bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aligning goals of for-profit, not-for-profit, and public healthcare organizations by governing for quality: A model for change in the U.S. and other jurisdictions
Authors: Klein David J. , Veillard Jeremy , Brown Adalsteinn
Published: March 2023

There has been widespread criticism of privately owned or operated healthcare organizations in Canada and beyond. However, governments have limited resources to infuse the capital and provide the scale necessary to rapidly address the post-pandemic needs of healthcare systems. Ensuring that healthcare providers regardless of ownership or for-profit or not-for-profit status, provide high quality care and ensure health equity is paramount. Here, we propose the use of a governance for quality model based on the Excellent Care for All Act (2010) developed for public hospitals in Ontario for all healthcare organizations regardless of ownership or profit status, to better align all forms of healthcare providers with quality outcomes and equitable and positive patient experience. We believe that this framework is applicable to healthcare organizations both public and private, for-profit and not-for-profit in Canada, the U.S. and beyond.
Experimental validation of the screw compressor oil drag model for various rotor profiles
Authors: Abdan Suraj , Patil Sumit , Stosic Nikola , Kovacevic Ahmed , Smith Ian
Published: March 2023

Injecting oil inside the compressor chambers of the oil-flooded, twin-screw compressors has several advantages. Oil cools the compressing fluid upon mixing with it and hence the compression process is brought nearer to the ideal isothermal compression process. The oil also serves as a lubricant between the meshing rotors and other clearance gaps in the compressor. The thin film of oil formed in the clearance gaps prevents internal leakages too; enhancing the volumetric efficiency of the compressor. Among these desirable effects of injecting oil in screw compressors, there is an undesirable effect too. The interaction (friction) of oil films formed in various clearance gaps with the rotors leads to a drag power loss. Recent studies such as Abdan et al. have proposed more detailed and accurate methods to estimate the oil drag losses in screw compressors. These methods enable the modelling of the effect of even minor changes in rotor profile on the drag loss power. Predictions of this model were hence used to tweak the screw rotor profiles with an objective to reduce the oil drag losses. Such profiles were then retrofitted in the existing machines and tested. Comparing the differences in power consumption of these machines, the component of oil drag loss was deduced. The experimental results show close agreement with the oil drag loss prediction model. The reduction of oil drag losses through profile modifications led to an improvement in the specific power of oil-flooded screw compressor.
No Appreciable Effect of Education on Aging-Associated Declines in Cognition: A 20-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Sala Giovanni , Nishita Yukiko , Tange Chikako , Tomida Makiko , Gondo Yasuyuki , Shimokata Hiroshi , Otsuka Rei
Published: March 2023

Education has been claimed to reduce aging-associated declines in cognitive function. Given its societal relevance, considerable resources have been devoted to this research. However, because of the difficulty of detecting modest rates of change, findings have been mixed. These discrepancies may stem from methodological shortcomings such as short time spans, few waves, and small samples. The present study overcame these limitations ( N = 1,892, nine waves over a period of 20 years). We tested the effect of education level on baseline performance (intercept) and the rate of change (slope) in crystallized and fluid cognitive abilities ( gc and gf, respectively) in a sample of Japanese adults. Albeit positively related to both intercepts, education had no impact on either the gc or the gf slope. Furthermore, neither intercept exhibited any appreciable correlation with either slope. These results thus suggest that education has no substantial role (direct or mediated) in aging-related changes in cognition.
Syringaresinol inhibits cardiorenal fibrosis through HSP90 in a cardiorenal syndrome type 2
Authors: Wang Jianjie , Zou Jianqin , Zhao Cheng , Yu Han , Teng Jiajia , Dong Lei
Published: March 2023

Background

Syringaresinol processes anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity. However, the effects of syringaresinol on cardiorenal fibrosis caused by cardiorenal syndrome type 2 (CRS2) are unclear.

Methods

Molecular docking predicted binding activity of syringaresinol to heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). The toxicity of a 4-weeks treatment with 20 mg/kg of syringaresinol was observed by measuring serum pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and by cardiorenal pathology. A CRS2 rad model was established by myocardial infarction using ligation over an 8 week-period. Rats were divided into five groups, including sham, CRS2, pimitespib, syringaresinol, and HSP90 + syringaresinol. Rats were received a 4-weeks daily treatment with 10 mg/kg pimitespib (a HSP90 inhibitor) or 20 mg/kg syringaresinol. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) carrying a periostin (PE) promoter driving the expression of wild-type HSP90 (rAAV9-PE-HSP90, 1 × 1011 μg) was treated intravenously once in CRS2 model rats. Cardiorenal function and pathology were assessed. Expressions of HSP90 and TGF-β1 in the myocardium and kidney were measured by immunohistochemistry and western blotting.

Results

Syringaresinol showed good binding activity with HSP90, and no signs of toxicity in rats following treatment. Pimitespib or syringaresinol significantly improved the cardiorenal function and fibrosis in rats with CRS2. Meanwhile, the rAAV9-PE-HSP90 injection obviously blocked the effects of syringaresinol.

Conclusions

Syringaresinol targets HSP90 to suppress CRS2-induced cardiorenal fibrosis, providing a promising therapeutic drug for CRS2.
Analysis of the factors affecting information search stopping behavior: A systematic review
Authors: Ilani Fereshte , Nowkarizi Mohsen , Arastoopoor Sholeh
Published: March 2023

This study has been conducted to better and more deeply understand search stopping behavior. The objective of this study was to identify the factors affecting search stopping behavior and notice the knowledge gaps in this field. This study was conducted as a systematic review. By reviewing the databases and studying the retrieved articles with relevant keywords, 1356 articles were identified and after refinement, 34 articles were reviewed without time limit. By studying selected articles in the field of search stopping behavior and using content analysis approach, the most important factors affecting search stopping behavior were analyzed. Factors affecting stopping behavior were classified into two different cognitive and environmental categories. The cognitive factors include information sufficiency and individual characteristics; and the environmental factors include search task, information retrieval system and time as the most important factors affecting search stopping behavior. One of the important research gaps in this field is the lack of a comprehensive model of factors affecting search stopping behavior. This is one of the studies to systematically review and examine the factors affecting information search stopping behavior and provides a model.
Simulated Weightbearing Fluoroscopy to Assess Intraoperative Hindfoot Alignment
Authors: Li Ying , Li Wenjing , Sun Ning , Zhang Baozhou , Wu Yong
Published: March 2023

Background:

Intraoperative evaluation of hindfoot alignment is one of the factors that may affect outcomes for foot and ankle reconstructive surgery. The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of simulated weightbearing fluoroscopy on the intraoperative assessment of hindfoot alignment reconstruction.

Methods:

The medical records of patients diagnosed with disorders of the foot and ankle with abnormal hindfoot alignment were retrospectively reviewed from November 2014 to November 2021. Hindfoot alignment view (HAV) fluoroscopy in the simulated weightbearing position and HAV radiographs were routinely recorded during and after surgery, respectively. The hindfoot alignment angle (HAA) and hindfoot alignment ratio (HAR) were measured on intraoperative and postoperative images, respectively.

Results:

Seventy-two women and 82 men (155 ankles) with a mean age of 45.48 years were included in the present study. The intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of the HAA and HAR measurements were satisfactory. The intraoperative and postoperative HAA was −0.7 ± 4.8 degrees and −0.2 ± 5.0 degrees, respectively. The mean HAR on intraoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative radiographs was 37.4% ± 19.7% and 40.4% ± 18.2%, respectively. Simple regression analysis revealed a correlation between the intraoperative and postoperative HAA ( R2 = 0.631, P < .001) and HAR ( R2 = 0.262, P < .001). Univariate analysis suggested that the difference between the intraoperative and postoperative HAA was positively affected by the body mass index ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

The present study showed that intraoperative HAV fluoroscopy in the simulated weightbearing position is a potentially useful method to predict postoperative hindfoot alignment in the weightbearing position. Patients with a lower body mass index had smaller HAA deviations between intraoperative and postoperative measurements of hindfoot alignment.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Depoliticization of Governance in Large Municipalities in Europe
Authors: Baclija Brajnik Irena , Kronegger Luka , Prebilic Vladimir
Published: March 2023

The premise of our research paper is that large (by the size of the population) municipalities are more complex to govern and manage, and this, in turn, calls for a more professional and apolitical local government. Using data from the largest European survey of mayors, we analyzed the influence of mayors and chief administrative officers in Europe and checked for correlations with the size of the local government. We present empirical evidence to support that the perceived influence of mayors varies with the size of the municipality regardless of the institutional configuration of power relationships. We found that very large municipalities (80,000 or more inhabitants) had weaker mayors. The presumption that a larger, more complex local (urban) environment calls for more professional leadership has been addressed in numerous publications; however, the answer was usually beyond the reach of the empirical tests.
Promoting sexual health in transgender and gender diverse adolescents through an online sexuality psychoeducation program for parents: A case study
Authors: Caldarera Angela M , Vitiello Benedetto , Bechis Daniela , Baietto Chiara
Published: March 2023

We describe the implementation and evaluation of an online sexuality psychoeducation group program for parents of young people attending the transgender and gender diverse outpatient service of a pediatric hospital. The 10 participants completed semi-structured pre- and post-intervention questionnaires assessing: whether they had ever discussed with their children about aspects of sexuality, or had the intention of doing it in the future; the level of knowledge and comfort in speaking about these topics; the perceived level of helpfulness of the intervention; and, by using open-ended items, the topics they considered to be most relevant. After attending the program, parents reported they had started talking with their children about issues which previously had been little or not discussed, such as sexting, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, fertility, abuse, and healthy relationships. Participants reported increased levels of knowledge and comfort in addressing these topics and highlighted the importance of being emotionally available to their children. We discuss implications for future intervention development.
The Good, the Bad and the Disney: Employing princesses to examine Hungarian tweens’ understanding of gender
Authors: Zsubori Anna
Published: March 2023

By relying on diverse scholarly works within several fields – such as communication, cultural, feminist media, film and tweenhood studies – on the one hand, and conducting audience research with Hungarian informants on the other, this interdisciplinary study, as part of a bigger project, examines Hungarian tweenagers’ negotiation of gender. It does so by investigating the concept of ‘the’ princess, including but not limited to Disney Princesses, while offering unique contributions on both theoretical and methodological levels. Theoretically, it shines a light on the limitations of applying Western, post-feminist, liberal theories in a non-Western, post-socialist and ‘illiberal’ environment, and it discusses complexities of the Princess Phenomenon which have been overlooked in academia. From a methodological perspective, it presents innovative short-term ethnographic approaches, specifically in terms of conducting a gender-centred audience study with young people in an anti-gender milieu. To achieve these objectives, this work first introduces the historical, social and political contexts in contemporary Hungary. This is followed by a discussion of the theoretical and methodological approaches which it was necessary to consider before undertaking the fieldwork in Hungary. The article then analyses Hungarian children’s notions of gender by discussing their ideas about ‘the’ princess as a concept. Finally, as a summary, this study outlines its contributions to diverse academic disciplines.
Exploring international customers’ luxury service experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hong EunPyo , Ahn Jiseon
Published: March 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated strain on consumption activities, demand for luxury hotels has risen steadily as a safe way to enjoy leisure services. This study aims to examine the consequences of congruence and identification. An online survey generating 315 datasets from international customers of luxury hotel services is conducted. Partial least squares structural equation modeling is used to test the hypotheses. The results demonstrate that perceived brand authenticity by customers influences both revisit and word-of-mouth intentions via engagement. Also, brand congruence leads to customer engagement with luxury hotel services and word-of-mouth intention. In contrast, no direct impact of congruence on revisit intention was found. Results regarding the effects of brand authenticity and congruence demonstrate that luxury service brands have the potential to influence customers’ patronage behaviors through different approaches. The findings confirm the importance of engagement with brands in the luxury service setting.
Design and characterization of reversible thermodynamic SMPU-based fabrics with improved comfort properties
Authors: Gonzalez Bertran Judit , Ardanuy Mònica , González Marta , Rodriguez Rosa , Jovančić Petar
Published: March 2023

In recent years, great efforts have been made to research and develop advanced thermodynamic textiles that can change their thermal behavior in response to external stimuli. More specifically, shape memory alloys and shape memory polymer coatings have used for thermal comfort applications. However, the use of shape memory polymers in the form of filament yarns integrated in the fabrics has not yet reported. These fabrics have some advantages related to versatility in shape design. The aim of this study was to develop woven SMPU-based fabrics with reversible thermodynamic properties induced by weft SMPU filament yarns interlaced into polyester (PES) fabrics. To this end, PES woven fabrics with different ratios of weft SMPU filament yarns (PES/SMPU 1:0; 3:1; 1:1; 1:3, and 0:1) were developed and their thermodynamic properties (thermal resistance, water vapor resistance, and permeability index), shape memory effect, and mechanical performance were evaluated and compared to the 100% PES reference fabric. All the SMPU-based fabrics developed were classified as extremely breathable (water vapor resistance <6 m2·Pa/W) and thermally comfortable (water vapor permeability index <0.3). The fabrics integrating the SMPU filament yarns reacted dynamically to the temperature stimuli over and below Tg, whereas the 100% PES fabric showed passive thermodynamic behavior. This dynamism led to an improvement in thermal protection against an increase in ambient temperature, reaching values of 13.18 mK·m2/W in thermal resistance (PES/SMPU 0:1), while also maintaining good moisture management properties, reaching values of 5.19 m2·Pa/W in water vapor resistance (PES/SMPU 0:1).
NRF1 Regulates the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition of Breast Cancer by Modulating ROS Homeostasis
Authors: Sun Linjuan , Ouyang Nan , Shafi Shaheryar , Zhao Rongchuan , Pan Jinlin , Hong Lei , Song Xueyan , Sa Xiaohan , Zhou Yuanshuai
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) is an important regulator involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism. However, the specific mechanism of NRF1 in anoikis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remains unclear. Methods: We examined the effect of NRF1 on mitochondria and identified the specific mechanism through transcriptome sequencing, and explored the relationships among NRF1, anoikis, and EMT. Results: We found that upregulated NRF1 expression led to increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and ATP generation. Simultaneously, a significant amount of ROS is generated during OXPHOS. Alternatively, NRF1 upregulates the expression of ROS-scavenging enzymes, allowing tumor cells to maintain low ROS levels and promoting anoikis resistance and EMT. We also found that exogenous ROS was maintained at a low level by NRF1 in breast cancer cells. Conclusion: our study provides mechanistic insight into the function of NRF1 in breast cancer, indicating that NRF1 may serve as a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.
Children and police questioning: A rights-based approach
Authors: Forde Louise , Kilkelly Ursula
Published: March 2023

Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, children in conflict with the law are entitled to dignity and respect for their rights within a youth justice system adapted to their age and circumstances. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognises the necessity of ensuring that children’s rights are protected during the criminal process, emphasising the importance of legal advice, information and support to enable their participation in the process. Police questioning can be a particularly difficult experience for children, given their vulnerability and immaturity and yet it can have very serious consequences for children. This article examines the rights of the child during police questioning, from the perspective of children themselves. Presenting the findings of a study of children’s experiences of their rights when being questioned by the police (An Garda Síochána) in Ireland, the article highlights the need to adapt police questioning processes to the needs and circumstances of the child, while emphasising the powerful case for greater involvement of children in research about criminal justice and policing so that their experiences of their rights can be better understood.
Mindfulness Using a Wearable Brain Sensing Device for Health Care Professionals During a Pandemic: A Pilot Program
Authors: Ghosh Karthik , Nanda Sanjeev , Hurt Ryan T. , Schroeder Darrell R. , West Colin P. , Fischer Karen M. , Bauer Brent A. , Fokken Shawn C. , Ganesh Ravindra , Hanson Jennifer L. , Lindeen Stephanie A. , Pruthi Sandhya , Croghan Ivana T.
Published: March 2023

Objective:

The purpose of this feasibility pilot study was to evaluate safety and adherence of a wearable brain sensing wellness device designed to reduce stress among healthcare professionals (HCP).

Methods:

A total of 40 HCP were invited to participate in an open-label pilot study. Participants were asked to use a brain sensing wearable device (MUSE-S™) on a daily basis to reduce their stress, for a total of 90 days. Total study participation duration was 180 days. Study enrollment began in August 2021 and ended December 2021. The exploratory outcomes included stress, depression, sleep, burn-out, resilience, quality of life, and cognition.

Results:

Among the 40 HCP in study, the majority were female (85%), white (87.5%) and with an average age of 41.3 ± 11.0 years (SD). Participants used the wearable device an average of 23.8 times over a 30-day period with a mean duration of 5.8 min with each use. Study results demonstrate the positive impact of guided mindfulness using the wearable device MUSE-S™ and its accompanying application (APP). A statistically significant improvement was found for a reduction in stress ( P < .001) and improvement in resilience ( P = .02), quality of life ( P = .003), and cognition ( P < .001). The majority (91.9%) of the participants indicated they felt more relaxed after using the device, and 73% indicated they would continue to use this device at end-of-study. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion:

Study results show that 3 to 10 min of guided meditation during work hours through the use of a brain sensing wearable device is safe and acceptable, with associated health benefits for HCP.
Book review: Bhubhindar Singh and Sarah Teo (Eds.), Minilateralism in the Indo-Pacific: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, Lancang Mekong Cooperation Mechanism, and ASEAN
Authors: Haldar Sayantan
Published: March 2023

Bhubhindar Singh and Sarah Teo (Eds.), Minilateralism in the Indo-Pacific: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, Lancang Mekong Cooperation Mechanism, and ASEAN. Abingdon: Routledge, 2020, 134 pp., £35.99 (paperback). ISBN: 978-0-367-43037-5.
Neighborhood Racial and Economic Composition Predicts Incidence of Various Emergency Service Responses
Authors: Vachuska Karl
Published: March 2023

Sociological research has investigated neighborhood inequality across various consequential events. Crime and violence continue to be dominant phenomena examined. Less sociological attention has been given to other types of adverse incidents involving emergency services responses. In this article, the author draws on a unique data set on medical emergencies, fires, traffic collisions, gas leaks, carbon monoxide leaks, and hazardous incidents from more than 600 local first-responder agencies across the United States to examine neighborhood inequalities in prevalence. The author finds that across nearly all outcomes, neighborhood proportion Black is a dominant predictor of incidence that persists net of a battery of controls. The author additionally finds socioeconomic disparities across a few of these outcomes, including medical emergencies, fires, and traffic collisions. The author concludes by broadly encouraging more sociological research on these understudied events.
Prevalence of chronic periodontitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and its correlation with peritoneal dialysis-related complications
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Deng Hai , Sun Kristine , Huang Zehui , Wei Shan , Lin Yunyao , Song Zhongchen , Liu Yingli
Published: March 2023

Objective

The microinflammatory state can influence the occurrence of dialysis-related complications in dialysis patients. Chronic periodontitis (CP), in which plaque biofilm is considered to be the initiating factor, is a chronic infectious disease in the oral cavity. It is still uncertain whether CP affects the microinflammatory state in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and the occurrence of dialysis-related complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the periodontal index and clinical parameters in peritoneal dialysis patients with CP and dialysis-related complications, including peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (PDAP) and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (CCEs).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study, and 76 patients undergoing PD were enrolled. Clinical parameters, the occurrence of PD-related complications and periodontitis-related indicators, including the gingival index (GI), plaque index (PLI), probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL), were collected. Correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between periodontal or clinical parameters and the occurrence of PD-related complications.

Results

All the patients had different degrees of periodontitis (mild 9.2%, moderate 72.4%, severe 18.4%); PPD was inversely related to serum albumin (r = − 0.235,p = 0.041); CAL has a positive correlation with serum C-reactive protein (rs = 0.242,p = 0.035); PLI was positively correlated with serum calcium (r = 0.314,p = 0.006). ANOVA, multivariate logistic regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier Survival curve suggested that CAL was a risk factor for the occurrence of PDAP. There was no correlation between periodontal parameters and CCEs or poor prognosis.

Conclusion

CP is universally present in PD patients, and the presentation of periodontitis influences the systemic inflammatory state in PD patients. CP is a risk factor for PDAP.
Nursing in oncology ward with intertwined roles: a focused ethnography
Authors: Ziarat Hadiseh Monadi , Seyedfatemi Naima , Mardani-Hamooleh Marjan , Farahani Mansoureh Ashghali , Vedadhir AbouAli
Published: March 2023

Background

Characteristics of nursing care in the oncology ward depend on this ward’s specific context. This study aimed to investigate the nursing care in the oncology ward regarding the culture of this ward.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in an oncology ward using a focused ethnographic approach. The whole nursing team of the selected ward (N = 16) participated in the study through purposeful sampling. Three methods of observation, interview, and field documents were used for data collection. Data were analyzed by Spradley’s (1980) ethnographic method.

Results

‘Nursing in the oncology ward with intertwined roles’ emerged as the main theme. This theme included the following subthemes: ‘Robin Hood nurse,’ ‘a secretive nurse,’ ‘a negligent nurse,’ ‘a snitching nurse,’ ‘a complaining nurse,’ ‘an apathetic senior nurse,’ ‘a stigmatized training nurse,’ ‘a brazen-bodied nurse,’ ‘a compassionate nurse,’ ‘a moonlighting nurse,’ and ‘a drug bartender.’

Conclusion

This study provided a deep cultural insight into nursing care in the oncology ward, considering the particular culture of this ward and emphasizing the nurses’ intertwined roles. These roles are on a spectrum, with positive roles, such as compassion, on one side and negative roles, such as negligence, on the other. The results of this study can be provided to nursing managers; therefore, by being aware of nurses’ roles considering the specific subculture of the oncology ward, they can provide psychological interventions to improve the mental health of reluctant and complaining nurses and ethics-based training for secretive, negligent, and snitching nurses to provide quality care to the patient.
Inhibition of miR-4640-5p alleviates pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients by regulating nitric oxide synthase 1
Authors: Yang Zhao , Li Ping , Yuan Qun , Wang Xi , Ma Hong-Hong , Zhuan Bing
Published: March 2023

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a devastating disease characterized by vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling, leading to right ventricular failure and death. PH is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Accumulating evidence demonstrate that microRNAs participate in the pathobiology of PH in COPD patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the expression and function of microRNA-4640-5p (miR-4640-5p) in PH.

Methods

The mRNA and protein levels were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot, separately. Functional assays and western blot were performed to determine the effects of miR-4640-5p and NOS1 on cell growth, migration. Besides, the dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to validate miR-4640-5p and NOS1 interactions.

Results

We found that miR-4640-5p expression was significantly higher in the lung tissues of COPD-PH patients than in the healthy controls while higher expression of miR-4640-5p was correlated with more severe COPD-PH. By using pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) in in vitro assays, we demonstrated that inhibition of miR-4640-5p suppressed cell proliferation and migration of PASMC via regulating mTOR/S6 signaling. Bioinformatics analysis and validation experiments revealed that nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) was a direct downstream target of miR-4640-5p. Overexpression of NOS1 partially antagonized the effect of miR-4640-5p in regulating PASMC cell proliferation and migration. In addition, our findings suggested that miR-4640-5p/NOS1 axis regulated mitochondrial dynamics in PASMCs. Furthermore, in the hypoxia-induced PH rat model, inhibition of miR-4640-5p ameliorated PH with reduced right ventricular systolic pressure and Fulton index.

Conclusions

miR-4640-5p regulates PH via targeting NOS1, which provides a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for COPD-PH patients.
Intense solar activity reduces urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin in patients with COPD
Authors: Zilli Vieira Carolina L. , Koutrakis Petros , Liu Man , Gottlieb Daniel J. , Garshick Eric
Published: March 2023

Background

Little is known about the link between solar activity and variations in melatonin. In this study, we investigated if melatonin's major urinary metabolite, urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s), is lowest under periods of intense solar activity.

Methods

We investigated associations between high-energy solar particle events [Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) mass, speed and energy] on creatinine-adjusted aMT6s (aMT6sr) concentrations in 140 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using up to four seasonal urine samples (n = 440). Mixed effect models with a random intercept for each subject were used to estimate associations, including effect modification attributable to diabetes, obesity, and reduced pulmonary function.

Results

Higher values of CME were associated with reduced aMT6sr concentrations, with stronger associations in patients with diabetes. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in natural log CMEspeed averaged through two days before urine collection was associated with a reduction of 9.3% aMT6sr (95%CI: − 17.1%, − 0.8%) in aMT6sr. There was a greater reduction in aMT6sr in patients with diabetes (− 24.5%; 95%CI: − 35.9%, − 11.6%). In patients without diabetes there was no meaningful association (− 2.2%; 95%CI: − 12%, 8.4%). There were similar associations with CMEenergy and CMEmass. There was no effect modification attributable to reduced pulmonary function or obesity.

Conclusions

This is the first study in patients with COPD to demonstrate strong detrimental impact of high-energy solar particle events on aMT6sr, with greater associations in patients with diabetes. Since melatonin is an anti-oxidant, it is possible that adverse effects of intense solar activity may be attributable to a reduction in circulating melatonin and that patients with both COPD and diabetes may be more susceptible.
Longitudinal DNA methylation profiling of the rectal mucosa identifies cell-specific signatures of disease status, severity and clinical outcomes in ulcerative colitis cell-specific DNA methylation signatures of UC
Authors: Venkateswaran Suresh , Somineni Hari K. , Matthews Jason D. , Kilaru Varun , Hyams Jeffrey S. , Denson Lee A. , Kellamayer Richard , Gibson Greg , Cutler David J. , Conneely Karen N. , Smith Alicia K. , Kugathasan Subra
Published: March 2023

Background

In peripheral blood, DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns in inflammatory bowel disease patients reflect inflammatory status rather than disease status. Here, we examined DNAm in diseased rectal mucosa from ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, focusing on constituent cell types with the goal of identifying therapeutic targets for UC other than the immune system. We profiled DNAm of rectal mucosal biopsies of pediatric UC at diagnosis (n = 211) and non-IBD control (n = 85) patients and performed epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of specific cell types to understand DNAm changes in epithelial, immune and fibroblast cells across disease states, course, and clinical outcomes. We also examined longitudinal analysis on follow-up samples (n = 73), and comparisons were made among patients with clinical outcomes including those undergoing colectomy versus those who did not. Additionally, we included RNA-seq from the same subjects to assess the impact of CpG sites on the transcription of nearby genes during the disease course.

Results

At diagnosis, UC rectal mucosa exhibited a lower proportion of epithelial cells and fibroblasts, and higher proportion of immune cells, in conjunction with variation in the DNAm pattern. While treatment had significant effects on the methylation signature of immune cells, its effects on fibroblasts and epithelial cells were attenuated. Individuals who required colectomy exhibited cell composition and DNAm patterns at follow-up more similar to disease onset than patients who did not require colectomy. Combining these results with gene expression profiles, we identify CpG sites whose methylation patterns are most consistent with a contribution to poor disease outcomes and could thus be potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusions

Cell-specific epigenetic changes in the rectal mucosa in UC are associated with disease severity and outcome. Current therapeutics may more effectively target the immune than the epithelial and fibroblast compartments.

Graphical abstract
Cultivating EFL learners’ productive skills by employing dynamic and non-dynamic assessments: attitude in focus
Authors: Riswanto  , Teferi Habesha , Ahmed Abdel-Al Ibrahim Khaled
Published: March 2023

In this study, the potential impacts of dynamic assessment (DA) and non-dynamic assessment (non-DA) on Ethiopian EFL students’ productive skills were investigated. Additionally, this study examined Ethiopian EFL students’ attitudes regarding using DA in their speaking and writing classes. Fifty-three Ethiopian intermediate EFL learners were selected using the convenience sampling method and separated into two groups in order to accomplish these goals. Next, both groups were pretested on two skills of writing and speaking. Then, one group received speaking and writing instruction utilizing DA, whereas the other group received instruction using non-DA. After 16 sessions of training, the groups received writing and speaking posttests, and the DA group also received an attitude questionnaire. The results indicated that there was a significant difference between the speaking and writing posttests of both groups in favor of the experimental group. In fact, the study’s findings revealed that the DA group outstripped the non-DA group on the speaking and writing posttests. The outcomes also indicated that the participants of the DA group held positive attitudes toward the AD. It was concluded that using the DA in EFL classes is an effective method for advancing EFL students’ English language acquisition. The implications of this research can persuade teachers to apply DA in their teaching process.
State of conservation analysis of the Elliptical Wall of the Temple of the Sun in Ingapirca (Ecuador) and its relationship with climate conditions
Authors: Aguirre Ullauri María del Cisne , Torres-Quezada Jefferson , López Suscal Michelle
Published: March 2023

The conservation of cultural heritage in Ecuador is an increasingly complex task, evident for several centuries in the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex and particularly in the Elliptical Wall of the Temple of the Sun. Given the weathering, intensified by its geographic location, this monument presents a high level of deterioration despite much previous research and the execution of conservation actions. Therefore, this research proposes a comprehensive study that relates the deterioration processes of the Elliptical Wall and the climate conditions where it is located. The method of wall stratigraphic reading has been used, complemented by an analysis of condensation and solar gain. The results show that the building comprises nine phases, four in common for all the orientations from 700 AD, which define the property's authenticity, and five characterized by diverse interventions. At least 38 construction, reconstruction, and maintenance activities have been identified in 9 historical-construction phases and ten degradation phases. In addition, all the orientations of the Elliptical Wall reach the dew point at night, given the relative humidity and air temperature levels in the study region. The southern orientation stands out as the surface with the highest frequency of condensation, the lowest solar gain, and the highest percentage of affections. Thus, this study supports that the deterioration of this building has a high correlation with its condensation capacity, which intensifies or reduces depending on the levels of solar capture; the monument will continue to be transformed and even eliminate historic strata due to the irreversible deterioration in different sectors and the current difficulties in mitigating it.
Demurrage and detention: from operational challenges towards solutions
Authors: Storms Katrien , Sys Christa , Vanelslander Thierry , Van Deuren Ruben
Published: March 2023

Reduced free time and increased fees for demurrage and detention create organizational challenges with respect to intermodal transport. As a result, actors within the maritime supply chains are confronted with greater complexity and higher risk of costs; and, therefore, often fall back on transportation by truck to and from the hinterland. That is why the present research examines the impact of this evolution on the bottom line of the involved actors from a maritime supply chain perspective. The research approach consists of reviewing the relevant literature, analyzing the available sector data obtained through interviews and professional experience, and validating the proposed solutions. Starting from the research results, the problem-solving discussions resulted in the following top three as feasible solutions: digitalization, extra ‘free time’ for hinterland locations, and more attention during the negotiation process.
Comparative morphology of sensilla of antennae, maxillary and labial palpi of adult Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), with specific reference to the typology and possible functions
Authors: Seada Mervat A. , Hamza Amal M.
Published: March 2023

Background

The lesser grain borer Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is a cosmopolitan insect pest of stored cereal grains. In this study, the fine morphology of antennae, maxillary and labial palpi as well as the typology, morphology and distribution of associated sensilla were comprehensively examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Results

On antennae, six types of sensilla were identified, s. trichodea, s. chaetica, two subtypes of s. basiconica, s. ampullacea and s. styloconica, in addition of Böhm's sensilla (Bs). Sensilla trichodea and basiconica were the most abundant sensilla types in the club flagellomeres. Mouth parts of R. dominica were adapted for chewing; maxillary and labial palpi consisted of four and five segments, respectively. Galea of maxilla was two segments, the distal one ended with a brush like organ composed of a dense field of long s. basiconica. The sensilla of maxillary and labial palpi were long and short s. trichodea, s. basiconica, s. styloconica and s. ampullacea. Only one big sensillum digitiformium was found on the lateral side of the distal segment of the maxillary palp.

Conclusions

We summarized the validated structures of different types of sensilla on antennae and palpi of R. dominica and proposed the potential functions of them in detection of ecologically relevant stimuli.
Self-compacting concrete incorporating incinerated biomedical waste ash: a performance assessment
Authors: Nataraja M. C. , Chakravarthy H. G. Nahushananda , Shivaprasad R. , Naganna Sujay Raghavendra
Published: March 2023

Rapid technological advancement is underway in the sphere of material science research. Several studies have been undertaken around the globe over the last four decades to improve the strength and durability performance of concrete. As a result of ongoing research and experimentation, concrete no longer just consists of the traditional materials of cement, aggregates and water but has transformed into an engineered custom material with efficient new ingredients in order to meet the demands of the expanding construction industry. In this experimental study, biomedical waste incinerator ash (BMIA) was employed as a partial substitute for cement in self-compacting concrete (SCC), designed for M30 grade. BMIA was partially replaced with cement in proportions of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by cement weight. This experimental work aimed to study the fresh, mechanical and durability characteristics of the SCC mixes incorporating BMIA. A suitable super-plasticizer was used to retain the rheological qualities of fresh concrete. To investigate the mechanical and durability characteristics, experiments on hardened concrete were performed. The results demonstrate that 5% of BMIA substitution for cement in the SCC mix had higher strength compared to all other mixes because BMIA’s fine particles filled the voids in the hardened concrete. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed to examine the microstructure of BMIA substituted SCC versus conventional SCC mix. The chemical composition test revealed that BMIA can be employed in the SCC mix up to 5% efficiently, which will result in waste utilisation and disposal.
Adaptation of a mobile app for early anxiety and depression intervention in university students in Chile: participatory study
Authors: Lira Daniela , Caviedes Patricio , Martínez Vania
Published: March 2023

The high prevalence of mental health problems among university students poses a challenge when developing effective interventions, with digital technologies emerging as a potential resource to address this problem. The inclusion of student input in the design and development of such interventions is critical to improving their impact. This study contributed to the initial phase of a research project that aims to adapt and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an early intervention for anxiety and depression based on digital technologies for university students. Three participatory workshops were conducted with 13 university students in Chile to inquire about the features and content that a mental health mobile app should include to meet their needs and preferences. The workshop transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The results of this study highlight the value of modifications such as the personalisation of some features of the app. The students recommended incorporating topics related to university life and the possibility of contacting a mental health professional, as well as the inclusion of peer interaction or other forms of support.
Predicting Response of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network–Based Artificial Intelligence Tool
Authors: Krishnamurthy Savitri , Jain Parag , Tripathy Debu , Basset Roland , Randhawa Ramandeep , Muhammad Hassan , Huang Wei , Yang Hua , Kummar Shivaani , Wilding George , Roy Rajat
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

Achieving a pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is associated with improved patient outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Currently, there are no validated predictive biomarkers for the response to NAC in TNBC. We developed and validated a deep convolutional neural network–based artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict the response of TNBC to NAC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Whole-slide images (WSIs) of hematoxylin and eosin–stained core biopsies from 165 (pCR in 60 and non-pCR in 105) and 78 (pCR in 31 and non-pCR in 47) patients with TNBC were used to train and validate the model. The model extracts morphometric features from WSIs in an unsupervised manner, thereby generating clusters of morphologically similar patterns. Downstream ranking of clusters provided regions of interest and morphometric scores; a low score close to zero and a high score close to one represented a high or low probability of response to NAC.

RESULTS

The predictive ability of AI score for the entire cohort of 78 patients with TNBC ascertained by receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75. The AUC for stages I, II, and III disease were 0.88, 0.73, and 0.74, respectively. Using a cutoff value of 0.35, the positive predictive value of the AI score for pCR was 73.7%, and the negative predictive value was 76.2% for non-pCR patients.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the use of an AI tool on digitized hematoxylin and eosin–stained tissue images to predict the response to NAC in patients with TNBC with high accuracy. If validated in subsequent studies, these results may serve as an ancillary aid for individualized therapeutic decisions in patients with TNBC.
2D and 3D culture of stem cells
Authors: Bieńko Karolina , Leszcz Monika , Białek Justyna , Więckowska-Deroń Marta , Ćwik-Błotnicka Dominika , Borczyk Joanna
Published: March 2023

Wstęp i cel: Komórki macierzyste są szeroko stosowane w wielu naukach, szczególnie w chorobach. Dzięki swoim właściwościom proliferacyjnym i zdolności do tworzenia się w innych elementach organizmu zastosowanie w mechanizmie regeneracyjnym, przy zachowaniu charakterystycznych parametrów oparzeń, odbudowie układu krwiotwórczego. później je pozyskać z wielu dzieci m.in. składników tłuszczowej, szpiku kostnego, krwi pępowinowej czy mleka kobiecego. 

Obecny stan wiedzy: Dlatego ważne jest, aby wykorzystać metodę hodowli, dzięki której w krótkim czasie możemy uzyskać wyniki badań, które pozwolą wykonać życie i zróżnicowanie się w innych typach. Do hodowli jest uzyskiwana ilość ilości energii, źródło węgla, składniki odżywcze i powietrze. Najpowszechniej jest metodą 2D, która jest dość tania i skuteczna do wykonania. Metoda 3D, choć droższa i wyższa pracochłonna, jest wyższa wydajna. Metodą 3D, czyli sferyczną, mamy możliwość uzyskania środowiska, które zapewnia warunki in vivo, których nie uzyskujemy metodą 2D. Komórki hodowane sferycznie dobrze bodźce ze środowiska w trzech wymiarach, na poziomie komórka-komórka i komórka-macierz zewnątrzkomórkowa.Wykorzystaj dodatkowy przepływ cytokin, składników odżywczych, czynników wzrostu i chemokin.

Wnioski: W przyszłości metoda 3D może wyprzeć metody hodowli 2D. Zapewnij warunki zbliżone do tych w wynikach, możemy ocenić wyniki testów analizowanych na zwierzętach. Obecnie w takich kulturach coraz częściej testuje się leki stosowane w onkologii i określa się ich efekt terapeutyczny.