bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘What doesn’t kill you. . .’: A qualitative analysis of factors impacting the quality of life of people living with HIV
Authors: Ballesty Kate L , Newton-John Toby RO , Hennessy Ruth M , Alperstein Dion M , Begley Kim , Bulsara Shiraze M
Published: February 2024

Despite viral suppression, people living with HIV (PLHIV) report lower quality of life (QoL) than the general population, negatively impacting treatment adherence and wellbeing. This qualitative study explored factors influencing QoL of PLHIV. Participants completed a QoL questionnaire, with cut-off scores used to allocate participants into Low-Moderate QoL ( n = 11) or High-Very High QoL ( n = 10) focus groups. Thematic analysis indicated convergence across factors perceived to impact QoL, with some notable discrepancies. Socioeconomic stability, social connection and support, maintaining good health, adaptive attitudes and reduced impact of stigma were perceived to improve QoL, while obstacles to connection, ageing and poor HIV literacy in the general population were perceived to worsen QoL in both groups. The Low-Moderate QoL group alone identified socioeconomic stressors and ongoing burden of negative life experiences worsened their QoL. Results are presented in the context of local and global HIV health strategies, with implications for clinical management noted.
Towards a critical anthropology of the (de)creative turn in heritage
Authors: Larsen Peter Bille , Graezer Bideau Florence
Published: February 2024

Heritage processes are today increasingly entangled with multiple forms and discourses of creativity. Connections between creativity and heritage form part of a new consensual authorised discourse, where creativity and (heritage) entrepreneurship are projected as mutually beneficial in a win-win scenario, while co-existing with ever-more visible practices of destruction and loss. Challenging the celebratory narrative, the article unpacks the less visible political, economic, cultural and social processes underpinning the heritage–creativity nexus. This is necessary in order to confront and analyse the domination of space, place and history in the context of depoliticised neoliberal forms of governance. Juxtaposing the contradictions of authorised heritage discourse within the hegemonic politics and profitability in the neoliberal creative economy, we propose a critical anthropological approach centred around the decreativity of contemporary practice.
Society and organizational leadership: Investigating the sociocultural construction of toxic and constructive leaders in Ghana
Authors: Ibrahim Hadi , Abdulai Muhammed , Iddrisu Sulemana , Konlan Isaac
Published: February 2024

Toxic leadership phenomenon persists in many institutions at the expense of organisational progress and performance. This article explores the centrality of sociocultural values in leadership formation in Ghanaian organisations. Through the lens of the constructivist paradigm and ethnomethodology research design, fifteen (15) in-depth interviews were analysed. The study revealed that society’s underlying sociocultural values systems fundamentally impact the construction of toxic organisational leaders through complicity and condoning malpractice, impertinence to time, and nonchalance towards leaders’ toxic behaviours. Context, in this regard, has an inbred role in making a leader either toxic or constructive. Society and its organisational setups must positively impact the co-creation of constructive leadership by nurturing values that demand leadership accountability and reward constructive leadership for its significant impact in engendering organisational progress.
A novel image multitasking enhancement model for underwater crack detection
Authors: Cao Wenxuan , Li Junjie
Published: February 2024

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) carrying vision systems provide an efficient solution for the underwater crack search. However, the degradation of underwater images severely limits the prognosis of cracks. For the problem of ROV image multiple degradation in complex underwater environments, a robust and accurate multitask enhancement method for underwater crack images is proposed, which can simultaneously enhance the color, brightness. and deblurring of images. In the model, we propose a depth-residual encoder–decoder and feature calibration module to address low-level feature loss. Meanwhile, we propose a simulation method to construct paired training data. Experiments show that our model outperforms existing methods in image enhancement and provides significant enhancements for downstream tasks. The model has been successfully applied to practical engineering and shows good adaptability, which can well assist ROVs for underwater crack detection. In future work, we will continue to improve the robustness of the ROV crack detection system under more complex noise scenarios.
Noncontact geomagnetic defect localization of buried energy pipelines using ICEEMDAN approach with MVF
Authors: Ullah Zia , Tee Kong Fah
Published: February 2024

Structural assessment of buried energy pipelines is often hindered by the abundance of external vibrations resulting in nebulous noises. Effective and secure nondestructive approaches need to be devised to efficiently reduce noise in multidimensional magnetic anomaly signals collected from a pipeline. This study focuses on the mechanism by which a measured source signal can be broken down into low- and high-frequency constituents known as intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). By doing so, a well-defined set of instantaneous frequencies is obtained utilizing improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition (ICEEMDAN) algorithms. These IMFs contain useful structural evidence across multiple scales that can be extracted for effective identification of the defect location. To accomplish this objective, first, the signal gradients are calculated using dual-density complex wavelet transform to diminish the influence of the geomagnetic field. The multiscale variance fusion (MVF) algorithm is then adopted to quantize the fluctuations occurring in each individual IMF. The output signals generated by computing the variances provide sufficient information about the location and severity of the pipeline defects. Numerical simulations for a buried pipeline model have been presented to validate the authenticity of the proposed technique. Indoor laboratory implantation on a pipeline test sample with prefabricated defects justifies the effectiveness of the ICEEMDAN-MVF model, to localize hidden structural flaws in energy pipelines without physical contact and even in more complex environments with multiple sources of magnetic interference.
Automation of circular design: A timber building case study
Authors: Haakonsen Sverre M , Tomczak Artur , Izumi Bunji , Luczkowski Marcin
Published: February 2024

As we strive to improve efficiency and minimise environmental impact in the construction industry, it is important to consider how these objectives impact the work and productivity of designers. This article presents a tool to assist designers in matching reclaimed building products with design intent. The demonstration is based on an actual design project of a two-storey public building made of reclaimed timber from disassembled barns. The algorithm’s objective is to propose optimal matching in terms of a structure’s environmental impact without overloading the user with additional work or excess information. The impact includes emissions embodied in material and related to the transportation from the donor site. The algorithm is integrated into the Grasshopper interface for easier use. All the inputs and objectives are quantitative and fully customisable. The user can still assess qualitative characteristics thanks to a graphical representation of the result. The demonstration shows how automation can simplify the design process with reclaimed elements, support traditional design workflows and enable improvements towards a more sustainable construction industry.
Enhancement of physical and mechanical properties of polymer-based repair mortars using SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) and glass fiber reinforcement: Experimental and numerical investigation
Authors: Dridi Meriem , Belkadi Ahmed Abderraouf , Hachemi Samya , Tayebi Tahar
Published: February 2024

This article investigates the mechanical properties of cementitious repair mortars modified with styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) at dosages of 5% and 10% by weight of cement. It includes an analysis of flexural strength (FS) and compressive strength (CS), as well as transport properties such as total shrinkage (SR) and water absorption (WA). Glass fibers (GF) were added to these mortars at rates of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% of the total volume to reinforce them. A factorial design was employed in numerical modeling to study the effects of different SBR and GF levels on the physical and mechanical properties of the repair mortars. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to determine the significance of the factors and their interactions on the selected responses. Digital Image Correlation (DIC), using GOM software, was used to measure and quantify deformations and movements. The findings reveal that polymer mortars reinforced with glass fibers exhibit greater resistance to bending and compression than polymer mortars without fibers. Furthermore, fiberglass-reinforced mortars demonstrate good dimensional stability over time with respect to total shrinkage. Moreover, the developed mathematical models yield efficient prediction equations for FS, CS, SR, and WA by considering SBR content and fiberglass levels. DIC provides a highly effective numerical representation of stressed areas, locations of crack initiation, fracture mechanisms, and crack propagation. The repair mortar exhibits strong adhesion to concrete exposed to high temperatures.
Predictors of True Scaphoid Fractures in Children
Authors: Milad Daniel , Karir Aneesh , Smit Kevin , Carsen Sasha , Cheung Kevin
Published: February 2024

Background:

The scaphoid is the most commonly fractured carpal bone in children. True scaphoid fractures have proven to be difficult to diagnose, as they may not be apparent on initial imaging. Children with clinical suspicion of a scaphoid fracture may be treated with continued immobilization, even in the absence of radiographic evidence of a fracture. The purpose of this study is to identify predictors of true scaphoid fractures in children to help guide management.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective cohort study of children presenting to a tertiary pediatric hospital with hand or wrist injuries. Patients were grouped based on the presence of a true scaphoid fractures (confirmed on imaging) or those with clinical suspicion of a scaphoid fracture alone (no radiographic evidence of fracture). Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared with univariate and multivariate statistics to identify fracture predictors.

Results:

One hundred and thirty patients were included in the study: 57 in the true scaphoid fracture group and 73 in the clinical scaphoid fracture group. Patients with a true scaphoid fracture were older than those with a clinical scaphoid fracture (median age [interquartile range], 14.2 [13.0-15.4] vs 12.9 [11.9-14.4], P = .01). Men were more likely to sustain a true scaphoid fracture (65.0% vs 35.0%, P = .01). Older age and male sex were shown to be independent predictors of true scaphoid fractures (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.25 [1.03-1.50] and 2.93 [1.39-6.17], respectively).

Conclusions:

In the pediatric population, older age and male children may be at increased risk of true scaphoid fractures. This may help guide decisions surrounding further imaging and treatment.
Lifestyle Medicine and Vasomotor Symptoms: An Analytic Review
Authors: Kennard Anne , Lindo Fiona M. , Ring Melinda , Alli Bisi , Khan Noor , Potter-McQuilkin Dineasha , Papia Ginamarie , Teng Rebecca , McKendree Reagan , Thompson-Olson Michelle , Tollefson Michelle
Published: February 2024

This paper is an literature evaluation of the treatments based on the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine (nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, positive social connection, and avoidance of risky substances) to improve vasomotor symptoms. Main findings were: (1) the Mediterranean diet and other plant-forward approaches may effectively reduce vasomotor symptoms; (2) stress can directly impact menopausal symptoms by increasing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and other symptoms; (3) the incidence of sleep disturbances are high during the menopause transition; (4) evidence on the impact of physical activity and exercise on vasomotor symptoms is mixed, although moderate activity and strength training may be better for vasomotor symptom optimization than vigorous exercise and part of a healthy aging process; (5) evidence on the impact of social support on VMS is mixed with some studies suggesting benefit; and (6) evidence on the impact of risky substances is mixed but appears stronger for the effects of tobacco cessation than for alcohol cessation. In summary, while there is a variety of quality of evidence depending on the pillar, lifestyle medicine may be generally considered to improve vasomotor symptoms for patients that cannot use or decline hormone therapy.
Poetic Reflexivity. Walking to Inform Poetry as a Response to Disembodied Research During a Pandemic
Authors: Beattie Lucy I. , Zihms Stephanie G.
Published: February 2024

Poetry can be used as an adjunct to interviews in social science to build relationships and share meaning to create an artefact that provokes dialogue between the researcher and research study participants. Describing the sensemaking of researcher identity as a narrative walk, Datawalking is extended as an embodied post-data qualitative research method to inform autoethnography and poetry. These methods articulate the ways to support researcher wellbeing to counter the loneliness of remote research which can be heightened by external factors such as the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic. We illustrate two poems used alongside phenomenological interviewing to inform reflexive knowledge in educational research. By exploring poetic techniques including meter, alliteration, and enjambment we seek to advance the understanding of evocative autoethnography as a polyphonic form of expressive scholarship to instantiate dialogue in social research. This approach, centred on identity and praxis, has uses for organisational studies in education.
Ability of the modified NUTRIC score to predict mortality in patients requiring short-term versus prolonged acute mechanical ventilation: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yoo Wanho , Jang Hyojin , Seong Hayoung , Kim Saerom , Kim Soo Han , Jo Eun-Jung , Eom Jung Seop , Lee Kwangha
Published: February 2024

Background:

The modified NUTRIC (nutritional risk in the critically ill) score has been reported to predict clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. However, the applicability of this score may differ between patients undergoing short-term mechanical ventilation (STMV, < 96 h) and those undergoing prolonged acute mechanical ventilation (PAMV, ⩾96 h), as PAMV patients typically experience significantly higher morbidity and mortality.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the predictive ability of modified NUTRIC score for predicting 28-day mortality in patients receiving STMV and PAMV.

Design:

Retrospective single-center cohort study.

Methods:

We enrolled patients who received mechanical ventilation (MV) on the day of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) from 1 December 2015 to 30 November 2020. Modified NUTRIC scores were calculated based on the clinical data of each patient at ICU admission.

Results:

The study population comprised 464 patients, including 319 (68.8%) men with a mean age of 69.7 years. Among these patients, 132 (28.4%) received STMV and 332 (71.6%) received PAMV. The overall 28-day mortality rate was 26.7%, which was significantly higher in STMV patients than in PAMV patients (37.9% versus 22.3%, p < 0.001). Evaluation of the predictive performance of the modified NUTRIC score for 28-day mortality revealed areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.672 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.627–0.714] for total patients, 0.819 (95% CI, 0.742–0.880) for STMV patients, and 0.595 (95% CI, 0.540–0.648) for PAMV patients. The best overall cutoff value was 5 in total, STMV, and PAMV patients. This cutoff value was a significant predictor of 28-day mortality based on the Cox proportional hazard model for total [hazards ratio (HR): 2.681; 95% CI: 1.683–4.269] and STMV (HR: 5.725; 95% CI: 2.057–15.931) patients, but not for PAMV patients.

Conclusion:

The modified NUTRIC score is more effective in predicting 28-day mortality in patients undergoing STMV than in those undergoing PAMV.
Optimal short-term outcomes in balloon pulmonary angioplasty: the minimum frequency of three sessions annually
Authors: Li Xin , Yang Tao , Zhang Yi , Zhao Qing , Zeng Qixian , Jin Qi , Duan Anqi , Huang Zhihua , Hu Meixi , Zhang Sicheng , Gao Luyang , Xiong Changming , Luo Qin , Zhao Zhihui , Liu Zhihong
Published: February 2024

Background:

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is typically performed in a sequential manner.

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine the lowest frequency of BPA for patients who could not reach treatment goals in a short period.

Design:

Retrospective cohort.

Methods:

We retrospectively enrolled 186 BPA-treated patients diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. According to the accumulative number of performed BPA sessions or treated pulmonary vessels or the ratio of the number of treated pulmonary vessels/the number of baseline lesions (T/P) prior to the initial occurrence of clinical outcome or censored date, we divided patients into different groups. The principal outcome was clinical worsening.

Results:

After stratifying patients by the number of performed BPA sessions, most baseline parameters were comparable among groups. During follow-up, 31 (16.7%) of 186 patients experienced clinical worsening. The 6-month cumulative clinical worsening-free survival rates of ⩾2 performed sessions group were significantly higher than that of 1 performed session group. The 12-month cumulative rates of clinical worsening-free survival exhibited a declining pattern in the subsequent sequence: ⩾3, 2, and 1 performed BPA sessions, and this trend persisted when follow-up time exceeded 12 months. The 6-, 12-, and 24-month cumulative clinical worsening-free survival rates were comparable between patients with 3 and ⩾4 performed BPA sessions. Similar results were also observed when stratifying patients by the accumulative number of treated pulmonary vessels (⩽8, 9–16, ⩾17) and T/P (⩽0.789, 0.790–1.263, ⩾1.264).

Conclusion:

To achieve optimal short-term outcomes, patients might need to undergo ⩾2 BPA sessions or have ⩾9 pulmonary vessels treated or have T/P ⩾0.790 within 6 months, and undergo ⩾3 BPA sessions or have ⩾17 pulmonary vessels treated or have T/P ⩾1.264 within 12 months.
Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on a neonatal intensive care unit: Lessons from a Qatari setting
Authors: Petkar Hawabibee Mahir , Caseres-Chiuco Imelda , Al-Shaddad Afaf , Mohamed Mahmoud , Ahmed Irshad , Rao Rosemary , Perdon Roderic , Elhaj Moneir , Latheef Lajish , George Bonnie , Mustafa Eman , Al-Ajmi Jameela , Saleh Huda
Published: February 2024

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Robust infection prevention and control is key to reducing risk.

Aims

We describe lessons learnt from an NICU outbreak of P.aeruginosa in the main maternity hospital in the country.

Methods

Cases were identified from clinical samples and active screening. Clinical information was collected from the electronic patient record. Infection prevention and control (IPC) practice observations were made using organisational checklists and unit observations. Microbiological testing was by conventional microbiological methods. Statistical analyses were performed using R program. Associations were assessed using the Mann–Whitney U or Fisher exact test. Isolates were typed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis; gel was analysed in Bionumerics software from Applied Maths, Belgium.

Results

Five cases were identified – one was excluded as maternal acquisition. Typing showed a polyclonal outbreak. Widespread contamination of tap outlets of handwashing sinks in clinical areas was found. Main contributing factors were extensive misuse of hand wash sinks for waste disposal, improper sink cleaning, poor hand hygiene compliance and inadequate environmental cleaning.

Discussion

Successful management required a multi-disciplinary approach. All potential water sources and moist environments within and outside the unit were investigated. Interventions successfully addressed the main contributing factors, supported by good communication and robust auditing. With a diverse workforce, the challenge was to ensure housekeeping staff understood handwash sink cleaning procedures; existing training programmes were delivered in multiple languages tailored to the workforce.
Coexistence of neurofibromatosis type I, multiple sclerosis, and ischemic stroke: A case report and literature review
Authors: Perucca Laura , Morello Francesca , Robecchi Majnardi Antonio
Published: February 2024

Neurofibromatosis type I and multiple sclerosis, when considered separately, are associated with a higher risk of cerebrovascular accident. The coexistence of neurofibromatosis type I and multiple sclerosis may lead to a further increase in cerebrovascular risk; however, this has not been reported in the literature. We report the case of a 37-year-old woman affected by both neurofibromatosis type I and multiple sclerosis: she was referred to our rehabilitation department because of a recent event of ischemic stroke. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive and updated review of all published cases reporting the coexistence of neurofibromatosis type I and multiple sclerosis to gather information regarding their association with cerebrovascular accidents.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma with synchronous follicular lymphoma: A rare case report
Authors: Binmadi Nada , Subahi Ghidaa , Alsharif Maha , Daous Yara , Jamal Basem , Alshinkity Hashim , Salleh Barefah Ahmed
Published: February 2024

The occurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma synchronously with lymphoma arising primarily in cervical lymph nodes is rare. Here, we report a case representing an infrequent finding. A 66-year-old male who was diagnosed with right mandibular squamous cell carcinoma and was subsequently found to have a nodal follicular lymphoma as a second malignancy. The patient underwent surgical resection for the oral squamous cell carcinoma with right selective neck dissection. The multidisciplinary team’s postoperative treatment strategy involved adjuvant radiotherapy for the oral squamous cell carcinoma, while adopting a close follow-up approach for the follicular lymphoma. After an 18-month follow-up, there were no evidence of disease progression. This case report highlights the diagnostic challenges of synchronous primary malignancies occurring in the head and neck region. It also underscores the importance to conduct a comprehensive clinical and histopathological examination to rule out the possibility of synchronous neoplasms.
Abnormal Lower Limb Biomechanics During a Bilateral Vertical Jump Despite the Symmetry in Single-Leg Vertical Hop Height in Athletes After ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Chen Peng , Wang Ling , Dong Shiyu , Ding Yue , Zuo Huiwu , Jia Shaohui , Wang Guanglan , Chen Can , Zheng Cheng
Published: February 2024

Background:

A limb symmetry index (LSI) of >90% for single-leg horizontal hop distance is recommended as a cutoff point for safe return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Despite achieving this threshold, abnormal lower limb biomechanics continue to persist in athletes after ACLR. Symmetry in single-leg vertical hop height appears to be more difficult to achieve and can be a better representation of knee function than single-leg horizontal hop distance.

Purpose:

To explore whether an LSI of >90% for single-leg vertical hop height can represent normal lower limb biomechanics in athletes during a bilateral vertical jump after ACLR.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

According to the LSI for single-leg vertical hop height, 46 athletes who had undergone ACLR with an autologous ipsilateral bone–patellar tendon–bone or hamstring tendon graft were divided into a low symmetry group (LSI <90%; n = 23) and a high symmetry group (LSI >90%; n = 23), and 24 noninjured athletes were selected as the control group. The kinematic and kinetic characteristics during a bilateral vertical jump were compared between the low symmetry, high symmetry, and control groups.

Results:

During the propulsion phase of the bilateral vertical jump, the operated side in the high symmetry group showed a lower knee extension moment than the nonoperated side ( P = .001). At peak vertical ground-reaction force, the operated side in the high symmetry group showed a lower knee internal rotation moment compared with the control group ( P = .016). Compared with the nonoperated side, the operated side in the high symmetry group showed a higher hip extension moment ( P = .002), lower knee extension moment ( P < .001), lower ankle plantarflexion moment ( P < .001), and lower vertical ground-reaction force ( P = .023).

Conclusion:

Despite achieving an LSI of >90% for single-leg vertical hop height, athletes after ACLR showed abnormal lower limb biomechanical characteristics during the bilateral vertical jump.

Clinical Relevance:

Symmetrical single-leg vertical hop height may not signify ideal biomechanical or return-to-sports readiness in this population.
User-Centered Development of HEARTPrep, a Digital Health Psychosocial Intervention for Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Sood Erica , Canter Kimberly S. , Battisti Steven , Nees Shannon N. , Srivastava Shubhika , Munoz Osorio Angel , Feinson Judith , Gallo Adrienne , Jung Sean , Riegel Erin , Ng Stephanie , Kazak Anne E.
Published: February 2024

User-centered models for the development of digital health interventions are not consistently applied in healthcare settings. This study used a five-phase, user-centered approach to develop HEARTPrep©, a psychosocial intervention delivered via mobile app and telehealth to mothers expecting a baby with congenital heart disease (CHD) to promote maternal, family, and child well-being. Phases of intervention development were: (I) establishing partnerships; (II) creating content; (III) developing prototype and testable intervention; (IV) conducting think-aloud testing; and (V) completing beta testing. Partnerships with parents, clinicians, and design/technology experts were integral throughout the development of HEARTPrep©. Parents of children with CHD also served as participants in Phases II-V, contributing to the creation of content and providing feedback to inform the iterative refinement of HEARTPrep©. These five phases produced a refined digital health intervention with promising feasibility, usability, and acceptability results. This user-centered approach can be used to develop digital health interventions targeting various health outcomes.
Unfolding dispositifs: Attempts at digital business education in North Korea
Authors: Wainwright Thomas , Kibler Ewald , Scott Will , Heikkilä Jukka-Pekka
Published: February 2024

Scholars have drawn attention to educational spaces as sites of contestation and struggle. Researchers have increasingly scrutinised the power structures and relations that shape educational spaces, particularly in the mobilisation of education to further the economic competitiveness of nation-states. Adopting a dispositif lens, our ethnographic study examines digital business education in a North Korean university. In doing so, we uncover the unstable interplay between a dispositif of paternalist care and a dispositif of discipline, which are both required by the regime to control the development of new digital capabilities, examining the techniques used to develop and restrict digital education. In conclusion, our paper develops new understanding of how digital capabilities, through education, are simultaneously enabled and constrained, and how dispositifs differentially unfold across space.
Non-fasting Glucose Level at Admission Associated with Outcomes in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Cheawprasit Passara , Mitarnun Witoon
Published: February 2024

Background and Purpose

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare form of stroke. The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors of CVT patients.

Methods

This is a five-year retrospective study of CVT patients admitted to our Hospital from April 2016 to April 2021. Medical records were accessed to confirm the diagnosis and obtain the clinical, imaging, laboratory, and treatment data. Further, outcomes of the patients at three months were collected. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse the prognostic factors.

Results

Seventy-three patients with CVT were analysed (35.6% male; mean age, 44.3 years). A poor outcome (modified Rankin scale score, 3–6) was 17.8% of patients, and mortality was 10.9%. Factors associated with poor outcomes in all patients with CVT included the duration of presenting symptoms <24 hours (OR: 3.95, 95% CI: 1.13–13.82), age ≥ 50 years (OR: 8.12, 95% CI: 2.16–30.71), a non-fasting glucose level of ≥ 200 mg/dL (OR: 9.58, 95% CI: 1.90–48.25), impaired consciousness (Glasgow coma scale score, 3–8) (OR: 5.63, 95% CI: 1.39–22.81), male sex (OR: 3.73, 95% CI: 1.07–12.98), and brain herniation (midline shift ≥ 5 mm) (OR: 8.75, 95% CI: 1.94–39.57). Headache and use of an oral contraceptive pill were associated with good outcomes in all of the patients.

Conclusion

The non-fasting glucose level, a modifiable prognostic factor, exhibited the highest correlation with poor outcomes in CVT patients.
Smart Gait: A Gait Optimization Framework for Hexapod Robots
Authors: Yin Yunpeng , Gao Feng , Sun Qiao , Zhao Yue , Xiao Yuguang
Published: February 2024

The current gait planning for legged robots is mostly based on human presets, which cannot match the flexible characteristics of natural mammals. This paper proposes a gait optimization framework for hexapod robots called Smart Gait. Smart Gait contains three modules: swing leg trajectory optimization, gait period & duty optimization, and gait sequence optimization. The full dynamics of a single leg, and the centroid dynamics of the overall robot are considered in the respective modules. The Smart Gait not only helps the robot to decrease the energy consumption when in locomotion, mostly, it enables the hexapod robot to determine its gait pattern transitions based on its current state, instead of repeating the formalistic clock-set step cycles. Our Smart Gait framework allows the hexapod robot to behave nimbly as a living animal when in 3D movements for the first time. The Smart Gait framework combines offline and online optimizations without any fussy data-driven training procedures, and it can run efficiently on board in real-time after deployment. Various experiments are carried out on the hexapod robot LittleStrong. The results show that the energy consumption is reduced by 15.9% when in locomotion. Adaptive gait patterns can be generated spontaneously both in regular and challenge environments, and when facing external interferences.
Mitochondrial genome structure and composition in 70 fishes: a key resource for fisheries management in the South Atlantic
Authors: Alvarenga Marcela , D’Elia Ananda Krishna Pereira , Rocha Graciane , Arantes Clara Alvarez , Henning Frederico , de Vasconcelos Ana Tereza Ribeiro , Solé-Cava Antonio Mateo
Published: February 2024

Background

Phylogenetic gaps of public databases of reference sequences are a major obstacle for comparative genomics and management of marine resources, particularly in the Global South, where economically important fisheries and conservation flagship species often lack closely-related references. We applied target-enrichment to obtain complete mitochondrial genomes of marine ichthyofauna from the Brazilian coast selected based on economic significance, conservation status and lack of phylogenetically-close references. These included sardines (Dorosomatidae, Alosidae), mackerels (Scombridae) croakers (Sciaenidae), groupers (Epinephelidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae).

Results

Custom baits were designed to enrich mitochondrial DNA across a broad phylogenetic range of fishes. Sequencing generated approximately 100k reads per sample, which were assembled in a total of 70 complete mitochondrial genomes and include fifty-two new additions to GenBank, including five species with no previous mitochondrial data. Departures from the typical gene content and order occurred in only three taxa and mostly involved tRNA gene duplications. Start-codons for all genes, except Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI), were consistently ATG, whilst a wide range of stop-codons deviated from the prevailing TAA. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed assembly accuracy and revealed signs of cryptic diversification within the Mullus genus. Lineage delimitation methods using Sardinella aurita and S. brasiliensis mitochondrial genomes support a single Operational Taxonomic Unit.

Conclusions

Target enrichment was highly efficient, providing complete novel mitochondrial genomes with little sequencing effort. These sequences are deposited in public databases to enable subsequent studies in population genetics and adaptation of Latin American fish species and serve as a vital resource for conservation and management programs that rely on molecular data for species and genus-level identification.
Transcriptomic meta-analysis to identify potential antifungal targets in Candida albicans
Authors: Hefny Zeinab Abdelmoghis , Ji Boyang , Elsemman Ibrahim E. , Nielsen Jens , Van Dijck Patrick
Published: February 2024

Background

Candida albicans is a fungal pathogen causing human infections. Here we investigated differential gene expression patterns and functional enrichment in C. albicans strains grown under different conditions.

Methods

A systematic GEO database search identified 239 “Candida albicans” datasets, of which 14 were selected after rigorous criteria application. Retrieval of raw sequencing data from the ENA database was accompanied by essential metadata extraction from dataset descriptions and original articles. Pre-processing via the tailored nf-core pipeline for C. albicans involved alignment, gene/transcript quantification, and diverse quality control measures. Quality assessment via PCA and DESeq2 identified significant genes (FDR < = 0.05, log2-fold change > = 1 or <= -1), while topGO conducted GO term enrichment analysis. Exclusions were made based on data quality and strain relevance, resulting in the selection of seven datasets from the SC5314 strain background for in-depth investigation.

Results

The meta-analysis of seven selected studies unveiled a substantial number of genes exhibiting significant up-regulation (24,689) and down-regulation (18,074). These differentially expressed genes were further categorized into 2,497 significantly up-regulated and 2,573 significantly down-regulated Gene Ontology (GO) IDs. GO term enrichment analysis clustered these terms into distinct groups, providing insights into the functional implications. Three target gene lists were compiled based on previous studies, focusing on central metabolism, ion homeostasis, and pathogenicity. Frequency analysis revealed genes with higher occurrence within the identified GO clusters, suggesting their potential as antifungal targets. Notably, the genes TPS2, TPS1, RIM21, PRA1, SAP4, and SAP6 exhibited higher frequencies within the clusters. Through frequency analysis within the GO clusters, several key genes emerged as potential targets for antifungal therapies. These include RSP5, GLC7, SOD2, SOD5, SOD1, SOD6, SOD4, SOD3, and RIM101 which exhibited higher occurrence within the identified clusters.

Conclusion

This comprehensive study significantly advances our understanding of the dynamic nature of gene expression in C. albicans. The identification of genes with enhanced potential as antifungal drug targets underpins their value for future interventions. The highlighted genes, including TPS2, TPS1, RIM21, PRA1, SAP4, SAP6, RSP5, GLC7, SOD2, SOD5, SOD1, SOD6, SOD4, SOD3, and RIM101, hold promise for the development of targeted antifungal therapies.
Predictors and influence of postoperative moderate-to-severe pain of PACU in the patients with malignancy
Authors: Zhang Yu , Dai Qinxue , Xu Kaiwei , Fu Haifeng , Zhang Anqi , Du Wenwen
Published: February 2024

Background

This study was identified the risk factors for and designed to investigate influence of postoperative moderate-to-severe pain of post anaesthesia care unit (PACU) in patients with malignancy.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 22,600 cancer patients with malignancy who underwent elective radical surgery in the new hospital of First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, between January 2016 and June 2021. All patients were transferred to the PACU after tracheal extubation. Patients were divided into two groups according to a visual analogue scale (VAS) score of > 3: the no-moderate-severe-pain group and moderate-to-severe-pain group. Data pertaining to demographic, surgical, anaesthetic, and other factors were recorded. Lasso and logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the risk factors, then a nomogram was constructed to predict the moderate-severe-pain in the PACU. Validation was performed by using another 662 cancer patients in old hospital. The ROC curves and calibration curve were used to evaluate the accuracy and predictive ability of the nomogram.

Results

The incidence of postoperative moderate-to-severe pain of PACU in patients with malignancy was 1.42%. Gender, type of surgery, postoperative use of PCA, intraoperative adjuvant opioid agonists, NSAIDS, epidural analgesia, duration of anaesthesia, intraoperative massive haemorrhage, PACU vomiting were independent predictors for postoperative moderate-to-severe pain of PACU in the patients with malignancy. The area under the ROC curve of the predictive models in the primary and validation groups were 0.817 and 0.786, respectively. Moderate-to-severe pain in the PACU correlated with hypertension, hyperglycaemia, agitation, and hypoxemia (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The prediction model for postoperative moderate-to-severe pain of PACU in patients with malignancy has good predictive ability and high accuracy, which is helpful for PACU medical staff to identify and prevent postoperative moderate-to-severe pain in advance.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (No.KY2021-097) and registered in the Chictr.org.cn registration system on 06/12/2021 (ChiCTR2100054013).
Socioeconomic variation in the prevalence of pain by anatomical sites among middle-aged and older adults in India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Goyal Amit Kumar , Mohanty Sanjay K.
Published: February 2024

Background

Pain is a significant global public health concern, particularly among individuals aged 45 and above. Its impact on the overall lifestyle of the individuals varies depending on the affected anatomical parts. Despite its widespread impact, there is limited awareness of the attributes of pain, making effective pain management challenging, particularly in India. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and variation in pain in different anatomical sites among middle-aged and older adults in India.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was employed, utilising data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), 2017–2018. The age-sex adjusted prevalence of pain by anatomical sites (the back, joints, and ankles) was estimated using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

47% of individuals aged 45 years and above reported joint pain, 31% reported back pain and 20% suffered from ankle or foot pain. The prevalence of pain at all the anatomical sites increased with age and was reported higher among females. Relative to respondents aged 45–59 years, those aged 75 years and older exhibited a 41% higher likelihood of experiencing back pain (AOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.19–1.67), a 67% higher likelihood of joint pain (AOR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.49–1.89), and a 32% higher likelihood of ankle/foot pain (AOR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.16–1.50). In comparison to males, females had a 56% higher likelihood of encountering back pain (AOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.40–1.74), a 38% higher likelihood of joint pain (AOR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.27–1.50), and a 35% higher likelihood of ankle/foot pain (AOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17–1.57). We also found significant regional variations in pain prevalence, with higher rates in the mountainous regions of India.

Conclusion

This research highlights the high burden of pain in major anatomical sites among middle-aged and older adults in India and emphasises the need for increased awareness and effective pain management strategies.
Adaptation of a psycho-educational group programme to improve coping in dementia caregiving: a feasibility study with mixed-methods
Authors: Pihet Sandrine , Clément M. , Terrapon E. , Kipfer S.
Published: February 2024

Background

As the number of people living with dementia rapidly increases worldwide, the support provided by their informal caregivers remains key to the sustainability of most healthcare systems, this voluntary contribution representing 40% of the costs of dementia worldwide. Informal caregiving in dementia, however, is linked to long periods of chronic stress with frequent and serious negative consequences on the health and quality of life of the caregiver. A psycho-educational group intervention focusing on coping with the daily stress of dementia caregiving (“Learning to feel better… to help better”), developed in French-speaking Canada and showing broad effects on quality of life, was selected with the aim of 1) adapting it to a new cultural context (French-speaking Switzerland) based on identified facilitators and barriers, using a participative approach; and 2) conducting a feasibility study to evaluate whether the adapted programme showed similar or improved feasibility and effects compared to the original Canadian programme.

Methods

A mixed-methods concurrent nested design was used to evaluate the feasibility and the effects on five quantitative core outcomes. Additional qualitative data helped document in depth the acceptability and impact of the intervention.

Results

We shortened the programme from 30 to 21 h in total, which resulted in increased accessibility, in terms of facilitated recruitment of participants and inclusion of a broader range of informal caregivers. There were significant reductions in subjective burden (effect size: d = -0.32) and psychological distress (d = -0.48), as well as decreases in the stress reactions of informal caregivers related to the behaviour problems of the persons with dementia (d = -0.57). The qualitative results emphasized the usefulness of providing informal caregivers with structured procedures for efficiently tackling everyday challenges, and of enabling learning through a variety of channels and activities.

Conclusions

Substantial improvements are associated with this 21-h group intervention, organised in 7 sessions of 3 h each, focused on learning more efficient strategies to cope with the daily stress of dementia caregiving. This intervention empowered informal caregivers to master their daily challenges with more confidence, satisfaction and calm.

Trial registration

ISRCTN13512408 (registration date 17.05.2021, retrospectively registered).
The SNP rs6859 in NECTIN2 gene is associated with underlying heterogeneous trajectories of cognitive changes in older adults
Authors: Rajendrakumar Aravind Lathika , Arbeev Konstantin G. , Bagley Olivia , Yashin Anatoliy I. , Ukraintseva Svetlana ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2024

Background

Functional decline associated with dementia, including in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is not uniform across individuals, and respective heterogeneity is not yet fully explained. Such heterogeneity may in part be related to genetic variability among individuals. In this study, we investigated whether the SNP rs6859 in nectin cell adhesion molecule 2 (NECTIN2) gene (a major risk factor for AD) influences trajectories of cognitive decline in older participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed records on 1310 participants from the ADNI database for the multivariate analysis. We used longitudinal measures of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores in participants, who were cognitively normal, or having AD, or other cognitive deficits to investigate the trajectories of cognitive changes. Multiple linear regression, linear mixed models and latent class analyses were conducted to investigate the association of the SNP rs6859 with MMSE.

Results

The regression coefficient per one allele dose of the SNP rs6859 was independently associated with MMSE in both cross-sectional (-2.23, p < 0.01) and linear mixed models (-2.26, p < 0.01) analyses. The latent class model with three distinct subgroups (class 1: stable and gradual decline, class 2: intermediate and late decline, and class 3: lowest and irregular) performed best in the posterior classification, 42.67% (n = 559), 21.45% (n = 281), 35.88% (n = 470) were classified as class 1, class 2, and class 3. In the heterogeneous linear mixed model, the regression coefficient per one allele dose of rs6859 – A risk allele was significantly associated with MMSE class 1 and class 2 memberships and related decline; Class 1 (-2.28, 95% CI: -4.05, -0.50, p < 0.05), Class 2 (-5.56, 95% CI: -9.61, -1.51, p < 0.01) and Class 3 (-0.37, 95% CI: -1.62, 0.87, p = 0.55).

Conclusions

This study found statistical evidence supporting the classification of three latent subclass groups representing complex MMSE trajectories in the ADNI cohort. The SNP rs6859 can be suggested as a candidate genetic predictor of variation in modeling MMSE trajectory, as well as for identifying latent classes with higher baseline MMSE. Functional studies may help further elucidate this relationship.