bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Longitudinal Study of Conditional Student Entrepreneurship in an Emerging Economy
Authors: Okolie Ugochukwu Chinonso
Published: May 2024

This study explores how students from low-income families with no prior entrepreneurial experience engage in conditional student entrepreneurship (CSE). Longitudinal data from 30 undergraduates across two Nigerian public universities revealed that resource constraints and significant loss events threaten students’ educational pursuits. However, rather than dropping out to pursue unskilled jobs, the students opt for CSE to generate income and persist in their education. Through the findings, a model of CSE for financial stability was developed to shed light on an overlooked phenomenon in emerging economies. The findings contribute to academic, policy, and practical implications.
Trust and Control in Franchise Networks: A Dyadic, Multi-Referent Analysis on Franchisee Network Exit Intentions
Authors: Croonen Evelien P. M. , Broekhuizen Thijs L. J. , Brand Maryse J.
Published: May 2024

We adopt a dyadic, multi-referent trust perspective to assess the effects of franchisee–franchisor trust (in)congruence and franchisee trust in peers on franchisee network exit intentions, under varying levels of franchisee perceived network control. We observe a nuanced relationship between trust (in)congruence and exit intentions, revealing a negative and nonlinear effect for trust congruence, and, surprisingly, a negative effect for incongruence. The effects of trust congruence and trust in peers are distinctively moderated by perceived control; when franchisees perceive stronger control, the negative effect of trust congruence on exit intentions becomes stronger, whereas the insignificant effect of peer trust becomes positive.
Evolution Trend of Precision Teaching Based on the Visual Analysis of CiteSpace
Authors: Yijia Jiang , Ravindran Latha , Siau Ching Sin
Published: May 2024

This review explored precision teaching (PT) research in China, analyzing its trends, and current status, and suggesting future directions. It examined the literature on “precision teaching” and “teaching” in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science databases from 2012 to 2022. The review utilized CiteSpace software to analyse the literature, and identify principal research domains, and emergent themes of PT in China and abroad in the past 10 years. Integrating PT with big data analytics, instructional design, teaching modes, and core literacy became key research focuses. “Precision” emerged as a cutting-edge research topic through co-citation networks.
RAS/RAF/MAPK Pathway Mutations as Predictive Biomarkers in Middle Eastern Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Benmokhtar Soukaina , Laraqui Abdelilah , Hilali Farida , Bajjou Tahar , El Zaitouni Sara , Jafari Meryem , Baba Walid , Elannaz Hicham , Lahlou Idriss Amine , Hafsa Chahdi , Oukabli Mohamed , Mahfoud Tarik , Tanz Rachid , Ichou Mohamed , Ennibi Khaled , Dakka Nadia , Sekhsokh Yassine
Published: May 2024

Background:

This review article aims to investigate the prevalence and spectrum of rat sarcoma (RAS) and V-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B (BRAF) mutations, and their connection with geographical location, clinicopathological features, and other relevant factors in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in the Middle East.

Methods:

A systematic literature review, employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, was conducted to investigate the association between the frequency of relevant mutations and the descriptive clinicopathological characteristics of CRC patients. Multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched to analyze the relevant literature.

Results:

A total of 19 eligible studies comprising 2960 patients with CRC were included in this review. A comprehensive analysis of the collected literature data as well as descriptive and methodological insights is provided. Men were predominant in reviewed studies for the region, accounting for 58.6%. Overall, RAS mutation prevalence was 38.1%. Kirsten RAS Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) mutations were the most common, accounting for 37.1% of cases and distributed among different exons, with the G12D mutation being the most frequent in exon 2 (23.2%) followed by G12V (13.7%), G13D (10.1%), G12C (5.1%), G12A (5.04%), and G12S (3.6%). Neuroblastoma RAS Viral Oncogene Homolog (NRAS) mutations were identified in 3.3% of tumor samples, with the most common mutation site located in exons 2, 3, and 4, and codon 61 being the most common location for the region. The total mutation frequency in the BRAF gene was 2.6%, with the V600E mutation being the most common.

Conclusion:

The distribution patterns of RAS and BRAF mutations among CRC patients exhibit notable variations across diverse ethnic groups. Our study sheds light on this phenomenon by demonstrating a higher prevalence of KRAS mutations in CRC patients from the Middle East, as compared with those from other regions. The identification of these mutations and geographical differences is important for personalized treatment planning and could potentially aid in the development of novel targeted therapies. The distinct distribution patterns of RAS and BRAF mutations among CRC patients across different ethnic groups, as well as the regional variability in mutation prevalence, highlight the need for further research in this area.
Shifting responsibility onto coparticipants: Disaffiliative accounts in request sequences
Authors: Chalfoun Andrew
Published: May 2024

Accounts—verbal explanations for conduct—are normally understood to do affiliative work by mitigating or disavowing negative inferences generated by problematic or dispreferred actions. Using conversation analysis, this paper identifies an alternative accounting practice whereby speakers use accounts to actively disaffiliate from coparticipants. In such cases, the account serves as a vehicle for criticizing or challenging a coparticipant’s behavior. I find that speakers use these accounts to shift responsibility for the focal action by treating it as caused by or responsive to the targeted coparticipant’s (putative) misbehavior. This practice indicates that accounts can be used not only to expiate the speaker but also to police others’ behavior, although such moves are vulnerable to retaliation. Data are taken from video recordings of everyday interaction in American and British English.
Systematic Review Overview: Violence Against Adults with Disabilities
Authors: Badakhshiyan Samira Sadat , Naghavi Azam , Jazayeri Rezvan Alsadat
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to conduct an overview of systematic reviews in the field of violence against adults with disability. Eight electronic databases as well as gray literature from January 2022 to April 2023 were searched to identify systematic reviews that focused on violence against adults with disabilities. A total of 13 high-quality systematic reviews were included in the overview. Findings show that adults with disabilities experience a higher rate of emotional and physical violence than the general population. Sociodemographic, financial, and cultural risk factors, prevention, and treatment approaches were discussed. Although the large body of studies on disability and violence have explored different aspects of the issue, there are some limitations and gaps in the literature that need further attention. The most important gap in the literature is the lack of attention to diversity. Accordingly, there is little knowledge about disability and violence in a variety of geographical locations. In addition, studies on violence based on ethnicity/race, age, gender identifications, and some types of disabilities such as hearing impairments or severe disabilities were scarce. There is a need to reach diverse populations of adults with disabilities, through employing a variety of data collection methods and qualitative research methodology. Prevention and treatment programs should be developed with attention to types of disability, and they should be culturally and linguistically sensitive.
Molecular Biomarkers and Signaling Pathways of Cancer Stem Cells in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Omran Mohamed M. , Fouda Manar S. , Mekkawy Sara A. , Tabll Ashraf A. , Abdelaziz Ahmed G. , Omran Azza M. , Emran Tarek M.
Published: May 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequently found cancer in the world, and it is frequently discovered when it is already far along in its development. About 20% of cases of CRC are metastatic and incurable. There is more and more evidence that colorectal cancer stem cells (CCSCs), which are in charge of tumor growth, recurrence, and resistance to treatment, are what make CRC so different. Because we know more about stem cell biology, we quickly learned about the molecular processes and possible cross-talk between signaling pathways that affect the balance of cells in the gut and cancer. Wnt, Notch, TGF-β, and Hedgehog are examples of signaling pathway members whose genes may change to produce CCSCs. These genes control self-renewal and pluripotency in SCs and then decide the function and phenotype of CCSCs. However, in terms of their ability to create tumors and susceptibility to chemotherapeutic drugs, CSCs differ from normal stem cells and the bulk of tumor cells. This may be the reason for the higher rate of cancer recurrence in patients who underwent both surgery and chemotherapy treatment. Scientists have found that a group of uncontrolled miRNAs related to CCSCs affect stemness properties. These miRNAs control CCSC functions like changing the expression of cell cycle genes, metastasis, and drug resistance mechanisms. CCSC-related miRNAs mostly control signal pathways that are known to be important for CCSC biology. The biomarkers (CD markers and miRNA) for CCSCs and their diagnostic roles are the main topics of this review study.
Upregulation of KDM6B in the anterior cingulate cortex contributes to neonatal maternal deprivation-induced chronic visceral pain in mice
Authors: Yi Zi-Long , Lu Jin-Nan , Zhu Jin-Jin , He Tian-Tian , Xu Yi-Ran , Huang Zi-Wei , Li Yong-Chang , Xu Guang-Yin
Published: May 2024

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disease characterized by chronic visceral pain with a complex etiology and challenging treatment. Although accumulating evidence supports the involvement of central nervous system sensitization in the development of visceral pain, the precise molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we highlight the critical regulatory role of lysine-specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in chronic visceral pain. To simulate clinical IBS conditions, we utilized the neonatal maternal deprivation (NMD) mouse model. Our results demonstrated that NMD induced chronic visceral pain and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Notably, the protein expression level of KDM6B significantly increased in the ACC of NMD mice, leading to a reduction in the expression level of H3K27me3. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that KDM6B primarily co-localizes with neurons in the ACC, with minimal presence in microglia and astrocytes. Injecting GSK-J4 (a KDM6B-specific inhibitor) into ACC of NMD mice, resulted in a significant alleviation in chronic visceral pain and anxiety-like behaviors, as well as a remarkable reduction in NR2B expression level. ChIP assay further indicated that KDM6B regulates NR2B expression by influencing the demethylation of H3K27me3. In summary, our findings underscore the critical role of KDM6B in regulating chronic visceral pain and anxiety-like behaviors in NMD mice. These insights provide a basis for further understanding the molecular pathways involved in IBS and may pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions.
Refining Operative Indications for Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fracture Repair
Authors: Goli Rachna , Rao Vinay , Crozier Joseph W. , Woo Albert S.
Published: May 2024

Study Design

Case-control.

Objective

Although zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures are among the most common facial injuries, the optimal approach to management remains controversial. This study analyzes the relationship between displacement measures derived from pre-operative CT imaging and clinical symptomatology to enhance surgeon understanding of the need for operative intervention.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 95 patients with ZMC fractures seen at a single institution between 2015 and 2020. Patient demographics, CT characteristics, and symptoms prompting surgery were recorded from the medical record. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine relationships between radiographic characteristics, symptomatology, and need for operative intervention.

Results

Malar flattening or facial asymmetry was significantly predicted by lateral maxillary wall impaction (OR = 1.36 , P < .001) and anterior-posterior displacement (OR = 1.18, P = .01). Infraorbital rim step-off was significantly associated with lateral maxillary wall impaction (OR = 1.23, P < .01). Vertical displacement predicted complaint of malocclusion (OR = 1.47, P = .03). Moreover, fractures with posterior displacement greater than 2.5 mm (OR = 14.3, P < .001) or lateral maxillary wall impaction greater than 4.5 mm (OR = 12.0, P < .001) were significantly more likely to be considered operative. Fractures displaced less than 15 mm total in all directions (OR = 16.0, P < .001) were less likely to require surgery.

Conclusions

CT characteristics of ZMC fractures reliably predict a patient’s likelihood of developing symptoms, indicating surgical intervention. We hope these findings will aid in surgical decision-making regarding the management of ZMC fractures.
“General Addiction Liability” Revisited
Authors: Watts Ashley L. , Sher Kenneth J. , Heath Andrew C. , Steinley Douglas , Brusco Michael
Published: May 2024

Although substance use disorders are widely known to be influenced by myriad etiologic factors, recent research promotes the notion that liability toward addiction broadly construed can be described by a single, unitary dimension that we term “general addiction liability.” Here, we revisit the concept of general addiction liability by placing it at greater theoretical and empirical risk. To do so, we used data from two epidemiologic samples ( N range = 262–8,552) and employed varied quantitative methods to examine the associations between alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and opioid use disorders. We did not find strong evidence for general addiction liability. Nevertheless, consequence-based features (e.g., social/interpersonal harm, hazardous use) tended to form cross-substance connections. We contextualize our findings in the broader literature on addiction liability and offer several explanations for why we and others arrive at competing conclusions with respect to the robustness and nature of general addiction liability.
Effect of Distal Tibiofibular Destabilization and Syndesmosis Compression on the Flexibility Kinematics of the Ankle Bones: An In Vitro Human Cadaveric Model
Authors: Hembree Walter C. , Brooks Daina M. , Rosenthal Byron , Winters Carlynn , Pasternack Jordan B. , Cunningham Bryan W.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Overcompression of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis during open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fracture may affect multidirectional flexibility of the ankle bones.

Methods:

Ten cadaveric lower limbs (78.3±13.0 years, 4 female, 6 male) underwent biomechanical testing in sagittal, coronal, and axial rotation with degrees of motion quantified. The intact force (100%) was the force needed to compress the syndesmosis just beyond the intact position, and overcompression was defined as 150% of the intact force. After intact testing, the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), interosseus membrane (IOM), and posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) were sectioned and testing was repeated. The IOM and AITFL were reconstructed in sequence and tested at 100% and 150% compression.

Results:

Overcompression of the syndesmosis did not significantly reduce ROM of the ankle bones for any loading modality ( P > .05). IOM+AITFL reconstruction restored distal tibiofibular axial rotation to the intact condition. Axial rotation motion was significantly lower with AITFL fixation compared with IOM fixation alone ( P < .05). The proximal tibiofibular syndesmosis demonstrated significantly higher motion in axial rotation with all distal reconstruction conditions.

Conclusion:

As assessed by direct visualization, overcompression of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis did not reduce ROM of the ankle bones. Distal tibiofibular axial rotation was significantly lower with IOM+AITFL fixation compared with IOM augmentation alone. Distal tibiofibular axial rotation did not differ significantly from the intact condition after combined IOM+AITFL fixation. Dynamic fixation of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis resulted in increased axial rotation at the proximal tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Clinical Relevance:

These biomechanical data suggest that inadvertent overcompression of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis when fixing ankle fractures does not restrict subsequent ankle bone ROM. The AITFL is an important stabilizer of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in external rotation.

Level of Evidence:

controlled laboratory study.
Characterizing the Use of Healthcare Access Supports Among People Who Use Drugs in Vancouver, Canada, 2017 to 2020: A Cohort Study
Authors: Hayashi Kanna , Rabu Gabrielle , Cui Zishan , Klaire Sukhpreet , Homayra Fahmida , Milloy Michael-John , Nosyk Bohdan
Published: May 2024

Background:

For structurally marginalized populations, including people who use drugs (PWUD), equitable access to healthcare can be achieved through healthcare access supports. However, few studies characterized utilization of formal (eg, outreach workers, healthcare professionals) and informal (eg, friends/family) supports. Therefore, we sought to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with receiving each type of support among PWUD.

Methods:

We used data from 2 prospective cohort studies of PWUD in Vancouver, Canada, in 2017 to 2020. We constructed separate multivariable generalized linear mixed-effects models to identify factors associated with receiving each of the 3 types of supports (ie, healthcare professionals, outreach workers/peer navigators, and informal supports) compared to no supports.

Results:

Of 996 participants, 350 (35.1%) reported receiving supports in the past 6 months at baseline, through informal supports (6.2%), outreach workers (14.1%), and healthcare professionals (20.9%). In multivariable analyses, HIV positivity, chronic pain, and avoiding healthcare due to the past mistreatment were positively associated with receiving supports from each of healthcare professionals and outreach workers. Men were less likely to receive any types of the supports (all P < .05).

Conclusions:

Utilization of healthcare access supports was relatively low in this sample. However, formal supports appeared to have reached PWUD exhibiting more comorbidities and experiencing discrimination in healthcare. Further efforts to make formal supports more available would benefit PWUD with unmet healthcare needs, particularly men.
ACMGA: a reference-free multiple-genome alignment pipeline for plant species
Authors: Zhou Huafeng , Su Xiaoquan , Song Baoxing
Published: May 2024

Background

The short-read whole-genome sequencing (WGS) approach has been widely applied to investigate the genomic variation in the natural populations of many plant species. With the rapid advancements in long-read sequencing and genome assembly technologies, high-quality genome sequences are available for a group of varieties for many plant species. These genome sequences are expected to help researchers comprehensively investigate any type of genomic variants that are missed by the WGS technology. However, multiple genome alignment (MGA) tools designed by the human genome research community might be unsuitable for plant genomes.

Results

To fill this gap, we developed the AnchorWave-Cactus Multiple Genome Alignment (ACMGA) pipeline, which improved the alignment of repeat elements and could identify long (> 50 bp) deletions or insertions (INDELs). We conducted MGA using ACMGA and Cactus for 8 Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and 26 Maize (Zea mays) de novo assembled genome sequences and compared them with the previously published short-read variant calling results. MGA identified more single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and long INDELs than did previously published WGS variant callings. Additionally, ACMGA detected significantly more SNVs and long INDELs in repetitive regions and the whole genome than did Cactus. Compared with the results of Cactus, the results of ACMGA were more similar to the previously published variants called using short-read. These two MGA pipelines identified numerous multi-allelic variants that were missed by the WGS variant calling pipeline.

Conclusions

Aligning denovo assembled genome sequences could identify more SNVs and INDELs than mapping short-read. ACMGA combines the advantages of AnchorWave and Cactus and offers a practical solution for plant MGA by integrating global alignment, a 2-piece-affine-gap cost strategy, and the progressive MGA algorithm.
Developing a community-responsive research model in the healthcare system: a mixed-method study
Authors: Khanpoor Hooman , Amerzadeh Mohammad , Alizadeh Ahad , Khosravizadeh Omid , Rafiei Sima
Published: May 2024

Background

Responsiveness to the population’s non-clinical needs encompasses various dimensions, including responsive research and an educational outreach plan at the community level. This study aims to develop a community-responsive research model in the healthcare system to ensure the connection between community-identified health priorities and research funds, as well as capacity-building efforts.

Methods

A mixed-methods research study was conducted in three main phases, including a comprehensive literature review, a qualitative analysis of an expert panel’s points of view, and the developing of a model using the Equation Modeling (SEM) technique. R software version 3.2.4 was used to conduct statistical analysis, considering a significance level of 0.05.

Results

Based on the literature review, 41 responsiveness components were identified from sixteen relevant studies conducted between 2000 and 2022. Ten sub-themes in four major themes, including planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and action, were identified through qualitative content analysis. Standardized coefficients revealed that components such as dissemination of results to all stakeholders, research prioritization aligned with community needs, commitment to implement research findings, and collaborative learning had statistically significant effects on the community-responsive research model.

Conclusion

It is essential to identify community health priorities by following a community-focused, priority-setting process based on the principles of community engagement to develop a community-responsive research model. Afterward, dissemination of research findings to all stakeholders, commitment to apply the obtained results in the real world, and promotion of shared learning among research partners have been proven to facilitate collaborative investigation and mutual understanding between the community and academic partners.
Group-based Education and monitoring program delivered by community health workers to improve control of high blood pressure in island districts of lake victoria, Uganda
Authors: Kwiringira Andrew , Migisha Richard , Bulage Lilian , Kwesiga Benon , Kadobera Daniel , Upenytho George , Mbaka Paul , Harris Julie R. , Hayes Donald , Ario Alex R.
Published: May 2024

Background

Individuals living in communities with poor access to healthcare may be unaware of their high blood pressure (BP). While the use of community health workers (CHWs) can address gaps in human resources for health, CHWs in Uganda have not been used previously for BP screening and management. We report the results of an initiative to train CHWs to evaluate BP and to administer group-based education in Kalangala and Buvuma Island Districts of Lake Victoria, Uganda.

Methods

We randomly selected 42 of 212 villages. We trained CHWs based in island districts on measuring BP. CHWs visited all households in the selected villages and invited all adults ≥ 18 years to be screened for high BP. We used the World Health Organization’s STEPwise tool to collect data on demographic and behavioral characteristics and BP measurements. High blood pressure was defined as systolic BP (SBP) ≥ 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP (DBP) ≥ 90 mm Hg over three readings. CHWs created and led fortnight support groups for individuals identified with high blood pressure at baseline. At each group meeting, CHWs re-measured BP and administered an intervention package, which included self-management and lifestyle education to participants. The paired t-test was used to compare mean values of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) before and after the intervention. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to model longitudinal changes in BP.

Results

We trained 84 CHWs to measure BP and deliver the intervention package. Among 2,016 community members, 570 (28.3%) had high blood pressure; of these, 63 (11.1%) had a previous diagnosis of hypertension. The comparison of SBP and DBP before and after the intervention revealed significant reductions in mean SBP from 158mmHg (SD = 29.8) to 149 mmHg (SD = 29.8) (p < 0.001) and mean DBP from 97mmHg (SD = 14.3) to 92mmHg (p < 0.001). GEE showed decreases of -1.133 (SBP) and − 0.543 mmHg (DBP)/fortnight.

Conclusion

High BP was common but previously undiagnosed. The CHW-led group-based self-management and education for controlling high BP was effective in the island districts in Uganda. Scaling up the intervention in other hard-to-reach districts could improve control of high BP on a large scale.
Analysis of traumatic event emergency department visits among care home residents aged 65 + years in Southern Jutland, Denmark: implications for comprehensive care and subsequent hospital admissions - a register-based cohort study
Authors: Sarwari Zuhreh , Kristensen Gitte Schultz , Petersen Sofie Ronja , Mogensen Christian Backer
Published: May 2024

Background

Care home residents aged 65 + years frequently experience acute health issues, leading to emergency department visits. Falls and associated injuries are a common cause of these visits and falls in a geriatric population can be a symptom of an incipient acute illness such as infection. Conversely, the traumatic event can cause illnesses to arise due to consequences of the fall, e.g. delirium or constipation due to opioid use. We hypothesised that a traumatic event treat-and-release emergency department visit serves as an indicator for an upcoming acute hospital admission due to non-trauma-related conditions.

Methods

We studied emergency department visits for traumatic events among all care home residents aged 65+ (n = 2601) living in Southern Jutland, Denmark, from 2018 to 2019. Data from highly valid national registers were used to evaluate diagnoses, mortality, and admissions. Cox Regression was used to analyse the hazard of acute hospital admission following an emergency department treat-and-release visit.

Results

Most visits occurred on weekdays and during day shifts, and 72.0% were treated and released within 6 h. Contusions, open wounds, and femur fractures were the most common discharge diagnoses, accounting for 53.3% of all cases (n = 703). In-hospital mortality was 2.3%, and 30-day mortality was 10.4%. Among treat-and-release visits (n = 506), 25% resulted in a new hospital referral within 30 days, hereof 13% treat-and-release revisits (duration ≤ 6 h), and 12% hospital admissions (duration > 6 h). Over half (56%) of new hospital referrals were initiated within the first seven days of discharge. Almost three-fourths of subsequent admissions were caused by various diseases. The hazard ratio of acute hospital admissions was 2.20 (95% CI: 1.52–3.17) among residents with a recent traumatic event treat-and-release visit compared to residents with no recent traumatic event treat-and-release visit.

Conclusion

Traumatic event treat-and-release visits among care home residents serve as an indicator for subsequent hospitalisations, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive evaluation, even for minor injuries. These findings have implications for improving care, continuity, and resource utilisation.

Trial registration

Not relevant.
Prescribing patterns for hyperopia: an insight of the optometrist perspective and practice
Authors: Alsaqr Ali , Alhumaid Saleh , Alanazi Muteb , Abusharha Ali
Published: May 2024

Background

To investigate the current prescribing patterns for correcting hyperopia among optometrists in clinical practice in Saudi Arabia and compare those to current international guidelines. And explore the factors that influence practitioners' prescribing decision.

Method

This cross-sectional study employed 30 items online survey that encompass demographic data, current practice and cycloplegia use, numerical response to indicate the minimum level of hyperopia at which optometrists would consider prescribing spectacles to non-strabismic children and determine the diopter value required for prescribing correction for hyperopia if present with other factors.

Result

A total of 104 optometrists responded to the survey (52 females and 52 males). They recruited from 35 cities across Saudi Arabia. Out of total, 44% of them considered cycloplegic refraction essential under 12 years and 56% of them extended the range to 18 years. Large variation were found between the optometrists’ responses and current guideline recommendations. Several factors influenced the decision-making of the practicing optometrist including signs and symptoms, bilateral hyperopia, average dioptric value, reading difficulty, and accommodative function.

Conclusion

There are some matches between the international guidelines and the practice patterns that followed by optometrists in Saudi Arabia, however, the optometrists did not report that they are following them purposefully. These findings highlight the need to improve optometrists' practice about spectacle prescription in pediatric population.
Cost-effectiveness of drug consumption rooms in France: a modelling study
Authors: Cousien Anthony , Donadille Cécile , Madrid Laélia Briand , Maradan Gwenaëlle , Jauffret-Roustide Marie , Lalanne Laurence , Auriacombe Marc , Roux Perrine , Boyer Sylvie
Published: May 2024

Background

People who inject drugs (PWID) experience many health problems which result in a heavy economic and public health burden. To tackle this issue, France opened two drug consumption rooms (DCRs) in Paris and Strasbourg in 2016. This study assessed their long-term health benefits, costs and cost-effectiveness.

Methods

We developed a model to simulate two fictive cohorts for each city (n=2,997 in Paris and n=2,971 in Strasbourg) i) PWID attending a DCR over the period 2016-2026, ii) PWID attending no DCR. The model accounted for HIV and HCV infections, skin abscesses and related infective endocarditis, drug overdoses and emergency department visits. We estimated the number of health events and associated costs over 2016-2026, the lifetime number of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

Results

The numbers of abscesses and associated infective endocarditis, drug overdoses, and emergency department visits decreased significantly in PWID attending DCRs (-77%, -69%, and -65%, respectively) but the impact on HIV and HCV infections was modest (-11% and -6%, respectively). This resulted in savings of €6.6 (Paris) and €5.8 (Strasbourg) millions of medical costs. The ICER of DRCs was €30,600/QALY (Paris) and €9,200/QALY (Strasbourg). In scenario analysis where drug consumption spaces are implemented inside existing harm reduction structures, these ICERs decreased to €21,400/QALY and €2,500/QALY, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings show that DCRs are highly effective and efficient to prevent harms in PWID in France, and advocate extending this intervention to other cities by adding drug consumption spaces inside existing harm reduction centers.
A case report of sepsis associated coagulopathy after percutaneous nephrostomy
Authors: Duan Juan , Ye Tao , Yang Yueyue , Zhou Yiping , Yang Shengyu , Wang Yueli
Published: May 2024

Background

Hemorrhage is a common complication of nephrostomy and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, and it is caused by surgical factors. Here we report a rare case of hemorrhage caused by sepsis-related coagulation dysfunction.

Case presentation

A 72-years-old male patient with bilateral ureteral calculi accompanied by hydronephrosis and renal insufficiency developed sepsis and hemorrhage on the third day after bilateral nephrostomy. After vascular injury was excluded by DSA, the hemorrhage was considered to be sepsis-associated coagulopathy(SAC/SIC), finally the patient recovered well after active symptomatic treatment.

Conclusions

In patients with sepsis and hemorrhage, SAC/SIC cannot be excluded even if coagulation function is slightly abnormal after surgical factors are excluded. For urologists who may encounter similar cases in their general urology practice, it is important to be aware of these unusual causes of hemorrhage.
Virtual reality-based simulation learning on geriatric oral health care for nursing students: a pilot study
Authors: Lin Pei-Chao , Wung Shu-Fen , Lin Pei-Chen , Lin Yi-Ching , Lin Cheng-Yu , Huang Hsiao-Ling
Published: May 2024

Background

There is a great need for training and education in the nursing curriculum to improve nurses’ knowledge and skills to provide oral health care.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the use of a virtual reality (VR)-based Oral Health Care Learning System to train geriatric oral health care among nursing students. Fifty undergraduate nursing students were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups. The experimental group received the VR-based simulation training on geriatric oral health care and the training was implemented twice at two weeks apart from March to November 2021. The control group did not receive the training intervention. Knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy of geriatric oral health care as well as the intention to assist oral health care for older adults were assessed at the beginning, second, and fourth weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the effectiveness of the VR-based simulation training.

Results

After the first round of training, students in the experimental group had significantly greater improvements in knowledge and self-efficacy of geriatric oral health care than in the control group. After the second round of training, students in the experimental group had significantly greater improvements in knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy of geriatric oral health care as well as the intention to assist oral health care for older adult than in the control group.

Conclusions

The VR-based simulation training was effective to improve undergraduate nursing students’ knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy of geriatric oral health as well as the intention to assist oral health care for older adults. The VR-based simulation learning system is an effective tool to provide practice experiences to build confidence and skills and to bridge the gap of understudied geriatric oral health content in entry-level nursing curricula.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05248542; registration date 21/02/2022).
Meta-analyses of the relationship between five CXCL8 gene polymorphisms and overall cancer risk, and a case-control study of oral cancer
Authors: Peng Jie , Wang Yina , Kuang Dan , Wang Ying , Wu Gang , Li Huangjing , Li Dan , Cao Hong
Published: May 2024

Background

C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL8), also known as interleukin-8, is a prototypical CXC family chemokine bearing a glutamic acid-leucine-arginine (ELR) motif that plays key roles in the onset and progression of a range of cancers in humans. Many prior studies have focused on exploring the relationship between CXCL8 gene polymorphisms and the risk of cancer. However, the statistical power of many of these reports was limited, yielding ambiguous or conflicting results in many cases.

Methods

Accordingly, the PubMed, Wanfang, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published until July 20, 2023 using the keywords ‘IL-8’ or ‘interleukin-8’ or ‘CXCL8’, ‘polymorphism’ and ‘cancer’ or ‘tumor’. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to examine the association. The CXCL8 +781 polymorphism genotypes were assessed with a TaqMan assay.

Results

About 29 related publications was conducted in an effort to better understand the association between these polymorphisms and disease risk. The CXCL8 -353A/T polymorphism was associated with an increased overall cancer risk [A vs. T, odds ratio (OR) = 1.255, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.079–1.459), Pheterogeneity = 0.449, P = 0.003]. The CXCL8 +781 T/C allele was similarly associated with a higher risk of cancer among Caucasians [TT vs. TC + CC, OR = 1.320, 95%CI (1.046–1.666), Pheterogeneity = 0.375, P = 0.019]. Furthermore, oral cancer patients carrying the CXCL8 +781 TT + TC genotypes exhibited pronounced increases in serum levels of CXCL8 as compared to the CC genotype (P < 0.01), and also shown similar trend as compared to genotype-matched normal controls (P < 0.01). Finally, several limitations, such as the potential for publication bias or heterogeneity among the included studies should be paid attention.

Conclusion

Current study suggested that the CXCL8 -353 and +781 polymorphisms may be associated with a greater risk of cancer, which might impact cancer prevention, diagnosis, or treatment through the different expression of CXCL8. At the same time, the +781 polymorphism may further offer value as a biomarker that can aid in the early identification and prognostic evaluation of oral cancer.
A conservative approach to localize loose implant screw through cemented crown: an in vitro experimental study
Authors: Saeed Kale Masoud Mohammad , Al-Zahawi Abdulsalam Rasheed
Published: May 2024

Background

Retrieval of cement-retained implant-supported restorations is intriguing in cases of screw loosening. Detecting the estimated size of the screw access hole (SAH) could decrease destruction to the prosthesis and preserve the crown.

Objectives

To precisely localize loose implant screws through cemented crowns to reduce crown damage after screw loosening.

Materials and methods

In this in vitro study, 60 cement-retained implants supported 30 zirconia-based, and 30 ceramics fused to metal (CFM) lower molar crowns were invented, and each was subdivided into three subgroups (10 each). In group I (AI/BI) (control), SAH was created with the aid of orthopantomography (OPG). In contrast, in group II (zirconia-crown), SAH was created with the aid of CBCT + 3D printed surgical guide with a 2 mm metal sleeve in subgroups IIA/IIIA and CBCT + MAR was used to develop SAH in subgroups IIB/IIIB. SEM and Micro-CT scanned the SAH openings to determine the diameter of the hole, cracking, chipping, and chipping volume.

Results

Regarding the effect of plane CBCT and CBCT + MAR on prepared crowns, a highly significant association between group I with group II (p = 0.001) and group III (p = 0.002) was detected. Regarding the cracking of SAH, significant differences between the zirconium crown and CFM restoration (p = 0.009) were found, while for the chipping, no significant association was seen between groups (p = 0.19).

Conclusions

CBCT, either as a plane CBCT or with MAR, significantly improved the accuracy of drilling the screw channel and decreased injury to the existing restoration and abutment, aiding in better localization of SAH in loosened implant abutment screws.
Analysis of dentin wear and biological properties promoted by experimental inoffice desensitizing materials
Authors: Silva Ramos Fernanda de Souza , de Castro Oliveira Laryssa , Albertinazzi Larissa , Bezerra Sávio José Cardoso , dos Santos Vanessa Rodrigues , Scaramucci Tais , Duque Cristiane , Ganss Bernhard , Souza Marina Trevelin , Pessan Juliano Pelim , Fagundes Ticiane Cestari
Published: May 2024

Background

This study aimed to evaluate dentin wear and biological performance of desensitizing materials.

Methods

Seventy bovine root dentin blocks were sectioned. Half of the surface of each specimen was untreated (control) and the other half was immersed in EDTA and treated with the following desensitizing materials: placebo varnish (PLA), fluoride varnish (FLU), sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish + sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP), universal adhesive (SBU), S-PRG varnish (SPRG), biosilicate (BIOS), and amelotin solution (AMTN). After application, the specimens were submitted to an erosive-abrasive challenge and the wear analyzed by optical profilometer. Serial dilutions of extracts obtained from the culture medium containing discs impregnated with those desensitizers were applied on fibroblasts and odontoblasts-like cells cultures. Cytotoxicity and production of total protein (TP) by colorimetric assays were determined after 24 h. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn’s, One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p ≤ 0.05).

Results

No dentin wear was observed only for SBU. The lowest dentin wear was observed for AMTN and TMP. Cell viability was significantly reduced after treatment with undiluted extracts of PLA, FLU, TMP and SBU in fibroblasts and TMP and SBU in odontoblast-like cells. SPRG, BIOS and AMTN were cytocompatible at all dilutions tested. Considering TP results, no statistical difference was observed among the groups and high levels for TP were observed after TMP and FLU treatments.

Conclusions

Universal adhesive system may protect dentin with opened tubules from wear after challenge. Extracts of adhesive and fluoride varnishes presented cytotoxic mainly on fibroblasts. The enamel protein may be a future alternative to treat dentin with opened tubules because it may cause low wear under erosive-abrasive challenge with low cytotoxic effects.
18F-FDG PET/CT findings in nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome: a systematic review and a new case report
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Yonghong , Jiang Yumeng , Xu Aodi , Wang Yanli
Published: May 2024

Background

To demonstrate and analyze the 18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) findings in this rare nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS).

Case presentation

A 71-year-old woman with the left invasive breast cancer was treated with hormone therapy for six months and underwent the 18F-FDG PET/CT examination for efficacy evaluation. 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed the improvement after treatment and other unexpected findings, including multiple nodules on the skin with 18F-FDG uptake, bone expansion of cystic lesions in the bilateral ribs, ectopic calcifications and dilated right ureter. She had no known family history. Then, the patient underwent surgical excision of the all skin nodules and the postoperative pathology were multiple basal cell carcinomas. Finally, the comprehensive diagnosis of NBCCS was made. The patient was still in follow-up. Additionally, we have summarized the reported cases (n = 3) with 18F-FDG PET/CT from the literature.

Conclusions

It is important to recognize this syndrome on 18F-FDG PET/CT because of different diagnoses and therapeutic consequences.
Phytochemical and biological assessment of secondary metabolites isolated from a rhizosphere strain, Sphingomonas sanguinis DM of Datura metel
Authors: Awad Mohamed A. , Hammad Sherif F. , El-Mashtoly Samir F. , El-Deeb Bahig , Soliman Hesham S. M.
Published: May 2024

Background

The plant roots excrete a large number of organic compounds into the soil. The rhizosphere, a thin soil zone around the roots, is a hotspot for microbial activity, making it a crucial component of the soil ecosystem. Secondary metabolites produced by rhizosphericSphingomonas sanguinisDM have sparked significant curiosity in investigating their possible biological impacts.

Methods

A bacterial strain has been isolated from the rhizosphere ofDatura metel. The bacterium’s identification, fermentation, and working up have been outlined. The ethyl acetate fraction of the propagated culture media ofSphingomonas sanguinisDM was fractioned and purified using various chromatographic techniques. The characterization of the isolated compounds was accomplished through the utilization of various spectroscopic techniques, such as UV, MS, 1D, and 2D-NMR. Furthermore, the evaluation of their antimicrobial activity was conducted using the agar well diffusion method, while cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT test.

Results

The extract fromSphingomonas sanguinisDM provided two distinct compounds: n-dibutyl phthalic acid (1) and Bis (2-methyl heptyl) phthalate (2) within its ethyl acetate fraction. Furthermore, the 16S rRNA gene sequence ofSphingomonas sanguinisDM has been registered under the NCBI GenBank database with the accession number PP422198. The bacterial extract exhibited its effect against gram-positive bacteria, inhibitingStreptococcus mutans(12.6 ± 0.6 mm) andStaphylococcus aureus(10.6 ± 0.6 mm) compared to standard antibiotics. Conversely, compound1showed a considerable effect against phytopathogenic fungi such asAlternaria alternate(56.3 ± 10.6 mm) andFusarium oxysporum(21.3 ± 1.5 mm) with a MIC value of 17.5 µg/mL. However, it was slightly active againstKlebsiella pneumonia(11.0 ± 1.0 mm). Furthermore, compound2was the most active metabolite, having a significant antimicrobial efficacy againstRhizoctonia solani(63.6 ± 1.1 mm),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(16.7 ± 0.6 mm), andAlternaria alternate(20.3 ± 0.6 mm) with MIC value at 15 µg/mL. In addition, compound2exhibited the most potency against hepatocellular (HepG-2) and skin (A-431) carcinoma cell lines with IC50values of 107.16 µg/mL and 111.36 µg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion

Sphingomonas sanguinisDM, a rhizosphere bacterium ofDatura metel, was studied for its phytochemical and biological characteristics, resulting in the identification of two compounds with moderate antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities.