bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In silico and in vitro Identification of Compounds with Dual Pharmacological Activity against Metionyl‐tRNA Synthetase and Isoleucyl‐tRNA Synthetase of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Takeuchi Masamune , Teshima Mio , Okubo Saya , Aoki Shunsuke
Published: April 2023

The spread of drug‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in hospitals and communities poses a serious medical threat. This study aimed to identify aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase inhibitors with antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. In silico structure‐based drug screening using docking and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) was performed targeting S. aureus metionyl‐tRNA synthetase (saMetRS). Ten candidate compounds were selected by screening a compound 3D structure library with 154,118 compounds. One compound (Compound 9) showed a strong inhibitory effect in growth inhibition studies using Staphylococcus epidermidis. From the experiments verifying the dose‐dependent effect, the IC50 value of Compound 9 was determined to be 3.74 μM. MDSs predicted that Compound 9 exhibits inhibitory activity against saMetRS and S. aureus isoleucyl‐tRNA synthetase, which belongs to the same subclass Ia. Compound 9 with its polypharmacological activity is not susceptible to drug resistance and is expected to have enhanced antimicrobial efficacy.
Catalytic Decomposition Mechanism of PH3 on 3DCuO/C and High Value Utilization of Deactivated Catalysts
Authors: Feng Jiayu , Ma Lixuan , Wang Chi , Ma Yixing , Sun Xin , Jia Lijuan , Ning Ping , Zhang Riguang , Wang Fei , Li Kai
Published: April 2023

With the widespread application of lithium iron phosphate batteries, the production capacity of the yellow phosphorus industry has increased sharply, and the treatment of the highly toxic by‐product PH3 is facing severe challenges. In this study, a 3D copper‐based catalyst (3DCuO/C) that can efficiently decompose PH3 at low temperatures and low oxygen concentrations is synthesized. The PH3 capacity is up to 181.41 mg g−1, which is superior to that previously reported in the literature. Further studies indicated that the special 3D structure of 3DCuO/C induces oxygen vacancies on the surface of CuO, which is beneficial to the activation of O2, and then promotes the adsorption and dissociation of PH3. The doping of P after dissociation determines the formation of Cu‐P, and the eventual conversion to Cu3P leads to the deactivation of CuO active sites. More strikingly, due to the appearance of Cu3P, the deactivated De‐3DCuO/C (Cu3P/C) exhibited significant activity in the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B and photocatalytic oxidation of Hg0 (gas) and can also be a candidate as an anode material for Li batteries after modification, which will provide a more thorough and economical treatment scheme for deactivated catalysts.
Application of high‐performance fibre reinforced concrete to precast girders for road bridges: Conceptual considerations and numerical analyses
Authors: Ruiz Rafael , Todisco Leonardo , Corres Hugo
Published: April 2023

High‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete (HPFRC) can be considered a promising material for the construction of precast concrete girders for road bridges. This paper presents conceptual considerations and numerical analysis to support this statement. The HPFRC is a compromised alternative between FRC and UHPFRC mixes. Specifically, a tailor‐made mix design of HPFRC jointly developed by ACCIONA and the authors is presented, and then compared with the other types of fiber‐reinforced concretes collected from the technical literature. In addition, some trends observed in the database are described. This material characterization is followed by a conceptual analysis of the advantages of the application of HPFRC to road bridges. Specifically, a proposed bridge for the case of a 60 m‐span box girder is analyzed. A comparison between alternatives based on the use of HPFRC and conventional reinforced concrete is discussed. The results shed light on the viability of this material for bridge application. Specifically, the main finding show potential significant material savings in structural elements of the superstructure. Finally, ongoing and future research for a wide application to the construction sector are briefly discussed.
A feature selection for video quality of experience modeling: A systematic literature review
Authors: Skaka ‐ Čekić Fatima , Baraković Husić Jasmina
Published: April 2023

Quality of Experience (QoE) multidimensional concept is the key for successful delivery of multimedia services. Higher user requirements for new experiences such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and future 6G services set higher requirements for QoE. A more complex QoE space requires the use of data mining methods in order to process the data for better QoE prediction. The increased dimensionality of the QoE space becomes a limiting factor for achieving the desired QoE prediction accuracy. Existing studies considering the QoE multidimensional concept with approaches that overcome the challenge of increased QoE space dimensionality are of great importance for future research. Accordingly, this article aims to review the applications of Feature Selection (FS) methods in video QoE modeling. It provides a comprehensive overview of the existing studies with the categorization and review of applied FS methods with reference to the data collection and data modeling steps. The analysis included 71 studies which provides overview of the FS methods applications in video QoE modeling depending on the input Influence Factor (IF) dimension sizes, type of IFs, QoE prediction methods used and QoE evaluation type. Our review revealed the advantages of using FS methods in video QoE modeling, frequency of application of FS methods with potential of applying more FS methods in a series or a parallel, gives an overview of the achieved dimensionality reduction degree for different methods, and provides insights in opportunities for researchers for applying FS methods on complex multidimensional QoE space.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Data Preprocessing

Algorithmic Development > Multimedia
Swiss Taxes on Investment and Financing
Authors: Meier Henri B. , Marthinsen John E. , Gantenbein Pascal A. , Weber Samuel S.
Published: April 2023

Switzerland's federal government got the right to impose indirect taxes in 1848, and only under the pressure of war expenditures, in 1940, was it authorized to levy direct taxes. Government spending and tax revenues have grown since then. Unlike stories of a tax paradise, Switzerland's total tax burden is only slightly below the OECD's European average and often not in the best interest of future economic development. The country's tax laws favor debt over equity financing. Its Tax and Social Security systems support the retired generation. Stamp and withholding taxes hamper the development of Swiss capital markets, and not allowing tax credits from losses for more than seven years heavily burdens innovative start-ups, constituting an intergenerational transfer of assets and opportunities.
Swiss Institutional Investors
Authors: Meier Henri B. , Marthinsen John E. , Gantenbein Pascal A. , Weber Samuel S.
Published: April 2023

Institutional Investors, such as insurance companies, pension funds, real estate funds, and mutual funds, have become critically important players in the Swiss financial market. They channel capital from a multitude of investors, such as households, businesses, and the government, into asset classes like equities, debt, commodities, and real estate. The social security system plays a key role in this, together with the state-run basic benefit plan, the mandatory occupational pension scheme, and private savings. Insurance companies, comprising life insurance, non-life insurance, and reinsurance business activities, along with the growing class of collective investment schemes, have become enormous sources of investment capital, deciding about their allocation—unfortunately not in the best interest of their contributors’ future, also because of increasingly comprehensive regulations.
Swiss Debt Markets
Authors: Meier Henri B. , Marthinsen John E. , Gantenbein Pascal A. , Weber Samuel S.
Published: April 2023

The stable Swiss franc currency, low-interest rates, high market liquidity, and long-term funding opportunities have made Swiss debt markets an attractive source of capital for borrowers, such as businesses, governments, and supranational organizations. The exceptionally well-developed long-term debt market has reduced the need for short-term financing and has proven highly resilient during times of turmoil. Today, Switzerland has a non-public borrowers’ market that is larger than the public borrowers’ segment, partly due to the federal debt brake. A distinctive feature is the Pfandbrief market which has remained loss-free during its 90-year history. While the share of foreign bonds has decreased over time, Sustainable Bonds, comprising Green Bonds, Social Bonds, and bonds linked to sustainability have emerged as a new important bond type.
Percolate: An Exponential Family JIVE Model to Design DNA-Based Predictors of Drug Response
Authors: Mourragui Soufiane M. C. , Loog Marco , van Nee Mirrelijn , de Wiel Mark A van , Reinders Marcel J. T. , Wessels Lodewyk F. A.
Published: April 2023

Motivation: Anti-cancer drugs may elicit resistance or sensitivity through mechanisms which involve several genomic layers. Nevertheless, we have demonstrated that gene expression contains most of the predictive capacity compared to the remaining omic data types. Unfortunately, this comes at a price: gene expression biomarkers are often hard to interpret and show poor robustness.

Results: To capture the best of both worlds, i.e. the accuracy of gene expression and the robustness of other genomic levels, such as mutations, copy-number or methylation, we developed Percolate, a computational approach which extracts the joint signal between gene expression and the other omic data types. We developed an out-of-sample extension of Percolate which allows predictions on unseen samples without the necessity to recompute the joint signal on all data. We employed Percolate to extract the joint signal between gene expression and either mutations, copy-number or methylation, and used the out-of sample extension to perform response prediction on unseen samples. We showed that the joint signal recapitulates, and sometimes exceeds, the predictive performance achieved with each data type individually. Importantly, molecular signatures created by Percolate do not require gene expression to be evaluated, rendering them suitable to clinical applications where only one data type is available.

Availability: Percolate is available as a Python 3.7 package and the scripts to reproduce the results are available here.
Aspects of N-partite information in conformal field theories
Authors: Agón César A. , Bueno Pablo , Andino Oscar Lasso , López Alejandro Vilar
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We present several new results for the N-partite information, IN, of spatial regions in the ground state of d-dimensional conformal field theories. First, we show that IN can be written in terms of a single N-point function of twist operators. Using this, we argue that in the limit in which all mutual separations are much greater than the regions sizes, the N-partite information scales as IN ~ r−2N∆, where r is the typical distance between pairs of regions and ∆ is the lowest primary scaling dimension. In the case of spherical entangling surfaces, we obtain a completely explicit formula for the I4 in terms of 2-, 3- and 4-point functions of the lowest-dimensional primary. Then, we consider a three- dimensional scalar field in the lattice. We verify the predicted long-distance scaling and provide strong evidence that IN is always positive for general regions and arbitrary N for that theory. For the I4, we find excellent numerical agreement between our general formula and the lattice result for disk regions. We also perform lattice calculations of the mutual information for more general regions and general separations both for a free scalar and a free fermion, and conjecture that, normalized by the corresponding disk entanglement entropy coefficients, the scalar result is always greater than the fermion one. Finally, we verify explicitly the equality between the N-partite information of bulk and boundary fields in holographic theories for spherical entangling surfaces in general dimensions.
Trends and Variations in Drain Use Following Pancreatoduodenectomy: Is Early Drain Removal Becoming More Common?
Authors: Sahara Kota , Ruff Samantha M. , Miyake Kentaro , Toyoda Junya , Yabushita Yasuhiro , Homma Yuki , Kumamoto Takafumi , Matsuyama Ryusei , Endo Itaru , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Although previous studies have noted the potential benefit of early drain removal (EDR) after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), there is a paucity of data on the timing of drain removal utilizing a national database that reflect the “real world” setting. Given the ongoing controversy related to PD drain use and management, we sought to define trends in drain use among a large national cohort, as well as identify factors associated with EDR following PD.

Methods

The ACS NSQIP targeted pancreatectomy database was used to identify patients who underwent PD between 2014 and 2020. The trend in proportion of patients with EDR (removal ≤ POD3) as well as predictors of EDR were assessed. Risk‐adjusted postoperative outcomes were evaluated by multivariable regression analysis.

Results

Among 14,356 patients, 16.2% of patients (N = 2324) experienced EDR, and the proportion of patients with EDR increased by 68% over the study period (2014: 10.9% vs. 2020: 18.3%, p < 0.001). Higher drain fluid amylase on POD1‐3 [LogWorth (LW) = 44.3], operative time (LW = 33.2), and use of minimally invasive surgery (LW = 14.0) were associated with EDR. Additionally, EDR was associated with decreased risk of overall and serious morbidity, PD‐related morbidity (e.g., pancreatic fistula), reoperation, prolonged length of stay and readmission (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Routine drain placement remains a common practice among most surgeons. EDR following PD increased over time was associated with lower post‐operative complications and shorter LOS. Despite evidence that EDR was safe and may even be associated with lower complications, only 1 in 6 patients were managed with EDR.
Effect of intraperitoneal infusion of ropivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a single-center randomized double-blinded controlled trial
Authors: Miao Liyan , Chen Qiuchun , Wang Yuping , Wang Denggui , Zhou Min
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effect of intraperitoneal infusion of ropivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine and ropivacaine alone on the quality of postoperative recovery of patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).

Methods

Female patients scheduled to undergo a TLH under general anesthesia at Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital were included. Before the end of pneumoperitoneum, patients were laparoscopically administered an intraperitoneal infusion of 0.25% ropivacaine 40 ml (R group) or 0.25% ropivacaine combined with 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine 40 ml (RD group). The primary outcome was QoR-40, which was assessed before surgery and 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative NRS scores, postoperative anesthetic dosage, the time to ambulation, urinary catheter removal, and anal exhaust. The incidence of dizziness, nausea, and vomiting was also analyzed.

Results

A total of 109 women were recruited. The RD group had higher QoR scores than the R group at 24 h after surgery (p < 0.05). Compared with the R group, NRS scores in the RD group decreased at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery (all p < 0.05). In the RD group, the time to the first dosage of postoperative opioid was longer and the cumulative and effective times of PCA compression were less than those in the R group (all p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the time to ambulation (p = 0.033), anal exhaust (p = 0.002), and urethral catheter removal (p = 0.018) was shortened in the RD group. The RD group had a lower incidence of dizziness, nausea, and vomiting (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Intraperitoneal infusion of ropivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine improved the quality of recovery in patients undergoing TLH.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2000033209, Registration Date: May 24, 2020.
Long-term outcome after decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction
Authors: Berger Natalie , Brunner Anna , Wünsch Gerit , Nistl Oliver , Pinter Daniela , Fandler-Höfler Simon , Haidegger Melanie , Pichler Alexander , Hatab Isra , Mokry Michael , Wolfsberger Stefan , Enzinger Christian , Gattringer Thomas , Kneihsl Markus
Published: April 2023

Background

Although decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is a lifesaving treatment strategy for patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (mMCAi), only one in four patients achieves low to moderate post-stroke disability according to previous studies. However, the short follow-up periods in prior studies could have overestimated the poor clinical prognosis. This study therefore examined the long-term outcome after DHC for mMCAi.

Methods

We retrospectively included all patients who had undergone DHC after mMCAi at the University Hospital Graz between 2006 and 2019. Demographics, clinical data and complications were collected from electronic clinical patient records. To investigate long-term prognosis, all patients were followed up to 14 years after stroke including quality of life (QOL) assessment. Post-stroke disability was rated according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Results

Of 47 patients that had undergone DHC for mMCAi, follow-up data were available in 40 patients (mean age: 48 years; 40% female). Six months after the mMCAi, 14 patients had died (35%) and nine (23%) had a low to moderate post-stroke disability (mRS 0–3). Of 26 stroke survivors, half (50%) showed further mRS improvement (≥ 1 point) during the long-term follow-up period (mean follow-up time: 8 years). At last follow-up, 17 patients had achieved an mRS score of ≤ 3 (65% versus 35% after 6 months; p = 0.008) and 55% had no signs of depression and anxiety, and 50% no signs of pain or discomfort in QOL assessment.

Conclusion

This study shows substantial long-term improvement of functional disability and reasonable QOL in mMCAi patients after DHC.
Impact of antigen retrieval protocols on the immunohistochemical detection of epigenetic DNA modifications
Authors: Moshi Jobran M. , Ummelen Monique , Broers Jos L. V. , Ramaekers Frans C. S. , Hopman Anton H. N.
Published: April 2023

This study compares three different pretreatment protocols for the immunohistochemical detection of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in nuclear DNA. The human biological samples analyzed included formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) normal squamous epithelium, ethanol-fixed cultured cells, and metaphase chromosomes. The antigen retrieval methods included low pH Citrate and high pH Tris–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) protocols, as well as a method using Pepsin pretreatment combined with HCl for DNA denaturation. A gradual increase in the detection levels of 5-mC and 5-hmC was observed when going from Citrate via Tris/EDTA to Pepsin/HCl retrieval. While the Citrate retrieval protocol was the least efficient for the detection of 5-mC and 5-hmC, it did preserve nuclear morphology and enabled visualization of differences in intra- and internuclear distribution patterns in tissue and cell culture samples by single- and double-fluorescence detection. Quantification of (hydroxy)methylation levels in FFPE material demonstrated a significant heterogeneity and differences in 5-mC and 5-hmC levels within and between nuclei in the different compartments of normal squamous epithelium. It was concluded that immunohistochemical detection of 5-mC and 5-hmC enables the correlation of these DNA modifications with histomorphological features in heterogeneous tissues, but this is influenced by different pretreatment protocols that must be carefully chosen to allow an appropriate interpretation of these epigenetic switches.
Data-based localisation methods using simulated data with application to small-scale structures
Authors: Scholl Manuel , Passek Matthias , Lainer Mirjam , Taddei Francesca , Schneider Felix , Müller Gerhard
Published: April 2023

Several methods to localise sources of vibrations have been established in the literature. A great amount of those methods are based on databases with features of known impact positions. Great effort needs to be put into highly expensive experiments that deliver those databases. In this paper, we propose several simulation techniques that may replace the expensive experiments for source localisation. The paper compares the localisation accuracy of simulated and experimental data for two different localisation approaches, the reference database method and neural networks. Both methods process signal arrival time differences from several positions on the structure. The methods are exemplarily applied to a complex small-scale structure from the automotive industry: The small dimensions of the brake disk hat and the inclusion of holes is a challenging task for the accuracy of the applied localisation techniques. Results show that simulated data can replace experimentally gained data well in case of the reference database method, whereas the neuronal networks approach should stick to experimentally gained data. The evaluations show that, despite the small dimension, the relative localisation accuracy is within accepted ranges of literature.
Oculocutaneous albinism: the neurological, behavioral, and neuro-ophthalmological perspective
Authors: Galli Jessica , Loi Erika , Dusi Laura , Pasini Nadia , Rossi Andrea , Scaglioni Vera , Mauri Lucia , Fazzi Elisa
Published: April 2023

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a group of rare, genetic disorders caused by absent/reduced melanin biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to explore the neurovisual, cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral profile of children affected by OCA, also evaluating any possible effect of the visual acuity deficit on the clinical profile and genotype–phenotype correlations. Eighteen children (9 males, mean age 84 months ± 41; range 18–181 months) with a molecular confirmed diagnosis of OCA were enrolled in the study. We collected data on clinical history, neurodevelopmental profile, neurological and neurovisual examination, and cognitive, adaptive, and emotional/behavioral functioning. A global neurodevelopmental impairment was detected in 56% of the children, without evolving into an intellectual disability. All the patients showed signs and symptoms of visual impairment. Low adaptive functioning was observed in 3 cases (17%). A risk for internalizing behavioral problems was documented in 6 cases (33%), for externalizing problems in 2 (11%), and for both in 5 (28%). Twelve children (67%) showed one or more autistic-like features. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between the visual acuity level and performance intelligence quotient (p = 0.001), processing speed index (p = 0.021), Vineland total score (p = 0.020), Vineland communication (p = 0.020), and socialization (p = 0.037) domains. No significant correlations were found between genotype and phenotype.

Conclusion: Children with OCA may present a global neurodevelopmental delay that seems to improve with age and emotional/behavioral difficulties, along with the well-known visual impairment. An early neuropsychiatric evaluation and habilitative training are recommended to improve vision-related performance, neurodevelopment, and any psychological difficulties.

What is Known:• Children with oculocutaneous albinism show dermatological and ophthalmological problems.• An early visual impairment may have negative implications on motor, emotional, and cognitive processes that would allow the child to organize his or her experiences.

What is New:• In addition to a variable combination of ocular signs and symptoms, children with oculocutaneous albinism may present an early neurodevelopmental delay and emotional/behavioral difficulties.• An early visual treatment is recommended to improve vision-related performance,
neurodevelopment, and any psychological difficulties.
Wu’s seven steps for endoscopic central and lateral neck dissection via breast combined with oral approach for papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Luo Yezhe , Wu Guoyang , Lin Suqiong , Fu Yilong
Published: April 2023

Objective

We had previously reported endoscopic central and lateral neck dissection via breast combined with an oral approach for papillary thyroid cancer treatment. In this study, we optimized the procedure with Wu’s seven steps to make the procedure quicker and easier.

Methods

Wu’s seven steps for endoscopic central and lateral neck dissection via breast combined with oral approach for papillary thyroid cancer are: (1) establish the working space, (2) isolate the sternocleidomastoid and internal jugular vein, (3) dissect the thyroid via breast approach, (4) dissect the central lymph nodes via oral approach, (5) dissect the inferior board of level IV via oral approach, (6) remove the tissues of levels IV, III, and II via breast approach, and (7) wash the working space and place drainage tubes. Twelve patients were assigned to the Wu’s seven steps group, and 13 patients were assigned to the contrast group. The operative procedure of the contrast group was the same as Wu’s seven steps except for a few key differences, such as that the central lymph nodes were dissected via breast approach first and the internal jugular vein(IJV) was dissected from the cricoid cartilage down to the venous angle.

Results

The Wu’s seven steps group had a short operation time and few injuries of the internal jugular vein. There were no statistical differences in other clinicopathological features or surgical complications.

Conclusion

It appears that Wu’s seven steps for endoscopic central and lateral neck dissection via breast combined with oral approach for papillary thyroid cancer are effective and safe.
Early and sustained increase in time in range 1 year after initiation of hybrid close loop therapy via telemedicine in type 1 diabetes patients
Authors: Gómez Ana M. , Henao Diana , Parra Darío , Kerguelen Alfonso , Jaramillo Pablo , Gómez Yaline , Muñoz Oscar Mauricio , Rondón Martin
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Evidence supports the efficacy and safety of the Hybrid Close loop (HCL) system in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, limited data are available on the long-term outcomes of patients on HCL with telemedicine follow-up.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study including T1D patients, who were upgrading to HCL system. Virtual training and follow-up were done through telemedicine. CGM data were analyzed to compare the baseline time in range (TIR), time below range (TBR), glycemic variability and auto mode (AM), with measurements performed at 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

134 patients were included with baseline A1c 7.6% ± 1.1. 40.5% had a severe hypoglycemia event in the last year. Baseline TIR, measured two weeks after starting AM was 78.6 ± 9.94%. No changes were evident at three (Mean difference − 0.15;CI-2.47,2.17;p = 0.96), six (MD-1.09;CI-3.42,1.24;p = 0.12) and 12 months (MD-1.30;CI-3.64,1.04;p = 0.08). No significant changes were found in TBR or glycemic variability throughout the follow-up. Use of AM was 85.6 ± 17.5% and percentage of use of sensor was 88.75 ± 9.5% at 12 months. No severe hypoglycemic (SH) events were reported.

Conclusions

HCL systems allow to improve TIR, TBR and glycemic variability safely, early and sustained up to 1 year of follow-up in patients with T1D and high risk of hypoglycemia followed through telemedicine.
Choosing an insulin injector by a structured, pharmaceutical-neutral curriculum via an informed shared decision-making process in 349 insulin-naive patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mertes Bernardo , Gödde Sybille , Kloos Christof , Kuniß Nadine
Published: April 2023

Background

The national guideline for diabetes type 2 claims to involve patients in their decision-making on therapy. Unfortunately, no structured, pharmaceutical-neutral curriculum is available to guide patients in this shared decision-making (SDM) process regarding the insulin injector. The aim of the study was to evaluate which injector patients chose after SDM process and the reasons for their choice.

Methods

We developed a curriculum for a SDM process to choose an insulin injector for insulin-naive patients with diabetes mellitus, which took place immediately before the start of the initial treatment with insulin. It was conducted by a physician or diabetes educator with no conflicts of interest. All available human short-acting disposable insulin injectors (A, B and C) were handed out for try-out accompanied by individual counselling. The patients selected their injector of choice and were asked immediately afterwards about the criteria for their selection.

Results

349 consecutive patients (94% diabetes type 2; age 58.6 + 13.4y; HbA1c 10.4 + 2.1%) were included. Patients choose Injector A in 10.0%, B in 61.9% and C in 28.1%. Criteria for selection were: design (41.8%), general impression (23.5%), dose window (7.7%), dose selection dial (7.4%), most practical (6.6%) and other (13%). Selection of a specific injector was not associated with age, diabetes type, diabetes duration, BMI, HbA1c, presence of concomitant diseases, retinopathy, neuropathy, diabetic foot or physician/diabetes educator.

Discussion

Insulin-naive patients with diabetes mellitus chose their own insulin injector within a newly developed structured SDM process to meet the national guideline. Main selection criteria were design and practicability.
A Multilevel Meta-analysis of Single-Case Research on Interventions for Internalizing Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Maric Marija , Schumacher Lea , Van den Noortgate Wim , Bettelli Linda , Engelbertink Wies , Stikkelbroek Yvonne
Published: April 2023

The effectiveness of interventions for internalizing disorders in children and adolescents was studied using a review and meta-analysis of published single-case research. Databases and other resources were searched for quantitative single-case studies in youth with anxiety, depressive, and posttraumatic stress disorders. Raw data from individual cases were aggregated and analyzed by means of multilevel meta-analytic models. Outcome variables were symptom severity assessed across baseline and treatment phases of the studies, and diagnostic status at post- and follow-up treatment. Single-case studies were rated for quality. We identified 71 studies including 321 cases (Mage = 10.66 years; 55% female). The mean quality of the studies was rated as below average, although there were considerable differences between the studies.Overall, positive within-person changes during the treatment phase in comparison to the baseline phase were found. In addition, positive changes in the diagnostic status were observed at post- and follow-up treatment. Yet high variability in treatment effects was found between cases and studies. This meta-analysis harvests the knowledge from published single-case research in youth-internalizing disorders and illustrates how within-person information from single-case studies can be summarized to explore the generalizability of the results from this type of research. The results emphasize the importance of keeping account of individual variability in providing and investigating youth interventions.
Student experience and digital storytelling: Integrating the authentic interaction of students work, life, play and learning into the co-design of university teaching practices
Authors: Bryant Peter
Published: April 2023

Designing strategic pedagogical change through the lens of a student experience that is yet to be experienced offers a critical frame for embedding the impacts of transition, uncertainty, belonging and the complexity of the student journey into the co-design of teaching and learning. A digital storytelling approach extends the notion of the student experience beyond the singular and metricised descriptions common in online student satisfaction survey instruments into a rhizomatic, resonant living community that resides in the intersecting spaces of work, life, play and learning. This paper describes an ethnographic-like model of collecting and evaluating the student experience through a semi-structured digital storytelling methodology that supports both co-design and cogenerative dialogue as a form of curriculum enhancement. The paper outlines how the Student Experience Digital Storytelling model was iteratively designed, deployed, and then evaluated through participatory action research-informed case studies at the University of Sydney Business School (Australia) and the London School of Economics and Political Science (United Kingdom) that embedded the student experience into the co-design of curriculum and assessment interventions.
Impact of COVID-19 on hospital screening, diagnosis and treatment activities among prostate and colorectal cancer patients in Canada
Authors: Lee Shin-Haw , Ojo Andrew Toye , Halat Matthew , Bleibdrey Nataly , Zhang Steven , Chalmers Rob , Zimskind Dan
Published: April 2023

Background

Suspension of cancer screening and treatment programs were instituted to preserve medical resources and protect vulnerable populations. This research aims to investigate the implications of COVID-19 on cancer management and clinical outcomes for patients with prostate and colorectal cancer in Canada.

Methods

We examined hospital cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, length of stay, and mortality data among prostate and colorectal cancer patients between April 2017 and March 2021. Baseline trends were established with data between April 2017 and March 2020 for comparison with data collected between April 2020 and March 2021. Scenario analyses were performed to assess the incremental capacity requirements needed to restore hospital cancer care capacities to the pre-pandemic levels.

Results

For prostate cancer, A 12% decrease in diagnoses and 5.3% decrease in treatment activities were observed during COVID-19 between April 2020 and March 2021. Similarly, a 43% reduction in colonoscopies, 11% decrease in diagnoses and 10% decrease in treatment activities were observed for colorectal cancers. An estimated 1,438 prostate and 2,494 colorectal cancer cases were undiagnosed, resulting in a total of 620 and 1,487 unperformed treatment activities for prostate and colorectal cancers, respectively, across nine provinces in Canada. To clear the backlogs of unperformed treatment procedures will require an estimated 3%-6% monthly capacity increase over the next 6 months.

Interpretation.

A concerted effort from all stakeholders is required to immediately ameliorate the backlogs of cancer detection and treatment activities. Mitigation measures should be implemented to minimize future interruptions to cancer care in Canada.
Single-FiO2 lung modelling with machine learning: a computer simulation incorporating volumetric capnography
Authors: Morgan Thomas J. , Scott Peter H. , Langley Adrian N. , Barrett Robin D. C. , Anstey Christopher M.
Published: April 2023

We investigated whether machine learning (ML) analysis of ICU monitoring data incorporating volumetric capnography measurements of mean alveolar PCO2 can partition venous admixture (VenAd) into its shunt and low V/Q components without manipulating the inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2). From a 21-compartment ventilation / perfusion (V/Q) model of pulmonary blood flow we generated blood gas and mean alveolar PCO2 data in simulated scenarios with shunt values from 7.3% to 36.5% and a range of FiO2 settings, indirect calorimetry and cardiac output measurements and acid- base and hemoglobin oxygen affinity conditions. A ‘deep learning’ ML application, trained and validated solely on single FiO2 bedside monitoring data from 14,736 scenarios, then recovered shunt values in 500 test scenarios with true shunt values ‘held back’. ML shunt estimates versus true values (n = 500) produced a linear regression model with slope = 0.987, intercept = -0.001 and R2 = 0.999. Kernel density estimate and error plots confirmed close agreement. With corresponding VenAd values calculated from the same bedside data, low V/Q flow can be reported as VenAd—shunt. ML analysis of blood gas, indirect calorimetry, volumetric capnography and cardiac output measurements can quantify pulmonary oxygenation deficits as percentage shunt flow (V/Q = 0) versus percentage low V/Q flow (V/Q > 0). High fidelity reports are possible from analysis of data collected solely at the operating FiO2.
How Does Case Law Shape Civil Law Systems? An Analysis of Spanish Administrative Courts
Authors: Egea-de Haro Alfonso
Published: April 2023

The paper explores the use of case law by Spanish administrative courts. Based on a database of 2964 sentences, a content analysis captures the integration of case law into the legal basis of court rulings. Even though case law is not listed as a source of law in the Spanish legal system, courts follow case law from either the same sentencing court (self-referential pattern) or higher courts (hierarchical pattern). The results of a logistic regression analysis point to a higher level of regulatory complexity and the configuration of the appellate procedures as incentives to integrate higher courts’ case law.
Exploring Barriers to Healthy Eating Among Women in Their Role as New Mothers with a Theory-Driven Questionnaire
Authors: Moura Andreia Ferreira , Aschemann-Witzel Jessica
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study aims to propose and evaluate a theory-driven questionnaire addressing barriers to healthy eating among mothers of young children.

Methods

Statements drawing upon the Social Cognitive Theory were developed/gathered based on literature review and previous qualitative research. Part I (43 items) included general barriers, attitudes to nutrition advice and outcome expectations. Part II (9 items) included subjective knowledge and general self-efficacy scales. An online survey was undertaken with 267 Danish women. The validation process included content and face validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested possible associations between the constructs and potential health outcomes (BMI and healthiness of eating habits).

Results

The EFA supported an adequate factorial validity with a 5-factor, 37-item structure model for Part I, and a high internal reliability of Parts I and II (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.7). The CFA revealed an association between certain constructs and perceived healthiness of eating and BMI. Results support the reliability and factorial validity of the social cognitive measures assessing barriers to healthy eating among mothers.

Conclusions for Practice

These promising findings of reliability and initial validity suggest that researchers and practitioners interested in identifying women who face difficulties in the family food environment may find the scales useful. We propose a short version of the questionnaire for health practitioners.
Ideals, bands and direct sum decompositions in mixed lattice vector spaces
Authors: Jokela Jani
Published: April 2023

A mixed lattice vector space is a partially ordered vector space with two partial orderings and certain lattice-type properties. In this paper we first give some fundamental results in mixed lattice groups, and then we investigate the structure theory of mixed lattice vector spaces, which can be viewed as a generalization of the theory of Riesz spaces. More specifically, we study the properties of ideals and bands in mixed lattice spaces, and the related idea of representing a mixed lattice space as a direct sum of disjoint bands. Under certain conditions, these decompositions can also be given in terms of order projections.
A process-based approach to health-related quality of life as a “way of living”
Authors: Nolan R. P. , Sharpe M. J.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

There is an historical initiative to establish common theoretical ground to support a framework for assessing health-related quality of life (HRQL). Our aim was to add to this effort with an analysis of theoretical/philosophical themes embedded in HRQL questionnaires and patient reports.

Methods and Results

We reviewed recent developments in HRQL assessment. This included analyzing a representative sample of psychometric measures of HRQL to schematically summarize core theoretical/philosophical themes that are embedded in questionnaire items. This analysis indicated a state-based framework for HRQL that was characterized by themes of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being, and desire-satisfaction. In contrast, a review of patient reports of HRQL indicated a process-based framework where goal-directed activities aimed to secure aspirational life goals while striving to accept the reality of declining health. Given this difference in HRQL themes we used a meta-philosophical approach, based on Hadot’s idea of philosophy as a way of living, to identify a process-based theoretical framework for HRQL assessment that addressed patient-reported themes. The Stoic modification of eudaimonic well-being was examined where HRQL and well-being are viewed as a process (vs. state) aimed at transforming the experience of loss or grief in response to adversity through goal-directed activities/exercises (euroia biou, good flow in life). We then introduced a complementary research agenda for HRQL assessment that incorporates self-reported, goal-directed activities that are initiated or maintained to promote HRQL.

Conclusion

A process-based approach to HRQL assessment may increase the spectrum of clinically relevant features that currently comprise operational measures of this patient-reported appraisal.
Suitability of the animated activity questionnaire for use as computer adaptive test: establishing the AAQ-CAT
Authors: Liegl Gregor , Roorda Leo D. , Terwee Caroline B. , Steultjens Martijn , Roos Ewa M. , Guillemin Francis , Benedetti Maria Grazia , Dagfinrud Hanne , de Carvalho Bastone Alessandra , Peter Wilfred F.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The animated activity questionnaire (AAQ) is a computer-based measure of activity limitations. To answer a question, patients choose the animation of a person performing an activity that matches their own level of limitation. The AAQ has not yet been tested for suitability to be applied as computer-adaptive test (CAT). Thus, the objective of this study was to develop and evaluate an AAQ-based CAT to facilitate the application of the AAQ in daily clinical care.

Methods

Patients (n = 1408) with hip/knee osteoarthritis from Brazil, Denmark, France, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the UK responded to all 17 AAQ items. Assumptions of item-response theory (IRT) modelling were investigated. To establish item parameters for the CAT, a graded response model was estimated. To evaluate the performance of post-hoc simulated AAQ-based CATs, precision, test length, and construct validity (correlations with well-established measures of activity limitations) were evaluated.

Results

Unidimensionality (CFI = 0.95), measurement invariance (R2-change < 2%), and IRT item fit (S-X2p > .003) of the AAQ were supported. Performing simulated CATs, the mean test length was more than halved (≤ 8 items), while the range of precise measurement (standard error ≤ 0.3) was comparable to the full AAQ. The correlations between original AAQ scores and three AAQ-CAT versions were ≥ 0.95. Correlations of AAQ-CAT scores with patient-reported and performance measures of activity limitations were ≥ 0.60.

Conclusion

The almost non-verbal AAQ-CAT is an innovative and efficient tool in patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis from various countries, measuring activity limitations with lower respondent burden, but similar precision and construct validity compared to the full AAQ.
Home ranges of box turtles in a rural woodland and an urban park in Saint Louis, MO; implications for turtle conservation
Authors: Blake Stephen , Palmer Jamie , Brenn-White Maris , Deem Sharon L.
Published: April 2023

The negative consequences of fragmentation, infrastructure development, and urbanization on biodiversity are well known. However, careful urban planning can provide viable habitat for some species and communities. Generally, r-selected species are more likely to persist in urbanizing landscapes, while long lived, mobile species, such as turtles, are likely to decline toward extinction. Understanding species responses across urban gradients is important for developing mitigation planning. We used VHF telemetry to quantify ranging behavior of three-toed box turtles in fragmented urban forest patches and a semi-contiguous large rural forest in Saint Louis, Missouri. We then simulated movement trajectories based on empirical data from the two turtles with the largest and smallest home ranges, overlaid on forest cover and road network maps of Missouri, to quantify the state-wide probability of turtles encountering roads. Home range (HR) size varied from 1–250Ha. The mean home range estimate of rural turtles was > 9 times larger than that of urban turtles. Simulations indicated that the least mobile turtle (HR 1Ha) would have a 22% likelihood of encountering a road if placed randomly in suitable habitat anywhere in the state. The likelihood increased to 90% for the most mobile turtle (HR 250Ha), with 10 road crossings per year. High turtle mortality, range restriction and population fragmentation are likely even in rural areas. In urban cityscapes, large, roadless forest patches offer the highest conservation potential for this species.
Data Quality in IoT-Based Air Quality Monitoring Systems: a Systematic Mapping Study
Authors: Buelvas Julio , Múnera Danny , Tobón V. Diana P. , Aguirre Johnny , Gaviria Natalia
Published: April 2023

With the development of new technologies, particularly Internet of Things (IoT), there has been an increase in the deployment of low-cost air quality monitoring systems. Compared to traditional robust monitoring stations, these systems provide real-time information with higher spatio-temporal resolution. These systems use inexpensive and low-cost sensors, with lower accuracy as compared to robust systems. This fact has raised some concern regarding the quality of the data gathered by the IoT systems, which may compromise the performance of the environmental models. Considering the relevance of the data quality in this scenario, this paper presents a study of the data quality associated with IoT-based air quality monitoring systems. Following a systematic mapping method, and based on existing guidelines to assess data quality in these systems, we have identified the main Data Quality (DQ) dimensions and the corresponding DQ enhancement techniques. After analyzing more than 70 papers, we found that the most common DQ dimensions targeted by the different works are accuracy and precision, which are enhanced by the use of different calibration techniques. Based on our findings, we present a discussion on the challenges that must be addressed in order to improve data quality in IoT-based air quality monitoring systems.