bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scattered landscape: assessment of the evidence base for 71 patient decision aids developed in a hospital setting
Authors: Danner Marion , Debrouwere Marie , Rummer Anne , Wehkamp Kai , Rüffer Jens Ulrich , Geiger Friedemann , Wolff Robert , Weik Karoline , Scheibler Fueloep
Published: February 2022

Background

Recent publications reveal shortcomings in evidence review and summarization methods for patient decision aids. In the large-scale “Share to Care (S2C)” Shared Decision Making (SDM) project at the University Hospital Kiel, Germany, one of 4 SDM interventions was to develop up to 80 decision aids for patients. Best available evidence on the treatments’ impact on patient-relevant outcomes was systematically appraised to feed this information into the decision aids. Aims of this paper were to (1) describe how PtDAs are developed and how S2C evidence reviews for each PtDA are conducted, (2) appraise the quality of the best available evidence identified and (3) identify challenges associated with identified evidence.

Methods

The quality of the identified evidence was assessed based on GRADE quality criteria and categorized into high-, moderate-, low-, very low-quality evidence. Evidence appraisal was conducted across all outcomes assessed in an evidence review and for specific groups of outcomes, namely mortality, morbidity, quality of life, and treatment harms. Challenges in evidence interpretation and summarization resulting from the characteristics of decision aids and the type and quality of evidence are identified and discussed.

Results

Evidence reviews assessed on average 25 systematic reviews/guidelines/studies and took about 3 months to be completed. Despite rigorous review processes, nearly 70% of outcome-specific information derived for decision aids was based on low-quality and mostly on non-directly comparative evidence. Evidence on quality of life and harms was often not provided or not in sufficient form/detail. Challenges in evidence interpretation for use in decision aids resulted from, e.g., a lack of directly comparative evidence or the existence of very heterogeneous evidence for the diverse treatments being compared.

Conclusions

Evidence reviews in this project were carefully conducted and summarized. However, the evidence identified for our decision aids was indeed a “scattered landscape” and often poor quality. Facing a high prevalence of low-quality, non-directly comparative evidence for treatment alternatives doesn’t mean it is not necessary to choose an evidence-based approach to inform patients. While there is an urgent need for high quality comparative trials, best available evidence nevertheless has to be appraised and transparently communicated to patients.
Enhanced bioenergy and nutrients recovery from wastewater using hybrid anodes in microbial nutrient recovery system
Authors: Shahid Kanwal , Ramasamy Deepika Lakshmi , Kaur Parminder , Sillanpää Mika , Pihlajamäki Arto
Published: February 2022

Background

The combined microbial fuel cell–microbial nutrient recovery system has lately been thoroughly explored from an engineering standpoint. The relevance of microbial communities in this process, on the other hand, has been widely underestimated.

Results

A lab-scale microbial nutrients recovery system was created in this work, and the microbial community structure was further defined, to give a thorough insight into the important microbial groups in the present system. We reported for the first-time different hybrid anodes of activated carbon and chitosan that were used in the microbial nutrient recovery system for bioenergy production, and, for the removal of COD and recovery of nutrients present in the wastewater. The hybrid anodic materials were studied to adapt electrochemically active bacteria for the recovery of nutrients and energy generation from wastewater without the need for an external source of electricity. The potential of the created hybrid anodes in terms of nutrients recovery, chemical oxygen demand elimination, and energy generation from municipal wastewater was thoroughly examined and compared with each other under similar operating conditions. When the COD loading was 718 mg/L, a total COD removal of ~ 79.2% was achieved with a hybrid activated carbon and chitosan anode having an equal ratio after 10 days of the operation cycle. The maximum power density estimated for hybrid anode (~ 870 mWm−2) was found.

Conclusion

Overall, this work reveals a schematic self-driven way for the collection and enrichment of nutrients (~ 72.9% phosphorus recovery and ~ 73% ammonium recovery) from municipal wastewater, as well as consistent voltage production throughout the operation.
Identification of functional pathways for regenerative bioactivity of selected renal cells
Authors: Sha Wei , Bertram Timothy , Jain Deepak , Brouwer Cory , Basu Joydeep
Published: February 2022

Background

Selected renal cells (SRC) are in Phase II clinical trials as a kidney-sourced, autologous, tubular epithelial cell-enriched cell-based therapy for chronic kidney disease (CKD). In preclinical studies with rodent models of CKD, SRC have been shown to positively modulate key renal biomarkers associated with development of the chronic disease condition.

Methods

A comparative bioinformatic analysis of transcripts specifically enriched or depleted in SRC component sub-populations relative to the initial, biopsy-derived cell source was conducted.

Results

Outcomes associated with therapeutically relevant bioactivity from a systematic, genome-wide transcriptomic profiling of rodent SRC are reported. Key transcriptomic networks and concomitant signaling pathways that may underlie SRC mechanism of action as manifested by reparative, restorative, and regenerative bioactivity in rodent models of chronic kidney disease are identified. These include genes and gene networks associated with cell cycle control, transcriptional control, inflammation, ECM–receptor interaction, immune response, actin polymerization, regeneration, cell adhesion, and morphogenesis.

Conclusions

These data indicate that gene networks associated with development of the kidney are also leveraged for SRC regenerative bioactivity, providing evidence of potential mechanisms of action.
The impact of surge adaptations on hospitalist care teams during the COVID-19 pandemic utilizing a rapid qualitative analysis approach
Authors: Keniston Angela , Patel Vishruti , McBeth Lauren , Bowden Kasey , Gallant Alexandra , Burden Marisha
Published: February 2022

Background

Hospital systems have rapidly adapted to manage the influx of patients with COVID-19 and hospitalists, specialists in inpatient care, have been at the forefront of this response, rapidly adapting to serve the ever-changing needs of the community and hospital system. Institutional leaders, including clinical care team members and administrators, deployed many different strategies (i.e. adaptations) to manage the influx of patients. While many different strategies were utilized in hospitals across the United States, it is unclear how frontline care teams experienced these strategies and multifaceted changes. As these surge adaptations likely directly impact clinical care teams, we aimed to understand the perceptions and impact of these clinical care and staffing adaptations on hospitalists and care team members in order to optimize future surge plans.

Methods

Qualitative, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with hospitalist physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), and hospital nursing and care management staff at a quaternary academic medical center. Interviews focused on the impact of COVID-19 surge practices on the following areas: (1) the experience of clinical care teams with the adaptations used to manage the surge (2) the perception and experience with the communication strategies utilized (3) the personal experience with the adaptations (i.e. how they impacted the individual) and (4) if participants had recommendations on strategies for future surges. We utilized rapid qualitative analysis methods to explore themes and subthemes.

Results

We conducted five focus groups and 21 interviews. Three themes emerged from the work including (1) dynamic clinical experience with a lot of uncertainty, (2) the importance of visible leadership with a focus on sense-making, and (3) the significant emotional toll on care team members. Subthemes included sufficient workforce, role delineation and training, information sharing, the unique dichotomy between the need for flexibility and the need for structure, the importance of communication, and the emotional toll not only on the provider but their families. Several recommendations came from this work.

Conclusions

COVID-19 surge practices have had direct impact on hospitalists and care team members. Several tactics were identified to help mitigate the many negative effects of COVID-19 on frontline hospitalist providers and care teams.
Stem cell therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Kebria Maziar Malekzadeh , Milan Peiman Brouki , Peyravian Noshad , Kiani Jafar , Khatibi Soheil , Mozafari Masoud
Published: February 2022

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus is a highly contagious microorganism, and despite substantial investigation, no progress has been achieved in treating post-COVID complications. However, the virus has made various mutations and has spread around the world. Researchers have tried different treatments to reduce the side effects of the COVID-19 symptoms. One of the most common and effective treatments now used is steroid therapy to reduce the complications of this disease. Long-term steroid therapy for chronic inflammation following COVID-19 is harmful and increases the risk of secondary infection, and effective treatment remains challenging owing to fibrosis and severe inflammation and infection. Sometimes our immune system can severely damage ourselves in disease. In the past, many researchers have conducted various studies on the immunomodulatory properties of stem cells. This property of stem cells led them to modulate the immune system of autoimmune diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's. Because of their immunomodulatory properties, stem cell-based therapy employing mesenchymal or hematopoietic stem cells may be a viable alternative treatment option in some patients. By priming the immune system and providing cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, stem cells can be employed to build a long-term regenerative and protective response. This review addresses the latest trends and rapid progress in stem cell treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) following COVID-19.
Implementation and Evaluation of Educational Videos to Improve Cancer Knowledge and Patient Empowerment
Authors: Tilly Alyssa E. , Ellis Grace K. , Chen Jane S. , Manda Agness , Salima Ande , Mtangwanika Asekanadziwa , Tewete Blessings , Kaimila Bongani , Kasonkanji Edwards , Kayira Ella , Chikasema Maria , Nyirenda Ruth , Bingo Samuel , Chiyoyola Sara , Seguin Ryan , Gopal Satish , Zuze Takondwa , Tomoka Tamiwe , Westmoreland Katherine D.
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE

Low health literacy is a leading cause of treatment abandonment among patients receiving cancer care at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Malawi.

METHODS

We developed cancer educational videos featuring Malawian providers and played them in the KCH oncology clinic. The videos addressed cancer-related topics, including disease biology, common myths, diagnostic procedures, treatment, side effects, and survivorship. After 6 months of implementation, we compared results from 50 pre- and postintervention surveys to assess change in cancer knowledge and care experience.

RESULTS

Both pre- and postintervention cancer knowledge were good: a median of nine questions were answered correctly of 11 in both assessments. Despite the intervention, most continued to incorrectly identify cancer as an infection (pre: n = 26, 52%; post: n = 25, 50%; P = 1.0), although improvements were observed in patients' knowledge of correct actions for fever at home (pre: n = 38, 76%; post: n = 43, 86%; P = .31). Care experiences were overall good. Postintervention results indicate that more patients felt always listened to by their providers (pre: n = 18, 36%; post: n = 29, 58%; P < .01). However, we also noted a higher rate of patient dissatisfaction of care as more patients felt that they could not understand chemotherapy counseling (pre: n = 11, 22%; post: n = 22, 44%; P < .01). Assessments of video satisfaction indicate that patients found the videos very helpful in terms of understanding their disease (n = 47, 96%) and side effects (n = 48, 98%) and felt empowered to speak up with their providers (n = 46, 96%).

CONCLUSION

Standardized education materials for patients that can be feasibly implemented throughout sub-Saharan Africa are urgently needed. Cancer educational videos are a low-cost way to educate and empower patients with cancer in resource-constrained settings although in-person discussions remain a crucial part of care.
Spine Pain and Metastatic Prostate Cancer: Defining the Contribution of Nonmalignant Etiologies
Authors: Ruppert Lisa Marie , Cohn Erica Dayan , Keegan Niamh M. , Bacharach Abigail , Woo Sungmin , Gillis Theresa , Scher Howard I.
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE:

In patients with metastatic prostate cancer (MPC), the contribution of nonmalignant etiologies to morbidity is often overlooked.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed the documented specialist assessments of back pain in men with MPC in a joint medical oncology and physiatry clinic at our tertiary cancer care center. Data on cancer disease extent, hormonal status, sites of spread, pain characteristics, physiatric examination findings, imaging, and recommended management were reviewed, extracted, and codified. For those with back pain at a site of known disease, pain etiology was classified as malignant, nonmalignant, or mixed.

RESULTS:

Ninety-three men were collaboratively assessed for back pain, 24 (26%) with a biochemical recurrence and 69 (74%) with MPC of whom 53 (77%) reported pain in an area of known spinal metastases including 35 (66%) metastatic castration-resistant disease and 34 (64%) a precancer history of back pain. The presenting pain symptoms of the 53 patients were activity-related in 22 (42%), radicular in eight (15%), transitional movement–related in seven (13%), biologic in five (9%), and multifactorial in 11 (21%). Overall, pain was deemed malignant in 20 (38%; five castration-sensitive, 15 metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer), nonmalignant in 12 (23%; four castration-sensitive, eight CRPC), and of mixed etiology in 21 (40%; nine castration-sensitive, 12 CRPC).

CONCLUSION:

Nonmalignant etiologies contributed significantly to back pain at sites of metastatic spread for 33/53 (62%) patients with MPC assessed by medical oncology and physiatry. We recommend multidisciplinary care for patients with MPC and back pain to address nonmalignant etiologies that contribute to functional compromise.
Treatment Strategies for Different Types of Intraneural Offending Vessels in Microvascular Decompression Surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia: An Analytic Report of 58 Cases
Authors: Shen Zhaoli , Yu Feng , Xue Fei , Wang Yuhai , Kwok Sze Chai , Yin Jia
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

Microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery is the treatment of choice for trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). However, decompression becomes difficult when the offending vessel penetrates the trigeminal nerve root.

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the rates and patterns of different types of intraneural offending vessels in patients with TGN for MVD and to discuss respective management strategies.

METHODS:

All patients with TGN undergoing MVD in our center from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, were analyzed retrospectively. The intraneural offending vessels included veins and arteries. The postoperative pain relief rate, complications, and recurrences were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Of the 302 TGN cases, the intraneural offending vessels were identified in 58 of the cases (19.2%). The 9 cases (15.5%) of intraneural offending arteries were decompressed using shredded Teflon wrapping interposition. Of the 49 cases (84.5%) of intraneural offending veins (INOVs), 29 were not considered true offending vessels, and the treatment only addressed the offending artery in these patients. Of the remaining 20 INOVs, 15 were electrocoagulated and divided, and 5 were decompressed with shredded Teflon. Complete pain relief was achieved in all 58 patients. However, the pain recurred in 5 patients (8.6%), and transient hemifacial numbness occurred in 4 patients (6.9%).

CONCLUSION:

Intraneural offending vessels requiring treatment are uncommon and are seen in less than 1 in 10 patients undergoing MVD for TGN. For intraneural offending artery, decompression by shredded Teflon wrapping interposition is recommended. Management of the INOV depends on the individual situations, and the management includes sacrifice, wrapping decompression, or leaving them untreated.
Brain Reorganization and Neural Plasticity in Elite Athletes With Physical Impairments
Authors: Nakazawa Kimitaka
Published: February 2022

Use-dependent and impairment-specific brain plasticity are hypothesized to interact and enhance neural reorganization in the central nervous system (CNS) of athletes with physical impairments. Paralympic brain studies are helpful in achieving a fundamental understanding of the underlying neural mechanism related to CNS reorganization after physical therapy or athletic training. Information learned from these individuals also provides new insights into sports- and rehabilitation-related neuroscience.
Molecular phylogenetic analysis resolving the taxonomic discrepancies among Salix L. species naturally found in Turkey
Authors: Acar Pelin , Değirmenci Funda Ö. , Duman Hayri , Kaya Zeki
Published: February 2022

Detailed phylogenetic relationships and molecular dating are still quite rare for the complex and diverse genus Salix L. Here we focus on the taxonomic status and phylogeny of twenty-six Salix taxa natu­rally found in Turkey using the chloroplast DNA regions (trn T-F, matK, and rbcL) to unravel the relationship among them. The status of Salix species was also checked in the phylogenetic tree constructed with the data from Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region of nuclear gene, including 158 accessions from the GenBank and 126 newly generated sequences of 26 Salix taxa (24 species) naturally found in Turkey. The phyloge­netic analysis of the sequence data from both the chloroplast (cpDNA) and nuclear (nrDNA) DNA regions enabled a reliable classification of the genus at the subgeneric level (Salix and Vetrix) with high posterior probability/ bootstrap values as 1/100. The study provides important information on the Salix phylogenetic placements and diverging times of S. pentandroides, S.apoda, S. armenorossica, S. pseudomedemii, S. pedicellata subsp. pedicellata, S. pseudodepressa, S. amplexicaulis, two subspecies of S.triandra, and two endemic species of Turkey (S. purpurea subsp. leucodermis and S. rizeensis) for the first time. Taxonomically, S. amplexicaulis and S. rizeensis previously classified under the subgenus Vetrix were clustered phylogenetically under the subgenus Salix. Subgenera Salix species appears to be diverged from the subg. Vetrix in Eocene (ca. 45.1 Mya) while the estimated divergence times of subg. Salix and subg. Vetrix dated back to 23.1 and 21.65 Mya, respective­ly. However, divergence times among species within Salix and Vetrix subgenera of Turkey seem to be around the Pliocene period. Molecular phylogenetic relationship between Salix species native to Turkey and Salix species from the world were mainly associated with taxonomic hierarchy, rather than geographic proximity.
Assessment of patient satisfaction toward pharmaceutical benefit package provided by a health insurance corporation of Khartoum State
Authors: Osman Mohamed Ahmed , Shoaib Hussain Ahmed , Omar Alhaj Manasik
Published: February 2022

Background: Patient satisfaction is an important measure of health service and a key indicator of the quality of health service. Studies focus on how to improve quality rather than patient satisfaction. This study was conducted to identify patients’ satisfaction with the pharmaceutical service package of Health Insurance Corporation of Khartoum State in Jabal-Awliya locality, Khartoum, Sudan. 

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and August 2020. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Satisfaction was estimated using the Likert Scale. The association between patient’s satisfaction and patient care indicators, namely: average dispensing time, percentage of medicine dispensed and labelled, and patient correct dose knowledge were assessed using Chi- square test, where a p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.  

Results: Out of 378 participants, the mean age was 47 with a comparable frequency of male and female participants (49.3% and 50.7% respectively). The mean satisfaction was 62.2% (3.11 ± 0.68). Most of the participants were satisfied with the way the pharmacist dealt with them (3.7, ± 0.778), while a low mean of satisfaction was reported regarding the availability of medicine within the pharmaceutical benefit package (2.06, ± 1.17). Average dispensing time was 5.78 minutes (p = 0.002), a low percentage of medicine actually dispensed and labelled was observed at 67% and 58% respectively (p = 0.00). A higher patient knowledge was reported 96.6% (p = 0.00), and the majority of the patients were able to pay 65% (p = 0.00). 

Conclusion: The current study demonstrates a comparable satisfaction score. However, medication unavailability is the main factor that affects patient satisfaction.
Effect of a collaborative multidimensional approach versus usual care on the resolution of adult depression in primary care in Chile: study protocol for a single blinded cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: VITRIOL VERONICA , CANCINO ALFREDO , SCIOLLA ANDRES , GUIÑEZ SERGIO , CALVO JORGE , ORMAZABAL MARCELA , KREITHER JOHANNA , BALLESTEROS SOLEDAD , AYLWIN MARIA DE LA LUZ
Published: February 2022

Background: Major depression (MD) is a prevalent and disabling condition in Chile. Most MD cases are treated at the primary care level. In Chilean primary care, the authors have gathered evidence of a prevalent complex depression subtype associated with a worse prognosis and characterized by interpersonal difficulties, suicidality and trauma history. This MD presentation suggests the need for a multidimensional, trauma-informed and interprofessional approach.

The present study protocol describes the context, hypotheses and methods for a cluster randomized control trial (RCT) comparing a collaborative multidimensional approach and usual care in treatment outcomes of MD in primary care in Chile.

Methods: This is a two-arm, single-blinded, cluster RCT to compare the efficacy of a collaborative multidimensional approach for depression (CMAD) versus usual care to treat MD in primary care clinics in Chile. In total, 394 depressed adults from 18 to 65 years of age in twelve clinics located in Chile’s Maule Region will be consented to participate in the study. Patients and care teams from each clinic will be randomized to the intervention or to the control arm.

Interprofessional teams in the intervention arm will attend 27 hours of didactic and active learning sessions focused on clinical competences to effectively engage, treat and follow up patients with complex presentation of MD. Team in the control arm will receive 27 didactic sessions on current clinical guidelines for MD, professionals in both arms will receive 27 hours of continued education.

Discussion: To improve treatment outcomes of MD in Chile, primary care teams should develop clinical competencies relevant to complex, difficult-to-treat types of MD within collaborative and trauma-informed approaches.
Beliefs on social distancing and face mask practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in low- and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Harapan Harapan , Yufika Amanda , Anwar Samsul , Ophinni Youdiil , Yamada Chika , Sharun Khan , Gachabayov Mahir , Fahriani Marhami , Husnah Milda , Raad Rawan , Khiri Namareg ME. , Abdalla Rashed YA , Kacem Wajdi , Teyeb Zeineb , Aloui Khaoula , Ferjani Manel , Deeb Dalia A. , Emad Dina , Abbas Kirellos S , Panchawagh Suhrud , Anandu Sunil , Haque Md Ariful , Ferreto Lirane ED. , Briones María FC. , Morales Rocío BI. , Lazcano-Díaz Sebastián , Durosinmi Abiodun , Adejumo Esther N. , Babadi Elham , Kakemam Edris , Ullah Irfan , Malik Najma I. , Rosiello Francesco , Emran Talha B. , Nainu Firzan , Wendt Guilherme W. , Arab-Zozani Morteza , Wagner Abram L. , Mudatsir Mudatsir
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Social distancing and wearing a face mask are highly recommended to mitigate the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the success of these strategies relies on individuals’ adherence and public compliance. This study was conducted to assess the level of belief in social distancing and face mask practices in communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to identify their possible determinants.  

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in ten LMICs countries in Asia, Africa, and South America from February to May 2021. A questionnaire was used to assess the belief, practice, and their plausible determinants. Identification of the associated determinants was performed using a logistic regression model.  

Results: Our data revealed that only 62.6% and 66.9% of the participants had good beliefs in social distancing and good face mask practices, respectively. Residing in the Americas, having a healthcare-related job, knowing people in immediate social environment who are or have been infected and exposure to information of COVID-19 cases on social media or TV were factors significantly associated with good belief in social distancing. Residing country, gender, monthly household income, type of job and exposure to information of COVID-19 cases were significantly associated with face mask wearing practice. 

Conclusion: The proportion of participants having good beliefs in social distancing and good face mask practices is relatively low (<75%). Hence, sustained health campaigns regarding social distancing benefits and face mask-wearing practices during COVID-19 are critical in LMICs.
The transcendence of the face: A semiotic-linguistic path
Authors: Volli Ugo
Published: February 2022

This paper starts with an examination of the terms used to designate the face in different languages, in particular in Italian, comparing these with the definitions provided by some authoritative dictionaries as well as with their etymology. This exploration yields some remarkable results: firstly, it appears that the face is indeed a term that has a material meaning, but at the same time it is a social object; secondly, the importance of the communicative function emerges, which makes the face similar to the mask and in some ways to the arbitrariness of language. All this suggests that the philosophical status of the face is that of ‘transcendence’ which is a condition of that state of freedom that we attribute to ourselves and that can be defined as ‘human exception’.
The face and the faceness: Iconicity in the early faciasemiotics of Paul Ekman, 1957–1978
Authors: Schiller Devon
Published: February 2022

Paul Ekman is an American psychologist who pioneered the study of facial behaviour. Bringing together disciplinary history, life study, and history of science, this paper focuses on Ekman’s early research during the twenty-year period between 1957 and 1978. I explicate the historical development of Ekman’s semiotic model of facial behaviour, tracing the thread of iconicity through his life and works: from the iconic coding of rapid signs; through the eventual turn from classifying modes of iconic signification using gestalt categories to classifying modes of producing iconic sign-functions using minimal units; to the role and importance of iconicity for the study of the facial expression of emotion, both in terms of the similarities between iconic and analogue signs as well as the differences between facial coding and linguistic signification. In this intellectual genealogy, I argue not only that Ekman relied extensively upon conceptualizations and terminologies from semiotic thought for the creation of the Facial Action Coding System (FACS), but also that the question of iconicity is the pivotal problem across the many discoveries and innovations in what I term ‘Ekmanian faciasemiotics’.
Marlen Haushofer’s The Wall and the post-nuclear culture of the face
Authors: Ferragamo Emanuela
Published: February 2022

The intertwining of landscape and face belongs to human spatial epistemology: as suggested by Matteo Meschiari, primitive humans used to orientate themselves in landscape through recognition of facial patterns. By reflecting upon Marlen Haushofer’s novel The Wall (Die Wand), the article aims to question the semantic of the “face of the landscape” in the wake of an imagined nuclear apocalypse that leaves behind a cat, a cow, a dog, a woman and a wall. The wall transcends the boundaries between human and other-than-human: in terms of Roberto Marchesini, it creates a somato-landscape – a hybridization of inner and outer landscapes typical of post-human awareness. Finally, such a landscape culminates in the dismissal of the pre-apocalyptic culture of the face: faces no longer function as a means of recognition.
COPING STRATEGIES OF BOYS AND GIRLS IN A SITUATION OF ECONOMIC STRESS
Authors: AFANASYEVA JU. , GURIEVA S. , KHUDALOVA M.
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to the analysis of coping strategies of young people in the situation of unemployment caused by the economic crisis. It is described that the ways of overcoming the economic crisis among young people with different unemployment experience differ significantly in terms of the parameters of a well-thought-out job search, the expansion of social ties, the availability of help from relatives, the indicator of mental tension and unreliability. The obtained data can be used to develop adequate and effective forms of socio-psychological assistance and support for the unemployed for their further employment.
PSYCHOSOMATICS IN CONNECTION WITH THE AFFECTIVE DISORDERS OF PERSONALITY
Authors: KHUDALOVA M. , FILONENKO V. , KUDZOEVA E.
Published: February 2022

In recent years, we can notice a significant increase in psychosomatic disorders among borderline mental pathology, which are reasonably considered “the pathology of modern civilization”. The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between psychosomatic disorders and the affective disorders of the personality. The study used the following methods: a diagnostic conversation and analysis of medical documents with the results of clinical examination, a scale for psychological express diagnostics of semi-structured depressive disorders (based on MMPI), a self-assessment scale by Ch.D. Spielberger - Yu.L. Hanin, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). Statistical methods of processing the empirical research results in the SPSS 22.0 program: descriptive statistics, correlation analysis (p-Spearman’s rank correlation). As a result of the study we can assert that psychosomatic disorders in respondents in the form of functional pathology of various organs and systems are connected with affective disorders in the form of moderate or severe depression of a neurotic level of various origins, alexithymia and high personal anxiety.
Cultural Heritage of Lemkos as a Research Problem in the Humanities and the Topic of Discourse in Poland
Authors: Zięba Andrzej A.
Published: February 2022

Cultural Heritage of Lemkos as a Research Problem in the Humanities and the Topic of Discourse in Poland

The cultural heritage of Lemkos is today one of those European values that have found themselves in danger. The reason for this is not only the project of political and economic unification of Europe, which will inevitably trigger far-reaching cultural unification and violate ethnic and national traditions in its area, but also an event from over 80 years ago – the displacement of Lemkos from their homeland and the dispersion and assimilation in a different ethnic environment, as well as the destruction of material and spiritual heritage on the territory of this homeland and its resettlement by newcomers inheriting an alien culture. Among the many issues that come with it, two are the subject of this review. The first are the attitudes of Poles towards the Lemko heritage, which are reflected in the public discourse understood here not only as statements, but also as initiatives. The importance of this issue stems from the fact that the fate of the Lemko heritage is decided primarily within the context of contemporary Polish culture, although it is justified to disagree with the common identification of Poland with the communist authors and performers of the action of 1947, which destroyed the Lemko region as a homogeneous cultural area. The second issue is the way of analyzing the fate of this heritage in the humanities, wchich is devoid of a comparative perspective. It dominates today, narrowing research horizons as well as exerting a tangible influence on the choice of strategies for rescuing and transmitting endangered cultural content. In this regard, attention should be paid to the need to learn about and compare analogous cultural catastrophes caused by communist totalitarianism, as well as the strategies of survival and rebirth of the destroyed cultures.
Grateful and proud
Authors: Donnelly Leigh
Published: February 2022

Leigh Donnelly recounts how her professional opportunities, confidence and contributions have grown as a committee member of the British Society of Gastroenterology Nurses Association (BSGNA)
Starting with a celebration
Authors: Harrison Penny
Published: February 2022

Penny Harrison explores some of the themes raised in presentations at the 9th National Gastrointestinal Nursing Conference
Golfers have a greater improvement in their hip specific function compared to non-golfers after total hip arthroplasty, but less than three-quarters returned to golf
Authors: Robinson Patrick G. , Khan Shujaa , MacDonald Deborah , Murray Iain R. , Macpherson Gavin J. , Clement Nick D.
Published: February 2022

Aims

Golf is a popular pursuit among those requiring total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to determine if participating in golf is associated with greater functional outcomes, satisfaction, or improvement in quality of life (QoL) compared to non-golfers.

Methods

All patients undergoing primary THA over a one-year period at a single institution were included with one-year postoperative outcomes. Patients were retrospectively followed up to assess if they had been golfers at the time of their surgery. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the independent association of preoperative golfing status on outcomes.

Results

The study cohort consisted of a total of 308 patients undergoing THA, of whom 44 were golfers (14%). This included 120 male patients (39%) and 188 female patients (61%), with an overall mean age of 67.8 years (SD 11.6). Golfers had a greater mean postoperative Oxford Hip Score (OHS) (3.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9 to 5.5); p < 0.001) and EuroQol visual analogue scale (5.5 (95% CI 0.1 to 11.9); p = 0.039). However, there were no differences in EuroQoL five-dimension score (p = 0.124), pain visual analogue scale (p = 0.505), or Forgotten Joint Score (p = 0.215). When adjusting for confounders, golfers had a greater improvement in their Oxford Hip Score (2.7 (95% CI 0.2 to 5.3); p < 0.001) compared to non-golfers. Of the 44 patients who reported being golfers at the time of their surgery, 32 (72.7%) returned to golf and 84.4% of those were satisfied with their involvement in golf following surgery. Those who returned to golf were more likely to be male (p = 0.039) and had higher (better) preoperative health-related QoL (p = 0.040) and hip-related functional scores (p = 0.026).

Conclusion

Golfers had a greater improvement in their hip-specific function compared to non-golfers after THA. However, less than three-quarters of patients return to golf, with male patients and those who had greater preoperative QoL or hip-related function being more likely to return to play. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(2):145–151.
Routine four-quadrant cavity shaving at the time of wide local excision for breast cancer reduces re-excision rate
Authors: Savioli F , Morrow ES , Cheung LK , Stallard S , Doughty J , Romics L
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Breast conservation therapy (BCT) has been shown to have comparable long-term survival outcomes when compared with mastectomy. Clearance of excision margin is one of the mainstays of the surgical treatment, which if not achieved at the first operation of BCT results in the need for subsequent surgery.

Methods

This study evaluated the impact of routinely taken cavity shavings on re-excision rates. This retrospective two-centre study describes the use of routine four-quadrant cavity shaving in 449 patients with consecutively treated with wide local excision for invasive cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ.

Results

The overall incomplete excision rate was 10.6%. Routine cavity shaving prevented the need for re-excision in 84 patients (18.7%) and identified the need for further re-excision in 33 patients (7.3%). Median time from surgery to radiotherapy was 50 days (range 13–209) for non-re-excised patients versus 78 days (range 47–260) for re-excised patients (p<0.001). Median time to chemotherapy (n=75) was 44 days (range 14–106) for non-re-excised patients versus 56 days (range 35–116) for re-excised patients (p=0.017).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that routine cavity shaving decreases re-excision rate in patients treated with wide local excision and prevents delays to adjuvant treatment due to incomplete excision.
Design and fabrication of lightweight additively manufactured mirrors for aviation
Authors: Tan Songnian , Li Quanchao , Xu Yongsen , Shen Honghai , Cheng Yanping , Jia Ping , Xu Yulei
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a design process for additively manufactured mirrors. A central support aspheric mirror and tripod support structure were manufactured via selective laser melting. To achieve substantial weight reduction, an additively manufactured body-centered cubic lattice structure was used in the mirror design. Simulation analysis showed that the mirror had good rigidity. Single-point diamond turning was applied to obtain an optical quality mirror. After assembly, the rms surface shape accuracy of the mirror was

0.069

λ

(

λ
=

632.8

n
m

). The surface roughness (Ra) of the additively manufactured metal mirror was 8.125 nm. These findings provide a strong theoretical basis and technical support for the preparation and application of lightweight metal mirrors.
Gamma-radiation-induced negative nonlinear absorption in quartz glass
Authors: Morgan Bryan W. , Van Zile Matthew P. , Sabharwall Piyush , Burger Milos , Jovanovic Igor
Published: February 2022

The effect of ionizing radiation on the nonlinear optical properties of materials needs to be considered for applications that employ high-power laser pulses in extreme radiation environments. The Heraeus Infrasil302 optical quartz glass was irradiated by gamma rays, and its nonlinear absorption was measured using the open-aperture Z-scan technique with nanosecond laser pulses. Irradiation results in a negative nonlinear absorption coefficient whose magnitude increases with irradiation dose. Nonlinear absorption coefficients of −0.78, −1.14, −1.29, and −1.88~ × ~10−13 m/W are measured for gamma doses of 600 krad, 1.2 Mrad, 3.6 Mrad, and 10 Mrad, respectively. Thermal annealing restores the optical properties of quartz-glass to their unirradiated values. It is suggested that metallic impurities introduced by the manufacturing process have a role in inducing saturated absorption in irradiated quartz glass, which manifests as negative nonlinear absorption coefficient, and is demonstrated by comparing Infrasil302 quartz results to equivalent irradiated measurements for Spectrosil2000 quartz.
Mid-IR tunable CW and passively Q-switched laser operation of Dy-doped fluoride fiber
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Fernandez Toney T. , Tang Pinghua , Coluccelli Nicola , Jackson Stuart D. , Falconi Mario C. , Prudenzano Francesco , Laporta Paolo , Galzerano Gianluca
Published: February 2022

We report a comprehensive characterization of tunable continuous-wave (CW) and passive Q-switching laser performance of Dy-doped zirconium fluoride fiber emitting around 3 µm. The in-band pumped CW laser operation is investigated for pump wavelengths varying from 2.7 µm to 2.825 µm, for fiber lengths ranging from 0.4 m to 2 m, and for output coupling efficiency from 10% to 50%, leading to a maximum laser slope efficiency of 44% and a tuning range larger than 300 nm. With Findlay-Clay analysis and Rigrod analyses, optimal cavity parameters are retrieved, paving the way for further optimizations in performance. The passively Q-switched laser operation of Dy-doped fluoride fiber is achieved employing a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror for the first time, demonstrating a stable operation with a minimum pulse duration of 580 ns, a highest repetition frequency of 103 kHz and a pulse energy up to 300 nJ.
To explain or not to explain?—Artificial intelligence explainability in clinical decision support systems
Authors: Amann Julia , Vetter Dennis , Blomberg Stig Nikolaj , Christensen Helle Collatz , Coffee Megan , Gerke Sara , Gilbert Thomas K. , Hagendorff Thilo , Holm Sune , Livne Michelle , Spezzatti Andy , Strümke Inga , Zicari Roberto V. , Madai Vince Istvan ,   on behalf of the Z-Inspection initiative
Published: February 2022

Explainability for artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine is a hotly debated topic. Our paper presents a review of the key arguments in favor and against explainability for AI-powered Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) applied to a concrete use case, namely an AI-powered CDSS currently used in the emergency call setting to identify patients with life-threatening cardiac arrest. More specifically, we performed a normative analysis using socio-technical scenarios to provide a nuanced account of the role of explainability for CDSSs for the concrete use case, allowing for abstractions to a more general level. Our analysis focused on three layers: technical considerations, human factors, and the designated system role in decision-making. Our findings suggest that whether explainability can provide added value to CDSS depends on several key questions: technical feasibility, the level of validation in case of explainable algorithms, the characteristics of the context in which the system is implemented, the designated role in the decision-making process, and the key user group(s). Thus, each CDSS will require an individualized assessment of explainability needs and we provide an example of how such an assessment could look like in practice.
Employing automatic content recognition for teaching methodology analysis in classroom videos
Authors: Rafique Muhammad Aasim , Khaskheli Faheem , Hassan Malik Tahir , Naseer Sheraz , Jeon Moongu
Published: February 2022

A teacher plays a pivotal role in grooming a society and paves way for its social and economic developments. Teaching is a dynamic role and demands continuous adaptation. A teacher adopts teaching techniques suitable for a certain discipline and a situation. A thorough, detailed, and impartial observation of a teacher is a desideratum for adaptation of an effective teaching methodology and it is a laborious exercise. An automatic strategy for analyzing a teacher’s teaching methodology in a classroom environment is suggested in this work. The proposed strategy recognizes a teacher’s actions in videos while he is delivering lectures. In this study, 3D CNN and Conv2DLSTM with time-distributed layers are used for experimentation. A range of actions are recognized for a complete classroom session during experimentation and the reported results are considered effective for analysis of a teacher’s teaching technique.
Dietary diversity, nutritional status and associated factors among lactating mothers visiting government health facilities at Dessie town, Amhara region, Ethiopia
Authors: Seid Awel , Cherie Hirut Assaye
Published: February 2022

Background

Maternal undernutrition is one of the most common causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Severe undernutrition among mothers leads to reduced lactation performance which further contributes to an increased risk of infant mortality. However, data regarding nutritional status of lactating mothers at Dessie town and its surrounding areas is lacking. This study assessed dietary diversity, nutritional status and associated factors of lactating mothers visiting health facilities at Dessie town, Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Methods

Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2017 among 408 lactating mothers. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data on socio-demographic and economic characteristics, health related characteristics, dietary diversity and food security status of participants were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Data were entered into EPI-INFO and analyzed using SPSS Version 22. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with dietary diversity and nutritional status of lactating mothers.

Results

More than half (55.6%) of lactating mothers had inadequate dietary diversity (DDS<5.3) and about 21% were undernourished (BMI<18.5 kg/m2). Household monthly income [AOR = 2.0, 95% CI (1.15, 3.65)], type of house [AOR = 1.8, 95% CI (1.15, 2.94)], nutrition information [AOR = 1.6, 95% CI (1.05, 2.61)] and household food insecurity [AOR = 1.8, 95% CI (1.05, 3.06)] were factors associated with dietary diversity of lactating mothers. Being young in age 15–19 years [AOR = 10.3, 95% CI (2.89, 36.39)] & 20–29 years [AOR = 3.4, 95% CI (1.57, 7.36)], being divorced/separated [AOR = 10.1, 95% CI (1.42, 72.06)], inadequate dietary diversity [AOR = 3.8, 95% CI (2.08, 7.03)] and household food insecurity [AOR = 3.1, 95% CI (1.81, 5.32)] were factors associated with maternal undernutrition.

Conclusion

The dietary diversity of lactating mothers in the study area was sub optimal and the prevalence of undernutrition was relatively high. Public health nutrition interventions such as improving accessibility of affordable and diversified nutrient rich foods are important to improve the nutritional status of mothers and their children in the study area.