bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intention to Purchase Organic Food Among Indian Consumers: Application of Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Kaur Harmandeep , Kaur Navdeep
Published: January 2024

The primary aim of this research is to investigate the consumer’s intention to purchase organic food (OF) in India, using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). This study used the values of security, conformity, and self-direction in addition to the TPB and tested its impact on the attitude and intention to purchase OF. Data were gathered from 400 OF customers approached using the mall intercept method. To evaluate the relationships between the key determinants, data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The research revealed that attitude, subjective norms (SN), and perceived behaviour control (PBC) have a positive and significant impact on the intention to purchase OF. Security, self-direction, and conformity have a significant impact on attitude. In addition, security has a significant impact on SN and PBC. PBC is found to have an impact on SN. These findings provide several useful implications for marketing managers. Environmental officials and the government might use the study’s findings to expand organic consumption. The study makes a conceptual contribution to the existing literature by establishing theoretical linkages between values and TPB-related constructs.
Making Sense of Nepal’s Nationalism: Implications for the India–Nepal Relationship
Authors: Behera Anshuman , Nayak Gaurav , Shyam Hari P.
Published: January 2024

The assertion of (territorial) nationalism by Nepal has serious implications for its bilateral relationship with India. Once dominant, the singular narrative of the upper-caste Hindu Parbatiya nationalism is increasingly encountering competing narratives emerging from the marginalised Janajatis and the Madhesis of Nepal. Accordingly, several nationality sentiments that were sidelined earlier have now become salient. While the India factor in these competing perspectives of nationalist discourses in Nepal appears to be subtle (but important), the growing territorial dimensions to it invariably locates India in a prominent position. This article investigates the implications of the changing dynamics of Nepal’s nationalism on its bilateral relationship with India. Looking at the internal dynamics of nationalism discourses in Nepal, the article offers a critical analysis of the territorial disputes between India and Nepal, and its implications on nationalism in Nepal and on the bilateral relationships between India and Nepal.
Diagnostic immunohistochemistry of primary and secondary central nervous system neoplasms of dogs and cats
Authors: Rissi Daniel R. , Miller Andrew D. , Demeter Elena A. , Church Molly E. , Koehler Jennifer W.
Published: January 2024

The diagnosis of primary and secondary CNS neoplasms of dogs and cats relies on histologic examination of autopsy or biopsy samples. In addition, many neoplasms must be further characterized by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for a more refined diagnosis in specific cases. Given the many investigations assessing the diagnostic and prognostic IHC profile of CNS neoplasms in the veterinary literature, it may be difficult for the diagnostic pathologist or pathology trainee to narrow the list of reliable diagnostic IHCs when facing a challenging case. Here we compile a comprehensive list of the most diagnostically relevant immunomarkers that should be utilized for the diagnostic support or confirmation of the most common primary and secondary CNS neoplasms of dogs and cats.
Exploring Mental Health Outcome Variables in Outdoor Adventure and Experiential Education
Authors: Davidson Curt , Ewert Alan
Published: January 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many facets of outdoor adventure and experiential education (OAEE) programs. Using past literature, four variables represent important student outcome variables associated with OAEE programs. Purpose: This study examined the effects of participation in an OAEE program on levels of anxiety, depression, hope, and resilience. Methods: This study used online data collection software with a 30-item inventory to measure the selected variables. Using a retrospective predesign, data were collected and analyzed using repeated measure t-tests. Findings: Results suggest that OAEE programs can effectively enhance an individual's ability to cope with anxiety and hopelessness while enhancing their levels of resilience.
The Role of the School Nurse in E-Cigarette Prevention and Cessation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Russell Alanna J. , Shishani Kawkab , Hurst Sheila
Published: January 2024

E-cigarettes have rapidly gained popularity among youth in recent years. This scoping review identifies opportunities for school nurses to incorporate e-cigarette prevention strategies into their practice and identifies gaps for future research in school nursing evidence-based practice. Using the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley and advanced by Levac et al., a literature review was conducted using PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), and Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) databases. A total of 15 articles were included in the final review. Articles for inclusion addressed interventions aimed at reducing e-cigarette use in K-12 schools. The results highlight two general types of school-based interventions: (1) universal e-cigarette prevention education and (2) targeted e-cigarette use-cessation programs. Each of these types of interventions presents a leadership opportunity for school nurses to engage within all domains of their scope of practice.
Pirtobrutinib: A New and Distinctive Treatment Option for B-Cell Malignancies
Authors: Schultze Madeline D. , Reeves David J.
Published: January 2024

Objective:

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy/safety of pirtobrutinib in the treatment of B-cell malignancies and distinguish it from other available Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors.

Data sources:

A literature search of PubMed (January 2021 through November 2023) and Clinicaltrials.gov was conducted using terms pirtobrutinib, Jaypirca, and LOXO 305. Licensing trials of available BTK inhibitors were also reviewed.

Study selection and data extraction:

Relevant English-language clinical trials were evaluated.

Data synthesis:

Pirtobrutinib was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) based largely on a phase 1/2 study in B-cell malignancies. Pirtobrutinib demonstrated a 73% overall response rate (ORR) in the CLL population and 58% in MCL. Pirtobrutinib has activity in patients resistant to earlier-generation, covalent BTK inhibitors. In fact, the ORRs were similar in BTK-pretreated and naïve patients. Adverse effects include fatigue, diarrhea, bleeding, and infection. Atrial fibrillation, a class effect of BTK inhibitors, may be less common with pirtobrutinib.

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice in comparison with existing drugs:

Compared with earlier-generation BTK inhibitors, pirtobrutinib is more selective for BTK and binds noncovalently to the receptor. Ongoing studies are evaluating pirtobrutinib’s use in multiple B-cell malignancies and comparing it with other BTK inhibitors.

Conclusion:

The characteristics of pirtobrutinib render it useful in the treatment of B-cell malignancies no longer responding to a previous BTK inhibitor, and results from ongoing clinical trials may support future expanded use.
FIL SSF intraocular lens opacification after gas tamponade: A case series
Authors: Sejournet L. , Elbany S. , Serrar Y. , Loria O. , Bontemps J. , Mathis T. , Burillon C. , Kodjikian L.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To report three cases of postoperative opacification of sutureless scleral-fixed hydrophilic intraocular lens (FIL SSF IOL, Soleko, Italy) after gas tamponade. Two cases occurred after pars plana vitrectomy and one case after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty.

Case report

Two diabetic patients underwent a FIL SSF IOL implantation after posterior capsular rupture during cataract surgery. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) was observed in one patient during the initial surgery. A second patient developed a RRD five months after surgery. Both RRDs were treated with pars plana vitrectomy and perfluoroethane (C2F6) gas tamponade. A few days after the surgery, C2F6 was observed in the anterior chamber of both patients. Two months after gas tamponade, opacification of the anterior surface of the IOL was observed. The third patient was a 74-year-old woman, who underwent a combined Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and FIL SSF IOL implantation. Two rebubblings with sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) retreatments were required due to corneal graft detachment. One month later, an opacification of the anterior surface of the IOL was observed. Explantation with implantation of iris-claw IOL was decided, which resulted in an improvement of BVCA. Analysis of the IOL showed a positive Von Kossa staining, indicating calcification of the IOL. We performed a review of all the cases of FIL SSF IOL implantation in our centers. The overall rate of FIL SSF IOL opacification was 2.1% (3/140). Amongst patients treated with gas tamponade, the rate of opacification was 27.3% (3/11). Although FIL SSF IOL implantation appears to be an effective option for the treatment of aphakia, caution should be exercised regarding the risk of opacification following gas tamponade, especially since these patients are at risk of retinal detachment.
Composing adult lives with a ventilator at the intersection of developmental and neoliberal discourses of time
Authors: Straus Elizabeth J , Brown Helen , Howard A. Fuchsia , Teachman Gail
Published: January 2024

This paper explores temporalities and experiences of time drawn from an analysis of interview data from a critical narrative inquiry of the experiences of young adults living with home mechanical ventilation (HMV). The analysis centers the ideological effects of dominant discourses that shape understandings of time in the Euro-Western world and the ways in which young adults’ stories prompt a rethinking of time in health research and praxis. Data generation involved interviews and photo-elicitation with five young adults (ages 18–40). A critical narrative analysis of participants’ stories surfaced the influence of ableist, developmentalist, and neoliberal discourses of time and the creative resistance that points to the potential of crip orientations to time in opening up possibilities for living. Implications for practice and research are offered.
‘This is not a weapon’: Rethinking children's worlding practices with Karin Murris
Authors: Torres-Begines Concepción , Castro-León Elke , Guzmán-Simón Fernando
Published: January 2024

This article draws on the concept of the posthuman child presented by Murris in her book The Posthuman Child, where the child is not understood as an object of study (‘i’ and ‘I’), nor as a subject (‘ii’ and ‘I’), but as a phenomenon (‘iii’). ‘iii’ constructs reality from intra-action with all the human and more-than-human surrounding elements. This research seeks to overcome the adult/child, nature/culture, or body/mind binaries. As opposed to the adult need (‘I’) in which the construction of meanings has a representational character, ‘iii’ carries out a non-representational worlding. In order to carry out our analysis, we conducted three diffractive readings of an event that took place in an Early Childhood Education school with 4- and 5-year-old children, thinking with Murris’ ‘i’, ‘ii’, and ‘iii’. This event facilitated the inclusion of all the agents involved, human (children and adults) and more-than-human (space, environment, materials, etc.). In our analysis, we seek to overcome the epistemic injustice pointed out by Murris. Our article highlights the need on the part of the adult (‘I’) to understand the child's graphic expression not as a representational end product, but as a product resulting from learning (a drawing), arising from intensities and concretised in a material-discursive practice carried out by the child as a phenomenon (‘iii’). This leads us to rethink the learning spaces at school with a need to generate decolonised spaces in which children's freedom to create worlds prevails, generating new knowledge from/in/through intra-actions with other more-than-human agents.
The continuum of rapport: Ethical tensions in qualitative interviews with vulnerable participants
Authors: Schmid Evi , Garrels Veerle , Skåland Børge
Published: January 2024

Rapport is generally considered an essential component of successful interviewing, where participants are willing to share and divulge information. The present paper contributes to the research on rapport in qualitative interviewing by exploring ethical tensions that researchers may experience when conducting qualitative interviews with vulnerable participants. The analysis is based on semi-structured interviews with nine researchers from various fields within social sciences who had extensive experience in doing research with diverse vulnerable groups. We identified six ethical tensions related to building rapport with people in vulnerable life situations that cover issues concerning both too little and too much rapport. Findings illustrate that rapport as the ‘ideal’ for the researcher-participant relationship may need nuancing. The study concludes that researchers undertaking qualitative interviews on sensitive topics need to have a conscious awareness of ethical tensions that may arise when building rapport with their participants
Research on loose bolt localization technology for transmission towers
Authors: Wen Guanru , Zhao Long , Liu Zhicheng , Wang Jingyao , Huang Xinbo , Yuan Peng
Published: January 2024

Research on loose bolt fault in transmission towers is difficult to detect, and the localization of the loose bolts has always been a challenge in the field of structural health monitoring. This article investigates the relationship between the modal frequencies and modal shapes at different levels and finds that when bolts in transmission towers become loose, the order of modal frequency changes is consistent with the order of the mode shape at the location of the loosening. Based on this, a new method for locating loose bolts in transmission towers is proposed. In the identification of mode parameters, an improved variational mode decomposition is used to extract the mode components at different orders. A modal frequency identification method based on feature set signal reconstruction is proposed, which is based on the modal correlation between the signal components from different sensors, effectively preserving and extracting the structural modal characteristics from the vibration response. At the same time, the identification of modal shapes in transmission towers is achieved through feature-level fusion based on adaptive multi-sequence signals, greatly reducing identification errors. The effectiveness of this method is validated in the finite element analysis of transmission towers, and its superiority is demonstrated through comparison with more advanced methods. The results of a 110 kV transmission tower bolt loosening test also show that this method can accurately identify the area where the bolts are loose, with high identification accuracy, providing a new approach for the localization of loose bolts in transmission towers.
Sex Differences in Status Epilepticus; Biological, Statistical, or Societal?
Authors: Gerard Elizabeth E.
Published: January 2024

[Box: see text]
Investigation on the dry sliding friction and wear properties of Fe-ZrO2 composite
Authors: Jha Pushkar , Sinha DK , Singh Sudesh , Kumar Devendra
Published: January 2024

The present work investigated the wear behaviour of powder metallurgy-processed ZrO2 (10 wt.%) reinforced Fe-based metal matrix composite under dry sliding conditions. The friction and wear properties were evaluated under varying loads and sliding speeds ranging from 5 to 10 N, and 0.75 to 1.25 m/s, respectively. The wear tests were performed against a counter face of EN31 steel (HRC 60) employing pin-on-disc tribometer under room temperature. Microstructural examination of the composite by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), displayed the presence as well as a homogeneous dispersion of reinforcement phase into the matrix. At a particular load and sliding speed, transition behaviour was observed in the coefficient of friction, whereas wear rate increased with increasing load and sliding speed. The analysis of worn surface indicated that the adhesive wear was dominant at relatively high operating conditions, while abrasive wear remained operative at lower load and sliding speed.
Supercharging of the ulnar nerve: clinical and neurophysiological assessment at 2 years for nine proximal injuries
Authors: Thorkildsen Rasmus Dehli , Kleggetveit Inge Petter , Thu Frode , Madsen Lise Maurstad , Bolstad Bjørg Johanna , Røkkum Magne
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to use detailed clinical and neurophysiological examinations to strengthen outcome assessment after supercharged end-to-side nerve transfer for ulnar nerve injury. The transfer was performed in nine adult patients with complete ulnar nerve injuries at or proximal to the elbow who also underwent primary nerve repair ( n = 7) or grafting ( n = 2) either concomitantly or within the previous 18 months. Patients were examined pre- and postoperatively with follow-ups at 9, 12 and 24 months, including detailed neurophysiological assessments. Motor recovery in the long flexors was seen at 9 months, but intrinsic function was first apparent from 12 months. Sensory recovery was also observed consistent with proximal reinnervation. Neurophysiological signs of function via the supercharged end-to-side nerve transfer were only seen for one patient. We conclude that the place for this technique in clinical practice still seems to be uncertain.

Level of evidence:

II
Prostate cancer management in Southeast Asian countries: a survey of clinical practice patterns
Authors: Chiong Edmund , Saad Marniza , Hamid Agus Rizal A.H. , Ong-Cornel Annielyn Beryl , Lojanapiwat Bannakij , Pripatnanont Choosak , Serrano Dennis , Songco Jaime , Sin Loh Chit , Hakim Lukman , Chua Melvin Lee Kiang , Nguyen Nguyen Phuc , Phuong Pham Cam , Patnaik Ravi Sekhar , Umbas Rainy , Kanesvaran Ravindran
Published: January 2024

Background:

Prostate cancer (PC) has a serious public health impact, and its incidence is rising due to the aging population. There is limited evidence and consensus to guide the management of PC in Southeast Asia (SEA). We present real-world data on clinical practice patterns in SEA for advanced PC care.

Method:

A paper-based survey was used to identify clinical practice patterns and obtain consensus among the panelists. The survey included the demographics of the panelists, the use of clinical guidelines, and clinical practice patterns in the management of advanced PC in SEA.

Results:

Most panelists (81%) voted prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as the most effective test for early PC diagnosis and risk stratification. Nearly 44% of panelists agreed that prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging for PC diagnostic and staging information aids local and systemic therapy decisions. The majority of the panel preferred abiraterone acetate (67%) or docetaxel (44%) as first-line therapy for symptomatic mCRPC patients. Abiraterone acetate (50%) is preferred over docetaxel as a first-line treatment in metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer patients with high-volume disease. However, the panel did not support the use of abiraterone acetate in non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) patients. Apalutamide (75%) is the preferred treatment option for patients with nmCRPC. The cost and availability of modern treatments and technologies are important factors influencing therapeutic decisions. All panelists supported the use of generic versions of approved therapies.

Conclusion:

The survey results reflect real-world management of advanced PC in a SEA country. These findings could be used to guide local clinical practices and highlight the financial challenges of modern healthcare.
Diagnostic value of [99mTc]Tc-PSMA-I&S-SPECT/CT for the primary staging and restaging of prostate cancer
Authors: Farkas István , Sipka Gábor , Bakos Annamária , Maráz Anikó , Bajory Zoltán , Mikó Zsófia , Czékus Tamás , Urbán Szabolcs , Varga Linda , Pávics László , Besenyi Zsuzsanna
Published: January 2024

Background:

A large number of studies have proved that prostate-specific membrane antigen-positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PSMA-PET/CT) provides excellent accuracy in primary staging and restaging of prostate cancer. Less data exist with PSMA-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT investigations.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of [99mTc]Tc-PSMA-I&S (for imaging and surgery) in prostate cancer.

Design and methods:

We retrospectively analysed PSMA-SPECT/CT scans of 20 healthy volunteers and 100 male patients with prostate cancer. All of them had histologically confirmed prostate cancer. In all, 28 patients were examined for primary staging and 72 for biochemical recurrence or progressive disease. Whole body SPECT/CT imaging was carried out 6 h after the intravenous administration of 666 ± 102 MBq [99mTc]Tc-PSMA-I&S. Images were evaluated visually and semi-quantitatively.

Results:

Patient-based sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for primary prostate cancer were 86%, 100%, 100%, 83% and 92%, respectively. For detecting metastases in primary staging, these values were 88%, 100%, 100%, 85% and 93%, respectively. The radiopharmaceutical uptake of primary prostate cancer was significantly higher than in normal prostate. The patient-based sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of the method in the visualization of local recurrence were 67%, 100%, 100%, 86% and 89%, and for detecting metastases in restaging were 91%, 92%, 98%, 75% and 91%, respectively. In restaging, detection rates were 37% under prostate-specific antigen level of 1 ng/mL, 74% between 1 and 5 ng/mL and 80% >5 ng/mL.

Conclusion:

[99mTc]Tc-PSMA-I&S-SPECT/CT can be easily integrated into the routine diagnostic practice, and it provides usable data in primary staging and restaging of prostate cancer. Quantitative assessment of PSMA-SPECT/CT has the potential to be used to differentiate between physiological and pathological intraprostatic tracer uptake.
Clinical Outcomes After Arthroscopic Treatment of Extraspinal Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) Involving the Hip Joint
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhang Zhiyu , Huang Hongjie , Xu Yan , Wang Jianquan , Ju Xiaodong
Published: January 2024

Objective

The hip joint can be affected by extraspinal diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of hips with DISH to those with mixed-type femoroacetabular impingement symptoms (FAIS). In addition, patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores were reported among patients with DISH involving the hip joint who underwent arthroscopic treatment.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed using data from patients who underwent hip arthroscopy between 2017 and 2021. Patients who had a preoperative diagnosis of extraspinal DISH of the hip joint and postoperative Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score–Sports Subscale (HOS-SSS), International Hip Outcome Tool 12-component form (iHOT-12), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain scores were enrolled in the study. The patients’ characteristics were compared with those of a control group (1:2) consisting of mixed-type patients with FAIS. The control group was matched in terms of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and symptom duration.

Results

Eleven hips (0.87%) with extraspinal DISH (study group) were matched to 22 FAIS hips (control group). All the patients were male. The mean age of patients was 42.0 ± 8.0 in the study group. The study group was characterized by a larger preoperative alpha angle (79.1 ± 6.8 vs 64.8 ± 9.7, P < .001), lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) (49.7 ± 6.0 vs 40.7 ± 3.2, P < .001), and postoperative LCEA (36.6 ± 3.0 vs 34.2 ± 2.0, P = .013). In addition, a higher proportion of acetabular (81.8% vs 31.8%, P = .007) and femoral head chondral lesions (45.5% vs 9.1%, P = .016). Cartilage damage has the potential to affect the prognosis of arthroscopic treatment. Nevertheless, at the final follow-up, patients with DISH experienced a significant increase in range of motion (ROM), notable enhancements in all PROs, and favorable rates of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for the PROs.

Conclusion

The occurrence of DISH in the hip joint is considerably infrequent, characterized by hip pain and limited ROM. Despite increased alpha angle and LCEA, and more acetabular and femoral head chondral damage noted at the time hip arthroscopy, patients with DISH observed a significant improvement in ROM, notable enhancements in all PROs, and favorable rates of MCID for the PROs.
Reimagining English Language Teaching: Towards Developing a Heutagogical Framework
Authors: S. Anjana Krishna , B. Mythiri , Karthika V. K.
Published: January 2024

Education in its essential meaning should beget a civilized and socio-emotionally intelligent, competent mindset in its stakeholders. However, this seems an ideal situation which is impractical owing to several conditions and constraints that impede the implementation of holistic education. Pedagogical practices initially relied on rote learning and thereafter several reforms in educational policies asserted the importance of nurturing global competency among the learners. However, this shift from rote learning to a more self-directed learning is a challenging transformation which is idealized to a great extent. In this article, we argue that a sudden shift may not be possible, and to realize learner autonomy and their self-directedness, there should be a gradual but steady progress from pedagogy to andragogy and then to heutagogy. Self-directedness and learner-centredness are the crucial aspects of heutagogy. Taking examples from a case study that we conducted with teachers of English from select higher education institutions in India, we analysed the various tenets of heutagogy and its practicality in the Indian context. We investigated how teachers are incorporating aspects of heutagogy in their English classrooms and what major challenges are encountered. Their individual classroom episodes may serve as an initial reservoir of ideas to orient further research in the field. The possibility of embedding the PAH continuum in classrooms is analysed through the lens of socio-constructivist theory. The insights from this study will be valuable for teachers and students who wish to gain a deeper insight into the heutagogical learning paradigm and its integration into language teaching in the classroom.
Is Colchicine the New “Aspirin”?
Authors: Jadhav Kartik Pandurang
Published: January 2024

For more than six decades, ischemic heart disease has sustained as the world’s leading cause of death. Growing evidence suggests chronic inflammation as the underlying pathophysiology of this illness. Due to this, inflammatory markers have become a mainstay of diagnosing, prognosticating, and following up the effectiveness of therapy. Colchicine remains a contentious treatment option for coronary heart disease, despite mounting evidence to the contrary from recent studies. This article discusses the basics of inflammation, the role of colchicine, various clinical studies, and the latest guidelines on colchicine. Colchicine has the potential to develop into a cheap, novel, and effective therapy for coronary artery disease.
Impact of Regional Economic Integration on Trade and Investment
Authors: Manocha Rinku
Published: January 2024

Economies that have a negotiated regional trade agreement (RTA) are liberalising various economic norms among member nations (including trade, investment, environment and other strategic parameters) to strengthen long-term flows of goods, services and capital. Hence, numerous studies have been conducted to empirically examine the impact of regional integrations on trade and investment using various econometric tools and techniques. The present study was an attempt to state and identify the contribution of such studies. An insight into the existing literature depicted varied results; rather than: some studies stated that the regional economic integration is facilitating world trade and also supporting the flow of capital among member nations, whereas few studies depicted a non-collaborated association between RTA and trade/investment. Further, a review of the literature depicted that few RTAs still need to work towards enhancing the depth of trade and investment provision to further strengthen the flows of trade and investment in the years to come.
Spectral analysis with highly collimated mini-LEDs as light sources for quantitative detection of direct bilirubin
Authors: Ye Zhi Ting , Tseng Shen Fu , Tsou Shang Xuan , Tsai Chun Wei
Published: January 2024

Because the human eye cannot visually detect the results of direct bilirubin test papers accurately and quantitatively, this study proposes four different highly collimated mini light-emitting diodes (HC mini-LEDs) as light sources for detection. First, different concentrations of bilirubin were oxidized to biliverdin by FeCl3 on the test paper, and pictures were obtained with a smartphone. Next, the red, green, and blue (RGB) channels of the pictures were separated to average grayscale values, and their linear relationship with the direct bilirubin concentration was analyzed to detect bilirubin on the test paper noninvasively and quantitatively. The experimental results showed that when green HC mini-LEDs were used as the light sources and image analysis was performed using the G channel, for a direct bilirubin concentration range of 0.1–2 mg/dL, the G channel determination coefficient (R2) reached 0.9523 and limit of detection was 0.459 mg/dL. The detection method proposed herein has advantages such as rapid analysis, noninvasive detection, and digitization according to RGB grayscale changes in the images of the detection test paper.
Effects of nano silicon fertilizer on the lodging resistance characteristics of wheat basal second stem node
Authors: Yang Min , Chen Shuang , Chao Kui , Ji Cexun , Shi Yan
Published: January 2024

The application of nano fertilizers is one of the hotspots in current agricultural production. In this study, nano silicon materials were mixed with compound fertilizers to make nano silicon fertilizer. The effects of different amounts of nano silicon application on the breaking-resistance strength, lodging-resistance index, lignin accumulation, lignin synthesis related enzymes, and the relative expression of lignin synthesis related genes in the second stem node of wheat were mainly studied. Four treatments were set up: CK (750 kg·ha−1 compound fertilizer), T1 (750 kg·ha−1 compound fertilizer + 0.9 kg·ha−1 nano silicon), T2 (750 kg·ha−1 compound fertilizer + 1.8 kg·ha−1 nano silicon), T3 (750 kg·ha−1 compound fertilizer + 2.7 kg·ha−1 nano silicon). The results of the two-year experiment showed that the breaking-resistance strength, lodging-resistance index, lignin accumulation in the second stem node of wheat treated with nano silicon fertilizer were higher than CK. In the first year of the experiment, the lignin accumulation of T2 was 130.73%, 5.14% and 7.25% higher than that of CK, T1 and T3 respectively at the maturity stage. In the second year of the experiment, the lignin accumulation of T2 was 20.33%, 11.19% and 9.89% higher than that of CK, T1 and T3 respectively at the maturity stage. And the activities of PAL, 4CL, CAD, and related gene expression levels were also higher than CK. And among them, T2 performed the best, indicating that the application of nano silicon fertilizer is beneficial for improving the lodging resistance of wheat stems and is of great significance for improving the quality of wheat.
The investigation of thrombocytopenia after transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Wang Jipei , Wang Xiaoming , Xu Xuefei , Xie Limin , Yang Pengwei
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the risk factors for thrombocytopenia after transcatheter occlusion operation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Method

Retrospective analyses were conducted using clinical data from 106 patients with PDA who underwent transcatheter closure operations at Henan Provincial Chest Hospital, Zhengzhou University, from January 2018 to June 2022. The study compared the changes in platelet counts before and after the operation, and investigated the risk factors for thrombocytopenia following PDA closure in different groups and layers.

Results

The platelet count of patients with PDA significantly decreased after undergoing transcatheter PDA occlusion. Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors such as PDA diameter, occluder diameter, pressure difference on the two sides of the occluder, and residual shunt were associated with an increased risk of thrombocytopenia following PDA occlusion. Specifically, the size of the occluder and the pressure difference between the two sides of the occluder were found to have a negative correlation with the postoperative platelet count. Further subgroup analysis demonstrated that the incidence of total thrombocytopenia was significantly higher in the large PDA group compared to the small-medium PDA groups.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that occluder diameter, the pressure difference between the two sides of the occluder, and the residual shunt are major risk factors correlated with the incidence of postoperative thrombocytopenia. However, a multicenter and long-term prospective study is required to further evaluate the prognosis of PDA patients with thrombocytopenia after transcatheter occlusion.
An immune-related exosome signature predicts the prognosis and immunotherapy response in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhu Kaibo , Ma Jiao , Tian Yiping , Liu Qin , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2024

Background

Cancer-derived exosomes contribute significantly in intracellular communication, particularly during tumorigenesis. Here, we aimed to identify two immune-related ovarian cancer-derived exosomes (IOCEs) subgroups in ovarian cancer (OC) and establish a prognostic model for OC patients based on immune-related IOCEs.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to obtain RNA-seq data, as well as clinical and prognostic information. Consensus clustering analysis was performed to identify two IOCEs-associated subgroups. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the overall survival (OS) between IOCEs-high and IOCEs-low subtype. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were conducted to investigate the mechanisms and biological effects of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two subtypes. Besides, an IOCE-related prognostic model of OC was constructed by Lasso regression analysis, and the signature was validated using GSE140082 as the validation set.

Results

In total, we obtained 21 differentially expressed IOCEs in OC, and identified two IOCE-associated subgroups by consensus clustering. IOCE-low subgroup showed a favorable prognosis while IOCE-high subgroup had a higher level of immune cell infiltration and immune response. GSEA showed that pathways in cancer and immune response were mainly enriched in IOCE-high subgroup. Thus, IOCE-high subgroup may benefit more in immunotherapy treatment. In addition, we constructed a risk model based on nine IOCE-associated genes (CLDN4, AKT2, CSPG5, ALDOC, LTA4H, PSMA2, PSMA5, TCIRG1, ANO6).

Conclusion

We developed a novel stratification system for OV based on IOCE signature, which could be used to estimate the prognosis as well as immunotherapy for OC patient.
Self-efficacy, grit, and rural career aspirations among early career nurses: a repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Terry Daniel , Peck Blake , Baker Ed , Schmitz David
Published: January 2024

Background

Global nursing workforce shortage represents an impediment to the delivery of safe, evidence-based healthcare. Despite collective efforts, a consistent stream of nurses leaving the profession remains, particularly within the first five years of practice, which is exacerbated in rural communities. The aim of the study was to compare self-efficacy, grit, and rural career aspirations among nursing graduates between their second and fourth year of their nursing profession.

Methods

As part of a longitudinal investigation, a repeated cross-sectional design was utilised. Participants included, 117 (response rate 52.2%) who completed an online questionnaire 18–24 months after graduating, and 32 participants (response rate of 21.0%) who agree to repeat the questionnaire 36–48 months after graduating. The questionnaire included demographic, employment, and measures examining general and occupational self-efficacy, grit, and rural career aspirations.

Results

No differences between general and occupational self-efficacy or grit were identified between second- and fourth-year nurses. In addition, the importance placed on undertaking rural career also remains unchanged. However, a higher proportion of fourth year nurses were more likely to be in management or were considering leaving the profession.

Conclusions

This examination of early career nurses, now in their second and fourth-year post-graduation highlights self-efficacy, grit, and rural career aspirations remains stable between two- and four-years following graduation, while nursing in their fourth year were more likely to consider leaving the profession. Nursing retention is a ‘Wicked Problem’ that is unavoidably a complex amalgam of macro, meso and micro factors that we are yet to fully appreciate.
An assessment of public experiences and expectations with physicians: a cross sectional study from Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Irshad Hammad Atif , Mahar Muhammad Umar , Jahangir Arshia , Aamir Syed Roohan , Jamil Muhammad Abdullah , Ahsan Khizer , Taufiq Maliha , Ahmed Abdullah , Golani Shilpa , Amir Sehba , Kakar Wasila Gul , Ali Abida , Nafees Asaad Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Background

Although physicians are highly regarded members of society, patients are not always satisfied with their care, suggesting a mismatch between the public’s expectations and reality. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the public’s expectations regarding roles and responsibilities of a physician, to assess patient experiences, and to evaluate factors associated with the two outcomes.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted via face-to-face structured interviews from July 14th to August 2nd, 2023, in Karachi, Pakistan. The study sample comprised 424 consenting adults enrolled by visiting public spaces (malls, parks, hospitals, and residential areas). A modified version of ‘Exceptionally Good Doctor Likert scale’, and ‘Patient Picker-15’ (PPE-15) questionnaires was used. The Likert and PPE-15 sections were scored through pre-decided criteria for expectations and experience, respectively, and categorized using a median cut-off into high and low expectations and negative and positive experiences, respectively for simple and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A median score of 30.5/ 34 (IQR = 3.3) was found for expectations and 4/ 14 (IQR = 4) for experiences. Significant factors associated with expectations were older age groups (OR = 4.54 [1.18–17.50]) and higher monthly household incomes (0.40 [0.20–0.79]), while the odds of negative experiences were lower after visits to emergency departments (0.38 [0.18–0.84]) and private health care centers (0.31 [0.13–0.70]).

Conclusion

These results suggest that the public has high expectations from physicians, however their experiences are not always positive. Initiatives to develop a patient-centric ethos are needed for which we outline recommendations to both the public and physicians, respectively.
The association of RBX1 and BAMBI gene expression with oocyte maturation in PCOS women
Authors: Monshizadeh Kimia , Tajamolian Masoud , Anbari Fatemeh , Mehrjardi Mohammad Yahya Vahidi , Kalantar Seyed Mehdi , Dehghani Mohammadreza
Published: January 2024

Background

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects 6–20% of women of reproductive age. One of the symptoms of PCOS is hyperandrogenism, which can impair follicular development. This disruption can cause issues with the development of oocytes and the growth of embryos. Although the exact cause of PCOS is not yet fully understood, studying the gene expression pattern of cumulus cells, which play a crucial role in the maturation and quality of oocytes, could help identify the genes associated with oocyte maturation in PCOS women. Through indirect activation of APC/Cdc20, RBX1 enables oocytes to bypass the GV (germinal vesicles) stage and advance to the MII (metaphase II) stage. our other gene is the BAMBI gene which stimulates WNT signaling, that is a crucial pathway for healthy ovarian function. This study aims to explore the expression level of the RBX1 and BAMBI genes between GV and MII oocytes of PCOS and non-PCOS groups.

Methods

In this experiment, we gathered the cumulus cells of MII (38 cases and 33 control) and GV (38 cases and 33 control) oocytes from women with/without PCOS. Besides, quantitative RT-PCR was used to assess the semi-quantitative expression of BAMBI and RBX1.

Results

According to our research, the expression level of RBX1 and BAMBI in MII and GV cumulus cells of PCOS patients was significantly lower than that in non-PCOS ones.

Conclusion

This research raises the possibility of RBX1 and BAMBI involvement in oocyte quality in PCOS women.
Immune characteristics of kidney transplant recipients with acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by COVID-19 at single-cell resolution
Authors: Lu Junyu , Chen Yin , Zhou Kaihuan , Ling Yicong , Qin Qianqian , Lu Weisheng , Qin Lian , Mou Chenglin , Zhang Jianfeng , Zheng Xiaowen , Qin Ke
Published: January 2024

Background

COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can result in tissue damage and multiple organ dysfunction, especially in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) receiving immunosuppressive drugs. Presently, single-cell research on COVID-19-induced ARDS is considerably advanced, yet knowledge about ARDS in KTRs is still constrained.

Methods

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was performed to construct a comprehensive single-cell immune landscape of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of eight patients with COVID-19-induced ARDS, five KTRs with COVID-19-induced ARDS, and five healthy individuals. Subsequently, we conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, including cell clustering, enrichment analysis, trajectory analysis, gene regulatory network analysis, and cell–cell interaction analysis, to investigate the heterogeneity of the immune microenvironment in KTRs with ARDS.

Result

Our study revealed that KTRs exhibit significant heterogeneity with COVID-19-induced ARDS compared with those of other individuals, with significant reductions in T cells, as well as an abnormal proliferation of B cells and monocytes. In the context of dual influences from immunosuppression and viral infection, KTRs exhibited more specific plasma cells, along with significant enrichment of dysfunctional GZMB and XAF1 double-positive effector T cells and IFI27-positive monocytes. Additionally, robust communication existed among T cells and monocytes in cytokine signaling. These effects impede the process of immune reconstitution in KTR patients.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that KTRs with COVID-19-induced ARDS show elevated antibody levels, impaired T cell differentiation, and dysregulation of innate immunity. In summary, this study provides a theoretical foundation for a comprehensive understanding of COVID-19-induced ARDS in KTRs.
Pain-free hospital implementation: a multidimensional intervention to improve pain management at Wallaga University Referral Hospital, Nekemte, Ethiopia
Authors: Bayisa Gedefa , Limenu Kebena , Dugasa Nemomsa , Regassa Bikila , Tafese Muhamedamin , Abebe Mulugeta , Shifera Indalkachew , Fayisa Diriba , Deressa Habtamu , Negari Asefa , Takele Amsalu , Tilahun Temesgen
Published: January 2024

Objective

This quality improvement project is aimed to increase pain free hospital implementation from 21.7 to 80% at Wallaga University Referral Hospital (WURH) from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023.

Methods

Hospital based interventional study was conducted at WURH. The Plan- Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle was used to test change ideas. A fishbone diagram and a driver diagram were used to identify root causes and address them. Major interventions included training of health professionals, initiation of pain as fifth vital sign, policy and protocol development, and conducting regular supportive supervision.

Results

Upon completion of the project, overall pain-free hospital implementation increased from baseline 21.7–88.7%. Implementation of pain as 5th the vital sign was increased from 15.4 to 92.3%. Regular audits of pain assessment and management increased from 27.3 to 81.8%. Two standardized treatment protocols or chronic and acute pains were developed from baseline zero. A focal person for Pain-free hospital implementation was assigned. More than 85% of healthcare providers were trained in pain assessment and management.

Conclusion

Compliance with pain-free hospital implementations was significantly improved in the study area. This was achieved through the application of multidimensional change ideas related to health professionals, standardized guidelines and protocols, supplies, and leadership. Therefore, we recommend providing regular technical updates & conducting a frequent clinical audit on pain management.
METTL3 drives NSCLC metastasis by enhancing CYP19A1 translation and oestrogen synthesis
Authors: Meng Wangyang , Xiao Han , Zhao Rong , Chen Jiaping , Wang Yangwei , Mei Peiyuan , Li Hecheng , Liao Yongde
Published: January 2024

Background

METTL3 plays a significant role as a catalytic enzyme in mediating N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, and its importance in tumour progression has been extensively studied in recent years. However, the precise involvement of METTL3 in the regulation of translation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear.

Results

Here we discovered by clinical investigation that METTL3 expression is correlated with NSCLC metastasis. Ablation of METTL3 in NSCLC cells inhibits invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, through translatomics data mining and experimental validation, we demonstrated that METTL3 enhances the translation of aromatase (CYP19A1), a key enzyme in oestrogen synthesis, thereby promoting oestrogen production and mediating the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC. Mechanistically, METTL3 interacts with translation initiation factors and binds to CYP19A1 mRNA, thus enhancing the translation efficiency of CYP19A1 in an m6A-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of METTL3 enzymatic activity or translation initiation factor eIF4E abolishes CYP19A1 protein synthesis.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate the crucial role of METTL3-mediated translation regulation in NSCLC and reveal the significance of METTL3/eIF4E/CYP19A1 signaling as a promising therapeutic target for anti-metastatic strategies against NSCLC.

Graphical abstract