bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dados de conexão Wi-Fi e campus universitário: estudos sobre dinâmica humana e privacidade
Authors: Pavan Luís Henrique , Oliveira Lucas Fernandes de , Mangrich Camila Poeta , Almeida Renato Luiz Martins de , Gomes Fernanda de Oliveira , Martina Jean Everson , Kós José Ripper
Published: November 2021

A ciência de dados tem aumentado a capacidade de análise de edifícios, infraestruturas e sistemas urbanos, ampliando o alcance e o impacto das decisões de gestão e projeto. Na metodologia utilizada, a interdependência entre a privacidade dos usuários e os algoritmos é essencial em face da Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais e da interdisciplinaridade da pesquisa. Apresentam-se três estudos tendo por base o uso de dados de acesso à rede Wi-Fi da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. O primeiro considera a mobilidade pelos deslocamentos externos da comunidade acadêmica até o campus. No segundo, o ambiente pedagógico e as relações entre o deslocamento interno e o território da universidade são abordadas, focalizando interações presenciais. O último estudo avalia a densidade demográfica dos edifícios através do número de conexões Wi-Fi como uma das ferramentas possíveis para o planejamento das atividades presenciais interrompidas devido a COVID-19. Visando facilitar o compartilhamento e acelerar a visualização destas informações, o Kepler.gl é utilizado como ferramenta de visualização e análise dos dados obtidos. Os resultados fornecem maior compreensão sobre mobilidade extra-campus e interações humanas intra-campus, expondo a fragmentação territorial universitária. Faz-se também um reposicionamento conceitual da produção urbana das Smart Cities, considerando negativas as adesões acríticas ao conceito ao propor um fomento do campus enquanto espaço público de aprendizado e de transformação social.
Avaliação da ocorrência de sinusopatias em radiografia panorâmica de uma clínica-escola do extremo sul de Santa Catarina
Authors: Dordette Gabriela , Guezzi Sarah , Rodrigues Andrigo Manyurato , Maragno Ângela Catarina
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: Avaliar a ocorrência de sinusopatias em 1095 pacientes que realizaram radiografias panorâmicas em uma clínica-escola do extremo sul catarinense, atendidos entre 2014 e o primeiro semestre de 2019. Método: O presente trabalho refere-se a uma pesquisa quantitativa, retrospectiva, descritiva, documental e de campo. Todas as radiografias panorâmicas digitais presentes neste estudo foram realizadas por um equipamento Eagle (Dabi Atlante, SP, Brasil) com fatores radiográficos de aproximadamente 70 kV e 10 mA, ajustados de acordo com critérios individuais de cada caso, com tempo de exposição de 13 segundos e com uso do sensor digital CMOS. As imagens foram avaliadas por um cirurgião-dentista especialista em radiologia odontológica. Resultados: A pesquisa foi constituída majoritariamente por pacientes do sexo feminino de faixa etária adulta. Resultou-se que, das radiografias panorâmicas avaliadas nesta pesquisa, 35,8% apresentaram alterações em seios maxilares e as sinusopatias mais encontradas foram pseudocisto de retenção e sinusite crônica. Não houve relevância estatística entre as alterações encontradas em relação à idade ou ao gênero. Conclusão: A radiografia panorâmica é um exame complementar de ampla utilização na área odontológica que pode permitir a identificação de alterações nos seios maxilares, no entanto, quando há sinusopatias, deve ser associada ao exame clínico para correto diagnóstico.
Tissue Sodium Storage in Patients With Heart Failure: A New Therapeutic Target?
Authors: Lemoine Sandrine , Salerno Fabio R. , Akbari Alireza , McKelvie Robert S. , McIntyre Christopher W.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Preclinical data suggest sodium deposited (without water) in tissues may lead to aberrant remodeling and systemic inflammation, independently of fluid overload in patients with heart failure (HF). Tissue salt storage can be measured noninvasively and quantitatively with
23
Na-magnetic resonance imaging. We aimed to investigate the possibility that patients with HF complicated by renal dysfunction are subject to higher tissue sodium concentration exposure than patients with chronic kidney disease alone.

Methods:

We conducted an exploratory study including 18 patients with HF, 34 hemodialysis patients (with no meaningful renal clearance of sodium), and 31 patients with chronic kidney disease, with glomerular filtration rate matched to the patients with HF. Every patient underwent
23
Na-magnetic resonance imaging of the calf, to quantify tissue sodium and allow comparison among the 3 patient groups.

Results:

There were no differences in age, sex, and body mass index between groups. Median (interquartile range) skin sodium content in HF (31 [23–37] mmol/L) was very high and indistinguishable from skin sodium content in hemodialysis patients (30 [22–35] mmol/L),
P
=0.6. Patients with HF exhibited significantly higher skin sodium content than matched estimated glomerular filtration rate chronic kidney disease patients (22 [19–26] mmol/L),
P
=0.005. Median muscle sodium content in patients with HF was significantly higher than in patients with chronic kidney disease,
P
=0.002. There was no relationship with estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with HF. We report a significant correlation between skin sodium and urinary sodium (
P
=0.04) but no correlation with muscle sodium. Patients who were assessed as being volume depleted (sodium excretion fraction <1%) had lower skin sodium content than patients with sodium excretion fraction >1% (
P
=0.03).

Conclusions:

We have demonstrated that patients with HF characteristically have very high levels of skin sodium storage, comparable to well-characterized extreme levels seen in patients with end-stage kidney disease requiring hemodialysis.
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Na-magnetic resonance imaging may allow precision medicine in the management of this challenging group of patients with HF.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03004547.
Four new species of Thubdora Park, 2018 and one new species of Torodora Meyrick, 1894 (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae, Torodorinae) from Tanzania
Authors: PARK KYU-TEK , CHO SOOWON
Published: November 2021

Four new species of Thubdora Park, 2018 and one new species of Torodora Meyrick,1894 are described from Tanzania. The new species are Thubdora forficatalis Park & Cho, sp. nov., T. mufindiensis Park & Cho, sp. nov., T. ochrospilosa Park & Cho, sp. nov., T. tanzaniana Park & Cho, sp. nov., and Torodora melanonota Park & Cho, sp. nov. Images of adults and genitalia of the new species are provided and a map for the type localities of the new species is given.
Description of three new species of Gomphomastacinae (Orthoptera: Eumastacoidea) from the east of Qinghai-Tibet plateau, China
Authors: GE JUN-JIE , AGRIPPINE YETCHOM FONDJO JEANNE , XU SHENG-QUAN , HUANG HUATENG
Published: November 2021

The grasshopper Subfamily Gomphomastacinae (Orthoptera: Acridoidea: Eumastacidae) is widely distributed in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and Central Asia. This paper describes three new species: Ptygomastax nihilsulcus Ge, sp. nov. Phytomastax pentaspinula Ge, sp. nov. and Pentaspinula unispinula Ge, sp. nov. of the subfamily from the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, along with an updated identification key of species of the related genera. Detail figures of the body and genitalia of the new species are also provided.
Effect of Intraocular Lens Biomaterials on the Treatment of Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma
Authors: Guo Jianlian , Dong Qiang , Liu Min
Published: November 2021

To explore the effect of phacoemulsification along with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation on the treatment of primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), a total of 50 patients (54 eyes) with PCG who had undergone surgery were selected as the research objects, in which, there were 16 eyes
with the acute PACG in pre-clinical stage, 20 eyes with acute PACG during acute attack, and 18 eyes with chronic PACG, and all patients received phacoemulsification along with IOL implantation therapy. The patient’s best corrected visual acuity, anterior chamber (AC), anterior depth,
intraocular pressure (IOP), visual field, and fundus conditions were measured during the operation, after the operation, and during the follow-up period. The postoperative visual acuity of the patients with three types of PACG was greatly corrected, in which 30 eyes had corrected visual acuity
above 0.5, and there were statistically significant differences (SSDs) (P < 0.05); angle closure of 54 eyes had different degrees of improvement, the opening degree of the acute angle closure is better than that of the chronic angle closure, and there were SSDs (P < 0.05);
each of 54 eyes showed different degrees of deepening in the central AC, and there were SSDs (P < 0.05); postoperative IOP decreased greatly in all 54 eyes, and there were SSDs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the IOL implantation based on phacoemulsification can effectively
treat the PACG, at the same time reduce IOP, promote angle opening, enhance vision field of the patients, and ultimately achieve the purpose of improving surgical success.
Regulator 1-Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator-1α Signaling Pathway in Investigating the Pathological Characteristics and Molecular Mechanism of Liver Cirrhosis Complicated by Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Gong Jieqi , Lu Huanhua
Published: November 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of the histopathological characteristics of liver cirrhosis (LC) complicated with acute kidney injury (AKI) and the signaling pathway of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ
coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) during the pathogenesis of LC. 20 healthy male rats with AKI complicated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy were selected and divided randomly into control group (C group), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, bile duct ligation (BDL) group, and model
group (lipopolysaccharide+BDL) (D group). The indexes of all the rats were determined, including serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), sarcoplasmic enzyme (Scr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN); the SIRT1 and PGC-1α expressions in renal tissues
of rats from each group was detected. Results showed that the AST and ALT levels in BDL group and D group were higher markedly than those before surgery (P < 0.05). The serum levels of Scr and BUN in D group 4 hours after LPS injection increased hugely compared with before injection
(P < 0.05). Compared with BDL group, the protein levels of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in renal tissue of group D were decreased sharply (P < 0.05), and the SIRT1 protein expression was positively correlated with PGC-1α (r = 0.836 and P < 0.01).
When LC were complicated with AKI, SIRT1 activity was reduced and PGC-1α expression was inhibited. Moreover, SIRT1-PGC-1α signaling pathway played a protective role in pathogenesis of LC complicated with AKI.
Repairing Effect of Platelet Enriched Plasma on Tendon Healing
Authors: Du Yi , Wu Yifan
Published: November 2021

To explore the repairing effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on tendon (AT) healing, and provide evidence for PRP therapy to treat tendon-related diseases, 32 New Zealand white rabbits were selected to construct tendinopathy animal model. Leukocyte-rich Platelet-Rich Fibrin (Lr-PRP)
and Leukocyte-poor Platelet-Rich Fibrin (Lp-PRP) were prepared, whose biological effects on tendon stem cells (TSCs) were explored. Rabbits were divided into control group, low, medium, and high dose groups regrading concentration of Lp-PRP. The number of fibroblasts, collagen fiber content,
tubuloglomerular feedback-β1 (TGF-β1) expression, and biomechanical properties were compared at 15 and 30 days after operation. The results showed that Collagen-III (CoI-III) protein expression levels, interleukin-β (IL-β), and interleukin-6
(IL-6) levels in the Lp-PRP group were significantly higher than Lr-PRP group (P < 0.05). Fibroblasts and collagen fibers in group II and III were significantly higher versus group C 15 and 30 days after operation (P < 0.05). Fibroblasts and of collagen fibers in group
III were significantly higher versus group II (P < 0.05). Expression of TGF-β1 in groups II and III was significantly higher than that in group C 15 days after operation (P < 0.05). Tensile load of AT repair site in group III was significantly higher than group
C 30 days after operation (P < 0.05). Platelet plasma concentration had a certain repair effect on tendon injury and can effectively improve the quality of healing. In addition, Lp-PRP was better than Lr-PRP in tissue healing. When the concentration of Lp-PRP was 100%, the repair
effect was the best.
Distribution Characteristics and Species Diversity of Bacteria in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tissues
Authors: Fang Yeqing , Zhang Weili
Published: November 2021

This study was to explore the differences in the distribution and species diversity of bacteria between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and normal liver tissues. 28 HCC patients treated with surgery were selected as the research objects (HCC group), and 19 healthy volunteers with normal physical examinations were included in the control group (Normal group). The tumor specimens were obtained by intraoperative and biopsy puncture, and a 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) library was constructed. Based on the sequencing data obtained by the IlluminaHi Seq sequencing platform, the differences of bacteria in the liver tissues of the HCC group and the Normal group were analyzed at the level of phyla, family, and genus. The Ace, Chao1, and Shannon of the two groups were compared. The results showed that IlluminaHi Seq sequencing obtained a total of 11,714,659 valid sequences, with an average of 131,625 sequences per sample. The proportions of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria in HCC group and Normal group were 48.75% versus 34.16%, 37.44% versus 18.02%, and 10.85% versus 39.26%, respectively. The Bacteroidaceae, Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae accounted for 22.49%, 20.62%, 16.54%, and 19.93% in Normal group; while those in the HCC tissues accounted for 26.83%, 14.22%, 11.14%, and 13.18%, respectively. The dominant bacteria at the genus level in HCC group and Normal group were Bacteroides and Prevotella-9, with the proportions of 24.19% versus 26.04% and 14.19% versus 8.44%, respectively. The difference in operational taxonomic unit (OTU) numbers of HCC and Normal group were compared and analyzed, which were 1,266 and 1,082, respectively, and the number of common OTU in the two tissues was 875. The Ace in HCC tissue and normal liver tissue were 1063.8±66.79 and 1003.6±52.19, respectively. The Ace in HCC tissue was greater than that in normal liver tissue (P< 0.05). The Chao1 and Shannon in HCC tissue were 1022.9±67.74 and 5.4269±0.3608, respectively; while those in normal liver tissue were 1003.6±66.79 and 5.2842±0.9714, respectively. The Chao1 and Shannon in HCC tissues were much higher than those in Normal group (P< 0.05). It showed that there was no difference in the types of bacterial species in HCC tissues, but the proportions of their flora at the level of phyla, family, and genus changed greatly, which may be related to the occurrence of HCC. This study could provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
The Effects of Irradiation Time on Gelatin Methacrylate Hydrogels Used for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Deng Jiajia , Pan Jie , Yu Liming , Wang Yuhui , Zhang Weihua , Huang Wei , Fan Yichao , Liu Yuehua
Published: November 2021

Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels are a promising material for use in a variety of tissue engineering applications. Herein, we focused on identifying the optimal irradiation time necessary to photopolymerize GelMA hydrogels with visible blue light in a manner that did not adversely
impact the biophysical properties of these cell-containing gels. We assessed the toxic effects of different irradiation times (3, 5, 10, 20 and 40 seconds) on BMMSCs encapsulated in a GelMA hydrogel using lithium phenyl-2,4,6 trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP) as a photoinitiator. Both CCK-8
assays and Live-Dead staining were used to measure BMMSCs viability. We observed increasing compression strength as a function of increased irradiation time, although this corresponded to a reduction in swelling ratio and pore sizes. We ultimately found that when using LAP as a photoinitiator,
the optimal irradiation time was 5–10 seconds, which was suitable for bone tissue engineering application. Ultimately we determined that a 5 second irradiation time was optimal for studies of encapsulated stem cells.
Prometheus, Unbound
Authors: Waters Daniel J.
Published: November 2021

SUBMITTED FOR “SURGICAL REFLECTIONS” A short essay on the lessons “Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus” still has to teach us.
Farm supply and grain marketing businesses: A mixed methods investigation of past and intended future strategies
Authors: Spahn Laurin , Höhler Julia
Published: November 2021

Based on a media analysis and a manager survey, we investigate past and intended future strategies of farm supply and grain marketing businesses in Germany. Alliances, diversification and organic growth were among the most popular past strategies and, according to the participants, will be in the future. Nevertheless, the trend towards divestment and fewer locations for grain collection will continue. Large, investor-owned firms prefer a combination of capital-intensive strategies, cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises plan to adopt fewer strategies. We outline several potential implications and areas for further research.
Five progressive responses to the grand challenges of the 21st century: An introduction
Authors: Kaspersen Lars Bo , Egholm Liv
Published: November 2021

We are living in a world which is severely crisis-ridden and faces some major challenges. The fact that we are currently facing a genuine global pandemic (COVID-19) brings about even more uncertainty. The social and political institutions, which emerged and consolidated during the 20th century, and which created stability, have become fragile. The young generation born in the 1990s and onwards have experienced 9/11 and the ‘war against terrorism’, the financial crisis of 2008, changes to climate, environmental degradation, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. The generation born between 1960 and 1990 have had the same experiences along with severe economic crises in the 1970s and 1980s and the Cold War. Some of these challenges are in different ways intertwined with capitalism and its crises, while others are linked to the rapid development of new technologies, in particular innovations within communication and information technologies. This introduction lists the most important grand challenges facing the world as they have emerged more recently. The five articles following this introduction address some of these challenges, with particular attention to the problems of capitalism and democracy and the relation between these two areas. Most authors agree that climate change and the destruction of the environment are the biggest and most pertinent problems to address, but it is their stance that we can only meet these challenges if democracy is functioning well.
Gendered Funding: United Way Board Composition and the Funding of Women- and Girl-Serving Organizations
Authors: Dula Lauren
Published: November 2021

Representative bureaucracy theory posits that the passive representation of women in leadership positions will lead to active representation of the concerns of women in general. This article attempts to identify whether this theory plays out on boards of nonprofit funding organizations, specifically United Ways across the United States. Using random effects modeling of interrupted time series data covering 15 years, the findings suggest a small yet significant nonlinear effect of women in leadership positions on boards upon the size of funding for women- and girl-serving organizations. This partially supports representative bureaucracy theory, but raises questions as to why there is a negative representational effect past a certain “critical mass” of women.
Robust active finite-time control of gas compressor system surge in the presence of unmatched disturbance and uncertainty
Authors: Sun Jianhua , Gu Hai , Zhang Jie , Imani Marrani Hashem
Published: November 2021

Active and robust control of surge instability is a special necessity for optimal and safe operation of centrifugal compressors, and for the purpose, this article presents a new hybrid scheme based on fuzzy and terminal sliding mode methods. The Greitzer model is used to design a novel controller when the disturbance instability in the flow and pressure alike the uncertainity in the compressor characteristic curve and throttle valve are embedded in it. The fuzzy approximator is used to estimate the effects of parametric uncertainty and the nonlinear terms, and the robustness of the proposed method is guaranteed using the terminal sliding mode control method. The Lyapunov criterion is utilized to verify the finite-time stability of the closed-loop system. The performance of the presented method is compared with other methods in the literature through simulations in MATLAB software. The results suggest that our designed controller outperforms the existing ones in terms of surge prevention and robustness against unmatched uncertainties and disturbances.
An Empirical Study on the Financial Competitiveness Evaluation System of Stock Exchange Listed SMEs of Gujarat, India
Authors: Mehta Nikita , Brahmbhatt Mamta
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study is to identify the financial factors that enhance the financial competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Gujarat, India. The principal component analysis has been applied to extract the financial factors from financial performance ratios of a sample size of 38 stock exchange SMEs, based in Gujarat, India. The ranking has been given to the SMEs based upon their factor score and comprehensive score. The results show that profitability, management efficiency, liquidity and leverage factors are the major factors affecting the financial competitiveness of SMEs. The study covers only one state of the country, and the findings from different states may differ and need to get verified. Despite the highest contribution of SMEs in the GDP of India, there exist very few Indian studies on SME competitiveness. This study contributes to filling this gap.
Descendants of Financing Decision with Reference to Capital Structure: An Empirical Analysis of Indian SMEs
Authors: Kanojia Sunaina , Aggarwal Vipin , Bhargava Ankush
Published: November 2021

The article attempts to address the descendants especially in case of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who do business with humongous constraints and largely manage the functions with own skills rather than relying on theories of finance. The study gives a deep insight on the pattern of financing of listed SMEs in India based on the financial information of 428 SMEs and further analysis of financial statements being conducted by generating financial ratios and debt components during the year 2014–2018. The study has been conducted under the reference of different capital structure theories and results have found to be significant in line with the pecking order theory, that is, SMEs utilise profit to ease their debt level and emerging organisations deploy more debt since they require more funds. The startling observation comes in terms of size where SMEs are found to be relatively small and less dependent on external financing to increase the size of the company due to the negative relationship resulting from the analysis of all forms of debt, this result is in nonconformity with the other studies done on the SMEs of developed economies. Informational asymmetry prevails in the Indian SMEs due to smaller size and more control in the hands of few managers. Growth as a parameter has shown reliance on short-term debt for overall financing of the business operations. Overall, study concludes that financing condition of the SMEs in India is still in nascent stages and new avenues of financing must be explored to solve the problems of financing in India.
The Effectiveness of West Bengal State Khadi Mela as Organisational Marketing Tool
Authors: Datta Dibyendu Bikash , Sarkar Biswajit
Published: November 2021

Mela or fair cannot be underestimated as an effective marketing tool capable to reach a huge target market at one go. Over the years, organised mela had provided an even playing field in which small businesses and large ones come together to determine the mela effectiveness. The objective of the study is to determine West Bengal Khadi and Village Industries Board (WBKVIB) views towards the effectiveness of mela as a marketing tool. The problem statement was that most of the khadi units are operating under budgetary constraints; therefore, it was important to ensure that their objectives are achieved. Marketers faced severe recessions, declining purchasing power, increased competition, lower growth rates, consumer awareness and pricing pressures. Khadi organisations are therefore constantly looking for the lowest cost-effective methods to promote their products, and the effectiveness of mela as a marketing platform to meet their objectives was not known. The results of the study can be useful for potential exhibitors who may utilise mela for the product promotions, to determine whether mela is appropriate to ensure their needs and fits in their overall strategy and for the organisers to formulate strategies to add value to the units involved and ensure that they remain. The literature review summarises mela as the most successful and valuable marketing tools for businesses. Mela is a basic element of the marketing mix properly combined to establish an integrated marketing communication system for consumers to get a simple and recognisable picture of the retailer. It creates a unique environment in which a wide range of sales and marketing goals are pursued. It brings buyers and sellers together to a central location. It is the direct catalyst for new and commercial development. The population of the study was drawn from units that had participated in the khadi mela. In selecting the sample elements, a stratified random sampling approach was used. The study used semi-structured questionnaires for primary data collection. The qualitative data describing characteristics or qualities were analysed using qualitative analysis while statistical analysis software SPSS was used for quantitative data. This study contributed to the understanding of factors affecting the WBKVIB marketing strategy.
Experiences From an Implementation Model of ARI Diagnostic Device in Pneumonia Case Management Among Under-5 Children in Peripheral Healthcare Centers in India
Authors: Kumar Harish , Sarin Enisha , Saboth Prasant , Jaiswal Avinash , Chaudhary Nidhi , Mohanty Jaya Swarup , Bisht Nitin , Tomar Shailendra Singh , Gupta Anil , Panda Ranjan , Patel Rachana , Kumar Arvind , Gupta Sachin , Alwadhi Varun
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

To address pneumonia, a major killer of under-5 children in India, a multimodal pulse oximeter was implemented in Health and Wellness Centers. Given the evidence of pulse oximetry in effective pneumonia management and taking into account the inadequate skills of front-line healthcare workers in case management, the device was introduced to help them readily diagnose and treat a child and to examine usability of the device.

Design:

The implementation was integrated with the routine OPD of primary health centers for 15 months after healthcare workers were provided with an abridged IMNCI training. Monthly facility data was collected to examine case management with the diagnostic device. Feedback on usefulness of the device was obtained.

Setting:

Health and Wellness Centers (19) of 7 states were selected in consultation with state National Health Mission based on patient footfall.

Participants:

Under-5 children presenting with ARI symptoms at the OPD.

Results:

Of 4846 children, 0.1% were diagnosed with severe pneumonia and 23% were diagnosed with pneumonia. As per device readings, correct referrals were made of 77.6% of cases of severe pneumonia, and 81% of pneumonia cases were correctly given antibiotics. The Pulse oximeter was highly acceptable among health workers as it helped in timely classification and treatment of pneumonia. It had no maintenance issue and battery was long-lasting.

Conclusion:

Pulse oximeter implementation was doable and acceptable among health workers. Together with IMNCI training, PO in primary care settings is a feasible approach to provide equitable care to under-5 children.
Safety and Efficacy of Hybrid Angiography in Chronic Lower Extremity Ischemia Patients at Risk of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Taha Ashraf G. , Saleh Mahmoud , Ali Haitham
Published: November 2021

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and safety of hybrid angiography consisting of carbon dioxide (CO2) angiography supplemented by small doses of iodinated contrast medium (ICM) in the endovascular treatment of chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Patients and Methods

This prospective study comprised all non–dialysis-dependent CKD patients presenting for endovascular management of CLTI. All endovascular interventions were done using CO2 as a contrast medium whether alone or supplemented by ICM (hybrid angiography) to treat unilateral arterial steno-occlusive lesions of iliac, femoropopliteal, or BTK arteries. Study outcomes included feasibility of the device, technical success, and freedom from contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), renal replacement therapy, and CO2 angiography-related complications.

Results

A total of 206 CKD patients underwent endovascular intervention using CO2 only as a contrast medium (159 patients, 77.2%), or hybrid CO2-ICM angiography (47 patients, 22.8%). The overall technical success was 95.6%. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 17.9 ± 4.6 months. The mean volumes of CO2, and ICM consumption were 200.7 ± 95.1 mL, and 11.8 ± 4.4 mL, respectively. The mean procedural, and fluoroscopy times were 95.6 ± 12.5 and 49.5 ± 10.8 minutes, respectively. BTK lesions were significantly associated with the need for hybrid angiography ( P = <.0001). The mean pre- and postoperative serum creatinine levels were comparable ( P = .08). Two patients (4.3%) showed transient manifestations of CI-AKI, but neither required renal replacement therapy. No statistically significant differences were encountered between the two study groups regarding procedure outcomes.

Conclusion

Hybrid CO2-ICM angiography is safe, feasible, effective, and a fairly simple alternative during endovascular interventions to treat chronic lower extremity ischemia. Using supplemental small volumes of ICM to overcome the suboptimal images generated by CO2 alone does not jeopardize the renal functions in CKD patients.
Efficacy and safety of antithrombotic therapy with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: An Qing , Su Shuwen , Tu Yan , Gao Lingfeng , Xian Gaopeng , Bai Yujia , Zhan Qiong , Xu Xingbo , Xu Dingli , Zeng Qingchun
Published: November 2021

Objective:

A meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of antithrombotic therapy with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) versus standard care in patients after successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE databases and ClinicalTrials.gov website (through 21 October 2020) was performed. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all outcomes were calculated using random-effects models.

Results:

Twelve studies (two studies were randomized controlled trials) comprising 6943 patients were included (5299 had indications for oral anticoagulation (OAC) and 1644 had none). No significant differences were found between NOACs and the standard care in the incidences of all stroke, a composite endpoint, and major/life-threatening bleeding. NOACs were associated with lower all-cause mortality than vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in post-TAVR patients with indications for OAC after more than 1 year of follow-up [RR = 0.64; 95% CI, (0.42, 0.96); p = 0.03], whereas NOACs exhibited poor outcomes than antiplatelet therapy (APT) in patients without indications for OAC [RR = 1.66; 95% CI, (1.12, 2.45); p = 0.01]. In the prevention of valve thrombosis, NOACs and VKAs were not significantly different in patients with indications for OAC [RR = 0.66; 95% CI, (0.24, 1.84); p = 0.43], whereas NOACs were better than APT in patients without indications for OAC [RR = 0.19; 95% CI, (0.04, 0.83); p = 0.03].

Conclusions:

In patients with indications for OAC, post-TAVR antithrombotic therapy with NOACs was more favorable due to its lower all-cause mortality after more than 1 year of follow-up. In those without indications for OAC, NOACs presented poorer outcomes due to its higher all-cause mortality.
Oh, no, Pokémon GO! Media panic and fear of mobility in news coverage of an augmented reality phenomenon
Authors: Laor Tal , Rosenberg Hananel , Steinfeld Nili
Published: November 2021

Media panics research is concerned with widespread social anxiety formed around a new technology or medium. This study adds to existing research by characterizing a new form of media panic around augmented reality applications, and specifically that which erupted concerning Pokémon GO, a popular augmented reality game. Based on a content analysis of items related to the game published in Israel's major print and online media in the period immediately following the game's launch, we classify the negative media coverage as a media panic and propose an explanation for its emergence. We argue that the negative reactions to the game stem specifically from the game's unique features and its mobile infrastructure, and especially its use of augmented reality that combines users’ virtual experiences and their interactions in actual physical space. We identify a third wave of mobile panic in this current phenomenon, one which takes into account the unique features of mobile technology as infrastructure for augmented reality applications. In contrast to previous incidents of media panic that focused on the harmful effects of increased technology use by young users, and their detachment from their physical environment, this wave represents an essentially opposite phenomenon, in which physical mobility itself, facilitated by the use of augmented reality, is deemed dangerous to players’ health and safety.
A meta-analysis of the overall effect of mHealth physical activity interventions for weight loss and the moderating effect of behavioral change theories, techniques, and mobile technologies
Authors: Qin Yan , Wang Xiaojing (Romy) , Namkoong Kang
Published: November 2021

Mobile technologies offer the potential for efficacious and cost-effective lifestyle interventions for weight loss. Extant research indicates that mobile health (mHealth) lifestyle interventions are potentially effective and practical methods of weight loss, but it is less known what intervention characteristics are associated with weight loss effects. This meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of mHealth physical activity interventions for weight loss compared with non-technology/usual care interventions and the moderating effects of behavioral change theories, techniques, and mobile technologies. A total of 24 studies were identified based on inclusion criteria. Weight loss was the primary outcome. The results showed a medium significant effect size ( d = 0.395; 95% CI  = 0.243, 0.546; Z = 5.107, p < 0.001; N = 5146) favoring mHealth interventions. Interventions were significantly more effective when wearable devices were used ( QB = 4.102, df = 1, p < 0.05) and when feedback was employed ( QB = 4.566, df = 1, p < 0.05). The implications for future mHealth intervention design are discussed.
Quality of Life and Hemodynamic Effects of Switching From Hemodialysis to Hemodiafiltration: A Canadian Controlled Cohort Study
Authors: Ethier Isabelle , Nevis Immaculate , Suri Rita S.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Recent randomized clinical trials have demonstrated beneficial effects of hemodiafiltration (HDF) compared with hemodialysis (HD) on mortality and hemodynamic stability. Data on quality of life in HDF compared with HD is limited.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine whether patients receiving HD experience improvements in quality of life, hemodynamic and laboratory parameters after switching to HDF.

Design:

Observational controlled cohort study.

Setting & Patients:

Adult patients receiving maintenance dialysis were followed for 3 months both before and after transfer to a new unit, where they received HDF. Prior to transfer, control patients were already treated by HDF.

Methods:

Quality of life at baseline and follow-up was measured using the validated minutes to recovery (MR) question. Dialysis data were collected for 3 consecutive sessions monthly; laboratory values were collected monthly. Wilcoxon signed rank test and repeated measures analysis of covariance were used to evaluate pre/post transfer changes and quantile regression to identify predictors of change in recovery time.

Results:

Of 227 patients, 82 died, were transplanted, were hospitalized or did not transfer, leaving 123 subjects and 22 controls for analysis. MR did not improve with switching to HDF, although patients with MR > 60 min before transfer experienced a significant decrease in their MR, compared with controls. There was no improvement in intradialytic hypotension with HDF. There were no differences in laboratory values before vs after switch.

Limitations:

Nonrandomized single-center study, including only small numbers of patients and covering a short follow-up period; hemodynamic values only evaluated over 1 week per month; residual kidney function not recorded.

Conclusions:

In this Canadian experience of HDF, patients remained stable with respect to several laboratory and dialysis related parameters. Switch to HDF was associated with substantially reduced recovery time in patients with MR > 60 minutes at baseline.
18FDG‐PET/CT Specificity for the Detection of Lymphoma Recurrence in the Tonsils
Authors: West Jonathan D. , Kim Mary E. , Lapalma Dorian M. , Vergara‐Lluri Maria , Conti Peter , Chambers Tamara N. , Swanson Mark S.
Published: November 2021

Objective

In patients with a history of lymphoma who demonstrate palatine tonsil uptake on posttreatment PET/CT (positron emission tomography/computed tomography), tonsillectomy is often performed to evaluate for lymphoma recurrence. However, predictive clinical and imaging factors for true tonsil recurrence in this setting are not well established; this will be explored herein.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Patients treated at a tertiary medical center from January 2008 to May 2020.

Methods

Chart review was performed on all patients with a history of treated lymphoma in clinical remission who presented for evaluation of abnormal PET/CT imaging findings and subsequently underwent tonsillectomy.

Results

Among 15 patients who met inclusion criteria, 14 had benign findings on surgical pathology, yielding a false‐positive rate of 93%. The patient with malignancy was identified on biopsy after inconclusive surgical pathology and is the only documented case of recurrence in this specific patient population throughout the literature. The patient presented with B symptoms, irregularly shaped tonsils, increased lymph node activity on PET/CT, and uptrending bilateral tonsil activity but with one of the lowest maximum standardized uptake values of the cohort. The singular distinguishing feature for the patient with recurrent disease was a prior tonsil biopsy suspicious for recurrence, which prompted the otolaryngology referral.

Conclusion

PET/CT lacks specificity in identifying lymphoma recurrence in the oropharynx. Clinical and radiographic features that were previously considered concerning for recurrence are most likely not indicative of malignancy in this patient population. Our findings call into question whether tonsillectomy should be routinely performed in this patient population.
Medical Grabbing Servo System with Friction Compensation Based on the Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yeming , Li Kaimin , Xu Meng , Liu Junlei , Yue Hongwei
Published: November 2021

This paper introduces a pneumatic finger cylinder servo control system for medical grabbing. First, according to the physical structure of the proportional directional valve and the pneumatic cylinder, the state equation of the gas in the servo system was obtained. The Stribeck friction compensation model of a pneumatic finger cylinder controlled by a proportional valve was established and the experimental platform built. To allow the system output to better track the change in the input signal, the flow-gain compensation method was adopted. On this basis, a friction compensation control strategy based on a differential evolution algorithm was proposed and applied to the position control system of a pneumatic finger cylinder. Finally, the strategy was compared with the traditional proportional derivative (PD) strategy and that with friction compensation. The experimental results showed that the position accuracy of the finger cylinder position control system can be improved by using the friction compensation strategy based on the differential evolution algorithm to optimize the PD parameters.
Priorities for family physician and general practitioner recruitment and retention in Singapore: a PRIORITIZE study
Authors: Tudor Car Lorainne , Teng Yee Sean , How Jin Wei , Nazri Nadia Nasuha Binte Mohammad , Tan Amy Li Xian , Quah Joanne , Peckham Stephen , Smith Helen
Published: November 2021

Background

A shortage of primary care physicians has been reported in many countries. Primary care systems are diverse and the challenges leading to a decline in workforce are at times context-specific and require tailored solutions. Inviting frontline clinicians to share their insights can help identify optimal strategies for a particular setting. To determine priorities for family physicians’ and general practitioners’ recruitment and retention in Singapore, we invited primary care physicians to rank pertinent strategies using PRIORITIZE, a transparent, systematic priority-setting approach.

Methods

The study advisory board, consisting of representatives of Singapore’s key primary care stakeholders, determined the criteria for prioritising of general practitioners (GPs) and family physicians (FPs) recruitment and retention strategies in Singapore. A comprehensive list of GPs and FPs recruitment and retention strategies was extracted from a recent systematic review of the relevant literature. A questionnaire listing the strategies and the scoring criteria was administered online to doctors practicing in public and private sector in Singapore. Respondents’ scores were combined to create a ranked list of locally most relevant strategies for improving GPs and FPs recruitment and retention.

Results

We recruited a diverse sample of 50 GPs and FPs practicing in a variety of primary care settings, many with a range of additional professional responsibilities. Around 60 and 66% of respondents thought that there was a problem with recruitment and retention of GPs and FPs in Singapore, respectively. Strategies focusing on promoting primary care by emphasizing the advantages and enhancing the status of the profession as well as training-related strategies, such as sub-specialisation and high-quality rotations were considered priorities for improving recruitment. For retention of GPs and FPs, improving working conditions by increasing GPs’ and FPs’ salary and recognition, as well as varying or reducing time commitment, were seen as the most important strategies. The ranking between physicians working in public and private sector was mostly similar, with nine out of the top ten recruitment and retention strategies being the same.

Conclusion

Primary care physicians’ ranking of recruitment and retention strategies for GPs and FPs in Singapore provide important insight into the challenges and the solutions as seen by the members of the profession themselves. This information can guide future policy and decision making in this area.
Nomogram to predict survival of patients with advanced and metastatic pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Deng G. C. , Lv Y. , Yan H. , Sun D. C. , Qu T. T. , Pan Y. T. , Han Q. L. , Dai G. H.
Published: November 2021

Background

Nomograms are rarely employed to estimate the survival of patients with advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer (PC). Herein, we developed a comprehensive approach to using a nomogram to predict survival probability in patients with advanced and metastatic PC.

Methods: A total of 323 patients with advanced and metastatic PC were identified from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital. A baseline nomogram was constructed using baseline variables of 323 patients. Additionally, 233 patients, whose tumors showed initial responses to first-line chemotherapy, were enrolled in the chemotherapy response-based model. 128 patients and 108 patients with advanced and metastatic PC from January 2019 to April 2021 were selected for external validating baseline model and chemotherapy response-based model. The 1-year and 2-year survival probability was evaluated using multivariate COX regression models. The discrimination and calibration capacity of the nomograms were assessed using C-statistic and calibration plots. The predictive accuracy and net benefit of the nomograms were evaluated using ROC curve and DCA, respectively.

Results

In the baseline model, six variables (gender, KPS, baseline TB, baseline N, baseline WBC and baseline CA19–9) were used in the final model. In the chemotherapy response-based model, nine variables (KPS, gender, ascites, baseline N, baseline CA 19–9, baseline CEA, change in CA 19–9 level at week, change in CEA level at week and initial response to chemotherapy) were included in the final model. The C-statistics of the baseline nomogram and the chemotherapy response-based nomogram were 0.67 (95% CI, 0.62–0.71) and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.69–0.77), respectively.

Conclusion

These nomograms were constructed to predict the survival probability of patients of advanced and metastatic PC. The baseline model and chemotherapy response-based model performed well in survival prediction.
3-month surgical outcomes of Implantable Collamer Lens implantation for myopic regression after laser vision correction surgeries: a retrospective case series
Authors: Chung Byunghoon , Kim Joon Hyun , Kang David S. Y. , Kang Dong Jun , Kim Eung Kweon , Seo Kyoung Yul , Jun Ikhyun , Kim Tae-im
Published: November 2021

Background

To investigate the surgical outcomes of implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation in eyes with residual myopia after primary laser vision correction (LVC) surgeries.

Methods

This study included patients who underwent ICL implantation and had a history of LVC surgery, including photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Visual acuity and refractive error were assessed pre and 3-months postoperatively and the efficacy and safety indices calculated accordingly.

Results

A total of 30 eyes of 17 patients were included in this study. At 3 months, the mean logMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and spherical equivalent were − 0.03 ± 0.11 (include logMAR), − 0.04 ± 0.09 (include logMAR), and − 0.06 ± 0.33 diopters (D), respectively. The 3-month Snellen UDVA was better than 20/20 for 83% of eyes, and 97% of eyes showed an unchanged or improved CDVA after surgery. The mean efficacy and safety indices were 1.11 ± 0.22 and 1.13 ± 0.20, respectively. Further, 93 and 100% of eyes were within ±0.5 and ± 1.0 D of the attempted spherical equivalent refraction, respectively.

Conclusions

ICL implantation in eyes with myopic regression after previous LVC surgery showed safe, effective, and predictable outcomes.

Trial registration

retrospectively registered.