bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing risk-adjusted inpatient fall rates internationally: validation of a risk-adjustment model using multicentre cross-sectional data from hospitals in Switzerland and Austria
Authors: Bernet Niklaus S. , Everink Irma H. J. , Hahn Sabine , Bauer Silvia , Schols Jos M. G. A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Inpatient falls in hospitals are an acknowledged indicator of quality of care. International comparisons could highlight quality improvement potential and enable cross-national learning. Key to fair cross-national comparison is the availability of a risk adjustment model validated in an international context. This study aimed to 1) ascertain that the variables of the inpatient fall risk adjustment model do not interact with country and thus can be used for risk adjustment, 2) compare the risk of falling in hospitals between Switzerland and Austria after risk adjustment.

Methods

The data on inpatient falls from Swiss and Austrian acute care hospitals were collected on a single measurement day in 2017, 2018 and 2019 as part of an international multicentre cross-sectional study. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to screen for interaction effects between the patient-related fall risk factors and the countries. The risks of falling in hospital in Switzerland and in Austria were compared after applying the risk-adjustment model.

Results

Data from 176 hospitals and 43,984 patients revealed an inpatient fall rate of 3.4% in Switzerland and 3.9% in Austria. Two of 15 patient-related fall risk variables showed an interaction effect with country: Patients who had fallen in the last 12 months (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.10–2.01, p = 0.009) or had taken sedatives/psychotropic medication (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.05–1.87, p = 0.022) had higher odds of falling in Austrian hospitals. Significantly higher odds of falling were observed in Austrian (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.13–1.68, p = 0.002) compared to Swiss hospitals after applying the risk-adjustment model.

Conclusions

Almost all patient-related fall risk factors in the model are suitable for a risk-adjusted cross-country comparison, as they do not interact with the countries. Further model validation with additional countries is warranted, particularly to assess the interaction of risk factors “fall in the last 12 months” and “sedatives/psychotropic medication intake” with country variable. The study underscores the crucial role of an appropriate risk-adjustment model in ensuring fair international comparisons of inpatient falls, as the risk-adjusted, as opposed to the non-risk-adjusted country comparison, indicated significantly higher odds of falling in Austrian compared to Swiss hospitals.
Malaria vaccination: hurdles to reach high-risk children
Authors: Amimo Floriano
Published: March 2024

Ensuring that malaria vaccines deliver maximum public health impact is non-trivial. Drawing on current research, this article examines hurdles that malaria immunization may face to reach high-risk children and explores the policy implications. The analysis finds health system related risks with the potential to reduce the ability of malaria vaccines to provide equitable protection. Deployment of effective frameworks to tackle these risks so as to strengthen within-country equity and progress tracking should be entangled with the deployment of the vaccines. To capture more comprehensively disease- and system-related risks to child health and survival, vaccine allocation criteria should expand their data and indicator breadth. Factoring molecular, clinical, and epidemiological features of antimalarial drug resistance into vaccine allocation frameworks is critical to effectively reflect current and future risks to malaria control interventions. It is proposed that approximately 6–15 children would need to be vaccinated to prevent a malaria adverse outcome. Vaccine purchasing and delivery costs may overwhelm endemic countries’ health systems given the sizeable number needed to vaccinate, the population of at-risk children, and limited government financing of the health sector. Innovations in health financing are pivotal to ensuring the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of immunization programs aiming to attain and maintain universal and equitable protection.
Safety and efficacy of sirolimus in recurrent intravenous leiomyomatosis, pulmonary benign metastatic leiomyomatosis, and leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata: a pilot study
Authors: Zhang Guorui , Fan Rong , Yang Hua , Su Hao , Yu Xin , Wang Yutong , Feng Fengzhi , Zhu Lan
Published: March 2024

Background

Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL), pulmonary benign metastatic leiomyomatosis (PBML), and leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD) are leiomyomas with special growth patterns and high postoperative recurrence rates. We report the safety and efficacy of a pilot study of sirolimus in the treatment of recurrent IVL, PBML, and recurrent LPD.

Methods

This was a pilot study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sirolimus in the treatment of leiomyomatosis (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03500367) conducted in China. Patients received oral sirolimus 2 mg once a day for a maximum of 60 months or until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, withdrawal of consent, or investigator decision to stop. The primary end point of this study was the objective response rate. Secondary end points included safety and tolerability, disease control rate, and progression-free survival.

Results

A total of 15 patients with leiomyomatosis were included in the study, including five with recurrent IVL, eight with PBML and two with recurrent LPD. The median follow-up time was 15 months (range 6–54 months), nine patients (60%) had treatment-related adverse events (including all levels), and two patients had treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse events. The objective response rate was 20.0% (95% CI, 7.1–45.2%), and the disease control rate was 86.7% (95% CI, 62.1–96.3%). Partial response was achieved in three patients. The median response time in the three partial response patients was 33 months (range 29–36 months), and the sustained remission time of these three patients reached 0, 18, and 25 months, respectively.

Conclusions

Sirolimus was safe and effective in the treatment of recurrent IVL, PBML, and recurrent LPD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03500367. Registered on 18 April 2018.
Seeking information and services associated with reproductive health among rural Peruvian young adults: exploratory qualitative research from Amazonas, Peru
Authors: McGuire Molly F. , Ortega Emma , Patel Radha , Paz-Soldán Valerie A. , Riley-Powell Amy R.
Published: March 2024

Background

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy allows young adults to make informed decisions about health outcomes. In Peru, roughly one fifth of the population lives in rural areas, and little is known about where young adults in rural areas get their SRH information. The aim of this study was to identify what motivates and influences young adults to seek information and care related to SRH in three rural communities in the highlands of Northern Peru.

Methods

Five gender-stratified focus group discussions with a total of 24 participants, and nine follow-up interviews were conducted to generate in-depth narrative data and triangulate data from the target group. Participants were women and men aged 18–24. The focus group discussions and interviews explored sources of reproductive health information, the role of informal social networks, barriers to care, and primary health concerns of the target population.

Results

Main findings include: (1) The two greatest perceived SRH risks were unwanted pregnancy and abnormal discharge; (2) There appears to be limited concern about HIV or other sexually transmitted infections in the narratives; (3) There is a low quality of information concerning SRH, with discrepancies between the genders; (4) A broad spectrum of sources for SRH information were cited, including Internet, traditional healers, and specialized care; and varied by gender and life experience; (5) Having trust in the information source was the primary variable associated with uptake of services and/or access to information for both men and women. However, men reported more embarrassment around seeking services and information, whereas women faced more physical barriers.

Conclusions

There is a lack of SRH information among young adults in some communities in the northern highlands of Peru. Both schools and health centers were noted as being trusted and established information sources for all genders so could be a key resource to explore as a way to disseminate information.
Median quartet tree search algorithms using optimal subtree prune and regraft
Authors: Arasti Shayesteh , Mirarab Siavash
Published: March 2024

Gene trees can be different from the species tree due to biological processes and inference errors. One way to obtain a species tree is to find one that maximizes some measure of similarity to a set of gene trees. The number of shared quartets between a potential species tree and gene trees provides a statistically justifiable score; if maximized properly, it could result in a statistically consistent estimator of the species tree under several statistical models of discordance. However, finding the median quartet score tree, one that maximizes this score, is NP-Hard, motivating several existing heuristic algorithms. These heuristics do not follow the hill-climbing paradigm used extensively in phylogenetics. In this paper, we make theoretical contributions that enable an efficient hill-climbing approach. Specifically, we show that a subtree of size m can be placed optimally on a tree of size n in quasi-linear time with respect to n and (almost) independently of m. This result enables us to perform subtree prune and regraft (SPR) rearrangements as part of a hill-climbing search. We show that this approach can slightly improve upon the results of widely-used methods such as ASTRAL in terms of the optimization score but not necessarily accuracy.
The association of regional block with intraoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Xiang Yan , Chen Liang , Jia Jiang , Yili Fu , Changwei Wei
Published: March 2024

Background

Regional block, such as thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA), thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB), or serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) has been recommended to reduce postoperative opioid use in recent guidelines, but the optimal options for intraoperative opioid minimization remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intraoperative opioids-sparing effects of three regional blocks (TEA, TPVB, and SAPB) in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATs).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of the adults undergoing VATs at a tertiary medical center between January 2020 and February 2022. According to the type of regional block used, patients were classified into 4 groups: GA group (general anesthesia without any regional block), TEA group (general anesthesia combined with TEA), TPVB group (general anesthesia combined with TPVB), and SAPB group (general anesthesia combined with SAPB). Cases were matched with a 1:1:1:1 ratio for analysis by age, sex, ASA physical status, and operation duration. The primary outcome was the total intraoperative opioid consumption standardized to Oral Morphine Equivalents (OME). Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate the association of the three regional blocks with the OME.

Results

A total of 2159 cases met the eligibility criteria. After matching, 168 cases (42 in each group) were included in analysis. Compared with GA without any reginal block, the use of TEA, TPVB, and SAPB reduced the median of intraoperative OME by 78.45 mg (95% confidence interval [CI], -141.34 to -15.56; P = 0.014), 94.92 mg (95% CI, -154.48 to -35.36; P = 0.020), and 11.47 mg (95% CI, -72.07 to 49.14; P = 0.711), respectively.

Conclusions

The use of TEA or TPVB was associated with an intraoperative opioid-sparing effect in adults undergoing VATs, whereas the intraoperative opioid-sparing effect of SAPB was not yet clear.
Acute type a aortic intramural hematoma complicated with preoperative hemopericardium: early and late surgical outcome analyses
Authors: Lin Chun-Yu , Kao Ming-Chang , Lee Hsin-Fu , Wu Meng-Yu , Tseng Chi-Nan
Published: March 2024

Background

Acute type A aortic intramural hematoma (ATAIMH) is a variant of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD), exhibiting an increased risk of hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade. It can be life-threatening without emergency treatment. However, comprehensive studies of the clinical features and surgical outcomes of preoperative hemopericardium in patients with ATAIMH remain scarce. This retrospective study aims to investigate the clinical features and early and late outcomes of patients who underwent aortic repair surgery for ATAIMH complicated with preoperative hemopericardium.

Methods

We investigated 132 consecutive patients who underwent emergency ATAIMH repair at this institution between February 2007 and August 2020. These patients were dichotomized into the hemopericardium (n = 58; 43.9%) and non-hemopericardium groups (n = 74; 56.1%). We compared the clinical demographics, surgical information, postoperative complications, 5-year cumulative survival rates, and freedom from reoperation rates. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify independent risk factors for patients who underwent re-exploration for bleeding.

Results

In the hemopericardium group, 36.2% of patients presented with cardiac tamponade before surgery. Moreover, the hemopericardium group showed higher rates of preoperative shock and endotracheal intubation and was associated with an elevated incidence of intractable perioperative bleeding, necessitating delayed sternal closure for hemostasis. The hemopericardium group exhibited higher blood transfusion volumes and rates of re-exploration for bleeding following surgery. However, the 5-year survival (59.5% vs. 75.0%; P = 0.077) and freedom from reoperation rates (93.3% vs. 85.5%; P = 0.416) were comparable between both groups. Multivariable analysis revealed that hemopericardium, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and delayed sternal closure were the risk factors for bleeding re-exploration.

Conclusions

The presence of hemopericardium in patients with ATAIMH is associated with an elevated incidence of cardiac tamponade and unstable preoperative hemodynamics, which could lead to perioperative bleeding tendencies and high complication rates. However, patients of ATAIMH complicated with hemopericardium undergoing aggressive surgical intervention exhibited long-term surgical outcomes comparable to those without hemopericardium.
The effectiveness of a web-based information-knowledge-attitude-practice continuous intervention on the psychological status, medical compliance, and quality of life of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: a parallel randomized clinical trial
Authors: Li Jin , Deng Yueli , Jiang Yan
Published: March 2024

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) often experience a severe psychological burden for a long period of time, which can adversely affect their post-operative prognosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a web-based Information-Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (WIKAP) continuous intervention on the psychological status, medical compliance, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with CAD after CABG surgery.

Methods

A parallel randomized clinical trial enrolled 174 CAD patients who underwent CABG at our hospital between January 2018 and December 2019. The participants were randomly divided into the Control and WIKAP group and received intervention for 12 months. The scores for anxiety, depression, medical compliance, and QoL were assessed on the first day (M0), 3rd month (M3), 6th month (M6), 9th month (M9) and 12th month (M12) after discharge. Furthermore, the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox proportional regression models for an additional 24-month follow-up period without any intervention.

Results

After the 12-month intervention, the scores of anxiety and depression were significantly reduced in the WIKAP group at M9 and M12 compared to those in the Control group (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the scores of medical compliance in the WIKAP group were remarkably elevated at M6, M9, and M12 compared with those scores in the Control group (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, the QoL scores were lower in the WIKAP group at M6, M9, and M12 compared to the Control group (all P < 0.05). However, the MACCE-free survival showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Cox proportional regression analysis also showed that the nursing intervention (Control vs. WKIAP) was not associated with the incidence of MACCE.

Conclusion

WIKAP nursing intervention effectively improved the psychological health, medical compliance, and QoL in CAD patients who underwent CABG operation, but it did not prolong MACCE-free survival.

Trail registration

The study is registered in isrctn.org: ISRCTN13653455.
The impact of amplification on quality of life in women with Turner syndrome
Authors: Mann Lauren , VanLooy Lindsey
Published: March 2024

Background

Individuals with Turner syndrome (TS, ORPHA 881) experience barriers in communication throughout life as they navigate both early conductive, and progressive sensorineural hearing loss amid other healthcare needs. Hearing loss is self-identified as one of the largest unmet healthcare needs.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of treatment for hearing loss on communication confidence and quality of life measures for individuals with TS.

Research design

We employed a prospective cross-sectional study design that included both online survey data and audiometric data for a subset of participants.

Study sample

We recruited 179 adults with TS at the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States (TSSUS) Conference, and through a variety of regional TS organizations’ social media platforms. Audiological data was collected onsite at the conference for a subset of 67 participants; 8 of which who were followed after receiving subsequent treatment with hearing aids.

Data collection and analysis

The online survey design included demographic questions, the Communication Confidence Profile (CCP), and the RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0. Audiometric data included tympanometry, puretone air, and puretone bone conduction thresholds. Descriptive statistics, parametric, and non-parametric tests were used to analyze both survey and audiometric data.

Results

74% of participants had a self-reported diagnosis of hearing loss, of which 61% were previously recommended amplification. Only 38% of participants reported using hearing aids. For those participants who wore hearing aids, Total CCP Score, ‘Confidence in Ability to Hear Under Various Conditions’, and ‘Energy/Vitality’ metrics were significantly greater than those with untreated hearing loss warranting a hearing aid. Collectively, Total CCP Score and ‘Confidence in Ability to Hear Under Various Conditions’ increased significantly when participants were fit with hearing aids.

Conclusion

The results support previous data where hearing loss is a self-identified healthcare concern among women with Turner syndrome, yet many fail to receive appropriate hearing evaluation or treatment. Additionally, the use of hearing aids may improve communication confidence and quality of life in women with Turner syndrome. Furthermore, this study confirms the need for long-term audiological care and monitoring in women with Turner syndrome.
Heartworm disease in domestic dogs in Estonia: indication of local circulation of the zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis farther north than previously reported
Authors: Mõttus Maare , Mõtsküla Paul F. , Jokelainen Pikka
Published: March 2024

Background

The mosquito-borne zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis continues to spread northwards in Europe. This parasite can cause potentially life-threatening heartworm disease in dogs and pulmonary dirofilariasis in humans and is, therefore, a major health concern in both the veterinary medicine and human medical fields. This is the first report of D. immitis infections and heartworm disease in the Baltic country Estonia.

Methods

Data on canine D. immitis infections and heartworm disease were collected from the electronic patient records database of the Small Animal Clinic of Estonian University of Life Sciences, the only university clinic in Estonia. The patient records of dogs with confirmed diagnosis of D. immitis infection or heartworm disease were reviewed and summarised.

Results

Six dogs had been diagnosed with confirmed D. immitis infection or heartworm disease at the university clinic in 2021–2022. The confirmed diagnoses had been reached following international guidelines, based on a combination of different tests. Molecular confirmation of the parasite species had not been performed. Two of the dogs had been imported while four had no travel history outside of the country.

Conclusions

Four of the dogs with a confirmed D. immitis infection or heartworm disease had no history of being imported or travelling outside of the country, indicating autochthonous infections and, consequently, local circulation of the parasite in Estonia. These findings represent the new northernmost autochthonous cases of D. immitis infection and canine heartworm disease reported in the European Union.

Graphical Abstract
Bayesian EM approach for GNSS parameters of interest estimation under constant modulus interference
Authors: Lesouple Julien , Ortega Lorenzo
Published: March 2024

Interferences pose a significant risk to applications that rely on global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs). They have the potential to degrade GNSS performance and even result in service disruptions. The most notable type of intentional interference is characterized by a constant modulus, such as chirp and tone interferences. These interferences have a straightforward structure, leading to the creation of complex circles when attempting to identify their contribution. To address the interference and improve the situation, we calculate the maximum likelihood estimator for the relevant parameters (time delay and Doppler shift) while considering the presence of these latent variables. To achieve this, we employ the expectation–maximization algorithm, which has previously demonstrated its effectiveness in similar scenarios. Experiments conducted using synthetic signals confirm the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Mapping the widespread distribution and transmission dynamics of linezolid resistance in humans, animals, and the environment
Authors: Shen Weiyi , Cai Chang , Dong Ning , Chen Jiawei , Zhang Rong , Cai Jiachang
Published: March 2024

Background

The rise of linezolid resistance has been widely observed both in clinical and non-clinical settings. However, there were still data gaps regarding the comprehensive prevalence and interconnections of linezolid resistance genes across various niches.

Results

We screened for potential linezolid resistance gene reservoirs in the intestines of both humans and animals, in meat samples, as well as in water sources. A total of 796 bacteria strains out of 1538 non-duplicated samples were identified to be positive for at least one linezolid resistance gene, optrA, poxtA, cfr, and cfr(D). The prevalence of optrA reached 100% (95% CI 96.3–100%) in the intestines of pigs, followed by fish, ducks, and chicken at 77.5% (95% CI 67.2–85.3%), 62.0% (95% CI 52.2–70.9%), and 61.0% (95% CI 51.2–70.0%), respectively. The meat and water samples presented prevalences of 80.0% (95% CI 70.6–87.0%) and 38.0% (95% CI 25.9–51.9%), respectively. The unreported prevalence of the cfr(D) gene was also relatively higher at 13.0% (95% CI 7.8–21.0%) and 19.0% (95% CI 10.9–25.6%) for the feces samples of ducks and pigs, respectively. Enterococci were the predominant hosts for all genes, while several non-enterococcal species were also identified. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a significant genetic distance among linezolid resistance gene reservoirs, with polyclonal structures observed in strains within the same niche. Similar genetic arrays harboring assorted insertion sequences or transposons were shared by reservoirs displaying heterogeneous backgrounds, though large diversity in the genetic environment of linezolid resistance genes was also observed.

Conclusions

The linezolid resistance genes were widespread among various niches. The horizontal transfer played a crucial role in driving the circulation of linezolid resistance reservoirs at the human-animal-environment interfaces.
A new approach for configuring modular floating cities: assessing modular floating platforms by means of analytic hierarchy process
Authors: EL-Shihy Ahmed A.
Published: March 2024

Floating cities have emerged as an efficient long-term solution over unsustainable practiced solutions to combat the rising seas problem; nevertheless, the world lacks an international, official, and comprehensive framework regarding floating cities. Although previous research approached modular floating city design; however, resulted in configurations with various critical design restrictions mainly regarding interlocking capabilities and space utilization. The purpose of this paper is to offer a new systematic strategy for configuring modular and expandable floating cities without such restrictions. This paper explores Euclidean tilings as a strategy to offer numerous configurations based on regular, semi-regular, and demi-regular tilings. Selecting the ideal configuration is complicated; therefore, both quantitative and qualitative data methods were implemented to attain the objectives. Via an extensive literature review, this research derives key factors for configuring floating cities, then sets a brainstorming session with experts for group decision making before providing findings upon calculations via analytic hierarchy process, one of the most used quantitative data methods of multiple-criteria decision analysis. Through comprehensive literature review: seakeeping, modularity, zoning and circulation, and feasibility have been identified as the most significant criteria in floating city research. It explores the qualities and limitations of triangular, squared, hexagonal, octagonal, and dodecagonal platforms. Regarding criteria, seakeeping was the most significant criterion for platform selection by 53.6%. Regarding platforms, the hexagonal platform scored the highest with 25.31%. Relying on this method and the design considerations presented, numerous dynamic configurations can be offered and assessed through specific contexts without any of the past restrictions.
The use of computed tomography and X-ray fluorescence analysis in the research of printed book from the seventeenth century: book binding, tomographic reading of the text, dendrochronological dating, pigments analysis
Authors: Vavřík Daniel , Kazanskii Andrei , Neoralová Jitka , Kindlerová Rita Lyons , Novotná Dana , Vávrová Petra , Kumpová Ivana , Vopálenský Michal , Kyncl Tomáš
Published: March 2024

This paper presents the use of X-ray computed tomography and X-ray fluorescence in the analysis and expert research of the seventeenth century printed book "Eukhologīon albo Molitoslov, ili Trebnik" from Kiev. The main purpose of the survey was to confirm whether the book binding is original or whether it is a rebinding, and whether there are any fragments of the hidden older texts. Commonly used radiography is usually not able to provide sufficient information for these purposes. On the other hand, computed tomography allows a detailed and three-dimensional documentation of the bookbinding technology and the structure of the materials used, including the wooden boards. It will be presented that all elements of the weave are clearly visible, making it possible to show that there are no internal defects in the stitching and materials. It has also been convincingly shown that there are no fragments or layers of older texts in the binding, so no further invasive intervention will be necessary regarding this aspect. The paper also demonstrates the possibility of reading the text in a closed book utilising X-ray computed tomography data; this option may be advantageous for massively damaged manuscripts. It will also be shown, that thanks to detailed tomographic imaging of the wood structure of the boards, a dendrochronological survey can be successfully carried out without invasive intervention into their outer layers. From the CT data it was also found that the pigments of the letters have significantly different densities. Therefore, as part of the survey, elemental analysis of the writing was also carried out using a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to confirm and clarify this finding.
Effectiveness of Intervention Strategies to Increase Adolescents’ Physical Activity and Reduce Sedentary Time in Secondary School Settings, Including Factors Related to Implementation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Contardo Ayala Ana María , Parker Kate , Mazzoli Emiliano , Lander Natalie , Ridgers Nicola D. , Timperio Anna , Lubans David R. , Abbott Gavin , Koorts Harriet , Salmon Jo
Published: March 2024

Background

Globally, just one in five adolescents meet physical activity guidelines and three-quarters of the school day is spent sitting. It is unclear which types of school-based interventions strategies increase physical activity and reduce sedentary time among adolescents, or how these interventions are implemented influences their effectiveness.

Objective

The three aims of our systematic review were to (a) identify intervention strategies used within secondary school settings to improve students’ movement behaviours throughout school-based initiatives, delivered at or by the school; (b) determine the overall effect of the interventions (meta-analysis) on physical activity (all intensities), sedentary time, cognitive/academic, physical health and/or psychological outcomes; and (c) describe factors related to intervention implementation.

Methods

Searches were conducted in MEDLINE complete, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, APA PsycINFO, and ERIC in January 2023 for studies that (a) included high school-aged adolescents; (b) involved a school-based intervention to increase physical activity and/or decrease sedentary time; and (c) were published in English. Reported effects were pooled in meta-analyses where sufficient data were obtained.

Results

Eighty-five articles, representing 61 interventions, met the inclusion criteria, with 23 unique intervention strategies used. Interventions that involved whole-school approaches (i.e., physical activity sessions, environmental modifications, teacher training, peer support and/or educational resources) were favourably associated with most of the outcomes. The meta-analyses showed: (a) non-significant effects for sedentary time (Standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.02; 95%CI, -0.14, 0.11), physical activity at all intensities (light: SMD= -0.01; 95%CI, -0.08, 0.05; moderate: SMD = 0.06; 95%CI, -0.09, 0.22; vigorous: SMD = 0.08; 95%CI, -0.02, 0.18; moderate-to-vigorous: SMD = 0.05; 95%CI, -0.01, 0.12) and waist circumference (SMD = 0.09; 95%CI, -0.03, 0.21), and (b) a small statistically significant decrease in body mass index (SMD= -0.09, 95%CI -0.16, -0.0). Factors related to intervention implementation were reported in 51% of the articles.

Conclusion

While some intervention approaches demonstrated promise, small or null effects were found in meta-analyses. Future school-based interventions should utilize a whole-school approach designed to increase adolescents’ activity across the day. Consistent reporting of implementation will increase understanding of how interventions are adopted, implemented and sustained.

Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42020169988).
Repeatability of deuterium metabolic imaging of healthy volunteers at 3 T
Authors: Bøgh Nikolaj , Vaeggemose Michael , Schulte Rolf F. , Hansen Esben S S , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: March 2024

Background

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of deuterated glucose, termed deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI), is emerging as a biomarker of pathway-specific glucose metabolism in tumors. DMI is being studied as a useful marker of treatment response in a scan-rescan scenario. This study aims to evaluate the repeatability of brain DMI.

Methods

A repeatability study was performed in healthy volunteers from December 2022 to March 2023. The participants consumed 75 g of [6,6′­2H2]glucose. The delivery of 2H-glucose to the brain and its conversion to 2H-glutamine + glutamate, 2H-lactate, and 2H-water DMI was imaged at baseline and at 30, 70, and 120 min. DMI was performed using MR spectroscopic imaging on a 3-T system equipped with a 1H/2H-tuned head coil. Coefficients of variation (CoV) were computed for estimation of repeatability and between-subject variability. In a set of exploratory analyses, the variability effects of region, processing, and normalization were estimated.

Results

Six male participants were recruited, aged 34 ± 6.5 years (mean ± standard deviation). There was 42 ± 2.7 days between sessions. Whole-brain levels of glutamine + glutamate, lactate, and glucose increased to 3.22 ± 0.4 mM, 1.55 ± 0.3 mM, and 3 ± 0.7 mM, respectively. The best signal-to-noise ratio and repeatability was obtained at the 120-min timepoint. Here, the within-subject whole-brain CoVs were -10% for all metabolites, while the between-subject CoVs were -20%.

Conclusions

DMI of glucose and its downstream metabolites is feasible and repeatable on a clinical 3 T system.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05402566, registered the 25th of May 2022.

Relevance statement

Brain deuterium metabolic imaging of healthy volunteers is repeatable and feasible at clinical field strengths, enabling the study of shifts in tumor metabolism associated with treatment response.

Key points

• Deuterium metabolic imaging is an emerging tumor biomarker with unknown repeatability. 

• The repeatability of deuterium metabolic imaging is on par with FDG-PET. 

• The study of deuterium metabolic imaging in clinical populations is feasible.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of MRI acquisition parameters on accuracy and precision of phase-contrast measurements in a small-lumen vessel phantom
Authors: Correia de Verdier Maria , Berglund Johan , Wikström Johan
Published: March 2024

Background

Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) quantifies blood flow and velocity noninvasively. Challenges arise in neurovascular disorders due to small vessels. We evaluated the impact of voxel size, number of signal averages (NSA), and velocity encoding (VENC) on PC-MRI measurement accuracy and precision in a small-lumen vessel phantom.

Methods

We constructed an in vitro model with a constant flow rate using a 2.2-mm inner diameter plastic tube. A reservoir with a weight scale and timer was used as standard reference. Gradient-echo T1 weighted PC-MRI sequence was performed on a 3-T scanner with varying voxel size (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 mm3), NSA (1, 2, 3), and VENC (200, 300, 400 cm/s). We repeated measurements nine times per setting, calculating mean flow rate, maximum velocity, and least detectable difference (LDD).

Results

PC-MRI flow measurements were higher than standard reference values (mean ranging from 7.3 to 9.5 mL/s compared with 6.6 mL/s). Decreased voxel size improved accuracy, reducing flow rate measurements from 9.5 to 7.3 mL/s. The LDD for flow rate and velocity varied between 1 and 5%. The LDD for flow rate decreased with increased voxel size and NSA (p = 0.033 and 0.042). The LDD for velocity decreased with increased voxel size (p < 10-16). No change was observed when VENC varied.

Conclusions

PC-MRI overestimated flow. However, it has high precision in a small-vessel phantom with constant flow rate. Improved accuracy was obtained with increasing spatial resolution (smaller voxels). Improved precision was obtained with increasing signal-to-noise ratio (larger voxels and/or higher NSA).

Relevance statement

Phase-contrast MRI is clinically used in large vessels. To further investigate the possibility of using phase-contrast MRI for smaller intracranial vessels in neurovascular disorders, we need to understand how acquisition parameters affect phase-contrast MRI-measured flow rate and velocity in small vessels.

Key points

• PC-MRI measures flow and velocity in a small lumen phantom with high precision but overestimates flow rate.

• The precision of PC-MRI measurements matches the precision of standard reference for flow rate measurements.

• Optimizing PC-MRI settings can enhance accuracy and precision in flow rate and velocity measurements.

Graphical Abstract
Renewable, natural, traditional dish wash cleaning materials used in India: an overview
Authors: Kora Aruna Jyothi
Published: March 2024

Background

India has been using natural, renewable resources for dishwashing and cleaning since pre-Harappan times, which speak to the country’s rich biodiversity and long standing traditions of health and hygiene. The current review focuses on several Indian traditional dish wash materials that are categorized according to their mechanism of action as scrubbers and scrappers, abrasives, degreasers, deodorizers and saponin biosurfactant dish wash cleaning materials.

Main body of the abstract

Scrubbers and scrappers include rice straw, bagasse, coconut coir, coconut brooms, jute and agave fibers, luffa, etc. Soil, clay, sand, crystal salt, lime, rice husk, bran, starch, ash (wood, dung, husk), charcoal, biochar, and other materials are examples of abrasives. Materials that contain organic acids, such as citrus, mango, gooseberry, tamarind, tomato fruits, are used as degreasers. On the other hand, Citrus peels, drumstick seeds, sour butter milk, etc., come under deodorizers. The saponin biosurfactant rich fruits and seeds of soapnuts, soap pod, green gram, Bengal gram, bitter Albizia, etc., function as surface active agents. A few of them use multiple mechanisms to clean the vessels. They are used in many forms (solid, powder, liquid, paste, sponge, fiber, scrub, broom) and obtained from a variety of plant plants (leaf, bark, stem, fruit, seed) as well as the earth’s crust.

Short conclusion

Compared to commercial, manmade surfactants, natural organic and biosurfactant cleaners have several major advantages over synthetic ones, such as their natural availability, affordability, renewability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, minimal environmental and human toxicity, hypo-human allergenicity and multifaceted biological activities. They are free from preservatives and carcinogenic byproducts, free from phosphate-induced eutrophication and sustainable in terms of local resource use, fossil fuel independence and low carbon footprint production. In addition to kitchen utensil cleaning, few of them are utilized for their myriad of functionalities such as jewelry polisher, face mask, bathing soap, hair cleanser, hair conditioner and washing detergent. The use of renewable and natural cleaning materials aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 6, Goal 9, Goal 12, Goal 13, Goal 14 and Goal 15.
Dietary carbohydrate sources differently prime the microbial ecosystem but not the epithelial gene expression profile along the complete gut of young calves
Authors: Hartinger Thomas , Pacífico Cátia , Sener-Aydemir Arife , Poier Gregor , Kreuzer-Redmer Susanne , Terler Georg , Klevenhusen Fenja , Zebeli Qendrim
Published: March 2024

Background

Recent data indicated similar growth performance of young calves fed solely high-quality hay instead of a starter diet based on starchy ingredients. Yet, providing exclusively such distinct carbohydrate sources during early life might specifically prime the microbiota and gene expression along the gut of young calves, which remains to be explored. We investigated the effects of starter diets differing in carbohydrate composition, that is medium- or high-quality hay and without or with 70% concentrate supplementation (on fresh matter basis), across the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of weaned Holstein calves (100 ± 4 days of age) using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and analyses of short-chain fatty acids and host epithelial gene expressions.

Results

The concentrate supplementation drastically decreased microbial diversity throughout the gut, which was also true to a much lesser extent for high-quality hay when compared to medium-quality hay in the foregut. Similarly, the factor concentrate strongly shaped the diet-associated common core microbiota, which was substantially more uniform along the gut with concentrate supplementation. The fermentation profile shifted towards less acetate but more propionate with concentrate supplementation in almost all gut sections, corresponding with higher abundances of starch-utilizing bacteria, while major fibrolytic clusters declined. Noteworthy, the n-butyrate proportion decreased in the rumen and increased in the colon with concentrate, showing an opposite, gut site-dependent effect. Both dietary factors modestly influenced the host epithelial gene expression.

Conclusions

Concentrate supplementation clearly primed the microbial ecosystem on a starch-targeted fermentation with characteristic genera occupying this niche along the entire GIT of calves, whereas the microbial differentiation due to hay quality was less distinct. Overall, changes in the microbial ecosystem were only marginally reflected in the targeted transcriptional profile of the host epithelium.
Vortex model of plane turbulent air flows in channels
Authors: Mironov Victor L. , Mironov Sergey V.
Published: March 2024

We present a theoretical model of plane turbulent flows based on the previously proposed equations, which take into account both the longitudinal motion and the vortex tube rotation. Using the simple model of eddy viscosity, we obtain the analytical expressions for the mean velocity profiles of stationary turbulent flows. In particular, we consider the near-wall flow over a flat plate in a wind tunnel as well as Couette and Poiseuille flows in rectangular channels. In all these cases, the calculated velocity profiles are in good agreement with experimental data and results of direct numerical simulations.
Genetic factors and the role of pancreatic amylase in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Abdulkareem Mutiat A. , Owolabi Bunmi A. , Saheed Emmanuel S. , Aromolaran Remilekun F. , Bashiru Rukayat M. , Jumah Toheeb A. , Chijioke Doris U. , Amaechi Onyinyechi J. , Adeleke Fehintoluwa C. , Charles Omiyale O. , Oluokun Tunde S.
Published: March 2024

This review article gives an insight into the genetic factors and the role of pancreatic amylase in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Diabetes is a non-communicable, multifactorial, heritable, complex, and irreversible disease of public health burden with a global prevalence rate of 6.28%, about 6% in sub-Saharan Africa, and 1.7% in Nigeria. T2D is recognized as the ninth leading cause of mortality worldwide. This disease is yet to be diagnosed in a significant number of people who live with it in underdeveloped and developing countries like Nigeria due to the lack of free or subsidized access to health care, especially medical checkups, inadequate health facilities, government policies, and negligence. Consequently, undiagnosed cases of T2D have contributed to the prevalence of this disease and its comorbidities -hypertension and chronic kidney disease. Obesity, age, race and ethnicity, inactivity, family history, underlying illness, and unhealthy diets are prominent undisputable predisposing factors of T2D. Pancreatic amylase is a type of amylase produced in the pancreas, known to hydrolyze starch and prone to mutations, but most of the genetic components, causative polymorphisms, and affected genes are yet unknown. Even as insulin secretion is found to be influenced by the loci, the causation of T2D cannot be inferred. Pancreatic amylase was observed to be the most relevant digestive enzyme, whose role is to bind to glycoprotein N-glycan to activate starch digestion. In a malfunctioning pancreas, little or no insulin is generated to keep the blood glucose at an appropriate level, thereby resulting in T2D.
Hand grips strength in athletic and non-athletic girls at different phases of menstrual cycle: an observational case–control study
Authors: Soliman Heba A. , Yousef Amel M. , Hamada Hamada A. , Hassan Elham S. ,   to Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy
Published: March 2024

Background

There are a significant number of female athletes competing at the highest levels of sport. But, women are still largely underrepresented in scientific literature. The female menstrual cycle is characterized by variations in circulating hormone levels, which may have an impact on performance.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the impact of hormonal changes through different menstrual cycle phases on hand grip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength of athletic and non-athletic girls.

Methods

An observational case control study was conducted on forty post-pubertal girls, their ages ranged from 16 to 22 years old, and their body mass index (BMI) ranged from 18.5 to 25 kg/m2. They were divided into two groups: athletic group of twenty basketball and tennis players recruited from basketball and tennis teams at Mena Garden City Club, 6 October Club, and Shooting Club October and non-athletic group of twenty non-sportive undergraduate students from Faculty of Physical Therapy, Misr University for Science and Technology. Hand grip strength was evaluated by Jamar hand dynamometer, while pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength were evaluated by Jamar pinch gauge through three different menstrual cycle phases (follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases).

Results

Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant increase in handgrip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers pinch strength, and lateral pinch strength in non-athletic group. Also, there was a significant increase in three fingers pinch strength and lateral pinch strength in athletic group during the ovulatory phase across the menstrual cycle (p < 0.05). But, there was a significant difference across menstrual phases in handgrip strength and pulp pinch strength in athletic group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Hormonal changes during menstrual cycle phases do not alter handgrip strength, pulp pinch strength performance for athletic girls. But, they alter hand grip strength, pulp pinch strength, three fingers, and lateral pinch grip strength performance for non-athletic girls.

Trial registration

The protocol of the study was registered in clinical trials.gov PRS (Protocol Registration and Result System (registration No.NCT06086262), Registered on 17 October 2023). The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of the Faculty of Physical Therapy at Cairo University prior to its beginning (approval No P.T.REC/012/003358) .