bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evolutionary Characteristics and Process Mechanisms of Online Public Opinion for Major Sports Event Emergencies
Authors: Huang Huang , Ruan Wen-Qi , Zhang Shu-Ning
Published: March 2024

With the rapid development of information technology, online public opinion on major sports event emergencies occurs frequently. However, the causal mechanisms and governance strategies for the evolution of online public opinion on major sports event emergencies have not been sufficiently explored; thus, this study examines public sentiment and the drivers of major sports event emergencies using Python and the grounded theory method. The results reveal that the evolution of online public opinion on major sports event emergencies is characterized by three stages: “outbreak period, repetition period and fading period.” Furthermore, online public opinion on major sports event emergencies demonstrates a dynamic trend of “triggering-deepening-extending.” Moreover, the evolution of online public opinion on major sports event emergencies is mainly influenced by emotional resonance, accident review and extended reflection. These findings have implications for the response, control and governance of online public opinion about sports event emergencies.
Integration of Advanced Sri Practices Into the European Asset Management Industry: A Survey of Drivers
Authors: Folqué Maria , Escrig-Olmedo Elena , Corzo Santamaría Teresa
Published: March 2024

Sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) has experienced impressive growth in the last two decades. However, the adoption of advanced SRI strategies that go beyond the mere exclusion of companies or asset classes has not kept pace with this expansion, a critical development regarding its potential impact on sustainability. For this reason, this study aims to identify the main drivers for the adoption of advanced sustainable and responsible investment practices by asset management companies to know why and which companies better advance the strengthening of SRI in the European financial market considering an original combination of different SRI drivers. To investigate which factors seem to be more decisive in adopting more sophisticated SRI practices, we first conducted a survey among fund management companies that manage and/or distribute investment funds in Europe. Second, we used logistic and multivariate regressions as analytical tools for testing the hypotheses. Results show that societal pressures and a formal corporate social responsibility policy are the main drivers for adopting advanced SRI practices by asset management companies.
Research on the Long-term Mechanism of Using Public Service Platforms in National Smart Education—Based on the Double Reduction Policy
Authors: Liu Yang , Cao Shuo , Chen Guomin
Published: March 2024

The Smart Education of China, a large education data platform for the aggregation and application of high-quality educational resources, is vital for China to stimulate the balanced development of education and to reduce students’ learning burden. This study focuses on the long-term mechanism of the Smart Education of China, adopting TOE framework and qualitative comparative analysis research method to investigate the technological conditions, environmental conditions, organizational conditions and content conditions of the Smart Education of China before summarizing four usage paths of the Smart Education of China. With regard for the existing issues, the study concludes that for the sake of a long-term mechanism the Smart Education of China needs to solve four problems, including unfinished construction, content-insufficient platform, popular but ineffective application, and substandard quality.
Assessing Frailty in Plastic Surgery: Analysis of the Five-factor Index
Authors: Subramaniam Sneha , Smith Reid W. , Tanna Neil , Smith Mark L.
Published: March 2024

Background: Frailty has been shown to have a strong association with adverse outcomes in several surgical specialties. Only recently, however, its relevance in plastic surgery has been examined, yielding inconsistent results. Our goal was to apply the five-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) across multiple subcategories of plastic surgery procedures to identify potential areas where it might prove useful. Methods: NSQIP data from 2015 to 2019 were utilized. Plastic surgery CPT codes were placed into clinically relevant subcategories based on common procedure groupings as follows: superficial soft tissue procedures, head and neck reconstruction, hand surgery, breast reconstruction, gender surgery, esthetic surgery, and facial fractures. The mFI-5 score was calculated for each subcategory. C-statistics were used to determine predictive ability for 30-day morbidity. Multivariable logistic regressions were also calculated to assess for odds ratios (ORs) with regard to 30-day morbidity. Results: A total of 188,741 patients fit inclusion criteria. The mean frailty of plastic surgery patients was noted to be lower than in other surgical specialties. C-statistic models and ORs showed mFI-5 to have predictive ability for post-operative complication in superficial soft tissue procedures (C stat: 0.758), hand surgery (C-stat: 0.832), breast reconstruction (C-statistic: 0.718), head and neck reconstruction (C-statistic: 0.735), and gender surgery (C-statistic: 0.732). Conclusion: The mFI-5 is a clinical tool that can be selectively and cautiously used in plastic surgery, for specific subcategories of procedures including soft tissue procedures, hand surgery, head and neck reconstruction, and breast reconstruction.
Steven-Jonhson Syndrome in a Patient With Dengue Infection in Peru: A Case Report
Authors: Aparcana-Choque Winny D. , Pisconti-Palacios Yadira M. , Cordova-Tello Ivan , Ausejo-Galarza Jhon , Gomez-Gonzales Walter , Kochubei-Hurtado Andrei , Arteaga-Livias Kovy
Published: March 2024

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is an infrequent condition affecting the skin and mucous membranes, it involves cutaneous detachment with high mortality without adequate treatment. We present the case of a 40-year-old male with a history of epilepsy treated with valproic acid and lamotrigine, previously diagnosed with dengue. Evaluation showed erythematous blisters on skin and mucosa with bleeding and desquamation, covering 10% of the body surface. The patient progressed favorably with the medical care received. Stevens-Johnson syndrome should be studied in association with arboviral diseases.
Adapting Cognitive Remediation Group Therapy Online: Focus Groups with People Aging with HIV
Authors: Eaton Andrew D. , Hui Jenny , Muchenje Marvelous , Kon Taylor , Murzin Kate , Chan Carusone Soo , Novik Nuelle , Quigley Adria , Kokorelias Kristina , Ibáñez-Carrasco Francisco
Published: March 2024

Cognitive health is a significant concern for people aging with HIV/AIDS. Psychosocial group therapies may help people aging with HIV who experience cognitive challenges cope with their symptoms. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed in-person group therapies need adaptation for technology-mediated delivery. Peer-led focus groups discussed adapting cognitive remediation group therapy (CRGT) as an online intervention. CRGT combines mindfulness-based stress reduction and brain training activities. Purposive sampling recruited people aging with HIV (40+) who self-identified cognitive concerns and resided in one of two Canadian provinces. Thematic content analysis was employed on transcripts by seven independent coders. Ten, 2-hour focus groups were conducted between August and November 2022. Participants (n=45) responded favorably to CRGT's modalities. Alongside support for its continued implementation in-person, participants requested online synchronous and online asynchronous formats. Preferred intervention facilitators were peers and mental health professionals. We also discuss how to adapt psychosocial HIV therapies for technology-mediated delivery.
Review of Binaural Processing With Asymmetrical Hearing Outcomes in Patients With Bilateral Cochlear Implants
Authors: Anderson Sean R. , Burg Emily , Suveg Lukas , Litovsky Ruth Y.
Published: March 2024

Bilateral cochlear implants (BiCIs) result in several benefits, including improvements in speech understanding in noise and sound source localization. However, the benefit bilateral implants provide among recipients varies considerably across individuals. Here we consider one of the reasons for this variability: difference in hearing function between the two ears, that is, interaural asymmetry. Thus far, investigations of interaural asymmetry have been highly specialized within various research areas. The goal of this review is to integrate these studies in one place, motivating future research in the area of interaural asymmetry. We first consider bottom-up processing, where binaural cues are represented using excitation-inhibition of signals from the left ear and right ear, varying with the location of the sound in space, and represented by the lateral superior olive in the auditory brainstem. We then consider top-down processing via predictive coding, which assumes that perception stems from expectations based on context and prior sensory experience, represented by cascading series of cortical circuits. An internal, perceptual model is maintained and updated in light of incoming sensory input. Together, we hope that this amalgamation of physiological, behavioral, and modeling studies will help bridge gaps in the field of binaural hearing and promote a clearer understanding of the implications of interaural asymmetry for future research on optimal patient interventions.
Impact of Durable Water-Repellent Finishing in Thermal Liner on Firefighter Heat Stress
Authors: Gao Huipu , Deaton Anthoney Shawn , Barker Roger
Published: March 2024

Heat stress has always been a critical issue among firefighters. Previous studies have indicated the potential influence of water-repellent finishing on heat release properties of clothing. Nevertheless, the impact of durable water repellent in a thermal liner on firefighter heat stress has never been studied. In this work, the impact of durable water-repellent finishing inside the thermal liner on heat stress has been evaluated systematically for the first time, using a sweat-guarded hotplate, a sweating manikin, and a physiological manikin. The results showed that there was no significant difference in heat loss capabilities on the fabric level or garment level between turnout clothing with or without durable water-repellent finishing in the thermal liner. In addition, no significant differences were identified in predicted physiological responses when tested in a mild environment. However, the turnout clothing with durable water-repellent finishing in the thermal liner demonstrated significantly less weight gain after the physiological manikin test. This initial investigation lays the groundwork for understanding how durable water-repellent finishing in thermal liners may impact firefighter comfort. It acts as a starting point for further research on the potential impact of durable water-repellent finishing on thermal protection and overall comfort under various ambient conditions.
A Tutorial on Analyzing Ecological Momentary Assessment Data in Psychological Research With Bayesian (Generalized) Mixed-Effects Models
Authors: Dora Jonas , McCabe Connor J. , van Lissa Caspar J. , Witkiewitz Katie , King Kevin M.
Published: March 2024

In this tutorial, we introduce the reader to analyzing ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data as applied in psychological sciences with the use of Bayesian (generalized) linear mixed-effects models. We discuss practical advantages of the Bayesian approach over frequentist methods and conceptual differences. We demonstrate how Bayesian statistics can help EMA researchers to (a) incorporate prior knowledge and beliefs in analyses, (b) fit models with a large variety of outcome distributions that reflect likely data-generating processes, (c) quantify the uncertainty of effect-size estimates, and (d) quantify the evidence for or against an informative hypothesis. We present a workflow for Bayesian analyses and provide illustrative examples based on EMA data, which we analyze using (generalized) linear mixed-effects models to test whether daily self-control demands predict three different alcohol outcomes. All examples are reproducible, and data and code are available at https://osf.io/rh2sw/ . Having worked through this tutorial, readers should be able to adopt a Bayesian workflow to their own analysis of EMA data.
Imagining Desirable Futures: A call for prospective theorizing with speculative rigour
Authors: Gümüsay Ali Aslan , Reinecke Juliane
Published: March 2024

With the looming planetary emergency, the future will be anything but an extension of the past. Yet theorizing the future poses a peculiar problem. By definition, it is not present yet. The conundrum of the future is that it requires conceptualizing and theorizing what is not (yet) observable and does not (yet) exist. Scholars have called for more impactful theories; we argue that one powerful avenue to make organizational theories more impactful is to make them more future-oriented. In this article, we call for prospective theorizing, which we define as a future-oriented approach to theorizing that is concerned with imagining desirable futures. First, we argue that prospective theorizing involves a shift along two dimensions (onto-epistemological and axiological): from projection to imagination, and from values-neutral to values-led theorizing. Second, we suggest and promote prospective theorizing practices that might enable such a shift, distinguishing between inputs, throughputs and outputs of theorizing. Third, for such prospective theorizing to be scientifically evaluable and rigorous, we develop the notion of speculative rigour, and outline criteria of generative potency, process transparency, plausible desirability and speculative plausibility. Overall, we argue that prospective theorizing adds to greater plurality in our theorizing towards (re)generative scholarship for imagining desirable futures.
Autism and sleep across development: Advancing research and treatment through co-production
Authors: Spanò Goffredina , Combs Dan , Dwyer Patrick , Luongo Alison , Parent-Johnson Wendy , Edgin Jamie
Published: March 2024

Sleep difficulties are highly prevalent in autistic individuals throughout their lifespan and are a substantial concern for these individuals, as well as parents/caregivers. These difficulties have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the long-term effects are unclear and should be monitored. Despite considerable progress, sleep disorders continue to be underdiagnosed and left untreated in autistic youth. The sleep issues faced by autistic youth often differ from those experienced by neurotypical groups in presentation and treatment approaches, underscoring the urgent need for autism-specific validated diagnostic pathways as well as personalized treatments tailored to their age group. A step towards progress entails incorporating sleep screenings as a routine part of healthcare for autistic individuals at various developmental stages as sleep issues during childhood may differ from those in adolescence and adulthood. Future research in this area should aim to engage in community-based research partnerships with autistic individuals and parent-caregivers to maximize the benefits of future research for the community. A collaborative effort is necessary to address their distinct sleep hygiene practices and unique needs, which appear to differ from the general population. Through this co-produced commentary, we aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding sleep difficulties in autistic youth, fostering a collaborative approach to improve understanding of these disturbances, their diagnosis, and how tailored treatments may be available.

Lay Abstract

Autistic individuals often face sleep difficulties that persist across their lives, causing concern for those experiencing them and their families/caregivers. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened these challenges, with unclear long-term effects. Despite progress, sleep disorders in autistic youth are still underdiagnosed and untreated. Their sleep problems may differ from neurotypical peers, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions. Regular sleep screenings and collaborative research partnerships are essential steps in understanding and addressing their unique sleep needs.
Advances in COPD imaging using CT and MRI: linkage with lung physiology and clinical outcomes
Authors: Elbehairy Amany F. , Marshall Helen , Naish Josephine H. , Wild Jim M. , Parraga Grace , Horsley Alexander , Vestbo Jørgen
Published: March 2024

Recent years have witnessed major advances in lung imaging in patients with COPD. These include significant refinements in images obtained by computed tomography (CT) scans together with the introduction of new techniques and software that aim for obtaining the best image whilst using the lowest possible radiation dose. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has also emerged as a useful radiation-free tool in assessing structural and more importantly functional derangements in patients with well-established COPD and smokers without COPD, even before the existence of overt changes in resting physiological lung function tests. Together, CT and MRI now allow objective quantification and assessment of structural changes within the airways, lung parenchyma and pulmonary vessels. Furthermore, CT and MRI can now provide objective assessments of regional lung ventilation and perfusion, and multinuclear MRI provides further insight into gas exchange; this can help in structured decisions regarding treatment plans. These advances in chest imaging techniques have brought new insights into our understanding of disease pathophysiology and characterising different disease phenotypes. The present review discusses, in detail, the advances in lung imaging in patients with COPD and how structural and functional imaging are linked with common resting physiological tests and important clinical outcomes.
Multifaceted experiments and photothermal simulations based analysis of laser induced graphene and its fibers
Authors: Adiraju Anurag , Al-Hamry Ammar , Jalasutram Aditya , Wang Junfei , Kanoun Olfa
Published: March 2024

The interaction of CO2 laser with polyimide results in the formation of laser-induced graphene (LIG) and other morphological transitions based on laser parameters, such as Laser-induced fibers (LIF) on the surface. However, a fundamental investigation of LIF, its properties and potential have not been explored until now. We aim therefore to provide novel insights into the LIF by characterization of its structural, electrical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties. Four different morphologies were identified depending on the laser parameters and the temperature required for their formation were quantified by FEM model. Minimum temperatures of 1800 K were required to form LIG and around 2600 to 5000 K to form LIF. High heterogeneity of the LIF along thickness due to temperature gradients, and the existence of sheet structures underneath the fibers were identified. Due to the loosely bound nature of fibers, LIF dispersion was prepared by ultrasonication to functionalize the carbon electrode for electrochemical characterization. The modification with LIF on the electrodes enhanced the electrochemical response of the electrode towards standard redox couple which confirmed the conductive nature of the fibers. This work provides a solid basis for the versatile tuning of the behavior and properties of LIF for potential applications.
Correlation analysis of angles κ and α with the refraction and anterior segment parameters in children
Authors: Ye Yuhao , Zhao Yu , Zhang Zhe , Wei Ruoyan , Xian Yiyong , Huang Yangyi , Liu Fang , Xu Ye , Zhou Xingtao
Published: March 2024

Aim

To investigate the correlation of angles α and κ with the refractive and biological parameters in children.

Methods

This case-series study included 438 eyes of 219 children (males/females = 105/114, age: 3–15 years). Ocular biometric parameters, including axial length, corneal radius of curvature (CR), white-to-white distance (WTW), angle κ and angle α, were measured using IOL Master 700; auto-refraction were assessed under cycloplegia. The eyes were assigned to different groups based on CR, WTW, and gender to compare the angles α and κ, and analyze the correlations between the differences of biological parameters on angles α and κ.

Results

The means of axial length, CR, WTW, angle α, and angle κ were 23.24 ± 1.14 mm, 7.79 ± 0.27 mm, 11.68 ± 0.41 mm, 0.45 ± 0.25 mm, and 0.27 ± 0.22 mm, respectively. Angle α was correlated with CR and WTW (fixed effect coefficient [FEC] = 0.237, p = 0.015; FEC = -0.109, p = 0.003; respectively), and angle κ also correlated with CR and WTW (FEC = 0.271, p = 0.003; FEC = -0.147, p < 0.001, respectively). Comparing subgroups, the large CR and small WTW group had larger angles α (0.49 ± 0.27 vs. 0.41 ± 0.21, p < 0.001; 0.46 ± 0.27 vs. 0.44 ± 0.21, p < 0.05, respectively) and κ (0.29 ± 0.25 vs. 0.24 ± 0.15, p < 0.01; 0.29 ± 0.25 vs. 0.26 ± 0.19, p < 0.05, respectively). The differences in interocular angles α and κ showed correlation with interocular WTW (r = − 0.255, p < 0.001; r = − 0.385, p < 0.001). Eyes with smaller WTW tended to have larger angle κ (0.28 ± 0.27 vs. 0.25 ± 0.15, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The size of angle α/κ may be correlated to CR and WTW, and a larger WTW eye may suggest a smaller angle κ compared with the fellow eye.
High Oestrogen receptor alpha expression correlates with adverse prognosis and promotes metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Topi Geriolda , Satapathy Shakti Ranjan , Ghatak Souvik , Hellman Karin , Ek Fredrik , Olsson Roger , Ehrnström Roy , Lydrup Marie-Louise , Sjölander Anita
Published: March 2024

In normal colon tissue, oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is expressed at low levels, while oestrogen receptor beta (ERβ) is considered the dominant subtype. However, in colon carcinomas, the ERα/β ratio is often increased, an observation that prompted us to further investigate ERα’s role in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we assessed ERα nuclear expression in 351 CRC patients. Among them, 119 exhibited positive ERα nuclear expression, which was significantly higher in cancer tissues than in matched normal tissues. Importantly, patients with positive nuclear ERα expression had a poor prognosis. Furthermore, positive ERα expression correlated with increased levels of the G-protein coupled cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1R) and nuclear β-catenin, both known tumour promoters. In mouse models, ERα expression was decreased in Cysltr1−/− CAC (colitis-associated colon cancer) mice but increased in ApcMin/+ mice with wild-type Cysltr1. In cell experiments, an ERα-specific agonist (PPT) increased cell survival via WNT/β-catenin signalling. ERα activation also promoted metastasis in a zebrafish xenograft model by affecting the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin. Pharmacological blockade or siRNA silencing of ERα limited cell survival and metastasis while restoring tight junction protein expression. In conclusion, these findings highlight the potential of ERα as a prognostic marker for CRC and its role in metastasis.
Mixed boundary value problems involving Sturm–Liouville differential equations with possibly negative coefficients
Authors: Bonanno Gabriele , D’Aguì Giuseppina , Morabito Valeria
Published: March 2024

This paper is devoted to the study of a mixed boundary value problem for a complete Sturm–Liouville equation, where the coefficients can also be negative. In particular, the existence of infinitely many distinct positive solutions to the given problem is obtained by using critical point theory.
Early oral feeding and its impact on postoperative outcomes in head and neck cancer surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Dean Yomna E. , Motawea Karam R. , Bamousa Bdoor Ahmed A. , Loayza Pintado Jose J. , Elawady Sameh Samir , Soffar Mohammed , Shah Jaffer , Wilcox Kailyn , Aiash Hani
Published: March 2024

Background

Early oral feeding has been previously postulated to contribute to developing postoperative complications following head and neck reconstructive surgeries using free flaps. This study assessed the association between the timing of oral feeding (early vs. late) and postoperative complications and length of hospital stay among these patients.

Method

PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched using terms such as “oral feeding” and “head or neck cancer.” We utilized RevMan software version 5.4 for the analysis. The study defined early oral feeding as feeding within 5-day post-operation, while late oral feeding was defined as feeding after the fifth postoperative day. Five papers that met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis, with 1097 patients.

Results

The results showed that early feeding was not significantly associated with postoperative fistulas (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.05, p-value = 0.07), hematoma/seroma (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.51, p-value = 0.38), or flap failure (RR 0.84, 95% CI = 0.38 to 1.87, p-value = 0.67). However, early oral feeding was significantly associated with shorter hospital stays than late oral feeding (MD −3.18, 95% CI −4.90 to −1.46, p-value = 0.0003).

Conclusion

No significant difference exists between early and late oral feeding regarding the risk of postoperative complications in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients who underwent free flap reconstruction surgery. However, early oral feeding is significantly associated with a shorter hospital stay than late oral feeding. Thus, surgeons should consider implementing early oral feeding after free flap reconstruction in HNC patients.
The indigenous bioculture of the Pungalá parish of Ecuador an approach to their culinary and medicinal heritage
Authors: Zurita-Gallegos Ronald Mauricio , Bastidas-Arauz María Belén , Saeteros-Hernandez Angélica María , Herrera Chávez Renato Hernán , Cardenas-Moyano María Yadira
Published: March 2024

The food and culinary heritage with medicinal uses are a fascinating field that combines history, culture, and health through food. Over the centuries, various cultures have developed knowledge and practices related to the use of specific ingredients and culinary preparations with medicinal properties. In the Pungalá parish in Ecuador, these generational knowledge and traditions form a valuable biocultural heritage that helps us understand the close relationship between food and traditional medicine. Through qualitative and documentary research, interviews and community workshops are conducted to gather information using different techniques. Among the findings regarding the food and culinary heritage of Pungalá are extinct culinary traditions, as well as important culinary techniques and processes that play a role in nutrition and medicine, valuing traditional and ancestral knowledge as part of their culture. The inventory includes 22 plants used in Andean medicine and 38 preparations, including beverages, porridges, stews, soups, and wrapped dishes that become an integral part of everyday routines, dietary habits, and festive traditions. It is concluded that this knowledge constitutes a valuable food and culinary heritage, and its biocultural is based on ancestral knowledge of the healing properties of local plants and foods, contributing to the health and identity of the community. Measures should be taken to preserve and promote this heritage in the face of current challenges.
Clinical impact of IDH1 mutations and MGMT methylation in adult glioblastoma
Authors: Mahmoud Magda Sayed , Khalifa Mohamed K. , Nageeb Amira M. , El-Arab Lobna R. Ezz , El-Mahdy Manal , Ramadan Amal , Hashim Maha , Bakr Noha M. , Swellam Menha
Published: March 2024

Background

Impact of Isocitrate dehydrogenase1 (IDH1) and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) in glioblastoma (GBM) have been of great interest due to their implications in prediction of prognosis of several types of cancer. It was aimed to investigate the clinical role of IDH1 mutation and MGMT methylation pattern among GBM patients versus non-neuro-oncological diseases (NND) patients and their impact on survival criteria.

Methods

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections of 58 GBM and 20 non-neuro-oncological diseases patients were recruited and IDH1 mutation and MGMT methylation was detected using Cast-PCR technology and Methyl II quantitative PCR approach, respectively. Results were assessed with other clinicopathological criteria and survival patterns.

Results

IDH1 mutation was detected among 15 GBM cases (15/58) and it was not reported among NND (P = 0.011). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to discriminate between MGMT methylation among studied groups. Patients with MGMT methylation ≥ 66% were reported as high methylation, which was recorded significantly in 51.7% and 100% of GBM cases and NND, respectively. Both showed significant difference with performance status, while MGMT methylation was significantly related with tumor size and tumor location. IDH1 mutation and MGMT methylation reported significant increase with GB patients revealed complete response to treatment. Survival pattern was better for IDH1 mutation and MGMT high methylation as compared to IDH1 wild type or MGMT low–moderate methylation, respectively, and favorable survival was detected when both were combined than using either of them alone.

Conclusion

Detection of IDH1 mutation and MGMT methylation among GB patients could aid in prediction of their response to treatment and their survival patterns, and their combination is better than using any of them alone.
Assessment of hyaluronic acid in COPD patients as a prognostic biomarker
Authors: Elnaggar Marwa Elsayed , Okab Ali Ali , Kamel Mohammed Hussein , Noureldin Amira Mohammed , Abdelhafez Doaa Adel , Osman Maha Mammdouh
Published: March 2024

Background

One essential element of the extracellular matrix is hyaluronic acid (HA). It has been claimed that HA and its metabolism are different in the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study investigated the predictive significance of serum level of HA in patients with COPD and monitored changes in its level in these patients because of therapy.

Methods

HA was assessed in 60 patients with stable COPD (divided into subgroups I and II) and 20 healthy controls and then repeated after 3 and 6 months in COPD patients.

Results

Most of the patients were males (63.3%), and their ages ranged from 30 to 90. The serum level of HA was significantly increased in subgroups I and II (269.33 ± 4, 290 ± 4, respectively), compared to the control group (147.5 ± 1) with a significant difference in its level between both (p < 0.0001). The serum level of HA was significantly decreased in both subgroups 3 and 6 months later following adjustment of treatment and associated with improvement in pulmonary function test. There were significant positive correlations between HA and age as well as smoking index. Its level correlated negatively with forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1%), forced vital capacity (FVC%), and FEV1/FVC.

Conclusions

HA is a useful marker for identifying clinical stability in COPD patients and for follow-up in the efficacy of treatment.
Association Between Cervical Inflammatory Mediators and Prevalent Cervical Human Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: Olukomogbon Temitope , Akpobome Bernice , Omole Aderonke ,   ACCME Research Group, Adebamowo Clement A. , Adebamowo Sally N.
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE

Inflammatory mediators are important regulators of immune response and can modulate the inflammation caused by viral infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV). In this study, we evaluated the association between cervical immune mediators, including chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors with HPV infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a nonmagnetic bead–based multiplex assay to determine 27 immune mediators in cervical secretions collected from 275 women in a prospective longitudinal cohort design. All the study participants were age 18 years or older, had a history of vaginal sexual intercourse, were not currently pregnant, and had no history of cervical disease or hysterectomy.

RESULTS

The mean (±standard deviation) age of the participants was 41 (±8) years, and about half (51% [141/275]) were HPV-positive, of whom 7% (10/141) had low-risk HPV (lrHPV), 61% (86/141) had high-risk HPV (hrHPV), and 32% (45/141) had both lrHPV and hrHPV infections. Higher concentrations of some immune mediators were associated with HPV infections, including eotaxin, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-15, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and any HPV; IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12p70, and IL-13 and lrHPV; and eotaxin, interferon, IL-1B, IL-4, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-15, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, RANTES, TNF-α concentrations, and hrHPV infections. Higher concentrations of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were associated with reduced odds of any HPV, while IL-1Ra and MCP-1 were associated with reduced odds of hrHPV infections.

CONCLUSION

Several chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors are associated with group-specific HPV infections in this population of women. These important findings contribute to the understanding of the immune response to HPV, cytokine profiles and their potential implications for cervical pathogenesis, and can guide future research in this field.
Rituals of Survival in Single-Room Occupancy Hotels
Authors: Biswas Debarati , Wachter-Grene Kirin
Published: March 2024

This article works with a definition of care that encompasses expansive models of kinship and collective and communal life. Specifically, it explores representations of such interdependencies in the liminal space of the single-room occupancy hotel (SRO) through the literary and artistic creations of two understudied African American artists. Fiction writer Robert Deane Pharr and visual artist Frederick Weston created their work in SROs in New York City beginning in the 1960s, during a time of massive transformation of the city's built environment in the name of urban renewal. Their novels and artwork, respectively, provide some of the only uncovered (to date) literary and cultural representations of New York City's SROs. Pharr's and Weston's works memorialize rituals of survival that center care and interdependencies over and against competitive individualism and a climate of uncare. Further, both explicitly articulate this vision by working with conceptual and material waste. Trash is their literal and metaphoric medium. These artists relied upon what is seen as surplus value by the city. But as Pharr and Weston use it, trash offers a critique of negative assumptions about the lives of SRO residents. The pandemic has shocked us into awareness of our inescapable interdependencies. Therefore, it behooves us to revisit these understudied, early proponents of care—an ethics that today's mutual aid and other liberation movements often center. Pharr's and Weston's documentation and interpretation of care offer us ways to survive within our current environments in crisis without repeating the death-making logic and history of urban renewal.
Healthcare workers’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators to referral and recruitment to diabetes prevention programmes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Haseldine Clair , O'Donoghue Gráinne , Kearney Patricia M , Riordan Fiona , Cotterill Sarah , McHugh Sheena
Published: March 2024

Background Diabetes is a growing global health problem. International guidelines recommend identification, screening, and referral to behavioural programmes for those at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes prevention programmes (DPPs) can prevent type 2 diabetes in those at high risk, however many eligible participants are not referred to these programmes. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are pivotal to the referral and recruitment processes. This study aims to identify, appraise and synthesise the evidence on barriers and facilitators to referral and recruitment to DPPs from the perspective of HCWs. Methods A “best fit” framework synthesis method will synthesise qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods evidence on factors that affect HCWs referral and recruitment to DPPs, with the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) as the a priori framework. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Scopus will be searched for primary studies published in English. Year of publication will be restricted to the last 26 years (1997–2023). Quality will be assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A mix of deductive coding using the TDF and inductive coding of data that does not fit the TDF will be synthesised into themes representing the whole dataset. The relationships between the final set of themes will be explored to create a new model to understand HCWs’ perspectives on referral and recruitment to DPPs. Sensitivity analysis will be carried out on this conceptual model. Confidence in the synthesised findings will be assessed using the GRADE-CERQual approach. One author will screen, extract, appraise the literature while a second author will independently verify a 20% sample at each stage. Discussion Participation in DPPs is key for programme impact. HCWs typically identify those at risk and refer them to DPPs. Understanding HCWs’ perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to referral and recruitment will inform future implementation of DPPs.
Comparative characteristics of the effectiveness of surgical treatment of various forms of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sobitniak L. , Karpenko Yu. , Hitalchuk O. , Goryachyi O. , Blikhar O.
Published: March 2024

The article analyzes the results of reconstructive operations on valves and CABG with MAZE carried out over the past 7 years at the Regional Center for Cardiac Surgery in Odessa in patients with chronic, paroxysmal and persistent forms of AF.

The expediency of supplementing open heart surgery (CABG, reconstructive valve surgery) with MAZE surgery has been shown for all patients with paroxysmal, persistent and chronic forms of AF.

Evaluated the effectiveness of the appointment of antiarrhythmic and anticoagulant therapy in these groups of patients.
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis following the anti-PD-1 nivolumab in a patient with gastric cancer and ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Long Clara , Al-Abdulmalek Abdulrahman , Lai Jonathan , Haegert David G. , Isnard Stephane , Cournoyer Denis , Routy Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2024

Background: Autoimmune diseases are not contraindications for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) therapy in patients with cancer. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are frequently observed in patients receiving ICIs including dermatitis, thyroiditis, colitis, and pneumonitis. Thrombocytopenic purpura, aplasia, and haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) are rarely observed during ICIs. Case description: We report the case of a male patient with pre-existing untreated HLA B27 and ankylosing spondylitis with gastric cancer and liver metastases. The 79-year-old man was treated with anti-HER2 trastuzumab and anti-PD-1 nivolumab. Seventeen days after the seventh cycle of treatment, he presented at the emergency department with acute fever, confusion, and hypotension. Laboratory results showed pancytopenia, and elevation of ferritin and triglyceride. No infections were detected. Although not seen in a bone marrow biopsy, clinical presentation, and absence of infection, together with an H-score of 263, indicated HLH. The patient was treated with dexamethasone for four days and discharged on a tapering dose of steroids. At the two-month follow-up, clinical presentation was normal and blood test almost normalised. At 8 months, no liver metastases were observed. Conclusions: In a patient with a pre-existing autoimmune condition, immunotherapy led to the development of HLH, which was controlled by glucocorticoid. Absence of the feature of haemophagocytosis in the bone marrow biopsy did not exclude the diagnosis, as HLH can occur in the spleen or in the liver. Glucocorticoid therapy did not prevent the anti-cancer effect of ICIs, and liver metastases disappeared 8 months post-HLH. This case warrants further research on the interplay between autoimmunity and ICI response, as well as ICI-induced irAEs.
Evaluation of Principals' Performance in Improving The Quality of Graduates of State Vocational High Schools in Rejang Lebong
Authors: Sumarsih Sumarsih , Sahara Mella
Published: March 2024

The principal plays a crucial role in the successful attainment of school objectives. The role of principal leadership is crucial in enhancing school performance and promoting progress. The aim of the research is to evaluate the performance of school principals in improving the quality of graduates of vocational in high school. The research method uses a goal-oriented evaluation type of evaluation model. The research subjects were school principals, teachers, administrative staff, and students. Collecting data using interview techniques, observation and documentation studies. the data was analyzed quantitatively. Research results a. The performance of school principals has carried out innovations by managing change by creating innovations in achieving targets and student quality in the very good category. b) The performance of school principals in cultivating a creative, competitive work culture and a comfortable, healthy work climate is in the good category, c) The performance of school principals in utilizing information technology in learning and developing library systems that support the quality of learning is in the very good category. Suggestions to school principals can facilitate and support teacher creativity in implementing innovative learning models
Special educator in public kindergartens, schools and institutions - a new position of specialist in the Polish education system in the opinion of teachers
Authors: Sikorski Jacek , Majewicz Piotr
Published: March 2024

Cel pracy

Celem podjętych badań było przedstawienie roli nowego specjalisty w systemie edukacji ogólnodostępnej, czyli pedagoga specjalnego - w percepcji nauczycieli.

Materiał i metody

Do zebrania materiału empirycznego posłużono się metodą sondażu diagnostycznego, w ramach którego zastosowano autorski kwestionariusz ankiety składający się z 20 pytań otwartych i zamkniętych. Badaniami objęto 127 nauczycieli przedszkoli, szkół podstawowych i ponadpodstawowych ogólnodostępnych, głównie z południa Polski. Dobór osób do badań był celowy, ale pomimo tego uzyskano rozkład zbliżony do struktury populacji.

Wyniki

Uzyskane wyniki badań wskazują, że zdecydowana większość badanych nauczycieli placówek ogólnodostępnych, bo aż 87% dostrzega nie tylko potrzebę, ale wręcz konieczność zatrudnienia pedagoga specjalnego. Powinien on pełnić rolę lidera, koordynatora w zespole specjalistów zatrudnionych w ogólnodostępnych placówkach edukacyjnych. Badani nauczyciele, jako główne zadania pedagoga specjalnego, wskazali prowadzenie zajęć terapeutycznych, współpracę z poradnią psychologiczno-pedagogiczną, dostosowanie procesu dydaktycznego do specjalnych potrzeb uczniów.

Wnioski

Nauczyciele szkolnictwa ogólnodostępnego uważają utworzenie nowego stanowiska specjalisty-pedagoga specjalnego za konieczność w obecnej fazie rozwoju edukacji włączającej.
Tax optimisation in the tax risk management process. Tax-legal analysis and selected managerial issues
Authors: Skrzypek-Ahmed Sylwia , Zientarski Piotr , Paździor Anna , Choroszczak Jerzy , Barwiak Paweł
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The aim of the article is to theoretically present ways of legally optimising the taxation of entrepreneurs' income, by using the appropriate construction of legal regulations and legal and organisational forms of business. The issues of tax risk in the context of tax management are also presented. The goal of management is to reduce economic risk and to protect against its consequences.

Material and methods

Research in the social sciences, is inspired by numerous and diverse needs. Therefore, we will reduce the existing needs to two main types, to which certain types of research correspond. The first is combined with needs of a theoretical or cognitive nature, that is, it includes all those needs that are associated with the development of a particular science. The second is combined with the various needs of practice.

Results

Income taxes also have a negative impact on the assets (equity) of entrepreneurs. The reduction in wealth results from the burdening of entrepreneurs with both wealth taxes and corporate income tax in the case of capital companies and, in the case of partnerships, with personal income tax for distributions made to partners.

Conclusions

Both of these risks describe a potential reality, i.e. the possibility of coming into conflict with the tax authorities. Their realisation is random, with the so-called double randomness - both the timing of the event (conflict) and its depth, i.e. the consequences, are unknown. These effects are mainly financial (arrears incurred, financial sanctions, etc.), although loss of credibility, for example, may also be involved. Importantly, both risks are linked to uncertainty, but each with a different one. Speculative risk is linked to the uncertainty of whether an illegal act will come to light.
Social Assessment of Local Government Authorities in Poland
Authors: Maciejewska-Mieszkowska Katarzyna
Published: March 2024

Cel pracy

Celem artykułu jest wskazanie głównych nurtów w percepcji społecznej władz samorządowych w aspekcie ich partycypacji wyborczej w 2014 i 2018 r.

Materiał i metody

Analiza została przeprowadzona w oparciu o komunikaty z badań Centrum Badania Opinii Społecznej. W celu zweryfikowania postawionej hipotezy zastosowano następujące metody badawcze: porównawczą, opisową i analizę danych zastanych.

Wyniki

Pomimo, że dopiero w 2018 r. frekwencja w wyborach samorządowych w Polsce przekroczyła ponad 50%, istotny jest fakt, że w trakcie kolejnych kampanii następował powolny, ale sukcesywny wzrost partycypacji wyborczej w procesie głosowania. Na podstawie przedstawionych danych należy też stwierdzić, że nie tylko wzrosła liczba osób wskazujących na wysoką rangę wyborów samorządowych i pozytywnie oceniających działania władz, ale że ocena ta przekłada się na decyzje wyborcze takie jak udział w wyborach i to na kogo wyborcy zagłosują. Rozpoznawalność kandydatów i zadowolenie z dotychczasowej ich działalności jako władz samorządowych była swoistego rodzaju katalizatorem dla ponownego poparcia ich w wyborach.

Wnioski

Społeczna percepcja władz samorządowych w ujęciu ogólnym jest pozytywna i wyraźnie wynika z rozpoznawalności, postrzegania i oceny władz gminnych: rady gminy/miasta i wójta (burmistrza, prezydenta miasta). Jednak występują deficyty w kwestii wiedzy na temat działalności i kompetencji władz samorządowych na poziomie powiatów i województwa. Pozytywnym czynnikiem dla rozwoju świadomego uczestnictwa w życiu społecznym i politycznym, a w konsekwencji dalszego rozwoju demokracji lokalnej byłoby zwiększenie zainteresowania inicjatywami i działaniami władz samorządowych wyższego szczebla, a także rozpoznawalności osoby marszałka województwa.