bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staff Low Back Injury Risk During Assisted Falls Virtual Reality Simulations
Authors: Broderick Vianna , Barrett Blake , Phillips Samuel , Cowan Linda , Friedman Yvonne , McKinney Andrea , Chavez Margeaux , Lind Jason , Bradley Sarah , Kaplan Howard , Bulat Tatjana
Published: January 2023

Background:

Assisted falls occur when staff try to minimize the impact of falls by slowing a patient’s descent. Assisting a patient fall may decrease patient injury risk, but biomechanical risk of injury to staff has not been evaluated. Assisted falls virtual reality (VR) simulations were conducted to examine staff low back injury risk during common assisted falls scenarios.

Methods:

VR simulations of a toilet to wheelchair transfer were developed with a male patient avatar for three assisted falls scenarios: standing up from toilet, sitting down on wheelchair, and ambulation. Patient avatar weight was modified to reflect normal, underweight, and overweight adult patients. The average spinal compression force at L5/S1 was calculated for each participant with five trials per three scenarios while utilizing physical ergonomic techniques and compared to the safe spinal compression limit of 3,400 Newtons (N).

Findings:

Six staff participants completed 90 VR simulations in total. The average calculated spinal compression force ranged from 7,132 N to 27,901 N. All participant trials exceeded the safe spinal compression limit of 3,400 N for every assisted falls scenario and avatar weight despite application of ergonomic techniques including wide stance, knees bent, and backs straight.

Conclusions/Application to Practice:

Staff are at risk for low back injury if they assist falls regardless of the adult patient weight and application of ergonomic techniques. Safer alternatives like the implementation of mobility screening tools and safe patient handling and mobility technology are needed to help prevent assisted falls to decrease injury risk to both patients and staff.
Boosting ICU capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic in the western Balkan region, The Republic of Srpska experience
Authors: Kovacevic Pedja , Djajic Vlado , Momcicevic Danica , Zlojutro Biljana , Jandric Milka , Kovacevic Tijana , Latinovic Milan , Seranic Alen , Bokonjic Dejan , Skrbic Ranko , Dragic Sasa
Published: January 2023

Background:

Response to the outbreak of poliomyelitis in mid-1950 led to recognition and consequent development of critical care. Seventy years later the humankind was struck by COVID-19, another major challenge for critical care medicine which was especially big in Low-Resources-Settings where more than two thirds of the world population live, including the population of the Republic of Srpska (RS).

Design and methods:

The main aim was to show an overview of all interventions in order to boost hospitals’ capacities to the level which is sufficient to manage high amount of critically ill COVID-19 patients in the RS. A before-after cohort study design was conducted to evaluate the effects of interventions for increase in preparedness and capacity of ICUs for admission and treatment of COVID-19 critically ill patients in nine hospitals in the RS. Results: Following interventions, the biggest and university affiliated hospital in the RS has increased ICU capacities: total number of ICU beds increased by 38% and number of ventilators by 114%. Availability of machines for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vvECMO) increased by 100%. Number of doctors who were involved in treatment of critically ill patients increased by 47% and nurse/patient’s ratio reached 1:2.5. Similarly, all other hospitals experienced boosting of ICU beds by 189% and ventilators by 373% while number of doctors increased by 108% and nurse/patient’s ratio reached 1:4.

Conclusion:

All interventions implemented during COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in the RS resulted in increasing capacity for treatment of critically ill patients, but the education of health care professionals was identified as the most important conducted intervention.
Sociocultural Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Practices of Mothers During Natural Disasters: A Critical Ethnography in Rural Pakistan
Authors: Hirani Shela Akbar Ali , Richter Solina , Salami Bukola , Vallianatos Helen
Published: January 2023

Natural disasters affect the health and well-being of mothers with young children. During natural disasters, this population is at risk of discontinuation of their breastfeeding practices. Pakistan is a middle-income country that is susceptible to natural disasters. This study intended to examine sociocultural factors that shape the breastfeeding experiences and practices of internally displaced mothers in Pakistan. This critical ethnographic study was undertaken in disaster-affected villages of Chitral, Pakistan. Data were collected utilizing multiple methods, including in-depth interviews with 18 internally displaced mothers and field observations. Multiple sociocultural factors were identified as either barriers or facilitators to these mothers’ capacities to breastfeed their children. Informal support, formal support, breastfeeding culture, and spiritual practices facilitated displaced mothers to sustain their breastfeeding practices. On the other hand, lack of privacy, cultural beliefs, practices and expectations, covert oppression, and lack of healthcare support served as barriers to the breastfeeding practices of displaced mothers.
Analysis of Sleep Quality in People With Dementia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: López-García Ana , López-Fernández Rosario María , Martínez-González-Moro Ignacio
Published: January 2023

Background: Between 25% and 60% of subjects with dementia have shown sleep disturbances. Causes are diverse and seem to be related to factors such as aging, the presence of psychiatric diseases, or the consumption of drugs. This study aims to determine the influence of dementia on sleep quality and to analyze the factors that influence sleep quality in subjects ≥65 years. Methods: Thirty-one subjects were studied (15 living with dementia). PSQI was administered and statistical analysis compared the results among categories of other variables (age, gender, coffee consumption, drugs, BMI, psychiatric diseases). This study took place in Spain. Results: A prevalence of 46.7% of sleep disturbances was found in subjects with dementia. No significant differences were observed in the total score obtained in the PSQI between the dementia group (6.06 ± 3.78 points) and the group without dementia (7 ± 5.65 points). A significant inverse relationship was found between the sleep quality and the number of daily drugs and the presence of psychiatric diseases. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality affects people with dementia, however, we cannot affirm that dementia is the cause of it. Consumption of daily drugs and psychiatric diseases are factors that influence the sleep quality in subjects aged ≥65 years.
Cultural and Social Factors in Care Delivery Among African American Caregivers of Persons With Dementia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Idorenyin Imoh Udoh , Charity Tinofirei
Published: January 2023

Cultural and social factors significantly influence the care provided to persons with dementia. This scoping review aimed to map emerging evidence on the influence of cultural and social factors on care delivery among Africa American caregivers of persons with dementia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a systematic scoping review approach, we identified 21 studies on cultural and social factors influencing care delivery. The search included EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, JBI Evidence Synthesis, and Epistemonicos. A narrative synthesis of the data revealed that cultural and social factors greatly influence African American caregivers of persons with dementia and COVID-19 in care delivery, who perceive caregiving as a responsibility and not just a job. These caregivers are additionally guided by their racial identity and faith beliefs, integrating family values and culture into caregiving. African American caregivers showed compassion and resilient care selfperceptions. Supporting compassionate care delivery by African American caregivers requires an understanding of the social and cultural factors which drive their commitment to quality care for older adults with dementia in a pandemic environment.
Doctoral Programs in Entrepreneurship: Building Cognitive Apprenticeships
Authors: Pittaway Luke , Brush Candida , Corbett Andrew C. , Tantawy Maha M.
Published: January 2023

This paper applies a supply-side perspective to entrepreneurship education research and explores the socialization process for students in entrepreneurship doctoral programs in the United States (US). It presents the challenges facing higher education regarding how academia prepares future professors to teach. The paper proceeds to build a new model by integrating concepts of cognitive apprenticeship with theories of socialization and considers how it can be used to address these concerns. Our research questions explore different types and stages of socialization, and our theory development presents a combined framework integrating socialization with cognitive apprenticeship. The paper then introduces the methodology for the study, a tripartite design that uses marketing documents/websites, as well as behavioral event and perception interviews. It discusses the results of the data as they relate to an ideal cognitive apprenticeship model. The work illustrates that there is much to do to improve educator development in doctoral programs. We discuss the conceptual contributions of our work illustrating the value of our model in entrepreneurship education, as well as highlighting its value in other research contexts. Seven recommendations are presented, intended to help enhance the way US programs in entrepreneurship embed the cognitive apprenticeship of educators into the learning process for future professors. Our primary contribution is to demonstrate how a cognitive apprenticeship model can be used to address entrepreneurship educator development concerns in doctoral programs, while avoiding significant changes or unreasonable investments in existing programs.
Adrenal Insufficiency Associated with Low High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) in Patients of Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Singh Satender Pal , Mondia Nitisha
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Adrenal insufficiency is noted in patients of cirrhosis, mainly in critically ill patients. Cirrhosis characterized with low synthetic functions has multiple indirect markers for severity.

Methodology

100 decompensated cirrhosis patients were hospitalized to Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi as part of an observational cohort research from October 2014 to June 2016. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation test was done with 250 mcg, basal cortisol, and cortisol after 60 minutes of stimulation was noted. We investigated the relationship between blood HDL levels and adrenal insufficiency.

Results

Insufficient adrenal function was detected in 28% of the patients. INR, serum total bilirubin, serum creatinine, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), child score, MELD score, plasma renin activity level, and renal resistive index were all associated with patients with adrenal insufficiency on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed in patients with adrenal insufficiency, MELD score had odds ratio of 1.5 with AUC 0.724 (0.622-0.825), Bilirubin with odds ratio of 5.6 and AUC of 0.676 (0.679-0.882). Serum HDL with odds ratio of 6.1 (3.3-9.2) and AUC 0.822 (0.724-0.828) with P value <0.001, cut off calculated was 26 mg/dL with sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 85% predicts adrenal insufficiency. Patients with adrenal insufficiency had higher mortality.

Conclusion

Cirrhosis is associated with adrenal insufficiency, more with advanced liver disease. Low HDL level in blood can be taken as an indirect marker for adrenal insufficiency.
Concept Analysis of Family-Centered Care in Childhood Cancer: An Evolutionary Approach
Authors: Wilson Jennifer L.
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this article is to further develop the concept of family-centered care (FCC) in childhood cancer using Rodgers’ evolutionary method of concept analysis. A search of the existing literature related to the overarching concept of FCC revealed several concept analyses specific to hospitalized children and children with chronic illness; however, none of these were specific to children with cancer. Five defining attributes of FCC in childhood cancer were identified through this concept analysis: ripple effect, customized care, family functioning, collaboration, and communication. A definition of FCC in childhood cancer is offered based on identified characteristics of the concept. Findings of this concept analysis provide a starting point for on-going development of the concept of FCC in childhood cancer and may facilitate more rigorous nursing studies involving FCC in childhood cancer.
Palestinians Under Israeli Settler Colonialism and “Anglo-Centric” Colonization of Knowledge Production
Authors: Giacaman Rita
Published: January 2023

Calls for decolonizing knowledge production are increasing considerably. Yet the domination of knowledge production by English-speaking, neoliberal, Western countries continues, with understandings and assumptions often irrelevant and unimportant to southern countries, and can contain racialized portrayals of the people of the developing world. Palestinians under Israeli military rule have also become governed by neoliberal funding northern institutions that have commoditized research and education and control what should be researched and how. The dual colonization of Palestinians by Israel and the hegemony of neoliberal political-economy among a captive Palestinian population—reinforced by the Zionist lobby's ferociousness in punishing whoever dares to raise questions about Israel's wrongdoings—is silencing Palestinians and those supporting justice to Palestinians in ways perhaps not experienced by others who want their voices heard. Yet Palestinians continue to teach and conduct research and to struggle for freedom and justice on one hand and for liberation from donor dictates on what to research and how to research and write on the other. We continue to hope that international funders and publishers would take concrete steps to turn calls for the decolonization of knowledge production from lip service to actions so that all knowledges can contribute to debates and societal advancement worldwide.
Peculiar characteristics of ground motions in Southern Italy: Insights from global and regional ground motion models
Authors: Regina Gianluca , Zimmaro Paolo , Taroni Matteo , Akinci Aybige
Published: January 2023

We investigate peculiar characteristics of ground motions in Southern Italy (e.g. apparent fast anelastic attenuation and trends of event terms at different periods) using a comprehensive dataset of earthquake recordings between 1969 and 2020. By doing so, we gained insights into the relative performance of eight selected region-specific, global, and global with regional adjustment ground motion models (GMMs). Our analysis is performed using a preliminary dataset (i.e. including all ground motions recorded in the area for the selected analysis period) and an independent dataset (i.e. comprising data not used to develop the models). We analyze total residuals, event terms, within-even residuals, and residuals standardized by model standard deviations (i.e. epsilon). The latter is performed to obtain a robust comparison of GMMs with different standard deviation types and levels. These approaches are employed to ground motion characterization studies for the first time in this region. Our results show that in Southern Italy, there is an apparent anelastic attenuation of the ground motion faster than in other seismic districts. Overall, regional models capture this feature better than global models. Regional adjustments to global models better capture the observed anelastic attenuation at large distances. Using the standardized residuals analysis, we observe that all selected GMMs systematically underestimate the observed ground motion for relatively high ground motion levels and its variability at any intensity levels in the study region. These outcomes may help improving future ground motion models and related engineering applications involving such models in performance-based frameworks.
Targeting interleukin-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin pathways for novel pulmonary therapeutics in asthma and COPD
Authors: Calderon Ariel A. , Dimond Colin , Choy David F. , Pappu Rajita , Grimbaldeston Michele A. , Mohan Divya , Chung Kian Fan
Published: January 2023

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) are alarmins that are released upon airway epithelial injury from insults such as viruses and cigarette smoke, and play critical roles in the activation of immune cell populations such as mast cells, eosinophils and group 2 innate lymphoid cells. Both cytokines were previously understood to primarily drive type 2 (T2) inflammation, but there is emerging evidence for a role for these alarmins to additionally mediate non-T2 inflammation, with recent clinical trial data in asthma and COPD cohorts with non-T2 inflammation providing support. Currently available treatments for both COPD and asthma provide symptomatic relief with disease control, improving lung function and reducing exacerbation rates; however, there still remains an unmet need for further improving lung function and reducing exacerbations, particularly for those not responsive to currently available treatments. The epithelial cytokines/alarmins are involved in exacerbations; biologics targeting TSLP and IL-33 have been shown to reduce exacerbations in moderate-to-severe asthma, either in a broad population or in specific subgroups, respectively. For COPD, while there is clinical evidence for IL-33 blockade impacting exacerbations in COPD, clinical data from anti-TSLP therapies is awaited. Clinical data to date support an acceptable safety profile for patients with airway diseases for both anti-IL-33 and anti-TSLP antibodies in development. We examine the roles of IL-33 and TSLP, their potential use as drug targets, and the evidence for target patient populations for COPD and asthma, together with ongoing and future trials focused on these targets.
Unraveling the COVID-19 hospitalization dynamics in Spain using Bayesian inference
Authors: Aleta Alberto , Blas-Laína Juan Luis , Tirado Anglés Gabriel , Moreno Yamir
Published: January 2023

Background

One of the main challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic is to make sense of available, but often heterogeneous and noisy data. This contribution presents a data-driven methodology that allows exploring the hospitalization dynamics of COVID-19, exemplified with a study of 17 autonomous regions in Spain from summer 2020 to summer 2021.

Methods

We use data on new daily cases and hospitalizations reported by the Spanish Ministry of Health to implement a Bayesian inference method that allows making short-term predictions of bed occupancy of COVID-19 patients in each of the autonomous regions of the country.

Results

We show how to use the temporal series for the number of daily admissions and discharges from hospital to reproduce the hospitalization dynamics of COVID-19 patients. For the case-study of the region of Aragon, we estimate that the probability of being admitted to hospital care upon infection is 0.090 [0.086-0.094], (95% C.I.), with the distribution governing hospital admission yielding a median interval of 3.5 days and an IQR of 7 days. Likewise, the distribution on the length of stay produces estimates of 12 days for the median and 10 days for the IQR. A comparison between model parameters for the regions analyzed allows to detect differences and changes in policies of the health authorities.

Conclusions

We observe important regional differences, signaling that to properly compare very different populations, it is paramount to acknowledge all the diversity in terms of culture, socio-economic status, and resource availability. To better understand the impact of this pandemic, much more data, disaggregated and properly annotated, should be made available.
A combination of Beers and STOPP criteria better detects potentially inappropriate medications use among older hospitalized patients with chronic diseases and polypharmacy: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Tang Jing , Wang Ke , Yang Kun , Jiang Dechun , Fang Xianghua , Su Su , Lin Yang , Chen Shicai , Gu Hongyan , Li Pengmei , Yan Suying
Published: January 2023

Background

Research on potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) and medication-related problems (MRP) among the Chinese population with chronic diseases and polypharmacy is insufficient.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PIM and MRP among older Chinese hospitalized patients with chronic diseases and polypharmacy and analyze the associated factors.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in five tertiary hospitals in Beijing. Patients aged ≥ 65 years with at least one chronic disease and taking at least five or more medications were included. Data were extracted from the hospitals’ electronic medical record systems. PIM was evaluated according to the 2015 Beers criteria and the 2014 Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria. MRPs were assessed and classified according to the Helper-Strand classification system. The prevalence of PIM and MRP and related factors were analyzed.

Results

A total of 852 cases were included. The prevalence of PIM was 85.3% and 59.7% based on the Beers criteria and the STOPP criteria. A total of 456 MRPs occurred in 247 patients. The most prevalent MRP categories were dosages that were too low and unnecessary medication therapies. Hyperpolypharmacy (taking ≥ 10 drugs) (odds ratio OR 3.736, 95% confidence interval CI 1.541–9.058, P = 0.004) and suffering from coronary heart disease (OR 2.620, 95%CI 1.090–6.297, P = 0.031) were the influencing factors of inappropriate prescribing (the presence of either PIM or MRP in a patient).

Conclusion

PIM and MRP were prevalent in older patients with chronic disease and polypharmacy in Chinese hospitals. More interventions are urgently needed to reduce PIM use and improve the quality of drug therapies.
Iron supplementation and deworming during pregnancy reduces the risk of anemia and stunting in infants less than 2 years of age: a study from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Traore Stanislav Seydou , Bo Yacong , Kou Guangning , Lyu Quanjun
Published: January 2023

Background

In sub-Saharan Africa, infant anemia, stunting and low birth weight remains major public health problems. It is unclear whether prenatal iron supplementation and/or deworming can reduce the risk of infant stunting, anemia and low birth weight. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between iron supplementation and/or deworming and stunting, anemia, and low birth weight in infants under two years of age in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Our studies examined pooled data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in twenty-three African countries collected between 2014 and 2020. childhood anemia and stunting in infants under the age of two were the primary outcomes. Iron supplementation and deworming during prenatal visits were the main exposure variables. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate these relationships.

Results

The prevalence of stunting was 29.9%, severe stunting was 10.6%, childhood anemia was 74.3%, childhood severe anemia was 3.2%, and low birth weight was 16.4%, respectively. The use of prenatal iron supplementation alone was associated with a significant reduction of childhood anemia [aOR (95% CI) = 0.9 (0.8–1.0)]. Prenatal deworming alone was associated with a significantly reduced risk of stunting [aOR (95% CI) = 0.7 (0.8–1.0)], childhood anemia [aOR (95% CI) = 0.7 (0.8–0.9)], and low birth weight [aOR (95% CI) = 0.7 (0.8–1.0)]. Prenatal iron supplementation plus deworming or iron supplementation (with or without deworming) were not associated with childhood anemia, infant stunting and low birth weight.

Conclusions

In Sub-Saharan Africa, prenatal deworming alone has the potential to improve infants’ outcomes. Childhood anemia was improved with prenatal iron supplementation alone. Our recent findings indicate the necessity for prospective studies on the association between prenatal iron supplementation plus deworming and childhood anemia, stunting and low birth weight.
Peripheral blood lymphocytes differentiation patterns in responses / outcomes to immune checkpoint blockade therapies in non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Du Xiaoyue , Wen Shaodi , Shi Run , Xia Jingwei , Wang Ruotong , Zhang Yihan , Pan Banzhou , Wu Xiaoliu , Zhu Wei , Feng Jifeng , Wang Xin , Shen Bo
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Programmed Cell Death-1/ Programmed Death-ligand 1 (PD-1 / PD-L1) inhibitor therapies targeting immunocytes induce persistent tumor remission in various cancers. However, the appropriate biomarkers for the therapeutic efficacy of PD-L1 and PD-1 blockade remain elusive.

Materials and methods

For a comprehensive analysis of peri-treatment lymphocyte differentiation, in the current study, we enrolled 146 non-small cell lung cancer patients who received α-PD-1 therapies for exploring the peripheral blood lymphocyte differentiation pattern at baseline and post-treatment (dynamic changes) by flow cytometry.

Results

At baseline, CD4+ / CD8+ T cell ratio predicts good responses and outcomes, but activated T cell and cytotoxic T cell counts predict poor responses and outcomes. And for dynamic changes, after 6 weeks of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) treatment, compared with baseline level, the elevation of total T and B cell counts indicate poor responses, and total T and TH cell counts indicate poor prognosis while activated T cell predicts good prognosis. And after 12 weeks, elevated total lymphocyte, cytotoxic T cell counts, and decreased total T cell counts and CD4+ / CD8+ T cell ratio predict good responses / outcomes. Our clinical predicting model shows good performance in predicting ICB treatment responses / outcomes.

Conclusion

Patients with favorable clinical responses / outcomes have distinctive peripheral blood immunocyte differentiation characteristics, indicating the potential of utilizing the peripheral immunocyte differentiation patterns for predicting ICB responses / outcomes.
Stress/depression across the COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark
Authors: Cardona Marcelo , Andersen Lars H. , Fallesen Peter , Bruckner Tim A.
Published: January 2023

Background

Global estimates suggest strained mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the lack of nationally representative and longitudinal data with clinically validated measures limits knowledge longer into the pandemic.

Methods

Data from 10 rounds of nationally representative surveys from Denmark tracked trends in risk of stress/depression from just before the first lockdown and through to April 2022. We focused on age groups and men and women in different living arrangements and controlled for seasonality in mental health that could otherwise be spuriously related to pandemic intensity.

Results

Prior to first lockdown, we observed a “parent gap”, which closed with the first lockdown. Instead, a gender gap materialized, with women experiencing higher risks than men—and higher than levels predating first lockdown. Older respondents (+ 70 years) experienced increasing risks of stress/depression early in the pandemic, while all other groups experienced decreases. But longer into the pandemic, risks increased for all age groups and reached (and sometimes exceeded) levels from before first lockdown.

Conclusion

Denmark had low infection rates throughout most of the pandemic, low mortality rates across the entire pandemic, and offered financial aid packages to curb financial strains. Despite this circumstance, initial improvements to mental health during the first lockdown in Denmark were short-lived. Two years of pandemic societal restrictions correspond with deteriorating mental health, as well as a change from a parenthood gap in mental health before first lockdown to a gender gap two years into the pandemic.
Reach and effectiveness of an HPV self-sampling intervention for cervical screening amongst under- or never-screened women in Toronto, Ontario Canada
Authors: Devotta Kimberly , Vahabi Mandana , Prakash Vijayshree , Lofters Aisha
Published: January 2023

Background

Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with appropriate and timely screening. In Ontario, Canada, South Asian, Middle Eastern and North African women have some of the lowest rates of screening and a suggested higher burden of cervical cancer. With increasing international evidence and adoption of HPV testing, many screening programs are making the move away from Pap tests and towards HPV testing with the option of HPV self-sampling seeming promising for under- or never-screened (UNS) women. Our study aimed to understand the uptake and acceptability of an HPV self-sampling intervention amongst these disproportionately UNS women in Peel region and surrounding areas in Ontario.

Methods

A community -based mixed methods approach guided by the RE-AIM framework was used to recruit approximately 100 UNS racialized immigrant women aged 30–69, during the period of June 2018 to December 2019. The main recruitment strategy included community champions (i.e. trusted female members of communities) to engage people in our selected areas in Peel Region. Participants completed a study questionnaire about their knowledge, attitudes and practices around cervical cancer screening, self-selected whether to use the HPV self-sampling device and completed follow-up questions either about their experience with self-sampling or going to get a Pap test.

Results

In total, 108 women participated in the study, with 69 opting to do self-sampling and 39 not. The majority of women followed through and used the device (n = 61) and found it ‘user friendly.’ The experience of some participants suggests that clearer instructions and/or more support once at home is needed. Survey and follow-up data suggest that privacy and comfort are common barriers for UNS women, and that self-sampling begins to address these concerns. Across both groups addressing misinformation and misconceptions is needed to convince some UNS women to be screened. Family, friends and peers also seemed to play a role in the decision-making process.

Conclusions

HPV self-sampling is viewed as an acceptable alternative to a Pap test for cervical screening, by some but not all UNS women. This method begins to address some of the barriers that often prevent women from being screened and is already being offered in some jurisdictions as an alternative to clinical cervical cancer screening.
Comparison of real-time feedback and debriefing by video recording on basic life support skill in nursing students
Authors: Ghaderi Mohammad Sajjad , Malekzadeh Javad , Mazloum Seyedreza , Pourghaznein Tayebe
Published: January 2023

Background

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation skill have a direct impact on its success rate. Choosing the right method to acquire this skill can lead to effective performance. This investigation was conducted to compare the effect of Real-time feedback and debriefing by video recording on basic life support skill in nursing students.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study was performed on 67 first year nursing students. First, a theoretical basic life support (BLS) training session was held for the all participants, at the end of session the pre-test was taken. Students were randomly assigned to two groups. A 4-hour practical BLS training session was conducted in the real - time feedback group as well as the debriefing by video recording group, and at the end of the training, a post-test was taken from each group. Each group received a post-test. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 software.

Results

Results showed a significant difference between mean (SD) of debriefing by video recording group in pre-test and post-test (p < 0.001) and in the real-time feedback group there was a significant difference between mean (SD) in pre-test and post-test (p < 0.001), respectively. In addition, there was no significant difference between the mean score of basic life support skill in real-time feedback and debriefing by video recording.

Conclusions

Both real-time feedback and debriefing by video recording were effective on basic life support skill.
Mutations in the MET tyrosine kinase domain and resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Yao Yu , Yang Huaping , Zhu Bo , Wang Song , Pang Jiaohui , Wu Xiaoying , Xu Yang , Zhang Junli , Zhang Jinfeng , Ou Qiuxiang , Tian Hui , Zhao Zheng
Published: January 2023

Background

The Mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (MET) gene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase with pleiotropic functions in cancer. MET exon 14 skipping alterations and high-level MET amplification are oncogenic and targetable genetic changes in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has been a major challenge for targeted therapies that impairs their clinical efficacies.

Methods

Eighty-six NSCLC patients were categorized into three cohorts based on the time of detecting MET tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations (cohort 1: at baseline; cohort 2: after MET-TKI treatment; cohort 3: after EGFR-TKI treatment). Baseline and paired TKI treatment samples were analyzed by targeted next-generation sequencing.

Results

MET TKD mutations were highly prevalent in METex14-positive NSCLC patients after MET-TKI treatment, including L1195V, D1228N/H/Y/E, Y1230C/H/N/S, and a double-mutant within codons D1228 and M1229. Missense mutations in MET TKD were also identified at baseline and in post-EGFR-TKI treatment samples, which showed different distribution patterns than those in post-MET-TKI treatment samples. Remarkably, H1094Y and L1195F, absent from MET-TKI-treated patients, were the predominant type of MET TKD mutations in patients after EGFR-TKI treatment. D1228H, which was not found in treatment-naïve patients, also accounted for 14.3% of all MET TKD mutations in EGFR-TKI-treated samples. Two patients with baseline EGFR-sensitizing mutations who acquired MET-V1092I or MET-H1094Y after first-line EGFR-TKI treatment experienced an overall improvement in their clinical symptoms, followed by targeted therapy with MET-TKIs.

Conclusions

MET TKD mutations were identified in both baseline and patients treated with TKIs. MET-H1094Y might play an oncogenic role in NSCLC and may confer acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs. Preliminary data indicates that EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients who acquired MET-V1092I or MET-H1094Y may benefit from combinatorial therapy with EGFR-TKI and MET-TKI, providing insights into personalized medical treatment.
FT-GPI, a highly sensitive and accurate predictor of GPI-anchored proteins, reveals the composition and evolution of the GPI proteome in Plasmodium species
Authors: Sauer Lena M. , Canovas Rodrigo , Roche Daniel , Shams-Eldin Hosam , Ravel Patrice , Colinge Jacques , Schwarz Ralph T. , Ben Mamoun Choukri , Rivals Eric , Cornillot Emmanuel
Published: January 2023

Background

Protozoan parasites are known to attach specific and diverse group of proteins to their plasma membrane via a GPI anchor. In malaria parasites, GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs) have been shown to play an important role in host–pathogen interactions and a key function in host cell invasion and immune evasion. Because of their immunogenic properties, some of these proteins have been considered as malaria vaccine candidates. However, identification of all possible GPI-APs encoded by these parasites remains challenging due to their sequence diversity and limitations of the tools used for their characterization.

Methods

The FT-GPI software was developed to detect GPI-APs based on the presence of a hydrophobic helix at both ends of the premature peptide. FT-GPI was implemented in C ++and applied to study the GPI-proteome of 46 isolates of the order Haemosporida. Using the GPI proteome ofPlasmodium falciparumstrain 3D7 andPlasmodium vivaxstrain Sal-1, a heuristic method was defined to select the most sensitive and specific FT-GPI software parameters.

Results

FT-GPI enabled revision of the GPI-proteome ofP. falciparumandP. vivax,including the identification of novel GPI-APs. Orthology- and synteny-based analyses showed that 19 of the 37 GPI-APs found in the order Haemosporida are conserved amongPlasmodiumspecies. Our analyses suggest that gene duplication and deletion events may have contributed significantly to the evolution of the GPI proteome, and its composition correlates with speciation.

Conclusion

FT-GPI-based prediction is a useful tool for mining GPI-APs and gaining further insights into their evolution and sequence diversity. This resource may also help identify new protein candidates for the development of vaccines for malaria and other parasitic diseases.
Targeting Pim kinases in hematological cancers: molecular and clinical review
Authors: Bellon Marcia , Nicot Christophe
Published: January 2023

Decades of research has recognized a solid role for Pim kinases in lymphoproliferative disorders. Often up-regulated following JAK/STAT and tyrosine kinase receptor signaling, Pim kinases regulate cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, cellular trafficking and signaling. Targeting Pim kinases represents an interesting approach since knock-down of Pim kinases leads to non-fatal phenotypes in vivo suggesting clinical inhibition of Pim may have less side effects. In addition, the ATP binding site offers unique characteristics that can be used for the development of small inhibitors targeting one or all Pim isoforms. This review takes a closer look at Pim kinase expression and involvement in hematopoietic cancers. Current and past clinical trials and in vitro characterization of Pim kinase inhibitors are examined and future directions are discussed. Current studies suggest that Pim kinase inhibition may be most valuable when accompanied by multi-drug targeting therapy.
Study protocol of an investigation of attention and prediction error as mechanisms of action for latent inhibition of dental fear in humans
Authors: Seligman Laura D. , Geers Andrew L. , Kramer Lauren , Clemens Kelly S. , Pituch Keenan A. , Colagiuri Ben , Marusak Hilary A. , Rabinak Christine A. , Turner Natalie , Nedley Michael
Published: January 2023

Background

Evidence suggests that dental anxiety and phobia are frequently the result of direct associative fear conditioning but that pre-exposure to dental stimuli prior to conditioning results in latent inhibition of fear learning. The mechanisms underlying the pre-exposure effect in humans, however, are poorly understood. Moreover, pain sensitivity has been linked to dental fear conditioning in correlational investigations and theory suggests it may moderate the latent inhibition effect, but this hypothesis has not been directly tested. These gaps in our understanding are a barrier to the development of evidence-based dental phobia prevention efforts.

Methods

Healthy volunteers between the ages of 6 and 35 years will be enrolled across two sites. Participants will complete a conditioning task in a novel virtual reality environment, allowing for control over pre-exposure and the examination of behaviour. A dental startle (a brief, pressurized puff of air to a tooth) will serve as the unconditioned stimulus. Using a within-subjects experimental design, participants will experience a pre-exposed to-be conditioned stimulus, a non-pre-exposed to-be conditioned stimulus, and a neutral control stimulus. Two hypothesized mechanisms, changes in prediction errors and attention, are expected to mediate the association between stimulus condition and fear acquisition, recall, and retention. To ascertain the involvement of pain sensitivity, this construct will be measured through self-report and the cold pressor task.

Discussion

Dental phobia negatively affects the dental health and overall health of individuals. This study aims to determine the mechanisms through which pre-exposure retards conditioned dental fear acquisition, recall, and retention. A randomized control trial will be used to identify these mechanisms so that they can be precisely targeted and maximally engaged in preventative efforts.
TAnnotator: Towards Annotating Programming E-textbooks with Facts and Examples
Authors: Venigalla Akhila Sri Manasa , Chimalakonda Sridhar
Published: January 2023

E-textbooks are one of the commonly used sources to learn programming, in the domain of computer science and engineering. Programming related textbooks provide examples related to syntax, but the number of examples are often limited. Thus, beginners who use e-textbooks often visit other sources on the internet for examples and other information. Adding dynamic information to programming related e-textbooks such as additional information about topics of discussion and real-world programming examples could enhance readers’ experience, and improve their learning. Hence, towards enhancing user experience with programming-based e-textbooks, we present TAnnotator, a web-based portal that dynamically annotates computer-programming based e-textbook, The C++ Tutorial, with related programming examples and tooltips. The tooltips aim to provide further knowledge to the readers about various concepts being discussed in textbooks by providing related facts adjacent to the text of the topic in the e-textbook. TAnnotator has been evaluated to assess the usefulness, user experience and complexity using UTAUT2 model through a user survey with 15 volunteers. The results of the survey indicated that TAnnotator was useful in providing additional knowledge on top of the e-textbook.
Characteristics of cotton fabric dyed with Euphorbia extract at different concentrations of cellulosic nanoparticles (CNP)
Authors: Park Youngmi
Published: January 2023

As the perception of the consumer's environment and the toxicity of synthetic dyes that is harmful to humans, interest in natural dyes is also increasing in the textile dyeing industry. This study performed an alternative to metal mordants and used cellulose nanoparticles (CNP) as a natural mortant for dyeing cotton fabrics with natural dyes extracted from Euphorbia. The characteristics with and without CNP mordant were investigated in the experiment. The effects of natural cellulosic mordants were analyzed through color, fastness, color, fastness, air permeability, antibacterial rate, UV protection, and total hand value (THV). As a result, the light fastness has been shown to significantly increase, but the improvements in terms of the wash, perspiration, and rubbing fastness were negligible. In addition, when CNP was added to cotton dyeing, there was no difference change in air permeability, but THV was significantly improved to 5 or more, and the UV protection and bacteria reduction rate were excellent. These results are attributed to the groundwork for studies on other types of natural dyes in the future and, by establishing the benefits of CNP, this study significantly contributes to the improvement of the end-products of dyeing.
Effect of surfactant type on the dyeability and color resistance of semi-permanent basic hair dye
Authors: Yun Kyeoungsook , Ahn Cheunsoon
Published: January 2023

Basic Brown 16 pigment and three types of surfactants were used to prepare the cationic, nonionic, and anionic basic hair dyes. White hair and bleached hair were dyed using the three basic hair dyes and were shampooed 10 times using acidic, neutral, and alkaline shampoos prepared in the study. White hair and bleached hair dyed with the anionic basic hair dye resulted in a lower L*, a*, b* values and lower K/S values compared to the hair dyed with the cationic and nonionic basic hair dyes and the results were statistically significant at α = 0.05. Hair dyed with the anionic basic hair dye showed significantly higher ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, and ΔE*ab values after 10 times of shampooing than those dyed with cationic and nonionic basic hair dyes (α = 0.05), indicating a lower color resistance for the anionic basic hair dye. Color difference after shampooing was significantly higher when alkaline shampoo was used (α = 0.05). Overall, the color difference after shampooing occurred more by the type of dye than by the type of shampoo.
“We're going on a virtual trip!”: a switching-replications experiment of 360-degree videos as a physical field trip alternative in primary education
Authors: Garcia Manuel B. , Nadelson Louis S. , Yeh Andy
Published: January 2023

Field trips are steadily declining due to limited funding, time constraints, safety concerns, and other logistical issues. Many schools are resorting to a virtual field trip (VFT), especially when education is disrupted due to public health concerns, natural disasters, or other unforeseen significant events. Virtual reality as a common form of VFT is likely not an option for many schools due to cost and other barriers. The purpose of our study was to explore the potential of going in a VFT using 360-degree (360°) videos as an alternative to a physical field trip in primary education. We recruited third-grade pupils (aged 8–9) from two private elementary schools to experience VFTs using 360° videos (360V) and regular videos (REGV). Using a switching-replications experimental design, we compared their content recall (assessment tests) and VFT experience (attitude, perceived usefulness, involvement, inquiry, video engagement, and virtual guide) across four-time points. Our results show that the increase in content recall scores of 360V groups after VFTs was consistently higher compared to REGV groups at all time points, although it was only significant in one quarter. We also found pupils’ video engagement, involvement, and attitude as significant factors in their VFT experience. These results call attention to a possible implementation of VFTs and continue the long-standing tradition that has been acknowledged as a student-centered, interactive instructional method.
Children’s memory “in the wild”: examining the temporal organization of free recall from a week-long camp at a local zoo
Authors: Pathman Thanujeni , Deker Lina , Parmar Puneet Kaur , Adkins Mark Christopher , Polyn Sean M.
Published: January 2023

Free-recall paradigms have greatly influenced our understanding of memory. The majority of this research involves laboratory-based events (e.g., word lists) that are studied and tested within minutes. This literature shows that adults recall events in a temporally organized way, with successive responses often coming from neighboring list positions (i.e., temporal clustering) and with enhanced memorability of items from the end of a list (i.e., recency). Temporal clustering effects are so robust that temporal organization is described as a fundamental memory property. Yet relatively little is known about the development of this temporal structure across childhood, and even less about children’s memory search for real-world events occurring over an extended period. In the present work, children (N = 144; 3 age groups: 4–5-year-olds, 6–7-year-olds, 8–10-year-olds) took part in a 5-day summer camp at a local zoo. The camp involved various dynamic events, including daily animal exhibit visits. On day 5, children were asked to recall all the animals they visited. We found that overall recall performance, in terms of number of animals recalled, improved steadily across childhood. Temporal organization and recency effects showed different developmental patterns. Temporal clustering was evident in the response sequences for all age groups and became progressively stronger across childhood. In contrast, the recency advantage, when characterized as a proportion of total responses, was stable across age groups. Thus, recall dynamics in early childhood parallel that seen in adulthood, with continued development of temporal organization across middle to late childhood.