bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing thoracotomy: A comparison between total intravenous anesthesia and inhalation anesthesia
Authors: Lee Jooyong , Jeong Soontaek , Hwang Jihye , Park Sanghi
Published: October 2024

Objective: Propofol is more effective than inhalational anesthesia; however, the results for the management of acute pain remain controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence of acute pain after inhalation anesthesia and total intravenous anesthesia among patients who underwent thoracotomy at our hospital. Methods: We conducted a single center retrospective observational study using data from electronic medical records. Sixty patients aged ≥20 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I or II who underwent regular and emergency thoracotomy between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2020, at Chungbuk National University Hospital were included in this study. The anesthesia and postoperative pain records of those who received total intravenous anesthesia (n=30) and inhalation anesthesia (n=30) were retrospectively reviewed. The pain score on the numeric rating scale (NRS) was evaluated at 2, 8, 24, and 30 hours postoperatively. Results: The average NRS score of patients who received total intravenous anesthesia was lesser than that of those who received inhalational anesthesia. Moreover, the difference in the NRS scores at eight hours postoperatively was statistically significant (P <0.05). Patients who received inhalational anesthesia had a higher pain score and experienced more severe pain than those who received intravenous anesthesia. Conclusions: Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol-remifentanil provided better analgesia for acute postoperative pain in patients who underwent thoracotomy than inhalational anesthesia, suggesting it may be considered the combination of choice for thoracic surgery.Abbreviations: ASA: American Society of Anesthesiologists, CRTS: Chronic post-thoracotomy pain syndrome, 
GABA: Gamma-aminobutyric acid, IL: Interleukin, NRS: numeric rating scale.doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9907How to cite this: Lee JY, Jeong ST, Hwang JH, Park SH. Postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing thoracotomy: A comparison between total intravenous anesthesia and inhalation anesthesia. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2219-2222.   doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9907This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Eficacy of sulfurous water from Mangalia in Helicobacter Pylori infection: a clinical study
Authors: Dumitrescu Magdalena , Suceveanu Adrian Paul , Iliescu Madalina Gabriela , Petcu Lucian Cristian , Nicoara Alina Doina , Voinea Felix , Suceveanu Andra Iulia
Published: October 2024

Mangalia balneary resort is situated in the south of the Black Sea and uses sulphurous water springs for rehabilitation therapy. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of Mangalia sulphurous water on Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) infection. Considering that sulfurous water has a bacteriostatic effect and that most gastritis are caused by H. Pylori infection, we propose that a group of 27 H. Pylori positive patients with or without digestive symptoms ingest sulfurous water daily, for a few days. At the end of the study, 15 of the patients tested negative for H pylori antigen. The curative effects are due to the bacteriostatic effect of sulfurous water and its stimulating action on the digestive tube.
The use of the 360 MD Huber platform in rehabilitation of lumbar radiculopathies, chronic period
Authors: Gherghel Carmen Liliana , Chiriac Ovidiu Cristian , Iordan Daniel Andrei , Ștefănescu Cătălin Aurelian , Onu Ilie
Published: October 2024

Low back pain (LBP) is a common medical condition with a negative impact on quality of life and work. It also leads to financial costs for the health system by increasing the costs of medical treatment. Numerous studies have focused on the effects of exercise, with some highlighting the role of protective studies in LBP while other studies have shown no beneficial. There is moderate-certainty evidence that therapeutic exercise is beneficial in the treatment of chronic low back pain compared with other treatment modalities. Muscle strengthening and the creation of spinal mobility through specific exercise is a recognized therapeutic approach to the prevention and treatment of LBP. The main objecvtive is to evaluate the effectiveness of a physi-cal therapy program utilizing the 360 Huber platform on the quality of life for individuals with chronic lumbar radiculopathy. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants diagnosed with chronic lumbar radiculopathy. Participants were divided into an ex-perimental group (n=20) receiving the 360 Huber platform-based rehabilitation protocol, and a control group (n=10) continuing standard care. The intervention included 15 sessions of physical therapy on the 360 Huber platform, complemented by electrotherapy and therapeutic massage. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was administered pre- and post-intervention to assess changes in functional outcomes and quality of life. The experimental group demonstrat-ed a significant reduction in ODI scores, with an average decrease of 1.85 points (10.11%) from 18.30 to 16.45. The paired t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) and a very large effect size (1.11), indicating substantial improvements in functional outcomes. The control group showed no significant changes. The rehabilitation protocol using the 360 Huber platform, combined with electrotherapy and therapeutic massage, effectively im-proves functional outcomes and quality of life for patients with chronic lumbar radiculopathy. The study highlights the potential of integrating advanced technology with traditional physical therapy methods to enhance treatment efficacy. Future research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is recommended to confirm these findings and explore additional therapeutic modalities.
Perineal Rehabilitation in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: The Benefits of Vaginal Cone Training
Authors: Villani Federico , Minopoli Bruno , Rigano Damiano , Furau Cristian , Todut Oana Cristina , Ciobanu Victoria , Vornic Ioana , Onel Cristina , Petre Ion
Published: October 2024

Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) are prevalent conditions that affect millions of women worldwide, encompassing a range of issues severely affecting women's quality of life. Pelvic floor muscle strength and function are fundamental to the management and prevention of PFD, and pelvic rehabilitation is a non-invasive approach that effectively improves symptoms, restores function, and prevents complications. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pelvic floor muscle training program using weighted vaginal cones, on pelvic floor muscle function and quality of life in women with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). Fifty-four women aged 26-62 years, with different type of urinary incontinence, cystocele, and prolapse participated in this pre-post intervention comparative analysis. Pelvic floor muscle function was assessed using the PC test, which measures strength, endurance and fatigability, while the impact on patients' quality of life was assessed with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire - Short Form 7 (PFIQ-7). A three-month vaginal cone training regimen was implemented, with as-sessments conducted before the intervention (T0), one month later (T1), and three months later (T2). Data analysis showed a change with significant differences between the PC test score values at the level of each parameter and at each assessment (p<0.05, ES=0.254-511). The scores for bladder and urinary problems Urinary Impact Questionnaire (UIQ-7) significantly de-creased from 38.901 ± 1.268 at T0 to 29.366 ± 2.493 at T2 (W = 1082.000, p < 0.001, ES=0.570). In contrast, the scores for vaginal or pelvic problems (POPIQ-7) showed a slight, insignificant decrease from 12.699 ± 1.128 at T0 to 10.499 ± 2.362 at T2 (W = 278.000, p = 0.800, ES=0.053). fVaginal cone training significantly improves pelvic floor mus-cle function and reduces urynary symptoms in women with PFD.
Postoperative anticipatory anxiety between women and men in patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Tănase Ioana , Stoica Simona-Isabelle , Prada Gabriel-Ioan
Published: October 2024

The subtleties involved in the post-surgical recovery of people suffering from spinal cord injuries involve notable psychological issues that require further examination. (1) Background: people affected by spinal cord injuries may experience severe symptoms, as motor skill deficits, sensory processing irregularities, and pain, all of which can have a negative impact on their quality of life and mental health.; (2) Methods: we studied 264 patients hospitalized in the Neurosurgery Clinic 2 of the "Bagdar Arseni" Hospital for acute spinal cord injuries, in 2 groups of patients with and without CBT psychotherapy; (3) Results: we studied 97 women and 167 men; average anxiety was lower in women compared to men, showing a decreasing trend after psychotherapy for both sexes (4) Conclusions: we discovered that anticipatory anxiety after spinal cord injuries is high, especially in male patients. And psychotherapy brings benefits in reducing anxiety for both categories of patients, regardless of the age group they belong to.
Role of psychological intervention on the quality of life of the patient with spinal cord injury undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging examination
Authors: Tănase Ioana , Stoica Simona-Isabelle , Prada Gabriel-Ioan
Published: October 2024

In the modern world, technological progress has also been accompanied by an increase in traumatic suffering, including those followed by spinal cord injury. The severity of spinal cord injury requires an understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of patient management. Spinal cord lesions impair physical capabilities and tend to reduce the quality of life, thus creating the need for psychological intervention. In order to do the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it has been observed that patients frequently experience distress (1) Background: The research highlights the significant influence that psychological interventions have on improving the quality of life of patients undergoing MRI, who have sustained spinal cord injury; (2) Methods: we studied 78 patients hospitalized in the Neurosurgery Clinic 2 of the "Bagdasar Arseni" Hospital for acute spinal cord injuries, in 2 groups of patients with and without psychotherapy, for which we later applied the quality of life test; (3) Results: We observe how, in 2017, SCI were more frequent in the adult male population and psychotherapeutic treatment was slightly more effective in improving QOL in male patients.; (4) Conclusions: For the 27 patients investigated by MRI and operated for SCI in the Neurosurgery Clinic 2 of the "Bagdasar Arseni" Hospital, the average quality of life was higher after the psychotherapy, both for female patients and for male patients and. The psychotherapeutic response and improved quality of life were higher in male patients.
Update in exploring the connection and clinical implications between vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Georgescu Bianca , Oprea Doinița , Georgescu Bogdan-Alexandru , Lungu Cristina-Mădălina , Borgazi Erdin , Iliescu Mădălina-Gabriela
Published: October 2024

Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent joint disorder characterized by cartilage degeneration, pain, and impaired physical function. Vitamin D might be implicated in the management of knee osteoarthritis through its effects on bone health, cartilage preservation, inflammation modulation, and muscle function. This literature review aims to synthesize the current state of literature to provide information about the correlation between vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify studies published in the last ten years investigating the association between vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cartilage degeneration and more severe symptomatology of knee osteoarthritis. The evidence supports an association between vitamin D levels and knee osteoarthritis, but with some studies showing mixed results, there is a need for further research.
Interesting, oftentimes even trendy! Attitudes of medical students regarding spa medicine
Authors: Rapp Alexander M. , Lerch David
Published: October 2024

The popularity of balneology and medical climatology among medical students has scarcely been investigated but may represent a pertinent topic for the field. Methods: A survey was conducted among 53 German medical students (80% female; mean age 22.5 years; 39% pre-clinical stage) on attitudes and interest in spa medicine, their associations with the German terms ‘Kur’ (cure) and ‘Kurortmedizin’ (spa medicine; health resort medicine) and their own health behaviour. Associations with cures were recorded using a visual analogue scale (vas). Results: A majority (72%) of the sample indicated support for the inclusion of more information about spa medicine in university curricula. Spa medicine is associated with older individuals, but with less association to overweight and psychiatric patients. The data for the statements "a spa treatment is up-to-date" and "spa treatment is effective" exhibited a normal distribution in the sample. A significant proportion of respondents reported practicing thermal baths, healthy nutrition, sauna, and Kneipp medicine themselves. Implications: The majority of medical students classified spa medicine as interesting and relevant and do not see it as old-fashioned. This interest should be encouraged in university teaching. Interesting points of reference also arise in relation to predictors of career choice among future physicians.
Evolución, necesidades y tendencias de la relación entre capital social, emprendimiento social e innovación social: una revisión sistemática de literatura
Authors: Lara Figueroa Derly Cibelly , Duque Oliva Edison Jair
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: el paulatino crecimiento de la literatura sobre capital social (CS), emprendimiento social (ES) e innovación social (IS) apoyado en resultados de investigaciones empíricas que sustentan su interacción permitió delimitar la necesidad de identificar la dinámica, las tendencias (teóricas y metodológicas), los vacíos y las necesidades de esta relación. Metodología: a partir de la declaración PRISMA-2020 se desarrolló una revisión sistemática de literatura soportada en un análisis bibliométrico y de contenido. Resultados principales: se evidenció que los conceptos de ES e IS siguen siendo ambiguos y los campos fragmentados, de ahí la necesidad de elaborar contribuciones analíticas, conceptuales y teóricas; formular hipótesis articuladas a los antecedentes, consecuencias y circunstancias bajo las que operan, y establecer un conjunto de objetivos y preguntas de investigación. Entre tanto, el CS configura un campo de más de 40 años, en el que todavía hay la necesidad de estudios de orden epistémico y metodológico con un enfoque multinivel. Conclusiones: es necesario para la evolución del campo de conocimiento avanzar en estudios que teoricen y expliquen la incidencia de y la interacción entre el CS desde sus diferentes niveles de análisis respecto al ES y a la IS.
Auditor Skill Demands and Audit Quality: Evidence from Job Postings
Authors: Ham Charles , Hann Rebecca N. , Rabier MaryJane , Wang Wenfeng
Published: October 2024

This study empirically examines the relation between audit quality and auditors’ cognitive and social skills. Using a novel data set of online job postings by accounting firms, we document substantial variation in the stated demand for auditors’ cognitive and social skills, suggesting that audit offices are not homogeneous in their preferences for such skills. We find a positive relation between audit quality and the prevalence of cognitive and social skills within an audit office’s job postings. This association is stronger for audit engagements that are more complex or require greater coordination, suggesting that cognitive and social skills are particularly important in engagements where effective communication and knowledge transfer, as well as sound professional judgment and skepticism, are needed. The association is also stronger for audit offices with greater investments in new technology, consistent with the complementary relation between cognitive and social skills and the use of technology. Overall, our study offers empirical evidence linking specific auditor skills to audit quality.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.

Funding: C. Ham acknowledges financial support from the Blanche “Peg” Philpott Faculty Fellowship. R. N. Hann acknowledges financial support from KPMG. W. Wang acknowledges the financial support from the Hong Kong Research Grant Council [Grant 11503720].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01640 .
Point-of-care ultrasound in resource-limited environments: a review
Authors: O'Kelly Aebhric
Published: October 2024

Ultrasound is a standard assessment modality in hospital and prehospital settings. It is becoming more accessible in remote, austere and resource-limited environments.

Aim:

This article aims to review the literature on the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) imaging in low- to medium-income countries (LMICs) and by practitioners working in remote and austere out-of-hospital environments.

Methods:

Fifteen articles published between 2019 and 2023 found via PubMed were identified and analysed.

Results:

The 15 papers present the use of ultrasound imaging by practitioners in LMICs: six were systemic reviews; five were narrative reviews; two were randomised clinical trials; and two were case studies.

Conclusions:

Few articles focusing on POCUS use in LMICs were published over the five-year period. However, the number of publications increased over the years. Of the 15 studies in this review, six (40%) were systematic reviews, five (33%) were narrative reviews, two (13%) were random clinical trials and two (13%) were case studies. All studies were conducted in district hospitals or other resource-limited environments. The studies have revealed a significant increase in POCUS use over the past few years, with the majority of the devices now being smartphone-based. This is a promising development in POCUS use in austere environments.
Wristwatches in bare-below-the-elbows out-of-hospital policies: time for a review
Authors: Strudwick Thomas
Published: October 2024

Background:

Bare-below-the-elbows (BBE) policies are common in infection prevention and control strategies but the evidence relating to wristwatch prohibition is slim and varied in quality. No dispensation is considered for those working outside hospital, which poses unique infection prevention and control challenges. Blanket approaches may be putting patients at further risk of healthcare-acquired infections (HCAIs).

Aims:

This review aimed to collate evidence and bring clarity to the ongoing debate surrounding mandated BBE policy, specifically relating to wristwatches worn within the prehospital setting.

Methods:

Three searches were undertaken, and results refined against an inclusion criterion to ensure relevance.

Findings:

Wristwatches can be considered a vector for HCAI; however, most data on this are confounded by other known risk factors. No studies were conducted outside a hospital environment. Alternative time sources used by clinicians such as touchscreen phones are a significant pathogen vector.

Conclusion:

Four policy evidence-based recommendations are made in relation to this topic. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) should review this topic as the evidence base underpinning its guidance is inadequate.
Paramedics’ anxiety and concerns around traumatic events: a Delphi study
Authors: Alshamrani Abdullah , Gosling Cameron , Alzobaidi Sultan , Williams Brett
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Trauma is a major problem in Saudi Arabia and a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. In 2018, road traffic injuries and trauma were the second-leading cause of death after ischaemic heart disease. There is a lack of research that explores the psychological effects on emergency medical service (EMS) professionals of providing prehospital care at trauma events. This study aims to identify which trauma cases cause the most anxiety and concern among EMS professionals.

Methods:

A study using a two-round Delphi method was undertaken online with EMS professionals working for the Saudi Red Crescent Authority.

Results:

In the initial round, one item—road traffic collision—achieved 70% consensus that it caused significant anxiety and concern; the second round did not achieve any consensus regarding other types of incident.

Conclusion:

Road traffic collisions are a leading cause of death and, based on the participants’ responses, they cause paramedics the most anxiety and concern of all case types.
Employing single-cell RNA sequencing coupled with an array of bioinformatics approaches to ascertain the shared genetic characteristics between osteoporosis and obesity
Authors: Liu Dingzhuo , Cao Fangming , Liu Dian , Li Hao , Tao Lin , Zhu Yue
Published: October 2024

Aims

This study examined the relationship between obesity (OB) and osteoporosis (OP), aiming to identify shared genetic markers and molecular mechanisms to facilitate the development of therapies that target both conditions simultaneously.

Methods

Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we analyzed datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify co-expressed gene modules in OB and OP. These modules underwent Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment and protein-protein interaction analysis to discover Hub genes. Machine learning refined the gene selection, with further validation using additional datasets. Single-cell analysis emphasized specific cell subpopulations, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), protein blotting, and cellular staining were used to investigate key genes.

Results

WGCNA revealed critical gene modules for OB and OP, identifying the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling pathway as a common factor. TLR2 was the most significant gene, with a pronounced expression in macrophages. Elevated TLR2 expression correlated with increased adipose accumulation, inflammation, and osteoclast differentiation, linking it to OP development.

Conclusion

Our study underscores the pivotal role of TLR2 in connecting OP and OB. It highlights the influence of TLR2 in macrophages, driving both diseases through a pro-inflammatory mechanism. These insights propose TLR2 as a potential dual therapeutic target for treating OP and OB.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(10):573–587.
Gender and Advertising: Europe, Latin America, and North America
Authors: Knight Christina , Grow Jean M. , Mensa Marta , Timke Edward
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This article captures the perspectives of three advertising experts who spoke at Michigan State University on gender and advertising for an international advertising course. Christina Noble Knight, executive creative director of UKnight in Sweden, discussed Sweden's advancements in gender equality, highlighting how advertising both reflects and shapes societal norms. She pointed out that while Sweden leads many countries in progressive policies like universal healthcare and parental leave, challenges such as gender pay gaps and limited numbers of women in leadership persist in advertising agencies, especially regarding race, ethnicity, and disability. Dr. Marta Mensa, from the University of North Texas, examined gender disparities in Latin American advertising, focusing on systemic barriers that women face in creative roles in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Peru. Her research revealed low female representation and pervasive discrimination. Dr. Jean Grow, professor emerita at Marquette University, critiqued the state of American advertising, especially after the #MeToo movement. Grow emphasized the industry's slow progress in addressing gender inequality and holding company's lack of accountability. Across the talks, the speakers stressed the importance of structural changes, the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in advertising, and the role that advertising can play in empowering underrepresented groups and promoting societal change.
Timely Hospitality and Cholera Care in Mary Seacole’s Wonderful Adventures
Authors: Reilly Bridget
Published: October 2024

Abstract: In Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole in Many Lands (1857), Mary Seacole investigates assumptions about where bodies should be and how they should be treated during times of cholera epidemic, negotiating ideas promoted by race science and maintained within the disciplined orderings of certain nineteenth-century medical spaces. Offering an alternative to these temporal orderings, Seacole revives antiquated formations of medicine, centered on the early Christian hospital, while also drawing upon diasporic knowledge cast outside the bounds of medical modernity. In doing so, Wonderful Adventures illustrates that “progress” does not necessarily entail ethical advancements. Seacole’s hotels, medical praxis, and theories of nature and disease simultaneously borrow from and offer alternatives to the liberal, linear orderings of a history written in European centers of science.
“I’ll Wait No Longer”: Emigration, Speculation, and Utopia in Martin R. Delany’s Blake (1859)
Authors: Syvertsen Adam
Published: October 2024

Abstract: I argue that Martin Delany’s Blake; or, The Huts of America (1859) endorses a radical, speculative, and utopian political project whereby the possibility of Black liberation in the Americas is dependent on a revolutionary dismantling and restructuring of the institutions and apparatuses that uphold systemic white supremacy. Expressed formally in the fugitive movements of its protagonist, the novel oscillates between critiques of slavery and the animating, trace images of the society to come. Ultimately in utopian fashion, each instance of changing places becomes in the novel a speculative occasion for considering the ways in which a place may be changed .
From Laggard to Innovator: Barbara Fruchter and the 1970s-Era Movement to Deinstitutionalize Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice
Authors: Schlossman Michael B.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: Using diverse archival sources and oral history interviews, this essay examines how volunteer activist women in the 1970s galvanized support to pass major legislative reforms that made Pennsylvania a model for how to implement the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) of 1974 at the state level. Horrified by conditions they witnessed on a tour of a nearby juvenile detention center, three Philadelphia area women created a broad-based coalition—centered in the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) of Pennsylvania—to improve local conditions of confinement and spearhead novel policies to transform juvenile justice statewide. Focusing on Barbara Fruchter, JJC cofounder and de facto leader of the state’s deinstitutionalization campaign, this essay probes how a now well-accepted idea in juvenile justice—treating the great majority of delinquent youth in small community-based rather than large institutional programs—was first envisioned and introduced into American juvenile justice a half-century ago.
All-fiber-integrated photodetector with low dark current and fast response based on a Cu-MgF2-FA0.4MA0.6PbI3 metal-insulator-semiconductor structure
Authors: jie liu , Yinping Miao , Li Xiaolan , Zhang Yuchen , Wang Yanxi
Published: October 2024

All-fiber-integrated photodetectors (AFPDs) have low coupling loss with current main-stream optical fiber system, and exhibits an ultra-high photoresponsivity at low optical radiation energy. Most AFPDs are meal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) structure, and the work function difference between metal and semiconductor is small, it will produce a larger dark current. The susceptibility to undesirable chemical reactions between the metal and semiconductor interfaces, which limits the performance of devices. In the pa-per, an AFPD based on Cu-MgF2-FA0.4MA0.6PbI3 metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structure were proposed. The MgF2 insulating layer inserted between the Cu electrode and the perovskite not only improves the undesirable reaction between Cu and perov-skite, but also raises the potential barrier at the metal-semiconductor contact interface, thus, the dark current is effectively reduced. The MIS structure also has a strong built-in electric field that reduces the transit time of the photogenerated carriers, which enhances the response speed of the device. The experimental results show that the device dark current can reach a minimum of 8.79×10-10 A at -1 V bias voltage, which is approximate-ly 106 orders of magnitude lower than that of previously reported devices. The photo-to-dark current ratio is 84. The response time of the device on the rising and falling edges is 8.8 ms and 2.5 ms, respectively. The response of the device can reach 0.69 A/W. The proposed device has the advantages of high stability, low dark current, short response time and all-fiber integration. It provides a reliable solution for the development of high-performance AFPDs.
Evaluation of novel tablet-based AIM and FInD color vision tests
Authors: Arthur Christabel , He Jingyi , Skerswetat Jan , Bex Peter , Crognale Michael
Published: October 2024

Numerous computer-based tests are available for evaluating color vision deficiencies (CVD). Here we evaluate a tablet-based platform that utilizes two different novel paradigms– the Angular Indication Measurement (AIM) and the Foraging Interactive D-prime (FInD) to measure both detection and discrimination. AIM and FInD detection tests perform comparably to the Cambridge Colour Test (CCT) and the Mollon-Reffin tests with FInD tests yielding higher correlations. AIM and FInD discrimination tests also correlate reasonably well with the FM 100-Hue total error score. Our results suggest that the AIM and FInD tablet tests provide relatively rapid, useful, and informative CVD screening suitable for research and the clinic.
Transforming landscapes: Decoding the impact of universities on urbanization using advanced modeling and perception analysis
Authors: Rahman Md. Naimur , Saleheen Md. Mushfiqus , Ahmad Babor , El Fadili Hamza , Sharifuzzaman Sagar A. S. M. , Sohel Md. Salman , Jahan Shahnaj Husne , Sarker Md. Fouad Hossain , Islam Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Azim Syed Anowerul
Published: October 2024

Universities play a crucial role in urban economic and structural development. The government of Bangladesh has undertaken the initiative to establish a public university in each of the 64 districts. These newly founded universities have the potential to impact urban growth significantly. We aimed to project university-induced urban expansion to address this knowledge gap and identify the mechanisms driving urban growth. The classification of supervised and unsupervised methods was employed to analyze urban development for the years 2000, 2010, 2016, and 2022. We used the Cellular Automata and Markov Chain approach to forecast future urban growth and land transition capacity. Additionally, the driving factors and selection of the study area were derived from Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Key Informant Interviews (KII), Probit Model, and Perception Index (PI). The findings of this study reveal a 1.6% urban growth rate within ten years of the establishment of the university, while urban expansion accelerated to 29.78% after ten years. The predictions also indicate a sustained urban growth rate of 4.7% by 2042. Furthermore, the PI index demonstrates that the establishment of the university has resulted in high demand for rental housing, serving as one of the primary drivers of urban expansion. Moreover, the Probit model highlights strong economic capability, proximity to the town, railway station, hospital, and easy access to credit as vital facilitators behind the drivers of urban expansion. Policymakers, the scientific community, and urban planners can benefit from this study in pursuing sustainable city development through university establishment.
Impact of pain on functional status and quality of life in Jordanian women with breast cancer
Authors: AL-Atiyyat Nijmeh , Salem Hanan Fakhri , Hamam Ammar Hisham Mustafa
Published: October 2024

Background

Currently, breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer affecting women, and the number of newly diagnosed cases continues to increase both in Jordan and globally. Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, the suffering experienced by patients intensifies as they grapple with the debilitating side effects that hinder their ability to carry out routine activities.

Purpose

This study aims to assess the impact of cancer pain on functional status and quality of life (QOL) among Jordanian women with breast cancer.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional design and structured interviews were conducted in the Oncology Unit at Al-Bashir Hospital with a sample of 150 eligible Jordanian women with breast cancer who provided data on pain and functional status, and QOL using four Arabic questionnaires (brief pain inventory, functional status SF-12 questionnaire, and quality of life index) to measure pain and functional status and QOL, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression statistical test were utilized to analyze the study data.

Results

A Significant positive correlation (r = 0.342) was found between cancer pain and functional status interference, a significant negative correlation (r = -0.134) between quality of life and functional status interference, and a significant negative correlation (r = -0.211) between pain and quality of life. Patients with higher intensity of cancer pain are more likely to experience low functional status and poor QOL.

Conclusion

Breast cancer patients experience alterations in their quality of life as a result of cancer-related pain, which has a detrimental impact on their ability to carry out daily activities and disrupts their functional abilities. Healthcare providers must take these alterations into account and effectively handle them. Understanding the relationship between cancer pain and breast cancer can aid nurses in managing symptoms and providing holistic care, ultimately improving the quality of life.
Effectiveness of health partners coordination for COVID-19 pandemic response in Nepal
Authors: Mishra Sangeeta Kaushal , Adhikari Samir Kumar , Sah Pavan Kumar , Gocotano Allison Eugenio , Neupane Subash , Thapa Barsha , Devkota Gaurav
Published: October 2024

Background

Nepal established the health partner coordination for COVID-19 response based on national and international plans and framework to support information-sharing for decision- making and course correction. This paper aims to assess the performance of COVID-19 Health Partner Coordination response in Nepal by adopting coordination best practices and tools from the international humanitarian cluster system.

Methods

Secondary data from unpublished documents on health partner coordination for COVID-19 response in Nepal was collected and analysed from April 2023 to May 2023. The secondary data were from the review of the health partner coordination meetings conducted for COVID-19 response using a researcher-developed document review tool, responses of health partners on a survey tool adapted from the cluster coordination performance monitoring tool from the Global Health Cluster, and transcript of Focused Group Discussion among health partners. Descriptive analysis of quantitative information and thematic analysis with predefined themes of qualitative information were performed using MS Excel and MS Word respectively. A written approval from the Ministry of Health and Population and an ethical clearance from the Nepal Health Research Council was obtained before conducting the study.

Results

More than three-fifths of the meetings showed good results in conduction, process, participation, and documentation of meeting action points with improvement required for follow-up (22.2%). Assessment of health partner coordination subfunctions resulted in either ‘good’ (>75.0%) or ‘satisfactory’ (50.1%-75.0%) except for prioritization based on analyses, which was ‘unsatisfactory’ (<50%). Partners admired good practices of health partner coordination, pointed out some issues, and provided recommendations.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of effective coordination of health sector for response to a pandemic. Continuation of this practice after addressing the areas for improvement will contribute to health preparedness and readiness for future disasters or public health emergencies.
How did COVID-19 case distribution associate with the urban built environment? A community-level exploration in Shanghai focusing on non-linear relationship
Authors: Gao Jingyi , Ge Yifu , Murao Osamu , Dong Yitong , Zhai Guofang
Published: October 2024

Several associations between the built environment and COVID-19 case distribution have been identified in previous studies. However, few studies have explored the non-linear associations between the built environment and COVID-19 at the community level. This study employed the March 2022 Shanghai COVID-19 pandemic as a case study to examine the association between built-environment characteristics and the incidence of COVID-19. A non-linear modeling approach, namely the boosted regression tree model, was used to investigate this relationship. A multi-scale study was conducted at the community level based on buffers of 5-minute, 10-minute, and 15-minute walking distances. The main findings are as follows: (1) Relationships between built environment variables and COVID-19 case distribution vary across scales of analysis at the neighborhood level. (2) Significant non-linear associations exist between built-environment characteristics and COVID-19 case distribution at different scales. Population, housing price, normalized difference vegetation index, Shannon’s diversity index, number of bus stops, floor–area ratio, and distance from the city center played important roles at different scales. These non-linear results provide a more refined reference for pandemic responses at different scales from an urban planning perspective and offer useful recommendations for a sustainable COVID-19 post-pandemic response.
Biogeography of the Iranian snakes
Authors: Moradi Naeim , Joger Ulrich , Shafiei Bafti Soheila , Sharifi Ali , SehhatiSabet Mohammad Ebrahim
Published: October 2024

The events of the Cenozoic era such as mountain formation caused Iran to become one of the most amazing biodiversity hotspots in the world today. This pioneering study on Iranian snake biogeography integrates historical and ecological analyses. A phylogeographic review traces speciation and dispersal, while cluster analysis with a new snake checklist assesses faunistic similarities within Iran and its surroundings. Jaccard and Sorenson indices generate similarity dendrograms, Indicator Species Analysis pinpoints regional key species, and Endemism index calculates regional endemism rates, enriching our knowledge of Iran’s species diversity. Phylogeographic analyses identify four biogeographical corridors for snake ingress into Iran: the Arabian region through southwestern Iran, the Western Asian mountainous transition zone via northwestern Iran, the Turanian region into northeastern Iran, and the Indus River Valley into southeastern and eastern Iran. Dendrogram analysis divides snake fauna into three groups. The first group associates western Zagros and Khuzestan fauna with the Sahara and Arabian regions. The second group links Kopet Dagh and Turkmen Steppe fauna with the Turanian region, and Central Plateau and Baluchistan fauna with the Iranian region. The third group connects northwest highlands, Alborz and Zagros mountains, and Caspian Sea coasts with the Western Asian Mountain transition zone. The study validates broad biogeographic patterns via ecoregional associations and indicator species analysis, providing finer resolution. Species like Platyceps najadum in Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests exemplify ecoregional alignment, while Zagros and Alborz mountains exhibit unique faunal indicators, indicating species-level divergence. Shared indicators among widespread ecoregions reflect habitat continuity; exclusive indicators emphasize regional distinctiveness. Despite endemic species prevalence, they seldom act as significant indicators due to various factors. Our research confirms the Zagros Mountains, Khuzestan Plain, Alborz Mountains, and Persian Gulf coasts as snake diversity hotspots, marked by higher species richness compared to other Iranian regions.
Machine learning algorithms to predict treatment success for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Ahamed Fayaz Shaik , Babu Lakshmanan , Paridayal Loganathan , Vasantha Mahalingam , Paramasivam Palaniyandi , Sundarakumar Karuppasamy , Ponnuraja Chinnaiyan
Published: October 2024

Despite advancements in detection and treatment, tuberculosis (TB), an infectious illness caused by the Mycobacterium TB bacteria, continues to pose a serious threat to world health. The TB diagnosis phase includes a patient’s medical history, physical examination, chest X-rays, and laboratory procedures, such as molecular testing and sputum culture. In artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) is an advanced study of statistical algorithms that can learn from historical data and generalize the results to unseen data. There are not many studies done on the ML algorithm that enables the prediction of treatment success for patients with pulmonary TB (PTB). The objective of this study is to identify an effective and predictive ML algorithm to evaluate the detection of treatment success in PTB patients and to compare the predictive performance of the ML models. In this retrospective study, a total of 1236 PTB patients who were given treatment under a randomized controlled clinical trial at the ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India were considered for data analysis. The multiple ML models were developed and tested to identify the best algorithm to predict the sputum culture conversion of TB patients during the treatment period. In this study, decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM) and naïve bayes (NB) models were validated with high performance by achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) greater than 80%. The salient finding of the study is that the DT model was produced as a better algorithm with the highest accuracy (92.72%), an AUC (0.909), precision (95.90%), recall (95.60%) and F1-score (95.75%) among the ML models. This methodology may be used to study the precise ML model classification for predicting the treatment success of TB patients during the treatment period.
The effect of corticosteroids in developing active pulmonary tuberculosis among patients with COVID-19
Authors: Praphakornmano Thanas , Torvorapanit Pattama , Siranart Noppachai , Ohata Pirapon June , Suwanpimolkul Gompol
Published: October 2024

Corticosteroids can reduce the mortality rate among patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. However, opportunistic infections such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis are of concern, especially among those on high doses of corticosteroids. It is unknown whether the risk of developing subsequent TB infection is high or not among COVID-19 patients on high doses of corticosteroids. Hence, this study was conducted to address this gap of knowledge. We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from October 12, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Two hundred forty-three participants with documented COVID-19 diagnosis on high dose corticosteroids were enrolled into the study. Baseline characteristics and risk factors of developing TB were collected. The prevalence of TB was significantly different among participants with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 2–4 and chronic lung diseases. The incidence of TB post 1-year diagnosis of COVID-19 was 4 out of 243 patients (1.6%) or 1,646 cases per 100,000 person-year. The mortality rate among subsequent TB group was significantly much higher than the non-TB group (50% vs 0.4%; p-value = 0.001). COVID-19 participants on high doses of corticosteroids also were co-infected with other infections such as bacteria (37.1%), fungi (5.3%), and Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJP) (1.2%). We found that the incidence of TB in participants with COVID-19 on high doses of corticosteroids was 11 times higher than the general population. Therefore, we recommend screening for latent TB among these patients to prevent/early diagnose TB disease.
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American college students and COVID-19-related racial discrimination: Mental health and the moderating role of ethnic identity
Authors: Bañada Ronna , Oh Hans , Jang Yuri , Wu Shinyi , Javier Joyce , Liang Jiaming , Palinkas Lawrence A.
Published: October 2024

Background

In 2020, the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) triggered the latest wave of anti-Asian discrimination. During the first year of the pandemic, symptoms of depression and anxiety increased seven-fold within Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) communities. Among this population, APIDA college students were at particularly high risk for mental health challenges due to COVID-19-related racial discrimination. This study examined the association between COVID-19-related racial discrimination and the mental health of APIDA college students, conceptualizing ethnic identity as a moderator in the association.

Methods

Secondary analysis was conducted on data from 2,559 APIDA college students aged 18 to 29 who participated in the Fall and Winter/Spring Cohorts of the 2020–2021 Healthy Minds Study (HMS), a non-probability web-based survey administered to students in higher education in the United States. Descriptive statistics, comparative analysis (e.g., Chi-square and t-test), and multivariable linear regression were conducted using STATA 17.1 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX). Survey weights were applied in all analyses.

Results

There were significant positive associations between COVID-19-related racial discrimination and symptoms of depression (b = 2.15, p < 0.001) and anxiety (b = 1.81, p < 0.001) among the overall sample. Furthermore, a greater sense of ethnic identity was associated with lower symptoms of depression (b = -0.15, p< 0.001) among the overall sample. Finally, ethnic identity buffered the association between COVID-19-related racial discrimination and symptoms of anxiety among East Asian students and symptoms of both depression and anxiety among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. In contrast, ethnic identity intensified the association between COVID-19-related racial discrimination and symptoms of depression among Filipino students.

Conclusions

The research found that COVID-19-related racial discrimination was associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety among the full sample of APIDA college students during the first year of the pandemic. Additionally, higher levels of ethnic identity were associated with decreased depression among the entire group. The striking results on the moderating role of ethnic identity among subgroups call for further research on the ethnic identity development of APIDA college students, to help mitigate the effects of racial discrimination within a variety of systemic, complex, and dynamic sociocultural contexts.