bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P04-04 Non-invasive biomarkers with high discriminant ability indicative of musculoskeletal health with ageing
Authors: Agyapong-Badu Sandra , Warner Martin , Samuel Dinesh , Koutra Vasiliki , Stokes Maria
Published: August 2022

Background

The use of large-scale pooled analyses and data sharing is a potential source to generate evidence to address complex scientific challenges and develop strategies to promote healthy ageing. However, the success of such analyses depends on robust measurements of musculoskeletal (MSK) health in ageing. Simple tests indicative of MSK health and suitable for use with older people are required. This study aims to assess the discriminatory ability of a combination of routine physical function tests and novel measures, notably muscle mechanical properties and ultrasound imaging of thigh composition (relative contribution of muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue) to classify healthy individuals according to their age and gender.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 138 community-dwelling, self-reported healthy males and females (65 young, mean age±SD = 25.7±4.8 years; 73 older, 74.9±5.9 years). Handgrip strength; quadriceps strength; respiratory peak flow; timed up and go; stair climbing; anterior thigh tissue thickness (using ultrasound imaging), muscle mechanical properties (stiffness, tone and elasticity; Myoton technology); and self-reported health related quality of life (SF36) were assessed. Stepwise linear discriminant analysis was used to classify cases based on criterion variable derived from the known effects of age on physical function.

Results

Combining conventional physical function tests with novel measures, revealed two discriminant functions which significantly (Wilks's λ = 0.05, 0.34; p>0.001) classified 89% of grouped cases with 11% error rate using leave-one-out cross-validation. Seven variables associated with grip strength, peak flow, timed up and go, anterior thigh thickness, and muscle mechanical properties demonstrated high discriminant ability (p>0.05 correlation with discriminant functions) to classify healthy people.

Conclusions

The present study provides reference data for comparison with clinical populations and a comprehensive battery of non-invasive dry biomarkers with high discriminant ability indicative of musculoskeletal health. The most sensitive novel biomarkers require no volition, highlighting potentially useful tests for screening and monitoring effects of interventions on MSK health for vulnerable older people with pain or cognitive impairment. Older misclassified cases who appeared younger than predicted support the need for studies of older people with different habitual activity levels, to provide relevant reference values for assessment, so rehabilitation goals are targeted appropriately.
P05-15 Effects on heart rate, physical activity and ambulatory blood pressure from occupational physical activity with and without lifting among farmers in Denmark
Authors: Korshøj Mette , Baumann Mathilde , Olsen Michael Hecht , Mortensen Ole Steen
Published: August 2022

Background

High levels of occupational physical activity associate to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, knowledge regarding the acute effects of different components of the occupational physical activity, such as lifting, on risk factors for cardiovascular disease remains uninvestigated during every day work. Thus, the aim was to investigate the acute effects from exposure to occupational physical activity with and without lifting on heart rate, physical activity and ambulatory blood pressure.

Methods

A randomized cross-over study among 18 farming workers in Denmark, all working in the stables of pig- producing farms. Workday measurements of heart rate (Actiheart), physical activity (Axivity placed at front thigh and upper back) and ambulatory blood pressure (Spacelabs 90217, measuring every 20th minute) were collected at a workday with and a workday without occupational lifting. The wash out period between the measurements was 48 hours. Data were processed in the Acti4 software.

Results

During workdays with lifting compared to workdays without lifting we observed higher intensity of occupational physical activity (Δ 6.57% heart rate reserve, 95% CI -1.34 – 14.47), number of steps/workday (Δ 4,965 steps, 95% CI -0.01 – 0.01), standing/walking activities (Δ 83 min/workday, 95% CI 2.49 – 168.97), as well as higher heart rate (Δ 9.10 bpm, 95% CI -4.66 – 22.85) and higher ambulatory blood pressures, both systolic (Δ 3.77 mmHg, 95% CI -2.64 – 10.18) and diastolic (Δ 1.37 mmHg, 95% CI -2.52 – 5.26). The average burden of the occupational lifting were 2,425 kg/workday and amount of lifts/workday were 239 lifts.

Conclusions

This pilot project indicated that occupational lifting are adding strenuousness on top of the general occupational physical activity, and influence blood pressure and heart rate at clinically relevant magnitudes. Disentangling the potential relations between one component of occupational physical activity, such as lifting, and risk for cardiovascular disease is key in the development of initiatives for specific prevention, exposure recommendations and vocational rehabilitation.
P05-16 Does the effect of steps per hour on ambulatory blood pressure differ between work hours and leisure time? A cross-sectional study among cleaners in Denmark
Authors: Poulsen Vivian Rueskov , Baumann Mathilde , Mortensen Ole Steen , Mette Korshøj
Published: August 2022

Objective

The physical activity health paradox, describing contrasting long-term effects of domain-specific physical activity on health, states occupational physical activity (OPA) to be hazardous and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) to be beneficial for health. Yet, the acute effects of OPA and LTPA on cardiovascular risk factors are sparsely investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects on ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) from steps per hour during work and leisure time among cleaners in Denmark.

Methods

Data were obtained from a cluster randomized worksite intervention among 91 cleaners in Denmark. Data included a questionnaire, objective physical measurements of weight, height, BMI, ABP and steps per hour. The latter was measured during work and leisure time within a maximum of four continuous days. A preliminary linear regression analysis was conducted as a mixed model including random intercept and slope, allowing for both within- and between-participant variability. The analysis was adjusted for sex, age, job seniority, medication use, smoking, self-reported fitness and BMI. Changes in ABP (mmHg) were estimated per 100 steps/hour.

Results

Mean steps/hour were 1333.4 (SD ± 404.1) during work and 530.8 (SD ± 234.1) during leisure time. The resting ABP was systolic 122.4 mmHg (SD ± 20.5) and diastolic 80.7 mmHg (SD ± 12.8). In total, 15.4% of the population were hypertensive (≥140/90 mmHg, or using anti-hypertensives). The ABP did not seem to differ from exposure to steps taken during work (systolic -0.44 mmHg, 95% CI: -1.07-0.20, diastolic 0.04 mmHg, 95% CI, -0.43-0.36) and leisure (systolic -0.42 mmHg, 95% CI, -1.54-0.70, diastolic 0.30 mmHg, 95% CI, -0.49-1.08). Either did the amount of steps taken seem to affect the ABP during work or leisure.

Conclusion

Our findings show no significant association between steps per hour and ABP, and no contrasting effects between work and leisure time. These acute mechanisms fostering the divergent results need to be further investigated to improve the understanding of the physical activity health paradox.
P06-06 Co-development of the national monitoring system for the joy of motion, physical activity and motor skills for pre-school-aged children in Finland
Authors: Mehtälä Anette , Sääkslahti Arja , Tammelin Tuija
Published: August 2022

In recent years, we have got more information on physical activity and motor skills of preschool-aged children in Finland. However, national monitoring system for this age groups is still lacking in Finland like in many other European countries too. This presentation describes the process and recent results of an on-going research and development project JOYPAM - monitoring the joy of motion, physical activity and motor skills for pre-school-aged children. Aim of the project is to co-create, test and recommend a national level monitoring system by the end of 2020.
P06-11 Continuity and changes in commuting mode and influence on physical activity, BMI and waist circumference among Finnish adults
Authors: Kasper Salin , Kukko Tuomas , Kaseva Kaisa , Tammelin Tuija , Yang Xiaolin , Raitakari Olli T , Hakonen Harto
Published: August 2022

Background

Regular physical activity (PA) has been found to be important for cardiovascular health and longevity. However, notable proportion of adult population does not meet the national PA recommendations. Active transport is one domain of physical activity, that could be a time-efficient way to increase PA and reach the national recommendations. Additionally, it could have a positive effect to body composition.

Methods

Based on longitudinal cohort study, active commuting modes and objectively measured PA were used to determine the influence of commuting mode to steps, aerobic steps, BMI and waist circumference. Linear regression models were fitted to test the associations between the change groups of commuting mode and the longitudinal changes of the response variables.

Results

When compared to passive commuters, participants with public transport (p = 0.09) and walking (p > 0.001-0.021) showed higher amounts of steps and aerobic during summertime and wintertime. Cyclers showed higher amounts of steps and aerobic steps only in wintertime (p = 0.001-0.002). Passive commuters had higher BMI than walkers (p = 0.05) and cyclers (p = 0.023) in summertime. Also, cyclers had lower waist circumference than passive commuters (p = 0.016-0.02). Among those who remained persistently active, number of steps did not change. When compared to persistently active, among those who changed from active to passive commuting, steps (-900 - -885) and aerobic steps (-500) declined (p = 0.010-0.036) while among those who changed from passive to active commuting steps (+900-1000) and aerobic steps (+650-750) increased (p = 0.023-0.011).

Conclusions

Commuting actively to work and changing passive mode to active mode has a positive effect to number of daily steps and aerobic steps. Since the active commuting is part of the daily routine, promoting active commuting could be one of the key factors tackling the obesity and insufficient PA among adults. Continuity of active commuting seemed to be effective way to maintain body weight in balance over the years.
P06-14 Development of a standardised evaluation framework (SEF) for physical activity interventions: Ensuring usability and usefulness
Authors: Murphy Joey
Published: August 2022

Introduction

With a range of interventions available for promoting physical activity (PA) and only limited resources, it has become imperative to identify those that are both effective and feasible for real world application. A number of evaluation frameworks have been developed but often fail to be widely implemented due to the level of information required and time needed to complete. The purpose of this study is to develop a standardised evaluation framework (SEF) for PA interventions that is usable in practice but also collects information that enables evidence based decision making among key knowledge users.

Methods

Development of the framework was guided by Nutbeam and Bauman's evaluation cycle, encompassing elements of formative, process, impact and outcome evaluation. The SEF was developed through four stages involving a 1) review of the literature, 2) feedback from key stakeholders, 3) national consultation, and 4) focus groups with a practitioner advisory group. Elements of the Technology Acceptance Model were used to assess the perceived usefulness and usability of the SEF by key stakeholders.††

Results

Twelve relevant evaluation frameworks specific to PA interventions were identified through the literature review. Members of the project team (N = 3) identified commonalities across these frameworks, including general characteristics (N = 12), formative evaluation aspects (N = 5), process evaluation aspects (N = 15), impact evaluation aspects (N = 7) and outcome evaluation aspects (N = 3). Feedback across four stages, including consultations, two focus groups and an online survey provided feedback for creating a more usable and useful SEF. The current framework includes a minimum set of questions (i.e. monitoring template) for coordinators (N = 27) and participants (N = 9) with additional measures available for an in-depth evaluation where necessary.

Conclusion

I-PARC has seen the creation of a SEF that is moving towards a more usable approach for intervention evaluation in practice. The I-PARC SEF has the potential to be a usable resource to assess current PA interventions and provide knowledge regarding the potential scale up, adaptions or cessation of current practices. Feedback has also suggested a need for an online platform to collect the relevant information, capacity building resources and a support network to help with the use of the I-PARC SEF.
P07-07 Put the promotion of physical activity for people with non-communicable diseases on the political agenda in Luxembourg!
Authors: Lion Alexis , Frisch Anne , Thommes Lucienne , Bache Arno , Sax Anik , Seil Romain , Urhausen Axel , Theisen Daniel , Delagardelle Charles
Published: August 2022

Issue/problem

In 1984, cardiologists and cardiac patients created an association offering physical activity (PA) for people with cardiovascular diseases in Luxembourg (0.6 million inhabitants). During the last 20 years, several associations created therapeutic PA for people with a wide range of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Today more than 70 hours of therapeutic PA are weekly offered. Nevertheless, the organization of these PA is incomplete and not enough patients benefit from it.

Description of the problem

Sustainability of privately organized courses is challenging. Despite a governmental financial support, the organization of PA offer remains mainly based on the idealism of a limited number of volunteers. However, this kind of commitment is disappearing and jeopardizes a correct offer of therapeutic PA. Only a minority of physicians are referring their patients on a regular basis and only a minority of them are engaging in an active lifestyle.

Results

A project was launched in 2013 to compile, monitor and promote the therapeutic PA offered by different associations. As a result of this project, six associations created a sport federation in 2016 destined to improve the organization of therapeutic PA for people with NCDs. In 2018, the federation obtained an increase in the financial support from the Ministry of Health. The same year, a campaign promoted the therapeutic PA but had no impact on the number of patients counselled about therapeutic PA (26.6%) and on the physician's knowledge of the therapeutical PA offer (21%). The federation is now trying to develop and implement deeper actions, such as a PA referral scheme.

Lessons

The collaborative and synergetic work of the different associations offering PA for people with NCDs bundled their activities resulting in an increased consideration and support from the Ministry of Health. Nevertheless, structural improvements should be conducted to increase sustainably the number of physically active patients.

Main messages
P08-05 Community-based interventions to promote physical activity among individuals with social disadvantages
Authors: Kohler Simone , Semrau Jana , Helsper Natalie , Dippon Lea , Abu-Omar Karim , Pfeifer Klaus , Ruetten Alfred
Published: August 2022

Background

The extent to which people are physically inactive is dependent upon social gradients. Numerous studies have proven that individuals with social disadvantages are not active enough. Parallel to this, several researchers have raised concerns that public health interventions may increase inequalities in the population. However, little is known about the success of community-based physical activity promotion among individuals with social disadvantages. Hence, our goal was to identify the characteristics of successful interventions within this field.

Methods

From March 2015 to March 2019, a search for systematic reviews dealing with community-based physical activity promotion was carried out using the databases PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo/SPORTDiscus (via Ebscohost), ERIC and IBSS (via ProQuest). Only articles written in English or German were included. Studies without information about socially disadvantaged groups or physical activity promotion in low and middle-income countries were excluded. Checking of the reference lists of included reviews completed the research. Two authors independently conducted the screening, selection and data extraction. Results were synthesized narratively.

Results

In the first step, a total of 2,610 articles were identified. After the screening, 20 publications could be considered, while only six involved individuals with social disadvantages. In particular, these articles described environmental interventions, tailoring, and involvement of the target group, as effective among individuals with social disadvantages. In addition, strategies for gaining political support, intersectionality strategies, and the creation of access routes to reach individuals with social disadvantages were specified as requirements for effectiveness.

Conclusion

The current state of research concerning physical activity interventions in a community setting for individuals with social disadvantages is very limited. Because the target group is so broad, the evidence of successful approaches is heterogeneous. In order to assess the characteristics of physical activity promotion interventions, additional studies that focus on various groups of people with social disadvantages in real-world community settings are needed.
P08-14 The association of childhood commuting modes and physical activity in adult age
Authors: Kaseva Kaisa , Tammelin Tuija , Yang Xiaolin , Kulmala Janne , Hakonen Harto , Raitakari Olli , Salin Kasper
Published: August 2022

Background

Physically active lifestyle prevents and contributes to managing non-communicable diseases. Childhood physical activities have shown to associate with physically active lifestyle in adulthood. More research on which childhood physical activity modes associate with physical activity in later life is still needed. Within the present study, we examined how physically active commuting to school in childhood contributed to overall physical activity in adulhood.

Methods

The participants (N = 3596) were from the population-based, longitudinal Cardiovascular Risks in Young Finns Study. Questionnaires were used in assessing subjects' childhood (1980) and adulthood (2001-2018) physical activity. ActiGraph accelerometers were also applied in the adulthood measurements (2018-2020). The results were analyzed using logistic and linear regression models. Participants' age, sex, parents' educational background, parents' income level, childhood living area, participants' educational background, adulthood income level, and adulthood living area were adjusted for in the models.

Results

Based on the preliminary examinations, childhood commuting was not associated with self-reported commuting to work (2001-2018) or accelerometer-measured overall physical activity (2018-2020) in adulthood (p>.05). Active commuting in childhood associated with increased self-reported leisure-time physical activity in the year 2001 (b=.38, p>.001), 2007 (b=.35, p>.001), and 2018 (b=.28, p=.012), but the association between childhood commuting and self-reported physical activity in the years 2001 and 2018 attenuated after adjusting for all covariates (p>.05).

Conclusions

Physically active commuting in childhood (1980) was associated with higher levels of self-reported leisure-time physical activity in adulthood (2001-2018). The associations attenuated after adjusting for covariates excluding the one between active commuting and leisure-time physical activity assessed in 2007. Physically active commuting can be regarded as recommendable with respect to the development of physically active lifestyle, if supportive evidence for the causality between childhood commuting and leisure-time physical activity in adult age can be found. Future research should also focus on assessing whether active commuting in childhood contributes to adulthood activities parallel to active commuting in childhood.
P10-07 m-Health apps and health-promoting behavior: medical students' opinion
Authors: Leventi Nikoleta , Vodenitcharova Aleksandrina , Popova Kristina , Yanakieva Antoniya , Ivanova Kremena
Published: August 2022

Background

The recent COVID-19 pandemic showed us that the use of digital health technologies could contribute and make health systems and services more effective. People worldwide use digital health solutions to protect their health and promote well-being. WHO recognizes digital health as key to realizing better access to health for people and an important part of the future of health. The aim of the survey is to study medical students attitude towards m-Health applications installed on their devices, assess their usage, and identify their relation to students sport habits. The research as well focused on medical students intention to apply m-Health apps into their clinical practice in order to improve the quality of services provided to patients.

Methods

In order to achieve the purpose of the study, an anonymous web based questionnaire was used among first year medical students in Medical University -Sofia in Bulgaria, and all the students participated voluntarily. Both the attitudes of the students towards m-Health application, and how sports habits are related with them were measured with closed questions. The study was conducted during January and February 2021. We used a descriptive statistical method to analyze the data.

Results

Completed questionnaires were received from 133 students. Although the majority of the students (67%) have a positive attitude towards m-Health applications, only half of them (47%) believe that m-Health applications have affected (better and much better) their health-promoting behavior. Data about the use of m-Health applications into their future clinical practice shows that medical students will recommend these applications to their patients (60%), but less than half of them (39%) feel confident with the protection of their patients' personal data.

Conclusions

The study was conducted to explore medical students' opinion about m-Health applications and the related health-promoting behavior. The results shows that although they are keen in using, and recommending m-Health applications, they still do not trust the treatment of the personal data. It is thus recommended that more efforts should be in the direction of m-Health applications trustworthiness development. Great acknowledge, and guidelines in this area are important to ensure the wider use of m-Health applications.
P10-08 Effectiveness of social media-based interventions for the promotion of physical activity: scoping review
Authors: Günther Liane , Schleberger Sarah , Pischke Claudia Ruth
Published: August 2022

Background

A global target of the WHO is to reduce physical inactivity in all adults and adolescents by approximately fifteen percent by 2030. Social media could have an impact in this effort because of its enormous reach, potentially addressing underserved populations in need for PA interventions. To date, characteristics and effectiveness of social media-based interventions for the promotion of PA are not well understood.

This scoping review provides a broad overview of existing social media-based interventions and systematically maps the evidence regarding their effectiveness for PA promotion and other health outcomes.

Methods

Scopus and Medline were searched for the terms ‘physical activity’, ‘social media’ and key social media platforms. Following the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR), two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts for eligibility. Any discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. All records referring to interventions delivered via any type of social media or at least incorporated one social media component of either pre-existing or study-specific platforms and addressed PA as primary outcome were included. Results were summarized following the objectives of this review. In addition, evidence on use, acceptability, and usability of interventions was mapped.

Results

In total, 12.321 publications were identified and 53 met the inclusion criteria. The use of Facebook was most prevalent in interventions to promote PA, followed by the incorporation of study-specific platforms alone or in combination with Facebook. Occasionally utilized applications included Twitter, Pokémon Go, and YouTube. More than one third of the studies revealed positive effects regarding the promotion of PA. Additional evidence emerged in this scoping review demonstrating that social media-based interventions have a positive impact on other physical dimensions of health (e.g. weight or blood pressure). Due to the great heterogeneity in the assessment of acceptability, use, and usability across the different publications, results cannot be pooled. However, the use of Facebook as a motivator for PA was rated positively across six of the included studies.

Conclusions

Social media seems to be a promising tool for increasing PA at the population level. Future studies should take the abundance of platforms into account and select social media interventions meeting the requirements, preferences, and needs of varying target populations.
Sexual Activity and Satisfaction in Older Adult Dyads: The Role of Perceptions of Aging
Authors: Skoblow Hanamori F , Drewelies Johanna , Proulx Christine M
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives

This study assessed the associations between perceptions of aging (POA) and sexual frequency and satisfaction in older adult dyads.

Research Design and Methods

Using dyadic data from up to 1,122 different-sex married and cohabiting couples ages 50–89 (Mmen = 66.63 [7.40]; Mwomen = 64.43 [7.27]), we estimated 2 actor-partner interdependence models. We first examined the association between men’s and women’s POA and each partner’s reports of frequency of partnered sexual activity (e.g., intercourse, oral sex, kissing, petting, and fondling). Then, we tested the link between POA and each partner’s sexual satisfaction.

Results

Actor effects were detected in both models. Both men’s and women’s positive POA were associated with their own reports of more frequent sexual activity and greater satisfaction with their sex lives.

Discussion and Implications

These findings provide insight into how positive views on aging relate to older couples’ sexuality. Future research should consider how attitudes shape later-life sexuality over time.
Blood and intra-abdominal Candida spp. from a multicentre study conducted in Madrid using EUCAST: emergence of fluconazole resistance in Candida parapsilosis, low echinocandin resistance and absence of Candida auris
Authors: Díaz-García Judith , Gómez Ana , Machado Marina , Alcalá Luis , Reigadas Elena , Sánchez-Carrillo Carlos , Pérez-Ayala Ana , Gómez-García De La Pedrosa Elia , González-Romo Fernando , Cuétara María Soledad , García-Esteban Coral , Quiles-Melero Inmaculada , Zurita Nelly Daniela , Muñoz-Algarra María , Durán-Valle María Teresa , Sánchez-García Aída , Muñoz Patricia , Escribano Pilar , Guinea Jesús ,   the CANDIMAD Study Group, Díaz-García Judith , Mesquida Aina , Gómez Ana , Machado Marina , Alcalá Luis , Reigadas Elena , Sánchez-Carrillo Carlos , Muñoz Patricia , Escribano Pilar , Guinea Jesús , Pérez-Ayala Ana , Muñoz Rosaura Pérez , del Carmen Vera González María , Gómez-García De La Pedrosa Elia , Romo Fernando González , Merino-Amador Paloma , Cuétara María Soledad , Clemente Oscar Manuel Muñoz , Berenguer Víctor Antón , Sánchez-García Aída , García-Esteban Coral , Lobato Oscar Cuevas , Bernal Guadalupe , Zurita Nelly , Cobos Ainhoa Gutiérrez , Muñoz-Algarra María , Romero Isabel Sánchez , Quiles-Melero Inmaculada , Delgado Florinda San Juan , Durán-Valle María Teresa , Romero Yolanda Gil , Torres Arturo Manuel Fraile
Published: August 2022

Objectives

We prospectively monitored the epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility of Candida spp. from blood cultures and intra-abdominal samples in patients admitted to hospitals in the Madrid area.

Methods

Between 2019 and 2021, we prospectively collected incident isolates [one per species, patient and compartment (blood cultures versus intra-abdominal samples)] from patients admitted to any of 16 hospitals located in Madrid. We studied the antifungal susceptibilities to amphotericin B, triazoles, micafungin, anidulafungin and ibrexafungerp following the EUCAST E.Def 7.3.2 procedure.

Results

A total of 2107 Candida spp. isolates (1895 patients) from blood cultures (51.7%) and intra-abdominal samples were collected. Candida albicans, the Candida glabrata complex, the Candida parapsilosis complex, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei accounted for 96.9% of the isolates; in contrast, Candida auris was undetected. Fluconazole resistance in Candida spp. was higher in blood cultures than in intra-abdominal samples (9.1% versus 8.2%; P > 0.05), especially for the C. parapsilosis complex (16.6% versus 3.6%, P < 0.05), whereas echinocandin resistance tended to be lower in blood cultures (0.5% versus 1.0%; P > 0.05). Resistance rates have risen, particularly for fluconazole in blood culture isolates, which increased sharply in 2021. Ibrexafungerp showed in vitro activity against most isolates. Species distributions and resistance rates varied among hospitals.

Conclusions

Whereas no C. auris isolates were detected, fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis isolates have been spreading across the region and this has pulled up the rate of fluconazole resistance. In contrast, the rate of echinocandin resistance continues to be low.
Dynamic prediction of work status for workers with occupational injuries: assessing the value of longitudinal observations
Authors: Ötleş Erkin , Seymour Jon , Wang Haozhu , Denton Brian T
Published: August 2022

Objective

Occupational injuries (OIs) cause an immense burden on the US population. Prediction models help focus resources on those at greatest risk of a delayed return to work (RTW). RTW depends on factors that develop over time; however, existing methods only utilize information collected at the time of injury. We investigate the performance benefits of dynamically estimating RTW, using longitudinal observations of diagnoses and treatments collected beyond the time of initial injury.

Materials and Methods

We characterize the difference in predictive performance between an approach that uses information collected at the time of initial injury (baseline model) and a proposed approach that uses longitudinal information collected over the course of the patient’s recovery period (proposed model). To control the comparison, both models use the same deep learning architecture and differ only in the information used. We utilize a large longitudinal observation dataset of OI claims and compare the performance of the two approaches in terms of daily prediction of future work state (working vs not working). The performance of these two approaches was assessed in terms of the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) and expected calibration error (ECE).

Results

After subsampling and applying inclusion criteria, our final dataset covered 294 103 OIs, which were split evenly between train, development, and test datasets (1/3, 1/3, 1/3). In terms of discriminative performance on the test dataset, the proposed model had an AUROC of 0.728 (90% confidence interval: 0.723, 0.734) versus the baseline’s 0.591 (0.585, 0.598). The proposed model had an ECE of 0.004 (0.003, 0.005) versus the baseline’s 0.016 (0.009, 0.018).

Conclusion

The longitudinal approach outperforms current practice and shows potential for leveraging observational data to dynamically update predictions of RTW in the setting of OI. This approach may enable physicians and workers’ compensation programs to manage large populations of injured workers more effectively.
The Rise of the International Commercial Court: A Threat to the Rule of Law?
Authors: Alcolea Lucas Clover
Published: August 2022

Recent years have seen the meteoric rise of the concept of an ‘international commercial court’ in numerous jurisdictions: for example, Dubai established the Dubai International Finance Centre Courts in 2004, Qatar followed suit in 2009 and similar courts have been set up since in Singapore, Kazakhstan, China, Germany, France and the Netherlands. Much work has been done discussing the practicalities of such courts but little thought seems to have been given to the theoretical justification for, and theoretical problems posed by, such courts. In general, such courts are justified on the basis of party autonomy; however, it is not at all clear that party autonomy is the only, or even the main, consideration in international dispute resolution. States also have a clear interest in ensuring that disputes are decided in their jurisdiction to further the development and viability of their own legal system. Other theoretical issues which arise regarding such courts include whether justice is a commodity which can be bought and sold and the potential use of such courts to ‘whitewash’ the serious rule of law concerns that exist in the ordinary courts of certain jurisdictions.
Establishing the Need for Standardized Clinical Educator Training Programs for Medical Laboratory Professionals
Authors: Jator Eleanor K , Phillips Heather L , Latchem Shelley R , Catalano Timothy A
Published: August 2022

Backround

There is minimal, if any, training for clinical educators in medical laboratory professions. This leads to challenges with teaching, assessment and workload/training balance. Hence, the need for standardized clinical educator training.

Method

A survey was developed, validated and deployed to medical laboratory professionals. Responses were analyzed using SPSS. Responses from two open-ended questions—is clinical educators’ training important and how is this training beneficial?—were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Most participants indicated that clinical educator training is important (99.4%). However, 72.4% received no formal training prior to training student. Themes from the importance of training include: Equip clinical educators, body of knowledge, standardize training and quality of training. Themes that emerged from the benefits of clinical educators training involve Training content, logistics, professional behavior and technical skills.

Conclusion

Clinical educators’ training is crucial and valuable. Standardized training on pedagogy and other success strategies are warranted for successful clinical experiences.
Antifungal prophylactic effectiveness and intrapulmonary concentrations of voriconazole versus posaconazole in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Ju Chunrong , Lian Qiaoyan , Chen Ao , Zhao Boxin , Zhou Shouning , Cai Yuhang , Xie Hui , Wei Li , Li Shiyue , He Jianxing
Published: August 2022

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are one of the leading causes of death in lung transplant recipients. This study aimed to compare the antifungal prophylactic effectiveness, intrapulmonary and plasma levels of voriconazole with posaconazole in lung transplant recipients. This retrospective cohort study analyzed adult recipients who underwent lung transplantation between June 2017 and December 2020. Voriconazole oral tablets or posaconazole oral suspension was used for prophylaxis against posttransplant IFD. Drug concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma were measured by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The 182 recipients included 142 in the voriconazole group and 40 in the posaconazole group. The trough plasma levels were comparable between voriconazole and posaconazole (1.65 ± 0.09 vs. 1.69 ± 0.03 μg/ml, P = 0.55). However, the BALF levels were significantly higher for posaconazole than voriconazole (17.47 ± 11.51 vs. 0.56 ± 0.49 μg/ml, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the total incidence of breakthrough IFDs between the voriconazole and posaconazole groups (10.6% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.77). The intrapulmonary concentrations of posaconazole were significantly higher than voriconazole. The two agents had comparable antifungal prophylactic effectiveness.
A follow-up on intermediate-mass black hole candidates in the second LIGO–Virgo observing run with the Bayes Coherence Ratio
Authors: Vajpeyi Avi , Smith Rory , Thrane Eric , Ashton Gregory , Alford Thomas , Garza Sierra , Isi Maximiliano , Kanner Jonah , Massinger T J , Xiao Liting
Published: August 2022

The detection of an intermediate-mass black hole population (102–106 M⊙) will provide clues to their formation environments (e.g. discs of active galactic nuclei, globular clusters) and illuminate a potential pathway to produce supermassive black holes. Ground-based gravitational-wave detectors are sensitive to mergers that can form intermediate-mass black holes weighing up to ∼450 M⊙. However, ground-based detector data contain numerous incoherent short duration noise transients that can mimic the gravitational-wave signals from merging intermediate-mass black holes, limiting the sensitivity of searches. Here, we follow-up on binary black hole merger candidates using a ranking statistic that measures the coherence or incoherence of triggers in multiple-detector data. We use this statistic to rank candidate events, initially identified by all-sky search pipelines, with lab-frame total masses ≳ 55 M⊙ using data from LIGO’s second observing run. Our analysis does not yield evidence for new intermediate-mass black holes. However, we find support for eight stellar-mass binary black holes not reported in the first LIGO–Virgo gravitational wave transient catalogue GWTC-1, seven of which have been previously reported by other catalogues.
Study of general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic accretion flow around black holes
Authors: Mitra Samik , Maity Debaprasad , Dihingia Indu Kalpa , Das Santabrata
Published: August 2022

We present a novel approach to study the global structure of steady, axisymmetric, advective, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) accretion flow around black holes in full general relativity (GR). Considering ideal MHD conditions and relativistic equation of state (REoS), we solve the governing equations to obtain all possible smooth global accretion solutions. We examine the dynamical and thermodynamical properties of accreting matter in terms of the flow parameters, namely energy (${\cal E}$), angular momentum (${\cal L}$), and local magnetic fields. For a vertically integrated GRMHD flow, we observe that toroidal component (bϕ) of the magnetic fields generally dominates over radial component (br) at the disc equatorial plane. This evidently suggests that toroidal magnetic field indeed plays important role in regulating the disc dynamics. We further notice that the disc remains mostly gas pressure (pgas) dominated (β = pgas/pmag > 1, pmag refers magnetic pressure) except at the near horizon region, where magnetic fields become indispensable (β ∼ 1). We observe that Maxwell stress is developed that eventually yields angular momentum transport inside the disc. Towards this, we calculate the viscosity parameter (α) that appears to be radially varying. In addition, we examine the underlying scaling relation between α and β, which clearly distinguishes two domains coexisted along the radial extent of the disc. Finally, we discuss the utility of the present formalism in the realm of GRMHD simulation studies.
AGN-driven outflows and the formation of Lyα nebulae around high-z quasars
Authors: Costa Tiago , Arrigoni Battaia Fabrizio , Farina Emanuele P , Keating Laura C , Rosdahl Joakim , Kimm Taysun
Published: August 2022

The detection of Lyα nebulae around z ≳ 6 quasars reveals extended gas reservoirs around the first rapidly growing supermassive black holes. Observations of z > 6 quasars can be explained by cosmological models provided that the black holes by which they are powered evolve in rare, massive dark matter haloes. Whether these models also explain the observed extended Lyα emission remains an open question. We post-process a suite of cosmological, radiation-hydrodynamic simulations, targeting a quasar host halo at z > 6 with the Lyα radiative transfer code Rascas. A combination of recombination radiation from photo-ionized hydrogen and emission from collisionally excited gas powers Lyα nebulae with a surface brightness profile in a close agreement with observations. We also find that, even on its own, resonant scattering of the Lyα line associated to the quasar’s broad-line region can also generate Lyα emission on $\sim 100 \, \rm kpc$ scales, resulting in comparable agreement with observed surface brightness profiles. Even if powered by a broad quasar Lyα line, Lyα nebulae have narrow line-widths $\lesssim 1000 \, \rm km \, s^{-1}$, consistent with observational constraints. Even if there is no quasar, we find that halo gas cooling produces a faint, extended Lyα glow. However, to explain the brightest Lyα nebulae, our simulations unambiguously require quasar-powered outflows to clear out the galactic nucleus and allow the Lyα flux to escape and still remain resonant with halo gas. The close match between observations and simulations with quasar outflows suggest that AGN feedback already operates before $z \, = \, 6$ and confirms that high-z quasars reside in massive haloes tracing overdensities.
Characterization of laser cooling in microgravity via long-term operations in TianGong-2 space lab
Authors: Lü De-Sheng , Ren Wei , Sun Yuan , Li Tang , Qu Qiu-Zhi , Wang Bin , Li Lin , Zhao Jian-Bo , Zhao Xin , Ji Jing-Wei , Ye Mei-Feng , Xiang Jing-Feng , Chen Wei-Biao , Wang Yu-Zhu , Liu Liang
Published: August 2022

The invention of laser cooling has fundamentally influenced the research frontier of atomic physics and quantum physics, and recently an intense focus has been on the studies of cold atom physics in microgravity environments. Herein, we report the results of our laser cooling experiment in TianGong-2 space lab, which operated for 34 consecutive months in orbit. Over such an extended operation time, the quality of laser cooling did not experience any significant decline, while the properties of laser cooling in orbital microgravity were systematically studied. In particular, we demonstrate magneto-optical trapping and polarization-gradient cooling in orbit and carefully examine their performances. A comparison of the in-orbit and on-ground results indicates that a higher cooling efficiency exists in microgravity, including a smaller loss rate during the trapping and cooling process and lower ultimate temperature of laser-cooled atoms. Our progress has laid the technical foundations for future applications of cold atoms in space missions with operation times of the order of years.
Acute Hantavirus Infection Presenting With Fever and Altered Mentation in the Absence of Pulmonary or Renal Manifestations
Authors: Fawcett Stephen J , Chen Jeffrey S , Fawcett Richard W
Published: August 2022

Illness caused by hantaviruses is often severe and is typically characterized by diffuse pulmonary disease or renal insufficiency depending on the type of hantavirus. Here we report 2 cases of hantavirus infection that resulted in severe cognitive impairment but did not have any pulmonary or renal manifestations. These 2 cases may be indicative of previously underreported symptoms of hantavirus infection and might represent examples of hantavirus-related encephalopathy.
Eligibility for and Use of Oral Antimicrobial Therapy Among Veterans With Osteoarticular Infections: A Retrospective Study Across 8 Medical Centers
Authors: Mareau Jacquelyn , Alexander Bruce , Egge Jason , Heintz Brett , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Livorsi Daniel J
Published: August 2022

We retrospectively evaluated antimicrobial therapy in 145 randomly selected patients with osteoarticular infections across 8 hospitals. One hundred nine (75%) were eligible for oral antimicrobial therapy, but only 18 received it: 5 of 39 (13%) in 2018 versus 13 of 70 (19%) in 2019–2020 (P = .44). Oral antimicrobials may be underutilized for osteoarticular infections in routine practice.
Identity and Purity
Authors: Lo Tien-Chun
Published: August 2022

Recently, a number of metaphysicians have been working on the issue of the metaphysical grounds of identity facts. In this paper, I will survey a variety of accounts of identity facts through a particular lens. These accounts will be examined in light of the so-called ‘purity’ principle, a principle intriguing many discussions on metaphysical grounding in recent literature. The aim of this paper is twofold. First, I will indicate what sorts of accounts of identity facts the purity principle rules out and what sorts of accounts it allows. Secondly, I will pinpoint some patterns of how the purity principle may interact with first-order metaphysical inquiries in general.
Notes on pseudo entropy amplification
Authors: Ishiyama Yutaka , Kojima Riku , Matsui Sho , Tamaoka Kotaro
Published: August 2022

We study pseudo entropy for a particular linear combination of entangled states in qubit systems, two-dimensional free conformal field theories (CFTs), and two-dimensional holographic CFT. We observe phenomena whereby the pseudo entropy can be parametrically large compared with the logarithm of the dimension of the Hilbert space. We call these phenomena pseudo entropy amplification; it is analogous to the amplification of the weak value. In particular, our result suggests the holographic CFT does not lead to amplification as long as the non-perturbative effects are negligible. We also give a heuristic argument for when such (non-)amplification can occur.
Sensitivity of the large muon detector with the Tibet air-shower array to measure the primary proton spectrum between 40 and 630 TeV
Authors: Kurashige D , Hotta N , Katayose Y , Kawata K , Ohnishi M , Saito T , Sako T K , Shibata M , Takita M
Published: August 2022

The Tibet ASγ group has been continuously observing cosmic rays and cosmic gamma rays above several TeV using the muon detector array (MD) and high-density Tibet air-shower array (Tibet-III) installed on the Tibet plateau at an altitude of 4300 m. The MD is a water Cherenkov pool array with a large effective area of 3400 m2 and has an excellent capability of primary selection using the number of muons in the shower. We report the sensitivity of the proton spectrum measurements for energies 40–630 TeV obtained via Monte Carlo simulations for an air-shower experiment. It was found that protons could be separated with a purity of 90%, and the survival ratio of protons including model dependence was 14.2%–19.1% and 3.7%–7.4% at about 35 TeV and about 450 TeV, respectively. The maximum total systematic error of the proton flux depending on interaction models in air-shower development and composition models was ±37%. With a large effective area and high proton separation capability, the Tibet ASγ experiment can measure the proton spectrum in the energy range from tens to hundreds of TeV with high statistical accuracy.