bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking international human resource management with corporate social responsibility and shared value
Authors: Wang Cheng-Kun
Published: February 2023

Global pressures have urged organizations to incorporate sustainable international human resource management (IHRM) systems to be socially responsible. This paper proposes that integrating IHRM with corporate social responsibility (CSR) and shared value may be the solution This study analyzes sustainability within the IHRM field, including other sustainable concepts to demonstrate the relevance of labor and employment relation within human resource management. Employment relations and the importance of developing IHRM strategies involving workers and managers to increase shared value are also explained in the study.  In turn, this integration enhances organizational performance and competitive advantage. Accordingly, this paper proposes a model to unleash the bridge between IHRM and employment relations in multinationals operating in emerging economies and proposes some propositions. Implications for research and practice are also discussed in the paper.
Government-to-business e-service provision in Myanmar
Authors: Aye Aye Myint
Published: February 2023

This study aims to increase knowledge and understanding of Government-to-Business (G2B) Services in Myanmar and will also discover the critical challenges for G2B e-Service provision in Myanmar. The government officials from the agencies providing G2B services are surveyed to explore the current status of G2B services in Myanmar. Questionnaires were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, with the respondents identifying themselves as they currently work at government agencies. The study revealed that among the total 30 Ministries, it is 24 % of public services are available online. The current study found that ICT infrastructure barriers, legal and policy issues, and financial barriers are significant challenges that delay the progress of G2B e-Service implementation in Myanmar. The ICT infrastructure, particularly regarding data center, are still considered inadequate, and financial and technical assistance is in demand for implementing the G2B e-Service. Social and cultural barriers are the fewer obstacles found in the analysis, with an overall rate of 87.3% positive opinion on the digital transformation of G2B services. This study will support several contributions to implementing e-Government services in Myanmar and provide awareness about G2B e-Service in Myanmar.
The nexus between customer service platforms (SMS) and customer satisfaction in the retail clothing stores
Authors: Chiguvi Douglas
Published: February 2023

The study focused on the effectiveness of using (SMS) customer service platforms to meet customer satisfaction at Edgars stores Ltd in Zimbabwe. The main objective of the research was to measure the effectiveness of SMS customer service platforms on customer satisfaction. A causal research design was employed, and a simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents. Questionnaires were used to gather data from a sample size of 357 consisting of 342 customers and 15 Edgars’ stores Ltd staff members. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 to determine the strength of the relationship and the moderating effect. The research findings from the hypothesis tests explored a significant and positive relationship between SMS customer service platforms and customer satisfaction. The study recommended the company use SMS customer service platforms for other promotional activities like sending bonus vouchers, news releases and advertisements. This will encourage more customers to shop hence improving market share. The SMS customer service platforms can also give after-sales services, personalized information, and birthday wishes. All these will increase customer satisfaction.
The ordeal of police victimization in the Mthatha Policing Cluster, Eastern Cape
Authors: Zenzile Enoch , Magadla Afika F.
Published: February 2023

In South Africa, members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) are constitutionally mandated to protect society. However, while executing their duties, they continuously experience an alarmingly high rate of attacks from alleged criminals, often leading to the death of SAPS members. Subsequently, this situation increases the staff shortage for patrolling the streets and arresting criminals. The situation's aftermath also leads to increasing community perceptions that crime is out of hand and that crime prevention strategies are ineffective. This study examined the ordeal of police victimization in the Mthatha Policing Cluster, Eastern Cape, South Africa. A questionnaire was used for data collection from 105 respondents. The non-probability sampling method was used and the study employed the snowball sampling technique. Results reveal that victimization of law enforcement officers is a reality. The research questions that guided this study included: What are the upheld views by police officers of their victimization? Which factors make police to be susceptible to victimization while executing their duties? What is the impact of police victimization on policing society at large? Altogether, 80.8% of respondents revealed that police are being robbed and assaulted, and in some instances, the use of the K*** word is evident. SAPS members are not fulfilling their mandate because they fear being killed while executing their duties. In the study, new strategies are highly recommended for curbing crime, and police need to be empowered with new, modern techniques of policing.
An examination of the frigidity of the district municipalities towards the needs of society
Authors: Ngoepe-Ntsoane Mokgadi Julia , Thobejane Matsebe Jerry
Published: February 2023

Recently, development has taken center stage as it encapsulates an intrinsic aspect of human life. Development is a fundamental requirement for improving the material conditions of communities that contend with abject poverty across all spheres of their lives. It is conversely justifiable that understanding development within the context of service delivery is indispensable and could be considered the backbone towards socioeconomic and political upliftment of the masses. This social science research study examines the frigidity of the district municipalities towards improving the needs of society. This study seeks to closely unpack the challenges that negatively impact ordinary citizens' livelihoods to access the services as their fundamental and constitutional rights. The frigidity of district municipalities to render services violates the citizens' fundamental human rights and undermines constitutional supremacy. The primary focus of this study is on disentangling the issues which have a negative bearing on development initiatives to be undertaken by the district municipalities. This study further navigates the social ills through a lens that would, in turn, reveal and expose the key stumbling blocks which deter infrastructure and socio-economic development by district municipalities. This qualitative study embraces a phenomenological approach to fulfill the descriptive observation of the phenomenon under investigation. Data was collected through phenomenological observations and focus groups among the respondents. This study postulates the essential recommendations that would inform policy shift and policy reform as fundamental approaches to development that respond squarely to service delivery.
Enhancing university exam timetabling through the use of a BSet model
Authors: Mushininga Rodney , Chibaya Colin , Govender Desmond
Published: February 2023

Forming university exam schedules in Southern Africa has always been difficult. It is a scheduling problem with strict rules (hard constraints) and flexible ones (soft constraints). Students must take a final exam for most courses they are enrolled in each semester, held in a supervised setting. Therefore, finding a suitable time and location for each student is a common challenge. This paper proposes a solution to this scheduling problem based on the behaviour of bees, using a model called BSet, which uses simulated robotic devices to find and schedule courses. The results show that this approach is efficient and effective in creating exam schedules.
Role of change leadership styles on cognitive rigidity at selected automobile dealerships in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Chukwuma Nonye , Govender Loganathan , Onwubu Stanley C
Published: February 2023

Leadership is a core component of organizational management, but its functions are getting more complex with the increasing involvement of changes taking place in the world. As such, the complicated operation of managing cognitive rigidity as a form of resistance to change amongst employees is very critical. On the other hand, resistance to change is described as one of the impediments to organizational expansion due to its negative consequences. To cope with change, there is a need for an effective leadership style. This study focuses on the association between change leadership styles, i.e., transformational and transactional leadership styles with cognitive rigidity as a form of resistance to change. The study further seeks to investigate the impact of these leadership styles on employees’ resistance to cognitive rigidity at the selected automobile dealerships in the Durban Metropolitan Region of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Theories on change and leadership styles have been considered in this paper. A descriptive survey design was adopted to collect information from a stratified sample size using self-administered questionnaires to 170 staff at automotive dealerships in the metropolitan of Durban in South Africa. Pearson correlational and regression analysis were employed to analyze data. Results indicated significant correlations between these change leadership styles and cognitive rigidity as a form of resistance to change. However, the transactional leadership style revealed a more substantial possibility of increasing resistance to change. The study recommends that management practice the transformational leadership style to encourage employee participation in the decision, build confidence, accept constructive criticisms, effective communication and transparency, thereby reducing rigidity.
Book Review of 'The New Age of Development. The Geopolitical Assertion of Eurasia' by Paul Dobrescu and Flavia Durach, Springer, 2022, 201 pages
Authors: Negrea-Busuioc Elena
Published: February 2023

The book by Paul Dobrescu and Flavia Durach is a reflection and a meditation on how economic, social, cultural, and technological developments have shaped the world to the way in which it is today. The book is a collection of ideas on contemporary development, some of which have been previously published in various outlets (books and specialized journals) by the two authors together or separately. The volume reviewed here examines the most impactful global developments based on a detailed presentation and analysis of facts and situations. The authors do not intend to offer solutions to challenges and problems faced by countries from the Eurasian continent; however, their declared aim is “to formulate questions and to signal perspectives” (p. ix) that readers might use to build their own interpretation of the development affordances and of the unfolding crises of the contemporary world.
Shallow Landslide Erosion Rates on Industrially Managed Timberlands: Key Factors Affecting Historical and Contemporary Rates
Authors: Woodward Jason S.
Published: February 2023

Timber harvesting and related management practices associated with industrial timberlands have changed dramatically in the last two decades. Industrial timberlands are now more carefully assessed and mitigated. Recent studies of mass wasting in northern California included a review of historical aerial photographs from the early 1940s through 2016 and field measurements of nearly 3,000 shallow landslides on industrially managed timberlands. Significant improvements have been seen in management practices over time that include but are not limited to reduced harvest unit sizes, increased streamside tree retention, reduced road density, and improved road-building practices. These improvements are a result of a variety of sources such as evolving state regulations, voluntary conservation plans, and increased professional oversight. Subsequently, significant decreases in management-related erosion are being observed across the area included in this study. Observations show that improvements in management practices have positively affected regional mass wasting. In this investigation, significant changes have been noted in both causal mechanisms and landslide erosion rates. The study data shows that before the year 2000, nearly 85 percent of landslide-related erosion was determined to be the result of historical logging, either by harvesting or from roads (generally poor design and/or location). Shallow landslide erosion rates have varied over the duration of time reviewed for this study, peaking in the 1970s. Since 2000, erosion rates across the study area have decreased to 20 m3/km2/yr, which is a 92 percent reduction compared with the historical rate.
Relationship among low baseline muscle mass, skeletal muscle quality and mortality in critically ill children
Authors: Xue Yang , Wang Tian-Tian , Zhang Lei , Zheng Shuang , Mu Yue-Ming , Jia Fei-Yong , Du Lin
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To assess the relationship among low baseline muscle mass, muscle quality, in-PICU mortality and length of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay in critically ill children.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study. A total of 3775 children were admitted to the PICU of the First Hospital of Jilin University in China during the research period from January 2019 to July 2021, of which 262 patients were eligible for inclusion. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed before or within 72 hours of admission to the PICU to assess skeletal muscle mass and quality

Results

BMI was greater in the normal SMI group than in the low SMI group (P = 0.004), the length of PICU stay (P = 0.02) was longer in the low SMI group than in the normal SMI group, and the in-PICU mortality rate (P = 0.025) in the normal SMI group was superior to that in the low SMI group. Children with low SMD had a higher in-PICU mortality rate, were younger and weighed less. Mortality was substantially greater in patients with lower SMD and prolonged hospital stay (log-rank, P = 0.007). SMD was an independent predictor for length of PICU stay and in-PICU mortality.

Conclusions

Low baseline skeletal muscle quality in severely ill children is closely tied with a higher in-PICU mortality rate and longer length of PICU stay, and is an independent risk factor for unfavorable clinical outcomes. However, muscle mass did not show a similar strong association. Therefore, baseline muscle quality in severely ill children need more attention to avoid poor prognosis.

Trial registration:

ChiCTR1800020196.
Discovery of Reliable Interactive COVID-19 DNA Methylation Markers and Druggable Targets and Potential Malignant Diseases with Long Incubation Period
Authors: Zhang Zhengjun
Published: February 2023

COVID-19 research needs interactive reliable biomarkers at genomic and genetic levels. Earlier research has established the existence of genomic signature patterns and nearly perfect reliable interactive genomic biomarkers. However, reliable DNA methylation markers haven't been identified at the epigenetic level, not to mention interactiveness. This study utilized the newly proven and powerful method to discover nearly perfect interactive COVID-19 DNA methylation markers. From 865,859 methylation sites, a miniature set of seven Infinium MethylationEPIC sites (CpG sites, genes) and one intergenic region have been discovered to interact with each other and with disease subtypes. They lead to nearly perfectly (96.87-100% accuracy) predicting COVID-19 patients from patients presenting with respiratory symptoms but not COVID-19. These seven CpG sites regulated genes differ from the optimum COVID-19 genomic biomarker genes reported in our earlier work. These CpG sites also lead to an accuracy of 92.88% with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 91.30% in the study of pediatric COVID-19 cases and healthy controls. It is found that site-site interactions between adults and children are different. Further, they show strong performance in separating Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) from pediatric COVID-19 cases with an accuracy of 94.83%, a sensitivity of 95.35%, and a specificity of 93.33%. In addition, these seven CpG sites reach high performance in separating COVID-19 severe and mild cases and normal cases. These seven CpG sites can jointly explain some post COVID-19 related diseases. These seven CpG sites and the optimum performed genomic biomarkers reported in our earlier work rise to be potential druggable targets. Among these seven CpG sites, diseases associated with cg16785077 (gene MX1) can have an incubation period of up to six to eight years, which raises a serious (or urgent) issue to investigate now or sooner.
Circadian Modulation of the Time Course of Automatic and Controlled Semantic Processing
Authors: Palmero Lucía B. , Tortajada Miriam , Martínez-Pérez Víctor , Sandoval-Lentisco Alejandro , Campoy Guillermo , Fuentes Luis J.
Published: February 2023

Background: Circadian rhythm patterns vary across individuals, producing the existence of different chronotypes. Chronotype refers to the preferences of individuals to perform their daily life activities, being classified as intermediate-types (no specific circadian preference), morning-types (preference for early morning hours) and evening-types (preference for later hours). We investigated whether chronotype and time-of-day modulate the time course of automatic and controlled semantic processing. Participants performed a category semantic priming task at either the optimal or non-optimal time-of-day. We varied the prime-target onset asynchrony (100-, 450-, 650-, and 850-ms SOAs) and kept the percentage of unrelated targets constant at 80%. Automatic processing, producing facilitatory priming, was expected with the short SOA, and controlled processing, producing inhibitory priming, was expected with longer SOAs.
Results: Intermediate-types (Experiment 1) verified that our task was sensitive to capturing both types of processes. Facilitatory automatic priming was observed early in the first trials of the short 100-ms SOA, then controlled and automatic processing cancelled each other producing a lack of priming effects (2nd and 3rd subblocks of the 100-ms SOA and the 450-ms SOA). Finally, with the longer SOAs only inhibitory controlled priming was observed, which size increased with time. This time course of automatic and controlled processing in intermediate-types served as reference to assessed both types of processes in extreme chronotypes. Morning-type and evening-type participants (Experiment 2) differed in the influence of time of testing on priming effects. Morning-types applied control in all conditions, and no modulation of performance by time-of-day was observed. In contrast, evening-types were only able to suppress automatic processing when the task was performed at their optimal time of day. Also, they were considerably slower in the implementation of controlled processing as inhibitory priming occur in the longest 850-ms SOA only.
Conclusions: These results suggest that extreme chronotypes are associated with different styles of cognitive control. Morning-types show a proactive control style that fosters maintenance of active response strategies to resolve conflict without producing negative effects. Evening-types show a reactive control style such that conflict resolution is influenced by task demands. This dissociation suggests a better adaptation strategy of the morning-type chronotype.
Short-term Response to Anti-VEGF as Indicator of Visual Prognosis in Refractory Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Gigon Anthony , Iskandar Antonio , Kasser Sophie , Naso Sacha , Zola Marta , Mantel Irmela
Published: February 2023

Background: Some patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) respond insufficiently to anti-VEGF treatment despite maximal monthly intravitreal injections. Their short-term response between injections was investigated for extent and visual prognosis.
Subjects/Methods: Monocentric retrospective observational study. 45 eyes from 41 patients with refractory nAMD, evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in between monthly anti-VEGF injections. The fluid profile on OCT was evaluated before, 1 week after, and 1 month after an intravitreal injection, using central retinal thickness (CRT), manual measurements, and fluid specific volumetric measurements performed by an automated algorithm based on artificial intelligence.
Results: A significant improvement was found at week 1 in terms of CRT (p<0.0001), intraretinal (IRF) (p=0.007), subretinal fluid (SRF) (p<0.0001), and pigment epithelium detachment (PED) volume (p<0.0001). Volumetric fluid measures revealed a >50% reduction at week 1 for both IRF and SRF for approximately two-thirds of eyes. Poorer short-term response was associated with larger exudative fluid amounts (IRF+SRF) (p=0.003), larger PED (p=0.007), lower visual acuity (p=0.004) and less anatomic changes at treatment initiation (p<0.0001). Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that visual outcomes 4 and 5 years later was significantly worse with weaker short-term responsiveness (p=0.005), with the presence of atrophy (p=0.01) and larger PED volumes (p=0.002).
Conclusions: Incomplete responders to anti-VEGF showed a significant short-term response, identifiable at 1 week after injection, with rapid recurrence at 1 month. Weaker short-term responsiveness at 1 week was associated with poorer long term visual prognosis. These patients may need adjuvant treatment to improve their prognosis.
Proportion of Births Protected Against Neonatal Tetanus and Its Associated Factors Among Mothers Who Gave Birth Within the Past 6 Months in Gozamn District, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Gashaw Anteneh , Tagele Anmut , Hunie Melaku , Amare Eyuel , Zewde Amare , Abebe Mesfine , Demeke Muluken , Kefelegn Samuel , Yehualashet Daniel , Alemu Asrat
Published: February 2023

Introduction:
An estimated 3.3 million newborn deaths occur each year around the world, with 9,000 babies dying every day in their first 28 days. Neonatal tetanus is tetanus that occurs within the first 28 days of life, and maternal immunization can reduce neonatal tetanus by 94%. However, not enough mothers were vaccinated to protect against neonatal tetanus globally, and only 49% of mothers in Ethiopia were protected. The proportion of mothers who were protected from neonatal tetanus was not determined yet in the study area. Because neonatal tetanus is such a serious disorder with such a high fatality rate and there is a need for more recent evidence on it, more research on birth protection against neonatal tetanus is needed.
Objective
To assess the proportion of births protected against neonatal tetanus and its associated factors among mothers who gave birth within the past 6 months in Gozamn district, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022.
Method
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Gozamn district, Northwest Ethiopia from April 1–30, 2022. A total sample size of 831 was used, and a two-stage stratified sampling technique was used. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the data, and the data was analysed by using StataV14. A logistic regression analysis was conducted, and the level of statistical significance was determined by a p-value of less than 0.05.
Result
The proportions of birth protected against neonatal tetanus were 58.57% in the study. Mother who had radio (AOR = 3.09,95%CI: 2.09, 4.56), mother who travel less than one hour to reach nearest health facility (AOR = 1.96,95%CI: 1.23,3.10), mother who gave birth of their last child in the health institution (AOR = 4.17,95%CI:2.39,7.28), mothers who had information from health professional (AOR = 2.56,95%CI:1.56,4.19) and > 4 ANC visit (AOR = 2.57,95%CI:1.55,4.26) were positive predictors of birth protected against neonatal tetanus.
Conclusion
In this study area, the proportion of mothers protected against neonatal tetanus was low. Professional based counselling related to TT vaccine, as well as interlinks and strength of different health care services such as ANC and delivery services are vital to increase proportion of birth protected against neonatal tetanus.
New Insights on the Adsorption of Phenol Red Dyes from Synthesized Wastewater using Activated Carbon Prepared from the Fe2(MoO4)3 -treated Mespilus Germanica Leaves: Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Nobakht Alireza , Jafari Dariush , Esfandyari Morteza
Published: February 2023

Water shortage is considered as one of the main challenges of human life. A practical solution to this problem is the wastewater treatment. The removal of dyes from wastewaters has received considerable critical attention by researchers due to their high volume and toxicity. In the current research, the adsorption of phenol red dyes from synthetic wastewater using the activated carbon produced from Mespilus Germanica modified with Fe2(MoO4)3 was studied. The proposed adsorbent was characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX/Map, BET, and Raman techniques. The optimal adsorption operating parameters were pH = 3, stirring rate of 500 rpm, 25°C, the dosage of adsorbent of 1 g/lit, dye initial concentration of 10 mg/lit, and contact time of 60 min. Furthermore, the successful regeneration of the adsorbent for 3 times denoted its capability in performing adsorption and desorption processes. Equilibrium studies showed that the adsorption of phenol red dyes by AC/Fe2(MoO4)3 was desirable and physical and the experimental data were fitted well by Freundlich model. In addition, the kinetic behavior of the current adsorption process was well described by the pseudo-second order kinetic model, while thermodynamic calculations showed that the process was exothermic and spontaneous.
Comparative whole-genome analysis of novel marine Vibrio campbellii from pure and non-axenic cultures reveals a unique plasmid
Authors: Orel Neža , Fadeev Eduard , Herndl Gerhard J. , Turk Valentina , Tinta Tinkara
Published: February 2023

Background
Vibrio spp. is ubiquitously present in the marine environment. Numerous Vibrio species are known pathogens affecting animal welfare and ecosystem function, causing significant economic losses. Hence, monitoring their presence accurate taxonomic identification and understanding their functional potential are important for disease control. All of this information is contained in the microorganism’s genome, which is easiest obtained from bacterial culture. Whole-genome sequencing in combination with new bioinformatics tools enables high phylogenetic resolution and provides insights into the full genetic potential of the microorganism, beyond traditional microbiological approaches.
Results
We assembled a complete genome of Vibrio campbellii isolated from the coastal Adriatic Sea. We showed that comparable genome sequences could be assembled from pure and non-axenic cultures (Average Nucleotide Identity value 99.98%) using a set of different bioinformatics tools, overcoming the problems of culture contamination frequently encountered in environmental microbiology. Based on the complete genome, we were able to accurately determine taxonomy, which often cannot be reliably determined with commonly applied genetic markers (e.g., 16S rRNA sequences). Pangenomic analyses with 10 reference genomes suggested that our newly assembled genome clusters in the sublineages of V. campbellii associated with diseases of marine organisms (e.g., Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease in shrimps). Furthermore, our analysis revealed unique genomic features mainly associated with a new unique plasmid connected to bacterial defense (e.g., type I restriction-modification systems, CRISPR Csa3 proteins) and with the propagation of genetic material (e.g., transposases associated with horizontal gene transfer, ardC genes increasing plasmids host range).
Conclusions
Our completed genome assembly from a non-axenic culture highlights the possibility of obtaining complete genomic information when encountering contamination events, or beyond our study, even in the case of co-cultures. With this new complete V. campbellii genome we are contributing novel insights into the genomic characteristics and functional potential of this potential pathogen. In the light of projected human pressures on coastal regions and associated marine ecosystem services, pathogen surveillance and control of possible disease outbreaks are crucial. Our study reveals a novel, unique mobile element associated with V. campbellii that could potentially ease the propagation of its associated genetic material across different microbes.
Immunotherapy Responsiveness and Risk of Relapse in Down Syndrome Regression Disorder
Authors: Santoro Jonathan , Spinazzi Noemi , Filipink Robyn , Hayati-Rezvan Panteha , Kammeyer Ryan , Patel Lina , Sannar Elise , Dwyer Luke , Banerjee Abhik , Khoshnood Mellad , Jafarpour Sabaj , Boyd Natalie , Partridge Rebecca , Gombolay Grace , Christy Alison , de Asua Diego Real , Ortega Maria del Carmen , Manning Melanie , Mater Heather Van , Worley Gordon , Franklin Cathy , Stanley Maria , Brown Ruth , Capone George , Quinn Elieen , Rafii Michael
Published: February 2023

Down syndrome regression disorder (DSRD) is a clinical symptom cluster consisting of neuropsychiatric regression without an identifiable cause. This study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of IVIg and evaluated clinical characteristics associated with relapse after therapy discontinuation. A prospective, multi-center, non-randomized, observational study was performed. Patients met criteria for DSRD and were treated with IVIg. All patients underwent a standardized wean off therapy after 9–12 months of treatment. Baseline, on therapy, and relapse scores of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Total Score (NPITS), Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), and the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) were used to track clinical symptoms. Eighty-two individuals were enrolled in this study. Patients had lower BFCRS (MD: -6.68; 95% CI: -8.23, -5.14), CGI-S (MD: -1.27; 95% CI: -1.73, -0.81), and NPITS scores (MD: -6.50; 95% CI: -7.53, -5.47) while they were on therapy compared to baseline. Approximately 46% of the patients (n = 38) experienced neurologic relapse with wean of IVIg. Patients with neurologic relapse were more likely to have any abnormal neurodiagnostic study (χ2 = 11.82, p = 0.001), abnormal MRI (χ2 = 7.78, p = 0.005), and abnormal LP (χ2 = 5.45, p = 0.02), and a personal history of autoimmunity (OR: 6.11, p < 0.001) compared to patients without relapse. IVIg was highly effective in the treatment of DSRD. Individuals with a history of personal autoimmunity or neurodiagnostic abnormalities were more likely to relapse following weaning of immunotherapy, indicating the potential for, a chronic autoimmune etiology in some cases of DSRD.
Premenopausal women with breast cancer in the early postpartum period show molecular profiles of invasion and are associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Prabhu Jyothi , Nimbalkar Vidya , P Snijesh V , Rajarajan Savitha , Alexander Annie , Kaluve Rohini , Ramesh Rakesh , BS Srinath
Published: February 2023

Background Though pregnancy and lactation are considered as protective factors against development of breast cancer (BC), small proportion of young premenopausal women develop tumors within 5 to 10 years of last childbirth presenting with aggressive disease. The exact mechanisms that lead to poor prognosis in these postpartum breast cancers (PPBC) is largely unknown. Methods We have evaluated the association of clinical and reproductive factors with BC in a cohort of women ≤ 45 years (N = 155) with long term follow up. Based on duration since last childbirth (LCB), they were grouped into PPBC1 (LCB ≤ 5 years), PPBC2 (LCB between 6–10 years), PPBC3 (LCB > 10 years) and NPBC (age matched nulliparous BC patients). Disease free survival and hazard associated with recurrence/metastasis were compared between the groups. RNA sequencing of tumor samples from three different parous groups (n = 10) was performed and transcriptomic data was analyzed for differentially expressed genes and altered pathways. Results Women in the PPBC1 group had an early menarche and late first and last childbirth compared to other groups. Survival analysis within lymph node positive tumors showed that PPBC1 tumors had a worse prognosis compared to PPBC2 and NPBC tumors (p = 0.015, and p = 0.026 respectively with a higher hazard both by univariate and multivariate analysis). Clustering of the differentially expressed genes between the groups showed distinct expression in early PPBC (PPBC1) tumors. Pathway analysis revealed upregulation of invasive signature along with T cell exhaustion, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition within early PPBC tumors. Conclusion PPBC diagnosis may represent a unique subtype of cancer that requires distinct clinical and translational research to understand altered pathways. Clinical parameters and biologic subtyping alone may be insufficient to accurately project the risk of recurrence and optimal treatment strategies in young patients who develop BC in the early postpartum period.
Risk factors associated with free microvascular flaps using a vascular stapler: A retrospective study
Authors: Guo Runying , Lin Sen , Guo Runzhi , Liu Sirui , Wang Meiyue , Li Rui
Published: February 2023

Objective: To analyze the risk of perioperative complications associated with preoperative risk factors in patients who underwent anastomosis of free head and neck flaps using a vascular stapler.
Methods: We reviewed the data of all patients who underwent anastomosis of free head and neck flaps using a vascular stapler in our hospital between 2019 and 2020 (n=171). They were grouped according to age, weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between these factors and flap necrosis.
Results: Among the 171 patients who underwent single vein anastomotic reconstruction of free head and neck flaps with a vascular stapler, five exhibited flap necrosis. Age,smoking,alcohol consumption, diabetes, and hypertension were found to affect the prognosis of surgery; among these, diabetes was a risk factor for flap necrosis.
Conclusion: Attention should be paid to the control of blood glucose in patients undergoing free vascularized flaps using a stapler.
Effect of sarcopenia and albumin-bilirubin grade on survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma under transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Li Jinlong , Wang Jitao , Wang Wenchuan , Jia Linyi , Cui Fusheng , Gao Fengxiao
Published: February 2023

Aim: It is unclear that the prognostic value of sarcopenia and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under transarterial chemoembolization（TACE）.The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of sarcopenia and ALBI grade on the survival time of patients after TACE for HCC.
Method: 110 HCC patients receiving TACE were enrolled in this retrospective study from 2015 to 2019. Psoas muscle index (PMI) was calculated as the left-right area of the psoas muscle at the third lumbar vertebra, divided by height squared.Patients were classified into two groups (non-sarcopenia and sarcopenia) depending on an index < 6.36 and < 3.92 cm2 /m2 for men and women, respectively. According to the formula ALBI =（log10 bilirubin*0.66）+（albumin*-0.085），the patients were classified into 3 grade.We assessed whether PMI and ALBI grade have effect on overall survival (OS) .
Results: Of the patients enrolled in the study,80(72.7%) were sarcopenia,30(27.3%) were non-sarcopenia,and 32(29.09%),74(67.3%),4(3.6%) patients were be classified into ALBI 1,2,3 respectively. There were no significant differences in the number of deaths between non-sarcopenia and sarcopenia(non-sarcopenia 63.8%, sarcopenia 56.7%,p=0.496),but according to ALBI grouping, the number of deaths was significant(ALBI grade 1 46.9%,ALBI grade 2 and 3,67.9%,p=0.039).In univariate analyses,ALBI grade[ALBI 2, hazard ratio(HR)=2.323;95%CI,1.291-4.182,P=0.005; ALBI 3,HR=21.915;95%CI,6.441-74.569,P=0.000],Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system (BCLC stage)(BCLC B,HR=2.706;95%CI,1.147-6.388,P=0.023; BCLC C,HR=5.007;95%CI,2.024-12.386,P=0.000),number of tumours (>3) (HR=1.71;95%CI,1.061-2.757,P=0.028),maximum tumour diameter (>3 cm) (HR=3.042;95%CI,1.627-5.687,P=0.000) and metastasis(HR=2.056;95%CI, 1.062-3.981,P=0.033) were associated with poor OS,but sarcopenia had no effect on OS(HR=1.15;95%CI,0.664-1.993,P=0.618).Multivariate analysis showed that ALBI grade(ALBI 2, HR=1.941;95%CI,1.016-3.705,P=0.044;ALBI3,HR=10.688; 95%CI,2.51-45.502,P=0.001), metastasis(HR=2.925;95%CI, 1.257-6.808,P=0.013), maximum tumour diamete(>3 cm)(HR=2.335;95%CI, 1.341-4.068,P=0.003) could significantly stratify the patients with different OS.
Conclusion: ALBI grade is an important predictor of poor prognosis in HCC patients under TACE,but PMI doesn't contribute to prognostic stratification. These results suggest ALBI grade as another liver function grading system are independent predictors of OS,it is regrettable that PMI that reflects the nutritional status of the body could not provide clinical prognosis value.
High-Resolution Bio-potential and Bio-impedance Investigation of the Face
Authors: Levit Bara , Hanein Yael
Published: February 2023

The importance of facial muscles is evident in the critical role they play in numerous functions. The purpose of some actions (e.g. chewing, swallowing) is clear. Others, such as yawning and the expression of emotion are more elusive. Despite their ubiquity, the manner by which facial muscles affect physiological processes is not clear. In particular, how facial muscles affect blood flow has received little attention. Here we present a new wearable approach to investigate the face. Soft electrode arrays were used to detect subtle changes in blood flow in the temporal superficial artery following muscle activity. Changes in response to muscle activation are clearly evident and conspicuously more complex than in the forearm. Simultaneous bio-potential and bio-impedance mapping of the face unravels the complex manner by which these muscles help shape human physiology.
Metabolic parameters differentially influence varying sonographic risk-stratified thyroid nodules: independent of H. pylori infection
Authors: Yan Xiaoli , Bi Xiaoting , Qin Xia , Wang Dan , Zhang Yuan
Published: February 2023

Purpose
The relationship between the risk of benign or malignant thyroid nodule and Helicobacter pylori Infection are controversial. This study also evaluates the relationship between metabolic parameters and varying sonographic risk-stratified thyroid nodules in a Chinese population.
Methods
The examinations included interview, ultrasonography of the thyroid, carbon-13 (C13) urea breath test, and serum assays of biochemical measurements.
Results
A total of 19246 adults who underwent thyroid ultrasonography were recruited in this study in Chongqing, China, from January, 2017 to March, 2022. The present study showed that, after adjustment for potential risk factors, both benign group and suspicious malignant group were positively associated with age, BMI and SBP. Different from suspicious malignant group, higher Glu (OR = 1.040, 95%CI: 1.01 ~ 1.08) level was independent factors affecting benign TN occurrence, while DBP (OR = 0.993, 95%CI = 0.991 ~ 0.994) and TC (OR = 0.992, 95%CI = 0.88 ~ 0.97) were negatively corrected. Meanwhile, HDL (OR = 0.899, 95%CI = 0.83 ~ 0.98) was independently and negatively related to suspicious malignant TN formation.
Conclusions
The present study showed that, metabolic parameters, such as age, gender, SBP, DBP, BMI, Glu, TC, TG and HDL levels, differentially influenced varying severity TN by ultrasonography. H.pylori infection is not an independent risk factors for either benign or suspicious TN occurrence. Contrary to previous understanding, our result suggests that older men have a higher risk of suspicious malignant thyroid nodules than aged women.
The role of pelvic floor electrophysiological parameters in the prediction of urinary incontinence for women in early postpartum period: a retrospective study
Authors: Fang Jianqi , Lin Shuqin , Chen Yi , He Sha , Wu Yanfang , He Xiaojun , Wu Ting , Zhang Ronghua , Lin Juan , lin Lihua
Published: February 2023

Objectives
To evaluate the role of pelvic floor electrophysiological parameters in the prediction of urinary incontinence for women in early postpartum period using pelvic floor surface electromyography.
Methods
This retrospective study included 19462 participants who visited Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital from March 2020 to February 2022. All participants were assessed by medical professionals for general information and pelvic floor surface electromyography.
Results
Multivariate logistic regression showed that age, body mass index, parity, vaginal delivery, forceps delivery, and prenatal urinary incontinence had a negative impact on postpartum urinary incontinence (OR 1.027, 95% CI: 1.014–1.040, P < 0.001, OR 1.079, 95% CI: 1.062–1.096, P < 0.001, OR 1.206, 95% CI: 1.090–1.335, P < 0.001, OR 4.756, 95% CI: 4.136–5.469, P < 0.001, OR 6.056, 95% CI: 4.629–7.921, P < 0.001, and OR 3.219, 95% CI: 2.918–3.551, P < 0.001, respectively)
Conclusions
We didn’t find any relationship between the parameters of pelvic floor surface electromyography and urinary incontinence, but there was a negative impact of age, body mass index, parity, vaginal delivery, forceps delivery, and prenatal urinary incontinence on postpartum urinary incontinence.
Geochemical characterization and WQI based assessment of groundwater health risk using GIS in tropical river basin: Case study in Kirama-ara River basin, Southern Province, Sri Lanka.
Authors: Dissanayake Indunil Pradeep , Perera T.A.N.T , Jayasinghe G.Y
Published: February 2023

In the Kirama-ara River basin, Matara, southern region of Sri Lanka, a variety of agricultural inputs are utilized, and flooding is a common hazard. As a result, the complete physicochemical profile of the groundwater in the Kirama-ara river basin is yet undiscovered. Therefore, the goals of this study were to (a) identify the geochemical characteristics and changes in water quality, (b) evaluate non-carcinogenic health risk and develop a GWQI, and (c) generate a spatial distribution map for groundwater physicochemical parameters in the Kirama-ara river basin in Matara, Sri Lanka. The physiochemical characteristics of 16 groundwater samples, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, NO3−, PO43−, and SO42−, were examined for spatial and temporal variations. The pH, NO3−, and PO43− values of 50%, 6.25%, and 12.5% of the samples, respectively, were determined to be beyond the allowable limit by both the WHO and SLS. The physicochemical investigation demonstrates that while 87.5% of the locations were acceptable for drinking, 12.5% of them lacked sufficient amounts. The most common hydro-chemical facies were Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3−, mixed Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl− face, and Ca2+-Cl−. Rock weathering has a profound impact on the ionic composition and chemistry of groundwater. Additionally, health risk assessment research conducted in accordance with United States Environmental Protection Agency rules revealed that children face greater health risks than adults. To build reasonable management plans for long-term groundwater quality conservation and public health, more research is required.
The salvage therapy utilizing human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells to treat severe COVID-19 patients: case series
Authors: Yao Weiqi , Jiang Yingan , Yuan Qiaoyu , Wu Wenjie , Hou Ruizhen , Qi Qi , Dong Haibo , Zhang Yun , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2023

Background: COVID-19 has become one of the biggest challenges globally, yet no specifically effective medication has been developed. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit properties of immune regulation and regeneration, which may suppress the over-inflammatory response and promote recovery of lung damage caused by COVID-19 and offer the potential as a therapeutic option.
Methods: At the very beginning of COVID-19 epidemic in 2020, we investigated the use of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) as a salvage therapy in five severe COVID-19 patients, with each patient receiving intravenous infusion of hUC-MSCs three times.
Results: All patients showed significant improvement in clinical manifestations, including laboratory biomarkers and findings of lung computed tomography images, after at least one dose of MSC therapy.
Conclusion: These results suggest that MSC therapy is safe and can reduce the inflammatory response and alleviate the clinical symptoms of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Impacts of Land Use Types on Shallow Groundwater Quality Sources in Mathira East Sub-County in Kenya
Authors: Wachira Charles Mwangi , Njambuya Josphine Wambui , Ndiritu George Gatere
Published: February 2023

The shallow groundwater sources of boreholes and wells form major sources of water for domestic and agricultural uses in rural areas of Kenya. Information on their status is inadequate thus hinder their sustainable management. This study investigated the relationship between land-use types, ground water sources and water quality, specifically water physicochemical parameters and feacal coliforms that were then used to calculate the water quality index (WQI). Thirty-six randomly selected groundwater sources were obtained from four stratified land-use types of forest, tea, coffee, and urban, with 18 samples each collected for either boreholes or shallow wells. The PCA grouped groundwater resources into three groups according to land-use types and sources. Spearman rank correction found nutrient levels of PO4 and NO3 were strongly correlated with turbidity, electric conductivity, total hardness, feacal coliforms and WQI with the same trends observed for wells. An overall one-way ANOVA found all water quality parameters significantly differed between land-use types for both boreholes and wells at p < 0.05. However, further post-hoc multi-comparison analyses using the Tukey test of unequal N showed not all water quality parameters changed significantly between land-use types, especially between forests and other land-use types. Comparisons of water sources (boreholes versus wells) using unpaired t-test showed most water quality parameters were significantly higher in wells than boreholes apart from pH, PO4, chloride (in the forest), dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, chloride (tea), Chloride (coffee) and (dissolved oxygen, PO4, fluoride (urban). The WQIs calculated without FC classified groundwater sources from good water to unsuitable for drinking whereas those with FCs parameters were all classified as completely unsuitable for drinking. Overall, this study found that a significant percentage of the population in the study area relied on shallow groundwater resources that were experiencing various levels of pollution from human settlements, urbanization, and agriculture. Consequently, there is an urgent need for the County and National governments to promote sustainable management of water resources to ensure healthy and safe water is available to its people for domestic and agricultural use.