bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of deaths by suicide in postmortem studies in Brazil: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Roza Thiago Henrique , Marchionatti Lauro Estivalete , Gosmann Natan Pereira , do Canto Gustavo Cambraia , Machado Patrícia Vasconcelos , Massuda Raffael , Passos Ives Cavalcante , Kessler Felix Henrique Paim , Magalhães Pedro Vieira da Silva , Telles Lisieux Elaine de Borba
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death, with a trend for its increase in Brazil in past decades. This study aimed to review the characteristics of suicides in Brazilian postmortem studies.

Methods

Studies investigating suicide deaths in Brazil, and based on autopsy or psychological autopsy were included. Proportions were pooled across studies with the use of random and fixed effects models.

Results

6777 references were retrieved from six databases (searches up to January, 2023), and 45 studies included. In autopsy studies (k = 37, n = 16,231), substance use at toxicological analysis was found in 36.42% of cases (95% CI: 30.05–43.32), previous suicide attempts in 23.92% (95% CI: 6.73–57.78). In psychological autopsy studies (k = 8, n = 139), previous suicide attempts were reported in 28.09% (95% CI: 19.74–38.28), psychiatric conditions/symptoms in 90.67% (95% CI: 67.79–97.82), family history of suicidality in 21.33% (95% CI: 13.5–32.03). Most suicide deaths were reported in males and took place at the victim's home, hanging was the most frequent suicide method. Included studies presented significant limitations in quality assessment.

Conclusion

Future studies should present more robust methodology, including bigger samples, the use of controls, and validated methodology.
Trusting others who vary in consistency between their personal standards and behavior: Differences by age, gender, and honesty trust beliefs
Authors: Rotenberg Ken J. , MacDonald‐Taylor Becky , Holland Rebecca
Published: October 2023

Three studies examined age, gender, and trust belief differences in using the consistency principle to judge the trustworthiness of persons who varied in the consistency between their personal standards and behavior. The participants were 78 adults (Mage = 22 years) in Study 1, 160 children from four age groups (6‐7, 8–9, 10–11, and 12–13, year‐olds) in Study 2, and 46 10–11‐year‐olds in Study 3 (N = 284). Approximately equal numbers of predominately White males and females participated. They judged the trustworthiness of persons who demonstrated consistency or inconsistency between their personal standards and behavior. It was found that adults, 12–13‐year‐olds, 10–11‐year‐olds, and 10–11‐year‐olds with high honesty trust beliefs in others judged the inconsistent persons as less trustworthy than consistent persons. Those participant samples judged inconsistent persons as untrustworthy and consistent persons as trustworthy. Male adults and 12–13‐year‐olds judged consistent persons as more trustworthy than their female counterparts. There are age trends, gender differences, and differences in honesty trust beliefs in the use of consistency principle to judge the trustworthiness of persons varying in the consistency between their personal standards and behavior.
Students' Academic Habitus and Its Relation to Family Capital: A Latent Class Approach to Inequalities among Secondary School Students1
Authors: de Moll Frederick , Grecu Alyssa Laureen , Hadjar Andreas
Published: October 2023

Habitus plays a crucial part in Bourdieu's theory of sociocultural reproduction for understanding the persistence of inequalities in the education system. According to Bourdieu, students from homes that are heavily equipped with cultural capital develop a specific kind of habitus, that is, modes of perceiving, thinking, and acting, remarkably well‐adjusted to the expectations of teachers and educational institutions. However, research has rarely tried to measure what we refer to as students' academic habitus to highlight the different types of habitus that students might express toward school. Drawing on data from secondary students in Luxembourg, we employ a latent class approach to operationalize, measure, and explore students' academic habitus. Our investigation comprises three main steps: First, we develop a multifaceted understanding of students' habitus integrating diverse dispositions toward school and learning; second, we identify different academic habitus types: the habitus of excellence, the habitus of goodwill and loyalty, and the habitus of disengagement. Third, we examine how the three habitus types relate to different axes of inequality: socioeconomic status, cultural capital, family employment, gender, and immigrant background. Our typology of habitus bridges the qualitative literature on habitus with existing quantitative operationalizations. The findings show that students with a habitus of excellence are likely to hail from families with favorable parental employment and high cultural involvement.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQA1*01:133Q allele with one amino acid deletion in the alpha‐3 domain
Authors: Bandres Eva , Gil Maria Jesus , Olleta Judith , Balas Antonio , Vicario Jose L.
Published: October 2023

Characterization of the novel DQA1*01:133Q allele.
Global impact of antibacterial resistance in patients with hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Gottesdiener Lee S. , Satlin Michael J.
Published: October 2023

Patients with hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients are at high risk of developing bacterial infections. These patients may suffer severe consequences from these infections if they do not receive immediate effective therapies, and thus are uniquely threatened by antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria. Here, we outline how the emergence of specific resistant bacteria threatens the effectiveness of established approaches to prevent and treat infections in this population. The emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance among Enterobacterales and viridans group streptococci may decrease the effectiveness of fluoroquinolone prophylaxis during neutropenia. The emergence of Enterobacterales that produce extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases or carbapenemases and of increasingly resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa may result in neutropenic patients experiencing delayed time to active antibacterial therapy, and consequently worse clinical outcomes. The ability to select targeted antibacterial therapies after the availability of susceptibility data may be limited in patients infected with metallo‐β‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacterales and difficult‐to‐treat P. aeruginosa. Vancomycin‐resistant enterococci and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia can cause breakthrough infections in patients already being treated with broad‐spectrum β‐lactam antibiotics. Resistance can also limit the ability to provide oral stepdown antibacterial therapy for patients who could otherwise be discharged from hospitalization. We also outline strategies that have the potential to mitigate the negative impact of antimicrobial resistance, including interventions based on active screening for colonization with resistant bacteria and the use of novel rapid diagnostic assays. Additional research is needed to better understand how these strategies can be leveraged to combat the emerging crisis of antimicrobial resistance in patients with hematologic malignancies and HCT recipients.
Challenges in management of invasive fungal infections in stem cell transplant
Authors: Walker Jeremey , Edwards W. Seth , Hall Nicole M. , Pappas Peter G.
Published: October 2023

Invasive fungal infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. In order to minimize these infections, prophylaxis has become routine, although the agents used have changed over time. This presents new challenges as we consider an approach to breakthrough infections and recognize the epidemiologic shift toward isolates with higher rates of drug resistance. This review outlines the management of the most common pathogens (Candida, Aspergillus, Mucorales) as well as rarer pathogens that have higher rates of resistance (Trichosporon, Fusarium, Scedosporium, and Lomentospora). We discuss potential approaches to proven or possible breakthrough infections with yeast and pulmonary mold disease. Finally, we outline the role for combination therapy and newer antifungals, acknowledging current knowledge gaps and areas for future exploration.
Implementation of tuberculosis preventive therapy with INH‐Rifapentine (3HP) for latent tuberculosis infection management in household tuberculosis contacts in India: A prospective study
Authors: Sharma Nandini , Bakshi Ritika , Basu Saurav , Zode Mrunali , Arora Reema , Khanna Ashwani
Published: October 2023

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the acceptance, initiation, implementation and treatment completion rates of tuberculosis (TB) preventive therapy (TPT) using 3HP (INH‐Rifapentine) among household contacts of microbiologically confirmed drug sensitive TB cases on anti‐tubercular treatment under programmatic real‐world settings. The secondary objectives were to estimate the prevalence and predictors of latent TB infection (LTBI) in household contacts of the index TB cases. We also ascertained the safety profile of the 3HP TPT regimen in the household contacts.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted at 10 TB chest clinics in Delhi, India during 2022–2023. Household contacts aged 14 and older who tested positive for TB infection on a Tuberculin Skin test were initiated on the 3HP regimen. Logistic regression was performed by including statistically significant independent variables in multiple prediction models. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. STATA, version 15.1, was used to compute all analyses.

Results

A total of 1067 (84.68%) eligible contacts of microbiologically confirmed, drug sensitive TB cases underwent screening with tuberculin skin test (TST), 614 (95.6%) LTBI positive contacts accepted the initiation of TPT, and 564 (91.8%) of those initiated on TPT completed the treatment. The major reason for refusal of screening was the lack of perception of risk of TB disease due to asymptomatic status. The prevalence of LTBI positivity through TST was 61.5% (95% CI, 58.5%, 64.4%). Adverse events were reported by 195 (31.8%) contacts initiated on 3HP of which 20 participants discontinued TPT. None of the sociodemographic factors showed a significant association with LTBI positivity (except age) or TPT completion rates.

Conclusion

LTBI management with 3HP is feasible among adolescent and adult household contacts in India with high rates of adherence from initiation until treatment completion. The maximum attrition of participants occurred at the time of screening for LTBI using TST.
Transfusion Camp Rwanda: A prospective feasibility study evaluating the delivery of Transfusion Camp to a multidisciplinary group of postgraduate medical trainees in Rwanda
Authors: Hagumimana Justin , Skelton Teresa , Pendergrast Jacob , Nizeyimana Francoise , Masaisa Florence , Kanyamuhunga Aimable , Gashaija Christopher , Chargé Sophie , Kapitany Casey , Morgan Mary , Meirovich Harley , Lin Yulia
Published: October 2023

Background

Safe blood transfusion is an increasing priority in global health equity. The Global Health 2030 commission lists access to a safe blood supply as essential for all surgical and nonoperative patients. The objective of this study was to determine if Transfusion Camp, when modified through a collaborative partnership between experts in Canada and Rwanda, results in improved knowledge and confidence among trainees in a resource‐limited setting in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Methods

This prospective study took place at The University Teaching Hospital of Kigali in Rwanda. Participants were postgraduate medical trainees from departments where blood transfusion is frequent. Participants watched five prerecorded lectures and then attended a 5‐hour team‐based learning seminar to consolidate learning. Pre‐ and post‐data were analyzed on transfusion knowledge and trainee confidence. A Rasch analysis investigated the performance of individual questions in assessing respondent knowledge.

Results

Of 31 trainees from surgery, anesthesia, internal medicine, and pediatrics invited to the course, 27 trainees attended the in‐person team‐based learning and 24 trainees completed the pre‐ and post‐course analysis. Trainee knowledge assessment improved from (mean ± SD) 7.7/20 ± 1.95 to 10.4/20 ± 2.4 (p < .0001) and this knowledge was maintained by 12 trainees on a 3‐month follow‐up with a mean score of 9.3/20 ± 2.3. Trainees reported increased confidence in managing transfusion medicine‐related patient issues.

Conclusion

This pilot study demonstrated that Transfusion Camp education content modified to the local context can result in increased knowledge and confidence in managing transfusion‐related issues. These results will inform future planning of Transfusion Camp in resource‐limited settings.
On real analogues of the Poincaré series
Authors: Campillo Antonio , Delgado Félix , Gusein‐Zade Sabir M.
Published: October 2023

There exist several equivalent equations for the Poincaré series of a collection of valuations on the ring of germs of functions on a complex analytic variety. We give definitions of the Poincaré series of a collection of valuations in the real setting (i.e., on the ring of germs of functions on a real analytic variety), compute them for the case of one curve valuation on the plane and discuss some of their properties.
Graph bundles and Ricci‐flatness
Authors: Li Wenbo , Liu Shiping
Published: October 2023

We develop a systematic way of constructing S‐Ricci flat graphs that are not Abelian Cayley via graph bundle with explicit examples. For this purpose, we prove that, with some natural constrains, a nontrivial graph bundle cannot be isomorphic (as graphs) to the product of the base graph and fiber graph. It stands in clear contrast to the continuous case.
A common cause for nystagmus in different congenital stationary night blindness mouse models
Authors: Hölzel Maj‐Britt , Kamermans Wouter , Winkelman Beerend H. J. , Howlett Marcus H. C. , De Zeeuw Chris I. , Kamermans Maarten
Published: October 2023

In Nyxnob mice, a model for congenital nystagmus associated with congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), synchronous oscillating retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) lead to oscillatory eye movements, i.e. nystagmus. Given the specific expression of mGluR6 and Cav1.4 in the photoreceptor to bipolar cell synapses, as well as their clinical association with CSNB, we hypothesize that Grm6nob3 and Cav1.4‐KO mutants show, like the Nyxnob mouse, oscillations in both their RGC activity and eye movements. Using multi‐electrode array recordings of RGCs and measurements of the eye movements, we demonstrate that Grm6nob3 and Cav1.4‐KO mice also show oscillations of their RGCs as well as a nystagmus. Interestingly, the preferred frequencies of RGC activity as well as the eye movement oscillations of the Grm6nob3, Cav1.4‐KO and Nyxnob mice differ among mutants, but the neuronal activity and eye movement behaviour within a strain remain aligned in the same frequency domain. Model simulations indicate that mutations affecting the photoreceptor–bipolar cell synapse can form a common cause of the nystagmus of CSNB by driving oscillations in RGCs via AII amacrine cells.

image

Key points

In Nyxnob mice, a model for congenital nystagmus associated with congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), their oscillatory eye movements (i.e. nystagmus) are caused by synchronous oscillating retinal ganglion cells.

Here we show that the same mechanism applies for two other CSNB mouse models – Grm6nob3 and Cav1.4‐KO mice.

We propose that the retinal ganglion cell oscillations originate in the AII amacrine cells.

Model simulations show that by only changing the input to ON‐bipolar cells, all phenotypical differences between the various genetic mouse models can be reproduced.
En memoria de José del Val, etnólogo mexicano
Authors:   UNAM, Sánchez García Carolina
Published: October 2023

José Del Val, etnólogo por la Escuela Nacional de Antropología e Historia (ENAH) e investigador adscrito al Centro de Investigaciones Interdisciplinarias en Ciencias y Humanidades (CEIICH) de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), fue un incansable promotor para el reconocimiento de la diversidad cultural y lingüística de México y Latinoamérica, y en todos los espacios desarrolló sus actividades con el firme propósito de contribuir a alcanzar un trato igualitario y equitativo para los pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes. Bajo estas premisas se desempeñó en la dirección de diversos organismos nacionales e internacionales, vinculados con las culturas, la atención y los derechos de estos pueblos, entre ellos el Museo Nacional de las Culturas del Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH, 1984-1989); el Instituto Indigenista Interamericano (1995-2001), el Museo de Culturas Populares (1993-1995).
Beyond Reconciliation: Calling for Land-Based Analyses in the Sociology of Sport
Authors: Greey Ali Durham , Arellano Alexandra
Published: October 2023

This article examines the possibilities engendered by land-based analyses within the sociology of sport. We examine how “Canada’s” Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action on sport reproduce a logic of social inclusion, one which assimilates Indigenous athletes and Peoples into settler models of sport. To consider epistemological tools for unsettling settler sport systems, we turn to critical Indigenous scholarship on land-based analyses and pedagogies. To illustrate the possibilities of land-based analyses, we examine lacrosse, an Indigenous sporting practice with roots embedded in relational interconnectedness with the land. A land-based approach to sport offers opportunities for revising the assumptions, values, and ethics underpinning settler models of sport through, for example, emphasizing the importance of community, healing, and land stewardship.
Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis in a patient with COVID
Authors: Ahmad Ali , Golemi Lolita , Bedi Rohil , Sanfilippo Kristen M , Poowanawittayakom Nongnooch , Ou Jiafu
Published: October 2023

Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis is mainly associated with malignancies and rheumatological diseases. We report the case of mildly symptomatic COVID-19 infection with non-bacterial aortic valve vegetation complicated by transient ischemic attack (TIA) and pulmonary embolism during his hospitalisation. This case emphasised rare life-threatening complications from a hypercoagulable state related to COVID-19 infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third case report of non-bacterial endocarditis in a patient with COVID-19 patients as a potential rare complication of COVID-19.
Association of prognostic nutritional index with the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes: NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Ning Yachan , Pan Dikang , Guo Julong , Su Zhixiang , Wang Jingyu , Wu Sensen , Gu Yongquan
Published: October 2023

Introduction

There is little bulk clinical evidence on nutritional status and mortality in patients with diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in adults with diabetes.

Research design and methods

This study included 5916 adult patients with diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2018. Cox proportional risk models were used to estimate risk ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 8.17 years, there were 1248 deaths from all causes and 370 deaths from CVD. After multivariate adjustment, the risk of all-cause mortality was reduced by 24%, 38%, and 28% in Q2 (49.0–52.99), Q3 (53.0–57.99), and Q4 (≥58.0), respectively, compared with Q1 (PNI<49.0). The risk of cardiovascular mortality was reduced by 30%, 27%, and 26%, respectively. Consistent results were observed in the subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

Lower serum PNI levels were significantly associated with higher all-cause and CVD mortality. These findings suggest that maintaining an appropriate range of serum PNI status may reduce the risk of death in patients with diabetes.
Exploring the urban gradient in population health: insights from satellite-derived urbanicity classes across multiple countries and years in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Macharia Peter M , Pinchoff Jessie , Taylor Cameron , Beňová Lenka
Published: October 2023

The demographic, ecological and socioeconomic changes associated with urbanisation are linked to changes in disease incidence, health service provision and mortality. These effects are heterogeneous between and within urban areas, yet without a clear definition of what constitutes an ‘urban’ area, their measurement and comparison are constrained. The definitions used vary between countries and over time hindering analyses of the relationship between urbanisation and health outcomes, evaluation of policy actions and results in uncertainties in estimated differences. While a binary urban-rural designation fails to capture the complexities of the urban-rural continuum, satellite data augmented with models of population density and built-up areas offer an opportunity to develop an objective, comparable and continuous measure which captures urbanisation gradient at high spatial resolution. We examine the urban gradient within the context of population health. We compare the categorisation of urban and rural areas (defined by national statistical offices) used in household surveys in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to an urban-rural gradient derived from augmented satellite data within a geospatial framework. Using nine Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 2005 and 2019 in six SSA countries, we then assess the extent of misalignment between urbanicity based on DHS categorisation compared with a satellite-derived measure, while discussing the implications on the coverage of key maternal health indicators. The proposed indicator provides a useful supplement to country-specific urbanicity definitions and reveals new health dynamics along the rural-urban gradient. Satellite-derived urbanicity measures will need frequent updates to align with years when household surveys are conducted.
“For us, whatever we do is wrong, until we do something really good”: a qualitative study of the lived experiences of doctors from minority ethnic backgrounds in Scotland
Authors: Chopra Charu , Poobalan Amudha , Gibson Smith Kathrine , Youd Esther , Johnston Peter
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the lived experiences of doctors from minority ethnic (ME) backgrounds during postgraduate medical training, in particular their experiences of discrimination (if any); any impact of intersectionality and perceptions on how ME doctors may be better supported in their learning and working environments.

Design

This was a qualitative study grounded in social constructivism, using semi-structured online individual interviews as the data collection method and an exploratory thematic analysis process.

Setting

Participants were recruited from postgraduate specialist medical training programmes within one Deanery (Scotland Deanery) in the UK.

Participants

Fourteen doctors in postgraduate medical specialist training, who self-identified as being from a ME background, were recruited into the study.

Results

Doctors from ME backgrounds faced:Barriers to authentic interpersonal connections,with a perceived lack of social inclusion in the workplace community. ME doctors faced challenges in earning others’ trust and experienced microaggressions and exclusion behaviours that affected their self-confidence.Impacts on identity and sense of belonging, with perceived challenges in being understood across diverse cultures. Doctors felt negatively pre-judged (by patients and colleagues), with additional challenges of being pre-judged in contexts of intersectionality; and ME doctors felt they needed to conceal parts of their identity in order to assimilate.Unjust systems—a playing field that is not level,where doctors felt unsupported and unable to effectively report/challenge discrimination. ME doctors perceived a lack of appropriate adjustments to the learning environment (e.g., fuller orientation) as well as inequitable processes (e.g., job and academic opportunities for those requiring visas).

Conclusions

Focused interventions to address unjust systems as well as improve intercultural awareness and understanding between all doctors may help to address some of the current inequities in medical education. Any such interventions require appropriate evaluation to determine their efficacy.
Postpartum stress in the first 6 months after delivery: a longitudinal study in Nantong, China
Authors: Wang Yanchi , Gu Jian , Gao Yuehong , Lu Yi , Zhang Feng , Xu Xujuan
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The objective is to to explore the longitudinal change trajectories of postpartum stress and its related factors.

Design

A longitudinal study with follow-ups from 42 days to 6 months after delivery.

Settings and participants

A total of 406 postpartum women were recruited at baseline (42 days after delivery) from 6 hospitals in Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China, and followed up at 3 and 6 months. After the follow-ups, 358 postpartum women were retained for further analysis.

Methods

Postpartum stress was evaluated using the Maternal Postpartum Stress Scale (MPSS) at baseline (42 days) and 3 and 6 months after delivery. MPSS has three dimensions, such as: personal needs and fatigue, infant nurturing and body changes and sexuality. Postpartum depression and anxiety were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the short-form Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, respectively. The MPSS scores were normalised using a rank-based inverse normal transformation.

Results

Postpartum stress decreased significantly after 3 months, and postpartum stress reduced further after 6 months. Additionally, the scores for all three dimensions reduced after 6 months, while infant nurturing reduced after both 3 and 6 months. Older age (β=0.028, p=0.049), higher education level (β=0.153, p=0.005) and higher body mass index (BMI) (β=0.027, p=0.008) of the postpartum women were significantly associated with higher postpartum stress levels in corresponding dimensions at 42 days. Older age was also associated with higher postpartum stress at 3 (β=0.030, p=0.033) and 6 months (β=0.050, p<0.001) in the dimension of personal needs and fatigue. Postpartum stress levels were significantly higher in women with depression or anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

Postpartum stress continuously declined from 42 days to 6 months after delivery. Postpartum women with older age, higher education levels, higher BMI and anxiety or depression symptoms should be the target population for early intervention.
Effect of exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in people with overweight and obesity: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Leung Wilson Kin Chung , Yau Suk Yu , Suen Lorna Kwai Ping , Lam Simon Ching
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Epidemic obesity (‘globobesity’) has led to a considerable rise in the prevalence and incidence of many disabling conditions, including cognitive dysfunction. Recent evidence has suggested that habitual exercise can alleviate the deleterious effects of obesity on cognitive functioning across the lifespan. Given that there is a potential link among obesity, exercise, cognitive health and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), this systematic review aims to critically appraise interventional trials on exercise and BDNF and to estimate the pooled effect of exercise training on BDNF levels among healthy individuals with overweight and obesity.

Methods and analysis

Six electronic databases—PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid Nursing Database and SPORTDiscus—will be searched from their inception through December 2022. Only interventional studies, including randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, with full text available and reported in English will be included. The primary outcomes will be changes in BDNF levels among healthy subjects with overweight and obesity following either acute or chronic bouts of exercise interventions. Two reviewers will independently conduct data extraction and risk of bias assessment for included trials using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. We will produce a narrative synthesis, with findings categorised by sex, age groups and types of exercise training. Data will be extracted and pooled for meta-analyses using random-effects models.

Ethics and dissemination

No formal ethical approval is required for this systematic review. The findings of this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023414868.
Caring for children with new medical technology at home: parental perspectives
Authors: Pitch Natalie , Shahil Anam , Mekhuri Samantha , Ambreen Munazzah , Chu Stephanie , Keilty Krista , Cohen Eyal , Orkin Julia , Amin Reshma
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This qualitative descriptive study explores the experiences of family caregivers (FCs) of children with medical complexity who are initiated on new medical technology in the hospital and transition to new daily life at home. The study aims to investigate FCs’ response and readiness for medical technology use, the value of education and transition support and the challenges associated with managing new medical technology in the home.

Study design

A qualitative descriptive approach was used to conduct and analyse 14 semistructured interviews with a group of FCs composed of 11 mothers and 3 fathers. Content analysis was used to analyse transcripts of the caregiver interviews. The study was conducted at a tertiary paediatric hospital in Toronto, Canada.

Results

Our study revealed three main themes: FC’s response and readiness for medical technology use, the value of education and transition support for initiation of new medical technology and the challenges associated with managing new medical technology in the home. FCs expressed emotional distress related to coping with the realisation that their child required medical technology. Although the theoretical and hands-on practice training instilled confidence in families, FCs reported feeling overwhelmed when they transitioned home with new medical technology. Finally, FCs reported significant psychological, emotional and financial challenges while caring for their technology-dependent child.

Conclusions

Our study reveals the unique challenges faced by FCs who care for technology-dependent children. These findings highlight the need to implement a comprehensive education and transition programme that provides longitudinal support for all aspects of care.
Classification of the tumor immune microenvironment and associations with outcomes in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with immunotherapies
Authors: Adegoke Nurudeen A , Gide Tuba N , Mao Yizhe , Quek Camelia , Patrick Ellis , Carlino Matteo S , Lo Serigne N , Menzies Alexander Maxwell , Pires da Silva Ines , Vergara Ismael A , Long Georgina , Scolyer Richard A , Wilmott James S
Published: October 2023

Background

Tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics are potential biomarkers of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic melanoma. This study developed a method to perform unsupervised classification of TME of metastatic melanoma.

Methods

We used multiplex immunohistochemical and quantitative pathology-derived assessment of immune cell compositions of intratumoral and peritumoral regions of metastatic melanoma baseline biopsies to classify TME in relation to response to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monotherapy or in combination with anti-cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte-4 (ipilimumab (IPI)+PD-1).

Results

Spatial profiling of CD8+T cells, macrophages, and melanoma cells, as well as phenotypic PD-1 receptor ligand (PD-L1) and CD16 proportions, were used to identify and classify patients into one of three mutually exclusive TME classes: immune-scarce, immune-intermediate, and immune-rich tumors. Patients with immune-rich tumors were characterized by a lower proportion of melanoma cells and higher proportions of immune cells, including higher PD-L1 expression. These patients had higher response rates and longer progression-free survival (PFS) than those with immune-intermediate and immune-scarce tumors. At a median follow-up of 18 months (95% CI: 6.7 to 49 months), the 1-year PFS was 76% (95% CI: 64% to 90%) for patients with an immune-rich tumor, 56% (95% CI: 44% to 72%) for those with an immune-intermediate tumor, and 33% (95% CI: 23% to 47%) for patients with an immune-scarce tumor. A higher response rate was observed in patients with an immune-scarce or immune-intermediate tumor when treated with IPI+PD-1 compared with those treated with PD-1 alone.

Conclusions

Our study provides an automatic TME classification method that may predict the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy for patients with metastatic melanoma.
Opioid tapering after surgery and its association with patient-reported outcomes and behavioral changes: a mixed-methods analysis
Authors: Brooke Benjamin Sands , Bayless Kimberlee , Anderson Zachary , Holeman Teryn A , Zhang Chong , Hales Julie , Buys Michael J
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Opioid tapering after surgery is recommended among patients with chronic opioid use, but it is unclear how this process affects their quality of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate how opioid tapering following surgery was associated with patient-reported outcome measures related to pain control and behavioral changes that affect quality of life.

Methods

We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study at a VA Medical Center among patients with chronic opioid use who underwent a spectrum of orthopedic, vascular, thoracic, urology, otolaryngology, and general surgery procedures between 2018 and 2020. Patients were stratified based on the extent that opioid tapering was successful (complete, partial, and no-taper) by 90 days after surgery, followed by qualitative interviews of 10 patients in each taper group. Longitudinal patient-reported outcome measures related to pain intensity, interference, and catastrophizing were compared using Kruskal Wallis tests over the 90-day period after surgery. Qualitative interviews were conducted among patients in each taper group to identify themes associated with the impact of opioid tapering after surgery on quality of life.

Results

We identified 211 patients with chronic opioid use (92% male, median age 66 years) who underwent surgery during the time period, including 42 (20%) individuals with complete tapering, 48 (23%) patients with partial tapering, and 121 (57%) patients with no taper of opioids following surgery. Patients who did not taper were more likely to have a history of opioid use disorder (10%—partial, 2%—complete vs 17%—no taper, p<0.05) and be discharged on a higher median morphine equivalent daily dose (52—partial, 30—complete vs 60—no taper; p<0.05) than patients in the partial and complete taper groups. Pain interference (−7.2—partial taper and −9.8—complete taper vs −3.5—no taper) and pain catastrophizing (−21.4—partial taper and −16.5—complete taper vs −1.7—no taper) scores for partial and complete taper groups were significantly improved at 90 days relative to baseline when compared with patients in the no-taper group (p<0.05 for both comparisons), while pain intensity was similar between groups. Finally, patients achieving complete and partial opioid tapering were more likely to report improvements in activity, mood, thinking, and sleep following surgery as compared with patients who failed to taper.

Conclusions

Partial and complete opioid tapering within 90 days after surgery among patients with chronic opioid use was associated with improved patient-reported measures of pain control as well as behaviors that impact a patient’s quality of life.
Searching for saturation in forward dijet production at the LHC
Authors: van Hameren A. , Kakkad H. , Kotko P. , Kutak K. , Sapeta S.
Published: October 2023

We review recent results for forward jests at the LHC and EIC as obtained within small-x Improved Transverse Momentum Dependent factorization (ITMD). In addition to elementary overview of various approaches to perturbative QCD at high energy, including High Energy Factorization, Color Glass Condensate and ITMD, we describe the Monte Carlo implementation and discuss the existing and unpublished phenomenological results for forward dijets.
Supernova calibration by gravitational waves
Authors: Lu Xuchen , Gong Yungui
Published: October 2023

Hubble tension is one of the most important problems in cosmology. Although the local measurements on the Hubble constant with Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are independent of cosmological models, they suffer the problem of zero-point calibration of the luminosity distance. The observations of gravitational waves (GWs) with space-based GW detectors can measure the luminosity distance of the GW source with high precision. By assuming that massive binary black hole mergers and SNe Ia occur in the same host galaxy, we study the possibility of re-calibrating the luminosity distances of SNe Ia by GWs. Then we use low-redshift re-calibrated SNe Ia to determine the local Hubble constant. We find that we need at least 7 SNe Ia with their luminosity distances re-calibrated by GWs to reach a 2% precision of the local Hubble constant. The value of the local Hubble constant is free from the problems of zero-point calibration and model dependence, so the result can shed light on the Hubble tension.
Cosmological constraints in covariant f(Q) gravity with different connections
Authors: Shi Jiaming
Published: October 2023

Recently it has been shown that the cosmological dynamics of covariant f(Q) gravity depend on different affine connections. In this paper, two specific f(Q) models are investigated with SNe+CC+BAO+QSO observational data, and the spatial curvature of the universe is studied in covariant f(Q) gravity. It is found that the parameters $${\mathcal {X}}_0$$

X
0

and $${\mathcal {X}}'_0$$

X

0
′

characterizing affine connections significantly affect the behavior of the effective equation of state $$w_Q$$

w
Q

and may drive it across the phantom divide line. These results imply some inertial effects of the universe change the cosmic dynamics. However based on the Bayesian evidence, the zero inertial effect is more favored in the flat universe. Moreover, a closed universe is favored not only in the $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model but also in covariant f(Q) gravity. The f(Q) models have less support evidence than the $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model in the non-flat universe.
Social Robots That Promote Soft Skills in Students
Authors: Gordon Goren
Published: October 2023

Social robots are coming to classrooms, but they can do more than teach new content. They can implement validated pedagogy to promote soft skills such as curiosity, growth mindset, and collaboration.
Understanding Our Robots With the Help of Human-Centered Explainable AI
Authors: Sanneman Lindsay
Published: October 2023

Insights from the field of human factors can help us design human-centered explanations that enable effective human-robot interaction. Studying explanation techniques according to these human factors will be critical in understanding their efficacy across diverse contexts.
The Importance of Memory for Language-Capable Robots
Authors: Silva Rafael Sousa , Han Zhao , Williams Tom
Published: October 2023

Robots need to be able to communicate with people through natural language. But how should their memory systems be designed to facilitate this communication?
Power, Equity, and Building Better Robots
Authors: Winkle Katie
Published: October 2023

As HRI researchers, designers, and developers we need to reflect on the ways that power pervades the social contexts we're designing for and in. What can we do, with the power we have as designers, to produce more equitable HRI?
Cloud-based Collaborative Agricultural Learning with Flexible Model Size and Adaptive Batch Number
Authors: Shi Hongjian , Bayanbayev Ilyas , Zheng Wenkai , Ma Ruhui , Guan Haibing
Published: October 2023

With the rapid growth in the world population, developing agricultural technologies has been an urgent need. Sensor networks have been widely used to monitor and manage agricultural status. Moreover, Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques are adopted for their high accuracy to enable the analysis of massive data collected through the sensor network. The datasets on the devices of agricultural applications usually need to be completed and bigger, which limits the performance of AI algorithms. Thus, researchers turn to Collaborative Learning (CL) to utilize the data on multiple devices to train a global model privately. However, current CL frameworks for agricultural applications suffer from three problems: data heterogeneity, system heterogeneity, and communication overhead. In this paper, we propose cloud-based Collaborative Agricultural Learning with Flexible model size and Adaptive batch number (CALFA) to improve the efficiency and applicability of the training process while maintaining its effectiveness. CALFA contains three modules. The Classification Pyramid allows the devices to use different sizes of models during training and enables the classification of different object sizes. Adaptive Aggregation modifies the aggregation weights to maintain the convergence speed and accuracy. Adaptive Adjustment modifies the training batch numbers to mitigate the communication overhead. The experimental results illustrate that CALFA outperforms other SOTA CL frameworks by reducing up to 75% communication overhead with nearly no accuracy loss. Also, CALFA enables training on more devices by reducing the model size.
Shoseiryuto Promotes the Formation of a Tight‐Junction Barrier in Cultured Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Lu Jingya , Hu Ailing , Yamaguchi Takuji , Tabuchi Masahiro , Ikarashi Yasushi , Kobayashi Hiroyuki
Published: October 2023

Shoseiryuto (SST) (Xiao‐Qing‐Long‐Tang in Chinese) is an effective treatment for respiratory diseases, such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, but its effects on the bronchial tight‐junction (TJ) barrier have not been clarified. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SST on TJ‐barrier function in human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells. The 16HBE cells were cultured in a culture medium without (control) and with SST in the absence and presence of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in transwell chambers. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and sodium fluorescein (Na‐F) permeability of the cultured‐cell monolayer were measured as TJ integrity markers. In addition, immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis were used to measure the expression of the TJ protein, occludin. SST increased TEER and decreased Na‐F permeability of the 16HBE cell monolayers. Furthermore, SST increased both occludin mRNA and immunostained protein expressions, suggesting that SST has the effect of directly promoting epithelial TJ‐barrier function. LPS decreased TEER, increased Na‐F permeability, and decreased both occludin mRNA and protein expression. LPS‐induced barrier dysfunction was completely blocked by pre/co‐ and posttreatment with SST. These results suggest that SST has protective and therapeutic effects against LPS‐induced TJ‐barrier damage. To our knowledge, these are the first results to demonstrate the protective and therapeutic effects conferred by TJ‐barrier promoting, which may be a novel mechanism contributing to the efficacy of SST for respiratory diseases.
User Preference-Based Heterogeneous Network Management System for Vertical Handover
Authors: Ndegwa Samuel , Nyachionjeka Kumbirayi , Mharakurwa Edwell T.
Published: October 2023

Vertical handover management plays an essential role in wireless network technologies, mainly due to the rapid development of various radio access technologies (RATs) that require users to connect seamlessly from one RAT to another. However, in multiple RAT environments, vertical handover management encounters different challenges, including unnecessary handovers, handover failures, ping-pong handovers, and unsuitable access network selection. Essential in vertical handover management is maintaining the desired quality of service (QoS) by the mobile device user. The seamless movement of mobile device users as they run various applications depends on a well-performing vertical handover decision-making algorithm. This bears special significance in a heterogeneous network environment. This paper proposes a vertical handover algorithm that considers user preferences (i.e., a vertical handover algorithm that evaluates the application currently running on a user device). The main objective of the algorithm is to determine when it is necessary to perform the handover, depending on the applications running on the mobile device. The proposed algorithm utilizes a fuzzy logic system to assess whether the handover is necessary and a multiattribute decision-making (MADM) method to select the best available radio access network. A simulation scenario involving different applications at various mobile device velocities was developed. The results proved the algorithm’s effectiveness compared to some of the earlier proposed vertical handover algorithms. At velocities below 10 m/s and 30 m/s, the proposed algorithm had 0% and 15.02% unnecessary handovers, respectively, while the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) utility’s function-based algorithm obtained 12.38% and 23.24% at the same velocities, respectively. In addition, compared to TOPSIS, the obtained results of the proposed algorithm demonstrated a lower handover failure rate and ping-pong rate for a velocity span of 1–30 m/s for the considered user applications.