bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population-based epidemiology: The Glostrup Population Studies 1964–2021
Authors: Kårhus Line L. , Møllehave Line T. , Osler Merete , Jørgensen Torben , Linneberg Allan
Published: September 2022

The Glostrup Population Studies are population-based cohorts undertaken in the south-western part of Greater Copenhagen since 1964. The participants were randomly selected from the adult general population. The first cohort was established to assess cardiovascular risk factors and, since, the objectives have been broadened to describe and analyse the health of the general population. The studies are health-examination studies with clinical and biochemical data in addition to data from self-administered questionnaires and, in some studies, interviews. Fasting blood and urine samples were collected and stored in our biobank for further studies. Several of the cohorts were performed according to standardized methods in international consortia, hence data have been pooled with other, both Danish and international, cohorts. To date more than 30,000 individuals, both men and women, aged 15–85 years, have participated in The Glostrup Population Studies and participants have been re-examined up to eight times. The data can be used for disease-specific epidemiology, social epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, ageing, lifestyle and health interventions nested within the cohorts. The Glostrup Population Studies represent a great resource; the possibility of merging the different cohorts enables large datasets, as well as trends over time. Furthermore, the long follow-up in both the national registers and with follow-up examinations is unique. The purpose of this commentary is to inform about The Glostrup Population Studies and to invite collaborations to continue utilizing this great resource to combat current and future challenges within health promotion and disease prevention.
HUNT for better public health
Authors: Krokstad Steinar , Sund Erik R. , Kvaløy Kirsti , Rangul Vegar , Næss Marit
Published: September 2022

Aims:

The Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) has collected population data through comprehensive decennial surveys over the last four decades and has so far collected data from 240,000 participants. The participants are identified with the unique Norwegian birth number, which enables them to be followed throughout different life stages, from survey to survey, and to endpoint measures in Norwegian national health registers without attrition bias.

Methods:

The study design of HUNT offers several advantages: it provides an overview of the public health development in the population over decades, the data can be used in health services research, clinical epidemiology, studies of causation, trajectories, and consequences of diseases, and to study gene × environment interactions.

Results:

HUNT data have shown major shifts in public health trends, such as decreasing mean blood pressure and resting heart rate among adults, increasing prevalence of obesity, geographical and socioeconomic inequalities in health, increasing mental health distress among adolescents and young adults with an opposite development among the elderly. Data from HUNT have been used in several major international research projects, where data harmonization with several other population cohorts internationally has been done. HUNT has placed great emphasis on safeguarding research ethics, privacy, and data security. The Norwegian authorities established national regulations for the surveys from the time General Data Protection Regulation was introduced in 2018.

Conclusions:

Researchers can apply for HUNT data access from HUNT Research Centre provided they have obtained project approval from the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics. Researchers not affiliated to a Norwegian research institution must collaborate with and apply through a Norwegian principal investigator. Information on the application and conditions for data access is available at www.ntnu.edu/hunt/data .
Sensitivity of Three Patient-Specific Quality Assurance Systems to MLC Aperture Errors With Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy
Authors: Hu Jinyou , Gu Shaoxian , Wang Ningyu , Cui Fengjie , Zhang Shengyuan , Yin Chuou , Cai Yunzhu , Gou Chengjun , Zou Lian , Wu Zhangwen
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To compare the sensitivity of ArcCHECK (AC), portal dosimetry (PD), and an in-house logfile-based system (LF) to multileaf collimators (MLC) aperture errors and the ability to identify these errors. Methods and Materials: For 12 retrospective original head and neck volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans, MLC aperture errors of ± 0.4mm, ± 1.2mm, ± 2mm, and ± 3mm were introduced for each plan, resulting in 96 plans with errors. AC, PD, and LF were used for the gamma evaluation at 3%/3mm, 3%/2mm, and 2%/2mm criteria. Gradient analysis was used to evaluate the sensitivity to MLC aperture errors. The area under the curve (AUC) obtained from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the ability to identify MLC aperture errors and dose errors, and the optimal cut-off value to identify the error was obtained. Results: The gamma pass rate (%GP) of LF had the smallest descent gradient as the MLC error increases in any case. The descent gradient of PD was larger than AC, except for the case at the 2%/2mm criteria. For the 3%/3mm criteria, the MLC aperture errors that can be perfectly identified by AC, PD, and LF were ± 3mm, ± 2mm, and ± 1.2mm, respectively, and the average percent dose error (%DEs) of dose metrics in targets that can be perfectly identified were 4% to 5%, 3% to 4%, and 2% to 3%, respectively. For the 3%/2mm criteria, the errors that AC, PD, and LF can perfectly identify were the same as the 3%/3mm criteria. For the 2%/2mm criteria, AC can perfectly identify the MLC error of ± 2mm and the %DE of 3% to 4%. PD and LF can identify the MLC error of ± 1.2mm and the %DE of 2% to 3%. Conclusion: Different patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) systems have different sensitivity and recognition abilities to MLC aperture errors. Institutions should formulate their own customized %GP limits based on their PSQA process through ROC or other methods.
A Review of Campus Recreation and Sport-Based Experience Literature in Higher Education Contexts
Authors: Wilson Kevin E. S.
Published: September 2022

This rapid review was conducted to synthesize the empirical research related to campus recreation participatory experiences that was published between 2011 and 2021. To carry out the review, three databases (SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus) were systematically searched for peer reviewed empirical literature related to campus recreation participatory sport experiences. The results were then screened with predetermined criteria and 180 studies remained for data extraction. Data was extracted and trends were identified for discussion. When comparing the results to a similar review conducted on literature published between 1998–2010 (cf. Barcelona & Sweeney, 2012), the results of the reveal that the use of theory is becoming increasingly prevalent as scholars are more regularly providing theoretical frameworks, key constructs and discussing scholarly contributions. The review also revealed limitations such as inconsistencies with measurement and that most studies have been conducted at single institutions, which should both be addressed in future research.
Initial clinical experience with a novel mechanical thrombectomy device-the ThrombX retriever
Authors: Behme Daniel , Wiesmann Martin , Nikoubashman Omid , Ridwan Hani , Hassan Dimah , Liebig Thomas , Trumm Christoph , Holtmannspötter Markus , Szikora Istvan
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose

The ThrombX Retriever is a novel mechanical thrombectomy device that adjusts the distance between two mesh segments to axially hold thrombus. A post-market study assessed safety and performance in acute ischemic stroke patients with large artery occlusion.

Methods

A single-arm prospective multi-center study enrolled patients at 5 European Centers. Patients had a symptomatic large-artery occlusion of the intracranial Internal Carotid or the Middle Cerebral Artery, M1 segment. The primary outcome measure was the modified treatment in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score, on the immediate post-procedure angiogram after up to three device passes. Key secondary outcome measures were the mTICI score after a single pass and functional independence, defined as an mRS score ≤ 2 at 90 days.

Results

Thirty patients (16 Females, mean age 72 years), with NIHSS 4-25 (mean 15.5) were treated. Twenty-eight (93%) achieved mTICI 2b-3 within 3 passes, and 24 (80%) were with the first pass (FP). FP mTICI 2c-3 reperfusion was achieved in 19 (63%) cases. Seventeen of 24 (71%) patients treated with a balloon guide and the ThrombX Retriever had a FP mTICI 2c-3 reperfusion. After all interventions, mTICI 2b-3 was seen in 30 (100%) patients. Twenty-one of the 29 (73%) patients with 90-day follow-up were functionally independent (mRS≤2). No device-related serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests the ThrombX Retriever is safe and has a high rate of substantial reperfusion. A larger prospective trial to assess the device effectiveness is planned.
Analgesic effect of recombinant GABAergic precursors releasing ω-conotoxin MVIIA in a model of peripheral nerve injury in rats
Authors: Jergova Stanislava , Hernandez Melissa , Sagen Jacqueline
Published: September 2022

Development of chronic pain has been attributed to dysfunctional GABA signaling in the spinal cord. Direct pharmacological interventions on GABA signaling are usually not very efficient and often accompanied by side effects due to the widespread distribution of GABA receptors in CNS. Transplantation of GABAergic neuronal cells may restore the inhibitory potential in the spinal cord. Grafted cells may also release additional analgesic peptides by means of genetic engineering to further enhance the benefits of this approach. Conopeptides are ideal candidates for recombinant expression using cell-based strategies. The omega-conopeptide MVIIA is in clinical use for severe pain marketed as FDA approved Prialt in the form of intrathecal injections. The goal of this study was to develop transplantable recombinant GABAergic cells releasing conopeptide MVIIA and to evaluate the analgesic effect of the grafts in a model of peripheral nerve injury-induced pain. We have engineered and characterized the GABAergic progenitors expressing MVIIA. Recombinant and nonrecombinant cells were intraspinally injected into animals after the nerve injury. Animals were tested weekly up to 12 weeks for the presence of hypersensitivity, followed by histochemical and biochemical analysis of the tissue. We observed beneficial effects of the grafted cells in reducing hypersensitivity in all grafted animals, especially potent in the recombinant group. The level of pain-related cytokines was reduced in the grafted animals and correlation between these pain markers and actual behavior was indicated. This study demonstrated the feasibility of recombinant cell transplantation in the management of chronic pain.
Development and content validation of decision aids for advanced care planning support for patients undergoing high-risk surgery
Authors: Yamamoto Kanako , Nakayama Kazuhiro
Published: September 2022

Discussing advanced care planning tends to be complex and difficult for patients. Nonetheless, the subject should be briefed prior to high-risk surgery. Patient decision aids have the potential to facilitate the discussions of advanced care planning. This study aimed to develop and validate such patient decision aids in patients who are scheduled for high-risk surgery. Two patient decision aids were developed based on systematic processes and international standards. Their content quality was evaluated, both by health care providers and patients postoperatively admitted to the intensive care unit in Japan. Survey content included comprehensibility, length and suggested improvements to each patient decision aid, which were assessed via questionnaires, free descriptions and interviews. The patient decision aids considered were accepted by both patients and health care providers. However, there was concern among physicians regarding preoperative anxiety increases observed in patients who used them, suggesting that their clinical implementation may be challenging.
Unraveling the airline value creation network with fuzzy cognitive maps
Authors: Navarro-Meneses Francisco J
Published: September 2022

The creation of value is a critical factor that determines the competitive capacity of firms and their ability to survive. Notwithstanding its importance, value creation usually becomes a fuzzy concept that is difficult to grasp, especially when increasingly complex elements of reality are incorporated into its analysis. Building on the narrative of the firm as a complex adaptive system, this article provides empirical evidence showing value creation as emergent behavior resulting from hyper-connected value repositories. Several implications for scholars and practitioners are discussed. For scholars, expert knowledge is provided from 28 airline industry executives around the world together with a method based on fuzzy cognitive maps that allows modeling and simulating value creation in airlines through 26 value repositories and 77 interdependencies. For practitioners, the article raises awareness of the need to incorporate a complexity mindset into value creation analysis and smooths the transition towards a value performance management tool.
A Review of 13,470 Head and Neck Injuries from Trampoline Jumping
Authors: Stanbouly Dani , Stanbouly Rami , Baron Michael , Selvi Firat , Chung Wen Raymond Wong , Chuang Sung-Kiang
Published: September 2022

Study Design

The authors designed a 20-year cross-sectional study using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database.

Objective

The purpose of the study is to determine the risk factors for hospital admission among individuals who suffer head and neck injuries secondary to trampoline use.

Methods

The primary predictor variables were a set of heterogenous variables that were categorized into the forementioned study variable groups (patient characteristics and injury characteristics). The primary outcome variable was hospital admission. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for hospital admission.

Results

The final sample consisted of 13,474 reports of trampoline injuries to the head and neck. Relative to females, males (OR 1.66, P < .05) were at an increased risk for hospital admissions. Fractures (OR 35.23, P < .05) increased the risk for hospital admissions relative to dental injuries. Concerning anatomical region of injury, neck injuries (OR 30.53, P < .05) were at an increased risk for hospital admissions.

Conclusions

Injuries to the neck from trampoline jumping significantly increased the risk for admission. The severity of neck injuries from trampoline jumping is well established in the literature. Additionally, male sex and fractures were each risk factors for hospital admission. Given the rising prevalence of trampoline-related head and neck injuries over the past 2 decades, it is crucial for individuals to take the necessary precautions when jumping on a trampoline.
Assessment of intestinal parasites and associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy at Bule Hora General Hospital, West Guji, Ethiopia
Authors: Aliyo Alqeer , Gemechu Tibeso
Published: September 2022

Objective:

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy at Bule Hora General Hospital, West Guji, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Introduction:

Parasitic infection of the intestinal tract is a major source of disease in patients with HIV, particularly in the tropics, where diarrhea is a common complaint with variable severity.

Method:

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to August 2021 on 179 systematic randomly selected HIV patients. Data on sociodemographics were collected by interviewing the study subjects using a pretested structured questionnaire. Stool specimens were collected from the study subjects and processed and examined by formol-ether concentration techniques. Data were obtained from each individual using data sheets and then entered into SPSS version 20 for analysis. The chi-square test was calculated, and a p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Out of 179 study subjects, 52 (29.1%) were infected with intestinal parasites. The most frequently detected parasites were Giardia lamblia (38.5%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (25%) Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (15.4%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (11.5%). Factors such as the CD4+ T-cell status and source of drinking water were significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites among HIV/AIDS patients. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was highly observed among patients who scored CD4+ T cells <200 cells/mm3 90.4% (47/52) and drink ground water 73.1% (38/52).

Conclusion:

There was moderate prevalence of intestinal parasites among HIV/AIDS patients; therefore, treating unprotected water before drinking and diagnosis of early parasites for HIV/AIDS patients whose CD4+ T-cell count is less than 200 cells/mm3 should be practiced to prevent intestinal parasite infection.
Determinants of meconium aspiration syndrome among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit at Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, South Ethiopia: Unmatched case–control study
Authors: Awgchew Seife , Ezo Elias
Published: September 2022

Objective:

To identify determinants of meconium aspiration syndrome among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Nigist Eleni Mohammed Memorial Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, South Ethiopia, in 2022.

Method:

A facility-based unmatched case–control study was used to identify meconium aspiration syndrome with a total sample size of 249 from January to April 2022. Data were entered by using EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 24 software. Descriptive findings were presented by frequency tables and percentages. Multicollinearity was checked and the goodness of fit test was done. To determine the independent determinants associated with meconium aspiration syndrome, bivariate analysis was done and variables with a p value of <0.05 were taken to multivariate logistic regression analysis. Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was calculated, and statistical significance was declared at a p value less than 0.05.

Result:

Two hundred forty-nine (83 cases and 166 controls) mothers with their respective neonates were included in this study and that made the overall response rate 100%. Preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio: 3.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 10.97), antepartum hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio: 3.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.50, 8.78), duration of labor (adjusted odds ratio: 4.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.83, 10.30), premature rupture of membrane (adjusted odds ratio: 16.02, 95% confidence interval: 5.66, 45.29), and obstructed labor (adjusted odds ratio: 4.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.42, 14.70) were determinants of meconium aspiration syndrome.

Conclusion:

In this study, preeclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage, duration of labor, premature rupture of membrane, and obstructed labor were determinants of meconium aspiration syndrome. Therefore, to reduce the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome, prevention, early identification, and management of these obstetrical factors may help to reduce meconium aspiration syndrome locally.
Non-thrombotic superficial venous phlebitis secondary to Covid-19 vaccine or subsequent Covid-19 infection
Authors: Whiteley Mark S , Holdstock Judy M
Published: September 2022

A 43-year-old woman presented with localised areas of prominent, tender superficial veins in her right arm and both legs, and chest pain, following the second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine and possible contemporaneous Covid-19 infection. Electrocardiogram, troponin and d-dimer had all been normal. However, a venous duplex ultrasound scan showed a perivenous inflammation without thrombosis in the areas of her limbs with prominent tender veins, but not elsewhere. We suggest that patients may present with prominent and tender superficial veins secondary to non-thrombotic phlebitis following Covid-19 infection or the AstraZeneca vaccine, which appears to be self-limiting. In addition, this case raises the possibility that Covid-19 infection or the AstraZeneca vaccine may directly affect cells in the vein wall, resulting in phlebitis without any evidence of thrombosis or microthrombosis. This phenomenon appears to be transient and self-limiting.
Pulmonary air leak syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patient
Authors: El Ouali Ibtissam , Habib Chorfa Sara , El Hamzaoui Hamza , Alilou Mustapha , Jroundi Laila , Laamrani FZ
Published: September 2022

Pulmonary air leak syndromes involve dissection of air out of the normal pulmonary airspaces and include pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pneumoperitoneum, subcutaneous emphysema and systemic air embolism. It presents as a spontaneous extension of dissecting air without a history of a procedure or penetrating injury. Pulmonary air leak syndromes are extremely rare complications of systemic autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Few cases were reported in the literature regarding rheumatoid arthritis patients. The purpose of this article is to emphasize on this rare pulmonary complication and discuss the physiopathology of the disease and the different risk factors for a better management of these patients. We report the case of a 45-year-old female, with a history of proven rheumatoid arthritis under methotrexate and steroids, who presented with a spontaneous dissecting subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum. The patient’s condition improved after chest drainage and adjustment of her medical treatment.
Factors affecting doctor’s recommendation for mobile health services
Authors: Hu Xiaojing , Fang Hongjun , Wang Ping
Published: September 2022

Objective

As a new medical service mode, the value of mobile health (mHealth） services has received increasing attention and recognition. However, compared with the owners of mobile devices, the user scale of mHealth services is still small. It is well known that doctors’ recommendations have an important impact on what kind of medical service patients choose. To explore the key factors affecting doctors’ recommendation of mHealth services to patients, and to provide countermeasures for mHealth service providers and hospital managers, so as to promote doctors to recommend mHealth services to more patients.

Methods

Through literature review, expert consultation and pre-test, a questionnaire including 22 questions was designed, and 114 valid questionnaires were collected by online research. Net Promoter Score (NPS) was used to evaluate doctors’ recommendation willingness, and multivariate logistics analysis was used to evaluate the key factors affecting doctors’ recommendation willingness.

Results

The NPS of doctors was 6.06%, among which the recommenders, neutrals and critics accounted for 29.56%, 46.96% and 23.48%, respectively. The attitude towards mHealth services and whether they pay attention to and/or are willing to try new technologies are the key factors affecting the doctors’ recommendation, and the usefulness for patients most often emphasized by mHealth service providers to doctors does not affect doctors’ recommendation willingness. In addition, whether mHealth services can help doctors establish personal brands may be a potential factor to enhance doctors’ recommendation willingness.

Conclusion

In order to improve the recommendation willingness of doctors, mHealth service providers and hospital managers should focus on doctors who have a positive attitude towards mHealth services and are highly innovative (which often means younger and lower professional levels). At the same time, they should think about how to use mHealth services to help doctors establish personal brands in the future.
Epidemiology With Video Analysis of Knee Injuries in the Women’s National Basketball Association
Authors: Axelrod Kobi , Canastra Neal , Lemme Nicholas J. , Testa Edward J. , Owens Brett D.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Knee injuries are the most common type of injury seen in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). However, there are sparse epidemiologic data regarding these injuries over the past 20 years.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, return to play (RTP) rate/length, and mechanism of knee injuries in the WNBA. We hypothesized that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears would have the highest prevalence and longest RTP times.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Publicly available WNBA injury reports were used to find WNBA athletes who sustained knee injuries. The RTP length was determined by calculating the number of days between the date of the injury and the date of the first game they played after returning. The RTP rate was determined by calculating the number of players who returned to play from each injury compared with the total number of each injury. Incidence of knee injuries, frequency, and time to RTP were calculated for each injury. Available videos were analyzed to determine the mechanism and body position at the time of injury.

Results:

Overall, 99 WNBA players were identified as having sustained a knee injury during the study period resulting in loss of play. ACL tears (n = 37; 37%) were the most devastating injury, resulting in the longest time before RTP (n = 375 days; 70%). The position with the highest incidence of knee injuries was guard, accounting for 53% of knee injuries. Video analysis conducted on 12 knee injuries revealed that such injuries were most commonly noncontact (83%).The mechanisms of injury were most commonly planting (58%) and landing from a jump (33%) with the knee flexed in the valgus position (100%).

Conclusion:

Study findings indicated that ACL tears are the most common clinically significant knee injuries sustained in the WNBA, accounting for 37% of total knee injuries with a mean RTP rate of 375 days. The most common mechanism of injury was planting the foot or landing from a jump with a flexed knee in the valgus position. Knee injuries had a high RTP rate in WNBA players but resulted in them missing a significant amount of playing time.
Translation, Validity, and Reliability of the Dutch Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Quality of Life Questionnaire
Authors: de Vries Astrid J. , Brouwer Reinoud W. , Veld Rianne Huis in t’ , van der Wal Wybren A. , Reininga Inge H.F. , Hoogeslag Roy A.G.
Published: September 2022

Background:

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Quality of Life (ACL-QoL) questionnaire is a valid and reliable injury-specific instrument to assess the impact of an ACL rupture on the daily life of a patient.

Purpose:

To translate the ACL-QoL into Dutch (ACL-QoL-NL) and to study its psychometric properties in patients with an ACL rupture.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The original ACL-QoL questionnaire was translated from English to Dutch according to international guidelines. The study population consisted of 122 patients with a confirmed ACL rupture who completed the ACL-QoL-NL as well as 4 questionnaires: the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, 36-item Short Form Health Survey, and Lysholm Knee Score. We determined the internal consistency, construct validity, and prevalence of floor and ceiling effects of the ACL-QoL-NL total score as well as its 5 subscales. To determine test-retest reliability, we analyzed the data of 68 patients who had a stable knee condition and who completed the ACL-QoL-NL a second time after a 2-week interval.

Results:

The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original structure of the ACL-QoL-NL was confirmed, except for 4 of 31 items. Internal consistency of the total scale and all 5 subscales was good. More than 75% of the predefined hypotheses on the correlations between the ACL-QoL-NL and the 4 questionnaires were met, indicating good construct validity. No significant floor or ceiling effects were observed. Test-retest reliability was good, and no systematic bias between test and retest was found. Standard error of measurement for the total score was 4.8 points out of 100, and the smallest detectable changes at the group and individual levels were 1.6 and 13.2 points, respectively.

Conclusion:

The ACL-QoL-NL questionnaire was successfully translated from English to Dutch and demonstrated good internal consistency, validity, and reliability, with no presence of floor or ceiling effects.
An analysis of teacher knowledge for teaching functional thinking to elementary school students
Authors: Pang JeongSuk , Sunwoo Jin
Published: September 2022

Given the significance of functional thinking at the elementary school level, there has been growing interest in teachers who play a major role in enhancing students’ functional thinking. This study surveyed 119 elementary school teachers in Korea to investigate their knowledge for teaching functional thinking. A written assessment was developed for this study regarding the knowledge of mathematical tasks, instructional strategies, and mathematical discourse to teach functional thinking. The results of this study showed that many teachers could design mathematical tasks corresponding to simple relationships of two quantities but some of them had difficulties in constructing the task for [Formula: see text]. Teachers could explain the affordances of key instructional strategies to foster functional thinking and identify students’ typical errors in recognizing or representing a functional relationship but some explanations included a superficial understanding of the core ideas of functional thinking. Based on these results this article closes with a discussion of several implications regarding the aspects needed for elementary school teachers to further promote students’ functional thinking.
Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after gynaecological day surgery under remimazolam general anesthesia: a randomized double-blind controlled study
Authors: Yi Fuxia , Xiao Hongyi , Zhu Teng , Man Yan , Ji Fanceng
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To observe the effect of different antiemetic drugs for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after gynaecological day surgery under remimazolam general anesthesia.

Methods

One hundred ninety-two patients were selected for gynaecological day surgery and randomly divided into three groups: droperidol group (DD group), tropisetron group (DT group) and control group (DC group). Flurbiprofen axetil 50 mg and dexamethasone 5 mg were given intravenously before induction of anesthesia, and 2 min later droperidol 1 mg was given intravenously to the DD group, tropisetron 5 mg to the DT group and saline (5 ml) to the DC group. Induction of anesthesia: remimazolam 6 mg/kg/h was continuously infused until sleep, mivacurium 0.2 mg/kg and alfentanil 20ug/kg were slowly pushed, 3 min later intubation was performed to control breathing. Maintenance of anesthesia: 40ug/kg/h of alfentanil, 1 mg/kg/h of remimazolam continuous infusion. After awakening and extubation, the patient was transferred to the PACU. PONV were recorded in the PACU and an electronic questionnaire was pushed 24 h after surgery.

Results

The incidence of PONV within the PACU was significantly lower in the DD (14.5%)and DT(26.7%) groups than in the DC(50%) group (p < 0.01), there was no significantly difference between the DT and DD groups. There were no significant difference in the incidence of PONV in 24 h after surgery between the three groups(DD:DT:DC = 44.5%:45.1%:63.8%,p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Droperidol or tropisetron combined with dexamethasone is superior to dexamethasone alone for the prevention of PONV in the PACU after remimazolam combined with alfentanil anesthesia, with no significant difference in the incidence of PONV in 24 h after surgery.
Variation of in-hospital trauma team staffing: new resuscitation, new team
Authors: van Maarseveen Oscar E. C. , Huijsmans Roel L. N. , Leenen Luke P. H. , Ham Wietske H. W.
Published: September 2022

Background

Non-technical errors, such as insufficient communication or leadership, are a major cause of medical failures during trauma resuscitation. Research on staffing variation among trauma teams on teamwork is still in their infancy. In this study, the extent of variation in trauma team staffing was assessed. Our hypothesis was that there would be a high variation in trauma team staffing.

Methods

Trauma team composition of consecutive resuscitations of injured patients were evaluated using videos. All trauma team members that where part of a trauma team during a trauma resuscitation were identified and classified during a one-week period. Other outcomes were number of unique team members, number of new team members following the previous resuscitation and new team members following the previous resuscitation in the same shift (Day, Evening, Night).

Results

All thirty-two analyzed resuscitations had a unique trauma team composition and 101 unique members were involved. A mean of 5.71 (SD 2.57) new members in teams of consecutive trauma resuscitations was found, which was two-third of the trauma team. Mean team members present during trauma resuscitation was 8.38 (SD 1.43). Most variation in staffing was among nurses (32 unique members), radiology technicians (22 unique members) and anesthetists (19 unique members). The least variation was among trauma surgeons (3 unique members) and ER physicians (3 unique members).

Conclusion

We found an extremely high variation in trauma team staffing during thirty-two consecutive resuscitations at our level one trauma center which is incorporated in an academic teaching hospital. Further research is required to explore and prevent potential negative effects of staffing variation in trauma teams on teamwork, processes and patient related outcomes.
Effect of disease duration on fecal biomarkers in ulcerative colitis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ishida Natsuki , Kaneko Masanao , Asai Yusuke , Miyazu Takahiro , Tamura Satoshi , Tani Shinya , Yamade Mihoko , Iwaizumi Moriya , Hamaya Yasushi , Osawa Satoshi , Furuta Takahisa , Sugimoto Ken
Published: September 2022

Background

Biomarkers such as fecal calprotectin (FC) and fecal immunochemical occult blood tests (FIT) for ulcerative colitis (UC) are used in clinical practice. In this study, the effect of UC disease duration on FC was investigated and compared to that on FIT.

Methods

One hundred twenty-eight colonoscopic examinations and two fecal biomarkers measurements were performed. The cases of UC were divided into short- and long-term disease-duration groups or categorized into three groups with disease durations of 0–5, 6–13, and 14–38 years. We analyzed correlations between biomarker levels and endoscopic scores, including the Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES), ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity, and the sum of MES.

Results

In the analysis of short- and long-term disease durations, the three endoscopic scores and biomarker levels showed significant correlations in both long-term and short-term groups. Most of the correlation coefficients for the individual long-term group were lower than the corresponding values for all cases, while most of the correlation coefficients for the individual short-term groups were higher than the corresponding values for all cases. In the three-group analysis (disease durations of 0–5, 6–13, and 14–38 years), the two biomarkers and three endoscopic scores showed significant correlations, and most of the correlation coefficients between biomarkers and endoscopic scores tended to be lower in the long-term follow-up group. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis for predicting mucosal healing in the three groups, the area under the curve for FC and FIT concentrations in the 0–5 year disease-duration group showed particularly higher values than those for the other two groups.

Conclusions

Similar to FIT, FC is affected by the duration of UC, indicating that FC may be a highly useful biomarker, especially in short-term disease.
Sensory and motor correlates of frailty: dissociation between frailty phenotype and frailty index
Authors: Beier Florian , Löffler Martin , Nees Frauke , Hausner Lucrezia , Frölich Lutz , Flor Herta
Published: September 2022

Background

Frailty has been associated with a decline in sensory and motor function. However, given that different frailty measures were shown to overlap but also differ in their diagnostic properties, sensory and motor correlates of frailty might be different depending on the operationalization of frailty. Our objective was to identify sensory and motor determinants of frailty and compare the results between frailty phenotype (FP) and frailty index (FI).

Methods

Data from 44 pre-frail and frail subjects aged 65 and above were used. Frailty was measured using the FP and the FI. Sensory function in the visual, auditory, and tactile domain was assessed using visual acuity, absolute hearing threshold and mechanical detection threshold. Upper extremity motor performance was evaluated by the Purdue Pegboard Test and the Short Physical Performance Battery was used to assess lower extremity motor function. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to determine associations of sensory and motor function with frailty vs. pre-frailty for both frailty measures.

Results

The frailty measures were moderately correlated (0.497, p ≤ 0.01) and had a Kappa agreement of 0.467 (p = 0.002). Using the FP, frailty was significantly associated with reduced upper extremity motor function only (OR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.29–0.87, p = 0.014). Frailty as assessed by the FI was significantly related to higher hearing thresholds (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.02–1.43, p = 0.027) and reduced lower extremity performance (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.13–0.77, p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Frailty is related to reduced performance in measures of sensory and motor function. However, traditional measures of frailty might be differentially sensitive to capture sensory and motor decline, possibly contributing to the much-observed discordance between the diagnostic instruments. This should be taken into account by researchers and clinicians when planning and evaluating therapeutic interventions for frailty.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03666039. Registered 11 September 2018 – Retrospectively registered.
Cervical amyloidoma of transthyretin type: a case report and review of literature
Authors: MacLennan Matthew H. , le Roux André
Published: September 2022

Background

Amyloidoma is a rare clinical entity characterized by the focal aggregation of amyloid protein within the body, void of systemic involvement. To our knowledge, there have only been 26 reports of cervical amyloidoma to date. Amyloid light chain and beta-2-microglobulin are the most common types, with only three previous reports of transthyretin (ATTR) Amyloidoma.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 71-year-old male who presented with worsening strength and coordination of his upper extremities, right upper-leg pain, unsteady gait, and a reduced range of motion of his neck in all planes. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a solitary mass compressing the spinal cord at C1-C2. Treatment consisted of cervical decompression and stabilization. Pathological examination confirmed solitary amyloid deposition of ATTR. Postoperative neurological assessment revealed improved balance, gait, hand function, and grip strength. Investigational imaging was ordered 8 months postoperatively revealing no evidence of systemic involvement, confirming the diagnosis of cervical ATTR amyloidoma. A discussion is provided surrounding the published literature of ATTR amyloidoma with description of the typical presentation, management, and outcomes of this rare pathology.

Conclusion

Previous cases and studies indicate clinical signs such as ligamentum of flavum hypertrophy and carpal tunnel syndrome may precede focal ATTR spinal disposition. Outcomes for amyloidoma are generally favourable, as tumour resection prevents irreversible deficits. Patients have a low rate of recurrence with an overall excellent prognosis following resection and stabilization.
Reduction of care-relevant risks to older patients during and after acute hospital care (ReduRisk) – study protocol of a cluster randomized efficacy trial in a stepped wedge design
Authors: Göhner Anne , Dreher Elena , Kentischer Felix , Maurer Christoph , Farin-Glattacker Erik , von der Warth Rieka , Brühmann Boris A , Maun Andy , Minin Vitalii , Salm Claudia , Ritzi Alexander , Engelhardt Gwendolyn , Sofroniou Mario , Voigt-Radloff Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Background

Older patients are at an increased risk of hospitalization, negatively affecting their health and quality of life. Such patients also experience a lack of physical activity during their inpatient stay, as well as being at increased risk of delirium and inappropriate prescribing. These risk factors can accumulate, promoting a degree of morbidity and the development of cognitive impairment.

Methods

Through the ReduRisk-program, patients at risk of functional impairment, immobility, falls, delirium or re-hospitalization shortly after hospital discharge, will be identified via risk-screening. These patients will receive an individually tailored, multicomponent and risk-adjusted prevention program. The trial will compare the effectiveness of the ReduRisk-program against usual care in a stepped-wedge-design, with quarterly cluster randomization of six university hospital departments into intervention and control groups. 612 older adults aged 70 years or more are being recruited. Patients in the intervention cluster (n = 357) will receive the ReduRisk-program, comprising risk-adjusted delirium management, structured mobility training and digitally supported planning of post-inpatient care, including polypharmacy management. This study will evaluate the impact of the ReduRisk-program on the primary outcomes of activities of daily living and mobility, and the secondary outcomes of delirium, cognition, falls, grip strength, health-related quality of life, potentially inappropriate prescribing, health care costs and re-hospitalizations. Assessments will be conducted at inpatient admission (t0), at discharge (t1) and at six months post-discharge (t2). In the six-month period following discharge, a health-economic evaluation will be carried out based on routine health insurance data (t3).

Discussion

Despite the importance of multicomponent, risk-specific approaches to managing older patients, guidelines on their effectiveness are lacking. This trial will seek to provide evidence for the effectiveness of a multicomponent, risk-adjusted prevention program for older patients at risk of functional impairment, immobility, falls, delirium and re-hospitalization. Positive study results would support efforts to improve multicomponent prevention and the management of older patients.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00025594, date of registration: 09/08/2021.
Evaluation of measurement properties of the German Work Role Functioning Questionnaire
Authors: Michaelis Martina , Rieger Monika A. , Burgess Stephanie , Töws Viktoria , Abma Femke I. , Bültmann Ute , Amick Benjamin C. , Rothermund Eva
Published: September 2022

Objective

We assessed the measurement properties of the German Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ) after its cross-cultural adaptation of the Dutch version. The WRFQ is a generic role-specific instrument that measures how a particular health status influences the ability to meet work demands.

Methods

We performed an observational study among German employees assessing the following measurement properties: 1) structural, 2) convergent and 3) discriminant validity, 4) floor and ceiling effects, 5) internal consistency, 6) reproducibility and 7) responsiveness. Participants were recruited from an online access panel sample aged 18 to 64 years having worked more than 12 hours in the last 4 weeks prior to study enrollment (n(T0) = 653, n(T1) = 66, n(T2) = 95).

Results

Measurement properties proved to be good except for structural validity and responsiveness. An exploratory factor analysis showed limited replicability of three of the four original subscales.

Conclusion

With the WRFQ German version, the extent can be measured, to which employees with a certain health level experience problems can meet their work demands. This widely used health-related work outcome measurement tool, that helps to identify employees with decreasing work functioning, is now also available in German. This gives researchers and practitioners the opportunity to address work functioning in practice, e.g. in intervention studies in occupational health or rehabilitation. Further research to examine valid subscales is needed.
Overcoming the blood–brain barrier for the therapy of malignant brain tumor: current status and prospects of drug delivery approaches
Authors: Mitusova Ksenia , Peltek Oleksii O. , Karpov Timofey E. , Muslimov Albert R. , Zyuzin Mikhail V. , Timin Alexander S.
Published: September 2022

Besides the broad development of nanotechnological approaches for cancer diagnosis and therapy, currently, there is no significant progress in the treatment of different types of brain tumors. Therapeutic molecules crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and reaching an appropriate targeting ability remain the key challenges. Many invasive and non-invasive methods, and various types of nanocarriers and their hybrids have been widely explored for brain tumor treatment. However, unfortunately, no crucial clinical translations were observed to date. In particular, chemotherapy and surgery remain the main methods for the therapy of brain tumors. Exploring the mechanisms of the BBB penetration in detail and investigating advanced drug delivery platforms are the key factors that could bring us closer to understanding the development of effective therapy against brain tumors. In this review, we discuss the most relevant aspects of the BBB penetration mechanisms, observing both invasive and non-invasive methods of drug delivery. We also review the recent progress in the development of functional drug delivery platforms, from viruses to cell-based vehicles, for brain tumor therapy. The destructive potential of chemotherapeutic drugs delivered to the brain tumor is also considered. This review then summarizes the existing challenges and future prospects in the use of drug delivery platforms for the treatment of brain tumors.

Graphical Abstract