bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making sense of digital communication between students, parents, teachers and school leaders in Danish state schools
Authors: Lundtofte Thomas Enemark , Grønning A.
Published: June 2024

Communication in Danish schools takes place with the aid of digital platforms developed and/or subsidised by the public sector and has done so for more than two decades. Within the same time frame, commercial social media platforms have emerged and become successfully integrated with key communicative practices. In order to understand how these communicative practices come about, we conducted interviews with students (from two different age groups), parents, teachers and school leaders in two primary and lower secondary schools in Denmark. The interviews focus on sense-making processes in digital communication and were analysed using Lomborg’s concept of communicative genres in social media. The analysis yielded four analytical categories through which the meaningfulness of using different digital platforms was assessed: (1) importance, (2) precision, (3) speed and (4) frequency. The findings are discussed in the framework of platformisation as well as the notion of technology paternalism. We argue that critical reflection on the use of commercial platforms in public institutions is needed. When key communicative practices in this arena rely on the services of data broking commercial actors, we risk further normalisation of problematic datafication.
Individualized predictions for clinical milestone in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A multialgorithmic approach
Authors: Oh Hyeon-Ji , Lee Won-Joon , Sung Jung-Joon , Hong Yoon-Ho ,   the Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials Consortium
Published: June 2024

Objective

The phenotypic heterogeneity and complex disease trajectory complicate the ability to predict specific clinical milestone for individual patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here we developed individualized prediction models to estimate the time to the loss of autonomy in swallowing function.

Methods

Utilizing the Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials (PRO-ACT) database, we built three models of distinct time-to-event prediction algorithms: accelerated failure time (AFT), cox proportional hazard (COX) and random survival forest (RSF) for an individualized risk assessment of the swallowing milestone. The target variable was defined as the time to a decline in the ALSFRS-R swallowing item score to 1 or below, indicating a need for supplementary tube feeding.

Results

Internal cross-validation revealed the median concordance index (C-index) of 0.851 (IQR, 0.842–0.859) for AFT, 0.850 (0.841–0.859) for COX and 0.846 (0.839–0.854) for RSF, and all models demonstrated good distributional calibration with predicted and observed event probabilities closely matched across different time intervals. For external validation with a registry dataset with characteristics different from PRO-ACT, the discriminative power was replicated with comparable C-indices for all models, whereas the calibration revealed a left-skewed distribution suggesting a bias towards overestimation of event probabilities in real-world data. While all models were effective at stratifying patients, the results of RSF model, unlike AFT and COX, did not match well with the KM curves of the corresponding risk groups, supporting the importance of nuanced understanding of data structure and algorithmic properties.

Conclusion

Our models are implemented into a web application which could be applied to individualized counselling, management and clinical trial design for gastrostomy intervention. Further studies for model optimization will advance personalized care in patients with ALS.
Imaging finding of multiple myeloma presenting as soft-tissue disease mimicking extrapleural space tumors: A case report
Authors: Kang Hee
Published: June 2024

Extramedullary involvement of multiple myeloma is an uncommon and aggressive condition characterized by proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells located outside the bone marrow. This report describes the imaging findings of a patient who presented with continuous soft-tissue disease on the ribs, suspected as extrapleural space tumors on chest CT. The patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma through surgical biopsy of the tumor and bone marrow.
The Experiences of International Researchers in Japanese Companies: A Graduate Capital Perspective
Authors: Li (李明) Ming , Huang (黄福涛) Futao
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the motivations, contributions, and challenges faced by international researchers employed at Japanese companies. It utilizes Tomlinson's Graduate Capital Model to gain insight into their experiences.

Design/Approach/Methods

This study employs Tomlinson's Graduate Capital Model as an analytical framework to analyze data from semi-structured interviews with 15 international researchers, focusing on their experiences and perspectives.

Findings

The study indicates that international researchers' motivations to work in Japanese companies include professional advancement, the research environment, academic opportunities, economic factors, and cultural elements. Language proficiency in Japanese and English significantly influences career choice and mobility. The post-COVID era impacts their mobility, with funding availability, institutional support, and policy changes playing critical roles. In addition, this study highlights the need for holistic support, multilingualism, and multicultural integration among Japanese companies to enhance their competitiveness in the global talent market.

Originality/Value

This study fills a significant gap by offering a deeper understanding of the experiences of international researchers in Japanese companies, and by delivering insight and practical implications for policy considerations and talent management strategies in a rapidly evolving and increasingly globalized labor market.
A Novel Preoperative Electroencephalogram-Derived Index to Predict Early Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients After Hip Fracture Surgeries: Development of a Prediction Model
Authors: Nawan Ayixia , Wang Geng , Zhao Congcong , Zhang Wenchao , Jiang Bailin , Feng Yi
Published: June 2024

Introduction

It is appealing to accurately predict postoperative delirium (POD) before surgeries. In this study, it was hypothesized that a novel electroencephalogram-derived index, the delirium index (DELi), could extract latent information regarding the predisposing factors of POD preoperatively. This study was aimed at developing a concise model that incorporated this DELi score to predict the early POD of elderly patients after hip surgeries.

Materials and Methods

Elderly patients scheduled for elective hip fracture surgeries were prospectively enrolled in a tertiary care hospital from November 2020 to June 2022. DELi scores and patient characteristics (age, sex, types of fracture and surgery, the time interval between fracture and surgery, cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and frailty status assessed using the FRAIL scale) were collected preoperatively as candidate predictors. POD diagnosed using the confusion assessment method (CAM) was the outcome. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to select predictors. Then, these predictors were entered into a backward logistical regression analysis to develop a prediction model. Discrimination, calibration and clinical utility were validated using the bootstrapping method.

Results

All data (144 qualified patients of 170) were used for development. POD was observed in 71 patients (49.3%). Preoperative DELi scores predicted early POD (the area under the curve (AUC) = .786, 95% confidence interval (CI): .712, .860, in internal validation). A nomogram with MoCA, FRAIL scale and DELi score was constructed with excellent discrimination (AUC = .920, 95% CI: .876, .963, in internal validation), accredited calibration ( P = .733, Hosmer‒Lemeshow test), and a wide range of threshold probabilities (5% to 95%).

Conclusions

Preoperative DELi scores predicted the early POD of elderly patients after hip surgeries. A concise prediction model was developed and demonstrated excellent discrimination.
An Empirical Framework to Quantify the Individual Traffic Congestion Cost for Private Motorized Vehicle Users
Authors: Nawaz Imran , Almoshaogeh Meshal , Ahmed Tufail , Moeinaddini Mehdi , Jamal Arshad , Alharbi Fawaz
Published: June 2024

Traffic congestion negatively affects the economy, human well-being, safety, and environment in both developed and developing countries. In the past, numerous studies have been undertaken to assess congestion costs. This research focuses on quantifying the individual costs incurred due to traffic congestion and the effects of socio-demographic characteristics on the individual congestion of private motorized vehicle users in the context of an urban metropolitan (Lahore) in Pakistan. Further, the study has also proposed individual traffic congestion cost (ITCC) analytics to estimate the costs related to traffic congestion. Also, statistical tests, such as the ANOVA and T-test, have been employed to determine the impact of socio-demographic characteristics on individual congestion costs. The primary data was collected from the target population by filling out a questionnaire in the study area. With a confidence level of 95% and a sampling error of 6%, this study used a sample size of 282 participants. The study findings showed that the ITCC for the respondents ranged from 17.29 rupees per day to 1136.88 rupees per day. The ANOVA and the t-test indicate that all socio-demographic variables affect the calculation of ITCC. Furthermore, this research showed that car-owning respondents faced higher individual congestion costs than motorbike-owning respondents. The anticipated contribution of this study will aid private motorized vehicle users in estimating their individual congestion costs and managing their expenses. In addition, it will encourage individuals to modify their travel habits to make more efficient use of transportation for their daily tasks.
Examining the Relationship Among Ethical Leadership, Psychological Capital, and Work Outcomes Through the Lens of Social Identity Theory and Socialization Resources Theory
Authors: Nguyen Khanh-Van Ho , Wu Wan-Yihh , Chi Hsin-Kwang , Truong Thu-Hien Thi
Published: June 2024

This paper aims to explore the effect of ethical leadership on employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment through the potential mediator of psychological capital (PsyCap). In total, 418 employees in Ho Chi Minh City—Vietnam completed the survey. Partial least square–structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses. The results of the study indicated a positive relationship between ethical leadership and employees’ PsyCap, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Furthermore, the results revealed the partial mediating effect of PsyCap on the relationship between ethical leadership and job satisfaction and between ethical leadership and organizational commitment. Since the mechanism of ethical leadership has rarely been explored, the results of this study could provide important references for further research. These results could also be greatly beneficial to organizational leaders in evaluating ethical leadership.
Using Gaming to Promote Vaccination Among Youth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ou Lihong , Reifsnider Elizabeth , Chen Angela Chia-Chen , Todd Michael , Amresh Ashish , Mun Chung Jung
Published: June 2024

Introduction

While vaccines are crucial for disease prevention, disparities in vaccination coverage persist among youths aged 10 to 29 years, including within the United States. Serious games are emerging as a new strategy to address vaccine hesitancy. This systematic review aimed to aggregate and assess the current evidence on game-based interventions to improve youth vaccination rates, evaluating their impact and identifying factors influencing their effectiveness.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted through a meticulous search and evaluation of literature from databases including PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature database, ProQuest platform, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they (a) were designed with the purpose of improving youth vaccination rates; (b) were published in English; (c) were published between January 2011 and June 2023; and (d) evaluated the effect of game-based interventions. Search terms included Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords of the eligible articles.

Results

Out of 269 studies, 11 were included in the final analysis of this review. The earliest study dated back to 2013, with 5 being randomized controlled trial and 6 studies incorporating theoretical models in their design or outcome measures. The findings indicated a generally positive effect of game-based interventions on vaccine-related knowledge. However, the impact on actual vaccine uptake was limited. In-game avatar customization and collaboration games were found as effective tools for player engagement.

Conclusion

The review findings indicated that serious games boost vaccine knowledge but lack strong evidence for influencing youth vaccine uptake. More rigorous research and tailored game designs are needed to determine the effectiveness of game-based interventions and effectively address the diverse needs of youth in vaccine decision-making.
Multiple Unbelongings: Filipino American Theology and the Problem of Home
Authors: Catanus Gabriel J.
Published: June 2024

After centuries of colonial violence, Filipino American identity and Christianity are characterized by experiences of unbelonging. To show this, I trace these developments historically and sociologically, highlighting pastorally and ecclesially significant ways this unbelonging manifests, as US Filipinos negotiate Christian faith with increasing distance from the Philippines itself. This unbelonging sets Filipino American Christianity and community apart from other Asian Americans, and this uniqueness must be understood in order for Filipino American theology to be grounded contextually. Finally, I demonstrate that Filipino American theology and ministry are works of “home construction,” as the idea of home is continuously contested and reconceived. 1
Exiled Aliens: Christianity and Korean Migrant Nationalism, 1903–1945
Authors: Chung Soojin
Published: June 2024

The merger of Christianity and migrant nationalism during the first wave of Korean migration created a synergy that provided a sense of liberation and belonging to Korean migrant religious communities. In this article, I argue that Christianity played a pivotal role in fostering nationalist sensibilities away from home. Conversely, migrant nationalism propelled the spread of a contextualized Christianity based on Korean migrant ethnic identity that was distinct from the dominant White American Christianity during the early 1900s. Korean migrant churches functioned as repositories of national pride as Koreans negotiated their sense of belonging, identity, and agency in a foreign land.
The Hidden Stories of Burmese American Christians: Understanding their Imagination of Identity
Authors: Moe David Thang
Published: June 2024

As compared to other Asian Christians in the US, Burmese immigrant Christians are relatively recent arrivals to the US. Their stories are largely hidden and not widely discussed in the emerging field of Asian American contextual theological formations. The aim of this article is, therefore, to unlock the hidden stories of Burmese American Christians and to put their lived stories and unheard voices into the discourses of Asian American theologies. In the first section, the article explores when and how Burmese American Christians migrated to the US and how they imagine their ethnic and ecclesial identities in the US. In the second section, it reimagines how a migration theology of Burmese Christians should embody God’s trinitarian mission of identity, otherness, and reconciliation within the multicultural and multiracial context of the United States.
An Augmented Reality Model for Evaluating Traumatic Craniofacial Fractures
Authors: Lee Solomon , Panchal Niel , Hoffman William , Pomerantz Jason , Laguna Benjamin , Courtier Jesse
Published: June 2024

Background:

Accurate diagnosis and spatial characterization of craniofacial fractures is critical for treatment planning and precise fracture reduction. Since augmented reality (AR) has potential for better diagnostic evaluation than traditional three-dimensional (3D) reformats, we tested whether our accessible mobile-based AR model improves diagnostic accuracy, spatial understanding, and decreases task cognitive load when clinicians evaluate facial fractures.

Methods:

Clinicians (n = 30) in specialties managing craniofacial trauma assessed a database of mandibular and maxillofacial complex fractures of varying severity using computed-tomography slices supplemented with either traditional 3D reformats (control) or the AR model (experimental), completed diagnostic and spatial characterization tasks, and were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively on diagnostic accuracy, task cognitive load, and weighted preference for the traditional versus AR model.

Results:

Most clinicians (83%) preferred the AR model overall. Control and experimental groups had equivalent diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Less experienced clinicians found the AR model required less effort, was less frustrating, and was preferred for fracture displacement characterization. The AR model had no significant impact on more experienced clinicians. All clinicians found the AR model allowed more intuitive manipulation of the 3D object. Those with less experience preferred the AR model over traditional imaging for diagnostic and educational purposes, whereas more experienced clinicians found that the AR model did not significantly alter their established approach to fracture evaluation.

Conclusions:

Our mobile-based AR model may be preferable to traditional 3D formats for spatial assessment tasks and decreasing task cognitive load, most notably for less experienced clinicians for whom perioperative practices are less established.
Conceptualizations and representations of fraction division in online open access GeoGebra resources
Authors: Yao Xiangquan , Gan Jiexin
Published: June 2024

Dividing fractions is often difficult for students to understand. Many GeoGebra applets have been developed to support students’ understanding of fraction division, but it is less clear how fraction division is conceptualized and represented in these tool-based resources. This study aimed to examine the quality of the GeoGebra applets for fraction division by attending to the conceptualizations, representations, and cognitive actions prevalent in these digital resources. The results reveal that a majority of the existing applets conceptualize fraction division as measurement while other conceptualizations of fraction division are underrepresented. Among the various representations used, the length model in the form of fraction bar and area model are the predominant choices, with the number line representation being notably less prominent. The results from this study also show that although most applets attempt to visualize the process of fraction division, there are limited opportunities in most applets for users to enact mental actions associated with fraction division, such as partitioning, unitizing, iterating, and disembedding. These results not only increase our understanding of the affordances and limitations of existing applets for fraction division so that we can become more intentional in our choice of them but also inform the design of new applets that support students’ development of a rich and robust understanding of fraction division.
Inference of genomic lesions from single-cell RNA-seq in myeloma improves functional intraclonal and interclonal analysis
Authors: Lazzaroni Francesca , Matera Antonio , Marella Alessio , Maeda Akihiro , Castellano Giancarlo , Marchetti Alfredo , Fabris Sonia , Pioggia Stefania , Silvestris Ilaria , Ronchetti Domenica , Lonati Silvia , Fabbiano Giuseppina , Traini Valentina , Taiana Elisa , Porretti Laura , Colombo Federico , De Magistris Claudio , Scopetti Margherita , Barbieri Marzia , Pettine Loredana , Torricelli Federica , Neri Antonino , Passamonti Francesco , Lionetti Marta , Da Vià Matteo Claudio , Bolli Niccolò
Published: June 2024

Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic plasma cell (PC) neoplasm that may evolve with variable frequency into multiple myeloma (MM). SMM is initiated by chromosomal translocations involving the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus or by hyperdiploidy and evolves through acquisition of additional genetic lesions. In this scenario, we aimed at establishing a reliable analysis pipeline to infer genomic lesions from transcriptomic analysis, by combining single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) with B-cell receptor sequencing and copy number abnormality (CNA) analysis to identify clonal PCs at the genetic level along their specific transcriptional landscape. We profiled 20 465 bone marrow PCs derived from 5 patients with SMM/MM and unbiasedly identified clonal and polyclonal PCs. Hyperdiploidy, t(11;14), and t(6;14) were identified at the scRNA level by analysis of chimeric reads. Subclone functional analysis was improved by combining transcriptome with CNA analysis. As examples, we illustrate the different functional properties of a light-chain escape subclone in SMM and of different B-cell and PC subclones in a patient affected by Wäldenstrom macroglobulinemia and SMM. Overall, our data provide a proof of principle for inference of clinically relevant genotypic data from scRNA-seq, which in turn will refine functional annotation of the clonal architecture of PC dyscrasias.
Inhibition of CC chemokine receptor 1 ameliorates osteoarthritis in mouse by activating PPAR-γ
Authors: Xu Hanqing , Chen Sheng , Meng Cheng , He Yi , Huang Xiao-jian , You Hong-bo
Published: June 2024

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage destruction and inflammation. CC chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1), a member of the chemokine family and its receptor family, plays a role in the autoimmune response. The impact of BX471, a specific small molecule inhibitor of CCR1, on CCR1 expression in cartilage and its effects on OA remain underexplored.

Methods

This study used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess CCR1 expression in IL-1β-induced mouse chondrocytes and a medial meniscus mouse model of destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Chondrocytes treated with varying concentrations of BX471 for 24 h were subjected to IL-1β (10 ng/ml) treatment. The levels of the aging-related genes P16INK4a and P21CIP1 were analyzed via western blotting, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity was measured. The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), aggrecan (AGG), and the transcription factor SOX9 were determined through western blotting and RT‒qPCR. Collagen II, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ expression was analyzed via western blot, RT‒qPCR, and immunofluorescence. The impact of BX471 on inflammatory metabolism-related proteins under PPAR-γ inhibition conditions (using GW-9662) was examined through western blotting. The expression of MAPK signaling pathway-related molecules was assessed through western blotting. In vivo, various concentrations of BX471 or an equivalent medium were injected into DMM model joints. Cartilage destruction was evaluated through Safranin O/Fast green and hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining.

Results

This study revealed that inhibiting CCR1 mitigates IL-1β-induced aging, downregulates the expression of iNOS, COX-2, and MMP13, and alleviates the IL-1β-induced decrease in anabolic indices. Mechanistically, the MAPK signaling pathway and PPAR-γ may be involved in inhibiting the protective effect of CCR1 on chondrocytes. In vivo, BX471 protected cartilage in a DMM model.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the expression of CCR1 in chondrocytes. Inhibiting CCR1 reduced the inflammatory response, alleviated cartilage aging, and retarded degeneration through the MAPK signaling pathway and PPAR-γ, suggesting its potential therapeutic value for OA.

Graphical Abstract
Theoretical and Experimental Study on the Performance of Hermetic Diaphragm Squeeze Film Dampers for Gas-Lubricated Bearings
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Zhang Haoxi , Han Shaocun , Li Hang , Wang Peng , Feng Kai
Published: June 2024

Low damping characteristics have always been a key sticking points in the development of gas bearings. The application of squeeze film dampers can significantly improve the damping performance of gas lubricated bearings. This paper proposed a novel hermetic diaphragm squeeze film damper (HDSFD) for oil-free turbomachinery supported by gas lubricated bearings. Several types of HDSFDs with symmetrical structure were proposed for good damping performance. By considering the compressibility of the damper fluid, based on hydraulic fluid mechanics theory, a dynamic model of HDSFDs under medium is proposed, which successfully reflects the frequency dependence of force coefficients. Based on the dynamic model, the effects of damper fluid viscosity, bulk modulus of damper fluid, thickness of damper fluid film and plunger thickness on the dynamic stiffness and damping of HDSFDs were analyzed. An experimental test rig was assembled and series of experimental studies on HDSFDs were conducted. The damper fluid transverse flow is added to the existing HDSFD concept, which aims to make the dynamic force coefficients independent of frequency. Although the force coefficient is still frequency dependent, the damping coefficient at high frequency excitation with damper fluid supply twice as that without damper fluid supply. The results serve as a benchmark for the calibration of analytical tools under development.
Active Fault Tolerant Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode Control for Electromechanical System Based on Support Vector Machine
Authors: Hu Jian , Yang Zhengyin , Yao Jianyong
Published: June 2024

Effective fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control method for aeronautics electromechanical actuator is concerned in this paper. By borrowing the advantages of model-driven and data-driven methods, a fault tolerant nonsingular terminal sliding mode control method based on support vector machine (SVM) is proposed. A SVM is designed to estimate the fault by off-line learning from small sample data with solving convex quadratic programming method and is introduced into a high-gain observer, so as to improve the state estimation and fault detection accuracy when the fault occurs. The state estimation value of the observer is used for state reconfiguration. A novel nonsingular terminal sliding mode surface is designed, and Lyapunov theorem is used to derive a parameter adaptation law and a control law. It is guaranteed that the proposed controller can achieve asymptotical stability which is superior to many advanced fault-tolerant controllers. In addition, the parameter estimation also can help to diagnose the system faults because the faults can be reflected by the parameters variation. Extensive comparative simulation and experimental results illustrate the effectiveness and advancement of the proposed controller compared with several other main-stream controllers.
Large-scale geographic patterns and environmental and anthropogenic drivers of wetland plant diversity in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Li Yigang , Liu Fan , Zhou Yadong , Liu Xing , Wang Qingfeng
Published: June 2024

Background

The geographic patterns of plant diversity in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) have been widely studied, but few studies have focused on wetland plants. This study quantified the geographic patterns of wetland plant diversity in the QTP through a comprehensive analysis of taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional indices.

Methods

Based on a large number of floras, monographs, specimens and field survey data, we constructed a comprehensive dataset of 1,958 wetland plant species in the QTP. Species richness (SR), phylogenetic diversity (PD), functional diversity (FD), net relatedness index (NRI) and net functional relatedness index (NFRI) were used to assess the taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity of wetland plants. We explored the relationships between the diversity indices and four categories of environmental variables (i.e. energy-water, climate seasonality, topography and human activities). We used four diversity indices, namely endemic species richness, weighted endemism, phylogenetic endemism and functional endemism, together with the categorical analysis of neo- and paleo-endemism (CANAPE), to identify the endemic centers of wetland plants in the QTP.

Results

SR, PD and FD were highly consistent and showed a decreasing trend from southeast to northwest, decreasing with increasing elevation. The phylogenetic structure of wetland plant assemblages in most parts of the plateau is mainly clustered. The functional structure of wetland plant assemblages in the southeast of the plateau is overdispersed, while the functional structure of wetland plant assemblages in other areas is clustered. Energy-water and climate seasonality were the two most important categories of variables affecting wetland plant diversity. Environmental variables had a greater effect on the functional structure of wetland plants than on the phylogenetic structure. This study identified seven endemic centres, mainly in the Himalayas and Hengduan Mountains.

Conclusions

Climate and topography are the main factors determining the geographic distribution of wetland plant diversity at large scales. The majority of grid cells in the QTP with significant phylogenetic endemism were mixed and super-endemism. At large scales, compared to climate and topography, human activities may not have a negative impact on wetland plant diversity in the QTP.
Quantifying variations associated with dental caries reveals disparity in effect allele frequencies across diverse populations
Authors: Sandhu Sangram , Sharma Varun , Kumar Sachin , Rai Niraj , Chand Pooran
Published: June 2024

Background

Dental caries (DC) is a multifaceted oral condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Recent advancements in genotyping and sequencing technologies, such as Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have helped researchers to identify numerous genetic variants associated with DC, but their prevalence and significance across diverse global populations remain poorly understood as most of the studies were conducted in European populations, and very few were conducted in Asians specifically in Indians.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic affinity of effect alleles associated with DC to understand the genetic relationship between global populations with respect to the Indian context.

Methodology

This present study used an empirical approach in which variants associated with DC susceptibility were selected. These variants were identified and annotated using the GWAS summary. The genetic affinity was evaluated using Fst.

Results

The effect of allele frequencies among different populations was examined, revealing variations in allele distribution. African populations exhibited higher frequencies of specific risk alleles, whereas East Asian and European populations displayed distinct profiles. South Asian populations showed a unique genetic cluster.

Conclusion

Our study emphasises the complex genetic landscape of DC and highlights the need for population-specific research as well as validation of GWAS-identified markers in Indians before defining them as established candidate genes.
Root-to-shoot signaling positively mediates source-sink relation in late growth stages in diploid and tetraploid wheat
Authors: Batool Asfa , Li Shi-Sheng , Yue Dong-Xia , Ullah Fazal , Zhao Ling , Cheng Zheng-Guo , Wang Chao , Duan Hai-Xia , Lv Guang-Chao , Haq Zeeshan ul , Ahmed Khalil , Gui Yan-Wen , Zhu Li , Xiao Yun-Li , Xiong You-Cai
Published: June 2024

Non-hydraulic root source signaling (nHRS) is a unique positive response to soil drying in the regulation of plant growth and development. However, it is unclear how the nHRS mediates the tradeoff between source and sink at the late growth stages and its adaptive mechanisms in primitive wheat. To address this issue, a root-splitting design was made by inserting solid partition in the middle of the pot culture to induce the occurrence of nHRS using four wheat cultivars (MO1 and MO4, diploid; DM22 and DM31, tetraploid) as materials. Three water treatments were designed as 1) both halves watered (CK), 2) holistic root system watered then droughted (FS), 3) one-half of the root system watered and half droughted (PS). FS and PS were designed to compare the role of the full root system and split root system to induce nHRS. Leaves samples were collected during booting and anthesis to compare the role of nHRS at both growth stages. The data indicated that under PS treatment, ABA concentration was significantly higher than FS and CK, demonstrating the induction of nHRS in split root design and nHRS decreased cytokinin (ZR) levels, particularly in the PS treatment. Soluble sugar and proline accumulation were higher in the anthesis stage as compared to the booting stage. POD activity was higher at anthesis, while CAT was higher at the booting stage. Increased ABA (nHRS) correlated with source-sink relationships and metabolic rate (i.e., leaf) connecting other stress signals. Biomass density showed superior resource acquisition and utilization capabilities in both FS and PS treatment as compared to CK in all plants. Our findings indicate that nHRS-induced alterations in phytohormones and their effect on source-sink relations were allied with the growth stages in primitive wheat.
Two biases in incubation time estimation related to exposure
Authors: Arntzen Vera H. , Fiocco Marta , Geskus Ronald B.
Published: June 2024

Background

Estimation of the SARS-CoV-2 incubation time distribution is hampered by incomplete data about infection. We discuss two biases that may result from incorrect handling of such data.

Notified cases may recall recent exposures more precisely (differential recall). This creates bias if the analysis is restricted to observations with well-defined exposures, as longer incubation times are more likely to be excluded.

Another bias occurred in the initial estimates based on data concerning travellers from Wuhan. Only individuals who developed symptoms after their departure were included, leading to under-representation of cases with shorter incubation times (left truncation). This issue was not addressed in the analyses performed in the literature.

Methods

We performed simulations and provide a literature review to investigate the amount of bias in estimated percentiles of the SARS-CoV-2 incubation time distribution.

Results

Depending on the rate of differential recall, restricting the analysis to a subset of narrow exposure windows resulted in underestimation in the median and even more in the 95th percentile. Failing to account for left truncation led to an overestimation of multiple days in both the median and the 95th percentile.

Conclusion

We examined two overlooked sources of bias concerning exposure information that the researcher engaged in incubation time estimation needs to be aware of.
Association between hypertension and osteoporosis: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Yuqing , Ye Jianya
Published: June 2024

Background

Current evidence suggests that metabolic dysregulation is inextricably linked to both hypertension and osteoporosis, but the correlation between hypertension and osteoporosis is still unclear. Therefore, in this study, we explored the correlation between hypertension and osteoporosis.

Methods

A total of 37,807 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2010, 2013–2014, 2017–2018) were enrolled in this population-based cross-sectional study. Hypertension was considered an exposure factor and osteoporosis was considered an outcome factor. Logistic regression and subgroup analysis were used to assess the association between hypertension and osteoporosis.

Results

A total of 2,523 participants, with a mean age of 68.65 ± 12.21 years, suffered from osteoporosis, and 86.2% were female. Participants with osteoporosis had a greater prevalence of hypertension than participants without osteoporosis (p < 0.001). Participants with hypertension also had a greater prevalence of osteoporosis than participants without hypertension (p < 0.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that hypertension was associated with osteoporosis (OR: 2.693, 95% CI: 2.480–2.924, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis with a fully adjusted model indicated that hypertension was strongly associated with osteoporosis (OR: 1.183, 95% CI: 1.055–1.327, p = 0.004). Subgroup analysis revealed that the associations between hypertension and osteoporosis were significant in the younger than 60 years, male sex, diabetes subgroup and hypercholesterolemia subgroup (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Hypertension was independently associated with osteoporosis in the general population.
Minimizing IP issues associated with gene constructs encoding the Bt toxin - a case study
Authors: Hassan Md Mahmudul , Tenazas Francis , Williams Adam , Chiu Jing-wen , Robin Charles , Russell Derek A. , Golz John F.
Published: June 2024

Background

As part of a publicly funded initiative to develop genetically engineered Brassicas (cabbage, cauliflower, and canola) expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Crystal (Cry)-encoded insecticidal (Bt) toxin for Indian and Australian farmers, we designed several constructs that drive high-level expression of modified Cry1B and Cry1C genes (referred to as Cry1BM and Cry1CM; with M indicating modified). The two main motivations for modifying the DNA sequences of these genes were to minimise any licensing cost associated with the commercial cultivation of transgenic crop plants expressing CryM genes, and to remove or alter sequences that might adversely affect their activity in plants.

Results

To assess the insecticidal efficacy of the Cry1BM/Cry1CM genes, constructs were introduced into the model Brassica Arabidopsis thaliana in which Cry1BM/Cry1CM expression was directed from either single (S4/S7) or double (S4S4/S7S7) subterranean clover stunt virus (SCSV) promoters. The resulting transgenic plants displayed a high-level of Cry1BM/Cry1CM expression. Protein accumulation for Cry1CM ranged from 5.18 to 176.88 µg Cry1CM/g dry weight of leaves. Contrary to previous work on stunt promoters, we found no correlation between the use of either single or double stunt promoters and the expression levels of Cry1BM/Cry1CM genes, with a similar range of Cry1CM transcript abundance and protein content observed from both constructs. First instar Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae fed on transgenic Arabidopsis leaves expressing the Cry1BM/Cry1CM genes showed 100% mortality, with a mean leaf damage score on a scale of zero to five of 0.125 for transgenic leaves and 4.2 for wild-type leaves.

Conclusions

Our work indicates that the modified Cry1 genes are suitable for the development of insect resistant GM crops. Except for the PAT gene in the USA, our assessment of the intellectual property landscape of components presents within the constructs described here suggest that they can be used without the need for further licensing. This has the capacity to significantly reduce the cost of developing and using these Cry1M genes in GM crop plants in the future.
The need for and acceptability of a cancer training course for medical and nursing students in Tanzania: a convergent mixed methods study
Authors: Mushy Stella Emmanuel , Mkoka Dickson A. , Lukumay Gift G. , Massae Agnes F. , Rohloff Corissa T. , Mgopa Lucy R. , Mwakawanga Dorkasi L. , Kohli Nidhi , Ross Michael W. , Mkonyi Ever , Trent Maria , Athumani Kibwanda , Kulasingam Shalini , Rosser B. R. Simon
Published: June 2024

Background

The cancer burden in Africa is on the rise. A Cancer Training Course on screening, prevention, care, and community education is crucial for addressing a wide range of cancer health issues. When appropriately educated healthcare providers on cancer provide care, patient care improves, and healthcare costs decrease. However, in Tanzania, doctors and nurses receive little or no training in primary cancer care in their bachelor’s program.

Aim

This study assessed the need and acceptability of a cancer training course for nursing and medical doctor students at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional parallel mixed method study during the 3-month follow-up within the larger study on sexual health training for health professionals. The study was a randomized controlled (RCT), single-blind, parallel trial of sexual health training versus a waitlist control among health students at MUHAS in Tanzania. Descriptive analysis was performed to analyze the participants’ demographic information, need, and acceptability of the cancer training courseto determine the frequencies and percentages of their distribution between disciplines. In addition, inductive thematic analysis was performed for the qualitative data. The RCT study was registered at Clinical Trial.gov (NCT03923582; 01/05/2021).

Results

Data were collected from 408 students (272 medical doctors and 136 nursing students). The median age of the participants was 23 years. Most (86.0%) medical and 78.1% of nursing students reported receiving little to no cancer training. On the other hand, most (92.3%) medical and nursing (92.0%) students were interested in receiving cancer training. Furthermore, 94.1% of medical and 92.0% of nursing students needed a cancer training course in their undergraduate program. In addition, participants said a cancer training course would be important because it would help them improve the quality of cancer care and enhance the quality of life for patients by ensuring early diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

A cancer training course is both highly needed and acceptable to medical and nursing students. Implementation of this cancer training course will improve students’ knowledge and skills and eventually improve the quality of cancer care and patients’ quality of life by ensuring early diagnosis and management.
Evaluating competency-based medical education: a systematized review of current practices
Authors: Alharbi Nouf Sulaiman
Published: June 2024

Background

Few published articles provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence on the topic of evaluating competency-based medical education (CBME) curricula. The purpose of this review is therefore to synthesize the available evidence on the evaluation practices for competency-based curricula employed in schools and programs for undergraduate and postgraduate health professionals.

Method

This systematized review was conducted following the systematic reviews approach with minor modifications to synthesize the findings of published studies that examined the evaluation of CBME undergraduate and postgraduate programs for health professionals.

Results

Thirty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria and reported evaluation practices in CBME curricula from various countries and regions worldwide, such as Canada, China, Turkey, and West Africa. 57% of the evaluated programs were at the postgraduate level, and 71% were in the field of medicine. The results revealed variation in reporting evaluation practices, with numerous studies failing to clarify evaluations’ objectives, approaches, tools, and standards as well as how evaluations were reported and communicated. It was noted that questionnaires were the primary tool employed for evaluating programs, often combined with interviews or focus groups. Furthermore, the utilized evaluation standards considered the well-known competencies framework, specialized association guidelines, and accreditation criteria.

Conclusion

This review calls attention to the importance of ensuring that reports of evaluation experiences include certain essential elements of evaluation to better inform theory and practice.
Exploring the relationship between cyberloafing and innovativeness among nurses in research hospitals: a cross-sectional study in Turkey
Authors: Aciksoz Semra , Sendir Merdiye , Atar Nurdan Yalcin , Simsekoglu Nesibe , Baydili Kursad Nuri
Published: June 2024

Background

Although cyberloafing, which refers to employees' use of the internet for private purposes outside of work, is seen as a negative behavior; Positive effects on areas such as individual development, learning opportunity, job satisfaction, productivity, change, organizational output, and innovation have also been reported. This study aims to investigate whether there is a significant relationship between cyberloafing and the innovativeness levels of nurses working in research hospitals in Turkey.

Methods

This analytical study consisted of 230 nurses. Data were collected using a nurse information form, Cyberloafing Scale, and Individual Innovativeness Scale. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive, comparative, and correlational statistics.

Results

Nurses had low levels of minor and severe cyberloafing scores and skeptical innovativeness. There was no correlation between cyberloafing and individual innovativeness.

Conclusions

More conscious cyberloafing should be encouraged through institutional arrangements, which can improve nurses' individual and innovative professional aspects.
Employing a serious game intervention to promote adolescent school children’s perceptions of nursing and midwifery professions
Authors: Mitchell Gary , Rainey Debbie , Healy Maria , Anderson Tara , Stark Patrick , Kalu Felicity Agwu , Monaghan Catherine , Linden Mark A
Published: June 2024

Aim

To test a serious game intervention about nursing and midwifery perceptions among adolescent school children.

Background

Nursing and midwifery professions face challenges in recruitment, with persistent gender stereotypes and a lack of clarity regarding the roles contributing to this issue. This study addresses the need for innovative approaches to reshape perceptions and encourage career exploration in adolescent school children.

Design

Employing a pre/post-test design, this study involved 137 post-primary students aged sixteen or seventeen in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Data collection occurred between November 2022 to April 2023, involving three post-primary schools. Participants engaged with a digital serious game designed to address misconceptions and promote a more accurate understanding of nursing and midwifery. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, including an adapted version of the Nursing as a Career Choice Questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and independent groups t-tests.

Results

The serious game intervention resulted in statistically significant improvements in students’ perceptions across multiple domains. Overall, participants showed higher mean post-test scores (M = 139.57, SD = 15.10) compared to their mean pre-test score (M = 131.06, SD = 14.73) on the questionnaire. The domains of self-efficacy (p < .001), job prospects (p < .001) and social influences (p < .001) exhibited the most substantial positive changes. Female participants showed higher perceptions than males in pre- and post-tests and students from all-girls schools consistently scored higher than those from all-boys and mixed-gender schools.

Conclusions

A serious game about the nursing and midwifery professions appears to be capable of changing perceptions of self-efficacy and job prospects related to nursing and midwifery professions. The study suggests that a serious game intervention may have the potential to change adolescent perceptions of nursing and midwifery professions which may lead to their considering of these when making future career choices.