Mukogawa Women's University

This study examined the construct validity of ambiguity scores, including the bipolarity and coexistence between extraversion (E) and introversion (I), thinking (T) and feeling (F), and sensation (S) and intuition (N) using the Jung Psychological Types Scale for Coexistence (JPTS-C). Despite the bipolarity assumption, the JPTS-C uses two pairs of items, each scored on a 7-point Likert scale in a unipolar format-to measure the coexistence of between E and I, T and F, and S and N. The results were as follows. (a) Correlational patterns were found among the ambiguity scores for the three subscales on JPTS-C and the Two-Sided Personality Scale. (b) Ambiguity scores between E and I had a negative correlation with anxiety on attitudes toward ambiguity, and ambiguity scores between S and N had a positive correlation with enjoyment and reception on attitudes toward ambiguity, and a negative correlation with dichotomous belief, although ambiguity scores between T and F had a positive correlation with enjoyment and control on attitudes toward ambiguity. This suggests that construct validity about ambiguity scores for the three subscales on JPTS-C was confirmed and that each characteristic of ambiguity score was different for the three subscales.

Abstract Given the pandemic of COVID-19, the diagnostic challenges using Reverse Transcription-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) assays for SARS-CoV-2 are mainly concentrated in the operation, which is to timely process multiple samples and to judge false-positive/false-negative accurately. Here we suggest a unique real-time RT-PCR protocol using a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge for high-throughput screening against COVID-19. By collecting saliva using a PVA sponge, we have solved operational issues allowing for skipping of conventional sample preparation and purification procedures. While standard sample pooling methods can be time consuming, costly, and the expected positive rate of the sample can be low, our method allows for simplification of the procedures for pool testing. Moreover, the decrease in sensitivity due to dilution when the solution is added can be prevented when testing samples using pieces of dried PVA sponges. Ribosomal protein L-13A ( RPL13A ), a human-derived housekeeping gene of internal control, are included in the primers and probes of the assay kit for simultaneous detection. Therefore, the accuracy for avoiding false-positive or false-negative RT-qPCR assay results can be improved. In summary, we have developed a novel RT-qPCR testing procedure by uniquely using PVA sponge without purification, which can be utilized for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Graphical Index

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) associated with implanted central venous (CV)-access ports (CV ports) remains one of the most serious complications that can worsen patient outcomes. Despite the importance of this problem, comprehensive reports are limited. Here we report an analysis of CLABSI risk factors in patients with CV ports at our institution. Data from patients who had CV ports placed between January 2018 and March 2023 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The primary outcome was the incidence of CLABSI, which was determined based on the Japanese Healthcare Associated Infections Surveillance criteria. To identify independent risk factors for CLABSI, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate 19 factors, including sex, age, cancer carriage status, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and drugs administered through CV ports. Out of 867 patients with a CV port, CLABSI was observed in 117 patients (13.5%), with an incidence of CLABSI of 0.45 per 1000 device-days (laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection: 0.31, clinical sepsis: 0.14). Multivariate analysis identified IBD [Odds ratio (OR): 4.47, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.34-8.52] and the administration of lipid emulsions [OR: 4.28, 95% CI: 2.01-9.13] as independent risk factors for CLABSI. Multivariate analysis for cancer patients identified the use of lipid emulsions (OR: 5.39, 95% CI: 2.38-12.24) as an independent risk factor for CLABSI. Close monitoring is essential when patients with a CV port receive lipid emulsions. Placement of a CV port may be avoided in patients with a history of IBD if possible.

Delirium is an acute, potentially life-threatening condition characterized by altered attention, disorganized thinking, and changes in consciousness. It frequently occurs in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure (AHF). In this meta-analysis, we aimed to identify risk factors for delirium in patients with AHF (AHF-D). We evaluated all original studies on delirium occurrence in patients hospitalized for AHF. On March 11, 2024, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Ichushi, and the Cochrane Library. Data extracted included: first author's name, publication year, inclusion/exclusion criteria, study design, delirium assessment methods, odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, standardized mean differences, and other relevant findings. Of 2436 screened studies, 6 met eligibility criteria (3867 patients with AHF; 796 with delirium [20.6%] and 3071 without). Risk factors for AHF-D included older age; low body mass index; the use of mechanical ventilation/noninvasive positive pressure ventilation; comorbidities (previous stroke, dementia, and depression); use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines; and laboratory findings on admission (elevated heart rate, B-type natriuretic peptide, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and low serum albumin and sodium levels). We identified 14 risk factors for AHF-D. These findings may help clinicians identify patients at high risk of developing AHF prior to delirium onset.

Language is a tool for instruction and expressing perspectives (Turetsky et al, 2021). This study aimed to explore the ideologies navigated through translanguaging in Pakistani institutions where English Language instruction is provided as an extra language (EAL). Following an exploratory sequential mixed method design, a survey of 31 items was administered to the language teachers n=100 after conducting non-participant observations of 480 minutes. For this study, the Ideological Model of Literacy (Curiel and Ponzio, 2021) was chosen as the conceptual framework. Observations revealed the involuntary navigation of primarily seven ideologies in the Pakistani classrooms. Quantitative data were analysed through SPSS 20.0, revealing that political ideologies and world Englishes ideologies secured the lowest average score of 2.34. However, racio-linguistic and English-only ideologies were averaged as 3.34. The results indicated that, in contrast, both multilingual ideologies and imperialistic ideologies had a higher mean score of 4.5. This study highlighted learners’ awareness of how their EAL instructors can navigate language ideologies through Translanguaging. References Aghai, L., Sayer, P., & Vercellotti, M. L. (2020). Effects of teachers’ language ideologies on language learners’ translanguaging practices in an intensive English program. In Envisioning TESOL through a translanguaging lens: Global perspectives (pp. 345–362). Agwu Udu, D., Nmadu, J., Uwaleke, C. C., Anudu, A. P., Chukwunonso Okechineke, B., Attamah, P. C., ... & Ogonna, O. C. (2022). Innovative pedagogy and improvement of students’ knowledge retention in science education: Learning activity package instructional approach. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities, 30(3). Ali, I., Azim, M. U., & Rehman, A. U. (2024). 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Radical prostatectomy is the standard of care for prostate cancer. Identification of the association between post-operative lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life (QOL) is critical for enhancing patient self-management. This study identified the factors associated with the QOL of patients with cancer post-prostatectomy. Participants were patients with lower urinary tract symptoms who had undergone prostatectomy at one of four institutions and had completed the QOL questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and correlations were obtained, and multiple regression analyses were conducted with QOL as the dependent variable. Except for "personal relationships," the eight sub-domains of QOL in the King's Health Questionnaire were significantly positively correlated with International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) scores. The ICIQ-SF was a predictor of all QOL sub-domains. Marital status and IPSS were associated with "general health perception," "role limitations" were associated with post-operative radiation therapy and cohabitation status, "emotions" were associated with frequent urination/incontinence medication use, and "sleep/energy" was associated with IPSS and post-operative hormone therapy. Providing anticipatory information to at-risk patients before treatment may reduce post-operative life disturbances. Healthcare providers should ensure seamless coordination and promptly collaborate with specialists post-discharge.

The abnormal aggregation of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and resultant neuronal damage are central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Accumulating evidence suggests that neuronal cell membranes play a pivotal role in Aβ self-aggregation. We have shown that fibrils formed by Aβ-(1-40) and Aβ-(1-42) on GM1-containing model membranes (M-fibrils) as well as on neuronal cell membranes (C-fibrils) are more toxic compared with fibrils formed in water (W-fibrils), and that Aβ-(1-40) M-fibrils contain both in-register parallel and 2-residue-shifted antiparallel β-sheets. However, structural information on C-fibrils is lacking. In this study, structural changes of Aβ fibrils on living neuronal cells were detected by Fourier-transform infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy. Early Aβ-(1-40) C-fibrils contained antiparallel β-sheet structures, which changed to parallel β-sheet structures similar to W-fibrils as the fibril deposition proceeded. Pulse-chase experiments using two fluorescent-labeled Aβs suggested that these structural transitions occurred continuously from the existing fibrils. Considering the fact that Aβ fibrils start to form on the cell surface and extend into the aqueous phase, such environmental changes around fibrils may be coupled with structural alterations. In contrast, Aβ-(1-42) C-fibrils retained their antiparallel β-sheet structures. For both Aβ-(1-40) and Aβ-(1-42), cell viability continued to decrease even during the structural alterations of Aβ-(1-40), indicating that the antiparallel β-sheet-containing fibrils attaching to the cell surface were responsible for the lasting cytotoxicity. Thus, the antiparallel β-sheet-containing early fibrils are a promising target for anti-Aβ therapy.

Abstract Background/Objectives: This study examined age-related changes in motor estimation ability among middle-aged and older adults by conducting physical fitness and mobility dysfunction assessments. Methods Participants performed two motor tasks: the functional reach (FR) test and the two-step test. Each task included an actual task in which participants executed the movement with maximum effort and a perceptual task in which they estimated the distance they had reached. The difference between the actual and perceived stability limits (DAP) was calculated to assess motor estimation ability. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted, with age (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 years) and sex (male and female) as within-participant factors. Results The actual reach distances were significantly greater for 30, 40, 50, and 60 years than for 70 years, and males had greater reach distances than females. In both tests, a significant positive correlation was observed between the maximal value and the DAP. For the FR test, the DAP was significantly greater for 30 and 40 years than for 70 years, and females tended to have greater DAP than males. In the two-step test, 50 years exhibited a greater DAP tendency than 70 and 80 years. Conclusion Motor estimation ability declines at approximately 60–70 years of age and is influenced by sex and motor function capacity. Significance/Implications: Preventive practices should be promoted among individuals under the age of 60 years before significant declines in motor estimation ability begin to occur.

The study aims to analyze the university teachers' and students’ perceptions of ‘translanguaging’ practices as a medium of instruction in ESL classrooms in Sialkot. A qualitative study was conducted to analyze the perceptions of teachers and students towards ‘Translanguaging.’ In this regard, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with nine English Language teachers and eighteen undergraduate students of the English Department from three public and private universities in Sialkot. It has been analyzed through thematic analysis with the key aspects of Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory (1987). Findings revealed that ‘Translanguaging’ acts as a scaffolding tool to bridge the Linguistic gap, peer collaboration, Interaction, learning engagement, Class Participation, etc. Incorporating students’ native language alongside English as a medium of instruction in an ESL classroom is beneficial. The study concludes with recommendations for further research on ‘Translanguaging’ practices.