bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel biomarkers and psoriasis associated cardiovascular risk: a population-based study
Authors: Fernández-Domper Leopoldo , Hernández Jose María Martín , Páramo Jose A. , Alonso Leopoldo Fernández , Belloso Rosa Izu , Casimiro Lucía Martínez , Villaescusa Encarnación Montesinos , Fernández Ángeles Revert , Suarez-Varela Maria Morales
Published: January 2024

Background Despite the established link between psoriasis and cardiovascular risk (CVR), there remains a crucial need for improved risk stratification in this patient population.Material and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional non-controlled study was carried out on patients evaluated in the Dermatology Department of the Valencia University Clinical Hospital between 2017 and 2022. The primary endpoint of our study was to characterize patients diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis, focusing on their major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as well as new metabolic and hematological parameters, such as triglycerides to glucose (TyG) index, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR).Results A total of 150 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, defined by a psoriasis area severity index (PASI) > 10 during their evolution, were collected. The mean age was 50.76 years and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.62, defining the overweight population. Psoriatic arthritis was present in 14.7%. As CVR factors, 40.7% were smokers, 17.3% had diabetes mellitus, 24% hypertension and 30.7% dyslipidemia. As MACE, 11 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 1 stroke were recorded.Conclusion Novel biomarkers such has TGI, NLR or PLR hold great potential in optimizing the management and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in this vulnerable population. Our psoriasis population is similar in clinical and demographic terms, as well as in incidence of metabolic comorbidities and cardiovascular events to other series published to date.
Akhmediev breathers and Kuznetsov-Ma rogue wave clusters of the higher-order nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation
Authors: Nikolic Stanko N. , Aleksic Najdan B. , Belic Milivoj R.
Published: January 2024

In this work, we analyze three types of the rogue wave (RW) clusters for the quintic nonlinear Schrödinger equation (QNLSE) on a flat background. These exact QNLSE solutions, composed of the higher-order Akhmedieav breathers (ABs) and Kuznetsov-Ma solitons (KMSs), are generated using the Darboux transformation (DT) scheme. We analyze the dependence of their shapes and intensity profiles on the three real QNLSE parameters, the eigenvalues, and evolution shifts in the DT scheme. The first type of RW clusters, characterized by the periodic array of peaks along the transverse or evolution axis, is obtained when the condition on commensurate frequencies of DT components is applied. The elliptical RW clusters are computed from the previous solution class when the first m evolution shifts in the DT scheme of order n are equal and nonzero. For both AB and KMS solutions, the periodic structure is obtained with the central RW of order n-2m and m ellipses, containing the first-order maxima, that encircle the central peak. We show that RW clusters built on KMSs are significantly more vulnerable to the application of sufficiently high values of QNLSE parameters, in contrast to the AB case. We next present the non-periodic long-tail KMS clusters characterized by the central rogue wave at the origin and $n$ tails above and below the central (0,0) point containing the first-order KMS. We finally show that the breather-to-soliton conversion, enabled by the QNLSE system, can completely transform the shape of RW clusters, by simply setting the real parts of DT eigenvalues to particular values, while keeping the three quintic parameters, imaginary parts and evolution shifts in the DT scheme intact.
Tapping Into the Human Spinal Locomotor Centres With Transspinal Stimulation
Authors: Skiadopoulos Andreas , Knikou Maria
Published: January 2024

Human locomotion is controlled by spinal neuronal networks of similar properties, function, and organization to those described in animals. Transspinal stimulation affects the spinal locomotor networks and is used to improve standing and walking ability in paralyzed people. However, the function of locomotor centers during transspinal stimulation at different frequencies and intensities is not known. Here, we document the 3D joint kinematics and spatiotemporal gait characteristics during transspinal stimulation at 15, 30, and 50 Hz at sub-threshold and supra-threshold stimulation intensities. We document the temporal structure of gait patterns, dynamic stability of joint movements over stride-to-stride fluctuations, and limb coordination during walking at a self-selected speed in healthy subjects. We found that transspinal stimulation 1) affects the kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle joints, 2) promotes a more stable coordination at the left ankle, 3) improves interlimb coordination of the thighs, 4) improves intralimb coordination between thigh and foot, 5) promotes greater dynamic stability of the hips, and lastly 6) affects the mechanical stability of the joints. These results support that transspinal stimulation is an important neuromodulatory strategy that directly affects gait symmetry and dynamic stability. The conservation of main effects at different frequencies and intensities calls for systematic investigation of stimulation protocols for clinical applications.
A scalable practice for deep-sea metagenomic studies
Authors: Wang Xiaohan , Ji Qianyue , Song Zewei , Meng Liang , Li Qiye , Gu Ying , Kristiansen Karsten , Liu Shanshan , Han Mo
Published: January 2024

Background
Metagenomic sequencing protocols are increasingly employed in research on deep-sea microbial communities for the purpose of examining their taxonomic makeup and metabolic capabilities. Despite the development and testing of various experimental techniques, commercial kits, and analytical software on mock communities and stool samples, a noticeable gap remains in the systematic evaluation of the entire procedure across a range of diverse deep-sea habitats. Moreover, the growing scale of studies raises a need for an efficient and resource-friendly automated approach to accommodate the increasing demand for throughput.
Results
We conducted evaluations of the entire metagenomic investigation process using samples obtained from three distinct habitats: open ocean water, trench sediments, and cold seep sediments. Our findings revealed that employing automated DNA extraction with a small sample size, along with enzymatic fragmentation-based library construction methods requiring minimal DNA input, could generate high-quality and representative metagenomic sequencing data for samples of different habitats. Notably, k-mer-based profiling tools such as Kraken2 effectively characterized the microbiota composition across all three habitats, demonstrating particular efficacy in the understudied trench sediments. Additionally, integrating various binners, particularly those utilizing co-binning (binning by group-of-samples) algorithms, significantly enhanced the recovery of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Through this approach, we identified distinct habitat-specific variations in the metabolic potential of a deep-sea Bacteroidia clade.
Conclusions
We established and evaluated an automated method for conducting metagenomic studies in deep-sea environments, designed to be adjustable in resource-constrained settings. This approach is adaptable to various habitats and has demonstrated effectiveness in facilitating taxonomic and functional analysis. Its implementation has the potential to significantly enhance our comprehension of the deep-sea ecosystem.
Association Between eHealth Literacy and Health Outcomes in German Elite Athletes using the GR-eHEALS
Authors: Geiger Sheila , Esser Anna , Marsall Matthias , Muehlbauer Thomas , Skoda Eva-Maria , Teufel Martin , Bäuerle Alexander
Published: January 2024

Background Elite athletes face various sports-related stressors, which may increase their risk for physical and mental health symptoms. With the internet as an important source of (health) information, it is important for athletes to have eHealth literacy, i.e. the ability to access, understand and use electronic health information and services. However, it is presently uncertain whether eHealth literacy of elite athletes is linked to better health outcomes such as reduced injury frequency and behaviours like decreased substance abuse. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted withN = 373 German elite athletes (229 females) from different types of sport (e.g., ball sports and water sports) who were included in the statistical analyses. The assessment compromised the GR-eHEALS measuring eHealth literacy, medical, sociodemographic, eHealth-related- and sports-related data. Confirmatory factor analyses and correlational analyses were performed to determine the validity of the GR-eHEALS and to assess the relation between eHealth literacy scores and health outcomes. Results The more frequently elite athletes had sustained minor or moderate injuries in the past, the higher the level of eHealth literacy they reported. Furthermore, consumption frequency of painkillers (r = .18,p = .002), sedatives (r = .12,p = .040), and cannabis (r = .29,p = .000) was positively associated with eHealth literacy scores. The confirmatory factor analysis of the GR-eHEALS showed an acceptable model fit with a 2-factor solution (information seeking and information appraisal). The GR-eHEALS showed good discriminant (r = − .09,p = .21) and convergent validity (digital confidence;r = .28,p < .001). Conclusion The GR-eHEALS is a valid instrument to assess eHealth literacy within the cohort of German elite athletes. Potential dangers of dealing with injury and psychological strain without reaching out for professional help should be considered.
Enhancing Teacher Leadership in Malaysian Secondary Schools: Do Collaborative School Culture and Principal Support Matter?
Authors:   Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Gurun, 08300 Gurun, Kedah, Malaysia, Goh Shau Ying , Yeap Sock Beei ,   School of Education, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 UUM Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia, Thien Lei Mee ,   School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: January 2024

Despite the impact of school culture on teacher leadership was well-theorised in literature, the extent to which the principal support strengthening the relationship between school culture on teacher leadership remains unknown. This study aims to examine the influence of collaborative school culture on teacher leadership with the four dimensions of principal support (professional support, emotional support, instrumental support and assessment support) as moderators. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Three hundreds and sixty teachers were the samples from 45 secondary schools in the states of Kedah, Perlis and Penang. Meanwhile, 18 secondary teachers participated in the semi-structured interviews. The quantitative findings revealed a significant influence of collaborative school culture on teacher leadership. The relationship between collaborative school culture and teacher leadership was stronger when the principal’s instrumental support was higher compared to its counterpart. However, there was no moderating effect of professional support, emotional support, and assessment support on the relationship between collaborative school culture and teacher leadership. The qualitative findings informed the impact of collaborative school culture on teacher leadership could be enhanced with support from the local social community, effective communication between leaders and teachers, and teacher engagement in academic and non-academic activities. Implications of the study and future studies are presented.
Teacher Leadership Interrogates Teaching Policy: Comparing the Voices of Low-Income Schools with National Teacher Policies in Argentina
Authors:   School of Education, Universidad de San Andres, Vito Dumas 284, B1644BID Victoria, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, Gomez Caride Ezequiel , Rivas Axel ,   School of Education, Universidad de San Andres, Vito Dumas 284, B1644BID Victoria, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Published: January 2024

This article analyses how low-income schools and teacher education policies in Argentina describe the idealised “good” teacher. One of the crucial foundations of teacher leadership is related to teachers’ professional abilities. This study aims to problematise the fragile discursive constructions of what counts as effective and good teaching in both low-income schools' actors and teacher education policy documents. As previous research has confirmed teacher ability is contextual and a highly controversial topic. How low-income school actors describe, interpret and enact good teaching might differ from national teaching policy guidelines and standards. This study attempts to address the following research questions. First, what factors do low-income school actors and Argentinean educational policies highlight regarding teachers’ professional ability? Second, does a teacher’s professional ability refer to teacher leadership? Finally, what are the implications of the gap between the perspectives of low-income schools and the official teaching policy for knowledge production and educational policy? The findings provide a framework to understand the current limited status of teacher leadership in Argentina. Through the historical normalist genesis of the Argentinean educational system that fostered homogenisation as a crucial technology of schooling, and an epistemological bias that deemed the low-income perspective as unscientific the article shed light on the status of teacher leadership. Finally, the research suggests bridges to foster dialogues between teaching policies and low-income schools.
Desafios da formação de professores em um contexto de reforma educacional: uma análise a partir do paradigma da reforma escocesa “Curriculum for Excellence”
Authors: Pereira Ana Lúcia
Published: January 2024

O presente artigo tem como objetivo investigar os desafios envolvidos na formação inicial e continuada de professores para a Educação Básica no Brasil no contexto da reforma educacional recentemente implantada no país por meio da BNCC, usando como paradigma o processo bem-sucedido de reforma educacional ocorrido na Escócia, que culminou na implantação do “Curriculum for Excellence” naquele país. A pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa, e a investigação consistiu de análise aprofundada dos documentos que embasaram as propostas escocesa e brasileira. Os dados apresentados são 12 artigos que foram escritos a partir de um projeto de pesquisa, relacionados aos “desafios da formação de professores em um contexto de reforma educacional” e que serão aqui analisados a partir do paradigma do processo bem-sucedido de reforma educacional ocorrido na Escócia. A partir de paralelos que identificamos entre os processos de reforma curricular escocês e brasileiro, nossos resultados nos permitem contribuir para o aprofundamento das discussões em curso no Brasil acerca da BNCC e da reforma do Ensino Médio, bem como com as eventuais reflexões sobre necessidades de correções de rumo no processo de reformas no Brasil.
Fast high-fidelity flood inundation map generation by super-resolution techniques
Authors: Yin Zeda , Saadati Yasaman , Hu Beichao , Leon Arturo S. , Amini M. Hadi , McDaniel Dwayne
Published: January 2024

Flooding is one of the most frequent natural hazards and causes more economic loss than all the other natural hazards. Fast and accurate flood prediction has significance in preserving lives, minimizing economic damage, and reducing public health risks. However, current methods cannot achieve speed and accuracy simultaneously. Numerical methods can provide high-fidelity results, but they are time-consuming, particularly when pursuing high accuracy. Conversely, neural networks can provide results in a matter of seconds, but they have shown low accuracy in flood map generation by all existing methods. This work combines the strengths of numerical methods and neural networks and builds a framework that can quickly and accurately model the high-fidelity flood inundation map with detailed water depth information. In this paper, we employ the U-Net and generative adversarial network (GAN) models to recover the lost physics and information from ultra-fast, low-resolution numerical simulations, ultimately presenting high-resolution, high-fidelity flood maps as the end results. In this study, both the U-Net and GAN models have proven their ability to reduce the computation time for generating high-fidelity results, reducing it from 7–8 h down to 1 min. Furthermore, the accuracy of both models is notably high.
AnCMBR-AFB-integrated process for the treatment of high nitrogen and phosphorus wastewater
Authors: Xu Huayu , Zhang Shoubin , Wang Fengchao , Xie Kang , Liu Guicai , Liu Yutian
Published: January 2024

Improving the nitrogen and phosphorus removal rates and efficiently controlling membrane fouling are the keys to fully exploiting the applicability of anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) process in high-concentration wastewater treatment. To that purpose, an integrated reactor composed of an anaerobic ceramic membrane bioreactor and N anaerobic fluidized bed (AnCMBR-AFB) was built and pollutant removal efficiency, nitrogen and phosphorus recovery characteristics, and membrane pollution features of this integrated reactor were investigated. The results revealed that the integrated reactor had good pollutant removal efficiency, with turbidity, chromaticity, and UV254 average values of the effluent being 0.470 NTU, 0.011 A, and 0.057 cm−1, respectively, and the average CODCr removal rate was 80%. The nitrogen and phosphorus recoveries were significantly higher than the nitrogen and phosphorus removal rates of conventional AnMBR at 23.20 ± 1.17% and 43.34 ± 1.54%, respectively. Microscopic analysis revealed the formation of magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) crystals on the carrier's surface, and friction between the carrier and the membrane surface could delay membrane fouling while allowing the contaminated membrane surface to retain significant roughness. Membrane fouling was mostly brought on by amides and saturated hydrocarbons, and inorganic metal ions also played a role to some extent.
Effective removal of iron, nutrients, micropollutants, and faecal bacteria in constructed wetlands cotreating mine water and sewage treatment plant effluent
Authors: Plaimart Jidapa , Acharya Kishor , Blackburn Adrian , Mrozik Wojciech , Davenport Russell J. , Werner David
Published: January 2024

Regulators in England and Wales have set new targets under the Environment Act 2021 for freshwater quality by 2038 that include halving the length of rivers polluted by harmful metals from abandoned mines and reducing phosphorus loadings from treated wastewater by 80%. In this context, an intriguing win–win opportunity exists in the removal of iron from abandoned mines and phosphate from small sewage treatment plants by coprecipitation in constructed wetlands (CWs). We investigated such a CW located at Lamesley, Northeast England, which cotreats abandoned coal mine and secondary-treated sewage treatment plant effluents. We assessed the removal of nutrients, heavy metals, organic micropollutants, and faecal coliforms by the CW, and characterized changes in the water bacteriology comprehensively using environmental DNA. The CW effectively removed ammonium-nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, and faecal coliforms by an average of 86, 74, 98, and 75%, respectively, to levels below or insignificantly different from those in the receiving river. The CW also effectively removed micropollutants such as acetaminophen, caffeine, and sulpiride by 70–100%. Molecular microbiology methods showed successful conversion of sewage and mine water microbiomes into a freshwater microbiome. Overall, the CW significantly reduced impacts on the rural water environment with minimal operational requirements.
A Detailed Analysis of the Carotenoids and their Derivatives, including their Multiple Health Advantages
Authors: Wal Pranay , Vig Himangi , Khare Riya , Wal Ankita , Tondon Gunjan , Kishore Awadh , Kumar Sunil
Published: January 2024

Background:

The majority of foods, vegetation, plankton, and photosynthetic bacteria all include carotenoids, which are pigments that naturally exist. Since humans are unable to produce carotenoids, they must be consumed through food or supplements. There are many roles for carotenoids in ensuring human health. They generally act as antioxidants, but different carotenoids may also have other functions. For instance, β-carotene functions as pro-vitamin A, while lutein and zeaxanthin make up the macular pigmentation in the eyes.

Objective:

The primary goal of this review article is to emphasise the numerous health advantages of the various carotenoids and their derivatives, including neuro, cardio, bone, immune, and cancer protection.

Methods:

The information for this review article was acquired by using Google Scholar and PubMed as search engines, as well as a number of publishers, including Springer Nature, Bentham Science, Taylor & Francis, and Elsevier.

Results:

Carotenoids are biologically active antioxidants, and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may help to lessen cardiovascular events such as adiposity, insulin sensitivity, hyperlipidemia, and inflammatory markers. Evidence shows they enhance eyesight, cognitive ability, and cardiovascular health. They could also reduce the risk of a number of malignancies. Carotenoids' diverse properties and therapeutic capacity to prevent neurodegeneration in conditions including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, and others are reviewed.

Conclusion:

Despite the data supporting the health advantages of carotenoids, extensive population-based supplement research on several carotenoids has yielded conflicting results. Further study, especially clinical studies, is required to demonstrate and validate the medical benefits of the various carotenoids.
Ízületi szögmérő használatának jelentősége Dupuytren betegségben
Authors: Tolnai-Szebeny Dóra , Szakács Noémi , Selymes Dávid , Hetthéssy Judit Réka
Published: January 2024

A kéz ujjainak mozgástartományát progresszíven beszűkítő Dupuytren betegség ellátására definitív terápiás lehetőség jelenleg nincs, kezelése egy folyamat, amiben egy-egy beteg esetén több alkalommal kerülünk terápiás döntéshelyzetbe. Az ujjak ízületi mozgásainak pontosabban a nyújtás elmaradásának mértéke jellemzi a betegség mértékét. Egyéb kézbetegségek, sérülések utáni állapotok esetében is fontos a kéz funkciójának jellemzésére az ízületi mozgások pontos dokumentációja mind a károsodás, mind a gyógyulás megítélése céljából. Az ízületi szögmérés technikafüggő pontosságának/pontatlanságának mértéke a Dupyutren betegség esetén jól bemutatható. Itt ugyanis a progresszió és a recidívák pontos feltérképezése, utánkövetése elengedhetetlen része a terápiás tervezésnek. Ízületi szögmérő használata lehetőséget nyújt a pontos adatfelvételre, azonban használata a klinikai gyakorlatban nem történik meg konzekvensen. Kutatásunk célja volt, hogy felmérjük, mekkora pontatlansághoz vezet az ízületi szögmérő használatának mellőzése az ízületi szögek megítélésében, mindezt a Dupuytren betegségben példájával alátámasztva. Az adatgyűjtés során 97, különböző szakmai tapasztalattal rendelkező kollégáknak kontraktúrákat ábrázoló képeket mutattunk be, amelyeken az ízületi flexió mértékét kellett eszköz segítsége nélkül meghatározni. A jelentősebb munkatapasztalattal rendelkező szakorvosok átlagosan pontosabban becsültek rezidens és szakorvosjelölt társaikhoz viszonyítva, míg a szakmai terület alapján a kézsebészek voltak a legeredményesebbek. A betegvizsgálat során ízületi szögmérőt alkalmazó kollégák tippjei megbízhatóbbak voltak, mint a műszert nem alkalmazóké. Ízületi szögmérő nélkül pontos becslés az esetek egyötödében történt, ennek elhagyása a kontraktúrák mértékének megítélését egyértelműen pontatlanabbá teszi. A betegség lefolyásának (progresszió, recidívák) pontos megítélése csupán becslésre való hagyatkozás esetén az esetek túlnyomó többségében nem lehetséges, a szükséges precizitás elérésére a goniométer használatát javasoljuk.
The filtration system of localization and glocalization for brand voice and brand communication
Authors: Surikova Jūlija , Siroda Sati
Published: January 2024

For over half a century, there has been ongoing debate among communication professionals and theorists about the need for localization or globalization in brand communication. Both sides have argued about the most effective strategy for global brands in the global market, with no clear consensus on the optimal approach. This paper aims to examine the impact of localization and glocalization on brand voice. A qualitative study design was used, based on a content analysis of case studies involving globalization, localization, and glocalization. The study is exploratory in nature and uses inductive reasoning. Through case study analysis, it became apparent that localized and glocalized brand communication and brand voice are influenced by various factors such as cultural background, religion, national beliefs, political environment, regional languages, media policies, political restraints, and socioeconomic conditions. These factors act as "filters" that may edit, clarify, censor, change, or leave brand communication unchanged. The author introduces the concept of a "filtration system" for localization and glocalization, which can be applied by multinational companies entering new markets to better fit the culture, habits, and values of the local area.
The impact of talent management on human resources efficiency
Authors: Zanabazar Altanchimeg , Natsagdorj Solongo , Jigjiddorj Sarantuya
Published: January 2024

The belief that talented people create prosperous organizations contributed to the accomplishment of talent management concepts into reality. Highly capable professionals or talented employees who systematically nurtured the best skills typically demonstrate high performance and serve as one of the key success factors for the organizations. Organizations face challenges attracting and maintaining talented employees more than assets. Researches demonstrate that one of the major challenges an organization experience is the aspect of talent management. The objective of the present study is to examine how talent management functions impact the efficiency of human resources. We conducted a sample survey in the metropolitan branch company of the major shareholding company. SPSS 23.0 and Smart PLS 3.0 are used in data analysis and we conducted several tests like reliability tests, correlation analyses, and structural equation models (SEM) to produce the results. The survey results showed that the practice of talent management improves the efficiency of human resources. Moreover, it proved that proper forecasting of talent management needs that foresee opportunity career development and nurture the work culture which would support the mission and vision of the organization makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the human resources.
PTEN Deregulation Mechanisms in Salivary Gland Carcinomas
Authors: PAPANIKOLAOU VASILEIOS , CHRYSOVERGIS ARISTEIDIS , ADAMOPOULOU MARIA , SPYROPOULOU DESPOINA , ROUKAS DIMITRIOS , PAPANASTASIOU GEORGE , MASTRONIKOLI SOFIANIKI , PAPOULIAKOS SOTIRIOS , MANAIOS LOUKAS , TSIAMBAS EVANGELOS , PANTOS PAVLOS , RAGOS VASILEIOS , FOTIADES PANAGOTIS , PESCHOS DIMITRIOS , MASTRONIKOLIS NICHOLAS , KYRODIMOS EFTHYMIOS
Published: January 2024

Among the tumour suppressor genes that affect critically cell functions and homeostasis, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted in chromosome 10 (PTEN- gene locus: 10q21) regulates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. PTEN is deleted, mutated or epigenetically hyper-methylated in a variety of human solid malignancies. Salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs) belong to the head and neck carcinomas (HNCs) super category of solid malignancies. Histo-pathologically, they demonstrate a significant diversity due to a variety of distinct and mixed subtypes. Genetically, they are characterized by a broad spectrum of gene and chromosomal imbalances. Referring specifically to suppressor genes, PTEN deregulation plays a critical role in signaling transduction in the corresponding SGC pre- and malignant epithelia modifying the response rates to potential targeted therapeutic strategies. In the current review, we explored the role of PTEN deregulation mechanisms that are involved in the onset and progression of SGCs.
Factors Involved in Shared Decision-making Regarding Treatment Selection by Patients With Cancer
Authors: KAWASAKI YUKO , HIRAI KEI , NII MANABU , KIZAWA YOSHIYUKI , UCHINUNO ATSUKO
Published: January 2024

Background/Aim: Patients diagnosed with cancer are expected to choose one or more treatment modalities after receiving corresponding explanations of the options. When making these choices, patients consider the effects of treatment and aspects related to their quality of life. These concerns can cause confusion and conflict owing to the complicated information provided by medical caregivers. The objective of the study was to identify perceptions of cancer treatment in patients with cancer and the decision-making factors affecting their treatment choices. Patients and Methods: In this observational (cross-sectional) study, an online questionnaire survey was administered to 194 Japanese cancer patients with treatment experience. Patient information, perceptions of explanations provided by healthcare professionals, treatment views, and reasons for treatment decisions were subjected to a simple tabulation. Content and factor analysis was conducted to determine important treatment selection elements. Results: Regarding treatment perception, 60.3% of respondents (n=117) considered treatment a financial and family burden, 47.4% (n=92) had concerns about physical pain, and 40.2% (n=78) were worried about increased stress. Regarding decision-making quality, 95.9% determined their preferred treatment within one week, 49.0% reported difficulties in making their decisions, and 83.0% chose their treatment themselves. Major decisive factors were prolonging life, opinions of medical staff, and accepting treatment risks (68.0%, 68.6%, and 60.3% of patients, respectively). The main attitudes toward treatment were anxiety, expectations of benefit, and expectations of support and care. Conclusion: SDM should enable patients to visualize the changes that their bodies will experience and include discussions on prognosis. Psychological care should be prioritized to alleviate anxiety and improve readiness for decision-making; attention should be paid to the extent and timing of information provision.
Percutaneous Perirenal Mass Biopsy in a Sitting Position Revealed Extramedullary Relapse of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: OBA YUKI , KOIZUMI RYO , KAGEYAMA KOSEI , YOSHIMOTO MASATOSHI , KURIHARA SHIGEKAZU , IKUMA DAISUKE , YAMAGUCHI KYOSUKE , YAMANOUCHI MASAYUKI , SUWABE TATSUYA , ISHIWATA KAZUYA , WAKE ATSUSHI , UBARA YOSHIFUMI , SAWA NAOKI
Published: January 2024

Background/Aim: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a blood malignancy characterized by a rapid proliferation of lymphoid progenitor cells. Extramedullary relapse (EMR) is the recurrence of leukemia that occurs outside the bone marrow. The central nervous system is the most prevalent site of EMR in ALL, whereas other organs, particularly the renal organs, are less commonly involved. Case Report: A 49-year-old man diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-negative ALL (Ph-negative ALL) received a second umbilical cord blood transplant (uCBT) and was confirmed to be in his third hematological complete remission. However, the perirenal mass lesion emerged after two weeks, and was difficult to detect on echography in the prone position. We successfully performed a percutaneous biopsy of the mass in a sitting position and pathologically identified it as EMR. After the diagnosis, chemotherapy was restarted, and the patient was scheduled to receive a third uCBT. Conclusion: This is the first report of EMR in a perirenal lesion of ALL and shows that this novel biopsy can be performed as a renal biopsy, even in a sitting position. This case is the first to describe a biopsy technique in detail and demonstrates the value of collaboration between hematologists and nephrologists in diagnosing EMR of the kidneys.
Interactive Technology to Help People with Multiple Disabilities Practice Relevant Physical Responses within an Occupational Task
Authors: Lancioni Giulio , Alberti Gloria , Filippini Chiara , Fiore Alessandra , Simonetti Clarissa , Singh Nirbhay , O'Reilly Mark , Sigafoos Jeff
Published: January 2024

This study adapted a new interactive technology system to help six participants with intellectual disability and visual and motor impairments to exercise relevant physical responses as part of an occupational task. The task was to place objects into different containers from a sitting position. The responses, which changed across sessions, consisted of the participants (a) stretching the left arm and shoulder to place objects in a container located to their left, (b) stretching the right arm and shoulder to place objects in a container located to their right, or (c) stretching one or both arms and shoulders forward and upward to place objects in a container located high up in front of them. The technology, which entailed a portable computer, a webcam, and a mini speaker, monitored the participants’ responses, gave brief periods of preferred stimulation contingent on the responses, provided verbal encouragements/prompts in case of no response, and assisted in data recording. The study was carried out according to a non-concurrent multiple baseline across participants design and included baseline and intervention sessions of 10 min. During the baseline (when the technology system only served to monitor and record the responses), the participants’ mean frequency of responses varied between near zero and about 10 per session. During the intervention (when the technology system was fully operational), the participant’s mean response frequency increased to between about 29 and 46 per session. In light of the results, one might consider the technology system a useful support tool to help people with multiple disabilities engage in relevant physical responses.
Race and Socioeconomic Status as Predictors of Willingness to Use Digital Mental Health Interventions or One-On-One Psychotherapy: National Survey Study
Authors: Lorenzo-Luaces Lorenzo , Wasil Akash , Kacmarek Corinne N , DeRubeis Robert
Published: January 2024

Background

There is an ongoing debate about whether digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) can reduce racial and socioeconomic inequities in access to mental health care. A key factor in this debate involves the extent to which racial and ethnic minoritized individuals and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals are willing to use, and pay for, DMHIs.

Objective

This study examined racial and ethnic as well as socioeconomic differences in participants’ willingness to pay for DMHIs versus one-on-one therapy (1:1 therapy).

Methods

We conducted a national survey of people in the United States (N=423; women: n=204; mean age 45.15, SD 16.19 years; non-Hispanic White: n=293) through Prolific. After reading descriptions of DMHIs and 1:1 therapy, participants rated their willingness to use each treatment (1) for free, (2) for a small fee, (3) as a maximum dollar amount, and (4) as a percentage of their total monthly income. At the end of the study, there was a decision task to potentially receive more information about DMHIs and 1:1 therapy.

Results

Race and ethnicity was associated with willingness to pay more of one’s income, as a percent or in dollar amounts, and was also associated with information-seeking for DMHIs in the behavioral task. For most outcomes, race and ethnicity was not associated with willingness to try 1:1 therapy. Greater educational attainment was associated to willingness to try DMHIs for free, the decision to learn more about DMHIs, and willingness to pay for 1:1 therapy. Income was inconsistently associated to willingness to try DMHIs or 1:1 therapy.

Conclusions

If they are available for free or at very low costs, DMHIs may reduce inequities by expanding access to mental health care for racial and ethnic minoritized individuals and economically disadvantaged groups.
Difficulty Index, Discrimination Index and Distractor Efficiency in Multiple Choice Questions for final exam of human and growth course, College of nursing, King Saud University (Preprint)
Authors: Shahbal Sayed
Published: January 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

The item analysis of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) is an essential tool that can provide input on validity and reliability of items. It helps to identify items, which can be revised or discarded, thus building a quality MCQ bank. The aim of the study To evaluate the quality of MCQs by analyzing DIF, DI and DE and to find out the association of MCQs having good difficulty and discrimination indices with DE. The study conducted in the department of maternity and child health nursing at College of nursing during the academic year 2023, second semester. Students of level six who took the final exam of course ( NUR 328) human growth and development second semester academic year 2023, A total 0f 152 third year Bachelor of Nursing, human and growth course students. The item analysis explored the difficulty index (DIF I) and discrimination index (DI) with distractor effectiveness (DE). Data was kept confidential and the descriptive and inferential statistics will be computed using SPSS 22.0.
Results: Of total 50 MCQs, the majority, that is, 74 (82%) MCQs had a good/acceptable level of difficulty with a mean DIF I of 94.94 ± 6.36 (mean ± SD), This indicates that, on average, the MCQs were relatively easy for the students, as the difficulty index is close to 100. The discrimination index, which assesses the ability of the MCQs to differentiate between high and low-performing students, had a mean of 0.11 and a standard deviation of 0.47. This relatively low mean value suggests that the MCQs had limited discriminatory power, meaning they did not effectively distinguish between students with different levels of performance. 150 (75%) were categorized as functional distractors (FDs). These FDs effectively served their purpose by distracting students from selecting the correct answer, challenging their knowledge and understanding. On the other hand, 50 distractors (25%) were classified as non-functional distractors (NFDs).
Conclusion: The categorization of the MCQs based on distractor efficiency highlights the importance of having well-constructed and effective distractors. The presence of functional distractors challenges students' decision-making, while non-functional distractors need to be revised or replaced to improve the overall quality of the MCQs. This finding indicates a potential area for improvement in the construction and selection of MCQs to enhance their ability to differentiate student abilities.
A Comprehensive Review of Possible Resistant Starch in Getuk: Its Formation, Health Effects, and Potential Applications as Prebiotics
Authors: Gunawan Muhammad Iqbal Fanani
Published: January 2024

This review aims to give a thorough understanding of how resistant starch is produced, how it affects health, and how it probably contains in traditional Indonesian snack called getuk. Resistant starch, a type of starch that resists digestion in the small intestine, has drawn a lot of attention. In order to learn more about resistant starch formation in getuk, this review includes a thorough study of the relevant databases, research articles, and scientific literature that is currently available. It explains the effects of various processing techniques, including cooking and cooling on the possible formation of resistant starch in the snack. The potential health implications of resistant starch consumption in getuk are also examined in this review. It has been discovered that resistant starch provides a number of advantages, such as improved glycemic management, prolonged satiety, gut microbiota modulation, increased mineral absorption, and a decreased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer. The primary cause of these effects is attributed to the fermentation of resistant starch by colonic bacteria, which results in the production of short-chain fatty acids and other bioactive substances. The review looks at Getuk’s potential uses as a resistant starch carrier in the creation of functional foods. The snack is a perfect candidate for adding extra bioactive substances such as fiber, and prebiotics to improve its nutritional profile and functional qualities because of its distinctive texture, flavor, and cultural importance. Overall, this review emphasizes the production of resistant starch during processing of getuk and indicates the potential health advantages of its ingestion. It offers insightful information about the importance of this traditional Indonesian snack as a carrier of resistant starch and its prospective uses in the creation of functional meals. To fully utilize getuk as a source of resistant starch in the production of functional foods, additional study is required to optimize processing methods, assess consumer acceptability, and explore novel formulations.
Effects Density and Salinity of Artificial Brackish Water on the Growth and Physiological Perfomance of Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei Boone, 1931)
Authors: Prawira Harri Ganda , Rustadi Rustadi , Priyono Susilo Budi
Published: January 2024

The increase in shrimp culture causes problems with the quality of seawater which is a source of water for whiteleg shrimp culture it self. The use of artificial brackish water as a culture medium is an effort to increase the availability of water sources for whiteleg shrimp culture. This study aims to (1) determine the optimum stocking density of whiteleg shrimp culture using artificial brackish water salinity based on carrying capacity, (2) determine mineral content (Mg, Ca, Na and K) in artificial brackish water, (3) study the effect of salinity on the growth and blood glucose concentration of whiteleg shrimp cultivated in artificial brackish water, (4) examine the effect of salinity on hemolymph osmolarity of whiteleg shrimp cultivated in artificial brackish water. This study used an experimental method consisting of two stages. Each stage was arranged using a completely randomized design (CRD). Obtained stocking densities of SD-50% (20 shrimps/50L), SD (40 shrimps/50L) and SD+50% (60 shrimps/50L). The best growth and performance were obtained in the treatment of 20 individuals, namely survival (SR) 87%, specific growth rate (SGR) 3.26%/day and hemolymph glucose concentration of 30.73 mg/dl. In the next stage of the research, the salinity treatments tested were seawater, 10 ppt, 15 ppt, 20 ppt and 25 ppt. The best shrimp performance was obtained in treatment 20 shrimps/50 L, namely survival rate 70.00%, specific growth rate (SGR) 1.55%/day, feed conversion ratio (FCR) 1.72, glucose haemolymp 73.44 mg/dl. The optimal osmotic work level (OWL) value is obtained at a salinity of 15-20 ppt.
THE EFFECTS OF INTELLECTUAL AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF MEDICAL STUDENTS
Authors: Yuditasari Lelyana , Daeng Matadjo Amelia Aziz , Firmansyah Marindra
Published: January 2024

Background:The selection of new students is crucial in the medical faculty. The selection may predict students' academic achievement during their learning journey. Different selection tools are commonly utilized, yet further investigation is required to ascertain the most effective instrument. While intellectual intelligence is frequently measured, emotional intelligence is scarcely employed in evaluating college applicants. This study seeks to examine how both intellectual and emotional intelligence levels influence a student's academic performance.Methods: This study employs a descriptive-analytical observational design with a cross-sectional perspective. Intellectual and emotional intelligence were assessed through an adapted questionnaire, The Stenberg Triarchic Abilities Test and the Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire. The questionnaire outcomes were validated against secondary data from student admissions, deploying the Intelligenz Structure Test and Edward Personality Preference Schedule for cross-validation. Furthermore, the Structural Equation Model - Partial Least Squares approach was utilized to analyze the questionnaire data.Results: The T-statistic value for intellectual intelligence is 3.134, with a path coefficient of 0.137. Meanwhile, the T-statistic value for emotional intelligence is 28.152, with a path coefficient of 0.83. Both intellectual and emotional intelligence influence students' academic achievement, with an R-Square value of 0.815, indicating that the exogenous variables (i.e., intellectual intelligence and emotional intelligence) can explain the endogenous variable of academic achievement up to 81.5%.Conclusion: Greater intellectual and emotional intelligence levels lead students to increase academic accomplishments.
FLIPPED CLASSROOM IMPLEMENTATION ON MECHANISM OF NUTRIENT HANDLING TO FACILITATE MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVE APPROACH
Authors: Meliala Andreanyta , Sumiwi Yustina Andwi Ari , Nuryana Ch.Tri , Sunarti Sunarti , Narwidina Paramita
Published: January 2024

Background: Due to the content of lectures for nutrient handling often delivered from one scientific discipline, students do not gain a comprehensive understanding. The flipped classroom learning approach helps improve students' overall comprehension by integrating multiple scientific disciplines such as physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, and histology.Aims: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of the flipped classroom learning approach in nutrition management lectures that incorporate physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, and histology.Methods: A basic pre-post test design was employed in this research. The flipped classroom method was used by first asking students to learn the topic via instructional videos, lecture files, and a pre-test (58 questions) on the eLOK UGM platform. The panel discussion was then carried out by lectures from four departments, including physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, and histology, via the Zoom platform (virtual synchronous learning). Finally, students were required to do a post-test with the same content as the pre-test.Results: According to the findings of this study, the average pre-test score of college participants was less than 80, whereas the average post-test score was 84.22, with 73.20% of the participants scoring higher than 80. The integrated panel discussion affected male participants' N-Gain scores. Male participants scored 0.74 (high category) while female participants scored 0.69 (medium category). Conclusions: The flipped classroom method can support approaches from departments of anatomy, physiology, histology, and biochemistry - in a relatively time-efficient but more effective means of improving understanding of nutrient handling.