bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention to improve interpersonal skills of physicians in medical consultations (EPECREM): protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bellier Alexandre , Labarère José , Putkaradze Zaza , Cavalie Guillaume , Carras Sylvain , Pelen Félix , Paris Adeline , Chaffanjon Philippe
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Interpersonal skills, encompassing communication and empathy, are key components of effective medical consultations. Although many organisations have implemented structured training programmes, limited evidence exists on their effectiveness in improving physician interpersonal skills. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardised, multifaceted, interpersonal skills development programme for hospital physicians.

Methods and analysis

This study is a prospective, randomised (with a 1:1 allocation ratio), controlled, open-label, two parallel arm, superiority trial conducted at a single university hospital. Physicians will be randomised to receive either a multifaceted training programme or no intervention. The experimental intervention combines two 4-hour training sessions, dissemination of interactive educational materials, review of video-recorded consultations and individual feedback. The primary outcome measure is the overall 4-Habits Coding Scheme score assessed by two independent raters blinded to the study arm, based on video-recorded consultations, before and after intervention. The secondary outcomes include patient satisfaction, therapeutic alliance, physician self-actualisation and the length of medical consultation.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved on 21 October 2020 by the CECIC Rhône-Alpes Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France (IRB 5891). All participants will provide written informed consent. Efforts will be made to release the primary results within 6 to 9 months of study completion, regardless of whether they confirm or deny the research hypothesis.

Trial registration number

NCT04703816.
Impact of night and shift work on metabolic syndrome and its components: a cross-sectional study in an active middle-to-older-aged population-based sample
Authors: Bayon Virginie , Berger Mathieu , Solelhac Geoffroy , Haba-Rubio José , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Strippoli Marie-Pierre , Preisig Martin , Leger Damien , Heinzer Raphael
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To examine the effects of work schedules on metabolic syndrome and its components in active middle-to-older-aged workers.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis including middle-to-older-aged active workers from the population-based CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study (Lausanne, Switzerland) was performed. Work schedule was self-reported and defined as follows: permanent day, day shift, night shift and permanent night work. Associations between work schedule and the risk of metabolic syndrome and its components were analysed using multivariable-adjusted logistic regressions.

Results

A total of 2301 active workers (median age (IQR): 55.4 (50.8 to 60.4), 50.1% women) were included. Of these, 1905 were permanent day workers, 220 were day-shift workers, 134 were night-shift workers and 42 were permanent night-shift workers. There were significant interactions between sex and work schedule for metabolic syndrome, high triglycerides and visceral obesity. Men but not women permanent night workers had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome than permanent day workers in multivariable-adjusted analyses (OR 4.45 (95% CI 1.36 to 14.56)). Analysis of metabolic syndrome subcomponents showed that the association between work schedule and metabolic syndrome in men was mainly driven by visceral obesity (OR 3.35 (95% CI 1.04 to 10.76)). Conversely, women but not men working in night shift were at increased risk of having high triglycerides compared with permanent day workers (OR 2.92 (95% CI 1.03 to 8.27)).

Conclusions

The risk of metabolic syndrome is higher in men working in permanent night shift compared with permanent day work, and this association could be mediated by visceral obesity.
Scoping review of maternal and newborn health interventions and programmes in Nigeria
Authors: Nasir Naima , Aderoba Adeniyi Kolade , Ariana Proochista
Published: February 2022

Objective

To systematically scope and map research regarding interventions, programmes or strategies to improve maternal and newborn health (MNH) in Nigeria.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources and eligibility criteria

Systematic searches were conducted from 1 June to 22 July 2020 in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, together with a search of the grey literature. Publications presenting interventions and programmes to improve maternal or newborn health or both in Nigeria were included.

Data extraction and analysis

The data extracted included source and year of publication, geographical setting, study design, target population(s), type of intervention/programme, reported outcomes and any reported facilitators or barriers. Data analysis involved descriptive numerical summaries and qualitative content analysis. We summarised the evidence using a framework combining WHO recommendations for MNH, the continuum of care and the social determinants of health frameworks to identify gaps where further research and action may be needed.

Results

A total of 80 publications were included in this review. Most interventions (71%) were aligned with WHO recommendations, and half (n=40) targeted the pregnancy and childbirth stages of the continuum of care. Most of the programmes (n=74) examined the intermediate social determinants of maternal health related to health system factors within health facilities, with only a few interventions aimed at structural social determinants. An integrated approach to implementation and funding constraints were among factors reported as facilitators and barriers, respectively.

Conclusion

Using an integrated framework, we found most MNH interventions in Nigeria were aligned with the WHO recommendations and focused on the intermediate social determinants of health within health facilities. We determined a paucity of research on interventions targeting the structural social determinants and community-based approaches, and limited attention to pre-pregnancy interventions. To accelerate progress towards the sustainable development goal MNH targets, greater focus on implementing interventions and measuring context-specific challenges beyond the health facility is required.
Status of hospital-based blood transfusion services in low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional international survey
Authors: Barnes Linda S , Stanley Jean , Bloch Evan M , Pagano Monica B , Ipe Tina S , Eichbaum Quentin , Wendel Silvano , Indrikovs Alexander , Cai Wei , Delaney Meghan
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Blood transfusion is life-saving for patients experiencing acute blood loss and severe anaemia. In low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), low blood donation rates and unavailability of whole blood and blood components (blood products) impairs timely blood transfusion. To fulfil patient-specific blood orders, a hospital blood transfusion service (HBTS) receives orders from a prescriber for blood transfusion, tests and prepares blood products for the patient. This study sought to describe the current state of LMIC HBTS.

Design

A cross-sectional survey explored LMIC HBTS access to blood products, testing methods, policies and structure. Surveys were administered in English, Spanish, French and Russian, followed by a mixed-methods analysis.

Setting

HBTS within LMICs.

Participants

From among 124 public and private facilities invited to participate, we received 71 (57%) responses. Of these responses, 50 HBTS from 27 LMICs performed on-site blood transfusions.

Results

Most LMIC HBTS perform blood collection to generate blood products for their patients (36/47, 77%); few relied exclusively on an external supply of blood products (11/47, 23%). The primary reason for blood transfusion was adult anaemia for non-malignant conditions (17/112, 15%). Testing methods varied by gross national income per capita. Blood transfusion delays to patients were common (17/30, 57%) attributed to inadequate blood inventories (13/29, 45%). Other barriers included lack of regular clinician education about transfusion (8/29, 28%) and sustainable financial models for the HBTS (4/29, 14%).

Conclusion

This survey describes the status of HBTS in diverse LMICs, illustrating that the availability of blood products remains a principal problem, requiring HBTS to generate its own facility’s blood supply. Currently, blood shortages are not reported as a patient-specific adverse event making systematic tracking of delays in transfusion difficult. These findings highlight areas for further exploration related to the lack of available blood inventories for transfusions at HBTS in LMICs.
Worsening trends in self-rated health and correlates in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong: a population-based panel study from 1999/2000 to 2014/15
Authors: Gong Wei Jie , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Wang Man Ping , Lam Tai Hing , Chung Thomas Wai Hung , Ho Sai Yin
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To examine the 15-year secular trends of self-rated health (SRH) and correlates in Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong.

Design

A territory-wide population-based panel data study.

Setting

Anonymised records of the annual health examination from the Student Health Service, Department of Health in Hong Kong.

Participants

397 324 students in Secondary 2 (US grade 8), 335 902 in Secondary 4 and 113 892 in Secondary 6 during the academic year 1999/2000 and 2014/15.

Outcome measures

SRH and lifestyles were self-reported using standardised questionnaires. Sex-standardised and age-standardised prevalence of very poor/poor SRH and its secular annual changes across sex, grade, weight status, breakfast habits, and frequency/duration of aerobic exercises were examined. Their disparities over time were examined by interactions with the academic year in generalised estimating equations.

Results

The overall prevalence of very poor/poor SRH increased from 9.3% (95% CI: 8.9% to 9.7%) in 1999/2000 to 15.5% (15.1% to 15.8%) in 2014/15. Very poor/poor SRH was more prevalent in girls (adjusted OR: 1.02), in those having unemployed parents (1.29), being overweight (1.42) or obese (2.62), eating breakfast away from home (1.27) and skipping breakfast (1.49) or doing <1 time/week or ≤60 min/week aerobic exercises (1.78 and 1.88, respectively) than others. The corresponding disparities increased over time (ratios of OR: 1.006–1.042).

Conclusions

Increasing prevalence of very poor/poor SRH from 1999/2000 to 2014/15 was found among Hong Kong Chinese adolescents, which was greater in girls, adolescents being overweight/obese and those having unemployed parents or unhealthy lifestyles. Strategies to reduce health inequality should consider multiple factors, especially modifiable factors including lifestyles.
Identifying forms of interventions towards cross border malaria in the Asia-Pacific region: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Cintyamena Utsamani , Murhandarwati E Elsa Herdiana , Elyazar Iqbal , Probandari Ari , Ahmad Riris Andono
Published: February 2022

Introduction

An ambitious epidemiology strategy has been set by the WHO, targeting malaria elimination for at least 35 countries in 2030. Challenges in preventing malaria cross borders require greater attention to achieve the elimination target. This scoping review aims to identify successful forms of interventions to control malaria transmission across national borders in the Asia-Pacific region.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will search four electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost and ProQuest) limiting the time of publication to the last 10 years. Two independent reviewers will screen all titles and abstracts during the second stage. Study characteristics will be recorded; qualitative data will be extracted and evaluated, while quantitative data will be extracted and summarised. Overall, we will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review has received ethical approval from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and policy briefs.
Definitions and measurement of health literacy in health and medicine research: a systematic review
Authors: Urstad Kristin Hjorthaug , Andersen Marit Helen , Larsen Marie Hamilton , Borge Christine Råheim , Helseth Sølvi , Wahl Astrid Klopstad
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The way health literacy is understood (conceptualised) should be closely linked to how it is measured (operationalised). This study aimed to gain insights into how health literacy is defined and measured in current health literacy research and to examine the relationship between health literacy definitions and instruments.

Design

Systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

Data sources

The MEDLINE, PsycINFO, ERIC and CINAHL databases were searched for articles published during two randomly selected months (March and October) in 2019.

Eligibility criteria

We included articles with a quantitative design that measured health literacy, were peer-reviewed and original, were published in the English language and included a study population older than 16 years.

Data extraction and synthesis

Six researchers screened the articles for eligibility and extracted the data independently. All health literacy definitions and instruments were considered in relation to category 1 (describing basic reading and writing skills, disease-specific knowledge and practical skills) and category 2 (social health literacy competence and the ability to interpret and critically assess health information). The categories were inspired by Nutbeam’s descriptions of the different health literacy levels.

Results

120 articles were included in the review: 60 within public health and 60 within clinical health. The majority of the articles (n=77) used instruments from category 1. In total, 79 of the studies provided a health literacy definition; of these, 71 were in category 2 and 8 were in category 1. In almost half of the studies (n=38), health literacy was defined in a broad perspective (category 2) but measured with a more narrow focus (category 1).

Conclusion

Due to the high degree of inconsistency between health literacy definitions and instruments in current health literacy research, there is a risk of missing important information about health literacy considered be important to the initial understanding of the concept recognised in the studies.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020179699.
Effect of a brief motivational interview and text message intervention targeting tobacco smoking, alcohol use and medication adherence to improve tuberculosis treatment outcomes in adult patients with tuberculosis: a multicentre, randomised controlled trial of the ProLife programme in South Africa
Authors: Louwagie Goedele , Kanaan Mona , Morojele Neo Keitumetse , Van Zyl Andre , Moriarty Andrew Stephen , Li Jinshuo , Siddiqi Kamran , Turner Astrid , Mdege Noreen Dadirai , Omole Olufemi Babatunde , Tumbo John , Bachmann Max , Parrott Steve , Ayo-Yusuf Olalekan A
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of a complex behavioural intervention, ProLife, on tuberculosis (TB) treatment success, medication adherence, alcohol use and tobacco smoking.

Design

Multicentre, individual, randomised controlled trial where participants were assigned (1:1) to the ProLife intervention or usual care.

Setting

27 primary care clinics in South Africa.

Participants

574 adults starting treatment for drug-sensitive pulmonary TB who smoked tobacco or reported harmful/hazardous alcohol use.

Interventions

The intervention, delivered by lay health workers (LHWs), consisted of three brief motivational interviewing (MI) sessions, augmented with short message service (SMS) messages, targeting medication adherence, alcohol use and tobacco smoking.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome was successful versus unsuccessful TB treatment at 6–9 months, from TB records. Secondary outcomes were biochemically confirmed sustained smoking cessation, reduction in the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) score, improved TB and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and ART initiation, each measured at 3 and 6 months by questionnaires; and cure rates in patients who had bacteriology-confirmed TB at baseline, from TB records.

Results

Between 15 November 2018 and 31 August 2019, 574 participants were randomised to receive either the intervention (n=283) or usual care (n=291). TB treatment success rates did not differ significantly between intervention (67.8%) and control (70.1%; OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.64% to 1.27%). There was no evidence of an effect at 3 and 6 months, respectively, on continuous smoking abstinence (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.14; OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.63), TB medication adherence (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.52 to 2.87; OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.26 to 3.07), taking ART (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.65; OR 2.05, 95% CI 0.80 to 5.27) or AUDIT scores (mean score difference 0.55, 95% CI −1.01 to 2.11; −0.04, 95% CI −2.0 to 1.91) and adjusting for baseline values. Cure rates were not significantly higher (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.63).

Conclusions

Simultaneous targeting of multiple health risk behaviours with MI and SMS using LHWs may not be an effective approach to improve TB outcomes.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN62728852.
Effects of mHealth on the psychosocial health of pregnant women and mothers: a systematic review
Authors: Sakamoto Jennifer Lisa , Carandang Rogie Royce , Kharel Madhu , Shibanuma Akira , Yarotskaya Ekaterina , Basargina Milana , Jimba Masamine
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the roles of mobile health, or mHealth, in the psychosocial health of pregnant women and mothers.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in databases and grey literature including MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Academic Search Complete, SocINDEX, Central Register of Controlled Trials, The Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Health Technology Assessment, UNICEF and WHO databases. Two searches were conducted to include original research articles published in English until 15 November 2021. Several tools were used to assess the risk of bias: revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials, Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool for cohort and cross-sectional studies, Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist for qualitative studies and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for mixed-methods studies. Certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Due to the high heterogeneity and variability of the included studies, data synthesis was conducted narratively.

Results

44 studies were included among 11 999 identified articles. Most studies reported mixed findings on the roles of mHealth interventions in the psychosocial health of pregnant women and mothers; mHealth improved self-management, acceptance of pregnancy/motherhood and social support, while mixed results were observed for anxiety and depressive symptoms, perceived stress, mental well-being, coping and self-efficacy. Furthermore, pregnant women and mothers from vulnerable populations benefited from the use of mHealth to improve their psychosocial health.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that mHealth has the potential to improve self-management, acceptance of pregnancy/motherhood and social support. mHealth can also be a useful tool to reach vulnerable pregnant women and mothers with barriers to health information and facilitate access to healthcare services. However, the high heterogeneity limited the certainty of evidence of these findings. Therefore, future studies should identify the context under which mHealth could be more effective.
Fear of cancer recurrence in peritoneal malignancy patients following complete cytoreductive surgery (CCRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): an observational study protocol
Authors: Taher Rayan , Stanford Sophia , Carr Norman , Vanderpuye Nancy , Chandrakumaran Kandiah
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is correlated with higher depression levels, worse quality of life and increased utilisation of healthcare services. There is no research on FCR in peritoneal malignancy (PM) patients—a rare type of abdominal cancer. This study aims to explore the prevalence, trajectory, demographic and clinical characteristics that are associated with FCR and its relationship with quality of life in PM patients.

Methods and analysis

This is a cross-sectional study. Validated measures will be used to collect data on the levels of FCR (Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory-Short Form) and quality of life (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) of PM patients who have had surgery in the last 5 years at the Peritoneal Malignancy Institute in Basingstoke Hospital (minimum N=260). Descriptive statistics, Pearson χ2 tests and correlational tests will be used to analyse the data.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the HRA and Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW). The results of this study will be shared with the participants of this study, presented at conferences and PM patients’ days in the form of presentations or posters, and published in a scientific journal.

Discussion

The results of this exploratory study will be used to inform a multicentre observational study to explore the effect of FCR on PM patients’ mental health (depression and anxiety), quality of life and healthcare utilisation which will inform a multicentre randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of using evidenced-based interventions to lower FCR in PM patients.
Analysis of sensorimotor control in people with and without neck pain using inertial sensor technology: study protocol for a 1-year longitudinal prospective observational study
Authors: Moggioli Filippo , Pérez-Fernández Tomas , Liébana Sonia , Corredor Elena Bocos , Armijo-Olivo Susan , Fernandez-Carnero Josue , Raya Rafael , Conde Pablo , Rodríguez-López Oscar , Sánchez Cristina , Martín-Pintado-Zugasti Aitor
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Neck pain is a very common musculoskeletal disorder associated with high socioeconomic costs derived from work absenteeism and medical expenses. Previous studies have suggested that patients with neck pain of different origins present sensorimotor control impairments compared with the asymptomatic population. However, there is a small number of published studies focusing on these with conflicting results. In addition, the existing methodological limitations highlight the need for more and better quality studies. Moreover, longitudinal studies are necessary to investigate whether changes in pain or disability in individuals with chronic neck pain over time associate with changes in cervical sensorimotor control.

Methods and analysis

This is a descriptive, observational, longitudinal, prospective study consecutively enrolling 52 patients with non-specific neck pain and 52 age-matched asymptomatic participants.

Intensity of pain, neck disability, duration of symptoms, topography of pain and comorbidities will be registered at baseline. Sensorimotor control variables including active range of motion, movement speed, acceleration, smoothness of motion, head repositioning accuracy and motion coupling patterns will be recorded as primary outcomes by means of inertial sensors during the following tests consecutively performed in two sessions separated by 12 months: (1) kinematics of planar movements, (2) kinematics of the craniocervical flexion movement, (3) kinematics during functional tasks and (4) kinematics of task-oriented neck movements in response to visual targets.

Secondary outcomes will include: (1) Regular physical activity levels, (2) Kinesiophobia, (3) Symptoms related to central sensitisation and (4) The usability of the inertial measurement unit sensor technology.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of CEU San Pablo University (495/21/39). Patients will be recruited after providing written informed consent and they will be able to withdraw their consent at any time. Only the study investigators will have access to the study data. The results will be disseminated through scientific publications, conferences and media.

Trial registration number

NCT05032911.
Use of patient-relevant outcome measures to assess the long-term effects of care bundles in the ICU: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Paul Nicolas , Knauthe Anna-Christina , Ribet Buse Elena , Nothacker Monika , Weiss Björn , Spies Claudia
Published: February 2022

Introduction

There is only moderate adherence to evidence-based practice in critical care. Care bundles can be used to increase adherence to best clinical practice. Components of bundle interventions, bundle implementation rates, barriers and facilitators of bundle implementation, and the effect of care bundles on short-term patient outcomes such as intensive care unit (ICU) mortality all appear to be regularly studied. However, over the last years, critical care research has turned towards long-term patient-relevant outcomes after discharge from the ICU. To our knowledge, there is no systematic overview on the long-term effect of care bundle implementation on patient-relevant outcomes. We present a protocol for a scoping review of the available literature on the effect of the implementation of care bundles in the ICU on long-term patient-relevant outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines and the Arksey and O’Malley framework. The recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute for Scoping Reviews will also be followed. A systematic literature research will be performed using electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CDSR and CENTRAL). A preliminary search has been conducted on 1 September 2021, yielding 1929 entries. The main search, data extraction and charting has not been started yet. This scoping review will provide an overview of the long-term patient-relevant outcomes that have been used to assess the implementation of care bundles in the ICU. It will be the first study to summarise the long-term impact of care bundles for critically ill patients and identify research gaps to inform future research.

Ethics and dissemination

Due to the utilisation of already published primary studies, ethical approval is dispensable. Results of this work will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Risk factors of unexplained early neurological deterioration after treatment for ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion: a post hoc analysis of the HERMES study
Authors: Bourcier Romain , Goyal Mayank , Muir Keith W , Desal Hubert , Dippel Diederik W J , Majoie Charles B L M , van Zwam Wim H , Jovin Tudor G , Mitchell Peter J , Demchuk Andrew M , van Oostenbrugge Robert J , Brown Scott B , Campbell Bruce , White Philip , Hill Michael D , Saver Jeffrey L , Weimar Christian , Jahan Reza , Guillemin Francis , Bracard Serge , Naggara Olivier
Published: February 2022

Background

Early neurological deterioration (END) after endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with poor outcome. END may remain unexplained by parenchymal hemorrhage (UnEND). We aim to analyze the risk factors of UnEND in the medical management (MM) and EVT arms of the HERMES study.

Methods

We conducted a post-hoc analysis of anterior AIS patients who underwent EVT for proximal anterior occlusions. Risk factors of UnEND, defined as a worsening of ≥4 points between baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and NIHSS at 24 hours without hemorrhage, were compared between both arms using mixed logistic regression models adjusted for baseline characteristics. An interaction analysis between the EVT and MM arms for risk factors of UnEND was conducted.

Results

Among 1723 patients assessable for UnEND, 160 patients experienced an UnEND (9.3%), including 9.1% (78/854) in the EVT arm and 9.4% (82/869) in the MM arm. There was no significant difference in the incidence of UnEND between the two study arms. In the EVT population, independent risk factors of UnEND were lower baseline NIHSS, higher baseline glucose, and lower collateral grade. In the MM population, the only independent predictor of UnEND was higher baseline glucose. However, we did not demonstrate an interaction between EVT and MM for baseline factors as risk factors of UnEND. UnEND was, similarly in both treatment groups, a significant predictor of unfavorable outcome in both the EVT (p<0.001) and MM (p<0.001) arms.

Conclusions

UnEND is not an uncommon event, with a similar rate which ever treatment arm is considered. In the clinical scenario of AIS due to large vessel occlusion, no patient-related factor seems to increase the risk for UnEND when treated by EVT compared with MM.
A technical guide to robotic catheter angiography with the Corindus CorPath GRX system
Authors: Beaman Charles , Saber Hamidreza , Tateshima Satoshi
Published: February 2022

Robotic catheter angiography is an emerging technology with the opportunity to increase procedural precision and decrease occupational hazards.1–5 In this video, we present our initial experiences with the CorPath GRX Robotic System (Corindus, a Seimens Healthineers Company, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA), including various technical considerations such as set-up, operation, and recommended tools (video 1). We demonstrate that the robotic system can be used to reformat catheters and select cervical arteries without the need for manual conversion. Lastly, we discuss the commonly encountered robot-specific operational challenges, along with strategies to overcome them.

Video 1

Video 1­
Unplanned readmission after carotid stenting versus endarterectomy: analysis of the United States Nationwide Readmissions Database
Authors: Nazari Pouya , Golnari Pedram , Ansari Sameer A , Cantrell Donald R , Potts Matthew B , Jahromi Babak S
Published: February 2022

Background

Hospital readmissions are costly and reflect negatively on care delivered.

Objective

To have a better understanding of unplanned readmissions after carotid revascularization, which might help to prevent them.

Methods

The Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to determine rates and reasons for unplanned readmission following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS). Trends were assessed by annual percent change, modified Poisson regression was used to estimate risk ratios (RR) for readmission, and propensity scores were used to match cohorts.

Results

Analysis yielded 522 040 asymptomatic and 55 485 symptomatic admissions for carotid revascularization between 2010 and 2015. Higher 30-day readmission rates were noted after CAS versus CEA in both symptomatic (9.1% vs 7.7%, p<0.001) and asymptomatic (6.8% vs 5.7%, p<0.001) patients. Readmission rates trended lower over time, significantly so for 90-day readmissions in symptomatic patients undergoing CEA. The most common cause for 30-day readmission was stroke in both symptomatic (5.5%) and asymptomatic (3.9%) patients. Factors associated with a higher risk of readmission included age over 80; male gender; Medicaid health insurance; and increases in severity of illness, mortality risk, and comorbidity indices. Analysis of matched cohorts showed that CAS had higher readmission than CEA (RR=1.14 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.22); p<0.001) only in asymptomatic patients. Adverse events during initial admission which predicted 30-day readmission included acute renal failure and acute respiratory failure in asymptomatic patients; hematoma and cardiac events were additional predictive adverse events in symptomatic patients.

Conclusions

Readmission is not uncommon after carotid revascularization, occurs more often after CAS, and is predicted by baseline factors and by preventable adverse events at initial admission.
Investigating the mediating role of internalizing and externalizing problems on physical fitness in children at risk for Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: James Maeghan E. , Graham Jeffrey D. , Chirico Daniele , King-Dowling Sara , Cairney John
Published: February 2022

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have poorer fitness and greater internalizing/externalizing problems compared with typically developing (TD) children. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential mediating role of internalizing/externalizing problems on the relationship between children at risk for DCD (DCDr) and physical fitness. Participants (N = 589) included 288 children with DCDr (Mage= 4.9, 67% male) and 301 TD children (Mage= 5.0, 48% male). Motor skills were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2ndedition (DCDr: at or below the 16th percentile, TD: >16th percentile). Parent-reported internalizing/externalizing problems were measured using the Child Behaviour Checklist. Physical fitness was measured using the Bruce protocol maximal treadmill test and a 30-second Wingate test. Tests for indirect (mediation) effects were assessed using the PROCESS v3.5 software macro. Children with DCDr had higher internalizing and externalizing problems (p < 0.001, d = 0.35–0.46) and poorer fitness levels (p < 0.001, ηp2= 0.05–0.09). Internalizing problems mediated fitness performance on both the treadmill and Wingate test; however, externalizing problems showed no mediating effects. Thus, interventions targeting internalizing problems may contribute to improving performance on fitness-based tasks among children with DCDr.

Novelty: Children at risk for DCD have poorer fitness when compared with TD children. Children at risk for DCD experience greater internalizing/externalizing problems. Internalizing problems were found to mediate the DCD–physical fitness relationship.
Effects of new heavy fermions on complex scalar dark matter phenomenology in gauged two Higgs doublet model
Authors: Dirgantara Bayu , Nugroho Chrisna Setyo
Published: February 2022

We study the inclusion of new heavy fermions on complex scalar dark matter (DM) phenomenology within gauged two Higgs doublet model (G2HDM). We find that for DM mass above 1 TeV, heavy quarks coannihilations into the Standard Model (SM) quarks and gluons dominate the thermally-averaged cross section relevant for the relic abundance of complex scalar DM. We demonstrate that the effects of QCD Sommerfeld correction as well as QCD bound state formation in determining the DM relic density are negligible. We show that the allowed parameter space is significantly constrained by the current PLANCK relic density data as well as XENON1T limit appropriate for DM direct search.
Possible molecular states of $$D^{(*)}D^{(*)}$$ and $$B^{(*)}B^{(*)}$$ within the Bethe–Salpeter framework
Authors: Ke Hong-Wei , Liu Xiao-Hai , Li Xue-Qian
Published: February 2022

Recently the LHCb collaboration reported a new exotic state $$T^+_{cc}$$

T

cc

+

which possesses $$cc\bar{u}\bar{d}$$

c
c

u

¯

d

¯

flavor structure. Since its mass is very close to the threshold of $$D^0D^{*+}$$

D
0

D

∗
+

(or $$D^{*0}D^{+}$$

D

∗
0

D
+

) and its width is very narrow, it is inclined to conjecture that $$T^+_{cc}$$

T

cc

+

is a molecular state of $$D^0D^{*+}$$

D
0

D

∗
+

(or $$D^{*0}D^{+}$$

D

∗
0

D
+

). In this paper we study the possible molecular structures of $$D^{(*)}D^{(*)}$$

D

(

∗
)

D

(

∗
)

and $$B^{(*)}B^{(*)}$$

B

(

∗
)

B

(

∗
)

within the Bethe–Salpeter (B–S) framework. We employ one boson exchange model to stand the interaction kernels in the B–S equations. With reasonable input parameters we find the isospin eigenstate $$\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(D^0D^{*+}-D^{*0}D^{+})$$

1

2

(

D
0

D

∗
+

-

D

∗
0

D
+

)

($$J^P=1^+$$

J
P

=

1
+

) constitutes a solution, which supports the ansatz of $$T^+_{cc}$$

T

cc

+

being a molecular state of $$D^0D^{*+}$$

D
0

D

∗
+

(or $$D^{*0}D^{+}$$

D

∗
0

D
+

). With the same parameters we also find that the isospin-1 state $$\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}(D^{*0}D^{*+}+D^{*0}D^{*+})$$

1

2

(

D

∗
0

D

∗
+

+

D

∗
0

D

∗
+

)

($$J^P=0^+$$

J
P

=

0
+

) can exist. Moreover, we also study the systems of $$B^{(*)}B^{(*)}$$

B

(

∗
)

B

(

∗
)

and their counterparts exist as possible molecular states. Consistency of theoretical computations based on such states with the data of the future experiments may consolidate the molecular structure of the exotic state $$T^+_{cc}$$

T

cc

+

.
Study of naturally occurring radionuclides in the ECHo set-up
Authors: Göggelmann A. , Jochum J. , Gastaldo L. , Mantegazzini F. , Barth A. , Hammann R.
Published: February 2022

The determination of the effective electron neutrino mass by analyzing the end point region of the $$^{163}$$

163

Ho electron capture (EC) spectrum relies on the precise description of the expected $$^{163}$$

163

Ho events and background events. In the ECHo experiment, arrays of metallic magnetic calorimeters, implanted with $$^{163}$$

163

Ho, are operated to measure the $$^{163}$$

163

Ho EC spectrum. In an energy range of 10 eV below $$Q_{\mathrm {EC}}$$

Q
EC

, the maximum available energy for the EC decay of about 2.8 keV, a $$^{163}$$

163

Ho event rate of the order of $$10^{-4}$$

10

-
4

 day$$^{-1}$$

-
1

 pixel$$^{-1}$$

-
1

is expected for an activity of 1 Bq of $$^{163}$$

163

Ho per pixel. This means, a control of the background level in the order of $$10^{-5}$$

10

-
5

 day$$^{-1}$$

-
1

 pixel$$^{-1}$$

-
1

is extremely important. We discuss the results of a Monte Carlo study based on simulations, which use the GEANT4 framework to understand the impact of natural radioactive isotopes close to the active detector volume in the case of the ECHo-1k set-up, which is used for the first phase of the ECHo experiment. For this, the ECHo-1k set-up was modeled in GEANT4 using the proper geometry and materials, including the information of screening measurements of some materials used in the ECHo-1k set-up and reasonable assumptions. Based on the simulation and on assumptions, we derive the expected background around $$Q_{\mathrm {EC}}$$

Q
EC

and give upper limits of tolerable concentrations of natural radionuclides in the set-up materials. In addition, we compare our results to background spectra acquired in detector pixels with and without implanted $$^{163}$$

163

Ho. We conclude that typical concentration of radioactive nuclides found in the used materials should not endanger the analysis of the endpoint region of the $$^{163}$$

163

Ho EC spectrum for an exposure time of half a year.
Constructing thermal phonon insulators by using photonic crystals
Authors: Umar Azka , He Guangqiang , Wang Chun , Jiang Chun
Published: February 2022

This paper designs a thermal waveguide using thermal phonon insulators, to manipulate the loss of thermal radiation. Two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals with dielectric background and air holes have been used in the waveguide clad to suppress thermal radiation so that thermal radiation cannot escape out from the waveguide clad. The photonic crystals may reduce the loss of thermal radiation through waveguide clad which surges the thermal energy confinement in the waveguide core and propagation along the longitudinal axis. The photonic crystals have been designed with the bandgap covering the thermal phonon frequency range and thus can be used to construct thermal phonon insulators to suppress or trap thermal emission generated through phonon wave propagation. The finite-difference-time-domain simulation results demonstrate that electromagnetic bandgap in photonic crystals has enough width in the thermal phonon frequency range to confine the thermal energy within the core of the waveguide and effective transmission of thermal radiation can be conquered within the waveguide core.
AM&FT: An Aging Mitigation and Fault Tolerance Framework for SRAM-Based FPGA in Space Applications
Authors: Li Zeyu , Yang Pengfei , Huang Zhao , Wang Quan
Published: February 2022

Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have become very widely used devices in space applications, and their runtime reconfigurable architecture allows for the area and power acceleration for complex applications. However, FPGAs are increasingly susceptible to aging effects and failures due to harsh space environments and long operation cycles, which reduce the reliability and lifetime of such devices. Although offline aging-aware layout-based methods are effective in aging mitigation, existing studies ignore the fault tolerance needs of the task and the layout strategy will completely fail after a hard failure occurs. This paper presents a reliability framework AM&FT for SRAM-based FPGAs in space applications to support on-chip aging mitigation and fault tolerance. We use an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) model to solve mapping relationships between tasks and reconfigurable blocks (Rbs) in the offline phase to achieve the aging and reliability-aware layout strategy. Second, the ILP model is incorporated into the Design Space Exploration (DSE) to generate a set of layout strategies to tolerate hard faults. Moreover, the state model is used for runtime fault management to handle the impact of different types of faults on the device. Experimental results demonstrate that our framework achieves FPGA on-chip aging mitigation and fault tolerance. Compared with the existing methods, AM&FT can guarantee the fault tolerance requirements of tasks and give priority to guarantee the Quality of Service (QoS) of critical tasks under the condition of hard faults accumulation. In addition, our framework delivers up to [Formula: see text] mean time to failure (MTTF) than the baseline.
Bi-sequentially Cohen–Macaulay bipartite graphs
Authors: Aziz Hardi N. , Mafi Amir , Seyfpour Farnaz
Published: February 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be the polynomial ring over a field [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] be a graph on vertex set [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be its edge ideal. In this paper, we study bi-sequentially Cohen–Macaulay (bi-SCM) bipartite graphs and as consequence we classify all bi-SCM tree graphs. Furthermore, if [Formula: see text] is bi-SCM then we determine the projective dimension of [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we give some examples.
Decision Support System for Photovoltaic Fault Detection Avoiding Meteorological Conditions
Authors: Aragón Roberto G. , Cornejo M. Eugenia , Medina Jesús , Moreno-García Juan , Ramírez-Poussa Eloísa
Published: February 2022

A fundamental issue about installation of photovoltaic solar power stations is the optimization of the energy generation and the fault detection, for which different techniques and methodologies have already been developed considering meteorological conditions. This fact implies the use of unstable and difficult predictable variables which may give rise to a possible problem for the plausibility of the proposed techniques and methodologies in particular conditions. In this line, our goal is to provide a decision support system for photovoltaic fault detection avoiding meteorological conditions. This paper has developed a mathematical mechanism based on fuzzy sets in order to optimize the energy production in the photovoltaic facilities, detecting anomalous behaviors in the energy generated by the facilities over time. Specifically, the incorrect and correct behaviors of the photovoltaic facilities have been modeled through the use of different membership mappings. From these mappings, a decision support system based on ordered weighted averaging operators informs of the performances of the facilities per day, by using natural language. Moreover, a state machine is also designed to determine the stage of each facility based on the stages and the performances from previous days. The main advantage of the designed system is that it solves the problem of “constant loss of energy production”, without the consideration of meteorological conditions and being able to be more profitable. Moreover, the system is also scalable and portable, and complements previous works in energy production optimization. Finally, the proposed mechanism has been tested with real data, provided by Grupo Energético de Puerto Real S.A. which is an enterprise in charge of the management of six photovoltaic facilities in Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain, and good results have been obtained for faulting detection.
Surface Analysis Techniques in Forensic Science: Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities for Operational Deployment
Authors: Bailey Melanie J. , de Puit Marcel , Romolo Francesco Saverio
Published: February 2022

Surface analysis techniques have rapidly evolved in the last decade. Some of these are already routinely used in forensics, such as for the detection of gunshot residue or for glass analysis. Some surface analysis approaches are attractive for their portability to the crime scene. Others can be very helpful in forensic laboratories owing to their high spatial resolution, analyte coverage, speed, and specificity. Despite this, many proposed applications of the techniques have not yet led to operational deployment. Here, we explore the application of these techniques to the most important traces commonly found in forensic casework. We highlight where there is potential to add value and outline the progress that is needed to achieve operational deployment. We consider within the scope of this review surface mass spectrometry, surface spectroscopy, and surface X-ray spectrometry. We show how these tools show great promise for the analysis of fingerprints, hair, drugs, explosives, and microtraces.
Ovarian Cancer: Applications of Chickens to Humans
Authors: Barua Animesh , Bahr Janice M.
Published: February 2022

The lack of preclinical models of spontaneous ovarian cancer (OVCA), a fatal gynecological malignancy, is a significant barrier to generating information on early changes indicative of OVCA. In contrast to rodents, laying hens develop OVCA spontaneously, with remarkable similarities to OVCA in women regarding tumor histology, OVCA dissemination, immune responses, and risk factors. These important features of OVCA will be useful to develop an early detection test for OVCA, which would significantly reduce mortality rates; preventive strategies; immunotherapeutics; prevention of resistance to chemotherapeutics; and exploration of gene therapies. A transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) imaging method for imaging of hen ovarian tumors has been developed. Hens can be monitored prospectively by using serum markers, together with TVUS imaging, to detect early-stage OVCA, provided that a panel of serum markers can be established and imaging agents developed. Recent sequencing of the chicken genome will further facilitate the hen model to explore gene therapies against OVCA.
Sound Velocity, Electronic, Optical, and Mechanical Properties for Nano Semiconductor Materials (CdTe, ZnTe) under the Influence of Pressure
Authors: Al Maaitah Ibtisam F. , Elkenany Elkenany B.
Published: February 2022

The energy band structure, energy band gaps, refractive index, high-frequency dielectric constant, static dielectric constant, reflectivity, and susceptibility for CdTe and ZnTe have been determined. The elastic parameters, Young’s, bulk, shear moduli, Poisson ratio, anisotropic factor, and the internal strain parameter have been calculated for the CdTe and ZnTe. The acoustic velocity in the directions [001], [110], and [111] has been determined for the studied compounds. The pressure dependence of the investigated properties has been studied. The empirical pseudopotential method (EPM) was used to calculate our results. Our results at high values of pressure could be taken as a reference for future experimental and theoretical works. Generally, our results are found to be in good accord with experimental and theoretical data published in the literature. The data gained in this study could be useful in the development of optoelectronic devices under high values of pressure.