bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quadriceps Performance and Running Biomechanics Influence Femur BMD Changes after ACL Reconstruction in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: KNURR KEITH A. , LYON JAMES P. , HAACK COLTEN R. , KLIETHERMES STEPHANIE A. , COBIAN DANIEL G. , STIFFLER-JOACHIM MIKEL R. , BINKLEY NEIL C. , SCERPELLA TAMARA A. , HEIDERSCHEIT BRYAN C.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Reduced bone mineral density of the distal femur (BMDDF) can persist long term after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), even in athletes who return to high levels of competition. These deficits may have implications for the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis. It is unknown if clinically modifiable factors are associated with losses in BMDDF. This study evaluated the potential influence of knee extensor peak torque (PT), rate of torque development (RTD), as well as peak knee flexion (PKF) angle and peak knee extensor moment (PKEM) during running, on longitudinal changes in BMDDF post-ACLR.

Methods

After ACLR, 57 Division I collegiate athletes underwent serial whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans between 3 and 24 months post-ACLR. Of these, 43 athletes also had isometric knee extensor testing (21 female, 105 observations), and 54 had running analyses (26 female, 141 observations). Linear mixed-effects models, controlling for sex, assessed the influence of surgical limb quadriceps performance (PT and RTD), running mechanics (PKF and PKEM), and time post-ACLR on BMDDF (5% and 15% of femur length). Simple slope analyses were used to explore interactions.

Results

Athletes with RTD less than 7.20 (N·m)·kg−1·s−1 (mean) at 9.3 months post-ACLR demonstrated significant decreases in 15% BMDDF over time (P = 0.03). Athletes with PKEM during running less than 0.92 (N·m)·kg−1 (−1 SD below mean) at 9.8 months post-ACLR demonstrated significant decreases in 15% BMDDF over time (P = 0.02). Significant slopes were not detected at −1 SD below the mean for PT (1.75 (N·m)·kg−1, P = 0.07) and PKF (31.3°, P = 0.08).

Conclusions

Worse quadriceps RTD and running PKEM were associated with a greater loss of BMDDF between 3 and 24 months post-ACLR.
The Cost of Information: The Case of Constant Marginal Costs
Authors: Pomatto Luciano , Strack Philipp , Tamuz Omer
Published: April 2023

We develop an axiomatic theory of information acquisition that captures the idea of constant marginal costs in information production: the cost of generating two independent signals is the sum of their costs, and generating a signal with probability half costs half its original cost. Together with Blackwell monotonicity and a continuity condition, these axioms determine the cost of a signal up to a vector of parameters. These parameters have a clear economic interpretation and determine the difficulty of distinguishing states. (JEL D82, D83)
Information, Mobile Communication, and Referral Effects
Authors: Barwick Panle Jia , Liu Yanyan , Patacchini Eleonora , Wu Qi
Published: April 2023

This paper uses the universe of cellphone records from a Chinese telecommunication provider for a northern Chinese city to examine the role of information exchange in urban labor markets. We provide the first direct evidence of increased communication among referral pairs around job changes. Information provided by social contacts mitigates information asymmetry and improves labor market performance. (JEL D82, J62, O18, P23, P25, R23, Z13)
Pre-operative MRI measurement of the Meckel’s cave volume in percutaneous balloon compression of the trigeminal nerve
Authors: Hu Junjiao , Deng Kai , Yang Haitao , Jiang Bo , Zhang Huiting , Guo Hu , Chen Hui , Jiang Shan
Published: April 2023

Objective

To explore the feasibility of measuring the volume of Meckel’s cave by MRI before operation and its value in guiding percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) of trigeminal nerve (TN).

Methods

The pre-operative MRI and operative data of 31 patients, who underwent PBC of TN, were analyzed retrospectively. Axial scanning was performed using T2 weighted three-dimensional high-resolution MRI, and then coronal and sagittal images were reconstructed. Volumes of Meckel’s cave were measured by two radiologists, and their consistence was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient. Pearson and Spearman analyses were used to assess the correlations of the volumes of Meckel’s cave among coronal, sagittal, and axial MRI images, and between that measured by MRI and the filling volume of operative balloon, respectively. Bland–Altman plot was used to assess their agreements.

Results

There was high consistency in volumes of Meckel’s cave between the two radiologists with intraclass correlation coefficient from 0.921 to 0.962. High correlations and good agreements in volumes of Meckel’s cave were obtained from the three orientations, with Pearson coefficients and differences of 0.96 and 0.01 ml (coronal vs sagittal), 0.95 and 0.01 ml (coronal vs axial), and 0.95 and 0.00 ml (sagittal vs axial), respectively. The moderate correlation and good agreements were also obtained between MRI and operative balloon volume (ρ = 0.448, p < 0.05; difference, 0.02 ml).

Conclusion

It is feasible to measure the volume of Meckel’s cave by MRI before operation, and it is of guiding significance for the individual selection of balloon filling volume in PBC of TN.

Advances in knowledge

This is the first study to investigate the relationships between the three-dimensional high resolution MRI images and the clinical volume of Meckel’s cave. The high-resolution MRI method can help guide PBC of TN.
Promoter-independent synthesis of chemically modified RNA by human DNA polymerase θ variants
Authors: Tredinnick Taylor , Kent Tatiana , Minakhin Leonid , Li Ziyuan , Madzo Jozef , Chen Xiaojiang S. , Pomerantz Richard T.
Published: April 2023

Synthetic RNA oligonucleotides composed of canonical and modified ribonucleotides are highly effective for RNA antisense therapeutics and RNA-based genome engineering applications utilizing CRISPR–Cas9. Yet, synthesis of synthetic RNA using phosphoramidite chemistry is highly inefficient and expensive relative to DNA oligonucleotides, especially for relatively long RNA oligonucleotides. Thus, new biotechnologies are needed to significantly reduce costs, while increasing synthesis rates and yields of synthetic RNA. Here, we engineer human DNA polymerase theta (Polθ) variants and demonstrate their ability to synthesize long (95–200 nt) RNA oligonucleotides with canonical ribonucleotides and ribonucleotide analogs commonly used for stabilizing RNA for therapeutic and genome engineering applications. In contrast to natural promoter-dependent RNA polymerases, Polθ variants synthesize RNA by initiating from DNA or RNA primers, which enables the production of RNA without short abortive byproducts. Remarkably, Polθ variants show the lower capacity to misincorporate ribonucleotides compared to T7 RNA polymerase. Automation of this enzymatic RNA synthesis technology can potentially increase yields while reducing costs of synthetic RNA oligonucleotide production.
Το λογιστικό δίκαιο στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Δρίτσας Σταμάτιος
Published: April 2023

Έρευνα συλλογής εμπειρικών δεδομένων, με σκοπό την τεκμηρίωση των επιπτώσεων του ν. 4308/2014 στην παροχή ιστορικής χρηματοοικονομικής πληροφόρησης στην Ελλάδα, ως ενός δικαίου λογιστικής σημαντικά διαφορετικού από το προηγούμενο, καθώς και την ανάλυση των αιτιών των επιπτώσεων αυτών, βάσει της εμπειρίας της μέχρι σήμερα εφαρμογής του και τη διαμόρφωση μίας βάσης προβληματισμών που θα μπορούσαν να συμβάλλουν στη βελτίωσή του.
Genre analysis of introduction section in electrical engineering undergraduate laboratory reports
Authors: Veerappan Veeramuthu , Ahmad Mokhtarrudin , Balakrishnan Kavitha , Aris Mohd Afizal , Suan Wei Hui
Published: April 2023

Background: This study examines the genre of Engineering Laboratory Reports (ELR) introduction section written by Electrical Engineering Undergraduates in a higher learning institution. The aims of this study are to identify the rhetorical moves and combinations of move patterns used by engineering students to write introduction section of ELR.

Method: A genre analysis was conducted to identify writing patterns and convention practices of engineering undergraduate students thus a corpus of N= 35 was selected from electrical engineering students in their final year of study. This study adopted Genre Theory as its theoretical framework, [1] analytical framework and [2] BCU approach for analysis procedure. A pilot test was conducted to determine the model that fits the best to describe moves and steps of ELR. The study benchmarks a move or step to be present in at least 60% of the reports.

Results and discussion: The finding shows the introduction consists of one main move which is providing background information of the experiment and followed by four subsequent steps which are reference to research purposes, reference to theoretical knowledge in the field, providing an overview of the study and identification of main research apparatus. The move 1 and all four steps identified above are viewed as obligatory, conventional and optional move and steps. The exemplification of finding shows lack of compliance among undergraduates to produce ELR based on university’s guideline in discussing previous literature and underpinning theories, lack of references and citation, absence of description to apparatus used and non-sequential steps.

Conclusion: This study posits the importance of collaboration between English for Academic (EAP) practitioners such as English-writing instructors and discipline specific specialist from engineering field to further improve on genre-based writing instruction, and to support student’s understanding in meeting the requirements of university’s scientific technical reports.
Sustainability and management
Authors: Molina Muñoz Jesús
Published: April 2023

This book addresses a series of issues related to sustainability and management from diverse perspectives. In this sense, it seeks to provide a relevant reference to the study of sustainability from different functional areas of management, including human management, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and finance. Using diverse methodologies that comprise states of the question and quantitative and qualitative approaches, this text offers an innovative proposal that stands out for its originality and the interdisciplinarity required to study management and sustainability.
Using Sweet Lupine Powder as a Healthy Supplement for the Production of Functional Chicken Burger in Jordan
Authors: Al –Dalain Sati Y , Haddad Moawiya A. , Alqaraleh Samer Y.
Published: April 2023

Chicken meat has grown more popular in recent years because of its great nutritional content,. It has a high protein content as well as a low-fat content and a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (polyunsaturated), which have a beneficial effect on consumers' health. Sweet lupine is a leguminous bean of the Fabaceae family. In this study, different proportions of powdered sweet lupine (10, 20, and 35 percent of the mix) were utilized to complement the chicken burgers that were produced in Jordan. The sample enriched with 20% sweet lupine (LB20) was rated as the most popular. The protein level of sweet lupine was 1.3 times that of chicken meat, but the fat amount was similar. The ash concentration of sweet lupine was 2.5 times greater, whereas the fiber content was 55 times higher. The overall carbs content of sweet lupine was 75 times more than that of chicken meat. When total amino acids were calculated, it was approximately the same. The ratio of SFA/USFA assured such finding that was higher with 1.37-fold rather than that of un-supplemented one. The twenty percent addition of sweet lupine as a supplement to chicken burgers gave the best sensory properties and less oxidized fat as seen in when TBARS test.
Quality Evaluation of Virgin Coconut Oil Produced with Enzymatic Extraction using Coated Crude Papain
Authors: Laga Amran , Bastian Februadi , Musdalifa Musdalifa , Muhpidah Muhpidah , Djalal Muspirah
Published: April 2023

Papain enzyme has been applied in the production of coconut oil. In this study, crude papain enzyme was coated with maltodextrin to observe the effectiveness of coated papain in the production of virgin coconut oil (VCO). The specific objectives of this research including to determine the effect of the incubation length and temperature of the coated papain enzyme on the yield and quality of the resulting VCO. 0.5% enzyme (w/v) was applied to the coconut milk in different incubation lengths and temperatures to produce VCO. This study applied a randomized complete design with two factors; length of incubation (6,12,18, and 24 hours) and incubation temperature (30, 40, 50 and 60 ⁰C). The findings of this study showed that based on a yield of 24.88% and a degree of clarity of 92.15%, the optimal incubation temperature for the production of VCO in this study was 50 ⁰C. The findings of the research, based on a yield of 22.56%, showed that 18 hours of incubation was found to be the optimal incubation time for the production of VCO in this study. Even though the free fatty acids and water content suggest that refinement is necessary for the quality improvement of the produced VCO, the peroxide value and iodine number of VCO in this study show a good quality with a value of fewer than three meq/kg and between 5.78-8.80, respectively.
Effect of Adding Propolis on Quality Standards of Raw Milk and Yoghurt
Authors: Elkassas Walaa Mohamed , Yassin Shereen Abdelfattah , Taksira Dina Mohammed
Published: April 2023

Food additives spread around the world may have potentially harmful effects; Propolis is considered a natural additive that meets the increasing demand for natural antioxidants and antimicrobials in place of synthetic preservatives. Different concentrations of water extract of Propolis (WEP) were assessed; the pH and microbiological quality of raw milk were evaluated, as well as the quality characteristics and bioactives in manufactured yoghurt. WEP 20% was the best concentration compared to WEP 5% and 10% and exhibited an acceptable pH value of milk for 48 hours. The addition of increased concentrations of WEP 20% (1, 2, and 3%) resulted in a significant decrease and gradual reduction of the total bacterial, coliform, yeast, and mold counts compared to the control group. Propolis-supplemented yoghurt had higher pH values than the control group. Yoghurt groups treated with 1% and 2% WEP achieved the highest scores and significantly different (P<0.05) with control and 3% WEP groups in sensory examination until the end of the storage period. Furthermore, the counts of yeast and mold progressively decreased with the addition of higher concentrations of WEP throughout the storage period as 2%, 3% WEP groups were significantly different (P<0.05) with control and 1% WEP groups. The total phenolic, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of yoghurt treated with WEP were improved and significantly different (P<0.05) compared to the untreated group. In conclusion, the raw milk and yoghurt preserved with propolis improved the quality of milk and increased bioactivity and nutritional benefits of yoghurt by elevating its antioxidant capacity. As a consequence, the produced yoghurt in our study proved that it is an acceptable product with functional, probiotic potential and has health-promoting properties that might be commercialized.
Physicochemical Properties, Phenolic, Flavonoid Contents and Antioxidant Potential of Stingless Bee (Heterotrigona Itama) Honey From Thailand
Authors: Wongsa Kanyanat , Meemongkolkiat Thitipan , Duangphakdee Orawan , Prasongsuk Sehanat , Rattanawannee Atsalek
Published: April 2023

This research aimed to investigate the impact of heat treatment on stingless bee honey obtained by Heterotrigona itama, a commercial stingless bee found in the southern region of Thailand. Ten honey samples originating from three different forest types (mangrove forest, swamp forest, and mixed forest) were heated to 37 °C and 45 °C for 24 and 48 h and then analyzed for their physicochemical properties, total phenolic content, the flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity by radical scavenging activity on 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The results showed the raw honey from mixed forest had the highest radical scavenging activity with IC50 of 43.996±0.377 mg/ml. In addition, this honey sample also exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents with 89.916±0.358 mg GAE /100 g of honey and 58.093±0.294 mg QE/ 100 g of honey, respectively. After heat treatment, the honey samples showed little change in physicochemical properties when compared to raw honey samples. After incubation at 45 °C for 48 hours, the moisture content decreased 27.93±0.17 to 20.14±0.34 g/100 g. Interestingly, heat treatment at 37 °C and 45 °C did not affect the total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities (p > 0.05) in the honey samples. While heat treatment aids in keeping the physicochemical and bioactive properties of dehydrated honey, it can be concluded that the proposed method can be employed as an alternate method for preserving honey from stingless bees.
Ice cream consumption preferences in Sullana, Peru
Authors: Moreno-Quispe Luz Arelis , Espinoza Luis Alfredo Espinoza- , Sandoval Enrique Alonso Mauricio- , Palacios Mirtha Susana Anaya , Portalatino Edwin Jorge Vega
Published: April 2023

Ice cream is one of the most consumed desserts worldwide and due to the high production of fruits such as camu camu, mango, and grapes in northern Peru, it is intended to introduce artisanal ice cream with these fruits in the market. This study was exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional. A questionnaire was applied to the population of Sullana, Peru. This report shows a relationship between consumers and non-consumers of ice cream according to gender (p=0.473), age (p=0.816), occupation (p=0.551) and willingness to pay (p=0.007). The results show that non-consumers buy ice cream for others. Consumers prefer handmade ice cream and served in a cup, they also prefer cookies, toffee, chocolate and fruits as toppings on ice cream. Most of the participants consume ice cream in all seasons of the year, on weekends and pay between 2.5 and 5 soles for the ice cream they buy. 36.8% prefer to consume ice cream in commercial establishments and 95.8% of the population would like the restaurant of their choice to offer artisan ice cream. These results provide ice cream manufacturers and local businesses with new insights into consumer preferences. In conclusion, the consumption of local products such as mango, camu camu, grape and avocado are important from a nutritional point of view to take advantage of their bioactive compounds, and from the producer's point of view can improve sales and product diversification through ice cream.
The Effect of Hot Water Extract of Pluchea indica Leaf Powder on the Physical, Chemical and Sensory Properties of Wet Noodles
Authors: Widyawati Paini Sri , Yulian D D Laurensia Maria , Utomo Adrianus Rulianto , Amannuela Salim Paulina Evelyn , Martalia Diyan Eka , Wibisono David Agus , Santoso Syllvia Santalova
Published: April 2023

Powdered Pluchea indica Less leaves have been utilized as herbal tea, brewing of pluchea tea in hot water has antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, because of phytochemical compound content, namely tannins, alkaloids, phenol hydroquinone, phenolics, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, and sterols. Using of this extract on food, such as jelly drinks, buns, and soymilk can increase functional values and influence physic, chemical, and sensory characteristics of food. The study was carried out to assess the effect of various concentration of pluchea tea on the physical, chemical and sensory properties of wet noodles. A one-factor randomized design was applied with pluchea tea at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% (w/v). Physical properties analyzed included water content, swelling index, cooking loss, color and texture. Chemical properties measured were bioactive contents of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals and to reduce iron ions. Sensory properties determined were taste, texture, color, aroma and overall acceptance. The addition of various concentrations of extract offers significantly effects on parameters of physical, chemical and sensory properties of noodles, except color (redness, chroma and hue), cooking loss, water content, swelling index and aroma. Using of 10% (w/v) of pluchea tea resulted in the best sensory properties such as color, aroma, taste, texture, and overall acceptance with the scores of 5.62 (slightly like), 5.45 (slightly like), 5.46 (somewhat like), 6.53 (like), and 6.53 (like), respectively. Generally, the study concluded that wet noodles can be made by adding pluchea tea at 10% (w/v). Dried samples TPC, TFC, DPPH free radical scavenging and iron ion reducing power were 82.84 mg GAE/kg, 62.44 mg CE/kg, 130.68 mg GAE/kg and 51.33 mg GAE/kg, respectively.
Formulation of Fruit-Based Probiotic Drink From Snake Fruit (Salacca Zalacca) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Dad-13
Authors: Alwi Achmad Nur Syawal , Rahayu Endang Sutriswati , Utami Tyas , Yanti Rini , Suroto Dian Anggraini
Published: April 2023

Snake fruit contains monosaccharides, mainly fructose and glucose, which are indispensable substrates for the growth factors of probiotic bacteria. Therefore, this study aims to develop the Fermented Snake Fruit Juice (FSFJ) using the local probiotic bacteria Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum Dad-13. The results showed that the optimal fermentation time was 24 hours, with a viable cell count of 2.7×108, pH 3.77, and total acid of 0.33%. The glucose and fructose content in FSFJ were decreased during fermentation. The addition of sucrose at 0%, 3%, and 6% showed that different sucrose concentrations were statistically insignificant to the viable cell count, pH, and total acid. A hedonic test was conducted, where the sample with a 6% sucrose level was the most preferred by the panelists hence, deemed as the best formulation. Furthermore, the optimal formulation sample was stored at 4°C for 30 days, and the result indicated that the viable cell count did not present a significant difference. The pH value was decreased from 3.68 to 3.60 and the total acid was increased from 0.42% to 0.56%. The volatile compounds of FSFJ were dominated by compounds responsible for snake fruit character, such as methyl 4-methyl-2-pentanoate and methyl β-methyl valerate, with some fermentation-related volatile compounds. In conclusion, Snake Fruit Juice (SFJ) is a suitable carrier medium for probiotic bacteria and remains of sufficient quality after 30 days of cold storage.
Classical Mechanics Key Topics in Physics Teacher Education: Results of an Exploratory Mind Map Study
Authors: Winkler Bianca , Veith Joaquin , Bitzenbauer Philipp
Published: April 2023

Although the central role of classical mechanics in physics teacher education is undisputed, divergent interests and perspectives from different disciplinary cultures might exist when thinking about how to best support pre-service teachers' professional development. In this article, we report the results of an exploratory mind map study to investigate which classical mechanics topics are regarded essential for physics teacher education according to N = 29 experts from different physics disciplines. The participants’ mind maps were analyzed using a category system and frequency analysis was applied. The results hint at similarities and differences in terms of key topics to be addressed in physics teacher education on classical mechanics according to experts from different physics disciplines, e.g., in terms of the depth of mathematics considered relevant for physics teacher education.
INFLUENCE OF PLASTIC SURGERY OF THE INFERIOR TURBINATE ON THE PATENCY OF THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE
Authors:   Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Wojdas Andrzej , Stablewski Roman ,   Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Zgnilec Elżbieta ,   Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis is one of the most common diseases in rhinology. Various surgical techniques are used to reduce hypertrophic changes in the inferior turbinates. The aim of our study is to determine the impact of plastic surgery of the lower nasal turbinates, performed by cryoablation or radiocoblation, on the patency of the Eustachian tube and to determine how long the waiting period should be for activities that particularly require patent ear tubes, such as traveling by plane. Material: A total of 70 patients treated at the Department of Otolaryngology of the Military Institute of Aviation Medicine were qualified for the study. Due to the technique of conchoplasty of the lower nasal turbinates, the patients were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 35 patients, including 15 women and 20 men, aged 24 to 62 (mean 42.67 years), operated on by cryoablation. Group II also comprised 35 patients, including 12 women and 23 men, aged 29 to 69 (mean 44.21 years), operated on by radiocoblation. Methods: Plastic surgeries of the lower nasal turbinates, also known as conchoplasties, were performed under local anesthesia with a cryosurgery machine with the use of a nasal applicator and an apparatus for submucosal coblation with the use of radio waves. The patency of the Eustachian tube was assessed by tympanometry before the operation and 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the operation. Results: No statistically significant (p < 0.001) disturbances of the patency of the Eustachian tubes were observed after conchoplastic surgeries, using both the cryoablation and radiocoablation methods. Conclusions: Conchoplasties of the lower nasal turbinates performed by cryo- and radiocoblation do not impair the patency of the Eustachian tubes. After operations on the lower nasal turbinates, the waiting period for activities that particularly require patent tubes should be two weeks.
ASSESSMENT OF BRAIN BIOELECTRICAL ACTIVITY IN CLINICALLY HEALTHY FLIGHT PERSONNEL AND FLIGHT TRAINING CANDIDATES FOLLOWING COVID-19 INFECTION
Authors:   Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Dec Stanisław
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Electroneurophysiological tests, together with tests to evaluate structures of the central nervous system (CNS), are in neurological diagnostics among the basic additional specialized examinations for diagnostic, therapeutic and certification purposes. The electroencephalographic (EEG) test is one of the methods of elelectroneurophysiological evaluation of the CNS. EEG is a non-invasive objective test of the bioelectrical activity of the brain. Objective: To investigate whether the course of COVID-19 with clinical mild/moderate respiratory tract involvement, in non-hospitalized patients, may affect brain bioelectrical activity. Methods: Eighty-five subjects were selected for evaluation of EEG recordings from clinically initially healthy flight personnel and flight training candidates. Of all the male and female subjects, between 04 January 2021 to 31 January 2022, as part of periodic and qualifying certification examinations at the Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, for the purposes of the Regional Military Aviation and Medical Commission. The selected group consisted of individuals aged 14-60 (average age: 27 years and 6 months), which included 14 women (average age: 24 years and 2 months) and 71 men (average age 29 years and 3.5 months). The subjects were ill with COVID-19 (non-hospitalized) for approximately 3-4 weeks, during the period; June 2020 – December 2021. Routinely made recordings of bioelectrical brain activity with the Grass Technologies EEG TWin 4.5.3 system were visually evaluated. EEG examinations were performed in the supine position, in the before noon hours, in a darkened and acoustically isolated laboratory. Before the study, each person declared min. 6-8 hours of sleep and eating a meal (breakfast). Except for the flight training candidates and one person from flight personnel, all other subjects declared having received one and 29 subjects two SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, prior to contracting COVID-19. Some subjects had one further revaccination after recovery from the disease. EEG examinations were performed between one and fourteen months after recovery from COVID-19. The mean time between recovery and EEG examination was 6.5 (6.47) months. Results: EEG recordings within normal limits (normal) were found in 79 subjects, while six subjects (7.05%) had abnormal brain bioelectrical activity recordings. Discussion and Conclusion: Infection with SARS-CoV-2 with clinical mild/moderate respiratory tract involvement by initially healthy individuals may adversely affect spontaneous brain bioelectrical activity in some individuals.
D-shaped fiber optic plasmonic sensors using planar and grating structures of silver and gold: design and analysis
Authors: Kumar Shambhu , Maurya Jitendra Bahadur , Roumi Bita , Abdi-Ghaleh Reza , Prajapati Yogendra Kumar
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a D-shaped optical fiber plasmonic sensor using planar and grating structures of silver and gold metals is simulated using the finite element method under the wave optics module of COMSOL Multiphysics. Performance defining parameters are based on (i) the transmittance curve, viz., resonance wavelength (λ
r
), shift in resonance wavelength (Δλ
r
), minimum transmittance (Tmin), and bandwidth (BW), and (ii) on electric field distribution of a surface plasmon wave, viz., penetration depth (PD) and propagation length (PL) obtained for the considered sensor structures. It is found that gold gives wider BW than silver (e.g., at 1.39 refractive index of the sample: 480% for the planar case and 241% for the grating case), which deteriorates sensor performance by degrading detection accuracy. However, gold gives higher Δλ
r
than silver (at 1.40−1.39=0.01 change in refractive index of the sample: 18.33% for the planar case and 16.39% for the grating case), which improves sensor performance and enhances sensitivity. A grating slightly increases the BW and Δλ
r
for both gold and silver. Further, with respect to silver, the sensor that contains gold demonstrates higher PD (e.g., 22.32% at 1.39 refractive index of the sample for the planar case) and lower PL (e.g., 22.74% at 1.39 refractive index of sample for the planar case). A grating increases the PD (e.g., 10% for silver at 1.39 refractive index of the sample), whereas it decreases the PL (e.g., 8.73% for silver at 1.39 refractive index of the sample). Lower PL signifies the localization of the field, whereas higher PD enables the sensor to detect larger molecules. Therefore, the sensor with grating metals provides better sensitivity with reduced detection accuracy for the detection of comparatively larger molecules.
A double dissociation between savings and long-term memory in motor learning
Authors: Hadjiosif Alkis M. , Morehead J. Ryan , Smith Maurice A.
Published: April 2023

Memories are easier to relearn than learn from scratch. This advantage, known as savings, has been widely assumed to result from the reemergence of stable long-term memories. In fact, the presence of savings has often been used as a marker for whether a memory has been consolidated. However, recent findings have demonstrated that motor learning rates can be systematically controlled, providing a mechanistic alternative to the reemergence of a stable long-term memory. Moreover, recent work has reported conflicting results about whether implicit contributions to savings in motor learning are present, absent, or inverted, suggesting a limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms. To elucidate these mechanisms, we investigate the relationship between savings and long-term memory by experimentally dissecting the underlying memories based on short-term (60-s) temporal persistence. Components of motor memory that are temporally-persistent at 60 s might go on to contribute to stable, consolidated long-term memory, whereas temporally-volatile components that have already decayed away by 60 s cannot. Surprisingly, we find that temporally-volatile implicit learning leads to savings, whereas temporally-persistent learning does not, but that temporally-persistent learning leads to long-term memory at 24 h, whereas temporally-volatile learning does not. This double dissociation between the mechanisms for savings and long-term memory formation challenges widespread assumptions about the connection between savings and memory consolidation. Moreover, we find that temporally-persistent implicit learning not only fails to contribute to savings, but also that it produces an opposite, anti-savings effect, and that the interplay between this temporally-persistent anti-savings and temporally-volatile savings provides an explanation for several seemingly conflicting recent reports about whether implicit contributions to savings are present, absent, or inverted. Finally, the learning curves we observed for the acquisition of temporally-volatile and temporally-persistent implicit memories demonstrate the coexistence of implicit memories with distinct time courses, challenging the assertion that models of context-based learning and estimation should supplant models of adaptive processes with different learning rates. Together, these findings provide new insight into the mechanisms for savings and long-term memory formation.
Sex-based differences in long-term outcomes after stroke: A meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Xiumei , Xiong Yu , Huang Xinyue , Pan Zhigang , Kang Xiaodong , Chen Chunhui , Zhou Jianfeng , Zheng Hanlin , Chen Yuping , Hu Weipeng , Wang Lingxing , Zheng Feng
Published: April 2023

Background

There is limited data on sex-related disparities in the long-term outcomes after stroke. We aim to investigate whether there are sex-based differences in long-term outcomes using pooled data.

Methods

Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were systematically searched from inception to July 2022. This meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the recommendations and guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias. In addition, a random-effects model was used.

Results

Twenty-two cohort studies with 84538 patients were included. There were 50.2% men and 49.8% women. Women had a higher mortality at 1 (odds ration [OR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI][0.69, 0.99], P = 0.03) and 10 (OR 0.72, 95% CI[0.65, 0.79], P < 0.00001) years, higher stroke recurrence at 1 year (OR 0.85, 95% CI[0.73, 0.98], P = 0.02), lower favorable outcome at 1 year (OR 1.36, 95% CI[1.24, 1.49], P < 0.00001). No significant difference was detected between men and women in the outcomes of health-related quality of life and depression.

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis, the 1- and 10-year mortality and stroke recurrence rates were higher in female patients than in male patients after stroke. In addition, females tended to experience less favorable outcomes in the first year after stroke. Finally, further long-term studies on sex disparities in stroke prevention, care, and management are warranted to explore the opportunities to reduce this gap.
Practice regarding tuberculosis care among physicians at private facilities: A cross-sectional study from Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Do Minh , Doan Ngoc Bao , Tran Son Nam , Hoang Long Bao , Nguyen Hoa Binh , Nguyen Vung Dang
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the practice of TB care among physicians at private facilities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using questionnaires on knowledge, attitude, and practice related to TB care. The responses to these scales were used to explore latent constructs and calculate the standardized continuous scores for these domains. We described the percentages of participant’s responses and explored their associated factors using multiple linear regression.

Results

A total of 232 physicians were recruited. The most important gaps in practice included requesting chest imaging to confirm TB diagnosis (~80%), not testing HIV for confirmed active TB cases (~50%), only requesting sputum testing for MDR-TB cases (65%), only requesting follow-up examination at the end of the treatment course (64%), and not requesting sputum testing at follow-up (54%). Surgical mask was preferred to N95 respirator when examining TB patients. Prior TB training was associated with better knowledge and less stigmatizing attitude, which were associated with better practice in both TB management and precautions.

Conclusion

There were important gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice of TB care among private providers. Better knowledge was associated with positive attitude towards TB and better practice. Tailored training may help to address these gaps and improve the quality of TB care in the private sector.
The risk of ischemic stroke significantly increases in individuals with blepharitis: A population-based study involving 424,161 patients
Authors: Li Jing-Xing , Hsu Shu-Bai , Shih Ying-Hsiu , Tsai Yi-Yu , Wu Ying-Hsuen , Li You-Ling , Chiang Chun-Chi
Published: April 2023

Introduction

To investigate the association of blepharitis and ischemic stroke.

Methods

This nationwide retrospective cohort study used population-based data in Taiwan. Individuals aged 20 and above with diagnosis of blepharitis was included based on electrical medical records. After exclusion of ineligible cases, 424,161 patients were identified between 2008 and 2018. The blepharitis and non-blepharitis cohorts were matched based on sex, age, and comorbidities. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards model was adopted to calculate the hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) between blepharitis and non-blepharitis cohorts. The incidence of ischemic stroke was estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

424,161 pairs of blepharitis cohort and non-blepharitis cohort were 1:1 propensity score matched for statistical analysis. Patients with blepharitis had significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke compared with the individuals without blepharitis (adjusted hazard ratio 1.32, 95% CI 1.29–1.34, P < 0.001). A significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke was observed in blepharitis cohort with a previous diagnosis of cancer than in those without cancer (P for interaction < 0.0001). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed the cumulative incidence of ischemic stroke increased in the blepharitis cohort compared with that in the non-blepharitis cohort in 10 years (log-rank P < 0.001). The follow-up period analysis further indicated 1.41-fold adjusted hazard (95% CI 1.35−1.46, P < 0.001) of ischemic stroke within a year after blepharitis diagnosis.

Conclusions

Patients with blepharitis had an elevated risk of developing ischemic stroke. Early treatment and active surveillance are suggested for patients with chronic blepharitis. Further research is required to determine the casual relationship between blepharitis and ischemic stroke, as well as the underlying mechanism.
Bullying prevalence in Pakistan’s educational institutes: Preclusion to the framework for a teacher-led antibullying intervention
Authors: Siddiqui Sohni , Schultze-Krumbholz Anja
Published: April 2023

Increasing reports of bullying and cyberbullying in schools in recent years are undeniable and have been recognized as a serious public health problem. Conventional bullying and cyberbullying are not only a problem in higher educational institutions in Pakistan, but also in primary and secondary schools. Although statistics show higher levels of bullying and cyber-risky behaviors among youth, policies and interventions to control the consequences of conventional and cyberbullying are rare in the Pakistani context. This study explores teachers’ perspectives and experiences in identifying bullying strategies in different school contexts. Four hundred fifty-four teachers working in different educational institutions completed an online survey that provided data to draw conclusions and to get a better sense of the situation in educational institutions in Pakistan. According to the results, teachers experience verbal and social bullying more frequently than online and physical bullying. In addition, teachers in lower grades reported noticing more physical bullying than teachers in higher grades. Facebook was reported to be the most common platform students used to bully each other. Researchers also found significant differences between rural and urban teachers’ experiences with social bullying. Bullying intervention strategies should be developed and integrated into educational settings in Pakistan. The data presented will be used to develop tailored anti-bullying interventions that are culturally and socially appropriate for Pakistani educational settings.
Acceptance and associated factors of HIV testing among college students in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liao Shiqin , Li Jie , Liu Mingting , Xie Hongmei , Lu Yutong , Jiang Yunlan
Published: April 2023

Background

Although HIV testing is helpful for early detection and treatment of HIV, its utilization rate is low among college students in China. Understanding the acceptance and associated factors of HIV testing is the key to improve the detection rate. The purpose of the systematic review was to examine the acceptance and associated factors of HIV testing (including HIV self-testing and HIV counseling and testing services) among college students in China.

Methods

This systematic review was reported following PRISMA guidelines 2020. Electronic sources such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, Wanfang Database and VIP Database were searched for relevant studies published before September 2022. The tool by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) was used to assess quality for cross-sectional studies. The random-effects and fixed-effect model were employed to estimate the pooled proportions and associated factor of HIV testing acceptance. The Cochrane’s Q statistic and I2 test were used to examine heterogeneity. All the quantitative meta analyses were conducted using STATA version 12 software.

Results

A total of 21 eligible studies with 100, 821 participants were included in the systematic review. The pooled acceptance rate of HIV testing was 68% (95% CI = 60, 76), and varies between regions in China. Male, heterosexual and urban college students had higher HIV testing acceptance. Gender, medical specialty, sexual education, sexual behavior, HIV/AIDS knowledge, perception HIV risk, and previous HIV testing were the factors associated with HIV testing acceptance.

Conclusion

The review revealed that most of the college students intend to accept HIV detection, and the proportion of acceptance influenced by different factors. Therefore, the government and universities should implement targeted measures, improve HIV testing services, and promote HIV testing behavior.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022367976.
Surface electromyography signal processing and evaluation on respiratory muscles of critically ill patients: A systematic review
Authors: Silva Junior Emanuel Fernandes Ferreira da , Campos Shirley Lima , Leite Wagner Souza , Melo Pedro Vanderlei de Sousa , Lins Rômulo Aquino Coelho , Araújo Maria das Graças Rodrigues de , Guerino Marcelo Renato
Published: April 2023

Background

Surface Electromyography (sEMG) has been used to monitor respiratory muscle function and contractility in several clinical situations, however there is the lack of standardization for the analysis and processing of the signals.

Objective

To summarize the respiratory muscles most assessed by sEMG in the critical care setting and the assessment procedure details employed on those muscles regarding electrode placement, signal acquisition, and data analysis.

Methods

A systematic review of observational studies was registered on PROSPERO (number CRD42022354469). The databases included PubMed; SCOPUS; CINAHL, Web of Science and ScienceDirect. Two independent reviewers ran the quality assessment of the studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Downs & Black checklists.

Results

A total of 311 participants were involved across the 16 studies, from which 62.5% (10) assessed the diaphragm muscle and 50% (8) assessed the parasternal muscle with similar electrode placement in both of them. We did not identify common patterns for the location of the electrodes in the sternocleidomastoid and anterior scalene muscles. 12/16 reported sample rate, 10/16 reported band-pass and 9/16 reported one method of cardiac-interference filtering technique. 15/16 reported Root Mean Square (RMS) or derivatives as sEMG-obtained variables. The main applicabilities were the description of muscle activation in different settings (6/16), testing of reliability and correlation to other respiratory muscles assessment techniques (7/16), and assessment of therapy response (3/16). They found sEMG feasible and useful for prognosis purposes (2/16), treatment guidance (6/16), reliable monitoring under stable conditions (3/16), and as a surrogate measure (5/16) in mechanically ventilated patients in elective or emergency invasive procedures (5/16) or in acute health conditions (11/16).

Conclusions

The diaphragm and parasternal muscles were the main muscles studied in the critical care setting, and with similar electrodes placement. However, several different methods were observed for other muscles electrodes placement, sEMG signals acquisition and data analysis.
Is this the solution to wellbeing and burnout management for the critical care workforce? A parallel, interventional, feasibility and realist informed pilot randomized control trial protocol
Authors: Adnan Nurul Bahirah Binte , Dafny Hila Ariela , Baldwin Claire , Beccaria Gavin , Chamberlain Diane
Published: April 2023

Critical care healthcare professionals are at high risk in developing burnout and mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. High demands and the lack of resources lead to decreased job performance and organizational commitment, low work engagement, and increases emotional exhaustion and feelings of loneliness. Peer support and problem-solving approaches demonstrate promising evidence as it targets workplace loneliness, emotional exhaustion, promotes work engagement, and supports adaptive coping behaviors. Tailoring of interventions have also shown to be effective in influencing attitudes and behavior changes, attending to the individual experience and specific needs of end-users. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility and user-perceived acceptability of a combined intervention (Individualized Management Plan (IMP) and Professional Problem-Solving Peer (PPSP) debrief) in critical care healthcare professionals. This protocol was registered in the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000749707p). A two-arm randomized controlled trial, with pre-post-follow-up repeated measures intergroup design with 1:1 allocation ratio to either 1) treatment group–IMP and PPSP debrief, or 2) active control group–informal peer debrief. The primary outcomes will be conducted by assessing the recruitment process enrolment, intervention delivery, data collection, completion of assessment measures, user engagement and satisfaction. The secondary outcomes will explore preliminary effectiveness of the intervention using self-reported questionnaire instruments from baseline to 3-months. This study will provide the interventions’ feasibility and acceptability data for critical care healthcare professionals and will be used to inform a future, large-scale trial testing efficacy.