bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Work-Family Role Transition Matters for Role Strain in North America
Authors: Ryu Geunpil
Published: September 2022

Individuals experience different types of role strain when managing work-family role boundaries (work-family role integrating vs. segmenting), which thus affects their perceived difficulty in work and family role demands. The current research explores whether integrating work-family role boundaries ameliorates role strain. To address the subjectthe research explored 408 full-time employees in North America using data collected from a 2005 dataset that used the e-mail method. Results show that integrating work-family role boundaries does not show lower levels of role strain and thus does not theoretically support work-family role boundary theory.
Toward an organizational theory of meetings: Structuration of organizational meeting culture
Authors: Scott Cliff , Allen Joe
Published: September 2022

Although research on meetings generally regards them as noteworthy organizational events, studies tend to focus on an individual or group level of analysis, conceiving of meetings as a phenomenon that happens in organizations but does not shape them. Integrating research on work meetings, structuration theory, and organizational culture, this paper develops the concept of organizational meeting cultures and suggests structuration theory as a framework for explaining their emergence, reproduction, and alteration. We propose a model of organizational meeting culture that theorizes work meetings as a foundational activity that shapes and reifies organizational cultures over time, contributing to their distinctiveness, and influencing patterns of perception regarding what is valued, expected, rewarded, and supported in specific work environments. It concludes with an agenda to be pursued in future research on the structuration of meeting culture.
Birth prevalence of omphalocele and gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tiruneh Chalachew , Gebremeskel Teshome , Necho Mogesie , Teshome Yossef , Teshome Daniel , Belete Asmare
Published: September 2022

Objective:

To systematically summarize the burden of gastroschisis and omphalocele in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods:

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed literatures from Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Library, HINARI, and Google Scholar that investigated at the prevalence of major congenital abdominal wall malformation. The pooled prevalence of major abdominal wall defects was estimated using a weighted inverse variance random-effects model. The Q statistic and the I2 statistics were used to examine for heterogeneity among the included studies. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to check for publication bias.

Results:

A total of 1951 studies were identified; 897 from PubMed, 26 from Cochrane Library, 960 from Google Scholar, and 68 from other sources. Fourteen articles that met the eligibility criteria were selected for this meta-analysis with 242,462 total enrolled participants and 4693 births with congenital anomaly. The pooled prevalence of ompahalocele among congenital defect patients in Sub-Saharan Africa was found to be 4.47% (95% confidence interval: 3.04–5.90; I2 = 88.3%; p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of omphalocele among births with congenital defect was found to be 4.04% (95% confidence interval: 2.62–5.46) in cross-sectional studies and 4.43% (95% confidence interval: 306–5.81) in cohort studies. The average prevalence of omphalocele among births with congenital defect was found to be 8% (95% confidence interval: 5.53–10.47) in Uganda and 6.65% (95% confidence interval: 4.18–9.13) in Nigeria. The pooled prevalence of gastroschisis among congenital birth defect in Sub-Saharan Africa was found to be 3.22% (95% confidence interval: 1.83–4.61; I2 = 33.1%; p = 0.175).

Conclusion:

Based on this review, the pooled prevalence of omphalocele and gastroschisis in sub-Saharan Africa are high. Therefore, a perinatal screening program for congenital anomalies should be implemented. In addition, early referral of suspected cases of congenital anomalies is required for better management until advanced diagnostic centers are established in various locations of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Successful Endovascular Management of Resistant Hypertension Post Kidney Transplant: A Case Report
Authors: Madken Mohit , Gotra Akshat , Qazi Shakeel , Fairhead Todd , Burns Kevin D.
Published: September 2022

Rationale:

Transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) is a well-recognized and potentially reversible cause of resistant hypertension post transplantation and can affect 1% to 23% of recipients. Stenosis of the iliac segment proximal to the transplant renal artery (proximal TRAS) causing dysfunction of the transplanted kidney is less common with reported incidence of 2% to 3%. Presentation typically occurs between 3 months and 2 years post transplant but may happen at any time. Noninvasive investigations such as Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) angiogram, and magnetic resonance angiogram are useful in initial evaluation, but definitive diagnosis of hemodynamically significant stenosis often requires formal angiogram. Transplant renal artery stenosis should be suspected in any kidney transplant recipient with worsening hypertension and/or deterioration in kidney function which is otherwise unexplained. We present the case of a kidney transplant recipient with resistant hypertension and impaired graft function, secondary to severe impairment of graft blood flow from proximal iliac system occlusion.

Presenting concerns of the patient:

A 74-year-old female 15 years post live donor kidney transplant presented with graft dysfunction (serum Cr 229 μmol/L) and resistant hypertension, requiring use of 8 antihypertensive medications. On physical examination, blood pressure was 160/92 mm Hg with no tenderness over the renal graft in the right lower abdominal quadrant and no audible bruit in kidney allograft area.

Diagnosis:

Transplant Doppler ultrasound showed reversal of flow in the right external iliac artery suggestive of ipsilateral proximal iliac occlusion. Pre-procedure CT demonstrated severe atherosclerotic burden within the aorta and bilateral iliac systems. The anastomosed right renal artery appeared patent.

Interventions:

Conventional angiogram showed occlusion of the right common and proximal external iliac arteries with retrograde perfusion of the transplant kidney via the contralateral left iliac system and aorta. Subintimal recanalization of the right iliac system was performed with angioplasty and kissing stent placement at the aortic bifurcation with stents extending into the proximal right external iliac artery. Post deployment angiogram demonstrated renewed patency of the right iliac system, with restoration of antegrade perfusion to the transplant kidney.

Outcomes:

The patient’s blood pressure decreased significantly after the procedure, with improvement in graft function. After 6 months, the patient continued to have optimally controlled blood pressure (on 3 medications) and stable graft function (serum Cr 74 μmol/L).

Teaching points:

Our case describes proximal TRAS and the contribution of renal hypoperfusion to hypertension and impaired graft function, with the potential for reversibility.
From Scalability to Subsidiarity in Addressing Online Harm
Authors: Hasinoff Amy A. , Schneider Nathan
Published: September 2022

Large social media platforms are generally designed for scalability—the ambition to increase in size without a fundamental change in form. This means that to address harm among users, they favor automated moderation wherever possible and typically apply a uniform set of rules. This article contrasts scalability with restorative and transformative justice approaches to harm, which are usually context-sensitive, relational, and individualized. We argue that subsidiarity—the principle that local social units should have meaningful autonomy within larger systems—might foster the balance between context and scale that is needed for improving responses to harm.
How New Nurses Experience Workplace Belonging: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ching Huang Ying , Fang Yiu Ting , Yun Wang Kwua
Published: September 2022

A sense of belonging is a need for interpersonal connections; it is a crucial factor that decides whether new graduate nurses can adapt to group working life in a clinical setting. Thus, a detailed understanding of the experience of workplace belonging could assist new graduate nurses adjust to entering the workforce. This study employed the qualitative methodology of phenomenology to examine the meaning of the experiences of workplace belonging of 12 new graduate nurse participants. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews and observations during the interview sessions. After data were collected, they were transcribed verbatim for the purpose of data analysis. New graduate nurses experience related to workplace belonging can be explained using five themes were identified, namely “adjust oneself to blend in,” “not being ignored,” “becoming an ally,” “achieving goals through concerted efforts,” and “sharing emotions and becoming family.” New graduate nurses experience various types of stress when they first start working in a clinical setting, and this is an issue that warrants the attention and support from all health professionals. Nursing managers could apply the findings of the current study to guide their unit colleagues. Identifying methods that could enhance new graduate nurses’ sense of workplace belonging and mutual recognition between employees and their work groups is beneficial for cultivating new graduate nurses’ sense of workplace belonging and facilitating their career growth.
Impact of Servant Leadership on Project Success Through Mediating Role of Team Motivation and Effectiveness: A Case of Software Industry
Authors: Ellahi Abida , Rehman Mobashar , Javed Yasir , Sultan Fahd , Rehman Hafiz Mudassir
Published: September 2022

Project management in today’s intensely competitive environment has compelled organizations to adopt project management approach for better business results. Therefore, current research study aims to investigate the impact of servant leadership on project success with the mediating role of team motivation and team effectiveness in the software industry. A field survey was conducted, using a questionnaire as a survey tool. Data were collected from 219 respondents who have been working as team members of software development projects. The statistical results were obtained using the SPSS Process macro. The results show project managers need to exhibit a servant leadership style due to its strong influence on project success, albeit through team motivation and effectiveness. The findings from this study contribute to the field of leadership and project management along with the field of information systems and software engineering.
Roles of Social Networking in Complex Multi-agency Implementation Efforts
Authors: Estrich Cameron , DeSisto Carla L. , Pliska Ellen , Mackie Christine N. , Velonis Alisa , Uesugi Keriann , Waddell Lisa F. , Rankin Kristin M.
Published: September 2022

Some state health departments in the United States are in the process of increasing access to immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), an evidence based approach to preventing unintended pregnancy. Changing state Medicaid policies for immediate postpartum LARC reimbursement has proven insufficient for overcoming access barriers, so states developed implementation strategies to conduct multiple, coordinated systems changes. This research was conducted to understand the roles of social networks in implementing a complex health systems change. In 2015 and 2018, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with state teams engaged in increasing access to immediate postpartum LARC. Transcriptions of interviews were coded based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and implementation strategies, then themes were refined through discussion. A web-based assessment in 2018 evaluated degree of implementation accomplishment. Teams found that increased formal or informal social engagement among members aided timeliness, resource coordination, accountability, and enthusiasm, and over the course of 2 years, reduced disruptions due to staff turnover. The composition of the team influenced the social ties it could draw upon. Preexisting relationships were the most common source of social networking. Bridging social ties connected state teams to novel information and instrumental aid used to seek funding, conduct consumer awareness activities, and train healthcare providers. Cultivating and maintaining relationships among agencies and organizations as part of routine operations enables them to be available for future implementation efforts. Multi-agency teams may benefit from prioritizing time for internal and external relationship-building to enhance implementation progress.
Examining Online MBA Students’ Social Presence and Career Planning Self-Confidence
Authors: Ramos Salazar Leslie , Zhang Yafei , Huntington Heidi , Khandelwal Priyanka , Joshi Pradnya
Published: September 2022

It is unknown whether social presence in internet-based MBA courses enhances students’ career success. This study examined general self-efficacy and goal orientation mediation models to determine what strengthens MBA students’ social presence and their career planning self-confidence. Data included 278 online MBA students in an AACSB-accredited college of business. The regression analyses demonstrated that perceived general self-efficacy and goal orientation related to students’ career planning self-confidence. The mediation analyses revealed that internet self-efficacy, perceived general self-efficacy, and goal orientation had an indirect mediating effect on social presence and career planning. Implications are offered for business communication educators.
What Isn’t Christian Nationalism? A Call for Conceptual and Empirical Splitting
Authors: Smith Jesse , Adler Gary J.
Published: September 2022

In the years surrounding Donald Trump’s presidency, a burgeoning strand of literature has emphasized the role of Christian nationalism in American political conflict. The authors argue that this literature contains mutually reinforcing theoretical and empirical shortcomings. Theoretically, the concept of Christian nationalism is overextended and conflates multiple conceptualizations of religion in public life. Empirically, the standard scale used to measure Christian nationalism contains survey items that are too ambiguous to adequately inform (or constrain) interpretations of findings. The authors draw from cultural sociology and political science to highlight key questions current Christian nationalism scholarship does not adequately address. The authors present results from a latent class analysis to show how the same survey items allow other interpretations of how Americans think about religion, state, and public life. The authors conclude with a discussion of theoretical and empirical steps that may strengthen the contributions of this scholarship.
Effects of Mandatory Sexual Misconduct Training on University Campuses
Authors: Htun Mala , Jensenius Francesca R. , Dominguez Melanie Sayuri , Tinkler Justine , Contreras Carlos
Published: September 2022

The authors explore whether mandatory, universal, in-person sexual misconduct training achieves its goals to build knowledge about sexual assault and harassment and increase intentions to report episodes of assault. The authors present results from three studies with quasi-experimental designs as well as interviews with students and staff members at a diverse public university in the western United States. The surprising finding is that participating in training makes women students less likely to say they that will report experiences of sexual assault to university authorities. The training produces some small positive effects: students gain broader definitions of sexual misconduct and are less likely to endorse common rape myths, and women students express less sexist attitudes immediately after training. This study raises questions about whether one-shot training helps reduce sexual violence and increase reporting on college campuses and whether universities should invest in these types of training.
Characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant and Emerging Impact on Global Public Health
Authors: Rabiul Islam Md. , Nasreen Waheeda , Anjum Ramisa , Shahriar Mohammad , Roy Arpita , Dhama Kuldeep , Ahmed Bhuiyan Mohiuddin
Published: September 2022

The discovery of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant has sparked alarm globally because of its rapid rate of infection and trespassing acquired immunity due to vaccination or natural infection. This heavily mutated variant is rapidly spreading around the world. Infected individuals with the Omicron variant may suffer from flu-like symptoms, and infected with the Delta variant frequently report low oxygen levels, high pulse rates, and a loss of smell and taste. Also, the Omicron variant causes asymptomatic or mild disease so far, and not any severe illness as like Delta, and this new variant has a 15% to 80% reduced risk of hospitalization than the Delta variant. Scientists are worried about the possibility of escaping the immunity by the Omicron variants and subvariants among fully vaccinated and recovered COVID-19 patients. Two doses of available vaccines are found to be partially ineffective in protecting this new variant, therefore, the third dose as a booster is recommended to enhance antibody level. Moreover, some antiviral drugs significantly reduce hospitalization or death among mild to severe COVID-19 patients. All authorized antiviral drugs are effective against viral replication for most SARS-CoV-2 variants, and particularly some monoclonal antibodies may not now be effective in treating COVID-19 patients. There is an urgent need to update existing vaccines, develop more effective and newer vaccines as well as additional monoclonal antibodies to counter Omicron. Therefore, along with close monitoring of Omicron characteristics, the present study suggests that health safety guidelines, mass immunization, early diagnosis, and search for effective antiviral drugs should be the approaches to fight against newer SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Genomic evidence refutes the hypothesis that the Bornean banteng is a distinct species
Authors: Sun Xin , Ciucani Marta Maria , Rasmussen Jacob Agerbo , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Sinding Mikkel-Holger S.
Published: September 2022

The banteng (Bos javanicus) is an endangered species within the wild Asian Bos complex, that has traditionally been subdivided into three geographically isolated subspecies based on (i) mainland Southeast Asia (B. j. birmanicus), (ii) Java (B. j. javanicus), and (iii) Borneo (B. j. lowi). However, analysis of a single Bornean banteng mitochondrial genome generated through a genome skimming approach was used to suggest that it may actually represent a distinct species (Ishige et al. in Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal 27(4):2453–4. http://doi.org/10.3109/19401736.2015.1033694 , 2016). To explore this hypothesis further, we leveraged on the GenBank (NCBI) raw read sequencing data originally used to construct the mitochondrial genome and reconstructed its nuclear genome at low (0.2×) coverage. When analysed in the context of nuclear genomic data representing a broad reference panel of Asian Bos species, we find the Bornean banteng affiliates strongly with the Javan banteng, in contradiction to the expectation if the separate species hypothesis was correct. Thus, despite the Bornean banteng’s unusual mitochondrial lineage, we argue there is no genomic evidence that the Bornean banteng is a distinct species.
Periostin and TNF-α expression levels in peripheral blood of patients with acute cerebral infarction combined with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and their predictive value for clinical prognosis
Authors: Xin Yu , Li Shuai , Liu Huimin , Liu Bo
Published: September 2022

Objective

To detect the expression levels of periostin and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) combined with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and to investigate their predictive value for clinical prognosis.

Methods

In this case‒control study, serum periostin and TNF-α levels were measured using ELISA, and patients were scored on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC) were generated to analyse the effect of peripheral blood periostin and TNF-α levels on poor prognosis.

Results

NIHSS score, mRS score and peripheral blood periostin and TNF-α levels were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.001); serum periostin and TNF-α levels were positively correlated with the NIHSS score and mRS score (P < 0.001). Serum periostin and TNF-α levels were higher in patients with a poor prognosis than in those with a favourable prognosis (P < 0.001); the area under curve (AUC) values for the diagnosis of poor prognosis based on TNF-α, periostin or both factors were 0.868 (95% CI: 0.781–0.954), 0.834 (95% CI: 0.734–0.934), and 0.875 (95% CI: 0.792 ~ 0.958), with sensitivities of 0.654, 0.846, and 0.654 and specificities of 0.944, 0.750, and 0.917, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with ACI combined with OSAS have elevated peripheral blood periostin and TNF-α levels, and the combination of these two factors has high predictive value for poor prognosis.
Midwives’ empathy and shared decision making from women’s perspective - sensitivity of an assessment to compare quality of care in prenatal and obstetric care
Authors: Schulz Anja Alexandra , Wirtz Markus Antonius
Published: September 2022

Background

For quality-oriented evaluation of prenatal and obstetric care, it is important to systematically consider the perspective of the women receiving care in order to comprehensively assess and optimize quality in a woman-centered manner. Empathy and Shared Decision Making (SDM) are essential components of woman-centered midwifery care. The aim of the study was to analyze measurement invariance of the items of the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) and Shared Decision Making-Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) scales depending on the prenatal versus obstetric care setting.

Methods

One hundred fifty women retrospectively assessed aspects of woman-centered midwifery care in both prenatal and obstetric care setting. The birth of the child was a maximum of 12 months ago. A structural equation modelling approach was adopted to separate true effects from response shift (RS) effects depending on care setting. The latter were analyzed in terms of recalibration (changing women’s internal measurement standards), Reprioritization (changing associations of items and construct) as well as Reconceptualization (redefining the target construct).

Results

A response shift model was identified for both assessments (pregnancy/birth: CFI = .96/.96; SRMR = .046/.051). At birth, both scales indicated lower quality of care compared with prenatal care (SDM-Q-9-M/CARE-8-M:|d| = 0.190/0.392). Although no reconceptualization is required for the items of both scales, RS effects are evident for individual items. Due to recalibration and reprioritization effects, the true differences in the items are partly underestimated (SDM-Q-9-M/CARE-8-M: 3/2 items) or overestimated (4/2 items).

Conclusion

The structure of the constructs SDM and Empathy, indicating woman-centered midwifery care, are moderated by the care settings. To validly assess midwives’ empathy and shared decision making from women’s perspective, setting-dependent response shift effects have to be considered. The proven item-specific response effects contribute to a better understanding of construct characteristics in woman-centered care by midwives during pregnancy and childbirth.
2011–2021 rising prevalence of HPV infection among oropharyngeal carcinoma in France
Authors: Gorphe Philippe , Blanchard Pierre , Garcia Gabriel C. T. E. , Classe Marion , Even Caroline , Temam Stéphane , Breuskin Ingrid
Published: September 2022

Background

The objective of our study was to investigate changes over the past decade in patient age and the prevalence of HPV in the population of patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) treated at our center.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients treated at our cancer center for OPC between 2011 and 2021. Tissue biopsies were assessed for HPV status based on p16 staining for all patients.

Results

There were 1,365 treated patients. The proportion of p16-positive patients increased from 43% in 2011 to 57.3% in 2021 (p = 0.01). The sex ratio was 3.6 M/1F for p16-positive and 3.7 M/1F for p16-negative patients (p = 0.94). The mean age increased from 60.2 y in 2011 to 63.6 y in 2021. The mean ages were 61.9 y for p16-positive and 61.7 y for p16-negative patients (p = 0.71), but there was a broader age distribution for the p16-positive patients (p = 0.03). The proportion of patients older than 70 y increased from 11% in 2011 to 28.2% in 2021, and this aging was similar between p16-positive (30.7% in 2021) and p16-negative (26.3% in 2021) patients. The 2-year and 5-year OS rates were 73.7% and 56.5% for the entire cohort. p16-positive patients had 2-year and 5-year OS rates of 86.8% and 77.4%, respectively, whereas p16-negative patients had 2-year and 5-year OS rates of 63.9% and 40.5%.

Conclusions

Assessment of the change over the past decade in the population of patients with OPC at our center showed that HPV-positive OPC now appear to have overtaken HPV-negative cases in France, with 57.3% in 2021, and showed significant aging, with almost thirty percent of patients now older than 70 years. Those combined changes emphasize some of the challenges to be addressed in future OPC management.
Understanding of black salve toxicity by multi-compound cytotoxicity assays
Authors: Croaker Andrew , Davis Arie , Carroll Anthony , Liu Lei , Myers Stephen P.
Published: September 2022

Background

Black salve is a controversial complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) associated with skin toxicity and skin cancer treatment failures. Black salve formulations vary between manufacturers and contain a number of botanical and synthetic constituents. The skin cancer cytotoxicity of a number of these constituents has not been assessed to date. The alkaloids from the rhizomes of Sanguinaria canadensis, a key black salve ingredient, have had their single compound cytotoxicity assessed; however, whether they possess synergistic cytotoxicity with other compounds has not been studied and is of direct clinical relevance. This research aimed to improve our understanding of the skin cancer cytotoxicity of black salve constituents.

Methods

The cytotoxicity of individual and combination black salve constituents were assessed against the A375 melanoma and A431 squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Cytotoxicity was determined using the Resazurin assay with fluorescence measured using a Tecan Infinite 200 Pro Microplate reader, compound cytotoxicity being compared to that of the topical cancer therapeutic agent, 5- fluouracil. Docetaxal was used as a positive control. Dunnetts p value was used to determine whether significant synergistic cytotoxicity was present.

Results

Sanguinarine was the most cytotoxic compound tested with a 24-hour IC50 of 2.1 μM against the A375 Melanoma cell line and 3.14 μM against the A431 SCC cell line. All black salve constituents showed greater cytotoxicity against the two skin cancer cell lines tested than the skin cancer therapeutic 5-Fluouracil with 24 hours of compound exposure. Chelerythrine and minor Quaternary Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids (QBAs) present in black salve, at concentrations not having a cytotoxic effect by themselves, boosted the cytotoxic effects of sanguinarine. This could be a synergistic rather than additive cytotoxic effect although the synergistic effect was cell line and concentration dependent.

Conclusions

Black salve contains several cytotoxic compounds, a number of which have been found to possess synergistic cytotoxicity for the first time against skin cancer cell lines. In addition, these compounds together increase the overall cytotoxic effect. Assessing multi-compound cytotoxicity in herbal medicine can provide additional information about both their therapeutic and toxicity potential. As black salve is currently being used by patients, further cytotoxicity work should be undertaken to assess whether synergistic cytotoxicity exists when tested in normal skin cells.
Retraction Note: Melastoma malabathricum Linn attenuates complete freund’s adjuvant-induced chronic inflammation in Wistar rats via inflammation response
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Bhatt Prakash Chandra , Sharma Kalicharan , Rahman Mahfoozur , Patel Dinesh Kumar , Sethi Nikunj , Kumar Atul , Sachan Nikhil Kumar , Kaithwas Gaurav , Al-abbasi F. A. , Anwar Firoz , Verma Amita
Published: September 2022

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1470-9.
STMN1 as a novel prognostic biomarker in HCC correlating with immune infiltrates and methylation
Authors: Zhang En-di , Li Chenxuan , Fang Yuan , Li Na , Xiao Zhongyun , Chen Chuhong , Wei Benkai , Wang Hangping , Xie Jincheng , Miao Yinglei , Zeng Zhong , Huang Hanfei
Published: September 2022

Background

Upregulation of Stathmin 1 (STMN1), a cytoplasmic phosphoprotein that controls the dynamics of cellular microtubules, is linked to malignant behavior and poor prognosis in a range of malignancies. However, little research has been done on STMN1’s potential role in HCC as a single factor in DNA methylation, m6A, or immunological modulation.

Results

STMN1 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma, where it is related to clinicopathological parameters and affects the prognosis of HCC patients. STMN1 overexpression plays an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Meanwhile, methylation of 7 CpG sites of STMN1 in HCC was correlated with prognosis, and STMN1 expression was closely related to m6A modification. In addition, STMN1 expression is associated with immune cell infiltration, immune molecules, and immune checkpoints in HCC.

Conclusion

STMN1 has a significant role in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and prediction. STMN1 is implicated not just in the onset and course but also in the immunological modulation of the disease. DNA methylation and m6A are both linked to STMN1. Therefore, STMN1 could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC, as well as a target for immunotherapy.
Physical activity from young adulthood to middle age and premature cardiovascular disease events: a 30-year population-based cohort study
Authors: Nagata Jason M. , Vittinghoff Eric , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Rana Jamal S. , Garber Andrea K. , Moran Andrew E. , Reis Jared P. , Lewis Cora E. , Sidney Stephen , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten
Published: September 2022

Background

Although physical activity is generally protective of cardiovascular disease (CVD), less is known about how young adult physical activity relates to premature CVD events. The objective of this study was to determine the association between level and change in physical activity from young adulthood to middle age and incidence of premature CVD events before age 60.

Methods

We analyzed data collected across four urban sites from nine visits over 30 years of follow-up (1985–2016) from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, a prospective community-based cohort study of 5115 Black and White women and men aged 18–30 years at baseline (1985–1986). Linear mixed models were used to develop individualized moderate-to-vigorous intensity self-reported physical activity trajectories per participant. Fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, and stroke outcomes were analyzed separately and as a combined CVD event outcome.

Results

Overall, physical activity declined in young adults as they progressed through middle age. Lower physical activity scores (per 100 exercise units) in 18 year-olds were associated with higher odds of premature CHD (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.28), heart failure (AOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.05–1.38), stroke (AOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.39), and any CVD (AOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06–1.24) events. Each additional annual 1-unit reduction in the physical activity score was associated with a higher annual odds of incident heart failure (1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.13), stroke (1.06, 95% CI 1.00–1.13), and CVD (1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07) events. Meeting the minimum (AOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.0.57–0.96) and twice the minimum (AOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.34–0.91) Department of Health and Human Services physical activity guidelines through follow up was protective of premature CVD events.

Conclusions

Given recent trends in declining physical activity with age and associated premature CVD events, the transition from young adult to midlife is an important time period to promote physical activity.
Assessment of perceived risk and precautionary behavior toward COVID-19 pandemic using the health belief model, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mortada Eman M. , Elhessewi Ghada Moh Samir
Published: September 2022

Background

The global threat of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve forming the most impactful health crises in modern history, necessities of individuals adhering to mandatory behavior change that limits the spread of the pandemic. The purpose of the current study is to identify behavioral responses of the health sciences university students during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and determine risk perceptions using the health belief model (HBM).

Methods

A cross-sectional study using an online survey distributed among health sciences female university students in Riyadh, KSA. The questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic characteristics; knowledge about COVID-19 and its preventive measures, risk perceptions, and beliefs using the HBM; and their actual adoption of precautionary measures.

Results

The mean age of 286 respondents was 21.6 years (SD 2.5). They had good knowledge, positive risk perception, and good practice. Fifty-seven percent of the respondents adhere satisfactorily to COVID-19 precautionary behavior. Respondents with positive overall risk perception had around 6 times significantly higher adherence compared to those with negative risk perception. Perceived benefits have higher odds of adherence to COVID-19 precautionary behavior. Similarly, cues to action were a significant determinant of adherence to COVID-19 precautionary behavior.

Conclusions

The constructs of the HBM provided good measurement of risk perception and the respondent students had good knowledge. Yet, significant gaps were shown between COVID-19 perceived risks and the students’ actual practice of personal hygienic measures, particularly hand hygiene. To put an end to the present COVID-19 and its upcoming waves, it is highly recommended to direct COVID-19 training programs specifically tailored towards university students.
Four-channel parity-time symmetry
Authors: Özgün Ege , Ozbay Ekmel , Ozdur Ibrahim
Published: September 2022

In this letter, we propose a general scheme for four-channel parity-time symmetry. We theoretically demonstrate how to achieve novel features via exploiting the parity-time symmetry for four-channel coupled-mode equations and study the spontaneous symmetry breaking manifold, separating the parity-time symmetric and parity-time broken regimes, for various parameter configurations. We also propose a possible candidate (an optoelectronic oscillator) which can demonstrate the theoretically derived features, which include broadband tunability, eigenfrequency selection and flipping, and single/dual frequency operation regimes.
Utilization of Navigation-Integrated, Mixed Reality Templates for Minimizing Invasiveness of Neurosurgical Procedures: A Case Series
Authors: Jean Walter C. , Sack Kenneth D.
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND:

The tenets of minimally invasive neurosurgery require small craniotomies that nevertheless afford sufficient surgical freedom to safely accomplish the operative goal.

OBJECTIVE:

To present a novel technique which couples surgical rehearsal in virtual reality (VR) with navigation-integrated, microscope-synchronized augmented reality (AR) to optimize minimally invasive openings.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of the senior author's early experience with this mixed reality (VR + AR) platform was conducted. Patient-specific VR models were rendered from standard computed tomography/MRI. Surgical rehearsal with these models created templates with the optimal opening, which were integrated with the AR system. In surgery, the templates were projected through a navigation-tracked microscope and appeared as AR objects onto the patient. The templates guided the planning of the incision and steps of the approach.

RESULTS:

Sixteen patients were included in this study, 11 women and 5 men (33-79 years; median: 59.5). Twelve operations were performed for mass lesions and 4 for microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia. There were no intraoperative adverse events related to AR. For 15 patients (94%), the templates provided major advantage in optimizing the bony opening and guided the operation to the specific anatomic location chosen preoperatively. For 1 patient, the AR template guided the drilling away from the critical structures inside the temporal bone. In addition, 3-dimensional AR markers relieve the surgeon from ergonomically cumbersome monitor-based navigation (Video 1).

CONCLUSION:

This novel mixed reality platform combines surgical rehearsal in VR and navigation-integrated, microscope-synchronized overlay of AR templates to ensure that optimal exposure is efficiently obtained.
Mapping health services for adults with cerebral palsy in Ireland: a pilot study
Authors: Manikandan Manjula , Jagdeo Shalini , Weldon Fiona , Harrington Sarah , O'Sullivan Rory , Fortune Jennifer , Kerr Claire , M Ryan Jennifer
Published: September 2022

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common cause of physical disability in childhood. The majority of children with CP survive to adulthood. Once discharged from children’s services, adults with CP find it challenging to navigate health services. The aim of this study was to pilot and refine a methodology to map services for adults with CP in Ireland.

Methods: We used a multi-informant mapping methodology consisting of: 1. Defining health services; 2. Identifying informants; 3. Designing a survey; 4. Collecting data; 5. Data checking and analysis. We collected data on services from service users and service providers using an online survey. We verified data against information available online and by asking organisations to provide details about the service.

Results: Fifteen service users and nine service providers completed the online survey. Data on 265 unique services at 32 organisations were provided. The most commonly provided services were physiotherapy (12%) and occupational therapy (11%). We confirmed the name of 89 services (34%) against online information. We received further details from eight organisations about 27 services. Specifically, we received details about the organisation name for 27 of the 265 services (10%), service name for 25 services (9%), service type for 25 services (9%), a website for 19 services (7%), and data on eligibility criteria and types of supports provided for between 25 or 26 services (9% or 10%).

Conclusion: This pilot study highlighted the complexity of mapping services for adults with CP in Ireland. Prior to conducting a future study, the scope of the map of services should be considered, and attempts should be made to improve the accuracy of information provided by informants and to engage organisations in verifying service details.
The possibility of spatial mapping of soil organic carbon content at three depths using easy-to-obtain ancillary data in a Mediterranean area
Authors: Blanco Velázquez Francisco José , Shahabi Mahmoud , Rezaei Hossein , González-Peñaloza Félix , Shahbazi Farzin , Anaya-Romero María
Published: September 2022

Background: Unlike most of Europe, Andalucía in southern Spain as a Mediterranean area still lacks digital maps of soil organic carbon (SOC) content at multiple depths, which can be generated by machine learning algorithms. The wide diversity of climate, geology, hydrology, landscape, topography, vegetation, and micro-relief data as easy-to-obtain covariates has facilitated the development of digital soil mapping (DSM). The purpose of this research is to model and map the spatial distribution of SOC at three depths, in an area of approximately 10000 km2 located in Seville and Cordoba Provinces, and to use R programming to compare two machine learning techniques (cubist and random forest) for developing SOC maps at multiple depths.

Methods: Environmental covariates used in this research include nine derivatives from digital elevation models (DEM), three climatic variables, and 18 remotely-sensed spectral data (band ratios calculated by Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager ‘OLI’ and Sentinel-2A Multispectral Instrument ‘MSI’ in July 2019). In total, 300 soil samples from 100 points at three depths (0-25 cm, 25-50 cm, and 50-75 cm) were taken from existing literature. Both machine learning techniques were compared taking into account their accuracy using the goodness-of-fit criteria to predict SOC.

Results: The findings showed that integrating the indices derived by Landsat-8 OLI and Sentinel-2A MSI satellite data had a better result than when satellite data was used separately. 

Conclusions: We obtained evidence that the resolution of satellite images is a key parameter in modelling and digital mapping.
Development of multimedia-based digital laboratory project center (CoLaP)
Authors: Siregar Tiur Malasari , Armanto Dian , Frisnoiry Suci
Published: September 2022

Designing Digital Center of Laboratory Project (CoLaP) a Multimedia-based can be used as a learning publication tool for students, lecturers, schools and other institutions and make the Mathematics Lab a source of information that can be a learning tool related to learning media, data processing and making learning media, Designing digital laboratory textbooks by elaborating several media, seeing feasibility, attractiveness and effectiveness of its use in Digital Center Of Laboratory Project (CoLaP) Multimedia-based. The method used in the process of making the Center of Laboratory Project (CoLaP) website is based on WDLC (Web Development Life Cycle) with 7 stages of development. Based on the research results, the creation of a digital library system for mathematics education which we call Digitalusing CoLaPWDLC. This digital CoLaP system produces a system that can be used by students, laboratory assistants, lecturers in viewing RPS and lecture contracts, viewing textbooks, viewing media, viewing lecture schedules or lab use, Lab activities, laboratory assistants can validate student data, process student data, upload the schedule for the use of the lab, the schedule of lecturers and students on duty by logging in first into the system. Based on the test results given that students and lecturers respond well to the creation of the Digital CoLaP Web system. Students and lecturers find it helpful to make it easier to carry out the lecture process, starting with the lecture schedule, laboratory lecture tools are available.
The Dismissal of ‘Substance’ and ‘Being’ in Peirce’s Regenerated Logic
Authors: Brioschi Maria Regina
Published: September 2022

After introducing the debate between substance philosophy and process philosophy, and clarifying the relevance of the category of ‘substance’ in Peirce’s thought, the present paper reconstructs the role of ‘substance’ and ‘being’ from Peirce’s early works to his theory of the proposition, provided after his studies on the logic of relatives. If those two categories apparently disappear in Peirce’s writings from the mid-1890s onwards, the account of ‘subject’ and ‘copula’ in Peirce’s analysis of the proposition allows one to grasp the reasons why Peirce omits ‘substance’ and ‘being’ in favor of his three categories (Firstness, Secondness, Thirdness), and to understand why his philosophy cannot be considered as a substance philosophy.
Manipulation and (Mis)trust in Prediction Markets
Authors: Choo Lawrence , Kaplan Todd R. , Zultan Ro’i
Published: September 2022

Markets are increasingly used as information aggregation mechanisms to predict future events. If policymakers and managers use markets to guide policy and managerial decisions, interested parties may attempt to manipulate the market in order to influence decisions. We study experimentally the willingness of managers to base decisions on market information under the shadow of manipulation. We find that when there are manipulators in the market, managers under-utilize the information revealed in prices. Furthermore, mere suspicion of manipulation erodes trust in the market, leading to the implementation of suboptimal policies—even without actual manipulation.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.
A grounded theory on collaborative interactions in a community-university partnership: the case of youth in the public space
Authors: Dewaele Alexis , Anderson Lindsey , Klima Noel , Lauwerier Emelien
Published: September 2022

Background:

Research impact is at least partly generated through collaborative interactions, yet the associations between knowledge production and impact are far more complex than relatively simple linear models generally describe.

Aims and objectives:

In this case study, we focus on a community-university partnership and try to answer the question, ‘What are the conditions that facilitate or hinder successful collaborative interactions aimed towards solving a shared challenge between partners from different organisations?’

Methods:

A set of four co-creation sessions with diverse stakeholders was organised with the aim of tackling the nuisance caused by youth in a specific deprived neighbourhood in Belgium. The sessions were video-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed following a Grounded Theory (GT) approach to develop theoretical understandings of the process of knowledge production and research impact.

Findings:

Roles and mandates of individual stakeholder representatives determine (and hinder) their access to (confidential) information, but also their visibility and accessibility towards youth as end users. Achieving positive outcomes through collaboration was perceived by stakeholders as slowly evolving towards small successes, and was facilitated by being able to accept failure, working in a climate of trust, developing a shared identity, managing expectations, informally sharing information, and being able to connect with youth.

Discussion and conclusions:

We reflect on the importance of overcoming organisational asymmetries in collaborative interactions through installing feedback loops, and through the particular roles of boundary organisations, boundary objects, and practical tools that can help steer iterative collaborative interactions towards positive impact.