bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic: exploring science/STEM teachers’ curriculum and assessment practices in Canada
Authors: DeCoito Isha , Estaiteyeh Mohammed 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic necessitated school closures globally, resulting in an abrupt move to online/distance teaching or emergency remote teaching (ERT). Teachers and students pivoted from face-to-face engagement to online environments, thus impacting curriculum, pedagogy, and student outcomes across a variety of disciplines. In this paper, the authors focus on science/STEM teachers’ experiences with online teaching and learning in a Canadian context during the pandemic. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to 75 Grade 1–12 science/STEM teachers in a Canadian province in May–July 2020. Through the TPACK framework and self-efficacy theory, the authors explore i) curriculum planning and implementation in online settings, ii) assessment practices and their effectiveness, and iii) student outcomes, as observed by the teachers. Results indicate that teachers used a variety of platforms, and choice of platform was mainly due to user-friendliness and interactivity, or administrative decision making. Despite teachers organizing online lessons during ERT, gaps were identified in teachers’ TPACK framework and self-efficacy, thus impacting their curriculum development, pedagogical approaches, and assessment practices. In general, teaching strategies included pre-recorded videos and self-directed learning in which teachers assigned specific tasks for students to perform independently. Teachers prioritized subject content and covering curriculum objectives over creative and student-centered pedagogical approaches. Assessment techniques employed were viewed by teachers as unauthentic and generally ineffective. Moreover, teachers reported difficulties addressing student needs and abilities, resulting in challenges providing equitable and inclusive online teaching. Finally, online teaching was viewed negatively by most teachers, in terms of student engagement and outcomes.
The role of tumor necrosis factor alpha − 308A > G polymorphism on the clinical states of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Sotomayor-Lugo Francisco , Alemañy-Díaz Perera Claudia , Roblejo-Balbuena Hilda , Zúñiga-Rosales Yaíma , Monzón-Benítez Giselle , Suárez-Besil Beatriz , González-Torres María de los Ángeles , Torres-Rives Bárbara , Álvarez-Gavilán Yudelmis , Bravo-Ramírez Maidalys , Pereira-Roche Nayade , Benítez-Cordero Yudelkis , Silva-Ayçaguer Luis Carlos , Marcheco-Teruel Beatriz 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundTumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFɑ) is a cytokine that manages the host defense mechanism, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 patients. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms, described in the promoter region of the TNFα gene, have a significant role on its transcriptional activity. These include the − 308A > G polymorphism which increases the TNFα levels with the expression of the A allele. The aim of this study was to explore whether the TNFα.− 308A > G polymorphism affects the clinical state of COVID-19 patients. The study included a total of 1028 individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which were distributed in 3 groups: asymptomatic, mild symptomatic and severe symptomatic patients. The amplification-refractory mutation system was used to determine the genotype of the TNFα.− 308A > G polymorphism.ResultsResults show a higher tendency of being asymptomatic in individuals carrying the GG genotype (336 of 411; OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.91–1.70). The development of a severe form of SARS-CoV-2 infection was not found in subjects with the A allele compared to those with the G allele (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.51–1.79), except in the eastern region of the country where the risk increased (OR 4.41, 95% CI 1.14–17.05). However, the subjects carrying the A allele had a higher chance of developing symptoms (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.91–1.70) compared to those with the G allele.ConclusionThe TNFα.− 308A allele has an influence on developing symptoms of COVID-19 in Cuban patients, and that it particularly increases the risk of presenting severe forms of the disease in the eastern region of the country.
A stakeholder-driven method for selecting implementation strategies: a case example of pediatric hypertension clinical practice guideline implementation
Authors: Knapp Ashley A. , Carroll Allison J. , Mohanty Nivedita , Fu Emily , Powell Byron J. , Hamilton Alison , Burton Nicole D. , Coldren Elaine , Hossain Tania , Limaye Dhanya P. , Mendoza Daniel , Sethi Michael , Padilla Roxane , Price Heather E. , Villamar Juan A. , Jordan Neil , Langman Craig B. , Smith Justin D. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThis article provides a generalizable method, rooted in co-design and stakeholder engagement, to identify, specify, and prioritize implementation strategies. To illustrate this method, we present a case example focused on identifying strategies to promote pediatric hypertension (pHTN) Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) implementation in community health center-based primary care practices that involved meaningful engagement of pediatric clinicians, clinic staff, and patients/caregivers. This example was chosen based on the difficulty clinicians and organizations experience in implementing the pHTN CPG, as evidenced by low rates of guideline-adherent pHTN diagnosis and treatment.MethodsWe convened a Stakeholder Advisory Panel (SAP), comprising 6 pediatricians and 5 academic partners, for 8 meetings (~12 h total) to rigorously identify determinants of pHTN CPG adherence and to ultimately develop a testable multilevel, multicomponent implementation strategy. Our approach expanded upon the Expert Recommendations for Implementation Change (ERIC) protocol by incorporating a modified Delphi approach, user-centered design methods, and the Implementation Research Logic Model (IRLM). At the recommendation of our SAP, we gathered further input from youth with or at-risk for pHTN and their caregivers, as well as clinic staff who would be responsible for carrying out facets of the implementation strategy.ResultsFirst, the SAP identified 17 determinants, and 18 discrete strategies were prioritized for inclusion. The strategies primarily targeted determinants in the domains of intervention characteristics, inner setting, and characteristics of the implementers. Based on SAP ratings of strategy effectiveness, feasibility, and priority, three tiers of strategies emerged, with 7 strategies comprising the top tier implementation strategy package. Next, input from caregivers and clinic staff confirmed the feasibility and acceptability of the implementation strategies and provided further detail in the definition and specification of those strategies.ConclusionsThis method—an adaptation of the ERIC protocol—provided a pragmatic structure to work with stakeholders to efficiently identify implementation strategies, particularly when supplemented with user-centered design activities and the intuitive organizing framework of the IRLM. This generalizable method can help researchers identify and prioritize strategies that align with the implementation context with an increased likelihood of adoption and sustained use.
Functional food: complementary to fight against COVID-19
Authors: Farzana Maisha , Shahriar Sagarika , Jeba Faria Rahman , Tabassum Tahani , Araf Yusha , Ullah Md. Asad , Tasnim Jarin , Chakraborty Agnila , Naima Taslima Anjum , Marma Kay Kay Shain , Rahaman Tanjim Ishraq , Hosen Mohammad Jakir 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe novel coronavirus has embarked on a global pandemic and severe mortality with limited access for its treatments and medications. For the lack of time, research, and enough efficacy, most vaccines are underdeveloped or unreachable to society. However, many recent studies suggest various alternative, complementary remedies for COVID-19, which are functional foods. This review provides an overview of how functional foods can play a great role through modulating the host immune system, generating antiviral activities, and synthesizing biologically active agents effective against the coronavirus.Main bodyThis review article summarizes the natural defense mechanisms in tackling SARS-CoV-2 alongside conventional therapeutic options and their corresponding harmful side effects. By analyzing bioactive components of functional foods, we have outlined its different contributions to human health and its potential immunomodulatory and antiviral properties that can enhance resistivity to viral infection. Moreover, we have provided a myriad of accessible and cost-effective functional foods that could be further investigated to target specific key symptoms of COVID-19 infections. Finally, we have found various functional foods with potent bioactive compounds that can inhibit or prevent COVID-19 infections and disease progression.Short conclusionNumerous functional foods can help the body fight COVID-19 through several mechanisms such as the reduced release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced expression of ACE2 receptors in cells, and inhibiting essential enzymes in SARS-CoV-2.
Prevalence, risk factors and impact of proteinuria-associated hypomagnesemia in chronic kidney disease patients: cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdel-Hameed Ayman Riyadh , Ahmed Mohammed Fouad , Elsantawy Amr Ahmed , Mohammad Maher Borai 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Hypomagnesemia is a predictor of progression and mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, limited data is available about the prevalence and kidney-related risk factors of hypomagnesemia in the CKD patients. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of low serum magnesium level associated with proteinuria and its impact on CKD patients. This cross-sectional study enrolled 100 CKD patients with different stages according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), divided into 2 groups (proteinuric and non-proteinuric) in the period from February 2020 to August 2020.

Results
The number of participants in this study was 100 subjects, 50 patients were proteinuric and 50 patients had no proteinuria. The study participants’ serum magnesium levels ranged from 1.2 to 2.7 mg/dL. Fourteen (28%) of proteinuric individuals had a serum magnesium level of less than 1.8 mg/dL. Hypomagnesemic patients had significantly higher urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) (2071 mg/g vs. 812 mg/g, P<0.001), significantly higher CRP (48 mg/L vs. 12 mg/L, P<0.001), and lower mean hemoglobin levels as well (10.4 g/dL vs. 10.91 g/dL, P= 0.044). Serum magnesium level showed negative correlation with UACR (r=−0.504, P<0.001), parathyroid hormone (r=−0.276, P=0.005), and CRP (r=−0.505, P<0.001).

Conclusions
Hypomagnesemia is a frequent electrolyte disorder in patients with CKD. Hypomagnesemia is independently associated with proteinuria. Hypomagnesemia is a risk factor of inflammation, anemia and hyperparathyroidism in pre-dialysis CKD population.
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and outcomes in Khartoum state
Authors: Seedahmed Khalid Mahmoud Sayed , El-Haj Abusufian Hassan , Bashir Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
In this hospital-based cohort study, a total number of 52 patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis were studied. The medical histories of all the patients were taken and physical examination was conducted thoroughly. Types of surgeries were also observed and the sites of papillomatous lesions were identified. The patients then followed up after surgeries to assess the outcomes and to evaluate the satisfaction levels of the patients.

Result
There was obvious gender predilection toward male patients. Ninety percent of the cases were younger than 20 years old, and 50% of the cases were found to be in the group of 5–10 years old. The most predominant symptom that had been noticed in all of the patients was the change of voice. The study also found that around 46% of the patients had a history of surgical interventions as trials to treat the disease. Acyclovir tabs were prescribed for only 4 patients. No other forms of adjuvant therapies were prescribed. It is also showed that around 65.4% of the cases underwent surgical removal of the papillomata by debulking using cold steel. 30.8% underwent laser and two patients underwent coblation surgeries. Forty-two percent of the patients reported good and satisfactory outcomes with obvious relief from presenting symptoms and no apparent papilloma after IDL examination.

Conclusion
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis presents with a highly variable clinical course in both juvenile and adult patients, with a spectrum from indolent to aggressive disease. But the severity of the condition is more among the younger ages. Change of voice was the first symptom in all of the cases. The use of adjuvant medical treatment in Sudan to treat respiratory papillomatosis is not a routine practice.
Analysis of the pathological characteristics of locally advanced laryngeal carcinoma in Egyptian females: 7-year review
Authors: Eltelety Ahmad Mohamed , Nassar Ahmed Amin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Study the pathological features, extent of treatment, and epidemiological distribution of laryngeal carcinoma among Egyptian female patients.

Results
The study population consisted of 34 female patients treated for laryngeal cancer at the Otolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, between 2011 and 2017. The data were collected in a retrospective manner, based on the analysis of patients’ medical records. The mean age of the total cohort is 56.5 years. Twenty-six patients (76.5%) had supraglottic carcinoma, 7 patients (20.5%) had glottic carcinoma, and only 1 patient (3%) had subglottic tumor. The regional disease of the neck affected 18% of the patients. Ninety-one percent of the patients showed a moderate degree of tumor differentiation.

Conclusion
There may be important gender differences in laryngeal sub-site incidence for patients with laryngeal carcinoma.
IITA’s genebank, cowpea diversity on farms, and farmers’ welfare in Nigeria
Authors: Kouakou Abel-Gautier , Ogundapo Ademola , Smale Melinda , Jamora Nelissa , Manda Julius , Abberton Michael 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Cowpea or black-eyed pea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is one of the preferred food crops in Nigeria, as expressed in land area and production. The popularity of the crop is in part related to the successful development and adoption of improved cowpea varieties. Although the genebank of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has contributed to cowpea conservation and improvement efforts by breeding programs internationally and in Nigeria, few studies have attempted to link the genebank to the management of cowpea genetic resources (CGRs) on farms. This study explores the linkage between IITA’s genebank and cowpea variety diversity on farms and other measures of farmers’ welfare in Nigeria.

Methods
A multistage stratified sampling was used to select the sample households. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted to collect data from 1524 cowpea-producing households. In addition, “Helium”, a multi-platform pedigree visualization tool with phenotype display was used to gather information about improved cowpea breeding lines and their pedigrees. For data analysis, ecological indices of spatial diversity were employed, and a conditional recursive mixed-process model and a multinomial endogenous treatment effect model were developed.

Results
We found that growing an improved variety with genebank ancestry is not significantly associated with lower spatial diversity among cowpea varieties. While they may introduce new traits through ancestry, improved varieties do not displace other cowpea varieties or landraces. We also found that genebank ancestry is positively and significantly associated with cowpea yield and farmers’ welfare.

Conclusions
These findings show additional benefits from IITA’s genebank in Nigeria and that adoption of improved varieties with genebank ancestry does not contribute to the erosion of CGRs on smallholder farms in Nigeria. Policymakers and practitioners should consider these findings when analyzing the benefits of conserving crop genetic diversity in genebanks and on farms.
Distribution and characteristics of microplastics in beach sand near the outlet of a major reservoir in north Mississippi, USA
Authors: Gao Zhiqiang , Wontor Kendall , Cizdziel James V. , Lu Haitao 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPlastic debris both affects and is affected by the beaches it accumulates on. Most studies of microplastics (MPs) in beach sand are focused on coastal beaches or beaches of large lakes near population centers. Here, we assessed MP pollution at a sandy beach near the outlet of a major flood control reservoir (Sardis Lake) in a relatively unpopulated area in north Mississippi, USA, focusing on two prominent wrack zones and areas in-between. Putative MPs were isolated by density separation and matrix digestion, and then examined using stereomicroscopy, with a subset of samples additionally analyzed by µ-FTIR. MP abundance (particles/kg ± 1 standard error (SE), n = 15) averaged of 590 ± 360, with 950 ± 100 in the lower wrack zone, 540 ± 40 in the upper wrack zone, and 270 ± 30 in areas between; these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The MPs generally had similar size and shape characteristics across sites. The majority were fibers (64%), followed by fragments (23%), beads (7%) and films (6%), with a slightly greater proportion of fibers in the wrack zones compared to areas in-between. The number of MPs rose dramatically with decreasing size. Beads were only found in the < 500 µm size fraction. Clear and blue were the predominant colors for all MPs. A total of 29 different types of polymers were detected, with more than half of the particles being composed of polyethylene and polyamide, followed by poly(methyl methacrylate), polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and others; although this distribution varied some depending on size fraction and location. Because there are no major wastewater discharges into Sardis Lake, the source of the MPs is likely degradation of carelessly discarded plastic, as well as atmospheric fallout. Overall, we found that MP concentrations were highest in the wrack zones and influenced by rates and duration of discharge from the reservoir. Thus, like coastal beaches, wrack zones on freshwater beaches along or downstream of reservoirs accumulate both macro- and micro-plastics and are prime locations for plastic cleanup. Finally, we show that MPs made from naturally weathered LDPE plastic film are prone to fragmentation during pretreatment procedures, which may result in its overestimation.
The philosophical assumptions across the ‘three waves’ of cognitive–behavioural therapy: how compatible are they?
Authors: Carona Carlos 
Published: March 2022

SUMMARYUnderstanding the philosophical foundations of cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is vital to drive theory and research forwards and to effectively conduct therapy using varied methods and techniques from different CBT models that may be rooted in distinct philosophical tenets. In the evolution of CBT as the most empirically validated form of psychotherapy, each of its three waves (behavioural therapy, cognitive therapy and acceptance-based therapies) has brought unique contributions to improve its effectiveness. Although some of the philosophical assumptions underlying the different CBT waves may be considerably dissimilar, in this clinical reflection I review the distinctive and cross-cutting features of such backgrounds, while suggesting a conciliation of epistemological perspectives that is capable of informing the practice of CBT in a consistent manner.
Cancer Screening Among Rural and Urban Clinics During COVID-19: A Multistate Qualitative Study
Authors: Hanna Karim , Arredondo Brandy L. , Chavez Melody N. , Geiss Carley , Hume Emma , Szalacha Laura , Christy Shannon M. , Vadaparampil Susan , Menon Usha , Islam Jessica , Hong Young-Rock , Alishahi Tabriz Amir , Kue Jennifer , Turner Kea 
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE: The effects of COVID-19 have been understudied in rural areas. This study sought to (1) identify cancer screening barriers and facilitators during the pandemic in rural and urban primary care practices, (2) describe implementation strategies to support cancer screening, and (3) provide recommendations. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted (N = 42) with primary care staff across 20 sites. Individual interviews were conducted through videoconference from August 2020 to April 2021 and recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using deductive and inductive coding (hybrid approach) in NVivo 12 Plus. Practices included federally qualified health centers, tribal health centers, rural health clinics, hospital/health system–owned clinics, and academic medical centers across 10 states including urban (55%) and rural (45%) sites. Staff included individuals serving in the dual role of health care provider and administrator (21.4%), health care administrator (23.8%), physician (19.0%), advanced practice provider (11.9%), or resident (23.8%). The interviews assessed perceptions about cancer screening barriers and facilitators, implementation strategies, and future recommendations. RESULTS: Participants reported multilevel barriers to cancer screening including policy-level (eg, elective procedure delays), organizational (eg, backlogs), and individual (eg, patient cancellation). Several facilitators to screening were noted, such as home-based testing, using telehealth, and strong partnerships with referral sites. Practices used strategies to encourage screening, such as incentivizing patients and providers and expanding outreach. Rural clinics reported challenges with backlogs, staffing, telehealth implementation, and patient outreach. CONCLUSION: Primary care staff used innovative strategies during the pandemic to promote cancer screening. Unresolved challenges (eg, backlogs and inability to implement telehealth) disproportionately affected rural clinics.
Is it possible to implement a holographic equivalence principle?
Authors: Giné Jaume 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this work we study the implementation of the holographic equivalence principle which states that it is equivalent to have a central mass affecting a test particle than an event horizon. The conclusion is that the holographic equivalence principle cannot be implemented based only in the imbalance of the quantum fluctuations, in a similar way to the Casimir effect, and the constituents of the particle must be taken into account. Hence the gravitation cannot have an explanation only in terms of the spontaneous quantum fluctuations around a particle without taking into account the interactions of the constituents of the particle with their surroundings.