bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of an instrument to measure Chinese post-secondary and part-time students’ motivation to learn accounting in Hong Kong
Authors: Pong Hok-Ko , Leung Chi Hung , Cheung Ho Yin
Published: April 2023

In the current research, we developed and validated a questionnaire to measure Chinese working adults’ motivation to study accounting on a path of lifelong learning in Hong Kong, China. We conducted individual in-depth interviews with adult learners ( n = 30) and professionals ( n = 12) in study 1 and study 2. Qualitative analysis showed six specific common themes for Chinese working adults’ motivation to learn accounting. Based on these results and the research literature, we developed a list of 31 provisional items for the questionnaire. In Study 3, we administered the provisional questionnaire to students ( N = 426) from sub-degree, undergraduate, and graduate programs. These data were analyzed using quantitative analysis. Exploratory factor analysis showed a six-dimensional structure. Removal of redundant items resulted in a 17-item questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence of the reliability and validity of this measure, which assesses six domains of adult learners’ motivations for pursuing continuing education in accounting: development of knowledge and skills; family cohesion; reinforcement of social networking and communication; career development; enrichment of life; and self-development. This measure in the Chinese cultural context can be used for research purposes and for assessing students’ motivation in accounting programs in Hong Kong.
Reporting Ethics Approval in Articles on Criminality. An Audit of Adherence to Swedish Legislation
Authors: Asplund Kjell , Hulter Åsberg Kerstin
Published: April 2023

According to the Swedish Ethics Review Act, research involving personal data on crimes should undergo independent ethics review. To explore the reporting of ethics approval, we extracted information from articles with Swedish personal data on crimes published in 2013–2021. Of the identified 298 articles, 92 (31%) failed to report ethics approval. Failures were particularly common in articles with a qualitative design, single or few authors and when there was a social science focus. Failures varied markedly between universities. We conclude that failures to report compulsory ethics approval are common in articles involving personal data on crime and that these failures vary markedly with the research setting. Several indicators of poor adherence to the Ethics Review Act have been identified.
Reimagining GO and SEND Mission Paradigms for an Age of Global Migration and World Christianity
Authors: George Sam
Published: April 2023

I interrogate the principal mission terms GO and SEND from post-Christendom, post-Western, and World Christianity perspectives, considering our increasingly globalized and polarized world and the emerging context of twenty-first-century Christianity. This approach exposes some of the inherent bias in mission thinking and calls for a perspectival shift toward bidirectionality and polycentrism, as the missionary impetus can now originate anywhere and result anywhere else in the world. Christian mission is no more from the West to the Rest but increasingly from everywhere to everywhere, which requires a new consideration of dispersion and reciprocity that is embedded within a multipolar world.
Development and validation of nomograms for predicting overall survival and cancer-specific survival in elderly patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: a population-based study
Authors: Sun Yuqi , Li Zequn , Tian Yulong , Gao Chao , Liang Benjia , Cao Shougen , Liu Xiaodong , Liu Xuechao , Meng Cheng , Xu Jianfei , Yang Hao , Zhou Yanbing
Published: April 2023

Objective

To evaluate the multiple factors influencing the survival of elderly patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) and develop and validate the novel nomograms for predicting the survival.

Methods

The clinical features of patients treated between 2000 and 2018 were collected and collated from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and three medical centres in China, and the patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (3494), internal validation cohort (1497) and external validation cohort (841). Univariate and multivariate analyses of the prognostic values were performed to identify independent prognostic factors associated with overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), and two nomogram models were developed. Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) and calibration curves were employed to assess discrimination and calibration. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to investigate the clinical usefulness.

Results

In the SEER database, the 5-year OS of the patients was 31.08%, while the 5-year CSS of the patients was 44.09%. Furthermore, in the external validation set, the 5-year OS of the patients was 49.58%, and the 5-year CSS of these patients was 53.51%. After statistical analysis, nine independent prognostic factors of OS and CSS were identified, including age, race, tumour size, differentiation, TNM stage, gastrectomy type, lymph node metastasis (LNM), lymph node ratio (LNR) and chemotherapy. The C‐index (approximately 0.7) and calibration curve (close to the optimal calibration line) indicated satisfactory discrimination and calibration of the nomogram. DCA and ROC curves showed that the developed nomogram was superior to TNM stage.

Conclusion

The novel validated nomogram could accurately predict the prognosis of individual elderly patients with LAGC and guide the selection of clinical treatment measures.
Suicides by pesticide ingestion in Pakistan and the impact of pesticide regulation
Authors: Dabholkar Shweta , Pirani Shahina , Davis Mark , Khan Murad , Eddleston Michael
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Suicide is a major public health problem in Pakistan, accounting to approximately 19,331 deaths every year. Many are due to consumption of acutely toxic pesticides; however, there is a lack of national suicide data, limiting knowledge and potential for intervention. In this paper, we aimed to review the literature on pesticide self-poisoning in Pakistan to identify the most problematic pesticides in relation to national pesticide regulations.

Methods

Information on the currently registered and banned pesticides was obtained from Ministry of National Food Security and Research while data on pesticide import and use was extracted from FAOSTAT. We searched the following sources for articles and research papers on poisoning in Pakistan: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Google Scholar, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), Excerpta Medica (EMBASE), National Library of Medicine’s MEDLINE (PUBMED), PS102YCHINFO and Pakmedinet.com using the search terms ‘self-poisoning’, ‘deliberate self-harm’, ‘suicide’, ‘methods and means of suicide’, ‘organophosphate’, ‘wheat pill’, ‘aluminium phosphide’, ‘acute poisoning’, OR ‘pesticides’, AND ‘Pakistan’.

Results

As of May 2021, 382 pesticide active ingredients (substances) were registered in Pakistan, of which five were WHO hazard class Ia (extremely hazardous) and 17 WHO hazard class Ib (highly hazardous). Twenty-six pesticides, four formulations, and seven non-registered pesticides had been banned, of which two were WHO class Ia and five Ib. We identified 106 hospital-level studies of poisoning conducted in Pakistan, of which 23 did not mention self-poisoning cases and one reported no suicidal poisoning cases. We found no community or forensic medicine studies. Of 52,323 poisoning cases identified in these papers, 24,546 [47%] were due to pesticides. The most commonly identified pesticide classes were organophosphorus (OP) insecticides (13,816 cases, 56%) and the fumigant aluminium phosphide (3 g 56% tablets, often termed ‘wheat pills’; 686 cases, 2.7%). Few studies identified the particular pesticides involved or the resulting case fatality.

Conclusion

We found pesticide poisoning to be a major cause of poisoning in Pakistan, with OP insecticides and the fumigant aluminium phosphide the main pesticides identified. Withdrawal of Class I pesticides (as proposed to occur nationally in 2022) and high concentration aluminium phosphide tablets should rapidly reduce suicidal deaths by reducing the case fatality for low-intention poisoning cases. National cause of death data and forensic toxicology laboratory data identifying the pesticides responsible for deaths will be important to assess impacts of the proposed national ban.
A comprehensive health-promoting neighborhood intervention to improve health care seeking behavior among reproductive age Iranian women
Authors: Rahimi Tahereh , Morowatisharifabad Mohammad Ali , Farajkhoda Tahmineh , Fallahzadeh Hossein
Published: April 2023

Background

Women’s health care seeking delays remains an unresolved major public health problem in developing and underdeveloped countries. This study aimed to evaluate a health-promoting neighborhood intervention to improve health care seeking behavior (HCSB) among reproductive age Iranian women using Health Promotion Model (HPM).

Method

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 160 women of reproductive age in two groups: experimental and control. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire based on HPM constructs and a medical symptom checklist. A health-promoting neighborhood intervention was performed in seven sessions for the experimental group. HCSB and HPM constructs were measured before and 3 months after intervention in the two groups. p < 0.05 was considered significant level.

Results

The average mean age of participants was 30.45 ± 7.80 years. After intervention, the mean score of self-efficacy, interpersonal influences, commitment to plan and HCSB was increased significantly in women in the experimental group, while negative constructs such as perceived barriers, negative activity-related affect, and immediate competing demands and preferences significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In addition, the mean score of referring for symptoms such as excessive sweating, persistent fatigue or weakness, headache, bleeding or spotting between periods, vaginal itching and irritation, unusual vaginal discharge, flashing, chest pain, rapid heartbeats, aching muscles or joints, urinary problems and some mental disorder was increased significantly in experimental group compared to control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of study show that an intervention based on the HPM have a positive impact on HCSB and its associated factors and can help improve women’s health behaviors and health outcomes.
Examining the influence of health sector coordination on the efficiency of county health systems in Kenya
Authors: Nyawira Lizah , Njuguna Rebecca G , Tsofa Benjamin , Musiega Anita , Munywoki Joshua , Hanson Kara , Mulwa Andrew , Molyneux Sassy , Maina Isabel , Normand Charles , Jemutai Julie , Barasa Edwine
Published: April 2023

Background

Health systems are complex, consisting of multiple interacting structures and actors whose effective coordination is paramount to enhancing health system goals. Health sector coordination is a potential source of inefficiency in the health sector. We examined how the coordination of the health sector affects health system efficiency in Kenya.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study, collecting data at the national level and in two purposely selected counties in Kenya. We collected data using in-depth interviews (n = 37) with national and county-level respondents, and document reviews. We analyzed the data using a thematic approach.

Results

The study found that while formal coordination structures exist in the Kenyan health system, duplication, fragmentation, and misalignment of health system functions and actor actions compromise the coordination of the health sector. These challenges were observed in both vertical (coordination within the ministry of health, within the county departments of health, and between the national ministry of health and the county department of health) and horizontal coordination mechanisms (coordination between the ministry of health or the county department of health and non-state partners, and coordination among county governments). These coordination challenges are likely to impact the efficiency of the Kenyan health system by increasing the transaction costs of health system functions. Inadequate coordination also impairs the implementation of health programmes and hence compromises health system performance.

Conclusion

The efficiency of the Kenyan health system could be enhanced by strengthening the coordination of the Kenyan health sector. This can be achieved by aligning and harmonizing the intergovernmental and health sector-specific coordination mechanisms, strengthening the implementation of the Kenya health sector coordination framework at the county level, and enhancing donor coordination through common funding arrangements and integrating vertical disease programs with the rest of the health system. The ministry of health and county departments of health should also review internal organizational structures to enhance functional and role clarity of organizational units and staff, respectively. Finally, counties should consider initiating health sector coordination mechanisms between counties to reduce the fragmentation of health system functions across neighboring counties.
Complex and pleiotropic signaling pathways regulated by the secreted protein augurin
Authors: Richter Margaux , Lalli Enzo , Ruggiero Carmen
Published: April 2023

The secreted protein augurin, the product of the tumor suppressor gene Ecrg4, has been identified as a peptide hormone in the human proteome in 2007. Since then, a number of studies have been carried out to highlight its structure and processing and its potential roles in physiopathology. Although augurin has been shown to be implicated in a variety of processes, ranging from tumorigenesis, inflammation and infection to neural stem cell proliferation, hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis regulation and osteoblast differentiation, the molecular mechanisms of its biological effects and the signaling pathways it regulates are still poorly characterized. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of augurin-dependent signal transduction pathways. Because of their secreted nature and the potential to be manipulated pharmacologically, augurin and its derived peptides represent attractive targets for diagnostic development and discovery of new therapeutic agents for the human diseases resulting from the deregulation of the signaling cascades they modulate. From this perspective, the characterization of the precise nature of augurin derived peptides and the identification of the receptor(s) on the cell surface conveying augurin signaling to downstream effectors are crucial to develop agonists and antagonists for this protein.
Virtual reality-based therapy improves balance and reduces fear of falling in patients with multiple sclerosis. a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cortés-Pérez Irene , Osuna-Pérez María Catalina , Montoro-Cárdenas Desirée , Lomas-Vega Rafael , Obrero-Gaitán Esteban , Nieto-Escamez Francisco Antonio
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to assess the effect of virtual reality-based therapy (VRBT) on balance dimensions and fear of falling in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Secondarily, to determine the most recommendable dose of VRBT to improve balance.

Methods

PubMed Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL and PEDro were screened, without publication date restrictions, until September 30th, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effectiveness of VRBT against other interventions in PwMS were included. Functional and dynamic balance, confidence of balance, postural control in posturography, fear of falling and gait speed were the variables assessed. A meta-analysis was performed by pooling the Cohen's standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3.0.

Results

Nineteen RCTs, reporting 858 PwMS, were included. Our findings reported that VRBT is effective in improving functional balance (SMD = 0.8; 95%CI 0.47 to 1.14; p < 0.001); dynamic balance (SMD = − 0.3; 95%CI − 0.48 to − 0.11; p = 0.002); postural control with posturography (SMD = − 0.54; 95%CI − 0.99 to − 0.1; p = 0.017); confidence of balance (SMD = 0.43; 95%CI 0.15 to 0.71; p = 0.003); and in reducing fear of falling (SMD = − 1.04; 95%CI − 2 to − 0.07; p = 0.035); but not on gait speed (SMD = − 0.11; 95%CI: − 0.35 to 0.14; p = 0.4). Besides, the most adequate dose of VRBT to achieve the greatest improvement in functional balance was at least 40 sessions, five sessions per week and 40–45 min per sessions; and for dynamic balance, it would be between 8 and 19 weeks, twice a week and 20–30 min per session.

Conclusion

VRBT may have a short-term beneficial role in improving balance and reducing fear of falling in PwMS.
Perceval valve intermediate outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis at 5-year follow-up
Authors: Jolliffe Jarrod , Moten Simon , Tripathy Amit , Skillington Peter , Tatoulis James , Muneretto Claudio , Di Bacco Lorenzo , Galvao Hericka Bruna Figueiredo , Goldblatt John
Published: April 2023

Objectives

New technologies for the treatment of Aortic Stenosis are evolving to minimize risk and treat an increasingly comorbid population. The Sutureless Perceval Valve is one such alternative. Whilst short-term data is promising, limited mid-term outcomes exist, until now. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate mid-term outcomes in the Perceval Valve in isolation.

Methods

A systematic literature review of 5 databases was performed. Articles included evaluated echocardiographic and mortality outcomes beyond 5 years in patients who had undergone Perceval Valve AVR. Two reviewers extracted and reviewed the articles. Weighted estimates were performed for all post-operative and mid-term data. Aggregated Kaplan Meier curves were reconstructed from digitised images to evaluate long-term survival.

Results

Seven observational studies were identified, with a total number of 3196 patients analysed. 30-day mortality was 2.5%. Aggregated survival at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years was 93.4%, 89.4%, 84.9%, 82% and 79.5% respectively. Permanent pacemaker implantation (7.9%), severe paravalvular leak (1.6%), structural valve deterioration (1.5%), stroke (4.4%), endocarditis (1.6%) and valve explant (2.3%) were acceptable at up to mid-term follow up. Haemodynamics were also acceptable at up mid-term with mean-valve gradient (range 9–13.6 mmHg), peak-valve gradient (17.8–22.3 mmHg) and effective orifice area (1.5–1.8 cm2) across all valve sizes. Cardiopulmonary bypass (78 min) and Aortic cross clamp times (52 min) were also favourable.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this represents the first meta-analysis to date evaluating mid-term outcomes in the Perceval Valve in isolation and demonstrates good 5-year mortality, haemodynamic and morbidity outcomes.

Key question

What are the mid-term outcomes at up to 5 years follow up in Perceval Valve Aortic Valve Replacement?

Key findings

Perceval Valve AVR achieves 80% freedom from mortality at 5 years with low valve gradients and minimal morbidity.

Key outcomes

Perceval Valve Aortic Valve Replacement has acceptable mid-term mortality, durability and haemodynamic outcomes.
From past to present: opportunities and trends in the molecular detection and diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis
Authors: Chan Abigail Hui En , Thaenkham Urusa
Published: April 2023

Strongyloides stercoralisis a soil-transmitted helminth that is mainly found in the tropical and subtropical regions and affects approximately 600 million people globally. The medical importance of strongyloidiasis lies in its capacity to remain asymptomatic and chronically unnoticed until the host is immunocompromised. Additionally, in severe strongyloidiasis, hyperinfection syndrome and larva dissemination to various organs can occur. Parasitological techniques such as Baermann-Moraes and agar plate culture to detect larvae in stool samples are the current gold standard. However, the sensitivity might be inadequate, especially with reduced worm burden. Complementing parasitological techniques, immunological techniques including immunoblot and immunosorbent assays are employed, with higher sensitivity. However, cross-reactivity to other parasites may occur, hampering the assay’s specificity. Recently, advances in molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing technology have provided the opportunity to detect parasite DNA in stool, blood, and environmental samples. Molecular techniques, known for their high sensitivity and specificity, have the potential to circumvent some of the challenges associated with chronicity and intermittent larval output for increased detection. Here, asS. stercoraliswas recently included by the World Health Organization as another soil-transmitted helminth targeted for control from 2021 to 2030, we aimed to present a review of the current molecular techniques for detecting and diagnosingS. stercoralisin a bid to consolidate the molecular studies that have been performed. Upcoming molecular trends, especially next-generation sequencing technologies, are also discussed to increase the awareness of its potential for diagnosis and detection. Improved and novel detection methods can aid in making accurate and informed choices, especially in this era where infectious and non-infectious diseases are increasingly commonplace.

Graphical Abstract
Diabetes mellitus status modifies the association between N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide and all-cause mortality risk in ischemic heart failure: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Qiu Weida , Cai Anping , Xiao Xiaoju , Gao Zhiping , Feng Yingqing , Li Liwen
Published: April 2023

Background

N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) discriminates mortality risk in diabetes mellitus (DM) and in heart failure (HF) populations. Whether DM status modifies the association between NT-proBNP and all-cause mortality risk in ischemic HF is unknown.

Methods

This was a single-center, prospective cohort study conducted with 2287 ischemic HF patients. Subjects were divided into with DM group and without DM group. Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards models were conducted to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The product of DM status and NT-proBNP were used to assess the interaction. Propensity score matching analysis was used to verify the robustness of the results.

Results

Of 2287 ischemic HF participants, 1172 (51.2%) had DM. After a median follow-up of 3.19 years (7287 person-years), 479 (20.9%) of the participants died. After adjusting for the covariates, continuous NT-proBNP was more prominently associated with risk of mortality in HF patients with DM (HR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.43–1.91) than those without (HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.09–1.50). A significant interaction of DM status and NT-proBNP was observed (P-interaction = 0.016). The relationships were consistent when NT-proBNP was considered as a categorical variable and in the propensity matching analysis.

Conclusions

DM status modified the association between NT-proBNP and all-cause mortality in ischemic HF patients, suggesting that NT-proBNP was more prominently associated with risk of mortality in patients with DM than those without. Future studies to clarify the mechanisms underlying these observations are needed.
NPR-LBN: next point of interest recommendation using large bipartite networks with edge and cloud computing
Authors: Khan Inayat , Sadad Anwar , Ali Gauhar , ElAffendi Mohammed , Khan Razaullah , Sadad Tariq
Published: April 2023

During the last decades, tourism has been augmented worldwide through which the diversity of tourists’ interests is increased and is challenging to tackle with the traditional management system. Such challenges can be overcome by LBSNs (Location-Based Social Networks) such as Yelp, Foursquare, and Facebook which help to collect more personalized information close to tourists’ preferences/interests like check-ins, comments, and reviews. In this regard, solutions have been proposed to exploit the POI (Point of Interest) recommendation, but they failed to overcome sparsity and cold-start problems. Existing methods are also not focusing on important aspects, including geographical context, dynamics preferences and social influence, which are essential factors in POI recommendation. Therefore, this work tried to incorporate these factors and present a unified model using bipartite networks to learn users and POI dynamics. For this purpose, we have represented all the factors using eleven networks and combined them into a single latent space. In addition, Edge Computing processes data at the network's edge, reducing latency and bandwidth usage and enabling real-time and personalized recommendations. Furthermore, cloud computing could be used to store and process the large amounts of data collected from LBSNs, to support the proposed model's computational requirements and make it more accessible and scalable, allowing it to be easily used by tourism management systems worldwide. Experimental results show that our model outperforms state-of-the-art methods using real-world dataset in terms of accuracy and perform better against sparsity and cold-start problems.
Relationship between eating disorders perception and psychosocial profile in school-dropout adolescents
Authors: Mastorci Francesca , Lazzeri Maria Francesca Lodovica , Piaggi Paolo , Doveri Cristina , Casu Anselmo , Trivellini Gabriele , Marinaro Irene , Vassalle Cristina , Pingitore Alessandro
Published: April 2023

Background

In body-mind relationship field, eating disorders (ED) are considered disabling disorders that can alter physical health status, inducing profound alterations in psychosocial, cognitive and emotional dimensions. These disorders, characterized by a strong comorbidity with other diseases, usually begin during childhood or adolescence, and include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating. Aim of this study was to investigate the associations between eating disorders perception and dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and well-being perception (WBP) in school-dropout adolescents.

Methods

Data were collected in 450 adolescents (19 ± 2 years, male 308), and HRQoL, WBP, and ED were assessed by means a battery of standardized questionnaire.

Results

EDs are more pronounced in females than in males (p < 0.05) and are associated with lower HRQoL (p < 0.001) and lower well-being perception (p < 0.001). EDs are associated with an impairment of physical (p < 0.05) and psychological well-being perception (p < 0.001), emotional responses (p < 0.001), self-perception (p < 0.001), and a reduction of general well-being (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Although it is complicated to distinguish between causes and consequences, these findings suggest a complex and multifaceted, association between ED and HRQoL domains. Thus, multiple factors need taking into account in the policy of EDs prevention, identifying all the components of well-being to focus and personalize healthy programs in adolescences.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, anxiety, and depression
Authors: Kupcova Ida , Danisovic Lubos , Klein Martin , Harsanyi Stefan
Published: April 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone around the globe. Depending on the country, there have been different restrictive epidemiologic measures and also different long-term repercussions. Morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 affected the mental state of every human being. However, social separation and isolation due to the restrictive measures considerably increased this impact. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety and depression prevalence increased by 25% globally. In this study, we aimed to examine the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the general population.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using an anonymous online-based 45-question online survey was conducted at Comenius University in Bratislava. The questionnaire comprised five general questions and two assessment tools the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). The results of the Self-Rating Scales were statistically examined in association with sex, age, and level of education.

Results

A total of 205 anonymous subjects participated in this study, and no responses were excluded. In the study group, 78 (38.05%) participants were male, and 127 (61.69%) were female. A higher tendency to anxiety was exhibited by female participants (p = 0.012) and the age group under 30 years of age (p = 0.042). The level of education has been identified as a significant factor for changes in mental state, as participants with higher levels of education tended to be in a worse mental state (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Summarizing two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental state of people with higher levels of education tended to feel worse, while females and younger adults felt more anxiety.
Elucidating the phytotoxicity thresholds of various biosynthesized nanoparticles on physical and biochemical attributes of cotton
Authors: Shafqat Usman , Hussain Sabir , Shahzad Tanvir , Shahid Muhammad , Mahmood Faisal
Published: April 2023

Background

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the phytotoxic thresholds of zinc oxide (ZnO NPs), iron oxide (FeO NPs), copper (Cu NPs), and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on cotton. All the nanoparticles were biosynthesized from Conocarpus erectus L. leaf extract. They were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Five concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) of all the biosynthesized nanoparticles were foliar applied thrice over the duration of cotton growth. Five cotton seeds were sown in 5 kg soil pot and harvested after 6 weeks. SPAD values were evaluated before harvesting while physical growth parameters, physiological parameters biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters were measured after harvesting.

Results

The value of all parameters, except oxidative stress, increased by 13–47% in response to ZnO NPs application up to 100 ppm. However, phytotoxic threshold of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) and copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) was only 50 ppm as plant growth was increased by 7.9–24.3%. Above 50 ppm plant growth and biomass were decreased by 6.7–16.2%. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) showed maximum growth (3.7 to 9.12% increased) at 25 ppm concentration. At higher concentrations than 25 ppm, the application of Ag NPs decreased the growth due to toxicity. Foliar application of different biosynthesized nanoparticles showed the different range of threshold value for cotton crop. Threshold value of iron oxide and copper nanoparticles for cotton was 50 ppm, whereas, it was 25 ppm for silver nanoparticles. Since the ZnO NPs application continued increasing the growth till its maximum concentration used i.e., 100 ppm, we cannot say that this is its threshold value.

Conclusion

On the basis of obtained results, it can be concluded that nanoparticles should be used within threshold to avoid adverse effects on crops. Application of nanoparticles within threshold optimum concentration,
increased plant biomass and antioxidant system.

Graphical Abstract
The continuous search for new port governance models: experiences from a developing country
Authors: Andersen Torben , Aryee Jonas , Acheampong George , Hansen Annette Skovsted
Published: April 2023

This paper bridges port governance and stakeholder theory to contribute to new understandings of changed stakeholder relations due to the building of new container terminals. The case of the newly inaugurated very large high-tech container terminal commissioned to and developed and operated by Meridian Port Services (MPS), in the Port of Tema, Ghana, provides the empirical foundation for investigating the new stakeholder engagement. Through focus groups, descriptive statistics, and a series of qualitative and open-ended interviews carried out in structured stakeholder events, the paper aims to deliver new knowledge relevant to the many hybrid port governance systems seen today. Moreover, it wants to inform authorities and companies about the implications of different strategic choices and how changes progress. The study shows that despite shared goals of efficiency, all parties involved have had major difficulties in finding a new port governance model, which they all consider fair and which can contribute to a continuously economically sustainable port management practice.
How does immigration affect housing costs in Switzerland?
Authors: Helfer Fabienne , Grossmann Volker , Osikominu Aderonke
Published: April 2023

This paper examines the short-run immigration effects on prices for owner-occupied housing and rents in Switzerland, exploiting regional variation at the level of 106 local labor markets (“Mobilité Spatiale” regions) and 26 cantons, respectively. We propose two empirical strategies that exploit the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons (AFMP) with the European Union (EU), enacted in 2002, as an exogenous shock to immigration. The first approach uses the AFMP reform within an instrumental variable approach, instrumenting current regional inflows of immigrants based on the historical distribution of immigrants across regions. The second conducts an event study of housing price changes before and after the reform, distinguishing between regions with historically high, medium, and low immigration from EU-15 countries. The analysis based on data at the level of local labor markets for the years 1985–2016 suggests that immigration triggered off by the AFMP reform has substantially raised prices of single-family homes and of owner-occupied apartments. Before the reform, immigration has not affected house prices. Estimates based on cantonal data for the years 1998–2016 suggest that immigration has raised rental prices even more than prices of owner-occupied housing.
The mycobiome of a successful crayfish invader and its changes along the environmental gradient
Authors: Dragičević Paula , Bielen Ana , Žučko Jurica , Hudina Sandra
Published: April 2023

Background

The microbiome plays an important role in biological invasions, since it affects various interactions between host and environment. However, most studies focus on the bacteriome, insufficiently addressing other components of the microbiome such as the mycobiome. Microbial fungi are among the most damaging pathogens in freshwater crayfish populations, colonizing and infecting both native and invasive crayfish species. Invading crayfish may transmit novel fungal species to native populations, but also, dispersal process and characteristics of the novel environment may affect the invaders’ mycobiome composition, directly and indirectly affecting their fitness and invasion success. This study analyzes the mycobiome of a successful invader in Europe, the signal crayfish, using the ITS rRNA amplicon sequencing approach. We explored the mycobiomes of crayfish samples (exoskeletal biofilm, hemolymph, hepatopancreas, intestine), compared them to environmental samples (water, sediment), and examined the differences in fungal diversity and abundance between upstream and downstream segments of the signal crayfish invasion range in the Korana River, Croatia.

Results

A low number of ASVs (indicating low abundance and/or diversity of fungal taxa) was obtained in hemolymph and hepatopancreas samples. Thus, only exoskeleton, intestine, sediment and water samples were analyzed further. Significant differences were recorded between their mycobiomes, confirming their uniqueness. Generally, environmental mycobiomes showed higher diversity than crayfish-associated mycobiomes. The intestinal mycobiome showed significantly lower richness compared to other mycobiomes. Significant differences in the diversity of sediment and exoskeletal mycobiomes were recorded between different river segments (but not for water and intestinal mycobiomes). Together with the high observed portion of shared ASVs between sediment and exoskeleton, this indicates that the environment (i.e. sediment mycobiome) at least partly shapes the exoskeletal mycobiome of crayfish.

Conclusion

This study presents the first data on crayfish-associated fungal communities across different tissues, which is valuable given the lack of studies on the crayfish mycobiome. We demonstrate significant differences in the crayfish exoskeletal mycobiome along the invasion range, suggesting that different local environmental conditions may shape the exoskeletal mycobiome during range expansion, while the mycobiome of the internal organ (intestine) remained more stable. Our results provide a basis for assessing how the mycobiome contributes to the overall health of the signal crayfish and its further invasion success.
Mathematical modeling of the aerodynamic coefficients of a sail blade
Authors: Tleubergenova Akmaral Zh. , Tanasheva Nazgul K. , Shaimerdenova Kulzhan M. , Kassymov Serik S. , Bakhtybekova Asem R. , Shuyushbayeva Nurgul N. , Uzbergenova Saule Zh. , Ranova Gulden A.
Published: April 2023

The authors of the work numerically studied the aerodynamic coefficients of the sail blade, during which the patterns of three-dimensional flow around airflow and the pressure distribution field were obtained. The triangular sail blade is used as the power element of wind turbines. The sail blade modeling was based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations (RANS) using the ANSYS FLUENT computer program. A flow pattern is obtained, which gives a physical explanation of the nature of the airflow around the sail blade and the pressure distribution field. Comparative analyses of theory and experiment are given. In the range of Reynolds numbers from 0.5 × 104 to 2.5 × 104, the change in the drag force coefficient is from 1.04 to 0.54, and the difference in the lift force coefficient is from 0.52 to 0.33.
Giant right ventricular thrombus as the revealing form of Behçet's disease
Authors: Maaroufi Anass A. , Abouradi Sara S. , Hayar Salah S. , Drighil Abdenacer A.
Published: April 2023

Background

Behçet's disease BD is a rare multisystemic disease, with rare cardiac involvement. This case illustrates a rare cardiac involvement as a giant intracavitary thrombus which was the revealing form of Behçet disease.

Case presentation

An 15-year-old male admitted to the emergency department for progressive dyspnoea, hemoptysis for which an echocardiogram displayed a large echogenic mass in the right ventricle and angio CT revealed associated bilateral pulmonary embolism. The patient was then proposed for surgery for removal and pathological study the later confirmed its fibrin thrombotic nature. Behçet disease was suspected based on past history of recurrent oral aphthosis and confirmed with a positive pathergy test. Further management by anticoagulants, immunosuppressants and corticosteroids seemed effective to avoid relapse.

Conclusions

Cardiac involvement during BD can be life-threatening as it is not always diagnosed in timely manner. However, intracardiac thrombus is uncommon with only few case reports. Echocardiography is the key tool for the diagnosis of intracardiac thrombus.
Evaluation of epicardial adipose tissue by coronary multi-detector computed tomography: an independent predictor of obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Moradi Maryam , Talebi Vahid
Published: April 2023

Background

The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue and coronary artery disease and its severity.

Methods

A total of 344 subjects with clinically suspected coronary artery disease underwent 256-slice multi-detector CT coronary angiography and were categorized as follows: no CAD, non-obstructive CAD (luminal narrowing < 50%) and obstructive CAD (luminal narrowing ≥ 50%). Calcium score was quantified using the Agatston method. Mean Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and mean pericoronary fat thickness (PCFT) were measured and utilized for data analysis.

Results

There was a significant association between EAT thickness and PCFT with clinical risk factors of CAD including HTN, DM and obesity (P-value: < 0.001) and dyslipidemia (P-value: 0.003, P-value: 0.008 for EAT and PCFT, respectively). EAT thickness and PCFT were significantly higher in obstructive CAD compared to non-obstructive CAD and no CAD categories (P-value: < 0.001). Also, there is positive strong correlation between EAT thickness, PCFT and Calcium score (P-value: < 0.001). Optimal cut-off point of PCFT for estimating obstructive CAD was > 12.87 mm (sensitivity: 77.06%, specificity: 66.06% and AUC:0.76; 95%CI:0.69–0.81) via receiver operating characteristic curve. On multivariate logistic analysis which included conventional risk factors of CAD, PCFT was an independent predictor of obstructive CAD (Odds ratio:1.55; P-value: < 0.001).

Conclusions

EAT thickness and PCFT were significantly increased in coronary artery disease. PCFT is a simple accessible marker for predicting obstructive CAD with acceptable diagnostic performance.
Chimney thoracic endovascular repair for anastomotic leakage after ascending aortic replacement for acute type A aortic dissection: a case report
Authors: Sakatsume Ko , Kudo Yasushi , Yanagiya Kazuaki , Naganuma Masaaki , Hatakeyama Masaharu , Masuda Shinya , Nagaya Koichi
Published: April 2023

Background   

Anastomotic leakage at the distal anastomotic site after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (AAD) occasionally leads to malperfusion or false lumen dilatation in the remnant dissected aorta. Open surgery remains the optimal therapy; however, subsequent surgery with re-sternotomy is excessively invasive in elderly and frail patients.

Case presentation

We report the case of an 81-year-old woman who was treated with chimney thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for anastomotic leakage after ascending aortic replacement for AAD. A pressure difference between the upper and lower limbs appeared after the primary surgery, and a computed tomography scan showed a stenotic true lumen in the descending aorta due to a “new tear” at the distal anastomotic site. Chimney TEVAR was performed to direct blood flow into the aortic true lumen in order to restore compromised blood flow to lower body because open surgery is excessively invasive for elderly and frail patients. No endoleak and a better expanded true lumen were detected after the subsequent surgical intervention.

Conclusions

Chimney TEVAR combined with an arch debranching procedure for sealing the new entry at the distal anastomotic site after ascending aortic replacement for AAD may be a viable option for high-risk patients.
Stroke Rehabilitation and Motor Recovery
Authors: O’Dell Michael W.
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVE

Up to 50% of the nearly 800,000 patients who experience a new or recurrent stroke each year in the United States fail to achieve full independence afterward. More effective approaches to enhance motor recovery following stroke are needed. This article reviews the rehabilitative principles and strategies that can be used to maximize post-stroke recovery.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Evidence dictates that mobilization should not begin prior to 24 hours following stroke, but detailed guidelines beyond this are lacking. Specific classes of potentially detrimental medications should be avoided in the early days poststroke. Patients with stroke who are unable to return home should be referred for evaluation to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Research suggests that a substantial increase in both the dose and intensity of upper and lower extremity exercise is beneficial. A clinical trial supports vagus nerve stimulation as an adjunct to occupational therapy for motor recovery in the upper extremity. The data remain somewhat mixed as to whether robotics, transcranial magnetic stimulation, functional electrical stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation are better than dose-matched traditional exercise. No current drug therapy has been proven to augment exercise poststroke to enhance motor recovery.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Neurologists will collaborate with rehabilitation professionals for several months following a patient’s stroke. Many questions still remain about the ideal exercise regimen to maximize motor recovery in patients poststroke. The next several years will likely bring a host of new research studies exploring the latest strategies to enhance motor recovery using poststroke exercise.
Ausgrabungen am Basler Murus Gallicus 1990-1993 / Teil 1 (Katalog)
Authors: Deschler-Erb Eckhard , Richner Kaspar , Matteotti René
Published: April 2023

Unter Mitarbeit von Christian StegmüllerMit Katalogbeiträgen von Sylvia Fünfschilling, Renate Ebersbach, Reto Jagher, Philippe Rentzel, Beatrice Schärli, Rahel C. Ackermann, Bernd Zimmermann, Thomas Böni, Marcel Mundschin und Viera Trancík
The dosage of thiopental as pharmacological cerebral protection during non-shunt carotid endarterectomy: A retrospective study
Authors: Sookplung Pimwan , Suchartwatnachai Pathomporn , Akavipat Phuping
Published: April 2023

Background: Thiopental has been used as a pharmacological cerebral protection strategy during carotid endarterectomy surgeries. However, the optimal dosage required to induce burst suppression on the electroencephalogram (EEG) remains unknown. This retrospective study aimed to determine the optimal dosage of thiopental required to induce burst suppression during non-shunt carotid endarterectomy.

Methods: The Neurological Institute of Thailand Review Board approved the study. Data were collected from 2009 to 2019 for all non-shunt carotid endarterectomy patients who received thiopental for pharmacological cerebral protection and had intraoperative EEG monitoring. Demographic information, carotid stenosis severity, intraoperative EEG parameters, thiopental dosage, carotid clamp time, intraoperative events, and patient outcomes were abstracted.

Results: The study included 57 patients. Among them, 24 patients (42%) achieved EEG burst suppression pattern with a thiopental dosage of 26.3+10.1 mg/kg/hr. There were no significant differences in perioperative events between patients who achieved burst suppression and those who did not. After surgery, 33.3% of patients who achieved burst suppression were extubated and awakened. One patient in the non-burst suppression group experienced mild neurological deficits. No deaths occurred within one month postoperative.

Conclusions: The optimal dosage of thiopental required to achieve burst suppression on intraoperative EEG during non-shunt carotid endarterectomy was 26.3+10.1 mg/kg/hr.
Distribution of sentence length and dependency distance in children’s compositions: Characteristics of natural language and variations in language development
Authors: Imada Mizuho
Published: April 2023

This study analyzed the distribution of the sentence length and mean of dependency distances (MDD) in Japanese sentences, comparing data from random sources with that obtained from children's compositions, and identifying changes in distribution according to grade level. Findings reveal that the sentence length in random data is well suited to a geometric distribution, whereas MDD is well suited to a lognormal distribution. In contrast, data from children's compositions show a shift in the distribution of the number of clauses from a lognormal to a gamma distribution, depending on the school year, with MDD suiting a gamma distribution. Mean MDD increases exponentially with the logarithm of the number of clauses in random data, while it increases linearly in composition data, thus generally supporting previous findings that dependency distances are optimized in natural language. However, MDDs exhibit non-monotonic changes with grades, suggesting the complexity of children's language development.