bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keterampilan Berbicara Melalui Praktik Berpidato Siswa Kelas XI SMA Negeri 2 Bengkulu
Authors: Purwadi Agus Joko , Yulistio Didi
Published: July 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mendeskripsikan keterampilan berbicara melalui praktik berpidato Siswa kelas XI-E MIPA SMA Negeri 2 Kota Bengkulu. Ruang lingkup penelitian praktik berpidato ini mencakup penguasaan aspek kebahasaan dan nonkebahasaan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dan pendekatan kuantitatif. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada tanggal 25-27 September 2022 semester ganjil 2022/2023. Populasi penelitian seluruh siswa kelas XI SMA Negeri 2 Kota Bengkulu yang terdiri dari 7 kelas atau sebanyak 245 orang. Sampel penelitian menggunakan teknik purposive sampling (berdasarkan tujuan khusus), siswa kelas XI-E MIPA sebanyak 30 orang. Pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik tes praktik berpidato. Instrumen penelitian berupa rubrik penilaian keterampilan berpidato siswa meliputi aspek (1) kebahasaan mencakup lima unsur dan (2) nonkebahasaan mencakup lima unsur. Teknik analisis data menggunakan rumus rerata dan hasil akhir secara kualitatif. Hasil penelitian diperoleh bahwa keterampilan berbicara melalui praktik berpidato Siswa Kelas XI-E MIPA SMAN 2 Kota Bengkulu berkategori baik dengan skor rerata 78,3. Hal ini didasarkan pada pencapaian (1) aspek kebahasaan berkategori baik dengan skor rerata 7,97 yang terdiri atas lima unsur (a) kesesuaian isi dengan tema berpidato, (b) ketepatan lafal, intonasi, dan jeda dalam berpidato, (c) kesesuaian struktur teks (pendahuluan, isi, dan penutup) berpidato, (d) diksi dan kalimat dalam berpidato, dan (e) penguasaan gaya berbicara formal dalam berpidato dan (2) aspek nonkebahasaan berkategori baik dengan skor rerata 7,68, juga terdiri atas lima unsur meliputi (a) kelancaran berpidato, (b) kepercayaan diri dan keberanian dalam berpidato, (c) konsentrasi dan pengembangan wawasan, (d) penampilan mimik, pandangan mata, gerakan badan, dan cara berdiri, dan (e) cara berpakaian formal dan kerapian. Hasil pencapaian maksimal diperoleh hanya pada unsur kesesuaian isi dengan tema. Saran untuk peningkatan keterampilan praktik berpidato siswa perlu mendatangkan juara nasional berpidato sebagai motivator dan inspirator.
Daily behaviour and home range of adult rehabilitant Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus É. Geoffroy, 1812) in Gunung Sawal Nature Reserve, Ciamis, West Java
Authors: Priatna Dolly , Hidayat Aris , Istiadi Yossa , Nurwati Ammy , Yanuar Ahmad , Susilo Adi
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine the differences in daily behaviour and home range of male and female rehabilitated Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) in Gunung Sawal Nature Reserve, Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia. The study was conducted on four individuals of Javan slow loris rehabilitates (two adult males and two adult females) during their post-released monitoring period. Those animals were fitted with a radio transmitter and were monitored for their daily behaviour and home range for six months (May - October 2018). The focal animal sampling method was employed for daily behaviour observation. The home range of each individual was estimated by Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) methods. Data analysis was descriptively displayed in maps, tables, and figures. According to the statistical analyses of the Mann Whitney U test, there are no significant differences (μ = 1,074,554.5 [p 0.01]; P-Value 0.238 0.01) in the daily behaviour of male and female Javan slow loris rehabilitate. In contrast, the home range (vertically and horizontally) of female and male Javan slow loris rehabilitate are significantly different (μ = 816,286.0 [p 0.01]; P-Value 0.000 0.01).   Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbedaan perilaku harian dan wilayah jelajah kukang jawa (Nycticebus javanicus) jantan dan betina hasil rehabilitasi di Suaka Margasatwa Gunung Sawal, Ciamis, Jawa Barat, Indonesia. Penelitian dilakukan pada empat individu kukang jawa rehabilitan (dua jantan dewasa dan dua betina dewasa) selama masa pemantauan pasca pelepasliaran. Satwa-satwa tersebut dipasangi pemancar radio serta dipantau perilaku harian dan wilayah jelajahnya selama enam bulan (Mei - Oktober 2018). Metode pengambilan sampel "Focal Animal" digunakan untuk pengamatan perilaku harian. Daerah jelajah masing-masing individu diperkirakan dengan metode Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) dan Kernel Density Estimation (KDE). Analisis data secara deskriptif ditampilkan dalam bentuk peta, tabel, dan gambar. Berdasarkan analisis statistik uji U-Mann Whitney, tidak terdapat perbedaan yang bermakna (μ = 1.074.554,5 [p 0,01]; P-Value 0,238 0,01) pada perilaku harian kukang jawa jantan dan betina yang direhabilitasi. Sebaliknya, wilayah jelajah (vertikal dan horizontal) kukang jawa betina dan jantan yang direhabilitasi berbeda nyata (μ = 816.286,0 [p 0,01]; P-Value 0,000 0,01).
Penyuluhan Kesehatan Reproduksi pada Remaja Putri dengan Pengenalan Alat Reproduksi Perempuan
Authors: Brahmana Ivanna Beru
Published: July 2023

Reproductive health in young women is obtained from the introduction of female reproductive organs. Not all young women know their reproductive organs, let alone their respective functions. By knowing the names of the reproductive organs and their functions, it is hoped that young women will be able to recognize and prepare themselves in the future. Knowing the reproductive organs and their functions also prevents things that shouldn't happen, such as sexual harassment of young women. The aim is to increase students' knowledge about reproductive health by introducing women's reproductive organs and their functions. The method is in the form of counseling which is delivered through power point broadcasts to students of SMP Muhammadiyah 7 Yogyakarta, as service partners. Counseling followed by discussion/question and answer lasted for 90 minutes. The number of participants who attended the pretest was 130 people, with an average pretest score of 84.77. During the posttest, 117 people attended with a mean posttest score of 86.67. Thus an increase in posttest scores was obtained compared to pretest, indicating that counseling increased participants' knowledge of the material presented. Suggestions for schools are to carry out similar counseling activities for the following years so that female students understand more about the importance of knowing their reproductive organs.
Base editing enables duplex point mutagenesis in Clostridium autoethanogenum at the price of numerous off-target mutations
Authors: Seys François M. , Humphreys Christopher M. , Tomi-Andrino Claudio , Li Qi , Millat Thomas , Yang Sheng , Minton Nigel P.
Published: July 2023

Base editors are recent multiplex gene editing tools derived from the Cas9 nuclease of Streptomyces pyogenes. They can target and modify a single nucleotide in the genome without inducing double-strand breaks (DSB) of the DNA helix. As such, they hold great potential for the engineering of microbes that lack effective DSB repair pathways such as homologous recombination (HR) or non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). However, few applications of base editors have been reported in prokaryotes to date, and their advantages and drawbacks have not been systematically reported. Here, we used the base editors Target-AID and Target-AID-NG to introduce nonsense mutations into four different coding sequences of the industrially relevant Gram-positive bacterium Clostridium autoethanogenum. While up to two loci could be edited simultaneously using a variety of multiplexing strategies, most colonies exhibited mixed genotypes and most available protospacers led to undesired mutations within the targeted editing window. Additionally, fifteen off-target mutations were detected by sequencing the genome of the resulting strain, among them seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in or near loci bearing some similarity with the targeted protospacers, one 15 nt duplication, and one 12 kb deletion which removed uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG), a key DNA repair enzyme thought to be an obstacle to base editing mutagenesis. A strategy to process prokaryotic single-guide RNA arrays by exploiting tRNA maturation mechanisms is also illustrated.
Reproducible generation of human retinal ganglion cells from banked retinal progenitor cells: analysis of target recognition and IGF-1-mediated axon regeneration
Authors: Subramani Murali , Van Hook Matthew J. , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: July 2023

The selective degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a common feature in glaucoma, a complex group of diseases, leading to irreversible vision loss. Stem cell-based glaucoma disease modeling, cell replacement, and axon regeneration are viable approaches to understand mechanisms underlying glaucomatous degeneration for neuroprotection, ex vivo stem cell therapy, and therapeutic regeneration. These approaches require direct and facile generation of human RGCs (hRGCs) from pluripotent stem cells. Here, we demonstrate a method for rapid generation of hRGCs from banked human pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) by recapitulating the developmental mechanism. The resulting hRGCs are stable, functional, and transplantable and have the potential for target recognition, demonstrating their suitability for both ex vivo stem cell approaches to glaucomatous degeneration and disease modeling. Additionally, we demonstrate that hRGCs derived from banked hRPCs are capable of regenerating their axons through an evolutionarily conserved mechanism involving insulin-like growth factor 1 and the mTOR axis, demonstrating their potential to identify and characterize the underlying mechanism(s) that can be targeted for therapeutic regeneration.
Acceptance of smart sensing: a barrier to implementation—results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Terhorst Yannik , Weilbacher Nadine , Suda Carolin , Simon Laura , Messner Eva-Maria , Sander Lasse Bosse , Baumeister Harald
Published: July 2023

Background

Accurate and timely diagnostics are essential for effective mental healthcare. Given a resource- and time-limited mental healthcare system, novel digital and scalable diagnostic approaches such as smart sensing, which utilizes digital markers collected via sensors from digital devices, are explored. While the predictive accuracy of smart sensing is promising, its acceptance remains unclear. Based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, the present study investigated (1) the effectiveness of an acceptance facilitating intervention (AFI), (2) the determinants of acceptance, and (3) the acceptance of adults toward smart sensing.

Methods

The participants (N = 202) were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) or intervention group (IG). The IG received a video AFI on smart sensing, and the CG a video on mindfulness. A reliable online questionnaire was used to assess acceptance, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influence, and trust. The self-reported interest in using and the installation of a smart sensing app were assessed as behavioral outcomes. The intervention effects were investigated in acceptance using t-tests for observed data and latent structural equation modeling (SEM) with full information maximum likelihood to handle missing data. The behavioral outcomes were analyzed with logistic regression. The determinants of acceptance were analyzed with SEM. The root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) were used to evaluate the model fit.

Results

The intervention did not affect the acceptance (p = 0.357), interest (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.42–1.32, p = 0.314), or installation rate (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.01–2.35, p = 0.294). The performance expectancy (γ = 0.45, p < 0.001), trust (γ = 0.24, p = 0.002), and social influence (γ = 0.32, p = 0.008) were identified as the core determinants of acceptance explaining 68% of its variance. The SEM model fit was excellent (RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.05). The overall acceptance was M = 10.9 (SD = 3.73), with 35.41% of the participants showing a low, 47.92% a moderate, and 10.41% a high acceptance.

Discussion

The present AFI was not effective. The low to moderate acceptance of smart sensing poses a major barrier to its implementation. The performance expectancy, social influence, and trust should be targeted as the core factors of acceptance. Further studies are needed to identify effective ways to foster the acceptance of smart sensing and to develop successful implementation strategies.

Clinical Trial Registration

identifier 10.17605/OSF.IO/GJTPH.
Villagers’ attitudes and behaviors toward rural solid waste management under environmental authoritarianism in China
Authors: Li Hui , Huang Diejun , Li Hua , Ma Qiuzhuo , Li Juan
Published: July 2023

Rapid urbanization and industrialization in China, combined with a rural-urban dual structure, have resulted in significant challenges for rural solid waste management (RSWM). Through the issuance of regulations and guidelines, and the allocation of substantial funds, the Chinese government has achieved remarkable success in implementing a top-down, linear, and authoritarian waste system, with the national village-level coverage rate of the rural waste management system growing from zero to over 90% in less than 20 years. This paper provides insights into the factors that influence villagers’ responses (attitudes and behaviors) to authoritarian environmental policy measures. Using primary data from Meizhou County in Guangdong Province (the poorest county in China’s richest province), the study finds that villagers’ attitudes are significantly affected by their satisfaction with the government’s RSWM and their environmental concern, while villagers’ behaviors are significantly influenced by their approval level of the local environment, the availability of solid waste collection (SWC) facilities, and their environmental concern. Thus, villagers’ SWC behaviors are mainly influenced by practical convenience and internal motivation. In general, government-relevant factors do not directly impact villagers’ SWC behaviors but significantly moderate villagers’ behaviors. Surprisingly, the variable of villagers’ education level is a significantly negative factor in affecting both RSWM attitudes and behaviors, implying that future RSWM policy measures should take consider democracy more and value villagers’ participation.
Treatment-free survival after discontinuation of immune checkpoint inhibitors in mNSCLC: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Yue , Liu Shan , Wang Lixing , Liu Yu , Zhang Duohan , Zhao Yinlong
Published: July 2023

Background

Recent research has suggested that patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) can achieve ongoing response after discontinuation of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), but the best time to discontinue and the factors influencing efficacy remain unknown.

Method

A systematic search was performed for prospective clinical trials in patients with mNSCLC treated with ICIs published up to July 10, 2022. Eligible studies reported treatment-free survival (TFS) after discontinuation of ICI in partial objective responders. We calculated objective response rate (ORR) and TFS using random-effects models with respective 95% confidence intervals (Cis), and performed subgroup analyses to discuss the specific associations between ORR and TFS and the associated influencing factors.

Results

Across the 26 cohorts (3833 patients) included, the weighted mean ORR for all patients was 29.30% (95% CI 24.28% to 34.57%), with ICI plus chemotherapy (48.83%, 95% CI 44.36% to 53.30%) significantly higher than monotherapy (23.40%, 95% CI 18.53% to 28.62%). 395 patients were all patients who were complete or partial responders in the study, 194 discontinued ICI treatment, and nearly 35.5% achieved a durable response. No significant differences in TFS were found between subgroups according to the ICI regimen classification. Four cohorts of patients who completed 35 courses of treatment showed high levels of pooled TFS at 6 (80.18%, 95% CI 53.03% to 97.87%) and 12 months (66.98%, 95% CI 46.90% to 84.47%). Three cohorts of patients discontinued ICI treatment due to treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) with the TFS rates at 6 (76.98%, 95% CI 65.79% to 86.65%) and 12 months (64.79%, 95% CI 50.20% to 78.19%).

Conclusion

Patients with mNSCLC were able to achieve ongoing responses after discontinuation of ICI. In conclusion, the results of this meta-analysis indicate that different treatment regimens, different drugs or different treatment durations may have an impact on TFS.
Health-related quality of life and its determinants among patients with psoriasis at a referral hospital in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Belachew Eyayaw Ashete , Chanie Gashaw Sisay , Gizachew Eshetie , Sendekie Ashenafi Kibret
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its determinants among patients with psoriasis having follow-ups at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH).

Design, setting, and participants

A cross-sectional institutional-based study was conducted at the dermatologic clinic of UoGCSH from June to August 2022. Four hundred eligible patients with psoriasis were included in the study using a systematic random sampling technique.

The main outcome measured

The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) measurement scale was used to assess HRQoL. The relationship between HRQoL and independent predictor variables was investigated using bivariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of <0.05 at the 95% CI.

Results

Of the 422 study subjects approached, 400 respondents with psoriasis were included in the final analysis. The mean (±SD) age was 39.8 (±17.2) years, and 56% were women. The most commonly prescribed medications were topical corticosteroids (68.3 %). The mean (±SD) DLQI was 13.05 (7.82). More than three-fourths (78.5%) of the patients' HRQOL was affected, and its severity ranged from very large to extremely large. Being male (adjusted odd ratio) (AOR) = 0.373, 95% CI (0.171, 0.773), the use of alternative therapy (AOR) = 0.237, 95% CI (0.114, 0.494), duration of diseases (AOR) = 0.184, 95% CI (0.061, 0.557), duration on medication (AOR) =3.75, 95% CI (1.32, 10.73), presence of comorbidity (AOR) = 6.199, 95% CI (1.921, 20.00), and income were found to have a significant association with poor HRQoL.

Conclusion

Psoriasis patients had reduced HRQoL, which was lower than that of the normal population. The study identified that several variables contributed to this reduced HRQoL. Predictors that take into account interventions were essential for preserving patients' HRQoL.
Meta-analysis reveals variations in microbial communities from diverse stony coral taxa at different geographical distances
Authors: Pei Peng-Tao , Liu Lu , Jing Xiao-Li , Liu Xiao-Lu , Sun Lu-Yang , Gao Chen , Cui Xiao-Han , Wang Jing , Ma Zhong-Lian , Song Shu-Yue , Sun Zhi-Hua , Wang Chang-Yun
Published: July 2023

Coral-associated microbial communities play a vital role in underpinning the health and resilience of reef ecosystems. Previous studies have demonstrated that the microbial communities of corals are affected by multiple factors, mainly focusing on host species and geolocation. However, up-to-date, insight into how the coral microbiota is structured by vast geographic distance with rich taxa is deficient. In the present study, the coral microbiota in six stony coral species collected from the coastal area of three countries, including United States of America (USA), Australia and Fiji, was used for analysis. It was found that the geographic influence on the coral microbiota was stronger than the coral host influence, even though both were significant. Interestingly, the contribution of the deterministic process to bacterial community composition increased as geographical distance grew. A total of 65 differentially abundant features of functions in coral microbial communities were identified to be associated with three geolocations. While in the same coastal area of USA, the similar relationship of coral microbiota was consistent with the phylogenetic relationship of coral hosts. In contrast to the phylum Proteobacteria, which was most abundant in other coral species in USA, Cyanobacteria was the most abundant phylum in Orbicella faveolata. The above findings may help to better understand the multiple natural driving forces shaping the coral microbial community to contribute to defining the healthy baseline of the coral microbiome.
Phenotypic and genetic insights into efflux pump mechanism in Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis
Authors: Nagy Eszter Zsófia , Kovács Áron Botond , Wehmann Enikő , Bekő Katinka , Földi Dorottya , Bányai Krisztián , Kreizinger Zsuzsa , Gyuranecz Miklós
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis is one of the most important waterfowl-pathogenic mycoplasmas. Due to inadequate antibiotic treatment, many strains with high minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for multiple drugs have been isolated lately. Decreased antibiotic susceptibility in several Mycoplasma species are known to be associated with mutations in topoisomerase and ribosomal genes, but other strategies such as active efflux pump mechanisms were also described. The scope of this study was the phenotypic and genetic characterization of the active efflux mechanism in M. anserisalpingitidis

Methods

We measured the MIC values in the presence and absence of different efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs), such as carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazine (CCCP), orthovanadate (OV), and reserpine (RSP). Moreover, bioinformatic tools were utilized to detect putative regulatory sequences of membrane transport proteins coding genes, while comparative genome analysis was performed to reveal potential markers of antibiotic resistance.

Results

Out of the three examined EPIs, CCCP decreased the MICs at least two-fold below the original MICs (in 23 cases out of 36 strains). In the presence of OV or RSP, MIC value differences could be seen only if modified dilution series (10% decrease steps were used instead of two-fold dilutions) were applied (in 24/36 cases with OV and 9/36 with RSP). During comparative genome analysis, non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) were identified in genes encoding ABC membrane transport proteins, which were displayed in higher percentages in M. anserisalpingitidis strains with increased MICs. In terms of other genes, a nsSNP was identified in DNA gyrase subunit A (gyrA) gene which can be related to decreased susceptibility to enrofloxacin. The present study is the first to highlight the importance of efflux pump mechanisms in M. anserisalpingitidis.

Discussion

Considering the observed effects of the EPI CCCP against this bacterium, it can be assumed, that the use of EPIs would increase the efficiency of targeted antibiotic therapy in the future control of this pathogen. However, further research is required to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of efflux pump mechanism in this bacterium.
Modulation of cortical activity by spherical blur and its correlation with retinal defocus
Authors: Chenguiti Yannis , Hamlaoui Samy , Baranton Konogan , Otani Satoru , Tartaglia Elisa M.
Published: July 2023

Cortical activity, as recorded via electroencephalography, has been linked to the refractive error of an individual. It is however unclear which optical metric modulates this response. Here, we measured simultaneously the brain activity and the retinal defocus of a visual stimulus perceived through several values of spherical blur. We found that, contrary to the existing literature on the topic, the cortical response as a function of the overcorrections follows a sigmoidal shape rather than the classical bell shape, with the inflection point corresponding to the subjective refraction and to the stimulus being in focus on the retina. However, surprisingly, the amplitude of the cortical response does not seem to be a good indicator of how much the stimulus is in or out of focus on the retina. Nonetheless, the defocus is not equivalent to the retinal image quality, nor is an absolute predictor of the visual performance of an individual. Simulations of the retinal image quality seem to be a powerful tool to predict the modulation of the cortical response with the refractive error.
No evidence of neuronal/glial autoantibodies in febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES): a prospective clinic-serologic analysis
Authors: Soler Wenglein Janina , Kluger Gerhard , Leypoldt Frank , Wandinger Klaus-Peter , van Baalen Andreas
Published: July 2023

The pediatric febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) manifests with encephalopathy with super-refractory status epilepticus (SE) a few days after or accompanying a febrile illness. It often results in refractory epilepsy and cognitive dysfunction in previously healthy children and adolescents. The underlying pathomechanism is unknown, which is why causative neuronal and/or synaptic antibodies have been discussed. We report a prospective consecutive cohort of 14 children (10 male, four female) diagnosed with FIRES in the acute phase, whose serum and CSF were comprehensively screened for underlying synaptic/neuronal autoantibodies. The median age at onset was 6  years (range 4–9  years). None of the children had a medical history of epilepsy. Duration of SE varied from less than 1 week to 2.5  months (Median: 1  month, range  < 1  week-2.5  months). Clinical response to treatment with antiseizure medications was poor as well as the outcome: one child died in the acute phase of SE, and two died in the long term. All surviving children showed neuropsychological impairments. No underlying synaptic or neuronal autoantibodies were identified in 13 of 14 children’s sera or CSF. One child had currently uncharacterized neuronal autoantibodies in CSF, yet clinical presentation was atypical for FIRES. Based on our findings, the child was later diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis (AE). We conclude that FIRES is not an autoantibody-mediated disease. However, a comprehensive screening for known and yet unknown antineuronal antibodies in serum and CSF is warranted to rule out AE mimicking FIRES.
The tumor or inflammation? a case report on primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Na , Zhang Nan , Zhang Xinyue , Wang Yuanyuan , Fu Yajie , Guo Lingfei , Liang Changhu , Yu Mengru
Published: July 2023

Choriocarcinoma is a rare malignant germ cell neoplasm with high invasiveness, the majority of which are pregnancy-related, and the female genital tract is the most prevalent site of the disease. Although early-stage choriocarcinoma typically metastasizes to the lungs, primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma is extremely rare. Primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma is difficult to diagnose, and it progresses rapidly. Combined with the difficulty of treatment, the prognosis of patients is generally poor. In this article, we retrospectively analyzed a case of female primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma, combined with a review of literature, to understand and describe the diagnostic and treatment progress of PPC.
Prognostic factors for multi-organ dysfunction in pediatric oncology patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Soeteman Marijn , Fiocco Marta F. , Nijman Joppe , Bollen Casper W. , Marcelis Maartje M. , Kilsdonk Ellen , Nieuwenhuis Edward E. S. , Kappen Teus H. , Tissing Wim J. E. , Wösten-van Asperen Roelie M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Pediatric oncology patients who require admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) have worse outcomes compared to their non-cancer peers. Although multi-organ dysfunction (MOD) plays a pivotal role in PICU mortality and morbidity, risk factors for MOD have not yet been identified. We aimed to identify risk factors at PICU admission for new or progressive MOD (NPMOD) during the first week of PICU stay.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all pediatric oncology patients aged 0 to 18 years admitted to the PICU between June 2018 and June 2021. We used the recently published PODIUM criteria for defining multi-organ dysfunction and estimated the association between covariates at PICU baseline and the outcome NPMOD using a multivariable logistic regression model, with PICU admission as unit of study. To study the predictive performance, the model was internally validated by using bootstrap.

Results

A total of 761 PICU admissions of 571 patients were included. NPMOD was present in 154 PICU admissions (20%). Patients with NPMOD had a high mortality compared to patients without NPMOD, 14% and 1.0% respectively. Hemato-oncological diagnosis, number of failing organs and unplanned admission were independent risk factors for NPMOD. The prognostic model had an overall good discrimination and calibration.

Conclusion

The risk factors at PICU admission for NPMOD may help to identify patients who may benefit from closer monitoring and early interventions. When applying the PODIUM criteria, we found some opportunities for fine-tuning these criteria for pediatric oncology patients, that need to be validated in future studies.
Frequency and impact of enteric hyperoxaluria in pediatric short bowel syndrome: a retrospective single centre study
Authors: Schaefer Jan Thomas , Schulz-Heise Susanne , Rueckel Aline , Rauh Manfred , Juengert Joerg , Galiano Matthias , Meier Norbert , Woelfle Joachim , Schiffer Mario , Hoerning André
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The survival of pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome has improved in recent years. Enteric hyperoxaluria as a pathophysiological consequence has been hardly addressed so far. It can be associated with nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis or even renal insufficiency. We assessed the prevalence of hyperoxaluria and its pathogenic consequences in a retrospective single centre study over the last 12 years.

Methods

We conducted an internal database search for all pediatric patients suffering from short bowel syndrome treated from 2010 to 2022 in the department of pediatric gastroenterology as well as the pediatric nephrology and dialysis unit. Out of 56 patients identified, 26 patients were analysed for etiology of short bowel syndrome, renal excretion of oxalate (24/26), remaining short bowel and large intestinal length as well as further clinical parameters such as eGFR, nephrocalcinosis/urinary stone formation or stool frequency.

Results

Hyperoxaluria was detected in 14/26 patients (54%). Nephrocalcinosis was present in four patients. Out of these four patients, hyperoxaluria could be proven (21% of all hyperoxaluric patients) in three cases, one hyperoxaluric patient had nephrolithiasis (7%). In one patient hyperoxaluria lead to end stage renal disease. We found that 80% of patients with volvulus developed enteric hyperoxaluria. None of the investigated factors had an effect on oxalate excretion.

Conclusion

Enteric hyperoxaluria is a relevant pathophysiological finding in patients with short bowel syndrome occurring in about 50% of our cohort with multiple pathogenic complications. Regular screening for hyperoxaluria may be implemented in medical care for patients with short bowel syndrome. If necessary, prophylaxis, e.g., dietary advice or metaphylaxis should be initiated.
Exploring synchronization and lift suppression in fluid flow around vibrating cylinder: a parallel CFD and global optimization investigation
Authors: Mehmood Arshad , Salah Bashir , Ullah Syed Sajid , Khan Shahbaz , Khan Razaullah
Published: July 2023

In this study, we employ a parallel Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code integrated with the VTDIRECT95 algorithm, a parallel deterministic global optimization method, to conduct global optimization for an oscillating circular cylinder. We conduct numerical simulations for the flow at a Reynolds number of 500 within the parameter range of 0.1≤Ax≤0.3 and 0.5fst≤fex≤2.5fst where Ax represents the inline oscillating amplitude, fex denotes the forcing oscillation frequency, and fst corresponds to the frequency of a stationary cylinder. To enhance computational efficiency, a combination of VTdirect and a CFD solver is utilized to efficiently identify the synchronization region, thereby reducing computational resources. The results reveal a significant reduction in the lift coefficient within the synchronized region compared to unsynchronized regimes. Furthermore, the study delves into the underlying flow physics behind synchronization and lift suppression. By synchronizing the shedding of vortices, their detrimental effects are nullified, resulting in a reduction in lift. Moreover, the research examines the influence of three-dimensional (3-D) flow by comparing 2-D and 3-D simulations at two different Reynolds numbers. It demonstrates that accounting for 3-D effects yields more accurate predictions of fluid behavior. Synchronization maps and root mean square (rms) lift coefficient plots illustrate the impact of Reynolds number and movement frequency on lift suppression. The findings indicate that achieving synchronization in 3-D flow necessitates stronger amplitudes and higher frequencies. At higher Reynolds numbers, the wake structures become unstable, leading to intricate vortical patterns. Consequently, the synchronization curve shifts towards higher amplitudes and frequencies in 3-D simulations. Understanding these phenomena is vital for reducing lift force in practical applications. This research significantly contributes to knowledge regarding synchronization and lift suppression in fluid flow around vibrating cylinders.
Combining conventional ultrasound and ultrasound elastography to predict HER2 status in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Zhuo Xiaoying , Lv Ji , Chen Binjie , Liu Jia , Luo Yujie , Liu Jie , Xie Xiaowei , Lu Jiao , Zhao Ningjun
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Identifying the HER2 status of breast cancer patients is important for treatment options. Previous studies have shown that ultrasound features are closely related to the subtype of breast cancer.

Methods: In this study, we used features of conventional ultrasound and ultrasound elastography to predict HER2 status.

Results and Discussion: The performance of model (AUROC) with features of conventional ultrasound and ultrasound elastography is higher than that of the model with features of conventional ultrasound (0.82 vs. 0.53). The SHAP method was used to explore the interpretability of the models. Compared with HER2– tumors, HER2+ tumors usually have greater elastic modulus parameters and microcalcifications. Therefore, we concluded that the features of conventional ultrasound combined with ultrasound elastography could improve the accuracy for predicting HER2 status.
Impact of mandatory masking amid the COVID-19 pandemic on outdoor smoking: an interrupted time-series analysis of a 33-month unobtrusive observational study
Authors: Sun Yuying , Wu Yongda Socrates , Cheung Yee Tak Derek , Wang Man Ping , Chen Jianjiu , Leung Lok Tung , Zhang Xiaoyu , Chak Kin Yeung , Lam Tai Hing , Ho Sai Yin
Published: July 2023

Background

Mask-wearing in outdoor public places in Hong Kong was mandated on 29 July 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to evaluate the impact of mandatory masking with no exemption for smoking on outdoor smoking.

Methods

We conducted 253 unobtrusive observations at 10 outdoor smoking hotspots in 33 months from July 2019 to March 2022 and counted smokers and non-smoking pedestrians in fixed boundaries. We conducted interrupted time-series analyses on the monthly mean volume of smokers (persons per hour) using generalized linear models. The independent variables were as follows: time since the first observation, implementation of the mask regulation, time since the regulation, seasonality, and waves 1–5 outbreaks. We checked the robustness of the association using the daily mean volume of smokers as the dependent variable. Two sensitivity analyses were conducted to include the hotspot location or the number of all pedestrians as an offset.

Results

Monthly outdoor smoking decreased immediately after the regulation (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.505, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.374 to 0.680, P < 0.001). Daily smoking analysis and the two sensitivity analyses supported the results. However, monthly outdoor smoking increased by 11% since the regulation (IRR: 1.110, 95% CI: 1.074 to 1.147, P < 0.001). An exception was observed at the most severe wave 5 outbreak when monthly outdoor smoking decreased (IRR: 0.415, 95% CI: 0.327 to 0.525, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Outdoor smoking fell immediately after mandatory masking, rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, and decreased again at the most severe wave 5.
Relationship between health information literacy and health promoting lifestyle among first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer in China: the mediating effect of health belief
Authors: Zhou Jingru , Zhao Li , Liu Yanjun , He Lin , Yang Fang , Wang Haichao , Fan Jing , Li Qianer , Guo Sisi , Wang Yanfen , Liu Yan , Zhou Dan , Tan Qin
Published: July 2023

Background

History of first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer is one of the most important and common risk factors for colorectal cancer in China. Most chronic diseases, such as malignancies, are preventable by adopting health-promoting behaviors and other approaches. However, the relationships among factors affecting the health-promoting lifestyles of first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer have not been sufficiently studied. This study aimed to test the mediation effects of Health belief in the relationship between health-promoting lifestyle and health information literacy among first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive design was conducted using convenience sampling of 856 first-degree relatives of CRC patients attending three tertiary care hospitals in Nanchong and Deyang of China from December 2020 to December 2022. Questionnaires were used to collect data on the participants’ demographic information, the colorectal cancer health beliefs, the health promotion lifestyle, and the health information literacy. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and mediation analysis using SPSS 25.0 program and its macro-program PROCESS.

Results

The findings indicated health information literacy was less, health belief was at the medium level, and performance of health promotion behavior was average for first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer. Whereas first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer health-promotion lifestyle had a positive correlation with health beliefs (r = 0.376, p < 0.01) and health information literacy (r = 0.533, p < 0.01), health beliefs had a positive correlation with health information literacy (r = 0.337, p < 0.01). Health beliefs mediated the positive effect of health information literacy on health-promoting lifestyles (β =0.420, 95% CI, 0.288–0.581), and indirect effects accounted for 14.0% of the total effect.

Conclusion

Health information literacy and health beliefs are key factors associated with a health-promoting lifestyle among first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer. These factors have direct and indirect effects on each other and on health-promoting lifestyles. To enhance health-promoting lifestyles among first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer, interventions that strengthen health beliefs and provide health information literacy should be developed.
Prevalence of low back pain and its associated factors among traditional cloth weavers in Gulele sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Terfe Amare , Jemal Temima , Waqkene Tolossa
Published: July 2023

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders particularly low back pain is significantly high among common informal or small-scale enterprises within developing countries like weaving. However, there is little information on risk factors for low back pain in the informal sector such as the weaving sector in the areas of Addis Ababa as well as in Ethiopia. Therefore this study was aimed to assess the magnitude of low back pain and its associated factors among traditional cloth weavers in the Gulele sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study with internal comparison was conducted from June 1, 2022, and August 30, 2022. A total of 660 traditional cloth weavers were included in the study by using a systematic random sampling method to select participants in each of cooperatives as well as individual households in 5 woredas in Gulele sub-city. The data was analyzed and managed using SPSS version 20. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to control potential confounding factors and to determine the association. Among 660 (100%) respondents, 330 (50%) of them experienced low back pain after starting weaving. Out of the respondents with low back pain through their job career, 291 (44.1%) of them experienced low back pain during the last 12 months. Working greater than 8 h per day (AOR = 4.60, 95%CI: 2.35, 8.87), working with frequent bending (AOR = 3.32, 95%CI: 1.49, 7.40), job stress (AOR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.18, 2.40) were among factors significantly associated with the occurrence of low back pain. This study has shown a high prevalence of low back pain among traditional cloth weavers which indicates the need for immediate public health action. However, very small improvements in the working condition, weaving tools design, working methods can potentially lead to large benefits.
A pedigree-based cohort to study the genetic risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases: study design, baseline characteristics and preliminary results
Authors: Zheng Hongchen , Ye Ying , Huang Hui , Huang Chunlan , Gao Wenjing , Wang Mengying , Li Wenyong , Zhou Ren , Jiang Jin , Wang Siyue , Yu Canqing , Lv Jun , Wu Xiaoling , Huang Xiaoming , Cao Weihua , Yan Yansheng , Zheng Kuicheng , Wu Tao , Li Liming
Published: July 2023

Background

We initiated the Fujian Tulou Pedigree-based Cohort (FTPC) as the integration of extended pedigrees and prospective cohort to clarify the genetic and environmental risk factors of cardiometabolic diseases.

Methods

FTPC was carried out in Nanjing County, Fujian Province, China from August 2015 to December 2017 to recruit probands with the same surnames and then enroll their first-degree and more distant relatives. The participants were asked to complete questionnaire interview, physical examination, and blood collection. According to the local genealogical booklets and family registry, we reconstructed extended pedigrees to estimate the heritability of cardiometabolic traits. The follow-up of FTPC is scheduled every 5 years in the future.

Results

The baseline survey interviewed 2,727 individuals in two clans. A total of 1,563 adult subjects who completed all baseline examinations were used to reconstruct pedigrees and 452 extended pedigrees were finally identified, including one seven-generation pedigree, two five-generation pedigrees, 23 four-generation pedigrees, 186 three-generation pedigrees, and 240 two-generation pedigrees. The average age of the participants was 57.4 years, with 43.6% being males. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia in FTPC were 49.2, 10.0, and 45.2%, respectively. Based on the pedigree structure, the heritability of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fast blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein was estimated at 0.379, 0.306, 0.386, 0.452, 0.568, 0.852, and 0.387, respectively.

Conclusion

As an extended pedigree cohort in China, FTPC will provide an important source to study both genetic and environmental risk factors prospectively.
What Chicago community organizations needed to implement COVID-19 interventions: lessons learned in 2021
Authors: Moskowitz David A. , Silva Abigail , Castañeda Yvette , Battalio Samuel L. , Hartstein Madison L. , Murphy Anne Marie , Ndebele Sithembinkosi , Switalski Matthew , Lomahan Sarah , Lacson Leilani , Plum Abigail , Canty Emma , Sandoval Anna , Thomas Paris , De Pablo Marina , Spring Bonnie , Martin Molly
Published: July 2023

Introduction

As the COVID-19 pandemic placed a spotlight on the health inequities in the United States, this study aimed to determine the local programmatic needs of community organizations (CO) delivering COVID-19 interventions across Chicago.

Methods

In the summer of 2021, the Chicagoland CEAL Program interviewed 34 COs that were providing education, testing, and/or vaccinations in communities experiencing poor COVID-19 outcomes. The interviews were analyzed thematically and organized around logistical challenges and funding/resource needs.

Results

The COs routinely offered testing (50%) or vaccinations (74%), with most (56%) employing some programmatic evaluation. Programs utilizing trusted-messenger systems were deemed most effective, but resource-intensive. CO specific needs clustered around sustaining effective outreach strategies, better CO coordination, wanting comprehensive trainings, improving program evaluation, and promoting services and programs.

Conclusion

The COs reached populations with low-vaccine confidence using trusted messengers to overcome mistrust. However, replenishment of the resources needed to sustain such strategies should be prioritized. Leveraging the Chicagoland CEAL Program to help negotiate community organizations’ interorganizational coordination, create training programs, and provide evaluation expertise are deliverable supports that may bolster COVID-19 prevention.

Policy implications

Achieving health justice requires that all institutions of power participate in meaningful community engagement, help build community capacity, and infuse health equity throughout all aspects of the research and program evaluation processes.
Diflunisal and Analogue Pharmacophores Mediating Suppression of Virulence Phenotypes in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Chan Liana C. , Lee Hong K. , Wang Ling , Chaili Siyang , Xiong Yan Q. , Bayer Arnold S. , Proctor Richard A. , Yeaman Michael R.
Published: July 2023

Invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are leading causes of morbidity and mortality that are complicated by increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics. Thus, minimizing virulence and enhancing antibiotic efficacy against MRSA is a public health imperative. We originally demonstrated that diflunisal (DIF; [2-hydroxy-5-(2,4-difluorophenyl) benzoic acid]) inhibits S. aureus virulence factor expression. To investigate pharmacophores that are active in this function, we evaluated a library of structural analogues for their efficacy to modulate virulence phenotypes in a panel of clinically relevant S. aureus isolates in vitro. Overall, the positions of the phenyl, hydroxyl, and carboxylic moieties and the presence or type of halogen (F vs. Cl) influenced the efficacy of compounds in suppressing hemolysis, proteolysis, and biofilm virulence phenotypes. Analogues lacking halogens inhibited proteolysis to an extent similar to DIF but were ineffective at reducing hemolysis or biofilm production. In contrast, most analogues lacking the hydroxyl or carboxylic acid groups did not suppress proteolysis but did mitigate hemolysis and biofilm production to an extent similar to DIF. Interestingly, chirality and the substitution of fluorine with chlorine resulted in a differential reduction in virulence phenotypes. Together, this pattern of data suggests virulence-suppressing pharmacophores of DIF and structural analogues integrate halogen, hydroxyl, and carboxylic acid moiety stereochemistry. The anti-virulence effects of DIF were achieved using concentrations that are safe in humans, do not impair platelet antimicrobial functions, do not affect S. aureus growth, and do not alter the efficacy of conventional antibiotics. These results offer proof of concept for using novel anti-virulence strategies as adjuvants to antibiotic therapy to address the challenge of MRSA infection.