bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Culture of Excellence (CoE) within a Private Philippine Higher Education Institution amidst of the Global Health Crisis
Authors: Andaya Mitch , Buyco Hamil , Cabo Danica Chrizzy Ann , Dayrit Rheal , Duenas Jean , Espardinez Weena Jennifer , Ferraro John Bryan , Oriel Margery , San Pedro Jay R , Sucaldito Shania Jane , Tan Benjamin , Caballes Dennis
Published: September 2022

Excellence is one of the thriving drives that any Higher Education Institution in Philippines to be attuned regardless of the challenges imposed by the society, especially during the initial phase of the global health crisis.  The context of excellence in Higher Education has different vantage points that have great indicators or manifestations of being excellence in different foundational pillars of Higher Education Institutions.  With this, the researchers examined the Culture of Excellence among the employees of a Private Philippine Higher Education Institution during the pandemic COVID-19 through a descriptive-correlational research design.  Thus, the researchers developed and validated a research instrument that suited for the intention of the study. The developed research instrument was digitized and floated accordingly.  Whereas, respondents were determined through the collaboration of the purposive and stratified sampling techniques.  Afterward, the collected data was statistically analysed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, and appropriate correlational analysis. It revealed that the respondents agree that they observed the indicators of Culture of Excellence despite of the global health crisis and modality of working.  Furthermore, age and educational background were statistically related to their perception towards the Culture of Excellence.  Based on these insights, the researchers created a proposed action plan to further harness and strengthen the said culture among the employees of the institution.
Operational Management and Financial Performance of Tourism Industry in Selected Towns of Batangas
Authors: Llanes Lady Grace Violy
Published: September 2022

This study primarily aimed to accomplished four basic objectives, which are: determine the company profiles of  tourism businesses at selected towns in Batangas; evaluate the level of effectiveness of the operating management practices of tourism companies in terms of the human resource, marketing and  financial management;  examine the level of their financial performance  in terms of sales growth and profitability; and, find the significant correlation in the respondent’s assessment on the effectiveness of the operational management practices and financial performance of the tourism companies. This study employed the descriptive survey research method that engaged 270 proprietors and managers of different tourism enterprises across the province of Batangas. Convenient sampling technique was used and Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) to process the data. The researcher utilized Frequency and Percentage Distribution, Weighted Mean and Pearson Correlation Coefficient.

The study revealed that most tourism businesses in selected towns in Batangas belong to Sun and Beach Tourism. Majority are sole proprietorship, with less than three million capitalizations. Years in business operation are mostly 1 to 5 years, with more than 20 employees. Findings illustrate that the majority of tourism businesses of Batangas gave more importance on certain aspects of operational management over the others. For financial management, financial control has been prioritized over financial planning. Marketing management is assessed as one of the most essential aspects of business operation. The study found a very weak to weak correlation in Human Resource, Financial and Marketing Management vs. Sales Revenue Growth and Profitability Growth.
Public School Heads’ Leadership Style and Best Practices in the Depart-ment of Education in Bulacan, Philippines
Authors: Estacio Madonna R. , Estacio Dennis L.
Published: September 2022

This study aims to determine the leadership style and the best practices of the school heads in the department of education in Bulacan. In the Philippines, there shall be a school head for all public elementary and secondary schools or as cluster thereof, pursuant to Section 6.1, Rule VI of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Republic Acts No. 9155 (Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001). A school head is a person responsible for the administrative and instructional supervision of the school or cluster if schools. As such, a school head is expected to possess the following leadership: educational leadership, people leadership and strategic leadership. The study will use the Research Design, Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (Creswell, 2014), extensive documentary analysis was employed. Every school heads function as leaders resulted to improved learners’ profound academic performance, brought by a strong leadership formulated an achievable vision, mission in accomplishing the goal. Best practices were clearly demonstrated as the indicators of better and improving school learning environment.
Fibonacci Numbers as Hyperparameters for Image Dimension of a Convolu-tional Neural Network Image Prognosis Classification Model of COVID X-ray Images
Authors: Torralba Edwin M.
Published: September 2022

In recent years, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have achieved amazing success in a variety of image categorization tasks. However, the architecture of CNNs has a significant impact on their performance. The designs of the most cutting-edge CNNs are frequently hand-crafted by experts in both CNNs and the topics under investigation. As a result, it's tough for users who don't have a lot of experience with CNNs to come up with the best CNN architecture for their individual image categorization challenges. This work investigates the application of the Fibonacci numbers to efficiently solve picture classification challenges by utilizing the hyperparameter of image dimension of COVID and non-COVID x-ray images. The suggested algorithm's greatest strength is the development of a CNN model that can be utilized for COVID viral prognosis using x-ray images to supplement existing COVID pandemic testing techniques. The proposed approach is tested using the metrics of training time, accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score on commonly used benchmark image classification datasets. According to the experimental data, the CNN model with an image dimension of 55 x 55 surpasses the other CNN models in terms of training time, accuracy, recall, and F1-score. Several issues were raised about how to choose the best CNN models for prognostic picture categorization.
Effect of Distance Learning Challenges during Covid19 Pandemic to Teach-ers’ Self – Care
Authors: Comia Eva L.
Published: September 2022

Positive feelings encourage higher participation in teaching. This study examined the respondents’ emotional self- care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researcher explored the effect of distance- learning challenges during COVID-19 pandemic to the emotional self-care of the teachers. Descriptive correlational research design was used in the study with a questionnaire as the main tool in gathering the needed data among one-hundred seventy one (171) respondents identified using complete enumeration among elementary school teachers in the Division of Quezon City, Philippines. The data gathered were treated and analyzed using mean, weighted mean, chi – square and Pearson r. The mean age of the respondents is 40.43, female dominated at 73 percent. Most of respondents were teaching in the primary level that teaches general content courses. About 20 percent of the respondents had been in the field for about 11 – 15 years. Civil status and challenges, civil status and grade level taught to emotional self – care, grade level taught to teaching performance, challenges to self – care, challenges to teaching performance, and self-care to teaching performance revealed a significant relationship. Findings of the study is deemed contributory to possible adjustments to faculty development plan to adapt to changing roles from physical to virtual set – up.
Prevalence and Phenotypic Burden of Monogenic Arrhythmias Using Integration of Electronic Health Records With Genetics
Authors: Nafissi Navid A. , Abdulrahim Jawan W. , Kwee Lydia Coulter , Coniglio Amanda C. , Kraus William E. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Daubert James P. , Sun Albert Y. , Shah Svati H.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Inherited primary arrhythmia syndromes and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies can lead to sudden cardiac arrest in otherwise healthy individuals. The burden and expression of these diseases in a real-world, well-phenotyped cardiovascular population is not well understood.

Methods:

Whole exome sequencing was performed on 8574 individuals from the CATHGEN cohort (Catheterization Genetics). Variants in 55 arrhythmia-related genes (associated with 8 disorders) were identified and assessed for pathogenicity based on American College of Genetics and Genomics/Association for Molecular Pathology criteria. Individuals carrying pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants were grouped by arrhythmogenic disorder and matched 1:5 to noncarrier controls based on age, sex, and genetic ancestry. Long-term phenotypic data were annotated through deep electronic health record review.

Results:

Fifty-eight P/LP variants were found in 79 individuals in 12 genes associated with 5 arrhythmogenic disorders (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, Brugada syndrome, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy,
LMNA
-related cardiomyopathy, and long QT syndrome). The penetrance of these P/LP variants in this cardiovascular cohort was 33%, 0%, 28%, 83%, and 4%, respectively. Carriers of P/LP variants associated with arrhythmogenic disorders showed significant differences in ECG, imaging, and clinical phenotypes compared with noncarriers, but displayed no difference in survival. Carriers of novel truncating variants in
FLNC, MYBPC3
, and
MYH7
also developed relevant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy phenotypes.

Conclusions:

In a real-world cardiovascular cohort, P/LP variants in arrhythmia-related genes were relatively common (1:108 prevalence) and most penetrant in
LMNA
. While hypertrophic cardiomyopathy P/LP variant carriers showed significant differences in clinical outcomes compared with noncarriers, carriers of P/LP variants associated with other arrhythmogenic disorders displayed only ECG differences.
‫الأطلال الناطقة: إعادة قراءة لحكاية ”مدينة النحاس“‬
Authors: Qian (أيلين تشيان) Ailin
Published: September 2022

المستخلص

‫تُعرف الرحلة إلى ”مدينة النحاس“ بأنّها أكثر الرحلات تجهُّمًا في كتاب ألف ليلة وليلة. وقد وُضعت حكايتها في إثر الحملات الأمويّة إلى الشمال الإفريقيّ فترةَ خلافة عبد الملك (حكم 705‫–‬685). وتتضمّن الحكاية خبر رحلتينِ استكشافيّتين خياليّتين، إحداهما تبحث عن قماقم سليمان النحاسيّة، والأخرى عن مدينةٍ غامضة تُدعى مدينة النحاس. ومن أبرز مزايا هذه الحكاية أنّها تذكر اثني عشر مقطعًا من الشعر الزهديّ باللغة اليونانيّة (أو النثر المختلط بالشعر)، وقد نُقشت هذه المقاطع على الأبواب والألواح والأضرحة في أطلال تلك المدينة. وكان قائد الحملة موسى بن نُصير (ت 716) يبكي ويُغشى عليه كلّما سمع مقطعًا منها يُشرح له، ثمّ يطلب من أتباعه أن يكتبوه على قراطيس. ولذلك يمكن ربط هاتين الرحلتين الاستكشافيّتين بالأثريّات، أي زيارة الأطلال وجمع قصائد في الزهد منها.‬

‫في فترة الحكم الطويلة للإمبراطور تشيانلونغ (Qianlong، حكم 1795‫–‬1735)، كان اهتمامه بالوظيفة القوميّة لدراسة الآثار سببًا في ظهور الأبحاث من جديد في تشينغ الصينيّة (Qing China). وفي عام 1796، أصدر عالم الآثار والرسّام الصينيّ هوانغ يي (‫Huang Yi‬، 1801‫–‬1744) أكثر من 400 كُتيّب عن النقوش التي نقّب عنها في رحلته التي دامت شهرًا إلى جبل سونغ (Mount Song) وعاصمة لويانغ (Luoyang) القديمة. ويحتفظ متحف القصر في بيجينغ (Beijing) بألبومه المؤلّف من 24 ورقة، تصوّر كلٌّ منها مكانًا رآه هوانغ يي وترفق الصورةَ بوصف مكتوب. يعتمد هذا البحث على ألبوم هوانغ يي لإعادة بناء مشهدٍ أتمّ لرحلة موسى بحثًا عن الآثار في مدينة النحاس.‬
عن الأثر والأنقاض ومفاهيمها الوجوديّة في روايات الكاتب جان دوست
Authors: Bawardi (باسيليوس حنّا بواردي) Basilius
Published: September 2022

المستخلص

تتناول هذه المقالة مفهوم أنقاض ما بعد الحرب وآثارها في روايات الكاتب الكرديّ السوريّ جان دوست (–1965) كجزء من مفهومه العامّ حول مسائل الهويّة والذاكرة وكتابة التاريخ. وتتتبّع هذه المقالة، عن طريق مفهوم الأثر/الأنقاض والمشاهد الديستوبيّة، مسائلَ وجوديّة مضمرة تحت مشاهد الخراب المادّيّ والأخلاقيّ. وهو مفهوم يخرج عن المفهوم التقليديّ لوصف خرائب المدن وبكائيّات أدب مراثي المدن والوقوف على الأطلال؛ إنّه مفهوم يقرأ الركام الصامت من الأحجار من منظور العلاقة الحميميّة مع الأنقاض بصفتها أداة مقاومة وحيدة باقية ضدّ الضياع والمحو القوميّ. وتعتمد هذه المقالة على ثلاثة محاور أساس تصوغ مفهوم دوست للأنقاض؛ الأنقاض وكتابة الذاكرة، والأنقاض: الحدّيّة ومسارات النزوح واللجوء، ونصوص الأنقاض وكتابة السيرة الذاتيّة واليوميّات. وتعيد هذه المقالة النظر في أسئلة التوثيق واللغة والتمثيل والذاكرة، والتي ينبثق منها النقاش في روايات جان دوست، وتحاول معالجة مسألة صياغة التجربة الأليمة وحتّى السوداويّة في أدبه، هذا الأدب الذي يتعامل مع الأنقاض على أنّها أجسام حجريّة متشظّية ذات مدلولات وجوديّة‪.‬
A new species of embidopsocine barklouse in Langhian amber from Zhangpu, China (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae)
Authors: ENGEL MICHAEL S. , WANG BO
Published: September 2022

A new fossil liposcelidid barklouse is described and figured in mid-Miocene amber from southeastern China. Belaphotroctes grimaldii sp. nov. is documented from an individual preserved in Langhian amber from Zhangpu, Fujian, China, and is the first fossil species of the family from the Cenozoic of Asia. The species is distinguished from its congeners and comments are provided regarding the implications of a Belaphotroctes Roesler in the Miocene of China.
Docidiadia grimaldii sp. nov. from Myanmar amber (Diptera: Diadocidiidae), with comments on the genus Docidiadia Blagoderov & Grimaldi
Authors: De SOUZA AMORIM DALTON , BROWN BRIAN V.
Published: September 2022

Docidiadia grimaldii sp. nov., the second known species in the genus, is described based on a holotype female and on a female paratype. The differences with D. burmitica Blagoderov & Grimaldi, the type-species of the genus, are discussed. The specimens allow the study of important details of the antenna, wing, and terminalia. The question of the connection of Docidiadia to the extant family Diadocidiidae is addressed. An antenna with the flagellum more slender towards the apex is also known in the extinct sciaroid family Archizelmiridae, but the wing venation of Docidiadia is much more conservative than the wing in archizelmirid genera.
The Inventory Imperative
Authors: WHEELER QUENTIN
Published: September 2022

“Imagine what could be accomplished—at a fraction of the cost of a Mars rover—by a small army of explorers and taxonomists toiling away to discover and categorize organisms…”—Grimaldi and Engel, 2007
“A complete survey of life on Earth may appear to be a daunting task. But compared with what has been dared and achieved in high-energy physics, molecular genetics, and other branches of ‘big science,’ it is in the second or third rank”—E.O. Wilson, 1985
Two novel Oidiodendron species isolated from roots of Vaccinium boninense in the Bonin Islands, Japan
Authors: HIROSE DAI , TOKIWA TOSHIYUKI , YAGUCHI TAKASHI
Published: September 2022

Four strains of the fungal genus Oidiodendron were isolated from the fine roots of Vaccinium boniense which is distributed only on the Bonin Islands, Japan. Two new species, Oidiodendron tokumasui (NBRC 115411T) and Oidiodendron boninense (NBRC 115392T), are described in this paper. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on multigene sequence-data showed that each novel species formed a unique clade. Oidiodendron tokumasui is phylogenetically related to O. maius but can be distinguished from O. maius by good growth at 25‒30 ˚C and pH 7‒9, colony diameter after 28 days, and length of the conidiophores. Oidiodendron boninense is phylogenetically related to O. setiferum, O. rammosum, O. muniellense, and O. fuscum but differs from those four species in the following aspects: good growth at 25 ˚C and pH 7, absence of melanized appendages, spinulate and thick-walled conidia, and length of the conidiophores. Both new species formed ericoid mycorrhizal-like hyphal coils in the rhizodermal cells of sterile blueberry seedlings in vitro.
A Georgian and an Iranian new species of Renea G. Nevill, 1880 enormously extend the genus’s distribution (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Aciculidae)
Authors: PÁLL-GERGELY BARNA , GREGO JOZEF
Published: September 2022

Renea caucasica n. sp. and R. nemethi n. sp. are described from Georgia and northern Iran, respectively. Since the genus Renea has been reported from an area between south-eastern France and southern Albania, these two species extend the distribution of Renea eastwards enormously.
Lipid Nanoemulsion Regulates Parkinson’s Cell Cycle and Proliferation Through miR-199/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Fan Yu , Wang Po , Yang Junfeng , Geng Shangyong , Zhao Shijun , Wang Baojun
Published: September 2022

Abnormal expression of miR-199 is related to proliferation of Parkinson’s cells. Lipid nano emulsions can effectively inhibit cell growth. This study mainly explored whether lipid nano emulsions may regulate the expression of miR-199, thereby affecting Parkinson’s cells.
SH-SY5Y Parkinson’s cells treated with 20 μmol/L miR-199 in SH-SY5Y cells, or both 20 μmol/L lipid nanoemulsion were used to intervene SH-SY5Y cells. Intervention time was set at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively. We used 20 μmol/L lipid nano emulsion to
interfere with SH-SY5Y cells that were transfected with miR-199. We observed proliferation number and cell cycle changes after lipid nanoemulsion intervention in the SH-SY5Y cells. We also observed the expression of NF-κB pathway factor protein and verified that P65 is the direct
downstream of miR-199. The higher the concentration of lipid nanoemulsion was, the more significant the decreased cell proliferation. The concentration of lipid nanoemulsion was 20 μmol/L, which decreased obviously (P < 0.01). Cell numbers in 20 μmol/L curcumin
lipid nanoemulsion began to show an evident downward trend from 24 h, where cells from the G0/G1 phase increased and those in G2/M phase decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The higher the dose of lipid nanoemulsion, the higher the miR-199 expression, which showed a concentration
and dose-dependence. The number of cells in the lipid nanoemulsion+miR-NC group was lowest. NF-κB is the direct target gene of miR-199. When the lipid nanoemulsion concentration was 20 μmol/L, the expression of P65 protein decreased. Lipid nano emulsion can therefore
inhibit proliferation of Parkinson’s cells, and cell number in the S phase and G2/M phase, so that many cells are blocked in the G0/G1 phase, which then control cell growth. Lipid nano emulsion works mainly through miR-199/NF-κB axis, where miR-199 negatively regulates the
NF-κB pathway, and ultimately controls abnormal cell proliferation.
Effect of Coal Gasification Slag on Improving Physical Properties of Acid Soil
Authors: Liu Hu , Wang Jian , Abiyasi  , Li Hongfang , Yin Chunyan , Liu Jianfeng , Chen Gong
Published: September 2022

Coal gasification slag (CGS) is a coal-based solid waste formed by the transformation of inorganic mineral components and carbon components in raw coal into slag during coal gasification. To explore its influence on the physical characteristics of acid soil and study the influence mechanism on the water holding capacity of acid soil, the coarse and fine CGS were used as materials to mix with acid soil in different proportions. The volume weight, particle size composition, and water retention performance of the mixed soil were tested, and the changes of soil water characteristic curve were analysed. The results showed that, after mixing the acid soil with CGS, the particle size composition of acid soil was significantly improved, the sand content increased by 13.27–195.46%, the clay and silt content decreased by −2.14–38.62% and 3.22–40.06%, respectively; and the soil bulk density decreased significantly (P< 0.05), with a decrease range of 3.38–28.12%. The soil texture also changed from silty loam to sandy loam, and the water retention performance showed an upward trend, which significantly affected the soil saturated water content, capillary water capacity and field water capacity, with an increase range of 2.87–38.09%, 1.73–27.92% and 4.18–22.27%, respectively. The Van Genuchten (VG) model could fit the soil water characteristic curve well, indicating that the water retention of acid soil was significantly improved by adding CGS. In conclusion, CGS could improve the water physical properties effectively, and improve the water retention and water holding properties of acid soil significantly. This feature is conducive to the environmentally friendly utilization of CGS to improve agricultural acid soil.
Eosinophilic solid and cystic renal cell carcinoma: a single Indian tertiary center experience of three cases of a newly described entity
Authors: Pathak Niramya Jagdish , Singh Abhishek Gajendra , Jain Pavan Surwase , Soni Shailesh Mahendra , Ganpule Arvind Prakash , Sabnis Ravindra Bhalchandra , Desai Mahesh Ramanlal
Published: September 2022

Background

Among adult malignant tumors, renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2–3% and has the worst prognosis among common urologic tumors. Recently, an eosinophilic, solid and cystic (ESC) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) histological subtype has been described and proposed as an entity separate than the 16 subtypes described in the 2016 WHO classification. The aim of the present study is to share our experience of three such cases of this newly described entity.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our cases of renal cell carcinoma and describe the presentation, diagnosis and management with follow-up details of ESC RCC.

Results

Our three patients presented at an advanced stage with flank pain or mass, and one patient had metastasis. All patients underwent radical nephrectomy, diagnosis proved by histopathological examination with immunohistochemistry (IHC), with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm in all three cases. On IHC, CK 20 was positive in two cases and one patient with CK 20, CK 7 negative and PAX 8 positive.

Conclusions

ESC RCC is a newly described entity, with increasing incidence probably due to better diagnosis. Previously, 66 such cases are described, with female predominance, lower stage and indolent behavior. Only four cases with metastasis are described.
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: a 3-year single-center experience of 173 cases
Authors: Banga-Mouss Roland B. , Briffaux Raphaël , Damba Joseph Junior , Charles Thomas , Puichaud Alexis , Robin Humphrey , Angermann Edwin , Pires Christophe , Odzebe Anani W. Severin , Ouaki Charlie
Published: September 2022

Background

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (Holep) is a safe, effective, and prostate size-independent procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment (BPH). Holep has demonstrated comparable long-term outcomes with historical BPH mainstay treatments, namely open prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate, as well as straightforward evidence of its low morbidity. In this study, we aimed to report our 3-year Holep experience based on 173 patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective descriptive single center study utilizing medical charts of 173 patients who underwent Holep between 2017 and 2020. Peri and postoperative measures included prostate volume, peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), prostate specific antigen, catheterization time, hospital stay, and complications.

Results

The mean age and mean prostate weight at baseline were 71.3 ± 7.8 years and 64.2 g (17 and 380 g), respectively. Holep was associated with a short catheterization time and hospital stay (2.7 and 3 days, respectively). Qmax significantly improved after Holep (8.1 vs 20.4 ml/s, p < 0.05), and results sustained at 06 months postoperatively. Perioperative and postoperative complications were mainly represented by hematuria (29%). However, more than half of these patients were taking anticoagulation drug therapy at the time of surgery. Complications mostly occurred during the early years following Holep’s introduction and tended to decrease with time and experience.

Conclusion

Holep remains a safe and effective procedure for BPH treatment, with durable long-term results even in clinical settings where the procedure is new. The rate of complications, which is associated with the learning curve, improves with time and experience.
Ensemble learning for predicting ex vivo human placental barrier permeability
Authors: Chou Che-Yu , Lin Pinpin , Kim Jongwoon , Wang Shan-Shan , Wang Chia-Chi , Tung Chun-Wei
Published: September 2022

Background

The placental barrier protects the fetus from exposure to some toxicants and is vital for drug development and risk assessment of environmental chemicals. However, in vivo experiments for assessing the placental barrier permeability of chemicals is not ethically acceptable. Although ex vivo placental perfusion methods provide good alternatives for the assessment of placental barrier permeability, the application to a large number of test chemicals could be time- and resource-consuming. Computational prediction models for ex vivo placental barrier permeability are therefore desirable.

Methods

A total of 87 chemicals and corresponding 1444 physicochemical properties were divided into training and test datasets. Three types of algorithms including linear regression, random forest, and ensemble models were applied to develop prediction models for ex vivo placental barrier permeability.

Results

Among the tested models, the ensemble model integrating the previous two methods performed best for predicting ex vivo human placental barrier permeability with correlation coefficients of 0.887 and 0.825 when considering the applicability domain. An additional test on seven newly curated chemicals from the literature showed a good correlation coefficient of 0.879 which was further improved to 0.921 by considering the variation of experiments.

Conclusion

In this study, the first valid predicting model for ex vivo human placental barrier permeability was developed following the OECD guideline. The model is expected to be useful for assessing the human placental barrier permeability and can be integrated with developmental toxicity prediction models for investigating the toxic effects of chemicals on the fetus.
Clinical factors associated with cerebral autoregulation in ischemic stroke related to small artery occlusion
Authors: Wu Xiaohong , Zhou Yanxia , Qi Wenwei , Shen Yanxia , Lei Zhihao , Xiao Kun , Zhang Pandeng , Liu Jia , Ren Lijie
Published: September 2022

Background

Existing data suggest that cerebral autoregulation (CA) varies among different subtypes of ischaemic stroke. CA is globally impaired in patients with small artery occlusion (SAO). However, the factors influencing CA impairment in patients remains to be elucidated.

Methods

Stroke patients with SAO who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were prospectively studied. Within 7 days after stroke onset, CA was recorded from the middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity and arterial blood pressure was simultaneously measured. Transfer function analysis was used to derive CA parameters, including gain and phase. Clinical characteristics, mean arterial pressure (MAP), biochemical findings, and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers on MRI were assessed in each patient. Factors associated with CA parameters were investigated. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between clinical factors and CA parameters.

Results

Sixty-three SAO patients (age, 56.3 ± 9.9 years; 55 men) were enrolled in the study. In the multiple linear regression analysis, after controlling for relevant clinical factors, MAP on admission (ipsilateral OR = 0.99 and contralateral OR = 0.99, both P < 0.005) was a significant independent predictor of bilateral gain. MAP > 105 mmHg on admission (OR = 0.77, P = 0.019) was significantly associated with ipsilateral gain. Diabetes mellitus was a significant predictive factor for bilateral gain (ipsilateral OR = 1.32 and contralateral OR = 1.22, both P < 0.005). No correlations were found between CA parameters and CSVD characteristics.

Conclusion

In SAO-related ischaemic stroke, patients with MAP > 105 mmHg on admission tended to have better ipsilateral CA. Diabetes mellitus appears to be an independent risk factor for CA impairment in patients with SAO-related stroke. CSVD may not be the main factor affecting bilateral CA in patients with SAO.
Investigating the effect of self-management program on stroke’s patients’ self-efficacy
Authors: Amiri Fereshteh Shalforoosh , Abolhassani Shahla , Alimohammadi Nasrollah , Roghani Tayebeh
Published: September 2022

Background and aim

Stroke patients face various challenges that affect their self-efficacy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a self-management program on the self-efficacy of patients with Stroke.

Methods and materials

This study is a clinical trial, in which 72 patients with stroke participated in this study. They were selected based on the convenience sampling method and assigned to either intervention or control group (36 patients in each group) randomly. The intervention group received 5A based self-management program for 6 weeks (in-person and off-site) and the control group received only routine care includes stroke training booklets and post-discharge care training by the ward nurse. Data were collected through demographic and jones self-efficacy questionnaires, before, immediately after, and 3 months after interventions in both groups and were analyzed with descriptive and analytical statistics using SPSS software (with independent t-test, Chi-square, Fisher and analysis of variance with repeated measures with a significance level of 0.05).

Results

Before interventions, the two study groups had no statistically significant difference regarding demographic variables and the mean score of self-efficacy. Immediately and 3 months after interventions, the mean score and mean changes of self-efficacy score in the intervention group were significantly greater than in the control group(p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of the present study show the appropriate effect of self-management program on self-efficacy of stroke patients. These results can be used by different members of healthcare teams to improve patients’ self-efficacy.

Trial registration

This study is registered by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with decree code: IRCT20190712044181N2 (registration date: 05-11-2019).
Association between the TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio as insulin resistance markers and the risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Tong , Zhang Qingsong , Wang Yiming , Ma Xiangming , Zhang Qi , Song Mengmeng , Cao Liying , Shi Hanping
Published: September 2022

Background

No previous prospective research has explored the association of the TyG (fasting triglyceride-glucose) index and TG/HDL-C ratio as insulin resistance markers with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in the Northern Chinese population.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we included 93,659 cancer-free participants with the measurements of TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio. Participants were divided by the quartiles of the TyG index or TG/HDL-C ratio. The associations of TyG index, TG/HDL-C ratio, and their components with CRC risk were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

During a median follow-up of 13.02 years, 593 incident CRC cases were identified. Compared with the lowest quartile of the TyG index (Q1), the risk of CRC was higher in persons in the third (Q3) and highest quartiles (Q4) of the TyG index, with corresponding multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CI) of 1.36 (1.06, 1.76) and 1.50 (1.19, 1.91), respectively. The elevated risks of CRC incidence were observed in people in the second, third, and highest quartiles of the TG/HDL-C ratio groups, with corresponding multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CI) of 1.33 (1.05, 1.70), 1.36 (1.07, 1.73) and 1.37 (1.07, 1.75), respectively.

Conclusions

Elevated TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio were associated with a higher risk of developing CRC among adults in Northern China.
A healthy lifestyle text message intervention for adolescents: protocol for the Health4Me randomized controlled trial
Authors: Raeside Rebecca , Spielman Karen , Maguire Sarah , Mihrshahi Seema , Steinbeck Katharine , Kang Melissa , Laranjo Liliana , Hyun Karice , Redfern Julie , Partridge Stephanie R. ,   the Health4Me Team, Hackett Maree L. , Figtree Gemma , Gallagher Robyn , Sim Kyra A. , Usherwood Tim , Hepse Charlotte , Skinner John , Champion Katrina E. , Gardner Lauren A. , Williams Kathryn , Castles Danielle
Published: September 2022

Background

Adolescence presents a window of opportunity to establish good nutrition and physical activity behaviours to carry throughout the life course. Adolescents are at risk of developing cardiovascular and other chronic diseases due to poor the complex interplay of physical and mental health lifestyle risk factors. Text messaging is adolescents main form of everyday communication and text message programs offer a potential solution for support and improvement of lifestyle health behaviours. The primary aim of this study is to determine effectiveness of the Health4Me text message program to improve adolescent’s physical activity or nutrition behaviours among adolescents over 6-months, compared to usual care.

Methods

Health4Me is a virtual, two-arm, single-blind randomised controlled trial, delivering a 6-month healthy lifestyle text message program with optional health counselling. Recruitment will be through digital advertising and primary care services. In total, 390 adolescents will be randomised 1:1 to intervention or control (usual care) groups. The intervention group will receive 4–5 text messages per week for 6-months. All text messages have been co-designed with adolescents. Messages promote a healthy lifestyle by providing practical information, health tips, motivation and support for behaviour change for physical activity, nutrition, mental health, body image, popular digital media and climate and planetary health. Virtual assessments will occur at baseline and 6-months assessing physical health (physical activity, nutrition, body mass index, sleep), mental health (quality of life, self-efficacy, psychological distress, anxiety, depression, eating disorder risk) and lifestyle outcomes (food insecurity and eHealth literacy).

Discussion

This study will determine the effectiveness of a 6-month healthy lifestyle text message intervention to improve physical activity and nutrition outcomes in adolescents.

Trial registration

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12622000949785, Date registered: 05/07/2022.
Predictors of colorectal cancer screening intention based on the integrated theory of planned behavior among the average-risk individuals
Authors: Maheri Mina , Rezapour Baratali , Didarloo Alireza
Published: September 2022

Background

This study aimed to determine the predictors of colorectal cancer screening intention based on the integrated theory of planned behavior among average -risk individuals in Urmia. Identifying these predictors will help design and implement various interventions, including educational interventions, according to the needs of this group, thereby taking a step towards improving the colorectal cancer screening index.

Methods

The present cross-sectional study was performed on 410 individuals at average risk of colorectal cancer referring to the comprehensive health services centers of Urmia in Iran. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two parts. The first part captured the demographic information and medical history of the participants. The second part involved questions designed based on constructs of motivational phase of health action process approach, and theory of planned behavior, as well as behavioral intent to perform colorectal cancer screening. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software.

Results

Outcome expectancies, risk perception, action self-efficacy, and normative beliefs, respectively had the largest impact and were significant and positive predictors of colorectal cancer screening intention. The study’s conceptual framework explained about 36% of the variance of behavioral intention among the average-risk individuals in Urmia.

Conclusions

Constructs of motivational phase of health action process approach, and theory of planned behavior are valuable and appropriate to identify the factors affecting the intention to undergo colorectal cancer screening as well as to design and implement educational interventions in this field. The four constructs of outcome expectancies, risk perception, action self-efficacy, and normative beliefs are suggested to be integrated into all educational interventions designed and implemented to improve the colorectal cancer screening index.
Clinical features and treatment outcome of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma from multiple primary sites: a population-based, multicentre, real-world study
Authors: Chen Meiting , Chen Yungchang , Fang Xiaojie , Wang Zhao , Pu Xingxiang , Liang Chaoyong , Guo Hongqiang , Li Qian , Pan Fei , Hong Huangming , Huang He , Li Jiman , Lin Tongyu
Published: September 2022

Background

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a rare and unique subtype of cancer that histologically resembles undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The population-based analysis of LELC and the optimal treatment remains unclear.

Materials and methods

This real-world, retrospective study investigated 770 patients with LELC for primary site, treatment, and survival outcomes from 2005 to 2019 from five cancer centres in China. The overall survival (OS) of different subgroups was appraised by log-rank tests and Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Primary sites LELC included the lung (597 cases, 77.5%), salivary gland (115 cases, 14.9%), and others. The median progression-free survival (PFS) of LELC patients was 47.4 months. The median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The 5-year survival rate for LELC patients was 77.8%. Most patients in stages I and II received surgery. The majority of patients in stage III received surgery and radiotherapy. More than half of the patients in stage IV received chemotherapy. Among relapsed or metastatic cases receiving chemotherapy, patients who received immunotherapy at any time presented with a superior OS than those without immunotherapy (P < 0.0001, HR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.25–0.63). Compared with the SEER database, patients with LELC had a better prognosis than NPC, with a 5-year overall survival of 77.3% vs. 56.8% (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our data provide treatment patterns and outcomes for LELC from various primary sites. Randomized controlled studies are necessary to further define the standard of care for patients with LELC.

Trial registration This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (No. NCT04614818).
What is the Oral Health-related Quality of Life following Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE)? A prospective clinical cohort study
Authors: Kapetanović Aldin , Noverraz René R. M. , Listl Stefan , Bergé Stefaan J. , Xi Tong , Schols Jan G. J. H.
Published: September 2022

Background

Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) is a non-surgical orthodontic treatment for transverse maxillary deficiency. This study aimed to investigate the Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and pain perception of patients undergoing MARPE treatment.

Methods

42 consecutive patients (9 men, 33 women) from the age of 16 onwards (mean: 27.4 ± 9.3 years; range 17.1–55.7 years) who received a MARPE treatment were included. OHRQoL was assessed with the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Patients filled out the questionnaire at baseline (T0) and weekly during the expansion phase (P1) and in the post-expansion phase (P2). Pain intensity was assessed with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire and filled out daily during expansion, along with a question on the intake of analgesics. The mean weekly and total OHIP-score and OHIP-score per domain were calculated at T0, P1 and P2, as well as mean weekly and total VAS-scores for average pain, maximum pain and analgesics intake during P1. Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to test for differences in OHIP between T0, P1 and P2. The level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results

The mean OHIP-score was 10.86 ± 9.71 at T0 and increased to 17.18 ± 10.43 during P1 (p < 0.001), after which it returned to pre-expansion levels, 9.27 ± 7.92 (p = 0.907) during P2. At the domain level, there was a statistically significant increase in OHIP-score at P1 for functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort and social disability. The mean VAS-score for average pain during expansion was 16.00 ± 19.73 mm. Both OHIP-score (25.00 ± 10.25), average pain (33.72 ± 16.88 mm), maximum pain (44.47 ± 17.99 mm) and analgesics intake (59%) were highest at initiation of the expansion and decreased by the end of expansion.

Conclusions

MARPE is a generally well-tolerated expansion treatment. A temporary decline in OHRQoL and moderate pain are present at the start of expansion, followed by a recovery of OHRQoL and very mild pain during the rest of treatment. Clinicians should be aware of the effects of MARPE on patients’ quality of life and manage the expected discomfort and impediments with adequate communication and patient education.
Efficacy of an interdental brush in cleaning artificial plaque on a 3D-printed model base
Authors: Kim Seo Eun , Song Eun Sun , Lee Seung Pyo
Published: September 2022

Background

Among interdental cleaning aids (ICAs), interdental brushes (IDBs) are in the spotlight because they can effectively remove plaque from interdental surfaces. Guidance on the correct use of ICAs, such as IDBs, is required to prevent dental plaque accumulation. Since it is impossible to confirm the interdental proximal surface unless extracted, it is difficult to conduct quantitative experiments. This study presented an efficient way to evaluate IDBs by realizing dental structures and embrasures using a Dental computer-aided design (CAD) software and a 3D printer.

Methods

Two different sizes of embrasure (0.7 and 1.2 mm) crown models were prepared with CAD software and a 3D printer. To evaluate the cleaning efficacy of IDBs of each size (0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.5 mm diameters), the 9th cycle of brush move was performed where artificial plaque was spread and a digital camera was used to record the process. The pixels and percentage of cleaning from the recorded digital images were analyzed.

Results

The plateau was formed after the 5th brushing cycle under all conditions—after the 5th cycle, the cleaning efficacy of the two crown models was 69.3–86.4% and 49.8–75.4%. In these results, the optimal diameters for the IDB were 1.2 and 1.5 mm for embrasure sizes of 0.7 and 1.2 mm, respectively. Moreover, the cleaning efficacy was the highest at 86.4% and 75.4% after the 9th cycle.

Conclusions

The 3D-printed model base for the human oral embrasure structure is an adequate model to test artificial plaque removal using IDB. The use of IDBs for more than five cycles does not support the conventional idea that a greater number of IDB brushing moves is more effective in a statistically substantial manner.
Intensivists’ perceptions of what is missing in their compassionate care during interactions in the intensive care unit
Authors: Siddiqui Shahla , Mohamed Enas , Subramaniam Balachundhar , Orui Hibiki , Nurok Michael , Cobas Miguel Angel , Nunnally Mark E. , Hartog Christiane , Gillon Raanan , Lown Beth A.
Published: September 2022

Background

We proposed that the behaviors that demonstrate compassionate care in the intensive care unit (ICU) can be self-assessed and improved among ICU clinicians. Literature showing views of intensivists about their own compassionate care attitudes is missing.

Methods

This was an observational, prospective, cross-sectional study. We surveyed clinicians who are members of professional societies of intensive care using the modified Schwartz Center Compassionate Care Scale® (SCCCS) about their self-reported compassionate care. A modified SCCCS instrument was disseminated via an email sent to the members of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine between March and June 2021.

Results

Three hundred twenty-three clinicians completed the survey from a cohort of 1000 members who responded (32.3% response rate). The majority (54%) of respondents were male physicians of 49 (+ − 10 SD) years of age and 19 (12 + − SD) years in practice. The mean SCCCS was 88.5 (out of 100) with an average score of 8 for each question (out of 10), showing a high self-assessed physician rating of their compassionate care in the ICU. There was a positive association with age and years in practice with a higher score, especially for women ages 30–50 years (P = 0.03). Years in practice was also independently associated with greater compassion scores (p < 0.001). Lower scores were given to behaviors that reflect understanding perspectives of families and patients and showing caring and sensitivity. In contrast, the top scores were given to behaviors that included conducting family discussions and showing respect.

Conclusion

Physicians in the ICU self-score high in compassionate care, especially if they are more experienced, female, and older. Self-identified areas that need improvement are the humanistic qualities requiring sensitivity, such as cognitive empathy, which involves perspective-taking, reflective listening, asking open-ended questions, and understanding the patient’s context and worldview. These can be addressed in further clinical and ICU quality improvement initiatives.
Comparative profiling of single-cell transcriptome reveals heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment between solid and acinar lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Dianke , Yu Huansha , Hu Junjie , Li Shaoling , Yan Yilv , Li Shuangyi , Sun Liangdong , Jiang Gening , Hou Likun , Zhang Lele , Zhang Peng
Published: September 2022

Background

The diversity of histologic composition reflects the inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity of lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs) macroscopically. Insights into the oncological characteristics and tumor microenvironment (TME) of different histologic subtypes of LUAD at the single-cell level can help identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities and combinational approaches to improve the survival of LUAD patients.

Methods

Through comparative profiling of cell communities defined by scRNA-seq data, we characterized the TME of LUAD samples of distinct histologic subtypes, with relevant results further confirmed in multiple bulk transcriptomic, proteomic datasets and an independent immunohistochemical validation cohort.

Results

We find that the hypoxic and acidic situation is the worst in the TME of solid LUADs compared to other histologic subtypes. Besides, the tumor metabolic preferences vary across histologic subtypes and may correspondingly impinge on the metabolism and function of immune cells. Remarkably, tumor cells from solid LUADs upregulate energy and substance metabolic activities, particularly the folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism and the key gene MTHFD2, which could serve as a potential therapeutic target. Additionally, ubiquitination modifications may also be involved in the progression of histologic patterns. Immunologically, solid LUADs are characterized by a predominance of exhausted T cells and immunosuppressive myeloid cells, where the hypoxic, acidified and nutrient-deprived TME has a non-negligible impact. Discrepancies in stromal cell function, evidenced by varying degrees of stromal remodeling and fibrosis, may also contribute to the specific immune phenotype of solid LUADs.

Conclusions

Overall, our research proposes several potential entry points to improve the immunosuppressive TME of solid LUADs, thereby synergistically potentiating their immunotherapeutic efficacy, and may provide precise therapeutic strategies for LUAD patients of distinct histologic subtype constitution.