bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Italian Midwives' Knowledge of Stillbirth Clinical Management, Bereavement Care and Prevention of Recurrences: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the BLOSSoM Study
Authors: Ravaldi Claudia , Mosconi Laura , Carelli Elisa , Frontini Aurora , Tagliavini Sara , Cossu Eleonora , Monari Francesca , Facchinetti Fabio , Vannacci Alfredo
Published: September 2022

Background: In several countries a gap is still present between evidenced-based stillbirth care guidelines and the actual care that parents receive. Knowledge of international guidelines is the first step to give respectful care when a perinatal death occurs. Parents’ trauma could in fact be worsened by inadequate support from health care professionals (HCPs) during and after hospitalisation. Aim of this study is to analyse the knowledge of Italian midwives about the main aspects of clinical management included in international stillbirth guidelines. Methods: The subject of this paper is a post-hoc analysis of the BLOSSoM study. In particular, descriptive statistics was used to analyse the items of Lucina questionnaire (a section of the BLOSSoM study) linked to clinical management of perinatal loss. Results: Four areas of clinical management included in international guidelines were investigated: (1) bereavement care, (2) pharmacological management and aftercare, (3) post-mortem procedures and rituals, and (4) pattern of fetal movements. In the first area, most midwives showed a lack of knowledge particularly regarding natural inhibition of lactation (22.5%) and milk donation (18%). Pharmacological management was characterised by a relevant use of sedatives and analgesia during both labour (38.4% and 89.3%) and childbirth (26.3% and 65.6%). Regarding post-mortem procedures, more than half midwives were not fully aware of Italian law on funerals and related matters, and 37.1% thought that the baby was disfigured during post-mortem examination. Only 30% of the sample answered correctly to the items about the characteristics of healthy fetal movements pattern. Finally, a multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent factors predictive of high knowledge of international guidelines. The variables taken into account were: age, years of work, number of stillbirths assisted, presence in the hospital of a specific protocol and personal training on stillbirth management. Only the last one was significantly associated with a high knowledge of guidelines. Conclusions: Italian midwives are still not fully aware of international guidelines on stillbirth management. The definition of national guidelines endorsed by scientific societies, as well as specific training courses for midwives in Italian hospitals, could be the first steps to improve clinical and psychological management of perinatal loss.
Establishment and Genetic Profiling of Platinum/Taxane Doublet-Resistant Cells Generated by Hybridizing Single Resistant Cells
Authors: Isonishi Seiji , Saito Rika , Yamaguchi Noriko , Saito Saburo
Published: September 2022

Background: Current standard chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies consists of platinum agent and taxane though, many patients experience the relapse of disease with drug resistance making the following therapy unsuccessful. It’s a compelling question whether the mechanisms of doubly resistance is a simple combination of single agent resistance or whether the core novel mechanism common to platinum and taxane resistance stands out as a result of combination therapy. The purpose of this study is to establish the doublet drug resistant cell line and to find its genetic characteristics. Methods: Platinum/taxane doublet resistant cell lines (F3 and F4) were generated by hybridizing two independent, platinum or taxane resistant subline (C13 or PX24) stemmed from grand parental ME180 cells. The resistant cells were selected through repeated exposure to cisplatin and paclitaxel. For the assessment of drug sensitivity, colony forming assay was used. For the gene expression analysis, genome-wide expression profiling was done using the Human Genome U133A Array. Protein-protein interaction network (PPI) scaffold networks were retrieved from the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database and, for the enrichment of pathway analysis, WebGestalt was used. Results: Colony forming assay showed C13 was 5.8-fold cisplatin resistant while PX24 was 5.3-fold paclitaxel resistant compared with parental ME180 cells. F3 and F4 acquired resistance to cisplatin and paclitaxel by 8.3/4.9- and 3.7/3.3-fold (F3/4) respectively. Microarray analysis demonstrated, out of 22284 genes, 103 genes were >4-fold up-regulated in F3/4 and 33 (32%) were identified as simultaneously upregulated genes (SUG) in C13, PX24 and F3/4. The Protein-protein interaction analysis of 33 SUG displayed a scaffold network pivoting aldo-keto reductase 1C1 (AKR1C1), aldo-keto reductase1C2 (AKR1C2) and aldo-keto reductase1C3 (AKR1C3). The enrichment pathway analysis demonstrated AKR1C gene family anchored to molecular function of oxidoreductase and aldo-keto reductase activity and biological process of daunorubicin and doxorubicin metabolism. Conclusions: We report here the establishment of doubly drug-resistant hybridoma to platinum and taxane. Analysis of SUG indicated the AKR1C gene family plays a key role for doubly resistant mechanism that would be possible targets for therapeutic strategies.
Demographic, Clinical, and Obstetrical Characterization of Women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum Using a More Restrictive Diagnosis
Authors: Galletta Marco Aurélio Knippel , Demo Mayra de Oliveira , Pinto Ana Luiza Tonisi , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira , Zugaib Marcelo
Published: September 2022

Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a disease that occurs during pregnancy. It is relatively rare (0.3–3.6%), but with great potential for complications. Its diagnostic criteria still lack consensus, and most studies only establish the presence of uncontrollable vomiting, requiring hospitalization. The present study aimed to investigate its epidemiological profile and maternal and neonatal outcomes in a series of cases with more restrictive diagnostic criteria. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all cases admitted with a diagnosis of HG, according to more restrictive service criteria, was performed with a review of medical records and laboratory tests in a Brazilian university hospital. Results: HG was confirmed in 85 cases (0.39% incidence). The most frequent early symptoms included a weight loss ≥5% (94.4%) or ≥10% (63.9%), dehydration (76.5%), hyponatremia (49.4%), hypokalemia (40.5%), increased liver enzymes (46.4%), and transient hyperthyroidism (38.6%). Enteral nutrition was used in 7.1% of the patients, and parenteral nutrition in 1.2%. A large majority of patients was provided with a prescription of more than one drug, and the most used drugs were dimenhydrinate (87.1%), metoclopramide (85.9%), and ondansetron (38.8%). The average length of hospital stay was 15 days (1–145 days). Childbirth data were obtained from 40 patients, with 60% of births being cesarean deliveries, 35.3% premature births, 32% with low birth weight, and 7.5% stillbirths, with 12.5% of cases having postpartum complications. The overall rate for clinical complications was 30.5%. Conclusions: With well-defined and more restrictive criteria, we observed a high rate of obstetric and neonatal complications compared to international data. Thus, a correct diagnosis is essential for identifying this serious condition and to allow earlier treatment, reducing clinical, obstetric, and neonatal complications.
Cuminaldehyde ameliorates hyperglycemia in diabetic mice
Authors: Duraisamy Kannan , Leelavinothan Pari , Ellappan Paari , Balaji Tulsi Deepak Singh , Rajagopal Ponnulakshmi , Jayaraman Selvaraj , Babu Shyamaldevi
Published: September 2022

Background: Animal-fats are rich in long-chain saturated fatty-acids, well known to induct diabetic distress among ingested insulin-insensitive individuals. In the current-study, bovine-fat was fed to selective mice breeds highly sensitized to heavy dietary lipid load. Methods: The later high fat diet (HFD) group indeed undergone diabetic-onset within weeks with a drastically altered feed-behavior pattern. It consumed more food, gained body mass, elevated homeostatic model assessment value and extensively glycosylated Hb transporters. Results: However, the hypothetical test drug (Cuminaldehyde or CA) with known therapeutic-potential worked-well to balance food efficiency-ratio and Hb- counts closer to control. The fat-soluble phytochemical mono-terpenoid (CA) promoted constitutive mono-hexose (glucose) consuming catabolic-cycles via mono-glycoprotein (insulin) signal-transduction. It resolved diabetogenic-upsurge of gluconeogenic-enzymes, reduced non-sugar (amino/fatty acids) utilization by restricting transamination/dephosphorylation and restored liver-glycogen reserves near to normal-group effectively at 10 mg/kg b.w dose. Conclusions: Hence, the nutraceutical-potential (anti-diabetes/transaminitis ability) of administered exogenous redox-active agent CA can be entertained for evoking therapeutic-heath in diabetic human-community.
Disease Markers and Therapeutic Targets for Rheumatoid Arthritis Identified by Integrating Bioinformatics Analysis with Virtual Screening of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Sun Jijia , Liu Baocheng , Yuan Ying , Zhang Lei , Wang Jianying
Published: September 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify potentially important Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) targets related to immune cells based on bioinformatics analysis, and to identify small molecules of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) associated with these targets that have potential therapeutic effects on RA. Methods: Gene expression profile data related to RA were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE55235, GSE55457, and GSE77298), and datasets were merged by the batch effect removal method. The RA key gene set was identified by protein-protein interaction network analysis and machine learning-based feature extraction. Furthermore, immune cell infiltration analysis was carried out on all DEGs to obtain key RA markers related to immune cells. Batch molecular docking of key RA markers was performed on our previously compiled dataset of small molecules in TCM using AutoDock Vina. Moreover, in vitro experiments were performed to examine the inhibitory effect of screened compounds on the synovial cells of an RA rat model. Results: The PPI network and feature extraction with machine learning classifiers identified eight common key RA genes: MYH11, CFP, LY96, IGJ, LPL, CD48, RAC2, and CSK. RAC2 was significantly correlated with the infiltration and expression of five immune cells, with significant differences in these immune cells in the normal and RA samples. Molecular docking and in vitro experiments also showed that sanguinarine, sesamin, and honokiol could effectively inhibit the proliferation of RA rat synovial cells, also could all effectively inhibit the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β in synovial cells, and had a certain inhibitory effect on expression of the target protein RAC2. Conclusions: The core gene set of RA was screened from a new perspective, revealing biomarkers related to immune cell infiltration. Using molecular docking, we screened out TCM small molecules for the treatment of RA, providing methods and technical support for the treatment of RA with TCM.
Spatial Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals that CCL17 and CCL22 are Robust Indicators of a Suppressive Immune Environment in Angioimmunoblastic T Cell Lymphoma (AITL)
Authors: Du Jun , Qiu Chen , Li Wei-Song , Wang Bing , Han Xin-Le , Lin Su-Wen , Fu Xue-Hang , Hou Jian , Huang Zou-Fang
Published: September 2022

Background: T cell lymphoma is a complex and highly aggressive clinicopathological entity with a poor outcome. The angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) tumor immune microenvironment is poorly investigated. Methods: Here, to the best of our knowledge, spatial transcriptomics was applied for the first time to study AITL. Results: Using this method, we observed that AITL was surrounded by cells bearing immune-suppressive markers. CCL17 and CCL22, the dominant ligands for CCR4, were up-regulated, while the expression of natural killer (NK) cell and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) markers decreased. Colocalization of Treg cells with the CD4+ TFH-GC region was also deduced from the bioinformatic analysis. The results obtained with spatial transcriptomics confirm that AITL has a suppressive immune environment. Chemotherapy based on the CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine plus prednisone) induced complete remission (CR) in this AITL patient. However, the duration of remission (DoR) remains a concern. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that AITL has an immune suppressive environment and suggests that anti-CCR4 therapy could be a promising treatment for this lethal disease.
Global Research Trends and Hotspots of Autophagy in Colorectal Cancer: A 20-year Bibliometric Analysis Based on Web of Science
Authors: Zhao Peng-Yue , Yang Xing-Peng , Fu Ze , Wang Tian-Ze , Li Song-Yan , Du Xiao-Hui
Published: September 2022

Background: Autophagy plays a pivotal role in the progression and management of colorectal cancer (CRC). Recently, numerous articles focusing on the role of autophagy in CRC have emerged. The present study was conducted to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state and changing trends in the relationship of autophagy and CRC over the past 20 years. Methods: The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) was utilized to extracted all publications with respect to autophagy and CRC during 2002–2021. The contributions of various countries/regions, institutions and journals in this field were analyzed, moreover, research hotspots and promising future trends predicted through keywords were identified by the online platform of bibliometrics, CiteSpace and VOSviewer. Results: A total of 2418 related publications from 2002 to 2021 were identified and collected. China occupied first place with respect to the number of publications, followed by the USA and South Korea. Shanghai Jiao Tong University published the most papers in this field. Most publications were published in Oncotarget. Additionally, analysis of the keywords identified 4 clusters with various research focuses: “mechanism-related research”, “clinical-related research”, “tumorigenesis research” and “chemotherapy-related research”. The three latest hot keywords in this field were epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), promote and invasion. Conclusions: The number of publications and research interest on autophagy and CRC are increasing annually, and the USA had prominent academic positions in the field. Shanghai Jiao Tong University represents a high level of research and the latest progress in this field can be tracked at Oncotarget. Throughout the research history of autophagy and CRC in the past 20 years, previous studies have mainly concentrated on apoptosis and drug resistance in tumor cells, while EMT in regulating tumorigenesis and development of clinical drugs that inhibit tumor invasion through autophagy may be novel hotspots in the future.
Effect of Direct Current Electric Fields on Cone Like Retinal Photoreceptor Cells
Authors: Guerra-Hühne Juliana , Bola Sharanya , Calzia Daniela , Alexopoulou Dimitra , Funk Richard H.W. , Mühlen Sergio S. , Roehlecke Cora
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Studies show that electric fields are used as therapy during nerve and tissue injuries along with trans-retinal stimulation. However, cellular and molecular changes induced by such treatments remain largely unknown especially in retinal photoreceptor cells. In vitro studies show that direct current electric fields (dcEF) were known to influence cell division, polarity, shape, and motility. Here we could characterize for the first time the reactions of 661W, a retinal cone photoreceptor especially regarding organelle polarization, membrane polarization of mitochondria, O2 consumption, ATP/ADP ratio and gene expression. Methods: The 661W cells were stimulated with a constant dcEF of field strength 5 V/cm during 30 min or 5 h depending on the parameters studied. Results: In response to dcEF, the cells aligned perpendicular to the field by forming a leading edge with extended membrane protrusions towards the cathode. Using immunofluorescence and live cell imaging, we show that the cell membrane depolarized at the cathodal side. The microtubules spread into the direction of migration. Also, the microtubule organization center re-oriented into this direction. Concomitantly with the microtubules, actin filaments reorganized in an asymmetrical fashion mainly at the cathodal side. The Golgi apparatus, which is involved in many steps of actin synthesis, moved to the cathodal side. In the last 2 h of the 5 h experiment, microtubules positioned themselves at the rear (anodal side), like the nucleus. The averaged displacement of the whole cells under dcEF was 155% of control for 3 V/cm and 235% for 5 V/cm. The average speed increased by 142% and 243% respectively. Inside the cells mitochondria moved to the cathodal side, where the energy consuming producing processes take place. In this line, we measured an increase in ATP production and O2 consumption. Mitochondrial calcium was found more on the anodal side, at the site of the nucleus with its calcium delivering endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, oxymetry studies reveal an increased ATP synthesis by 115.2% and oxygen consumption by 113.3% 3 h after dcEF stimulation. An analysis of differentially expressed genes by RNA sequencing revealed an upregulation of genes involved in cellular movement, cell to cell and intracellular signaling, molecular transport, assembly and organization. Conclusions: The mechanisms found can enhance our understanding regarding the beneficial effects of EF treatment in retinal diseases.
Nosocomial Infections in COVID-19 Patients Treated with Immunomodulators: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ramasamy Chidambaram , Narayan Gayatri , Mishra Ajay Kumar , John Kevin John , Lal Amos
Published: September 2022

Nosocomial infections pose an imminent challenge to hospitalized Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients due to complex interplay of dysregulated immune response combined with immunomodulator therapy. In the pre-pandemic era, immunomodulatory therapy has shown benefit in certain autoimmune conditions with untamed inflammatory response. Efforts to recapitulate these immunomodulatory effects in COVID-19 patients has gained impetus and were followed by NIH COVID-19 expert panel recommendations. The current NIH guideline recommends interleukin-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab and sarilumab) and Janus kinase inhibitors (baricitinib and tofacitinib). Several landmark research trials like COVAVTA, EMPACTA, REMDACTA, STOP-COVID and COV BARRIER have detailed the various effects associated with administration of immunomodulators. The historical evidence of increased infection among patients receiving immunomodulators for autoimmune conditions, raised concerns regarding administration of immunomodulators in COVID-19 patients. The aim of this review article is to provide a comprehensive update on the currently available literature surrounding this issue. We reviewed 40 studies out of which 37 investigated IL-6 inhibitors and 3 investigated JAK inhibitors. Among the studies reviewed, the reported rates of nosocomial infections among the COVID-19 patients treated with immunomodulators were similar to patients receiving standard of care for COVID-19. However, these studies were not powered to assess the side effect profile of these medications. Immunomodulators, by dampening the pyrogenic response and inflammatory markers may delay detection of infections among the patients. This underscores the importance of long-term surveillance which are necessary to discover the potential risks associated with these agents.
State-of-the-Art of Myocardial Perfusion by CMR: A Practical View
Authors: Pons-Lladó Guillem , Kellman Peter
Published: September 2022

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) outstands among diseases threatening public health. Essential for its management are the continuous advances in medical and interventional therapies, although a prompt and accurate diagnosis and prognostic stratification are equally important. Besides information on the anatomy of coronary arteries, well covered nowadays by invasive and non-invasive angiographic techniques, there are also other components of the disease with clinical impact, as the presence of myocardial necrosis, the extent of pump function impairment, and the presence and extent of inducible myocardial ischemia, that must be considered in every patient. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) is a multiparametric diagnostic imaging technique that provides reliable information on these issues. Regarding the detection and grading of inducible ischemia in particular, the technique has been widely adopted in the form of myocardial perfusion sequences under vasodilator stress, which is the subject of this review. While the analysis of images is conventionally performed by visual inspection of dynamic first-pass studies, with the inherent dependency on the operator capability, the recent introduction of a reliable application of quantitative perfusion (QP) represents a significant advance in the field. QP is based on a dual-sequence strategy for conversion of signal intensities into contrast agent concentration units and includes a full automatization of processes such as myocardial blood flow (MBF) calculation (in mL/min/g), generation of a pixel-wise flow mapping, myocardial segmentation, based on machine learning, and allocation of MBF values to myocardial segments. The acquisition of this protocol during induced vasodilation and at rest gives values of stress/rest MBF (in mL/min/g) and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR), both global and per segment. Dual-sequence QP has been successfully validated against different reference methods, and its prognostic value has been shown in large longitudinal studies. The fact of the whole process being automated, without operator interaction, permits to conceive new interesting scenarios of integration of CMR into systems of entirely automated diagnostic workflow in patients with IHD.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Treatment Target Achievement in Patients with Myocardial Infarction, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, or Stroke in Hong Kong
Authors: Blais Joseph E , Yan Vincent KC , Zhao Jiaxi , Chui Celine SL , Wong Ian CK , Siu Chung Wah , Chan Esther W
Published: September 2022

Background: Elevated concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are an important cause of recurrent cardiovascular events. This study aimed to describe the distribution and achieved concentrations of LDL-C among patients with myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), stroke, or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in Hong Kong. Methods: Patients with a lipid test from a public hospital were identified from the Clinical Database and Analysis Reporting System of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. Among patients with an inpatient hospitalization for MI, PCI, stroke or TIA, between 2003 to 2016, the distribution of LDL-C levels and the number (%) of patients achieving an absolute concentration of LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L at baseline (in-hospital) and during 12 months after hospital discharge were described. Results: A total of 18417 patients were included (mean [SD] age, 70.0 [12.9] years; male, 60.3%), of which 3637 had MI, 4096 had PCI, and 10684 had stroke or TIA. At hospital discharge 12082 (65.6%) patients were prescribed statins, 690 (3.7%) were prescribed nonstatins, and 1849 (10.0%) achieved an LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L. Overall, 5654 (30.7%) patients did not have LDL-C result available within 12 months of discharge (MI, 605 [16.6%]; PCI, 432 [10.5%]; stroke or TIA, 4617 [43.2%]). Among the overall cohort, 4591 (24.9%) patients achieved an LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L during 12 months of follow-up (MI, 1288 [35.4%]; PCI, 1542 [37.6%]; stroke or TIA, 1761 [16.5%]). Improvements in achieved LDL-C were observed over time with a mean LDL-C 2.64 (0.92) mmol/L and 20.0% of patients achieving an LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L in 2003 as compared with a mean LDL-C 1.86 (0.70) mmol/L and 53.9% of patients achieving an LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L in 2016. Conclusions: In this single centre cohort study from Hong Kong, nearly half of patients with MI, PCI, or stroke in 2016 appear to qualify for intensification of lipid-modifying drug treatment in order to achieve a treatment goal of LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L. Further research is required in Hong Kong to assess contemporary management of LDL-C in a larger group of patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair for Failed Surgical Mitral Valve Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Hang , Song Wu , Liu Sheng , Zhong Zhaoji
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To assess the outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) for failed previous surgical mitral valve repair (MVr). Methods: We searched Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for studies that reported the outcomes of TMVr for failed initial surgical MVr. Data were extracted by 2 independent investigators and subjected to meta-analysis. The 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for preoperative demographics, peri-operative outcomes, and follow-up outcomes using binary and continuous data from single-arm studies. Results: Eight single-arm studies were included, with a total of 212 patients, and mean follow-up ranged from 1.0 to 15.9 months. The pooled rate of residual procedural mitral regurgitation ≤mild was 76% (95% CI: 67%~84%; I2 = 0%; 7 studies, 199 patients). During follow-up, mitral regurgitation ≤mild was found in 68% of patients (95% CI: 52%~82%; I2 = 57%; 6 studies, 147 patients). Follow-up survival was 94% (95% CI: 88%~98%; I2 = 0%; 7 studies, 196 patients). 83% patients (95% CI: 75%~89%; I2 = 47%; 6 studies, 148 patients) were in NYHA class I or II. Conclusions: TMVr for failed surgical MVr was safe and effective, which should be recommended in selected patients if technically feasible.
Effectiveness of Localized English Reading Materials in Enhancing the Reading Skills of the Grade two Pupils
Authors: Rafael Shermaine D. , Tamban Victoria E.
Published: September 2022

Students today are 21st-century learners who prefer digitization and reading is not their top priority, teachers at the same time should meet the needs of these students. English teachers, specifically in reading skills, should have the capability and knowledge to craft methods to use in dealing with students who have difficulty with reading. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of localized english reading materials in enhancing the reading skills of grade two pupils. The reading skills of the pupils in this research were determined through match pairing. The participants came from the total population of 32 pupils from section orange in grade two, who were grouped into two through match pairing based on their pretest results. There was 16 match paired pupil-participants included in this study. These pupil-participants were the advisees of the researcher for the school year 2021-2022 in modular distance learning. Another group of respondents were the 20 teacher-validators who assessed the crafted localized reading materials using the survey questionnaire. The pretest showed that both groups are at the beginning level in terms of their reading skills. The findings of this study indicated that the experimental group got much higher mean scores than the comparison group on their formative and post-test. The computed t-values for lesson 1 gained a t-value of 2.368, lesson 2 with a t-value of 2.885; lesson 3 with a t value of 5.085; and lesson 4 having a t-value of 8.259 showed extremely significant differences between the formative means scores of the participants. A similar result found a highly significant difference between the post-test mean scores performance of the experimental group and the comparison group with a t-value of 3.966 and a p-value less than 0.01 level of significance. All results indicated the rejection of null hypotheses and acceptance of alternative ones. These findings implied that teachers must use tactics and practices such as learning by doing, manipulative, and practical learning to integrate localization and contextualization into the teaching-learning process.

Keywords:   localized English reading materials, reading skills, teaching-learning process
Relationship between Scrotal Circumference and Quality of Semen Production in Bulls: A Meta-Analysis Review
Authors: Wahyudi Ikwan , Qalfin Moh. , Susanti R. , Widiatningrum Talitha
Published: September 2022

This meta-analysis review was conducted to determine the relationship between scrotal circumference and semen production quality in bulls. The research method includes article search, selection, and assessment stages based on the specified inclusion criteria. The results of the selection and assessment of articles obtained 38 articles for meta-analysis. Data analysis was performed using the CMA program using a random-effects model to estimate the correlation coefficient. The results of the meta-analysis showed that overall scrotal circumference was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with semen volume (r = 0.441), semen concentration (r = 0.328), and spermatozoa motility (r = 0.411). The relationship between scrotal circumference and semen quality was positive in the moderate category. Analysis based on the variation of bull breeds showed that the relationship between scrotal circumference and semen volume and concentration was not significantly different in Bos taurus, Bos indicus, and Bos sondaicus cattle (p > 0.05). Scrotal circumference and spermatozoa motility were significantly different in the Bos taurus, Bos indicus, and Bos sondaicus cattle (p < 0.05). This meta-analysis confirms that scrotal circumference can be a parameter in determining superior bulls because the scrotal circumference is positively related to the quality of semen production.
Randomized Evaluation of an Online Single-Session Intervention for Minority Stress in LGBTQ+ Adolescents
Authors: Shen Jenny , Rubin Alex , Cohen Katherine , Hart Erica , McDanal Riley , Sung Jenna , Roulston Chantelle A , Sotomayor Ian , Fox Kathryn , Schleider Jessica L.
Published: September 2022

Background. LGBTQ+ youth face myriad adverse health outcomes due to minority stress, creating a need for accessible, mechanism-targeted interventions to mitigate these minority stress-related risk factors. We tested the effectiveness and acceptability of Project RISE, an online single-session intervention designed to ameliorate internalized stigma and improve other outcomes among LGBTQ+ youth. We hypothesized that youth assigned to RISE (versus a control) would report significantly reduced internalized stigma and increased identity pride at post-intervention and at two-week follow-up and would find RISE acceptable. Methods. We recruited adolescents nationally through Instagram advertisements in May 2022 (N = 538; M age = 15.06, SD age = 0.97). Participants were randomly assigned to RISE or an information-only control and completed questionnaires pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and two weeks post-intervention. Inclusion criteria included endorsing: (1) LGBTQ+ identity, (2) age 13–16, (3) English fluency (4) Internet access, and (5) subjective negative impact of LGBTQ+ stigma. Results. Relative to participants in the control condition, participants who completed RISE reported significant decreases in internalized stigma (d = -0.49) and increases in identity pride (d = 0.25) from pre- to immediately post-intervention, along with decreased internalized stigma (d = -0.26) from baseline to two-week follow-up. Participants rated both RISE and the information-only control as highly, equivalently acceptable. Conclusions. RISE appears to be an acceptable and useful online SSI for LGBTQ+ adolescents, with potential to reduce internalized stigma in both the short- and longer-term. Future directions include evaluating effects of Project RISE over longer follow-ups and in conjunction with other mental health supports.
Improving uptake of mental health crisis resources: Randomized test of a single-session intervention embedded in social media
Authors: Cohen Katherine , Dobias Mallory , Morris Rob , Schleider Jessica L.
Published: September 2022

Young people often experience difficulties accessing mental health support. In moments of crisis, many young people search for mental health-related information or support on social media platforms. When users search or post crisis-related content (e.g., “suicide”) on these platforms, many are programmed to automatically provide the user with crisis hotlines. Little research has examined whether young people use crisis hotlines when they are automatically shared, or whether other resource-provision strategies may better support hope and help-seeking. Methods: Users flagged as being potentially in-crisis by social media platforms were referred to Koko—a nonprofit that partners with online platforms to provide crisis support. Users were randomized to receive either a typical crisis response (988 crisis hotline provision) or a one-minute, enhanced crisis response Single-Session Intervention (SSI). Results: Users who received the enhanced crisis response SSI reported greater decreases in hopelessness ten minutes later, compared to users who received the typical crisis response (t(153) = -2.16, p = 0.03, d = -0.35; 95% CI, -0.67, -0.03). Users who received the SSI were more than twice as likely to report using the resources provided to them, compared to users who received the typical crisis response (78.02% vs. 38.64%; χ2(1) = 27.02, p < 0.001, V = 0.28). Conclusion: An enhanced crisis response SSI embedded within social media platforms can reduce users’ hopelessness and dramatically increase young people’s odds of accessing mental health resources in moments of crisis.
Response of Different Levels of Nitrogen and Plant Population to Grain Yield of Winter Hybrid Maize in Chitwan Valley
Authors: Dhital Goma , Marahatta Santosh , Karki Tika Bahadhur , Basnet Komal Bahadhur
Published: September 2022

A field experiment on “Performance of hybrid maize under different levels of nitrogen and plant population” was conducted in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) at the research farm of the National Maize Research Program (NMRP), Rampur, Chitwan during the winter season of 2015/16 to determine the optimum level of nitrogen and plant population for winter season hybrid maize. The grain yield (2.38 Mt ha-1) obtained in control without nitrogen was significantly lower in comparison to its all other levels (70, 140 and 210 Kg N ha-1). Moreover, grain yield (5.45 Mt ha-1) produced by the application 210 Kg N ha-1 was significantly superior over 70 Kg N ha-1 (3.83 Mt ha-1) but remained at par with 140 Kg N ha-1 (5.02 Mt ha-1) which also differed significantly. Moreover, the grain yield (4.98 Mt ha-1) recorded with the population of 101010 plants ha-1 was significantly superior over 55,555 (3.34 Mt ha-1) and 69,444 (3.90 Mt ha-1) plants ha-1 but similar to that of 85,470 plants ha-1 (4.46 Mt ha-1) which was also significantly higher as compared to 69,444 and 55,555 plants ha-1 which were at par with each other. Regression analysis for the effect of nitrogen and plant population on grain yield showed the grain yield was 145 Kg N ha-1 and plant population was 87445 plants ha-1. Thus, hybrid maize (RML95/RML96) can be successfully grown by applying 145 Kg N ha-1 and maintaining a population of 87 thousand plants ha-1 to achieve a higher grain yield during the winter season.
Architectural Designs Attributed to Simon Pitz in the Collection of the Jesuit Archive in Glatz
Authors: Blaschke Kinga , Kurzej Michał
Published: September 2022

Simon Pitz (1592–1625) was a Jesuit architect providing designs for numerous Jesuit buildings in Czechia, Moravia, Silesia and Poland. His oeuvre was known from several designs preserved in archives in Czechia, as well as the Jesuit Archive in Cracow (some of which were published in both Czech and Polish literature). An inventory in this order’s archive in Glatz (pol.: Kłodzko), drawn in 2018, revealed some previously unknown designs by this architect, some of which show alternative versions of designs already linked with Pitz, others can be attributed to him on the basis of distinctive architectural motifs or details. The article presents some of these previously unknown drawings by the architect, preserved in Polish archives, among others: alternative designs for the Jesuit church in Jitschin, additional designs of the college and church in Königgrätz, Jesuit novitiate (seminary) in Böhmisch Krumau and five versions of designs for the church in Komotau. Some designs may have been developed for Kuttenberg – they depict a huge complex of buildings (approx. 182 by 104 m), with a church surrounded by five courtyards. Designs preserved in Glatz indicate also that Pitz was the author of the Jesuit church in Lutsk, which has been previously linked with Giacomo Briano. At the present state of knowledge it can be concluded that Pitz’s legacy is among the largest and most interesting collections of designs by Jesuit architects active in Central Europe in the seventeenth century.
BRASH Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Imburgio Steven , Imburgio Steven , Johal Anmol , Udongwo Ndausung , Mararenko Anton , Alrefaee Anas , Heaton Joseph
Published: September 2022

BRASH syndrome is a newly coined diagnosis consisting of the clinical pentad of bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) nodal blockade, shock, and hyperkalemia. It is a rare syndrome with just under 50 reported cases. This case report and literature review present a case of BRASH syndrome, refractory to pharmaceutical measures, and subsequent literature review to assess treatment decisions and overall outcomes. The consensus from the literature supports the use of advanced interventions in most cases, including transcutaneous or transvenous pacing, hemodialysis, and adrenergic support. The early recognition and initiation of treatment in this patient demographic are paramount to reducing possible multi-system organ damage and mortality. This case report and literature review aim to improve patient outcomes and help further elucidate a protocol for treating BRASH syndrome.
COVID-19 Prevalence and Survival Outcome in Pediatric Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Study from Tertiary Cancer Center of North-East India
Authors: Hazarika Munlima , Reddy T Raghavender , K Rai Avdhesh , S Roy Partha , Iqbal Asif , Barbhuiyan Suhani , Raj Nithin , Mallik Sreya , Sarangi Satya S
Published: September 2022

Background: Pediatric cancer patients are considered one of vulnerable group for Covid-19 infections and its associated complication. We assessed Covid-19 prevalence and implications in pediatric cancer patients of NorthEast India. Methods: Retrospective study was conducted between July 2020 to June 2021 at Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati, Assam, India. Medical records of the childhood cancer patients were analyzed. All patients who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 were collected. All childhood cancer patients with age group between one to eighteen years were included. Results: Fifty two out of 701 (7%) cancer patients in children were found to be positive for SARS-CoV2 by RT-PCR testing. Among COVID-19 positive patients, the median age was six years. In COVID-19 positive group, thirty (57.6 %) were suffering from hematological malignancy and twenty two (42.4%) have solid malignancy. In COVID-19 positive group, Among the hematological malignancies; acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) comprises 70% (21), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) 16.66% (5) and lymphoma accounting for 13.33%. Fever, cough and sore throat was presenting symptom in majority of patients. Survival outcome has shown statistically significant association (p=0.0001) between COVID-19 positive and negative pediatric cancer patients. Eight deaths occurred in COVID-19 positive patients but there was only one death in COVID-19 negative patients. Conclusion: Among COVID-19 positive childhood cancer patients risk of death was significantly higher compared to COVID-19 negative patients and majority of deaths occurred in hematological malignancies receiving intensive chemotherapy.
Epidemiological and Geographical Profile of Gall Bladder Cancer Patients from a Hospital-based Registry of Northern Gangetic Plains
Authors: Singh Sankalp , Bhatnagar Sharad , Lohia Nishant , Subramananiam Anand , Raman Deep , Murthy Harish S , Prashar Manoj , Viswanath Sundaramm , Trivedi Gaurav
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Gall bladder cancer (GBC) is one of the commonest and deadliest cancers of Northern and Eastern India. The absence of a population-based cancer registry in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar has resulted in a lack of statistical information even though data from several hospital-based registries suggests that incidence rates of GBC may be one of the highest in the world. We present the four-year data on GBC from our tertiary-level multispeciality hospital. Materials & Methods: This is a retrospective and analytical study. All patients of histopathologically proven GBC over four years were included and geographic, demographic and clinical data was collected and presented. Follow up, where available, was used to assess survival at 12 months and factors affecting it. Results: A total of 245 patients with GBC were diagnosed during the study period of which more than two-thirds were women. The majority of cases at our hospital were from the state of Uttar Pradesh with the highest number coming from the Eastern districts closer to the river Ganga and its tributaries. 26.5% of cases were early stage and surgically resectable, 19.6% were locally advanced and unresectable while 53.9% were metastatic at presentation. Age, stage and radical surgery as treatment had a significant association with survival at 12 months. Conclusion: GBC has an extremely high incidence in the Northern plains of India. There is a high suspicion of its association with increasing pollution of the major rivers of the region. Early detection is crucial as definitive surgery is the only curative option with any significant improvement of survival.
Effect of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms on Quality of Life among Patients with Heart Failure: An integrative literature review
Authors: AbuRuz Mohannad , Ruba Ali Alemoush  , Momani Aaliyah
Published: September 2022

Background: Anxiety and depressive symptoms interfere with physical and psychological status, worsening symptoms and quality of life (QoL) among patients with heart failure (HF). Objective: The purpose of this review was to explore the effect of anxiety and depressive symptoms on the QoL among patients with HF. Methods: The research strategy was done using the following search engines: PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The key words used in this research included:  Heart failure, QoL, Anxiety & depression/ depressive symptoms, and the combination of these words. The research targeted articles in English language during the period from 2009 to 2020. The inclusion criteria included all study types. Results: The results of this search ended up with 150 articles. After reviewing the abstract of these articles, irrelevant articles were excluded. When the full text articles were reviewed, 129 articles were excluded ending with 21 articles which constitute the base of this literature review. Conclusion: Patients with HF usually suffer from poor QoL. Anxiety and depressive symptoms negatively affect the QoL for this population.
Postnationalism Prefigured: Caribbean Borderlands
Authors: Poyer Lin
Published: September 2022

Review of Postnationalism Prefigured: Caribbean Borderlands by Charles V. Carnegie. New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press, 2002. xii + 241 pages, including notes, references, index.
Wellbeing of Nations
Authors: Naqvi Kim
Published: September 2022

Review of The Wellbeing of Nations: A Country-by-Country Index of Quality of Life and the Environment, by Robert Prescott-Allen. Washington: Island Press/Ottawa: International Development Research Centre, 2001.
Spiritual Foundations for an Ecologically Sustainable Society
Authors: White Robert
Published: September 2022

This article takes a broad macroevolutionary approach to our changing relationship to Nature in the light of the teachings or the Bahá’í Faith. It suggests that humanity is in a process of evolving consciousness leading to the development of a new planetary culture based on spiritual principles. In an ecological sense, humanity has in many respects appeared to be a delinquent species running out of control. Within a larger vision of humanity’s spiritual and social evolution, however, the present environmental crisis and the race’s reaction to it can be seen as portending a momentous transformation. The process of evolving consciousness that can be discerned in emerging knowledge in physics, ecology, psychology, and other fields of science is leading to the possibility of a mature cooperative relationship between humanity and the ecosphere which gave it birth. After a brief overview of the current range of responses to environmental issues and the view of Nature on which they are based, this article will explore the basic attitudes to Nature contained within the Bahá’í writings. The second part of the article examines how the emergence of an ecologically sustainable social order is linked to basic principles of the Bahá’í Faith. Implicit throughout is the Bahá’í view of the balance and cohesion of material and spiritual realities.

* An earlier version of this article appeared in the Journal of Bahá’í Studies 2.1 (1989): 33–57. A special pamphlet version was co-published with the Bahá’í International Community–Office of the Environment and was distributed at the 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil. The updated version in this issue was prepared for Bahá’í World Yearbook 1992-93.
Metaphor and the Language of Revelation
Authors: Woodman Ross
Published: September 2022

Metaphor is the literal language of the soul. To enter the realm of metaphor as the language of the soul is to come into direct contact with the Word as the originating power of creation, in the Bible identified with God. In thisexploration of metaphorical language as the language of revelation, the richer unveiling of its meaning to be found in the writings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh will serve to clarify further the nature of metaphor as that clarification which contains within it an immediate consciousness of the station of Bahá’u’lláh. This newly released consciousness signifies humanity’s coming of age in and as a fully awakened human realization that the earth is now the throne of God, as proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh in his impassioned address to Carmel as his New Jerusalem Bride. Metaphorically understood, Bahá’u’lláh’s proclamation is “the trumpet” that in the biblical tradition signals the Resurrection. “Trumpet,” “Pen,” “Bride,” “Resurrection”—in metaphors such as these the soul finds its proper home in the redeeming consciousness of a new era described by Bahá’u’lláh as the “Divine Springtime.”