bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of serum uric acid with cardiovascular disease risk factors: a retrospective cohort study in southeastern China
Authors: Luo Yingxian , Wu Qiong , Meng Runtang , Lian Fuzhi , Jiang Chen , Hu Meiyu , Wang Yaxin , Ma Haiyan
Published: September 2023

Objective

To evaluate the associations between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, focusing on potential sex-specific differences.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A large community-based survey was conducted every two years from 2010 to 2018 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, outheastern China.

Participants

6119 participants aged 40 years and above who underwent at least three times of physical examinations were enrolled.

Methods

Participants were categorised into four groups (Q1–Q4) based on baseline SUA quartiles within the normal range, with hyperuricaemia (HUA) as the fifth group. The Q1 was the reference. By stratifying participants by gender, the relationships between SUA levels and systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and total cholesterol (TC) were investigated using linear regression models in the generalised estimating equation. Additionally, the associations of elevated SUA levels and HUA with hypertension, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia were correspondingly examined using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

After adjusting for confounding variables, we found positive associations between SUA levels and SBP, DBP, FBG and TC in women, and with TC in men (p<0.01). Likewise, elevated SUA quartiles and HUA were linked to increased dyslipidaemia risk in both sexes, and increased hyperglycaemia risk only in women, with HRs (95% CI) of 1.64 (1.05 to 2.55) and 2.37 (1.47 to 3.81) in the Q4 and HUA group, respectively. Women with HUA had higher hypertension risk (HR=1.45, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.73), while no such association was observed in men. Stratified analyses revealed significant associations between elevated SUA levels and CVD risk factors in postmenopausal and non-obese women.

Conclusions

Elevated SUA levels increase the risk of dyslipidaemia in both sexes. SUA levels within normal range and HUA are positively associated with hyperglycaemia and hypertension in postmenopausal women, but not in men.
Use of a digital job-aid in improving antenatal clinical protocols and quality of care in rural primary-level health facilities in Burkina Faso: a quasi-experimental evaluation
Authors: Maïga Abdoulaye , Ogyu Anju , Millogo Roch Modeste , Lopez-Hernandez Angelica , Labité Matè Alonyenyo , Labrique Alain , Agarwal Smisha
Published: September 2023

Objective

We assessed the impact of a digital clinical decision support (CDS) tool in improving health providers adherence to recommended antenatal protocols and service quality in rural primary-level health facilities in Burkina Faso.

Design

A quasi-experimental evaluation based on a cross-sectional post-intervention assessment comparing the intervention district to a comparison group.

Setting and participants

The study included 331 direct observations and exit interviews of pregnant women seeking antenatal care (ANC) across 48 rural primary-level health facilities in Burkina Faso in 2021.

Intervention

Digital CDS tool to improve health providers adherence to recommended antenatal protocols.

Outcome measures

We analysed the quality of care on both the supply and demand sides. Quality-of-care service scores were based on actual care provided and expected care according to standards. Pregnant women’s knowledge of counselling and satisfaction score after receiving care were also calculated. Other outcomes included time of clinical encounter.

Results

The overall quality of health service provision was comparable across intervention and comparison health facilities (52% vs 51%) despite there being a significantly higher proportion of lower skilled providers in the intervention arm (42.5% vs 17.8%). On average, ANC visits were longer in the intervention area (median 24 min, IQR 18) versus comparison area (median 12 min, IQR: 8). The intervention arm had a significantly higher score difference in women’s knowledge of received counselling (16.4 points, 95% CI 10.37 to 22.49), and women’s satisfaction (16.18 points, 95% CI: 9.95 to 22.40).

Conclusion

Digital CDS tools provide a valuable opportunity to achieve substantial improvements of the quality of ANC and broadly maternal and newborn health in settings with high burden mortality and less trained health cadres when adequately implemented.
Multicomponent interventions to improve routine childhood vaccine uptake in low and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Mohamed Yasmin , Danchin Margaret , Kaufman Jessica
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Vaccine coverage remains inequitable globally. Many systematic reviews have looked at the effectiveness of strategies to improve vaccine uptake; however, these reviews frequently lack data from low and middle-income countries (LMICs), where evidence of cost-effective strategies is most valuable. This is partly because reviews often exclude non-randomised, observational or unpublished evaluations that are common in LMICs. Many reviews also exclude multicomponent interventions due to challenges isolating the effect of each component. A comprehensive mapping of multicomponent interventions implemented in LMICs would increase the visibility of studies excluded from systematic reviews and improve comparability of future evaluations by providing guidance for researchers on evaluation frameworks. This scoping review aims to identify, compare and summarise the properties and evaluation methods of multicomponent interventions to improve uptake of routine childhood vaccines in LMICs, and to assess the strengths and limitations of evaluation frameworks applied.

Methods and analysis

This review will be conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. We will search the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, Eldis and Global Health (CAB Direct), Global Index Medicus, 3ie Portal, Google Scholar, COnnecting REpositories, and reference lists. One author will screen titles and abstracts and extract data from included articles using a pretested data extraction template. Uncertainties will be resolved through discussion with another author. Only studies published in English will be included for full review. We will assess the practicability, applicability, sensitivity and specificity of the evaluation frameworks used and present results using descriptive statistics, summary tables and charts.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required. The review will be submitted as part of a doctoral thesis, presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Study registration

https://osf.io/7r84g.
Improving management of hyponatraemia by increasing urine testing in the emergency department
Authors: Wiest Nathaniel E , Nasir Ayan , Bui Albert , Karime Christian , Chase R Christopher , Barrios Maria S , Hunter Ryan , Jones Samuel M , Moktan Varun P , Creager Jessica G , Shirazi Ehsan , Mohseni Michael M , Dawson Nancy L
Published: September 2023

Hyponatraemia on hospital admission is associated with increased length of stay, healthcare expenditures and mortality. Urine studies collected before fluid or diuretic administration are essential to diagnose the underlying cause of hyponatraemia, thereby empowering admitting teams to employ the appropriate treatment. A multidisciplinary quality improvement (QI) team led by internal medicine residents performed a QI project from July 2020 through June 2021 to increase the rate of urine studies collected before fluid or diuretic administration in the emergency department (ED) in patients admitted with moderate to severe hyponatraemia. We implemented two plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles to address this goal. In PDSA Cycle #1, we displayed an educational poster in employee areas of the ED and met with nursing staff at their monthly meetings to communicate the project and answer questions. We also obtained agreement from ED attending physicians and nursing leaders to support the project. In PDSA Cycle #2, we implemented a structural change in the nursing triage process to issue every patient who qualified for bloodwork with a urine specimen container labelled with a medical record number on registration so that the patient could provide a sample at any point, including while in the waiting area. After PDSA Cycle #1, urine specimen collection increased from 34.5% to 57.5%. After PDSA Cycle #2, this increased further to 59%. We conclude that a combination of educational and structural changes led to a significant increase in urine specimen collection before fluid or diuretic administration among patients presenting with moderate-to-severe hyponatraemia in the ED.
Assessment of lung hyperinflation in occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multicentric cross-sectional study
Authors: de Broucker Virginie , Andujar Pascal , Wardyn Pierre-Marie , Lepage Nadège , Le Rouzic Olivier , Edmé Jean-Louis , Hulo Sébastien
Published: September 2023

Occupational exposure is associated with elevated morbidity and lower quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Static hyperinflation is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in COPD and for COPD exacerbation. In a multicentre, cross-sectional study (BPROFETIO), we sought to analyse the relationship between static hyperinflation and occupational exposure in patients with COPD with or without occupational exposure.

Material and methods

An overall ‘whole working life’ cumulative exposure index was calculated for occupational patients with COPD. Spirometry indices and lung volumes were measured according to the 2005 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines.

Results

After adjustment for age, sex, height, body mass index, smoking and coexposure, the analysis for each occupational hazard showed a higher risk for hyperinflation and FEV1decline or progression of COPD or GOLD stage for patients with COPD exposed to non-metallic inorganic dusts.

Conclusion

Occupational exposures should be more investigated in clinical practice and studies as they contribute to the COPD heterogeneity and are associated for some with the development of a static hyperinflation; a condition that is known to have a negative impact on quality of life and survival.
Environmental impact of low-dose methoxyflurane versus nitrous oxide for analgesia: how green is the ‘green whistle’?
Authors: Martindale Aleksis EV , Morris Daniel S , Cromarty Thomas , Fennell-Wells Amarantha , Duane Brett
Published: September 2023

Background

The NHS has the target of reducing its carbon emission by 80% by 2032. Part of its strategy is using pharmaceuticals with a less harmful impact on the environment. Nitrous oxide is currently used widely within the NHS. Nitrous oxide, if released into the atmosphere, has a significant environmental impact. Methoxyflurane, delivered through the Penthrox ‘green whistle’ device, is a short-acting analgesic and is thought to have a smaller environmental impact compared with nitrous oxide.

Methods

Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) of all products and processes involved in the manufacture and use of Penthrox, using data from the manufacturer, online sources and LCIA inventory Ecoinvent. These data were analysed in OpenLCA. Impact data were compared with existing data on nitrous oxide and morphine sulfate.

Results

This LCIA found that Penthrox has a climate change effect of 0.84 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Raw materials and the production process contributed to majority of the impact of Penthrox across all categories with raw materials accounting for 34.40% of the total climate change impact. Penthrox has a climate change impact of 117.7 times less CO2e compared with Entonox. 7 mg of 100 mg/100 mL of intravenous morphine sulfate had a climate change effect of 0.01 kg CO2e.

Conclusions

This LCIA has shown that the overall ‘cradle-to-grave’ environmental impact of Penthrox device is better than nitrous oxide when looking specifically at climate change impact. The climate change impact for an equivalent dose of intravenous morphine was even lower. Switching to the use of inhaled methoxyflurane instead of using nitrous oxide in certain clinical situations could help the NHS to reach its carbon emission reduction target.
The Effect of Time Orientation in Languages on the Recognition of Goodwill Impairment Losses
Authors: Alshehabi Ahmad , Halabi Hussein , Afrifa Godfred
Published: September 2023

Synopsis

The research problem

In this study, we investigated the relationship between future-time reference (FTR) in languages and goodwill impairment.

Motivation

Previous studies on goodwill have focused mainly on firms’ economic and reporting incentives in single-country settings using economic theories. There have been recent calls for more research on goodwill accounting across countries (d’Arcy and Tarca, 2018), and greater use of behavioral theories in goodwill accounting studies (Amel-Zadeh et al., 2021). In response, we applied the linguistic relativity hypothesis to a new and highly significant area of future-oriented behavior (impairment decision) to explain cross-country variations in goodwill impairment reporting.

The test hypotheses

We hypothesized that firms in countries that use weak-FTR languages have higher levels of (and greater quality) goodwill impairment than those in countries that use strong-FTR languages.

Target population

We used a sample of 15,179 firm-year observations taken from firms reporting under IFRS across 21 countries for the fiscal years 2005–2018.

Adopted methodology

We used Tobit regressions, logit regressions, mixed-effects modeling, and propensity score-matching analyses for robustness.

Analyses

We tested the relationship between FTR in languages and (a) goodwill impairment decisions, (b) goodwill impairment amounts, and (c) abnormal goodwill impairments. We repeated our main analyses using several subsamples, different measures of FTR, and alternative regression specifications.

Findings

In line with the linguistic relativity hypothesis, our findings indicate that managers who speak weak-FTR languages are more willing to bear the costs of their impairment decisions in the present and are less motivated to shift current impairment into future accounting periods. In contrast, speakers of strong-FTR languages tend to delay the recognition of current impairments to future periods to reduce their anxiety about the negative effects of current impairment decisions. Findings from further analyses indicate that firms in weak-FTR countries report lower abnormal goodwill impairment, thereby bringing impairment levels closer to their normal optimal levels. Our inferences are robust to alternative samples, different measures of FTR, and alternative model specifications.
Construction of linear codes from the unit graph G(ℤn)
Authors: Jain Rupali S. , Reddy B. Surendranath , Shaikh Wajid M.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we consider the unit graph [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are distinct primes. For any prime [Formula: see text], we construct [Formula: see text]-ary linear codes from the incidence matrix of the unit graph [Formula: see text] with their parameters. We also prove that the dual of the constructed codes have minimum distance either three or four. Lastly, we stated two conjectures on diameter of unit graph [Formula: see text] and linear codes constructed from the incidence matrix of the unit graph [Formula: see text] for any integer [Formula: see text].
Commutativity with algebraic identities involving hermetian and skew-hermetian elements
Authors: Aharssi H. , El Mir H. , Mamouni A.
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to investigate the commutativity of prime rings with involution * of the second kind in which endomorphisms satisfy some algebraic identities involving hermitian and skew-hermitian elements. We will also provide some classifications of these endomorphisms. Finally, we give some examples to prove that the imposed hypotheses are necessary.
Some results on the complement of the dot product graph of a commutative ring
Authors: Visweswaran S.
Published: September 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a nonzero commutative ring with identity. Let [Formula: see text] be a positive integer. Let [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] times). The total dot product graph of [Formula: see text] denoted by [Formula: see text] is an undirected graph with vertex set which equals [Formula: see text] and distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are adjacent if and only if [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the normal dot product of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] denote the set of all zero-divisors of [Formula: see text] and let us denote [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]. The zero-divisor dot product graph of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text] is the subgraph of [Formula: see text] induced by [Formula: see text]. The graph [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) was introduced and investigated by Badawi [Commun. Algebra 43(1) (2015) 43–50]. In this paper, we characterize [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) is connected and determine the diameter and the radius of [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) whenever it is connected. Moreover, if [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) is connected, then we characterize [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) admits a cut vertex.
Adsorption of PPL on a high thermal stable DUT-5 and their catalytic activity in a transesterification reaction of cinnamyl alcohol and vinyl acetate
Authors: Zhou Xiaolin , Zheng Jingxiao , Zhang Xia
Published: September 2023

Lipase-assisted catalytic esterification reactions have been concentrated on due to their green synthetic route for cinnamate acetate. In this paper, a high thermal stable Al-MOF (DUT-5) was chosen as a carrier to immobilize Porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL), and the resulting composites of PPL@DUT-5 were then employed in the catalytic transesterification reaction of cinnamyl alcohol and vinyl acetate. The adsorption conditions of PPL on the surface of DUT-5 were varied to optimize PPL loading uptakes, the adsorption kinetics were analyzed to explore the adsorption behavior of PPL on the DUT-5. In the catalytic transesterification reaction, the resulting PPL@DUT-5 represents the prominent enhanced catalytic stability under a varied reaction condition but with a higher catalytic activity, such as under the relative wide optimum pH value and at the increased operation temperature. And, the good reusability of the PPL@DUT-5 in cyclic catalytic processes highlights their prospect applications in the practical organic conversion reactions.
Synthesis of 2D type A molecular sieves by alkaline removal of natural kaolin
Authors: Wang Suyang , Jia Weilin , Deng Yingying , Shen Jie , Cao Jun , Wang Peng , Zhao Ping , Wang Yuanyu , Sun Qi
Published: September 2023

Type A molecular sieves have been extensively employed in various fields. It is noteworthy that the direct synthesis of type A molecular sieves from natural kaolin is a common practice among researchers. Traditional type A molecular sieves are characterized by a three-dimensional cubic lattice structure. In this study, our objective is to facilitate the transformation of type A molecular sieves into a two-dimensional layered configuration by employing a two-dimensional layered material as a templating agent. In this research, natural kaolin serves as the primary source material. To eliminate impurities including quartz, illite, and dolomite, an alkali-based solvent extraction method is employed, yielding amorphous silicon and aluminum compounds. Subsequently, a graphene-based templating agent is introduced, and a hydrothermal synthesis process is employed to fabricate two-dimensional type A molecular sieves. The method described herein yields two-dimensional layered type A molecular sieves with a crystallinity exceeding 90%, thereby resulting in a specific surface area that is approximately 11-fold greater compared to their three-dimensional type A counterparts. The applicability of this methodology can be extended to the valorization of low-grade natural mineral resources, optimizing their utility. Furthermore, the approach presented herein for the synthesis of two-dimensional molecular sieves is of a universal nature, offering valuable insights that can serve as a reference for the synthesis of various other categories of two-dimensional molecular sieves.
Strong nonsplit domsaturation number of a graph
Authors: Therese Sunitha Mary Y. , Kala R.
Published: September 2023

The strong nonsplit domsaturation number of a graph [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the least positive integer [Formula: see text] such that every vertex of [Formula: see text] lies in a strong nonsplit dominating set of cardinality [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we obtain certain bounds for [Formula: see text] and characterize the graphs which attain these bounds.
Achromatic number of some classes of digraphs
Authors: Hegde S. M. , Castelino Lolita Priya
Published: September 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a directed graph with [Formula: see text] vertices and [Formula: see text] arcs. A function [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is called a complete coloring of [Formula: see text] if and only if for every arc [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], the ordered pair [Formula: see text] appears at least once. If the pair [Formula: see text] is not assigned, then [Formula: see text] is called a [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. The maximum [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] admits a proper complete coloring is called the [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and is denoted by [Formula: see text]. We obtain the upper bound for the achromatic number of digraphs and regular digraphs and investigate the same for some classes of digraphs such as unipath, unicycle, circulant digraphs, etc.
Evolution Function Based Reach-Avoid Verification for Time-varying Systems with Disturbances
Authors: Hu Ruiqi , Liu Kairong , She Zhikun
Published: September 2023

In this work, we investigate the reach-avoid problem of a class of time-varying analytic systems with disturbances described by uncertain parameters. Firstly, by proposing the concepts of maximal and minimal reachable sets, we connect the avoidability and reachability with maximal and minimal reachable sets respectively. Then, for a given disturbance parameter, we introduce the evolution function for exactly describing the reachable set, and find a series representation of this evolution function with its Lie derivatives, which can also be regarded as a series function with respect to the uncertain parameter. Afterward, based on the partial sums of this series, over- and under-approximations of the evolution function are constructed, which can be realized by interval arithmetics with designated precision. Further, we propose sufficient conditions for avoidability and reachability and design a numerical quantifier elimination based algorithm to verify these conditions; moreover, we improve the algorithm with a time-splitting technique. We implement the algorithms and use some benchmarks with comparisons to show that our methodology is both efficient and promising. Finally, we additionally extend our methodology to deal with systems with complex initial sets and time-dependent switchings. The performance of our extended method for these systems is also shown by four examples with comparisons and discussions.
Serial Dependence in Perception
Authors: Cicchini Guido Marco , Mikellidou Kyriaki , Burr David Charles
Published: September 2023

Much evidence has shown that perception is biased towards previously presented similar stimuli, an effect recently termed serial dependence. Serial dependence affects nearly every aspect of perception, often causing gross perceptual distortions, especially for weak and ambiguous stimuli. Despite unwanted side-effects, empirical evidence and Bayesian modeling show that serial dependence acts to improve efficiency and is generally beneficial to the system. Consistent with models of predictive coding, the Bayesian priors of serial dependence are generated at high levels of cortical analysis, incorporating much perceptual experience, but feed back to lower sensory areas. These feedback loops may drive oscillations in the alpha range, linked strongly with serial dependence. The discovery of top-down predictive perceptual processes is not new, but the new, more quantitative approach characterizing serial dependence promises to lead to a deeper understanding of predictive perceptual processes and their underlying neural mechanisms.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Poly(ethylene oxide) Gel-Polymer Electrolyte for 3D NiO/Ni Foam Anode Based Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Arinova Anar , Kalimuldina Gulnur , Nurpeissova Arailym , Bakenov Zhumabay
Published: September 2023

The goal to further increase energy and power density of conventional 2D structured lithium-ion batteries is driving research towards more complex 3D batteries with large surface area and accordingly high active material mass loading. So far, many attempts have been implemented to prepare 3D structured LIBs. However, the hindrance of the realization comes with removing the separator which requires conformally and homogeneously coating the scaffolded areas of the electrode. The conformal coating of polymer electrolyte without any defects on the surface of the electrode is one of the most essential and challenging problems to solve to avoid the short circuit between the anode and cathode compartments of the 3D LIBs. In this paper, electrophoretic deposition technique was successfully used for the first time to coat the 3D NiO on the nickel foam anode with polyethylene oxide (PEO) gel-polymer electrolyte. The resulting polymer electrolyte was thin and uniform with the thickness range of 2.5–3.0 μm. The developed NiO@Ni foam anode coated by PEO gel-polymer electrolyte exhibited outstanding cycling stability of 100 cycles at 0.1 C rate, delivering a capacity of 406 mAh g−1. This simple coating approach allowed a cell operation at room temperature without a commercial separator, which is an excellent result for further developing high-energy-density 3D batteries.
Impaired nitric oxide mechanisms underlying lower urinary tract dysfunction in aging rats
Authors: Gotoh Daisuke , Torimoto Kazumasa , Onishi Kenta , Morizawa Yosuke , Hori Shunta , Nakai Yasushi , Miyake Makito , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: September 2023

Aging rats can be useful models for studying the natural progression of age-related lower urinary tract dysfunctions, for which impaired nitric oxide-mediated transmitter function is likely to be an important mechanism.
Navigating the kidney organoid: insights into assessment and enhancement of nephron function
Authors: Tabibzadeh Nahid , Satlin Lisa M. , Jain Sanjay , Morizane Ryuji
Published: September 2023

Kidney organoids are three-dimensional structures derived from stem cells, mimicking the major components of mammalian kidneys. Although they show great promise, their functional capacity has become a critical question. This review explores the advancements and challenges in evaluating and enhancing kidney organoid function, including the use of organ-on-chip technologies, multiomics data, and in vivo transplantation. Integrating these approaches to further enhance their physiological relevance will continue to advance disease modeling and regenerative medicine applications.
Development of a unilateral porcine emphysema model induced by porcine pancreatic elastase
Authors: Tajima Yuki , Seow Chun Y. , Dong Shou-Jin , Tsutsui Mai , Cheung Chung Y. , Welch Ian , Mowbray Laura , Imlach Brittany , Hildebrandt Rhonda , Apperloo Kayla , Ryomoto Brian , Goodacre Evan , Myrdal Corey , Machan Lindsay , Wolff Kim , Elizur Eran , Vasilescu Dragoș M. , Sin Don D.
Published: September 2023

For clinical translation, preclinical data using large animal models is necessary. However, papers describing an emphysema model in pigs, which are anatomically and physiologically similar to humans, are lacking. Here, we report success in creating a unilateral mild-emphysema model in pigs with only one single dose of porcine pancreatic elastase. This model will be useful in bringing novel technologies and therapies from small animals to humans with emphysema.
Reflective Teaching in English Language Classrooms: Perception and Practice of English Language Instructors at Wachemo University
Authors: Habtamu Nigatu , Belay Badima
Published: September 2023

This study aimed at examining how university English language instructors perceive reflection in teaching and the extent to which their perceptions were realized in reflective teaching. Adopting a convergent case study method, the study was conducted utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data sources. Quantitative data were elicited using a questionnaire from 41 English language instructors selected from Wachemo University through comprehensive sampling, and qualitative data were collected using interviews, observation, and reflective journal writing from four instructors taken through convenience sampling among the surveyed instructors on the basis of their willingness to participate. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed applying various stages of coding employing software called Open Code 4. Content analysis was applied to analyze reflective journal entry data. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics applying SPSS version 24. The results revealed that the surveyed instructors have good theoretical understanding on the basic concepts of reflection in teaching. However, classroom observation and journal entry data affirmed that there existed a gap between instructors’ theoretical understanding and their application of reflective teaching. The study divulged that the instructors were found at a lower level of reflectivity regardless of the superficial understanding they hold about reflective practice.
Scheduling in Wireless Cooperative Localization Networks with Intelligent Eavesdroppers
Authors: Liu Ming , Jia Mu , Zhang Tingting
Published: September 2023

Location-based service based on wireless cooperative localization networks is becoming ubiquitous nowadays. However, since the fact that most location network nodes are resource-limited, recent investigations focus on the proper network scheduling strategies that can significantly enhance the system performance, including but not limited to localization accuracy and energy efficiency. In addition to the current efficient nondata-aided strategies, we find that some silent nodes, called “eavesdroppers,” can be helpful to the localization task without transmitting any signals. In this paper, we first formulate the eavesdropping scheduling policy in practical asynchronous cooperative wireless localization networks. Then, we perform resource optimization in different eavesdropping-based strategies. Both two-slot and multislot strategies are considered, and three types of listening modes are designed from a practical point of view. Numeric results show that, for the scenario with a blocked propagation path, the localization error of networks with dedicated eavesdroppers is only 21% of the conventional networks. Besides, the system with eavesdropping anchors could improve the localization performance by 70%. The result could provide meaningful insights into the practical low-complexity location network deployment and development.
Etiological Factors and Visual Outcomes of Dense Vitreous Hemorrhage in Patients Aged 80 years and above over the Past Decade in a Tertiary General Hospital
Authors: Ding Yuhua , Yao Bangtao , Ye Hui , Wang Fei
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the main etiological factors and visual outcomes in patients with dense vitreous hemorrhage (DVH) aged ≥80 years. We retrospectively included patients with DVH aged ≥80 years who were admitted to our ophthalmology department between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Data regarding demographic characteristics; preoperative and postoperative best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and ophthalmic B‐scan ultrasonography findings; intraoperative conditions; and postoperative complications were collected and analyzed. A total of 44 patients (44 eyes) were enrolled, with a median age of 82 years; among them, 25 patients (56.82%) were men. The median preoperative BCVA was 2.3 (1.1–3.0). The main etiological factors included retinal vein occlusion (RVO) (20 eyes, 45.45%), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) (15 eyes, 34.09%), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (7 eyes, 15.90%), retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) (1 eye, 2.27%), and posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) (1 eye, 2.27%). The median final BCVA was 1.92 (0.5–2.6). There was a significant postoperative improvement in the BCVA; moreover, branch RVO (BRVO) had a better postoperative visual prognosis than central RVO (CRVO), PCV, and PDR (P < 0.05). The final postoperative BCVA was significantly better when the initial BCVA was above hand motion (HM) than when it was HM or lower (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that RVO, PCV, and PDR were the main causes of DVH. Microinvasive PPV is a safe and effective method that can clarify diagnosis and improve BCVA. Patients with BRVO and preoperative BCVA > HM may have a relatively good visual prognosis. For patients aged ≥80 years who have an appropriate general condition, PPV can be timely performed to treat DVH.
Nondestructive Testing and Health Monitoring Techniques for Structural Effective Prestress
Authors: Jia Junfeng , Zhang Longguan , Ou Jinping , Chen Xize
Published: September 2023

Prestressed structures are widely employed in bridges and large-span spatial structures, and the accurate evaluation of prestress state is of great importance for structural maintenance. This paper reviews the nondestructive testing (NDT) and health monitoring techniques for structural effective prestress. Specifically, the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor-based, magnetic-elastic (ME) sensor-based, dynamic response-based, ultrasonic guided wave (UGW)-based, electromechanical impedance (EMI)-based, and electrical resistance-based methods are reviewed in this paper. Firstly, the principle, application range, and measuring accuracy of each technique are introduced and analyzed, and the benefits and limitations of each technique are summarized: The FBG sensor and ME sensor take on high measuring accuracy and have been applied in practical engineering, but they are required to be preinstalled during structural construction; the dynamic response-based method is greatly effective in cable force assessment but not suitable for prestress evaluation of prestressed concrete (PSC) structures; the UGW-based, EMI-based, and electrical resistance-based methods have shown favorable potential for prestress assessment in laboratory experiments, but their feasibility and accuracy in practical engineering need to be verified. Secondly, the challenges and discussion of each method are discussed in the following four aspects: measuring range, reliability of measuring results, stability and durability considering long-term monitoring, and cost-efficiency. Finally, a decision tree is proposed to choose the most appropriate prestress evaluation method in a specific application scenario.
Detection of COVID-19 Using Protein Sequence Data via Machine Learning Classification Approach
Authors: Aminah Siti , Ardaneswari Gianinna , Husnah Mufarrido , Deori Ghani , Prasetyo Handi Bagus
Published: September 2023

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in late 2019 resulted in the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating rapid and accurate detection of pathogens through protein sequence data. This study is aimed at developing an efficient classification model for coronavirus protein sequences using machine learning algorithms and feature selection techniques to aid in the early detection and prediction of novel viruses. We utilized a dataset comprising 2000 protein sequences, including 1000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences and 1000 non-SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Feature extraction provided 27 essential features representing the primary structural data, achieved through the Discere package. To optimize performance, we employed machine learning classification algorithms such as K-nearest neighbor (KNN), XGBoost, and Naïve Bayes, along with feature selection techniques like genetic algorithm (GA), LASSO, and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE). The SVM-RFE+KNN model exhibited exceptional performance, achieving a classification accuracy of 99.30%, specificity of 99.52%, and sensitivity of 99.55%. These results demonstrate the model’s efficacy in accurately classifying coronavirus protein sequences. Our research successfully developed a robust classification model capable of early detection and prediction of protein sequences in SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. This advancement holds great promise in facilitating the development of targeted treatments and preventive strategies for combating future viral outbreaks.
Reconstrucción mandibular con cortical autóloga auto trasplantada del sitio quirúrgico en queratoquiste, revisión de literatura y reporte de caso.
Authors: Mordoh Cucurella Sebastián , Tapia Pedro , Vargas Javier , Arrue Pablo
Published: September 2023

El queratoquiste es un quiste odontogénico en el cual se describen diferentes opciones terapéuticas tanto conservadores como agresivas, con diferentes tasas de éxito y recidivas. Dependiendo del tratamiento, las técnicas más agresivas presentan mejores resultados, pero involucran un mayor defecto óseo en la zona tratada versus las técnicas conservadoras. El propósito de este reporte de caso es documentar una técnica quirúrgica utilizada en un paciente masculino de 17 años que, tras un tratamiento descompresivo de 8 meses, fue sometido a cirugía con enucleación de la lesión remanente más curetaje mecánico perilesional y uso de solución de Carnoy no modificada, preservando la cortical ósea vestibular mandibular tratada con solución de Carnoy no modificada y reposicionando este segmento óseo mediante osteosíntesis. Se realizó seguimiento clínico e imagenológico postoperatorio de 1 año verificando la remisión del quiste y la neoformación ósea en la zona intervenida. El uso de esta alternativa terapéutica permite evitar el colapso de los tejidos blandos en el defecto óseo subyacente y aportar tejido óseo autógeno tratado que permite una funcionalidad de tramado óseo al cual pueden migrar los elementos celulares para aportar en la regeneración tisular local.
Supp MM; ST1-ST2; SF1-SF10 from NR1D1 Stimulates Antitumor Immune Responses in Breast Cancer by Activating cGAS-STING Signaling
Authors: Ka Na-Lee , Park Mi Kyung , Kim Seung-Su , Jeon Yoon , Hwang Sewon , Kim Sun Mi , Lim Ga Young , Lee Ho , Lee Mi-Ock
Published: September 2023

Supplementary Materials and Methods, Supplementary Table S1 to S2, and Supplementary Figure S1 to S10
Demographic and Disease Characteristics from A Phase I/II Trial of Oral SRA737 (a Chk1 Inhibitor) Given in Combination with Low-Dose Gemcitabine in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Jones Robert , Plummer Ruth , Moreno Victor , Carter Louise , Roda Desamparados , Garralda Elena , Kristeleit Rebecca , Sarker Debashis , Arkenau Tobias , Roxburgh Patricia , Walter Harriet S. , Blagden Sarah , Anthoney Alan , Klencke Barbara J. , Kowalski Mark M. , Banerji Udai
Published: September 2023

Patients are displayed in cohorts defined by tumor type, including indication-specific expansion cohorts (anogenital, cervical, HGSOC, SCLC and STS), a grouping of patients with rectal cancer who were enrolled under dose escalation, and four patients with urothelial cancer enrolled under previous protocol versions. A total of 18 patients were “double counted” in that they appear under both “All dose escalation” and in their specific tumor-type cohorts. These 18 patients consisted of 15 dose-escalation patients with rectal cancer, one dose-escalation patient with anogenital cancer, one concurrently enrolled dose-escalation/expansion patient with cervical cancer, and one concurrently enrolled dose-escalation/expansion patient with STS.
SP4 Facilitates Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Activating PHF14 Transcription and Wnt/Β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Wei Li , Deng Chaowei , Zhang Bo , Wang Guanghui , Meng Yan , Qin Hao
Published: September 2023

Specificity protein 4 transcription factor (SP4), a member of the Sp/Krüppel-like family (KLF), could bind to GT and GC box promoters, and plays an essential role in transcriptional activating. Despite SP4 having been detected to be highly expressed in a variety of human tumors, its biological effect and underlying molecular mechanism in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Our research discovered that high SP4 expression is detected in primary ESCC specimens and cell lines and is strongly associated with the ESCC tumor grade and poor prognosis. In vitro, knockdown of SP4 suppressed cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression and promoted apoptosis, whereas overexpression of SP4 did the opposite. In vivo, inhibiting SP4 expression in ESCC cells suppresses tumor growth. Subsequently, we demonstrated that SP4 acts as the transcriptional upstream of PHF14, which binds to PHF14 promoter region, thus promoting PHF14 transcription. PHF14 was also significantly expressed in patient tissues and various ESCC cell lines and its expression promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis. Moreover, knockdown of SP4 inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, whereas overexpression of PHF14 eliminated the effects of SP4 knockdown in ESCC cells. These results demonstrate that SP4 activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by driving PHF14 transcription, thereby promoting ESCC progression, which indicates that SP4 might act as a prospective prognostic indicator or therapeutic target for patients with ESCC.

Implications:

This study identified SP4/PH14 axis as a new mechanism to promote the progression of ESCC, which may serve as a novel therapeutic target for patients with ESCC.
Supplementary Table S4 from Cellular Senescence Is Immunogenic and Promotes Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Marin Ines , Boix Olga , Garcia-Garijo Andrea , Sirois Isabelle , Caballe Adrià , Zarzuela Eduardo , Ruano Irene , Attolini Camille Stephan-Otto , Prats Neus , López-Domínguez José A , Kovatcheva Marta , Garralda Elena , Muñoz Javier , Caron Etienne , Abad María , Gros Alena , Pietrocola Federico , Serrano Manuel
Published: September 2023

Peptides presented exclusively on senescent cell MHC-I.
Supplementary Fig. S4 from Cellular Senescence Is Immunogenic and Promotes Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Marin Ines , Boix Olga , Garcia-Garijo Andrea , Sirois Isabelle , Caballe Adrià , Zarzuela Eduardo , Ruano Irene , Attolini Camille Stephan-Otto , Prats Neus , López-Domínguez José A , Kovatcheva Marta , Garralda Elena , Muñoz Javier , Caron Etienne , Abad María , Gros Alena , Pietrocola Federico , Serrano Manuel
Published: September 2023

Immunization with senescent cancer cells promotes anticancer immune surveillance
Supplementary Fig. S3 from Cellular Senescence Is Immunogenic and Promotes Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Marin Ines , Boix Olga , Garcia-Garijo Andrea , Sirois Isabelle , Caballe Adrià , Zarzuela Eduardo , Ruano Irene , Attolini Camille Stephan-Otto , Prats Neus , López-Domínguez José A , Kovatcheva Marta , Garralda Elena , Muñoz Javier , Caron Etienne , Abad María , Gros Alena , Pietrocola Federico , Serrano Manuel
Published: September 2023

Senescent cancer cells activate dendritic cells
Oncogenic KRAS Drives Lipofibrogenesis to Promote Angiogenesis and Colon Cancer Progression
Authors: Hsu Wen-Hao , LaBella Kyle A. , Lin Yiyun , Xu Ping , Lee Rumi , Hsieh Cheng-En , Yang Lei , Zhou Ashley , Blecher Jonathan M. , Wu Chang-Jiun , Lin Kangyu , Shang Xiaoying , Jiang Shan , Spring Denise J. , Xia Yan , Chen Peiwen , Shen John Paul , Kopetz Scott , DePinho Ronald A.
Published: September 2023

Oncogenic KRAS (KRAS*) contributes to many cancer hallmarks. In colorectal cancer, KRAS* suppresses antitumor immunity to promote tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we uncovered that KRAS* transforms the phenotype of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) into lipid-laden CAFs, promoting angiogenesis and tumor progression. Mechanistically, KRAS* activates the transcription factor CP2 (TFCP2) that upregulates the expression of the proadipogenic factors BMP4 and WNT5B, triggering the transformation of CAFs into lipid-rich CAFs. These lipid-rich CAFs, in turn, produce VEGFA to spur angiogenesis. In KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer mouse models, genetic or pharmacologic neutralization of TFCP2 reduced lipid-rich CAFs, lessened tumor angiogenesis, and improved overall survival. Correspondingly, in human colorectal cancer, lipid-rich CAF and TFCP2 signatures correlate with worse prognosis. This work unveils a new role for KRAS* in transforming CAFs, driving tumor angiogenesis and disease progression, providing an actionable therapeutic intervention for KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer.

Significance:

This study identified a molecular mechanism contributing to KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer progression via fibroblast transformation in the tumor microenvironment to produce VEGFA driving tumor angiogenesis. In preclinical models, targeting the KRAS*–TFCP2–VEGFA axis impaired tumor progression, revealing a potential novel therapeutic option for patients with KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer.

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2489
Considerations and Approaches for Cancer Immunotherapy in the Aging Host
Authors: Ontiveros Carlos O. , Murray Clare E. , Crossland Grace , Curiel Tyler J.
Published: September 2023

Advances in cancer immunotherapy are improving treatment successes in many distinct cancer types. Nonetheless, most tumors fail to respond. Age is the biggest risk for most cancers, and the median population age is rising worldwide. Advancing age is associated with manifold alterations in immune cell types, abundance, and functions, rather than simple declines in these metrics, the consequences of which remain incompletely defined. Our understanding of the effects of host age on immunotherapy mechanisms, efficacy, and adverse events remains incomplete. A deeper understanding of age effects in all these areas is required. Most cancer immunotherapy preclinical studies examine young subjects and fail to assess age contributions, a remarkable deficit given the known importance of age effects on immune cells and factors mediating cancer immune surveillance and immunotherapy efficacy. Notably, some cancer immunotherapies are more effective in aged versus young hosts, while others fail despite efficacy in the young. Here, we review our current understanding of age effects on immunity and associated nonimmune cells, the tumor microenvironment, cancer immunotherapy, and related adverse effects. We highlight important knowledge gaps and suggest areas for deeper enquiries, including in cancer immune surveillance, treatment response, adverse event outcomes, and their mitigation.
Understanding Infection Risk with Anti-BCMA Bispecific Antibodies
Authors: Garfall Alfred L. , Stadtmauer Edward A.
Published: September 2023

Lancman and colleagues find that infection risk in patients treated with anti-BCMA bispecific antibodies for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma is associated with severe immunoglobulin deficiency and may be mitigated by immunoglobulin replacement therapy. The study has implications for managing infection risk and raises questions about the optimal duration of treatment with these potent, novel immunotherapies.

See related article by Lancman et al., p. 440 (4) .