bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Openness to Experience on Students’ Readiness for School-To-Work Transition
Authors: Elom Chinyere O. , Okolie Ugochukwu Chinonso , Uwaleke Chidebe Chijioke , Umoke Chukwudum Collins , Abonyi Sunday Okechukwu , Nwele Anamelechi Ogai
Published: March 2024

This study examines how and whether the constructs of openness to experience in the work placement learning setting (openness to learning in a new environment, openness to supervisor feedback, and openness to diversity) might influence students’ readiness for school-to-work transition. Also, it builds upon the assumptions of the social cognitive career theory – model of self-career management to examine the mediating effect of self-efficacy in the proposed relationships. Analysis of 543 responses from undergraduate students undertaking work placement learning in 221 Nigerian firms using the structural equation modelling revealed positive effects of the constructs of openness to experience on students’ readiness for school-to-work transition. Also, self-efficacy was a significant mediator in the positive relationships. Our findings make important theoretical and practical contributions by offering highlights into the crucial role of openness to experience in enhancing students’ readiness for school-to-work transition via self-efficacy in the work placement learning setting.
Discrepancies Between Intraoperative and Postoperative Ankle Motion Measured for Anterior-Approach Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Kim Jaeyoung , Bitar Rogerio , Gagne Oliver , Palma Joaquin , Shaffrey Isabel , Cororaton Agnes , Henry Jensen , Deland Jonathan , Ellis Scott , Demetracopoulos Constantine
Published: March 2024

Background:

Although intraoperative ankle motion serves as a foundational reference for anticipated motion after surgery and guides the addition of procedures to enhance ankle motion in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), the relationship between intraoperative and postoperative ankle motion remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the discrepancy between intraoperative and postoperative ankle range of motion (ROM) following TAAs using the anterior-approach, fixed-bearing systems.

Methods:

This study retrospectively reviewed 67 patients (67 ankles) who underwent primary TAA at a single institution. Three different types of anterior-approach, fixed-bearing TAA systems were included. Intraoperative fluoroscopy was used to document the maximal dorsiflexion and plantar flexion at the end of the case. Standardized weightbearing maximum dorsiflexion and plantar flexion sagittal radiographs were obtained pre- and postoperatively, following a previously described method. The motion between 3 different time points (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative [mean 11.4 months]) was compared using pairwise t tests, and their differences were quantified.

Results:

The mean total tibiotalar ROM was 38.1 degrees (SD 7.8) intraoperatively, and the postoperative total tibiotalar ROM was 24.2 degrees (SD 9.7) ( P < .001), indicating that a mean of 65.3% (SD 26.7) of the intraoperative motion was maintained postoperatively. Intraoperative dorsiflexion (mean 11.6 [SD 4.5] degrees) showed no evidence of difference from postoperative dorsiflexion (mean 11.4 [SD 5.8] degrees, P > .99), indicating that a median of 95.6% (interquartile range: 66.2-112) of the intraoperative maximum dorsiflexion was maintained postoperatively. However, there was a significant difference between intraoperative plantarflexion (mean 26.4 [SD 6.3]) and postoperative plantarflexion (12.8 [SD 6.9] degrees, P < .001), indicating a mean 50.6% (SD 29.6) of intraoperative motion maintained in the postoperative assessment. There was an improvement of 2.5 degrees in the total tibiotalar ROM following TAA with statistical significance ( P < .043).

Conclusion:

This study revealed a significant difference between intraoperative ankle ROM and ankle ROM approximately 1 year after anterior-approach, fixed-bearing TAA, mainly due to plantarflexion motion restriction. Minimal difference in dorsiflexion suggests the importance of achieving the desired postoperative dorsiflexion motion during the surgery using the best possible adjunct procedures.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Ultrasound-Assisted Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for the Management of Pulmonary Embolism: A Single Center Experience in a Community Hospital
Authors: Ventenilla Jasmine , Rushing Todd , Ngu Becky , Shavelle David , Rai Neepa
Published: March 2024

Current guidelines recommend anticoagulation alone for low-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) with the addition of systemic thrombolysis for high-risk PE. However, treatment recommendations for intermediate-risk PE are not well-defined. Due to bleeding risks associated with systemic thrombolysis, ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis (USAT) has evolved as a promising treatment modality. USAT is thought to decrease the rate of major bleeding by using localized delivery with lower thrombolytic dosages. Currently, there is little guidance on the implementation of USAT in the real-world clinical setting. This study was designed to evaluate our experience with USAT at this single community hospital with a newly initiated Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT). All patients identified by the PERT with an acute PE diagnosed by a computed tomography (CT) scan from January 2021 to January 2023 were included. During the study period, there were 89 PERT activations with 40 patients (1 high-risk and 37 intermediate-risk PE) receiving USAT with alteplase administered at a fixed rate of 1 mg/h per catheter for 6 h. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI) score within 48 h after USAT. The primary safety outcome was major bleeding within 72 h. The mean age was 57.4 ± 17.4 years and 50% (n = 20) were male, 17.5% (n = 7) had active malignancy, and 20% (n = 8) had a history of prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or PE. The mean PESI score decreased from baseline to 48 h post-USAT (84.7 vs 74.9; p = 0.025) and there were no major bleeding events. The overall hospital length of stay was 7.5 ± 9.8 days and ICU length of stay was 2.2 ± 2.8 days. This study outlined our experience at this single community hospital which resulted in an improvement in PESI scores and no major bleeding events observed.
Reducing Reactivity: The Influence of Classroom Mindfulness Practice on Gifted Children
Authors: Szymanski Antonia , Szymanski Tristan
Published: March 2024

The impact that the practice of mindfulness has on young gifted children has yet to be fully explored in today’s literature. In adults, mindfulness has been demonstrated to help reduce anxiety, depression, stress, and improve self-regulation. Children are known to struggle with these issues as well. The findings of this exploratory qualitative study suggest four themes regarding the influence of classroom mindfulness practice on the lives of gifted children. The themes are the need for mindfulness, individual experiences, the role of mindfulness in the classroom, and the benefits of mindfulness. Parents and teachers provide multi-informant approaches to understanding the ways in which classroom mindfulness practice shapes the behavior of young gifted students. Although mindfulness has been researched in detail with adult populations and to a lesser extent with children, very few studies exist that explore the use of mindfulness with young gifted children. This exploratory study observed students practicing mindfulness, and then used parent and teacher interviews to provide preliminary information.
The Psychological Well-Being of Students with Gifts and Talents: From Amelioration to Education
Authors: Cross Tracy L.
Published: March 2024

The author focuses on positive psychology as an important approach to supporting the psychological well-being of students with gifts and talents. Research has identified protective factors that can counteract risk factors for suicidal behavior. These protective factors may be found within the individual, the family, peers, the school, the community, and the sociopolitical arena. In a time when the world is full of threats and worries, it is important that educators help students with gifts and talents (SWGT) to thrive by building on the positive and bolstering the protective factors at every level.
Providing Clinical Psychology Training and Trauma-Focused Treatment via Telehealth During COVID-19
Authors: Rancher Caitlin , Wallace Megan M. , McGuire Austen , Smith Daniel W. , Rheingold Alyssa
Published: March 2024

To slow the spread of COVID-19 many mental health providers transitioned to telehealth delivery of trauma-focused treatment for maltreated children. However, these providers faced myriad challenges, including equitable access to equipment and technical demands of telehealth software. Training clinics overseeing pre-doctoral clinical psychology interns experienced the added challenge of providing quality supervision and training via telehealth. This study involves a retrospective application of the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework to describe the innovative adaptation to a telehealth service delivery model in a training clinic providing evidence-based trauma-focused treatment to children and their families. Mixed methods data from clinic records and intern evaluations indicate that compared to pre-COVID (February 2019 – February 2020), during early COVID (April 2020 – April 2021) more patients accessed clinic services, interns reported fewer hours of individual supervision, and interns reported greater satisfaction with their training experiences. Implications for ongoing provision of telehealth services are discussed.
IPV Routine Enquiry in Antenatal Care: Perspectives of Women and Healthcare Professionals—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kirwan Collette , Meskell Pauline , Biesty Linda , Dowling Maura , Kirwan Anne
Published: March 2024

Despite one in three women experiencing abuse by an intimate partner in their lifetime, intimate partner violence (IPV) is under-reported. Globally, IPV routine enquiry is used as part of healthcare response to addressing IPV. This paper presents the views of pregnant women ( n = 40) and providers ( n = 30) of IPV routine enquiry as part of antenatal care policy in Ireland. Respondents supported IPV routine enquiry as part of usual antenatal care, and while immediate disclosure was recognized as important, it was not a primary expectation. Routine enquiry was seen as a woman’s right and a providers’ duty to provide holistic, empowered, women centered and safe care and where provision of information and education on IPV is as fundamental as the disclosure of abuse.
An energy-balanced method for determining the optimized parameter of the incompatible generalized mixed element
Authors: Wang Yonggang , Qing Guanghui
Published: March 2024

A novel method for determining the optimized parameter of the four-node incompatible generalized mixed element is presented based on the equilibrium between strain energy and complementary energy. The presented energy formulations are derived from the generalized mixed variational principle, which contains an arbitrary additional parameter. The initial solutions expressed by the displacement field are firstly assumed for the description of the energy of each generalized mixed element. Then, the identical relationship between strain energy and complementary energy is subsequently expressed at element level, which includes the arbitrary parameter. At the same time, a formulation for determining the optimized parameter at element level is proposed. Several representative examples with varying geometrical parameters, boundary and loading conditions are used to validate this method. By contrasting with the results of generalized mixed elements with different parameter values and other traditional finite elements. The effectiveness of the presented method has been demonstrated. On one hand, by ensuring the strain energy and complementary energy remain consistent under both coarse and fine meshes, the optimized parameter can adjust the stiffness of the generalized mixed element, thereby enhancing its resemblance to the real elastic body. On the other hand, the generalized mixed element has the additional advantage of conveniently introducing stress boundary conditions, thereby satisfying the requirement for zero-conditions of shear stresses on the exterior surfaces of beams. The numerical results obtained by the proposed method are accurate and stable.
A typology of residents’ travel safety perceptions and geopolitical border hesitancy
Authors: Lever Michael W , Mulvey Michael , Elliot Statia
Published: March 2024

Global crises prime travel safety perceptions and foster hesitancy to cross intra- and inter-country borders, significantly shifting travel flows. Tourism's post-crisis recovery is typically driven by domestic travel while international travel returns lag, leading many tourism destination managers to monitor resident travel safety perceptions and willingness to welcome domestic and international visitors. This study uses latent class analysis to model heterogeneity in travel safety perceptions among residents during the most recent global crisis and to profile the characteristics of people with different travel safety perceptions to understand the influence of geopolitical borders. Parameter estimates support a five-cluster typology of Unfettered Travel, Nationwide Travel, Cautioned Travel, Averse To All Travel, and Localized Travel. All clusters feel safest traveling in their community and least safe traveling internationally, similarly for welcoming visitors. Notably, crossing a border, even within one's province and country where boundaries are invisible, causes feelings of safety to decline. The results reveal the significant impact on travel sentiments of geography and borders between communities and provinces where traffic may flow without formal customs requirements. The effect of intra-country borders provides new insight into domestic travel flows.
Digitally enabled asynchronous remote medical management of anxiety and depression: A cohort study
Authors: Perlman Amichai , Pickman Yishai , Dreyfuss Michael , Manes Itay , Bak Peter , Souroujon Daniel , Paz Edo , Ebbert Jon O , Zeltzer Dan
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of a remote mental health program for managing anxiety and depression, primarily using asynchronous digital communication.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study examined U.S. adults seeking remote care for anxiety and depression from January 2021 to May 2022. The program involves clinician-led assessment, patient education, medication management, and ongoing monitoring, primarily via text. Anxiety and depression were measured using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scores. Outcomes examined were changes in scores, 50% score improvement rate, and remission rate (score <5) at 1, 3, and 6 months.

Results

During the period evaluated, 11,844 program participants met the inclusion criteria. Most were female (n = 8328, 70.3%); their age ranged from 18–82 years (median 31 years). At baseline, median PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were 13 (IQR 9–17); 67% and 69% met score criteria for depression and anxiety, respectively. Most participants (80%) were prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). By one month, average PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores decreased significantly by 9.2 and 9.1 points (both p < .01). At 1-month follow-up, the 50% score improvement rate was 66% for PHQ-9 and 69% GAD-7 ( p < .01). Scores continued to decrease with follow-up. At 3 months, over half achieved remission (percent [95% CI]: 52% [51–54] for anxiety, 53% [52–55] for depression). Similar improvement was observed at 6 months and in sensitivity analyses accounting for loss to follow-up.

Conclusions

Use of a remote mental health program with digital tools was associated with significant clinical improvement in anxiety and depression. Challenges remain in maintaining patient engagement and ensuring appropriate care quality monitoring in digital mental health programs. Additional research comparing remote digital care to traditional in-person models is warranted. Studies should examine long-term outcomes, optimal care protocols, and the challenges to integrating these programs into existing healthcare systems and ensuring equitable access.
Effects of telerehabilitation on cardiac remodeling and hemodynamics parameters in hypertensive older adults: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rodrigues-da-Silva Anderson JM , Suassuna Jennifer AS , Monteiro Eduardo dos SS , Borges de Lima Isabelle A , Santos Amilton da Cruz , Brasileiro-Santos Maria do Socorro
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess the effects of telerehabilitation with multimodal exercise on cardiac remodeling and blood pressure in hypertensive older adults.

Methods

Thirty-two hypertensive older adults (66.7 ± 5.33 years; 29.5 ± 4.22 Kg/m2; 24 female) were randomized into either a telerehabilitation or a control group. Echocardiographic parameters and blood pressure were assessed before and after the 16-week intervention. The exercise program was supervised, individualized, and offered 3×/week via videoconference.

Results

Blood pressure significantly decreased after telerehabilitation when compared to the control group, presenting a large effect size. The moderate effect size in relative and posterior wall thickness ( g = 0.63; g = 0.61), shortening fraction ( g = 0.54), and ejection fraction ( g = 0.68).

Conclusion

As a preliminary study, telerehabilitation is favorable to promote a moderate clinical improvement of some cardiac morphofunctional parameters and reduce blood pressure in hypertensive older adults.
Exploring the impact of social media on Orientalist representations and its effects on Syrian refugees in Turkiye
Authors: Basturk Sozen
Published: March 2024

This article examines the interplay between representations and social media, taking a postcolonial approach and using Orientalist representations of Syrian refugees in Turkiye as a case study. In this regard, the article first explores the role of social media in perpetuating derogatory representations and marginalising Syrian refugees in Turkiye. Based on qualitative content analysis and survey methods, the article finds that social media may facilitate an easy and rapid reproduction of Orientalist representations. Moreover, this reproduction reinforces the Western colonial mentality that created Orientalist representations in the first place, further ingraining them in our social and cultural structures. The article also discusses that Orientalist representations on social media perpetuate and justify the various types of attacks against Syrian refugees in Turkiye, which are explored through the concept of digital vigilantism. The article suggests that social media users must understand and be aware of the potential harm caused by the perpetuation of Orientalist representations and its contribution to digital vigilantism to challenge the drawbacks of social media.
Corrosion deposition in deforming anodes of in-ground cathodic protection systems: A three-dimensional transient study
Authors: Shirshahi M. J. , Mansouri Abraham , Taheri Peyman , Chini Seyed Farshid
Published: March 2024

Cathodic protection as a complementary technique is widely considered in the industry along with the selection of suitable materials as well as efficient coating considerations. In cathodic protection (CP), anode produces a current output to protect the structure (cathode) and part of the current output is wasted by the grounding system. We developed a 3D, and time-dependent numerical model to simulate the anode corrosion (using arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian method), find the deposit formation (by interface tracking level set method), anode mass loss and current wasted by the grounding system. We also defined a CP efficiency as anode mass loss times the current percentage received by the structure. The CP efficiency can be utilized for anode quantity and placement pattern. The results showed when the conductivity of corrosion products (deposit) is lower than that of soil, the current output from the anode decreases over time. When the deposit conductivity is higher than that of soil, the current output from the anode increases in time, reaches a peak, then decreases. This is due to the competition among three factors: anode surface increase, medium conductivity change, and inhibition effect of the deposition layer. For the studied case, almost 54% of the current from the anode is wasted by the grounding system. To illustrate the significance of CP efficiency, this study compares three alternative anode configurations with the original design. It is observed that for a 14.5 kg anode, burying the anodes 2 m deeper enhances the mean potential distribution on the structure by 4%. Additionally, the configuration featuring the 7.7 kg anode, owing to its superior dimensional design, demonstrates improved performance compared to other configurations.
Beyond (and Alongside) Shameful Attachments: The Lived Experience of Critique Within the Entrepreneurial University
Authors: Leyton Daniel , Sánchez Gustavo
Published: March 2024

During 2019, we embarked on a fieldwork based on 18 semi-structured interviews with international scholars in the humanities and social sciences in Chilean universities to explore their experiences with knowledge. Drawing on theories of critique and neoliberalism, we analyzed their ambivalent and unsettling conjunction of attachments to neoliberal and critical knowledge formations. By developing the notion of regime of epistemic subjectification, we emphasized the affective intensities these experiences brought to bear amid the differential weight and interplay of neoliberalism and critique as ethico-epistemic modes of engagement. We argued that the dominant focus on neoliberal knowledge and entrepreneurial subjectivity, albeit intense, expansive, and seemingly omnipresent, must be complicated by exposing its ambivalent affective and somatic force, and recognizing the difference between critical academic products and the lived experience of critique. The latter was constituted in the outsides of the inside of the neoliberal knowledge regime.
Learning-Oriented Leadership in Organizations: An Integrative Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Wallo Andreas , Lundqvist Daniel , Coetzer Alan
Published: March 2024

Recent societal challenges highlight the importance of learning in organizations. Nurturing employee learning requires leaders who prioritize learning-oriented leadership. While many studies have used qualitative methods to study how this leadership is performed in daily work, there have been no previous attempts to synthesize this body of research. This paper presents a framework based on a review of 38 qualitative papers on how leaders facilitate workplace learning. The framework identifies two elements of leadership: direct leadership behaviors, which involve supporting, educating, making demands, and role modelling, and indirect leadership behaviors, which facilitate learning through building a learning climate, influencing work organization, freeing up resources for learning, and encouraging knowledge dissemination. The review finds that situational factors shape learning-oriented leadership, and that this leadership involves the deployment of activities located on a planned-spontaneous continuum to facilitate learning. Longitudinal studies across professional groups and contexts will deepen our understanding of this concept.
Towards a Broader Mind for Students? Emergent Transformative Learning From a University-Based Course in the Netherlands
Authors: Demeijer Frederique A. , Visser Marlies J. , Urias Eduardo , Darvey Léa M. , Horn Annemarie , Zweekhorst Marjolein B. M.
Published: March 2024

To fulfil its third mission and equip students with the appropriate competencies to address complex societal issues, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) offers undergraduates the chance to learn about issues that transcend the confines of their own discipline through the cross-disciplinary Broader Mind Course (BMC). This study investigates to what extent this 40-hour course may elicit transformative learning (TL) that can significantly trigger changes in students’ awareness, perspectives, and behaviour. We gathered and analysed qualitative data ( n = 41) to determine: 1) whether indications of emergent TL outcomes as proposed by Hoggan were visible in students’ accounts and 2) what structural and interpersonal elements either facilitated or impeded this learning process. Our findings show that activating, creative exercises, productive conflict in group discussions, psychological security, and sufficient time – which is particularly challenging for HEIs – are crucial elements for TL. Therefore, when designing for TL, higher education institutes (HEIs) should carefully consider these four aspects.
Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Dietary Pattern and Implementation in Healthcare and Clinical Practice
Authors: Landry Matthew J. , Ward Catherine P.
Published: March 2024

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine recommends eating a predominantly plant-based diet with a variety of minimally processed vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. At any level, adoption of a plant-based diet can improve one’s health through a variety of mechanisms. Increasing intake of plant-based foods often results in increases in fiber intake, decreases in saturated fat intake, and increased intake of essential vitamins and minerals, among other healthful benefits. Despite such potential benefits, many individuals are reluctant or resistant to change their usual dietary behaviors or unable to sustain diet changes over time. This is largely because an individual’s decision to adopt a plant-based diet is influenced by a diverse array of motivating factors, priorities, and/or misconceptions about nutrient adequacy of plant-based diets. Here, we discuss key points from a session at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine’s annual conference LM2023. Specifically, we review common preconceptions about plant-based diets, provide guidance on removing the barriers to adopting and adhering to plant-based diets, and highlight key literature findings supporting the health benefits of plant-based diets. Last, we discuss how plant-based diets are increasingly being implemented within health care and clinical practice to support Food is/as Medicine approaches.
Parenthood and Glee: An online study to examine differences between viewers and non-viewers of television shows featuring a character with a developmental disability
Authors: John Aesha , Evans Spencer , Dow Emily
Published: March 2024

We present findings from our study, which examined whether ability to identify Down syndrome and autism was linked to participants’ willingness to maintain social contact with individuals with the respective conditions. Additionally, we explored whether viewers and non-viewers of Parenthood and Glee, television shows featuring a character with autism and Down syndrome respectively, differed in their awareness, beliefs regarding causes and interventions, and desire to maintain social proximity with individuals with these conditions. Participants completed an online survey, which included vignettes based on Max, the character with autism from Parenthood and Becky, the character with Down syndrome from Glee as well as the adapted Intellectual Disabilities Literacy Scale. Based on 300 responses, key differences were noted in the hypothesized direction on the assessed variables (symptom recognition, causal beliefs, and treatment beliefs) between Parenthood and Glee viewers and non-viewers. Findings are discussed in the context of practical implications and methodological limitations.
Care for breast cancer survivors in Asian countries: A review of sexual dysfunction
Authors: Jehan Minal , Azam Sumran , Taimuri Muskan Asim , Sumbal Anusha , Azhar Ayesha , Amir Alina , Oduoye Malik Olatunde , Zainab Asra , Ikram Areeba , Ali Tehreem
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer accounts for one in three new cancer cases in women each year. Despite having a higher survival rate than other cancers, it is associated with various side effects, including anorgasmia, vaginismus, hair loss, and decreased libido. This review aims to explore trends in the incidence of sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors, the etiology of sexual dysfunction, and the role of factors such as family history, age, duration of marriage, and depression in predisposing patients. We summarize the limitations of the treatment modalities already used to cater to sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors and patients. The authors conducted searches on databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using relevant search terms: sexual dysfunction, breast cancer, breast cancer survivors, chemotherapy, dyspareunia, vaginismus, and anorgasmia from 1997–2023. The inclusion criteria encompassed all types of articles with abstracts or titles indicating research on sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors in Asia. A total of 64 articles were included out of which 10 were systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The literature search yielded results showing high incidence rates of breast cancer in Asia (45.4%), with 31.6%–91.2% of breast cancer survivors likely to experience sexual dysfunction. Regional differences were noted, as female sexual dysfunction occurred in 74.1% of Asian breast cancer women. Further randomized controlled trials should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of treatment modalities. Personalized approaches should be tailored to address beliefs, such as the potential impact of sexual activity on disease recovery. Utilizing a family history of breast cancer as a preemptive tool can help reduce the risk of developing female sexual dysfunction in survivors, and factors such as age and depression should be considered when formulating solutions.
Technology as a predictor of students’ virtual learning experiences in post- covid era: Empirical analysis from a Ghanaian higher education institution
Authors: Essiam Joshua Ofori , Gyamfi Gerald Dapaah , Odame Jonathan , Ayisi-Addo Angela
Published: March 2024

The devastating effect of the Covid pandemic negatively affect most economies while conspicuously changing the mode of interactions in the educational sector from the traditional face-to-face to a full online deployment or a blend of virtual and in-person interactions during the post covid. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of technology on students’ virtual learning experiences after the peak of the covid pandemic. Three hundred and seventy-nine ( N = 379) undergraduate students participated in the study. Findings showed that the use of technology significantly predicted student online teaching and learning and also, influenced student virtual learning experiences positively. These findings will help managers of higher education institutions to invest into training and technology driven interactions to enhance students’ engagement.
Amoebic colitis-A diagnostic challenge on endoscopy: Case report
Authors: Waheed Aimen , Raman Sudarsanam
Published: March 2024

Amoebic colitis remains a diagnostic challenge on colonoscopy given that its features resemble that of inflammatory bowel disease. We describe a similar case of a 66 years old male patient with multiple comorbidities including morbid obesity, end-stage renal disease requiring haemodialysis, IHD with PCI, T2DM, HTN and new onset dry cough for which he received a short course of steroids. He presented to the colorectal clinic with bleeding and mucus discharge per-rectum with no other symptoms related to bowel and non-specific colonoscopy findings with amoebic colitis only confirmed on histological diagnosis. The patient was commenced on a course of Metronidazole and followed up on first and sixth month after treatment where he remained well and reported no further symptoms.
Exploring the Model of Contemporary Chinese Ethnic Musical Instrument Improvement Mechanisms: Based on Grounded Theory
Authors: Ma Yidi , Chen Yan
Published: March 2024

Modern Chinese traditional instruments have also embarked on a path of learning from Western musicology. Most research on instrument improvement has focused solely on Western instruments and issues inherent to the instruments themselves. However, to explore further directions for the improvement of Chinese instruments and enhance the quality of instrument creation and performance, this paper employs grounded theory to construct a “Sound Performance—Subject Driving—Environmental Inducing” dynamic model (SSE) for the improvement of Chinese traditional instruments. This model analyzes the various factors and driving mechanisms influencing improvement. We found that sound optimization is the main force driving instrument improvement, exerting the greatest influence on the improvement process. In terms of external driving forces, professional knowledge and esthetic pursuit play a crucial role, forming a dynamic triangular relationship among instrument manufacturers, performers, and Chinese traditional music groups. The dynamic changes in instrument improvement, through this triangular interaction, are ultimately influenced by cultural recognition, social policy, and technological innovation.
Automated Speech Audiometry: Can It Work Using Open-Source Pre-Trained Kaldi-NL Automatic Speech Recognition?
Authors: Araiza-Illan Gloria , Meyer Luke , Truong Khiet P. , Başkent Deniz
Published: March 2024

A practical speech audiometry tool is the digits-in-noise (DIN) test for hearing screening of populations of varying ages and hearing status. The test is usually conducted by a human supervisor (e.g., clinician), who scores the responses spoken by the listener, or online, where software scores the responses entered by the listener. The test has 24-digit triplets presented in an adaptive staircase procedure, resulting in a speech reception threshold (SRT). We propose an alternative automated DIN test setup that can evaluate spoken responses whilst conducted without a human supervisor, using the open-source automatic speech recognition toolkit, Kaldi-NL. Thirty self-reported normal-hearing Dutch adults (19–64 years) completed one DIN + Kaldi-NL test. Their spoken responses were recorded and used for evaluating the transcript of decoded responses by Kaldi-NL. Study 1 evaluated the Kaldi-NL performance through its word error rate (WER), percentage of summed decoding errors regarding only digits found in the transcript compared to the total number of digits present in the spoken responses. Average WER across participants was 5.0% (range 0–48%, SD = 8.8%), with average decoding errors in three triplets per participant. Study 2 analyzed the effect that triplets with decoding errors from Kaldi-NL had on the DIN test output (SRT), using bootstrapping simulations. Previous research indicated 0.70 dB as the typical within-subject SRT variability for normal-hearing adults. Study 2 showed that up to four triplets with decoding errors produce SRT variations within this range, suggesting that our proposed setup could be feasible for clinical applications.
The Relationship Between Tumor Budding and Patient’s Survival in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ranaee Mohammad , Torabi Hossein , Azhganzad Narges , Shirini Kasra , Hosseini Akram Sadat , Hajian Karimollah
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Breast cancer is a severe life-threatening condition in which many women are involved yearly. One factor that has recently been noticed and investigated as a diagnostic predictor of this type of cancer is the number of tumor buds and the relation of this factor with a patient’s survival rate.

Materials and methods:

This study includes 150 female patients over 18 years old with a mean age of 53.99 ± 12.56 years old with breast cancer, which was diagnosed at various medical centers, including Rouhani Hospital itself, and referred to Rouhani Hospital Medical Center, Babol, Iran. The number of intratumoral and peritumoral buds in patients’ microscopic slides were archived and evaluated along with tumor microenvironment on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides and compared to other clinicopathological findings. This article precisely investigated the relationship between the number of intratumoral and peritumoral buds with patients’ 5-year survival rate. Also, the relationship between age, tumor stage, grade, size, the number of lymph nodes involved, and the presence of metastasis with the number of intratumoral and peritumoral buds was studied.

Results and discussion:

The result showed a significant statistical association between the number of intratumoral and peritumoral buds with tumor size, tumor stage, presence of metastasis, the number of lymph nodes involved, and 5-year survival rate. On the other hand, there is not a significant statistical association between the number of intratumoral and peritumoral buds with age and tumor grade.

Conclusion:

Our investigation revealed a significant statistical relationship between the number of tumor buds and patients’ survival rate. So, this factor should be considered significant to help those patients increase their survival ratio.
Type 2 airway inflammation in COPD
Authors: Polverino Francesca , Sin Don D.
Published: March 2024

Globally, nearly 400 million persons have COPD, and COPD is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation and mortality across the world. While it has been long-recognised that COPD is an inflammatory lung disease, dissimilar to asthma, type 2 inflammation was thought to play a minor role. However, recent studies suggest that in approximately one third of patients with COPD, type 2 inflammation may be an important driver of disease and a potential therapeutic target. Importantly, the immune cells and molecules involved in COPD-related type 2 immunity may be significantly different from those observed in severe asthma. Here, we identify the important molecules and effector immune cells involved in type 2 airway inflammation in COPD, discuss the recent therapeutic trial results of biologicals that have targeted these pathways and explore the future of therapeutic development of type 2 immune modulators in COPD.
FEV1Q: a race-neutral approach to assessing lung function
Authors: Balasubramanian Aparna , Wise Robert A. , Stanojevic Sanja , Miller Martin R. , McCormack Meredith C.
Published: March 2024

Background

Forced expiratory volume in 1 s quotient (FEV1Q) is a simple approach to spirometry interpretation that compares measured lung function to a lower boundary. This study evaluated how well FEV1Q predicts survival compared with current interpretation methods and whether race impacts FEV1Q.

Methods

White and Black adults with complete spirometry and mortality data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III and the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database for lung transplant referrals were included. FEV1Q was calculated as FEV1divided by 0.4 L for females or 0.5 L for males. Cumulative distributions of FEV1were compared across races. Cox proportional hazards models tested mortality risk from FEV1Q adjusting for age, sex, height, smoking, income and among UNOS individuals, referral diagnosis. Harrell's C-statistics were compared between absolute FEV1, FEV1Q, FEV1/height2, FEV1z-scores and FEV1% predicted. Analyses were stratified by race.

Results

Among 7182 individuals from NHANES III and 7149 from UNOS, 1907 (27%) and 991 (14%), respectively, were Black. The lower boundary FEV1values did not differ between Black and White individuals in either population (FEV1first percentile difference ≤0.01 L; p>0.05). Decreasing FEV1Q was associated with increasing hazard ratio (HR) for mortality (NHANES III HR 1.33 (95% CI 1.28–1.39) and UNOS HR 1.18 (95% CI 1.12–1.23)). The associations were not confounded nor modified by race. Discriminative power was highest for FEV1Q compared with alternative FEV1approaches in both Black and White individuals.

Conclusions

FEV1Q is an intuitive and simple race-neutral approach to interpreting FEV1that predicts survival better than current alternative methods.
ERS/EBMT clinical practice guidelines on treatment of pulmonary chronic graft-versus-host disease in adults
Authors: Bos Saskia , Murray John , Marchetti Monia , Cheng Guang-Shing , Bergeron Anne , Wolff Daniel , Sander Clare , Sharma Akshay , Badawy Sherif M. , Peric Zinaida , Piekarska Agnieszka , Pidala Joseph , Raj Kavita , Penack Olaf , Kulkarni Samar , Beestrum Molly , Linke Andrea , Rutter Matthew , Coleman Courtney , Tonia Thomy , Schoemans Hélène , Stolz Daiana , Vos Robin
Published: March 2024

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is a common complication after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, characterised by a broad disease spectrum that can affect virtually any organ. Although pulmonary cGvHD is a less common manifestation, it is of great concern due to its severity and poor prognosis. Optimal management of patients with pulmonary cGvHD is complicated and no standardised approach is available. The purpose of this joint European Respiratory Society (ERS) and European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation task force was to develop evidence-based recommendations regarding the treatment of pulmonary cGvHD phenotype bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in adults. A multidisciplinary group representing specialists in haematology, respiratory medicine and methodology, as well as patient advocates, formulated eight PICO (patient, intervention, comparison, outcome) and two narrative questions. Following the ERS standardised methodology, we conducted systematic reviews to address these questions and used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to develop recommendations. The resulting guideline addresses common therapeutic options (inhalation therapy, fluticasone-azithromycin-montelukast, imatinib, ibrutinib, ruxolitinib, belumosudil, extracorporeal photopheresis and lung transplantation), as well as other aspects of general management, such as lung functional and radiological follow-up and pulmonary rehabilitation, for adults with pulmonary cGvHD phenotype bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. These recommendations include important advancements that could be incorporated in the management of adults with pulmonary cGvHD, primarily aimed at improving and standardising treatment and improving outcomes.
B-cells in pulmonary arterial hypertension: friend, foe or bystander?
Authors: Sanges Sébastien , Tian Wen , Dubucquoi Sylvain , Chang Jason L. , Collet Aurore , Launay David , Nicolls Mark R.
Published: March 2024

There is an unmet need for new therapeutic strategies that target alternative pathways to improve the prognosis of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). As immunity has been involved in the development and progression of vascular lesions in PAH, we review the potential contribution of B-cells in its pathogenesis and evaluate the relevance of B-cell-targeted therapies. Circulating B-cell homeostasis is altered in PAH patients, with total B-cell lymphopenia, abnormal subset distribution (expansion of naïve and antibody-secreting cells, reduction of memory B-cells) and chronic activation. B-cells are recruited to the lungs through local chemokine secretion, and activated by several mechanisms: 1) interaction with lung vascular autoantigens through cognate B-cell receptors; 2) costimulatory signals provided by T follicular helper cells (interleukin (IL)-21), type 2 T helper cells and mast cells (IL-4, IL-6 and IL-13); and 3) increased survival signals provided by B-cell activating factor pathways. This activity results in the formation of germinal centres within perivascular tertiary lymphoid organs and in the local production of pathogenic autoantibodies that target the pulmonary vasculature and vascular stabilisation factors (including angiotensin-II/endothelin-1 receptors and bone morphogenetic protein receptors). B-cells also mediate their effects through enhanced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced anti-inflammatory properties by regulatory B-cells, immunoglobulin (Ig)G-induced complement activation, and IgE-induced mast cell activation. Precision-medicine approaches targeting B-cell immunity are a promising direction for select PAH conditions, as suggested by the efficacy of anti-CD20 therapy in experimental models and a trial of rituximab in systemic sclerosis-associated PAH.
Heart rate characteristics predict risk of mortality in preterm infants in low and high target oxygen saturation ranges
Authors: King William E. , Sanghvi Urvi Jhaveri , Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Shukla Vivek V. , Travers Colm P. , Schelonka Robert L. , Wright Clyde , Carlo Waldemar A.
Published: March 2024

Background

The Neonatal Oxygenation Prospective Meta-analysis found that in infants <28 weeks gestational age, targeting an oxygen saturation (SpO2) range of 85–89%versus91–95% resulted in lower rates of retinopathy of prematurity but increased mortality. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the heart rate characteristics index (HRCi) in assessing the dynamic risk of mortality among infants managed with low and high targetSpO2ranges.

Methods

We linked the SUPPORT and HRCi datasets from one centre in which the randomised controlled trials overlapped. We examined the maximum daily HRCi (MaxHRCi24) to predict mortality among patients randomised to the lower and higher targetSpO2groups by generating predictiveness curves and calculating model performance metrics, including area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) at prediction windows from 1–60 days. Cox proportional hazards models tested whether MaxHRCi24 was an independent predictor of mortality. We also conducted a moderation analysis.

Results

There were 84 infants in the merged dataset. MaxHRCi24 predicted mortality in infants randomised to the lower targetSpO2(AUROC of 0.79–0.89 depending upon the prediction window) and higher targetSpO2(AUROC 0.82–0.91). MaxHRCi24 was an important additional predictor of mortality in multivariable modelling. In moderation analysis, in a model that also included demographic predictor variables, the individual terms and the interaction term between MaxHRCi24 and targetSpO2range all predicted mortality.

Conclusions

Associations between HRCi and mortality, at low and highSpO2target ranges, suggest that future research may find HRCi metrics helpful to individually optimise target oxygen saturation ranges for hospitalised preterm infants.
Melatonin reduces lung injury in type 1 diabetic mice by the modulation of autophagy
Authors: Rezaie Jafar , Jahanghiri Mojtaba , Heris Reza Mosaddeghi- , Hassannezhad Sina , Abdyazdani Nima , Rahbarghazi Afshin , Ahmadi Mahdi
Published: March 2024

Background

In recent years, the role of autophagy has been highlighted in the pathogenesis of diabetes and inflammatory lung diseases. In this study, using a diabetic model of mice, we investigated the expression of autophagy-related genes in the lung tissues following melatonin administration.

Results

Data showed histopathological remodeling in lung tissues of the D group coincided with an elevated level of IL-6, Becline-1, LC3, and P62 compared to the control group (p < 0.05). After melatonin treatment, histopathological remodeling was improved D + Mel group. In addition, expression levels of IL-6, Becline-1, LC3, and P62 were decreased in D + Mel compared to D group (P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences were not obtained between Mel group and C group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results showed that melatonin injection can be effective in the amelioration of lung injury in diabetic mice presumably by modulating autophagy-related genes.