bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covid-19 and Pre-Morbid Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors—A Review
Authors: Monye Ifeoma N , Makinde Moyosore Taiwo , Oseni Tijani Idris Ahmad , Adelowo Abiodun Bamidele , Nyirenda Samba
Published: November 2023

Since its outbreak in December 2019 in China, COVID-19 has spread like wild fire to affect many communities of the world. The high infectivity and case fatality rates of the disease among the general population and the severely ill patients respectively drew the attention of the global community. Our review showed that socio-demographic and lifestyle-related risk factors and underlying comorbid diseases were directly and indirectly associated with increased susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. These factors included older age (⩾60 years), male gender, and ethnic minority groups (especially blacks), smoking, low serum level of vitamin D, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity (with poor exposure to sunlight), overweight/obesity, high blood pressure/hypertension, high blood cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases (like stroke and coronary heart disease), diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, and some cancers (like leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma). The literature further revealed that the clinical progression of the majority of these associated risk factors can be modified through effective and comprehensive risk reduction through healthy living and lifestyle modification. COVID-19 preventive and treatment guidelines that give adequate attention to risk reduction and healthy lifestyle among people—either in the pre-, peri-, or post-COVID-19 stage, should be developed by public health policymakers and clinicians. This will play a significant role in the global effort to combat the pandemic, and reduce its negative impact on the life expectancy and socio-economic development of the world particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Normative Data on Serum and Plasma Tryptophan and Kynurenine Concentrations from 8089 Individuals Across 120 Studies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Metri Najwa-Joelle , Butt Ali S , Murali Ava , Steiner-Lim Genevieve Z , Lim Chai K
Published: November 2023

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a normative dataset is generated from the published literature on the kynurenine pathway in control participants extracted from case-control and methodological validation studies. Study characteristics were mapped, and studies were evaluated in terms of analytical rigour and methodological validation. Meta-analyses of variance between types of instruments, sample matrices and metabolites were conducted. Regression analyses were applied to determine the relationship between metabolite, sample matrix, biological sex, participant age and study age. The grand mean concentrations of tryptophan in the serum and plasma were 60.52 ± 15.38 μM and 51.45 ± 10.47 μM, respectively. The grand mean concentrations of kynurenine in the serum and plasma were 1.96 ± 0.51 μM and 1.82 ± 0.54 μM, respectively. Regional differences in metabolite concentrations were observed across America, Asia, Australia, Europe and the Middle East. Of the total variance within the data, mode of detection (MOD) accounted for up to 2.96%, sample matrix up to 3.23%, and their interaction explained up to 1.53%; the latter of which was determined to be negligible. This review was intended to inform future empirical research and method development studies and successfully synthesised pilot data. The pilot data reported in this study will inform future precision medicine initiatives aimed at targeting the kynurenine pathway by improving the availability and quality of normative data.
When big ideas meet critical thinking in lesson study: Insights from a pre-service language teacher education course
Authors: Yuan Rui , Wang Zhaoxuan , Liu Shuwen
Published: November 2023

This article reports a classroom-based inquiry in which a group of pre-service language teachers were guided to engage in a lesson study project focusing on the incorporation of the framework of big ideas into language teaching. Specifically, the study zooms in on the student teachers’ exercise and development of critical thinking (CT) through the lesson study process. Relying on data from semi-structured interviews and classroom artifacts, the findings reveal that the introduction of big ideas in lesson study served as a crucial knowledge base for the participants’ pedagogical sense-making, thus contributing to their CT. The process of lesson study, characterized by a progressive structure, tailored scaffolding, and constructive feedback, also facilitated their development of CT skills and dispositions, which in turn contributed to their understanding and application of the big idea framework within the lesson study process. While the participants encountered some negative feelings in the process (e.g. due to the competitive atmosphere brought by the ‘same topic and different design’ arrangement), they tried to turn such emotions into a stimulating source for their CT growth and professional learning. In light of the research results, pedagogical implications for teaching and teacher education were put forward in the end.
Students as teachers: A study of UK undergraduate music students’ experiences and perceptions of instrumental and singing teaching
Authors: Boyle Kerry
Published: November 2023

This research, carried out between 2020 and 2021, involves an online questionnaire and individual interviews with undergraduate music students at universities and conservatoires in the UK, to examine student experiences of receiving and delivering instrumental and singing tuition. There is no regulation of instrumental teaching in the UK, and individuals are able to teach without formal training or qualification. Existing literature suggests that musicians often begin teaching while still in education, though there is limited research concerning the experience of this process. This research confirms that students are involved in delivering instrumental and singing lessons before and during their undergraduate studies, often beginning with peer learning initiatives in school or ‘helping’ family and friends. The study identifies positive perceptions of the role of teaching in portfolio careers in music and highlights the influence of both instrumental teachers and classroom music teachers in shaping understandings and providing guidance and opportunities for students.
Experimental study on the morphology of three dimensional multilayered interlaced basalt woven reinforcements for composites
Authors: Kolcavová Sirková Brigita , Vysanska Monika , Jezik Karol
Published: November 2023

This study explores and discusses the morphology and microstructure of three-dimensional (3D) multilayered interlaced woven reinforcements for composites. Moreover, this study aims to analyze the differences in the internal geometry of woven reinforcements with different frequency and distribution of connecting points in multilayered woven reinforcement made from basalt fibers. X-ray microcomputed tomography images and the NIS-elements software were used to analyze the microstructure of five different fabrics with connecting points ranging from 1 cm × 1 cm to 5 cm × 5 cm. In the conclusion, the three basic objectives of the study are evaluated: (1) the difference between the upper and lower fabrics in a two-layer reinforcement with difference in the distribution and frequency of connecting points in the fabric area, (2) the shifting of horizontal and vertical fabric layers and mean skewness of contour functions of all tested reinforcements, (3) the thickness, packing density, and volumetric porosity of reinforcements to predict composite behavior during composite preparation.
Factors influencing the intentions of people with disabilities to participate in e-sports: An application of the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Lee Ye Hoon , Shin Wonsang , Cho Heetae
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate the factors that influence the intention of people with disabilities to participate in e-sports and actual participation. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used as a theoretical framework to guide this study. Involving 243 participants with a mean age of 42.56 years (SD = 18.14), this study encompasses a range of disabilities, predominantly physical (47.0%), representing diverse educational backgrounds with 20.1% having at least a college education. The data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. We found that both attitudes toward e-sports and perceived behavioral control to engage in e-sports were positively associated with e-sports participation intention. Intention, in turn, was positively associated with actual e-sports participation. Furthermore, e-sports participation intention mediated the relationship between attitude toward e-sports and perceived behavioral control. This study has the potential to contribute to the academic discourse by identifying factors that may influence the intention of people with disabilities to engage in e-sports, employing the TPB. The results can help researchers and practitioners understand how to design effective interventions to promote e-sports participation among people with disabilities.
A fully automated pipeline for the extraction of pectoralis muscle area from chest computed tomography scans
Authors: Genkin Daniel , Jenkins Alex R. , van Noord Nikki , Makimoto Kalysta , Collins Sophie , Stickland Michael K. , Tan Wan C. , Bourbeau Jean , Jensen Dennis , Kirby Miranda
Published: November 2023

Background

Computed tomography (CT)-derived pectoralis muscle area (PMA) measurements are prognostic in people with or at-risk of COPD, but fully automated PMA extraction has yet to be developed. Our objective was to develop and validate a PMA extraction pipeline that can automatically: 1) identify the aortic arch slice; and 2) perform pectoralis segmentation at that slice.

Methods

CT images from the Canadian Cohort of Obstructive Lung Disease (CanCOLD) study were used for pipeline development. Aorta atlases were used to automatically identify the slice containing the aortic arch by group-based registration. A deep learning model was trained to segment the PMA. The pipeline was evaluated in comparison to manual segmentation. An external dataset was used to evaluate generalisability. Model performance was assessed using the Dice–Sorensen coefficient (DSC) and PMA error.

Results

In total 90 participants were used for training (age 67.0±9.9 years; forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 93±21% predicted; FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) 0.69±0.10; 47 men), and 32 for external testing (age 68.6±7.4 years; FEV165±17% predicted; FEV1/FVC 0.50±0.09; 16 men). Compared with manual segmentation, the deep learning model achieved a DSC of 0.94±0.02, 0.94±0.01 and 0.90±0.04 on the true aortic arch slice in the train, validation and external test sets, respectively. Automated aortic arch slice detection obtained distance errors of 1.2±1.3 mm and 1.6±1.5 mm on the train and test data, respectively. Fully automated PMA measurements were not different from manual segmentation (p>0.05). PMA measurements were different between people with and without COPD (p=0.01) and correlated with FEV1% predicted (p<0.05).

Conclusion

A fully automated CT PMA extraction pipeline was developed and validated for use in research and clinical practice.
Biomarkers of chronic airflow limitation and COPD identified by mass spectrometry
Authors: Molin Magnus , Incamps Anne , Lemasson Manon , Andersson Mats , Pertsinidou Eleftheria , Högman Marieann , Lisspers Karin , Ställberg Björn , Sjölander Anders , Malinovschi Andrei , Janson Christer
Published: November 2023

Rationale

COPD affects 300 million people worldwide and is the third leading cause of death according to World Health Organization global health estimates. Early symptoms are subtle, and so COPD is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Thus, there is an unmet need for biomarkers that can identify individuals at early stages of the disease before clinical symptoms have manifested. To date, few biomarkers are available for clinical diagnostic use in COPD.

Methods

We evaluated a panel of serum biomarkers related to inflammation and infection for their ability to discriminate between 77 subjects with chronic airflow limitation (CAL) and 142 subjects with COPD,versus150 healthy subjects (divided into two control groups that were matched with regards to age, gender and smoking to CAL and COPD). Healthy subjects and CAL were from Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD), a population-based study. CAL was defined by post-bronchodilatory forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio <0.7 in the BOLD population. COPD subjects were from Tools for Identifying Exacerbations (TIE), a COPD patient cohort. Quantification of 100 biomarker candidates was done by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Several protein-derived peptides were upregulated in CAL, compared to controls; most notably peptides representing histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP1), α1-antitrypsin (α1AT) and fibronectin. Out of these, HRG-, AGP1- and α1AT-specific peptides were also elevated in the COPD cohort.

Conclusion

HRG, AGP1 and α1AT biomarkers distinguish subjects with CAL and COPD from healthy controls. HRG and AGP1 represent novel findings.
ERS International Congress 2023: highlights from the Paediatrics Assembly
Authors: Vijverberg Susanne J.H. , Kampouras Asterios , Nayir Büyükşahin Halime , Makrinioti Heidi , Petrarca Laura , Schmidt Mehtap , Schreck Leonie D. , Urbantat Ruth M. , Beydon Nicole , Goutaki Myrofora , Lavizzari Anna , Proesmans Marijke , Schramm Dirk , Stahl Mirjam , Zacharasiewicz Angela , Moeller Alexander , Pijnenburg Marielle W.
Published: November 2023

Respiratory health in children is essential for general wellbeing and healthy development in the short and long term. It is well known that many respiratory diseases in adulthood have their origins in early life, and therefore research on prevention of respiratory diseases and management of children with respiratory diseases will benefit patients during the full life course. Scientific and clinical advances in the field of respiratory health are moving at a fast pace. This article summarises some of the highlights in paediatric respiratory medicine presented at the hybrid European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2023 which took place in Milan (Italy). Selected sessions are summarised by Early Career Members of the Paediatrics Assembly (Assembly 7) under the supervision of senior ERS officers, and cover a wide range of research areas in children, including respiratory physiology and sleep, asthma and allergy, cystic fibrosis, respiratory infection and immunology, neonatology and intensive care, respiratory epidemiology and bronchology.
ERS International Congress 2023: highlights from the Thoracic Oncology Assembly
Authors: Catarata Maria Joana , Creamer Andrew W. , Dias Margarida , Toland Sile , Chaabouni Malek , Verbeke Koen , Vieira Naia Joana , Hassan Maged , Naidu Sindhu Bhaarrati , Lynch Geraldine A. , Blyth Kevin G. , Rahman Najib M. , Hardavella Georgia
Published: November 2023

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in the world. It greatly affects the patients’ quality of life, and is thus a challenge for the daily practice in respiratory medicine. Advances in the genetic knowledge of thoracic tumours' mutational landscape, and the development of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, have led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma. During the 2023 European Respiratory Society Congress in Milan, Italy, experts from all over the world presented their high-quality research and reviewed best clinical practices. Lung cancer screening, management of early stages of lung cancer, application of artificial intelligence and biomarkers were discussed and they will be summarised here.
Standardized community management on the diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors control for non-valvular atrial fibrillation in elderly patients
Authors: Wang Wei , Gu Yufeng , Wei Shan , Xie Juan , Zheng Xiuli , Yu Yan
Published: November 2023

Background

By investigating the knowledge, medication, occurrence of complications, and risks among elderly non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients in Shanghai communities, and providing standardized comprehensive management and follow-up, we aim to explore the impact of standardized community management on improving disease awareness, standardizing atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment, reducing the risk of complications occurrence, and addressing risk factors for AF patients.

Methods

This research selected elderly atrial fibrillation patients from Zhuanqiao Community Health Service Center, Minhang District, Shanghai from July 2020 to October 2022. Their personal health records and examination results were reviewed, and the incidence of AF, awareness, medication, and complications were investigated. Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (aCCI), CHA2DS2-VASc score, and HAS-BLED score were used to evaluate disease burden, thromboembolic risk, and bleeding risk, respectively. The patients were subjected to standardized community management, and the compliance rate of disease awareness, treatment, resting heart rate, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed at the baseline, 6 months and 1 year after management.

Results

A total of 243 NVAF patients were included, with an average aCCI score of (4.5 ± 1.1). Among them, 28% of the patients were aware of their AF, and 18.1% of the patients were aware of the hazards of AF. Of the patients, 11.9% used anticoagulant drugs, including 6.6% and 5.3% for warfarin and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), respectively. 7% of patients used antiplatelet drugs. 26.7% of the patients used heart rate control drugs. 10.3% of the patients experienced thromboembolic events, and 0.8% of the patients experienced bleeding events. 93.0% of the patients were at high risk of thromboembolism, and 24.7% of the patients were at high risk of bleeding. Compared with the baseline, there were significant statistical differences (P < 0.001) in disease awareness, awareness of the hazards of AF, use of anticoagulant drugs and heart rate control drugs, and control of risk factors among NVAF patients after standardized community management. Moreover, with the extension of management time, there was a linear increase in the awareness of NVAF, awareness of the hazards of AF, utilization rate of anticoagulant drugs, utilization rate of heart rate control drugs, blood pressure, blood glucose, and BMI compliance rate (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Currently, the awareness, treatment, and control of risk factors for AF in elderly NVAF patients in Shanghai community are not satisfactory. Standardized community management helps to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and control of risk factors in AF.
Role of the cAMP-PKA-NF-κB pathway in Mucin1 over-expression in A549 cells during Respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Jin Yingkang , Zhang Dongwei , Deng Kuimiao , Wu Peiqiong , Yang Diyuan , Xie Zhiwei , Qiu Wenjun , Yu Guangyuan
Published: November 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common pathogen associated with acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children worldwide. RSV commonly presents as bronchiolitis in young children; however, it can sometimes progress to pneumonia, respiratory failure, apnoea and even death. Although mucin1 (MUC1), a type of transmembrane glycoprotein present on airway epithelial surfaces, plays a crucial anti-inflammatory role in airway infections; however, its roles in RSV-associated acute lower respiratory tract infections have rarely been explored. In this study, we first revealed very high MUC1 protein levels in the exacerbation phase in sputum samples from children with RSV bronchiolitis. Because MUC1 is the downstream target of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in RSV-infected A549 cells, we observed the inhibition of NF-κB activity, main downstream signalling of TNF-α and remarkably reduced levels of MUC1 in RSV-infected and TNF-α treated A549 cells. Furthermore, the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analogue (dbcAMP) downregulated the protein levels of p-IκBα and MUC1 in TNF-α-treated A549 cells. By contrast, a protein kinase A inhibitor (KT5720) up-regulated the levels of those proteins. dbcAMP and KT5720 had the same effects on MUC1 protein levels in RSV-infected A549 cells. In conclusion, we found that the cAMP-PKA-NF-κB pathway may play a role in the regulation of MUC-1 over-expression during RSV infection.
Age and cancer type: associations with increased odds of receiving a late diagnosis in people with advanced cancer
Authors: Mills Sarah , Donnan Peter , Buchanan Deans , Smith Blair H.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In order to deliver appropriate and timely care planning and minimise avoidable late diagnoses, clinicians need to be aware of which patients are at higher risk of receiving a late cancer diagnosis. We aimed to determine which demographic and clinical factors are associated with receiving a ‘late’ cancer diagnosis (within the last 12 weeks of life).

Method

Retrospective cohort study of 2,443 people who died from cancer (‘cancer decedents’) in 2013–2015. Demographic and cancer registry datasets linked using patient-identifying Community Health Index numbers. Analysis used binary logistic regression, with univariate and adjusted odds ratios (SPSS v25).

Results

One third (n = 831,34.0%) received a late diagnosis. Age and cancer type were significantly associated with late cancer diagnosis (p < 0.001). Other demographic factors were not associated with receiving a late diagnosis. Cancer decedents with lung cancer (Odds Ratios presented in abstract are the inverse of those presented in the main text, where lung cancer is the reference category. Presented as 1/(OR multivariate)) were more likely to have late diagnosis than those with bowel (95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] Odds Ratio (OR)1.52 (OR1.12 to 2.04)), breast or ovarian (95%CI OR3.33 (OR2.27 to 5.0) or prostate (95%CI OR9.09 (OR4.0 to 20.0)) cancers. Cancer decedents aged > 85 years had higher odds of late diagnosis (95%CI OR3.45 (OR2.63 to 4.55)), compared to those aged < 65 years.

Conclusions

Cancer decedents who were older and those with lung cancer were significantly more likely to receive late cancer diagnoses than those who were younger or who had other cancer types.
The association between of placenta previa and congenital abnormalities: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Jenabi Ensiyeh , Bashirian Saeid , Khoshravesh Sahar
Published: November 2023

Background

Congenital abnormalities, as one of the fetal complications of placenta previa, may cause health problems or disability of the child throughout life. This study aimed to determine the relationship between placenta previa and congenital abnormalities.

Methods

Potential articles were retrieved from three electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Sciences) up to 21 May 2023 without limit of time and language. A random effect model was applied for meta-analysis. The heterogeneity was calculated based on I2 statistic and Cochrane Q-test. All analyses were conducted at the significance level of 0.05 using STATA software, version 14. The quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the improved Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

In the initial search, 829 articles were retrieved. Finally, according to the inclusion criteria, eight studies were analyzed in the meta-analysis. A significant association was reported between placenta previa and risk of congenital abnormalities based on crude form (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.34 to 2.28) and adjusted studies (OR = 6.38, 95% CI = 1.47 to 11.30). The high heterogeneity was observed among the studies reported based on adjusted and crude form, respectively (I2 = 97.9%, P = 0.000) (I2 = 80.6%, P = 0.000). Therefore, publication bias was not observed among studies. Seven studies of the included studies were of high quality.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence that there is a positive and significant association between placenta previa and congenital malformations, including all structural anomalies, chromosomal defects, and congenital hypothyroidisms. Therefore, monitoring congenital abnormalities in the fetus of a mother with placenta previa is necessary.
The role of physical activity on healthcare utilization in China
Authors: Lei Xiao-Lin , Gao Ke , Wang Huan , Chen Wei , Chen Gen-Rui , Wen Xing
Published: November 2023

Background

Evidence on the role of physical activity (PA) on healthcare utilization and expenditure is limited in China. We aimed to examine the association between the total physical activity (TPA) per week, healthcare service use and expenditure.

Methods

We extracted the data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2011, 2013, and 2015. Participants more than 50 years old who completed the follow-up for the three waves were enrolled. We converted the volume of vigorous physical activity (VPA) into an equivalent volume of moderate physical activity (MPA) and calculated the TPA per week for each participant. 12,927 of the 17,708 participants in CHARLS were included in our analysis. More than one-third of participants over 50 years old never participate in any moderate or intensity activity, and the median of self-reported moderate or intensity PA was about 525 (IQR 0–1680) MET-minutes per week in 2015.

Results

Compared to inactive subjects, the highest level of TPA was significantly related to the decreased risk number of inpatient visits (IRR: 0.58; 95% CI:0.50–0.67, p < 0.001), inpatient hospital days (IRR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.42–0.84, p < 0.01), healthcare expenditure (IRR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.65–0.79, p < 0.001) and catastrophic health expenditures (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.45–0.72, p < 0.001) after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions

Engaging in moderate-to-vigorous PA may drive a potential decrease in healthcare utilization, healthcare expenditure and household financial risk with a dose–response relationship in China, and some possible policy implications in public health may be considered to promote exercise in the middle-aged and elderly to reduce the medical burden on individuals and healthcare systems.
Household heating fuels impact on Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) symptoms among children in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Noor Amamah , Aftab Ammar , Aslam Memuna , Imanpour Sara
Published: November 2023

Exposure to household air pollution (HAP) accounted for the loss of 86 million healthy lives in 2019, with almost half of all deaths due to lower respiratory infection among children under 5 years of age. Similarly, the situation in Punjab – Pakistan’s largest province – is also not promising. This study was conducted to examine household energy consumption and respiratory symptoms among children under the age of five in rural and urban areas of Punjab. Using data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2017-18, logistic regression models were applied to the data of a sample of 35,000 children under the age of five living in households with polluting heating fuels. A hypothesis was formulated to investigate the relationship between polluting heating activities and respiratory infections among children under five. Those Children who live in households having traditional space heaters without chimneys are 50% more likely to have symptoms of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) compared to those whose households have chimneys with traditional space heaters. When households utilize polluting heating fuel, the likelihood of children experiencing rapid, shortness of breath increases by 49%, and the likelihood of children displaying ARI symptoms characterized by coughing rises by approximately 30%. This study proposed a complete banning of polluting heating activities and replacing it with cleaner ones using financial incentives. It is pertinent to raise awareness campaigns majorly focusing on the guidelines to adopt better heat output with less harmful emissions.
Specific expression profile of follicular fluid-derived exosomal microRNAs in patients with diminished ovarian reserve
Authors: Shen Kai-Yuan , Dai Xiao-Li , Li Shun , Huang Fen , Chen Li-Qun , Luo Ping , Qu Xiao-Li
Published: November 2023

Background

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is defined as a reduction in ovarian reserve and oocyte quality. The pathophysiology of DOR has not been completely explained as of yet. Scholars have uncovered a large number of exosomes that have been detected in follicular fluid, and exosomal miRNAs have been proven to play a critical role in controlling ovarian disorders and follicle formation. We focused on the expression profile of follicular fluid-derived exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) and attempted to understand if their role is connected to the pathomechanism of DOR.

Methods

The follicular fluid-derived differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs (DEmiRs) between patients with DOR and those with normal ovarian function were investigated using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) method. The main metabolic and signaling pathways of DEmiRs were identified using the KEGG pathway database, disease ontology (DO) analysis, and gene ontology (GO) analysis. In the end, a Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was built to search for exosomal miRNAs and their target genes that were potentially strongly connected with DOR.

Results

In comparison to normal controls, 52 DEmiRs were discovered in follicular fluid-derived exosomes of DOR patients, of which 19 were up-regulated and 33 were down-regulated (|log2(fold change) |>2, P < 0.05). GO, DO analysis, and the KEGG pathway database revealed that many of these DEmiRs have broad biological roles that are connected to ovarian function and disorders. The top ten DEmiRs in terms of expression were then chosen for miRNA-mRNA interaction analysis. Totally, 8 experimentally supported miRNAs (hsa-miR-1246, hsa-miR-483-3p, hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-130b-3p, hsa-miR-342-3p, hsa-miR-625-3p, hsa-miR-675-3p, and hsa-miR-134-5p) and 126 target genes were filtrated by utilizing Cytoscape software. The module analysis findings of the PPI network showed that the main module cluster with a score > 6.0 (MCODE score = 15) had six hub genes, including IGFR, VEGFA, KRAS, ERBB2, RHOA, and PTEN (MCODE score = 11.472).

Conclusion

Our data suggested a special expression profile of follicular fluid-derived exosomal miRNAs in patients with DOR, which was probably correlated to ovarian dysfunction and follicle formation. These results may give a unique insight into a better understanding of the molecular process in the pathogenesis of DOR or other ovarian diseases.
Enhancing operative documentation of emergency laparotomy: a systematic review and development of a synoptic reporting template
Authors: Elamin Aiman , Walker Emma , Sugrue Michael , Khalid Syed Yousaf , Stephens Ian , Lloyd Angus
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Currently, operative reports are narrative and often handwritten, making interpretation difficult and potentially omitting key steps of the procedure. This study undertook a systematic review to determine the current availability of synoptic operative reporting and develop a synoptic operative record template for emergency laparotomy (EL).

Methods

A PROSPERO registered study from January 1st, 2012, to December 31st, 2022, was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in February 2023. Keywords: emergency laparotomy AND operation notes OR operative notes OR documentation OR report OR pro forma OR narrative OR synoptic OR digital OR audio-visual. Studies on paediatric or pregnant patients, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case reports, editorial comments, and letters were excluded. A synoptic operative record was designed to include key standards in the documentation, as suggested by the Colleges of Surgeons.

Results

The literature search yielded 4687 articles, and no relevant published articles were found. A detailed synoptic template was developed, which included 111 fields related to patient demographics, operative findings, interventions, and documentation of key variables associated with patient outcomes. 11 were text boxes, two were related to digital audio-visual uploads, and three facilitated the digital scoring/grading of findings.

Conclusion

This systematic review identified a limited number of publications reporting synoptic operative reporting, and none related to emergency laparotomy. This novel operative template provides a platform for clear documentation of the surgery performed during emergency laparotomy, potentially facilitating data analysis, resident training, and research, in turn leading to a better understanding of patient outcomes.
Hypoxia exacerbates intestinal injury and inflammatory response mediated by myeloperoxidase during Salmonella Typhimurium infection in mice
Authors: Zhu Qinfang , Han Ying , Wang Xiaozhou , Jia Ruhan , Zhang Jingxuan , Liu Meiheng , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2023

Background

High-altitude exposure can cause oxidative stress damage in the intestine, which leads to increased intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation, resulting in local and systemic inflammation. Control of infection is critically dependent on the host’s ability to kill pathogens with reactive oxygen species (ROS). Myeloperoxidase (MPO) targets ROS in pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the effects of hypoxia on the colonic mucosal barrier and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-mediated innate immune response in the colon.

Methods and Results

Genetically engineered mice were exposed to a hypobaric oxygen chamber for 3 days and an inflammation model was established using Salmonella Typhimurium infection. We found that hypoxic exposure caused the development of exacerbated bacterial colitis and enhanced bacterial dissemination in MPO-deficient mice. Infection and disease severity were associated with significantly increased Ly6G+ neutrophil and F4/80+ macrophage counts in infected tissues, which is consistent with elevated proinflammatory cytokines and chemoattractant molecules. Hypoxia restrained antioxidant ability and MPO deficiency aggravated the respiratory burst in the colon.

Conclusion

Hypoxia can damage the colonic mucosa. MPO mediates the innate immune response and regulates the mucosal and systemic inflammatory responses to Salmonella infection during hypoxia.
Refractory gastrocutaneous fistula treated by two-stage surgery: a case report
Authors: Kobayashi Yuji , Yagi Shusuke , Yamada Kazuhiko , Kato Daiki , Enomoto Naoki , Nohara Kyoko , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: November 2023

Background

Gastrocutaneous fistulas are a rare complication of enterocutaneous fistulas and can be caused by intestinal injury, infection, and anastomotic leakage. They are typically treated conservatively or endoscopically; however, for large or difficult-to-treat gastrocutaneous fistulas, surgical intervention is required. Herein, we present a case of a huge gastrocutaneous fistula that was successfully treated with a two-stage surgery performed using open abdomen management.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old man with a perforated gastric ulcer underwent omental filling as an emergency surgery. Post-operative leakage led the development of a 10-cm gastrocutaneous fistula. He was transferred to our hospital for the treatment of gastrocutaneous fistula. Furthermore, nutritional therapy was administered for dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, metabolic acidosis, and acute kidney injury due to the high-output nature of the fistula. Moreover, owing to the intraperitoneal severe adhesion and poor nutritional status, two-stage surgery was planned. In the first stage, extensive dissection of the adhesions, distal gastrectomy reconstruction with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, and jejunostomy were performed. Furthermore, open abdomen management was conducted to check for the presence of unexpected complications due to extensive dissection of the adhesion and anastomotic leakage. Subsequently, in the second stage of the surgery, abdominal closure was performed on the 9th day after gastrectomy.

Conclusion

Open abdomen management may be effective for huge gastrocutaneous fistulas with extensive adhesions that require surgical intervention.
Flipped classroom in higher education: a systematic literature review and research challenges
Authors: Baig Maria Ijaz , Yadegaridehkordi Elaheh
Published: November 2023

Flipped learning has garnered substantial attention as a potential means to enhance student engagement, improve learning outcomes, and adapt to the evolving educational landscape. However, despite the growing interest and potential benefits of flipped learning, several challenges and areas of concern persist. This systematic literature review critically examines the implementation of the flipped classroom in higher education by focusing on the role of technologies and tools, pedagogical activities and courses, and existing challenges. Using a systematic approach, a total of 30 research articles published between 2014 and 2023 were chosen for the review. This study identified video creation tools, learning management systems (LMS), content repositories, collaborative platforms, podcasts, and online assessment tools as technologies that play a central role in the flipped classroom. Moreover, this study identifies specific pedagogical activities within different courses that contribute to the effectiveness of flipped learning in higher education. The implementation challenges that teachers and students may face in the flipped classroom were presented, and potential strategies to alleviate these challenges were provided. This study will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of flipped learning's benefits, technologies and tools, challenges, and potential to improve higher education.
Economic analysis of rhizobia and azospirilla co-inoculation in common beans
Authors: Messias Matheus , Asobia Princewill Chukwuma , de Brito Ferreira Enderson Petrônio
Published: November 2023

Background

Common bean has high production cost, mainly due to the use of inputs like nitrogen fertilizers. An alternative to replace the use of nitrogen fertilizers is the co-inoculation technique. This work aimed to evaluate the economic performance of the co-inoculation of Rhizobium tropici and different doses of Azospirillum brasilense applied at the V2–V3 stage of the common bean.

Methods

The economic analysis was carried out based on data from five field experiments in five locations in the state of Goiás in Brazil. Treatments consisted of absolute control (AC), N-fertilizer treatment (NfT), single inoculation of R. tropici (Rt), R. tropici + one dose of A. brasilense (Rt + Ab1l), R. tropici + two doses of A. brasilense (Rt + Ab2l), R. tropici + three doses of A. brasilense (Rt + Ab3l) and R. tropici + four doses of A. brasilense (Rt + Ab4l). The economic analysis was carried out based on prices and market indexes, depending on the grain yield of the different treatments.

Results

The best economic performance was obtained by the co-inoculation Rt + Ab3l, which provided the highest average values of gross revenue (2.471 US$ ha−1), net revenue (2.220 US$ ha−1), and benefit–cost ratio (1.4 US$ US$−1).

Conclusions

Co-inoculation Rt + Ab3l also showed the lowest production costs (451 US$ ha−1), while the nitrogen treatment with 80 kg ha−1 of N resulted in the highest average production cost (499 US$ ha−1).
Espacios, formas, imágenes ... Ideas, lenguaje, palabras ...: reflexiones en torno a las vanguardias y la desintegración del quehacer arquitectónico.
Authors: Sanz Botey José Luis
Published: November 2023

La arquitectura constituye el paradigma de la construcción del conocimiento. Las sensaciones y las ideas expresadas con palabras entran a construir una imagen que nace en el interior. La arquitectura como construcción del espacio en el tiempo puede considerarse como principio del conocimiento y de la razón, ya que el conocimiento sólo es posible a través del espacio y el tiempo. Pero en nuestros días está supeditada a los cambios de la percepción de la realidad introducidos por la incorporación masiva de los medios de comunicación, que construyen una realidad artificial y virtual donde las formas se transforman en puro lenguaje y la imagen interior en simulacro.
El hipermercado y la desintegración: foro abierto
Authors: Baudrillard Jean
Published: November 2023

La modernidad fue un proyecto de universalidad fundado en el axioma de un espacio perspectivo, de un orden inaugurado por el Renacimiento en el que participan todas las polaridades, las relaciones de fuerza, los sistemas representativos -lingüístico, político, estético, científico-, la dialéctica sujeto/objeto, significante/significado, fines/medios. Este espacio perspectivo, panóptico, racional que es el espacio de la producción, de la significación y de 127 la representación se está desmoronando hoy. La ‹‹forma›› del hipermercado puede ayudar a comprender el cariz del fin de la modernidad. El hipermercado es el modelo de toda forma futura de socialización controlada: retotalización de todas las funciones dispersas del cuerpo y de la vida social en un espacio-tiempo homogéneo; retransmisión de todos los flujos contradictorios en términos de circuitos integrados; espacio y tiempo de toda simulación operacional de la vida social, de toda estructura del hábitat y del tráfico.
El paisaje y el príncipe
Authors: Miranda Antonio
Published: November 2023

Con un renovado, y a pesar de los pesares, siempre posible optimismo, el autor -siguiendo a Schiller- viene a poner la emancipación humana en manos del poeta o príncipe colectivo educado en la auténtica, escasa y rara belleza
La ciudad recreada. Los espacios lúdicos de los jóvenes
Authors: Feixa Pàmpols Carles
Published: November 2023

La construcción del territorio urbano por las culturas juveniles constituye para el antropólogo Caries Feixa el centro de una investigación que muestra cómo los jóvenes han organizado el mapa significativo de la ciudad, configurando simbólica y prácticamente espacios urbanos ignorados, desconocidos o relegados a una presencia marginal. En este sentido, analiza, en primer lugar, la historia de los espacios del ocio de la ciudad de Lleida desde la guerra civil hasta la actualidad, rescatando la vivencia de determinados escenarios urbanos. En segundo lugar, revisa los procesos de territorialización de las bandas juveniles en la ciudad de México, estableciendo un análisis comparativo entre ambas culturas juveniles.
El hombre y la ciudad sublime.
Authors: Subirats Eduardo
Published: November 2023

Haciendo referencia a la obra pictórica de Hugh Ferriss, así como su descripción literaria de la ciudad del mañana en su libro The metrópolis of tomorrow, el autor pone en relieve la realidad de la ciudad moderna bajo las condiciones culturales y sociales de su transformación.
Dejar de vivir: al final en el laberinto: postfolio.
Authors: Portera Sánchez Alberto
Published: November 2023

Una transposición de la noción de la inmensidad en las nociones del laberinto y del caos, examinando en paralelo el laberinto como construcción y el laberinto mental.
Health behavioural changes in older people post pandemic
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: November 2023

This article explores the lasting effects of the pandemic on physical and mental health among older people due to behavioural change. It discusses ways in which older people can change their health behaviours once again, and regain what has temporarily been lost in their lives in terms of strength, fitness and mental wellbeing.
Do Quality and Safe Care Champions in community nursing teams positively impact on patients?
Authors: Coope Sally-Ann , Augustin Shamiso
Published: November 2023

Background:

Quality Always’ Clinical Assessment and Accreditation Scheme (CAAS), which consists of a process of assessments, reviews and accreditation in community healthcare services, was established in 2014 to drive improvements in the quality of patient care. The authors set out to understand whether the methodologies put in place to establish quality patient care were effective within the community nursing setting.

Aims:

To understand whether a quality and safe care champions network would support frontline community staff to embed evidence-based practice and affect the quality of care received by patients in the community setting.

Method:

A study was undertaken on data from the CAAS, as well as patient safety and experience data, to identify whether there was any correlation between quality and safe care champions and the quality of patient care.

Findings:

The authors identified data and practical examples to demonstrate a correlation between the engagement of champions in a community nursing team and improvement in quality standards for patients, including the most effective methods of engaging the community nursing quality and safe care champions.

Conclusion:

The authors conducted a benefits realisation exercise using elements of the East London NHS Foundation Trust's framework. This provided useful information for the community trust as a proof of concept regarding supporting a network of Quality and safe care champions in the community setting and understanding their impact on safe patient care.
At the centre of it all
Authors: Brown Clementine Rees
Published: November 2023

Clementine Rees Brown reports on this year's BOC, which featured a dental nursing programme.
Constant vigilance
Authors: Svec Julia
Published: November 2023

Julia Svec discusses the importance of breaking the chain of infection.
Citizenship Violence, Illegality, and Abolition in the Undocumemoir
Authors: Arrizón-Palomera Esmeralda
Published: November 2023

Abstract: This essay contributes a study of the undocumemoir to existing scholarship on undocu literature. I define the undocumemoir as an evolving literary form that transgresses literary boundaries and is distinguished by three defining characteristics: an engagement with immigration law and policy, a narrative arc of illegality, and the adoption of one or more generic conventions of established literary forms. I provide a reading of three recent undocumemoirs and argue that the undocumemoir departs from discussions of legal citizenship as full legal and political inclusion and show, instead, what I call citizenship violence and define as legal citizenship’s function as a mechanism to criminalize and contain migrants. I interpret the undocumemoir’s critique of citizenship violence as an incipient abolitionism invested in the creation of a borderless world that both echoes Black abolitionist and recent immigrant rights advocates’ critiques of legal citizenship, and invites a consideration of the liberatory potential in the rejection of legal citizenship.
Paradigm Splits and Hiatus Forms: The Origins of Modern Irish Sceach and Scottish Gaelic Sgitheach 'Thorn Tree', and The Old Irish Precursor of Scottish Gaelic Dìthean 'Flower'
Authors: Hoyne Mícheál
Published: November 2023

Abstract: This paper consists of two notes. The first argues that Scottish Gaelic sgitheach and Modern Irish sceach both have their origins in plural forms of Early Irish scé 'thorn tree', a paradigm in which we would expect to find alternation between iä and e . Similar paradigm splits and instances of paradigmatic levelling are discussed, with examples from Old, Middle and Early Modern Irish. The second note draws on the evidence of Scottish Gaelic dìthean 'flower' to clarify the earlier form of the word attested in Early Modern Irish manuscripts as dithan or dithen 'corn marigold'. It is argued that dìthean most likely goes back to Early Irish díán . This discussion also sheds some light on the form of the Early Irish word for 'purple foxglove'.
Remembering Charles M. “Tod” Oliver: Founding Editor, The Hemingway Review 1932–2022
Authors: Beegel Susan F.
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Susan F. Beegel, second editor of The Hemingway Review , remembers the important contributions and kind nature of Charles M. “Tod” Oliver, the founding editor, to Hemingway studies and to the Hemingway Society.