bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Prescribers’ Views of Implementing an Electronic System to Collect Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures
Authors: Rahman Nusrat , Ibrahim Adila , Sagar Verma Radhika , Schwartz Robert P. , Clarke Diana E. , Gibson Debbie , Vocci Frank J. , Casanova Barbara , Pagano Anna
Published: March 2024

Use of patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) may improve addiction treatment outcomes. This qualitative study investigated barriers and facilitators for PROMs implementation among prescribers of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) participating in AMNet, an addiction medicine practice-based research network. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven qualitative research participants of 57 AMNet providers. Interview data were analyzed thematically and coded using ATLAS.ti. Barriers included lack of electronic health record (EHR) integration; user interface issues; insufficient administrative support; challenges with patient engagement; and lack of fit with clinical practice. Facilitators included perceptions that PROMs use would improve outcomes and increase accountability while advancing addiction medicine. Patient-reported outcomes measures implementation is feasible in small outpatient MOUD practices, although resource constraints and technological barriers may reduce potential reach.
Can religion motivate people to blow the whistle?
Authors: Ul-Haq Shoaib , Jaffer Muhammad Asif , Rizvi Wajid Hussain
Published: March 2024

While major religions espouse moral values encouraging prosocial behavior, the empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of religious influence on such behavior, as proposed by the religious pro-sociality hypothesis, remains inconclusive. To explore this further, we conducted two studies to test this hypothesis in Pakistan, a Muslim-majority Asian nation, focusing on whistleblowing as a prosocial behavior. The first study gathered cross-sectional data from 323 undergraduate business students in Karachi, Pakistan, utilizing hypothetical scenarios of academic cheating and bank embezzlement. Participants completed a scenario-based questionnaire assessing intrinsic religiosity, personality traits, and whistleblowing intentions. Measures were adapted for the Muslim context, with intrinsic religiosity assessed using the Age Universal Intrinsic-Extrinsic (AUIE) scale and personality traits measured using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) scale. Regression analysis of these data revealed that while intrinsic religiosity significantly predicted whistleblowing intentions in the academic cheating scenario, it did not do so in the bank embezzlement scenario. Furthermore, multiple regression modeling to test moderating effects of personality traits did not yield significant results for either scenario. The second study employed an experimental design to observe actual whistleblowing behavior among 85 undergraduate business students in Karachi, Pakistan. Participants were randomly assigned to either a religious or a neutral condition, aiming to assess the impact of intrinsic religiosity on whistleblowing behavior. The experiment used a cover story which involved a confederate cheating during an intelligence quotient (IQ) test. The purpose of this design was to examine whether the participant, acting as the sole witness to wrongdoing, would intervene and blow the whistle. Data analysis using logistic regression indicated that intrinsic religiosity did not significantly predict whistleblowing behavior across both the experimental and control conditions. These contrasting results highlight the complexity of whistleblowing, emphasizing its subjective nature and the influence of social dynamics on behavior.
Carl Schmitt’s Political Theology: Legitimizing Authority after Secularization
Authors: Godefroy Bruno
Published: March 2024

In the last years, a theological turn had a pervasive influence in the reception of Carl Schmitt’s writings. According to this view, his thought has a strong, substantial religious foundation. With regards to understanding not only Schmitt’s position but also his current influence in authoritarian countries, this essay argues that this interpretation is misleading and proposes a different and comprehensive analysis of Schmitt’s concept of political theology that replaces it in a political-legal framework. Against the theological reading, it argues that Schmitt’s concept of “political theology” refers to his own conception of legal theory as an attempt to relegitimize authority in a secular context. As “political theology,” this legal theory is designed to overcome normativism and parliamentarism by “substantializing” the legal form. Using Schmitt’s post-1933 works as an example, the essay shows that, as theology translates faith into a written doctrine, legal theory must, according to Schmitt, substantialize the legal form by translating the political idea into jurisprudence. Hence, this article concludes that Schmitt’s theory might be described as “political theology” but only in a formal, ideological sense. It is part of an authoritarian theory that is not religious but uses theology to revive an appearance of absolute legitimacy.
Managing Social Organizations: Experiences and Challenges
Authors: Ravichandran N. , Venkataramanaiah S. , Gajiwala Uday , Pandey Rahul , Venkat Shridhar , Rao I. V. Subba , Murthy K. R. S. , Manikutty S. , Raghuram G.
Published: March 2024

The colloquium presents multiple perspectives on managing social organizations. Social organizations have emerged from not-for-profit organizations. They meet an important unfulfilled need of collective societal good. Some social organizations have a strong legacy. There is no standard way of governing/administring/managing social organizations. The management style needs to be context-specific. The impact of social organizations are also varied. Often the emphasis is on effectiveness rather than efficiency. The articles draw on the experience of the founder/co-founder, managers and academicians who have worked with/for social organizations to provide insights on the management and various challenges these organizations face.
Manufacturing profiled conical cylinder by a semi-closed isothermal precision die forging technology
Authors: Tong Dengliang , Yi Youping , He Hailin , Huang Shiquan , Tang Jiaguo
Published: April 2024

An improved semi-closed isothermal precision dies forging process has been used to produce successfully precision profiled conical cylinder forging. The semi-closed die forging significantly improved the forming quality and deformation homogeneity of profiled forgings, and greatly reduced die forging force by isothermal forging with three-stage variable speed. The static recrystallization during solution process was inhibited, and fine and even dynamic recrystallized grains and abundant sub-grains were obtained. In addition, the difference of the microstructure at each position was small and the distribution of grains and second phase particles was uniform. This significantly improved the mechanical properties and homogeneity of forgings, and the average values of tensile strength, yield strength and elongation reached 480.9 MPa, 387.8 MPa and 8.75%, respectively.
A retrospective study of the effects of uterine manipulators on prognosis in patients with cervical cancer
Authors: Guo Xinmeng , Zhao Enfeng , Guan Zheng , Li Weiping , Zhang Jinning , Tian Shuang , Yao Yuanqing
Published: March 2024

Objective

This retrospective study investigated the effects of uterine manipulator use during minimally invasive radical hysterectomy on prognosis in patients with cervical cancer.

Methods

We collected clinical data on 762 patients with stage IA2 to IIB cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2009 to 2019. Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank tests were used to compare the 5-year overall survival rates between patients treated with and without a uterine manipulator.

Results

Patient demographics did not differ between the two groups. In addition, the incidence of lymphovascular space invasion, tumor size, pathologic types, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, the histologic grade, and the rate of lymphatic metastases did not differ between the groups. Meanwhile, perioperative clinical indicators were similar in the groups. Furthermore, no significant differences in 5-year survival rates and survival curves were recorded between the groups among both all patients (84.5% vs. 85.6%) and early-stage patients (89.1% vs. 89.2%).

Conclusions

The use of uterine manipulators during minimally invasive radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer did not affect clinicopathological markers or increase the risk of death.
Calculation of Lateral Stability of Tank Trucks and its Relationship with Filling Rate
Authors: He Lieyun , Fu Yi-Feng , Zhou Yan
Published: March 2024

To investigate a theoretical algorithm model of the lateral stability of tank trucks and its relationship with the liquid filling rate, the shifting of the liquid centroid during non-full loading is considered. The deformation of the suspension and tires under load is assumed to exhibit a linear relationship. Using the principle of moment balance, a calculation model for the maximum stable roll angle and rollover critical acceleration of tank trucks based on the “liquid–tank–vehicle” tri-coupling is established, and the relationship between the maximum stable roll angle and rollover critical acceleration of tank trucks is analyzed and compared. Based on the result and a specific tank truck model, the effects of the liquid filling rate on the maximum stable roll angle, rollover critical acceleration, and tank tilt angle of tank trucks are investigated using numerical analysis methods. A comparison with the lateral stability of ordinary trucks loaded with solid goods is performed to further examine the effect of the liquid filling rate on the lateral stability of tank trucks. The results show that the maximum stable roll angle and rollover critical acceleration are consistent indicators for evaluating the lateral stability of tank trucks; the lateral stability of tank trucks decreases owing to the shift in the liquid centroid inside the tank; as the liquid filling rate increases, the lateral stability of the tank trucks deteriorates slightly.
Multi-Vehicle Collaborative Trajectory Planning for Emergency Vehicle Priority at Autonomous Intersections
Authors: Liu Yang , Long Kejun , Wu Wei , Liu Wei
Published: March 2024

Emergency vehicle (EV) prioritization plays an important role in improving rescue efficiency and saving lives and property. Most existing studies have been confined to either investigating signal prioritization for EVs at intersections or focusing on clearing emergency lanes on road segments, with limited consideration for an integrated approach that combines both methods. In this study, we have developed a bi-level trajectory planning model aimed at optimizing the trajectories of EVs at intersections and road segments located within the communication range, using vehicle-to-everything technology. The upper-level model is designed to plan the entry times, speeds, and internal trajectories of vehicles within the intersection while avoiding any conflicts that may arise during their movements. In particular, to address the dimensionality of the proposed large-scale optimization problems, we introduce the equidistant discretization method to discretize the entry speeds of vehicles into a finite set of selectable values. The lower-level model focuses on optimizing the longitudinal and lateral trajectories on roadways to ensure that vehicles arrive at the stop line punctually and promptly. Both the upper- and lower-level models are formulated as mixed-integer linear programming models. The A Mathematical Programming Language and the Gurobi solver are employed for optimization. The case study demonstrates that the proposed model effectively optimizes vehicle trajectories at intersections and road segments, leading to a significant reduction in delays for EVs.
Freeze–Thaw Performance Trends of Short-Term Cured Cement-Stabilized Aggregate Quarry By-Product Materials
Authors: Kong Taeyun , Kothari Chirayu , Qamhia Issam I. A. , Tutumluer Erol , Garg Nishant , Peters Tim , Stolba Andrew J.
Published: March 2024

Recent research studies conducted at the Illinois Center for Transportation focused on sustainable applications of quarry-by-products (QB) as pavement foundation materials and demonstrated the superior durability performance of dolomitic aggregate materials exposed to long-term cementitious reaction and repeated freezing and thawing. This study investigated the influence of QB chemical composition on the strength of cement-stabilized samples exposed to freeze–thaw cycles. Dolomitic QB materials from different quarries in Illinois and with different magnesium oxide (MgO) content, and a control limestone sample were chemically characterized by X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction techniques. The QB materials were then stabilized with 3% cement and subjected to a 7-day curing period, followed by freeze–thaw conditioning. Unconfined compressive strength and resonant frequency tests were conducted to examine how the percentage of MgO and dolomitic minerals could alter the strength/stiffness with freeze–thaw cycles. Optical microscopy analysis was also performed to observe the extent of microstructure damage with freezing and thawing. Over the course of the applied freeze–thaw cycles, no notable minerology effect on strength or stiffness characteristics was observed for the short-term curing. Instead, performance was predominantly governed by physical properties, such as the particle size distribution, which played a more significant role after short-term curing. Well-graded QB materials with optimum packing, following Talbot’s equation with a 0.45 exponent, consistently exhibited the highest strength after any freeze–thaw cycle. The next phase of research, focusing on long-term curing, is expected to provide more insights into the chemical and mineralogical effects of QB materials on durability performance.
Drivers’ Ability to Detect Traffic Signs on Curves with the Presence of Clutter in the Visual Field: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yared Tamer
Published: March 2024

Road accidents are a leading cause of death worldwide. Driver performance and safety can be compromised by various factors, including those related to driver behavior, the road and driving environment, as well as the vehicle itself. Traffic signs play a vital role in informing drivers and increasing their situational awareness. Therefore, it is crucial to detect and understand traffic signs clearly without adding unnecessary workload or compromising driving safety and performance. However, when traffic signs are placed on curves or in visually cluttered environments, or both together, it can increase the demands of driving and potentially compromise safety. A review was conducted to explore recent research on drivers’ ability to detect traffic signs, driving performance, and visual search in curved environments with visual clutter. The analysis revealed that billboards, particularly electronic ones, are generally distracting and may adversely affect driving performance and safety. Additionally, a majority of the reviewed studies on driving on curves indicated decreased performance and a high mental workload. To conclude, this review aims to enhance understanding of driving safety and performance when navigating horizontal curves. It aims to offer recommendations to road engineers concerning the optimal placement of traffic signs and billboards, particularly around curved sections. Generally, it is recommended to minimize the placement of billboards and unnecessary signs on curves to reduce visual clutter and alleviate the driver’s workload when searching for the crucial signs, and thus minimize distractions.
Appropriate prescription of cytobacteriological urine examinations in older adults
Authors: Raveloson Hendriniaina , Ben Hassen Jihène , Koraib Rihab , Jhouri Aziza , Schlatter Joël
Published: April 2024

Cytobacteriological urine examinations (CBEU) are frequently ordered for the older adults, sometimes without straightforward indication and with the risk of prescribing empirical antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of the CBEU prescription and empiric antibiotic therapy in our geriatric hospital. Among 129 patients (mean age 84 years, sex ratio 0.69), 229 CBEU were collected with 20.9% of inappropriate indication. Cultures were sterile in 43% (n = 99) of cases and positive in 57% (n = 130) cases. Gram-negative bacilli dominated the isolated bacteria (76.9%) followed by gram-positive cocci (17.6%). In 113 patients, probabilistic antibiotic therapy was prescribed of which 68 treatments were initiated before the CBEU. Ceftriaxone and amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid were the main therapeutic option used representing 70.8% of cases. Antibiotic therapy was re-evaluated after 3 days in 74.3% of patients. Efforts to reduce the number of useless ECBUs by training doctors to follow official guidelines are a priority.
Mechanical investigation of compositing by resin filling in lattice structures manufactured with fused deposition modelling
Authors: Kayacan Mevlüt Yunus
Published: April 2024

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a widely used polymer additive manufacturing technique for polymer part manufacturing and prototyping. However, manufacturing speed, mechanical properties, and high costs, limit its suitability for industrial applications. In this study, researchers blended polyester and polyurethane resins with lattice structures to achieve a remarkable 70% reduction in production time and a 75% decrease in manufacturing costs. They explored five lattice structure geometries relevant to common literature applications. Lattice structures were manufactured using PA, PLA, PA-CF, and TPU filaments. The composite samples underwent comprehensive analysis, including SEM microscopic inspections, density measurements, and compression tests. Parameters such as density, yield strength, compressive strength, specific stress, modulus of elasticity, and toughness were evaluated. The findings revealed that polyester-based composites exhibited a remarkable 131% enhancement in mechanical properties, with toughness values increasing up to 12-fold. The results revealed significant mechanical advantages that the developed composites can offer in applications.
Identifying and Addressing the Spiritual Needs of Older Adults in Care Facilities: Administrators of Chinese Nursing Homes Relate Their Perspectives
Authors: Hodge David R. , Jiang Lin , Sun Fei , Bonifas Robin P.
Published: April 2024

Addressing the spiritual needs of older adults is a central component of holistic service provision. Using a qualitative description design, this study identified: (1) common spiritual needs among Chinese nursing home residents, including the needs of residents with dementia, (2) the process staff use to identify these needs when residents are unable to verbalize them, and (3) the strategies staff implement to meet the identified needs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 nursing home administrators. Analysis produced five themes, including the need for older adults to express their faith, receive love and care, have contact with their children, interact with others, and participate in activities. For residents with dementia who are unable to verbalize their concerns, staff used two primary strategies to identify spiritual needs: careful observation and communication with family members. To address the identified spiritual needs, multiple strategies were offered including arranging clergy visits and personalizing care.
Sex Differences in Healthcare Utilization in Persons Living with Dementia Between 2000 and 2017: A Population-Based Study in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Arsenault-Lapierre Genevieve , Bui Tammy , Godard-Sebillotte Claire , Kang Nia , Sourial Nadia , Rochette Louis , Massamba Victoria , Quesnel-Vallée Amélie , Vedel Isabelle
Published: March 2024

Objectives: Describe sex differences in healthcare utilization and mortality in persons with new dementia in Quebec, Canada. Methods: We conducted a repeated cohort study from 2000 to 2017 using health administrative databases. Community-dwelling persons aged 65+ with a new diagnosis of dementia were included. We measured 23 indicators of healthcare use across five care settings: ambulatory care, pharmacological care, acute hospital care, long-term care, and mortality. Clinically meaningful sex differences in age-standardized rates were determined graphically through expert consultations. Results: Women with dementia had higher rates of ambulatory care and pharmacological care, while men with dementia had higher acute hospital care, admission to long-term care, and mortality. There was no meaningful difference in visits to cognition specialists, antipsychotic prescriptions, and hospital death. Discussion: Men and women with dementia demonstrate differences in healthcare utilization and mortality. Addressing these differences will inform decision-makers, care providers and researchers and guide more equitable policy and interventions in dementia care.
Irreversibility analysis for unsteady slip flow of heat absorptive liquid with multiple mass diffusion of nanomaterials over a permeable vertical moving plate: A comparative study
Authors: Hasnain Jafar
Published: April 2024

This study looks at how thermal radiation and magnetic fields affect the generation of entropy in the unsteady flow of a tri-hybridized nanofluid across a plate that is moving vertically and has surface slippage and suction that changes over time. The movement of the plate aligns with fluid flow, and the far-away velocity increases exponentially following the small perturbation rule. The unsteadiness of the flow is attributed to the varying free stream velocity. A homogeneous magnetic flux acting transversely to the porous wall regulates the laminar and incompressible two-dimensional flow. The presence of tri-hybridized nanoparticles makes it possible to study how adding nanoparticles with different thermal properties, such as Cu, Fe3O4 and TiO2 changes the way base fluids like water and kerosene flow and how heat moves through them. Using dimensionless variables, the mathematical model of the problem is transformed into a form amenable to an analytical solution. The solution is achieved with the help of two-term harmonic and non-harmonic functions. Several factors that influence fluid flow and heat transmission are examined and explored in depth. These include plate velocity, slippage parameter, nanoparticle volume fraction, thermal radiation and heat absorption. The findings show that ternary nanoparticles raise the temperature and speed of both water and kerosene more than hybrid nanoparticles. The increase in the volume fraction of nanomaterials also increases the temperature and velocity of both fluids. These results might be used to improve the efficiency of thermal management systems in a wide range of technical and industrial operations having heat transfer and fluid movement.
Effect of Al-Si and Al-Mg filler wires on microstructure and mechanical properties of bead-on-plate weld on AA6061-T6 using CMT welding
Authors: Singh Vibhu , Niranjan Mahendra Singh , Murtaza Qasim
Published: April 2024

In recent times, cold metal transfer (CMT) welding has become a popular choice to weld large structures of aluminium and its alloys as it provides good quality weld beads with lesser heat input. The welded joint of AA6061-T6 achieved through CMT welding provides the desired characteristics and better mechanical performance than other fusion welding methods. In the present work, bead-on-plate experimentation has been performed on an AA6061-T6 plate with two different filler wires ER4043 and ER5356 using two combinations of welding speed and current, keeping the gas flow rate constant throughout the experiment in CMT welding. Optical micrograph and X-ray diffraction analysis have been studied from which it has been observed that bead welded with ER5356 exhibits more fine equiaxed grain structure in the fusion zone and columnar-dendritic fragmentation in HAZ than beads welded with ER4043 due to the presence of higher amount of Mg2Si. X-ray diffraction reveals the presence of different phases with silicon found exclusively in specimens welded with ER4043. Porosity, dilution, microhardness and tensile strength have been examined over the weld bead and a comparison has been done between the filler wires at the same welding parameters. Porosity levels have notably elevated, measuring 53.69% and 55.71% higher in specimens welded with ER4043 filler than ER5356. Similarly, the dilution level is 33.33% and 17.51% higher in specimens welded with ER4043 filler than ER5356. Conversely, specimens welded with ER5356 filler exhibited a 4.02% and 20.37% increase in microhardness and a 3.42% and 8.82% improvement in tensile strength as compared to ER4043.
Effect of digital storytelling-case studies patient privacy: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Eyuboglu Gulcan , Gocmen Baykara Zehra
Published: March 2024

Background

It is essential to develop future nurses’ privacy consciousness and attitudes toward patient privacy to recognise threats to patient privacy and take the necessary precautions.

Objectives

To determine the effect of digital storytelling and case studies teaching methods on nursing students’ privacy consciousness and attitudes toward patient privacy.

Research design

Pretest-posttest, factorial group randomised controlled study.

Participants and research context

Eligible 113 nursing students were randomised to the intervention I ( n = 38), intervention II ( n = 38), and control group ( n = 37) by stratified block randomisation method. The education program consisted of two theoretical sessions and three practical sessions. Data were collected using questionnaires pre-, post-, 4 weeks, and 16 weeks after the intervention between November 2020 and May 2021 in Türkiye.

Ethical considerations

Written approval was obtained from the university’s Ethics Board. Informed written and verbal consent were obtained from the participants.

Findings

The results showed a significant time effect on nursing students’ privacy consciousness and attitudes toward patient privacy ( p < .05), no significant difference between the groups ( p > .05), and a significant, positive, and strong relationship between the privacy consciousness and the attitudes toward patient privacy. Students stated that digital storytelling was beneficial in focusing on the subject, memorability, interest, curiosity, and attention.

Conclusions

Besides the ethics course, the privacy education program with digital storytelling and case studies develops nursing students’ privacy consciousness and attitudes toward patient privacy. It is recommended to integrate privacy education into ethics courses and popularise digital storytelling and ethical case studies in ethics education.
Economy as a Social Institution in the Tribal Society: A Scale to Measure the Perceived Role Performance of Economic Institutions
Authors: Prasanth A. , Balasubramaniam P.
Published: April 2024

Economic institutions play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) among tribal communities. Despite improved access to economic institutions and their services through government and private interventions, a majority of tribals in India continue to face extreme poverty. This study focuses on developing and validating a scale to measure the perceived role performance of economic institutions in tribal societies. Employing Likert’s summated rating scale construction technique, a scale comprising 10 statements related to economic institutions’ roles has been developed. Standardisation through reliability and validity measures, as well as confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), confirms the robustness of the scale. Administered to 270 tribal respondents in Salem, Tiruvannamalai and Viluppuram Districts of Tamil Nadu, our findings unveil diverse roles and challenges faced by economic institutions in tribal societies. The study reveals a nuanced perception among tribal respondents, with a majority indicating a medium to high level of perception. However, a notable proportion demonstrates a low perception level, highlighting areas of concern. The study underscores the importance of targeted strategies to boost financial inclusion and empower tribal communities. It also provides policy recommendations for addressing challenges and fostering sustainable development within tribal societies.
In Silico Prediction of NOS2, NOS3 and Arginase 1 Genes Targeting by Micro RNAs Upregulated in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Singh Neha , Rai Mohit Kumar , Agarwal Vishwesh , Agarwal Vikas
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disorder, characterised by endothelial dysfunction and fibrosis of skin and internal organs. Endothelium dysfunction leads to a decrease in nitric oxide levels, consequent to reduced Nitric Oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) activity due to decreased NOS3 gene function. Besides endothelium, macrophages too play an important role in the pathogenesis of SSc; classically activated M1 macrophages (express NOS2) and alternatively activated M2 macrophages (express Arginase1) are differentially altered in favour of M2 macrophages. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) regulate expression of various genes and may favour disease phenotype.

Aim:

Our aim was to identify differentially expressed micro-RNAs in SSc, which target NOS2, NOS3 and Arginase1 genes by in-silico approach.

Methods:

Data on miRNAs upregulation reported in various studies was collected and their sequence ID from miRBase was identified in FASTA format from NCBI. Binding strength of these miRNAs against NOS2, NOS3 and Arginase1 genes was evaluated by RNA22.

Results:

After scanning 39 publications reporting miRNA expression in SSc, a total of 13 miRNAs were found to be up-regulated for NOS2 (Gibbs free energy ≤18.0Kj/mol) and 15 miRNAs up-regulated for NOS3 (Gibbs free energy ≤18.0Kj/mol) whereas for Arginase1 only 2 miRNAs were up-regulated.

Conclusion:

There is differential upregulation of miRNAs in SSc. Micro RNAs targeting NOS2 and NOS3 genes are highly up-regulated in comparison to Arginase 1. Role of epigenetic regulation of genes by miRNAs may play a key role in pathogenesis of SSc.
Clinical and Serological Associations of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Gangadharan Harikrishnan , Rai Mohit Kumar , Jain Neeraj , Mohindra Namita , Kumar Sudeep , Agarwal Vikas , Misra Durga Prasanna
Published: March 2024

Background:

While patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are predisposed to cardiovascular events, data regarding this from India is sparse. We analysed correlates of subclinical atherosclerosis in Indian patients with SSc.

Methods:

Patients with SSc fulfilling the 2013 classification criteria ( n = 61) were recruited after obtaining written informed consent. Clinical risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) were assessed. A carotid ultrasound was performed to assess the mean carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Total and endothelial microparticles (EMP, positive for CD31 and CD146) were estimated from plasma. Serum cytokines known to play a role in atherosclerosis (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], tumour necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6 and IL-17) were assessed. Forty-one age- and sex-similar healthy controls were recruited for comparison. Clinical and serological risk factors for CVD were compared between SSc with and without carotid plaque. Linear regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of CIMT and carotid plaque in SSc.

Results:

Patients with SSc had lower body-mass index than healthy controls, however, had higher CIMT, higher serum IL-1β, IL-6, total microparticles and EMP than control subjects. SSc with carotid plaque ( n = 13) were older, and more likely to be male, but demonstrated no differences in serological markers of CVD. On multivariable-adjusted regression analyses, age was the only significant predictor of CIMT in SSc and male sex was the only significant predictor of carotid plaque in SSc.

Conclusions:

Carotid plaques were present in one-fifth of young patients with SSc. Older age and male sex predicted a higher risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in SSc.
Dual Enzyme Sequential Digestion Protocol for Isolation of Human Primary Chondrocytes From the Articular Cartilage Derived From Knee Osteoarthritis Patients
Authors: Anuja Anamika Kumari , Rai Mohit Kumar , Gupta Latika , Nigam Neha , Agarwal Vikas
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Majority of available protocols for isolation of chondrocytes from articular cartilage tissue rely on the enzymatic digestion of the tissue by collagenase type 2. The yield of chondrocytes in such protocols is low. Herein, we designed a novel indigenous sequential digestion by dual enzyme Pronase and Collagenase Type 1 for isolating human Chondrocytes from articular cartilage.

Methods:

Articular cartilage of Osteoarthritis (OA) patients undergoing total knee replacement were collected for the isolation of chondrocyte cells and subjected to sequential digestion by Pronase for three hours followed by Collagenase 1 overnight. Pellet of cells collected after digestion was plated on culture flask in 5% CO2 incubator.

Results:

From day three onwards, round to elongated cells adhered to the flask were visible which developed into elongated cell population of homogenous morphology, expressed Aggrecan (Agg), Collagen 2a (Col2a) and SRY-box transcription factor (Sox9) and had chondrogenic differentiation similar to a commercially available healthy chondrocyte. These cells were negative for Alizarin red stain, thus confirming the purity of chondrocytes.

Conclusion:

We have successfully established a sequential dual enzyme digestion-based culture technique for isolating the human chondrocytes from the articular cartilage biopsy derived from OA knee joints.
CCL21 and CLDN11 Are Key Driving Factors of Lymph Node Metastasis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yang Shaofei , Dong Dandan , Bao Xunxia , Lu Rongting , Cheng Pufei , Zhu Sibo , Yang Guanghua
Published: March 2024

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of GC metastasis is crucial for improving patient survival outcomes.

Methods

RNA sequencing and analysis were performed on tissue samples from primary and lymph node metastatic lesions of gastric cancer. Differential gene analysis and functional pathway analysis were conducted. Immune infiltrating environment and protein expression levels were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Cell experiments were conducted to investigate the role of CCL21 in GC metastasis.

Results

ACTG2, CNN1, DES, MUC6, and PGC were significantly upregulated in primary tumor cells, while CCL21, MS4A1, CR2, CLDN11, and FDCSP were significantly upregulated in metastatic tumor cells. Functional pathway analysis revealed enrichment in pathways related to immune response. CLDN11 and CCL21 were found to play important roles in promoting gastric cancer metastasis. Cell experiments confirmed the role of CCL21 in promoting GC cell growth and metastasis. CCL21 is highly expressed in GC tissues and binds to CCR7, leading to upregulation of CLDN11. This results in GC-lymph node metastasis and abnormal activation of immune cells (B cells and CD4+ T cells).

Conclusion

Inhibition of CCL21 and CLDN11 proteins may be a promising strategy for treating GC and preventing lymph node metastasis. These findings provide specific molecular markers for early lymph node metastases of GC, which can aid in developing treatment strategies and predicting patient prognosis.
A new therapeutic perspective: Erastin inhibits tumor progression by driving ferroptosis in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Li Jiaojiao , Ma Junlan , Zhang Rui , Zhai Yan , Zhang Wei , Fu Rong
Published: April 2024

Ferroptosis is a recently identified and evolutionarily conserved form of programmed cell death. This process is initiated by an imbalance in iron metabolism, leading to an overload of ferrous ions. These ions promote lipid peroxidation in the cell membrane through the Fenton reaction. As the cell’s antioxidant defenses become overwhelmed, a fatal buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurs, resulting in the rupture of the plasma membrane. Ferroptosis is implicated in conditions such as ischemia-reperfusion injuries and a range of cancers. In our research, we explored ferroptosis in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) by measuring iron levels, transferrin receptor expression, and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) mRNA. Our findings revealed that MDS patients had significantly higher Fe2+ levels in CD33+ cells and increased transferrin receptor mRNA compared to healthy individuals. GPX4 expression was also higher in MDS but not statistically significant. To investigate potential treatments for myeloid hematological diseases through ferroptosis induction, we treated the myelodysplastic syndrome cell line (SKM-1) and two myeloid leukemia cell lines (KG-1 and K562) with erastin, an iron transfer inducer. We observed that erastin treatment led to glutathione depletion, reduced GPX4 activity, and increased ROS, culminating in cell death by ferroptosis. Furthermore, combining erastin with azacitidine demonstrated a synergistic effect on MDS and leukemia cell lines, suggesting a promising approach for treating these hematological conditions with this drug combination. Our experiments confirm erastin’s ability to induce ferroptosis in MDS and highlight its potential synergistic use with azacitidine for treatment.
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Emerging Adult Undergraduates: A Longitudinal and Two-Cohort Study
Authors: Díez Marta , Parra Águeda , García-Mendoza María del Carmen , Queija-Sánchez Inmaculada
Published: March 2024

Mental disorders constitute one of the population’s principal health problems, especially among undergraduates. This quantitative study compared levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of emerging adult university undergraduates from a gender perspective (1) during the initial and intermediate years of emerging adulthood and (2) in two different cohorts. A total of 383 Spanish emerging adult university undergraduates were monitored longitudinally (2015–2018) and two cohorts were compared (2015–2020). Participants completed the validated Spanish version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Mean-level and rank-order stability was found across the two waves of the longitudinal study in relation to levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Significant differences were found between the two cohorts, indicating higher levels of psychological distress in 2020 than in 2015. Women were found to have higher levels of psychological distress, particularly stress, than men in both waves and cohorts. Results are discussed in relation to the negative effects of the COVID-19 health crisis on the emotional health of emerging adults. The present study highlights the need to establish measures designed to improve the mental health of emerging adults, which was more severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis than by the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. It also underscores the need to develop interventions designed to alleviate the greater degree of stress suffered by women.
A Systematic Review of the Evaluation of Social Validity in Experimental Examinations of Tier 2 Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions
Authors: Beahm Lydia A. , Cook Bryan G. , McLucas Alan , Ellis Kaci , Bradshaw Catherine P.
Published: March 2024

Positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) is a three-tiered framework shown to improve student behavioral outcomes. There has been considerable investment in scaling up Tier 1 PBIS but less focus on scaling Tier 2 supports. Having greater insight into teachers,’ students,’ and families’ perceptions regarding the social validity of Tier 2 interventions may further facilitate the scale-up of this more resource-intensive level of the multitiered model. The primary objective of this systematic literature review was to evaluate the social validity of Tier 2 interventions in 48 experimental studies, 65% of which systematically assessed social validity. Almost all studies reporting social validity data surveyed student participants and teachers (94%). Results indicated teachers and students primarily reported positive perceptions regarding Tier 2 interventions, although some teachers expressed concerns with effectiveness of the outcomes. Findings provide insights that can help promote the scale-up and broader dissemination of Tier 2 supports.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Work-Related Injury Among Municipal Solid Waste Collectors in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ejeso Amanuel , Berego Yohannes Seifu , Ahmednur Mahmud
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Municipal solid waste collectors are at risk of experiencing work-related health problems due to the waste they handle and the physical effort they put in. Work-related injuries among domestic waste collectors have been the subject of scant research in developing nations. Therefore, it is necessary to describe work-related injuries in these subpopulation groups.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of work-related injury among municipal solid waste collectors in Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 11 to 30, 2022, with all the registered municipal solid waste collectors (411). Three diploma environmental health professionals assisted in collecting data using a pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire; 1 Bachelor of Science environmental health professional served as a supervisor. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to enter, clean, code, and analyze the data. Associations between independent and dependent variables were assessed, and the strength of the associations was presented by using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). According to the bivariable analysis, all independent variables associated with a P-value <.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Variables in the multivariable regression analysis were considered significant if their P-value was less than 0.05.

Results:

In this study, the prevalence of work-related injuries within the last 30 days was 12.9% (95% CI: 9.5, 16.3), while the prevalence over the last 12 months was 59.4% (95% CI: 54.7, 64.0). After adjusting for possible confounding factors, age 18 to 24 years [AOR = 1.72;95% CI: (1.07, 2.76)], lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization [AOR = 2.30; 95% CI: (1.44, 3.68)], chewing khat (yes) [AOR = 2.32;95% CI: (1.32, 4.08)], drinking alcohol (yes) [AOR = 1.80; 95% CI: (1.003, 3.24)] and job dissatisfaction [AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: (1.44, 3.54)] were shown to be significantly associated with work-related injury.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of work-related injuries was high. Age 18 to 24 years, chewing khat, drinking alcohol, lack of PPE utilization, and job dissatisfaction were significantly associated with work-related injury. Based on the findings of this study, we suggest that addressing these risk factors could help to reduce work-related injuries.
Treatment With a Patented 3.6:1 Myo-Inositol to D-chiro-Inositol Ratio, Antioxidants, Vitamins and Minerals Food Supplement in Women With a History of Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) Failures: A Series of Case Reports
Authors: Armijo-Sánchez A. , Benítez Castillo N. , García-Vidal E. , Luna Chadid M. , Salvador Ballada C. , Valls Ricart G. , Torres Pellens V.
Published: March 2024

Infertility affects 15% of couples in reproductive age worldwide. In women in particular, infertility can be caused by various abnormalities, with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) being the most common. Currently, there are many assisted reproductive techniques (ART) available to combat the burden of infertility. However, positive results are not guaranteed. The administration of inositol has been shown to increase positive reproductive outcomes in women undergoing ART. Here we present a series of clinical cases in which women with a history of infertility and previously failed ART, supplemented with a specific 3.6:1 MYO:DCI ratio, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for a period of 1 to 3 months before undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this series of case reports, we provide preliminary evidence that supplementation with a specific 3.6:1 MYO to DCI ratio, as well as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals may contribute positively to female fertility in women undergoing IVF, with a history of primary or secondary infertility and previously failed ART.
Reducing no-show visits and disparities in access: The impact of telemedicine
Authors: Shao Connie C , Katta Meghna H , Smith Burke P , Jones Bayley A , Gleason Lauren T , Abbas Alizeh , Wadhwani Nikita , Wallace Eric L , Mugavero Michael J , Chu Daniel I
Published: April 2024

Background

No-show visits have serious consequences for patients, providers, and healthcare systems as they lead to delays in care, increased costs, and reduced access to services. Telemedicine has emerged as a promising alternative to in-person visits by reducing travel barriers, but risks exacerbating the digital divide. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of telemedicine (video and phone) at a tertiary care academic center on no-show visits compared to in-person visits.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis of all weekday clinic visits among in-state adult patients at a single tertiary care center in the southeast from January 2020 to April 2023 was performed. Rates of no-show visits for patients who were seen via phone and video were compared with those who were seen in-person. Demographic and clinical characteristics of these groups were also compared, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and visit type. The primary outcome was the rate of no-show visits for each visit type.

Results

Our analysis included 3,105,382 scheduled appointments, of which 81.2% were in-person, 13.4% via video, and 5.4% via phone calls. Compared to in-person visits, phone calls and video visits reduced the odds of no-show visits by 50% (aOR 0.5, CI 0.49–0.51) and 15% (aOR 0.85, CI 0.84–0.86), respectively. Older patients, Black patients, patients furthest from clinic, and patients from counties with the greatest degree of vulnerability and disparities in digital access were more likely to use phone visits. No-shows were more common among non-white, male, and younger patients from counties with lower socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

Telemedicine effectively reduced no-show visits. However, limiting telemedicine to video-based visits only exacerbated disparities in access. Phone calls allow historically underserved patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to access healthcare and should be included within the definition of telemedicine.