bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of non-hypoglycemic agents for hypoglycemia-related hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes: a large-scale medical receipt database analysis
Authors: Horii Takeshi , Otsuka Mai , Yasu Takeo
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Hypoglycemia is listed as an adverse effect in the package inserts of not only hypoglycemic agents but also many other drugs. We aimed to clarify real-world factors related to an increased risk of hypoglycemia-related hospitalization (HRH) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on non-hypoglycemic agents that have been associated with hypoglycemia.

Research design and methods

This cross-sectional study was performed using data from the Medical Data Vision administrative claims database. We identified patients with T2D who were enrolled in the database between April 2014 and October 2019. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify clinical factors associated with HRH due to non-hypoglycemic agents.

Results

Among 703 745 patients with T2D, 10 376 patients (1.47%) experienced HRH. The use of 332 non-hypoglycemic agents was associated with hypoglycemia. Multivariate analysis was performed to calculate OR for HRH. Seventy-five drugs had an OR greater than 1, and the values were significant. The OR was the highest for diazoxide (OR 15.5, 95% CI 4.87 to 49.3). The OR was higher than 2.0 for methylphenidate (OR 5.15, 95% CI 1.53 to 17.3), disulfiram (OR 4.21, 95% CI 2.05 to 8.62) and hydrocortisone (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.11 to 7.51).

Conclusion

This large retrospective analysis revealed that the risk of HRH from some non-hypoglycemic agents in patients with T2D may be increased. The results of this study are expected to support treatment planning by physicians and healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care.
Abstracts from international emergency medicine journals
Authors: Production EMJ
Published: April 2023

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication.
Impact of Cattaneo–Christov double diffusion theory and Arrhenius pre-exponential factor law on flow of radiative Reiner–Rivlin nanofluid over rotating disk
Authors: Samantaray S. S. , Azam M. , Abbas N. , Misra A. , Nayak M. K.
Published: April 2023

Reiner–Rivlin nanofluid flow due to rotating disk has significance in manufacturing of computer disks, pumping of liquid metals, spin coating, centrifugal machinery, turbo-machinery, crystal growth and rotational viscometer. In light of such real and relevant industrial applications, this study deals with the numerical investigation of unsteady rotationally symmetric flow of Reiner–Rivlin nanofluid over a stretchable rotating disk. The purpose of this investigation is to explore heat transfer characteristics of Reiner–Rivlin nanofluid subject to radial stretched surface implementable in several thermal systems. For facilitation of heat transport in complex thermal systems, mathematical models, such as Cattaneo–Christov, Buongiorno and nonlinear thermal radiation models, are assumed to be introduced. Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg technique along with shooting method is used for numerical computation of the transformed equations. It is captivating that radial and circumferential velocities decelerate with rise in Reiner–Rivlin and stretching strength parameters, respectively. Amplified thermal relaxation and Reiner–Rivlin parameters led to diminution of wall temperature gradient. Nanoparticle concentration profiles exhibit opposite behavior in response to escalation of activation energy and reaction rate parameters.
An enormous diversity of soliton solutions to the (2+1)-dimensional extended shallow water wave equation using three analytical methods
Authors: Jorwal Poonam , Arif Mohd. , Kumar Dharmendra
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we obtain a variety of analytical wave solutions of a ([Formula: see text])-dimensional extended shallow water wave equation. The applications of the governing equation are enormous in ocean modeling and investigation of moist-convection properties in atmospheric dynamics. Two powerful mathematical approaches, the [Formula: see text]-expansion method (EEM) and the generalized projective Riccati equations method (GPREM), were used to find closed-form traveling wave solutions. In addition, the breather wave solutions were described using the Cole-Hopf transform, derived with the help of Hirota bilinear method (HBM). Eventually, we obtain 46 closed-form solutions in explicit form. The general form of obtained solutions include trigonometric, rational, exponential and hyperbolic function solutions. To illustrate the physical significance of some novel results, we provided contour, two- and three-dimensional graphics under the suitable free choices of unknown parameters. The dynamical shapes of these solutions are one soliton, multiple solitons, kink, anti-kink, lump and periodic solutions. We believe that the applied methods of this work are well-organized, genuine and powerful mathematical tools for solving the nonlinear evolution equations (NLEEs) occurring in the study of ocean science and engineering.
Long-Term Mentoring for Computer Science Researchers
Authors: Ruppel Emily , Liu Sihang , Garza Elba , Ryu Sukyoung , Silva Alexandra , Ringer Talia
Published: April 2023

Reaching out across computer science research communities.
Toward Basing Cryptography on the Hardness of EXP
Authors: Liu Yanyi , Pass Rafael
Published: April 2023

Let
Kt
(
x
) denote the Levin-Kolmogorov Complexity of the string
x
, and let MKtP denote the language of pairs (
x
,
k
) having the property that
Kt
(
x
) ≤
k.
We demonstrate that:

• MKtP ∉ Heur
neg
BPP (i.e., MKtP is
two-sided error
mildly average-case hard) iff infinitely-often OWFs exist.

• MKtP ∉ Avg
neg
BPP (i.e., MKtP is
errorless
mildly average-case hard) iff EXP ≠ BPP.

Taken together, these results show that the only "gap" toward getting (infinitely-often) OWFs from the assumption that EXP ≠ BPP is the seemingly "minor" technical gap between two-sided error and errorless average-case hardness of the MKtP problem.
Research for Practice: The Fun in Fuzzing
Authors: Nagy Stefan
Published: April 2023

The debugging technique comes into its own.
Enhancing Evolutionary Algorithm Performance with Knowledge Transfer and Asynchronous Parallelism
Authors: Scott Eric O.
Published: April 2023

This two-part PhD thesis (by Eric O. Scott, Advisors: Kenneth A. De Jong and Sean Luke) investigates asynchronous steady-state evolutionary algorithms and evolutionary knowledge transfer, respectively, as ways to address challenges that can make it difficult to apply evolutionary algorithms (EAs) to computationally intensive applications. A full copy of the dissertation can be found via ProQuest.
Designing a Scenario-Based Fuzzy Model for Sustainable Closed-Loop Supply Chain Network considering Statistical Reliability: A New Hybrid Metaheuristic Algorithm
Authors: Bahrampour Peyman , Najafi Seyyed Esmaeil , Hosseinzadeh lotfi Farhad , Edalatpanah Ahmad
Published: April 2023

In this study, a new nonlinear mathematical programming model of mixed integer was presented to formulate the problem of designing a sustainable closed loop supply chain, in which the three aspects of sustainability, i.e., social effect such as job creation, customer satisfaction, and distributors, environmental effects such as reducing air pollution, and economic effects such as reducing supply chain costs, increasing supply chain reliability, quality of returned products by customers, and product routing were considered. In order to solve the proposed model, a new hybrid metaheuristic algorithm based on the distinctive features of gray wolf algorithm and genetic algorithm was proposed in addition to MOPSO and NSGA-II algorithms. After tuning their parameters by the Taguchi method, their performance in problems with different dimensions was tested and evaluated by MID, DM, and SM criteria. The results of statistical analysis of indices indicated that no significant difference between the performance of the three algorithms at 5% error level. In general, GW-NS, NSGA-II and MOPSO algorithms had better performance in terms of MID index, respectively. In addition, GW-NS, NSGA-II, and MOPSO algorithms performed better in terms of DM index. NSGA-II, MOPSO, and GW-NS algorithms performed better in terms of SM index, respectively. In addition, the variability of DM index in all three algorithms was almost the same, but in MID index, GW-NS algorithm, and in SM index, MOPSO algorithm had the highest change and less sustainability.
Influence of Dietary Phosphorus on the Growth, Feed Utilization, Proximate Composition, Intestinal Enzymes, and Oxidation Resistance of Sea Cucumber Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Song Zhidong , Li Peiyu , Hu Shunxin , Liu Caili , Hao Tiantian , Han Xiaozhao
Published: April 2023

Six experimental diets (crude protein 12.58%, crude fat 1.93%, and total energy 10.72 kJ/kg) containing 0.24%, 0.37%, 0.51%, 0.62%, 0.77%, and 0.89% phosphorus were formulated to evaluate dietary phosphorus requirement for sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. The feeding trial was conducted in 18 fiberglass tanks (220 L) for 63 days. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate tanks of 50 sea cucumbers (9.99 g) and fed once daily. With the increase of dietary phosphorus level, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), daily feed intake (DFI), feces production ratio, the activities of amylase, alkaline phosphatase, phosphofructokinase, succinate dehydrogenase, and glutathione peroxidase as well as the contents of glutathione and glutathione oxidized significantly increased and then decreased afterwards (

P
<
0.05

). A. japonicus fed diet with 0.63%, 0.63%, and 0.55% dietary phosphorus was estimated to yield the highest WG (11.39 g), SGR (1.09%/d), and DFI (2.55%/d) according to the quadratic regression analysis of WG, SGR, and DFI against dietary phosphorus level, respectively. The apparent digestibility of dry material and energy followed an opposite tendency. Feed efficiency, the contents of whole-body phosphorus, initially increased and then plateaued, fitting piecewise-linear models with breakpoint at 0.57% and 0.55% dietary phosphorus. Daily phosphorus intake, pyruvate kinase activity, and the ratio of glutathione and glutathione oxidized increased (

P
<
0.05

) but the apparent digestibility of phosphorus, the activities of alkaline protease, aspartate transaminase, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase decreased (

P
<
0.05

), responding to the increasing dietary phosphorus. Considering the present results, the optimal dietary phosphorus for A. japonicus is 0.57–0.63%.
The Efficacy of Drug-Coated Balloon for Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Naganawa Hirokazu , Ito Akira , Saiki Shinrou , Nishi Daisuke , Takamatsu Shinichi , Ito Yoshihisa , Suzuki Takeshi
Published: April 2023

Background. Percutaneous coronary intervention using a drug-eluting stent (DES) is a common therapeutic option for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, stent-associated complications, such as bleeding associated with dual antiplatelet therapy, in-stent restenosis, stent thrombosis, and neoatherosclerosis, remain. Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) are expected to reduce stent-associated complications. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of DCB therapy and compare it with that of DES therapy in patients with ACS. Materials and Methods. In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, we examined all patients with ACS treated with DCB or DES between July 2014 and November 2020. Patients with left main trunk lesions were excluded. The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization) at one year. Results. Three hundred and seventy-two patients were treated with DES, and 83 patients were treated with DCB. MACE occurred in 10 (12.0%) patients in the DCB group and in 50 (13.4%) patients in the DES group (

P
=
0.73

). Conclusions. DCB is a valuable and effective therapy for patients with ACS. Moreover, DCB may become an alternative therapy for DES in patients with ACS.
Cross-Layer Optimization for Wireless Systems Using Computer Vision Methods
Authors: Indira D. N. V. S. L. S. , Sobhana M. , Ram M. Sitha , Ganiya Rajendra Kumar , Rao J. Nageswara , Berhanu Afework Aemro
Published: April 2023

Ad hoc network nodes are aggregate data packet from different environment; there is multiple path communication causing the sudden energy depletion in network. This type of energy loss can lead to failure of connectivity between the two intermediate nodes. If link gets failure, then it has frequent loss of data packets. Less energy nodes do not classify data from the network structure. It reduces packet delivery ratio and increases the energy consumption. The proposed cross-layer method for data agglomeration (CLA) is designed to organize the data packet frequently among the various communication routes; the nodes in the path can able to proceed packet organization for the support of cross-layer scheme. Magnificent path discovery algorithm is constructed to offer the better packet collection route to target node. This process uses multisource node with multiple path for packet transmission in network. It minimizes the energy consumption and increases the packet delivery ratio. The simulation parameters are delay, detection efficiency, energy consumption, network lifetime, and packet delivery ratio.
The Efficacy of Parenteral Nutrition and Enteral Nutrition Supports in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systemic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qin Yan , Liu Maoxia , Guo Fengbao , Chen Du , Yang Peng , Chen Xionghui , Xu Feng
Published: April 2023

Background. Enteral nutrition (EN) is often used in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), but some studies have shown that EN has its disadvantages. However, it is not clear which nutritional support is appropriate to reduce mortality, improve prognosis, and improve nutritional status in patients with TBI. We performed this Bayesian network meta-analysis to evaluate the improvement of nutritional indicators and the clinical outcomes of patients with TBI. Methods. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until December 2021. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared the effects of different nutritional supports on clinical outcomes and nutritional indicators in patients with TBI were included. The co-primary outcomes included mortality and the value of serum albumin. The secondary outcomes were nitrogen balance, the length of study (LOS) in the ICU, and feeding-related complications. The network meta-analysis was performed to adjust for indirect comparison and mixed treatment analysis. Results. 7 studies enroll a total of 456 patients who received different nutritional supports including parenteral nutrition (PN), enteral nutrition (EN), and PN + EN. No effects on in-hospital mortality (Median RR = 1.06, 95% Crl = 0.12 to 1.77) and the value of 0-1 days of serum albumin were found between the included regimens. However, the value of 11–13 days of serum albumin of EN was better than that of PN (WMD = −4.95, 95% CI = −7.18 to −2.72,

P
<
0.0001

, I2 = 0%), and 16–20 days of serum albumin of EN + PN was better than that of EN (WMD = −7.42, 95% CI = −14.51 to −0.34,

P
=
0.04

, I2 = 90%). No effects on the 5–7 day nitrogen balance were found between the included regimens. In addition, the complications including pneumonia and sepsis have no statistical difference between EN and PN. EN was superior to PN in terms of LOS in the ICU and the incidence rate of stress ulcers. Although the difference in indirect comparisons between the included regimens was not statistically significant, the results showed that PN seemed to rank behind other regimens, and the difference between them was extremely small. Conclusion. Available evidence suggests that EN + PN appears to be the most effective strategy for patients with TBI in improving clinical outcomes and nutritional support compared with other nutritional supports. Further trials are required.
Antithrombin Deficiency Is Associated with a Novel Homozygous Detrimental Mutation in SERPINC1 Gene in a Saudi Female
Authors: Alqarni Sana , Alqarni Baraah , Alsultan Abdulrahman
Published: April 2023

Antithrombin (AT) deficiency is a blood disorder associated with an increased tendency to form thrombosis. Hereditary AT deficiency is frequently caused by mutations in SERPINC1 gene. It is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant with variable penetrance. Homozygous pathogenic mutations in this gene are extremely rare. We present a case of a 7-year-old female who presented at age of 4 years with massive cerebral sinus venous thrombosis. Thrombophilia workup showed a low AT level of 30%. Targeted genetic sequencing of SERPINC1 revealed a novel pathogenic homozygous mutation c.1320C>G p. (Phe440Leu). The patient was managed initially with unfractionated heparin with AT replacement using fresh frozen plasma and was later switched to only low-molecular-weight heparin. There was no recurrence or new thrombosis with 3 years of follow-up.
A Low-Scattering Antenna Array at Both Normal and Grazing Incidence
Authors: Xing Zhiyu
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we investigate a low-scattering antenna array consisting of two different low radar cross-section (RCS) antenna elements. The low-scattering performance is achieved by broadband in-band absorbing with x (TM)-polarization and phase cancellation with y (TE)-polarization at normal incidence and a special shape design at grazing incidence. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed antenna array through simulations and measurements. Compared with the reference one, the results show that it can achieve remarkable wideband monostatic RCS reduction from 3.3 to 8 GHz with a maximum reduction value of 23.5 dB at normal incidence and from 4.4 to 12.5 GHz with a peak reduction value of 15.3 dB at grazing incidence. Moreover, a low-RCS carrier is codesigned with the antenna array to verify the low-scattering property, which indicates that the proposed antenna array has a great potential for use in various application scenarios.
Effect of Added Plant Hemicelluloses on the Stability of Frozen Bread Dough
Authors: Mourão Luísa Helena Ellery , da Silva Mendes Francisco Rogênio , de Sousa Felipe Domingos , de Oliveira Monteiro Moreira Ana Cristina , Medeiros Stella Regina Arcanjo , do Socorro Rocha Bastos Maria , Saraiva Gilberto Dantas , Teixeira Alexandre Magno Rodrigues , de Azevedo Moreira Renato
Published: April 2023

The use of hydrocolloids has greatly increased in recent years due to their pivotal role as functional ingredients. They can increase food consistency, control the microstructure that affects water absorption, alter texture and flavor, and improve the shelf life of baked products. In this work, we analyzed the effect of plant hemicelluloses such as Caesalpinia pulcherrima galactomannans and Tamarindus indica xyloglucans on the stability of frozen French bread dough. The amount of these additives used was optimized from an obtained central composite design- (CCD-) response surface methodology (RSM) of the alveograph parameters. Batches were characterized for moisture, water activity (aw), and texture using SEM, DSC, and TGA analyses when frozen for up to 60 days. Batches containing hemicelluloses showed better stability for aw over time. There was no difference between the texture parameters of the samples studied for 60 days. Both added hemicelluloses presented fewer fractures at 30 days and less wear at 60 days, in addition to better performance in the TGA analysis after less than 30 days of frozen storage. Batches containing only xyloglucans or galactomannans had a higher solidification peak temperature after 60 days. Both plant hemicelluloses reduced the damage caused by cold storage and improved stability for water activity. Also, dough preparations containing these additives showed better moisture retention, as well as less wear and tear and fewer fractures over their shelf life. Our evaluation suggests C. pulcherrima and T. indica are nonconventional sources of hydrocolloids that could be utilized in the bakery industry.
Assess the Relationship between the Emirates Medical Residency Entry Examination, Grade Point Average, and Multiple Mini Interview Scores and the Resident’s End-of-Year-One Performance in the UAE
Authors: Al-Shamsi Gheneya Sultan , Wasfy Nourhan F , Eldin Mohammed Galal , Talaat Wagdy
Published: April 2023

Background: Emirates Medical Residency Entry Examination (EMREE), grade point average (GPA), and multiple mini interviews (MMIs) offer a framework for using independent tests to choose medical students for interviewing and employment, finding people who would do well as residents and become good physicians. However, no one indicator can be used to properly predict performance in residency. Purpose: The primary goal of this study was to measure the relationship between the EMREE score, GPA, and MMI and the performance of residents in year 1. Methods: During the months of September 2021 and July 2022, a quantitative, descriptive, and correlational investigation was conducted in the UAE. Convenience sampling of applicants who met the inclusion criteria was used for the purposes of the current study. Results: There were 106 participants in the current study. EMREE and end-of-year-one evaluation had a moderate positive relationship that was significant statistically (r = 0.599**, n = 106, p < 0.05), according to a Pearson correlation. Similar to this, there was a significant relationship (r = 0.665**, p < 0.05) between GPA and the end-of-year-one performance. Likewise, there was a statistically significant (r = 0.996**, p < 0.05) positive association between MMI the end-of-year-one performance. Conclusion: The present study discovered a significant relationship between resident performance and the EMREE at the conclusion of year one. Additionally, the MMI is indeed a helpful tool to help in the selection of medical students and predict future performance. Additionally, the performance of medical students during their first year of residency can be predicted using their GPA, which has a substantial correlation.
Estimation of the Variance Components in TP53 mRNA Expression in the Rat Lens after in vivo Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation B
Authors: Galichanin Konstantin
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the variance components in TP53 mRNA expression after in vivo exposure to double threshold dose of ultraviolet radiation B (UVR-B). Methods: Twelve six-week-old female albino Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to double threshold dose (8 kJ/m2) of UVR-B unilaterally and sacrificed at 1, 3, 8, and 24 h after exposure. Lenses were enucleated, and TP53 mRNA expression was detected by qRT-PCR. Variance components for groups, animals, and measurements were estimated with analysis of variance. Results: The variance for groups is 0.15 rel.2. The variance for animals is 0.29 rel.2. The variance for measurements is 0.32 rel.2. Conclusion: The variance for animals is in the same order as the variance for measurements. The reduction of the variance for measurements is needed in order to obtain the acceptable level of detection of the difference in TP53 mRNA expression and the reduction in sample size.
Significantly Lower Physical Activity Participation in Individuals with Chronic Pancreatitis Compared to Controls: An Exploratory Study of Objectively Assessed Physical Activity Levels
Authors: Monaghan Brenda , Monaghan Ann , Ul Ain Qurat , Duggan Sinead N. , Conlon Kevin C. , Gormley John
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The beneficial effects of exercise and physical activity (PA) have been demonstrated in many chronic inflammatory diseases. Knowledge on PA levels is unknown in the chronic pancreatitis population, and there are currently no specific PA recommendations for this condition. Methods: PA was measured objectively over a 7-day period in 17 individuals with chronic pancreatitis using an accelerometer (ActiGraph) and in 15 controls, matched for age, sex, and body mass index. Results: Participants with chronic pancreatitis spent a significantly lower amount of time in moderate, light, and moderate/vigorous activity compared to the healthy control group. Mean time in light activity in the chronic pancreatitis group was 825.4 ± 972 (standard deviation [SD]) compared to 1,500 ± 958 (SD) in the healthy control group. Moderate activity mean minutes were 61.6 ± 85 in the chronic pancreatitis group compared to 161.4 ± 131.2 in the healthy control group. Moderate/vigorous mean minutes were 62.1 ± 86 (SD) in the chronic pancreatitis group compared to 164.3 ± 132 (SD) in the healthy control group. There was no significant difference found between the groups for either vigorous activity or time spent sedentary. Conclusion: This exploratory study offers early objective evidence that activity levels in the chronic pancreatic group are not meeting current international recommendations. Further investigation of this chronic illness population is strongly recommended.
Open access and international coauthorship: A longitudinal study of the United Arab Emirates research output
Authors: Boufarss Mohamed , Laakso Mikael
Published: April 2023

We investigate the interplay between open access (OA), coauthorship, and international research collaboration. Although previous research has dealt with these factors separately, there is a knowledge gap in how these interact within a single data set. The data includes all Scopus-indexed journal articles published over 11 years (2009–2019) where at least one of the authors has an affiliation to a United Arab Emirates institution (30,400 articles in total). To assess the OA status of articles, we utilized Unpaywall data for articles with a digital object identifier, and manual web searches for articles without. There was consistently strong growth in publication volume counts as well as shares of OA articles across the years. The analysis provides statistically significant results supporting a positive relationship between a higher number of coauthors (in particular international) and the OA status of articles. Further research is needed to investigate potentially explaining factors for the relationship between coauthorship and increased OA rate, such as implementation of national science policy initiatives, varying availability of funding for OA publishing in different countries, patterns in adoption of various OA types in different coauthorship constellations, and potentially unique discipline-specific patterns as they relate to coauthorship and OA rate.
COVID-19 publications in top-ranked public health journals during the first phase of the pandemic
Authors: Gorman Dennis M.
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge of academic publications in medical journals in early 2020. A concern has been that the methodological quality of this research is poor, due to the large volume of publications submitted to journals and the rapidity of peer review. The aim of the present study was to examine the COVID-19 papers that appeared in 15 top-ranked generalist public health journals in 2020. The COVID-19 related publications contributing to each journal’s h5 index were identified and the following data were collected: publication type (research report versus nonresearch); number of citations; length of peer review; registration of the study; and type of study design. Of 962 articles that contributed to the journals’ h5-index scores 109 pertained to COVID-19. Three journals accounted for about 70% of the total COVID-19 articles and the subgroup of 74 research reports. Two journals accounted for 18 of the 25 research reports, with over 200 citations. Nearly two-thirds of research reports were cross-sectional surveys (mostly using convenience samples), narrative reviews or analyses of internet data. Median time in peer review was 21.5 days. Only one study was registered. Dissemination of research that has undergone insufficient peer review can lead to misguided public health practice.
Towards Characterization of Scale and Scaling in Implementation Research within Mathematics Education
Authors: Aguilar Mario Sánchez , Ahl Linda Marie , Jankvist Uffe Thomas , Helenius Ola
Published: April 2023

Scale and scaling are central concepts in projects aimed at implementing innovations for improving mathematics education. This study aims to provide conceptual clarity on the notions of scale and scaling in mathematics education research. The meanings of these terms are handled tacitly, and there is diversity in how they are used in the literature. To address this, we gathered opinions from experienced researchers in the area of the large-scale implementation of educational innovations, and we also conducted a literature review of articles explicitly addressing aspects of scale and scaling in mathematics education. We analyzed the content of these sources using Coburn’s (2003) conceptualization of scale. Our findings provide insight into how experts define and understand the concepts of small scale, large scale, at scale and scaling, and how these concepts relate to the four dimensions of scale proposed by Coburn. This study contributes to developing a more precise and nuanced understanding of scale and scaling in mathematics education research by offering an operational distinction between small-scale, large-scale, and medium-scale project implementation. This distinction is based on three key factors: the contact factor, the material factor, and the organizational factor.

The impact sheet to this article can be accessed at 10.6084/m9.figshare.22339609.
The genus Pupa Röding, 1798 (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Acteonidae) in New Caledonia with notes on Recent species
Authors: VALDÉS ÁNGEL , FELICIANO KENDALL , MALAQUIAS MANUEL A.E.
Published: April 2023

The study of newly collected, live specimens of Pupa (Acteonidae) from New Caledonia and French Polynesia, revealed the presence of six distinct species in this region, including an undescribed species. All these species are re-described and/or named using molecular and morphological evidence as well as a review of the literature and examination of photographs of the type material of described species. Moreover, a review of the literature and type material suggests the existence of six additional species from other geographic regions across the Indo-Pacific. Illustrations of all these species are provided as well as remarks on possible synonymies. This study is the first species-level review of this group using modern taxonomic techniques.
Contributions to the study of the subtribe Eremophlepsiina Dmitriev, 2002 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Opsiini)
Authors: TISHECHKIN DMITRI YU.
Published: April 2023

Three species of Eremophlepsiina, Eremophlepsius rohdendorfi, E. sexnotatus, and Pseudophlepsius binotatus are redescribed, variability of their coloration and genitalia is illustrated, the status of some subspecific taxa is discussed. Oscillograms of the male calling signals of E. sexnotatus and P. binotatus are given. The synonymy E. sexnotatus Kusnezov, 1929 = E. parvulus Dlabola, 1961, syn. n. is established.
Individual Empowerment, Institutional Confidence, and Vaccination Rates in Cross-National Perspective, 1995 to 2018
Authors: Cole Wade M. , Schofer Evan , Velasco Kristopher
Published: April 2023

In the past decade, before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, rates of childhood vaccination against diseases such as measles, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus declined worldwide. An extensive literature examines the correlates and motives of vaccine hesitancy—the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines—among individuals, but little macrosociological theory or research seeks to explain changes in country-level vaccine uptake in global and comparative perspective. Drawing on existing research on vaccine hesitancy and recent developments in world society theory, we link cross-national variation in vaccination rates to two global cultural processes: the dramatic empowerment of individuals and declining confidence in liberal institutions. Both processes, we argue, emerged endogenously in liberal world culture, instigated by the neoliberal turn of the 1980s and 1990s. Fixed- and random-effects panel regression analyses of data for 80 countries between 1995 and 2018 support our claim that individualism and lack of institutional confidence contributed to the global decline in vaccination rates. We also find that individualism is itself partly responsible for declining institutional confidence. Our framework of world-cultural change might be extended to help make sense of recent post-liberal challenges in other domains.
Rehabilitation interventions for young adult cancer survivors: A scoping review
Authors: Aagesen Maria , la Cour Karen , Møller Jens-Jakob Kjer , Stapelfeldt Christina M , Hauken May Aasebø , Pilegaard Marc Sampedro
Published: April 2023

Objective

To map existing research concerning rehabilitation interventions for young adult cancer survivors (YACS) that address at least one factor from the biopsychosocial health model.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

Searches were performed in EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane in January 2022 and updated in March 2023, and grey literature between February and April 2022.

Methods

The review followed Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology for scoping reviews. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies evaluating interventions for YACS of any cancer who had completed primary treatment and were between 18 and 39 years old at diagnosis were included. Two authors independently screened studies for eligibility, and standardised forms were used for data extraction. Descriptive statistics, narrative summaries and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data.

Results

The search revealed 5706 records, of which 70 were full-text screened. The 20 included studies represented a heterogeneous group of 444 young adults with different cancer types, mean age above 25, and an overrepresentation of females. Most studies were feasibility and pilot studies. The 20 studies consisted of 14 unique interventions focusing primarily on one dimension of the biopsychosocial health model like biological or psychological factors. In the 14 interventions, the most frequent intervention element was peer-to-peer support ( n = 12). The interventions were often delivered online ( n = 9), lasting 3–12 months ( n = 8). A wide variety of theories, providers and outcome measures were used.

Conclusion

The results show that current research on multicomponent, biopsychosocial and age-specific rehabilitation for YACS remains at an early stage.
Understanding Forecasting Errors in State Personal Income Tax Revenues: The Role of Capital Gains
Authors: Ferguson Asa , Marshall Liam , Rork Jonathan C.
Published: April 2023

Many states face challenges in producing accurate forecasts of tax revenue from personal income. Using data from 1996 to 2019, we look at how growth in the various base components of personal income influence the accuracy of a state's forecast of revenue from personal income taxation. We consistently find growth in capital gains, which has the highest year-to-year volatility among personal income components, to be associated with a state underestimating its actual revenues from personal income by at least 2 percentage points.
A qualitative study of the dynamics of access to remote antenatal care through the lens of candidacy
Authors: Hinton Lisa , Kuberska Karolina , Dakin Francesca , Boydell Nicola , Martin Graham , Draycott Tim , Winter Cathy , McManus Richard J , Chappell Lucy , Chakrabarti Sanhita , Howland Elizabeth , Willars Janet , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: April 2023

Objective

We aimed to explore the experiences and perspectives of pregnant women, antenatal healthcare professionals, and system leaders to understand the impact of the implementation of remote provision of antenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 93 participants, including 45 individuals who had been pregnant during the study period, 34 health care professionals, and 14 managers and system-level stakeholders. Analysis was based on the constant comparative method and used the theoretical framework of candidacy.

Results

We found that remote antenatal care had far-reaching effects on access when understood through the lens of candidacy. It altered women’s own identification of themselves and their babies as eligible for antenatal care. Navigating services became more challenging, often requiring considerable digital literacy and sociocultural capital. Services became less permeable, meaning that they were more difficult to use and demanding of the personal and social resources of users. Remote consultations were seen as more transactional in character and were limited by lack of face-to-face contact and safe spaces, making it more difficult for women to make their needs – both clinical and social – known, and for professionals to assess them. Operational and institutional challenges, including problems in sharing of antenatal records, were consequential. There were suggestions that a shift to remote provision of antenatal care might increase risks of inequities in access to care in relation to every feature of candidacy we characterised.

Conclusion

It is important to recognise the implications for access to antenatal care of a shift to remote delivery. It is not a simple swap: it restructures many aspects of candidacy for care in ways that pose risks of amplifying existing intersectional inequalities that lead to poorer outcomes. Addressing these challenges through policy and practice action is needed to tackle these risks.
Playing with straight lines and queer times: Children engaging with romantic love within and beyond heteronormative temporalities
Authors: Sotevik Lena
Published: April 2023

This article explores how life schedules and life courses that are organized chronologically become part of normalized heterosexuality in children’s conversations and play. The analysis draws on ethnographic data from a Swedish preschool, focusing on situations where children engage with themes such as romantic love, kisses and weddings. Queer temporal perspectives are applied to challenge how normativity and norm-challenging are perceived, not least in relation to how desirable futures for children are displayed. The article shows that children engage with love discourses in ways that both reproduce and challenge heteronormativity and linear temporalities in normative life course and life schedules.
Digital evidence in defence practice: Prevalence, challenges and expertise
Authors: Wilson-Kovacs Dana , Helm Rebecca , Growns Beth , Redfern Lauren
Published: April 2023

This article examines how criminal defence lawyers in the English adversarial system understand and use digital evidence (DE). Its first aim is to provide an empirical insight into their practices. Secondly, the article seeks to analyse the difficulties encountered by these professionals in accessing and working with DE—both those that they receive from the prosecution and those presented by the DE they need to defend their clients. Thirdly, the article discusses how criminal defence lawyers understand DE and its limitations and select relevant expert witnesses. Fourthly, it considers how the tensions discussed can be overcome. It is argued that while systemic issues outside the control of criminal defence lawyers are likely to impact the speed with which DE and witness expertise are secured, improving these professionals’ digital literacy remains key to best representation and successful criminal justice outcomes.
Prediction of postoperative pancreatic fistula and pancreatitis after pancreatoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy: A review
Authors: Bonsdorff Akseli , Sallinen Ville
Published: April 2023

Background and objective:

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the leading cause of morbidity and early mortality in patients undergoing pancreatic resection. In addition, recent studies have identified postoperative acute pancreatitis (POAP) as an independent contributor to morbidity. Most perioperative mitigation strategies experimented for POPF have been shown to be in vain with no consensus on the best perioperative management. Clinical prediction models have been developed with the hope of identifying high POPF risk patients with the leading idea of finding subpopulations possibly benefiting from pre-existing or novel mitigation strategies. The aim of this review was to map out the existing prediction modeling studies to better understand the current stage of POPF prediction modeling, and the methodology behind them.

Methods:

A narrative review of the existing POPF prediction model studies was performed. Studies published before September 2022 were included.

Results:

While the number of POPF prediction models for pancreatoduodenectomy has increased, none of the currently existing models stand out from the crowd. For distal pancreatectomy, two unique POPF prediction models exist, but due to their freshness, no further external validation or adoption in clinics or research has been reported. There seems to be a lack of adherence to correct methodology or reporting guidelines in most of the studies, which has rendered external validity—if assessed—low. Few of the most recent studies have demonstrated preoperative assessment of pancreatic aspects from computed tomography (CT) scans to provide relatively strong predictors of POPF.

Conclusions:

Main goal for the future would be to reach a consensus on the most important POPF predictors and prediction model. At their current state, few models have demonstrated adequate transportability and generalizability to be up to the task. Better understanding of POPF pathophysiology and the possible driving force of acute inflammation and POAP might be required before such a prediction model can be accessed.
Diabetic Amputations in 2023 are Still More Frightening Than Death—Act Now Before it is Too Late
Authors: Formosa Cynthia , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Gatt Alfred , Papanas Nikolaos
Published: April 2023

Despite huge medical and technological advances to date for the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of diabetic foot complications, their prevalence is still alarmingly high. Patients’ quality of life may be severely compromised. Patients may fear amputations more than death. An effort to minimize the impact of these complications and to ensure prompt access to care for everyone is still required. Urgent therapeutic measures should become possible when needed. Improved physician training in and management of peripheral arterial disease are also vital. We need to act now before it is too late. This will definitely be one of the greatest challenges for 2023 and the years to come.
Randomized clinical Trial Comparing drug Eluting Stent Zilver PTX® Versus Bare Metal Stent Zilver Flex® for Treatment of Lesions in Femoral and Popliteal Arteries in Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia
Authors: Fransson Torbjörn , Gottsäter Anders , Abdulrasak Mohammad , Malina Martin , Resch Timothy
Published: April 2023

Objective

Drug eluting stents (DES) might improve the results of stenting in the femoropopliteal (FP) segment, but randomized data between DES and BMS in the treatment of patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) is lacking. The aim of this study was to perform a randomized comparison, between DES and bare metal stent (BMS) implantation in a subgroup of CLTI patients with lesions in the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and the P1-P2 portion of the popliteal artery.

Methods

Patients presenting with CLTI scheduled for endovascular treatment of FP lesions were randomly assigned by blinded envelopes 1:1 in a single blinded, parallel group design to DES or BMS after lesion crossing. Primary endpoints were target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 12 and 24 months and primary patency at 12 and 24 months. Secondary endpoints were technical success (TS), clinical success, secondary patency at 12 and 24 months, limb salvage, serious adverse events (SAE) at 24 month and survival at five years.

Results

A total of 48 CLTI patients and 49 limbs, were enrolled, 22 in the BMS group and 27 in the DES group. Demographics, comorbidities, and Rutherford class were similar in both treatment arms. The overall rate of total occlusions was 96% and the corresponding overall median lesion length was 240 mm. No patients were lost to follow up. No significant differences were detected between groups regarding TLR and primary patency. The overall primary patency at 12 and 24 months was 42.9% and 36.7% respectively and the overall freedom from TLR was 67.3% and 61.2% respectively. The results in the two groups were also similar regarding secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

This single centre, randomized study could not demonstrate superiority of DES compared to BMS when treating long FP lesions in patients with CLTI but was limited by insufficient patient inclusion.
Sheath-Based Combined Foam Sclerotherapy to Promote Management of Extensive Insufficiency of the Great Saphenous Vein in Venous Ulcers
Authors: Georgakarakos Efstratios , Dimitriadis Konstantinos
Published: April 2023

Background: Foam sclerotherapy is considered an acceptable method to treat great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency, promoting occlusion of its trunk and eradicating reflux. Various modalities and techniques have been described, varying form foam infusion through multiple short cannulae along the GSV to catheter-directed techniques in order to facilitate complete proximal GSV occlusion and improve technical and clinical success. Purpose: To present a modification of the sclerotherapy tehcnique where the presence of venous ulcers poses an extra challenge to the treatment of GSV treatment. Technique: We describe a technical proposal of single foam perfusion through a 11 cm 5F sheath placed at the knee level combined with simultaneous retrograde infusion below the knee. Perivenous tumescent segmental infiltration with cold normal saline at 4°C is applied initially to reduce the diameter in those GSV >6-7 mm. Conclusions: This combination avoids multiple vein cannulation in the GSV along the thigh as well as the need for antegrade infusion when GSV cannulation at the lower tibia is prohibited by a large ulcer area.
A Short Research Guide on Arctic Historical Bryozoan Collections and a Few Associated Biocoenosis at the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Authors: Gontar Valentina I.
Published: April 2023

Russian bryozoans and other invertebrate biocenosis material collected in the Arctic Ocean over a period of more than 250 years, and the corresponding literature citing them, are deposited in the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia. This paper provides a general description and historical quantitative information about the Historical Bryozoan Collection kept in this Russian institute. Access to species-level data is available via the data portal ( www.zin.ru ). The quantitative distribution of benthos, specifically bryozoans, in the Russian Arctic seas remained nearly unexplored until recent times. The first systematic quantitative studies were conducted by the Zoological Institute in the Laptev Sea, in its southeastern part, on the New Siberian Shoal in 1973; the Chaun Bay of the East Siberian Sea in 1986; and near Wrangel Island and Cape Schmidt of the Chukchi Sea in 1976.