bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interobserver Variations in Target Delineation in Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and its Impact on Target Dose Coverage
Authors: Liu Xu , Huang Huixian , Zhu Chaohua , Gan Qihuan , Jiang Hailan , Liu Pei , Qi Xin , Fan Fangfang , Xiao Jinru , Pang Qiang , Lu Zhiping , Lu Heming
Published: April 2023

Background

To investigate the differences between physicians in target delineation in intensity-modulated radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma as well as their impact on target dose coverage.

Methods

Ninety-nine in-hospital patients were randomly selected for retrospective analysis, and the target volumes were delineated by 2 physicians. The target volumes were integrated with the original plans, and the differential parameters, including the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), and Jaccard similarity coefficient (JSC) were recorded. The dose–volume parameters to evaluate target dose coverage were analyzed by superimposing the same original plan to the 2 sets of images on which the target volumes were contoured by the 2 physicians. The significance of differences in target volumes and dose coverage were evaluated using statistical analysis.

Results

The target dose coverage for different sets of target volumes showed statistically significant differences, while the similarity metrics to evaluate geometric target volume differences did not. More specifically, for PGTVnx, the median DSC, JSC, and HD were 0.85, 0.74, and 11.73, respectively; for PCTV1, the median values were 0.87, 0.77, and 11.78, respectively; for PCTV2, the median values were 0.90, 0.82, and 16.12, respectively. For patients in stages T3-4, DSC, and JSC were reduced but HD was increased compared to those in stages T1-2. Dosimetric analysis indicated that, for the target volumes, significant differences between the 2 physicians were found in D95, D99, and V100 for all the target volumes (ie, PGTVnx, PCTV1, and PCTV2) across the whole group of patients, as well as in patients with disease stages T3-4 and T1-2.

Conclusions

The target volumes delineated by the 2 physicians had a high similarity, but the maximal distances between the outer contours of the 2 sets were significantly different. In patients with advanced T stages, significant differences in dose distributions were found, stemming from the deviations of target delineation.
Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) in Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Tan Mingdian , Ge Yizhi , Wang Xiaogang , Wang Yan , Liu Yi , He Feng , Teng Hongqi
Published: April 2023

In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained significant attention due to their tremendous potential for clinical applications. EVs play a crucial role in various aspects, including tumorigenesis, drug resistance, immune escape, and reconstruction of the tumor microenvironment. Despite the growing interest in EVs, many questions still need to be addressed before they can be practically applied in clinical settings. This paper aims to review EVs’ isolation methods, structure research, the roles of EVs in tumorigenesis and their mechanisms in multiple types of tumors, their potential application in drug delivery, and the expectations for their future in clinical research.
Effects of Neurofeedback on Cognitive Function, Productive Activity, and Quality of Life in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Pin-Yuan , Su I-Chang , Shih Chun-Ying , Liu Yen-Chun , Su Yu-Kai , Wei Li , Luh Hui-Tzung , Huang Hui-Chuan , Tsai Pei-Shan , Fan Yen-Chun , Chiu Hsiao-Yean
Published: April 2023

Background

Cognitive impairment is common in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies that have examined the effectiveness of neurofeedback (NFB) on cognitive function following TBI have had poor study designs and small sample sizes.

Objectives

This randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of low-resolution tomography Z-score NFB (LZNFB) and theta/beta NFB on cognitive impairment, return to productive activity, and quality of life in patients with TBI.

Methods

We randomly assigned 87 patients with TBI with cognitive impairment to LZNFB, theta/beta NFB, or usual care (UC) groups. Patients in both NFB groups received weekly 60-minute treatment for 10 weeks, and those in the control group received UC and telephone interviews for 10 weeks. The primary outcome was cognitive function as measured by performance on cognitive tasks; the secondary outcomes included productive activity and quality of life based on the Community Integration Questionnaire-revised (CIQ-R) and the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI), respectively, at baseline and immediately after the last intervention.

Results

The LZNFB group exhibited significantly greater improvements in immediate recall, delayed recall, recognition memory, and selective attention compared with the UC group; the theta/beta NFB group exhibited improvements in only immediate memory and selective attention ( P < .05). The total CIQ-R scores of the LZNFB group after treatment were significantly improved than those of the UC group were.

Conclusion

Consecutive LZNFB achieved therapeutic effects in memory, attention, and productive activity, whereas theta/beta NFB improved memory and attention in patients with TBI. This trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (registration number: NCT03515317; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03515317 ).
Consumer perception on sustainable clothing among urban Indians
Authors: Tryphena R , Aram I Arul
Published: April 2023

This study examines the urban consumer in India, the largest category among the stakeholders of sustainable fashion. A survey on consumer perception and consumer behaviour with regard to a green purchase decision of sustainable or eco-friendly clothing was done among 460 participants in two of the south Indian cities of Chennai and Bengaluru. A conceptual framework was adapted for green consumerism from the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The theory was used to understand consumer perceptions and their influence on their purchase behaviour with regard to sustainable clothing. The ‘product attributes’ of sustainable clothing brands were considered as intervening variables and their effects on ‘green purchase decision’ were examined. Probit regression was used to analyse the data. One of the significant findings of the study is that ‘environmental knowledge’, ‘environmental attitude’ and ‘perceived consumer effectiveness’ have a significant effect on urban ‘purchase intention’ of sustainable clothing. Practical implications of the study are discussed.
Area Deprivation Index Is Not Associated With the Severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Aloi Nicholas F. , Rahman Haris , Fowler John R.
Published: April 2023

Background:

While living in a socially disadvantaged neighborhood is linked with numerous health outcomes, its effect on patient-reported outcome scores and diagnostic measures in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is not fully understood. This study examines the effect of neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation on CTS severity as measured by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ), 6-item Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Scale (CTS-6), and diagnostic testing modalities.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of patients who presented to the hand clinic at a single hospital system with symptoms consistent with CTS. Ultrasound cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve, CTS-6, Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Status Scale (FSS) of the BCTQ, and the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) national rank percentile were collected. Patients were grouped into 4 quartiles based on their ADI national percentile. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were conducted to test for statistical differences between the 4 quartiles based on the average values of median nerve CSA, CTS-6, SSS, and FSS score. The bottom quartile was compared with the upper 75% of the sample (26th-100th percentile) and to the upper quartile via Student t test. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results:

Analyses of variance revealed no statistically significant differences between the 4 quartiles for either median nerve CSA, CTS-6, SSS, or FSS. When comparing the bottom quartile with the upper 75% of the sample and the upper quartile, no significant statistical differences were identified.

Conclusions:

No relationships were found between social deprivation (ADI) and patient-reported outcomes, CTS-6 scores, or median nerve CSA.
Erdosteine effects cell barriers causing decreased inflammation and increased pulmonary function in asthmatic mice exposed to nanoparticulate pollution
Authors: An Min-Hyeok , Lee Pureun-Haneul , Choi Seon-Muk , Hwang DaYeon , Park Shinhee , Baek Ae-Rin , Jang An-Soo
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Erdosteine, an oral mucoactive anti-oxidant molecule, interferes with the pathological processes seen in respiratory disorders including thickened or increased mucus production, increased oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation; however, its efficacy as an asthma therapy remains to be fully clarified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of erdosteine on epithelial barrier function in asthma. Methods: To investigate the effects of erdosteine on cell barrier expression in a mouse model of asthma, BALB/c mice ( n = 8 per group; total of 40 mice) were exposed to saline (Sham), ovalbumin (OVA), or OVA plus TiO2 inhalation (200 μg/m3; OVA + TiO2). The mice were then treated with erdosteine orally (OVA + TiO2 + Erdos) or intraperitoneal dexamethasone (OVA + TiO2 + Dex). Bronchoalveolar lavage and histology were performed. Enhanced pause was used as an indicator of pulmonary function, and samples were collected. The effect of erdosteine on cell barrier expression was assessed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: OVA + TiO2 + erdosteine mice exhibited decreased inflammation, and mucous gland hyperplasia, and increased pulmonary function compared with OVA + TiO2 mice. Levels of claudin (CLDN)-4 and nectin-4 protein were higher in lung tissue from OVA + TiO2 mice than Sham and OVA mice, and were reduced by erdosteine treatment. In contrast, CLDN14 and CLDN18 protein levels were lower in lung tissue from OVA + TiO2 mice than those from control mice, but were increased by treatment with erdosteine. Conclusion: Cell barriers are involved in airway inflammation in asthma patients, and erdosteine reduces airway inflammation by changing the cell barrier.
A perioperative overview of a retained surgical swab in spinal surgery: Case report and prevention protocol
Authors: Haleem Shahnawaz , Mahmoud Mohamed Hassan , Kainth Gurvinder Singh , Botchu Rajesh , Hassan Md Faizul , Rehousek Petr
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Retained wound swabs although classified as a ‘never event’ and well documented in many surgical specialties are uncommon in spinal surgery. The aim of this article is to highlight the perioperative circumstances of an incident of a retained surgical swab and present a prevention protocol, in an attempt to eliminate its incidence.

Case Report:

The perioperative management of a 53-year-old male undergoing spinal surgery in whom a surgical swab was retained is reported. In addition to existing safety procedures such as the World Health Organization checklist, a Retained Surgical Swab-Prevention Protocol was implemented in our hospital and is presented to eliminate the occurrence of this ‘never event’ occurring again.

Conclusion:

Retained surgical swabs or instruments are rare in spinal surgery occurring mostly in the lumbar spine, during emergency and prolonged procedures in patients with high body mass index. Maintaining a high index of suspicion and utilising a prevention protocol will prevent further harm to the patient.
US news media’s framing of the ‘North Korean crisis’ under the Trump administration: The new ideological foreign affairs paradigm
Authors: Labbe Brett , Park SangHee
Published: April 2023

On 11 February 2017, North Korea launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test of the Trump administration. Over the ensuing year the North Korean government continued to defy international pressures through the intensification of its ballistic missile and nuclear programs. During this time frame, an escalation of adversarial rhetoric between the Trump administration and the Kim Jong-un military government gained widespread media attention for its potential to escalate into military aggression. This study analyzes USA Today coverage of the ‘North Korean crisis’, and its subsequent de-escalation following the announcements of diplomatic talks in March 2018 in order to gain insight into the nature of mainstream US media framing of the issue. The study found that US news media appropriates ingroup/outgroup dichotomies in the service of US interests. Analysis also revealed that the coverage embraced an ideologically-based narrative predicated on the rejection of an international system based on the moral imperatives of democracy and human rights in favor of a realpolitik interpretation of the international system in which actors compete for advantage.
biomArker-guided Duration of Antibiotic treatment in hospitalised Patients with suspecTed Sepsis (ADAPT-Sepsis): A protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dark Paul , Perkins Gavin D , McMullan Ronan , McAuley Danny , Gordon Anthony C , Clayton Jonathan , Mistry Dipesh , Young Keith , Regan Scott , McGowan Nicola , Stevenson Matt , Gates Simon , Carlson Gordon L , Walsh Tim , Lone Nazir I , Mouncey Paul R , Singer Mervyn , Wilson Peter , Felton Tim , Marshall Kay , Hossain Anower M. , Lall Ranjit
Published: April 2023

Aim:

To describe the protocol for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial to determine whether treatment protocols monitoring daily CRP (C-reactive protein) or PCT (procalcitonin) safely allow a reduction in duration of antibiotic therapy in hospitalised adult patients with sepsis.

Design:

Multicentre three-arm randomised controlled trial.

Setting:

UK NHS hospitals.

Target population:

Hospitalised critically ill adults who have been commenced on intravenous antibiotics for sepsis.

Health technology:

Three protocols for guiding antibiotic discontinuation will be compared: (a) standard care; (b) standard care + daily CRP monitoring; (c) standard care + daily PCT monitoring. Standard care will be based on routine sepsis management and antibiotic stewardship. Measurement of outcomes and costs. Outcomes will be assessed to 28 days. The primary outcomes are total duration of antibiotics and safety outcome of all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes include: escalation of care/re-admission; infection re-lapse/recurrence; antibiotic dose; length and level of critical care stay and length of hospital stay. Ninety-day all-cause mortality rates will also be collected. An assessment of cost effectiveness will be performed.

Conclusion:

In the setting of routine NHS care, if this trial finds that a treatment protocol based on monitoring CRP or PCT safely allows a reduction in duration of antibiotic therapy, and is cost effective, then this has the potential to change clinical practice for critically ill patients with sepsis. Moreover, if a biomarker-guided protocol is not found to be effective, then it will be important to avoid its use in sepsis and prevent ineffective technology becoming widely adopted in clinical practice.
My journey in hand surgery: combining patient care, clinical and basic science research
Authors: Al-Qattan Mohammad M.
Published: April 2023

This review is about my clinical and research journey in hand surgery. The journey has been a worthwhile and meaningful one, especially when I felt there were areas I could influence management, whether this be rare cases, common conditions or where a suggested algorithm may be helpful. I also had the unique privilege of working with geneticists, which has resulted in clinical-pathological publications that could influence patient management, as shared from a clinician’s perspective. It is hoped this article will inspire young clinician scientists to pursue a journey of collaboration with other researchers.
Sleep-disordered breathing
Authors: Sunkersing Jonathan
Published: April 2023

Sleep is imperative for good health and problems related to sleep are common presentations to primary care. Disorders affecting breathing and sleep are varied in their causes and affect multiple body systems. The majority of patients with sleep-disordered breathing remain undiagnosed. This article will consider the pathophysiology of sleep-disordered breathing, how GPs can identify patients with sleep-disordered breathing and how these are managed in primary care.
Coeliac disease
Authors: Eggink Aline , Haque Raju , Robinson Emilia
Published: April 2023

Coeliac disease is a common autoimmune inflammatory condition of the small intestine that is triggered by dietary gluten. Symptoms include fatigue, diarrhoea, bloating, and abdominal pain, as well as extra-intestinal symptoms. The only treatment is a strict life-long gluten-free diet. Despite affecting 1% of the UK population, only 36% of those living with the condition are diagnosed. Undiagnosed coeliac disease can lead to complications, including digestive symptoms, malabsorption, osteoporosis and higher risk of small bowel malignancy. This article aims to raise awareness about the condition and highlight common presentations, investigations, management, and follow-up.
Educator perspectives on embedding Acknowledgement to Country practices in early learning centres in Australia
Authors: Townley Cris , Grace Rebekah , Woodrow Christine , Baker Elise , Staples Kerry , Locke Michelle Lea , Kaplun Catherine
Published: April 2023

This article explores the practices of ‘Acknowledgement to Country’ in Australian early childhood education contexts. Acknowledgement is a process of seeking out and honouring local Aboriginal Country and knowledge and investing in local resources of language, art, stories, nature and songs. Twenty educators across six early learning centres participated in semi-structured interviews to explore the experience, processes and resources that supported the implementation of Acknowledgement practices. Acknowledgement practices were not limited to a daily protocol but embedded in each centre’s physical place and programming. Wanting to be respectful yet fearing offending Aboriginal people, most educators expressed feelings of uncertainty and under-confidence about what to do. Developing relationships with local Aboriginal people and identifying resources were also concerns. Acting from the heart with good intentions was regarded as a way forward together, with commitment, resources and a strong distributed pedagogical leadership culture, where educators felt supported to take small yet foundational steps.
Evaluation of Multisensory Interactions Between the Healing Built Environment and Nurses in Healthcare Nursing Stations: Case Study of Tehran Hospitals
Authors: Eftekhari Maryam , Ghomeishi Mohammad
Published: April 2023

Background:

Nursing stations are important features of medical centers that are constantly in use. As nursing is an inherently stressful occupation, nursing stations should be designed to minimize stress on those who must spend time there.

Aim:

This study evaluated the effect of environmental design factors on mitigating the stress levels on nurses in nursing stations by determining the environmental factors that most influence the perceptual senses that affect physical and psychological comfort.

Methods:

A quantitative approach was used to evaluate the parameters that affect the sensory perceptions of nurses in nursing stations at four hospitals in Tehran. A survey was conducted to identify environmental design parameters that affect the visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, and olfactory senses.

Results:

The results revealed that the olfactory category scored highest, followed by the auditory, visual and tactile categories, which had similar scores, and kinesthetic was ranked last.

Conclusion:

A connection was revealed between the educational level of the nurses and environmental factors affecting their sensory perception in terms of materials, aesthetics and the appropriate number of windows as a visual sense, and ergonomics as a kinesthetic sense. Significantly, the gender variable differed in the Furniture variable based on comfort of seating with respect structure. Based on the results of this study, a combination of olfactory, visual, and auditory factors should be required at the nursing stations to decrease the stress level of nurses.
FGF Ligands and Receptors in Osteochondral Tissues of the Temporomandibular Joint in Young and Aging Mice
Authors: Dutra Eliane H. , Chen Po-Jung , Kalajzic Zana , Wadhwa Sunil , Hurley Marja , Yadav Sumit
Published: April 2023

Objective

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of 22 proteins and 4 FGF receptors (FGFRs) that are crucial elements for normal development. The contribution of different FGFs and FGFRs for the homeostasis or disease of the cartilage from the mandibular condyle is unknown. Therefore, our goal was to characterize age-related alterations in the protein expression of FGF ligands and FGFRs in the mandibular condyle of mice.

Method

Mandibular condyles of 1-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month-old C57BL/6J male mice (5 per group) were collected and histologically sectioned. Immunofluorescence for FGFs that have been reported to be relevant for chondrogenesis (FGF2, FGF8, FGF9, FGF18) as well as the activated/phosphorylated FGFRs (pFGFR1, pFGFR3) was carried out.

Results

FGF2 and FGF8 were strongly expressed in the cartilage and subchondral bone of 1-month-old mice, but the expression shifted mainly to the subchondral bone as mice aged. FGF18 and pFGFR3 expression was limited to the cartilage of 1-month-old mice only. Meanwhile, pFGFR1 and FGF9 were mostly limited to the cartilage with a significant increase in expression as mice aged.

Conclusions

Our results indicate FGF2 and FGF8 are important growth factors for mandibular condylar cartilage growth in young mice but with limited role in the cartilage of older mice. In addition, the increased expression of pFGFR1 and FGF9 and the decreased expression of pFGFR3 and FGF18 as mice aged suggest the association of these factors with aging and osteoarthritis of the cartilage of the mandibular condyle.
Exploring the lived experiences of debilitating period pain management in the UK
Authors: Vafapour Parmis , Murray Esther
Published: April 2023

Background

Five to ten percent of women experience period pains that disrupt their lives yet 4 in 5 women believe that their claims for their dysmenorrhea are not taken seriously. Within the process of seeking support and understanding about their pain, they face various barriers that prevent them from finding the answers they deserve.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 women aged 20–28 to discuss their experiences with dysmenorrhea throughout their time since menarche.

Results

Using Scheper-Hughes and Lock understanding of the mindful body, this research explores women’s experiences of dysmenorrhea through their physical body (relationship with the body and needing control), the social body (cultural concepts and comparisons to others) and the body politic (medicalisation, the medical team and the transvaginal ultrasound).

Conclusions

The impact of these aspects of their mindful bodies developed arguments showing how different actors had an impact on preventing them obtaining the patient-centred care they required without resistance. More must be done to honour the experience of pain women have regarding their periods, especially by healthcare professionals. There must be consistency in the way women are approached for their dysmenorrhea to prevent discrepancies of support. This must be done with clearer guidance on what is offered to women with dysmenorrhea, especially in the primary care setting.
Association of multimorbidity with the use of health information technology
Authors: Manning Sydney E , Wang Hao , Dwibedi Nilanjana , Shen Chan , Wiener R Constance , Findley Patricia A , Mitra Sophie , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: April 2023

Objective

To examine the association of multimorbidity with health information technology use among adults in the USA.

Methods

We used cross-sectional study design and data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 5 Cycle 4. Health information technology use was measured with ten variables comprising access, recent use, and healthcare management. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic and multinomial logistic regressions were used to model the associations of multimorbidity with health information technology use.

Results

Among adults with multimorbidity, health information technology use for specific purposes ranged from 37.8% for helping make medical decisions to 51.7% for communicating with healthcare providers. In multivariable regressions, individuals with multimorbidity were more likely to report general use of health information technology (adjusted odds ratios  =  1.48, 95% confidence intervals  =  1.01–2.15) and more likely to use health information technology to check test results (adjusted odds ratios  =  1.85, 95% confidence intervals  =  1.33–2.58) compared to adults with only one chronic condition, however, there were no significant differences in other forms of health information technology use. We also observed interactive associations of multimorbidity and age on various components of health information technology use. Compared to younger adults with multimorbidity, older adults (≥ 65 years of age) with multimorbidity were less likely to use almost all aspects of health information technology.

Conclusion

Health information technology use disparities by age and multimorbidity were observed. Education and interventions are needed to promote health information technology use among older adults in general and specifically among older adults with multimorbidity.
Following New Philanthropy by Network Ethnography: How Did the Varkey Foundation Land and Expand in Latin America?
Authors: Matovich Iván , Esper Tomás
Published: April 2023

Purpose

New philanthropy develops new forms of policy “problem-solving” through the influx of private actors’ money and ideas. It adopts singular configurations across different policy spaces, with implications for education governance. We address this phenomenon by analyzing the Varkey Foundation's (VF) “landing” and “expansion” in Latin America. VF is a global philanthropic organization registered in the United Kingdom in 2011 with a main hub in Argentina, where it landed in 2017.

Design/Approach/Methods

We use network ethnography to examine the influence of new philanthropy on education governance as this phenomenon demands new methods to grasp the “realities” of governing beyond conventional ways and understanding policy mobilities.

Findings

Results indicate how VF “landed” in a little pro-market space via productive uses of policy networks. The second phase of data collection and analysis presents further consolidation of VF in Argentina, its expansion into Latin America, and its establishment as a legitimate education policy actor.

Originality/Value

This study provides new evidence and insights into how policy networks enable new philanthropy to land and consolidate within national boundaries and, later, across the region as a legitimate actor in education.
Book Covers and State Translation Programs: A Multimodal Approach to Book Covers in the Panda Books Series
Authors: Zao Binji , Zhang Huiyu , Feng Quangong
Published: April 2023

In the era of globalization, institutional translation has become increasingly important. The Panda Books Series (PBS) is an exemplar of institutional translation that translates and disseminates Chinese literature to other parts of the world. The present study provides a multimodal analysis of the book covers in the PBS in terms of their visual meanings and intersemiotic relations. Analysis of 129 front covers and 64 back covers reveals that a positive and non-threatening image of China is constructed by characterizing China as a gender-equal, peaceful, and rural country, while a modern and approachable image of Chinese writers is created to highlight the authorship. The verbal and visual modes that are present on the covers often repeat the same information to reinforce positive images of China and Chinese writers, which is instrumental in realizing the goal of the PBS. It is argued that the agency of subjects at different levels, that is, the political ideology of the state, the governmental institutions involved, and translators and editors, all combine to shape the book cover designs of the PBS. This study contributes to research on institutional translation, especially state translation program, from a multimodal perspective.
Reconnoitering the Effects of Risk and Knowledge on Use Intention for E-money Services Among Saudi Arabian Residents
Authors: Salameh Anas A. , Hayat Naeem , Ali Anis
Published: April 2023

Technology impacts human life in multiple ways, and the internet offers the facility to perform traditional money transactions instantly. However, technology adoption is risky, and numerous risks hinder the intention formation from using e-money services. The current work investigates four types of associated risks (financial, service, time, and psychological risk) impacting the use intention for e-money services among Saudi Arabian and estimating the effect of e-money services knowledge on the use intention. For the existing cross-sectional study, quantitative data were collected in Saudi Arabia on social media. Analysis was executed with 328 valid sample data with the partial least square structural equation modeling software SmartPLS 3.3. Results revealed that e-money services’ financial, time, and service risks insignificantly influence the e-money usage intention. However, psychological risk and knowledge about e-money services significantly influence the use intention for e-money services. E-money services firms reduce financial, time, and service risk perceptions. Improving knowledge of e-money services and reducing the psychological risk build a favorable usage intention. The results help develop appropriate management and policy guidelines to facilitate Saudi Arabia to become a cashless society by 2030. The study’s limitations and future research options are stated at the end.
A multi-city study on structural characteristics of bicycle networks
Authors: Reggiani Giulia , Verma Trivik , Daamen Winnie , Hoogendoorn Serge
Published: April 2023

Bicycle networks are made up of different types of infrastructure for cars, bikes and mixed use, which has resulted in various definitions being used to describe them. However, it’s crucial to bring these definitions together to understand the structural differences among them and the impact of choices and investments in bike infrastructure. This study examines different definitions of bicycle networks in 47 cities, analysing scaling effects and various network metrics for four different definitions. Understanding structural characteristics of different bicycle networks definitions contributes to the body of knowledge necessary for design interventions by policymakers.
The breaking points of human development-the separating role of national borders
Authors: Tóth Géza
Published: April 2023

The human development index (HDI) has been used for a long time for the complex comparison of individual countries (UNDP 2023). According to Waldo Tobler's “First Law of Geography,” the data of each country should theoretically be similar to the values of neighboring countries. At least if land borders are taken into account, since the role of maritime borders is difficult to interpret in terms of similarity between countries. In the following figure, I examine the differences in the human development index of each country, which I consider to be the breaking points of development. In the case of countries that have a land border between them, I look at the difference in the index and plot the border in terms of the difference. Of course, the difference is not only important in terms of size, but also in the extent to which countries with populations can be observed. Therefore, I modified the area of the countries in proportion to their 2023 population. The source of the data is worldometers.info, while the map work was created using the ScapeToad software.
Rapid Inter-maxillary Fixation Using a Single Wire: A Technical Note
Authors: Mishra Madan , Singh Gaurav , Mathur Vartika
Published: April 2023

Study Design

Technical note

Objective

To introduce a new technique for the purpose inter-maxillary fixation (IMF) that is simple, quick, and minimally invasive.

Method

-IMF with wire has been used for treating fractures pertaining to the maxillomandibular complex for both closed reduction and as an adjunct to open reduction. Here we present a new type of technique using 24 gauge stainless steel wires providing stabilization from lingual side which gives 3-dimensional stability.

Result

This technique is rapid and simple for IMF.

Conclusion

This technique can be effectively used in cases of simple facial fracture, orthognathic surgery, tumor resection, or where prolonged post-operative IMF is not required.
Royal, colonial and authoritarian legacies in Myanmar prisons of today
Authors: Gaborit Liv S.
Published: April 2023

This article traces inconsistencies and consistencies of penal practices in Myanmar from dynastic times until today. With inspiration from Foucault's history of the present and Holland and Lave's history in practice, the article demonstrates how penal practices are shaped by legacies of the past. Additionally, the study shows how the continued use of practices from authoritarian times revealed the weakness of the democratic transition in Myanmar. To do so, three practices are studied through interviews with former prisoners conducted during long-term ethnographic fieldwork. These are the use of convict officers, amnesties and torture. These practices are described in first-hand accounts by former prisoners and traced back through time by comparison with existing research on penal histories in Myanmar. This tracing reveals that some practices have been used continuously across dynastic rule, colonial times and independence, while others have been discontinued only to reappear. The penal practices in Myanmar today continue to be deeply influenced by their history and reveal the continued presence of authoritarian ideas.
Surgical Perspective on Evaluation and Management of Recurrent Reflux After Primary Antireflux Surgery
Authors: Shin Thomas H. , Kroh Matthew D.
Published: April 2023

While fundoplication as a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been largely successful, the rise in reflux cases refractory to initial surgery presents a unique challenge in the search for more durable symptom relief. In addition to principles pertaining to medical management and reoperation, this article discusses several nuances to consider in the careful evaluation of recalcitrant GERD post-fundoplication to optimize long-term success after revisional antireflux surgery from a surgical perspective.
Aminoglycoside Pharmacokinetics in Patients with AIDS
Authors: Katz Roya B. , Lawson Lisa A. , Johnson Nelda E. , Schechter Leslie N.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of aminoglycosides in patients with AIDS and to compare these parameters with those of a control group of patients not infected with HIV.

Design

Retrospective, chart-review study.

Patients

Nineteen AIDS patients and 19 non-HIV-infected patients (control) were identified through a review of pharmacokinetic monitoring cards.

Methods

Patients’ charts were reviewed for demographic data, aminoglycoside (gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin) dosing schedule, and steady-state peak and trough concentrations. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a one-compartment open model.

Results

Significant differences were found in the elimination rate constant (Ke) between the two groups (mean ± SD, 0.20 ± 0.084/h in the AIDS group and 0.26 ± 0.095/h in the control group). Half-life was significantly longer in the AIDS group versus controls (4.3 ± 2.5 and 2.99 ± 1.15/h, respectively). The volume of distribution (Vd), expressed in terms of liters and liters per kilogram total body weight (TBW), was significantly larger in the AIDS group than in the control group (28.3 ± 14 L [0.43 ± 0.21 L/kg TBW] and 19.2 ± 4.95 L [0.28 ± 0.07 L/kg TBW], respectively). Clearance in terms of liters per hour and Vd in terms of L/kg ideal body weight were not significantly different between the two groups. Albumin was similar in both groups (34 ± 7 g/L, control group; 28 ± 7 g/L, AIDS group).

Conclusions

Aminoglycoside pharmacokinetics were found to be altered in the patients with AIDS. When calculating an initial dose of an aminoglycoside in AIDS patients, use of estimated normal population parameters may result in lower peaks in these individuals. Pharmacokinetic parameters may need to be adjusted in AIDS patients because of their large Vd and slower Ke.
Evaluation of the Drug-O-Matic Automated Dispensing System
Authors: Maliekal James
Published: April 2023

Objective

To compare the time savings and accuracy rates of a manual dispensing system with the Drug-O-Matic (DOM), an automated tablet and capsule counter.

Design

In part one, phase A of this two-part study, a time trial measured the time of the prescription-filling process using the manual method. In part one, phase B, a time trial measured the time of that process using the DOM system. Part two of the study measured the accuracy of the DOM.

Results

The DOM requires 9 hours 42 minutes less per day than does the manual system. However, its accuracy causes some concern because we found a 14 percent discrepancy rate in terms of over- and underfills.

Conclusions

Our initial experience with the DOM suggests significant time-savings potential compared with the manual method of prescription filling, and our institutional goal is to translate the time saved into other activities that will allow us to function as a free-standing pharmacy. A concern is the DOM's 14 percent discrepancy rate. Further studies are needed to confirm or challenge our initial findings.
Cost of Inappropriate Use of Ciprofloxacin in Ambulatory Care
Authors: Koo Ji. M. , Renner Edward D.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To determine the incidence of inappropriate ciprofloxacin use and the resulting cost thereof in ambulatory care.

Design

Retrospective cost analysis.

Setting

Ambulatory care clinic of a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Patients

One hundred thirty-seven ambulatory patients prescribed ciprofloxacin during March, April, and May 1992. Forty-six patient charts were available for review.

Main Outcome Measure

Indications for ciprofloxacin use were determined from chart review.

Results

Chart review of 46 of the 137 patients prescribed ciprofloxacin during the three-month study period indicated that only 8 (17 percent) had infections that were appropriately treated with this antibiotic. If 550 patients had received ciprofloxacin that year (figure extrapolated from the three-month totals), the cost of prescribing would have been $29,260. This study indicates that $20,500 per year could be saved by prescribing equally efficacious oral antibiotics.

Conclusions

Restricting ciprofloxacin use to its proven indications in the ambulatory setting may result in considerable cost savings to medical centers.
We Teach the Child, Too: A Survey of Wisconsin Music Educators’ Use of IEPs
Authors: Jones Sara K.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this survey study was to investigate the perceptions of music teachers in the state of Wisconsin about their use of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in music classrooms. One hundred seventy-nine music educators completed the survey. Music teachers indicated that many of them do not have access to student IEPs and that student IEP goals and objectives typically lack relevance to the music classroom. Teachers also reported limited use of IEPs to plan daily instructional activities and develop curriculum, and noted they needed more planning time to effectively implement IEPs.
Two simple methods to improve the accuracy of the genomic selection methodology
Authors: Montesinos-López Osval A. , Kismiantini  , Montesinos-López Abelardo
Published: April 2023

Background

Genomic selection (GS) is revolutionizing plant and animal breeding. However, still its practical implementation is challenging since it is affected by many factors that when they are not under control make this methodology not effective. Also, due to the fact that it is formulated as a regression problem in general has low sensitivity to select the best candidate individuals since a top percentage is selected according to a ranking of predicted breeding values.

Results

For this reason, in this paper we propose two methods to improve the prediction accuracy of this methodology. One of the methods consist in reformulating the GS (nowadays formulated as a regression problem) methodology as a binary classification problem. The other consists only in a postprocessing step that adjust the threshold used for classification of the lines predicted in its original scale (continues scale) to guarantee similar sensitivity and specificity. The postprocessing method is applied for the resulting predictions after obtaining the predictions using the conventional regression model. Both methods assume that we defined with anticipation a threshold, to divide the training data as top lines and not top lines, and this threshold can be decided in terms of a quantile (for example 80%, 90%, etc.) or as the average (or maximum) of the performance of the checks.

In the reformulation method it is required to label as one those lines in the training set that are equal or larger than the specified threshold and as zero otherwise. Then we train a binary classification model with the conventional inputs, but using the binary response variable in place of the continuous response variable. The training of the binary classification should be done to guarantee a more similar sensitivity and specificity, to guarantee a reasonable probability of classification of the top lines.

Conclusions

We evaluated the proposed models in seven data sets and we found that the two proposed methods outperformed by large margin the conventional regression model (by 402.9% in terms of sensitivity, by 110.04% in terms of F1 score and by 70.96% in terms of Kappa coefficient, with the postprocessing methods). However, between the two proposed methods the postprocessing method was better than the reformulation as binary classification model. The simple postprocessing method to improve the accuracy of the conventional genomic regression models avoid the need to reformulate the conventional regression models as binary classification models with similar or better performance, that significantly improve the selection of the top best candidate lines. In general both proposed methods are simple and can easily be adopted for use in practical breeding programs, with the guarantee that will improve significantly the selection of the top best candidates lines.
The mitochondrial genome of the diploid oat Avena longiglumis
Authors: Liu Qing , Yuan Hongyu , Xu Jiaxin , Cui Dongli , Xiong Gui , Schwarzacher Trude , Heslop-Harrison John Seymour
Published: April 2023

Background

Avena longiglumis Durieu (2n = 2x = 14) is a wild relative of cultivated oat (Avena sativa, 2n = 6x = 42) with good agronomic and nutritional traits. The plant mitochondrial genome has a complex organization and carries genetic traits of value in exploiting genetic resources, not least male sterility alleles used to generate F1 hybrid seeds. Therefore, we aim to complement the chromosomal-level nuclear and chloroplast genome assemblies of A. longiglumis with the complete assembly of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) based on Illumina and ONT long reads, comparing its structure with Poaceae species.

Results

The complete mitochondrial genome of A. longiglumis can be represented by one master circular genome being 548,445 bp long with a GC content of 44.05%. It can be represented by linear or circular DNA molecules (isoforms or contigs), with multiple alternative configurations mediated by long (4,100–31,235 bp) and medium (144–792 bp) size repeats. Thirty-five unique protein-coding genes, three unique rRNA genes, and 11 unique tRNA genes are identified. The mitogenome is rich in duplications (up to 233 kb long) and multiple tandem or simple sequence repeats, together accounting for more than 42.5% of the total length. We identify homologous sequences between the mitochondrial, plastid and nuclear genomes, including the exchange of eight plastid-derived tRNA genes, and nuclear-derived retroelement fragments. At least 85% of the mitogenome is duplicated in the A. longiglumis nuclear genome. We identify 269 RNA editing sites in mitochondrial protein-coding genes including stop codons truncating ccmFC transcripts.

Conclusions

Comparative analysis with Poaceae species reveals the dynamic and ongoing evolutionary changes in mitochondrial genome structure and gene content. The complete mitochondrial genome of A. longiglumis completes the last link of the oat reference genome and lays the foundation for oat breeding and exploiting the biodiversity in the genus.
Protocol optimization and assessment of genotypic response for inbred line development through doubled haploid production in maize
Authors: Kaur Harjot , Kyum Mohammed , Sandhu Surinder , Singh Gagandeep , Sharma Priti
Published: April 2023

Background

Doubled haploid technology offers the fastest route of inbred line development by rapidly fixing the desirable combinations in a single year. However, the differential response of haploid induction to genetic background of maternal lines accompanied with low induction rate and high mortality rate due to artificial chromosomal doubling of haploid seedlings creates hindrance in doubled haploid production on a commercial scale under tropical conditions. To speed up the hybrid breeding programme in sub-tropical maize, efforts are reported here to optimize the protocol for efficient production of fixed lines using haploid inducers. The second-generation haploid inducers i.e. CIM2GTAILs obtained from CIMMYT, Mexico were used for haploid induction in 13 F1s of diverse backgrounds. For standardization of chromosomal doubling protocol, various concentrations of colchicine and two seedling growth stages were used to determine the extent of chromosomal doubling and survival rate of doubled haploid plants.

Results

A high mean haploid induction rate is obtained from CIM2GTAIL P2 (10%) as compared to CIM2GTAIL P1 (7.46%). Out of four treatments, CIMMYT reported protocol of chromosome doubling in tropical maize comprising combination of 0.07% colchicine and 0.1% DMSO at V2 stage is highly effective for acquiring doubled haploid plants in sub-tropical adapted maize with high survival rate of 52.7%. However, increasing the colchicine concentration from 0.07 to 0.1% led to high mortality rate.

Conclusion

According to the findings, the haploid induction rate, survival rate and overall success rate varied depending upon the genotype of the inducer and the source population along with the concentrations of chemical used. The optimized protocol developed using CIMMYT haploid inducer CIM2GTAIL P2 for efficient doubled haploid production will not only fasten the breeding programme but will also reduce the production cost of doubled haploid with great efficiency in sub-tropical maize.