bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the effects of Ketamine-Midazolam and Ketamine-Propofol combinations on vital signs of uncooperative children with dental diseases in a crossover study with repeated measurements: The Bayesian approach
Authors: Abbasi-Asl Tahereh , Zayeri Farid , Ghasemi Erfan , Ghajari Masoud Fallahinejad , Amiritehranizadeh Narjes , Meymeh Maryam Heydarpour , Baghban Alireza Akbarzadeh
Published: May 2023

Background:To calm non-cooperative children needing dental treatment, sedatives are used. Vital parameters must be monitored during sedation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ketamine-Midazolam (KM) and Ketamine-Propofol (KP) combinations on the heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SPO2) of uncooperative children. The model parameters were estimated using the Bayesian approach.Methods:The data were collected in a double-blind crossover study with repeated measurements (CSWRM). Twenty-two 3-6-year-old uncooperative children were included, and the linear mixed model was adopted for data analysis.Results:A significant difference of 4.47 beats per minute (bpm) was found in the mean HR of KM recipients compared to KP recipients. The mean HR in KP was lower than that of KM, but it did not make a difference in SPO2.Conclusions:Although there was no difference in the two drug combinations regarding SPO2, they differed in HR. As such, the KP combination is recommended. The study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20090506001882N10) at the date of 2021-03-08.
Primary gastrinoma of the gallbladder: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Liu Yao-Ge , Jiang Shi-Tao , Zhou Yang , Zhang Jun-Wei , Sang Xin-Ting , Zhang Lei , Xu Yi-Yao , Lu Xin
Published: May 2023

Background: Primary gallbladder gastrinoma is an exceptionally uncommon tumor which is a rare form of neuroendocrine neoplasm. Until now, no cases of primary gallbladder gastrinoma and rare cases of primary gastrinoma from the biliary system have been reported.
Case presentation: We reported a 50-year-old female with watery diarrhea and intermittently received proton pump inhibitors as treatment. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging and Octreotide imaging uncovered a solitary tumor at the hepatic hilar region. The tumor was found originated from the wall of the gallbladder during the surgery and a subsequent laparoscopic cholecystectomy was exerted. Histological analysis revealed a primary neuroendocrine tumor from the gallbaldder.
Conclusion: This case confirmed that primary gallbladder gastrinoma represents a distinct nosological entity. Immunohistochemical analysis plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis process. Due to limited knowledge regarding primary gallbladder gastrinoma, we aim to contribute valuable insights into this rare condition by providing unique information and present the therapeutic value of surgery.
Natural course of perianal abscess in infants: a Real-World Study
Authors: Yin Wanbin , Li Yansen , Zhang Jingfeng , Jiao Yang , Pei Wenju , Xu Xiangjun , Fan Mingfeng , Xu Juan , Zhou Yue , Wang Shuai , Wei Yanhua
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVE:
Natural course of perianal abscess (PA) in infancy remains obscure. This study aimed to investigate the natural course of infants with PA after conservative treatment.
METHODS:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted in infants with PA who were treated conservatively, for more than 2 months between 2014 and 2020 at a single tertiary center.
RESTULTS:
153 patients (149 boys and 4 girls) were identified. The median follow-up was 5.3 years (range 3-8.2 years). Initially, 119 patients (77.8%) were completely cured by conservative treatment, and 34 (22.2%) failed (fistula formation, abscess recurrence, or new-onset abscess). Among the 34 patients, 23 continued conservative treatment (20 cure, 3 fistula formation) and 11 underwent surgery (incision and drainage or incision and drainage with fistulotomy). Overall, 139 patients (90.8%) were cured conservatively without surgery, and 11 (7.2%) underwent surgical management. In addition, 3 (2.0%) patients developed fistula-in-ano (under observation).
CONCLUSIONS:
PA in infants may be a time-limited and self-limited condition. Conservative management should be the first choice of treatment in most cases. Surgical management of PA in infants is indicated when conservative treatment fails.
Blue color of ribbontail stingray skin stems from a core-shell photonic glass ultrastructure
Authors: Surapaneni Venkata A , Blumer Michael J , Tadayon Kian , McIvor Ashlie , Redl Stefan , Honis Hanne-Rose , Mollen Frederik H. , Amini Shahrouz , Dean Mason N
Published: May 2023

Blue structural colors, produced by diverse tissue nanostructures, are known from all
major vertebrate clades except cartilaginous fishes (e.g. sharks, rays). We describe a
bright angle-independent structural blue from ribbontail stingray skin, arising from a
novel cell type with unique quasi-ordered arrays of nano-vesicles enclosing guanine
nanoplatelets. This natural architecture —an intracellular photonic glass— coherently
scatters blue, while broadband absorption from closely-associated melanophores
obviates the low color-saturation typical for photonic glasses. This first demonstration
of structural color in elasmobranchs (the oldest extant clade of jawed vertebrates)
illustrates that the capacity for guanine-based colors likely arose extremely early in
vertebrate evolution. The structure-function mechanisms underlying ribbontail stingray
coloration point to selective pressures driving elasmobranch visual ecology and
communication, but also strategies for biomimetic color production.
Evaluation of Compact Pepper Cultivars for Container Gardening Indoors Under Light-emitting Diodes and in a Greenhouse Under Sunlight
Authors: Cruz Stephanie , van Santen Edzard , Gómez Celina
Published: May 2023

Numerous compact pepper (Capsicum annuum) cultivars are available for home gardening. However, evaluations under different environmental conditions are limited. This study aimed to characterize growth and productivity of 14 compact pepper cultivars grown indoors under environmental conditions that simulated a residential space (11 mol·m−2·d−1 provided by white of light-emitting diode fixtures, constant 22 °C, and moderate relative humidity of 40% to 60%) and in a greenhouse with sunlight only. Plants in the greenhouse were generally larger in size and produced more fruit [both in number and total fresh weight (FW)] than those grown indoors. For example, growth index, which is a measure of canopy volume that integrates shoot height and width, and fruit FW were up to 250% and 621% higher in the greenhouse than indoors, respectively. ‘Fresh Bites Red Improved’ and ‘Sweet Yellow’ had the highest fruit FW per plant when grown in the greenhouse (695 g) and indoors (483 g), respectively. All cultivars evaluated in this study are recommended for gardening under sunlight, and most for indoor gardening except for Cosmo, Pinata, and Yellow Tomato, which had the lowest fruit FW when grown indoors (61, 59, and 52 g) and thus, should not be recommended to consumers aiming to maximize fruit yield. In addition, ‘Cayennetta’, ‘Cheyenne’, ‘Hot Tomato Red’, ‘Pinata’, ‘Spicy Jane’, and ‘Sweet Yellow’ were affected by intumescence, which could negatively affect indoor gardening experiences until widespread recommendations to mitigate this disorder become available.
Looking at supersymmetric black holes for a very long time
Authors: Lin Henry W. , Maldacena Juan , Rozenberg Liza , Shan Jieru
Published: May 2023

We study correlation functions for extremal supersymmetric black holes. It is necessary to take into account the strongly coupled nature of the boundary supergraviton mode. We consider the case with {\cal N}=2 supercharges which is the minimal amount of supersymmetry needed to give a large ground state degeneracy, separated from the continuum. Using the exact solution for this theory we derive formulas for the two point function and we also give integral expressions for any nn-point correlator. These correlators are time independent at large times and approach constant values that depend on the masses and couplings of the bulk theory. We also explain that in the non-supersymmetric case, the correlators develop a universal time dependence at long times. This paper is the longer companion paper of arXiv:2207.00407.
Poder e relações políticas na universidade: Memória e representações sociais de reitoras
Authors: Da Silva Josias Benevides , Bertoni Luci Mara
Published: May 2023

O principal objetivo deste artigo é analisar as memórias e representações sociais das mulheres que foram reitoras das universidades públicas estaduais da Bahia sobre as relações de poder, gênero e política, especialmente no contexto das eleições para reitores dessas universidades. A partir da metodologia qualitativa, com pesquisa bibliográfica e de campo, mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas e observação, os dados foram coletados e analisados à luz das teorias de memória coletiva, representações sociais e análise de conteúdo. Os resultados deste estudo revelam que as relações de poder e política na universidade seguem a lógica da política nacional que, de forma visibilizada ou não, ainda há implicações de gênero e patriarcado dentro da universidade.
Dimensões espaciais da violência urbana em Goiás: Casos de homicídios por armas de fogo de 2007 a 2021
Authors: Silva Magda Valéria da , De Lima Angelita Pereira
Published: May 2023

O presente artigo discorre sobre a violência urbana no Estado de Goiás, a partir de levantamentos sobre a quantidade de homicídios decorrentes do uso de armas de fogo entre 2007 e 2021. O objetivo geral visa a compreender a relação entre a produção desigual do espaço urbano e violência urbana com foco para a espacialização de homicídios por armas de fogo em Goiás, por meio das Regiões Integradas de Segurança Pública. A discussão proposta prima por abordagens metodológicas quali-quantitativa, crítica e dialética, baseadas em pesquisas bibliográfica teórico-conceitual e documental em dados e informações sobre a letalidade da violência armada, com levantamento da quantidade de homicídios com uso de armas de fogo em Goiás, por Regiões Integradas de Segurança Pública. Por fim, observa-se a partir da análise dos casos de homicídios por armas de fogo em Goiás que há um processo de espacialização da violência armada em todo o Estado, porém com maior concentração nas Regiões Integradas de Segurança Pública formadas por municípios que integram áreas metropolitanas e nas cidades médias do interior do Estado e ainda, espera-se contribuir com reflexões acerca da violência urbana, numa perspectiva interdisciplinar, como resultante da produção desigual do espaço e dos conflitos de classes.
Statistical analysis of climate change over Hanumangarh district
Authors: Patel Shahid , Mehta Darshan
Published: May 2023

Precipitation is the most critical element of the hydrological cycle that might influence the frequency of floods or drought. Therefore, for drought and flood forecasting, knowing the precipitation pattern and its trend is mandatory. The research aims to estimate the monthly, seasonal, and annual precipitation trend using statistical (Mann Kendall test & Sen's Slope estimator) and graphical (Innovative Trend Analysis method) for the Hanumangarh district of N-E Rajasthan. The mean monthly precipitation data were gathered from the India-WRIS from 1901 to 2022 (122 years). Seasonal and annual precipitation trend variations were examined by statistical methods and compared with the graphical method. The study results conclude that precipitation trends showed variability for the SW monsoon season from the graphical to the statistical method. For the SW monsoon season, the decreasing trend was seen using statistical methods. In contrast, the graphical method revealed an increasing trend. During the annual precipitation, increasing trends were seen using statistical and graphical methods. It is found that the ITA method is more efficient in finding trends because it does not assume any assumptions like that of the MK test. This study will help water resources engineers and local people with sustainable management, planning, and development of water resources in the Hanumangarh district.
Performance of municipal waste stabilization ponds in the Saharan desert (Morocco)
Authors: Achag Badre , Mouhanni Hind , Bendou Abdelaziz
Published: May 2023

The majority of cities in the Saharan territory of south Morocco utilize waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) for municipal wastewater treatment because of their relatively low capital, operational costs, and minimal complexity. New national effluent quality regulations have been implemented in Morocco, and they will be applied to all treatment systems. In this study, we chose three cities that are located in the Saharan area characterized by an arid climate and water scarcity. They are facing the challenges of rapid urbanization and the need to improve wastewater treatment and management. Treatment performance is impacted by community water use, pond design, and climate. The performance evaluation concerns seven physicochemical parameters during the year 2020. Monitoring results showed that WSPs in this climate can achieve removal rates between 75% and 85% for organic pollution and total suspended matter, but were challenged to produce effluent quality that meets reuse standards. Performance and statistical analysis have been done and confirm the existence of correlations between these parameters and the climate of the region. For the improvement of the quality of these waters, it is legitimate to upgrade the three WSPs with a tertiary treatment with maturation ponds.
Determination of prospects for the use of raw materials of wasps' nests in medicine
Authors: Nadezhdin Il'ia Konstantinovich , Nesterova Nadezhda Viktorovna , Nesterova Olga Vladimirovna
Published: May 2023

During the analysis of scientific literature, the ways of human use of insects, in particular wasps, were studied. The structure and composition of wasp nests, which includes resins, plant fibers, wasp secretions, have been studied. Qualitative reactions and spectrophotometry were carried out to determine the presence of certain active substances in the raw materials of the wasp nest. Flavonoids, carbohydrates, amino and hydroxy acids, phenol-carboxylic substances were detected in the raw materials. Based on the data obtained, the prospects and effectiveness of using raw materials of wasp nests for the manufacture of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents were proved.
The Purpose of the Book of Ruth
Authors: Adamczewski Bartosz
Published: May 2023

Numerous scholars argue that the book of Ruth, with its story concerning mixed marriages of Judahites with Moabite women, consciously opposes the exclusivist rhetoric of the books of Ezra–Nehemiah. However, a detailed analysis of the narrative rhetoric of the book of Ruth, especially compared to the supersessive rhetoric of the roughly contemporary books of Samuel–Kings, reveals that the main purpose of the book of Ruth was to delegitimize the claims of the tribe of Ephraim to domination in Israel, and against this background to promote the tribe of Judah with its Davidic dynasty. Therefore, the book of Ruth most probably served as a rhetorical-ideological model for the much more elaborate, likewise consciously Judean narrative of the books of Samuel–Kings.
LINC00891 Promotes Tumorigenesis and Metastasis of Thyroid
Cancer by Regulating SMAD2/3 via EZH2
Authors: Si Yuhao , Wen Jialiang , Hu Chunlei , Chen Hao , Lin Lizhi , Xu Yiying , Ren Disuo , Meng Xinyu , Wang Yinghao , Xia Erjie , Bhandari Adheesh , Wang Ouchen
Published: May 2023

Background:

Thyroid cancer (TC), the most common endocrine malignant tumor,
is increasingly causing a huge threat to our health nowadays.

Methods:

To explore the tumorigenesis mechanism of thyroid cancer, we identified that
long intergenic non-coding RNA-00891 (LINC00891) was upregulated in TC using the
Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and local databases.
LINC00891 expression was correlated with histological type and lymph node metastasis
(LNM). The high expression of LINC00891 could serve as a diagnostic marker for TC
and its LNM. In vitro experiments demonstrated that LINC00891 knockdown could inhibit
cell proliferation, migration, invasion and prompt apoptosis and G1 arrest of TC
cells. We also investigated the related mechanisms of LINC00891 promoting TC progression
using RNA sequencing, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, and Western blotting.

Results:

Our experiments demonstrated that LINC00891 promoted TC progression via
the EZH2-SMAD2/3 signaling axis. In addition, overexpression of EZH2 could reverse
the suppressive epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) caused by LINC00891
knockdown.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the LINC00891/EZH2/SMAD2/3 regulatory axis participated
in tumorigenesis and metastasis of thyroid cancer, which may provide a novel target
for treatment.
Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Pulicaria genus: Emphasis on the Flavonoids
and Sesquiterpenoids and Cytotoxicity Effects
Authors: Alamdary Marzieh Pourhossein , Baharfar Robabeh
Published: May 2023

The use of herbal remedies is more current in illnesses with chronic diseases. One
of these important applications is the usage of many plant-derived compounds as cytotoxic
agents for the treatment of cancers. Various research has been done on several species of Pulicaria
genus for the evaluation of antihistaminic, antimicrobial, antitumor, antiinflammatory,
antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticide, and leishmanicidal activities.
Some studies have shown that these plants have a rich pool of biometabolites like diterpenes,
sesquiterpenes, caryophyllenes, flavonoids, and sesquiterpenoids. The main components in
several species of this genus are flavonoids and sesquiterpenoids, which have been identified
in chemotaxonomic studies and have shown cytotoxic properties. The Scopus and Science
Direct sites were studied to find articles on flavonoid and sesquiterpenoid compounds that
have been isolated from the Pulicaria genus.

:

Several biological compounds were isolated from different species of the Pulicaria genus. The main compounds
are flavonoids and sesquiterpenoids, which have different biological effects. Its main effect is cytotoxic effect
against several cancer cell lines. This study indicates that the Pulicaria genus has cytotoxic activity but posterity
studies are needed to probe the active compounds and their possible expansion as novel anticancer drugs.
Current Perspectives on Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Shafiullah Shaik , Dhaneshwar Suneela
Published: May 2023

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological and
neurodevelopmental disorder with an idiosyncratic genetic base. ADHD presents
various characteristics, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Over the
period, ADHD leads to noticeable functional disability. A five- to ten-fold progressed risk
of disorder development is observed in the populations with familial history of ADHD.
The abnormal structure of the brain in ADHD results in altered neural mechanisms,
such as cognition, attention, and memorial function. The mesolimbic, nigrostriatal, and
mesocortical pathways in the brain get affected by the deterioration of the levels of
dopamine. The hypothesis of dopamine in ADHD and its etiopathology suggests that
detained attention and impaired arousal functions are due to reduced levels of dopamine.
The quickest way to improve strategical treatment is by clarifying the etiological
aspects of ADHD and identifying the underlying mechanisms of pathophysiology, which
will assist in exploring the biomarkers for better diagnosis. The implementation of life
course theory is a very important research principle announced by Grand Challenges in
Global Health Initiative (GCMHI). Long-term research is needed to define the
progression of ADHD. Interdisciplinary collaborations promise a great future for
research innovations in ADHD.
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Attributes of Nerium oleander: A Review
Authors: Pandey Amita , Usmani Shazia , Ahmad Mohd , Khatoon Shabana , Wahab Shadma , Prakash Om
Published: May 2023

Background:

Nerium Oleander is an Indian folk medicine popularly known as oleander, contains numerous phytoconstituents and nutritional agents for the treatment of multiple ailments.

Objective:

The prime objective for the current comprehensive review is to focus on the elaboration of phytochemistry along with the Pharmacological significance of N. oleander.

Methods:

As per literature investigations it was noticed that plant contains various phytochemical constituents, including Oleandric acid, Kaneroside, Cardenolide, Nerizoside, Neritaloside, Odoroside- H,3-Ocaffeoylquinic acid along with structural isomer, 5-Ocaffeoylquinic acid, α-tocopherol, Oleandrin, Digitoxgenin along with nutritional ingredients viz essential fatty acids like omega- 3 fatty acids, and other polyphenols reported in N. oleander.

Results:

In recent investigations, it was observed that oleander possesses a wide range of medicinal attributes viz. anti-inflammatory, larvicidal, anti-cancer, Antidiabetic, Cellular/humoral immune response, Hepatoprotective, Wound healing, Anti-microbial, Antioxidant, Antinociceptive, Locomotor, Diuretic, and Anti leukemic activities.

Conclusion:

N. oleander could be an excellent candidate for discovering new medications because of its wide range of pharmacological action and the large diversity of active phytochemicals. However, to disclose the favorable therapeutic, safety, and pharmacological virtues of N. oleander and its phytoconstituents, more clinical and experimental investigations are needed.
WITHDRAWN: The Anticancer Mechanism of Terpenoid-based Drug Candidates: Focus on Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Xin Yu , Huo Ran , Su Wenlong , Xu Wei , Qiu Zhidong , Wang Weinan , Qiu Ye
Published: May 2023

Since the authors are not responding to the editor’s requests to fulfill the editorial requirement, therefore, the article has
been withdrawn.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may have caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

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Career Choice Factors and Clinical Performance among Health Sciences Students
Authors: Buari Noor Halilah , Zulkefley Nurul Amni , Abdalwahid Asmaa Jamal
Published: May 2023

The issue of youths’ employment decisions has piqued the curiosity of many people because it could shape future life. The study explores the association between career choice factors and clinical performance among 112 final-year health sciences students. An online questionnaire found that educational qualifications, lifestyle, ability to interact with others, job availability, and parental advice significantly correlated with clinical performance. The career choice factor is crucial because it impacts academic achievement and future career prospects. Institutions of higher learning should provide information on job descriptions and career opportunities to aid career decision-making, particularly for the health sciences profession.
Assessment of Knowledge, Physical Activity and Calcium Intake among Female University Students
Authors: Ab Hamid Mohd Ramadan , Abd Razak Maisarah Adlina , Ridhwan Muhammad Umar
Published: May 2023

Insufficient calcium intake and being physically inactive lead to osteoporosis. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge about osteoporosis, physical activity levels and their correlation with calcium intake. 276 female undergraduate students participated in this study. A set of questionnaires was distributed. Majority students had low knowledge (76.1%), moderate physical activity level (47.1%) and did not meet the recommended calcium intake (79.0%). There was a moderate to strong positive correlation but not significant between knowledge (r= 0.051, p=0.121) and physical activity (r = 0.081, p=0.181) to dietary calcium intake. In conclusion, students had poor knowledge about osteoporosis.
Is the Development of 15-min Commercial Circle a Boon or Bane? Exploring its implications on Citizen's Quality of Life in Zhengzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Min Le , Chong Kim Mee , Gong Jian Kun , Zhang Xue Yan , Ji Mei Yu
Published: May 2023

Rapid urbanization in China has led to the emergence of the 15-minute commercial circle, but more research is needed on its impact on residents' quality of life. This study aimed to propose construction plans and explore the circle's influence on residents' quality of life in Zhengzhou. Semi-structured interviews with 15 community residents were analyzed using NVivo software. Results indicated positive economic impacts but negative environmental and social impacts. The 15-minute commercial circle plays a dual role, requiring future sustainable and inclusive practices that address income inequality and environmental protection. Limitations include a small sample size and a focus on Zhengzhou.
Effect of Contrast Polarity Towards Eye Fixation Rates When Reading On Smartphone
Authors: Ahmad Rudin Ahmad Mursyid , Abd Rahman Nur Hasnierah , Rosli Saiful Azlan , Asrullah Muhammad
Published: May 2023

This study is conducted to investigate the effect of contrast polarity towards eye fixation patterns when reading text on a smartphone in bright and dark conditions involving the effects when reading on a smartphone such as in real-life situations. The number of fixations and duration of fixation showed no statistically significant difference (p=0.160 and 0.099 respectively). However, emmetropic subjects showed a higher result in bright conditions compared to myopic subjects (p=0.046). This concludes that emmetropic eye movement efficiency seems superior, possibly due to lower spherical order aberration as pupil size decreases in bright illumination.
Global Misinformation Spillovers in the Vaccination Debate Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Multilingual Twitter Study
Authors: Lenti Jacopo , Mejova Yelena , Kalimeri Kyriaki , Panisson André , Paolotti Daniela , Tizzani Michele , Starnini Michele
Published: May 2023

Background

Antivaccination views pervade online social media, fueling distrust in scientific expertise and increasing the number of vaccine-hesitant individuals. Although previous studies focused on specific countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the vaccination discourse worldwide, underpinning the need to tackle low-credible information flows on a global scale to design effective countermeasures.

Objective

This study aimed to quantify cross-border misinformation flows among users exposed to antivaccination (no-vax) content and the effects of content moderation on vaccine-related misinformation.

Methods

We collected 316 million vaccine-related Twitter (Twitter, Inc) messages in 18 languages from October 2019 to March 2021. We geolocated users in 28 different countries and reconstructed a retweet network and cosharing network for each country. We identified communities of users exposed to no-vax content by detecting communities in the retweet network via hierarchical clustering and manual annotation. We collected a list of low-credibility domains and quantified the interactions and misinformation flows among no-vax communities of different countries.

Results

The findings showed that during the pandemic, no-vax communities became more central in the country-specific debates and their cross-border connections strengthened, revealing a global Twitter antivaccination network. US users are central in this network, whereas Russian users also became net exporters of misinformation during vaccination rollout. Interestingly, we found that Twitter’s content moderation efforts, in particular the suspension of users following the January 6 US Capitol attack, had a worldwide impact in reducing the spread of misinformation about vaccines.

Conclusions

These findings may help public health institutions and social media platforms mitigate the spread of health-related, low-credibility information by revealing vulnerable web-based communities.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Rural Digital Social Prescribing in Korea: Protocol for a Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lee Hocheol , Koh Sang Baek , Jo Heui Sug , Lee Tae Ho , Nam Hae Kweun , Zhao Bo , Lim Subeen , Lim Joo Aeh , Lee Ho Hee , Hwang Yu Seong , Kim Dong Hyun
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

The UK National Health Service (NHS) has introduced a digital social prescribing (DSP) system to improve the mental health of the aging population. In Korea, an ongoing pilot social prescribing project has been implemented for older individuals in rural areas since 2019.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to develop a DSP program and to evaluate the effectiveness of the digital platform in rural areas of Korea.

METHODS

This study was designed as a prospective cohort method for the development and effectiveness evaluation of rural DSP in Korea. The study divided participants into four groups. Group 1 will continuously implement the existing social prescribing program, group 2 implemented the existing social prescribing program but was switched to DSP in 2023, group 3 newly started the DSP, and the remaining group is the control. The research area of this study is Gangwon Province in Korea. The study is being conducted in Wonju, Chuncheon, and Gangneung. This study will use indicators to measure depression, anxiety, loneliness, cognitive function, and digital literacy. In the future, the interventions will implement the digital platform and the Music Story Telling program. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of DSP using difference-in-differences regression and cost-benefit analysis.

RESULTS

This study was approved for funding from the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education in October 2022. The results of the data analysis are expected to be available in September 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

The platform will be spread to rural areas in Korea and will serve as the foundation for effectively managing the feelings of solitude and depression among older individuals. This study will provide vital evidence for disseminating DSP in Asian countries such as Japan, China, Singapore, and Taiwan as well as for studying DSP in Korea.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/46371
A Communication Translator Interface for Sign Language Interpretation
Authors: Patole Piyush , Sarawate Mihir , Joshi Krushna
Published: May 2023

Abstract: Sign language is an essential means of communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. However, unlike spoken languages which have a universal language, every country has its own native sign language. In India, the Indian Sign Language (ISL) is used. This survey aims to provide an overview of the recognition and translation of essential Indian sign language. While significant research has been conducted in American Sign Language (ASL), the same cannot be said for Indian Sign Language due to its unique characteristics. The proposed method focuses on designing a tool for translating ISL hand gestures to help the deaf-mute community convey their ideas. A self-created ISL dataset was used to train the model for gesture recognition. The literature contains a plethora of methods for extracting features and classifying sign language, with a majority of them utilizing machine learning techniques. However, this article proposes the adoption of a deep learning method by designing a Convolution Neural Network (CNN) model for the purpose of extracting sign language features and recognizing them accurately. This CNN model is specifically designed to identify complex patterns in the data and use them to efficiently recognize sign language features. By adopting this approach, it is expected that the recognition of sign language will improve significantly, providing a more effective means of communication for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
RELATIVE WEIGHT OF SMALL INTESTINE AND LYMPHOID ORGAN OF FINISHER PERIOD BROILER CHICKEN AT DIFFERENT REARING TEMPERATURES
Authors: Rotiah Rotiah , Widiastuti Endang , Sunarti Dwi
Published: May 2023

As a tropical country, Indonesia has a diverse air temperature range, reaching more than 34 °C during the day. This temperature is not suitable for rearing of broiler chickens because it induces heat stress. Heat stress can reduce the broilers immune system, it can also cause various diseases, the decrease in growth rate and production and making it uneconomical. Heat stress can inhibit the absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract which can affect the weight of the digestive organs and affect the relative weights of lymphoid organs of broiler chicken. The research was conducted at Poultry Production Laboratory, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang on 08-23 March 2018. This study aims to examine the relative weights of the small intestine and the relative weight of lymphoid organs of finisher period broiler chicken which are reared in different temperatures. The material used in this research is broiler chicken strain CP 707 male finisher period (age 21 days) as many as 20 chicken with an average body weight of 1167 g. The research used the t-test with 2 treatments of 10 replications. The treatment applied is T1: heat temperature and T2: comfortable temperature. The parameters observed were relative weights of the small intestine (duodenum, jejenum, ileum) and lymphoid organs (bursa fabricius, thymus, spleen). The results of the study showed that the relative weight of the small intestine consisting of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum at heat and comfortable rearing temperatures was respectively 0.25%; 0.66%; 0.55% and 0.34%; 0.79%; 0.71%, as well as the relative weight of lymphoid organs consisting of bursa fabricius, thymus and spleen exchanges at heat and comfortable rearing temperatures of 0.07%; 0.23%; 0.11% and 0.09%; 0.28%; 0.16%. The rearing temperature is significantly different with the relative weight of the small intestine and lymphoid organs of finisher period broiler (P<0.05). The conclusion of the research was that finisher period broiler chicken reared at a comfortable temperature have a higher relative weight of small intestine and lymphoid organs compared to broiler finisher period which are maintained at hot temperatures.
La regla de islas y el tamaño corporal del poliplacóforo Plaxiphora mercatoris en Rapa Nui
Authors: Cornejo Claudio F. , Vargas Tomás , Curaz Stephanny , Sellanes Javier , Ibáñez Christian M.
Published: May 2023

To test the island rule, the body size of P. mercatoris and P. aurata was measured, then statistical test and generalized linear models (GLM) were performed to explore changes in body length of both species. A smaller body length was evidenced in P. mercatoris supporting insular dwarfism. Additionally, P. mercatoris showed a trend of decreasing body size over time. This is the first report of the island rule in polyplacophorans. The temporal decrease in the size of P. mercatoris suggests a possible increase anthropogenic pressure, which should be studied to facilitate conservation and monitoring strategies.
Sistemas de recomendación en plataformas de streaming audiovisual: las lógicas de los algoritmos
Authors: Zelcer Mariano
Published: May 2023

One of the novelties associated with the expansion of audiovisual streaming platforms are recommendation systems, which provide users with suggestions about which content they should consume. These suggestions are done considering multiple variables, which include the consumption history of that specific user, among others. In many cases, these recommendations are made by machine learning algorithms, and result in a sort of automated curation of the contents, which largely determine the daily consumption of audiovisual productions. This work seeks to characterize some of the logics that guide the activity of these algorithms from a semiotic perspective. Towards the end of the work, it is discussed which are the spaces for novelty, in these systems that always seem to propose consumptions similar to those already carried out.
Evaluation of non-research and research industry payments to pediatric hematologist/oncologists in the United States between 2013 and 2021
Authors: Murayama Anju , Kugo Hinari , Kamamoto Sae
Published: May 2023

Background

Although financial interactions between healthcare industry and
pediatric hematologist/oncologists (PHOs) contributes to and are vital
for improving patient care, they could be conflicts of interest among
PHOs. Nevertheless, little is known about financial relationships
between healthcare industry and PHOs in the United States.

Methods (procedure)

This cross-sectional analysis of the Open Payments Database examined
general and research payments to PHOs from healthcare industry in the
United States between 2013 and 2021. PHOs were considered as physicians
whose primary specialty was pediatric hematology/oncology in the
National Plan and Provider Enumeration System. Payments to the PHOs were
analyzed descriptively. Trends in payments were assessed using
generalized estimating equation models.

Results

Of 2784 PHOs, 2142 (76.9%) PHOs received payments totaling $187.3
million from the healthcare industry between 2013-2021. Approximately
$46.3 million (24.8%) were general payments and $137.7 million
(73.5%) were funding for research where PHOs served as principal
investigators (associated research funding). While 40.1% of PHOs
accepted associated research funding, 72.7% of PHOs received general
payments from the healthcare industry. Both general payments and
associated research funding considerably increased between 2014-2019.
The number of PHOs receiving general payments and associated research
funding annually increased by 2.2% (95% CI: 1.2%–3.3%,
p<0.001) and 5.0% (95% CI: 3.3%–6.8%, p<0.001)
between 2014-2019, respectively.

Conclusions

This study found that majority of PHOs received non-research payments
related to novel hemophilia and cancer drugs. The healthcare industry
spent three fourth of their payments for research purposes. Both
research and non-research payments significantly increased over the
study period.
Goal attainment scaling outcomes in general inpatient rehabilitation: association with functional independence and perceived goal importance and difficulty
Authors: Churilov Irina , Brock Kim , M. Churilov James , Sutton Emma , Murphy David , J. MacIsaac Richard , I. Ekinci Elif
Published: May 2023

Objective: To investigate the association of goal attainment scaling outcomes with change in the Func-tional Independence Measure, and the association between the perceived importance, difficulty and degree of achievement of individual goals in general inpatient rehabilitation.
Design: Prospective cohort study.
Participants: A total of 208 participants admitted to inpatient rehabilitation in a metropolitan tertiary referral hospital in Melbourne, Australia.
Methods: Participants determined the nature of the goals and their importance, and therapists determined the difficulty of the goals. The associations were investigated using median regression and random effect ordinal regression.
Results: An increase of each point in the goal attainment scaling score was associated with an adjusted median increase of 0.34 points (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18?0.5, p?
Functional studies in 79-year-olds. II. Upper extremity function
Authors: Lundgren-Lindquist B Sperling L.
Published: May 2023

As part of the Gerontological and Geriatric Population Study of 79-year-old people in Göteborg, a representative subsample comprising 112 women and 93 men took part in a study of upper extremity function. Thirty-eight per cent of the women and 37% of the men had disorders in the upper extremities. The investigation included tests of co-ordination, static strength in the key-grip and the transversal volar grip, power capacity in opening jars and a bottle, basal movements in the upper extremities in personal hygiene and dressing activities, function in the kitchen e.g. reaching shelves, manual tasks including tests of pronation and supination of the forearm. In the key-grip as well as in the transversal volar grip men showed a generally larger decrease in strength with age than women compared to 70-year-olds in a previous population study. Significant correlations were found between strength in the key-grip and the performance time in the test of co-ordination. Women produced about 66% of the muscular force of the men when opening jars. Significant correlations were found between strength in the transversal volar grip and the maximal torque for opening the jars. Female and male subjects who were not capable of handling the electric plug in the manual ability test had significantly weaker strength in the key-grip. The importance of designing products and adapting the environment so as to correspond to the functional capacity of the elderly, is emphasized.
Influence of knee flexion on isometric hip extensor strength
Authors: Németh G Ekholm J
Published: May 2023

The maximum isometric extensor muscle strength was measured in 10 healthy subjects of different combinations of hip and knee angles. An ordinary exercise device was used for the measurements and the method could be useful in clinical work. The results revealed that the knee angle does not affect the hip extensor strength. The highest extensor muscular moments occurred at 90 degrees hip flexion, decreasing with decreasing hip angle. The distribution of the strength over the motion sector differed between male and female. The weight of the body segments was found to utilize 10-24% of the maximum strength at hip angles 60 degrees-0 degrees with subjects in a prone position.
Upper extremity function in hemiplegia. A cross-validation study of two assessment methods
Authors: Berglund K , Fugl-Meyer AR.
Published: May 2023

The methods devised by DeSouza et al. and by Fugl-Meyer et al. for description of upper extremity function after stroke were compared by parallel assessments in a consecutive series of 50 patients with hemimotor deficit. Very close positive associations between both methods indicated a high degree of cross-validity. As both methods appear to be externally valid, have good inter-rater reliability and as the time needed for assessing the arm function of a hemiplegic or hemiparetic patient rarely exceeds 10 min, it appears that the two methods possess about equal descriptive power.
Isokinetic strength and endurance in peripheral arterial insufficiency with intermittent claudication
Authors: Gerdle B , Hedberg B , Angquist KA , Fugl-Meyer AR.
Published: May 2023

Isokinetic plantar flexor peak torques (PT) and contractional work (CW) of the triceps surae muscle have been measured in 24 patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency and intermittent claudication and in 15 controls. Tests were performed both during non-fatiguing (30-180 degrees/s) and fatiguing (200 repeated plantar flexions at 60 degrees/s) conditions. The electromyographic signals (iEMG) from all three heads of the triceps surae were measured. The patients were significantly weaker (PT) and produced significantly less contractional work (CW) than the controls. In contrast, similar iEMGs of the triceps surae heads indicated similar levels of activation. At 40 contractions the majority of the patients had already given up and the remainder showed significantly greater declines in PT (50%) and CW (55%) than did the controls (13% and 18%, respectively). The decline in muscular excitations was similar in both groups. The ratio CW/iEMG showed a dramatic decline in the patients but was virtually constant in the controls. These results indicate a fatigue of low-frequency type in the patient group. There were close correlations between maximum walking tolerance and total work production.
Back pain in school children. A study among 1178 pupils.
Authors: Troussier B , Davoine P , De Gaudemaris R , Fauconnier J , Phelip X
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of back pain in school children and the role of several contributing factors; 1178 school children of both sexes answered a previously validated questionnaire. The cumulative prevalence of back pain was 51.2%. Lumbar and leg pain, and thoracic pain were more common. After multivariate analysis, five qualitative variables were correlated with back pain with a statistical, significant positive correlation with age, previous back injury, volley-ball, female sex and time spent watching television.
Flexibility of the spine: normative values of goniometric and tape measurements.
Authors: Alaranta H , Hurri H , Heliövaara M , Soukka A , Harju R
Published: May 2023

A sample of 508 male and female white-collar and blue-collar employees aged 35 to 54 years were examined clinically to determine the reliability of spinal flexibility measurements using inclinometers and a tape measure, and to determine the normal values of cervical sagittal movements, lateral flexion, lumbar flexion and extension, trunk rotation and sidebending. Spinal flexibility decreased with advancing age, particularly among the blue-collar workers. Male predominance was observed in lumbar flexion and rotation and female predominance in cervical flexion-extension-movement. Spinal flexibility was negatively related to the experience of disabling pain. The strongest connections were between cervical flexion-extension-movement and neck pain, and between trunk sidebending and low back pain during the preceding year. The interobserver reliabilities were found to be generally good for all these measurements, and trunk sidebending showed the highest reliability coefficients. The intraobserver reproducibility (checked at a one-year interval) was acceptable only for cervical flexion-extension movement, cervical sidebending and trunk sidebending.
Some biomechanical consequences of varying foot placement in sit-to-stand in young women
Authors: Shepherd RB , Koh HP
Published: May 2023

The position in which the feet are placed prior to the start of sit-to-stand affects the distance to be moved by the body mass forward over the feet. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of three foot placements, back, preferred and forward, on biomechanical features of the action. Six subjects were videotaped standing up from a seat with feet on a forceplate. XY coordinates and forceplate data were synchronised and kinematic and kinetic variables analysed. A forward foot placement significantly affected both the pre-extension and extension phases of the action. Under this condition, it was evident that body mass was moved the greater distance horizontally: i) by increasing the speed and amplitude of trunk flexion; and ii) by increasing the time over which the shank rotated forward at the ankle. Vertical movement of body mass was achieved largely by a 50% increase in peak moment of force at the hip. It is concluded that a forward foot placement would adversely affect the ease of standing up for individuals with leg muscle weakness and poor motor control. Since the altered biomechanical characteristics may place additional strain on the hip, patients should be cautioned to avoid standing up with feet forward after hip replacement surgery.