bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Transformation of Parents’ Values and Aspirations for Their Children: A Retrospective Qualitative Longitudinal Analysis of Changing Cultural Configurations
Authors: Gray Jane , Geraghty Ruth
Published: December 2022

This article contributes to new scholarship on family change as bricolage and institutional layering. Focusing on the classic topic of parental values and aspirations for their children, we used a retrospective qualitative longitudinal analysis to trace the evolution of four overlapping cultural configurations across the 20th century: (1) standing back and not interfering, (2) cultivating achievement, (3) encouraging positive relationships, and (4) promoting happiness and self-fulfilment. We show that there was a directional change in the emphases and inflections placed on these configurations, and in the moral ambivalence that parents displayed as they reconciled them in their narratives. Meanings centred on autonomy and cultivation were layered onto relatedness across changing social contexts. Engaging with recent debates on the value of qualitative interviews, our analysis demonstrates how qualitative longitudinal research can provide rigorous analysis of long-term cultural change.
Experimental investigation on fire endurance and residual strength of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with CFRP grids
Authors: Liu Zongquan , Yue Qingrui , Li Rong , Chen Xiaobing
Published: December 2022

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement is known to be extremely susceptible to deterioration of mechanical properties when exposed to fire. FRP grids encased with polymer mortar have received much attention lately as an efficient and fire-resistant technology for strengthening concrete structures. An experimental investigation was undertaken to examine and document the performance of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) grids strengthened reinforced concrete beams under the sustained service load and the standard fire. Tests results on fire indicated that, even without any insulation, the CFRP grids strengthened beam can achieve a satisfactory fire endurance of more than 2 hours. The polymer mortar layer allows the strengthened beam to have longer fire endurance time than the un-strengthened beam, while under larger service loads. Moreover, this paper also presents a residual strength study of fire-tested beams. It has demonstrated that, if the FRP grids are able to maintain below the decomposition temperature when exposed to fire, the FRP grids strengthening system will be able to retain almost full effectiveness after cooling down.
The role of German media and the (European) public sphere: Framing biases of the press using the example of the Italian sovereign debt crisis 2018
Authors: Teschendorf Victoria Sophie
Published: December 2022

During times of crisis, the press plays a crucial role in communicating and negotiating the crisis. Considering Germany’s strong economic role in the EU, the German (media) perspective on European economic policy issues has a major influence on Europe. In 2018, Italy’s debt crisis posed the risk of a new euro crisis and a domino effect on other countries. Contrasting views of how to resolve economic crises opposed each other, with the Maastricht criteria at the center. Despite high debt, the Italian government pursued a Keynesian policy by increasing the deficit to stimulate economic growth. The European Commission, however, insisted on neoliberal policies and compliance with the criteria. This study discusses the (non)emergence of a European public sphere through the economic policy framing of the Italian sovereign debt crisis. Using quantitative content analysis, the relative prevalence of frames rooted in competing economic policy paradigms (neoliberal/Keynesian) in press coverage is examined. The results show that the neoliberal paradigm and the call for austerity dominate coverage, indicating a possible European public sphere. However, the biased media framing in favor of the European Commission’s and German government’s interests partly contributes to strengthening the nationalistic perspective on this European issue. Overall, the press failed to present the issue in a solution-oriented and pluralistic manner.
Application and Development of Minimally Invasive Techniques in the Treatment of Spinal Metastases
Authors: Hao Lu , Chen Xi , Chen Qiuyan , Xu Yuzhong , Zhang Baozhu , Yang Zhe , Zhong Junxin , Zhou Qing
Published: December 2022

With the improvement of medical technology, the quality of life and prognosis of patients with malignant tumors have been greatly improved, and surgical treatment strategies for patients with spinal metastatic tumors have received extensive attention. Traditional open surgery for spinal metastases has problems such as large trauma, slow recovery, and influence on subsequent systemic treatment. Minimally invasive spine surgery has similar clinical outcomes to traditional open surgery, but minimally invasive spine surgery is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. Minimally invasive spine surgery was initially applied to non-neoplastic diseases such as spinal degeneration and trauma, and was gradually applied to the treatment of spinal metastatic tumors and spinal deformities. For patients with spinal metastases, a shorter recovery time is helpful for early postoperative radiotherapy, thereby achieving a more satisfactory tumor control effect. This review discusses the application of minimally invasive spine surgery in the treatment of spinal metastatic tumors from the concept, surgical purpose, indications, and surgical selection, so as to provide reference for clinical practice.
Compassionate Leadership as Witness: Paying Attention When We Don’t Want to Know
Authors: LaVenia Kristina N. , Lasater Kara
Published: December 2022

Millions of students in our schools live with a parent experiencing substance use disorder. Most people with substance use disorder begin using while they are school-age. School personnel are on the frontlines of this crisis; yet our policies, practices, and social norms create barriers to witnessing and healing for these students and families. This case provides a context to explore the usefulness of compassionate leadership to support marginalized and vulnerable students and families. Both compassionate leadership and crisis intervention inform our suggestions for practice.
“An Opportunity to Grow Our Collective Consciousness”: Navigating Racial Tension in a Gentrifying Elementary School
Authors: Ayscue Jennifer B. , Beam Lindsey , Mordechay Kfir
Published: December 2022

As gentrification changes the racial and socioeconomic composition of many neighborhoods across the United States, the enrollment of local schools in gentrifying communities may also change. While gentrification may provide opportunities for creating more diverse schools, challenges often accompany such changes. In this case, Principal Miller navigates tensions associated with supporting the school’s intentionally diverse and antiracist mission on a daily basis and in response to a noteworthy event—the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol. He grapples with how to build community and address racism among the adult members of the school community, including parents and teachers.
Preparation and characterization of biodegradable electrospinning PHBV/PBAT/TiO2 antibacterial nanofiber membranes
Authors: Xu Jun , Lei Zhenzhen , Liu Sihan , Chen Jiayi , Gong Genghao , Cai Xiaofeng
Published: December 2022

To reduce the environmental pollution caused by medical protective materials, such as masks and protective clothing, biodegradable antibacterial materials have received more and more attention in recent years. In this study, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) were electrospun together and then treated with nano-TiO2 to develop and evaluate a biodegradable, antibacterial nanofiber membrane for medical protective fabric. The SEM images displayed that the nanofiber membrane with a mass fraction of 13 and a mass ratio of 50:50 PHBV/PBAT had the smallest diameter and the best morphology of all samples. In addition, the mechanical properties test and water contact angle test results demonstrated that the PBAT/PHBV composite nanofiber membrane had better mechanical properties and hydrophobicity without compromising its fundamental structure than pure PHBV. The addition of TiO2 nanoparticles decreased the fiber diameter of this nanofiber membrane. When the TiO2 concentration was 1.0 wt%, the average fiber diameter was 367 nm, which might approach the sub-micron level. Meanwhile, the presence of TiO2 reduced adhesion between fibers of the PBAT/PHBV membrane, resulting in a more uniform fiber distribution. Additionally, the elongation at the break of the PHBV/PBAT/TiO2 nanofiber membrane with 1.0 wt% TiO2 was raised from (135 ± 5)% to (203 ± 2)%. The PHBV/PBAT/TiO2 nanofiber membrane containing 1.0 wt% TiO2 inhibited Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and its antibacterial rate was over 98%. In this research, we successfully prepared composite materials that were both biodegradable and antibacterial, which can be applied in the field of medical protection. It can promote the development of protective textile materials in the direction of functionalization and degradation.
Thermal and thermo-oxidative stability of a series of palladium and platinum ferrocenylamine sulfides and selenides
Authors: Ali Hussein M , Ali Isra H
Published: December 2022

Ferrocenylamine complexes have found increasing applications in the fields of catalysis in various organic reactions, industry, medical treatments and enzyme–activity determinations. Therefore, information related to the thermal and thermo-oxidative stability of these compounds is important for such applications; however, this information is currently limited. Twenty previously prepared palladium and platinum ferrocenylamine complexes with systematic structural variations are examined for their thermal (under nitrogen) and thermo-oxidation stability (under atmospheric air) using thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Degradation products are identified by comparing thermogravimetric analysis and theoretical calculations. Structure–stability studies are also discussed. The results show that all the compounds have high thermal and thermo-oxidative stabilities of up to 265 and 173 °C, respectively. Electron–donating substituents enhance the thermal and thermo-oxidative stabilities of the palladium complexes ( t-Bu, selenide electrophiles and dielectrophiles), while those with destabilizing effects are aromatic substituents (Ph and tolyl). Most platinum ferrocenylamine sulfides and selenides show higher thermal and thermo-oxidative stabilities than their corresponding palladium analogs. All the prepared compounds show high thermal and thermo-oxidative stability which reinforces their catalytic and industrial applications. However, their thermal stability is higher than their thermo-oxidative stability.
Psychological stress and coping strategies among frontline healthcare workers supporting patients with coronavirus disease 2019: a retrospective study and literature review
Authors: Ding Xingyu , Jian Zihong , Xu Yiming , Lin Zibei , Chen Ziyang , Zhang Yixian , Huang Huayao , Chen Ronghua , Xia Pincang , Zhang Wei , Du Houwei
Published: December 2022

Background:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak might have a psychological impact on frontline healthcare workers. However, the effectiveness of coping strategies was less reported.

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate the sources of stress and coping strategies among frontline healthcare workers fighting against COVID-19. We also performed a literature review regarding the effects of coping methods on psychological health in this population.

Methods:

We included frontline healthcare workers who completed an online survey using self-made psychological stress questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. We evaluated the association between potential factors and high-stressed status using a logistic regression model. We performed the principal component analysis with varimax rotation for factor analysis. We also performed a systematic review of published randomized controlled studies that reported the effects of coping methods on psychological health in COVID-19 healthcare workers.

Results:

We included 107 [32 (29–36) years] respondents in the final analysis, with a response rate of 80.5%. A total of 41 (38.3%) respondents were high-stressed. Compared with the low-stressed respondents, those with high-stress were less likely to be male (46.3% versus 72.7%, p = 0.006), nurses (36.6% versus 80.3%, p < 0.001), and more likely to have higher professional titles ( p = 0.008). The sources of high-stress in frontline healthcare workers were categorized into ‘work factor’, ‘personal factor’, and ‘role factor’. A narrative synthesis of the randomized controlled studies revealed that most of the coping methods could improve the psychological stress in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that some frontline healthcare workers experienced psychological stress during the early pandemic. Effective coping strategies are required to help relieve the stress in this population.
The overlapping relationship among depression, anxiety, and somatic symptom disorder and its impact on the quality of life of people with epilepsy
Authors: Shen Sisi , Dong Zaiquan , Zhang Qi , Xiao Jing , Zhou Dong , Li Jinmei
Published: December 2022

Background:

Emotional disorder is an important indicator for assessing the quality of life (QOL) of people with epilepsy (PWE). Depression, somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and anxiety are among the most frequently occurring mental disorders and overlap with each other.

Objectives:

This study examines the overlap of these three emotional disorders and their effects separately and in combination on the QOL of PWE.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Data Sources and Methods:

Adults attending our epilepsy clinic between 1 July 2020 and 1 May 2022 were consecutively enrolled. They were screened for depression, SSD, and anxiety by structured interviews, and demographic, epilepsy-related and QOL indicators were collected. Multivariate analysis, propensity score matching (PSM) and stratified analysis were used to explore the effects of their respective and combined effects on QOL.

Results:

Among the 749 patients, 189 patients (25%) were diagnosed with depression, 183 patients (24%) were diagnosed with SSD, and 157 patients (21%) were diagnosed with anxiety. The frequency of occurrence of each emotional disorder together with other emotional disorders was higher than the frequency of occurrence of an emotional disorder alone. Depression, SSD, and anxiety all had an independent effect on QOL of PWE ( p < 0.001). Depression had the greatest effect, followed by SSD, and then anxiety ( β: multivariate analysis, −11.0 versus –7.8 versus –6.5; PSM, −14.7 versus –9.4 versus –6.8). The QOL of PWE decreased more significantly with the increasing number of comorbid emotional disorders ( β: –12.1 versus –20.7 versus –23.0).

Conclusion:

It is necessary to screen for three emotional disorders, that is, depression, SSD, and anxiety, in PWE. Attention should be paid to people with multiple comorbid emotional disorders.
Black intimacies with food sovereignty and land in the midst of gentrification in Saint Paul’s historic Rondo
Authors: Binoy Parvathy
Published: December 2022

This article draws on ethnographic and visual documentation of the Aurora Saint Anthony Peace Garden in Saint Paul's historic Black neighborhood, Rondo. The article draws on these insights to argue that the Rondo-elder-led collective, Urban Farmer Garden Alliance, and the Aurora Saint Anthony Peace Garden create and sustain an intimacy of Black food sovereignty in the context of gentrification in Rondo. This paper also argues that the community gardens in Rondo are trying to restore collective Black intimacy with land and food disrupted by urban renewal along with lack of access to affordable food in this historic neighborhood in the Twin Cities.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the otolaryngology residency training program in a university-based hospital in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Bunnag Kanokrat , Tansawet Amarit , Jitaroon Kawinyarat , Junthong Sirinan , Ungkhara Girapong , Kulthaveesup Anan , Wangchalabovorn Patcharamanee
Published: December 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the otolaryngology residency training program in Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University.

Methods:

Conducted from October 2021 to January 2022, this cross-sectional survey included all residents, residents who graduated in 2021, and the attending staff. One form was sent to both resident groups for self-assessment and another form to the attending staff for resident assessment. The survey questions were about attitude toward COVID-19 service, knowledge, outpatient department service, surgical skills, and burnout assessment using the Maslach Burnout Inventory.

Results:

This study included 17 residents and 9 attending staff members. COVID-19 indeed had affected the clinical and surgical training. Regarding the attitude toward COVID-19 services, the residents were moderately satisfied. They were concerned about work suspension resulting from infection and also death from COVID-19. N95 masks and other protective gears were scarce. Compared with those during the prepandemic era, residents had fewer academic activities, and they preferred hybrid teaching. The inpatient department, outpatient department, and surgical training opportunities, as well as elective and urgent surgeries, were also reduced. The attending staff considered 1-year extension of the training program, but the residents disapproved. The residents became less confident both in outpatient department service and surgical skill, and they felt emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decreased sense of personal accomplishment.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 pandemic had significant impact on otolaryngology residency training programs. It did not only affect burnout among residents but also caused a perception of skill and knowledge reduction.
Artificial intelligence, human intelligence and hybrid intelligence based on mutual augmentation
Authors: Jarrahi Mohammad Hossein , Lutz Christoph , Newlands Gemma
Published: December 2022

There is little consensus on what artificial intelligence (AI) systems may or may not embrace. Although this may point to multiplicity of interpretations and backgrounds, a lack of conceptual clarity could thwart the development of common ground around the concept among researchers, practitioners and users of AI and pave the way for misinterpretation and abuse of the concept. This article argues that one of the effective ways to delineate the concept of AI is to compare and contrast it with human intelligence. In doing so, the article broaches the unique capabilities of humans and AI in relation to one another (human and machine tacit knowledge), as well as two types of AI systems: one that goes beyond human intelligence and one that is necessarily and inherently tied to it. It finally highlights how humans and AI can augment their capabilities and intelligence through synergistic human–AI interactions (i.e., human-augmented AI and augmented human intelligence), resulting in hybrid intelligence, and concludes with a future-looking research agenda.
Patient-Identified Solutions to Primary Care Access Barriers in Canada: The Viewpoints of Nepalese Immigrant Community Members
Authors: Dahal Rudra , Naidu Jessica , Bajgain Bishnu Bahadur , Thapa Bajgain Kalpana , Adhikari Kamala , Chowdhury Nashit , Turin Tanvir C.
Published: December 2022

Background:

Accessing healthcare for immigrants in Canada is complicated by many difficulties. With the continued and upward trend of immigration to Canada, it is crucial to identify the solutions to the barriers from the perspectives of different immigrant communities as they encounter them including the relatively smaller and less studied population groups of immigrants. As such, Nepalese immigrants in Canada are a South Asian ethnic group who have their own distinct language, culture, and socio-economic backgrounds, however, their experience with accessing healthcare in Canada is scarce in the literature.

Methods:

We conducted 12 focus group discussions with first-generation Nepalese immigrants who had experiences with primary care use in Canada. Informed consent and demographic information were obtained before each focus group discussion. The verbatim transcription of the focus groups was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:

The participants expressed a range of potential solutions to overcome the barriers, which we presented using the socio-ecological framework into 4 different levels. This includes individual-, community-, service provider-, and government/policy-levels. Individual-level actions included improving self-awareness and knowledge of health in general and navigating the healthcare system and proactively improving the language skills and assimilating into the Canadian culture. Examples of community-level actions included community events to share health information with immigrants, health literacy programs, and driving/carpooling to clinics or hospitals. Actions at the service provider level were mainly focused on enhancing communications, cultural competency training for providers, and ensuring to hire primary care workforce representing various ethnocultural backgrounds. Overall, focus group participants believed that the provincial and federal government, as appropriate, should increase support for dental and vision care support and take actions to increase the healthcare capacity, particularly by employing internationally graduated health professionals.

Conclusions:

Access to primary care is essential for the health of immigrant populations in Canada. Individuals, community organizations, health service providers, and governments need to work both individually and collaboratively to improve immigrants’ primary care access.
Surface Contamination of Reusable Respirators and Face Shields During Care of Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Shah Anand , Zhuang Eileen , German Jennifer , Tai Sheldon , Schanz Maria , Glendening Gabrielle , Mason Mackenzie , Kolesnik Olga , Hines Stella E.
Published: December 2022

Background:

With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, healthcare workers (HCW) have relied on reusable personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators and face shields (FSs). The effectiveness of decontamination procedures outside experimental settings is unclear. We examined the prevalence of surface contamination on reusable PPE used by HCWs at a hospital incorporating daily centralized decontamination and post-use wiping by sampling for common pathogens.

Method:

Samples were collected from HCWs’ CleanSpace Halo respirator face masks (FMs) and FSs at the start of shift, immediately after use, and after cleaning with disinfecting wipes. Samples were analyzed for pathogens using the Applied Biosystems™ TaqPath™ COVID-19 Combo Kit and ThermoFisher TaqMan Array Card. Patient charts were reviewed for clinical correlation.

Findings:

Of the 89 samples, 51 from FMs and 38 from FSs, none tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, despite 58 being obtained from PPE used in the care of patients with COVID-19, many with recent aerosol-generating procedures. Four samples tested positive (4.5%) for Staphylococcus aureus, two each from FMs and FSs. FMs that tested positive were not worn concurrently with FSs that tested positive. The FM and FS samples testing positive were worn in the care of patients without diagnosed S. aureus infection. No FMs tested positive following wipe-based disinfection, but both positive FS samples were found after disinfection wiping.

Conclusion/Application to Practice:

Contamination of reusable PPE appears uncommon, especially with SARS-CoV-2, when regular decontamination programs are in place. The rare presence of S. aureus highlights the importance of doffing procedures and hand hygiene by HCW to prevent surface contamination.
Preserving the Bedside Nurse: Grip Strength and Orthopedic Problems Among Nurses and Nursing Students
Authors: Harrity Robert , Semakula Robert , Dehom Salem , D’Errico Ellen , Roberts Lisa
Published: December 2022

Background:

Bedside nurses and nursing students are at increased risk of musculoskeletal injury due to the physicality and complexity of their work. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between grip strength and orthopedic injuries or pain among nurses and nursing students.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of nursing staff and nursing students at a health sciences university was conducted. The survey consisted of work-related demographics, exercise habits, and validated scales. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to collect information on musculoskeletal problems. Anthropomorphic measures included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and grip strength. Logistic regression was performed.

Findings:

Participants with grip strength at or above the national average had significantly lower odds of self-reported orthopedic problems, B = 0.86, OR = 2.35, p =.01, indicating participants with grip strength at or above national average were 135% less likely to report orthopedic problems compared to participants with grip strength below the national average.

Conclusion/Application to Practice:

Healthcare workers in direct patient care who have lower grip strength may be at increased risk for injuries. Nursing staff and students with below average grip strength were more likely to experience orthopedic problems. Increased muscle mass and grip strength are known to effectively reduce the risk of upper extremity injuries. Nurse leaders may benefit from promoting grip strengthening activities among employees to prevent workplace injuries. Further research is needed to understand the biophysiological mechanisms, confirm the findings of this study and evaluate effective interventions.
Do Past Events Sow Future Fears? Temporal Disintegration, Distress, and Fear of the Future Following Collective Trauma
Authors: Grisham Emma L. , Jones Nickolas M. , Silver Roxane Cohen , Holman E. Alison
Published: December 2022

Trauma survivors often report experiencing temporal disintegration (e.g., time slowing down, the present feeling disconnected from the past and future) during and after trauma, yet how these distorted time perceptions relate to psychological adjustment and views of the future is poorly understood. We examined the relationships between prior adversity, temporal disintegration, distress, and fear of future trauma following two collective traumas: cross-sectionally among college students following a university-based active shooter event and longitudinally using data from a national sample following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Temporal disintegration was significantly associated with elevated distress, which was related to greater fear of future trauma. Individuals who experienced prior adversity were especially likely to report temporal disintegration following collective trauma, suggesting that prior adversity may render individuals vulnerable to subsequent deleterious response patterns. Trauma-related temporal disintegration may have lasting implications for psychological adjustment and for how people perceive their futures, especially among individuals with a history of adversity.
Nehru’s Elephant Envoys: Animal Modernity, Orientalist Gaze and India’s Soft Power
Authors: Ghosh Aryama
Published: December 2022

The colonial masters classified Indian subjects according to animalistic iconographies of rebel tiger or docile elephant. Even prior to the colonial imaginings, orientalist gaze associated elephant with the Indian geographical imagery. After decolonization, due to circumstantial necessities India, one of the biggest elephant suppliers to Europe, started to gift elephants to war-stricken zoos not as merchandize but as envoys of peace and goodwill. This subverted the long tradition of environmental domination. This article argues that Nehru’s elephant gift diplomacy utilized the long-standing orientalist iconography to practise India’s soft power. Apart from that he successfully incorporated a colonial icon and rebranded it as nation’s diplomatic emblem.
Sampling and Categorization of Households for Research in Urban India
Authors: Arora Tarun , Pyle Katie
Published: December 2022

Conventional sampling methodologies for citizens/households in urban research in India are constrained due to the lack of readily available, reliable sampling frames. Voter lists, for example, are riddled with errors and, as such may not be able to provide a robust sampling frame from which a representative sample can be drawn. The Jana–Brown Citizenship Index project consortium (Janaagraha, India; Brown University, USA) has conceptualized a unique research design that provides an alternative way on how to identify, categorize and sample households (and citizens within) in a city in a representative and meaningful way. The consortium consists of the Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, based in India, and the Brown Center for Contemporary South Asia, part of Brown University, USA. The methodology was designed to enable systematic data collection from citizens and households on aspects of citizenship, infrastructure and service delivery across different demographic sections of society. The article describes how (a) data on communities that are in the minority, such as Muslims, scheduled castes (SC) and scheduled tribes (ST), were used to categorize Polling Parts to allow for stratified random sampling using these strata, (b) geospatial tools such as QGIS and Google Earth were used to create base maps aligning to the established Polling Part unit, (c) the resulting maps were used to create listings of buildings, (d) how housing type categorizations were created (based on the structure/construction material/amenities, etc.) and comprised part of the building listing process, and (e) how the listings were used for sampling and to create population weights where necessary. This article describes these methodological approaches in the context of the project while highlighting advantages and challenges in application to urban research in India more generally.
Validity and Reliability of the Thai Version of the Modified Harris Hip Score for Patients With Hip Abnormalities
Authors: Chumchuen Sukanis , Apivatgaroon Adinun , Phanichwong Peemmawat , Kanokvaleewong Chanont , Pinsornsak Piya , Pongcharoen Boonchana
Published: December 2022

Background:

The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) is one of the more commonly used patient-reported outcome measures to evaluate and monitor treatment in patients with hip abnormalities and has been translated into several languages.

Purpose:

To develop a Thai version of the mHHS (TH-mHHS) and evaluate the validity and reliability of the measure.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The TH-mHHS was developed using the forward-backward translation method. Patients who presented with hip pain during the first clinic visit completed the Thai version of questionnaires including the mHHS, 36-item Short Form Health Survey (TH-SF36), and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (TH-HOOS). The validity between the measures was tested using the Spearman correlation coefficient. The test-retest reliability of the TH-mHHS was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and internal consistency was assessed using the Cronbach alpha.

Results:

A total of 64 patients were enrolled who had a mean age of 52.8 ± 16.6 years (range, 17-80 years). There were 64% female and 36% male participants. The TH-mHHS showed a moderate correlation with all subscales of the TH-HOOS and the total TH-HOOS ( r = 0.50-0.65; P < .01) and a high correlation with the physical functioning subscale and physical component summary of the TH-SF36 ( r = 0.73 and 0.75, respectively; P < .01). The test-retest reliability was excellent, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92-0.97; P < .001). The internal consistency was acceptable, with a Cronbach alpha of .71. No floor or ceiling effects were observed.

Conclusion:

The TH-mHHS showed a moderate to high correlation with the TH-SF36 and TH-HOOS, excellent test-retest reliability, and acceptable internal consistency. This measure can be effectively used for evaluating Thai patients with hip disorders, especially an older and arthritic population.
Root cause analysis to identify major barriers to the promotion of patient safety in Japan
Authors: Kurihara Masaru , Watari Takashi , Kosaka Shintaro , Enomoto Kiichi , Kimura Toru , Taniguchi Kaori , Watanuki Satoshi , Nagoshi Kiwamu , Koizumi Shunzo
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Despite existing patient safety measures, both outside and inside hospitals, barriers to patient safety prevail. We aimed to identify the current contributory factors to patient safety in Japan.

Methods

This qualitative study included nine expert Japanese health care providers working both inside and outside hospitals. These participants, who included six physicians, one nurse, one pharmacist, and one physical therapist, work across a broad spectrum in government policy and public health, academia, and safety management. Root cause analysis using the online Kawakita Jiro method (KJ method or affinity diagram) was conducted. We labeled and summarized the classification in a fishbone diagram to elucidate barriers to patient safety in Japan.

Results

We identified specific factors in six main groups: the hospital system, education, law and policy, culture and society, patient centricity, and multidisciplinary cooperation. Quality of care, patient engagement, and shortage of patient safety specialists were crucial factors for multiple groups.

Conclusions

This study clarifies components of patient safety in Japan and provides basic data for promoting comprehensive patient safety in the future. Periodic root cause analysis of comprehensive patient safety issues can help develop strategies to promote patient safety at both the hospital and national levels.
Social insects and beyond: The physics of soft, dense invertebrate aggregations
Authors: Shishkov Olga , Peleg Orit
Published: December 2022

Aggregation is a common behavior by which groups of organisms arrange into cohesive groups. Whether suspended in the air (like honey bee clusters), built on the ground (such as army ant bridges), or immersed in water (such as sludge worm blobs), these collectives serve a multitude of biological functions, from protection against predation to the ability to maintain a relatively desirable local environment despite a variable ambient environment. In this review, we survey dense aggregations of a variety of insects, other arthropods, and worms from a soft matter standpoint. An aggregation can be orders of magnitude larger than its individual organisms, consisting of tens to hundreds of thousands of individuals, and yet functions as a coherent entity. Understanding how aggregating organisms coordinate with one another to form a superorganism requires an interdisciplinary approach. We discuss how considering the physics of an aggregation can yield additional insights to those gained from ecological and physiological considerations, given that the aggregating individuals exchange information, energy, and matter continually with the environment and one another. While the connection between animal aggregations and the physics of non-living materials has been proposed since the early 1900s, the recent advent of physics of behavior studies provides new insights into social interactions governed by physical principles. Current efforts focus on eusocial insects; however, we show that these may just be the tip of an iceberg of superorganisms that take advantage of physical interactions and simple behavioral rules to adapt to changing environments. By bringing attention to a wide range of invertebrate aggregations, we wish to inspire a new generation of scientists to explore collective dynamics and bring a deeper understanding of the physics of dense living aggregations.
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in COPD: a role in respiratory epithelium and beyond
Authors: Mall Marcus A. , Criner Gerard J. , Miravitlles Marc , Rowe Steven M. , Vogelmeier Claus F. , Rowlands David J. , Schoenberger Matthias , Altman Pablo
Published: December 2022

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a crucial ion channel for transport of chloride and bicarbonate anions. Functional roles of CFTR have been identified in a broad range of cell types including epithelial, endothelial, immune and structural cells. While CFTR has been investigated largely in the context of inborn dysfunction in cystic fibrosis, recent evidence shows that CFTR is also affected by acquired dysfunction in COPD. In patients with COPD and smokers, CFTR impairment has been demonstrated in the upper and lower airways, sweat glands and intestines, suggesting both pulmonary and systemic defects. Cigarette smoke, a key factor in COPD development, is the major cause of acquired CFTR dysfunction. Inflammation, bacterial byproducts and reactive oxygen species can further impair CFTR expression and function. CFTR dysfunction could contribute directly to disease manifestation and progression of COPD including disturbed airway surface liquid homeostasis, airway mucus obstruction, pathogen colonisation and inflammation. Mucus plugging and neutrophilic inflammation contribute to tissue destruction, development of dysfunction at the level of the small airways and COPD progression. Acquired CFTR dysfunction in extrapulmonary organs could add to common comorbidities and the disease burden. This review explores how CFTR dysfunction may be acquired and its potential effects on patients with COPD, particularly those with chronic bronchitis. The development of CFTR potentiators and the probable benefits of CFTR potentiation to improve tissue homeostasis, reduce inflammation, improve host defence and potentially reduce remodelling in the lungs will be discussed.
Factors affecting low fetal fraction in fetal screening with cell-free DNA in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mousavi Sanaz , Shokri Ziba , Bastani Parvin , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Riahifar Sevda , Nateghian Hooman
Published: December 2022

Background

Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) is a non-invasive perinatal test (NIPT) used to assess fetal anomalies. The ability to detect fetal chromosomal aneuploidies is directly related to a sample’s fetal to total DNA fraction, known as the fetal fraction (FF). The minimum FF is considered 4%, and the test result below 4% is uncertain due to low fetal fraction (LFF). This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis to determine the possible factors affecting LFF in cfDNA testing for fetal screening.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Since Direct, Scopus, CINHAL, Cochrane Library, and Persian databases, including Scientific Information Database, Irandoc, and Magiran were searched for studies investigating factors affecting LFF in cfDNA testing from 2000 until the end of 2021. Gathered data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software version 3.3.070. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal of Cohort Studies tool.

Results

Thirteen articles related to the topic were included, and seven related articles were reviewed for meta-analysis. The other six were reviewed qualitatively. Four factors were identified that might have a potential effect on the LFF, of which only gestational age had a significant association with LFF (Pooled mean difference= -1.111, SE = 0.515, 95% CI= -2.121, -0.101, (P-value < 0.05)). Maternal age (P-value = 0.573), maternal weight (P-value = 0.113), and Body Mass Index (P-value = 0.104) had no statically significant effect. The effect size was pooled by mean difference and 95% confidence interval.

Conclusion

Lower gestational age is significantly associated with LFF. Thus, this factor can be considered when interpreting prenatal cfDNA screening tests.
Two subtypes of surgery-categorized upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy identified by MRI, a retrospective study
Authors: Xie Weili , Yang Huan , Shao Shuo , Zheng Ning
Published: December 2022

Background

The pregnancy outcomes in women with surgery-categorized upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy (ULIP), previously named angular pregnancy, demonstrate higher heterogeneity than in women with ultrasonography-categorized ULIP. We aimed to use preoperative MRI and correlated clinical characteristics to explore whether the surgery-categorized ULIP comprises obstetric conditions undefined by the current ultrasonography-based diagnostic criteria.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 28 women with surgically and pathologically confirmed ULIP from January 2016 to July 2022. Two board-certified radiologists, blinded to the patients’ information, independently reviewed the MRI images, and determined each MRI feature, including endometrial thickness (EMT) and peri-gestational sac (GS) endometrial interruption. Disagreements were resolved by discussion to achieve a consensus. Based on the cutoff value of EMT (11.5 mm), the patients were divided into above-cutoff EMT (n = 22) and below-cutoff EMT (n = 6) groups.

Results

Two subtypes of surgery-categorized ULIP were identified. Type-I ULIP (n = 22; EMT ≥ 11.5 mm), when compared to the type-II ULIP (n = 6; EMT < 11.5 mm), demonstrated lower incidence of peri-GS endometrial interruption (2/22 [9.1%] vs 6/6 [100%]; P = 0.001), higher logarithmic ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) concentration (4.7 ± 0.4 mIU/ml vs 4.2 ± 0.6 mIU/ml; P = 0.026), lower rate of repeated dilatation and curettage (1/22 [4.6%] vs 4/6 [66.7%]; P = 0.003), less intraoperative blood loss (10.1 ± 6.3 ml vs 28.3 ± 18.3 ml; P = 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (2.8 ± 1.7 days vs 7.5 ± 3.8 days; P = 0.001). The peri-GS endometrial interruption negatively correlated with EMT (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.55; P = 0.001) and logarithmic ß-hCG concentration (OR = 0.08; P = 0.045). The below-cutoff EMT negatively correlated with ß-hCG concentration (OR = 0.06; P = 0.021).

Conclusions

Surgery-categorized ULIP comprised two obstetric conditions among which the type-II ULIP, possessing unique imaging features undocumented in the literature, requires further attention during clinical practice.
Characteristics of the optic disc in young people with high myopia
Authors: Zhang Fen , Liu Xinting , Wang Yanli , Wang Qian , Zheng Miaoran , Chang Feng , Mao Xinjie
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the optic disc in adolescents and young adults with high myopia by applying optical coherence tomography angiography.

Methods

A total of 112 patients with high myopia (spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ≤ -6.00 D) aged 12 to 30 years old were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Parapapillary atrophy (PPA) and ovality index from scanning laser ophthalmoscopy images and the degree of optic disc tilt from the optic nerve head (ONH) OCT B-scans were analysed using ImageJ and MATLAB software. Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (pRNFLT) and radial peripapillary capillary vessel density (RPC VD) around the optic disc were obtained from the images of the optic disc angiography scan.

Results

In young high myopia patients, the PPA area was positively correlated with age, axial length (AL) and pRNFLT (all p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with SER (r = -0.222, p = 0.020). The degree of the optic disc tilt was associated with increasing AL and pRNFLT (all p < 0.05). The disc area was positively correlated with AL, pRNFLT, and RPC VD (all p < 0.05). In the multivariate regression analysis, PPA area was independently associated with the degree of optic disc tilt and disc area. The degree of optic disc tilt was affected by AL and PPA area while the change of disc area was influenced by PPA area and pRNFLT (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In young patients with high myopia, PPA area, the degree of optic disc tilt and disc area increased with AL and pRNFLT, while decreased with SER. The association between these factors was slightly different in the adolescent and young adult groups. The degree of the optic disc tilt was more associated with AL and SER in the adolescent group while disc area showed more correlated with AL and SER in the young adult group.
Public knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards herbal medicines; a cross-sectional study in Western Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zaidi Syed Faisal , Saeed Sheikh Abdul , Khan Muhammad Anwar , Khan Aslam , Hazazi Yaqoub , Otayn Mohammed , Rabah Mohammed , Daniyal Muhammad
Published: December 2022

Background

Herbal medicines, derived from medicinal plants, are among the most popular alternative remedies around the globe. In Saudi Arabia, herbal medicines are extensively used by public as part of the culture as well as religious norms. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding herbal medicines among the general population in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey study was conducted on the general population of Jeddah city with the help of a validated and self-administered questionnaire. Sample size was calculated to be 450 with subjects between 20 and 60 years of either gender. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results

Results of our data showed that 173 (42.2%) of the total participants used herbal medicines, however, significant association was found between female gender and the usage of herbal medicines (p < 0.001). Approximately, more than half (56.0%) of the respondents agreed that herbal medicines could be used to promote health and treat illnesses, and 45% respondents agreed that herbal medicines are safe. 153 (37.4%) of the participants opined that herbal medicines could be taken with conventional or allopathic medicine. The data also showed a significant (p < 0.05) association between knowledge about the source of herbal medicine and gender where females were found to have more knowledge compared to males. Moreover, a significantly higher number of chronic disease patients were using herbal medicines compared to individuals with no medical problems (p < 0.001). Strikingly, majority (n = 204; 49.9%) of the respondents used herbal medicines as a first choice when sick, while a good number (n = 172; 42.1%) of respondents did not consult doctors before taking herbal medicines.

Conclusion

The use of herbal medicines is common among the general population of Jeddah. Although most of the participants believed that the herbal medicines are safe and do not require consultation, there is a dire need to increase awareness as well as to establish effective strategies to evaluate the safety, efficacy and quality of the herbal medicines for propitious consequences of this commonly used entity in the local society.