bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Canadian Physiotherapy Graduates Ready for Private Practice? Faculty, Employer, and Recent Graduate Perspectives
Authors: Hall Mark , Bostick Geoff , Page Rebecca , Mori Brenda 
Published: April 2024

Purpose: The transition from physiotherapy student to independent practitioner is challenging. New graduates experience difficulties working in private practice as many aspects of the workflow are difficult to prepare for during their education. The purpose of our study was to explore the work readiness of Canadian new graduate physiotherapists for private practice from the perspectives of key groups. Methods: We administered an online questionnaire to recent Canadian physiotherapy graduates, private practice employers, and academics exploring the work readiness of new graduates related to competencies and constructs relevant to private practice. Results: Our findings highlight gaps in education related to the business of private practice, managing complex caseloads, diagnosis, prognosis and establishing a plan of care, and autonomy in decision-making. A shared responsibility exists for the work readiness of physiotherapy graduates. Respondents suggest at least 1 year of practice before the majority of graduates are work-ready for private practice. Conclusion: Physiotherapy graduates struggle with the business of working in private practice, managing complex caseloads, and autonomy in decision-making. There is a shared responsibility between academics, clinical educators, employers, and new graduates to bridge the gap between the entry-to-practice education program and meeting the expectations of the private practice work environment.
SEXUAL SIZE DIMORPHISM IN GROUND BEETLE CARABUS EXARATUS Quensel, 1806 (COLEOPTERA, CARABIDAE)
Authors: Sukhodolskaya Raisa Anatolevna , Khomitskii Evgenii Evgen'evich , Avtaeva Tamara Andyevna , Zamotailov Aleksandr Sergeevich 
Published: April 2024

Sexual Size Dimorphism (SSD) is considered to be the indicator of environmental quality. Peculiarites of its variation reflect trends in traits evolution. We estimated the values of SSD in populations from two distanced regions of Russia – Chechnya and Krasnodarskiy Province. In total those values did not differ, but SSD was higher in elytra and pronotum parameters in beetles from Chechnya and lower – by head parameters. Advancing research in this direction promises to unravel the ecological processes that structure soil biodiversity and to predict the impacts of global change on terrestrial ecosystems.
Land use efficiency of castor (Ricinus communis L.) based cropping systems in Okigwe, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Ikeh Angus Onwudiwe , Amulu L U , Orji J O , Olufelo J O , Umelo C Q 
Published: April 2024

Field study was carried out at Umuowa Ibu1 via National Horticultural Research Mbato Okigwe Imo state, Nigeria, to evaluate the effect of cropping systems on growth and yield of castor southeastern Nigeria. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design. The treatments were nine castor based cropping systems. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance. Significant means were compared with LSD at 5% probability level. Result showed that castor seed yield was influenced by cropping systems. Significant castor yield was recorded in the treatment of sole castor with 1289.34 and 1286.77 kg/ha in both cropping seasons, followed by 1288.43 and 1280.44 kg/ha recorded in castor + cowpea intercrop. The yield obtain from sole castor was not significant difference when compared to yield obtained from castor + cowpea and also in the treatment of castor + groundnut intercrop. The least castor seed yield; 1002.23 and 1007.23 kg/ha was recorded in castor + groundnut + garden egg intercrop. The yield of component crops decreases as number of crops in the systems progressed from two to three. Castor + cowpea + pepper cropping system had the highest land equivalent ratio (LER); 5.62 and 5.63 in both cropping seasons. The least LER: 2.23 and 2.24 was recorded in castor + groundnut treatment. Castor based cropping system with cowpea and pepper was recommended for higher land use efficiency.
Kehittyvien kotieläinyritysten johtamisen haasteet ja mahdollisuudet
Authors: Rantamäki-Lahtinen Leena , Väre Minna , Mattila Tiina , Niemi Jarkko , Karhula Timo 
Published: April 2024

Suomalaisen kotieläintuotannon rakenne ja toimintaympäristö muuttuvat nopeasti. Innovaatioiden ja hyvien käytäntöjen käyttöönotto sekä kotieläinyritysten ammattitaitoinen johtaminen voivat parantaa niiden suorituskykyä taloudellisen, sosiaalisen ja ympäristön kestävyyden näkökulmasta. Yrittäjän ja yrityksen tavoitteet määrittelevät sen, miten tilaa kehitetään ja suorituskykyä voidaan parantaa. Tavoitteiden saavuttamiseksi tarvitaan seurantaa ja tarvittaessa toimintatapojen muuttamista. Tämän tutkimuksen tavoitteena oli selvittää, mitkä ovat kehittyneiden kotieläinyritysten keskeiset tavoitteet ja haasteet. Toisena tavoitteena oli kuvata, millaisia päätöksenteon, liikkeenjohdon ja riskinhallinnan välineitä ja työkaluja kotieläintiloilla hyödynnetään. Aineistona käytettiin syksyllä 2023 tehtyä kyselyä (N = 168). Kotieläinyrittäjien tavoitteissa korostuivat toimeentulon turvaaminen, eläinten ja ihmisten hyvinvointi. Useimmat kotieläinyrittäjät kokivat onnistuneensa eläinten hyvinvoinnin sekä työntekijöiden hyvinvoinnin turvaamisessa hyvin. Noin puolet koki saavuttaneensa hyvän taloudellisen tilanteen yrityksessään. Alle kolmasosa yrittäjistä koki oman työhyvinvointinsa olevan hyvä. Talousjohtamisen ja riskienhallinnan työkalujen käytössä oli eroja vastaajien kesken. Yleisimmin käytettyjä talousjohtamisen työkaluja olivat hintatason sekä panos- ja tuotemarkkinoiden seuraaminen ja hankintojen kilpailutus. Myös maksuvalmiutta ja toteutuneita kustannuksia seurattiin monissa kotieläinyrityksissä. Riskienhallinnan työkaluista tärkeimmät olivat tuotannon keskeytysvakuutus ja eläintautien vahinkoja korvaava vakuutus. Tulosten perusteella taloushallinnan työkalujen käyttö korreloi riskienhallinnan työkalujen käytön ja tilakoon kanssa. Tämän tutkimuksen tulosten perusteella johtamisen ja riskienhallinnan työkalujen käytettävyyttä tulisi kehittää, jotta ne palvelisivat nykyistä paremmin kehittyvien kotieläinyritysten päätöksenteon tukena.
“ I Get Blank When I Start Writing’’ Analysis of EFL Student’s Anxiety in Writing Descriptive Text
Authors: Sari Yuyun Puspita , Quthny Abu Yazid Adnan , Hamdani Beny 
Published: April 2024

In various educational worlds, of course, we learn foreign languages, one of which is English. English is challenging and can cause anxiety, one of which is in writing. English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners often face many challenges when it comes to developing their writing skills. The recent research aims to discuss EFL students’ anxiety in writing descriptive text. This study used narrative inquiry. A narrative inquiry explore the experiences and feelings of an EFL students’ writing anxiety. The research participants are two students. These two students were taken from 1 Senior high school student and one was taken from Junior high school. Data collection uses semi-structured interview with 45 minutes. The interviews were held at a private Islamic boarding school in Probolinggo East Java. Data Analysis uses thematic Analysis. The results of this study reveal that students' writing anxiety level is still relatively high, therefore, teacher motivation and guidance to students must be increased so that students can deal with or evaluate writing anxiety experienced by students. Finally, in learning English as a second language (ESL), it is important for students to have adequate vocabulary knowledge so that they are not confused and anxious to write English texts.
Teaching English in the Philippine: Pre-Service Teachers’ Identity Development During the International Teaching Practicum
Authors: Triyoga Arilia , Hidayati Ratri Nur , Widyanesti Soffi 
Published: April 2024

English pre-service teachers find teaching English abroad to be a memorable experience. It influences the type of teacher they will become in the future. Through the perspective of teacher identity, this study aims to describe how two Indonesian pre-service teachers in the English education department, during a teaching practicum in the Philippines, developed their teacher identity and how they overcome the challenges. This research focused on two fourth-year students from the English Education department of a private university in Yogyakarta who completed a one-month international teaching practicum in the Philippines. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and subsequently investigated thematically from the perspective of the teachers' identities, and then presneted narratively. It was discovered that the biographies of the pre-service teachers served as the starting point for their teachers' identity development. Throughout the international teaching practicum, the development of their teacher identity was influenced by their emotional reactions, their teaching methods, and their symbolic representation. In the international teaching setting, the student teacher received psychological and technical assistance to overcome the challenges of their practice. This support played a crucial role in the successful completion of the program and contributed to the development of their professional identity as teachers. The findings demonstrate the importance of international teaching experience, prompting universities to prioritize the teaching practicum. Additionally, the university should expand its international exchange programs, focusing on teaching practicum programs.
Effects of electro-mechanical uncouplers, hormonal stimulation and pacing rate on the stability and function of cultured rabbit myocardial slices
Authors: Baron V. , Sommer S. T. , Fiegle D. J. , Pfeuffer A.-K. M. , Peyronnet R. , Volk T. , Seidel T. 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Recent advances have enabled organotypic culture of beating human myocardial slices that are stable for weeks. However, human myocardial samples are rare, exhibit high variability and frequently originate from diseased hearts. Thus, there is a need to adapt long-term slice culture for animal myocardium. When applied to animal cardiac slices, studies in healthy or genetically modified myocardium will be possible. We present the culture of slices from rabbit hearts, which resemble the human heart in microstructure, electrophysiology and excitation-contraction coupling.Methods: Left ventricular myocardium from New Zealand White rabbits was cut using a vibratome and cultured in biomimetic chambers for up to 7 days (d). Electro-mechanical uncoupling agents 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM) and cytochalasin D (CytoD) were added during initiation of culture and effects on myocyte survival were quantified. We investigated pacing rates (0.5 Hz, 1 Hz, and 2 Hz) and hormonal supplements (cortisol, T3, catecholamines) at physiological plasma concentrations. T3 was buffered using BSA. Contractile force was recorded continuously. Glucose consumption and lactate production were measured. Whole-slice Ca2+ transients and action potentials were recorded. Effects of culture on microstructure were investigated with confocal microscopy and image analysis.Results: Protocols for human myocardial culture resulted in sustained contracture and myocyte death in rabbit slices within 24 h, which could be prevented by transient application of a combination of BDM and CytoD. Cortisol stabilized contraction amplitude and kinetics in culture. T3 and catecholaminergic stimulation did not further improve stability. T3 and higher pacing rates increased metabolic rate and lactate production. T3 stabilized the response to β-adrenergic stimulation over 7 d. Pacing rates above 1 Hz resulted in progredient decline in contraction force. Image analysis revealed no changes in volume fractions of cardiomyocytes or measures of fibrosis over 7 d. Ca2+ transient amplitudes and responsiveness to isoprenaline were comparable after 1 d and 7 d, while Ca2+ transient duration was prolonged after 7 d in culture.Conclusions: A workflow for rabbit myocardial culture has been established, preserving function for up to 7 d. This research underscores the importance of glucocorticoid signaling in maintaining tissue function and extending culture duration. Furthermore, BDM and CytoD appear to protect from tissue damage during the initiation phase of tissue culture.
Metabolic and inflammatory parameters in relation to baseline characterization and treatment outcome in patients with prolactinoma: insights from a retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary center
Authors: Hofbauer Susanna , Horka Laura , Seidenberg Samuel , Da Mutten Raffaele , Regli Luca , Serra Carlo , Beuschlein Felix , Erlic Zoran 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundProlactinomas (PRLs) are prevalent pituitary adenomas associated with metabolic changes and increased cardiovascular morbidity. This study examined clinical, endocrine, metabolic, and inflammatory profiles in PRL patients, aiming to identify potential prognostic markers.MethodsThe study comprised data from 59 PRL patients gathered in a registry at the University Hospital of Zurich. Diagnostic criteria included MRI findings and elevated serum prolactin levels. We assessed baseline and follow-up clinical demographics, metabolic markers, serum inflammation-based scores, and endocrine parameters. Treatment outcomes were evaluated based on prolactin normalization, tumor shrinkage, and cabergoline dosage.ResultsThe PRL cohort exhibited a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity, prediabetes/diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia compared to the general population. Significant correlations were found between PRL characteristics and BMI, HbA1c, and fT4 levels. Follow-up data indicated decreases in tumor size, tumor volume, prolactin levels, and LDL-cholesterol, alongside increases in fT4 and sex hormones levels. No significant associations were observed between baseline parameters and tumor shrinkage at follow-up. A positive association was noted between PRL size/volume and the time to achieve prolactin normalization, and a negative association with baseline fT4 levels.ConclusionThis study underscores the metabolic significance of PRL, with notable correlations between PRL parameters and metabolic indices. However, inflammatory markers were not significantly correlated with patient stratification or outcome prediction. These findings highlight the necessity for standardized follow-up protocols and further research into the metabolic pathogenesis in PRL patients.
First study using a fixed-wing drone for systematic measurements of aerosol vertical distribution close to a civil airport
Authors: Harm-Altstädter Barbara , Voß Anna , Aust Sebastian , Bärfuss Konrad , Bretschneider Lutz , Merkel Maik , Pätzold Falk , Schlerf Andreas , Weinhold Kay , Wiedensohler Alfred , Winkler Ulf , Lampert Astrid 
Published: April 2024

A profound knowledge of pollutant emissions and transport processes is essential to better assess the impact on local air quality, which ultimately affects human health. This is of special importance in the proximity of airports, as flight activities are a major source of ultrafine aerosol particles (UFP) that are associated with adverse health effects. A quantification of the aerosol population in the horizontal and in particular in the vertical distribution has not been sufficiently characterized so far, but is of crucial relevance, as the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is strongly interacting with aerosols. For this purpose, the fixed-wing research drone called ALADINA (Application of Light-weight Aircraft for Detecting in-situ Aerosol) was operated at a distance of approximately 4 km downwind of the German airport Berlin Brandenburg (BER) on October 11–19, 2021. During the investigation period, 140 vertical profiles of different meteorological parameters and aerosol particle sizes were obtained on six measurement days between the surface and up to a maximum altitude of 750 m above ground level (a.g.l.). The investigations indicate several features: The stability of the ABL is a key characteristic for the vertical distribution of aerosol population with highest concentrations close to ground. Inversion layers further enhance horizontal transport so that airport pollutants can be moved to a further distance away. The airborne observations of total particle number concentration (TNC) coincide with ground-based data from fix-point sites. They show a high variability depending on the distance to the plume as well as upwind position and highest concentrations of TNC related to rush hours of airport operations.
Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy followed by adjuvant immunotherapy in resectable non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis of phase 3 clinical trials
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Liang Zhanpeng , Zhao Yurong , Li Yanwei , Chen Ting , Li Wenxia , Chen Yunqi , Wu Peiye , Zhang Huatang , Fang Cantu , Li Luzhen 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveAt present, several important trials have been published show that perioperative immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy can improve the prognosis of patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer, which further optimizes treatment options. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of perioperative immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy in resectable non-small cell lung cancer.MethodsThe following databases were searched for relevant studies: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library (updated 12 October 2023). All randomized trials comparing perioperative immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in resectable non-small cell lung cancer were eligible for inclusion. Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4.1 (Cochrane collaboration software). Primary outcomes and measures included overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), pathological complete response (pCR), major pathological response (MPR), R0 resection rate, rate of underwent surgery and adverse events (AEs).ResultsA total of 2912 patients (1453 receiving perioperative immunotherapy plus chemotherapy and 1459 receiving chemotherapy alone) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The result showed that compared with chemotherapy alone, combined therapy significantly improved OS (HR = 0.68;95% CI: 0.56-0.83), EFS (HR = 0.58;95% CI: 0.51-0.65), pCR (OR = 7.53;95% CI: 4.63-12.26), MPR (OR = 5.03;95% CI: 3.40-7.44), R0 resection (OR = 1.58;95% CI: 1.152.18) and rate of underwent surgery (OR = 1.25;95% CI: 1.04-1.49). However, combination therapy was associated with higher risk of severe adverse event (OR = 1.46;95% CI: 1.19-1.78; P=0.0002), grade 3 and higher treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) (OR = 1.25;95% CI: 1.06-1.49; P=0.010), TRAE that led to interruption (OR = 1.90;95% CI: 1.34-2.68; P=0.0003) and immune-related adverse event (OR = 2.78;95% CI: 2.18-3.55; P&lt;0.00001). Significant benefits were observed across most subgroups of EFS and pCR. However, no statistical differences were observed for EFS of never smoked (HR = 0.73;95% CI: 0.51-1.05) and EGFR-mutation positive (HR = 0.35;95% CI: 0.04-3.03).ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis found superior efficacy associated with perioperative immunotherapy plus chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone in both tumor regression and prolonged survival in resectable NSCLC, but increased the risk of TRAE, so monitoring for adverse events is warranted.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier (CRD42023476786).
Utilizing noncatalytic ACE2 protein mutant as a competitive inhibitor to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Liu Shengjiang , Chen Haifeng , Chen Xiangqun , Luo Ningguang , Peraramelli Sameera , Gong Xiaoming , Zhang Mingwei John , Ou Li 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionAngiotensin converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an enzyme catalyzing the conversion of angiotensin 2 into angiotensin 1-7. ACE2 also serves as the receptor of several coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, ACE2 could be utilized as a therapeutic target for treating these coronaviruses, ideally lacking enzymatic function.MethodsBased on structural analysis, specific mutations were introduced to generate mutants of ACE2 and ACE2-Fc (fusion protein of ACE2 and Fc region of IgG1). The enzyme activity, binding affinity, and neutralization abilities were measured.Results and discussionAs predicted, five mutants (AMI081, AMI082, AMI083, AMI084, AMI090) have completely depleted ACE2 enzymatic activities. More importantly, enzyme-linked receptor-ligand assay (ELRLA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) results showed that 2 mutants (AMI082, AMI090) maintained binding activity to the viral spike proteins of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. In An in vitro neutralization experiment using a pseudovirus, SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein-packed lentivirus particles, was also performed, showing that AMI082 and AMI090 significantly reduced GFP transgene expression. Further, in vitro virulent neutralization assays using SARS-CoV-2 (strain name: USA-WA1/2020) showed that AMI082 and AMI090 had remarkable inhibitory effects, indicated by comparable IC50 to wildtype ACE2 (5.33 µg/mL). In addition to the direct administration of mutant proteins, an alternative strategy for treating COVID-19 is through AAV delivery to achieve long-lasting effects. Therefore, AAV5 encoding AMI082 and AMI090 were packaged and transgene expression was assessed. In summary, these ACE2 mutants represent a novel approach to prevent or treat COVID-19 and other viruses with the same spike protein.
Case report: A rare immune-related adverse effect: hepatic cavernous hemangioma induced by camrelizumab
Authors: Zhang Chuantao , Wang Guanqun , Liu Ning , Li Tianjun , Zhu Jingjuan , Hou Helei 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundCamrelizumab, a programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibiting antibody, has demonstrated efficacy in various malignancies and received approval in multiple countries. Despite its therapeutic benefits, camrelizumab is associated with a unique spectrum of immune-related adverse effects (irAEs), predominantly reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (RCCEP). However, visceral manifestations of such endothelial proliferations, particularly hepatic cavernous hemangiomas, have not been extensively documented.MethodsThis case series retrospectively reviews six patients who developed hepatic hemangiomas following treatment with camrelizumab in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. The series highlights the clinical course, imaging findings, management strategies, and outcomes associated with this complication. A detailed analysis was conducted to discern the potential causal relationship between camrelizumab therapy and the development of hepatic hemangiomas.ResultsAll six patients, after varying cycles of camrelizumab-based therapy, presented with hepatic lesions identified as cavernous hemangiomas on imaging. These findings were atypical for metastatic disease and were further complicated by significant clinical events, including massive intra-abdominal bleeding post-biopsy. Discontinuation of camrelizumab led to a reduction in the size of the hemangiomas in two cases, suggesting a potential link between the drug and the development of these vascular lesions. The incidence of RCCEP remained high, and the use of other agents such as bevacizumab did not mitigate the occurrence of hepatic hemangiomas, indicating a possible unique pathogenic mechanism associated with camrelizumab.ConclusionHepatic cavernous hemangioma may represent a rare but clinically significant irAE associated with camrelizumab therapy. This series underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and a high index of suspicion for atypical hepatic lesions in patients undergoing treatment with PD-1 inhibitors. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology of this complication and to establish guidelines for the management and surveillance of patients receiving camrelizumab.