bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitors with Cardiovascular Events and Death in Dialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guimarães Maria Gabriela Motta , Tapioca Fernanda Pinheiro Martin , Neves Felipe Costa , Moura-Neto José A. , Passos Luiz Carlos Santana
Published: July 2023

Background: Anemia is a common finding among patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, especially those on dialysis. The recent introduction of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) has raised some concerns about the cardiovascular and thrombotic complications of this class of drugs. Objectives: This meta-analysis aimed to assess the safety of HIF-PHIs in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) versus standard therapy with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). Methods: Databases were searched on April 2022. Studies that reported incidence of all-cause mortality; major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs); myocardial infarction (MI); stroke and thrombotic events in the use of HIF-PHIs or ESA on ESKD patients in hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis were evaluated. Data were extracted from published reports, and quality assessment was performed per Cochrane recommendations. Results: 12,821 patients from ten randomized controlled trials were included in this study. Most patients (83%) were on hemodialysis. 6,461 (50.3%) were using HIF-PHIs, and 6,360 (49.6%) were in the ESA group. The pooled estimated incidence of all-cause mortality was 769 in the HIF-PHIs group (relative-risk ratios (RR): 1.04; confidence interval (CI): 0.95–1.14; p = 0.52; I2 = 0%). There was no difference in the groups regarding the outcomes of MACE in the analysis of the three studies that reported this outcome (RR: 0.95; CI: 0.87–1.04; p = 0.69; I2 = 0%). In addition, there was no statistical difference among the outcomes of MI, stroke, or thrombotic events. Conclusions: Among patients with ESKD on dialysis, the use of HIF-PHIs was non-inferior regarding the safety outcomes when compared to standard of care therapy.
Global Burden and Its Association with Socioeconomic Development Status of Meningitis Caused by Specific Pathogens over the Past 30 years: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Qu Chunrun , Wang Yunhao , Wang Xingyang , He Renbin , Cao Hui , Liu Bowei , Zhang Hao , Zhang Nan , Lai Ziyi , Dai Ziyu , Cheng Quan
Published: July 2023

Background: Meningitis is a severe and fatal neurological disease and causes lots of disease burden. The purpose of this study was to assess the global, regional, and national burdens and trends of meningitis by age, sex, and etiology. Methods: Data on the burden of meningitis were collected from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. R and Joinpoint were used for statistical analysis and charting. Results: In 2019, meningitis caused 236,222 deaths and 15,649,865 years of life lost (YLL) worldwide. The age-standardized death rate and age-standardized YLL rate of meningitis were 3.29 and 225, which decreased steadily. Burden change was mainly driven by epidemiological changes. Regionally, meningitis burden was the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Burden of disease increasingly concentrated in low sociodemographic index countries, and this was most pronounced in meningitis caused by N. meningitidis. Countries such as Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, etc., especially need to enhance the rational allocation of public health resources to reduce the disease burden. Children and men were more likely to be affected by meningitis. PM2.5 was found to be an important risk factor. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive understanding of the global disease burden of meningitis caused by specific pathogens and highlights policy priorities to protect human health worldwide, with particular attention to vulnerable regions, susceptible populations, environmental factors, and specific pathogens.
Systematic Review of Literature on Vocal Demand Response: Understanding Physiology, Measurements, and Associated Factors
Authors: Calvache Mora Carlos Alberto , Cantor-Cutiva Lady Catherine , Hunter Eric J. , Guzmán Marco , Soláque Leonardo
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Considering the conceptual migration from vocal load and vocal loading to vocal demand and vocal demand response, this review of literature aimed to identify physiological explanations, reported measurements, and associated factors (vocal demands) reported in the literature when considering the phonatory response to a vocal demand. Methods: A systematic review of literature, following the PRISMA Statement, was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Data were analyzed and presented in two parts. First, a bibliometric analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and content analysis were performed. Three criteria that got article inclusion were defined: (1) written in English, Spanish, and Portuguese; (2) published between 2009 and 2021; and (3) focused on vocal load and loading, vocal demand response, and voice assessment parameters. A total of 54 publications met the criteria and were included in this review. The second part included a conceptual framework based on the content analysis of three aspects of vocal demand response: (1) physiological explanations, (2) reported measurements, and (3) vocal demands. Results and Conclusion: As would be expected since vocal demand response is a relatively new term and not yet commonly used in literature when discussing way that the speakers respond to communicative scenarios, most of the studies reviewed (both historical and recent) still use the term of vocal load and vocal loading. Although there is a broad variety of literature discussing a wide range of vocal demands and voice parameters used to characterize the vocal demand response, results show that there is consistency across the studies. While vocal demand response is unique and intrinsic to the talker, associated factors that contribute to this response include both internal talker and external talker factors. Internal factors include muscle stiffness, viscosity in the phonatory system, vocal fold tissue damage, elevated sound pressure levels during occupational voice demands, extended periods of voice use, suboptimal body posture, difficulties in breathing technique, and sleep disturbances. Associated external factors include the working environment (noise, acoustics, temperature, humidity). In conclusion, although vocal demand response is intrinsic to the speaker, the speaker’s response is affected by external vocal demands. However, due to the wide methods to evaluate vocal demand response, it has been difficult to establish its contribution to voice disorders in the general population and, specifically, among occupational voice users. This literature review identified commonly reported parameters and factors that may help clinicians and researchers define vocal demand response.
Evaluation of C4 Gene Copy Number in Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome
Authors: Kalinowski Agnieszka , Tian Lu , Pattni Reenal , Ollila Hanna , Khan Maroof , Manko Cindy , Silverman Melissa , Ma Meiqian , Columbo Laurie , Farhadian Bahare , Swedo Susan , Murphy Tanya , Johnson Mats , Fernell Elisabeth , Gillberg Christopher , Thienemann Margo , Mellins Elizabeth D , Levinson Douglas F , Urban Alexander E , Frankovich Jennifer
Published: July 2023

Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is an abrupt-onset neuropsychiatric disorder. PANS patients have an increased prevalence of comorbid autoimmune illness, most commonly arthritis. In addition, an estimated one-third of PANS patients present with low serum C4 protein, suggesting decreased production or increased consumption of C4 protein. To test the possibility that copy number (CN) variation contributes to risk of PANS illness, we compared mean total C4A and total C4B CN in ethnically matched subjects from PANS DNA samples and controls (192 cases and 182 controls). Longitudinal data from the Stanford PANS cohort (n = 121) were used to assess whether the time to juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or autoimmune disease (AI) onset was a function of total C4A or C4B CN. Lastly, we performed several hypothesis-generating analyses to explore the correlation between individual C4 gene variants, sex, specific genotypes, and age of PANS onset. Although the mean total C4A or C4B CN did not differ in PANS compared to controls, PANS patients with low C4B CN were at increased risk for subsequent JIA diagnosis (hazard ratio = 2.7, p value = 0.004). We also observed a possible increase in risk for AI in PANS patients and a possible correlation between lower C4B and PANS age of onset. An association between rheumatoid arthritis and low C4B CN has been reported previously. However, patients with PANS develop different types of JIA: enthesitis-related arthritis, spondyloarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. This suggests that C4B plays a role that spans these arthritis types.
Cardiometabolic Effects of DOCA-Salt in Mice Depend on Ambient Temperature
Authors: Grobe Connie C. , Reho John J. , Brown-Williams Daeleon , Ziegler Alisha A. , Mathieu Natalia M. , Lawton Samuel B.R. , Fekete Eva M. , Brozoski Daniel T. , Wackman Kelsey K. , Burnett Colin M.L. , Nakagawa Pablo , Sigmund Curt D. , Segar Jeffrey L. , Grobe Justin L.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Mice prefer warmer environments than humans. For this reason, behavioral and physiological thermoregulatory responses are engaged by mice in response to a standard room temperature of 22 to 24 °C. Autonomic mechanisms mediating thermoregulatory responses overlap with mechanisms activated in hypertension, and, therefore, we hypothesized that housing at thermoneutral temperatures (TNs; 30 °C) would modify the cardiometabolic effects of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)–salt in mice.

METHODS:

The effects of DOCA-salt treatment upon ingestive behaviors, energy expenditure, blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and core temperature were assessed in C57BL/6J mice housed at room temperature or TN.

RESULTS:

Housing at TN reduced food intake, energy expenditure, blood pressure, and HR and attenuated HR responses to acute autonomic blockade by chlorisondamine. At room temperature, DOCA-salt caused expected increases in fluid intake, sodium retention in osmotically inactive pools, blood pressure, core temperature, and also caused expected decreases in fat-free mass, total body water, and HR. At TN, the effects of DOCA-salt upon fluid intake, fat gains, hydration, and core temperature were exaggerated, but effects on energy expenditure and HR were blunted. Effects of DOCA-salt upon blood pressure were similar for 3 weeks and exaggerated by TN housing in the fourth week.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ambient temperature robustly influences behavioral and physiological functions in mice, including metabolic and cardiovascular phenotype development in response to DOCA-salt treatment. Studying cardiometabolic responses of mice at optimal ambient temperatures promises to improve the translational relevance of rodent models.
Talking Hats: What Documents and Textiles Can Tell Us about Each Other
Authors: Liebrenz Boris
Published: July 2023

This article seeks to demonstrate that a believed Seljuq hat from Iran is in fact a Fatimid hat from Egypt. For the first time, it uses an analysis of the paper documents that used to line this once splendid samite piece and asks about the archival logic of their reuse. Beyond this narrow question of origin, the analysis illustrates a methodological challenge for textile historians who often have to operate without additional documentary material and sufficient information on provenance. Finally, an attempt is made to contextualize what appears to have been a tradition of sartorial representation when limited textual and pictorial sources have survived.
Transforming Curatorial Practices for the Global Museum: Reflections on the British Museum’s Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World
Authors: Akbarnia Ladan , Suleman Fahmida
Published: July 2023

This article explores the making of the British Museum’s Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World, which widened the geographical, temporal, and material presentation of the museum’s collections, reframing the new display as one of “Islamic material culture” rather than “Islamic art.” Discussed from an insider curatorial perspective, it examines how this reconceived framework made it possible to feature multifaceted narratives about the peoples of the Islamic world, as well as the ideas, technologies, and interactions inspiring their visual culture. Representing a transformative practice open to continual adaptation, this epistemic shift in the narrative could serve as a template for other galleries of world civilisations in global museums today.
Having Outpatient Major Elective (HOME) Robotic Colon Resection Protocol: A Safe Approach to Ambulatory Colon Resection
Authors: Bowman Daman , Proctor Charles , Richards Kristen , Protyniak Bogdan
Published: July 2023

Background

Within the past decade, colorectal surgery length of stay (LOS) has decreased from an average of 5-6 days to 2-3 days. However, elective colon resections have yet to become a common procedure with the potential for same-day discharge. During the COVID pandemic, hospital capacity was exceptionally strained and colon resections were delayed due to the lack of inpatient beds available.

Purpose

We sought to create a protocolized ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery) pathway that would allow for safe and feasible ambulatory colon resections as well as decreasing overall hospital inpatient burden.

Research Design

Between November 2020 and March 2022, 15 patients were offered same-day discharges under the HOME protocol. Of the 15 patients, 11 patients agreed to be discharged home the day of surgery and followed prospectively for 30 days. All procedures were performed robotically.

Study Sample

Patients were selected based on level of preoperative health (ASA class 1 and 2), low-risk for loss to follow-up, ability for close family supervision for 3 days postoperatively, and type of procedure (partial colectomy). Close follow-up was achieved with daily telephonic or televideo visits for 3 days post-operatively, as well as a 2-week outpatient clinic follow-up.

Data Collection

A total of 11 patient underwent same-day surgery utilizing the protocol, 5 females and 6 males, between the ages of 34 and 62. All patients were ASA class 2. Indications for colon resection were cecal volvulus (1), recurrent sigmmoid diverticulitis (9), and Crohn's disease (1). Primary outcome was readmission rates within the 30-days.

Results

There were no readmissions or complications during the perioperative 30-day period. There was one emergency department return for pain who was not admitted. Average operative time was 132.1 minutes.

Conclusion

Using a novel enhanced recovery protocol, we demonstrated the feasibility and safety of ambulatory partial colectomy in a highly select small subset of patients.
Characteristics of SLE patients with symptomatic COVID-19: Single centre experience at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital over a 30-month period
Authors: Hassan Kowthar S , Al Lawati Batool , Rizvi Gauhar A
Published: July 2023

Background

COVID-19 pandemic was declared by WHO in March 2020. Severity of disease varied from asymptomatic to fatal infection. Severe disease was found to be associated with hyperinflammation syndrome. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is treated with various immunosuppressive agents, intensity of which depends on the severity of the disease. We aimed to study the characteristic of SLE patients infected with COVID-19.

Methods

352 patients with SLE were included in this observational cross-section study conducted over a 30-month period beginning from 24th February 2020 (first COVID cases documented in Oman) until end of July 2022. Data were retrieved from electronic medical records and through questionnaire handed to patients in OPD or filled through phone calls.

Results

40.6% of SLE patients developed COVID-19 infection with mean age of 37 years and maintaining their male to female ratio as in SLE disease. Majority of the patients in both COVID-infected and non-infected groups had SLE disease activity of zero. Sore throat and cough were present in almost all patients. Other common symptoms were myalgia/arthralgia (94%) followed by fever. Significant difference between the groups was in severity of SLE and in lung involvement. No difference was noted between the two groups in other parameters including regarding the frequency of medication.

Conclusions

This is the first study of COVID-19 in SLE patients in the Gulf Council Countries (GCCs). A significant difference between COVID-infected and uninfected groups was seen in the SLE disease activity and whether lung was involved in the SLE patients. We found no impact for DM, HTN, BMI, IHD, lupus nephrites of SLE medication on COVID-19 infection.
Deliberate foreign body ingestion in patients with underlying mental illness: A retrospective multicentre study
Authors: Kaazan P , Seow W , Tan Z , Logan H , Philpott H , Huynh D , Warren N , McIvor C , Holtmann G , Clark SR , Tse E
Published: July 2023

Objective

Deliberate foreign body ingestion (DFBI) is characterised by recurrent presentations among patients with mental health conditions, intellectual disabilities and in prisoners. We aimed to profile the characteristics and evaluate the care of such patients in this study.

Methods

Adult patients with an endoscopic record of attempted foreign body retrieval between January 2013 and September 2020 were identified at three Australian hospitals. Those with a documented mental health diagnosis were included and their standard medical records reviewed. Presentation history, demographics, comorbidities and endoscopic findings were recorded and described.

Results

A total of 166 admissions were accounted for by 35 patients, 2/3 of which had borderline personality disorder (BPD). Repetitive presentations occurred in more than half of the cohort. There was an increased trend of hospital admissions throughout the years. At least half of the cohort had a documented mental health review during their admission. An average of 3.3 (2.9) foreign bodies were ingested per single episode. Endoscopic intervention was performed in 76.5% of incidents. The combined Length of stay for all patients was 680 days.

Conclusion

Deliberate foreign body ingestion in mental health patients is a common, recurring and challenging problem that is increasing in frequency and requires collaborative research to further guide holistic management.
Messaging Apps: A Rising Tool for Informational Autocrats
Authors: Trauthig Inga K. , Martin Zelly C. , Woolley Samuel C.
Published: July 2023

Social media have caused adaptations to existing conceptualizations of democratization, democratic backsliding, and authoritarian hardening. One attempt to capture how social media may solidify authoritarian tendencies while maintaining the government’s popularity is the concept of informational autocracies: rule primarily through the manipulation of information. In this paper, we contribute to Guriev and Treisman’s conceptualizations, who coined the term “informational autocrats” and relied on case studies from around the world. Overall, we expand on existing literature on social media and informational autocracies via a discussion of encrypted messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp or Telegram) in such contexts. Using a qualitative comparative approach consisting of 68 interviews across 11 country case studies, our analyses demonstrate that the relative secrecy offered by encryption messaging apps can benefit state propagandists and authoritarian tendencies.
Multimode TED-tuned beam mass damper for low-g capacitive MEMS accelerometers VRE reduction
Authors: Odira Inno , Keraita James , Byiringiro Jean
Published: July 2023

Capacitive Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometers for quasi-static applications are susceptible to vibration rectification error (VRE) when the ambient AC vibration signals get rectified to DC. Studies to mitigate the VRE have relied on the sigma-delta filtering algorithm with closed-loop feedback as well as the adoption of vibration-insensitive frequency modulation (FM) instead of conventional amplitude modulation. In this study, we propose a novel solution to VRE caused by asymmetric railing introducing multimode thermoelastic damping (TED) tuned beam mass damper (TBMD) integrated into the MEMS accelerometer effectively functioning as a compensator. Our contribution breaks through the microfabrication limitation of damping elements by utilizing intrinsic TED in MEMS material. The damper elements were alternately tuned up to the third flexural mode due to MEMS manufacturing constraints. This was done through parametric sweeps in numerical simulations on single-axis capacitive MEMS accelerometer integrated with multimode TED-damped TBMD. According to simulation results, the higher the mode shapes of the TED-damped tuned beam mass damper, the higher the damping effect and the better the vibration rectification factor.
Recognizing Vulnerabilities of Young Masculinities in Youth Work: Three Perspectives on Masculine Vulnerability Linking Social Structures and Agency
Authors: Lunabba Harry
Published: July 2023

In this article, I discuss and analyze how vulnerabilities within the group of young masculinities can be recognized in the context of youth work. I analyze vulnerability from three different perspectives: a contextual, a performance, and a relationship perspective. The discussion is grounded on critical realism and adaptive theory focusing on how vulnerability is interconnected with social structures and social agency. The theoretical conceptualization on these three perspectives on vulnerability can be implemented in order to generate a nuanced understanding of how social groups, such as boys’ and young men’s vulnerabilities are manifested in practice. To acknowledge vulnerabilities it is essential to understand how all human life is conditioned by social structures, gender norms, and social relationships. However, being vulnerable does not exclude the dimension of human agency. Therefore, all vulnerable groups and individuals are accountable for their actions, particularly with regard to how they encounter others.
Pleural Mesothelioma in the Era of Immunotherapy
Authors: Chevallier Mathieu , Kim Floryane , Friedlaender Alex , Addeo Alfredo
Published: July 2023

Over the course of the last decade, immunotherapy has revolutionised the management of a great number of cancer types. The treatment of pleural mesothelioma, a rare and highly aggressive cancer, is also being transformed by immunotherapy. The recent combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab improved overall survival compared with platinum-based chemotherapy, irrespective of the histology, establishing immunotherapy as a front-line standard of care in advanced pleural mesothelioma. Yet, most patients do not derive long-term benefit from any of the available therapies, and we note a significant lack of predictive and prognostic biomarkers. After progressing on first-line therapy, patients have limited therapeutic options, and data are scarce about optimal sequencing. In this perspective, we discuss the current management of pleural mesothelioma, defining what we consider to be the therapeutic sequence based on performance status and tumour histology. We also highlight promising ongoing trials that could further shape the management of this rare disease.
On the oblique electrostatic waves in a dusty plasma with non-Maxwellian electrons for Saturn’s magnetosphere
Authors: Shumaila  , Jahangir Rabia , Saba Faiza , Alrowaily Albandari W , El-Tantawy Samir A
Published: July 2023

The characteristics of (non)linear dust-ion acoustic waves (DIAWs) in a collisionless, magnetized dusty plasma are investigated. The current model is composed of ( r, q)-distributed electrons along with warm ions and stationary dust grains with negative charge. Both linear and nonlinear waves are considered to progress in x- z plane. The properties of linear waves are studied by deriving the dispersion relation for the plasma parameters of Saturn’s magnetosphere. The fluid equations of the current model are reduced to the universal Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation in order to study the characteristics of oblique propagation of DIA solitary waves (DIASWs). The critical point at which the nature/polarity of solitons changes is determined precisely. The influence of various plasma parameters, namely, obliqueness, magnetic field, densities, temperatures, and double spectral indices of the ( r, q)-distributed electrons on DIASWs is investigated for Saturn’s magnetosphere. The DIASWs of ( r, q)-distributed electrons are also compared with Maxwellian electrons. This work would be helpful to study other astrophysical and laboratory plasma systems where dusty plasmas and ( r, q) distribution are predicted.
Cannabidiol Keeps Hippocampal Hyperactivity in Check
Authors: Wong Jennifer C.
Published: July 2023

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Perfectionism, Academic Stress, Rumination and Worry: A Predictive Model for Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in University Students From Colombia
Authors: Gil Tabata Cuervo , Obando Diana , García-Martín María Belén , Sandoval-Reyes Juan
Published: July 2023

Perfectionism, academic stress, worry, and rumination are associated with increased levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms in university students. However, associations between these variables have been explored separately. Using PLS-SEM, the present study explored a multivariate model in which these variables interplay to predict affective symptoms. A sample of 403 students between ages 18 and 29 years from 55 Colombian institutions of higher education participated by completing Zung depression and anxiety scales, the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Inventory of Academic Stress, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, and the Ruminative Responses Scale. Results indicate a positive relationship between perfectionism and academic stress, and a mediation effect of worry and rumination in the relationship between academic stress and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Findings provide evidence of a novel model that precedes the design of target prevention and intervention programs pointing to reduce the risk of affective disorders and its associated negative consequences.
Sex Education: School Teachers’ Attitude and Implementation in Wayanad District
Authors: Bibina P. A.  , Mathew Aleena P. , Jeyavel S.
Published: July 2023

In the Indian context, the term ‘sex’ and sex-related concepts are still considered as taboo, sexual education is an important topic to explore. The laws and beliefs of a community may influence the attitudes of its members . For the majority of the time, people’s behavior will mirror their attitude. Teachers are the second parent to offer sexual education to youngsters. Regarding the implementation of a proper sex education in the school, it would be crucial to examine the teachers’ attitudes. The purpose of this study is to comprehend the school teachers’ perspective on sexual education and its execution in the Wayanad district of Kerala. This mixed-methods study included 40 Wayanad district upper elementary and secondary school teachers. After receiving clearance from the institution’s ethical committee and consent from the school administration, the professors were contacted. Along with the personal data sheet, the “Attitude scale toward sex education” and a semi-structured interview were used to collect data. The majority of instructors (58%) had a negative outlook on sexual education. There were no gender variations in school instructors’ attitudes regarding sexual education. The qualitative research demonstrated a disparity between the attitudes of school instructors toward sex education and their execution of sex education program in school settings. This study indicated the necessity to enhance the sexuality knowledge of school instructors in Kerala. It was also determined that government and societal support are crucial for implementing a sex education program in school settings.
Dracula urbanism and smart cities in style and substance
Authors: Wilson David , Wyly Elvin
Published: July 2023

Dialogues in Urban Research was established to create critical yet constructive conversations about cities and urbanization at a perilous but fascinating historical-geographical conjuncture. In this vein, we thank our four interlocuters, Emma Colven, Renee Tapp, Delik Hudalah, Dallas Rogers, and Christopher Silver, for their provocative comments on our manuscript. There is much food for thought in their ideas. In response to their comments, we initially expound on three core themes in the article that address their concerns about our conceptual apparatus. Here we offer clarity to dispel any misunderstandings of what our paper is about. The discussion's cornerstone: Dracula urbanism as an important situated theorising; Dracula's complicated features, and the reality of smart city building as the leading edge of Dracula urbanism. Then, we illuminate the contributions of our critics as a collection of nuanced modifications and extensions of our work. We are heartened that these fellow urbanists, in this special journal issue, have critically appraised the Dracula urbanist concept and move it forward in meaningful ways.
Exploring Preparedness to Enter the Field: A Q Method Approach to Understanding a Beginning Rural Special Education Educator Preparation Program
Authors: McKissick Bethany R. , Wrenn Melissa , Vach Sarah
Published: July 2023

In this program description, we examined the impact of East Carolina University’s educator preparation program on beginning special educators’ preparedness and confidence to meet professional standards and fulfill their job responsibilities using Q methodology. For this work, undergraduate interns who were enrolled in a rural-focused teacher preparation program that is also located rurally completed a Q sort of national standards for special education teachers and a written questionnaire. Data were analyzed using factor analysis and thematic analysis to draw conclusions about the interns’ perceptions of self-efficacy within the context of their programmatic experiences. Findings indicated interns felt prepared to encourage diversity and address individual students’ needs; however, they need more support engaging in professional practice and assuming the role of a collaborative leader. In addition, targeted coursework, such as developing Individualized Education Programs, supported their learning.
Revisiting asthma pharmacotherapy: where do we stand and where do we want to go?
Authors: Cazzola Mario , Page Clive P. , Matera Maria Gabriella , Rogliani Paola , Hanania Nicola A.
Published: July 2023

Several current guidelines/strategies outline a treatment approach to asthma, which primarily consider the goals of improving lung function and quality of life and reducing symptoms and exacerbations. They suggest a strategy of stepping up or down treatment, depending on the patient's overall current asthma symptom control and future risk of exacerbation. While this stepwise approach is undeniably practical for daily practice, it does not always address the underlying mechanisms of this heterogeneous disease. In the last decade, there have been attempts to improve the treatment of severe asthma, such as the addition of a long-acting antimuscarinic agent to the traditional inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist treatment and the introduction of therapies targeting key cytokines. However, despite such strategies several unmet needs in this population remain, motivating research to identify novel targets and develop improved therapeutic and/or preventative asthma treatments. Pending the availability of such therapies, it is essential to re-evaluate the current conventional “one-size-fits-all” approach to a more precise asthma management. Although challenging, identifying “treatable traits” that contribute to respiratory symptoms in individual patients with asthma may allow a more pragmatic approach to establish more personalised therapeutic goals.
Insomnia and distress as mediators on the relationship from cyber-victimization to self-reported psychotic experiences: a binational study from Tunisia and Lebanon
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Stambouli Manel , Malaeb Diana , Farah Nour , Cheour Majda , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil
Published: July 2023

Background

While expansive research has accumulated concerning the association between traditional, face-to-face peer victimization and psychosis, a paucity of empirical research has been undertaken so far to investigate these associations with experiences of new and evolving ways of victimization through the digital world. Exploring these associations is highly relevant and timely, given that emerging adults are heavy users of digital technologies, highly exposed to online risks, and are at the peak age of onset of psychosis. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that psychological distress and insomnia symptoms have a significant indirect mediating effect on the association between cyber-victimization and self-reported positive psychotic experiences (SRPEs) in a binational sample of Tunisian and Lebanese community adults.

Method

The total sample was composed of 3766 participants; 3103 were from Lebanon (Mean age: 21.73 ± 3.80 years, 63.6% females) and 663 from Tunisia (Mean age: 26.32 ± 4.86 years, 59.9% females). Online anonymous self-report questionnaires were administered to all participants.

Results

Higher SRPEs were found in Lebanese participants compared to Tunisians, in single participants compared to married ones, in those with a university level of education compared to secondary or less, in those who live in rural areas compared to urban, in those who do not smoke, do not drink alcohol and do not use marijuana or any other illegal drug. Furthermore, more cyber-victimization, a higher insomnia severity and psychological distress were significantly associated with higher SRPEs. After adjusting for potential confounders, mediation analysis demonstrated that higher cyber-victimization was significantly associated with more insomnia severity/psychological distress; which were, in turn, significantly associated with greater SRPEs. Finally, more cyber-victimization was significantly and directly associated with more positive dimension.

Conclusion

Identifying insomnia and distress as mediators could provide novel insight for psychosis prevention efforts and intervention targets for cyber-victimized individuals prone to experience subclinical psychotic symptoms.
Systems pharmacology dissection of pharmacological mechanisms of Xiaochaihu decoction against human coronavirus
Authors: Xu Lvjie , Cai Chuipu , Fang Jiansong , Wu Qihui , Zhao Jun , Wang Zhe , Guo Pengfei , Zheng Lishu , Liu Ailin
Published: July 2023

Background

Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still rage worldwide, there are still very limited treatments for human coronaviruses (HCoVs) infections. Xiaochahu decoction (XCHD), which is one of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions in Qingfeipaidu decoction (QFPDD), is widely used for COVID-19 treatment in China and able to relieve the symptoms of fever, fatigue, anorexia, and sore throat. To explore the role and mechanisms of XCHD against HCoVs, we presented an integrated systems pharmacology framework in this study.

Methods

We constructed a global herb-compound-target (H-C-T) network of XCHD against HCoVs. Multi-level systems pharmacology analyses were conducted to highlight the key XCHD-regulated proteins, and reveal multiple HCoVs relevant biological functions affected by XCHD. We further utilized network-based prediction, drug-likeness analysis, combining with literature investigations to uncover the key ani-HCoV constituents in XCHD, whose effects on anit-HCoV-229E virus were validated using cytopathic effect (CPE) assay. Finally, we proposed potential molecular mechanisms of these compounds against HCoVs via subnetwork analysis.

Results

Based on the systems pharmacology framework, we identified 161 XCHD-derived compounds interacting with 37 HCoV-associated proteins. An integrated pathway analysis revealed that the mechanism of XCHD against HCoVs is related to TLR signaling pathway, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, cytoplasmic DNA sensing pathway, and IL-6/STAT3 pro-inflammatory signaling pathway. Five compounds from XCHD, including betulinic acid, chrysin, isoliquiritigenin, schisandrin B, and (20R)-Ginsenoside Rh1 exerted inhibitory activity against HCoV-229E virus in Huh7 cells using in vitro CPE assay.

Conclusion

Our work presented a comprehensive systems pharmacology approach to identify the effective molecules and explore the molecular mechanism of XCHD against HCoVs.
Determining effects of nitrate, arginine, and ferrous on antibiotic recalcitrance of clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in biofilm-inspired alginate encapsulates
Authors: Jabalameli Fereshteh , Emaneini Mohammad , Beigverdi Reza , Halimi Shahnaz , Siroosi Maryam
Published: July 2023

Background

Biofilms play a role in recalcitrance and treatability of bacterial infections, but majority of known antibiotic resistance mechanisms are biofilm-independent. Biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, especially in cystic fibrosis patients infected with the alginate producing strains in their lungs, are hard to treat. Changes in growth-related bacterial metabolism in biofilm affect their antibiotic recalcitrance which could be considered for new therapies designed based on these changes. In this study, effects of nitrate, arginine, and ferrous were investigated on antibiotic recalcitrance in alginate-encapsulated P. aeruginosa strains isolated from cystic fibrosis patients in the presence of amikacin, tobramycin, and ciprofloxacin. Also, expression of an efflux pump gene, mexY, was analyzed in selected strains in the presence of amikacin and ferrous.

Methods

Clinical P. aeruginosa strains were isolated from cystic fibrosis patients and minimum inhibitory concentration of amikacin, tobramycin, and ciprofloxacin was determined against all the strains. For each antibiotic, a susceptible and a resistant or an intermediate-resistant strain were selected, encapsulated into alginate beads, and subjected to minimal biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) test. After determining MBECs, sub-MBEC concentrations (antibiotics at concentrations one level below the determined MBEC) for each antibiotic were selected and used to study the effects of nitrate, arginine, and ferrous on antibiotic recalcitrance of encapsulated strains. Effects of ferrous and amikacin on expression of the efflux pump gene, mexY, was studied on amikacin sensitive and intermediate-resistant strains. One-way ANOVA and t test were used as the statistical tests.

Results

According to the results, the supplements had a dose-related effect on decreasing the number of viable cells; maximal effect was noted with ferrous, as ferrous supplementation significantly increased biofilm susceptibility to both ciprofloxacin and amikacin in all strains, and to tobramycin in a resistant strain. Also, treating an amikacin-intermediate strain with amikacin increased the expression of mexY gene, which has a role in P. aeruginosa antibiotic recalcitrance, while treating the same strain with ferrous and amikacin significantly decreased the expression of mexY gene, which was a promising result.

Conclusions

Our results support the possibility of using ferrous and arginine as an adjuvant to enhance the efficacy of conventional antimicrobial therapy of P. aeruginosa infections.
Application of comprehensive unit-based safety program model to improve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with ovarian cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Aihua , Li Min , Liu Zhuo , Xie Xinxin , Yao Wen , Wang Jingmin , Zhao Tingting , Yang Jie
Published: July 2023

Background

To explore the effect of intervention programs constructed under the guidance of the comprehensive unit-based safety program (CUSP) model on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients with ovarian cancer.

Method

According to the time of admission, 90 ovarian cancer chemotherapy patients in the first affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2019 to September 2020 were divided into an intervention group and a control group with 45 cases each. Both groups of patients received routine intervention, and the intervention group implemented the CUSP program on this basis. The intervention lasted 8 months. Before and after the intervention, the patients in the ward were used the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Antiemesis Tool, the Functional Living Index-Emesis (FLIE), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for the effect evaluation.

Results

After the intervention, the degree of nausea and vomiting frequency in the intervention group were significantly lower than that in the control group, especially the degree of nausea in the delayed phase (P < 0.05). The score of the functional living index-emesis in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and the anxiety and depression in the intervention group were significantly relieved compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The intervention program guided by the CUSP model can significantly alleviate patients’ nausea and vomiting, improve the quality of life, and relieve anxiety and depression. The CUSP model is suitable for clinical practice and has guiding significance for clinical work.
Results from 237 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation runs with drowned patients: a nationwide retrospective study
Authors: Jasny Thomas , Kloka Jan , Old Oliver , Piekarski Florian , Lotz Gösta , Zacharowski Kai , Friedrichson Benjamin
Published: July 2023

Background

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and presents with a wide range of symptoms, from simple coughing to cardiac or pulmonary failure. In severe cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) should be considered as a rescue therapy. Therefore, we sought to analyse ECMO usage, outcomes and predictive factors in drowned patients.

Methods

The Federal Statistical Office of Germany provided the study data. The patients included experienced drowning (ICD T75.1) and ECMO (OPS 8–852.0, 8–852.3) between 2007 and 2020. All age groups were included. Mortality was calculated for the total population and for ECMO patients. A multiple logistic regression model for ECMO patients was applied to account for predefined patient characteristics and complications.

Results

Of 12,354 patients who were hospitalised due to drowning, 237 patients (1.9%) received ECMO. Hospital mortality was 14.1% (n = 1741) overall and 74.7% (n = 177) for ECMO patients. In-hospital mortality was positively associated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before admission (odds ratio [OR] 4.49, 1.31–15.39) and in-hospital CPR (OR 6.28, 2.76–14.31). Stroke (OR 0.14, 0.02–0.96) and drug abuse (OR 0.05, 0.01–0.45) were negatively associated with in-hospital mortality. Neither the ECMO mode nor the patient’s age and sex had statistically significant effects on survival.

Conclusion

This study indicates that survival in drowned patients who receive ECMO is lower than previously reported. The proportion of paediatric patients was also smaller than expected. As the effects of different ECMO modes on mortality remain unclear, the need for further study remains great.
Multi-omics in thoracic aortic aneurysm: the complex road to the simplification
Authors: Rega Sara , Farina Floriana , Bouhuis Silvia , de Donato Silvia , Chiesa Mattia , Poggio Paolo , Cavallotti Laura , Bonalumi Giorgia , Giambuzzi Ilaria , Pompilio Giulio , Perrucci Gianluca L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a serious condition that affects the aorta, characterized by the dilation of its first segment. The causes of TAA (e.g., age, hypertension, genetic syndromes) are heterogeneous and contribute to the weakening of the aortic wall. This complexity makes treating this life-threatening aortopathy challenging, as there are currently no etiological therapy available, and pharmacological strategies, aimed at avoiding surgical aortic replacement, are merely palliative. Recent studies on novel therapies for TAA have focused on identifying biological targets and etiological mechanisms of the disease by using advanced -omics techniques, including epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics approaches.

Methods

This review presents the latest findings from -omics approaches and underscores the importance of integrating multi-omics data to gain more comprehensive understanding of TAA.

Results

Literature suggests that the alterations in TAA mediators frequently involve members of pro-fibrotic process (i.e., TGF-β signaling pathways) or proteins associated with cell/extracellular structures (e.g.,aggrecans). Further analyses often reported the importance in TAA of processes as inflammation (PCR, CD3, leukotriene compounds), oxidative stress (chromatin OXPHOS, fatty acids), mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis (e.g.,PPARs andHIF1a). Of note, more recent metabolomics studies added novel molecular markers to the list of TAA-specific detrimental mediators (proteoglycans).

Conclusion

It is increasingly clear that integrating data from different -omics branches, along with clinical data, is essential as well as complicated both to reveal hidden relevant information and to address complex diseases such as TAA. Importantly, recent progresses in metabolomics highlighted novel potential and unprecedented marks in TAA diagnosis and therapy.
Modeling inequality in access to agricultural productive resources and socioeconomic determinants of household food security in Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dwomoh Duah , Agyabeng Kofi , Tuffour Henry Oppong , Tetteh Afua , Godi Anthony , Aryeetey Richmond
Published: July 2023

Women in rural communities remain the most vulnerable population in accessing agricultural productive resources with dire implications for food security, malnutrition, and poverty. Effective agricultural and food-related policies should be based on a better understanding of the complex inter-relationship of how socioeconomic, demographic, gender, women empowerment, and geographical location indicators simultaneously affect access to agricultural productive resources and food security. The study quantified the level of inequality in access to agricultural productive resources and explored the mechanism through which socioeconomic status mediates the effect of geographic location on food security. This is a community-based cross-sectional study using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling design to generate a representative sample of the target population who live in coastal and non-coastal communities. The Gini inequality index, generalized structural equation models, multivariable modified Poisson and Negative binomial regression models were used. The inequality in access to agricultural productive resources was marginally higher among women than in men, higher in the coastal areas than in the non-coastal areas, and higher among women with low empowerment in agricultural production decision-making. The empowerment of women in agricultural decision-making was found to increase with age, as older women were more empowered to make decisions in agriculture. Approximately 17% [95% CI 15.6–18.6] of the population were food-secured (coastal = 13.9%, non-coastal communities = 20.7%). Socioeconomic status mediates the effect of living in coastal versus non-coastal rural communities on food security. To improve food security, the government should prioritize interventions geared toward improving women's access to productive agricultural resources. These interventions must consider gender-specific constraints, poverty alleviation schemes, legal framework, sociocultural factors, and decision-making power.