bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telestroke networks for area-wide access to endovascular stroke treatment
Authors: Worthmann Hans , Winzer S. , Schuppner R. , Gumbinger C. , Barlinn J.
Published: March 2023

Background

Endovascular therapy (EVT) offers a highly effective therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. Comprehensive stroke centers (CSC) are required to provide permanent accessibility to EVT. However, when affected patients are not located in the immediate catchment area of a CSC, i.e. in rural or structurally weaker areas, access to EVT is not always ensured.

Main body

Telestroke networks play a crucial role in closing this healthcare coverage gap and thereby support specialized stroke treatment. The aim of this narrative review is to elaborate the concepts for the indication and transfer of EVT candidates via telestroke networks in acute stroke care. The targeted readership includes both comprehensive stroke centers and peripheral hospitals. The review is intended to identify ways to design care beyond those areas with narrow access to stroke unit care to provide the indicated highly effective acute therapies on a region-wide basis. Here, the two different models of care: "mothership" and "drip-and-ship" concerning rates of EVT and its complications as well as outcomes are compared. Decisively, forward-looking new model approaches such as a third model the “flying/driving interentionalists” are introduced and discussed, as far as few clinical trials have investigated these approaches. Diagnostic criteria used by the telestroke networks to enable appropriate patient selection for secondary intrahospital emergency transfers are displayed, which need to meet the criteria in terms of speed, quality and safety.

Conclusion

The few findings from the studies with telestroke networks are neutral for comparison in the drip-and-ship and mothership models. Supporting spoke centres through telestroke networks currently seems to be the best option for offering EVT to a population in structurally weaker regions without direct access to a CSC. Here, it is essential to map the individual reality of care depending on the regional circumstances.
Improving Rates of Germline BRCA Mutation Testing for Patients With Ovarian Cancer in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Barnhardt Laurie , Nathoo Farouk S. , Rauw Jennifer M.
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

Despite more than a decade of endorsement from multiple international cancer authorities advocating all women with ovarian cancer be offered germline breast cancer ( BRCA) gene testing, British Columbia Cancer Victoria was not meeting this target. A quality improvement project was undertaken with the aim of increasing completed BRCA testing rates for all eligible patients seen at British Columbia Cancer Victoria to > 90% by 1 year from April 2016.

METHODS

A current state analysis was completed, and multiple change ideas were developed, including education of medical oncologists, referral process update, initiating a group consenting seminar, and engagement of a nurse practitioner to lead the seminar. We used a retrospective chart audit from December 2014 to February 2018. On April 15, 2016, we initiated our Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles and completed them on February 28, 2018. We evaluated sustainability through an additional retrospective chart audit from January 2021 to August 2021.

RESULTS

Patients with completed germline BRCA genetic testing climbed from an average of 58%-89% per month. Before our project, patients waited on average 243 days (± 214) for their genetic test results. After implementation, patients received results within 118 days (± 98). This was sustained with an average of 83% of patients per month having completed germline BRCA testing almost 3 years after project completion.

CONCLUSION

Our quality improvement initiative resulted in a sustained increase in germline BRCA test completion for eligible patients with ovarian cancer.
The Queer Art of History
Authors: Evans Jennifer V.
Published: March 2023

In The Queer Art of History Jennifer V. Evans examines postwar and contemporary German history to broadly argue for a practice of queer history that moves beyond bounded concepts and narratives of identity. Drawing on Black feminism, queer of color critique, and trans studies, Evans points out that although many rights for LGBTQI people have been gained in Germany, those rights have not been enjoyed equally. There remain fundamental struggles around whose bodies, behaviors, and communities belong. Evans uses kinship as an analytic category to identify the fraught and productive ways that Germans have confronted race, gender nonconformity, and sexuality in social movements, art, and everyday life. Evans shows how kinship illuminates the work of solidarity and intersectional organizing across difference and offers an openness to forms of contemporary and historical queerness that may escape the archive’s confines. Through forms of kinship, queer and trans people test out new possibilities for citizenship, love, and public and family life in postwar Germany in ways that question claims about liberal democracy, the social contract, and the place of identity in rights-based discourses.
A Vital Frontier
Authors: Muehlebach Andrea
Published: March 2023

In A Vital Frontier Andrea Muehlebach examines the work of activists across Europe as they organize to preserve water as a commons and public good in the face of privatization. Traversing social, political, legal, and hydrological terrains, Muehlebach situates water as a political fault line at the frontiers of financialization, showing how the seemingly relentless expansion of capital into public utilities is being challenged by an equally relentless and often successful insurgence of political organizing. Drawing on ethnographic research, Muehlebach presents water protests as a vital politics that comprises popular referenda, barricades in the streets, huge demonstrations, the burning of utility bills, and legal disputes over transparency and contracts. As Muehlebach documents, Europe’s water activists articulate their own values of democracy and just price, raising far-reaching political questions about private versus common property and financing, liberal democracy, sovereignty, legality, and collective infrastructural responsibility in the face of financialization and commodification. Muehlebach shows that water-rights activists can successfully resist financial markets by exposing the commodification of water as the theft of life itself.
Left Gluteal Maximus Neuroma Causing Long-Standing Gluteal Pain
Authors: Cognetti Peter A. , Levy Emily
Published: March 2023

Diagnosing buttock pain is a challenge due to complex anatomy and multiple causes. Potential pathologies range from common and benign to rare and life-threatening. Common causes for buttock pain include referred pain from the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint, hamstring origin tendinopathy, myofascial pain, ischiogluteal bursitis, gluteal pathology, and piriformis syndrome. Rarer causes include malignancy, bone infection, vascular anomalies, and spondyloarthropathies. Other conditions may be present concurrently in the lumbar and gluteal area, which can cloud the clinical picture. Correct diagnosis and early treatment may improve quality of life by providing a targetable reason for their distress, improving pain, and allowing the patient to get back to their activities of daily living. When treating a patient with buttock pain, it is essential to reevaluate the diagnosis when symptoms fail to improve despite appropriate intervention.

Here, we discuss a case of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor found in the left gluteus medius muscle of a patient that caused persistent, debilitating buttock pain. After years of treatment for piriformis syndrome and possible spinous causes, the patient was ultimately diagnosed with a peripheral nerve sheath tumor through magnetic resonance imaging with contrast. Peripheral nerve sheath tumors are a diverse group of mostly benign tumors that can occur sporadically or associated with certain disease processes. These tumors usually present with pain, a soft tissue mass, or focal neurological deficits. Upon removal of the tumor, her gluteal pain completely resolved.
Sports Medicine and the Pelvic Floor
Authors: Donnelly Gráinne M. , Moore Isabel S.
Published: March 2023

The female athlete is seen as a specialist population meaning female considerations, such as pelvic floor dysfunction, are not widely taught within sports medicine. Females have unique anatomical characteristics compared with males including a wider pelvic diameter and an additional orifice in the form of the vagina. Furthermore, symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction are prevalent among female athletes and transitional periods in their lifespan. They also are a barrier to training and performance. Therefore, it is essential that sports medicine practitioners understand how to identify and manage pelvic floor dysfunction. This report aims to describe the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor, outline the types and rates of pelvic floor dysfunction, discuss evidence-based management, and raise awareness of perinatal bodily changes. Practical recommendations are made to aid sports organizations and sports medicine practitioners in supporting the female athlete and in using a proactive approach to manage the perinatal athlete.
Iron folic acid consumption and anemia prevalence among female adolescents in rural areas: an observational study
Authors: Apriningsih Apriningsih , Nopitasari Rahayu Putri , Hanifah Laily , Simanjorang Chandrayani , Makkiyah Feda Anisah , Hafidah Farwah , Wahyuningtyas Widayani
Published: March 2023

Background: Anemia among female adolescents can cause maternal deaths due to bleeding and eclampsia.     Anemia is experienced by over half of billion women of childbearing age (15-49 years) worldwide, and the prevalence increased from 28.5% in 2015 to 29.6% in 2019.     The maternal deaths in Bogor Regency were mostly caused by bleeding and eclampsia. This study examines the association between individual characteristics, menstrual patterns, nutritional status, and weekly iron folic acid consumption on the anemia status of female adolescents in Sirnagalih, Bogor, West Java. Methods. This is cross-sectional research conducted from December 2021 to February 2022. The study population was female adolescents (10-19 years) and the sample consisted of 78 respondents selected by using a purposive sampling technique. Interviews were conducted using a questionnaire and blood test to collect data. Results: The results of the chi-square analysis showed a significant association between weekly iron folic acid consumption and anemia status of female adolescents (p-value = 0.018 and POR = 0.128 (95% CI: 0.02-0.69)), while other variables did not have a significant association. Conclusions: For female adolescents in rural regions, where the prevalence of anemia is higher than in urban areas, it is necessary to promote iron folic acid supplement consumption. For further research, it is suggested to add other variables that affect anemia status in rural female adolescents such as the availability of another high-protein food, adherence to taking iron folic acid supplements, and to be examined for worm infections.
Infection of the swim bladder parasite Anguillicoloides crassus in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) caught from the Gediz Delta (Aegean Sea)
Authors: Salman Alp
Published: March 2023

The wild European eels (776 fish, mean total length of 547±91 mm, mean weight 340±198 g) were obtained monthly between October 2015-September 2016 in Gediz Delta (Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea). A total of 263 nematode parasites (Anguillicoloides crassus) were isolated from the swim bladders of 52 parasitized fish. Parasitological indices were found relatively low. The prevalence was 6.7% and the mean intensity was 5.05. The abundance of A. crassus was also calculated as 0.33 in all sampled eels.
Evaluation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in aquaponic system in terms of food safety
Authors: Tunçelli Gökhan , Can Tunçelli İdil , Memiş Devrim
Published: March 2023

We determined the number of coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, yeast, and molds that may occur in the system, and the quality of lettuce grown in aquaponics for consumers from sensory, colour, and texture points of view. The amount of yeast and mold in the plant growing medium (hydroton) and water was 4.67 log CFU/cm2 and 2.25 log CFU/mL at the end of the six-week experiment, respectively. The number of coliform bacteria and E. coli in the growing medium and in the system water was found to be 2.57 log CFU/cm2 and 3.46 log CFU/mL for coliform, 0.75 log CFU/cm2 0.31 log CFU/mL for E. coli, respectively. Organisms that pose a risk to food safety, accumulate in the culture media. After the harvest, lettuce cultured in the aquaponic system (AP) was compared with the lettuce cultured in soil (SC). According to the results, AP lettuce was found to have darker colors (Lightness: 56.4 AP, 49.09 SC, p<0.05), harder (Hardness: 209.3 AP, 153.7 SC, p<0.05), and slightly appetizing (Sensory analysis overall liking: 8.4 AP, 7.7 SC) than SC. In conclution, aquaponic systems are much more preferable in terms of sensory quality and consumer preferences than soil-based production systems.
Karyotypic analysis of Chondrostoma regium (Teleostei: Leuciscidae) distributed in the Karasu River (Erzurum)
Authors: Yamaç Büşra , Şişman Turgay
Published: March 2023

In this study, the karyotypic characteristics of Chondrostoma regium (Heckel, 1843) have been investigated. Fish samples were caught from the Karasu River (Euphrates River Basin) with fishing net. The live fish were transported to the laboratory and kept in aerated aquaria before the analyses. The karyotype analysis was performed in fish kidney and gill epithelium cells. It was determined that C. regium had 2n=50 chromosomes. In detail, the karyotype formula of C. regium was determined as 9 metacentric, 7 submetacentric, 1 subtelocentric and 8 telocentric chromosome pairs (18M+14SM+2ST+16T), and fundamental arm number was calculated as 82. Constitutive heterochromatin regions were determined on telomeres of the chromosomes. Nuclear orgnizer regions were detected on 21st chromosome. Karyotype symmetry/asymmetry index was calculated as 2.32. The karyotypes of gill and kidney cells were the same. No sex chromosomes were cytologically detected.
Investigation of antioxidant effect of pollen in scaly carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) in different water temperature
Authors: Taşkan Merve , Yonar Muhammet Enis
Published: March 2023

In this study, it was aimed to investigate changes in some immunological and antioxidant parameters in scaly carp (Cyprinus carpio) added pollen to their feed in different water temperatures. Fish were stocked to glass aquariums adjusted to 18 °C, 23 °C and 28 °C water temperature. Fish were given diets containing % 2,5 pollen for 14 days. Blood and tissue samples were analysed to determine the immunological parameters and oxidant/antioxidant status. When compared to the control group (23 ºC), a statistically significant increase in the NBT activity of the groups at 18 ºC was observed. Decrease in the NBT activity of the group at 28 º C was statistically insignificant. The total protein and total immunoglobulin levels of the group at 18 º C were decreased, while increase in both parameters at 28 º C was not significant. When compared to the control group (23 ºC), the NBT activity, the total protein and total immunoglobulin levels in the groups that maintained at the same temperature with the control group (23 º C) and applied pollen did not show any statistically significant difference. The tissue MDA levels were increased in the groups at 18 °C and 28 °C when compared to the control group (23 º C). The tissue MDA levels of the groups treated pollen simultaneously with the change in temperature were lower than the groups at 18 °C and 28 °C. The tissue GSH levels and GST activities were decreased in the groups at 18 °C and 28 °C when compared to the control group (23 º C). The tissue GSH levels and GST activities of the groups treated pollen simultaneously with the change in temperature were higher than the groups at 18 °C and 28 °C. In conclusion, stress caused by temperature differences in fish may be prevented by pollen.
Impact of various dietary interventions on the reduction of symptoms in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Kotusiewicz Wiktoria , Siekierko Nikola , Żołnierek Maja , Lubczyńska Zuzanna , Popravko Yevheniia , Świętochowski Jakub , Lewandowski Mateusz , Bienia Grzegorz
Published: March 2023

Introduction and purpose. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder diagnosed in women. Symptoms include menstrual disorders, infertility, acne, seborrhea, hirsutism and carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Treatment is based on the reduction of symptoms, as it is not possible to completely cure the disease. To achieve the optimal therapeutic effect, it is advisable to change eating habits. The aim of the study is to summarize the effectiveness of the mediterranean diet, ketogenic diet, lactose-free diet and supplementation in reducing PCOS symptoms.
State of knowledge. The mediterranean diet, which is includes large amounts of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, leads to a reduction in the severity of PCOS symptoms by reducing the bioavailability of androgens and lowering the concentration of triglycerides and glucose in the blood serum. A high-fat ketogenic diet reduces postprandial insulin release, improving insulin sensitivity. In addition, it causes a significant reduction in body fat, which in turn reduces the level of free testosterone and improves the LH/FSH ratio. Milk proteins have a strong effect on the secretion of lactose and incretin, however, their effect on insulin resistance is still unclear.
Conclusions. The most effective nutritional model is the mediterranean diet, as it reduces the risk of other diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and osteoarthritis. The ketogenic diet remains an alternative solution, but it should be used for a limited time. The least effective intervention turns out to be a lactose-free diet. To obtain optimal therapeutic effects, the important role of PUFA, inositol and probiotic supplementation should not be forgotten.
Maria Kazimiera d’Arquien Sobieska w życiu publicznym Wiecznego Miasta w świetle awiz i gazet drukowanych
Authors: Pietrzak Jaroslaw
Published: March 2023

W 1698 r. Maria Kazimiera d’Arquien Sobieska opuściła Rzeczpospolitą, by udać się w długą drogę do Rzymu, który do 1714 r. stanowił jej rezydencję. Pobyt wdowy po Janie III w Wiecznym Mieście i jej publiczny wizerunek były przedmiotami relacji zwartych w wydawnictwach periodycznych.

W pracy odwołano się do wybranych materiałów źródłowych, aby ukazać niektóre aspekty funkcjonowania polskiej królowej w światowym centrum chrześcijaństwa. W tekście poruszone zostały kolejno sprawy ceremoniału towarzyszącego wjazdowi królowej, kwestia jej rezydencji i statusu w hierarchii społecznej, kontakty z papieżami Innocentym XII i Klemensem XI, kardynałami tworzącymi krąg Kurii Rzymskiej oraz arystokracją.
Co wiemy, a czego jeszcze nie o dziejach starożytnego Izraela? Dyskusja wokół „Historii Żydów w starożytności; od Thotmesa do Mahometa, Ł. Niesiołowskiego-Spanò i K. Stebnickiej, (Warszawa 2020)
Authors: Tyborowski Witold , Briks Piotr
Published: March 2023

Artykuł prezentuje krytyczne i polemiczne omówienie książki dwojga badaczy starożytności, w której przedstawiają oni wizję dziejów starożytnego Izraela od początków tego ludu na przełomie epoki brązu i żelaza pod koniec II tys. przed Chr. do końca starożytności (VI/VII w.). W oparciu o liczne źródła i przebogatą literaturę, w której istnieje kilka wyraźnych i bardzo odmiennych opcji co do obrazu dziejów Izraela, Autorzy przedstawiają swoją ich wizję. Rekonstrukcja ta jest oparta na bardzo obszernym i nie zawsze jednoznacznym materiale źródłowym, który badacze interpretują w zgodzie ze swoim zamysłem, co nie zawsze może budzić uznanie. Praca, próbując objąć całe dzieje Izraela na przestrzeni ponad 1500 lat w różnorodnych ich aspektach, historii politycznej, społeczno-gospodarczej oraz religijnej zarówno w pierwszej (od początku do r. 63 przed Chr.) jak i drugiej części (od r. 63 przed Chr. do Mahometa) zawiera dużą liczbę tez i hipotez oraz sama jest poniekąd propozycją całościowego obrazu omawianego zjawiska. Wobec tego nie może ona nie budzić znaków zapytania, czy wprost wątpliwości i takie znajdzie Czytelnik w niniejszym omówieniu. Dotyczą one najważniejszych problemów, takich jak początki struktur politycznych i państwowych Izraela i Judy, powstanie monoteizmu izraelsko-żydowskiego i wreszcie funkcjonowania Żydów w pierwszych wiekach diaspory, po ostatecznej utracie całkowicie samodzielnych struktur społeczno-politycznych.
Effects of Popping For Parkinson’s dance class on the mood of people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sistarelli Simone , Annett Lucy E , Lovatt Peter J
Published: March 2023

Background/Aims

Depression, low mood and apathy can affect people with Parkinson’s disease, impacting on their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of one Popping For Parkinson’s dance session on the mood of people with Parkinson’s disease.

Methods

A total of 33 people with Parkinson’s disease, with a mean age of 67.5 years (standard deviation 10.3 years), mean Parkinson’s level of 1.8 (standard deviation 1.6), took part in one Popping For Parkinson's dance class at four different locations: London (UK), Hatfield (UK), New York City (USA) and Turin (Italy). Participants’ mood was measured with the Profile of Mood States questionnaire at four time points: immediately before the dance class, immediately after the dance class, 24 hours after the dance class and 1 week after the dance class.

Results

Participants’ total mood score and the subscale score of vigour increased, while the subscales of tension, depression, and confusion decreased on the Profile of Mood States, significantly immediately after the dance intervention. However, at 24 hours and 1 week after the dance class, mood scores did not differ significantly compared with baseline measurements. The improvements in mood immediately after the dance class did not differ depending on sex, age, previous dance experience, the location of the dance class, stage of Parkinson’s disease, presence of tremor and deep brain stimulation treatment.

Conclusions

Participating in a Popping For Parkinson’s dance class boosts mood in the short term, and this improvement lasts less than 24 hours. This finding has implications for the provision of dance classes, suggesting that regular attendance may be necessary for sustained improvements. Further studies are needed to determine whether attending a series of Popping for Parkinson’s classes may have longer-term effects.
Factors that support and hinder recovery and adjustment after traumatic brain injury: a qualitative multiple case study
Authors: Woods Lauren Renee , Zachry Anne H
Published: March 2023

Background/Aims

The numbers of individuals acquiring brain injuries in childhood is increasing. The deficits caused by brain injury can often have long-term implications that require support from caregivers, friends and the community. This study was conducted to gain an understanding of the shared perspectives of parental caregivers and their adolescent children as to what factors supported and hindered recovery and adjustment after traumatic brain injury.

Methods

In this qualitative multiple case study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of four individuals with traumatic brain injury and their five parental caregivers. A thematic, cross-case analysis was used to identify factors that support and hinder recovery and adjustment.

Results

Seven themes were identified from the interviews: lack of educational resources about traumatic brain injury; poor consistency of care; caregiver stress and guilt; disconnection and isolation; connection, empathy and social support; being high achieving and resourceful; and authentic relationships between adolescents with traumatic brain injury and their parents.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the need for improved access to follow-up or community-based services for adolescents with traumatic brain injury who do not experience a hospital or inpatient rehabilitation stay. Additionally, healthcare providers should capitalise on the relationships between adolescents with traumatic brain injury and their parents to support recovery. The information gained from this study can be used to inform allied health professionals when developing and implementing interventions to support recovery in adolescents with traumatic brain injury and their parental caregivers.
South East London Training Hub’s student nurse placement process
Authors: Corneck Rebecca , Igkiempor Marios , Brown Debbie , Nicholls Liz , Crowther Hannah
Published: March 2023

The shortage of general practice nurses is predicted to get worse in the coming years. One way of attracting new nurses to general practice is through education programmes. However, most nursing degrees do not provide enough primary care experience to students and there are barriers to general practice offering placements. South East London Training Hub has aimed to increase the number of placements on offer. The training hub aims to alleviate as much of the extra workload and pressure brought on by hosting a student as possible. This article covers some of the things being trialled, including improving training, simplifying documentation and keeping records.

Nurses and managers experience barriers to hosting student nurse placements. South East London Training Hub are trialling a new placement process to overcome these barriers
The Rise of the Use of TTRPGs and RPGs in Therapeutic Endeavors
Authors: Bean Anthony , Connell Megan
Published: March 2023

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a popular fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) that has been enjoyed by millions of players since its creation in the 1970s. The game is played by a group of players, each of whom takes on the role of a character in a fantasy world. The players work together to complete quests, overcome obstacles, and defeat monsters while a "Dungeon Master" (DM) manages the story and controls the non-player characters (NPCs). In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using D&D and other tabletop RPGs as a form of mental health therapy. This is because the game can provide a safe and supportive environment for players to explore and express their emotions, work on personal issues, and build social skills. Tabletop RPGs can help foster personal growth in several ways: Problem-solving, Decision-Making, Emotional Intelligence, Communication, Creativity, Self-Esteem, and even Confidence. Mental health professionals have begun incorporating Tabletop RPGs into their sessions as a way to engage their clients in a fun and interactive way and it should be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.
El impacto de las remesas internacionales en los gastos en salud de los hogares mexicanos
Authors: García-Amador Cecilia , Mora-Rivera Jorge , Van Gameren Edwin
Published: March 2023

Las remesas internacionales desempeñan un papel fundamental en el gasto de los hogares. El propósito de este artículo es estimar el impacto de dichas transferencias en los gastos en salud y la carencia por acceso a los servicios de salud en los hogares mexicanos en el ámbito nacional, rural y urbano. Empleando la técnica de propensity score matching nuestros resultados sugieren que las remesas contribuyen a disminuir la carencia e incrementan los gastos que los hogares realizan en salud, aunque dichos efectos se concentran en cuestiones de atención ambulatoria. En el plano subnacional se identifican mayores efectos en el gasto de las zonas rurales y una reducción más pronunciada en la carencia en las áreas urbanas. Estos hallazgos permiten sugerir medidas de política orientadas a mejorar el acceso de los servicios de salud, lo que podría impulsar la inversión de las remesas en actividades más productivas.
Multidimensional Poverty Measurement in Segregated Cities
Authors: Macció Jimena , Mitchell Ann
Published: March 2023

This paper illustrates the insights that can be gained from using a multidimensional poverty measurement method based on the capability approach to analyse the scale, characteristics, and spatial distribution of poverty in segregated cities. We assess the poverty gaps between formal and informal neighbourhoods and across districts, compare the results with income-based poverty estimates, and analyse the dimensional composition of poverty and disparities across population subgroups. The results show a weaker correlation between multidimensional and income-based measures and less overlap in terms of who is identified as poor in informal settlements than in the rest of the city. After adjusting for underrepresentation of the slum population in the household survey, informal settlements account for 10% of the city's population but nearly half of the multidimensionally poor. The results highlight the need to design poverty reduction policies that target informal neighbourhoods.
Relación predictiva no lineal entre el PIB per cápita y la tasa de mortalidad: caso de estudio Reino Unido
Authors: Joaqui-Barandica Orlando , Orozco-Cerón Oscar Walduin
Published: March 2023

Diversos autores han estudiado la hipótesis del cambio en las tasas de mortalidad, en algunos casos evidenciando un decrecimiento, relacionando su comportamiento con diferentes factores, entre ellos el crecimiento económico. Esta investigación aplica un cross-quantilogram para examinar la relación existente entre el producto interno bruto (PIB) per cápita y la tasa de mortalidad para hombres y mujeres tomando como caso de estudio el Reino Unido. El objetivo es mostrar que existen asociaciones entre diferentes cuantiles de las variables estudiadas. Se constatan asociaciones asimétricas, los resultados demuestran que hay un mayor impacto del PIB per cápita sobre la tasa de mortalidad, en comparación con la relación contraria. En el caso de mujeres y hombres los cuantiles altos de crecimiento económico tienen mayor impacto en reducción de las tasas de mortalidad respecto a cuantiles bajos del crecimiento económico, esto puede ser un factor atribuible a la fuerza laboral altamente cargada a los hombres.
Gestión macrofiscal de la financiarización de commodities. Medición del Valor a Riesgo (VaR) de la canasta exportadora agrícola argentina
Authors: Rondinone Gonzalo , Cristófaro Mauricio Nicolás
Published: March 2023

El incremento en la volatilidad de precios de commodities ante el ingreso de inversores financieros, en el marco de la llamada financiarización, complejiza la gestión macroeconómica de países con alta incidencia de productos primarios en su comercio internacional. Este artículo tiene por objetivo proveer una medición de la exposición al riesgo de precio de las exportaciones para el caso argentino durante el período 1993-2018. Se emplea de forma novedosa el Valor a Riesgo (VaR), típicamente utilizado en finanzas, en el diseño de un portafolio de exportación de commodities que operan diariamente en los mercados internacionales. Entre los resultados principales se encuentra que el 2.90 % del total exportado está expuesto a riesgo de precio mensual durante el período 2004-2018, en comparación con el 1.73 % registrado entre 1993 y el 2003. Este indicador aporta al diseño de reglas fiscales que permitan planificar los gastos en función de ingresos estructurales en contextos de alta volatilidad.
Being able to provide sufficiently good care for older people: care workers and their working conditions in Finland
Authors: Mathew Puthenparambil Jiby
Published: March 2023

This study examines whether care workers in Finland feel able to provide adequate care for older people and analyses the working conditions that limit them from providing it. One third of the respondents felt that they were not able to provide sufficient care for older people. This was seen as being due to excessive workloads, a general lack of staff and accompanying physical and mental burdens. Improving care workers’ working conditions would enhance their work–life balance and allow them to help older people avoid situations of care poverty, that is, to receive the level of care they deserve.
Digital phase-shift method based on distance mapping for phase recovery of an ESPI fringe pattern
Authors: Zhang Fang , Liu Yang , Wang Wen , Geng Lei , Xiao Zhitao
Published: March 2023

In view of the limitation of the traditional method to recover the phase of the single fringe pattern, we propose a digital phase-shift method based on distance mapping for phase recovery of an electronic speckle pattern interferometry fringe pattern. First, the direction of each pixel point and the centerline of the dark fringe are extracted. Secondly, the normal curve of the fringe is calculated according to the fringe orientation to obtain the fringe moving direction. Thirdly, the distance between each pixel point and the next pixel point in the same phase is calculated by a distance mapping method according to the adjacent centerlines; then the moving distance of the fringes is obtained. Next, combining the moving direction and moving distance, the fringe pattern after the digital phase shift is obtained by full-field interpolation. Finally, the full-field phase corresponding to the original fringe pattern is recovered by four-step phase shifting. The method can extract the fringe phase from a single fringe pattern through digital image processing technology. The experiments show that the proposed method can effectively improve the phase recovery accuracy of a single fringe pattern.
Temperature-insensitive refractive index sensor based on a spindle-shaped few-mode fiber modal interferometer
Authors: Yu Haozheng , Tong Zhengrong , Zhang Weihua , Wu Meng , Tao Yipeng , Mu Jinlin
Published: March 2023

A
designed temperature-insensitive modal interferometer for refractive
index measurement based on spindle-shaped few-mode fiber (FMF) is
proposed and demonstrated. The interferometer consisting of a specific
length of FMF fused between two specific lengths of single-mode fibers
is bent into a balloon shape and then burned by a flame into a spindle
shape to sensitize. Due to the bending of the fiber, part of the light
leaks from the core to the cladding and excites the higher-order
modes, and the four modes in the core of FMF interfere with the
higher-order modes in the cladding. Therefore, the sensor is more
sensitive to the surrounding refractive index. The experimental
results show that the highest sensitivity is 237.3 nm/RIU from
1.333 to 1.365. The sensor is insensitive to temperature, which solves
the problem of temperature cross talk. In addition, with its
advantages of a small mechanism, simple fabrication, low loss, and
good mechanical strength, the proposed sensor has broad application
prospects in chemical production, fuel storage, environmental
monitoring, and other fields.
Visible light transmittance of micro-pore optic plates for the wide-field x-ray telescope on the Einstein probe
Authors: Yang Xue , Ling Zhixing , Zhang Chen , Jin Ge , Zhang Ni , Zhang Shuang-nan
Published: March 2023

Micro-pore optics (MPO) has been employed in space x-ray telescopes for
large field-of-view observations. For x-ray focal plane
detectors with visible photon sensing capability, the optical blocking
filter (OBF) on MPO devices is critical for preventing signal
contamination by those photons. In this work, we designed a piece of
equipment to measure the light transmission with high accuracy. The
transmittance test results of the MPO plates meet the design
requirements of less than 5×10−4 . Based on the multilayer homogeneous
film matrix method, we estimated possible combinations of film
thicknesses (with alumina) that show a good agreement with the
OBF design.
GeSbSeTe-based high extinction ratio optical modulator
Authors: Mahmoodi Ali , Miri Mehdi , Sheikhi Mohammad Hossein , Mohammadi-Pouyan Sohrab
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a design for a high extinction ratio Mach–Zehnder optical modulator is proposed. The switchable refractive index of the germanium-antimony-selenium-tellurium (GSST) phase change material is employed to induce destructive interference between the waves passing through Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) arms and to realize amplitude modulation. A novel, to the best of our knowledge, asymmetric input splitter is designed for the MZI to compensate for unwanted amplitude differences between MZI arms and increase the modulator performance. Three-dimensional finite-difference-time-domain simulations show a very high extinction ratio (ER) and low insertion loss (IL) of 45 and 2 dB, respectively, for the designed modulator at the wavelength of 1550 nm. Moreover, the ER is above 22 dB, and the IL is below 3.5 dB in the wavelength range of 1500–1600 nm. The thermal excitation process of GSST is also simulated using the finite-element method, and the speed and energy consumption of the modulator are estimated.
Investigating the correlation between early vascular alterations and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease in mice with SD-OCT
Authors: Lee Jang-Hoon , Stefan Sabina , Walek Konrad , Nie Jiarui , Min Kyounghee , Yang Taeseok Daniel , Lee Jonghwan
Published: March 2023

Vascular alterations have recently gained some attention with their strong association with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We conducted a label-free in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) longitudinal imaging using an AD mouse model. We achieved the tracking of the same individual vessels over time and conducted an in-depth analysis of temporal dynamics in vasculature and vasodynamics using OCT angiography and Doppler-OCT. The AD group showed an exponential decay in both vessel diameter and blood flow change with the critical timepoint before 20 weeks of age, which precedes cognitive decline observed at 40 weeks of age. Interestingly, for the AD group, the diameter change showed the dominance in arterioles over venules, but no such influence was found in blood flow change. Conversely, three mice groups with early vasodilatory intervention did not show any significant change in both vascular integrity and cognitive function compared to the wild-type group. We found early vascular alterations and confirmed their correlation with cognitive impairment in AD.
Photometric properties of piles of glass plates: retrospective
Authors: Simonot Lionel , Hebert Mathieu
Published: March 2023

Stacked glass plates have discreetly accompanied the understanding of light since the origins of modern optics. They were studied by Bouguer, Lambert, Brewster, Arago, Stokes, Rayleigh, and many others, whose successive works progressively refined the predictive formulas of the reflectance and transmittance of piles of glass plates as a function of the number of plates and the angle of incidence by considering the decay of light flux by absorption, the multiple reflections between plates, the change in the degrees of polarization, and the possible interferential effects. Through this history of ideas about the optical properties of piles of glass plates, up to the mathematical formalisms from only a few years ago, we show that these successive works, and their subsequent errors and corrections, are inseparable from the evolution of the quality of the glass available each time, in particular its absorptance and its transparency, which strongly influence the quantities and the degree of polarization of the reflected and transmitted beams.
Neryl acetate, the major component of Corsican Helichrysum italicum essential oil, mediates its biological activities on skin barrier
Authors: Lemaire Géraldine , Olivero Malvina , Rouquet Virginie , Moga Alain , Pagnon Aurélie , Cenizo Valérie , Portes Pascal
Published: March 2023

Corsican Helichrysum italicum essential oil (HIEO) is characterized by high concentrations of neryl acetate, and we previously demonstrated that Corsican HIEO increases the expression of genes that are part of the differentiation complex (involucrin, small proline rich proteins, late cornified envelope, S100 protein family). The biological activities of HIEO and neryl acetate (NA) were compared to identify how NA contributes to HIEO activity on human skin. NA, as a part component of HIEO, was tested on skin explant models for 24 hours and 5 days in comparison with HIEO. We analyzed the biological regulations in the skin explant by transcriptomic analysis, skin barrier protein immunofluorescence, lipid staining and ceramide analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that 41.5% of HIEO-modulated genes were also regulated by NA and a selected panel of genes were confirmed by qquantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis. Those genes are involved in epidermal differentiation, skin barrier formation and ceramide synthesis. Involucrin (IVL), involved in formation of the cornified envelope (CE), was upregulated at both gene and protein levels after 24 hours and 5 days respectively. After 5 days of treatment, total lipids and ceramides were also increased. Our results demonstrate that NA mediates a large part of Corsican HIEO activity on skin barrier formation.
Predictors of the rate of cognitive decline in older adults using machine learning
Authors: Ahmadzadeh Maryam , Cosco Theodore David , Best John R. , Christie Gregory James , DiPaola Steve
Published: March 2023

Background

The longitudinal rates of cognitive decline among aging populations are heterogeneous. Few studies have investigated the possibility of implementing prognostic models to predict cognitive changes with the combination of categorical and continuous data from multiple domains.

Objective

Implement a multivariate robust model to predict longitudinal cognitive changes over 12 years among older adults and to identify the most significant predictors of cognitive changes using machine learning techniques.

Method

In total, data of 2733 participants aged 50–85 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing are included. Two categories of cognitive changes were determined including minor cognitive decliners (2361 participants, 86.4%) and major cognitive decliners (372 participants, 13.6%) over 12 years from wave 2 (2004–2005) to wave 8 (2016–2017). Machine learning methods were used to implement the predictive models and to identify the predictors of cognitive decline using 43 baseline features from seven domains including sociodemographic, social engagement, health, physical functioning, psychological, health-related behaviors, and baseline cognitive tests.

Results

The model predicted future major cognitive decliners from those with the minor cognitive decline with a relatively high performance. The overall AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of prediction were 72.84%, 78.23%, and 67.41%, respectively. Furthermore, the top 7 ranked features with an important role in predicting major vs minor cognitive decliners included age, employment status, socioeconomic status, self-rated memory changes, immediate word recall, the feeling of loneliness, and vigorous physical activity. In contrast, the five least important baseline features consisted of smoking, instrumental activities of daily living, eye disease, life satisfaction, and cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

The present study indicated the possibility of identifying individuals at high risk of future major cognitive decline as well as potential risk/protective factors of cognitive decline among older adults. The findings could assist in improving the effective interventions to delay cognitive decline among aging populations.
Experiences of parents and stakeholders in caring for, and supporting children with special needs in Ghana
Authors: Amo-Adjei Joshua , Essuman Ruth , Nurzhynska Anastasiia , Deliege Antoine , Sharma Geeta , Iddrisu Iddi , Nikoi Charity
Published: March 2023

We studied the caring, parenting, and support services for children with special needs in Ghana. Many of the study participants reported re-adjusting their lives in virtually every domain–social, economic, and emotional to deal with and manage the new realities. How parents navigate this space varied considerably from setting to setting. Regardless of individual and interpersonal resources, community, institutional, and policy circumstances seemed to exacerbate notions of disability. In many instances, parents had a low depth of suspicion about the precursors to disabling events in their children. Parents are constantly pursuing health care, including a cure for their children with disabilities. Views about “otherness” were noted, and these tended to undermine medical interpretations/explanations of disability generally, which in turn affected formal education and health-seeking for children. Institutional arrangements exist to encourage parents to invest in their children regardless of their perceived abilities. However, these do not seem to be sufficient, particularly for health and formal education. Programming and policy implications are highlighted.
eHealth literacy and its associated factors in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wubante Sisay Maru , Tegegne Masresha Derese , Melaku Mequannent Sharew , Kalayou Mulugeta Hayelom , Tarekegn Yeshambel Andargie , Tsega Sintayehu Simie , Mengestie Nebyu Demeke , Demsash Addisalem Workie , Walle Agmasie Damtew
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Electronic health has the potential benefit to the health system by improving health service quality efficiency effectiveness and reducing the cost of care. Having good e-health literacy level is considered essential for improving healthcare delivery and quality of care as well as empowers caregivers and patients to influence control care decisions. Many studies have done on eHealth literacy and its determinants among adults, however, inconsistent findings from those studies were found. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the pooled magnitude of eHealth literacy and to identify associated factors among adults in Ethiopia through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Method

Search of PubMed, Scopus, and web of science, and Google Scholar was conducted to find out relevant articles published from January 2028 to 2022. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. Two reviewers extracted the data independently by using standard extraction formats and exported in to Stata version11 for meta-analysis. The degree of heterogeneity between studies was measured using I2 statistics. The publication bias between studies also checked by using egger test. The pooled magnitude of eHealth literacy was performed using fixed effect model.

Result

After go through 138 studies, five studies with total participants of 1758 were included in this systematic review and Meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of eHealth literacy in Ethiopia was found 59.39% (95%CI: 47.10–71.68). Perceived usefulness (AOR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.36, 3.12),educational status(AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.11, 4.68), internet access (AOR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.67, 3.30), knowledge on electronic health information sources(AOR = 2.60; 95% CI: 1.78, 3.78), electronic health information sources utilization (AOR = 2.55; 95%CI: 1.85, 3.52), gender (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.38, 2.41) were identified significant predictors of e-health literacy.

Conclusion and recommendation

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that more than half of study participants were eHealth literate. This finding recommends that creating awareness about importance of eHealth usefulness and capacity building to enhance and encouraging to use electronic sources and availability of internet has para amount to solution to increase eHealth literacy level of study participants.