bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incidence of complication in the perioperative period of rotational atherectomy in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A retrospective study of low-speed versus high-speed
Authors: WU JIAWEI , QIU GUANGQUAN , LI HUI , HU HAO , MA LIKUN
Published: April 2023

Background The safety and efficacy of rotational atherectomy (RA) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients treated with different rotational speeds remain unclear.Methods This was an observational retrospective registry. Between February 2017 and January 2022, a total of 283 ACS patients were treated with RA. The patients were divided into two groups: the low-speed group (130,000-150,000rpm,182 cases) and the high-speed group (160,000-220,000rpm,101 cases) according to the maximum RA speed. The primary outcome was the occurrence of hypotension, vasospasm, dissection, slow flow, perforation, bradyarrhythmia, burr entrapment, rotawire fracture during RA, as well as the incidence of heart failure, stent thrombosis, and cardiac death during hospitalization.Results Patients in the low-speed RA group experienced a higher incidence of vasospasm during RA operation (15.4% versus 6.9%, p = 0.040), whereas the incidence of slow blood flow was higher in the high-speed RA group (16.5% versus 27.7%, p = 0.031). There was no significant difference in other complications between the two groups. Moreover, logistic regression analysis identified rotational speed (160,000-220,000rpm) as a predictor of slow flow during RA operation (OR = 1.900, 95%CI:1.006–3.588, p = 0.048). For every 10,000 rpm increase in rotational speed, the risk of slow flow increased by 27% (OR = 1.273, 95% CI: 1.047–1.547, p = 0.015).Conclusion ACS patients treated with a lower RA speed (130,000-150,000 rpm) had a higher risk of vasospasm, while in patients where higher speeds were used (160,000-220,000 rpm ), a higher incidence of slow flow was identified. High rotational speed (160,000-220,000 rpm) is an independent risk factor for slow flow during RA in ACS patients.
Inflammation and digestive reflux in the pancreatic stump after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Wang Tiegong , Tian Liang , Zhang Xiaoling , Xu Yanfeng , Che Yanxu , Zhang Lei , Zhao Xiulei , Kong Deshuai , Luo Yi
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives:
Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) contributes to significant morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). However, the underlying mechanisms of POPF remain unclear. This study is to explore the pathology in the pancreatic stump and elucidates the mechanisms of POPF following PD.
Methods:
Pathological analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were performed on the specimens obtained from the two patients who accepted complete pancreatectomy for grade C POPF after PD. In addition, a retrospective radiological analysis was conducted on a cohort of 125 consecutive patients who underwent PD to evaluate the inflammatory response in the pancreatic stump.
Results:
The presence of gradient inflammation and acinar-duct metaplasia (ADM) in the pancreatic stumps is ubiquitous. The incidence of apoptosis is markedly reduced in the pancreatic stump. Moreover, a significant accumulation of neutrophil-dominated inflammatory cells is detected in the ductal system. Notably, the ADM-formed duct is the site where the neutrophils transmigrate through the ductal wall. Additionally, the microbial evidence indicates that gut microbes migrate from the digestive tract. Radiological analysis proves that a gradient of pancreatitis exists in all cases after PD and reaches peak on the fourth postoperative day.
Conclusions:
Inflammation and digestive reflux exist in the pancreatic stump after PD. The underlying mechanisms of POPF are the high biochemical activity of the pancreas, mechanical injury, and digestive reflux.
Remark on Galois cohomology
Authors: Nikolaev Igor
Published: April 2023

We recast the Galois cohomology of the variety V over a number field k in terms of the K-theory of a C*-algebra A_V connected to V. It is proved that V is isomorphic to V' over k (algebraic closure of k, resp.) if and only if A_V is isomorphic (Morita equivalent, resp.) to A_V' In particular, the Morita equivalent C*-algebras A_V parametrize twists of the variety V. The case of rational elliptic curves is considered in detail.
Identifying Sensors-based Parameters Associated with Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Investigation and Interpretation of Discriminatory Parameters
Authors: Wang Xuan , Cao Junjie , Zhao Qizheng , Chen Manting , Luo Jiajia , Wang Hailiang , Yu Lisha , Tsui Kwok-Leung , Zhao Yang
Published: April 2023

Background Falls pose a severe threat to the health of older adults worldwide. Determining gait and kinematic parameters that are related to an increased risk of falls is essential for developing effective intervention and fall prevention strategies. This study aimed to investigate the discriminatory parameter, which lay an important basis for developing effective clinical screening tools for identifying high-fall-risk older adults.Methods Forty-one individuals aged 65 years and above living in the community participated in this study. The older adults were classified as high-fall-risk and low-fall-risk individuals based on their BBS scores. The participants wore an inertial measurement unit (IMU) while conducting the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Simultaneously, a depth camera acquired images of the participants' movements during the experiment. After segmenting the data according to subtasks, 142 parameters were extracted from the sensor-based data. A t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was performed on the parameters for distinguishing older adults at high risk of falling. Multiple logistic regression was used to further quantify the role of different parameters in identifying high-fall-risk individuals.Results Fifteen participants were defined as high-fall-risk individuals, while twenty-six were defined as low-fall-risk individuals. 17 parameters were tested for significance with p-values less than 0.05. Multiple logistic regressions were constructed for the parameters with the p-values less than 0.005, including the coefficient of variation of the angular velocity in pitch (CV-Ang-Pitch) during the turn, usage of walking assistance, and the max and coefficient of variation of the angular velocity in yaw (Max-Ang-Yaw, CV-Ang-Yaw) during turn-to-sit. The results showed that the CV-Ang-Pitch during the turn was the parameter with the greatest effect on identifying high-fall-risk individuals.Conclusions High-fall-risk individuals typically exhibited a cautious gait, such as larger step width and shorter step length during walking. Besides, we identified some abnormal gait patterns of high-fall-risk individuals compared to low-fall-risk individuals, such as greater knee angle and a tendency to tilt the pelvis forward during turning. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the activities of high-fall-risk individuals compared to normal individuals and illustrate the role of sensors in identifying high-fall-risk individuals among community-dwelling older adults. (350 words)
Breast Cancer Original article
Axillary reverse mapping after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in clinically node-positive breast cancer patients
Authors: Noguchi Masakuni , Inokuchi Masafumi , Yokoi-Noguchi Miki , Morioka Emi , Haba Yusuke , Takahashi Tomoko , Shioya Akihiro , Yamada Sousuke
Published: April 2023

Background Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) nodes are involved in a significant proportion of clinically node-positive (cN+) breast cancer patients. However, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is effective at decreasing the incidence of nodal metastases in cN + patients.Patients and methods: One hundred forty-five cN + patients with confirmed nodal involvement on ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology were enrolled in this study: one group underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) without NAC (upfront surgery group) and the other group underwent ALND following NAC (NAC group). The patients underwent 18F-FDG-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) before surgery, as well as ARM procedure during ALNDResults Involvement of ARM nodes was significantly decreased in the NAC group compared to the upfront surgery group. Notably, involvement was significantly decreased after NAC in non-luminal type tumors as compared to the luminal type. However, there was no significant difference in ARM node involvement after NAC between patients with or without axillary uptake of 18F-FDG, in either type of tumor.Conclusions NAC was significantly associated with a low risk of ARM node metastases in cN + patients with non-luminal type tumors, but 18F-FDG-PET/CT was not suitable to detect residual metastatic disease of the axilla after NAC.
Quantification of harmonic pollution using non-fundamental apparent power
Authors: G Anu , Fernandez Francis M
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a method to determine harmonic pollution of consumers connected to single-phase low voltage distribution system. Today, the power quality of the system is greatly affected due to the penetration of non-linear loads. As per the IEEE standard 519-2014, both utility and consumers are responsible for reducing the harmonic pollution. This necessitates the quantification of harmonic contribution of individual consumers. The proposed method defines harmonic distortion indices for current and voltage separating consumer harmonic contribution at the point of common coupling (PCC). These indices are used to determine non-fundamental apparent power associated with each consumer connected to the PCC. Simulation results point to the effectiveness of this method in separating the harmonic contribution of consumer and utility. Experimental investigations are also carried out with several linear and non-linear loads comparing the performance of the method with the power definitions mentioned in IEEE standard 1459-2010.
Sulfonated Litchi Exocarp Carbon as Solid Acid Catalyst to Produce Dihydropyrimidinones via Biginelli Reaction
Authors: Hu Qiang , Wu Shang , Zhang Penghui , Fu Shuaishuai , Wang Jiajia , Liu Chaoyang , Zhang Hong , Sun Yuzhi , Yang Quanlu
Published: April 2023

The sulfonation of a partly carbonized litchi shell with concentrated H2SO4 afforded a carbon solid acid catalyst. Various physicochemical techniques, such as XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N2 physisorption measurements were used to study the structural properties of the prepared materials. It was an amorphous carbon material composed of aromatic carbon in random orientations. The catalytic behavior of the material was examined in the di-carbonyl compounds and urea with aromatic aldehydes for 3,4-dihydropyridine-2 (1H)-ones (DHPMs) production. Sulfonic acid groups were present on the surface at a density of 0.82 mmol/g, which led to a high DHPMs conversion efficiency of 95 % at SO3H-CL at 80◦C after 3.5 h. More importantly, SO3H-CL has satisfying recyclable features and could maintain an 83 % yield of its initial catalytic activity in the 6th catalytic run.
Alterations in the health literacy of nursing students throughout the nursing education: A 4-year prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Alkaya Sultan Ayaz , Terzi Handan , Çelik Bülent
Published: April 2023

Understanding the health literacy level of nursing students at the beginning of the education program, and how it improves throughout the period is important. The aim of the study was to explore alterations in the health literacy and identify the associated factors, of nursing students throughout the nursing education. A prospective-longitudinal study with a four-year follow-up. Overall, 191 nursing students were included in the final analysis. The first follow-up was performed between September-December, 2015. The other three follow-ups were applied 12 months after each participant’s start-date, every year from September to December. Repeated Measures ANOVA, and Linear Mixed Model were used to present the data. There was a significant difference between the health literacy mean scores over time. Health literacy level decreased in the rural area residents, and increased in the students without vision problems and the internet users. This study puts forwards that the health literacy level of the students increased during the education period. Internet use, place of residence, and having a visual problem affected the alterations in health literacy level over time. Appropriate strategies could be developed to increase the level of health literacy during undergraduate nursing education.
Financial vulnerability and financial literacy in Paraguay: the need of a transversal approach of public policy
Authors: Roa María José , Villegas Alejandra
Published: April 2023

This paper aimed at studying the main determinants of financial inclusion and financial vulnerability of Paraguayan households. Using a Financial Capabilities Survey in Paraguay we performed a synthetic instrumental variables methodology that indicates that financial literacy is an important determinant of financial inclusion and financial resilience in this country. The results enhance the development of financial education programs that consider personality traits and economic preferences of individuals. The individual characteristics that explain financial inclusion and financial vulnerability in this country are also related to socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Our main conclusion is that the most successful interventions to alleviate financial vulnerability are those that integrate transversally financial inclusion and financial education programs with social programs aimed at reducing labor, education, and economic vulnerabilities in this country.
JEL Classification: G50, G51, G53, G41, J16.
Atherogenicindex of plasma (AIP)as a Novel Biomarker to Predict Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Çelik Ayşenur , Gökce Sabite Emine
Published: April 2023

Background Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a relatively new index used to predict the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the general population. Our aim was to investigate association between the development of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and AIP.Methods A total of 24 patients with RVO and 24 age-sex matched healthy individuals were included in this retrospective study. The demographic characteristics and laboratory findings of the patients and control subjects were obtained from the electronic medical records. AIP was calculated as the logarithmical ratio of molar concentrations of triglycerides (TG) to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as [log (TG/HDL-C)]. The association among AIP, lipid metabolism parameters, and RVO was analyzed.Results The median age was 69.5 (range, 48–86 ) in the RVO group and71.5 (range, 50–84) in the control group (p = 812). Although there were no significant differences in terms of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol between two groups (P = 0.458, 0.88), AIP was significantly higher in the RVO group (P < 0.05).Conclusion Elevated AIP values might aid clinicians raise suspicion against a possible RVO attack and take precautions accordingly to prevent complications related to RVO.
Routing Algorithm for Efficient packet transmission in MANET using T –Test Procedure
Authors: s Hemalatha , Pallathadka Harikumar , hewadi Prof Rajesh P Chin
Published: April 2023

One of the laborious communication tasks in a mobile ad hoc network is packet transmission. Due to the MANET node's power backup, many routing paths may experience unsuccessful packet delivery. The routing algorithm chooses the path that packets take as they travel from the source node to the destination nodes, but it makes no guarantees regarding packet delivery. In order to determine the most effective path between nodes, this paper proposed a new routing algorithm with the use of the T-test process. This suggested technique determines the best path between nodes for communication in a recursive manner, ensuring that each node participating in the route discovery has enough energy for transmission. The criteria for evaluating the nodes that are chosen and rejected throughout the route discovery process are defined and supported by the T-Test procedure. This technique, together with T-Test, supports effective packet transmission in MANET packet flow. It is also built with the help of network simulation and compared to the current routing protocol, demonstrating that it performs better overall.
Bronze smelting activities during the Zhou dynasty: Analysis of slags from the Xincun and Baidian foundry sites in Central China
Authors: Wang Cong , Gao Zhenlong , Wang Quanyu
Published: April 2023

The highly developed metallurgy in Central China during the Zhou dynasty represents an important stage in the development of mining and metallurgical civilisation. The Xincun and Baidian foundry sites are important sites found in Central China, with the main remains of the Wei and Jin states, respectively. Elemental analyses and microstructural examinations of slags from both the sites were conducted in this paper, aiming to reconstruct the technological landscape of bronze alloys and smelting processes at both the sites, and to further explore the differences or/and similarities between the bronze processing activities at the two sites in different historical contexts. The results showed that the co-smelting of tin ore with metallic copper was still used in the alloying process at both the Xincun and Baidian foundry sites. Also, the smelting temperatures at both the sites were relatively high with the addition of calcareous fluxes to the process. In comparison, the Baidian foundry site was found to have a more diverse type of alloying technologies and more advanced metallurgical process than the Xincun foundry site, indicating a more advanced metallurgy in the Jin state than in the Wei state. These findings provide valuable insights into metallurgy in these areas and have important implications for future research in this field.
Chronotype is associated with eating behaviors, physical activity and overweight in school-aged children
Authors: Yang Yong , Li Si-Xuan , Zhang Yan , Wang Fei , Jiang Dan-Jie , Wang Si-Jia , Cao Peng , Gong Qing-Hai
Published: April 2023

Background Chronotype may play an important role in diverse aspects of an individual’s life. Little is known about the association between chronotype, eating habits, physical activity and obesity. Thus, this study aimed to explore the relationships between chronotype, eating behaviors, physical activity, and overweight in Chinese school-aged children.
Methods Data from this study was based on 952 schoolchildren (10-12 y) from six primary schools that participated in China. Anthropometric measurements of height and body weight were performed. Information about sleeping habits, dietary behaviors, and other lifestyle behaviors was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis or multivariable logistic regression model was performed to assess the associations between chronotype, eating behaviors, physical activity, and overweight.
Results Nearly 70% (69.9%) of the participants had a self-reported morning chronotype. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed chronotype score was positively associated with physical activities (all Pvalues ﹤ 0.001) and sleep duration (all P values ﹤ 0.001) and negatively associated with BMI, meal time, eating jetlag and social jetlag (all P values ﹤ 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that compared to morning types, non-morning types individuals were more likely to be overweight (OR= 1.65, P values ﹤ 0.05), and had more frequent consumption of fast food (OR= 1.63, Pvalues ﹤ 0.05), sugary drinks (OR= 1.32, P values=0.057, marginally significance) and less frequent consumption of milk (OR= 0.73, P values ﹤ 0.05).
Conclusions This study indicates that early chronotype children are more active, have healthier dietary habits, get more sleep, have shorter social jet lag, and are less likely to be overweight than non-early chronotype.
Nonstandard approach to fixed point of dual orbits asymptotic contraction
Authors: Shi Jie
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the dual orbits asymptotic contraction is given. The local iterative fixed point problem of the new dual orbits asymptotic contraction is considered by nonstandard analysis methods. We have conducted further research based on the relevant achievements of some scholars. We obtained the results of the corresponding iterative sequence converging to the local iterative fixed point of the asymptotic contraction T without the continuity.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 47H10,54H25; Secondary 03H05,54J05.
Herbicide MCPA regulates photosynthesis by repressing gene expression in a cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum MEG 1: A molecular interaction study
Authors: Sachu Meguovilie , Ganguly Rik , Bhathacharjee Atanu , Syiem Mayashree B.
Published: April 2023

The goal of this study was to determine how the herbicide MCPA interacts/binds to two vital proteins of the electron transport system of PS II and photosynthesis in the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum Meg 1, as well as how the MCPA affects and regulates the photosynthetic activity of the organism at the molecular level by examining the gene expression of some key proteins involved in the electron transport chain and carbohydrate production in the Calvin cycle. A molecular docking study revealed that MCPA forms hydrogen bonding with amino acid residues in both the proteins (RuBisCO and D1 protein). TEM study revealed that at 20 ppm MCPA exposure, no significant changes in cellular structure were observed. However, increasing concentrations of MCPA (40 and 80 ppm) caused damage to the cyanobacterium's ultrastructure. Seven days’ exposure to herbicide MCPA (20, 40, and 80 ppm) affects the photo-pigment contents, though at 20 and 40 ppm there was a slight increase in the concentration of carotenoid. It also negatively affects the water-splitting activity, PSII, RuBisCO content, and carbohydrate concentration, resulting in decreased organism biomass. The RT-PCR analysis of D1 protein and RuBisCO mRNA levels revealed a significant decrease in content due to herbicide MCPA exposure. Our finding indicates that up to 20 ppm exposure, the herbicide MCPA does not affect the organism dilapidated in all the parameters studied. However, above that dose (40 and 80 ppm), all the parameters studied experienced a substantial negative effect which may lead to the membrane distortion, cellular deterioration, and apoptosis of the cells as seen under the TEM.
Managing forests for resilience under increasing aridity: the case of Iberian dry-edge pine forests
Authors: Zavala Miguel A. , Angulo Oscar , Parra Rafael Bravo de la , Moreno-Fernández Daniel , Madrigal-González Jaime
Published: April 2023

Context. Mediterranean dry-edge pine forests maintain key ecosystem functions and supply services but are jeopardized by climate change. In the past, forest management has successfully balanced these demands but resilience under increasing aridity remains uncertain. Objectives. To assess landscape forest resilience under increasing aridity and three policy-management scenarios implying tradeoffs in ecosystem services supply: i) “business as usual”, based on the current harvesting regime; ii) "conservation", aiming to preserve forest stock; and iii) "productivity" oriented to yield maintenance. Methods. The study site is part of a large-homogeneous pine-covered landscape covering sandy flatlands in Central Spain. We parameterized and tested an analytical size-structured forest dynamics model with last century historical management records. Results. Management regimes shaped forest landscape structure: conservation-oriented management resulted in more developed forests with larger trees and a heterogeneous landscape structure, while yield-oriented management resulted in smaller, structurally more homogeneous forests. Under “business as usual scenario", both forest stock and yield decreased with aridity, indicating that current management is not sustainable in the long term. Forest stock preservation required an increase in tree harvestable size and a reduction of wood extraction. Yield maintenance required a drastic decrease of tree harvestable size and an increase in harvest rates, but it was unsustainable at high aridity levels. Conclusions. Forest and landscape structure play a key role in reducing dry-edge forest vulnerability in response to increasing aridity. Adaptive management can play a key role in preventing the forests from crossing a tipping point over a degraded alternate state and ensuring long-term ecosystem service supply.
The absence of mammillary body lesions for early differentiation of biotin-thiamine-responsive basal ganglia disease from Wernicke’s encephalopathy
Authors: Alsini Hanin , Hommady Raid , Alsafh Rawan , Asmat Zeeshan , Hakami Wejdan , Alfadhel Majid , Tabarki Brahim
Published: April 2023

Purpose Primary and secondary conditions that cause thiamine deficiency can result in similar symptoms in children, including acute episodes of encephalopathy and bilateral symmetrical brain lesions. In this study, we investigated the role of mammillary body (MB) involvement in SLC19A3-BTBGD patients and the differentiation between BTBGD and Wernicke's encephalopathy based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings.Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 90 patients with genetically confirmed BTBGD. Two certified neuroradiologists independently reviewed the brain MRI scans, focusing on the involvement or sparing of specific regions such as the mesencephalon, cerebellum, caudate nuclei, globus pallidi, putamina, thalami, cortical and subcortical regions, MBs, and deep white matter.Results Clinically, all patients developed acute/subacute encephalopathy triggered by nonspecific febrile illnesses or mild trauma. MRI scans showed bilateral caudate lesions, putamen lesions, cortical-subcortical areas of the cerebral hemispheres, ventromedial region of the thalamus, cerebellar lesions, brainstem lesions, periaqueductal region, spinal cord lesions, and lesions in the globus pallidus. However, none of the patients had any mammillary lesions.Conclusion We found no MB involvement in 90 patients with BTBGD caused by the same homozygous variant of SLC19A3. Differentiating between BTBGD and Wernicke's encephalopathy based on MRI findings is critical for clinical decisions about treatment, prognosis, and genetic counselling. This study provides a crucial point in ruling out Wernicke's encephalopathy, especially in adults, and favouring BTBGD before the results of genetic testing are available. MRI is of utmost importance in the diagnosis and differentiation of these conditions.
New findings on disease characteristics of multiple myeloma patients with acute renal insufficiency: a ten- year retrospective study
Authors: Wu Tianzhi , Zhao Yongfeng , Wei Shuyi , Zhou Fuling
Published: April 2023

Background 48% of multiple myeloma patients will develop kidney damage, and its progression, survival, hematological characteristics, and cytokine characteristics have not yet been fully characterized. We aimed to describe subgroups of multiple myeloma with acute renal insufficiency and analyze associated predictors.
Methods The patients with acute renal insufficiency were divided into one group, and the remaining were divided into another group. Risk factors were analyzed by comparing the baseline, progression-free survival, and survival outcomes between the two groups. 12 cytokines were detected by flow cytometry, and the relationship between cytokines and renal function was explored.
Results 306 patients with multiple myeloma in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from 2011 to 2021 were enrolled, including 91 patients with acute renal insufficiency. The baseline of the two groups were well matched. ISS stage and immune typing are important predictors. With the advance of the disease course, the prediction ability of the initial disease stage to the prognosis decreased, but the prediction ability of WBC and β2-MG increased. IL-6 (P=0.001) and κ-light chain (P=0.006) were significantly elevated in patients with acute renal insufficiency, and were closely related to the severity of renal function deterioration (P<0.001).
ConclusionsAcute renal insufficiency seriously affects the prognosis of myeloma patients, among which light chain is an important initiating factor. In addition to ISS staging and immunophenotyping, we propose for the first time the predictive value of leukocytes and IL-6 on disease course. And our study provides important evidence for the development of early blood purification therapy.
Surgical site infection secondary to caesarean section: Case report of unrecognized pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Wu Xiaoli , Chen Aner , Tong Yanyan , Wang Yinfen , He Xiaobo
Published: April 2023

Pyoderma gangrenosum(PG) is an uncommon form of ulcerative neutrophilic dermatosisan(ND) presented as painful ulcerated skin at sites of injury or surgery. A 19-year-old primigravida was found signs of ulcerative wound skin defects liking surgical site infection after caesarean section. Despite antibiotic treatment and consecutive debridement procedures were all performed, progressive deterioration of the wound occurred. PG was diagnosed by clinically progressive skin necrosis and negative wound cultures. After several weeks, the abdominal wall defect was surgically corrected with systemic corticosteroid therapy and skin grafting. A sense mutation identified by whole-exome sequencing (WES) was located within NFKB1, chr4:103498062–103498096, which may be related to PG. Postoperative PG can mimic infectious diseases, but the treatment is substantially different. This case of PG highlights the importance of timely recognition and treatment of the disease.
Clinico-mycological study of dermatophytosis among diabetic and non-diabetic patients in a tertiary level hospital – a comparative study
Authors: Rajagopal Abarna , Vinutha Rangappa , Ashwini Padubidri Kombettu , Vidyavathi Chitharagi B , Veeranna Shastry
Published: April 2023

Dermatophytosis is a major public health concern in India, especially in recent years, with an alarmingly rising trend, particularly with relation to recurrent and chronic infection. The number of studies examining the relationship between an individual's glycemic status and the development of dermatophytoses, and a comparison of the evolving species trend between diabetic and non-diabetic patients infected with dermatophytes, is limited. Our aim was to study and compare the clinical and mycological aspects of dermatophytosis among diabetic and non-diabetic patients and to compare the culture isolates in both groups. This study included 378 patients of clinically suspected dermatophytosis, divided into two groups of 189 known diabetics and non-diabetics each. We subsequently analysed and compared the demographics, clinical data, potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount, calcofluor white staining, and fungal culture results of all patients in both groups. Among the 378 patients, the male: female ratio was 1.2:1. Diabetic patients had a significantly greater extent of involvement and higher rates of recurrence when compared to the non-diabetics. The overall positivity rate was higher in Calcofluor white staining (77.8%) as compared to KOH (57.7%) in both non-diabetics and diabetics. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most common isolate(47.6%) in both diabetic (55.0%) and non-diabetic (61.4%) patients, followed by Trichophyton rubrum (31.8% & 29.6% respectively). The overall specificity and sensitivity of the study may have been affected by the possibility that KOH mount findings might have been misinterpreted as false negatives due to cognitive bias and inter-personal observer variance. Due to purposive sampling, we were unable to analyse and compare the total prevalence of dermatophytosis in diabetics and non-diabetics. The pattern of dermatophytosis is comparatively more chronic and severe in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Trichophyton mentagrophytes was the most common culture isolate in both the groups. There was no change in species isolate between both the groups. Calcofluor white staining can potentially be used as the initial method of choice for the diagnosis of dermatophytosis as it has significantly outperformed the conventional KOH mount.
A Wilcoxon--mann--whitney Measure of Effect Size When There Are Two Covariates
Authors: Wilcox Rand
Published: April 2023

A basic method for characterizing the difference between two independent groups is p, the probability that a randomly sampled value from the first group is less than a randomly sampled value from the second group. Recently, a method for making inferences about p was proposed that deals with a covariate. A goal here is to report simulation results when there are two covariates. Included is a suggestion for picking the covariate points. The method is illustrated with data dealing with depressive symptoms among older adults.
Tolerancia: una mirada al acuerdo de paz
Authors: Acevedo Suárez Aurymayerly , Botero-Bernal Andrés
Published: April 2023

Este escrito presenta una lectura del concepto de tolerancia en el texto del acuerdo final para la paz y su importancia en las dinámicas sociales y culturales del posconflicto colombiano. El comprender la trascendencia de tolerar en la etapa del posconflicto y la construcción de una cultura de paz facilita el cambio de las dinámicas sociales y la reconstrucción del tejido social. Se concluye que la tolerancia, como primer nivel de encuentro con el otro, abre el espacio a un acercamiento que permite la participación ciudadana y la implementación del acuerdo de paz; sin embargo, no es suficiente para lograr el reconocimiento de grupos sociales, la reconciliación y el perdón en el marco del pluralismo y la multiculturalidad.
Patient narratives from COVID-19 wards in social media
Authors:   Samara National Research University named after S.P.Korolev, Lekhtsier Vitaliy L. , Gotlib Anna S. ,   Samara National Research University named after S.P.Korolev
Published: April 2023

This article presents the results of an empirical study of the narrative “reports” of patients from СOVID wards, conducted by them in different waves of the pandemic (2020-2021) on social media. The subject of the analysis is the motives for conducting these reports and the typology of patients’ narratives posted on the social network. The analysis was based on the idea of a “digital sickness style” (the combination of the patient’s “sickness role”, family and professional roles and the narrative of illness and treatment while in hospital thanks to the mobile Internet) and the theory of patient storytelling developed by representatives of the “narrative turn” in medical social research. Qualitative analysis of posts (texts and photos) through a netnography optic also took into account the network communication pragmatics, commentators’ reactions to the posts of narrators, affecting the pace and content of patients’ postings. The study identified three motives for online posting by COVID ward patients - to be a source of reliable, first-hand ethnographic knowledge about what is happening in hospital wards, to reassure their online audience, and to gain emotional and informational support from them. The study also identified three types of narratives posted by patients - the “restitution narrative”, “quest narrative”, “angry narrative”. As additional findings, the article offers observations on the differences in the online narratives of СOVID and non-СOVID patients, as well as a number of other constitutive effects of health narrative exchange on the Internet.
Modification of the radiation-based Abtew reference evapotranspiration model under humid climate, Northeast India
Authors: Pandey Pankaj Kumar , Pandey Vanita
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to improve the Abtew model for reference evapotranspiration (ET0) calculation in Northeast India using seven temperature-based solar radiation models. The temperature-based models require only air temperature as input data, which can be easily measured in most locations worldwide. The performance of the improved Abtew models (A1-A7), along with the Stephen Stewart model (SS), the Irmak model (Ir), and the modified Turc model (MT), was evaluated under the climatic conditions of Dibrugarh, Northeast India, using statistical indices such as mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), standard error (SE), coefficient of correlation (r), coefficient of determination (R2), and index of agreement (D). The results showed that the seven improved Abtew models (RMSE = 0.40–0.53 mm/day; D = 0.81–0.93) outperformed the four physical models (RMSE = 0.43–2.77 mm/day; D = 0.49–0.91) for the ET0 estimate at Dibrugarh. The statistical analysis identified that the A6 model ranked highest for Dibrugarh. This study highlights the significant improvement in ET0 estimation accuracy by utilizing temperature-based solar radiation models in the Abtew model. Therefore, we strongly recommend using the A6 model to estimate ET0, which requires only temperature data as input, for estimating ET0 under the climatic conditions of Dibrugarh, Northeast India.
esfera pública frente ao processo de laicização do âmbito moral
Authors: Pizzi Jovino
Published: April 2023

A questão da esfera pública se relaciona com dois aspectos fundamentais. Em primeiro lugar, o debate a respeito da modernidade como tal; e, em segundo, a efervescência do ponto de vista moral delineado desde uma perspectiva laica, isto é, alheio a qualquer religião institucionalizada. Desde o início, a preocupação central de Habermas foi, e continua sendo, o papel do sujeito coautor participativo no âmbito da esfera pública. O foco da teoria do agir comunicativo é o sujeito coautor emancipado capaz de assumir, através do agir comunicativo, a responsabilidade frente aos desafios de uma sociedade com profundos sinais de transformação. O significado de esfera pública não se isola do agir comunicativo. Por isso, não há como rechaçar o fenômeno humano ligado às crenças ou à fé, nem propalar uma moral delineada desde a dogmática religiosa. Então, como entender a razão laica diante dos conteúdos semânticos que a realidade cotidiana apresenta? O que significa justiça no contexto secular e, ao mesmo tempo, plural e multi- étnica e religiosa? Quais os reflexos que esse ponto de vista moral acarreta para a educação?
The Effect of Queen Cell Size Difference in Morphometrics of Bees Queen Apis cerana
Authors: Minarti Sri , Yusryansyah Arga Rama , Masyithoh Dewi
Published: April 2023

The purpose of the study is to know the influence of Queen Cell’s queen on body length, weight, and length of the wing of the ApisCerana bee. The material used is the larvae of honey bees, honey, royal jelly, and queen's cells. The method used was a trial using a completely random design with three treatments in each with five repeats. The tested treatment is Queen Cell with small, medium, and large sizes. The variable measured is body length, weight, and the length of the queen bee wing. Data analyzed using variance analysis or ANOVA, and if there is a significant effect it will be continued with the double distance test of Duncan. The results showed that the different Queen Cell treatment gives a very significant effect (P < 0.01) on each body weight with an average value is 57,30 ± 8,30; 68,20 ± 5,41 and 81,00 ± 7,42 mg, but on length of the body, length of wings and width of thoracic do not give significant effect (P > 0,05). The average value of the consecutive body length is12,43 ± 0,41; 12,57 ± 0,09 dan 12,28 ± 0,18 mm, the average value of the consecutive wings is 8,48 ± 0,29; 8,67 ± 0,17 and 8,74 ± 0,17 mm while the average result of the thoracic width size is 4.04 ± 0.11, 4.14 ± 0.05 and 4.22 ± 0.39 mm
COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM (CBT) MOVING FORWARD: PENTA HELIX DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY THROUGH COMMUNITY LOCAL WISDOM EMPOWERMENT
Authors: Azwar Hendri , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Abd Ghani Arni , Azinuddin Muaz , Mior Shariffuddin Nur Shahirah
Published: April 2023

This paper highlights the key stakeholders' influences on the local community's involvement in CBT development. Further, this paper explores the potential of Penta-Helix multi-stakeholders collaboration as a viable CBT development strategy. Through systematic content analysis, this paper explores the link between CBT, the Penta-Helix development model and how it intertwines with local community wisdom empowerment. This paper identifies three gaps in community-based tourism: i) Shortcomings from the top-down tourism development planning system, ii) the need for more collaboration between the community and the tourism stakeholders and iii) the lack of community local wisdom empowerment. This paper reflects on the nexus between tourism and local community wisdom inclusiveness, particularly in the CBT sustainability realm. This paper highlighted how the Penta-Helix cooperation could be achieved through optimising the community's local wisdom role through collaborative actions by the academics, business, government, and media as tourism core stakeholders.
My Health, My Life, My Way—An Inclusive Web-Based Self-management Program for People With Disabilities Living With Chronic Conditions: Protocol for a Multiphase Optimization Strategy Study
Authors: Evans Eric , Zengul Ayse , Knight Amy , Willig Amanda , Cherrington Andrea , Mehta Tapan , Thirumalai Mohanraj
Published: April 2023

Background

Individuals with disabilities living with chronic health conditions require self-management programs that are accessible, sustainable, inclusive, and adaptable. Health coaching is an effective approach to promoting behavior change in self-management. Health coaching combined with telehealth technology has the potential to improve the overall quality of, and access to, health services.

Objective

This protocol outlines the study design for implementing the My Health, My Life, My Way intervention. The study will assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the intervention for people with disabilities and optimize it.

Methods

The My Health, My Life, My Way study is a 4-arm randomized controlled trial evaluating the delivery of a 6-month intervention involving telecoaching, inclusive educational content, and technology access for 200 individuals with chronic conditions and physical disabilities. This study uses the engineering-inspired multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework to evaluate intervention components and assess whether a combination or lack of individual elements influences behavior. Participants will be randomized to 1 of 4 study arms: scheduled coaching calls and gamified rewards, no scheduled coaching calls and gamified rewards, scheduled coaching calls and flat rewards, and no scheduled coaching calls and flat rewards.

Results

The My Health, My Life, My Way study was approved by the institutional review board of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and recruitment and enrollment will begin in May 2023. Data analysis is expected to be completed within 6 months of ending data collection. This clinical trial protocol was developed based on the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) 2013 statement.

Conclusions

The My Health, My Life, My Way study will help to optimize and improve our understanding of the feasibility and efficacy of a web-based self-management program for people with physical disabilities and chronic conditions. More specifically, My Health, My Life, My Way will determine which combination of interventions (coaching calls and gamification) will result in increased participation in self-management programming. The My Health, My Life, My Way intervention has the potential to become a scalable and novel method to successfully manage chronic conditions in people with disabilities.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05481593; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05481593

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/31694
How People Use Web-Based Parenting Information to Support Others in Their Social Circle: Qualitative Descriptive Study (Preprint)
Authors: El Sherif Reem , Pluye Pierre , Paquet Virginie , Ibekwe Fidelia , Grad Roland
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Almost two-thirds of the North American population have searched for health information on the web, and the majority report searching on behalf of someone else in their social circle, a phenomenon referred to as proxy seeking. Little is known about how proxy seekers use web-based health information and the outcomes they experience.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this study was to explore why proxy seekers used a parenting website on behalf of parents in their social circle and the outcomes they reported.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in the context of a partnership with a web-based parenting resource to explore the contexts and motivations for proxy web-based health information seeking, use of information, and subsequent outcomes. A total of 14 participants who self-identified as family members, friends of parents of young children, or professionals who worked with young children were interviewed, and a thematic analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The following 4 reasons for proxy seeking were uncovered: for reassurance, out of personal curiosity, as part of a professional role, or following an explicit request from the parents. Information was used to provide informational support for parents or material support for a child. Positive outcomes of using the information and some of the resulting interpersonal tensions were described.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides an in-depth look at proxy seeking behavior and outcomes among users of a web-based parenting resource.

CLINICALTRIAL