bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interstitial lung disease associated with anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase syndrome: quantitative evaluation of CT after initial treatment and long-term follow-up
Authors: Aoki Ryo , Iwasawa Tae , Utsunomiya Daisuke , Yamakawa Hideaki , Kitamura Hideya , Baba Tomohisa , Ogura Takashi
Published: October 2024

Background

Visual evaluation of interstitial lung disease (ILD)-related changes can generate intra- and inter-observer errors. However, recent deep learning (DL) algorithm advances have facilitated accurate lung segmentation, lesion characterization, and quantification.

Purpose

To evaluate the treatment response and long-term course in ILD associated with anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase syndrome (anti-ARS ILD) using a DL algorithm.

Material and Methods

Patients with anti-ARS ILD who underwent both pre- and post-initial-treatment computed tomography (CT) (n = 68) were divided into two groups (responders and non-responders) according to forced vital capacity improvement after initial treatment. We also analyzed the CT images of patients for whom long-term follow-up CT (>5 years) was performed after post-treatment CT (n = 43). DL analysis was used to classify CT imaging features into five patterns: normal; ground-glass opacity (GGO); consolidation; fibrotic lesions; and emphysema.

Results

The initial responder group had a larger volume of consolidation. Consolidation and GGO volumes decreased after initial treatment in both groups. However, whole-lung and normal-area volumes increased in the responder group; conversely, there was no significant increase in the non-responder group. At the long-term follow-up, fibrotic lesions significantly increased in both groups. The emphysema pattern increased significantly in both groups after initial treatment and long-term follow-up. Six of 26 (23.1%) responders and 8 of 17 (47.1%) non-responders were judged as having progressive pulmonary fibrosis.

Conclusion

DL-based analysis facilitated the chronological evaluation of anti-ARS ILD. During the long-term follow-up, anti-ARS ILD was associated with chronological progression, regardless of initial treatment efficacy.
Improving patient outcomes in acute and subacute stroke using a wearable device-assisted rehabilitation system: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ho Hsin-Ju , Wu Li-Ching , Wu Eric Hsiao-Kung , Lee Shu-Fang , Lee Te-Hsiu , Chiang Sheng-Hua , Chen Chun-Hsiung , Chen Hui-Yu , Pan Shiuan-Jia , Chen Yu-Wei ,   on behalf of the WEAR-Stroke Study Group
Published: October 2024

Objective

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation facilitates post-stroke functional recovery, but is associated with resource and accessibility barriers. This study evaluated the combination of a wearable device-assisted system (WEAR) and conventional therapy for post-stroke rehabilitation.

Methods

This randomized, controlled, parallel group, clinical trial was conducted at two rehabilitation centers. A WEAR system was developed featuring sensors and application program-embedded smartphones. Stroke patients within 12 weeks of onset and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 2 to 4 were randomized into a wearable group (WG, WEAR + conventional rehabilitation) or control group (CG, conventional rehabilitation) for 90 days. The primary outcome was mRS score changes within 90 days.

Results

Among 127 stroke patients enrolled (76 men [59.8%]; mean age: 57.5 years), 63 and 64 patients were randomized to WG and CG, respectively. Both groups showed significant improvements in mRS scores. Between-group repeated measures analysis adjusted for sex, age and number of rehabilitation sessions showed greater improvement in mRS scores within 90 days in the WG than in the CG (estimate: 0.73).

Conclusions

This combined WEAR and conventional rehabilitation approach may improve post-stroke functional recovery compared with conventional rehabilitation alone. The WEAR system permits remote monitoring and recording of rehabilitation in various settings. This clinical trial was retrospectively registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov with the Unique Identifier NCT04997408.
Effect of coastal and island geographic environments on patients with acute ischemic stroke in southeastern China
Authors: Lu Xudong , Lin Xiaoci , Shen Yilei , Hu Mengmeng , Zhu Daijun , Xu Dongjuan
Published: October 2024

Objective

To analyze the geographic variation in characteristics and treatment processes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in coastal, island, and inland regions.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of data from patients with AIS in southeastern China. We collected demographic and clinical information, including the time from stroke onset to treatment for those receiving reperfusion therapy, using a time-tracking table.

Results

Among 8069 patients with AIS, 26.6% received reperfusion therapy, with a higher proportion undergoing endovascular therapy in maritime hospitals than in inland hospitals (14.2% vs. 6.7%). Maritime hospitals had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (15.1% vs. 11.9%) and cardioembolism (17.2% vs. 13.6%) than inland hospitals. Patients in maritime hospitals had shorter in-hospital processing times than those in inland hospitals (39 vs. 46 minutes). Island hospitals showed different patterns, with a shorter time from stroke onset to emergency room arrival (80 vs. 120 minutes) but a longer in-hospital process time (51 vs. 36 minutes), than coastline hospitals.

Conclusions

Our study suggests geographic variation in AIS characteristics and treatment processes across southeastern China, emphasizing the need for region-specific strategies. These findings are essential for tailoring public health policies and guidelines to improve stroke outcomes in various regions.
Bilateral hand dystonia following high-velocity thrust manipulation: a case report
Authors: Chang Min Cheol , Boudier-Revéret Mathieu , Brutus Jean-Paul , Yang Seoyon
Published: October 2024

Thrust manipulation is one of the most commonly used techniques for managing musculoskeletal pain in clinical practice. This involves the application of a high-velocity, low-amplitude force directed to the joints with the intent of achieving joint cavitation. This current case report describes a female in her mid-20s who presented with excessive bilateral and involuntary hand muscle contractions after bilateral thrust manipulation. Dystonia appeared both at rest and during voluntary movements but was aggravated by actions such as finger flexion or spreading and disappeared during sleep. A diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I combined with dystonia was made. Prednisolone administered between 2 and 5 weeks after symptom onset significantly reduced CRPS symptoms, but intramuscular botulinum toxin injection 5 weeks after symptom onset was ineffective at controlling her symptoms. Seven weeks after symptom onset, the patient was administered 2 mg trihexyphenidyl oral twice a day, 2.5 mg diazepam oral twice a day and 5 mg baclofen oral three times a day for 1 month and this significantly reduced dystonia, but complete resolution was not achieved. Clinicians should be aware that dystonia is a rare complication of thrust manipulation.
Gross, histologic, and ultrastructural features of iridophoromas in Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)
Authors: Diniz Samuel L. P. , Oliveira Filho Hodias S. , Santos Kin M. O. L. , Duarte José L. C. , Oliveira Rafael L. , Pierezan Felipe , Armién Aníbal G. , Leal de Araújo Jeann
Published: October 2024

Pigment-containing and light-reflecting cell neoplasms, generically termed chromatophoromas, affect fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Chromatophoromas of light-reflecting cells are named iridophoromas. In this study, we aimed to describe the gross, histologic, and ultrastructural findings of 71 cases of iridophoromas in farmed Siamese fighting fish ( Betta splendens). Macroscopically, iridophoromas appeared as whitish, gray, or black friable masses or plaques in the fin, trunk/tail, or head of the fish. Forty-five tumors (63%) were malignant and invaded the adjacent skeletal muscle and/or metastasized to other organs, whereas 26 (37%) tumors were restricted only to the skin, but due to the cytologic similarity to the malignant counterpart, we were not able to classify them as malignant or benign. Sixty-five (91%) tumors were classified as iridophoromas, whereas 6 (8%) were diagnosed as mixed chromatophoromas. Despite immunolabeling for PNL-2, melan A, or S-100 failing to demonstrate antigen expression, ultrastructural analysis identified light-reflecting neoplastic cells, unequivocally confirming iridophoromas as the predominant tumor. The high incidence of iridophoromas in Siamese fighting fish from the same breeding facility, coupled with a higher occurrence in royal blue and fancy copper color patterns and in young males, suggests a potential genetic/hereditary factor in the tumorigenesis of these neoplasms.
Illusions exist in everyday life with natural stimuli: The banana-bisection Illusion
Authors: Heller Morton A. , Adams Nelson
Published: October 2024

We report a novel visual illusion that is present in the natural environment. In attempting to cut a banana in half, many people make the side adjacent to the stem shorter, because they see it as longer than it is. This study tested the presence of the banana bisection illusion with outline drawings and a 3D realistic-looking plastic banana. According to Gibson (1966) illusions are the consequence of artificial and impoverished stimuli, such as line drawings. However, the banana bisection illusion was found with naturalistic-looking 3D stimuli. A second experiment with solid 3D plastic bananas found the illusion with and without the stem, but the illusion was larger with the stem present.
The Goat-Fish of El-Hosh: An Unusual Petroglyph Identified
Authors: Evans Linda , Hardtke Fred , Claes Wouter
Published: October 2024

To our knowledge, representations of zodiac symbols are unattested in Egyptian rock art. The investigation of a petroglyph at the site of el-Hosh in Upper Egypt has found that it bears a strong resemblance to the zodiac sign of Capricornus, a composite figure combining the head and forequarters of a goat with the body of a fish. The sign first arose in Mesopotamia in the late third millennium BCE, from which it subsequently spread to the Mediterranean region. Following a review of the symbol’s development in Egypt, in which its occurrence on ceilings, coffins, and coins was examined, we are confident that the petroglyph depicts Capricornus and that it was most likely produced during the Graeco-Roman Period. Furthermore, as the figure is related stylistically to a nearby petroglyph of a chameleon, an equally unique subject for Egyptian rock art, the latter can now be dated more firmly to the same era.

[Formula: see text]
The emergence of team compassion: Theoretical implications and practical interventions
Authors: Bui Linh , Park Guihyun , Wang Lu
Published: October 2024

With the recent experiences involving COVID-19, there is a growing need for organisations to better understand compassion in addressing employees’ suffering and boosting their well-being. Particularly, as teamwork is becoming ubiquitous, organisational scholars have identified positive benefits of compassion at the team level such as improving communication, decreasing interpersonal conflicts and boosting team effectiveness. Using a multilevel theoretical framework in reviewing compassion research, this article advances our understanding of team-level compassion by elucidating the processes through which individual-level compassion gives rise to team-level compassion. First, we delineate composition and compilation models of the emergence of team compassion and review empirical studies with respect to the two models. Second, we explain three social mechanisms in teams – social learning, emotional contagion and reciprocity – that shape the emergence of team compassion. Finally, we discuss interventions that can facilitate the emergence of team compassion and offer practical guidance for managers seeking to foster team compassion.

JEL Classification: D23, I31
China’s Changing COVID-19 Policies: Market and Public Health
Authors: Xu Zhun
Published: October 2024

After the outbreak of COVID-19 in early 2020, China took fast and decisive measures and successfully contained the spread of the virus. While the rest of the world saw huge human and social costs in the pandemic, the Chinese mainland for about two years was largely free from COVID. The zero-COVID model, however, met great challenges since early 2022. Despite some efforts to save the zero-COVID model, in November 2022 the Chinese government loosened its signature COVID controls during the pandemic and switched to the opposite. This article reviews the evolution of Chinese COVID policies and places the dramatic turns in the context of the changing Chinese political economy. The analysis provides a critique of some commonly held beliefs that attribute China’s policy changes to general social pressure, economic challenges, or individual power struggles. The findings show that the changing material circumstances of the Chinese elites including increasing virus transmissibility, bureaucratic fatigue, and changing global conditions drove the transition from zero-COVID to a rapid relaxation.

JEL Classification: P2, I1
Systematic review of factors influencing household food waste behaviour: Applying the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Etim Emma , Choedron Karma Tashi , Ajai Olawale , Duke Otu , Jijingi Hemen Emmanuel
Published: October 2024

Globally, household food waste alone accounts for about $700 billion in environmental costs owing to the resources expended in producing discarded or uneaten food, along with social costs reaching approximately $900 billion. Reducing this waste by 25% could potentially feed 821 million chronically undernourished individuals. This systematic review examines household food waste behaviour using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed and EMBASE using Elsevier supplemented by additional articles from the reference lists. The procedure followed the PRISMA flowchart. A descriptive analysis was conducted to summarize the characteristics of the 42 included studies from 17 countries. Significantly, 95% of these articles were published between 1 January 2010 and 19 April 2024, in Scimago Q1 ranked journals. The findings demonstrate an intersection of TPB components in explaining household food waste behaviour. This study suggests that a holistic strategy targeting attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control is essential for effectively reducing household food waste. Additionally, tailored interventions that consider demographic and socioeconomic factors are necessary to address the diverse needs of different populations. The study concludes that public education targeting mindful consumption, effective policies and community initiatives can significantly reduce food waste.
InquiryGPT: Augmenting ChatGPT for Enhancing Inquiry-Based Learning in STEM Education
Authors: Li Pin-Hui , Lee Hsin-Yu , Lin Chia-Ju , Wang Wei-Sheng , Huang Yueh-Min
Published: October 2024

The core purpose of integrating inquiry-based learning strategies into STEM activities is to create a challenging learning environment that stimulates students’ active learning, thereby effectively enhancing their interest in learning, thinking skills, and practical application abilities. To achieve these goals, developing more technology-assisted tools and platforms to improve teaching efficiency and enrich the learning experience becomes crucial. Therefore, this research developed InquiryGPT, which guides students through the POEE inquiry process by imposing limitations, facilitating dialogue, and providing feedback, while avoiding over-reliance on ChatGPT. This promotes the cultivation of higher-order thinking skills through interactions with InquiryGPT, thereby enhancing students’ knowledge construction and understanding. This study, based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), examined the effectiveness of InquiryGPT. The results showed no significant difference between InquiryGPT and ChatGPT in terms of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Additionally, through analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), the study further analyzed the impact of InquiryGPT on students’ higher-order thinking skills and learning scores, proving that it significantly enhances students’ creativity, problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and knowledge construction.
Overcoming Barriers to Employee Ownership: Insights From Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
Authors: Guzek John , Whillans Ashley
Published: October 2024

This research investigates the limited adoption of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) among small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs) in the U.S. Through interviews with 30 SMB owners across various industries, we identify the key barriers to ESOP adoption as lack of time, money, and skills on the part of the owners. In doing so, the study suggests that a “shared ownership light” model, which involves sharing profits, information, and decision-making opportunities with employees, appears more feasible for SMBs than ESOPs. For SMBs that are interested in ESOP adoption, our research suggests that organizations providing employee ownership services could better assist SMBs by offering templatized models and best practices for profit-sharing plans, open-book management, and structured employee participation. The paper aims to broaden the discussion around shared ownership by considering a spectrum of options that have the potential to increase both value creation by and value-sharing among employees.
System modeling and fuzzy adaptive PI sliding-mode control of a novel ship-mounted cable-based bulkhead cleaning robot
Authors: Li Jian , Wang Shenghai , Han Guangdong , Zhao Shilong , He Yunpeng , Chen Haiquan , Sun Yuqing
Published: October 2024

Ship cleaning poses significant risks and consumes considerable time, primarily due to the irregular hull surface geometry and the unpredictable ship motion induced by wave excitation. To address this challenge and achieve efficient, autonomous cleaning, a spatial variable structure cable-based bulkhead cleaning robot (SC-R) is proposed. Unlike traditional cable-driven parallel mechanisms (CDPMs), SC-R operates in a non-inertial frame, whereby its motion is subject to continuous and unpredictable ship motion. Consequently, SC-R exhibits intricate dynamic characteristics, posing a significant hurdle for controller design. To solve this problem, a sliding-mode controller is proposed for SC-R. Specifically, the dynamic model of SC-R, which includes ship motion and various disturbing forces, is systematically established using the Newton-Euler method. Furthermore, a fuzzy adaptive PI sliding-mode controller (FAPI-SMC) is specifically proposed to enhance the convergence speed and robustness of SC-R. The stability of the closed-loop system is analyzed using Lyapunov theory, and the tracking error is proved to be eventually bounded. Finally, the availability of this theory is confirmed by simulation and experiment. It is shown that FAPI-SMC can achieve a satisfactory control effect in practice.
Study on the mechanism of correlation between surface quality and tissue properties of Ti6Al4V alloy formed by selective laser melting
Authors: Chen Dongju , Li Gang , Wang Peng , Tang Yuhang
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the correlation between the surface quality and the cross-sectional quality, microstructure, internal defects, and mechanical properties of specimens formed by selective laser melting (SLM) under different scanning speeds and scanning intervals. Therefore, different machining parameters were chosen to prepare titanium alloy specimens by SLM technique. The surface morphology of the specimens was characterized using a light microscope, and the surface quality, microstructure, internal defects, and deep connection of the mechanical properties of the specimens formed under different parameters were investigated. In addition, numerical simulation of the melt pool morphology under different scanning speeds was used. The results show that there is a strong correlation between the surface quality of the specimen and the section quality and mechanical properties. When the scanning speed is 350 mm/s, the surface roughness is 14.7 μm, the density is 99.99%, the tensile strength and yield strength are 1209 and 1151 Mpa respectively, and the surface quality, cross-sectional quality and mechanical properties all tend to deteriorate as the scanning speed increases. When the scanning interval is 0.11 mm, the mechanical properties of surface quality and cross-sectional quality are optimal, the surface roughness is 14.5 μm, and the density reaches 99.99%, at this time, the microscopic needle martensite α′ phase is uniformly distributed and refined, and its mechanical properties are optimal, the tensile strength is 1239 MPa, and the internal hole defects are less. Numerical simulations of a single track melt pool show that the depth of depression caused by the recoil pressure is larger and the melt pool is deeper when the scanning speed is 350 mm/s. Therefore, it has better fluidity and ductility. Simulation results of the double tracks show that when the scanning interval is 130 μm, a large amount of incompletely melted powder at the midline of the double track does not lap well, which leads to the formation of pore defects inside the specimen. The above simulation results are highly consistent with the surface quality of the specimens during the experiments, which provides a guide to analyze the connection between the melt pool evolution and the Ti6Al4V molding quality.
Development of a total variance handling dynamics evaluation index for three-axle coach based on residue theorem
Authors: Ding Jinquan
Published: October 2024

This paper develops the unique total variance evaluation index to analyze the effect of suspension on coach handling dynamics. The residue theorem was introduced to compute the integral of analytic function on the closed contour and general result was given. The three-axle coach model derivations were established to calculate the mathematical yaw rate transfer function considering the series of roll steer. According to the theorem of Plancherel, the energy of system total variance in the time domain is equal to the energy in the frequency domain. By residue theorem, the total variance evaluation index can be calculated as sum of the residues and the mathematical expression was developed to account for any arbitrary three-axle vehicle. The total variance index considers vehicle inertia parameters, tire cornering stiffness, and the complex three-axle series of suspension roll steer. It can be immediately available for computation without having to resort to Newton’s Second Law and summing forces and moments. This approach was validated with the simulation of 3DOF model. And the relationship between the total variance and the traveling speed with influence of suspension roll steer was analyzed. This work simplifies the analysis of studying comprehensive performance with effect of suspension on handling characteristics. The vehicle designer could use this approach to get optimization design parameters.
Discovering the most impactful treatments for aluminum phosphide cardiotoxicity gleaned from systematic review of animal studies
Authors: Aghebat-Bekheir Saeed , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is a chemical compound that can cause death in some countries. AlP inhibits the functioning of cytochrome C oxidase in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes, leading to toxicity. Oxidative stress and ROS production, as well as inflammatory signaling, mediate the mechanisms of AlP-related toxicity in the poisoned patient. Unfortunately, there are no approved medicines available to treat AlP poisoning yet. To address this issue, researchers have explored various interventions to reduce the toxicity associated with AlP tablets.

Methods

We systematically searched relevant databases for English articles published between 2013 and 2024.

Results

The evaluated treatments included correcting oxidative stress parameters, enhancing exogenous antioxidant capacity, modifying electrocardiographic abnormalities, and improving heart contraction strength. Our evaluation indicated that compounds like Triiodothyronine, Vasopressin and milrinone, Iron sucrose, Acetyl-l-carnitine, Melatonin, Fresh red blood cell transfusion, Minocycline, Moringa oleifera extract, Dihydroxyacetone, Selegiline, Nanocurcumin, Levosimendan, Exenatide, Taurine, Cannabidiol and Edaravone are effective in lessening AlP-induced cardiotoxicity.

Conclusion

Based on the present study’s findings and the evaluation of clinical studies, dihydroxyacetone, fresh red blood cell infusion, Oil-based disinfection, and gastric lavage have the most potential to save patients’ lives and treat acute aluminum phosphide. However, there is a need for more research in this regard.
Attitudes towards being offered a choice of self-sampling or clinician sampling for cervical screening: A cross-sectional survey of women taking part in a clinical validation of HPV self-collection devices
Authors: Marlow Laura , Drysdale Hannah , Waller Jo
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in cervical screening offers the opportunity for women to be given a choice between HPV self-sampling and traditional clinician screening. This study assessed attitudes towards a choice and anticipated future preference among women who had collected a vaginal self-sample alongside their usual cervical screen.

Setting

Thirty-eight general practices across five areas in England.

Methods

Overall, 2323 women (24–65 years; response rate: 48%) completed a survey after collecting a self-sample and having a clinician screen at their GP practice. We asked which test they preferred and assessed attitudes to being offered a choice. We explored age, education, ethnicity and screening experience as predictors of attitudes towards a choice and anticipated future choice.

Results

Most participants felt they would like a choice between self-sampling and clinician screening (85%) and thought this would improve screening for them (72%). However, 23% felt it would be difficult to choose, 15% would worry about making a choice, and nearly half would prefer a recommendation (48%). Compared with women with degree-level education, those with fewer qualifications were more likely to say they would worry about having a choice or would not want a choice (p < 0.001). The majority said they would choose to self-sample at home if offered a choice in the future (69%; n = 1602/2320).

Conclusions

Self-sampling is likely to be popular, but offering a choice could cause worry for some people and many would prefer a recommendation. Supporting people to make a choice will be important, particularly for those with lower levels of education.
Estimating Impact of National Health Mission on Maternal and Child Health care: A Multilevel Attributional Mixed Analysis
Authors: Uddin Naseer , Qadri Majid Hussain
Published: October 2024

Mother–child is an integral part of overall global development planning, as evident from substantive investments, lasting socio-economic priority and the thorough implementation of various public policy programmes like the National Health Mission (NHM). There is a need to impregnate evidence about the acceptability, cost-effectiveness and scalability of transformative public health programmes like NHM through management sciences and by impact evaluation and implementation studies.

The study examines the implementation dynamics of the NHM programme in the context of maternal and child service architecture and measures the average impact of NHM on maternal and child health outcomes. This study uses a multilevel, mixed, cross-sectional field design of impact measurement, using a multiphase approach to devise impact models from interrupted time series longitudinal panel data, and uses counterfactual impact model development using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA).

The findings of the study show that there has been a significant decline in mortality indicators of maternal and child health, with NHM having the maximum positive impact on institutional deliveries and deliveries by skilled birth attendants. The study shows that NHM has proved to be a successful population-level health interventional programme and has emerged as a crucial structural-equity modelling reform programme. The policy implication is that a broad-based approach with the inclusion of socio-structural determinants is needed for improving the health of the mother–child ecosystem, with access to basic comprehensive maternal emergency care.
Annona squamosa Linn.: A Review of Its Ethnobotany, Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, Toxicity, and Conservation Needs
Authors: Singh Ravi Pratap , Pattnaik Ashok Kumar , Rudrapal Mithun , Bhattacharya Soumya
Published: October 2024

Nature exhibits a unique beauty that is both recognized and integrated into human practices globally. Annona squamosa Linn., commonly known as “sweet sugar,” is a small medicinal shrub cultivated for its fruits. This species is widely distributed across Asia, Africa, North and South America, and Brazil. Traditionally, it has been used for its antidiabetic, antihypertensive, insecticidal, and antimicrobial properties. This article is based on the literature review collected from various sources such as Scopus, Sci-Hub, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and SciFinder. The literature review reveals that A. squamosa possesses numerous promising pharmacological activities due to its rich array of active phytoconstituents. This review provides essential knowledge for future research, guiding investigators in exploring the plant’s pharmacological activities, isolating bioactive fractions, and implementing these findings in the management of various diseases.
Efficacy of Turmeric-Boswellia Formulation for Acute Low Back Pain: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Kare Sanjeev Kumar , Gupta Ajay , Rudrappa Girish H.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the efficiency of the turmeric-Boswellia formulation (TBF, Rhuleave-K) in reducing acute low back pain (LBP) among healthy subjects.

Materials and Methods

This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of TBF compared to a placebo through a single dose of 1,000 mg, administered in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial with 76 participants experiencing acute low back pain. Efficacy was evaluated using objective outcome measures, namely the numerical rating scale (NRS), categorical pain relief scale (PRS), the onset of analgesia, and the short-form McGill questionnaire. NRS and PRS measurements were taken 30 minutes post-dose at rest, during movement, and under pressure application at the afflicted area. The onset of analgesia was assessed 6 hours post-dose. Quantitative analysis of the Sum of Pain intensity Difference (SPID) and Total Pain Relief (TOTPAR) values was conducted based on the NRS and PRS scores, respectively.

Results

Pain relief began quickly and all participants in the TBF group reported a significantly noticeable reduction in pain at about 76.4 minutes, compared to the 190 minutes in the placebo group. Similarly, 92.7% of participants in the TBF group experienced mean meaningful pain relief (MPR) as early as 224.1 minutes, compared to the zero MPR responders in the placebo group. There was a statistically significant difference in the time to pain relief between the TBF and placebo groups, with significant improvement in the TBF group (log-rank hazard ratio, p < 0.001). None of the individuals in the placebo group demonstrated a minimum of 50% maximum TOTPAR in rest, movement, and pressure. Whereas, 75.71% of the TBF group experienced at least 50% maximum TOTPAR in rest, 88.09% in movement, and 90.48% in pressure. The effectiveness of the treatment, as measured by the number needed to treat (NNT) for achieving at least 50% of MPR in the TBF group, was 1.2 at rest and 1.1 during both movement and pressure.

Conclusion

Oral administration of TBF (Rhuleave-K) to individuals with acute low back pain significantly reduces pain, providing meaningful relief within 4 hours of administration. This highlights the substantial analgesic effectiveness of TBF in the context of acute LBP.
Effects of Glechoma longituba (Nakai) Kuprian on Motor and Cognitive Functions in a Traumatic Brain Injury Mice Model
Authors: Park Jihye , Kim Jang-Hoon , Bae Jinhyun , Lee Seogyeong , Lim Yunseo , Lee Beom-Joon , Park Jae-Woo , Ko Seok-Jae , Lee Kyungjin , Bu Youngmin
Published: October 2024

Background

Glechoma longituba (Nakai) Kuprian (GL) is primarily used to treat urinary tract infections and traumatic injuries in traditional medicine in East Asia. Various components of GL are reported to show beneficial activities on brain diseases, including cerebral infarction and brain trauma. We hypothesized that GL extract may potentially have a beneficial effect against traumatic brain injury (TBI) animal model.

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of GL extract on TBI mouse model.

Materials and Methods

The water extract of GL (GLDW) was obtained by boiling with water. The TBI model was established using ICR mice with controlled cortical impact injury. The experimental groups were divided into sham, control, and three GLDW groups (30–300 mg/kg p.o.). Brain damage, neuronal density, and activated microglial density were evaluated. Motor functional deficits were evaluated using Rotarod test and Balance beam test, and cognitive functional deficits were done using novel object recognition (NOR) test and Y-maze test.

Result

Oral administration of GLDW did not reduce brain damage or neuronal death. However, it improved motor and cognitive functions in a dose-dependent manner in both motor tests and NOR test except Y-maze test.

Conclusion

GLDW can improve the impairment of motor and cognitive functions induced by TBI, but it does not have a protective effect against brain damage and neuronal death. Further studies are necessary in order to investigate the mechanisms GLDW’s functional recovery effect on TBI.
Book review: Ransford A. Acheampong, Karen Lucas, Michael Poku-Boansi and Chinebuli Uzondu (Eds.), Transport and Mobility Futures in Urban Africa
Authors: Rajput Swati
Published: October 2024

Ransford A. Acheampong, Karen Lucas, Michael Poku-Boansi and Chinebuli Uzondu (Eds.), Transport and Mobility Futures in Urban Africa, Springer International Publishing 2022, pp. 401, ₹13,394. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-17327-1
Paddling as ‘Pelagic Postcolonialism’: Pacific voyaging resurgence, ocean justice and outrigger canoe racing (Va’a) in Fiji
Authors: Kanemasu Yoko
Published: October 2024

This article presents an exploratory study of va’a, or outrigger canoe racing, in Fiji, based on 13 semi-structured interviews with paddlers and administrators. The sport, which is deeply embedded in Pacific seafaring heritage, emerged in Fiji in the 1980s against the historical background of the region’s decolonisation. The paddling community subsequently developed notable inclusivity in terms of gender, ethnicity and age, in contrast to the gendered and racialised nature of dominant sports in the country, notwithstanding persisting geographical/class disparity. Fiji paddlers have cultivated va’a into a multifaceted sporting practice that simultaneously constitutes a highly competitive modern game, a hip and cool recreational activity, and a cultural movement underpinned by ocean-centred regionalism and an agentic community coalesced around the shared pursuit of ocean justice. Whilst their active involvement in ocean/climate action parallels the environmental activism of nature-based lifestyle sports in other global locations, Fiji paddlers’ engagement with and stewardship of the ocean are inseparable from postcolonial resistance to the subjugation of the Pacific Ocean, knowledges and cultures, a direct consequence of which is the ocean/climate crisis, an unprecedented existential threat to the Pacific Islands today. The distinct nature of their paddling practice may be described as a ‘pelagic postcolonialism’.
‘Facilitators and barriers to recruitment in mental health research: A survey of psychiatrists and psychiatry registrars in training’
Authors: Christodoulou Vicki , Liu Dennis , Esterman Adrian , Galletly Cherrie
Published: October 2024

Objective

To explore the attitudes of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) consultants and registrars towards recruitment of patients in mental health research. Specifically, we aimed to measure potential barriers and facilitators for recruitment and comment on strategies for improvement.

Method

A survey was distributed to 287 consultant and trainee psychiatrists working across South Australian public mental health services. The survey was hosted via SurveyMonkey and ran for 5 weeks from April to June 2023. Participant’s attitudes were recorded through use of Likert scale, yes/no and free-text response.

Results

In total, 88 responses were collected, corresponding to a 30.7% response rate. Participants were interested in mental health research, with 90.7% reading articles and 61.4% reporting personal research engagement. The factors that rated most highly as recruitment barriers were unawareness of current studies, competing clinical demands and not prioritising recruitment. Factors felt most strongly to facilitate recruitment included the presence of an onsite research assistant and the clinician viewing the trial as clinically relevant.

Conclusions

While attitudes towards research were generally positive, many barriers to recruitment were identified. Increased advertising of current studies, presence of an onsite research assistant and reduction in clinicians’ workload are likely to improve clinicians’ capacity to recruit.
Lived Experiences of Learning to Use a Long Cane: The Importance of Integrating Perceptual, Existential, and Social Dimensions for Active Cane Use
Authors: Berndtsson Inger C.
Published: October 2024

How do people who are blind or visually impaired experience learning to use a long cane? This question is of paramount importance for planning and delivering rehabilitation programs and orientation and mobility (O&M) training. Until now, research into learning to use a long cane has focused primarily on technical and professional aspects, paying little attention to the lived experience of the learning activities that are offered in the field of O&M. This extensive qualitative study adopts a lifeworld phenomenological approach and sets out to examine the pedagogical processes within rehabilitation, focusing on the learning experiences of people with impaired vision. The methods used included participant observation during O&M training sessions and recurrent narrative interviews with three research subjects. The results show that learning to use the long cane has perceptual, existential, and social dimensions which are intertwined processes that relate to mind and body, body–world relations, and human existence and society. Learning to use a long cane has in this study been interpreted as embedded with cultural meaning about disability. Further, the habitual use of the cane promotes adaptation to visual impairment but also to build new body–world relations. The lifeworld theory and its methodology have contributed to theoretical evidence and rigor throughout. The results bring new interpretations to the field of O&M and are a relevant basis and valuable for pedagogical rehabilitation as it highlights the importance of taking the individual’s lifeworld and needs into consideration when teaching someone how to use a long cane.
Journeys to Far-Away Places: Wrestling with the Sustainability of Outdoor Education in Higher Education
Authors: Asfeldt Morten , Beames Simon , Høyem Jannicke , North Chris , Takano Takako
Published: October 2024

Background: Over 35 years ago, the Brundtland Report entitled Our Common Future shed light on the impacts of human behavior on the environment and raised global awareness about sustainability. Since then, sustainability has become a prominent issue influencing most spheres of life including outdoor education (OE). Purpose: This inquiry seeks to identify the necessary conditions for justifying OE travel to far-away places. Methodology: We investigated this question using practitioner inquiry and thematic analysis. Findings: The authors believe some far-away journeys can be justified and recommend that these journeys are guided by featuring learning objectives that are best learned in specific far-away places; maintaining strong connections to the students’ everyday lives; including high levels of student involvement in sustainability-related decisions; and through providing novel and unexpected experiences that are unlikely to occur locally. Finally, we believe there is a case to be made for longer rather than shorter journeys. Implications: We caution against developing a binary which pits local OE against journeys to far-away places. Rather, both local and far-away journeys have an important role to play in OE programs that aim to build a world that is more socially and environmentally just.
Bridging Gaps in Health Literacy for Cleft Lip and Palate: The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Educational Materials
Authors: Shehab Abdallah A. , Shedd Katie E. , Alamah Waleed , Mardini Samir , Bite Uldis , Gibreel Waleed
Published: October 2024

Objective

Our goal is to address the health literacy gap concerning cleft lip and palate using artificial intelligence (AI), specifically OpenAI's ChatGPT-4, to enhance the readability of patient educational materials (PEMs). Additionally, we aim to explore the integration of interactive educational materials into these resources.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Websites of craniofacial teams approved by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA).

Patients/Participants

PEMs collected from these websites.

Interventions

First, we examined the PEMs for interactive educational content such as videos, photos, case examples, and audio clips. Subsequently, we used the WebFX online readability calculator and Grammarly to evaluate the texts’ readability and clarity. After that, we used ChatGPT-4 to simplify the PEM texts to a 6th-grade reading level and re-evaluated their readability and clarity.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Readability levels (grade level) and clarity scores of PEMs before and after AI modification, and the presence of interactive educational content.

Results

Initial evaluations using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula showed that the texts were written at a median 9th-grade reading level. Modifications using ChatGPT-4 significantly improved readability, achieving a median 6th-grade level and enhanced clarity. Only 27% of the websites featured interactive educational content, indicating a gap in utilizing educational enhancements.

Conclusion

The use of AI improved the readability and clarity of patient educational materials, aligning with recommended standards. However, the underutilization of interactive tools suggests a need for broader integration of these resources to optimize patient education and engagement.
Progressive First Metatarsal Shortening Is Observed Following Dermal Allograft Interpositional Arthroplasty in Hallux Rigidus: Short Report
Authors: Fayed Aly Maher , Jones Matthew , Carvalho Kepler Alencar Mendes de , Luo Emily , Acker Antoine , Barbachan Mansur Nacime Salomão , de Cesar Netto Cesar
Published: October 2024

Background:

The main goal of this study was to evaluate postoperative changes in the length of the first metatarsal (M1) and the proximal phalanx of the hallux (P1) after acellular dermal allograft interpositional arthroplasty (ADA-IPA). We hypothesized that there would be a shortening of the first ray at the first metatarsal, the proximal phalanx, or both.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, we assessed patients who underwent ADA-IPA between 2019 and 2022. On standing anteroposterior (AP) foot radiographs, we measured first metatarsal (M1), second metatarsal (M2), proximal phalanx (P1), and the entire hallux (HX) lengths. M1/M2 and P1/HX ratios were calculated. The first metatarsophalangeal joint space was calculated. All measurements were recorded preoperatively, at 6 weeks postoperatively, and at final follow-up.

Results:

The pilot study included 11 patients. At final follow-up, we found shortening of M1 and P1 in comparison to the preoperative length, as evidenced by lower M1/M2 (82.6 ± 2.3 vs 75.4 ± 5.1; P = .001) and P1/HX ratios (53.4 ± 2.3 vs 48.9 ± 7.9; P = .001). Follow-up length was negatively correlated with M1/M2 ( r = −0.76, P = .003).

Conclusion:

ADA-IPA might be associated with shortening of both first metatarsal and proximal phalanx, with the former showing progressive shortening.
Exploring Nursing Professionalism: A Focused Ethnography of Community Nurses in Slovakia
Authors: Kurucová Radka , Maslišová Viktória , Žiaková Katarína , Čáp Juraj , Kohanová Dominika
Published: October 2024

Background: Professionalism is a multidimensional and dynamic concept that is a fundamental requirement to providing safe, quality nursing care. In the Slovak sociocultural context, professionalism is given only limited attention, and research in this area is completely lacking in community nursing. Purpose: To explore how community nurses (CNs) working in home care agencies understand professionalism in the context of their practice in Slovakia. Methods: This focused ethnography involved 10 CNs working in home care in two Slovak regions. The study was conducted between January and July 2022 and employed semistructured interviews, field notes, and reflexive thematic analysis. Findings: In this specific group and setting, understanding of professionalism was reflected through four themes: professional socialization, community service provision, job satisfaction, and professionalism in danger. Conclusions: The findings showed the need to improve the conditions of the working environment of nurses in the community setting. Implications for practice: The findings have implications for local policy, home care agency management, and nursing education in terms of strengthening professionalism in this specific nursing setting and cultural context.
Potential Beneficial Effects of Crab-Flavored Seafood Intake in Young Rats
Authors: Kadokura Kazunari , Tomita Tsuyoshi , Suruga Kohei
Published: October 2024

Background:

Crab-flavored seafood is a well-known traditional Japanese product that is sold as “imitation crab” worldwide. Although it is a low-cost, low-fat, high-protein food, there are few data on its potential health benefits. Here, we have assessed the effects of crab-flavored seafood consumption on organ weight and serum biomarkers levels in rats.

Methods:

Sprague–Dawley rats (male; aged 6 weeks) were fed a normal diet (n = 8) or a normal diet with 5% dried crab-flavored seafood (n = 8) for 84 days. Food intake and overall body weight were measured every week; organ weight and blood biochemistry were evaluated at the end of the administration period.

Results:

After 84 days, there were no significant differences in food intake, overall body weight, or organ weight between the 2 groups; however, the muscle weight of rats fed crab-flavored seafood tended to be higher than that of rats fed the normal diet. Several serum biomarkers did not differ between the 2 groups, but serum high-density lipoprotein, total bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin levels were significantly raised in rats fed crab-flavored seafood. Moreover, blood urea nitrogen was significantly lower, and some liver function parameters tended to be lower in rats fed crab-flavored seafood.

Conclusions:

Consumption of crab-flavored seafood may be effective for promoting muscle protein synthesis and improving serum biomarkers associated with disorders such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. Thus, crab-flavored seafood may have application as a functional food for the global management of human health.