exhaustion arising over time. Continuous AMG 562 exposure induced progressive loss of T-cell function (day 7 vs day 28 mean specific lysis: 88.4% vs 8.6%; n = 6; P = .0003). Treatment-free intervals (TFIs), achieved by AMG 562 withdrawal, were identified as a powerful strategy for counteracting exhaustion. TFIs induced strong functional reinvigoration of T cells (continuous vs TFI-specific lysis on day 14: 34.9% vs 93.4%; n = 6; P < .0001) and transcriptional reprogramming. Furthermore, use of a TFI led to improved T-cell expansion and tumor control in vivo. Our data demonstrate the relevance of T-cell exhaustion in bispecific antibody therapy and highlight that T cells can be functionally and transcriptionally rejuvenated with TFIs. In view of the growing number of bispecific molecules being evaluated in clinical trials, our findings emphasize the need to consider and evaluate TFIs in application schedules to improve clinical outcomes.
A dual neglected double J stent: a rare case report
Authors: Zanaty Fouad , Elkholy Abdelrahman , Gamal Ahmed
Published: July 2022

Background

A neglected ureteric stent with encrustations is an uneasy problem for the patient and treating urologist. We report a rare case of single urinary system retained dual ureteric stents that was complicated by extensive encrustation.

Case presentation

A 36-year male patient referred from prison hospital with intermittent left loin pain and burning micturition. Pelvi-abdominal ultrasonography, plain X-ray and non-contrast computed tomography revealed neglected dual double J stents on the left side with large renal and urinary bladder stone burden and heavy ureteral encrustation. Staged endoscopic management was planned. At first session, both bladder and renal calculus was fragmented and removed by mechanical cystolithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, respectively. After one week; the lower, middle and upper ureteral encrustations were cleared carefully using Holmium YAG Laser lithotripsy through 7 Fr. distal tip semi-rigid ureteroscopy. Both neglected double J were removed successfully and the patient was asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Neglected ureteral stents are complicated by massive encrustation and need combined staged endoscopic procedures. Patient and health service provider should be learned for importance of stent removal.
A supervised protein complex prediction method with network representation learning and gene ontology knowledge
Authors: Wang Xiaoxu , Zhang Yijia , Zhou Peixuan , Liu Xiaoxia
Published: July 2022

Background

Protein complexes are essential for biologists to understand cell organization and function effectively. In recent years, predicting complexes from protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks through computational methods is one of the current research hotspots. Many methods for protein complex prediction have been proposed. However, how to use the information of known protein complexes is still a fundamental problem that needs to be solved urgently in predicting protein complexes.

Results

To solve these problems, we propose a supervised learning method based on network representation learning and gene ontology knowledge, which can fully use the information of known protein complexes to predict new protein complexes. This method first constructs a weighted PPI network based on gene ontology knowledge and topology information, reducing the network's noise problem. On this basis, the topological information of known protein complexes is extracted as features, and the supervised learning model SVCC is obtained according to the feature training. At the same time, the SVCC model is used to predict candidate protein complexes from the protein interaction network. Then, we use the network representation learning method to obtain the vector representation of the protein complex and train the random forest model. Finally, we use the random forest model to classify the candidate protein complexes to obtain the final predicted protein complexes. We evaluate the performance of the proposed method on two publicly PPI data sets.

Conclusions

Experimental results show that our method can effectively improve the performance of protein complex recognition compared with existing methods. In addition, we also analyze the biological significance of protein complexes predicted by our method and other methods. The results show that the protein complexes predicted by our method have high biological significance.
Angiogenic ability of human endothelial cells was decreased following senescence induction with hydrogen peroxide: possible role of vegfr-2/akt-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Berenjabad Nesa Janamo , Nejati Vahid , Rezaie Jafar
Published: July 2022

Background

Many attempts are used to discover mechanisms driving impaired angiogenesis in age-related diseases. Angiogenesis is highly regulated by different signaling pathways. Here, we investigated the angiogenesis potential of human endothelial cells (ECs) upon exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a cellular senescent factor.

Results

Data showed that the wound healing rate of HUVECs decreased upon incubation with H2O2 (P < 0.05). LOX activity and NO production were decreased in H2O2 treated cells (P < 0.05). Expression of miR-126 and VEGFR-2 up-regulated, while expression of miR-373 and HSP-70 up = regulated in H2O2 -induced cells (P < 0.05). In addition, we found that protein levels of p-Akt-1, VCAM-1, MMP-9, and IL-6 decreased in treated cells (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data showed that H2O2 reduced the angiogenic response of HUVECs in vitro, which may be due to impairment of the VEGFR-2 signaling pathway.
Coronary angiography causes Rumpel-Leede symptoms
Authors: Gui Yang , Wang JingYa , Ye Lifang , Pen GuangXin , Wang Lihong
Published: July 2022

Background

Rumpel Leede sign (RLS) is a clinical presentation observed at the extremities due to pressure applied externally. The appearance ranges from scattered pin-point rashes to an entire arm covered with petechial hemorrhage depending upon the severity. This phenomenon is relatively uncommon in clinical practice.

Case presentation

A 64 year old female patient developed a rash in the normal skin area below the compression area on the second day of single catheter coronary angiography. The patient's rash resolved without treatment after 3 days.

Conclusions

We report a case of hypertension and hyperlipidemia with a petechial rash on the skin under the tourniquet compressed by the radial artery after coronary angiography, which is consistent with the Rumpel-Leede phenomenon. clinicians should be watchful of these symptoms.
Nested and multipart prospective observational studies, flaming fiasco or efficiently economical?: The Brain, Bone, Heart case study
Authors: Mehta C. Christina , Hagen Kimberly S. , Collins Lauren F. , Moore Renee’ H. , Ofotokun Ighovwerha
Published: July 2022

Background

Collecting new data from cross-sectional/survey and cohort observational study designs can be expensive and time-consuming. Nested (hierarchically cocooned within an existing parent study) and/or Multipart (≥ 2 integrally interlinked projects) study designs can expand the scope of a prospective observational research program beyond what might otherwise be possible with available funding and personnel. The Brain, Bone, Heart (BBH) study provides an exemplary case to describe the real-world advantages, challenges, considerations, and insights from these complex designs.

Main

BBH is a Nested, Multipart study conducted by the Specialized Center for Research Excellence (SCORE) on Sex Differences at Emory University. BBH is designed to examine whether estrogen insufficiency-induced inflammation compounds HIV-induced inflammation, leading to end-organ damage and aging-related co-morbidities affecting the neuro-hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (brain), musculoskeletal (bone), and cardiovascular (heart) organ systems. Using BBH as a real-world case study, we describe the advantages and challenges of Nested and Multipart prospective cohort study design in practice. While excessive dependence on its parent study can pose challenges in a Nested study, there are significant advantages to the study design as well. These include the ability to leverage a parent study’s resources and personnel; more comprehensive data collection and data sharing options; a broadened community of researchers for collaboration; dedicated longitudinal research participants; and, access to historical data. Multipart, interlinked studies that share a common cohort of participants and pool of resources have the advantage of dedicated key personnel and the challenge of increased organizational complexity. Important considerations for each study design include the stability and administration of the parent study (Nested) and the cohesiveness of linkage elements and staff organizational capacity (Multipart).

Conclusion

Using the experience of BBH as an example, Nested and/or Multipart study designs have both distinct advantages and potential vulnerabilities that warrant consideration and require strong biostatistics and data management leadership to optimize programmatic success and impact.
An investigation of the constancy of effect in Cochrane systematic reviews in context with the assumptions for noninferiority trials
Authors: Duro Enass M. , Julious Steven A. , Ren Shijie
Published: July 2022

When designing a noninferiority (NI) study one of the most important steps is to set the noninferiority (NI) limit. The NI limit is an acceptable loss of efficacy for a new investigative treatment compared to an active control treatment – often standard care. The limit should be a value so small that the loss efficacy is clinically zero. An approach to the setting of a noninferiority limit such that an effect over placebo can be shown through an indirect comparison to placebo-controlled trials where the active control treatment was compared to placebo. In this context, the setting of the NI limit depends on three assumptions: assay sensitivity, bias minimisation, and the constancy assumption. The last assumption of constancy assumes the effect of the active control over placebo is constant. This paper aims to assess the constancy assumption in placebo-controlled trials.

Methods: 236 Cochrane reviews of placebo-controlled trials published in 2015–2016 were collected and used to assess the relation between the placebo, active treatment, and the standardised treatment different (SMD) with the time (year of publication).

Results: The analysis showed that both the size of the study and the treatment effect were associated with year of publication. The three main variables that affect the estimate of any future trial are the estimate from the meta-analysis of previous trials prior to the trial, the year difference in the meta-analysis, and the year of the trial conduction. The regression analysis showed that an increase of one unit in the point estimate of the historical meta-analysis would lead to an increase in the predicted estimate of future trial on the SMD scale by 0.88. This result suggests the final trial results are 12% smaller than that from the meta-analysis of trials until that point.

Conclusion: The result of this study indicates that assuming constancy of the treatment difference between the active control and placebo can be questioned. It is therefore important to consider the effect of time in estimating the treatment response if indirect comparisons are being used as the basis of a NI limit.
Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of polypoid lesions of gallbladder ≥ 1 cm
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyue , Tang Shaoshan , Huang Liping , Jin Hong , Wang Yijiao , Wang Yao , Liu Zhan , Lu Chunyu
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the usefulness of Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Polypoid lesions of gallbladder (PLGs) ≥ 1 cm.

Methods

A prospective analysis was performed on 180 patients with PLGs ≥ 1 cm. 175 cases were confirmed by pathological diagnosis and the remaining were confirmed by other imaging findings. The characteristics of lesions on conventional Ultrasonography (US) and CEUS were recorded.

Results

Significant differences were observed in enhancement patterns between benign and malignant PLGs during both arterial (P < 0.001) and venous phases (P < 0.001). The malignant lesions typically yielded a “fast-in and fast-out” enhancement pattern. There was no significant difference in Arrival time (AT) between malignant and benign PLGs. If we consider wash-out time ≤ 40 s as a diagnostic standard for malignant lesions, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 88.24%, 85.62%, and 86.11%, respectively. Destruction of the Gallbladder (GB) wall was a particularly important indication of malignant PLGs, and the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 93.33%, 92.12%, and 92.22%, respectively. The accuracy of CEUS in the diagnosis of PLGs, as well as malignant and benign lesions, was 92.22%, 92.47%, and 91.17%, respectively.

Conclusions

The “fast-in and fast-out” enhancement pattern, hyper-enhancement in comparison to the GB wall in the arterial phase, wash-out time ≤ 40 s, GB wall destruction, and hepatic parenchymal infiltration are the characteristic findings of malignant PLGs. Besides, CEUS provides a valuable reference to classify some of the benign lesions.
Deep learning as a novel method for endoscopic diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis: a prospective nested case–control study
Authors: Zhao Quchuan , Jia Qing , Chi Tianyu
Published: July 2022

Background and aims

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a precancerous disease that often leads to the development of gastric cancer (GC) and is positively correlated with GC morbidity. However, the sensitivity of the endoscopic diagnosis of CAG is only 42%. Therefore, we developed a real-time video monitoring model for endoscopic diagnosis of CAG based on U-Net deep learning (DL) and conducted a prospective nested case–control study to evaluate the diagnostic evaluation indices of the model and its consistency with pathological diagnosis.

Methods

Our cohort consisted of 1539 patients undergoing gastroscopy from December 1, 2020, to July 1, 2021. Based on pathological diagnosis, patients in the cohort were divided into the CAG group or the chronic nonatrophic gastritis (CNAG) group, and we assessed the diagnostic evaluation indices of this model and its consistency with pathological diagnosis after propensity score matching (PSM) to minimize selection bias in the study.

Results

After matching, the diagnostic evaluation indices and consistency evaluation of the model were better than those of endoscopists [sensitivity (84.02% vs. 62.72%), specificity (97.04% vs. 81.95%), positive predictive value (96.60% vs. 77.66%), negative predictive value (85.86% vs. 68.73%), accuracy rate (90.53% vs. 72.34%), Youden index (81.06% vs. 44.67%), odd product (172.5 vs. 7.64), positive likelihood ratio (28.39 vs. 3.47), negative likelihood ratio (0.16 vs. 0.45), AUC (95% CI) [0.909 (0.884–0.934) vs. 0.740 (0.702–0.778)] and Kappa (0.852 vs. 0.558)].

Conclusions

Our prospective nested case–control study proved that the diagnostic evaluation indices and consistency evaluation of the real-time video monitoring model for endoscopic diagnosis of CAG based on U-Net DL were superior to those of endoscopists.

Trial registrationChiCTR2100044458, 18/03/2020.
Mental health indicators and their lifestyle associations in German students: a gender-specific multivariable analysis
Authors: Spagert Lina , Janssen Christian , Geigl Christoph
Published: July 2022

Background

Statistics show that the number of received psychosocial counselling sessions remains at a constantly high level or has even increased since the COVID-19 pandemic situation in 2020. The objective of this work is to identify factors associated with students’ mental health to improve prevention and promotion in mental health at universities.

Methods

The analyses were based on a cross-sectional data set collected by an online survey among 1,842 students from a German University of Applied Sciences in 2014. Descriptive statistics as well as nine different multiple linear regression models were calculated with IBM® SPSS® Statistics software. Mental health indicators used were mental health-related quality of life (mental HRQOL), depression, and anxiety, which were analysed in a gender-specific manner.

Results

The analyses showed that the mean of the mental HRQOL score of the SF-36 for the student sample (46.68) was lower than the values for German (48.76) or American (51.34) norm samples. A key finding was the differences in mental health indicators between male and female students. Women reported worse mental health status in comparison to men. Female gender (ß of -.09; p < 0.01), age (ß of -1.05; p < 0.01), underweight (ß of -.09; p < 0.05), smoking (ß of -.10; p < 0.05) and drug consumption (ß of -.15; p < 0.001) were negatively associated with mental health indicators. In our sample, a moderate consumption of alcohol within the female population (ß of .12; p < 0.01) and physical activity within the male sample (ß of .09; p < 0.05) were positively associated with mental health indicators.

Conclusion

The gender-specific differences of students’ mental health and its associations could be an important result for counselling services at universities to adjust methods according to gender. Contrary to the general societal perception, students have lower mental health than a norm sample even before the pandemic. Due to the additional mental stress caused by the pandemic, it can be assumed that mental health problems have increased even more. Universities should therefore pay more attention to the mental health of their students.
C1QTNF6 regulated by miR‐29a-3p promotes proliferation and migration in stage I lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lin Guofu , Lin Lanlan , Lin Hai , Xu Yingxuan , Chen Wenhan , Liu Yifei , Wu Jingyang , Chen Shaohua , Lin Qinhui , Zeng Yiming , Xu Yuan
Published: July 2022

Objective

C1QTNF6 has been implicated as an essential component in multiple cellular and molecular preliminary event, including inflammation, glucose metabolism, endothelial cell modulation and carcinogenesis. However, the biological process and potential mechanism of C1QTNF6 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are indefinite and remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the interaction among the traits of C1QTNF6 and LUAD pathologic process.

Methods

RT-qPCR and western blot were conducted to determine the expression levels of C1QTNF6. RNA interference and overexpression of C1QTNF6 were constructed to identify the biological function of C1QTNF6 in cellular proliferative, migratory and invasive potentials in vitro. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to identify the possible interaction between C1QTNF6 and miR‐29a-3p. Moreover, RNA sequencing analysis of C1QTNF6 knockdown was performed to identify the potential regulatory pathways.

Results

C1QTNF6 was upregulated in stage I LUAD tissues compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Concurrently, C1QTNF6 knockdown could remarkably inhibit cell proliferation, migratory and invasive abilities, while overexpression of C1QTNF6 presented opposite results. Additionally, miR‐29a-3p may serve as an upstream regulator of C1QTNF6 and reduce the expression of C1QTNF6. Subsequent experiments showed that miR‐29a-3p could decrease the cell mobility and proliferation positive cell rates, as well as reduce the migratory and invasive possibilities in LUAD cells via downregulating C1QTNF6. Moreover, RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway may participate in the process of C1QTNF6 regulating tumor progression.

Conclusion

Our study first demonstrated that downregulation of C1QTNF6 could inhibit tumorigenesis and progression in LUAD cells negatively regulated by miR‐29a-3p. These consequences could reinforce our awareness and understanding of the underlying mechanism and provide a promising therapeutic target for LUAD.
Effects of autogenic and reciprocal inhibition techniques with conventional therapy in mechanical neck pain – a randomized control trial
Authors: Siddiqui Mahrukh , Akhter Saeed , Baig Aftab Ahmed Mirza
Published: July 2022

Background

Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal issue that has been seen as high in terms of disability. Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) are advanced soft tissue techniques to treat Mechanical Neck Pain (MNP). This study compares the Autogenic inhibition (AI) technique with the Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) technique providing conventional treatment to improve functional outcomes.

Methods

A randomized control trial was conducted at Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Karachi, Pakistan from August 28, 2021, to December 31, 2021 among 20–50 years old patients with Moderate intensity MNP for more than 4 weeks and with limited Neck ROMs. The sample were divided randomly and allocated into two groups (groups 1 and 2). Group 1 and 2 received 12 sessions of AI and RI with Conventional therapy respectively. The randomization sheet was generated online from randomization.com for a sample size of 80 and two groups of study ‘AI’ and ‘RI’ with a ratio of 1:1 by an independent statistician. Pain (primary outcome), range of motion, and functional disability (secondary outcomes) were assessed through visual analog scale (VAS), Goniometer, and Neck disability index (NDI) at baseline, 1st, and last session respectively. Mean and standard deviation, frequency, and percentages were calculated. Chi-square test and independent t-test compare baseline characteristics. The Repeated Measure Two-Way ANOVA compared mean VAS, NDI, and ROM. The significant P-value was less than 0.05.

Results

The mean duration of neck pain was 8 weeks. There was a more significant (p < 0.001) improvement in pain (ES = 0.975), disability (ES = 0.887), neck ROMs; flexion (ES = 0.975), extension (ES = 0.965), right and left lateral flexion (ES = 0.949 and 0.951), and right and left rotation (ES = 0.966 and 0.975) in the AI group than the RI group at 12th session.

Conclusion

The Autogenic Inhibition-MET is more beneficial than Reciprocal Inhibition-MET in improving Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in patients with Sub-Acute and Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain. Therefore, it is a beneficial technique to add with conventional neck pain therapy to get better treatment outcomes in MNP patients.

Trial Registration

Prospectively registered on ClincalTrials.Gov with ID: NCT05044078.
Long-term oncologic outcomes of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery versus conventional laparoscopic-assisted resection in the treatment of rectal cancer: a propensity-score matching study
Authors: Li Zhengliang , Xiong Huan , Qiao Tianyu , Jiao Shuai , Zhu Yihao , Wang Guiyu , Wang Xishan , Tang Qingchao
Published: July 2022

Background

Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has been increasingly applied in radical surgery of abdominal and pelvic organs, but it is still in the exploratory stage. There is insufficient evidence to prove its efficacy.

Methods

From January 2013 to June 2017, a total of 351 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer were eventually included in this study. Patients who underwent NOSES were assigned to the NOSES group, while patients undergoing conventional laparoscopic assisted resection were assigned as to the LAP group. Propensity score matching was used to align clinicopathological features between the two groups.

Results

From the perioperative data and postoperative follow-up results of both groups, patients in the NOSES group had less intraoperative bleeding (47.0 ± 60.4 ml vs 87.1 ± 101.2 ml, P = 0.011), shorter postoperative gastrointestinal recovery (50.7 ± 27.3 h vs 58.6 ± 28.5 h, P = 0.040), less postoperative analgesic use (36.8% vs 52.8%, P = 0.019), lower postoperative pain scores (P < 0.001), lower rate of postoperative complications (5.7% vs 15.5%, P = 0.020), more satisfaction with body image (P = 0.001) and cosmesis (P < 0.001) postoperatively. The NOSES group had a higher quality of life. Moreover, there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups.

Conclusion

NOSES could be a safe and reliable technique for radical resection of rectal cancer, with better short-term outcomes than conventional laparoscopy, while long-term survival is not significantly different from that of conventional laparoscopic surgery.
Thoracoscopic posterior tracheopexy during primary esophageal atresia repair ameliorate tracheomalacia in neonates: a single-center retrospective comparative cohort study
Authors: Yasui Akihiro , Hinoki Akinari , Amano Hizuru , Shirota Chiyoe , Tainaka Takahisa , Sumida Wataru , Yokota Kazuki , Makita Satoshi , Okamoto Masamune , Takimoto Aitaro , Nakagawa Yoichi , Uchida Hiroo
Published: July 2022

Background

Esophageal atresia (EA) is often associated with tracheomalacia (TM). The severity of TM symptoms varies widely, with serious cases requiring prolonged respiratory support and surgical treatment. Although we performed thoracoscopic posterior tracheopexy (TPT) during primary EA repair to prevent or reduce the symptoms of TM, few studies have investigated the safety and effectiveness of TPT during primary EA repair. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TPT in neonates.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients diagnosed with TM who underwent primary thoracoscopic EA repair between 2013 and 2020 at the Nagoya University Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: TPT (TPT group) and without TPT (control group). TPT has been performed in all patients with EA complicated by TM since 2020. We compared patient backgrounds, surgical outcomes, postoperative complications, and treatment efficacy.

Results

Of the 22 patients reviewed, eight were in the TPT group and 14 were in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in the surgical outcomes between the groups (operation time: p = 0.31; blood loss: p = 0.83; time to extubation: p = 0.30; time to start enteral feeding: p = 0.19; time to start oral feeding: p = 0.43). Conversion to open thoracotomy was not performed in any case. The median operative time required for posterior tracheopexy was 10 (8–15) min. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications between the groups (chylothorax: p = 0.36; leakage: p = 1.00; stricture: p = 0.53). The respiratory dependence rate 30 days postoperative (2 [25%] vs. 11 [79%], p = 0.03) and the ratio of the lateral and anterior–posterior diameter of the trachea (LAR) were significantly lower in the TPT group (1.83 [1.66–2.78] vs. 3.59 [1.80–7.70], p = 0.01).

Conclusions

TPT during primary EA repair for treatment of TM significantly lowered respiratory dependence rate at 30 days postoperative without increasing the risk of postoperative complications. This study suggested that TPT could improve TM associated with EA.
Berberine ameliorates mesenteric vascular dysfunction by modulating perivascular adipose tissue in diet-induced obese in rats
Authors: Wang Man , Geng Xufang , Li Kaipeng , Wang Yawen , Duan Xiaofeng , Hou Congcong , Zhao Lili , Zhou Huimin , Zhao Ding
Published: July 2022

Background

Berberine (BBR) has been found to have antiobesity effects, and obesity can lead to adipose tissue degeneration. As a special adipose tissue, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is closely related to vascular function and affects vasoconstriction and relaxation. What happens to PVAT in the early stages of diet-induced obesity and how BBR affects vascular function is the focus of our experimental study.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet (fat 34% kcal) for 4 weeks to simulate early obesity. Obese rats were treated with BBR (200 mg/kg) or metformin (MET, 100 mg/kg) by gavage for 2 weeks. The mesenteric arterioles were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The force vs. time curves were observed and analysed to indicate vascular function. Nitric oxide (NO) and noradrenaline (NA) release was quantified using an organ bath with fluorescence assays and ELISA, respectively. Network pharmacology was used to analyse the overlapping targets related to BBR and obesity-related diseases, and the expression of NOS in mesenteric PVAT was further analysed with immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. The serum inflammatory factor levels were tested.

Results

BBR significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, blood lipids and inflammatory factors in serum. It also effectively improved abnormal mesenteric vasoconstriction and relaxation in obese rats. There was no significant change in mesenteric vascular structure, but NO production and eNOS expression were significantly increased in mesenteric PVAT (P < 0.01), and NA was decreased (P < 0.05) in obese rats. All these changes in the mesenteric arterioles and PVAT of obese rats were reversed by treatment with BBR and MET.

Conclusions

In diet-induced obesity in rats, the function of vasoconstriction and relaxation in mesenteric arterioles is altered, NO is increased, and NA is decreased in mesenteric PVAT. All these changes were reversed by BBR, suggesting a novel effect of BBR in ameliorating mesenteric vascular dysfunction by regulating PVAT.
Difference between self-reported adherence to standard precautions and surveillance and factors influencing observed adherence: a quantile regression approach
Authors: Kim Jin Suk , Lee Eunhee
Published: July 2022

Background

Standard precautions are minimum healthcare-associated infection prevention practices applied in all healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to investigate adherence to standard precautions using a survey and surveillance. Factors affecting observed adherence to standard precautions were also determined.

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study included 163 clinical nurses who were directly involved in patient care. Differences in adherence according to investigative methods are represented as a boxplot. Quantile regression was used to identify factors affecting observed adherence, including organizational factors (such as department, safety environment, and patient safety climate) and personal factors (such as knowledge and awareness). Stata SE version 14.2 was used for all statistical analyses.

Results

The observed adherence to standard precautions was 76.8 out of 100, whereas the self-reported adherence was approximately 95. Hand hygiene adherence received the lowest score of less than 70. Factors influencing observed adherence were self-reported adherence (p = 0.043) in 25% and 50% quantiles, work experience (p = 0.002) in the 25% quantile, and working department (p = 0.030) in the 50% quantile. There were no significant factors in the 75% quantile.

Conclusion

Inadequate adherence to standard precautions might increase healthcare-associated infections. Thus, an organizational environment such as nurse staffing needs to be established so that clinical nurses with high competency can comply with standard precautions in clinical settings.
Can we scale up a comprehensive school-based eye health programme in Zambia?
Authors: Yong Ai Chee , Buglass Anne , Mwelwa Godfrey , Abdallah Ibrahim , Chan Ving Fai
Published: July 2022

Background

Globally, 19 million children have preventable vision impairment simply because refractive and eye health services are inaccessible to most of them. In Zambia, approximately 50,000 school children need spectacle provision. The School-based Eye Health Programme (SEHP) has been identified worldwide as a proven strategy to address childhood blindness. Given its great benefits, the Zambian government intends to scale up the programme. This scalability assessment aims to identify and evaluate the essential components of an effective SEHP, determine roles, assess existing capacities within user organisations, identify environmental facilitating and inhibiting factors, and estimate the minimum resources necessary for the scaling up and their proposed scale-up strategies.

Methods

Five elements (innovation, user organisation, resource team, environment, and strategies for horizontal and vertical scaling-up) were assessed guided by the ExpandNet-WHO Nine Steps for Developing a Scaling-Up Strategy. Literature review on proven strategies to reduce childhood blindness and the credibility of SEHP implemented in resource-limited settings, document review on the pilot project, questionnaires, and stakeholders’ interviews were conducted to collect data for this assessment. Subsequently, twenty questions in the Worksheets for Developing a Scaling-up Strategy were used to report the assessment outcome systematically.

Results

Additional components of SEHP incorporated in Zambia’s model enhanced the innovation’s credibility and relevance. The resource team was relatively competent in the pilot project, and the same team will be employed during the scaling-up. Potential change in political parties, the lack of supply chain, and unstable financial support were identified as inhibiting factors. The objectives of SEHP were aligned with the National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2017–2021, which supports the institutionalisation of the SEHP into the existing School Health and Nutrition Programme. For the pace of expansion, replicating SEHP to another district rather than a province will be more realistic.

Conclusion

Scaling up a comprehensive SEHP in Zambia is feasible if sufficient funding is available. Additionally, the pace must be adapted to the local context to ensure that every component within the SEHP is intact.
STAT3-mediated osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis in osteoporosis
Authors: Hou Xiaoli , Tian Faming
Published: July 2022

Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disease with marked bone loss, deterioration of the bone microstructure and bone fragility. An abnormal bone remodelling cycle with relatively increased bone resorption is the crucial pathophysiological mechanism. Bone remodelling is predominantly controlled by osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are specialized cell types that are regulated by a variety of osteogenic and osteoclastic factors, including cytokines expressed within the bone microenvironment under local or systemic inflammatory conditions. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a prominent role in the communication between cytokines and kinases by binding downstream gene promotors and is involved in a wide range of biological or pathological processes. Emerging evidence suggests that STAT3 and its network participate in bone remodelling and the development of osteoporosis, and this factor may be a potent target for osteoporosis treatment. This review focuses on the role and molecular mechanism of the STAT3 signalling pathway in osteogenesis, osteoclastogenesis and osteoporosis, particularly the bone-related cytokines that regulate the osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells and the osteoclastic differentiation of bone marrow macrophages by initiating STAT3 signalling. This review also examines the cellular interactions among immune cells, haematopoietic cells and osteoblastic/osteoclastic cells.