bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Association of Trefoil Factors with Gastric Cancer and Premalignant Lesions: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Zan Xiangyi , Chen Zhaofeng , Guo Qinghong , Wang Yuping , Zhang Zhiyi , Ji Rui , Zheng Ya , Zhang Jinhua , Wu Zhengqi , Li Min , Wang Xiang , Ye Yuwei , Li Xiaohua , An Feng , Xu Chuanggui , Lu Linzhi , Fan Ping , Zhang Jun , Guan Quanlin , Li Qiang , Liu Min , Ren Qian , Hu Xiaobin , Lu Hong , Wang Yuling , Zhang Hongling , Zhao Yue , Gou Xi , Shu Xiaochuang , Wang Jun , Hu Zenan , Liu Rong , Yuan Hao , Liu Jiankang , Qiao Liang , Zhou Yongning 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background:
A lack of research on the association of trefoil factors (TFF) with gastric cancer and premalignant lesions (PML) in the general population is an important obstacle to the application of TFFs for gastric cancer screening. We aimed to analyze the association of TFFs with gastric cancer and PMLs in a general population.

Methods:
We evaluated 3,986 adults residing in Wuwei, China. We collected baseline characteristics and gastric cancer risk factors, including TFFs, endoscopic diagnosis, and pathologic information. Three logistic regression models were generated to analyze the association between TFFs and gastric cancer, as well as PMLs. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to determine the strength of association.

Results:
Compared with pepsinogen (PG) and anti–Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin G antibody (Hp-IgG), TFFs had significant association with gastric cancer and PMLs after adjusting for biomarkers and risk factors (P &lt; 0.05). The ORs (95% CI) for TFF1 (1.67; 1.27–2.20), TFF2 (2.66; 2.01–3.51), and TFF3 (1.32; 1.00–1.74) were larger than the ORs for PGI (0.79; 0.61–1.03), PGI/II (1.00; 0.76–1.31), and Hp-IgG (0.99; 0.73–1.35) in the gastric cancer group. In the intestinal metaplasia (IM) group, not only the TFF3 serum level was the highest, but also the OR (1.92; 1.64–2.25) was the highest.

Conclusions:
TFFs were associated with risk of gastric cancer and PMLs.

Impact:
Serum TFFs can improve the screening of high-risk populations for gastric cancer.
Family History and Risk of Bladder Cancer: An Analysis Accounting for First- and Second-degree Relatives
Authors: Yu Evan Yi-Wen , Stern Mariana C. , Jiang Xuejuan , Tang Li , van den Brandt Piet A. , Lu Chih-Ming , Karagas Margaret R. , La Vecchia Carlo , Bosetti Cristina , Polesel Jerry , Golka Klaus , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Villeneuve Paul , Zeegers Maurice P. , Wesselius Anke 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Although evidence suggests that a positive family history of bladder cancer in first-degree relatives is an important risk factor for bladder cancer occurrence, results remain unclear. The influence of family history of nonbladder cancers and more distant relatives on bladder cancer risk is inconsistent. This research, therefore, aims to increase the understanding of the association between family history and bladder cancer risk based on worldwide case–control studies. In total 4,327 cases and 8,948 non-cases were included. Pooled ORs, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), were obtained using multilevel logistic regression models, adjusted by age, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, and smoking pack-years. The results show bladder cancer risk increased by having a first- or second-degree relative affected with bladder cancer (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.55–4.77 and OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.22–2.40, respectively), and nonurologic cancers (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.19–2.18). Moreover, bladder cancer risk increased by number of cancers affected first-degree relatives (for 1 and &gt;1 first-degree relatives: OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.02–2.04; OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.84–3.86, respectively). Our findings highlight an increased bladder cancer risk for a positive bladder cancer family history in first- and second-degree relatives, and indicate a possible greater effect for an increment of numbers of affected relatives.

Prevention Relevance:
This study found a positive association between family history and bladder cancer in first- and second-degree relatives, with an added effect attributed to smoking. Given the detriments of bladder cancer, at-risk individuals should receive family history screening and tobacco cessation and avoidance counseling.
The Challenge of Melanoma Chemoprevention
Authors: Elmets Craig A. , Slominski Andrzej , Athar Mohammad 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Melanoma is a treatment-resistant cancer of melanocytes. There is a serious unmet need for chemopreventive agents that can inhibit their evolution from preexisting dysplastic nevi. Low-dose aspirin and NSAIDs are potential chemopreventive candidates because they inhibit the enzyme COX-2 which has a number of procarcinogenic effects. Unfortunately, the clinical trial reported by Okwundu and colleagues in this issue of Cancer Prevention Research did not show an effect of aspirin on biomarkers associated with progression of premalignant dysplastic nevi to melanomas. Further clinical trials with other aspirin or NSAID biomarkers or clinical trials with other potential chemopreventive agents offer hope to those who are at increased risk for melanomas.
See related article, p. 129
Predictors Affecting the Level of Work Satisfaction in Relation to the Job Performance Among Secondary School Teachers in the Division of Zambales During SY 2020-2021
Authors: Villanueva Alma G. , Meer Thelma Q. 
Published: January 2022

The research aimed to determine the Predictors Affecting the Level of Work Satisfaction in Relation to the Work Performance Among Secondary School Teachers in the Division of Zambales During SY 20120-2021. The descriptive research design were used with survey questionnaire as the data gathering.The study was limited on predictors affecting the level of work performance as to teaching hours, salary/remuneration, school officials/administrators, peer/colleagues, student factor, work environment and community supports predictors respectively. The respondents of the study were Secondary Teachers in the Division of Zambales.
The findings revealed that the teacher-respondent is a typical female in her early adulthood, married, Roman Catholic, Mathematics major, Teacher 1, BS degree with masteral units of education and had been teaching for almost a decade. The teacher-respondent agreed on the predictors affecting the level of work performance as to teaching hours, salary/remuneration, school officials/administrators, peer/colleagues, student factor, work environment factor and community support. The teachers were rated “Very Satisfactory” on their level of work performance. There was a significant difference on the assessment towards salary/remuneration when grouped according to civil status, religion and highest educational attainment; on school officials/administrators when grouped according to position/designation. There was significant difference on the assessment of the teacher-respondents towards predictors affecting the level of work satisfaction. There was no significant relationship between the work satisfaction predictors and the level of work performance as reflected in the IPCRF performance rating.
Strengthening the Child’s Protection Program in the Philippines
Authors: Mobo Froilan D. 
Published: January 2022

The impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic greatly affects not only the economy but also the society because the majority of the Filipino were unemployed which makes their lives and situations more devastated. There are many reports in the Philippines that violence on child at home – predominantly those children already living in vicious or dysfunctional family situations, (Ramirez, 2020). It was also reported that during the lockdown period in March 2020, The Philippine justice agencies and child protection shareholders rescued at least 136 victims, seized 30 suspects, and found 18 convictions. The Local Government Unit with the collaborations of the Barangay must strengthen the child protection program amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic this is to reduce child victims from violence to achieve the 17 sustainability and development of the United Nations.
Course Crediting and Academic Evaluation System of The College of Communication and Information Technology
Authors: Sepillo Geoffrey S. 
Published: January 2022

The study aimed to develop a Course Crediting and Academic Evaluation System of the College of Communication and Information Technology (CCIT) in President Ramon Magsaysay State University – Iba Campus to offer an online system to ease the procedures of crediting and evaluation of the student academic records. Descriptive research design and descriptive statistics were utilized in this study. The dean, program chairpersons, and students of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering are the respondents of the study. The findings revealed that the respondents evaluated the software quality of the system using the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC): 25010:2011 as excellent. The respondents evaluated as strongly recommended on the degree of recommendation of the acquisition and implementation of the system. The Course Crediting and Academic Evaluation System is recommended to implement to improve the present procedures. Training to the end-users is advised to be conducted to know how to use the system. The maintenance and continuous enhancement of the system to adapt to the changing trends in information technology.
Pericoronary Fat Attenuation Index Is Associated With Vulnerable Plaque Components and Local Immune‐Inflammatory Activation in Patients With Non‐ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Sun Jia Teng , Sheng Xin Cheng , Feng Qi , Yin Yan , Li Zheng , Ding Song , Pu Jun 
Published: January 2022

Background
The pericoronary fat attenuation index (FAI) is assessed using standard coronary computed tomography angiography, and it has emerged as a novel imaging biomarker of coronary inflammation. The present study assessed whether increased pericoronary FAI values on coronary computed tomography angiography were associated with vulnerable plaque components and their intracellular cytokine levels in patients with non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Methods and Results

A total of 195 lesions in 130 patients with non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndrome were prospectively included. Lesion‐specific pericoronary FAI, plaque components and other plaque features were evaluated by coronary computed tomography angiography. Local T cell subsets and their intracellular cytokine levels were detected by flow cytometry. Lesions with pericoronary FAI values >−70.1 Hounsfield units exhibited spotty calcification (43.1% versus 25.0%,
P
=0.015) and low‐attenuation plaques (17.6% versus 4.2%,
P
=0.016) more frequently than lesions with lower pericoronary FAI values. Further quantitative plaque compositional analysis showed that increased necrotic core volume (Pearson’s r=0.324,
P
<0.001) and fibrofatty volume (Pearson’s r=0.270,
P
<0.001) were positively associated with the pericoronary FAI, and fibrous volume (Pearson’s r=−0.333,
P
<0.001) showed a negative association. An increasing proinflammatory intracellular cytokine profile was found in lesions with higher pericoronary FAI values.

Conclusions
The pericoronary FAI may be a reliable indicator of local immune‐inflammatory response activation, which is closely related to plaque vulnerability.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04792047.
Neuromodulation of Inflammation to Treat Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Stavrakis Stavros , Elkholey Khaled , Morris Lynsie , Niewiadomska Monika , Asad Zain Ul Abideen , Humphrey Mary Beth 
Published: January 2022

Background
A systemic proinflammatory state plays a central role in the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Low‐level transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation suppresses inflammation in humans. We conducted a sham‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized clinical trial to examine the effect of chronic low‐level transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on cardiac function, exercise capacity, and inflammation in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods and Results

Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and at least 2 additional comorbidities (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or age ≥65 years) were randomized to either active (tragus) or sham (earlobe) low‐level transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (20 Hz, 1 mA below discomfort threshold), for 1 hour daily for 3 months. Echocardiography, 6‐minute walk test, quality of life, and serum cytokines were assessed at baseline and 3 months. Fifty‐two patients (mean age 70.4±9.2 years; 70% female) were included (active, n=26; sham, n=26). Baseline characteristics were balanced between the 2 arms. Adherence to the protocol of daily stimulation was >90% in both arms (
P
>0.05). While the early mitral inflow Doppler velocity to the early diastolic mitral annulus velocity ratio did not differ between groups, global longitudinal strain and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels at 3 months were significantly improved in the active compared with the sham arm (−18.6%±2.5% versus −16.0%±2.4%,
P
=0.002; 8.9±2.8 pg/mL versus 11.3±2.9 pg/mL,
P
=0.007, respectively). The reduction in tumor necrosis factor‐α levels correlated with global longitudinal strain improvement (r=−0.73,
P
=0.001). Quality of life was better in the active arm. No device‐related side effects were observed.

Conclusions
Neuromodulation with low‐level transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation over 3 months resulted in a significant improvement in global longitudinal strain, inflammatory cytokines, and quality of life in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03327649.
Between Genoa and Milan: Giovanni Maria Visconti and His Hagiography of Anton Giulio Brignole Sale (1666)
Authors: Giovannucci Pierluigi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Giovanni Maria Visconti, member of a prominent family of the Milanese patriciate, had an important career in his order as a teacher and spiritual director, and a valuable role in the internal government of the Society, between Milan and Genoa. After the death of Anton Giulio Brignole Sale, he was charged by his superiors with the task of writing a hagiographic biography of this famous man of letters and politician (son of a Genoese duke) who, after a long cursus honorum in the public offices of his republic and during a period of political crisis of the Genoese state, decided to end his career to become a diocesan priest, and, some years later, a member of the Society of Jesus. The work was published in 1666, with the title Alcune memorie delle virtù del padre Anton Giulio Brignole (Some memoirs of the virtues of Father Anton Giulio Brignole). It is an interesting book especially because the author, while describing Brignole Sale’s life and heroic virtues, also explained his transformation from the role of Catholic statesman to the role of religious preacher.
Overlapping Boundary Layers in Coastal Oceans
Authors: Yan Chao , McWilliams James C. , Chamecki Marcelo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Boundary layer turbulence in coastal regions differs from that in deep ocean because of bottom interactions. In this paper, we focus on the merging of surface and bottom boundary layers in a finite-depth coastal ocean by numerically solving the wave-averaged equations using a large-eddy simulation method. The ocean fluid is driven by combined effects of wind stress, surface wave, and a steady current in the presence of stable vertical stratification. The resulting flow consists of two overlapping boundary layers, i.e., surface and bottom boundary layers, separated by an interior stratification. The overlapping boundary layers evolve through three phases, i.e., a rapid deepening, an oscillatory equilibrium and a prompt merger, separated by two transitions. Before the merger, internal waves are observed in the stratified layer, and they are excited mainly by Langmuir turbulence in the surface boundary layer. These waves induce a clear modulation on the bottom-generated turbulence, facilitating the interaction between the surface and bottom boundary layers. After the merger, the Langmuir circulations originally confined to the surface layer are found to grow in size and extend down to the sea bottom (even though the surface waves do not feel the bottom), reminiscent of the well-organized Langmuir supercells. These full-depth Langmuir circulations promote the vertical mixing and enhance the bottom shear, leading to a significant enhancement of turbulence levels in the vertical column.
Features on Computed Tomography That Correlate With Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Cho Jae Hee , Akers M Jason , Siavoshi Mehrnaz , Gress Todd , Thompson Errington C. 
Published: January 2022

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relevant findings in adult patients admitted to Cabell Huntington Hospital who were diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Methods: Patients who had the postoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis and a preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan from January 2011 through December 2016 were included in this retrospective chart review. Results: There were 592 patients. A thick, edematous appendix was the most common CT finding in acute appendicitis. The average diameter was 12.6 mm. The wall thickness correlated to the diameter of the appendix ( P < 0.001). For comparison, we reviewed the CT scans of 50 trauma patients who had normal abdominal CT scans. The average diameter of a normal appendix was 4.9 mm (SD 1.139) with a range of 4-7 mm. Interestingly, the admission white blood cell count ( P = 0.0372) as well as the thickness of the appendix ( P < 0.0001) were strongly associated with increased length of stay. Conclusions: An appendiceal diameter greater than 9 mm should be considered abnormal and associated with acute appendicitis. Appendiceal size, white blood cell count, and age correlate with length of stay. Early antibiotics and early surgical intervention may decrease length of stay.
Online Learning: Challenges and Solutions for Learners and Teachers
Authors: Das Utpala 
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an expansion and increase in the demand for online teaching and learning across the globe. Online teaching and learning is attracting a large number of students for enhanced learning experiences. However, there are many challenges and hindrances that pose a problem in the smooth learning. The impediments in the learning process are suppressing the advantages that may aid the learners with augmented learning sessions. The article presents some challenges faced by teachers and learners, supplemented with the recommendations to remove them. JEL Code: A20
Metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older women: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Moreira Mayle Andrade , da Câmara Saionara Maria Aires , Fernandes Sabrina Gabrielle Gomes , Azevedo Ingrid Guerra , Cavalcanti Maciel Álvaro Campos 
Published: January 2022

Objective: This study aims to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between different age groups of middle-aged and older women and to assess whether these differences are independent of potential covariates. Methods: Study conducted with 510 women divided into three age groups: 45–54, 55–64 and 65–74 years. Socioeconomic, reproductive and lifestyle variables were self-reported. We defined metabolic syndrome using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria (abdominal obesity, diabetes, reduced high-density lipoprotein, elevated triglycerides, and hypertension). Logistic regression assessed the association between age groups, and metabolic syndrome was adjusted for covariates (socioeconomic variables, age at menarche and at first childbirth, parity, menopausal status, physical activity variables and smoking). Results: Women aged 55–64 years presented higher prevalence of all metabolic syndrome criteria than the other groups, except for abdominal obesity, which was higher in the oldest group. In the fully adjusted analysis, the 55–64 years age group continues to exhibit significantly higher odds of presenting metabolic syndrome when compared to the youngest group (45–54 years) (OR = 2.257; 95% CI = 1.20:4.24). There was no statistical difference in the odds of presenting metabolic syndrome when comparing the oldest and the youngest groups (OR = 1.500; 95% CI = 0.85:2.65). Conclusion: The higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome among those aged 55–64 years may indicate that middle-aged women become unhealthy earlier in the life course and that many of them may die prematurely. This result highlights the importance of screening metabolic syndrome earlier in the midlife and the need for public health policies aimed at reducing adverse effects in later years.
A cross-sectional evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived challenges among Palestinian pharmacists regarding COVID-19
Authors: Koni Amer , Taha Sari , Daifallah Aiman , Koni Mouath , Abutaha Shatha , Sabateen Ali , Zyoud Sa’ed H 
Published: January 2022

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived challenges regarding coronavirus disease 2019 among pharmacists in Palestine. Methods: An online method was used to collect the data. Three hundred sixty-four pharmacists participated in the study from all areas in the Palestinian territories. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: sociodemographics; knowledge, attitudes, practices regarding coronavirus disease 2019; and barriers that prevent the implementation of infection control measures. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program Version 21 was used to analyze the data. Variables were expressed as frequencies, percentages, mean, and median. The chi-square test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Pearson’s test were applied, along with logistic regression analysis. Results: The median age of the participants was 29 years old, and most of them were female (70.9%). The analysis found that 76.4% of pharmacists had good knowledge regarding coronavirus disease 2019, and 52.7% had good practices. The median attitude score recorded by the participants was 32 points [Q1–Q3: 30–34] out of 35. Notably, the level of concern regarding coronavirus disease 2019 was significantly associated with all three tools of measurement; knowledge ( p = 0.001), attitudes ( p = 0.001), and practices ( p = 0.001). It also appears that more years of experience had higher odds (3–5 years of experience: odds ratio, 2.560; 95% confidence interval, 1.413–4.639; p = 0.002, more than 5 years: odds ratio, 2.931; 95% confidence interval, 1.188–7.232; p = 0.020) of good practice. Conclusion: Although an acceptable level of knowledge was found, it might be considered inadequate. Moreover, there is a lack of appropriate adherence to safety measures from pharmacists. Therefore, we recommend the responsible authorities generate an organized training program to expand pharmacists’ knowledge and experience regarding coronavirus disease 2019.