bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women’s perceptions of telephone interviews about their experiences with childbirth care in Nigeria: A qualitative study
Authors: Umar Nasir , Hill Zelee , Schellenberg Joanna , Tuncalp Özge , Muzigaba Moise , Sambo Nuraddeen Umar , Shuaibu Abdulrahman , Marchant Tanya
Published: April 2023

Our objective is to investigate women’s perceptions of phone interviews about their experiences with facility childbirth care. The study was conducted between October 2020 and January 2021, in Gombe State, Nigeria. Participants were women aged 15–49 years, who delivered in ten study Primary Health Care centres, provided phone numbers, and consented to a follow-up telephone interview about their childbirth experience. The phone interviews took place 14 months after the delivery and consisted of a quantitative survey about women’s experiences of facility childbirth followed by a set of structured qualitative questions about their experiences with the phone survey. Three months later 20 women were selected, based on their demographic characteristics, for a further in-depth qualitative phone interview to explore the answers to the structured qualitative questions in more depth. The qualitative interviews were analysed using a thematic approach. We found that most of the women appreciated being called to discuss their childbirth experiences as it made them feel privileged and valued, they were motivated to participate as they viewed the topic as relevant and thought that their interview could lead to improvements in care. They found the interview procedures easy and perceived that the call offered privacy. Poor network connectivity and not owning the phone they were using presented challenges to some women. Women felt more able to re-arrange interview times on the phone compared to a face-to-face interview, they valued the increased autonomy as they were often busy with household chores and could rearrange to a more convenient time. Views about interviewer gender diverged, but most participants preferred a female interviewer. The preferred interview length was a maximum of 30 minutes, though some women said duration was irrelevant if the subject of discussion was important. In conclusion, women had positive views about phone interviews on experiences with facility childbirth care.
Seroprevalence and SARS-CoV-2 invasion in general populations: A scoping review over the first year of the pandemic
Authors: Metzger Clémentine , Leroy Taylor , Bochnakian Agathe , Jeulin Hélène , Gegout-Petit Anne , Legrand Karine , Schvoerer Evelyne , Guillemin Francis
Published: April 2023

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, counting infected people has underestimated asymptomatic cases. This literature scoping review assessed the seroprevalence progression in general populations worldwide over the first year of the pandemic. Seroprevalence studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science and medRxiv databases up to early April 2021. Inclusion criteria were a general population of all ages or blood donors as a proxy. All articles were screened for the title and abstract by two readers, and data were extracted from selected articles. Discrepancies were resolved with a third reader. From 139 articles (including 6 reviews), the seroprevalence estimated in 41 countries ranged from 0 to 69%, with a heterogenous increase over time and continents, unevenly distributed among countries (differences up to 69%) and sometimes among regions within a country (up to 10%). The seroprevalence of asymptomatic cases ranged from 0% to 31.5%. Seropositivity risk factors included low income, low education, low smoking frequency, deprived area residency, high number of children, densely populated centres, and presence of a case in a household. This review of seroprevalence studies over the first year of the pandemic documented the progression of this virus across the world in time and space and the risk factors that influenced its spread.
Empirical investigation on how wellbeing-related infrastructure shapes economic growth: Evidence from the European Union regions
Authors: Batrancea Larissa M. , Nichita Anca , Balcı Mehmet Ali , Akgüller Ömer
Published: April 2023

One of the most important policies of the European Union is regional development, which comprises measures of enhancing economic growth and citizens’ living standards via strategic investment. Considering that economic growth and wellbeing are intertwined from the perspective of EU policies, this study examines the relationship between wellbeing-related infrastructure and economic growth in 212 NUTS 2 regional subdivisions across the members of Eu-28 during the period 2001–2020. We therefore analyzed data from 151 Western Europe regions and 61 Central and Eastern Europe regions by means of a panel data analysis with the first-difference generalized method of moments estimator. Our main interest was to determine the degree to which Western Europe regions responded to predictors as compared to Central and Eastern Europe regions. According to the empirical results, the predictors with the strongest influence for Western Europe regions were disposable household income, inter-regional mobility, housing indicator, labor force and participation. For Central and Eastern Europe regions, the largest impact was triggered by the housing indicator, internet broadband access and air pollution. In addition, we determined a relational weighted multiplex between all variables of interest by using dynamic time warping and we introduced topological measures in a multilayer multiplex model for both regional subsamples.
Perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals on metabolic monitoring of adult prescribed second-generation antipsychotics for severe mental illness: A meta-synthesis
Authors: Poojari Pooja Gopal , Khan Sohil , Shenoy Sonia , Shetty Sahana , Pai Keshava , Acharya Leelavathi D. , Bose Swarnali , Thunga Girish
Published: April 2023

Objectives

We conducted a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies to synthesize the views of psychiatric patients on second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) and the healthcare providers about the metabolic monitoring of adult-prescribed SGAs.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in four databases through SCOPUS, PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL to identify qualitative studies of patients’ and healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the metabolic monitoring of SGAs. Initially, titles and abstracts were screened to exclude articles that were not relevant followed by full-text reading. Study quality was assessed by using Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) criteria. Themes were synthesized and presented as per the Interpretive data synthesis process (Evans D, 2002).

Results

A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in meta-synthesis. Four themes were identified: 1. Barriers to metabolic monitoring; 2. Patient related concerns to metabolic monitoring; 3. Support system by mental health services to promote metabolic monitoring; and 4. Integrating physical health with mental health services. From the participants’ perspectives, barriers to metabolic monitoring were accessibility of services, lack of education and awareness, time/resource constraints, financial hardship, lack of interest on metabolic monitoring, patient capacity and motivation to maintain physical health and role confusion and impact on communication. Education and training on monitoring practices as well as integrated mental health services for metabolic monitoring to promote quality and safe use of SGAs are the most likely approaches to promote adherence to best practices and minimize treatment-related metabolic syndrome in this highly vulnerable cohort.

Conclusion

This meta-synthesis highlights key barriers from the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals regarding the metabolic monitoring of SGAs. These barriers and suggested remedial strategies are important to pilot in the clinical setting and to assess the impact of the implementation of such strategies as a component of pharmacovigilance to promote the quality use of SGAs as well as to prevent and/or manage SGAs-induced metabolic syndrome in severe and complex mental health disorders.
Opioid-related deaths during hospital admissions or shortly after discharge in the United Kingdom: A thematic framework analysis of coroner reports
Authors: Lewer Dan , Brothers Thomas D. , Harris Magdalena , Rock Kirsten L. , Copeland Caroline S.
Published: April 2023

Background

People who use heroin and other illicit opioids are at high risk of fatal overdose in the days after hospital discharge, but the reasons for this risk have not been studied.

Methods

We used the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths, a database of coroner reports for deaths following psychoactive drug use in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We selected reports where the death occurred between 2010 and 2021, an opioid was detected in toxicology testing, the death was related to nonmedical opioid use, and death was either during an acute medical or psychiatric hospital admission or within 14 days after discharge. We used thematic framework analysis of factors that may contribute to the risk of death during hospital admission or after discharge.

Results

We identified 121 coroners’ reports; 42 where a patient died after using drugs during hospital admission, and 79 where death occurred shortly after discharge. The median age at death was 40 (IQR 34–46); 88 (73%) were male; and sedatives additional to opioids were detected at postmortem in 88 cases (73%), most commonly benzodiazepines. In thematic framework analysis, we categorised potential causes of fatal opioid overdose into three areas: (a) hospital policies and actions. Zero-tolerance policies mean that patients conceal drug use and use drugs in unsafe places such as locked bathrooms. Patients may be discharged to locations such as temporary hostels or the street while recovering. Some patients bring their own medicines or illicit opioids due to expectations of low-quality care, including undertreated withdrawal or pain; (b) high-risk use of sedatives. People may increase sedative use to manage symptoms of acute illness or a mental health crisis, and some may lose tolerance to opioids during a hospital admission; (c) declining health. Physical health and mobility problems posed barriers to post-discharge treatment for substance use, and some patients had sudden deteriorations in health that may have contributed to respiratory depression.

Conclusion

Hospital admissions are associated with acute health crises that increase the risk of fatal overdose for patients who use illicit opioids. Hospitals need guidance to help them care for this patient group, particularly in relation to withdrawal management, harm reduction interventions such as take-home naloxone, discharge planning including continuation of opioid agonist therapy during recovery, management of poly-sedative use, and access to palliative care.
Parents’ emotion socialization behaviors in response to preschool-aged children’s justified and unjustified negative emotions
Authors: Bailes Lauren G. , Ennis Garrett , Lempres Sarah M. , Cole David A. , Humphreys Kathryn L.
Published: April 2023

Parental socialization of children’s negative emotions is believed to contribute to children’s emotional development, with supportive, process-oriented responses (e.g., explicit acknowledgment of emotional expression and emotion processing) providing opportunities for children to experience and develop adaptive emotion regulation strategies for negative emotions. On the other hand, non-supportive, outcome-oriented responses (e.g., minimizing or punishing children for negative emotional expressions) tend to undermine such opportunities. Less clear, however, is the degree to which parents’ own emotional and cognitive processes influence their emotion socialization behaviors. In particular, theperceived justifiabilityof children’s negative emotions may be an important factor for parents’ socialization behaviors as parents may only attend to emotional displays that they feel are reasonable. Using a sample of 234 mothers and fathers (parents of 146 unique preschool aged children), we examined the degree to which parents reported: (1) feeling specific emotions as a function of whether they viewed children’s negative emotional expressions; (2) engaging in emotion socialization behaviors as a function of whether they viewed children’s negative emotions. Last, we examined whether parents’ reported emotions were related to their behaviors. For caregivers’ emotions and behaviors, we examined whether patterns differed as a function of whether the children’s emotions were perceived as justified or unjustified. Parents were more likely to report feeling emotions such as anger and frustration when they viewed children’s negative emotions asunjustifiedrelative to justified, and for these unjustified negative emotions, anger and frustration were related to more outcome-oriented behaviors. Emotions such as sadness and guilt, however, were related to more process-oriented behaviors, regardless of whether parents felt children’s negative emotions were justified or unjustified. Findings highlight the interrelatedness of emotional and cognitive processes within the parenting context and their potential influence on emotion socialization behaviors.
Opium as a risk factor for early-onset coronary artery disease: Results from the Milano-Iran (MIran) study
Authors: Maino Alberto , Sadeghian Saeed , Mancini Ilaria , Abbasi Seyed Hesameddin , Poorhosseini Hamidreza , Boroumand Mohammad Ali , Lotfi-Tokaldany Masoumeh , Jalali Arash , Pagliari Maria Teresa , Rosendaal Frits R. , Peyvandi Flora
Published: April 2023

The spreading of opium use poses new health related concerns. In some areas of Asia its use is believed to protect from cardiovascular disorders, such as coronary artery disease (CAD). However, whether opium use has an association with CAD is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between non-medical opium use and CAD. We set up a case-control analysis, i.e., the Milano-Iran (MIran) study by enrolling consecutive young patients who underwent a coronary angiography at the Tehran Heart Center, between 2004 and 2011. Incident cases with CAD were contrasted with controls for opium use. Relative risks were calculated in terms of odds ratios (ORs) by logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, cigarette smoking, body mass index, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and diabetes. Interaction analyses were performed between opium and major cardiovascular risk factors. 1011 patients with CAD (mean age 43.6 years) and 2002 controls (mean age 54.3 years) were included in the study. Habitual opium users had a 3.8-fold increased risk of CAD (95%CI 2.4–6.2) compared with non-users. The association was strongest for men, with a fully adjusted OR of 5.5 (95%CI 3.0–9.9). No interaction was observed for the combination of opium addiction and hypertension, or diabetes, but an excess in risk was found in opium users with hyperlipidaemia (OR 16.8, 95%CI 8.9–31.7, expected OR 12.2), suggesting supra-additive interaction. In conclusion, despite common beliefs, we showed that non-medical opium use is associated with an increased risk of CAD, even when other cardiovascular risk factors are taken into account.
Dissecting eustachian tube dysfunction: From phenotypes to endotypes
Authors: Alper Cuneyt M. , Teixeira Miriam S. , Mandel Ellen M. , Swarts J. Douglas
Published: April 2023

Objective

A broad spectrum of complaints, symptoms and manifestations has been assigned to Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction (ETD). While such presentations may manifest as ETD phenotypes, underlying mechanisms are defined as endotypes. Our goal is to develop a diagnostic approach to differentiate the endotypes and guide clinicians in the workup and selection of treatments targeting the mechanism of ETD.

Study design

Retrospective.

Setting

Tertiary care.

Subjects and methods

Children and adults with suspected ETD were evaluated with a thorough examination, otomicroscopy, otoendoscopy, trans-nasal videoendoscopy and testing of passive and active ET dilatory properties. Degree of weakness in soft palate elevation and ET orifice widening (muscular weakness, ETD-M), presence of inflammation (ETD-I) and/or adenoid tissue impinging and restricting the ET opening (ETD-R) were assessed with video-endoscopy. The Forced Response Test, Inflation-Deflation Test and Pressure Chamber Test were used as applicable to quantify the degree and type of difficulty (Stricture, ETD-S or adhesive, ETD-A) or ease (patulous or semi-patulous, ETD-P/SP) in opening the ET, and degree of active muscular strength/weakness (ETD-M) was measured. Ears with normal function (ETF-N) findings were also identified.

Results

Video-endoscopic and ETF test results were obtained for 71 ears of 40 subjects (22 males, 18 females; 38 white, 2 black), with an average age of 22.9 ± 16.5 years (min:6.2, max:64.1). Videoendoscopy (21, 13, 33, 16, 13, 0, 0 ETs) and ETF testing analysis (20, 24, 0, 38, 0, 3, 13 ears) were categorized as ETF-N and the ETD endotypes ETD-S, ETD-R, ETD-M, ETD-I, ETD-A, and ETD-P/SP, respectively. Some phenotypes had features consistent with more than one endotype.

Conclusion

A systematic approach of examination and testing may differentiate the specific underlying mechanisms, lead to a treatment targeted to the ETD endotype and may establish novel ways to diagnose and treat ETD.
The impact of physical environments on outpatient mental health recovery: A design-oriented qualitative study of patient perspectives
Authors: Sui Tiffany Y. , McDermott Shannon , Harris Brooke , Hsin Honor
Published: April 2023

The physical environment has been shown to affect the emotional states of patients receiving mental health treatment, yet it remains unknown whether physical space design may play a role in optimizing the delivery of mental health care. Principles of architectural design and human-centered co-design have been applied to enhance the patient experience of facility environments; however, little is known about how patients view the impact of physical spaces on their recovery. In this qualitative study, we aimed to understand patient perspectives of how physical environments contribute to mental wellbeing and personal experiences of recovery, in the context of informing future design efforts. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 13 participants receiving outpatient mental health treatment at the Kaiser Permanente San Jose Adult Psychiatry Clinic. Interviews were transcribed and themes were extracted that could inform future design concepts. The sample was comprised of nine female and three male participants, and one unidentified-gender participant, between the ages of 26–64, and across several self-reported racial/ethnic subgroups. We found four dimensions of physical environments that participants reported as impactful: 1) sensory design elements (colors, sounds, and textures), 2) engagement qualities (intensity of distracted activity such as crafting or commuting), 3) social relational aspects (privacy or connection), and 4) affective experiences evoked by being present in the space itself (feeling safe, calm, in control, self-aware, or creative was beneficial). Many of these elements were similarly noted across clinic and non-clinic environments. This study identifies key dimensions of physical environments that can serve as potential metrics of design success in supporting and facilitating mental health recovery. In the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, where mental health treatment has increasingly shifted outside of traditional clinics, our findings can support patients and clinicians seeking to harness potential in situ therapeutic benefits of physical environments.
Factors influencing return to work 3 months after percutaneous coronary intervention in young and middle-aged patients with coronary heart disease: A single-center, cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Yaoyao , Zhou Taihua , Li Xiaojing , Chen Xiaoxiao , Wang Xiaoyan , Xu Jiahui , Gu Danfeng
Published: April 2023

Background

Today, patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are becoming younger and younger, and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), most patients want to resume their occupations. The return to work of patients with CHD post PCI in China, however, has received little research attention. So, the goal of this study was to investigate the variables impacting the return to work following PCI in young and middle-aged patients with CHD in Wuxi and to offer a reference basis for the development of targeted interventions.

Methods

This study was executed at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University. We selected 280 young and middle-aged patients who underwent PCI for CHD as the study subjects and gathered general data about them while they were hospitalized. At 3 months after PCI, we surveyed the subjects with the return to work self-efficacy questionnaire, the Chinese version of the brief fatigue inventory, and the social support rating scale, and obtained information about their return to work. The factors affecting patients’ returning to work were analyzed using binary logistic regression.

Results

The final 255 cases were included in the study, of which 155 (60.8%) were successfully returned to work. Binary logistic regression showed that women (OR = 0.379, 95%CI:0.169,0.851), ejection fraction ≥50% (OR = 2.053, 95%CI:1.085,3.885), the brain-based job types (OR = 2.902, 95%CI:1.361,6.190), the kind of employment requiring both mental and physical capacity (OR = 2.867, 95%CI:1.224,6.715), moderate fatigue (OR = 6.023, 95%:1.596,22.7251), mild fatigue (OR = 4.035, 95%:1.104,14.751), return to work efficacy (OR = 1.839, 95%:1.140,3.144), and social support (OR = 1.060, 95%:1.003,1.121) were independent influences on patients’ return to work at 3 months after PCI (All P<0.05).

Conclusion

In order to help patient return to work as soon as possible, healthcare professionals should focus on those who are female, have worked mainly in physical activities, have low return-to-work self-efficacy, have severe fatigue, have low social support, and have poor ejection fraction.
Effect of relative weight limit set as a body weight percentage on work-related low back pain among workers
Authors: Iwakiri Kazuyuki , Sasaki Takeshi , Sotoyama Midori , Du Tanghuizi , Miki Keiichi , Oyama Fuyuki
Published: April 2023

Introduction

A quarter of work-related low back pain (LBP) cases result from handling heavy loads in Japan. The maximum weight male/female workers can handle is 40%/24% of their body weight but has set a constant load weight in ISO 11228–1 and NIOSH lifting equation. The preventive effect of the relative weight limit on LBP has not been clarified. This study aimed to identify the effect of relative weight limits set as body weight percentages on LBP prevalence.

Methods

Data from 21924 workers were collected via a web-based survey in 2022. The workers were categorized into three groups: group A, “no handling,” group B, “handling loads up to 40%/24% or less of body weight,” and group C, “handling loads over 40%/24% of body weight.” Moreover, they were categorized into eight groups: no handling, 1–5 kg, 5–10 kg, 10–15 kg, 15–20 kg, 20–25 kg, 25–30 kg, and ≥30 kg. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the effects of the limits set to body weight percentages and constant load weights on LBP.

Results

In groups A, B, and C, 25.5%, 39.2%, and 47.3% of males or 16.9%, 26.4%, and 38.0% of females had LBP, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of LBP was significantly greater in group B than in group A and even greater in group C. The OR of LBP among workers handling loads under 10 kg was not significantly different compared to no-handling workers.

Conclusions

LBP prevalence was greater in group B than in group A but lesser than in group C. Weight limits based on body weight percentages could not eliminate the factor of handling loads. However, handling loads under 10 kg suppressed LBP. Relative weight limits set as body weight percentages were inappropriate and ineffective for preventing LBP.
Academic achievement after a CT examination toward the head in childhood: Follow up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Salonen Elina , Bujila Robert , af Geijerstam Jean-Luc , Nyman Håkan , Flodmark Olof , Aspelin Peter , Kaijser Magnus
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Increasing use of CT examinations has led to concerns of possible negative cognitive effects for children. The objective of this study is to examine if the ionizing radiation dose from a CT head scan at the age of 6–16 years affects academic performance and high school eligibility at the end of compulsory school.

Materials and methods

A total of 832 children, 535 boys and 297 girls, from a previous trial where CT head scan was randomized on patients presenting with mild traumatic brain injury, were followed. Age at inclusion was 6–16 years (mean of 12.1), age at follow up 15–18 years (mean of 16.0), and time between injury and follow up one week up to 10 years (mean of 3.9). Participants’ radiation exposure status was linked with the total grade score, grades in mathematics and the Swedish language, eligibility for high school at the end of compulsory school, previously measured GOSE-score, and their mothers’ education level. The Chi-Square Test, Student’s t-Test and factorial logistics were used to analyze data.

Results

Although estimates of school grades and high school eligibility were generally higher for the unexposed, the results showed no statistically significant differences between the exposed and unexposed participants in any of the aforementioned variables.

Conclusions

Any effect on high school eligibility and school grades from a CT head scan at the age of 6–16 years is too small to be detected in a study of more than 800 patients, half of whom were randomly assigned to CT head scan exposure.
The poorly known in Russia sporodochial lichen genus Sporodophoron (Arthoniaceae) with one species new to the country and continental Eurasia
Authors: Frolov Ivan Valerievich , Prokopiev Ilya Andreevich
Published: April 2023

The genus Sporodophoron (Arthoniaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) is characterized by whitish, convex, and usually discrete or rarely becoming confluent sporodochia and conidia formed in zigzag-shaped and occasionally branched chains. It consists of four species, and only S. primorskiense was known in Russia, in a single locality in the Primorye Territory. Here we report the second locality of S. primorskiense and two localities of new to Russia S. gossypinum, all from the deciduous and mixed forests of the very south of the Primorye Territory. Morphology and chemistry of our specimens are briefly discussed in comparison with the literature data. Using HPLC-UV-MS, in S. gossypinum we detected several minor and trace compounds previously unknown to the species, namely confluentic acid, 4-O-methylolivetolcarboxylic acid, hyperlatolic acid, and perlatolic acid. Using mass-spectrometry, we found that “lepraric high unknown” substance has the same molecular formula and fragmentation pattern as lepraric acid. The find of S. gossypinum is also confirmed by the mrSSU sequence.
Are We There Yet? Gender Quotas in University Hierarchies: The Case of Colombia
Authors: Solano-Cahuana Iris Laudith
Published: April 2023

The year 2022 was set as deadline in the Colombian national development plan to reach gender parity in all public directive positions. As we reach the time limit, this study takes the lead on revising the impact of the national gender quota by comparing official reports and empirical data. Official records show a progressive growth in the rate of female representation among reporting organizations’ maximum decision level. Yet, closer analyses of quota regulated universities’ performance, show divergent results. Moreover, records of job positions filled by women are systematically omitted despite being required by the law, which raise further questions about the quota’s potential to foster gender equality at the organizational level. This research addresses this data gap, examines whether a higher proportion of women among various organizational bodies influence their election’s rate to decision-making roles, and explores current corporate equality strategies for a more comprehensive analysis of the quota’s impact.
Dissecting the role of plasmalogen lipids in synapse function
Authors: Sadilova Anna , Nubi Laila , Grout Alannah , Howard David , Sassi Martina , Angelini Roberto
Published: April 2023

Intro/Aims:

This research aims to reveal fundamental mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders by studying the consequences of disrupted lipid homeostasis in neurons by means of functional synapse assays and protein expression analyses. In neurodegeneration, the physiology of synapses is altered. Here, plasmalogen lipids are abundant and their peculiar conical shape makes them ideal in supporting vesicle fusion. In addition, plasmalogen levels decrease with pathological progression in Alzheimer’s disease. Since current evidence is correlative, we aim to provide tools to directly test whether plasmalogens support synaptic transmission for normal neuronal cell function. Specifically, we seek to prove that plasmalogens are required for synapse function and later explore their potential for neuro-regenerative supplementation therapies.

Methods:

My work will include western blot and ICC/IF detection of markers of mature neurons (NeuN, b3-tubulin) alongside established synaptic and vesicular markers (Synaptophysin1, PSD95, SV2, VAChT), and an assay for neurotransmitter release (Ach). Wet-lab assays will be performed on otherwise untreated differentiated cells alongside differentiated cells genetically silenced by using siRNA for plasmalogen biosynthetic enzymes FAR1 and PEDS1. Specifically, we will modulate plasmalogen levels in differentiated human SH-SY5Y cells as they embody a convenient model for developing assays. This work will be complemented with lipidomic analyses and will be soon translated to relevant iPSC-derived neurons.

Statistics:

Based on our preliminary data and previous literature, we expect the data from lipidomic and synaptic assays to be normally distributed. Comparison of multiple groups (n=6) at one timepoint (e.g., normal vs plasmalogen-deficient) will use one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction (GraphPad Software).
Dissecting the role of plasmalogen lipids in synapse function and neurodegeneration by interdisciplinary lipidomics
Authors: Gane Iwan , Sinclair Kathryn , Hunter Ann , Angelini Roberto
Published: April 2023

Introduction

More than 520,000 people in the UK suffer from dementia caused by Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a number set to rise towards 1 million by 2025 with the resultant cost to the economy expected to surpass £25 billion. With currently no effective treatments for patients with AD or dementia, it is crucial that research advances our understanding of these conditions with an aim to bring therapies to the fore. Synaptic dysfunction develops early in neurodegeneration, driving the gradual impairment of memory, sensation, and cognition. This correlates with the loss of plasmalogen phospholipids, which are enriched at synapses where their conical geometry is believed to ease synaptic vesicle fusion. Direct assessment of the role of plasmalogens at synapses has yet to be carried out, which is our goal.

Methods

We have developed a neuronal model using the neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y, to study the effects of plasmalogen levels on synapse formation and function following post-transcriptional silencing of plasmalogen biosynthetic enzymes. We are developing a novel quantitative shotgun lipidomics approach for the study of plasmalogens in neuronal cells, and with this data in parallel with immunocytochemistry, Western-blot and neurotransmitter assays, we will determine and characterise the role of plasmalogens at synapses. Furthermore, we will assess the capacity of plasmalogen precursor supplementation to restore plasmalogen levels and hence to abrogate disruption of synapse formation and function, endeavouring to open a future treatment direction for AD.

Approach for Statistical Analysis

Based on our preliminary data and previous literature, we expect the data from lipidomic and synaptic assays to be normally distributed. Comparison of multiple groups at one time point (e.g., normal vs plasmalogen-deficient vs plasmalogen-supplemented groups) will use one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction (GraphPad Software). Estimating a 50% decrease of plasmalogen levels and/or synaptic puncta upon KD and a 50% increase upon supplementation, SD=20%, eq
Synchronous Pancreatic Masses
Authors: Chatterjee Arjun , Sharma Neha , Singh Amandeep , Franklin Matthew , Garg Rajat , Chahal Prabhleen
Published: April 2023

Any mass lesion in the pancreas usually raises the possibility of undiagnosed pancreatic cancer. With the advancement of imaging modalities, we are seeing an increasing number of incidental findings, some of which may be clinically significant. When dealing with incidental pancreatic findings, it is critical to keep a broad differential in mind in addition to ruling out pancreatic malignancy. We present 3 rare cases of patients with 2 or more synchronous solid masses in the pancreas caused by pancreatic cancer, type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis, and sarcoidosis.
Not Your Everyday Duodenal Ulcer: Massive Gastrointestinal Bleed Secondary to Extramedullary Plasma Cell Myeloma
Authors: Fiske Hannah , Dougherty Brian , Ward Christopher , Claus Jessica , Dannheim Katelyn , Chen Sonja , Ferreira Jason
Published: April 2023

The differential for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is broad, ranging from peptic ulcers and Helicobacter pylori infection to variceal hemorrhage and neoplasms. The rarer causes of GI bleeds are frequently overlooked and as such can ultimately be more dangerous. Extramedullary multiple myeloma, an atypical plasma cell dyscrasia arising outside of the bone marrow, involves the GI tract in <5% of cases and often presents with nonspecific symptoms. We describe a rare case of such GI involvement of a plasma cell tumor, with subsequent transmural duodenal ulceration involving the gastroduodenal artery, ultimately resulting in a fatal GI bleed.
U.S. research trends: The impact of globalization and collaboration
Authors: Adams Jonathan , Desai Anand , Pendlebury David , Schnell Joshua
Published: April 2023

This report from the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) draws on Web of Science data to shed light on the trajectory of research in the U.S. over the last 15 years. It focuses on the balance of domestic and collaborative research and its policy implications, and raises questions as to how well past investment has prepared the U.S. scientific enterprise to achieve its specified goals.
Functional Importance of Endophytic Microorganisms in Plant Growth Promotion Bioactive Compound Production for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Jaiswal Sonali , Ojha Anupama , Thakur Pratibha , Mishra Sarad Kumar
Published: April 2023

Endophytes constitute living microorganisms inhabiting inside tissues of plants. Endophytes perform criticalfunctions in upgrading the growth of plants and their defense to fight stress by a variety of phytohormones, biologically active compounds, volatile organic compounds, and biotechnologically valuable enzymes. How biological nitrogen fixation, nutrient uptake, and disease suppression occurs by endophytes, have been discussed in detail in the review. The mutual symbiotic relationship enhances plant growth, fitness, physiology, and metabolite production ability. Endophytes inhibit the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms and protect crops against diseases. Endophytes are also involved in strategies for environmental clean-up such as biodegradation, bioremediation, and phytoremediation. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and study the mechanisms of interactions, colonisation, diversity, and functionalities for successful implications in agriculture. Thus, the endophytic relationship opens possibilities for medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. The present review emphasizes the importance of endophytes in sustainable agriculture under several adverse environmental impacts through a better understanding of their functioning inside the plant.
Solar Energy powered active Greenhouse for the cultivation of Fresh Food during winter in Trans Himalayan Cold Arid Region, India
Authors: Nazir Sarfraz , Mustafa Syed Basharat , Pandit Anil , Norbu Tsewang , Chaurasia Om Prakash
Published: April 2023

The Trans-Himalayan Cold arid high altitude region of Ladakh have hostile climatic conditions particularly lowtemperature (-20°C to -45°C). The region shares international borders with two countries viz. China and Pakistanand hence large numbers of Army personnel are deployed in the region due to their strategic importance. Production of fresh food locally is difficult due to low atmospheric temperatures. The region remains cut off from the external world during the winter period for almost 6-8 months due to the closure of roads, which causes an acute shortage of fresh food. Some supply from other regions through the air is carried out but available only to a limited population and costly also, hence beyond the pocket of the common’s man. The inhabitants hence mostly have to survive on packaged food containing food preservatives and harmful chemicals, which are the causes of many diseases. In addition, the unavailability of fresh food causes nutritional deficiency in the inhabitants of the region. Production of fresh food locally seems possible and realistic in closed structures, only if the temperature is maintained. The objective of this study is to prove fresh food production by maintaining suitable temperatures in structures during peak winter using solar energy. Solar energy is available in plenty in the region and stood at 4 th position in India in terms of irradiation. A variety of fresh foods were produced by maintaining temperature in the coldest and largest existing structure using commercially available heating units successively from 2016-2019 during the winter period. The heating units were supplied energy from a Solar PV-based system. An average of 1500kgs-1800kgs of a variety of fresh vegetables were produced and supplied for the first time in the region during the peak winter period of 2016 to 2019. The survival percentage of 92.5% to 100% is found in a structure with an area of 3600 2 feet.Fresh foods were produced and supplied to the user by maintaining minimum survival temperature using solar energy as a source with commercially available heating technology in the largest and coldest existing structure.
Review on Medicinal Importance of Butea monosperma Lam. (Taub)
Authors: Ambastha Surabhi , Sharan Latika
Published: April 2023

Butea monosperma is a renowned therapeutic plant, a medium size deciduous tree broadly dispersed in India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, China South-Central, Nepal, Laos, Sri Lanka, China Southeast, Pakistan, and Vietnam. Butea monosperma is being used in customary medication preparation from the pre historic period. It is acknowledged as the forest’s flame and is often branded as Dhak or Palash. It is described in Upanishads, Susruta Samhita, Vedas, Ashtanga Sangraha, Astanga Hridaya, and Charka Samhita. It belongs to the family of Fabaceae, which has an extensive range of vigorous principles, and it has phytoconstituents such as glycosides, flavonoids, etc.This revisional analysis is focused on the pharmacological actions, mainly shown by seeds, flowers, fruits, barks,leaves, etc., like anti-diabetic, anthelmintic, hepatoprotective, anti-stress, anti-implantation, anti-convulsant, wound healing, giardiasis, anti-oxidant, anti-dopaminergic, anti-microbial, sunscreen, anti-diarrheal, free radical scavenging, anti-filarial, anti-fungal, nephroprotective, protease inhibitor, osteogenic, hemagglutinating, anti-ulcer, giardiasis, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fertility and anti-cancer activity. GC-MS analysis of Butea monospermashows the attendance of important compounds which is volatile and HPLC analysis for non-volatile, which supplies light to its medicinal properties. These therapeutic chattels may provide impending active principles with advanced usefulness and the leastafter-effects as equated to accessible artificial drugs.
Nursing students’ attitudes towards cancer and affecting factors in Turkey: A descriptive study
Authors: Kutlutürkan Sevinç , Kırca Kamile , Sözeri Öztürk Elif
Published: April 2023

Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of nursing students towards cancer as well as affecting factors.
Method:This descriptive study was conducted with 949 nursing students at two state universities in Turkey. The population of this study included 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students in the  nursing programs in two universities in the academic year. In collecting data, “Demographic Information Form” and “Questionnaire for Measuring Attitudes Toward Cancer - Community Version” scales were used. The data were analysed by number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskall-Wallis H test and linear regression analysis. Mann Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction was used as post-hoc test.
Findings: While 63.3% of the students were at the range of 17-20 years, 87.8 % of them were female and 36.8% of them were first year students. It was determined that 51.4% of the students participated in the care and treatment practices of a patient diagnosed with cancer during clinical practices. The mean score of the Questionnaire for Measuring Attitudes Toward Cancer was 3.23±0.47. In this study, a statistically significant relationship was found between the students’ year in the program and the subscale of impossibility of recovery, between gender and the scale, having an individual diagnosed with cancer among family members and his/her immediate environment with disclosure, and the dissemination of cancer diagnosis (p< 0.05). According to the stepwise method completed in the linear regression analysis, gender and informing a patient about his/her cancer diagnosis had a significant effect on the scale (p< 0.05).
Conclusions: In this study, the students were found to have negative attitudes toward cancer. In this regard, healthcare professionals should organise training programs in order to change negative thoughts and attitudes of the students during educational processes.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on cross-border cooperation between Czechia and Austria
Authors: Šindelář Michal
Published: April 2023

Cross-border cooperation plays an important role in deepening European integration. Thanks to the existence of cross-border cooperation, border regions can overcome negative effects of the border and the adverse impact on their development, which leads to improvements in the daily lives of local residents. The Covid-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented closure of borders between most EU countries, which meant that communication between cross-border actors became more difficult and many cross-border activities were cancelled. After the first waves of the pandemic subsided, twenty interviews were conducted with mayors of Austrian municipalities in the Czech-Austrian border region. The topic of these interviews was the level of cross-border cooperation with Czech entities (municipalities, schools, societies etc.) and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on cross-border cooperation. The main findings from the interviews are that cross-border cooperation is positively evaluated. More than half of the mayors see cross-border cooperation as slightly increasing in recent years and about a fifth as decreasing or not developing. The main obstacles to cross-border cooperation are bureaucracy and language barriers. There are many joint activities in the border area, some of them have a long tradition and take place every year. Due to the border closure, the organisation of these activities was first postponed and then cancelled in 2020. On a positive note, according to the mayors, most of the cross-border events were already taking place in 2021. It can be concluded, that the pandemic caused a one-year gap in cross-border activities.
Untargeted metabolomics revealing changes in aroma substances in flue-cured tobacco
Authors: Zou Ling , Su Jiaen , Xu Tianyang , Ji Xinwei , Wang Tao , Chen Yi , Jiang Yonglei , Qiu Jingwen , Zhang Qi , Hu Binbin
Published: April 2023

The composition and content of aroma substances in flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) will affect the quality of tobacco. To investigate the correlation between various aroma substances of K326 before and after flue-curing, and their impact on tobacco quality and diversity, this study employed the middle leaves of K326 and KRK26 as test materials. Samples were collected both before and after flue-curing for untargeted metabolomics analysis. The results of K326 showed that 584 metabolites were significantly different and there were 44 aroma-related metabolites, including alcohols, aldehydes, phenols, organic acids, etc. The analyzed aroma compounds consist of 37 known tobacco aroma substances, while 7 metabolites, previously not associated with tobacco aroma, have been identified as aroma substances in other food products. These findings suggest that these seven metabolites might may be potential tobacco aroma compounds. Further analysis showed that the content of phenols, alcohols, and aldehydes increased significantly after flue-curing, but the content of organic acids decreased. Furthermore, the analysis of KRK26 revealed a correlation between the quantity of aroma substances and the type of tobacco. These findings serve as a reference for enhancing the flue-curing process of K326 and optimizing the industrial production of cigarettes that use cured K326 tobacco leaves.
Impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation on MSME Performance: Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Competency
Authors: Goyal Arpita , Mishra Uma Sankar
Published: April 2023

This study uses entrepreneurial competencies as a mediating element to explore the scope and pattern of influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on micro, small and medium entrepreneur (MSME) business success. The study’s target population was small-scale business owners and employees from Rajasthan, India. A sample of 339 small companies was selected through the purposive sampling method. Data were gathered through a survey instrument designed given an appropriate theoretical context. The survey instrument was tested for its proper validity and reliability. Further, we used the structural equation modeling approach to test the hypotheses. Derived findings indicated that the direct impact of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on firm performance was significant. Additionally, the relationship between EO and MSME performance was partially mediated by entrepreneurial competencies. The conceptual framework and findings offer the MSME sector entrepreneur new directions for positioning their product in customers’ minds and supporting the growth of an innovative and opportunistic mindset. The current research findings help to outperform the competition and take advantage of market opportunities. The organization must be able to correctly match what it delivers to the consumer with the needs and demands of the customer.