bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of mindfulness interventions on stress in medical students: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sperling Edie L. , Hulett Jennifer M. , Sherwin LeeAnne B. , Thompson Sarah , Bettencourt B. Ann
Published: October 2023

Background

Medical students have high levels of stress, which is associated with higher incidents of burnout, depression, and suicide compared to age-matched peers. Mindfulness practices have been shown to reduce stress among medical students.

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine if mindfulness interventions have an overall effect on stress outcomes in the high-stress population of medical students globally, particularly given the wide variety of interventions. Any intervention designed to promote mindfulness was included.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was completed to include multiple databases, ancestry, and hand-searching and 35 studies were included. Standardized mean difference effect sizes (ES) were synthesized across studies using a random-effects model for changes in stress levels in medical students ≥ 18. Moderator analyses were performed to explore variations in effects by participant and intervention characteristics.

Results

Mindfulness interventions significantly improved stress among medical students in both the two-arm studies (d = 0.370, k = 19, n = 2,199, 95% CI 0.239–0.501, p < .001) and one-arm pre-post studies (d = 0.291, k = 30, n = 18 (two cohorts from Dyrbye et al), 95% CI 0.127–0.455, p = 0.001). Moderator analyses found trends in less hours and less required practice resulted in better improvement in stress.

Conclusions

This study further confirms that despite a wide variety of mindfulness interventions for medical students around the world, they produce an overall small-to-moderate effect on stress reduction. Future research looking at the most effective protocols for high-stress medical students would be beneficial.
Protocol for an international multicenter randomized controlled trial assessing treatment success and safety of peroral endoscopic myotomy vs endoscopic balloon dilation for the treatment of achalasia in children
Authors: Mussies Carlijn , van Lennep Marinde , van der Lee Johanna H. , Singendonk Maartje J. , Benninga Marc. A. , Bastiaansen Barbara A. , Fockens Paul , Bredenoord Albert J. , van Wijk Michiel P.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Achalasia is a rare neurodegenerative esophageal motility disorder characterized by incomplete lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation, increased LES tone and absence of esophageal peristalsis. Achalasia requires invasive treatment in all patients. Conventional treatment options include endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) and laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy (LHM). Recently, a less invasive endoscopic therapy has been developed; Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). POEM integrates the theoretical advantages of both EBD and LHM (no skin incisions, less pain, short hospital stay, less blood loss and a durable myotomy). Our aim is to compare efficacy and safety of POEM vs. EBD as primary treatment for achalasia in children.

Methods and analysis

This multi-center, and center-stratified block-randomized controlled trial will assess safety and efficacy of POEM vs EBD. Primary outcome measure is the need for retreatment due to treatment failure (i.e. persisting symptoms (Eckardt score > 3) with evidence of recurrence on barium swallow and/or HRM within 12 months follow-up) as assed by a blinded end-point committee (PROBE design).

Discussion

This RCT will be the first one to evaluate which endoscopic therapy is most effective and safe for treatment of naïve pediatric patients with achalasia.
Household transmission investigation for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a rural and urban population of north India
Authors: Yadav Kapil , K. J. Subhashini , Meena Suneeta , Kumar Rakesh , Kaur Ravneet , Bairwa Mohan , Kant Shashi , Misra Puneet , Rai Sanjay K. , Ahmad Mohammad , Rahman Anisur
Published: October 2023

Background

Transmissibility within closed settings, such as households, can provide a strategic way to characterize the virus transmission patterns because the denominator can be well defined. We aimed to characterize the household transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) and its associated risk factors.

Methods

This prospective case-ascertained study was conducted among the household contacts of laboratory-confirmed SARS CoV-2 cases residing in Ballabgarh, Haryana. We enrolled 148 index cases and their 645 household contacts between December 16, 2020 and June 24, 2021. We defined household contact as any person who had resided in the same household as a confirmed COVID-19 case. Baseline data collection and sample collection for real time- reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and IgM/IgG against SARS CoV-2 were done on day 1 visit, and followed for a period of 28 days. RT-PCR was repeated on day 14 or whenever the contact is symptomatic and blood sample for serology was repeated on day 28. We estimated household secondary infection rate (SIR) and other epidemiological indicators–median incubation period and serial interval. We employed binomial logistic regression to quantify risk factors associated with infection.

Results

The household SIR was 30.5% (95% CI: 27.1–34.1%). The secondary clinical attack rate was 9.3% (95% CI: 7.2–11.8). The risk factors that showed higher susceptibility to infection were household contacts who were the primary care giver of the case, whose index cases were symptomatic, those with underlying medical conditions, those living in overcrowded households, who were sharing toilet with the index cases and also who were not wearing a mask when coming in contact with the case. The median (IQR) incubation period was 4 days (4, 5), mean (SD) serial interval 6.4 (±2.2) days, and median (IQR) serial interval 5 days (5, 7).

Conclusion

Households favour secondary transmission of SARS CoV- 2, hence, index cases are recommended to self-isolate and wear masks; and household contacts to follow strict COVID infection control measures within households when a family member is infected.
Structure, dynamics and free energy studies on the effect of point mutations on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding with ACE2 receptor
Authors: Rucker George , Qin Hong , Zhang Liqun
Published: October 2023

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to infect people worldwide, and the virus continues to evolve in significant ways which can pose challenges to the efficiency of available vaccines and therapeutic drugs and cause future pandemic. Therefore, it is important to investigate the binding and interaction of ACE2 with different RBD variants. A comparative study using all-atom MD simulations was conducted on ACE2 binding with 8 different RBD variants, including N501Y, E484K, P479S, T478I, S477N, N439K, K417N and N501Y-E484K-K417N on RBD. Based on the RMSD, RMSF, and DSSP results, overall the binding of RBD variants with ACE2 is stable, and the secondary structure of RBD and ACE2 are consistent after the point mutation. Besides that, a similar buried surface area, a consistent binding interface and a similar amount of hydrogen bonds formed between RBD and ACE2 although the exact residue pairs on the binding interface were modified. The change of binding free energy from point mutation was predicted using the free energy perturbation (FEP) method. It is found that N501Y, N439K, and K417N can strengthen the binding of RBD with ACE2, while E484K and P479S weaken the binding, and S477N and T478I have negligible effect on the binding. Point mutations modified the dynamic correlation of residues in RBD based on the dihedral angle covariance matrix calculation. Doing dynamic network analysis, a common intrinsic network community extending from the tail of RBD to central, then to the binding interface region was found, which could communicate the dynamics in the binding interface region to the tail thus to the other sections of S protein. The result can supply unique methodology and molecular insight on studying the molecular structure and dynamics of possible future pandemics and design novel drugs.
Molecular and clinicopathological implications of PRAME expression in adult glioma
Authors: Le Minh-Khang , Vuong Huy Gia , Dunn Ian F. , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: October 2023

Background

PRAME (PReferentially expressed Antigen in MElanoma) is a biomarker studied in various human cancers. Little is known about the biological implications of PRAME in glioma. We aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis to explore PRAME gene expression and its biological and clinicopathological significance in gliomas.

Methods and materials

We accessed the human cancer atlas (TCGA) database to collect glioma patients (n = 668) with primary tumors and gene expression data. Single nucleotide variants, copy number variation, DNA methylation data, and other clinicopathological factors were also extracted for the analysis.

Results

Overall, 170, 484, and 14 tumors showed no expression, low expression (FPKM≤1), and overexpression (FPKM>1) of the PRAME gene, respectively. The principal component analysis and pathway analyses showed that PRAME-positive gliomas (n = 498), which consisted of tumors with PRAME low expression and overexpression, expressed different oncogenic profiles, possessing higher activity of Hedgehog, P3IK-AKT-mTOR, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways (p<0.001). DNA methylation analysis also illustrated that PRAME-positive tumors were distributed more densely within a grade 4-related cluster (p<0.001). PRAME positivity was an independent prognostic factor for poor outcomes in a multivariate cox analysis adjusted for clinical characteristics and genetic events. Kaplan-Meier analysis stratified by revised classification showed that PRAME positivity was solely associated with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma, grade 4. Finally, PRAME-overexpressing cases (n = 14) had the worst clinical outcome compared to the PRAME-negative and PRAME-low cohorts (adjusted p<0.001) in pairwise comparisons.

Conclusion

PRAME expression statuses may dictate different biological and clinicopathological profiles in IDH-wildtype glioblastoma.
Dose-dependent effects of rumen-protected choline on hepatic metabolism during induction of fatty liver in dry pregnant dairy cows
Authors: Arshad Usman , Zenobi Marcos G. , Tribulo Paula , Staples Charles R. , Santos José E. P.
Published: October 2023

Objectives were to determine the effects of supplementing increasing amounts of choline ion on hepatic composition and mRNA abundance in pregnant dry cows subjected to a fatty liver induction protocol. Holstein cows (35 primiparous and 41 multiparous) at mean (± standard deviation) of 211 ± 9.9 days of gestation were blocked by body condition (3.59 ± 0.33) and assigned to receive 0, 6.45, 12.90, 19.35, and 25.80 g/day of choline ion as rumen-protected choline (RPC) as a top-dress for 14 days. Cows were fed for ad libitum intake on days 1 to 5 and restricted to 30% of the required net energy for lactation from days 6 to 14 of the experiment. Hepatic tissue was sampled on days 5 and 14 and analyzed for concentrations of triacylglycerol and glycogen, and mRNA abundance was investigated. Orthogonal contrasts evaluated the effects of supplementing RPC (0 g/day vs. rest), and the linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of increasing intake of choline ion from 6.45 to 25.80 g/day. Results are depicted in sequence of treatments from 0 to 25.8. During feed restriction, RPC reduced the concentration of hepatic triacylglycerol by 28.5% and increased that of glycogen by 26.1%, and the effect of increasing RPC intake on triacylglycerol was linear (6.67 vs. 5.45 vs. 4.68 vs. 5.13 vs. 3.81 ± 0.92% wet-basis). Feeding RPC during feed restriction increased abundance of transcripts involved in choline metabolism (CHKA,PLD1), synthesis of apolipoprotein-B100 (APOB100), and antioxidant activity (GPX3), and decreased the abundance of transcripts involved in hepatic lipogenesis (DGAT2,SREBF1) and acute phase response (SAA3). Most effects were linear with amount of choline fed. Changes in hepatic mRNA abundance followed a pattern of reduced lipogenesis and enhanced lipids export, which help explain the reduced hepatic triacylglycerol content in cows fed RPC. Choline exerts lipotropic effects in dairy cows by altering transcript pathways linked to hepatic lipids metabolism.
Life Story Book to enhance communication in persons with dementia: A systematic review of reviews
Authors: Subramaniam Ponnusamy , Thillainathan Preyaangka , Mat Ghani Nur Amirah , Sharma Shobha
Published: October 2023

The Life Story Book has been commonly used in promoting person-centred care in older adults, especially for persons with dementia. This involves collecting the life stories and memories of the person living with dementia and compiling them into a book or folder, which is used by staff or family to assist the person recall these memories. Evidence on the use, benefits and influences of the Life Story Book in dementia care is limited. This systematic literature review aimed to collect past reviews and provide a thorough overview of the use, benefits, and impact of the Life Story Book for the person with dementia, the relatives, family, and caregivers. The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science as well as grey literature through Google Scholar were searched to select the relevant studies. Seven studies that meet the inclusion criteria were selected and data synthesised. Findings revealed that the use of the Life Story Book has no specific guidelines and has been described with numerous characteristics and varied implementation methods. The Life Story Book intervention is found to provide positive outcomes for the person with dementia and the carers involved. Six out of the seven studies reported that Life Story Book enhanced communication between persons with dementia, relatives, care staff, and residents. The review extends the current evidence on the usage of the Life Story Book in dementia care and confirms that the use of life stories leads to better care in various settings. However, more research is needed to reveal the potential of the Life Story Book in enhancing communication. Guidelines and training are also required to make the best use of the Life Story Book.
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide rescues the quality of aged oocyte and improves subsequent embryo development in pigs
Authors: Li Leyi , Han Qinghe , Chen Yurong , Zhang Meng , Wang Luyao , An Xinglan , Zhang Sheng , Zhai Yanhui , Dai Xiangpeng , Tang Bo , Li Ziyi , Xie Guanghong
Published: October 2023

Oocyte senescence alters the shape and function, thereby weakening the fertilization potential. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) reverses age-related dysfunctions in various organs. Studies had shown long-term administration of NMN reduced the physiological decline associated in aged mice and reversed the aging of the ovaries. However, the protective effect of NMN on aged porcine oocytes is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of NMN on aging porcine oocytes and subsequent embryonic development. We established a model of senescence of porcine oocytes after ovulation by extending the culture time in vitro. NMN supplementation significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in senescence oocytes and increased the mRNA levels of antioxidant genes SOD1 and Cat. The mitochondrial membrane potential of aged oocytes treated with NMN was increased compared with that of untreated oocytes. In addition, the mRNA level of apoptosis-related gene Bax was significantly decreased in senescence oocytes treated with NMN, while the mRNA level of anti-apoptosis-related gene BCL-2 was significantly increased. Furthermore, NMN supplementation enhanced the subsequent development ability of senescent oocytes during in vitro aging. Compared with untreated senescent oocytes, the blastocyst formation rate and pluripotent genes of senescent oocytes treated with NMN were significantly increased. Taken together, these results suggest that NMN is beneficial for delaying the aging process in porcine oocytes.
Socio-demographic and behavioral correlates of excess weight and its health consequences among older adults in India: Evidence from a cross-sectional study, 2017–18
Authors: Saha Amiya , Muhammad T. , Mandal Bittu , Adhikary Mihir , Barman Papai
Published: October 2023

Background

Rapid population aging is expected to become one of the major demographic transitions in the twenty-first century due to the continued decline in fertility and rise in life expectancy. Such a rise in the aged population is associated with increasing non-communicable diseases. India has suffered from obesity epidemic, with morbid obesity affecting 5% of the population and continuing an upward trend in other developing countries. This study estimates the prevalence of excess weight among older adults in India, and examines the socio-demographic and behavioral factors and its health consequences.

Methods

The study used data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave 1 (2017–18). A total sample of 25,952 older adults (≥ 60 years) was selected for the study. Descriptive statistics, bivariate Chi-Square test, and logistic regression models were applied to accomplish the study objectives. Body mass index (BMI) has been computed for the study according to the classification of the World Health Organization, and “excess weight” refers to a score of BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2.

Results

Overall, 23% of older adults (≥ 60 years) were estimated with excess weight in India, which was higher among women irrespective of socioeconomic and health conditions. The higher levels of excess weight (than the national average of ≥22.7%) were observed among older adults in states like Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Manipur, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Sikkim and some other states. After adjusting for selected covariates, the odds of excess weight were higher among females than males [OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.89, 2.60]. Similarly, the likelihood of excess weight was 2.18 times higher among older adults who were living in urban areas compared to their rural counterparts [OR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.90, 2.49]. Higher level of education is significantly positively correlated with excess weight. Similarly, higher household wealth index was significantly positively correlated with excess weight [OR: 1.98, CI: 1.62, 2.41]. Having hypertension, diabetes and heart diseases were associated with excess weight among older adults. Regional variations were also observed in the prevalence of excess weight among older adults.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that introducing measures that help to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, and campaigns to encourage physical activity, and community awareness may help reduce the high burden of excess weight and obesity among older Indians. The findings are important for identifying the at-risk sub-populations and for the better functioning of any public health programme and suitable intervention techniques to lower the prevalence and risk factors for excess weight in later life.
The use of artificial intelligence tools in cancer detection compared to the traditional diagnostic imaging methods: An overview of the systematic reviews
Authors: Silva Helbert Eustáquio Cardoso da , Santos Glaucia Nize Martins , Leite André Ferreira , Mesquita Carla Ruffeil Moreira , Figueiredo Paulo Tadeu de Souza , Stefani Cristine Miron , de Melo Nilce Santos
Published: October 2023

Background and purpose

In comparison to conventional medical imaging diagnostic modalities, the aim of this overview article is to analyze the accuracy of the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques in the identification and diagnosis of malignant tumors in adult patients.

Data sources

The acronym PIRDs was used and a comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Embase, Scielo, EBSCOhost, and grey literature through Proquest, Google Scholar, and JSTOR for systematic reviews of AI as a diagnostic model and/or detection tool for any cancer type in adult patients, compared to the traditional diagnostic radiographic imaging model. There were no limits on publishing status, publication time, or language. For study selection and risk of bias evaluation, pairs of reviewers worked separately.

Results

In total, 382 records were retrieved in the databases, 364 after removing duplicates, 32 satisfied the full-text reading criterion, and 09 papers were considered for qualitative synthesis. Although there was heterogeneity in terms of methodological aspects, patient differences, and techniques used, the studies found that several AI approaches are promising in terms of specificity, sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy in the detection and diagnosis of malignant tumors. When compared to other machine learning algorithms, the Super Vector Machine method performed better in cancer detection and diagnosis. Computer-assisted detection (CAD) has shown promising in terms of aiding cancer detection, when compared to the traditional method of diagnosis.

Conclusions

The detection and diagnosis of malignant tumors with the help of AI seems to be feasible and accurate with the use of different technologies, such as CAD systems, deep and machine learning algorithms and radiomic analysis when compared with the traditional model, although these technologies are not capable of to replace the professional radiologist in the analysis of medical images. Although there are limitations regarding the generalization for all types of cancer, these AI tools might aid professionals, serving as an auxiliary and teaching tool, especially for less trained professionals. Therefore, further longitudinal studies with a longer follow-up duration are required for a better understanding of the clinical application of these artificial intelligence systems.

Trial registration

Systematic review registration.Prospero registration number:CRD42022307403.
Quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for the specific detection of the Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) in the UK
Authors: Rees Helen C. , Measures Gavin H. , Kane Steven D. , Maddison Ben C.
Published: October 2023

Cipangopaludina chinensis Gray 1833 is an East Asian freshwater snail and invasive species in many parts of the world (Global Invasive Species Database, 2022). Within the UK, it was first found at the Pevensey Levels, Sussex, and has since been reported at a second site at Southampton Common, Hampshire. Both sites are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for their wildlife importance. Although the impacts of this species within the UK have not yet been investigated several exotic parasites of the snail have been reported and research suggests that its presence can negatively impact native snail species. This is especially important at the Pevensey Levels due to the presence of the rare freshwater mollusc Anisus vorticulus (Little Whirlpool Rams’s-horn snail). Here, we have developed a qPCR-based eDNA assay for the detection of C. chinensis and compared water samples tested for eDNA with results from manual survey of the ditches at the Pevensey Levels. Our eDNA analysis exhibited an overall observed percentage agreement of 80% with a kappa coefficient of agreement between manual and eDNA surveys of 0.59 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.88). Some samples which were qPCR negative for C. chinensis were positive by manual survey, and vice versa revealing the potential for improved overall detection rates when using a combination of manual and eDNA methodologies. eDNA analysis can therefore augment manual survey techniques for C. chinensis as a relatively quick and inexpensive tool for collecting presence and distribution data that could be used to inform further manual surveys and control measures within the ditches.
The role of hypoxia related hormones responses in acute mountain sickness susceptibility individuals unaccustomed to high altitude
Authors: Fayazi Bayan , Tadibi Vahid , Ranjbar Kamal
Published: October 2023

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is caused by rapid ascent to altitude (>2500 m) and remains a poorly understood pathophysiological condition. Accordingly, we investigated the relationship between acute exposure to high altitude and hypoxia related biochemical proteins. 21 healthy subjects (Female (8) and male (13), Age: 36.7±8.5, BMI: 23.2±3.1) volunteers participated in this project and fasting blood samples were taken before (sea level) and after 1 and 24-h exposure to high altitude (3,550 m). Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), AMS status (Lake Louise Score) and serum HIF-1, Endothelin-1, VEGF and Orexin-A were measured (via ELISA) at 1, 6 and 24 h after exposure to high altitude. Pre-ascent measurement of hypoxia related proteins (Orexin-A, HIF-1, VEGF and Endothelin-1) where all significantly (<0.05) higher in the AMS-resistant individuals (No-AMS) when compared to AMS susceptible individuals (AMS+). Upon ascent to high altitude, 11 out of 21 volunteers had AMS (10.1±0.6 in AMS+ vs. 0.9±0.6 in No-AMS, P<0.05) and presented with lower resting SpO2 levels (77.7±0.4 vs. 83.5±0.3 respectively, p<0.05). Orexin-A, HIF-1, VEGF and Endothelin-1, significantly increased 24 hrs after exposure to high altitude in both AMS+ and No-AMS. The response of Orexin-A was similar between two groups, also, HIF-1 elevation 24 hrs after exposure to altitude was more in AMS+ (13% vs. 19%), but the increase of VEGF and Endothelin-1, 1 and 24 hrs after exposure to altitude in No-AMS was double that of AMS+. Hypoxia related proteins include Orexin-A, HIF-1, VEGF and Endothelin-1 may play a pathophysiological role in those who are susceptible to AMS.
RAMP1 as a novel prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer and osteosarcoma
Authors: Xie Long , Xiao Weiwei , Fang Hangqi , Liu Guoqiang
Published: October 2023

Receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) facilitates the localization of the calcitonin-like receptor (CLR) to the plasma membrane, but its role in osteosarcoma (OS) remains unclear. We evaluated the RAMP1 expression and prognostic value across different cancers, studying tumor immune infiltration. The prognostic value was analyzed using the GSE39058 and TARGET datasets. Differential gene expression was evaluated. a protein-protein interaction network was constructed, and gene set enrichment analysis was performed. The function of RAMP1 in the tumor microenvironment was analyzed, and its expression in OS cell lines was validated using quantitative real-time PCR. High RAMP1 expression correlated with poor prognosis relative to low RAMP1 expression (p < 0.05). Low RAMP1 expression correlated with an abundance of CD4+ memory-activated T cells. whereas a high expression level correlated with a high proportion of gamma-delta T cells (γδ T cells). Differentially expressed genes from TARGET was enriched in olfactory transduction pathways (normalized enrichment scores [NES] = 1.6998, p < 0.0001). RAMP1 expression negatively correlated with CD44 expression but positively correlated with TNFSF9 expression. The RAMP1 gene is substantially expressed in OS cells compared to the normal osteoblast cell line hFOB1.19. Thus, RAMP1 may be a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in OS.
The short-form of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-12): Adaptation and validation of the Spanish version in young Peruvian students
Authors: Robles-Mariños Rodrigo , Alvarado Germán F. , Maguiña Jorge L. , Bazo-Alvarez Juan Carlos
Published: October 2023

Background

Cyberchondria is defined as the increase in health-related anxiety or anguish associated with excessive or repeated online searches for health-related information. Our objective was to cross-culturally adapt and validate the CSS-12 scale for Peruvian Spanish speakers, to determine whether the Bifactor model works as well in our population as in previous studies’ and to explore whether the Bifactor-ESEM is a more suitable model.

Methods

We performed a cultural adaptation using the Delphi method and a validation study on medical students between 2018 and 2019. Reliability was evaluated by using Cronbach’s alpha (α) and McDonald’s omega (Ω) for internal consistency, and Pearson’s r and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), for test-retest reliability. We evaluated construct validity by contrasting four measurement models for the CSS-12 and the convergent validity against health anxiety.

Results

The Spanish CSS-12 showed excellent reliability (α = .93; Ω = .93; ICC = .93; r = .96). The Bifactor ESEM model showed the best fit, supporting a unidimensional measure of the general cyberchondria. This measure was positively associated with health anxiety (r = .51).

Conclusions

The Spanish CSS-12 provides a valid and reliable unidimensional measure of cyberchondria, which is distinguishable from the more general health anxiety. This can be applied to similar populations and future research. The Bifactor-ESEM model appears to offer a more accurate and realistic representation of the multifaceted nature of cyberchondria. We provide a free-to-use form of the Spanish CSS-12 as supplemental material.
Los lugares utópicos de las comunas contraculturales en España (1968-1986)
Authors: Toledo Machado Luis
Published: October 2023

En torno a 1968 y 1986 en España proliferaron numerosas comunas contraculturales. A partir del estudio de fuentes primarias como publicaciones underground y entrevistas a sus participantes, se pretende explicar cómo fueron espacialmente concebidos estos lugares. La investigación muestra que las diversas manifestaciones comunitarias del período (urbanas, rurales, efímeras, etc.) estuvieron atravesadas por la creencia de que el ser humano es un animal social por naturaleza. Bajo esta premisa, los comuneros trataron de crear espacios alternativos al urbanismo funcionalista donde los individuos pudieran ser libres cooperando entre sí.
Socioeconomic and Demographic Determinants of Using Modern Reversible and Permanent Contraceptive for Limiting Family Size in Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Israth
Published: October 2023

Birth control, often known as contraception, is the deliberate reduction of the number of live births by the use of techniques that temporarily or permanently prevent conception by disrupting the ovulatory, fertilization, and implantation phases of a woman's reproductive cycle. Countries with rapid population growth are more likely to have a high prevalence rate of contraceptives. For the sake of policy application in Bangladesh, knowledge of the socioeconomic and demographic variables that affect contraceptive prevalence is also valuable. For this purpose the study extracted data set form the Bangladesh national representative survey BDHS 2017-18. The study employed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify the important determinants of using modern contraceptive method. Educated women were more likely to use modern reversible method (OR: .147-1.773) and less likely to use permanent contraception (OR: 0.574-0.831) for limiting family size than illiterate women in Bangladesh. Moreover, women from higher age group were using more likely permanent and traditional contraception than women from lower age group. The other identified determinants of using modern method are husbands’ education, working status of women, age at first marriage, place of residence, division, socioeconomic status, parity, mass media, and religion of women. Findings of this research provide evidence-based guidance for developing a pragmatic strategy to improve modern contraception usage among low socioeconomic status, older age group, and rural women in Bangladesh.
Clinical Outcomes After Endoscopic Management of Low-Risk and High-Risk T1a Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Kamboj Amrit K. , Goyal Rohit , Vantanasiri Kornpong , Sachdeva Karan , Passe Melissa , Lansing Ramona , Garg Nikita , Chandi Paras S. , Ramirez Francisco C. , Kahn Allon , Fukami Norio , Wolfsen Herbert C. , Krishna Murli , Pai Rish K. , Hagen Catherine , Lee Hee Eun , Wang Kenneth K. , Leggett Cadman L. , Iyer Prasad G.
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) is standard of care for T1a esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). However, data on outcomes in high-risk T1a EAC are limited. We assessed and compared outcomes after EET of low-risk and high-risk T1a EAC, including intraluminal EAC recurrence, extraesophageal metastases, and overall survival.

METHODS:

Patients who underwent EET for T1a EAC at 3 referral Barrett's esophagus endotherapy units between 1996 and 2022 were included. Patients with submucosal invasion, positive deep margins, or metastases at initial diagnosis were excluded. High-risk T1a EAC was defined as T1a EAC with poor differentiation and/or lymphovascular invasion, with low-risk disease being defined without these features. All pathology was systematically assessed by expert gastrointestinal pathologists. Baseline and follow-up endoscopy and pathology data were abstracted. Time-to-event analyses were performed to compare outcomes between groups.

RESULTS:

One hundred eighty-eight patients with T1a EAC were included (high risk, n = 45; low risk, n = 143) with a median age of 70 years, and 84% were men. Groups were comparable for age, sex, Barrett's esophagus length, lesion size, and EET technique. Rates of delayed extraesophageal metastases (11.1% vs 1.4%) were significantly higher in the high-risk group (P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the rates of intraluminal EAC recurrence (P = 0.79) and overall survival (P = 0.73) between the 2 groups.

DISCUSSION:

Patients with high-risk T1a EAC undergoing successful EET had a substantially higher rate of extraesophageal metastases compared with those with low-risk T1a EAC on long-term follow-up. These data should be factored into discussions with patients while selecting treatment approaches. Additional prospective data in this area are critical.
Simultaneous Gastric and Colonic Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Botto Inês , Moiteiro Cruz Rafael , Noronha Ferreira Carlos , Valente Ana Isabel , Carrilho-Ribeiro Luis , Tato-Marinho Rui , Ferreira Cristina , Correia Luis
Published: October 2023

Although breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy in women, metastasization to the gastrointestinal tract is rare. We present a 59-year-old woman with simultaneous gastric and colonic metastasis of invasive lobular breast carcinoma. She had been diagnosed with BC and underwent surgery and systemic therapy. Two years later, an increase in tumor markers motivated investigation, including upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, which identified gastric ulcers and mucosal irregularity in the cecum. Histopathological analysis was compatible with gastric and colonic metastases from BC. We highlight the importance of biopsying every endoscopically visible lesion in patients with BC history.
ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTION CAPACITY AS A BASIS FOR OBJECTIVIZATION OF MANAGEMENT OF PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES OF INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES
Authors:   Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University, Zambrzhitskaia Evgeniya , Kireeva Natalya ,   Branch of Educational Institution of Trade Unions of Higher Education “Academy of Labor and Social Relations”
Published: October 2023

Such indicators as normative production and equipment load factor are determined with-in the framework of the article in order to objectify the management of production activities. The as-sessment of these indicators is carried out through the production capacity indicator, which is calculat-ed using the “leading link” method, i.e., equipment is determined as part of the production line with a minimum throughput based on the passport data of the equipment. In this case, the calculation is carried out according to the principle of “upward calculation”: from the beginning of the production line to the end. According to the authors, this approach is not applicable to the conditions of multi-product indus-tries with a mobile assortment structure. Since most industrial enterprises produce a wide range of products, the authors propose an approach to calculating production capacity based on understanding it as a function of production factors, the main one of which is the assortment structure of finished prod-ucts. The authors also propose to use a single unit of measurement as part of the calculation of the de-clared indicators of objectification of management activities, namely a conventional assortment unit. The proposed methodological approach will make it possible to adequately assess the work of the pro-duction units of industrial enterprises, since changes in the assortment structure of products are explicit-ly taken into account, which do not depend on the efficiency of their work and, as a rule, are deter-mined by the work of the sales department responsible for the formation of production orders.
ENTERPRISE EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING MODEL BASED ON TECHNOLOGICAL BENCHMARKING
Authors:   Miass Branch of South Ural State University, Kochegarova Tatyana , Kuvshinov Mikhail ,   South Ural State University
Published: October 2023

The development of domestic enterprises is significantly affected by the constantly im-posed sanctions by Western countries, which leads to changes in logistics flows, the need to promptly search for new suppliers and markets, the comprehension of lagging behind in a number of industries due to the lack of components, spare parts, equipment, etc. Another major problem of low functioning efficiency of domestic industrial enterprises is the wear and tear and the lack of necessary equipment. Limited technological resources act as a significant constraint to the effective innovative development of enterprises. The solution to the problem can be the application of the best available technologies, covering all aspects of enterprise activity such as production, technological, economic, environmental, social and in-novative ones. This requires combining the best available technologies for the enterprise into a single interrelated set of technologies, taking into account the enterprise mission, its strategic goals, the inter-dependence of the all business process components, the presence of limitations and forecasts for over-coming them. A conceptual effective functioning model of the domestic enterprise is presented in the article based on implementation of the best available technologies through technological benchmarking, which involves the application of the program-target and system-synergetic approaches principles. The combi-nation of program-target and system-synergetic approaches to the industrial enterprise effective func-tioning allows to specify its components, which are formed in relation to a set of objectives that ensure effective functioning when calculating composite indices of all the most significant components. The implementation of the best available technologies comprehensively influences the enterprise's capabilities components, directing the enterprise to the effective functioning trajectory. Technological benchmarking makes it possible to establish the most accurate areas of limited resources application in order to achieve peak effect and allows for a systematic approach to identifying key benchmarks for en-terprise development.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT OF DIGITAL ASSETS AND ASSESSMENT OF LABOUR EFFICIENCY IN IT COMPANIES
Authors:   South Ural State University, Prosvirina Irina , Viltovskaya Vanda ,   Avuar Ltd
Published: October 2023

The IT industry is developing rapidly, and its share in the Russian economy is constantly growing. At the same time, the economic aspects of the activities of companies in this sector are still poor-ly studied. The purpose of this study is to develop approaches to the formation of the main directions of economic analysis of the activities of IT companies. The article analyzes the existing approaches to the subject of research – the concept of "digital assets" as the main product of IT activities, and proposes ad-justments in order to converge with the general concept of assets used in business to generate income. The authors also present an analysis of the object of study – the boundaries of the IT industry to avoid different understandings of concepts such as IT sector, IT industry, and IT sphere. It is shown that not all companies in the IT industry create digital assets, and it is proposed to give accent to this segment in order to form economic guidelines for investors planning investments in this direction. Indicators of return on capital for IT companies of different sizes are calculated. A high level of this indicator means that it takes into ac-count the premium for creating high value for customers. The author's approach to the study of the effec-tiveness of IT companies is also that the features of their business model are taken into account, namely the intellectual nature of activities related to the high-tech sector of the economy. A key resource in this indus-try is highly skilled labor. It is also taken into account that at present there is a problem of providing IT companies with the necessary specialists. Therefore, unlike traditional performance assessment systems used in other sectors of the economy, the system of performance indicators of IT companies is based on labor performance indicators. Calculations revealed a higher level of efficiency in large IT companies due to a higher capital-labor ratio. The results can be used by investors to plan investments in the industry, as well as by researchers for the development of a new direction in the sectoral economy.
METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS OF THE INNOVATION POTENTIAL OF AN INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISE
Authors:   Ural Socio-Economic Institute (branch) of the Educational Unitary Enterprise “Academy of Labor and Social Relations”, Pushkareva Maria , Zubkova Olga ,   Ural Socio-Economic Institute (branch) of the Educational Unitary Enterprise “Academy of Labor and Social Relations”
Published: October 2023

The article presents a methodological approach to conducting a factor analysis of the innova-tive potential of an industrial enterprise. The author's concept of “innovative potential” has been clarified as the difference between the “innovative capacity” and the “innovative program” of the enterprise. An orga-nized classification has been presented for the methods of assessing the capacity of the innovative products market based on which a conclusion has been made on the applicability of the “top-down” method to as-sessing the market capacity and VRIN results of enterprise activity in a research study. The original classification has been presented for the VRIN indicators of a high-technology enter-prise resources, which allowed to reveal the parameters of these resources influencing the level of the enterprise competitiveness. The relevance and eligibility of introducing the terms of VRIN result and VRIN efficiency to a research study has been explained. The article presents the methods of qualitative (expert) and quantitative assessment of VRIN re-sources, VRIN results and VRIN efficiency of the activity of an industrial enterprise, which allow to re-veal the necessity of performing a factor analysis of the enterprise's innovative potential. The results of testing the qualitative (expert) methods of assessment of VRIN efficiency have been presented on the example of OOO PK “UralResurs” and OOO “Ural and Siberia Mechnical Engineering Plant” companies. The relevance of an in-depth qualitative analysis of VRIN efficiency has been ex-plained for OOO “Ural and Siberia Mechnical Engineering Plant”.
ASSESSMENT TOOLS AND STRATEGIES FOR THE GROWTH OF THE MARKET SHARE OF A SCALABLE INNOVATIVE STARTUP
Authors:   State University of Management, Azoev Gennadiy , Sumarokova Ekaterina ,   State University of Management
Published: October 2023

The most problematic stage of a startup's life is the transition from a prototype to mass production. In relation to innovative products, these are also the risks of diffusion of innovation. Over-coming these problems requires singling out the scaling process as a separate direction of planning, in which increasing market share is one of the key parameters to success. Together with the growth of the market capacity and profitability of scalable products, an increase in the market share ensures an increase in startup profits. For innovation, this is the main criterion to success. Based on this thesis, the authors propose methods for calculating the indicators of market shares by value and quantity of products, and a scheme for positioning startups according to these indicators. For the correct use of the market share in-dicators in business scaling plans, tools for analyzing their mutual dynamics and the main drivers of growth are offered. The technology of building a competitive market map has been developed, which is necessary for the formation of strategies for the competition of innovative products with the existing ones on the market. The proposals for the development of strategies for increasing the market share by reducing costs, customization and work in special market niches are presented. An illustration of the strategies is presented on the example of Russian innovative products.
INTERRELATION OF CATEGORIES: HUMAN RESOURCES, HUMAN CAPITAL, AND HUMAN POTENTIAL
Authors:   Vladimir State University named after Alexander and Nikolay Stoletovs, Shcherbakov Artem , Teslenko Irina ,   Vladimir State University named after Alexander and Nikolay Stoletovs
Published: October 2023

The development of a modern digital society is inextricably linked with such single-order categories as human resources, human capital, and human potential. The article clarifies the interrela-tionships of the above categories, which makes it possible to identify the area of the highest research pri-ority in modern conditions. The methodological basis of the research consists of the theories of human resources, human capital, human potential, and labor economics. To achieve the goals and objectives of the research, general scientific and private scientific methods were used, which include: deduction, in-duction, synthesis, analysis, dichotomy and modeling. The results of the study make it possible to clarify the interrelationships of management categories, which helps to reduce semantic barriers in the scientific and business communities, and also allows us to determine the category of the highest research priority in modern society, that is, the human resources. The obtained results can be applied by specialists of human resource management services in order to concretize the policy in the field of human resource management, as well as by researchers and students in the field of improving the conceptual apparatus of managerial thought.
Retraction Notice to Control of Bidirectional DC-DC Converter for Micro-Energy Grid’s DC Feeders' Power Flow Application, IJRED 11(2), 533-546
Authors: Hadiyanto H
Published: October 2023

Refers to: RETRACTED: Control of Bidirectional DC-DC Converter for Micro-Energy Grid’s DC Feeders' Power Flow Application. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, Volume 11(2), May 2022, Pages 533-546 Muhammad Hammad Saeed, Wang Fangzong,  Basheer Ahmed Kalwar -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------