bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unprompted Closure of Spontaneous Macular Hole Secondary to Retained Subfoveal Perfluorocarbon Liquid
Authors: Ghoraba Hamouda Hamdy , Ghoraba Hashem Hamouda , Zaky Adel Galal
Published: September 2022

Purpose. To report unprompted closure of spontaneous macular hole secondary to inadvertent subfoveal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) after vitrectomy surgery. Observations. We present a case of a retained large single subfoveal PFCL droplet following vitrectomy and silicone oil injection for subtotal rhegmatogenous retinal detachment that showed spontaneous release 3 weeks postoperatively, with subsequent development of full thickness macular hole (FTMH) which completely closed later on after silicone oil removal without internal limiting membrane peeling with marvelous anatomic and visual improvement after spontaneous closure of MH. Conclusions. Different fates of subfoveal PFCL droplets may happen. Spontaneous release of subfoveal PFCL without surgical interference has rarely been reported.
[Retracted] Influence of P(VDF‐TrFE) Membranes with Different Surface Potentials on the Activity and Angiogenic Function of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Xu Yan , Cheng Mingwei , Zhu Peijun , Yang Shuo , Lai Chunhua , Xu Shulan
Published: September 2022

During bone tissue regeneration, neovascularization is critical, and the formation of a blood supply network is crucial for bone growth stimulation and remodeling. Previous studies suggest that bioelectric signals facilitate the process of angiogenesis. Owing to their biomimetic electroactivity, piezoelectric membranes have garnered substantial interest in the field of guided bone regeneration. Nevertheless, the knowledge of their influence due to varying surface potentials on the progression of angiogenesis remains ambiguous. Therefore, we proposed the preparation of an electroactive material, P(VDF‐TrFE), and investigated its effects on the activity and angiogenic functions of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The HUVECs were directly cultured on P(VDF‐TrFE) membranes with different surface potentials. Subsequently, cell viability, proliferation, migration, tube formation, and expressions of related factors were assessed through appropriate assays. Our results revealed that the negative surface potential groups exerted differential effects on the modulation of angiogenesis in vitro. The P(VDF‐TrFE) membranes with negative surface potential exhibited the greatest effect on cellular behaviors, including proliferation, migration, tube formation, and promotion of angiogenesis by releasing key factors such as VEGF‐A and CD31. Overall, these results indicated that the surface potential of piezoelectric P(VDF‐TrFE) membranes could exert differential effects on angiogenesis in vitro. We present a novel approach for designing bioactive materials for guided bone regeneration.
A Fuzzy Evaluation Method Based on Industrial Cluster Investment Risk Assessment Method Based on IoT Applications
Authors: Zhang Liqun
Published: September 2022

Hazard evaluation and the board are logical subject that goes back 30-40 years. For how to conceptualize, investigate, and oversee hazard, standards and strategies were set up. These ideas that move toward still comprise a major piece of the field’s premise today, despite the fact that there have been numerous progressions in both the hypothetical stage and functional models and cycles. The nonlinear properties of the appraisal cycle give the premise to fluffy assessment. It measures and incorporates the nonlinear assessment area utilizing the fluffy activity rule in fluffy math, bringing about a quantitative appraisal strategy that is practically identical. Modern bunch estimation and evaluation are vital parts of modern group hypothesis research; in any case, they do not stand out enough to be noticed. Modern bunch hazard factors are extremely indistinct, and common assessment and estimating approaches have restrictions. Thus, this work, which depends on fluffy mathematic hypothesis, utilizes an updated fluffy far reaching strategy to exhaustively research and assess modern group hazard and foster a danger appraisal model.
A Method of Early Warning for Course Learning Based on SMOTE and OCSVM
Authors: Yu Shuyan , Wei Zhe
Published: September 2022

With the application of big data, artificial intelligence, and other related technologies in the field of education, using machine learning to carry out early warning for course learning has become an effective means to improve teaching quality. However, in the scene of early warning, the samples are significantly less than the ordinary samples, and the general clustering or classification methods are difficult to achieve good results. Therefore, this paper proposes an early warning for course learning method based on SMOTE and OCSVM. First, collect and preprocess students’ college entrance examination information and online course learning information data. Second, use SMOTE algorithm to expanding the samples. Then, the OCSVM model is designed, the Gaussian kernel function is used, and the Lagrange multiplier is used to solve the optimization problem for the optimization objective. The qualified student samples are selected for learning, and the classifier is trained, so as to classify the student data and realize the early warning of course learning. Select recall and F1_Score to evaluate the model, and comparative experiments are carried out. From the experiment, it is clear that in most cases, the method proposed in this paper is superior to the original sample and traditional methods in recall rate and F1_Score.
Tanshinone IIA May Inhibit Gastric Cancer via Affecting the Intestinal Microbiome
Authors: Lu Fenggang , Zhang Yi , Song Pinghui , Xu Yu , Wu Zhongkun , Wang Qinyu , Shen Naiying
Published: September 2022

Background. Gastric cancer (GC) belongs to a type of the most deadly cancer in the world, and the incidence rate of GC will increase in the coming decades. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is an active component that separated from Danshen. Tan IIA may also exert its therapeutic effects in disease with intestinal dysbacteriosis, at least partially, via regulating the intestinal microbiome. Nevertheless, it is obscure whether Tanshinone IIA affects the intestinal dysbacteriosis and plays antitumor roles. This research was designed to explore Tanshinone IIA potential on the intestinal dysbacteriosis of GC xenograft mice. Methods. Mouse xenograft GC tumor models were built and treated by Tan IIA. The tumor growth as well as microbiome in the intestinal were compared. Western blot was used to detect the phosphorylation of the NF-κB and expressions of the downstream cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β. Results. Microbiome in the intestinal was changed in xenograft tumor mice in comparison with the control mice. What is more, Tan IIA could influence the microbiome in the intestinal of the tumor mice. Tan IIA hinders the growth of xenograft tumor and change the microbiome in the intestinal, but intestinal dysbacteriosis condition partially blocked Tan IIA-stimulated antitumor effects. In addition, intestinal dysbacteriosis abrogated Tan IIA-stimulated decrease in the NF-κB signaling in xenograft tumor mice. Conclusions. Tanshinone IIA may inhibit GC tumor growth via affecting the intestinal microbiome through regulating the NF-κB signaling.
The Application Value of MRI T

2

∗

WI Radiomics Nomogram in Discriminating Hepatocellular Carcinoma from Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Feng , Liu Xiaoyun , Liu Peng , Xu Dan , Li Zeda , Lin Huashan , Xie An
Published: September 2022

Objective. To establish and validate an MRI T

2

∗

WI-based radiomics nomogram model and to discriminate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA). Methods. 174 patients were retrospectively collected, who were diagnosed with primary hepatic carcinoma by surgery or puncture pathology and received preoperative MRI scans including T

2

∗

WI scans. There were 113 cases of HCC and 61 cases of mass-type ICCA. T

2

∗

WI was used for feature extraction, the extent of the lesions was manually outlined at the largest lesions layer of the T

2

∗

WI, and the feature dimension reduction was performed by the mRMR and LASSO to obtain the optimal feature set. The radiomics features and clinical risk factors were combined to establish the radiomics nomogram model. In both training and validation groups, calibration curves and ROC curves were applied to validate the efficacy of the established model. Finally, calibration curves were applied to assess the degree of fitting and DCA to assess the clinical utility of the established model. Results. The radiomics model had the AUC of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.85–0.96) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.83–0.99) in the training and validation groups, respectively; the AUC of the radiomics nomogram was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94–0.99) in the training group and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.95–0.99) in the validation group. DCA suggested the clinical application value of the nomogram model. Conclusion. Radiomics nomogram model based on MRI T

2

∗

WI scan without enhancement can be used to discriminate HCC from ICCA.
CoSPARP: Collaborative and Social-Personality Aware Recommendation of Programmes
Authors: Asabere Nana Yaw
Published: September 2022

Globally, the selection of tertiary programmes for higher education in a university by prospective applicants is a daunting task. Different universities offer a wide range of programmes using different education delivery modes for teaching and learning. This creates information overload in the context of tertiary programmes. To tackle the information overload problem of tertiary programmes in the context of higher education institutions (HEIs), this paper, therefore, proposes a novel recommendation model called Collaborative and Social-Personality Aware Recommendation of Programmes (CoSPARP) for tertiary programme selection. CoSPARP utilizes a hybrid filtering system that incorporates the computation of similarities relating to the CF, personality traits, and the tie strength of users (prospective applicants) to generate effective programme recommendations for a tertiary programme applicant (TPA). The proposed CoSPARP recommendation method employs the above recommendation entities to create profiles of the TPAs as a basis of profile similarity for tertiary programme recommendations. Results of benchmarking experiments showed that CoSPARP overcomes cold-start due to the proposed (innovative) hybridization process. Additionally, using a relevant real-world dataset and suitable evaluation metrics such as precision, recall, and F-measure, CoSPARP produces more favourable outcomes in comparison to other state-of-the-art methods.
Ecological Conditions and Ecosystem Services of Artificial Wetlands in Semiarid Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Moges Admasu , Mebrate Tesfaye
Published: September 2022

The main purpose of the study was to investigate the ecological status, ecosystem services (ESs) with their relative importance, and the local communities’ perception of the management of Washa and Borale artificial wetlands located in the Semiarid Ethiopian Highlands. The results revealed that many of the communities relied mainly on farming and livestock rearing with small land size (≤ 1 ha) and large family size. Grass harvesting, free grazing, farming, wetland conversion, and water extraction were the main anthropogenic factors causing the wetlands’ ecological disturbance. The ecological status of Washa and Borale wetlands were thus moderately (67) and highly degraded (80), respectively. Yet, the various ESs categorized as provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services, were still delivered from both sites. Vegetables (carrots, potatoes, garlic), crops (barley, beans), grass, water, and crafting materials were the products obtained from the wetlands. Some educational, research, and recreational services were also delivered mainly from the Washa site. Still, erosion, flooding, carbon regulation, and biota (plants, birds, fish) supporting services were provided at both sites. Yet, many of the ESs provided had low and medium importance due to the wetlands’ impairedness. Yet, the water and food delivered from the wetlands had high and even higher importance than the other services due to their being designed for providing water mainly for irrigation and livestock watering. Still, Washa provided higher cultural, regulating, and supporting services than the Borale’s owing to its being moderately impaired and lesser buffer and catchment area disturbance. Overall, many of the ESs delivered had low and medium importance because of the wetlands’ biodiversity loss, ecological degradation, and water reduction chiefly in the dry season. Yet, the people had good perceptions of the wetlands’ management. Hence, for the wetlands’ restoration, urgent action is required via developing a management plan.
Diagnostic Significance of 18F‐FDG PET/CT Imaging Coupled with Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Entire Body for Bone Metastases
Authors: Guo Huimin , Zhang Zhiwen , Wang Li , Yao Shuzhan , Xu Shuaishuai , Ma Shulin , Liu Songtao
Published: September 2022

Objective. To see if 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) imaging paired with MR diffusion imaging can help doctors diagnose bone metastases. Methods. From September 2020 to December 2021, a total of 30 individuals with probable bone metastases were recruited for the trial. With an average interval of four days, MAGNETIC resonance whole‐body diffusion imaging (MR whole‐body diffusion imaging) was performed on each of the 30 patients who had 18F‐FDG PET/CT. The SUVmax values of the group with bone metastases were compared to those of the group without bone metastases. In this study, 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging, MR whole‐body diffusion imaging, and their combination were examined. The researchers compared the results when 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging, whole‐body MRI diffusion scans, and their combination indicated abnormal bone lesions. By comparing the diagnostic efficacy of 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging, MR whole‐body diffusion imaging, and their combination, as well as accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, the three techniques for diagnosing bone metastases will be evaluated for diagnostic usefulness. Results: the SUV max values of patients with bone metastases were significantly different from those of patients without bone metastases, as determined by 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging (P < 0.05). Using 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging, MR whole‐body diffusion imaging, and their combined detection of aberrant bone lesions in various areas, we found statistically significant differences. Conclusion. The use of 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging in conjunction with MR whole‐body diffusion imaging in the diagnosis of bone metastases can be very helpful.
An Analysis of the Innovative Model of English Course Translation Teaching in Foreign Language Listening Teaching Relying on Interactive Digital Media
Authors: Zheng Yu
Published: September 2022

Traditional single English course translation education modes can no longer stimulate students’ interest in learning and require continuous improvement in the alignment of English learning needs with individual needs. The Ministry of Education of my country has explicitly advocated a new form of education, a model of university English education (CET) based on computers and classrooms. In a networked environment, CET is constantly optimizing and adjusting the ecological balance of students, teachers, and the environment by changing the concept of education, teaching methods, and modes of education. With the rise of SPOCS, MOOCs, and mixed education, the combination of face-to-face and online learning has become an important development trend in language education. SPOCS is a new educational model based on modern educational technology, with students as the center of educational activities and the recipients of knowledge. Through the new educational mode, students can complete their education independently. This becomes part of the internalization of classroom knowledge. Therefore, the new educational mode of CET education in foreign language listening education compensates for the shortcomings of traditional educational modes and enhances the enthusiasm of students studying CET courses. To facilitate interaction and interaction between classroom education and other countries’ education system, the new educational mode enhances students’ autonomous learning abilities and effectively promotes individual learning.
Cloud Computing-Based Online Sharing Method of Mass Resources in Public Libraries
Authors: Cao Jun
Published: September 2022

In order to realize the online sharing of massive resources and capitals in public libraries under the circumstances of network environment and cultural construction, it is desirable to invent new sharing policies. In this paper, we put forward a method of online sharing of massive resources in public libraries which is established on cloud computing. Cloud computing technique is implemented to collect the statistical information characteristics of public library’s massive resources under the condition of network environment and culture construction, and an adaptive fusion clustering processing model of public library’s massive resources under the condition of network environment and culture construction is constructed. Moreover, the correlation statistical feature detection approach is used to accomplish fuzzy scheduling and feature mining of public library’s massive resources under the condition of network environment and culture construction. The information storage center management database of public library’s massive resources under the condition of network environment and culture construction is established. The fuzzy C-means clustering approach is implemented in the database to cluster the massive resources of public library under the condition of network environment and culture construction. Combined with cloud computing technology, the sharing and classified management scheduling of massive resources of public library under the condition of network environment and culture construction are comprehended. The simulation outcomes confirm that the adaptive performance of public library’s massive resource sharing management under the condition of network environment and culture construction is better, and the adaptive scheduling performance of resources is better. The data clustering of public library’s massive resources under the condition of network environment and culture construction is stronger, which improves the online sharing level of public library’s massive resources under the condition of network environment and culture construction.
Mining Potential Drug Targets and Constructing Diagnostic Models for Heart Failure Based on miRNA-mRNA Networks
Authors: Fang Xiangming , Song Rensheng , Wei Jiaxing , Liao Qin , Zeng Zhenhong
Published: September 2022

Heart failure (HF) is a globally prevalent cardiovascular disease, but effective drug targets and diagnostic models are still lacking. This study was designed to investigate effective drug targets and diagnostic models for HF in terms of miRNA targets, hoping to contribute to the understanding and treatment of HF. Using HF miRNA and gene expression profile data from the GEO database, we analyzed differentially expressed miRNAs/gene identification in HF using Limma and predicted miRNA targets by the online TargetScan database. Subsequently, gene set enrichment analysis and annotation were performed using WebGestaltR package. Protein-protein interactions were identified using the STRING database. The proximity of drugs to treat HF was also calculated and predicted for potential target therapeutic drug. In addition, further drug identification was performed by molecular docking. Finally, diagnostic models were constructed based on differential miRNAs. The GEO dataset was used to screen 66 differentially expressed miRNAs, incorporating 56 downregulated miRNAs and 10 upregulated miRNAs. The JAK-STAT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, Prolactin signaling pathway, and TGF-beta signaling pathway were enriched, as shown by KEGG enrichment analysis on the target genes. In addition, we found that 83 genes were upregulated and 92 genes were downregulated in HF patients vs. healthy individuals. Based on the inflammation-related score, hypoxia-related score, and energy metabolism-related score, we identified key miRNA-mRNA pairs and constructed an interaction network. Following that, TAP1, which had the highest expression and network connectivity in acute HF with crystal and molecular docking studies, was selected as a key candidate gene in the network. And the compound DB04847 was selected to produce a large number of favorable interactions with TAP1 protein. Finally, we constructed two diagnostic models based on the differential miRNAs hsa-miR-6785-5p and hsa-miR-4443. In conclusion, we identified TAP1, a key candidate gene in the diagnosis and treatment of HF, and determined that compound DB04847 is highly likely to be a potential inhibitor of TAP1. The TAP1 gene was also found to be regulated by hsa-miR-6785-5p and hsa-miR-4443, and a diagnostic model was constructed. This provides a new promising direction to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcome and guide more effective immunotherapy strategies of HF.
Pathway-Specific Polygenic Risk Scores Identify Obstructive Sleep Apnea–Related Pathways Differentially Moderating Genetic Susceptibility to Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Goodman Matthew O. , Cade Brian E. , Shah Neomi A. , Huang Tianyi , Dashti Hassan S. , Saxena Richa , Rutter Martin K. , Libby Peter , Sofer Tamar , Redline Susan
Published: September 2022

Background:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its features, such as chronic intermittent hypoxia, may differentially affect specific molecular pathways and processes in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and influence the subsequent risk and severity of CAD events. In particular, competing adverse (eg, inflammatory) and protective (eg, increased coronary collateral blood flow) mechanisms may operate, but remain poorly understood. We hypothesize that common genetic variation in selected molecular pathways influences the likelihood of CAD events differently in individuals with and without OSA, in a pathway-dependent manner.

Methods:

We selected a cross-sectional sample of 471 877 participants from the UK Biobank, with 4974 ascertained to have OSA, 25 988 to have CAD, and 711 to have both. We calculated pathway-specific polygenic risk scores for CAD, based on 6.6 million common variants evaluated in the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D genome-wide association study (Coronary ARtery DIsease Genome wide Replication and Meta-analysis [CARDIoGRAM] plus The Coronary Artery Disease [C4D] Genetics), annotated to specific genes and pathways using functional genomics databases. Based on prior evidence of involvement with intermittent hypoxia and CAD, we tested pathway-specific polygenic risk scores for the HIF1 (hypoxia-inducible factor 1), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), NFκB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) and TNF (tumor necrosis factor) signaling pathways.

Results:

In a multivariable-adjusted logistic generalized additive model, elevated pathway-specific polygenic risk scores for the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes VEGF pathway (39 genes) associated with protection for CAD in OSA (interaction odds ratio 0.86,
P=
6×10
-4
). By contrast, the genome-wide CAD PRS did not show evidence of statistical interaction with OSA.

Conclusions:

We find evidence that pathway-specific genetic risk of CAD differs between individuals with and without OSA in a qualitatively pathway-dependent manner. These results provide evidence that gene-by-environment interaction influences CAD risk in certain pathways among people with OSA, an effect that is not well-captured by the genome-wide PRS. This invites further study of how OSA interacts with genetic risk at the molecular level and suggests eventual personalization of OSA treatment to reduce CAD risk according to individual pathway-specific genetic risk profiles.
Pharmacological Characterization of a Novel Neuroactive Steroid Prodrug, NTS-104, and Its Neuroprotective Activity in Experimental Stroke Models
Authors: Zhang Li , Schwartz-Byrne Robin , Gertz Steven , McGuire Matthew , Woodhouse Colleen , Powell Brianna , Wei Min , Li Chao , Billing Clare B. , Verdoorn Todd A. , Lam Leslie , Parry Tom J. , Buller Benjamin , Zhang Zheng Gang , Poulsen David , Chopp Michael
Published: September 2022

Background:

Ischemic stroke affects about 700 000 patients per year in the United States, and to date, there are no effective pharmacological agents that promote recovery. Here, we studied the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and efficacy of NTS-105, a novel neuroactive steroid, and NTS-104, a prodrug of NTS-105, in 2 models of ischemic stroke.

Methods:

The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of NTS-104/105 were investigated in naive and stroke rats, and models of embolic and transient middle cerebral artery occlusion were used to investigate the dose-related effects of NTS-104. All rats were randomly assigned into the experimental groups, and all outcome measurements were performed blindly.

Results:

Blood plasma and brain pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that NTS-104 rapidly converted to NTS-105, which reached peak concentration at ≈1 hour after dosing and distributed similarly to normal and ischemic brains. NTS-104 administration 4 hours after embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion led to a dose-dependent improvement of neurological outcomes and a dose-dependent reduction of infarct volumes relative to vehicle-treated animals. A single dose level study confirmed that NTS-104 administered 4 hours after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was also neuroprotective. Quantitative ELISA revealed that NTS-104 treatment resulted in time- and dose-dependent changes in AKT activation and cytokine levels within the ischemic brain, which included reductions of IL-6, VEGF, ICAM-1, IL-1β, MCP-1, RAGE, and GM-CSF. Time- and dose-dependent reductions in IL-6 and GM-CSF were also observed in the plasma along with an elevation of galectin-1.

Conclusions:

NTS-104 is a novel prodrug that converts to a novel neuroactive steroid, NTS-105, which improves functional outcomes in experimental ischemic stroke models.
FAIR data and metadata: GNSS precise positioning user perspective
Authors: Ivánová Ivana , Keenan Ryan , Marshall Christopher , Mancell Lori , Rubinov Eldar , Ruddick Ryan , Brown Nicholas , Kernich Graeme
Published: September 2022

The FAIR principles of Wilkinson et al. [1] are finding their way from research into application domains, one of which is the precise positioning with global satellite navigation systems (GNSS). Current GNSS users demand that data and services are findable online, accessible via open protocols (by both, machines and humans), interoperable with their legacy systems and reusable in various settings. Comprehensive metadata are essential in seamless communication between GNSS data and service providers and their users, and, for decades, geodetic and geospatial standards are efficiently implemented to support this. However, GNSS user community is transforming from precise positioning by highly specialised use by geodetic professionals to every-day precise positioning by autonomous vehicles or wellness obsessed citizens. Moreover, rapid technological developments allow alternative ways of offering data and services to their users. These transforming circumstances warrant a review whether metadata defined in generic geospatial and geodetic standards in use still support FAIR use of modern GNSS data and services across its novel user spectrum. This paper reports the results of current GNSS users’ requirements in various application sectors on the way data, metadata and services are provided. We engaged with GNSS stakeholders to validate our findings and to gain understanding on their perception of the FAIR principles. Our results confirm that offering FAIR GNSS data and services is fundamental, but for a confident use of these, there is a need to review the way metadata are offered to the community. Defining standard compliant GNSS community metadata profile and providing relevant metadata with data on-demand, the approach outlined in this paper, is a way to manage current GNSS users’ expectations and the way to improve FAIR GNSS data and service delivery for both humans and the machines.
Dislodged Experience as an Overcoming of Reason: Towards a Phenomenology of Beyng
Authors: Kuravsky Erik
Published: September 2022

Heidegger’s Contributions to Philosophy approaches human transformation as an overcoming of Western metaphysics. The nature of this transformation does not imply a mere change of a worldview, an ethical or spiritual fulfillment, or even self-transcendence. Instead, Heidegger speaks about a dislodgement of human essence. In the article I address the notion of dislodgement as central for understanding the nature of the shift required for the human selfhood to be grounded in Da-sein. I stress the relation between dislodgement and an overcoming of reason as the basis of overcoming metaphysics. I then focus on the way dislodgement transforms the nature of experience, freeing it from the metaphysical constriction of a priority of beingness and the psychological subjectivity that accompanies it. I point out that such a dislodged experience transgresses the ontological-ontic distinction and thus offers a phenomenological basis for experiencing the truth of Beyng. I also suggest that the way to become prepared for such a full-fledged dislodgement is to be attentive to the moments in which our experience betrays its belonginess to Beyng.
First Person: Lessons in obedience — and resistance
Authors: Trubowitz Sidney
Published: September 2022

Long-time educator Dr. Sidney Trubowitz recalls his years as an elementary school student in the late 1930s. His teachers were rigid, students were taught to be quiet and compliant, and Trubowitz learned to follow instructions without questioning them. When one teacher went too far with her discipline, his mother, an immigrant, stood up for him — one of many acts of rebellion that Trubowitz observed with satisfaction. He draws on these memories to underscore the importance of bringing children into the learning process and treating them, in all their complexity, as complete and curious independent beings.
AN ISRAELI–PALESTINIAN–JORDANIAN CONFEDERATION
Authors: Omar Majeda
Published: September 2022

In light of the mounting sense of hopelessness and frustration due to the steady deadlock in efforts for solving the Palestinian–Israeli conflict, several proposals have been advocated in this regard with the aim of arriving at a final solution to this intricate conflict. This article examines the current proposal of an Israeli–Palestinian–Jordanian confederation presented by Prof. Alon Ben‐Meir and provides some constructive remarks on a number of themes considered in his proposal.
Pharmacokinetics of Sotalol Enantiomers in Humans
Authors: Carr Robert A. , Foster Robert T. , Lewanczuk Richard Z. , Hamilton Peter G.
Published: September 2022

The chiral β‐blocker, Sotalol (STL), is marketed as a racemic mixture. Although both STL enantiomers have equal Class III antiarrythmic activity, β‐blocking activity has been ascribed mainly to the R‐enantiomer. The pharmacokinetics of STL enantiomers were studied in young (mean age 32 ± 3 years), healthy male volunteers after oral administration of 160 mg. Subsequent plasma and urine samples were collected over 24 hours, and STL enantiomer concentrations were determined using a stereospecific high‐performance liquid chromatography assay. There were no significant differences between pharmacokinetic parameters of enantiomers. The area under the time‐concentration curves (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) were 6.95 ± 0.85 and 6.76 ± 1.2 (mg/L)hour for S‐ and R‐STL, respectively. Maximal plasma concentrations of S‐ and R‐STL were 615 ± 167 and 619 ± 164 ng/mL, respectively, which were obtained on average, 3.13 ± 0.60 hours after dosing. The mean residence time (mean ± SD) was 13.2 ± 1.2 and 12.9 ± 1.8 hours for S‐and R‐STL, respectively. Respective renal clearance values for S‐ and R‐STL were 8.98 ± 1.5 and 9.46 ± 2.3 L/hour, and were approximately 1.5 times greater than creatinine clearance. Renal clearance constituted approximately 76% of the oral clearance. Although stereoselective disposition of STL was absent after racemate administration, these results should not be extrapolated to patients with significantly altered physiology, or to the pharmacokinetics of S‐STL after administration of pure‐S‐STL.
Laboratory Values and Vital Signs in Male Smokers and Nonsmokers in Phase I Trials: A Retrospective Comparison
Authors: Merz M. , Seiberling M. , Thomann P.
Published: September 2022

In a retrospective analysis of 13 phase I multiple‐dose trials, clinical data from 100 volunteers who received placebo were investigated for differences in routine safety laboratory parameters and vital signs between smokers and nonsmokers. Of the 100 subjects, 47 were classified as smokers (cigarettes only) and 53 were classified as nonsmokers. Objectives of the analysis were to offer a basis for decision whether certain deviations of laboratory values or vital signs might be related to smoking rather than to a study drug or some external influence, and to explore whether smokers tend to present changes in laboratory values or vital signs during a trial that are different from changes that occur in nonsmokers. Regarding baseline values, which were defined as the mean of values at screening and the first day of the in‐house stay, clinically and statistically significant differences between smokers and nonsmokers were found for total leukocytes and triglycerides (mean greater for smokers than nonsmokers), and total bilirubin (mean greater for nonsmokers than smokers). Comparison of changes during the study in smokers and nonsmokers showed a statistically and clinically significant difference only for triglyceride levels. Smokers had a slight decrease in triglyceride levels, whereas nonsmokers showed a marked increase in the respective values during the trials. Prospective studies with sufficiently large sample sizes are required to confirm the results of this retrospective analysis on a wider basis, and to possibly achieve significance for further differences between smokers and nonsmokers.
Effect of Venlafaxine on CYP1A2‐Dependent Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism of Caffeine
Authors: Amchin Jess , Zarycranski William , Taylor Karen P. , Albano Dominick , Klockowski Patricia M.
Published: September 2022

Venlafaxine is a clinically effective antidepressant. Caffeine is a metabolic probe for the quantitative measurement of CYP1A2 activity in vivo. This open‐label study evaluated the effect of steady‐state venlafaxine on CYP1A2‐dependent metabolism, as measured by the pharmacokinetic disposition of caffeine, and urinary caffeine metabolite ratios (CMRs). Sixteen healthy subjects received 200 mg of caffeine orally before (Day 1) and after (Day 8) venlafaxine was titrated to steady‐state (37.5 mg every 12 hours on Days 2–4, then 75 mg every 12 hours on Days 5–8). Samples were collected before and for 24 hours after caffeine dosing for the determination of caffeine in plasma and 1,7‐dimethylxanthine, 3,7‐dimethylxanthine, 1,7‐dimethyluric acid (17U), 1‐methylxanthine (1X) and 1‐methyluric acid (1U), and 5‐acetylamino‐6‐amino‐3‐methyluracil (AAMU) in urine. Blood samples were obtained before venlafaxine doses on Days 7 and 8 (morning dose only) for the determination of trough venlafaxine and O‐desmethylvenlafaxine levels. Venlafaxine did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of caffeine and its metabolites. Plasma caffeine AUC was unchanged and remained within the bioequivalence criteria (90% confidence interval: 87.9%‐102%) in the presence of venlafaxine. Urine metabolite data showed variable increases and decreases in the CMR [(AAMU + 1U + 1X)/17U] for individual subjects. However, the mean CMR was altered by < 10% in the presence of venlafaxine. This in vivo study demonstrated that venlafaxine did not alter the pharmacokinetic profile of caffeine and confirms in vitro data that venlafaxine does not inhibit CYP1A2 metabolism. Therefore, venlafaxine appears to have a relatively low potential for drug interactions based on CYP1A2 inhibition.
Pharmacokinetics of Trimetrexate and Dapsone in AIDS Patients with Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia
Authors: Koda Robert T. , Dubé Michael P. , Li Wen Yen , Chatterjee Dhruba J. , Stansell John D. , Sattler Fred R.
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of trimetrexate and dapsone in AIDS patients with moderate to severe pneumocystis pneumonia. Trimetrexate, leucovorin, and dapsone were administered for 21 ± 3 days in the following doses: trimetrexate glucuronate, 45 mg/m2; leucovorin, 20 mg/m2; and dapsone, 100 mg daily. The pharmacokinetics of trimetrexate, dapsone, and dapsone's metabolite, monoacetyldapsone, were determined at three separate periods over the course of treatment. Serial blood samples were obtained over 24 hours after dosing and analyzed for trimetrexate, dapsone, and monoacetyldapsone, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. The mean parameters obtained for the early, mid‐, and late collection periods were the following: trimetrexate: t1/2 = 8.29, 9.15, 10.00 hr; AUC = 16.85, 22.38, 24.49 mg • hr/l; Cl = 5.58, 4.14, 3.96 l/hr, respectively. DDS: t1/2 = 14.99, 16.59, 15.13 hr; AUC = 0.60, 35.29, 36.08 mg • hr/l; Cl = 3.82, 3.49, 3.01 l/hr, respectively. Monoacetyldapsone: t1/2 = 20.25, 18.66, 16.32 hr; AUC = 24.05, 24.06, 23.86 mg • hr/l, respectively. No statistically significant changes in pharmacokinetics for trimetrexate or dapsone were observed over the 21 ± 3 day course of treatment. The results suggest that there are no major interactions between trimetrexate and dapsone when administered together in acutely ill patients.
The Role of Gender in the Relation Among Anxiety, Theory of Mind, and Well-Being in Early Adolescents
Authors: Caputi Marcella , Bosacki Sandra
Published: September 2022

The relation between cognition and life satisfaction is shaped by several factors. The present research investigated whether mindreading skills are linked to subjective well-being and anxiety during the transition into adolescence. Specifically, our aim was to investigate individual differences in those constructs and gendered relational patterns. A sample of 142 Italian sixth- and seventh-graders (84 boys, M = 11.83 years, SD = 6.87 months) completed a theory-of-mind task, and questionnaires on perceptions of different anxiety subtypes and life satisfaction. In the total sample, no interrelations were found among the variables. Nonetheless, mediation analyses conducted separately by gender showed that, only among girls, higher theory-of-mind scores were associated with lower perception of life satisfaction through the mediation of higher generalized anxiety levels. Results suggest that the approach to adolescence may provide a timely intervention window to develop preventive programs that target internalizing symptoms and their cascade effects on young people’s well-being.
“The Sun Came Up Because You Got Here…”: A Qualitative Exploration of Person-Centered Care Strategies Used by Adult Day Care Centers to Manage Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Authors: Boafo Jonelle , David Daniel , Wu Bei , Brody Abraham A. , Sadarangani Tina
Published: September 2022

In order to reduce care partner strain and support aging in place for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD), adult day centers (ADCs) must manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The purpose of this paper is to identify person-centered care strategies used by center staff to manage BPSD. Six focus groups with center staff (n = 31) were conducted. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis guided by Kitwood’s conceptual approach to cultivating personhood in dementia care. Themes were identified and organized within Kitwood’s framework. The results demonstrate that staff incorporate evidence-based person-centered approaches to AD/ADRD care that align with Kitwood’s principles of comfort, attachment, inclusion, and identity. Staff individualize their approach to people with AD/ADRD within a group setting. They monitor, engage, socially stimulate, and, when needed, de-stimulate them. Centers are flexible social environments with underrecognized expertise managing BPSD using person-centered approaches.
Hong Kong poison information centre: Annual report 2020
Authors: Chow Tin Yat Anthony , Chan Chi Keung , Ng Sze Hong , Tse Man Li
Published: September 2022

Background:

The Hong Kong Poison Information Centre has provided consultation service to healthcare professionals and collected epidemiological data on poisoning in Hong Kong since 2005.

Objective:

To analyse and report the poisoning data of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre in 2020 during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all poisoning cases recorded in the Poison Information and Clinical Management System of Hong Kong Poison Information Centre in 2020.

Results:

A total of 3633 poisoning cases were analysed. Compared to 2019 (pre‐COVID era), there was a reduction of ~10% of total poisoning cases recorded (383 cases), with a majority (> 90%) of reduction from poisoning cases with no clinical effect (353 cases). A greater proportion of reduction was observed among the children (0–12 years), patients with general unintentional poisoning, poisoning due to therapeutic error and food poisoning. An increased number of cases was noted from abusive use, adverse herb/proprietary Chinese medicine reaction and poisoning related to household bleaches. Teenage (13–19 years) poisoning seemed to be unaffected by the COVID‐19 pandemic and the previously observed increasing trend continued (up to 11.8% of total poisoning cases this year). Despite a total reduction in poisoning cases recorded, the number of deaths increased by 37% from 35 in 2019 to 48 in 2020 (mortality rate 1.5%). A total of seven interesting cases were discussed.

Conclusion:

This 15th annual report provides updated epidemiological information on poisoning patterns in Hong Kong during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It also highlighted important changes and possible effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on poisoning in Hong Kong in comparison with our previous reports.
Is a Polarized Party System a Too Extreme Party System? Understanding Perceptions of Party Extremity in the United States
Authors: Robison Joshua
Published: September 2022

The Democratic and Republican parties have polarized since the 1960s. Does the American public believe that the parties have grown “too extreme?” I leverage data from 18 national surveys to explain perceptions of party extremity as well as text-analysis of open-ended survey responses from an additional national survey to examine what the public associates with the concept of extremity. Three key results emerged. First, a growing proportion of Americans believe that both parties are too extreme, but this belief remains in the decided minority. Second, ideology and partisanship interact to shape beliefs about extremity. Moderates are more likely to believe that both parties are too extreme, but this is conditional on the presence of partisan motivations to say that only one party is too extreme. Finally, the public has a multifaceted conceptualization of extremity that is frequently tied to perceived procedural failures with only the highly knowledgeable reliably connecting perceived extremity to programmatic considerations. These results suggest that elite partisans have little reason to moderate their views given that most Americans do not perceive them to be too extreme, partisan considerations gain them ideological leeway, and many fail to connect extremity with the parties’ ideological reputations.
Heterotaxy Syndrome with Polysplenia, Fused Adrenal Glands, and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sadiq Abid M , Sadiq Adnan M
Published: September 2022

Heterotaxy syndrome is a rare congenital heart disease with a disarrangement of the heart and abdominal organs. We present a young African female with features of heart failure, diffuse irregular cardiac murmurs, and palpable, tender epigastric mass. A chest and abdominal computed tomography (CT) identified heterotaxy syndrome with left isomerism and fused adrenal glands. This case highlights the feature of fused adrenal glands in a patient with polysplenia.
Evaluating local system change using a comparative maturity matrix
Authors: Coldwell Mike , Pearson Sarah , Wilson Ian
Published: September 2022

This article focuses on the evaluation of the Children’s Community programme, addressing the question: how can evaluators effectively address complex place-based system change initiatives, particularly those working across differing contexts? After considering alternatives, including what we describe as ‘first-generation’ linear, logic model-based approaches and second-generation Theory of Change approaches, we discuss the development of ‘third-generation’ systems-change evaluations and articulate a novel comparative maturity matrix approach, developed for the evaluation of Children’s Communities with potential wider applicability for evaluation of complex systems change interventions. The article discusses the evaluation approach in depth and concludes with reflection on what learning points may be derived for use in subsequent evaluations of place-based and complex systems change initiatives.
Semi-parametric hidden Markov model for large-scale multiple testing under dependency
Authors: Kim Joungyoun , Lim Johan , Lee Jong Soo
Published: September 2022

In this article, we propose a new semiparametric hidden Markov model (HMM) for use in the simultaneous hypothesis testing with dependency. The semi- or non-parametric HMM in the literature requires two conditions for its model identifiability, (a) the latent Markov chain (MC) is ergodic and its transition probability is full rank and (b) the observational distributions of different hidden states are disjoint or linearly independent. Unlike the existing models, our semiparametric HMM with two hidden states makes no assumption on the transition probability of the latent MC but assumes that observational distributions are extremal for the set of all stationary distributions of the model. To estimate the model, we propose a modified expectation-maximization algorithm, whose M-step has an additional purification step to make the observational distribution be extremal one. We numerically investigate the performance of the proposed procedure in the estimation of the model and compare it to two recent existing methods in various multiple testing error settings. In addition, we apply our procedure to analyzing two real data examples, the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry experiment to differentiate the origin of herbal medicine and the epidemiologic surveillance of an influenza-like illness.