bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional study investigating the effects of argon laser retinal photocoagulation on lens clarity and corneal endothelial cells
Authors: Yılmaz Uğur , Kaya Hüseyin , Akbulut Selen , Durkal Yasin
Published: July 2023

Background:

The mechanism of argon laser retinal photocoagulation (ALRP) treatment is to apply thermal-induced retinal pigment epithelium damage. Light passes through the anterior optical segments of the eye to reach the retina. Lens densitometry is a noninvasive and quantitative measurement providing information about corneal and lens clarity.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate whether laser light affects lens clarity and corneal endothelial cells.

Design:

This was a prospective, cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Lens densitometric (LD) analysis and specular microscopy were performed before, after, and 1 month after ALRP treatment, by an expert ophthalmologist, blinded to the medical status of the patients. LD analysis was performed using a Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) and a Specular Microscope CEM-530 (Nidek, Japan) was used for endothelial cell analysis.

Results:

The evaluation was made on 81 eyes of 41 patients, with a mean age of 54.46 ± 6.7 years. LD, after ALRP, was significantly more than before ALRP ( p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in LD, before ALRP, and 1 month after ALRP ( p = 0.262). There was a statistically significant increase in LD after ALRP compared to before ALRP, but it decreased after 1 month. There was an increase in the coefficient of variance (CV) after ALRP compared to before ALRP but it was not statistically significant ( p = 0.188). There was no statistically significant difference in CV between before ALRP and 1 month after ALRP ( p = 1.000). There was no statistically significant difference in the cell density, the hexagonality percentage between before ALRP, after ALRP, and 1 month after ALRP ( p = 0.993, and 0.863, respectively).

Conclusion:

ALRP may affect the lens densitometry temporarily during the procedure. Thermal damage may be the reason for increased lens densitometry.
An empirically adjusted weighted ordered p-values meta-analysis method for large-scale simultaneous significance testing in genomic experiments
Authors: Jayanetti Wimarsha T , Chaganty N Rao , Sikdar Sinjini
Published: July 2023

Background

Meta-analysis is a popular approach for combining results from multiple studies investigating the same questions. Meta-analysis has gained wide popularity in genomic analysis due to the availability of large volumes of genomic study results from public databases. In genomic meta-analysis, researchers, often, tend to combine p-values related to significance testing of a gene from multiple studies where thousands of genes are tested simultaneously. The traditional p-value combination approaches aim to find genes which are differentially expressed in at least one of studies. An alternative form of meta-analysis has, recently, gained popularity where the aim is to find genes that are consistently differentially expressed in a large number, possibly a majority, of studies. An approach based on weighted ordered p-values (WOP) has been developed, in the recent past, to perform the latter type of meta-analysis.

Methods

In this article, we discuss the limitations of the WOP meta-analysis method due to its adherence to the standard null distributional assumptions of classical meta-analysis that can lead to incorrect significance testing results. Moreover, we propose a robust meta-analysis method for simultaneous significance testing of multitude of genes that improves the WOP approach using an empirical modification.

Results

Through simulation studies, we demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method over the existing WOP meta-analysis by substantially reducing false discoveries of significant genes and controlling type-I error rates especially in the presence of unobserved confounding variables. We illustrate the utility of our proposed method through a variety of meta-analysis of genomic studies in different diseases.
The effect of educational inequity and political violence on hurting young single mothers in Ethiopia
Authors: Birbirso Dereje Tadesse
Published: July 2023

This study examined how educational inequity and political violence exposed young single mothers in the Ethiopia town of Awaday to a distinct disadvantage. Adopting a case study design, a total of 50 single mothers were selected based on convenience sampling. Questionnaire, structured depth interview, and focus group discussion were used to collect data which were analyzed in descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Most of the participants were young, below 30, having 1–5 children, and school dropouts. The finding indicated political violence, which is directly or indirectly related to educational inequity and the social norm, is the fundamental factor for becoming single mothers. Almost all experience abject poverty, substance abuse, sexual violence, social stigma, adverse maternity health, and disorientation as to their future life. Their children are equally victims of the unjust system. The insignificant number of participants who managed to complete junior and secondary school education is in much better condition, which shows the huge negative impacts of educational inequity. While a complete overhaul of the violent and unjust socio-educational system of Ethiopia is decisive for durable change, vital short-term and middle-term policy and research implications of being single mothers in education and empowering them were suggested.
How to use Zoom to collect data in mathematics educational research: A case study in assessing students’ online mathematics learning
Authors: Ng Davy Tsz Kit , Fang Xiaoxuan
Published: July 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers faced challenges conducting data collection. However, emerging communication technologies, such as web-conferencing platforms, provided an alternative mode of data collection. Among these platforms, Zoom stands out for its functional affordances and unique features that support data collection methods, including screen-capturing, digital photography, drawing, polling, and artifact-based interviews, which attempt to reveal a child's viewpoint and ability. In this article, we explore the feasibility of using Zoom to conduct educational research by investigating the mathematical learning experience among 26 primary 1 and 2 students in Hong Kong on two topics—understanding time and addition and subtraction. Five mathematics teachers were recruited to participate in 2-month online workshops with assessments among three groups of students to understand the suitability for data collection. Based on teachers’ observations and students’ responses, our findings suggest that Zoom is a viable and effective tool for qualitative data collection. It offers a cost-effective method for researchers and educators to examine students’ mathematical performance in an online environment. We also investigate students’ perceptions of online assessment strategies, perceived usefulness of various Zoom functions, and explore the benefits and challenges teachers and students perceived throughout mathematical education using Zoom. However, several technical difficulties were encountered, such as the digital literacy gap and privacy concerns. Therefore, improving students’ digital literacy for remote learning and triangulation is important for online mathematical data collection and assessments.
Beyond greenwashing: Prioritizing environmental justice in conflict-affected settings
Authors: Ben-Shmuel Ambreen Tour , Halle Silja
Published: July 2023

Building on recent studies that call for further attention to marginalized communities at the intersection of environment, climate action, and peacebuilding initiatives, this article recommends an environmental justice lens for work in conflict-affected settings. We highlight examples of resistance to environmental action where a justice lens has been missed, amplifying minority voices and perspectives, and including a case where environmental peacebuilding is perceived as greenwashing. Lacking this lens, environmental action and research risk—albeit inadvertently—further entrenching sociopolitical injustices. Employing a conflict-sensitive, peace-positive, and environmental justice-responsive approach can produce more sustainable outcomes.
Entrepreneurship Development: Programme or Process
Authors: Chowdhary Nimit , Prakash Monika
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the less than acceptable performance of rural entrepreneurship development programmes in the state of Rajasthan (India). A case study method of research was deployed seeking feedback of participants of three entrepreneurship development programmes. Feedback was obtained from two audiences- those who completed the programme and those who either did not attend the programme or dropped out at some stage. Investigation resulted into identification of several areas of inadequate performance- choice and deployment of faculty, course material, expectations of the participants, timing, delivery and focus of the programme. Authors recommend a major shift in delivery of these programmes. In place of a fixed duration one-off programme, authors suggest institutionalizing an entrepreneurship development process. The study departs from earlier studies those suggest some disparate improvements against the immediate problems identified. The paper strongly argues a radical rethink in delivery of the contents as part of continuous ongoing hierarchical process.
Seasonal Anomalies in Stock Returns: A Study of Developed and Emerging Markets
Authors: Garg Ashish , Bodla B.S. , Chhabra Sangeeta
Published: July 2023

Seasonal anomalies are reported by researchers for developed as well as emerging stock markets. Day of the week effect is the most talked anomaly. However, due to the increased use of the information technology and on-going stock market reforms in emerging economies, investors might expect the stock markets to be free from such anomalies. This paper is an attempt to examine whether seasonal anomalies still persist in the developed and developing markets. For the study, the Indian and US markets are taken as the representative of emerging and developed markets, respectively. The reference period of the study ranges from January 1998 to December 2007, which is further broken into two sub periods: (i) January 1998 to December 2001, and (ii) January 2002 to December 2007. The study examines five types of anomalies namely, turn of the month effect, semi-monthly effect, monthly effect, Monday effect and Friday effect. The analysis provides the evidence about the presence of the Monday effect only in India but the semi monthly and turn of the month effect are found in both the markets. In contrast, month effect does not exist in any of the two countries. Hence, the stock markets are not yet free from seasonal anomalies despite increased use of information technology and numerous regulatory developments.
The Meaning of Learning in Organisations and Knowledge Acquisition: A Competency Based Perspective
Authors: Rao M.Kameshwar , Palo Sasmita
Published: July 2023

For leveraging the competitive advantage, organisations have to necessarily depend on the new frontiers of knowledge. Hence, learning becomes an integral part of any organisation to generate superior performance. Learning plays a crucial role in creating and disseminating knowledge throughout the organisation. Knowledge has undoubtedly become a major source of competitive advantage for many industries. This paper highlights the relationship between learning, knowledge and managerial competencies in an organisation. Apart from this, the paper also argues that the organisation must focus on developing the managerial competencies to attain a competitive advantage in learning and knowledge acquisition
Innovative three-dimensional models for understanding mechanisms underlying lung diseases: powerful tools for translational research
Authors: Nizamoglu Mehmet , Joglekar Mugdha M. , Almeida Catarina R. , Larsson Callerfelt Anna-Karin , Dupin Isabelle , Guenat Olivier T. , Henrot Pauline , van Os Lisette , Otero Jorge , Elowsson Linda , Farre Ramon , Burgess Janette K.
Published: July 2023

Chronic lung diseases result from alteration and/or destruction of lung tissue, inevitably causing decreased breathing capacity and quality of life for patients. While animal models have paved the way for our understanding of pathobiology and the development of therapeutic strategies for disease management, their translational capacity is limited. There is, therefore, a well-recognised need for innovativein vitromodels to reflect chronic lung diseases, which will facilitate mechanism investigation and the advancement of new treatment strategies. In the last decades, lungs have been modelled in healthy and diseased conditions using precision-cut lung slices, organoids, extracellular matrix-derived hydrogels and lung-on-chip systems. These three-dimensional models together provide a wide spectrum of applicability and mimicry of the lung microenvironment. While each system has its own limitations, their advantages over traditional two-dimensional culture systems, or even over animal models, increases the value ofin vitromodels. Generating new and advanced models with increased translational capacity will not only benefit our understanding of the pathobiology of lung diseases but should also shorten the timelines required for discovery and generation of new therapeutics. This article summarises and provides an outline of the European Respiratory Society research seminar “Innovative 3D models for understanding mechanisms underlying lung diseases: powerful tools for translational research”, held in Lisbon, Portugal, in April 2022. Currentin vitromodels developed for recapitulating healthy and diseased lungs are outlined and discussed with respect to the challenges associated with them, efforts to develop best practices for model generation, characterisation and utilisation of models and state-of-the-art translational potential.
Regenerative and translational medicine in COPD: hype and hope
Authors: Guarnier Lucas Pires , Moro Lincoln Gozzi , Lívero Francislaine Aparecida dos Reis , de Faria Carolina Arruda , Azevedo Mauricio Fogaça , Roma Beatriz Pizoni , Albuquerque Edilson Rodrigues , Malagutti-Ferreira Maria José , Rodrigues Alessandra Gomes Duarte , da Silva Adelson Alves , Sekiya Eliseo Joji , Ribeiro-Paes João Tadeu
Published: July 2023

COPD is a common, preventable and usually progressive disease associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and lung, generally caused by exposure to noxious particles and gases. It is a treatable disease characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to abnormalities in the airways and/or alveoli. COPD is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide, representing a serious public health problem and a high social and economic burden. Despite significant advances, effective clinical treatments have not yet been achieved. In this scenario, cell-based therapies have emerged as potentially promising therapeutic approaches. However, there are only a few published studies of cell-based therapies in human patients with COPD and a small number of ongoing clinical trials registered onclinicaltrials.gov. Despite the advances and interesting results, numerous doubts and questions remain about efficacy, mechanisms of action, culture conditions, doses, timing, route of administration and conditions related to homing and engraftment of the infused cells. This article presents the state of the art of cell-based therapy in COPD. Clinical trials that have already been completed and with published results are discussed in detail. We also discuss the questions that remain unanswered about cell-based regenerative and translational medicine for COPD.
Induction of labor in twin pregnancy in patients with a previous cesarean delivery
Authors: Dick Aharon , Lessans Naama , Ginzburg Gabriel , Gutman-Ido Einat , Karavani Gilad , Hochler Hila , Suissa-Cohen Yael , Rosenbloom Joshua I
Published: July 2023

Background

Trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) in twin gestations has been associated with decreased rates of successful vaginal delivery compared to singleton pregnancies, with mixed results regarding maternal and neonatal morbidity. However, induction of labor (IOL) in this unique population has not yet been fully evaluated.

Objective

To assess success rates and maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with a twin gestation and a previous cesarean delivery undergoing IOL.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study including women with a twin gestation and one previous cesarean delivery undergoing a trial of labor between the years 2009–2020. Patients requiring IOL were compared to those with a spontaneous onset of labor.

Results

There were 53 patients who met the inclusion criteria: 31 had a spontaneous onset of labor (58%) and 22 required an IOL. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups apart from a history of labor arrest which was more common in the IOL group (40.9% vs. 9.6%, P = 0.006). A successful vaginal delivery occurred in all (100%) women with a spontaneous labor compared to 81% in the IOL group (p = 0.02). Secondary outcomes were comparable. A history of no previous vaginal delivery, maternal obesity, and IOL were associated with TOLAC failure.

Conclusions

IOL after cesarean delivery in twin gestation is associated with an increased risk of TOLAC failure compared to spontaneous onset of labor. However, no adverse neonatal or maternal outcomes were found. IOL in this high-risk population is feasible but patients should be counseled about the lower rate of success.
Characterization of a novel peptide mined from the Red Sea brine pools and modified to enhance its anticancer activity
Authors: Abdou Youssef T. , Saleeb Sheri M. , Abdel-Raouf Khaled M. A. , Allam Mohamed , Adel Mustafa , Amleh Asma
Published: July 2023

Drug resistance is a major cause of the inefficacy of conventional cancer therapies, and often accompanied by severe side effects. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel drugs with low cytotoxicity, high selectivity and minimal acquired chemical resistance. Peptide-based drugs (less than 0.5 kDa) have emerged as a potential approach to address these issues due to their high specificity and potent anticancer activity. In this study, we developed a support vector machine model (SVM) to detect the potential anticancer properties of novel peptides by scanning the American University in Cairo (AUC) Red Sea metagenomics library. We identified a novel 37-mer antimicrobial peptide through SVM pipeline analysis and characterized its anticancer potential through in silico cross-examination. The peptide sequence was further modified to enhance its anticancer activity, analyzed for gene ontology, and subsequently synthesized. To evaluate the anticancer properties of the modified 37-mer peptide, we assessed its effect on the viability and morphology of SNU449, HepG2, SKOV3, and HeLa cells, using an MTT assay. Additionally, we evaluated the migration capabilities of SNU449 and SKOV3 cells using a scratch-wound healing assay. The targeted selectivity of the modified peptide was examined by evaluating its hemolytic activity on human erythrocytes. Treatment with the peptide significantly reduced cell viability and had a critical impact on the morphology of hepatocellular carcinoma (SNU449 and HepG2), and ovarian cancer (SKOV3) cells, with a marginal effect on cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa). The viability of a human fibroblast cell line (1Br-hTERT) was also significantly reduced by peptide treatment, as were the proliferation and migration abilities of SNU449 and SKOV3 cells. The annexin V assay revealed programmed cell death (apoptosis) as one of the potential cellular death pathways in SNU449 cells upon peptide treatment. Finally, the peptide exhibited antimicrobial effects on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. The findings presented here suggest the potential of our novel peptide as a potent anticancer and antimicrobial agent.
Predicting survival for patients with mesothelioma: development of the PLACE prognostic model
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Li Nan , Li Ran , Gu Yumei , Liu Xiaofang , Zhang Shu
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The overall survival of patients with mesothelioma is poor and heterogeneous. At present, the prediction model for Chinese patients needs to be improved. We sought to investigate predictors of survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma and develop prognostic prediction models.

Methods

This Two-center retrospective cohort study recruited patients with pathologically diagnosed mesothelioma at Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital and Beijing Tong-Ren Hospital. We developed a new prognostic prediction model based on COX multivariable analysis using data from patients who were recruited from June 1, 2010 to July 1, 2021 in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital (n = 95, development cohort) and validated this model using data from patients recruited from July 18, 2014 to May 9, 2022 in Beijing Tong-Ren Hospital (n = 23, validation cohort). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to estimate model accuracy.

Results

The parameters in this new model included PLT > 289.5(10^9/L) (1 point), Lymphocyte > 1.785(10^9/L) (-1point), Age > 73 years old (1 point), Calcium > 2.145(mmol/L) (-1point), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) > 2 (2 points). When the sum of scores < 0, it is recognized as a low-risk group; when the score is 0 ~ 3, it is recognized as a high-risk group. The survival rate of patients in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that in the low-risk group (hazard ratio [HR], 3.878; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.226–6.755; P < 0.001). The validation group had similar results (HR,3.574; 95%CI,1.064–12.001; P = 0.039). Furthermore, the areas under the curve 6 months after diagnosis in the two cohorts were 0.900 (95% CI: 0.839–0.962) and 0.761 (95% CI: 0.568–0.954) for development and validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion

We developed a simple, clinically relevant prognostic prediction model for PLACE by evaluating five variables routinely tested at the time of diagnosis. The predictive model can differentiate patients of Chinese ethnicity into different risk groups and further guide prognosis.
Maintaining quality of life and care for cancer survivors experiencing disaster disruptions: a review of the literature
Authors: Kitamura Yoshiko , Nakai Hisao
Published: July 2023

Disasters caused by natural phenomena are increasing in frequency and devastation. The growing number of cancer survivors constitute a vulnerable population in their need for continuous and high-level care, a vulnerability that is exacerbated in the event of disasters. Although the evidence base on the needs of cancer survivors is growing, little is known about cancer care in disaster settings. Therefore, we prepared a narrative literature review that outlines existing evidence, identifies knowledge gaps, and clarifies key concepts that are central to the burgeoning area of research into the quality of care for cancer survivors through disasters. As the preponderance of available evidence stresses the importance of careful disaster planning for maintaining care services, this review also provides guidance in developing plans for how to proceed during, and in the aftermath of, disasters.
Nomophobia among university students in five Arab countries in the Middle East: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Naser Abdallah Y , Alwafi Hassan , Itani Rania , Alzayani Salman , Qadus Sami , Al-Rousan Rabaa , Abdelwahab Ghada Mohammad , Dahmash Eman , AlQatawneh Ahmad , Khojah Hani M J , Kautsar Angga Prawira , Alabbasi Renan , Alsahaf Nouf , Qutub Razan , Alrawashdeh Hamzeh Mohammad , Abukhalaf Amer Hamad Issa , Bahlol Mohamed
Published: July 2023

Background

Excessive use of mobile phones leading to development of symptoms suggestive of dependence syndrome with teenagers are far more likely to become dependent on mobile phones as compared to adults. COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of several groups in society, especially university students. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of mobile phone dependence among university students and its associated factors.

Methods

Between September 2021 and January 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted at universities in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia utilizing an online and paper-based self-administered questionnaire. We employed a previously developed questionnaire by Aggarwal et al.

Results

A total of 5,720 university students were involved in this study (Egypt = 2813, Saudi Arabia = 1509, Jordan = 766, Lebanon = 432, and Bahrain = 200). The mean estimated daily time spent on using mobile phone was 186.4 (94.4) minutes. The highest mobile dependence score was observed for the university students from Egypt and the lowest mobile dependence score was observed for the university students from Lebanon. The most common dependence criteria across the study sample was impaired control (55.6%) and the least common one was harmful use (25.1%). Females and those reported having anxiety problem or using a treatment for anxiety were at higher risk of developing mobile phone dependence by 15% and 75%, respectively.

Conclusion

Mobile phone dependence is common among university students in Arab countries in the Middle East region. Future studies exploring useful interventions to decrease mobile phone dependence are warranted.
Do education and living standard matter in breaking barriers to healthcare access among women in Bangladesh?
Authors: Sen Kanchan Kumar , Nilima Shahnaz , Zahura Fatima-Tuz , Bari Wasimul
Published: July 2023

Background

Barriers to healthcare access for women have a substantial influence on maternal and child health. By removing barriers to accessing healthcare, several sustainable development goals can be achieved. The goal of this study, based on the dominance analysis, was to examine how living standards and spousal education play role in removing barriers to healthcare access for women in Bangladesh.

Methods

The study used the nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), 2017-18 data. A binary logistic regression model was applied for analyzing different types of health access barriers in the study. Additionally, a dominance analysis was conducted to identify the most responsible factors for removing barriers.

Results

In Bangladesh, 66% of women faced at least one barrier in accessing healthcare. The results obtained from logistic regression and dominance analysis revealed that women’s standard of living and spousal education explained the highest variation of having at least one barrier in accessing healthcare. Specifically, a high standard of living explained 24% of the total explained variation (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.52–0.62), while both spousal education accounted for 27% (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.45–0.54) of the total explained variation. The regression results also showed that women with higher standards of living as well as educated women having educated partners had lower odds of facing barriers in getting permission (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76-1.00 and OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.58–0.75) to go for advice/treatment, obtaining money (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.39–0.47 and OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.34–0.40), distance to a health facility (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.55–0.66 and OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.65–0.76), and not wanting to go alone (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.66–0.89 and OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.69–0.81) for getting medical advice/treatment.

Conclusion

The findings of the study suggest paying extra attention to the spousal education and living standard of women to strengthen and reform the existing strategies and develop beneficial interventions to enhance unhindered accessibility to healthcare facilities for women.
Back pain and radicular pain after lumbar microdiscectomy
Authors: Koivunen Konsta , Pernaa Katri I. , Saltychev Mikhail
Published: July 2023

Purpose

It is generally expected that lumbar microdiscectomy affects radicular leg pain, but not so much local back pain. The primary objective was to evaluate if the trajectories of changes in pain severity follow similar patterns for back and radicular leg pain after lumbar microdiscectomy. The secondary objective was to investigate the associations between some preoperative parameters and the patterns of these trajectories.

Methods

Register-based retrospective study of 353 patients undergoing microdiscectomy in the lumbar spine. Linear mixed modelling was applied.

Results

The average age of the participants was 46 years and 44% were women. The developmental trajectories were similar for both back and leg pain. Pain level decrease during the first year after the surgery, slightly worsening later. No statistically significant interactions were detected of preoperative pain duration or severity, sex or age on the shapes of the trajectories. For every analyzed grouping factor, the 95% confidence intervals overlapped at every postoperative time point with one exception – worse preoperative back pain was statistically significantly associated with worse pain at three months and at the end of the two-year follow-up.

Conclusion

After microsurgical discectomy, developmental curves for both back and radicular leg pain demonstrated similar patterns. Pain intensity decreased during the first year after the surgery. and slightly increased after that remaining, however, below the preoperative level. Age, sex, preoperative pain duration or preoperative intensity of leg pain were not associated with significant differences in the trajectories of pain severity after the surgery. In this study, severe preoperative back pain was the only factor, which was significantly associated with worse postoperative trajectory of pain intensity.
Menstruation hygiene management among secondary school students of Chitwan, Nepal:a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khanal Gayatri , Shrestha Niki , Adhikari Kishor , Ghimire Usha
Published: July 2023

Background

Despite significant progress in reproductive health, many societies still treat menstruation as disgraceful and shameful process and relate it with negative consequences. This belief and attitude may increase the incidence of reproductive tract infection, leading to significant negative impact on women’s health. To manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity, it is essential that women and adolescent girls have sufficient knowledge on menstruation hygiene management. Thus, this study aims to identify the knowledge, associated factors related to menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and effectiveness of health education on MHM.

Methods

A school-based study was conducted between August 2021 to April 2022 among 400 secondary school girls. The sampling unit was selected by using systematic random sampling method. Health education was given in the interval between the pretest and posttest of knowledge assessment on MHM. Logistic regression analysis and Wilcoxon rank test were applied to identify predictors and to evaluate the effectiveness of health education.

Results

Overall, 57.7% of the girls had unsatisfactory level of knowledge. Around two third (61.4%) missed school days during the menstrual period. Almost 99.5% had experienced some form of cultural restrictions during the menstrual period. After imparting health education, the level of knowledge on menstruation hygiene had significantly improved (z = 17.129, p = < 0.001) to satisfactory compared to the baseline knowledge level (42.3% vs. 92.5%). During multivariate analysis, factors such as having studied in public schools (AoR = 1.7, p = 0.026), having no or one close female friend (AoR = 2.2, p = 0.011), caste other than Brahmin/Chhetri (AoR = 1.4, p = 0.05) and factors such as living in joint family (AoR = 1.6, p = 0.048) were significantly associated with unsatisfactory level of knowledge on MHM.

Conclusions

A substantial number of respondents had unsatisfactory level of knowledge on MHM. Factors such as ethnicity status, types of family, number of close female friends, types of schools and mothers’ education were associated with unsatisfactory level of knowledge. School absenteeism and cultural restriction were found to be common/frequent. Imparting of health education was found to be an effective measure to enhance knowledge on MHM.
Postpartum depression in Vietnam: a scoping review of symptoms, consequences, and management
Authors: Nguyen Huyen Thi Hoa , Hoang Phuong Anh , Do Thi Kim Ly , Taylor-Robinson Andrew W. , Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong
Published: July 2023

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a major health issue that can affect both mothers and their newborn children. In Vietnam, approximately 20% of mothers suffer from PPD. However, there is a lack of synthesized evidence regarding the case management of PPD in the Vietnamese context. A review of early symptoms, consequences, and management strategies of PPD will help to inform best practices to reduce complications and shorten the recovery time after parturition.

Methods

This scoping review aims to analyze and synthesize the findings of studies on PPD examining the symptoms, consequences, and management strategies among Vietnamese women. MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCOHost, Google Scholar, and a networked digital library of projects, theses, and dissertations published between 2010 and 2022 in Vietnam were accessed following search terms including “Vietnam”, “depression”, “postpartum”, “symptom/experience”, “consequence”, and “management”.

Findings

The most-reported symptoms were sadness, tiredness, the feeling of being ignored, lack of interest in the baby, reduced appetite, and sleep disturbance. The recognized consequences were child stunting and slow growth, without mentioning its long-term effects on mothers. Our findings indicated that PPD in Vietnam has not been sufficiently managed; mothers tend to seek help from ‘fortune-tellers’ or ‘word-of-mouth’ practices rather than from evidence-based modern medicine.

Conclusion

This scoping review provides an initial stage of PPD symptoms, consequences, and management along with facilitating an interventional program to support this vulnerable group of women. A large survey of Vietnamese mothers' symptoms, effects, and management strategies is needed.
The relation between obesity and breast cancer risk in women by considering menstruation status and geographical variations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dehesh Tania , Fadaghi Shohreh , Seyedi Mehrnaz , Abolhadi Elham , Ilaghi Mehran , Shams Parisa , Ajam Fatemeh , Mosleh-Shirazi Mohammad Amin , Dehesh Paria
Published: July 2023

Given the increase in the incidence of breast cancer during the past decades, several studies have investigated the effects of variables on breast cancer, especially obesity. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate any effects of obesity on breast cancer risk in women, before and after menopause, and in different continents.

All forms of relevant literature examining any association between obesity and breast cancer, including cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional studies, were identified in the PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from January 1, 1990 until January 13, 2023. Body mass index (BMI) > 30 was used to indicate obesity. Every type of breast cancer was examined as outcome factors. The quality of the papers was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale checklist. The Egger and Begg test was used to evaluate publication bias. To assess any extra impact of each research on the final measurement, a sensitivity analysis was carried out.

One hundred and two studies were included in this meta-analysis. Respectively, 48 and 67 studies reported associations between obesity and breast cancer in pre and post menopausal women. Combining all studies, the pooled OR of the association between obesity and breast cancer in pre-menopausal women was OR = 0.93 CI: (0.85–1.1), (I2 = 65.4%), and for post-menopausal woman, OR = 1.26 CI: (1.19–1.34), (I2 = 90.5%).

Obesity has a protective role in breast cancer among pre-menopausal women, but this relationship is statistically significant only in European women. The chance of developing breast cancer increases in post-menopausal women who are obese. This relationship is significant among Asian, North American, African and European women.
Mentoring in research: development of competencies for health professionals
Authors: da Silva Souza Regina Claudia , Bersaneti Mariana Davies Ribeiro , dos Santos Yamaguti Wellington Pereira , Baia Wania Regina Mollo
Published: July 2023

Background

Mentoring programmes in health research are beneficial for both mentors and mentees and are essential for the development of the next generation of research leaders. This study describes the self-assessment of research skills in health professionals participating in a research mentoring programme and determines the correlation between the participants’ self-assessment of research skills and professional characteristics.

Method

This was a quasi-experimental, time-series study conducted in a Brazilian tertiary hospital. Thirty-five health professionals holding a master’s or PhD degree were included. The participants answered a survey in which they self-assessed their research skills distributed into eight domains, with one group responding before training and another group responding after training. The level of significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05).

Results

Those who received training scored better in research skills related to two domains: critical analysis of the literature and identification of appropriate research methods (p = 0.0245).

Conclusion

Trained professionals performed better in the domains of critical thinking and knowledge and management of steps in the research process.
FISH-negative BCR::ABL1-positive e19a2 chronic myeloid leukaemia: the most cryptic of insertions
Authors: May Philippa C. , Reid Alistair G. , Robinson Mark E. , Khorashad Jamshid S. , Milojkovic Dragana , Claudiani Simone ,   Genomics England Research Consortium, Willis Fenella , Apperley Jane F. , Innes Andrew J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is one of the most well characterised human malignancies. Most patients have a cytogenetically visible translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 which generates the pathognomonic BCR::ABL1 fusion gene. The derivative chromosome 22 (‘Philadelphia’ or Ph chromosome) usually harbours the fusion gene encoding a constitutively active ABL1 kinase domain.

A small subset of patients have no visible translocation. Historically, these ‘Philadelphia chromosome negative’ patients caused diagnostic confusion between CML and other myeloproliferative neoplasms; it is now well established that the BCR::ABL1 fusion gene can be generated via submicroscopic intrachromosomal insertion of ABL1 sequence into BCR, or, more rarely, of BCR into ABL1. The fusion genes arising from cryptic insertions are not detectable via G-banded chromosome analysis [karyotype] but can nevertheless always be detected using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and/or qualitative reverse transcriptase PCR.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old female presented with suspected CML in 2007; however, contemporaneous gold standard laboratory investigations, G-banded chromosome analysis and FISH, were both negative. The reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay available at the time, which was capable of detecting the common BCR::ABL1 transcripts (e13a2/e14a2), was also negative. Upon review in 2009, the newly recommended reverse transcriptase multiplex PCR (capable of detecting all BCR::ABL1 transcripts including the atypical ones) subsequently detected an e19a2 fusion. The patient then responded to tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. In contrast, FISH studies of both samples with three commercially available probes remained consistently negative.

Retrospective whole genome sequencing, undertaken as part of the 100,000 Genomes Project, has now revealed that the patient’s BCR::ABL1 fusion gene arose via a uniquely small insertion of 122 kb ABL1 sequences into BCR.

Conclusions

We present a patient with suspected chronic myeloid leukaemia whose genetic investigations were originally negative at the time of diagnosis despite the use of contemporaneous gold standard methods.

This is the first report of a FISH-negative, BCR::ABL1 positive CML which demonstrates that, even after sixty years of research into one of the most well understood human malignancies, whole genome sequencing can yield novel diagnostic findings in CML.
Association of major dietary patterns with advanced glycation end products and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ebrahimi Zohreh , Shojaeian Zahra , Amiri Fatemehsadat , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Sadeghi Omid , Esteghamati Alireza , Jahed Seyed Adel , Sedaghat Sara
Published: July 2023

Background

The associations of diet with serum levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have been examined in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, data on patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the associations of major dietary patterns with serum levels of AGEs and hs-CRP among patients with T1DM.

Methods

A total of 229 patients with T1DM participated in this current cross-sectional study. We collected dietary data using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The factor analysis approach was used to determine major dietary patterns. A fasting blood sample was collected from each participant to assess serum levels of AGEs and hs-CRP. The associations of dietary patterns with elevated levels of AGEs and hs-CRP were assessed using binary logistic regression.

Results

Patients with T1DM in the highest tertile of a Western dietary pattern had 4.32 times higher odds of having elevated AGEs than those in the lowest tertile (OR: 4.32, 95% CI: 1.86–10.05). Additionally, adherence to the Western diet was associated with 2.97 times greater odds of having elevated hs-CRP (> 3 mg/L) (OR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.22–7.24) in these patients. Such positive associations were not observed for unhealthy and traditional dietary patterns. Moreover, higher adherence to a semi-healthy diet (characterized by high consumption of white meat, whole grains, processed meat, and a low salt intake) was associated with 87% lower odds of having elevated hs-CRP (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05–0.35). However, we found no significant association between the semi-healthy diet and AGEs levels.

Conclusion

We found that adherence to a Western dietary pattern was associated with elevated levels of AGEs/hs-CRP in patients with T1DM. Also, we discovered a significant inverse association between adherence to a semi-healthy diet and hs-CRP levels.
Left recurrent nerve lymph node dissection in robotic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer without esophageal traction
Authors: Nakanoko Tomonori , Kimura Yasue , Natsugoe Keita , Nonaka Kentaro , Nambara Sho , Hu Qingjiang , Nakanishi Ryota , Ota Mitsuhiko , Oki Eiji , Yoshizumi Tomoharu
Published: July 2023

Background

Because the robotic arm is located on the dorsal side of the patient, when the esophagus is pulled dorsally for the left recurrent nerve lymph node (LRLN) dissection, the robotic arm interferes with the surgical field. This made it difficult to prepare for the left recurrent lymph node dissection. We developed LRLN dissection in robotic surgery with natural space creation by physiological organ movement and evaluated the short-term results.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed 102 cases of robot-assisted thoracoscopic subtotal esophagectomy (RATE) among radical subtotal esophagectomies performed between December 2018 and December 2022 using medical records. LRLN dissection is preceded by a dissection of the esophagus from the trachea. Leaving the esophagus on the vertebral side and away from the trachea resulted in a physiological elevation of the esophagus, providing space between the trachea and esophagus.

Results

The thoracic surgery time in RATE was 181 (115–394) min. The number of LRLNs dissected was 4 (1–14). Six patients (6%) had a postoperative recurrence in the mediastinal lymph nodes. Seven patients (7%) had grade ≥ 1 left recurrent nerve palsy.

Conclusions

LRLN dissection with RATE using natural space creation was performed safely with a sufficient number of dissected lymph nodes and little left recurrent nerve palsy.
Time- and cost-effective production of untagged recombinant MVA by flow virometry and direct virus sorting
Authors: Boselli Daniela , Panigada Maddalena , Di Terlizzi Simona , Romanò Monica , Canonico Emanuele , Villa Chiara , Minici Claudia , van Anken Eelco , Soprana Elisa , Siccardi Antonio G.
Published: July 2023

Background

Recombinant MVAs (rMVAs) are widely used both in basic and clinical research. Our previously developed Red-to-Green Gene Swapping Method (RGGSM), a cytometry-based Cell-Sorting protocol, revolves around the transient expression of a green fluorescent cytoplasmic marker, to subsequently obtain purified untagged rMVA upon loss of that marker by site-specific recombination. The standard RGSSM is quite costly in terms of bench work, reagents, and Sorting Facility fees. Although faster than other methods to obtain recombinant MVAs, the standard RGSSM still is time-consuming, taking at least 25 days to yield the final product.

Methods

The direct sorting of fluorescent virions is made amenable by the marker HAG, a flu hemagglutinin/EGFP fusion protein, integrated into the external envelope of extracellular enveloped virions (EEVs). Fluorescent EEVs-containing supernatants of infected cultures are used instead of purified virus. Direct Virus-Sorting was performed on BD FACSAria Fusion cell sorter equipped with 4 lasers and a 100-mm nozzle, with 20 psi pressure and a minimal flow rate, validated using Megamix beads.

Results

Upon infection of cells with recombinant EEVs, at the first sorting step virions that contain HAG are harvested and cloned, while the second sorting step yields EEVs that have lost HAG, allowing to clone untagged rMVA. Because only virion-containing supernatants are used, no virus purification steps and fewer sortings are necessary. Therefore, the final untagged rMVA product can be obtained in a mere 8 days.

Conclusions

Altogether, we report that the original RGSSM has been markedly improved in terms of time- and cost efficiency by substituting Cell-Sorting with direct Virus-Sorting from the supernatants of infected cells. The improved virometry-based RGGSM may find wide applicability, considering that rMVAs hold great promise to serve as personalized vaccines for therapeutic intervention against cancer and various types of infectious diseases.

Graphical Abstract