bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Argument-based validation of Academic Collocation Tests
Authors: Nguyen Thi My Hang , Gu Peter , Coxhead Averil
Published: October 2023

Despite extensive research on assessing collocational knowledge, valid measures of academic collocations remain elusive. With the present study, we employ an argument-based approach to validate two Academic Collocation Tests (ACTs) that assess the ability to recognize and produce academic collocations (i.e., two-word units such as key element and well established) in written contexts. A total of 343 tertiary students completed a background questionnaire (including demographic information, IELTS scores, and learning experience), the ACTs, and the Vocabulary Size Test. Forty-four participants also took part in post-test interviews to share reflections on the tests and retook the ACTs verbally. The findings showed that the scoring inference based on analyses of test item characteristics, testing conditions, and scoring procedures was partially supported. The generalization inference, based on the consistency of item measures and testing occasions, was justified. The extrapolation inference, drawn from correlations with other measures and factors such as collocation frequency and learning experience, received partial support. Suggestions for increasing the degree of support for the inferences are discussed. The present study reinforces the value of validation research and generates the momentum for test developers to continue this practice with other vocabulary tests.
A spatial-demographic analysis of Africa’s emerging urban geography
Authors: Dorward Nick , Fox Sean , Statham Thomas , Wolf Levi John
Published: October 2023

We examine Africa’s emerging urban geography from a demographic perspective and discuss implications for development policy. We adopt an approach that defines urbanisation purely in spatial-demographic terms in recognition of the decoupling of urbanization (as a spatial-demographic process) from economic development in Africa. Our analysis uses the most up-to-date gridded population data (WorldPop) to analyse diverse patterns of “urban” settlement emerging on the continent and to show that the crucial variable influencing urbanization estimates is population density. Our analysis confirms that increased population density and concentration are only weakly linked to income in Africa and argue that the profound spatial-demographic changes underway are driving implicit demand for “urban” development interventions, including changes in governance and planning practice. We conclude that a spatial-demographic approach to measuring and monitoring changing patterns of human settlements is both conceptually and empirically robust and suggest improvements to current UN statistical practice.
Impact of Social Media Influencers’ Credibility and Similarity on Instagram Consumers’ Purchase Intention
Authors: Rani Ankur , Chaudhary Nisha , Gusai Om Prakash
Published: October 2023

In the realm of digital advertising, the recruitment and use of social media influencers is relatively a novel approach. Social media influencers change how buyers feel about a company or product by sharing photographs, videos and other content on their networks. The investigation’s goal is to look into the relationship between the credibility and resemblance of Instagram influencers and their followers’ intent to purchase on the social media platform. With the help of Google Forms, we can collect 384 usable responses, which we have calculated via the sample size Cochran’s formula. A method of sampling referred to as purposive sampling was utilised in the research study. The sample population for this study consists of residents of Delhi and the adjacent National Capital Region (NCR) in Haryana. This is done to ensure that the results are representative of the situation in India as a whole. The nation’s capital is Delhi. In addition to Delhi, this coverage includes the cities of Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat and Jhajjar, which are located on the outskirts of Delhi. Jamovi 2.2.5 version is used to analyse the data. To have a better grasp of the variations, the features of the respondents’ demographic makeup, which includes gender, age and number of followers, are examined. The source credibility theory is used in the study. The Pearson Correlation analysis is used to indicate that all predictor variables possess a favourable association with the consumer’s intent to buy and regression analysis is used for calculating the prediction and strength of influence. Both credibility and similarity with influencers are shown to favourably affect consumers’ propensity to purchase Instagram, however, the beta coefficient indicated that credibility with influencers had a greater impact. The findings of the study provide marketing practitioners with a clear insight into the parts of credibility of social media influencers may have an impact on a company’s target market and their propensity to purchase the product that is being marketed to them. The results recommend that influencer marketing may be an effective branding strategy, that should be considered when developing a marketing strategy. But, to further investigate this outcome, we recommend conducting additional research investigating the subject matter of ‘influencer marketing’.
Settler futurity in the local and global: Problematising education for sustainable development in the Australian curriculum
Authors: Belcher Fi
Published: October 2023

As global concerns about climate change deepen, Australian sustainability curriculum plays an increasingly significant role in the way students relate to concepts of home, belonging, and the future. Such futures are imagined in a local context shaped both by ongoing colonial processes and the continued presence of First Peoples, in which invader-settler futurity is the dominant force. As such, a global emphasis on Education for Sustainability raises questions of what types of relationships to place and country are produced through policy and curriculum, and what the implications are for students’ investments in the future of place and unceded Country. As a white invader/settler writing from the Country of the Kulin Nations (Melbourne, Australia), in this paper I offer an analysis of UN Education for Sustainability Declarations from the past five decades, alongside Australian national curriculum documents and its translation into state-level curriculum. In doing so, I reveal the ways that sustainability policy and curriculum works to collapse place and Country into the concept of ‘environmental resource’, largely oriented towards the future of the nation. I argue that in the global policy context, resources are framed to deliver equal distribution across nation states, functioning to obscure the operation of patriarchal white sovereignty within states such as Australia. I further identify that the ways this problem of resource management is deployed as a virtuous state policy through local curriculum, which functions to solidify invader-settler use of disembodied Indigenous knowledges, to secure futurity.
Do Researchers Use the Levels of Automation Appropriately? How Automation is Discussed in Research
Authors: Parker Jah’inaya , Lee John D. , McDonald Anthony , Rau Paul , Philips Brian
Published: October 2023

Despite multiple taxonomies and descriptions of automation there is inconsistency in describing automation capabilities, making it difficult to interpret and replicate research. We conducted a systematic literature review to investigate how studies document automation. The Scopus® database was searched on January 13th, 2023, for vehicle automation studies published in the Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Conference between 2012 and 2022. Twenty-one studies were identified. Sixteen of these studies described the vehicle automation in the protocol and apparatus and five were missing at least one element. We show inconsistency and insufficiency of these explanations, suggesting researchers and participants might not understand the levels of automation. We offer a guide for improving how researchers describe automation capabilities to improve the interpretability and replicability of studies.
EMDL_m6Am: identifying N6,2′-O-dimethyladenosine sites based on stacking ensemble deep learning
Authors: Jia Jianhua , Wei Zhangying , Sun Mingwei
Published: October 2023

Background

N6, 2'-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) is an abundant RNA methylation modification on vertebrate mRNAs and is present in the transcription initiation region of mRNAs. It has recently been experimentally shown to be associated with several human disorders, including obesity genes, and stomach cancer, among others. As a result, N6,2′-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) site will play a crucial part in the regulation of RNA if it can be correctly identified.

Results

This study proposes a novel deep learning-based m6Am prediction model, EMDL_m6Am, which employs one-hot encoding to expressthe feature map of the RNA sequence and recognizes m6Am sites by integrating different CNN models via stacking. Including DenseNet, Inflated Convolutional Network (DCNN) and Deep Multiscale Residual Network (MSRN), the sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), accuracy (ACC), Mathews correlation coefficient (MCC) and area under the curve (AUC) of our model on the training data set reach 86.62%, 88.94%, 87.78%, 0.7590 and 0.8778, respectively, and the prediction results on the independent test set are as high as 82.25%, 79.72%, 80.98%, 0.6199, and 0.8211.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the experimental results demonstrated that EMDL_m6Am greatly improved the predictive performance of the m6Am sites and could provide a valuable reference for the next part of the study. The source code and experimental data are available at: https://github.com/13133989982/EMDL-m6Am.
Genome-wide identification of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NLR) genes and their association with green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) resistance in peach
Authors: Yu Haixiang , Wu Xuelian , Liang Jiahui , Han Ziying , Xiao Yuansong , Du Hao , Liu Yihua , Guo Jian , Peng Futian
Published: October 2023

Resistance genes (R genes) are a class of genes that are immune to a wide range of diseases and pests. In planta, NLR genes are essential components of the innate immune system. Currently, genes belonging to NLR family have been found in a number of plant species, but little is known in peach. Here, 286 NLR genes were identified on peach genome by using their homologous genes in Arabidopsis thaliana as queries. These 286 NLR genes contained at least one NBS domain and LRR domain. Phylogenetic and N-terminal domain analysis showed that these NLRs could be separated into four subfamilies (I-IV) and their promoters contained many cis-elements in response to defense and phytohormones. In addition, transcriptome analysis showed that 22 NLR genes were up-regulated after infected by Green Peach Aphid (GPA), and showed different expression patterns. This study clarified the NLR gene family and their potential functions in aphid resistance process. The candidate NLR genes might be useful in illustrating the mechanism of aphid resistance in peach.
Burden, risk factors, neurosurgical evacuation outcomes, and predictors of mortality among traumatic brain injury patients with expansive intracranial hematomas in Uganda: a mixed methods study design
Authors: Kamabu Larrey Kasereka , Bbosa Godfrey S. , Lekuya Hervé Monka , Cho Eugene J. , Kyaruzi Victor Meza , Nyalundja Arsene Daniel , Deng Daniel , Sekabunga Juliet Nalwanga , Kataka Louange Maha , Obiga Doomwin Oscar Deogratius , Kiryabwire Joel , Kaddumukasa Martin N. , Kaddumukasa Mark , Fuller Anthony T. , Galukande Moses
Published: October 2023

Background

Expansive intracranial hematomas (EIH) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) continue to be a public health problem in Uganda. Data is limited regarding the neurosurgical outcomes of TBI patients. This study investigated the neurosurgical outcomes and associated risk factors of EIH among TBI patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH).

Methods

A total of 324 subjects were enrolled using a prospective cohort study. Socio-demographic, risk factors and complications were collected using a study questionnaire. Study participants were followed up for 180 days. Univariate, multivariable, Cox regression analyses, Kaplan Meir survival curves, and log rank tests were sequentially conducted. P-values of < 0.05 at 95% Confidence interval (CI) were considered to be statistically significant.

Results

Of the 324 patients with intracranial hematomas, 80.6% were male. The mean age of the study participants was 37.5 ± 17.4 years. Prevalence of EIH was 59.3% (0.59 (95% CI: 0.54 to 0.65)). Participants who were aged 39 years and above; PR = 1.54 (95% CI: 1.20 to 1.97; P = 0.001), and those who smoke PR = 1.21 (95% CI: 1.00 to 1.47; P = 0.048), and presence of swirl sign PR = 2.26 (95% CI: 1.29 to 3.95; P = 0.004) were found to be at higher risk for EIH. Kaplan Meier survival curve indicated that mortality at the 16-month follow-up was 53.4% (95% CI: 28.1 to 85.0). Multivariate Cox regression indicated that the predictors of mortality were old age, MAP above 95 mmHg, low GCS, complications such as infection, spasticity, wound dehiscence, CSF leaks, having GOS < 3, QoLIBRI < 50, SDH, contusion, and EIH.

Conclusion

EIH is common in Uganda following RTA with an occurrence of 59.3% and a 16-month higher mortality rate. An increased age above 39 years, smoking, having severe systemic disease, and the presence of swirl sign are independent risk factors. Old age, MAP above 95 mmHg, low GCS, complications such as infection, spasticity, wound dehiscence, CSF leaks, having a GOS < 3, QoLIBRI < 50, ASDH, and contusion are predictors of mortality. These findings imply that all patients with intracranial hematomas (IH) need to be monitored closely and a repeat CT scan to be done within a specific period following their initial CT scan. We recommend the development of a protocol for specific surgical and medical interventions that can be implemented for patients at moderate and severe risk for EIH.
Comparison of students' readiness from six health education programs for interprofessional learning in Vietnam: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Huyen Nguyen Thi Thanh , Tam Nguyen Minh , Wens Johan , Tsakitzidis Giannoula , Van Chi Le , Anh Le Ho Thi Quynh , Len Len Che Thi , Van Chuong Huynh , Huy Nguyen Vu Quoc , Valcke Martin
Published: October 2023

Background

Interprofessional education (IPE) is expected to help prepare undergraduate health profession students to collaborate with other healthcare professionals in realising quality of care. Studies stress the necessity of students’ readiness for interprofessional learning (IPL) in view of designing IPE programs. The present study aims to determine students' IPL-readiness and looks at related differences in students enrolled in different programs and at different phases in their educational program.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey study was set up among 1139 students from six health programs at HueUMP, using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal–Wallis H and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results

The overall mean RIPLS score was 68.89. RIPLS scores significantly differed between programs and between phases in the educational programs. Medical students presented a lower readiness level for IPL than students from other programs. In contrast to a significant increase in RIPLS scores of students in the clinical phase in Vietnamese traditional medicine, medicine, and pharmacy, a decrease in RIPLS scores was observed in students in the clinical phase in odonto-stomatology.

Conclusions

The differences could be related to differences in educational programs and the study phases in a particular program. These results offer insights to direct the design and implementation of IPE in health education curricula and especially underscore the need to provide IPE throughout the curriculum.
Occupational protection behavior and its influencing factors of newly recruited nurses
Authors: Xu Yang , Liu Wen-jie , Wang Xia , Yang Qian-mei
Published: October 2023

Aim

Aim The objective of this study was to understand the occupational protective behaviors of newly recruited nurses and explore the influencing factors.

Methods

A convenience sampling method was used to select newly recruited nurses in our hospital from July 2018 to November 2019. The survey was conducted using the general information questionnaire, work attitude scale (Wa), and occupational protective behavior scale.

Results

The total score of occupational protective behaviors of 150 newly enrolled nurses was 18.94 ± 3.59. There was a significant negative correlation between work attitude score and occupational protective behaviors (r = -0.324, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender, previous participation in nursing skill-based competitions, experience of needlestick injuries before recruit, work attitude score, average daily sleep time (p < 0.05) were independent factors influencing occupational protective behaviors.

Conclusions

The overall occupational protective awareness of newly enrolled nurses is relatively weak and needs to be further improved. The group’s ability to improve occupational protective behaviors may be positively impacted through increased adaptability, improved sleep, active participation in nursing skill-based competitions, strengthening guidance and education on occupational protection.
Impact of HIV treat-all and complementary policies on ART linkage in 13 PEPFAR-supported African countries
Authors: Russell Anna , Verani Andre R. , Pals Sherri , Reagon Valamar M. , Alexander Lorraine N. , Galloway Eboni T. , Mange Mayer Magdalene , Kalimugogo Pearl , Nyika Ponesai , Fadil Yasmine Moussa , Aoko Appolonia , Asiimwe Fred Mugyenyi , Ikpeazu Akudo , Kayira Dumbani , Letebele Mpho , Maida Alice , Magesa Daniel , Mutandi Gram , Mwila Annie C. , Onotu Dennis , Nkwoh Kingsly Tse , Wangari Evelyn
Published: October 2023

Background

In 2015, the World Health Organization recommended that all people living with HIV begin antiretroviral treatment (ART) regardless of immune status, a policy known as ‘Treat-All to end AIDS’, commonly referred to as Treat-All. Almost all low- and middle-income countries adopted this policy by 2019. This study describes how linkage to treatment of newly diagnosed persons changed between 2015 and 2018 and how complementary policies may have similarly increased linkage for 13 African countries. These countries adopted and implemented Treat-All policies between 2015 and 2018 and were supported by the U.S. Government’s President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The focuses of this research were to understand 1) linkage rates to ART initiation before and after the adoption of Treat-All in each country; 2) how Treat-All implementation differed across these countries; and 3) whether complementary policies (including same-day treatment initiation, task-shifting, reduced ART visits, and reduced ART pickups) implemented around the same time may have increased ART linkage.

Methods

HIV testing and treatment data were collected by PEPFAR country programs in 13 African countries from 2015 to 2018. These countries were chosen based on the completeness of policy data and availability of program data during the study period. Program data were used to calculate proxy linkage rates. These rates were compared relative to the Treat All adoption period and the adoption of complementary policies.

Results

The 13 countries experienced an average increase in ART linkage of 29.3% over the entire study period. In examining individual countries, all but two showed increases in linkage to treatment immediately after Treat All adoption. Across all countries, those that had adopted four or more complementary policies showed an average increased linkage of 39.8% compared to 13.9% in countries with fewer than four complementary policies.

Conclusions

Eleven of 13 country programs examined in this study demonstrated an increase in ART linkage after Treat-All policy adoption. Increases in linkage were associated with complementary policies. When exploring new public health policies, policymakers may consider which complementary policies might also help achieve the desired outcome of the public health policy.
Association between patient-provider communication and withholding information due to privacy concerns among women in the United States: an analysis of the 2011 to 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey
Authors: Ajayi Kobi V. , Olowolaju Samson , Bolarinwa Obasanjo Afolabi , Onyeka Henry
Published: October 2023

Background

Electronic medical record software is common in healthcare settings. However, data privacy and security challenges persist and may impede patients’ willingness to disclose health information to their clinicians. Positive patient-provider communication may foster patient trust and subsequently reduce information nondisclosure. This study sought to characterize information-withholding behaviors among women and evaluate the association between positive patient-provider communication and women’s health information-withholding behavior in the United States.

Methods

Data were pooled from the 2011 to 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey. We used descriptive statistics, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses to investigate whether positive patient-provider communication significantly impacted health information-withholding behaviors. Data from 7,738 women were analyzed.

Results

About 10.8% or 1 in 10 women endorsed withholding health information from their providers because of privacy or security concerns about their medical records. After adjusting for the covariates, higher positive patient-provider communication scores were associated with lower odds of withholding information from the provider because of privacy and security concerns (aOR 0.93; 95% CI = 0.90–0.95). Additionally, we found that age, race/ethnicity, educational status, psychological distress, and smoking status significantly predicted women’s willingness to disclose health information.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that improving positive patient-provider communication quality may reduce women’s privacy and security concerns and encourage them to disclose sensitive medical information.
What drives health care spending in Switzerland? Findings from a decomposition by disease, health service, sex, and age
Authors: Stucki Michael , Schärer Xavier , Trottmann Maria , Scholz-Odermatt Stefan , Wieser Simon
Published: October 2023

Background

High and increasing spending dominates the public discussion on healthcare in Switzerland. However, the drivers of the spending increase are poorly understood. This study decomposes health care spending by diseases and other perspectives and estimates the contribution of single cost drivers to overall healthcare spending growth in Switzerland between 2012 and 2017.

Methods

We decompose total healthcare spending according to National Health Accounts by 48 major diseases, injuries, and other conditions, 20 health services, 21 age groups, and sex of patients. This decomposition is based on micro-data from a multitude of data sources such as the hospital inpatient registry, health and accident insurance claims data, and population surveys. We identify the contribution of four main drivers of spending: population growth, change in population structure (age/sex distribution), changes in disease prevalence, and changes in spending per prevalent patient.

Results

Mental disorders were the most expensive major disease group in both 2012 and 2017, followed by musculoskeletal disorders and neurological disorders. Total health care spending increased by 19.7% between 2012 and 2017. An increase in spending per prevalent patient was the most important spending driver (43.5% of total increase), followed by changes in population size (29.8%), in population structure (14.5%), and in disease prevalence (12.2%).

Conclusions

A large part of the recent health care spending growth in Switzerland was associated with increases in spending per patient. This may indicate an increase in the treatment intensity. Future research should show if the spending increases were cost-effective.
Prenatal whole-exome sequencing for fetal structural anomalies: a retrospective analysis of 145 Chinese cases
Authors: Qin Yayun , Yao Yanyi , Liu Nian , Wang Bo , Liu Lijun , Li Hui , Gao Tangxinzi , Xu Runhong , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Fanglian , Song Jieping
Published: October 2023

Background

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) significantly improves the diagnosis of the etiology of fetal structural anomalies. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of prenatal WES and to investigate the pathogenic variants in structurally abnormal fetuses.

Methods

We recruited 144 fetuses with structural anomalies between 14 and 2020 and 15 December 2021 in the study. Genetic screening was performed by WES combined with karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis. The molecular diagnostic yield of prenatal WES for each type of fetal structural anomaly and the identified pathogenic genes and mutations were reported.

Results

In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical and genetic data of 145 structurally anomalous fetuses. These cases were classified into 9 phenotypic classes based on antenatal ultrasound findings. Thirty-eight pathogenic variants in 24 genes were identified in 35 of the 145 cases, including 14 novel variants in 13 genes (EP300, MYH3, TSC2, MMP9, CPLANE1, INVS, COL1A1, EYA1, TTC21B, MKS1, COL11A2, PDHA1 and L1CAM). Five additional pathogenic variants were classified as incidental findings. Our study showed that the overall diagnosis rate of WES was 28.1% (27/96) in the parent-fetus trio cases and 16.3% (8/49) in the proband-only cases. Fetuses with musculoskeletal anomalies had the highest diagnostic yield (51.4%, 19/37). In addition, FGFR3 and COL1A1 were the most common pathogenic genes.

Conclusions

Our work expands the mutation spectrum of the genes associated with fetal structural anomalies and provides valuable information for future parental genetic counselling and pregnancy management of the structurally anomalous fetuses.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being and quality of life of patients with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Werdecker Catherina , Bals Robert
Published: October 2023

Background

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disorder characterized by mutations in the SERPINA1 gene, primarily affecting the lungs and liver. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about the susceptibility of individuals with AATD to COVID-19 and whether patients with rare lung disease might experience increased stress-related symptoms and mental health challenges. This study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of individuals living with AATD.

Methods

The study enrolled participants from the German registry for individuals with AATD. Questionnaires were sent to the 1250 participants, and a total of 358 patients were included in the analysis. The primary objective was to examine the influence of sociodemographic and disease-related factors on the occurrence of stress-related symptoms. This was accomplished through correlation and regression analyses. We also investigated the role of baseline quality of life (QoL), as measured by the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), as a mediator of this relationship.

Results

Stress-related symptoms were predicted by young age, female gender, psychological disorders, and a history of exacerbations of lung disease, as determined by multiple regression analysis. QoL as measured by the SGRQ mediated the relationship between poor lung function, stress, and a decline in overall well-being.

Conclusion

The presented data demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affects the psychological well-being of patients with rare diseases, leading to increased levels of anxiety and stress. Disease-related factors can exacerbate stress manifestations, especially when compounded by sociodemographic and contextual factors. Thus, our study emphasizes the crucial role of taking these factors into account when managing individuals with AATD in pandemic situations.
Cell-specific NFIA upregulation promotes epileptogenesis by TRPV4-mediated astrocyte reactivity
Authors: Kong Shuo , Chen Tao-xiang , Jia Xiang-lei , Cheng Xue-lei , Zeng Meng-liu , Liang Jing-yi , He Xiao-hua , Yin Jun , Han Song , Liu Wan-hong , Fan Yuan-teng , Zhou Ting , Liu Yu-min , Peng Bi-wen
Published: October 2023

Background

The astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS) exhibit morphological and functional diversity in brain region-specific pattern. Functional alterations of reactive astrocytes are commonly present in human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) cases, meanwhile the neuroinflammation mediated by reactive astrocytes may advance the development of hippocampal epilepsy in animal models. Nuclear factor I-A (NFIA) may regulate astrocyte diversity in the adult brain. However, whether NFIA endows the astrocytes with regional specificity to be involved in epileptogenesis remains elusive.

Methods

Here, we utilize an interference RNA targeting NFIA to explore the characteristics of NFIA expression and its role in astrocyte reactivity in a 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-induced seizure model in vivo and in vitro. Combined with the employment of a HA-tagged plasmid overexpressing NFIA, we further investigate the precise mechanisms how NIFA facilitates epileptogenesis.

Results

4-AP-induced NFIA upregulation in hippocampal region is astrocyte-specific, and primarily promotes detrimental actions of reactive astrocyte. In line with this phenomenon, both NFIA and vanilloid transient receptor potential 4 (TRPV4) are upregulated in hippocampal astrocytes in human samples from the TLE surgical patients and mouse samples with intraperitoneal 4-AP. NFIA directly regulates mouse astrocytic TRPV4 expression while the quantity and the functional activity of TRPV4 are required for 4-AP-induced astrocyte reactivity and release of proinflammatory cytokines in the charge of NFIA upregulation. NFIA deficiency efficiently inhibits 4-AP-induced TRPV4 upregulation, weakens astrocytic calcium activity and specific astrocyte reactivity, thereby mitigating aberrant neuronal discharges and neuronal damage, and suppressing epileptic seizure.

Conclusions

Our results uncover the critical role of NFIA in astrocyte reactivity and illustrate how epileptogenic brain injury initiates cell-specific signaling pathway to dictate the astrocyte responses.
Gut microbiota and autism spectrum disorders: where do we stand?
Authors: Zyoud Sa’ed H. , Shakhshir Muna , Abushanab Amani S. , Koni Amer , Shahwan Moyad , Jairoun Ammar A. , Abu Taha Adham , Al-Jabi Samah W.
Published: October 2023

Background

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have digestive problems and microbial imbalances in their guts, suggesting that these conditions may play a role in the development of the disorder. Scopus-based research on the gut microbiota and ASD was examined in this bibliometric analysis to shed light on the current state of research and identify potential hotspots for future work in this area.

Methods

We searched documents from the Scopus database and reference citation analysis to collect published data on the gut microbiota and ASD from 2003 to 2022. The downloaded document records were exported to VOSviewer v.1.6.19 to examine and visualize the collaboration between countries and determine the research hotspots.

Results

The search yielded 958 articles specifically dedicated to gut microbiota and ASD. The number of publications in this field increased rapidly after 2013, with a peak in 2022. The United States (n = 267; 27.87%) was the most active country, followed by China (n = 171; 17.85%) and Italy (n = 96; 10.02). International collaboration was observed, with the USA playing a central role. University College Cork, Ireland, was the most productive institution (n = 24; 2.51%). The National Natural Science Foundation of China was the most active funding agency (n = 76; 7.93%). Nutrients journal had the highest number of publications (n = 28; 2.92%). The articles related to gut microbiota and ASD were highly cited, with an h-index of 108. The research themes identified focused on the modulation of gut microbiota as a potential therapy for children with ASD and gut-brain axis dysfunction in ASD.

Conclusions

In recent years, the study of gut microbiota and its association with ASD has garnered considerable interest as an emergent field of study. The results of this study substantially enhance our current understanding of the knowledge landscape in this field and illuminate potential avenues for future research. It is essential to emphasize the significance of devoting more resources to the newest and most promising research areas, such as investigating the potential therapeutic benefits of modulating the intestinal microbiota in children with ASD. This research has enormous potential and merits intensified focus and investigation.
Effects of blood-flow restricted exercise versus conventional resistance training in musculoskeletal disorders—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jørgensen Stian Langgård , Kierkegaard-Brøchner Signe , Bohn Marie Bagger , Høgsholt Mathias , Aagaard Per , Mechlenburg Inger
Published: October 2023

Objective

To compare the effect of low-load blood flow restricted resistance training (BFR-RT) versus high-load resistance training (HL-RT) on muscle strength, muscle mass, physical function, patient-reported outcomes, and adherence to training in clinical musculoskeletal populations.

Data sources

Web of Science, Cochrane Central, Medline, Embase, SportDiscus was searched on the 30th May 2022.

Review methods

This study was conducted as a systematic review and meta-analysis. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included if they (i) included patients, (ii) comprised of a BFR-RT intervention protocol and a group who performed HL-RT (≥ 70%1RM) for at least eight exercise sessions, and (iii) involved at least 1 exercise that targeted the lower limbs. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. The meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model with an adjustment to the confidence interval.

Results

Seven RCTs comprising 303 participants (BFR-RT: n = 151; HL-RT: n = 152) were identified. HL-RT and BFR-RT showed similar gains in dynamic (1-10RM) knee extensor strength and leg press strength, quadriceps cross sectional area, sit-to-stand performance, and patient reported pain and function. There was a moderate effect favoring BFR-RT for increasing maximal isometric knee extensor strength. The grading of certainty in evidence was low-to-very low for all outcome variables.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis extends our current knowledge about BFR-RT and HL-RT as equally effective exercise methods for inducing gains in maximal muscle strength in healthy populations, by now also comprising patients suffering from various clinical musculoskeletal conditions. The certainty in the estimates was low-to-very low, prompting the inclusion of future higher-quality trials.

Trial registration

PROSPERO ID (CRD42022337173). Registered June 18th 2022.
Structural Behavior of Construction Joints in a Composite Rigid-Frame Bridge
Authors: Cho Sanghyeon , Choi Jungho , Lee Heeyoung , Chung Wonseok
Published: October 2023

Composite rigid-frame bridges with steel girders have excellent structural performance, but behavioral inconsistency appears at the connection between the steel girder and concrete pier. In addition, composite rigid-frame bridges are challenging to construct owing to the need to connect different materials at the pier. Therefore, this study developed and demonstrated a composite rigid-frame bridge with a construction joint and anchors. The structural performance and composite behavior of the proposed construction joint were investigated by evaluating a direct connection between the girder and concrete prior to casting (Joint A), a plain construction joint (Joint B), and a construction joint with anchors (Joint C). Joints B and C exhibited 16.5% and 46.5% higher ultimate capacities, respectively, than did Joint A. Finite element analysis of Joint C was conducted, and its results were verified against the experimental results. Further, parameter analysis was performed to determine the effects of the steel girder strength and anchor diameter. The results indicated that the proposed construction joint with anchors exhibited excellent structural performance and composite behavior.
Exploring the clinical and genetical spectrum of ADPKD in Chile to assess ProPKD score as a risk prediction tool
Authors: Bayyad Esperanza , Plaza Anita , Klenner Jaime , Downey Patricio , Salas Paulina , Maragaño Daniela , Herrera Patricio , Lehmann Paula , Quiroz Lily , Zavala María Jesus , Orostica Karen , Flores Claudio , Ardiles Leopoldo , Maturana Jorge , Krall Paola
Published: October 2023

Background

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common inherited condition associated primarily with PKD1 and PKD2 genes. However, ADPKD patients in Latin America have had limited access to comprehensive care. The ProPKD score predicts the likelihood of kidney failure before the age of 60. This study aimed to describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of Chilean ADPKD patients and assess the ProPKD score.

Methods

We enrolled 40 ADPKD probands and 122 relatives from different centers. Genetic analysis of PKD1 and PKD2 genes was performed by combining direct and next-generation sequencing. Pathogenicity was determined using bioinformatic tools. ProPKD scores were calculated based on clinical and genetic data.

Results

ADPKD probands were diagnosed at a median age of 35 years. Pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or uncertain significance variants were identified in 38/40 pedigrees, with 89% involving PKD1 and 11% involving PKD2 variants. Among the identified variants, 62% were novel. Patients with PKD1 truncating variants had a more severe disease course, reaching kidney failure by a median age of 48.5 years. ProPKD scores were assessed in 72 individuals, stratifying them into high-, intermediate-, or low-risk categories and the median ages for kidney failure were 45, 49, and 52 years, respectively (log-rank p = 0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the clinical and genetic profiles of ADPKD patients in Chile. ADPKD poses a significant public health concern, warranting improvements in diagnosis and treatment. The use of the ProPKD score to predict disease progression should be further explored to enhance patient care and management.
What is the value of disease expenditure studies? An argument for an international database of spending estimates
Authors: Bourke Emily , Grimshaw Samantha , Blakely Tony
Published: October 2023

Based on a recent study on disease-specific health spending by age, sex, and type of care in Norway, we argue for the need to improve disease spending estimates and to create a database similar to the Global Burden of Disease Study.
Exhibiting Education
Authors: Cavanagh Sheila T.
Published: October 2023

Exhibition research, design, and creation offer students significant experience in a wide range of intellectual and practical pursuits. This essay presents these components as they are found in the Emory University joint undergraduate/graduate course Digging into the Archives and Creating an Exhibition. The students learn how to navigate archives; ways to collaborate successfully with library and museum exhibition teams (and each other); skills in design and presentation; public programming; and strategies for identifying and reaching broad and diverse audiences. This discussion of the course goals, structure, and outcomes details how such undertakings can enhance student learning in both undergraduate and graduate contexts, while building a range of transferrable skills.
Partial Labyrinth Removal Restricted to the Superior Semicircular Canal in Focal Combined Transpetrosal Approach: Description and Illustrative Cases
Authors: Vidal Claudio H. F. , Figueiredo Eberval G. , Hazin Gabriela F. , Hahn Yoav , Leal Mariana C. , Coimbra Caetano J.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The labyrinthine structures obstruct the surgical view of the deep petroclival region in the transpetrosal approach. Historically, labyrinthectomy and removal of all 3 semicircular canals, with resultant deafness, was used in patients with ipsilateral functional hearing deficits to improve access. The advent and systematization of superior and posterior semicircular canal removal (transcrusal approach) with good rates of hearing preservation has allowed a redefinition of the possibility of partial labyrinthectomy in patients without previous hearing deficits. The present manuscript is intended to describe a technical refinement of partial labyrinthectomy during focal combined petrosectomy, offering a customization of the approach through the selective removal of the superior semicircular canal for specific types of tumors.

METHODS:

The use of the technique is demonstrated through surgical drawings, pictures, and videos. The rationale to indicate this new approach is discussed based on clinical cases.

RESULTS:

Three illustrative clinical cases (petroclival meningiomas) are demonstrated. Functional hearing on the approach side has been preserved in all of them.

CONCLUSION:

The focal combined transpetrosal approach associated with the superior semicircular canal resection has been a promising surgical technique in the treatment of selected petroclival tumors. It has the potential to further decrease the risks of postoperative auditory and vestibular dysfunctions associated with labyrinthectomies.
Post-radiotherapy osteomyelitis of the cervical spine in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Tsur Nir , Segal Ella , Kurman Noga , Tzelnick Sharon , Wiesel Ory , Wilk Lior , Hamzany Yaniv , Bachar Gideon , Shoffel-Havakuk Hagit
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate patient characteristics, risk factors, disease course, and management of cervical vertebral osteomyelitis in patients who had radiation for head and neck cancers.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study (case series) of patients diagnosed with post-radiation osteomyelitis of the cervical spine between 2012 and 2021. Data were collected from the patient’s medical files.

Results

Seven patients (71% male) with post-radiation cervical osteomyelitis were reviewed. The median patient age was 64 years. The mean interval between diagnosis of osteomyelitis and the first and last radiotherapy course was 8.3 and 4.0 years, respectively. A medical or surgical event preceded the diagnosis in four patients (57%) by a mean of 46.25 days. Common imaging findings were free air within the cervical structures and fluid collection. Four patients recovered from osteomyelitis during the follow-up within an average of 65 days.

Conclusion:

Post-radiation osteomyelitis is characterized by a subtle presentation, challenging diagnosis, prolonged treatment, and poor outcome. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for the long-term after radiotherapy. Multidisciplinary evaluation and management are warranted.

Advances in knowledge:

The study describes post-radiotherapy osteomyelitis of the cervical spine, a rare and devastating complication. Literature data regarding this complication are sparse.
The evolving landscape of health professions education in Pakistan: A critical discourse on CHPE regulation and standardization
Authors: Zaidi Syed Jaffar Abbas , Azim Syeda Rubaba
Published: October 2023

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.8783

How to cite this: Zaidi SJA, Azim SR. The evolving landscape of health professions education in Pakistan: A critical discourse on CHPE regulation and standardization. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.8783

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Cerebrospinal fluid immune cells appear similar across neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain conditions
Authors: Hore Zoe , Royds Jonathan , Abuukar Abdullahi Ramla , Lampa Jon , Al-Kaisy Adnan , Denk Franziska
Published: October 2023

Background Microglia have been implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain. Here, we sought to investigate whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) might be used as a proxy-measure of microglial activation in human participants. Methods We preformed fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) of CSF immune cell populations derived from individuals who experienced pain with neuropathic features. We sorted CD4+, CD8+ T cells and monocytes and analyzed their transcriptome using RNA sequencing. We also performed Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes (CITE) sequencing to characterize the expression of all CSF immune cells in a patient with postherpetic neuralgia and in a patient with neuropathic pain after failed back surgery. Results Immune cell numbers and phenotypes were not obviously different between individuals regardless of the etiology of their pain. This was true when examining our own dataset, as well as when comparing it to previously published single-cell RNA sequencing data of human CSF. In all instances, CSF monocytes showed expression of myeloid cell markers commonly associated with microglia (P2RY12, TMEM119 and OLFML3), which will make it difficult to ascertain the origin of CSF proteins: do they derive directly from circulating CSF monocytes or could some originate in spinal cord microglia in the parenchyma? Conclusions We conclude that it will not be straightforward to use CSF as a biomarker for microglial function in humans.
The genome sequence of the Median Wasp, Dolichovespula media (Retzius, 1783)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Dolichovespula media (the Median Wasp; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Vespidae). The genome sequence is 247.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 25 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.64 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 10,826 protein coding genes.
A Door in Use in Tallinn Appeared to Be Over 600 Years Old
Authors: Läänelaid Alar , Daly Aoife , Ważny Tomasz , Haneca Kristof , Uueni Andres , Sohar Kristina
Published: October 2023

In a medieval tower in the Tallinn Old Town wall there is a woodeninternal door that was suspected of being rather old. The age of thedoor was determined using dendrochronology. It was possible tomeasure tree rings from the lower ends of the oak planks of the door.Matching the ring-width series with oak references from northernEurope revealed that the door was over 600 years old, and still inplace in medieval Bremen Tower in Tallinn, Estonia. The ring-widthseries of the door was most similar to oak chronology from theDaugava River. However, this does not mean that the door timbersoriginate from that region. At present, we do not possess Estonianoak chronologies extending back to that time. Thus, the provenanceof the oak for this door remains undecided. The dendrochronologicaldate of the door, AD 1394–1411, can be confirmed and can be narrowedby documentary evidence to AD 1400–1410.