bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1-receptor agonists on cardiovascular and limb events in peripheral artery disease: A review
Authors: Skeik Nedaa , Elejla Sewar A , Sethi Anish , Manunga Jesse , Mirza Aleem
Published: January 2023

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetes mellitus are two overwhelming health problems associated with major cardiovascular (CV) and limb events, in addition to increased mortality, despite advances in medical therapies including statins and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide 1-receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) are two new antihyperglycemic drug classes that have been associated with a significant reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and CV risk. Whereas most studies had enrolled patients with T2D and concurrent CV disease (CVD), patients with PAD were obviously underrepresented. Furthermore, there was a signal of increased risk of amputation in one of the main trials with canagliflozin. We aim to provide a general review of the current literature and summarize societal guideline recommendations addressing the role of SGLT2i and GLP1-RA drugs in patients with CVD focusing on the PAD population when data are available. Endpoints of interest were MACE and, when available, major adverse limb events (MALE).
Daily experiences and well-being of Chinese parents of children with autism
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Sihan , Xu Jianjie , Hu Xiaoyi , Han Zhuo Rachel
Published: January 2023

Parents of children with autism experience significant stress and challenges in daily life that can impact their well-being. Using a daily diary method, the present study examined the same-day and next-day associations between child-related stress, social support, coping, and parental well-being outcomes (i.e. life satisfaction, positive and negative affect). A total of 76 parents (58 mothers) of autistic children participated in the study and completed daily diaries for 14 consecutive days. Multilevel modeling analyses indicated that child-related stress and social support were associated with same-day life satisfaction only in mothers. Moreover, positive coping on a given day was not only related to more positive affect and higher life satisfaction on the same day but also to higher life satisfaction on the next day, whereas negative coping was only related to higher negative affect and lower positive affect on the same day in both parents. These findings emphasize the benefits of positive coping and social support in raising children with autism, which may contribute toward the further development of existing support programs for parents of children with autism.

Lay abstract

The present study examined the influences of child-related stress, parental coping and social support on parental daily subjective well-being (i.e. positive and negative affect, life satisfactory) in Chinese families of children with autism spectrum disorder. For 14 days, a total of 76 parents (58 mothers) participated in the study and completed daily diaries. For mothers, child-related stress was related to lower life satisfaction; social support was related to higher life satisfaction that day. These daily relations were not found for fathers. Across all parents, avoidant coping was associated with higher negative affect and lower positive affect on the same day. Notably, daily positive coping was related to greater same-day positive affect as well as greater same-day and next-day life satisfaction. Interventions aimed at increasing positive coping and social support, and reducing child-related stress and avoidant coping are important to help parents maintain well-being, particularly for mothers of children with autism.
Effects of geometric nonlinearities on the vibration reduction performance of tuned mass dampers on top of flexible structures
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Qu Zhe , Huang Yuli , Wada Akira
Published: January 2023

A tuned mass damper (TMD) on top flexible structures may sustain considerable rotation because of the significant flexural deformation of the supporting structure. The effects of such rotation on the vibration reduction performance are generally neglected in the analysis and design of TMD-controlled systems, by assuming that the mass moves only laterally in a fixed global coordinate. This technical note critically reviews this assumption by comparing the dynamic responses of a lumped-mass Euler beam with a TMD on top in either fixed or corotational coordinates to harmonic ground excitations. The results show that the corotational local coordinate of TMDs, which introduces geometric nonlinearity into the system, tends to bias the peaks of the frequency response curve toward lower excitation frequency, but such an effect is less profound than that induced by the P- Δ effect, another source of geometric nonlinearity in the system. The relative error in the peak frequency response of neglecting this effect increases for larger lateral drift of the supporting structure and smaller mass ratio of the TMD. An empirical equation for estimating this error is proposed to assist the decision-making of whether this assumption is appropriate for specific applications of TMDs.
Airborne migration behaviour of SARS-CoV-2 coupled with varied air distribution systems in a ventilated space
Authors: Chang Seongju , Karunyasopon Prapavee , Le Minh , Park Dong Yoon , Chang Hojong
Published: January 2023

Air distribution system could critically affect SARS-CoV-2 transmission in indoor space; therefore, this study aims at demonstrating numerical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 migration with varied air distribution system configurations. Seven cases were investigated regarding three major aspects: how fast suspended particles can be removed from the ventilated space or changed into deposited particles; how much particles are attached to various object surfaces which leads to an infection by touching fomite. All cases were analyzed through computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Both different shapes (round or linear diffusers) and installation locations (ceiling or floor) of inlet and outlet diffusers were investigated. Results showed that different air distribution system would lead to different dispersion profiles of infectious particles and different deposition pattern of particles on interior surfaces. With the same air flow rate, linear-diffuser would perform better for CO2 extraction while requiring less time to remove or collide the same magnitude of suspended droplets compared to round-diffuser. However, how quickly removed or suspended droplets collide is not proportional to how less the number of total particles are remained. Two additional cases with double sized space possessing best ventilation configuration were also examined to explore potential application of the best-ventilated configuration to various spatial expansion cases.
Experimental study on the thermal performance of radiant floor heating system with the influence of solar radiation on the local floor surface
Authors: Zheng Jiacheng , Yu Tao , Lei Bo , Chen Chen
Published: January 2023

In some buildings with radiant floor systems for heating, solar radiation can irradiate the local floor surface, causing overheating and affecting the heating performance of the radiant floor. In this paper, an experiment was carried out to study the thermal performance of radiant floor partially irradiated by solar radiation. Results show that the solar radiation can promote the heat transfer from the irradiated floor to the room and reduce the heat transfer from the hot water to the floor. Compared with the cases without the solar radiation, the heat transfer from the hot water to the floor was reduced from 131.8 W/m2 to 79.7 W/m2 and the heating capacity of radiant floor surface was increased from 128.0 W/m2 to 402.8 W/m2 with the solar radiation on one third of the floor surface and the absorbed intensity of 456.2 W/m2. With the same irradiation area, if the solar radiation irradiated at the centre of the floor, the reduction effect on the heat transfer from the hot water was more obvious. Based on this experiment, these results can be used to evaluate the thermal performance of irradiated radiant floor, and are beneficial to the design of heating systems.
Trans visibility and trans viability: a Roundtable
Authors: Bey Marquis , Carmack Kara , Casid Jill , Cerankowski KJ , Crasnow Sascha , Gregory Stamatina , Halberstam Jack , Lancaster Lex Morgan , Metzger Cyle , Ringelberg Kirstin , Rizki Cole , Sharp Wiley , Steinbock Eliza , Stryker Susan
Published: January 2023

This Roundtable is crafted from the online event held on Saturday 20 November 2021 on Trans Visual Cultures. That event was organized to celebrate the recently published themed issue of Journal of Visual Culture on new work in transgender art and visual cultures, guest edited by Cyle Metzger and Kirstin Ringelberg, and suggested for the journal by Jill H Casid. The themed issue emerged from a session run at the College Art Association in New York, 2018, programmed by Metzger and Ringelberg. For the event in November 2021, some of the contributors to the journal’s themed issue (Kara Carmack, Sascha Crasnow, Stamatina Gregory, Cyle Metzger and Kirstin Ringelberg) were joined by interlocutor Jill Casid, and respondent Jack Halberstam to share their thoughts on trans visual culture/s now, and to consider what it is to write trans visual culture, as well as to live in relation to transness. The event happened to fall on Transgender Day of Remembrance. Given the fraught or ambivalent feelings that many have about such a day, the event was also taken as an occasion to talk about ways of untethering trans visibility from what is lethal to trans viability. After the event, the organizers solicited a few additional reflections on concerns that emerged – in particular around matters of the visual, trans visibility, and lived experience. These are brought together to act as a refractive prism for what happens when we center thinking seriously with the implications and potentials of trans art and visual culture for trans hopes and fears, kinship and community, lives and loves. The publication of this Roundtable takes the themed issue as a crucial springboard for critical, transversal trans* imaginings of the variant worlds to be unfolded by undoing the lock of the gender binary and its settler colonial and white supremacist violences, and to further the demand that thinking with trans alters substantially the ways we approach the visual.
Aeroacoustic characteristics of supersonic offset jets
Authors: Nakkala Harinath Reddy , Srinivasan K
Published: January 2023

The offset jet configuration is one where the jet is discharged at some distance from a solid surface. Although the geometric configuration may look simple, the flow may involve several complexities. In propulsion systems, the high-speed jet generated from the rear engine of an aircraft, flowing nearby the fuselage, can be treated as an offset jet. In this work, an experimental investigation of the interaction noise due to circular high-speed offset jets is performed in an anechoic environment at different nozzle pressure ratios and offset ratios (height of the jet centerline above the plate per nozzle width). A large horizontal plate placed over a height-adjustable stand is used as the offset plate. Acoustic characteristics such as overall sound pressure level and the directivity pattern of free and offset jets are compared for different nozzle pressure ratios. The effect of offset ratio on noise characteristics is also investigated. Flow visualization is also carried out to understand the shock structure and its noise generation mechanism. Acoustic characteristics reveal that noise levels are higher for an offset jet compared to a free jet. Sound pressure levels for offset ratio 0.5 are lower than those for other offset ratios. The noise levels are higher for offset ratio 1.0 due to the presence of feedback tone. Schlieren visualization studies also corroborate the above characteristics.
What Can Grounded Theory do for Human Resource Development? An Approach for Post-Pandemic Research and Beyond
Authors: Brandhorst Jaclyn K. , Compton Cristin , Solon Keira , Huyler Debaro , McGill Craig M. , Barnhart Lydia
Published: January 2023

As employee preferences change and organizations adapt and transform as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, new research opportunities are present for HRD scholars interested in training and development, organizational behavior, job design, change management, the creation of healthy and productive workplaces, and more. In the face of new opportunities for research, we discuss the value of revisiting grounded theory methodology as a resource for generating theory in HRD contexts. As a methodology, grounded theory is a useful tool for exploring processes and building theory grounded in data. In this paper, we examine the potential of grounded theory to contribute meaningfully to the research and practice of HRD by discussing the historical development of grounded theory, the current state of grounded theory research in HRD, and the implications of grounded theory work on the future of HRD scholarship.
Acute Effects of Combination Therapy by Triceps Surae Stretching and Electrical Stimulation to the Tibialis Anterior on Medial Forefoot Plantar Pressure During Gait in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Maeshige Noriaki , Moriguchi Maiki , Fujii Miki , Kanazawa Hoshinori , Yoshikawa Yoshiyuki , Kitamura Kazuya , Okuno Fumiya , Yamaguchi Atomu , Uemura Mikiko , Hosomi Masashi , Hara Kenta , Terashi Hiroto , Fujino Hidemi
Published: January 2023

High plantar flexor moment and limited ankle mobility are known to cause high plantar pressure under the forefoot. Stretching is an effective physical therapy for the limited ankle range of motion (ROM), and electrical stimulation is used to regulate the activity of antagonistic muscle via the action of reciprocal inhibition. Additionally, stretching paired with electrical stimulation has been reported to improve the limited ROM significantly. This study aims to investigate the influences of stretching on triceps surae (STR), electrical stimulation to tibialis anterior (ES), and the combination (ES+STR) on the ROM, kinematic parameters, and plantar pressure distribution during gait in patients with diabetes mellitus. Planter pressure and other parameters were measured before and after the intervention of ES, STR, ES+STR, or the rest sitting on the bed (CON) for 10 min. Pressure time integral under the medial forefoot decreased in the ES+STR compared to CON ( P< .05). Interestingly, ES+STR increased passive and dynamic ROM on ankle dorsiflexion during gait and increased the lateral center of pressure excursion ( P < .05). Furthermore, these changes were followed by decreased contact duration under the medial forefoot ( P < .05). The combined therapy improves ankle mobility during gait and reduces the contact duration and the plantar pressure under the medial forefoot in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Experiencing Collaborative Inquiry Online: A Literature Review
Authors: Perry Shannon A. B.
Published: January 2023

This literature review explores how various challenges and possibilities of enacting collaborative inquiry (CI) in online contexts intersect with this holistic action research method’s aims of transforming participant being, knowing, and doing. This article asks how digital tools and virtual platforms enable and constrain the democratic collaboration, solidarity-in-diversity, and multiple ways of knowing CI strives to cultivate. Findings and discussion offer guidance for conveners of online CIs and highlight further practical considerations.
Indoor and outdoor in-flight odometry based solely on optic flows with oscillatory trajectories
Authors: Bergantin L , Coquet C , Dumon J , Negre A , Raharijaona T , Marchand N , Ruffier F
Published: January 2023

Estimating distance traveled is a frequently arising problem in robotic applications designed for use in environments where GPS is only intermittently or not at all available. In UAVs, the presence of weight and computational power constraints makes it necessary to develop odometric strategies based on minimilastic equipment. In this study, a hexarotor was made to perform up-and-down oscillatory movements while flying forward in order to test a self-scaled optic flow based odometer. The resulting self-oscillatory trajectory generated series of contractions and expansions in the optic flow vector field, from which the flight height of the hexarotor could be estimated using an Extended Kalman Filter. For the odometry, the downward translational optic flow was scaled by this current visually estimated flight height before being mathematically integrated to obtain the distance traveled. Here we present three strategies based on sensor fusion requiring no, precise or rough prior knowledge of the optic flow variations generated by the sinusoidal trajectory. The “rough prior knowledge” strategy is based on the shape and timing of the variations in the optic flow. Tests were performed first in a flight arena, where the hexarotor followed a circular trajectory while oscillating up and down over a distance of about [Formula: see text] m under illuminances of [Formula: see text] lux and [Formula: see text] lux. Preliminary field tests were then performed, in which the hexarotor followed a longitudinal bouncing [Formula: see text]-long trajectory over an irregular pattern of grass.
Linc00511 Knockdown Inhibited TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition of Bronchial Epithelial Cells by Targeting miR-16-5p/Smad3
Authors: She Weiwei , Sun Tianshou , Long Chengfeng , Chen Meiyu , Chen Xu , Liao Qinxue , Wang Mingdong
Published: January 2023

Background

Airway remodeling in patients with asthma was correlated with induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of bronchial epithelial cells.

Objective

This study examined the mechanism of Linc00511 on induced EMT of bronchial epithelial cells after transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) induction.

Methods

The human bronchial epithelial cell 16HBE was treated with 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 for 12 h, 24 h, or 48 h to induce EMT. Cell proliferation and migration rate were detected using CCK8 and wound healing assays, respectively. The expression of key markers of EMT (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Small mothers against decapentaplegic family member 3 [Smad3], and slug) was tested by Western blot.

Results

We found that Linc00511 was time dependently increased in TGF-β-treated 16HBE cells. Silencing Linc00511 reduced 16HBE cell proliferation, migration, and EMT progress. In addition, the dual-luciferase reporter assay showed Linc00511 was a molecular sponge for miR-16-5p. MiR-16-5p decreased the expression of Smad3 by targeting its 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR). After TGF-β1 exposure, miR-16-5p silencing counteracted the decreases of 16HBE cell proliferation, migration, and EMT induced by Linc00511 knockdown. And Smad3 overexpression also reversed the inhibitory effect of Linc00511 knockdown on proliferation, migration, and EMT progression in TGF-β1-induced human bronchial epithelial cells.

Conclusion

Linc00511 may be a valuable biomarker for asthma therapy.
Transient asystole associated with vasovagal reflex in an oral surgery patient: A case report
Authors: Shimoda Hajime , Yamauchi Kensuke , Takahashi Tetsu
Published: January 2023

The perioperative cardiac events may be brought about by a relative imbalance of autonomic activities due to excessive psychological and physical stress. The present case study focuses on the asystole that can occur as a serious cardiac adverse event associated with vasovagal reflex likely to be triggered by venipuncture for securing an intravenous line during dental care. In addition, we describe and discuss herein the management of intravenous sedation for a dental phobic patient who experienced the vasovagal reflex involved in an unexpected transient asystole. The patient with vasovagal reflex episodes in daily life, who had no past medical history relevant to cardiovascular disorders, was scheduled for dental extraction under intravenous sedation. Immediately after peripheral intravenous catheterization, she complained of discomfort and nausea, and a II-lead electrocardiogram revealed asystole following bradycardia associated with vasovagal reflex. Oxygenation and intravenous fluid loading in the supine position with elevation of the lower extremities restored sinus rhythm and normal hemodynamics without the intervention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. With administration of intravenous atropine and betamethasone as premedication, she was uneventfully treated in stress-free psychosomatic conditions under optimal sedation with midazolam without any signs of cardiovascular disorders. After administration of flumazenil, the patient satisfactorily recovered from sedation without re-sedation. The present case suggests that an asystole associated with vasovagal reflex can be triggered by venipuncture for intravenous catheterization during dental anxiety likely to affect the imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activities.
Splenic lymphangioma in adult patient treated with laparoscopic splenectomy: A rare case report
Authors: Pham Minh Duc , Nguyen Minh Thao , Vo Minh Tri Thi , Hoang Van Trung , Pham Ngoc Trinh Thi
Published: January 2023

Splenic lymphangioma is a benign cystic tumor that develops as a result of lymphatic vessels’ congenital abnormalities. It is a rare condition that mostly occurs in children and young adults. Due to the lack of typical symptoms and signs, splenic lymphangioma is difficult to diagnose and often incidentally revealed during radiological examinations. We report a case of a 55-year-old Asian female, who presented with left upper quadrant abdominal pain in the past 3 days. She had mild upper abdominal tenderness, with no other specific findings. Abdominal contrast material–enhanced computed tomography revealed three hypodense lesions arising from a normal-sized spleen. The histologic findings after laparoscopic splenectomy demonstrated a 3-cm-diameter yellowish-white tumor made up of multiple cystic structures. Primary benign splenic tumors are exceedingly rare, especially in adults over 20. While small lesions are mostly asymptomatic, bigger lesions can cause organ compression or even rupture. Therefore, even in adults with pain in the left upper quadrant abdomen or enlarged spleen, splenic lymphangioma should be taken into account in the differential diagnosis. The case serves as an example of a rare congenital splenic tumor. Treatment of this benign splenic abnormality with laparoscopic splenectomy is a good, safe approach.
A new machine learning algorithm with high interpretability for improving the safety and efficiency of thrombolysis for stroke patients: A hospital-based pilot study
Authors: Shao Huiling , Chan Wing Chi Lawrence , Du Heng , Chen Xiangyan Fiona , Ma Qilin , Shao Zhiyu
Published: January 2023

Background

Thrombolysis is the first-line treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke. Previous studies leveraged machine learning to assist neurologists in selecting patients who could benefit the most from thrombolysis. However, when designing the algorithm, most of the previous algorithms traded interpretability for predictive power, making the algorithms hard to be trusted by neurologists and be used in real clinical practice.

Methods

Our proposed algorithm is an advanced version of classical k-nearest neighbors classification algorithm (KNN). We achieved high interpretability by changing the isotropy in feature space of classical KNN. We leveraged a cohort of [Formula: see text] patients to prove that our algorithm maintains the interpretability of previous models while in the meantime improving the predictive power when compared with the existing algorithms. The predictive powers of models were assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

In terms of interpretability, only onset time, diabetes, and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were statistically significant and their contributions to the final prediction were forced to be proportional to their feature importance values by the rescaling formula we defined. In terms of predictive power, our advanced KNN (AUC 0.88) outperformed the classical KNN (AUC 0.75, [Formula: see text]).

Conclusions

Our preliminary results show that the advanced KNN achieved high AUC and identified consistent significant clinical features as previous clinical trials/observational studies did. This model shows the potential to assist in thrombolysis patient selection for improving the successful rate of thrombolysis.
Telemedicine ready or not? A cross-sectional assessment of telemedicine maturity of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria
Authors: Olufunlayo Tolulope F , Ojo Oluwadamilola O , Ozoh Obianuju B , Agabi Osigwe P , Opara Chuks R , Taiwo Funmilola T , Fasanmade Olufemi A , Okubadejo Njideka U
Published: January 2023

Introduction and objective

Telemedicine has reinforced its position as a means for the continuity of healthcare services and a cost-effective approach to improving health equity as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The preparedness of health systems for telemedicine is an indicator of the scalability of their services, especially during catastrophes. We aimed to assess the maturity and preparedness of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria, to deploy telemedicine as such data are currently lacking and are required to drive improvements in health services delivery.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of thirty randomly selected federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria using the Pan American Health Organization's tool for assessing the maturity level of health institutions to implement telemedicine between 17 September 2020 and 1 September 2021. Descriptive statistics were used for overall maturity levels and non-parametric tests to compare scores for overall maturity and specific Pan American Health Organization domains per region. The level of significance was set at p-value <0.05.

Results

The response rate was 77.4% (24 of 30 randomly polled federally funded tertiary health institutions responded). Overall, the median telemedicine maturity level was 2.0 (1.75) indicating a beginner level. No significant inter-zonal difference in the median overall maturity level ( p = 0.87). The median maturity levels for telemedicine readiness in specific domains were organizational readiness – 2.0 (2.0), processes 1.0 (1.0), digital environment 2.0 (3.0), human resources 2.0 (1.0), regulatory issues – 1.5 (1.0) and expertise 2.0 (2.0); mostly at beginner level, with no inter-zonal differences. Most participating institutions had no initiatives in place for domains of processes and regulatory issues.

Conclusions

The current telemedicine maturity level of federally funded tertiary health institutions in Nigeria is at the beginner level. This behoves policy-makers to advance the implementation and deployment of telemedicine nationwide as part of digital quality healthcare, to improve health equity and to ensure continuity of healthcare services in the event of another pandemic.
High fever in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated disorder (MOGAD): A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Azar Chadi , Akiki Grace , Haddad Sara F , Kerbage Anthony , Haddad Fady , Macaron Gabrielle
Published: January 2023

The phenotypic spectrum of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-IgG associated disorders (MOGAD) has broadened in the past few years, and atypical phenotypes are increasingly recognized. Febrile meningoencephalitis has rarely been reported as a feature of MOGAD and represents a diagnostic challenge. We report the case of 24-year-old women with high-grade fever, meningoencephalomyelitis, and persistently positive MOG-IgG, for whom an extensive infectious work-up was negative and who responded to high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone. The full clinical spectrum of MOGAD is yet to be completely elucidated. In patients presenting with febrile meningoencephalitis, MOG-IgG testing should be considered particularly if infectious work-up is negative.
A Discourse Analytic Study of #FixTheCountry on Ghanaian Twitter
Authors: Nartey Mark , Yu Yating
Published: January 2023

This article analyzes tweets produced during the “fix the country” campaign on Ghanaian Twitter. It illustrates how the affordances of social media can empower campaigners and how linguistic choices, even on digital platforms, can be conditioned by sociocultural context, spatiotemporal factors, and local politics. The findings reveal three main discursive strategies utilized in the tweets to construct the protest as a discourse of contestation intended to resist social inequalities and promote a shared vision: (1) depicting the Ghanaian government as irresponsible, (2) portraying the Ghanaian people as victims, and (3) issuing a clarion call to action. These strategies were framed with various linguistic resources, and they enabled the protesters to recruit support for their objectives, mobilize the masses for social action, and lay the foundation for an offline demonstration. The article holds implications for the burgeoning scholarship on framing processes and the discursive strategies of online social movements.
WITHDRAWN—Administrative Duplicate Publication: Engagement with China from inside and out: Kindness and academic dialogue
Authors: Lim Miguel , He Rui , Chan Choen Yin
Published: January 2023

This special collection draws upon themes discussed at the annual China and Higher Education conference series started at the University of Manchester. One recurring theme concerns the experiences of academics in Chinese institutions, particularly international and returnee academics in China and the related recruitment and management policies. The articles in this issue all relate to this theme, as well as wider processes of cooperation between China and ‘external’ partners or ‘outsiders’. In this light we also propose more attention to the notion of ‘kindness’ to describe both the theory and practice of these engagements.
Does Organizational Support Moderate the Influence of Family–Work Conflict on Career Progression?
Authors: Adu Isaac Nyarko , Twumasi Evelyn , Boakye Kwame Owusu , Kyei-Frimpong Michael
Published: January 2023

One of the major challenges faced by female employees is the difficulty in juggling between family and work roles. This affects their career progression in the organization. Therefore, this study aims at examining the buffering role of perceived organizational support in the relationship between family–work conflict and career progression. The study utilizes the quantitative research paradigm and employed the survey research design. Responses from two hundred and twenty (220) female officers of the Ghana Revenue Authority–Customs Division were analysed using Smart PLS – 3.0 and Haye’s (2017) PROCESS macro. The result of the study revealed that family–work conflict is negatively related with career progression (career goal progression, professional ability development, and promotion speed). Perceived organizational support moderated the association between family–work conflict and both professional ability development and promotion speed. However, it did not moderate the relationship between family–work conflict and career goal progression. These findings imply that for female officers to progress in the midst of family–work conflict, organizations must institute support systems and policies to reduce its impact on career progression.
Expressing Your Personality Through Apparels: Role of Fashion Involvement and Innovativeness in Purchase Intention
Authors: Kaur Jasmandeep , Malik Priyanka , Singh Surabhi
Published: January 2023

The study was conducted to identify the role of consumer personality in influencing fashion consumption; the study tries to establish a relationship between personality, fashion involvement, innovativeness, and purchase intention. Data were collected from 512 generation Z participants (born after 1997) and analysed using Structural Equation Modelling to demonstrate multivariate relationships using descriptive and causal research. The study concludes that a consumer’s personality positively correlates with fashion involvement. The present study strengthens the finding that apparel expresses an individual’s personality by stating that consumers’ personalities are positively associated with fashion innovativeness. Once personality leads to a positive association with fashion involvement and innovation, the latter two traits show a positive association with purchase intention. Among the innovativeness and involvement, the latter has a more influential role in shaping the customer’s purchase intention. The examination of the effect of consumer personality on fashion consumption-related variables, involvement, and innovativeness has contributed to a better understanding of the mechanism that underlies the operation of an individual purchasing a product.
Giving Hope as a High Reliability Function of Health Care
Authors: Mylod Deirdre , Lee Thomas H
Published: January 2023

We believe that reliably offering Hope should be one of the goals of the therapeutic relationship between clinician and patient. Establishing Hope as a target outcome creates opportunities for both patients and clinicians to find meaning in their journeys. This article defines Hope in a new way by quantifying Hope as the delta or increase in one's belief that a future positive state can be achieved. Though prior conceptual models of Hope have focused nearly exclusively on an individual's own agency and competence to achieve goals, we particularly emphasize the role of Other—specifically, that of the clinician—in promoting Hope for patients. We recommend a Hope Checklist for clinicians that incorporates (1) the process of eliciting and clarifying patient goals, (2) conveying the intent and ability to help, and (3) identifying realistic pathways forward with the specific intent to maximize patient confidence in the potential to achieve meaningful positive outcomes.
A comprehensive landscape of transcription profiles and data resources for human leukemia
Authors: Luo Mei , Miao Ya-Ru , Ke Ya-Juan , Guo An-Yuan , Zhang Qiong
Published: January 2023

As a heterogeneous group of hematologic malignancies, leukemia has been widely studied at the transcriptome level. However, a comprehensive transcriptomic landscape and resources for different leukemia subtypes are lacking. Thus, in this study, we integrated the RNA sequencing data sets of >3000 samples from 14 leukemia subtypes and 53 related cell lines via a unified analysis pipeline. We depicted the corresponding transcriptomic landscape and developed a user-friendly data portal LeukemiaDB. LeukemiaDB was designed with 5 main modules: protein-coding gene, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), circular RNA, alternative splicing, and fusion gene modules. In LeukemiaDB, users can search and browse the expression level, regulatory modules, and molecular information across leukemia subtypes or cell lines. In addition, a comprehensive analysis of data in LeukemiaDB demonstrates that (1) different leukemia subtypes or cell lines have similar expression distribution of the protein-coding gene and lncRNA; (2) some alternative splicing events are shared among nearly all leukemia subtypes, for example, MYL6 in A3SS, MYB in A5SS, HMBS in retained intron, GTPBP10 in mutually exclusive exons, and POLL in skipped exon; (3) some leukemia-specific protein-coding genes, for example, ABCA6, ARHGAP44, WNT3, and BLACE, and fusion genes, for example, BCR-ABL1 and KMT2A-AFF1 are involved in leukemogenesis; (4) some highly correlated regulatory modules were also identified in different leukemia subtypes, for example, the HOXA9 module in acute myeloid leukemia and the NOTCH1 module in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In summary, the developed LeukemiaDB provides valuable insights into oncogenesis and progression of leukemia and, to the best of our knowledge, is the most comprehensive transcriptome resource of human leukemia available to the research community.
Role of ATP in migraine mechanisms: focus on P2X3 receptors
Authors: Giniatullin R. , Nistri A.
Published: January 2023

Migraine is a major health burden worldwide with complex pathophysiology and multifarious underlying mechanisms. One poorly understood issue concerns the early steps in the generation of migraine pain. To elucidate the basic process of migraine pain further, it seems useful to consider key molecular players that may operate synergistically to evoke headache. While the neuropeptide CGRP is an important contributor, we propose that extracellular ATP (that generally plays a powerful nociceptive role) is also a major component of migraine headache, acting in concert with CGRP to stimulate trigeminal nociceptive neurons. The aim of the present focused review is to highlight the role of ATP activating its P2X3 membrane receptors selectively expressed by sensory neurons including their nerve fiber terminals in the meninges. Specifically, we present data on the homeostasis of ATP and related purines in the trigeminovascular system and in the CNS; the basic properties of ATP signalling at peripheral and central nerve terminals; the characteristics of P2X3 and related receptors in trigeminal neurons; the critical speed and persistence of P2X3 receptor activity; their cohabitation at the so-called meningeal neuro-immune synapse; the identity of certain endogenous agents cooperating with ATP to induce neuronal sensitization in the trigeminal sensory system; the role of P2X3 receptors in familial type migraine; the current state of P2X3 receptor antagonists and their pharmacological perspectives in migraine. It is proposed that the unique kinetic properties of P2X3 receptors activated by ATP offer an interesting translational value to stimulate future studies for innovative treatments of migraine pain.
The reliability of patient blood pressure self-assessments – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nessler Katarzyna , Krztoń-Królewiecka Anna , Suska Anna , Mann Mitchell R. , Nessler Michał B. , Windak Adam
Published: January 2023

Objective

Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is an increasingly important tool in managing hypertension (HTN); however, its efficacy depends on its accuracy. This study aimed to explore the differences between blood pressure (BP) measurements conducted by patients and medical professionals and the patient demographic factors correlating with inaccurate self-measured BP levels.

Methods

One hundred hypertensive patients completed a questionnaire inquiring about their health status and HBPM procedures and were filmed while measuring their BP using their own devices. A researcher then measured the patients' BP using a calibrated sphygmomanometer to assess the accuracy of patient-performed readings. This cross-sectional study was conducted in five primary healthcare centers in Kraków, Poland.

Results

The mean differences in systolic and diastolic BP readings by patients and researchers were 8.36 mmHg (SD = 10.90 mmHg) and 2.16 mmHg (SD = 9.12 mmHg), respectively. Inaccuracies in patient BP measurements were associated with a less than high school education level, patients’ age, and a family history of HTN.

Conclusion

Patient self-measured BP levels were higher than researcher values, likely due to a higher patient error rate. Healthcare providers must increase training regarding correct HBPM techniques offered to patients; such efforts should be directed at all hypertensive patients, emphasizing the most error-prone demographics.
Feasibility of three times weekly symptom screening in pediatric cancer patients
Authors: Calligan Maryann , Chakkalackal Lauren , Dadzie Grace , Tardif-Theriault Cassandra , Cook Sadie , Vettese Emily , Soman Dilip , Kuczynski Susan , Schechter Tal , Dupuis L. Lee , Sung Lillian
Published: January 2023

Objective

Primary objective was to determine the feasibility of three times weekly symptom reporting by pediatric cancer patients for eight weeks.

Methods

We included English-speaking patients 8–18 years of age with cancer. Patients were sent reminders by text or email to complete Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool (SSPedi) three times weekly for eight weeks. When patients reported at least one severely bothersome symptom, the symptom report was emailed to the primary healthcare team. Patient-reported outcomes were obtained at baseline, week 4 ± 1 and week 8 ± 1. Symptom documentation, intervention provision for symptoms and unplanned healthcare encounters were determined by chart review at weeks 4 and 8. The primary endpoint was feasibility, defined as at least 75% patients achieving adherence with at least 60% of SSPedi evaluations. We planned to enroll successive cohorts until this threshold was met.

Results

Two cohorts consisting of 30 patients (cohort 1 (n = 20) and cohort 2 (n = 10)) were required to meet the feasibility threshold. In cohort 1, 11/20 (55%) met the SSPedi completion threshold. Interventions applied after cohort 1 included engaging parents to facilitate pediatric patient self-report, offering mechanisms to remember username and password and highlighting potential benefits of symptom feedback to clinicians. In cohort 2, 9/10 (90%) met the SSPedi completion threshold and thus feasibility was met. Patient-reported outcomes and chart review outcomes were obtained for all participants in cohort 2.

Conclusions

Three times weekly symptom reporting by pediatric patients with cancer for eight weeks was feasible. Mechanisms to enhance three times weekly symptom reporting were identified and implemented. Future studies of longitudinal symptom screening can now be planned.
Differential presence of exons (DPE): sequencing liquid biopsy by NGS. A new method for clustering colorectal Cancer patients
Authors: Rubio-Mangas David , García-Arranz Mariano , Torres-Rodriguez Yaima , León-Arellano Miguel , Suela Javier , García-Olmo Damián
Published: January 2023

Differential presence of exons (DPE) by next generation sequencing (NGS) is a method of interpretation of whole exome sequencing. This method has been proposed to design a predictive and diagnostic algorithm with clinical value in plasma from patients bearing colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of the present study was to determine a common exonic signature to discriminate between different clinical pictures, such as non-metastatic, metastatic and non-disease (healthy), using a sustainable and novel technology in liquid biopsy.

Through DPE analysis, we determined the differences in DNA exon levels circulating in plasma between patients bearing CRC vs. healthy, patients bearing CRC metastasis vs. non-metastatic and patients bearing CRC metastasis vs. healthy comparisons. We identified a set of 510 exons (469 up and 41 down) whose differential presence in plasma allowed us to group and classify between the three cohorts. Random forest classification (machine learning) was performed and an estimated out-of-bag (OOB) error rate of 35.9% was obtained and the predictive model had an accuracy of 75% with a confidence interval (CI) of 56.6–88.5.

In conclusion, the DPE analysis allowed us to discriminate between different patho-physiological status such as metastatic, non-metastatic and healthy donors. In addition, this analysis allowed us to obtain very significant values with respect to previous published results, since we increased the number of samples in our study. These results suggest that circulating DNA in patient’s plasma may be actively released by cells and may be involved in intercellular communication and, therefore, may play a pivotal role in malignant transformation (genometastasis).
Postoperative cosmetic outcome of intraoperative radiotherapy in comparison to whole breast radiotherapy in early stage breast cancer; a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nafissi Nahid , Meshkati Yazd Seyed Mostafa , Shahriarirad Reza , Zangeneh Saba , Ghorbani Sahar , Farazmand Borna , Karoobi Mohammadreza , Mirzaei Hamid Reza
Published: January 2023

Background

In this study, we aim to evaluate the cosmetic outcome differences between Intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy (IOERT) and whole breast radiotherapy (WBR) with further investigation of boosted IOERT.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in two referral centers in Tehran, Iran. 116 women aged 30 to 79 with early-stage breast cancer (T0-2N0-1M0) eligible for breast conservation were divided into two groups of 58 based on the intervention they received, and further subgroups were defined based on receiving boosted IOERT. Patients in both groups underwent breast conservation surgery and those in the IOERT group received either a 21 Gy radical dose (radical IOERT) or 12 Gy boosted electron beam radiotherapy and a routine fractionated dose of 50 Gy in 25 sessions of WBR (boosted IOERT). Those in the WBR group were administered 50Gy in 32 sessions. Physician-assessed cosmetic outcome was defined as the primary result and incidence of fat necrosis and fibrosis and post-operative chronic pain were secondary outcomes.

Results

Post-operative cosmetic outcome scores and chronic pain, showed no significant difference between the two groups. The median cosmetic score in both groups was 9. Fat necrosis and fibrosis had significantly higher rates in the IOERT group (P. Value: 0.001). However, the majority (21/34 or 61.8%) of this complication was observed in the boosted IOERT subgroup and no statistical significance was recorded between the radical IOERT subgroup and the WBR group.

Conclusions

In early-stage breast cancer treatment, radical IOERT has noninferiority compared to WBR in terms of cosmesis. Regarding fat necrosis and fibrosis, boosted IOERT was associated with higher rates in comparison to other groups. Therefore, radical IOERT seems to be a better treatment option for selected patients.
Quantify retinal structure in high-altitude residents with and without high altitude polycythemia
Authors: Ma Jinlan , Niu Haoyu , Han Changjing , Qu Yi
Published: January 2023

Background

To assess retinal structural parameters in high-altitude (HA) residents with and without high altitude polycythemia (HAPC) and to elucidate the relationship between retinal structural parameters and hemoglobin (HGB).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 55 HAPC patients and 52 healthy HA residents. Retinal structural parameters included retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, optic nerve head (ONH) parameters and retinal vessel diameter. RNFL thickness were acquired from spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) built-in software. ONH parameters including neuroretina rim height, cup area, disc area and vertical cup/disc ratio were obtained by OCT built-in software and ImageJ software. Retinal vessel measurements including central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) and AVR (artery/vein ratio) were calculated by revised formulas for summarizing retinal vessel diameters. All parameters were compared between HAPC group versus healthy HA group. The associations between retinal parameters and HGB were assessed by Pearson correlation analyses.

Results

In comparison of HAPC group versus healthy HA group, RNFL thickness was thicker in the nasal quadrant of the optic disc in HAPC group (74.82 ± 14.4 VS. 66.06 ± 13.71 μm, P = 0.002). Bigger disc area and bigger cup area were also observed in HAPC group (all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the value of CRVE was higher in HAPC group which suggested that retinal veins dilated significantly in HAPC patients (P < 0.001), however, CRAE and AVR were comparable between groups. Pearson analyses revealed that HGB was positive correlated with CRVE in HAPC group (r = 0.469, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

long-term HA exposure secondary HAPC could result in thickened RNFL, enlarged ONH and dilated retinal veins. Moreover, increased blood viscosity caused by HGB should be responsible for dilated veins, but not for thickened RNFL and enlarged ONH. This study deepens the understanding of the impact of HA environment on retina.