bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurological adverse events of mitotane in adrenocortical carcinoma: results of a pilot study
Authors: Mormando Marilda , Galiè Edvina , Bianchini Marta , Lauretta Rosa , Puliani Giulia , Tanzilli Antonio , Anceschi Umberto , Simone Giuseppe , Petreri Gianluca , Graziano Giuliana , Pace Andrea , Appetecchia Marialuisa 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionMitotane, the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma, is associated with several side effects including neurotoxicity. The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between mitotane plasma levels and neurological toxicity.MethodsWe have considered five patients affected by adrenocortical carcinoma treated with mitotane. The neurological assessment included a neurological examination, an electroencephalogram, event-related potentials (P300), and a neuropsychological assessment. All of the patients were first considered at the onset of symptoms of neurotoxicity or when mitotanemia levels were above 18 mg/L, for the second time at mitotanemia normalization and subsequently at its further increase, or in case of persistent neurological abnormalities, some months after normalization.ResultsAt the first neurotoxicity, four patients showed impaired neurological examination, electroencephalogram, and P300; three patients had impaired neuropsychological assessment; one patient, only P300. At mitotanemia normalization, the neurological examination became normal in all patients and electroencephalogram normalized in one patient, improved in another one, continuing to be altered in the other three. P300 latency and neuropsychological assessment normalized in two patients and persisted altered in the patient experiencing long-term mitotane toxicity. At the third evaluation, in the patient with prolonged mitotane toxicity, the normal mitotanemia in the previous 9 months restored P300 and improved the electroencephalogram but not the neuropsychological assessment. In the two patients experiencing a further rise of mitotanemia, neurological examination was normal but P300 and electroencephalogram were altered.ConclusionThe results of our study highlighted the presence of neurophysiological and neuropsychological abnormalities associated with mitotane values above 18 mg/L.
Combination of clinical, radiomic, and “delta” radiomic features in survival prediction of metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Krishna Satheesh , Sertic Andrew , Liu Zhihui (Amy) , Liu Zijin , Darling Gail E. , Yeung Jonathon , Wong Rebecca , Chen Eric X. , Kalimuthu Sangeetha , Allen Michael J. , Suzuki Chihiro , Panov Elan , Ma Lucy X. , Bach Yvonne , Jang Raymond W. , Swallow Carol J. , Brar Savtaj , Elimova Elena , Veit-Haibach Patrick 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesTo identify combined clinical, radiomic, and delta-radiomic features in metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas (GEAs) that may predict survival outcomes.MethodsA total of 166 patients with metastatic GEAs on palliative chemotherapy with baseline and treatment/follow-up (8–12 weeks) contrast-enhanced CT were retrospectively identified. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Three-dimensional whole-lesional radiomic analysis was performed on the treatment/follow-up scans. “Delta” radiomic features were calculated based on the change in radiomic parameters compared to the baseline. The univariable analysis (UVA) Cox proportional hazards model was used to select clinical variables predictive of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p-value &lt;0.05). The radiomic and “delta” features were then assessed in a multivariable analysis (MVA) Cox model in combination with clinical features identified on UVA. Features with a p-value &lt;0.01 in the MVA models were selected to assess their pairwise correlation. Only non-highly correlated features (Pearson’s correlation coefficient &lt;0.7) were included in the final model. Leave-one-out cross-validation method was used, and the 1-year area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for PFS and OS.ResultsOf the 166 patients (median age of 59.8 years), 114 (69%) were male, 139 (84%) were non-Asian, and 147 (89%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0–1. The median PFS and OS on treatment were 3.6 months (95% CI 2.86, 4.63) and 9 months (95% CI 7.49, 11.04), respectively. On UVA, the number of chemotherapy cycles and number of lesions at the end of treatment were associated with both PFS and OS (p &lt; 0.001). ECOG status was associated with OS (p = 0.0063), but not PFS (p = 0.054). Of the delta-radiomic features, delta conventional HUmin, delta gray-level zone length matrix (GLZLM) GLNU, and delta GLZLM LGZE were incorporated into the model for PFS, and delta shape compacity was incorporated in the model for OS. Of the treatment/follow-up radiomic features, shape compacity and neighborhood gray-level dependence matrix (NGLDM) contrast were used in both models. The combined 1-year AUC (Kaplan–Meier estimator) was 0.82 and 0.81 for PFS and OS, respectively.ConclusionsA combination of clinical, radiomics, and delta-radiomic features may predict PFS and OS in GEAs with reasonable accuracy.
Ultrastructure for the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia in South Africa, a resource-limited setting
Authors: Birkhead Monica , Otido Samuel , Mabaso Theodore , Mopeli Keketso , Tlhapi Dorcas , Verwey Charl , Dangor Ziyaad 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionInternational guidelines recommend a multi-faceted approach for successful diagnoses of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). In the absence of a gold standard test, a combination of genetic testing/microscopic analysis of structure and function/nasal nitric oxide measurement is used. In resource-limited settings, often none of the above tests are available, and in South Africa, only transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is available in central anatomical pathology departments. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and ultrastructural findings of suspected PCD cases managed by pediatric pulmonologists at a tertiary-level state funded hospital in Johannesburg.MethodsNasal brushings were taken from 14 children with chronic respiratory symptoms in keeping with a PCD phenotype. Ultrastructural analysis in accordance with the international consensus guidelines for TEM-PCD diagnostic reporting was undertaken.ResultsTEM observations confirmed 43% (6) of the clinically-suspected cases (hallmark ultrastructural defects in the dynein arms of the outer doublets), whilst 57% (8) required another PCD testing modality to support ultrastructural observations. Of these, 25% (2) had neither ultrastructural defects nor did they present with bronchiectasis. Of the remaining cases, 83% (5) had very few ciliated cells (all of which were sparsely ciliated), together with goblet cell hyperplasia. There was the apparent absence of ciliary rootlets in 17% (1) case.DiscussionIn resource-limited settings in which TEM is the only available testing modality, confirmatory and probable diagnoses of PCD can be made to facilitate early initiation of treatment of children with chronic respiratory symptoms.
The impact of medication belief on adherence to infliximab in patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Li Shuyan , Ma Yan , Sun Hongling , Ni Zijun , Hu Shurong , Chen Yan , Lan Meijuan 
Published: August 2023

Objective: Crohn’s disease (CD) is an incurable chronic disease that requires long-term treatment. As an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agent, Infliximab (IFX) is widely used in the treatment of Crohn’s disease, while the adherence is not high. The purpose of this study was to investigate the adherence to IFX among CD patients in China and evaluate the association between medication belief and IFX adherence.Methods: Demographic data, clinical information and patients’ medication beliefs were collected using an online questionnaire and reviewing electronic medical records (EMRs). The Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ)-specific was used to assess medication beliefs which contains the BMQ-specific concern score and the BMQ-specific necessity score. An evaluation of adherence factors was conducted using univariate and multidimensional logistic regression analyses.Results: In all, 166 CD patients responded the online questionnaire among which 77 (46.39%) patients had high adherence. The BMQ-specific concern score in patients in low adherence was 30.00 and in high adherence patients was 27.50, and patients with lower BMQ-specific concern score had higher adherence (p = 0.013). The multiple regression analysis showed that the BMQ-specific concern score (OR = 0.940, 95% CI: 0.888–0.996) significantly affected the IFX adherence in CD patients. Otherwise, gender, marital status, time spent on the way (including the waiting time in infusion center) and accommodation to the center were also the influencing factors of adherence.Conclusion: The IFX adherence to CD in China was not high. Medicine concerns may be predictive factor of adherence. Education, the duration of IFX therapy and experience of adverse effects were not significantly associated with IFX adherence. By enhancing knowledge and relieving medicine concerns, we may increase patients’ adherence to IFX.
Stroke and physiological relationships during the incremental front crawl test: outcomes for planning and pacing aerobic training
Authors: Almeida Tiago A. F. , Espada Mário C. , Massini Danilo A. , Macedo Anderson G. , Castro Eliane A. , Ferreira Cátia C. , Reis Joana F. , Pessôa Filho Dalton M. 
Published: August 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the physiological responses associated with the stroke length (SL) and stroke rate (SR) changes as swimming velocity increases during an incremental step-test. Moreover, this study also aimed to verify if SL and SR relationships toward maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), gas respiratory compensation point (RCP), exchange threshold (GET), and swimming cost can be applied to the management of endurance training and control aerobic pace.Methods: A total of 19 swimmers performed the incremental test until volitional exhaustion, with each stage being designed by percentages of the 400 m (%v400) maximal front crawl velocity. V̇O2max, GET, RCP, and the respective swimming velocities (v) were examined. Also, the stroke parameters, SL, SR, the corresponding slopes (SLslope and SRslope), and the crossing point (Cp) between them were determined.Results: GET and RCP corresponded to 70.6% and 82.4% of V̇O2max (4185.3 ± 686.1 mL min-1), and V̇O2 at Cp, SLslope, and SRslope were observed at 129.7%, 75.3%, and 61.7% of V̇O2max, respectively. The swimming cost from the expected V̇O2 at vSLslope (0.85 ± 0.18 kJ m-1), vSRslope (0.77 ± 0.17 kJ m-1), and vCp (1.09 ± 0.19 kJ m-1) showed correlations with GET (r = 0.73, 0.57, and 0.59, respectively), but only the cost at vSLslope and vCp correlated to RCP (0.62 and 0.69) and V̇O2max (0.70 and 0.79).Conclusion: SL and SR exhibited a distinctive pattern for the V̇O2 response as swimming velocity increased. Furthermore, the influence of SL on GET, RCP, and V̇O2max suggests that SLslope serves as the metabolic reference of heavy exercise intensity, beyond which the stroke profile defines an exercise zone with high cost, which is recommended for an anaerobic threshold and aerobic power training. In turn, the observed difference between V̇O2 at SRslope and GET suggests that the range of velocities between SL and SR slopes ensures an economical pace, which might be recommended to develop long-term endurance. The results also highlighted that the swimming intensity paced at Cp would impose a high anaerobic demand, as it is located above the maximal aerobic velocity. Therefore, SLslope and SRslope are suitable indexes of submaximal to maximal aerobic paces, while Cp’s meaning still requires further evidence.
Academic performance and mental health among Chinese middle and high school students after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions
Authors: Song Hong-Jun , Mu Yun-Fei , Wang Cong , Cai Jia , Deng Zhong-Yue , Deng Ai-Ping , Huang Xue-Hua , Meng Xian-Dong , Zhang Lan , Huang Yi , Zhang Wei , Shen Wen-Wu , Chen Jin , Liu Bo , Gao Ru , Zhao Jun-Shu , Ran Mao-Sheng 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundAlthough the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly changed the way students studied, it is still unknown about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ academic performance and mental health.ObjectiveTo explore the academic performance and mental health status of middle and high school students after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in China.MethodsAn online survey was conducted in Sichuan province, China from Dec 14, 2022 to Feb 28, 2023. All participants were students in middle and high schools, recruited via their teachers. The general information, COVID-19-related information, and academic performance were collected. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Internet Addiction Test (IAT) were used to assess the mental health problems.ResultsOf 60,268 participants, 36,247 (60.2%) middle and high school students reported that their studies were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and 24,864 (41.2%) reported that their academic performance had worsened. The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms was 38.4 and 32.7%, respectively. There was a significant association between academic performance change and mental health problems. The logistic regression analysis showed that improved academic performance was a protective factor for depression, and declined academic performance was a risk factor for depression and anxiety. Being COVID-19 infected, family members being infected, with quarantine experience, and with COVID-19-related stigma were risk factors for depression and anxiety.ConclusionAcademic studies and mental health status of middle and high school students in Sichuan, China have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, even after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Students’ academic performance, academic concerns, and mental health status should be considered for educational policymakers and institutions to improve students’ academic studies and mental well-being.
Analogue Hawking Radiation as a Tunneling in a Two-Level PT-Symmetric System
Authors: Bagchi Bijan , Ghosh Rahul , Sen Sauvik 
Published: August 2023

In light of a general scenario of a two-level non-Hermitian PT-symmetric Hamiltonian, we apply the tetrad-based method to analyze the possibility of analogue Hawking radiation. We carry this out by making use of the conventional null-geodesic approach, wherein the associated Hawking radiation is described as a quantum tunneling process across a classically forbidden barrier on which the event horizon imposes. An interesting aspect of our result is that our estimate for the tunneling probability is independent of the non-Hermitian parameter that defines the guiding Hamiltonian.
MEADOW MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE VICINITY OF HOLOBORODKIVSKE VILLAGE, POLTAVA DISTRICT, POLTAVA REGION
Authors: Sahaidak V. , Pererva V. , Gomlya L. , Kharchenko L. , Shkura T. , Dyachenko-Bogun M. 
Published: August 2023

The article presents the results of the analysis of the species composition, biomorphological and ecological features, and frequency of occurrence of meadow medicinal plants in the vicinity of Holoborodkivske village, Poltava district, Poltava region. In this area, 34 species of meadow medicinal plants belonging to 32 genera, 17 families, 3 classes and 2 divisions were identified. Representatives of two divisions were common: Equisetophyta (1 species or 2,9% of the total) and Magnoliophyta (33 species or 97,1%), and within the latter, representatives of two classes – Liliopsida (1 species or 2,9%) and Magnoliopsida (32 species or 94,2%). The most numerous by the number of species represented are the families: Asteraceae (8 species or 23,5%), Rosaceae (4 species or 11,8%), Fabaceae, Polygonaceae and Lamiaceae (3 species or 8,8% each), Caryophyllaceae (2 species or 5,9%), the remaining 16 are represented by one species (2,9%). Among the identified genera, only Artemisia L. and Persicaria Mill. have 2 species (5,9%) each, the other 30 genera have 1 species (2,9%). Herbaceous perennial plants prevail by the main biomorph (22 species or 64,7%). Hemicryptophytes (26 species or 76,5%) dominate among the life forms according to K. Raunkier. In relation to soil moisture, mesophytes (14 species or 41,2%) dominate among the meadow medicinal plants, mesophytes (14 species or 41,2%) in relation to soil moisture, mesotrophs (21 species or 61,8%) in relation to soil trophism, and heliophytes (18 species or 53%) in relation to light. The frequency of occurrence is dominated by plants that are rare (12 species or 35,3%). Given the frequency of occurrence, 18 species (53%) are not recommended for mass collection for medicinal purposes. The groups of plants with wound healing and diuretic effects dominate in terms of pharmacological action (20 species or 58.8% each).
SONG GAMES AS A MEANS OF UKRAINIAN SINGING CULTURE FORMATION IN PRESCHOOLS
Authors: Lotsman R. 
Published: August 2023

The article analyzes the peculiarities of the process of formation of Ukrainian singing culture by preschoolers with song game usage. The author emphasizes the importance of using Ukrainian folk songs in the process of musical education of preschoolers, such as calendar-ritual songs, fairy tales, poems, and additional visual materials about Ukrainian traditions. The relevance of singing games is determined by the need for preschoolers’ socialization during the war and quarantine, the use of the art-therapeutic potential of Ukrainian singing, and the need for national-patriotic education.
The main tasks of the song game are to help reveal the essence of Ukrainian singing culture in the process of musical education and everyday life; comprehensive and musical development, formation of vocal-auditory and singing skills, enrichment of the repertoire of preschoolers; awareness of the importance of learning the culture of Ukrainian singing, the history of one’s people and the surrounding world through song; creation of theater and game space; close cooperation with parents and involving them in play activities with preschoolers at home, in preserving the traditions of Ukrainian singing in everyday life; removal of psycho-emotional tension and a friendly atmosphere of the educational environment.
The article examines various forms of Ukrainian singing lessons and suggests author's exercises, methods and games, in particular: “song diary”, “song basket”, “song calendar”, “song journey”, “song fairy tale”, “singing toys”, etc. The author investigates the problem of forming the culture of Ukrainian singing in preschoolers through the development of associative thinking, emotional intelligence, and creative abilities, the creation of an educational art space of the "room of Ukrainian singing", and the holding of educational events in the direction of Ukrainian studies. The proposed song games are aimed at young Ukrainians’ musical and spiritual development, their patriotic upbringing, and the enrichment of their worldview.
PENGEMBANGAN JASA KONSULTASI KEUANGAN DAN AKUNTANSI DI JURUSAN AKUNTANSI POLITEKNIK NEGERI BANDUNG
Authors: Iwan Dr. Iwan Setiawan, SE.,Me 
Published: August 2023

Usaha Mikro, Kecil dan Menengah (UMKM) adalah sektor usaha yang memiliki potensi besar untuk mendukung perkembangan perekonomian di Indonesia. UMKM memiliki kendala pengembangkan diri terkait kondisi kualitas SDM dan akses pendanaan yang bisa diperoleh. Tujuan makalah ini adalah untuk mengakaji permasalahan, kendala internal dan solusi pengembangan UMKM khususnya di wilayah Bandung Raya. Hasil kajian mengungkapkan bahwa UMKM menghadapi kendala terkait dengan upaya pengembangan dan akses dana dana yang dapat diperoleh. UMKM membutuhkan bantuan untuk mengatasi kendala kualitas SDM dan akses pendanaan. Dibutuhkan jasa konsultasi yang membantu pengelolaan laporan keuangan dan akuntansi. Dari hasil kajian disimpulkan bahwa dibutuhkan unit jasa konsultasi keuangan dan akuntansi. Melalui Unit Jasa Konsultasi Keuangan dan Akuntasi (UJKKA) Jurusan Akuntansi Politeknik Negeri Bandung berpotensi untuk membantu permasalahan UMKM. UJKKA membantu pencatatan keuangan dan menghasilkan laporan keuangan bagi UMKM yang dapat diterima oleh pemberi pembiayaan serta perpajakan. Fokus konsultasi UJKKA adalah pembukuan perusahaan, laporan keuangan, perpajakan serta perencanaan dan anggaran perusahaan.
Role Play Methods Strategies to Improve Students' Speaking Ability
Authors: M. Hilmy Hidayatullah  , Sirrul Bari  , Annisa Kurnia Asri  , Nur lailiyatul Janna  
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to determine the implementation of role play to improve students’ speaking skill in the grade VIII MTs Al-Ittihad Ketupat Ra’as Sumenep. This research used Classroom Action Research (CAR) which consisted of two cycles, each cycle included planning, implementing, observing, and reflecting. The cycle was stopped when the indicators of success had achieved the completeness of learning set by the school. Completeness of learning for grade VIII subjects is 75%. The results showed students’ increase in the grade VIII MTs Al-Ittihad Ketupat Ra’as Sumenep learning outcomes in each cycle. The increase in learning outcomes was shown in the pre-test results with the percentage of completeness of learning 4,55% and there was an increase in the results of the post-test cycle 1 to 31,82%, and an increase again in the results of the post test cycle 2 to 81,82%. The increase in learning outcomes from the results of the pre-test, post-test cycle I to post-test cycle II was due to improvements in the application of role play after evaluating the learning process activities and learning outcomes. From the results of observations in the learning process of students’ speaking skill in the grade VIII MTs Al-Ittihad Ketupat Ra’as Sumenep, the students showed a good response. It could be concluded that learning using role play strategy in the grade VIII MTs Al-Ittihad Ketupat Ra’as Sumenep could improve the student’s speaking skill.