bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discontinuation of maintenance peritoneal dialysis in children—A 10-year review from a single center in a low resource setting
Authors: Aujo Judith Caroline , Coetzee Ashton , Masu Adelaide , Enimil Anthony , Luyckx Valerie A , Nourse Peter J , McCulloch Mignon I
Published: June 2024

Introduction

In South Africa, only children considered eligible for transplantation are offered dialysis as bridge to kidney transplantation. Maintenance peritoneal dialysis (PD) is preferred and has several advantages over hemodialysis (HD). While awaiting transplantation, PD may be discontinued due to permanent transfer to HD or death while on PD, of which the occurrence and burden is not known in our setting. We investigated the rate of discontinuation of maintenance PD, and associated factors among children awaiting a kidney transplant under challenging socio-economic circumstances in a low resource setting.

Methods

Single center retrospective analysis of children receiving maintenance PD. Outcomes included the proportion of children who discontinued PD before transplantation, associated factors and timing of discontinuation, and the proportion transplanted. Time to discontinuation or transplantation was displayed using a Kaplan–Meier curve.

Results

Sixty-seven children who received maintenance automated PD as initial dialysis modality were identified from the kidney transplant waiting list between January 2009 and December 2018. Complete data was available for 52 of the 67 children. Four children had prior failed kidney transplants. The median age was 11 years (interquartile range 6.0, 13.1). Overall, 17/52 (32.7%) children discontinued PD, with 13 (25%) transfers to HD and 4 deaths (7.7%), whereas 29/52 (55.8%) received a kidney transplant. Three of the deaths were PD related. Six children remained on maintenance PD at the end of the study period. Over a half of our patients discontinued PD by 12 months, and 80% by 30 months. Most PD discontinuations were associated with peritonitis.

Conclusions

The proportion discontinuing PD was high, highlighting the need to optimize measures to improve retention rates, especially through prevention of peritonitis.
Promoting Erroneous Divergent Opinions Increases the Wisdom of Crowds
Authors: Barrera-Lemarchand Federico , Balenzuela Pablo , Bahrami Bahador , Deroy Ophelia , Navajas Joaquin
Published: June 2024

The aggregation of many lay judgments generates surprisingly accurate estimates. This phenomenon, called the “wisdom of crowds,” has been demonstrated in domains such as medical decision-making and financial forecasting. Previous research identified two factors driving this effect: the accuracy of individual assessments and the diversity of opinions. Most available strategies to enhance the wisdom of crowds have focused on improving individual accuracy while neglecting the potential of increasing opinion diversity. Here, we study a complementary approach to reduce collective error by promoting erroneous divergent opinions. This strategy proposes to anchor half of the crowd to a small value and the other half to a large value before eliciting and averaging all estimates. Consistent with our mathematical modeling, four experiments ( N = 1,362 adults) demonstrated that this method is effective for estimation and forecasting tasks. Beyond the practical implications, these findings offer new theoretical insights into the epistemic value of collective decision-making.
Skin cancer screening recommendations by U.S. cancer centers: Inconsistency with national guidelines
Authors: Lee Joyce , Han Lynn K , Morris Luc G.T. , Korenstein Deborah , Marti Jennifer L
Published: June 2024

Objective

The incidence of melanoma has increased dramatically over the past four decades, while overall mortality has remained stable. This increase in incidence without a change in overall mortality may be due to overdiagnosis through skin cancer screening. Despite the USPSTF citing insufficient evidence for or against professional skin cancer screening in average-risk adults, U.S. skin cancer screening practices may be leading to overdiagnosis of skin cancers.

Methods

Two reviewers examined the online recommendations for skin cancer screening of 1113 U.S. cancer centers accredited by the Commission on Cancer, including 66 designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Recommendations on skin cancer screening, such as age, frequency, and patient population (i.e. high-risk of developing skin cancer, “people of color”) were documented.

Results

We found that 18% of centers (202) recommended professional screening in average-risk adults, 35.8% (399) advised regular self-examination, and only 3.4% (38) cited insufficient evidence for screening practices; 49% of NCI centers (32/66) recommended screening in high-risk adults compared to 13% of non-NCI centers (135/1047; p = 0.0004); 0.45% of centers (5) mentioned the potential harms of screening, while 3.5% (39) specifically recommended screening for people of color.

Conclusion

Our study reveals that many U.S. cancer centers advise some form of skin cancer screening despite a lack of evidence for or against these practices. Few centers mentioned the potential harms of screening, including overdiagnosis. This indicates a need for stronger evidence for specific screening guidelines and for greater public awareness of the potential benefits and harms of routine skin cancer screening.
Congressional Redistricting and Strategic Copartisans: Partisan Gerrymandering in Pennsylvania, 1800–1824
Authors: Gooch Aric Dale
Published: June 2024

The group-centered theory of party development provides a new theoretical framework for understanding early party development. Specifically, it provides a logical framework to understand why early state legislators were motivated to engage in partisan gerrymandering during a period without national organizations. I use Pennsylvania as a case study to determine if partisanship influenced the creation of congressional district maps in 1802, 1812, and 1822. Using county-level congressional election returns and state legislative journals, I provide evidence of strategic partisan gerrymandering by the Democratic-Republicans during each apportionment year. I also show that the Federalist minority in Pennsylvania knew the national political impact of the process and attempted to influence congressional maps for their own partisan advantage. Lastly, I demonstrate how multi-member districts were the Democratic-Republicans’ weapon of choice to engage in partisan gerrymandering throughout the period. These results highlight the connection between state legislatures and congressional party politics during the first party era.
Varying Estimates of Social Workers in the United States: Which Data Source to Use?
Authors: Lombardi Brianna M. , de Saxe Zerden Lisa , Fraher Erin
Published: June 2024

Behavioral health needs continue rise in the United States and constitute a key driver of health care utilization, costs, and outcomes. Social workers provide a wide range of services across health, behavioral health, and community settings, and while this heterogeneity in practice benefits care delivery, it complicates health workforce analyses. This analysis compares five commonly used national data sources and details similarities and differences in their estimates of the number, type, and practice characteristics of social workers. The analysis suggests that estimates vary significantly between data sets ranging from 282,425 to 1,022,859 social workers; as well as yield different findings of types of social workers in the United States, depending on the data set used. These differences have the potential to shape how researchers and policy makers assess the adequacy of the social work workforce and identify solutions to address the nation’s behavioral health and social care needs.
Touch: Romanticised micro-moments from a farm kindergarten
Authors: Moxnes Anna R , Aslanian Teresa K
Published: June 2024

Focusing on two micro-moments between non-human animals and young human children in a Norwegian farm kindergarten, this article contributes to knowledge about pedagogical work with multi-species meetings. The micro-moments from a field study are discussed through an exploration and troubling of what we call our ‘romantic’ experience of the children's meetings with farm animals and our resistance to those feelings. We explore what we perceive as a mutual trust, curiosity and interest between the young children and the animals that we relate to Despret's concepts being polite and getting to know, and Haraway's concept companion species. Our discussion contributes an alternative perspective to the traditional view of children-animal relations.
Evaluation of the tensile strength and impact property of polyamide/short glass fibre-multi-walled carbon nanotube composites: an experimental study based on response surface method
Authors: Ahmadi Simin , Abdoos Hassan , Borhani Ehsan , Albooyeh Alireza
Published: June 2024

The tensile strength, impact property and thermal stability of polyamide 6 (PA6) reinforced with carboxylic acid-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with 1 and 2 wt.%, and short glass fibre (SGF) with 10 and 20 wt.%, were investigated. The morphological properties were examined by SEM. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was also carried out to explore the thermal stability and crystallinity of nanocomposites. For determining the optimal weight percentage of reinforcements, the response surface methodology (RSM) was used. The effect of nanotubes and weight percentages of fibre on the tensile and impact properties was investigated by analysis of variance. The results indicated that the incorporation of MWCNTs to PA6 increased the tensile and impact strength of the matrix by 16% and 24%, respectively. Also, the addition of SGFs to polyamide improved the mechanical properties. The results also showed that the nanocomposite containing 1 wt.% MWCNTs and 20 wt.% SGFs had the highest properties (66% increase for tensile and 81% increase for impact strength compared to neat PA6). The DSC results confirmed the effect of reinforcements on thermal characteristics of nanocomposites. The validation of output models of responses implies the ability of models to predict the tensile and impact behaviour of composites.
Primary teachers’ learning experiences of integrated STEM education
Authors: Flanagan Bridget , Hourigan Mairéad , Leavy Aisling
Published: June 2024

With increasing focus on primary curricular reform in Ireland, there is a growing recognition of the significance of early childhood education. As a result, professional development organisations are now examining the effectiveness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for young children. This study investigates how teachers in a multi-grade primary school initially approached teaching integrated STEM lessons to children aged 4–7 years. Over the course of one school year, three teachers engaged in four cycles of lesson study. Through an action research approach, the researchers collected qualitative data from interviews, lesson plans, collaborative weekly meetings and observation sheets. The study identified difficulties associated with the teachers’ limited comprehension of integrated STEM education and demonstrated how the Engineering Design Process helped to mitigate these challenges. The findings offer valuable insights into the knowledge requirements involved in developing children’s 21st century skills. The research concluded that teachers enhanced children’s STEM learning by providing opportunities for them to explore their curiosity, make predictions and experiment through open-ended play experiences.
Hospital and intensive care unit stay associated with body mass index affect cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Pleguezuelos Eulogio , Del Carmen Amin , Serra Mateu , Moreno Eva , Miravitlles Marc , Garnacho-Castaño Manuel Vicente
Published: June 2024

Background

The effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the cardiorespiratory fitness of hospitalized and obese patients are of utmost relevance. This study aimed to analyze how hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay together with body mass index affect cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

251 participants (males, n = 118; females, n = 133) were assigned to four groups: non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients ( n = 65, age: 45.3 years), hospitalized COVID-19 patients ( n = 63, age: 57.6 years), COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU ( n = 61, age: 56.9 years), and control group ( n = 62, age: 49.8 years). An incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed between 3 and 6 weeks after medical discharge from hospital.

Results

Higher peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), ventilatory efficiency and power output were found in ICU patients with normal weight (NW) than in overweight (OW) (Mean difference: 0.1 L·min−1, −5.5, 29.0 W, respectively) and obese (OB) ICU patients (Mean difference: 0.1 L·min−1, −5.0, 26.2 W, respectively) ( p < .05). In NW, OW and OB participants, higher VO2peak and power output were observed in control group compared with non-hospitalized (Mean difference: NW: 0.2 L·min−1, 83.3 W; OW: 0.2 L·min−1, 60.0 W; OB: 0.2 L·min−1, 70.9 W, respectively), hospitalized (Mean difference: NW: 0.2 L·min−1, 72.9 W; OW: 0.1 L·min−1, 58.3 W; OB: 0.2 L•min−1, 91.1 W, respectively) and ICU patients (Mean difference: NW: 0.1 L·min−1, 70.9 W; OW: 0.2 L·min−1, 91.1 W; OB: 0.3 L·min−1; 65.0 W, respectively) ( p < .05).

Conclusions

The degree of severity of COVID-19, especially identified by hospitalization and ICU stay, together with obesity and overweight were key factors in reducing cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with COVID-19.
Research and development on phase change material-integrated cloth: A review
Authors: Shahid Md Abdus , Hossain Md Tanvir , Hossain Imam , Limon Md Golam Mortuza , Rabbani Mahbubay , Rahim Abdur
Published: June 2024

The application of phase change material (PCM) has shown great potential in the fabrication of PCM-integrated cloth (PCMIC) due to its numerous advantages, including latent heat storage, narrow temperature range, energy storage density, longevity, and compatibility with textile processing. PCMs can lessen the demand for mechanical heating and cooling systems, which can save energy and assist the environment towards sustainability. PCM-integrated cloth provides new opportunities to enhance thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and functionality across a range of applications. The advancement of PCMIC has shown promise in the past decade. This review covers the fundamentals, latest advancements, characterization methods, and advanced applications of PCMIC in detail. Progresses, challenges, and opportunities of versatile applications of PCMIC in space wear, medical textiles, sportswear, bedding, thermoregulating buildings, flame-retardant textiles, automotive textiles, and footwear are critically summarized. Space agencies like NASA, and ESA used PCM-based products for comfortable space exploration while surgical gauges, bandages, and other clinical products incorporated with PCM comfort much in patients. Moreover, sportswear brands like Nike and Adidas utilized PCM in their products for better wearability. Through an analysis of the foundations, current developments, and challenges, this thorough overview is a valuable resource for further innovation and progress in the field of PCM-integrated textiles.
Modification effects of immigration status and comorbidities on associations of heat and heatwave with stroke morbidity
Authors: Yang Chenlu , Li Yike , Huang Cunrui , Hou Yonglin , Chu Dandan , Bao Junzhe
Published: June 2024

Background:

Heat and heatwave have been associated with stroke morbidity, but it is still unclear whether immigrants from different geographic regions and patients with comorbidity are more vulnerable to heat and heatwave.

Methods:

Time-stratified case-crossover design combined with generalized additive quasi-Poisson models were used to quantify the relative risks (RRs) of heat and heatwave on first-ever stroke morbidity during 0–7 lag days. Attributable fractions (AFs) were estimated to assess the first-ever stroke morbidity burden due to heat and heatwave. Stratified analyses for sex, age, disease subtypes, resident characteristics, and comorbidity type were performed to identify potential modification effects.

Results:

Heat and heatwave were associated with first-ever stroke morbidity, with the AF of 2.535% (95% empirical confidence interval (eCI) = 0.748, 4.205) and 2.409% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.228, 3.400), respectively. Among northern and southern immigrants, the AF for heat was 2.806% (0.031, 5.069) and 2.798% (0.757, 4.428), respectively, and the AF for heatwave was 2.918% (0.561, 4.618) and 2.387% (1.174, 3.398), respectively, but the effects of both on natives were statistically insignificant. Among patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes, the AF for heat was 3.318% (1.225, 5.007), 4.237% (1.037, 6.770), and 4.860% (1.171, 7.827), respectively, and the AF for heatwave was 2.960% (1.701, 3.993), 2.771% (0.704, 4.308), and 2.652% (0.653, 4.185), respectively. However, the effects of both on patients without comorbidity were statistically insignificant.

Conclusion:

Heat and heatwave are associated with an increased risk of first-ever stroke morbidity among immigrants and those with comorbid hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes, with the effects primarily due to non-native individuals.

Data access statement:

The author(s) are not authorized to share the data.
Nuclear anxiety as an instrument of war: The use of news media to shape and respond to the disinformation campaign surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant
Authors: Hoban Iuliia , Rister Alex
Published: June 2024

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has galvanized anxiety over a possible nuclear catastrophe, with threats ranging from deliberate attacks and shelling of nuclear power plants to the potential use of nuclear weapons. Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Europe’s largest such facility, raises fundamental questions about using NPPs in crisis and risk communication, and disinformation campaigns. Building upon interdisciplinary research bridging Communication and International Relations Studies, this article employs content analysis to examine how Ukrainian and Russian media outlets engaged in a rhetorical battle of frame perceptions about the threat of nuclear catastrophe related to ZNPP. They explore how Russia’s propagandists used news media to stir nuclear anxiety as part of a broader disinformation campaign, and investigate strategies employed by Ukrainian media agencies to manage the risk of nuclear anxiety and respond to Russian disinformation. The article contributes to conversations in the field of crisis and risk communication related to how political stakeholders use news media to influence audiences’ perceptions, and specifically how political actors use nuclear anxiety politicization and disinformation to gain political influence. The findings provide insights into developing effective news media strategies responding to threats of large-scale nuclear, biological, or chemical catastrophes and cyber-attacks on nuclear infrastructure.
Return to Running for Postpartum Elite and Subelite Athletes
Authors: Woodroffe Lisa , Slayman Tyler , Paulson Amanda , Kruse Natalie , Mancuso Abigail , Hall Mederic
Published: June 2024

Context:

There is little evidence to guide elite athletes who desire returning to competition after giving birth to a child. Ultimately, this can result in decreased performance and increased risk of injury. This paper addresses aspects that must be considered when building and monitoring a return to running program for a postpartum elite or subelite athlete, including pelvic floor and core stability, progressive reloading of the musculoskeletal system, monitoring of nutritional parameters, and considerations for lactation.

Evidence Acquisition:

PubMed and CINAHL (Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were searched with the following search strategy: (extreme sports OR elite athletes OR running OR exercise) AND (breastfeeding OR lactation OR bone density OR fetal weight OR gestational weight gain OR postpartum or post-partum OR postnatal OR post-natal OR pregnancy OR childbirth). The following information is based on best available evidence and clinical experience.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

Due to the interplay between cardiovascular fitness, postpartum nutrition, lactation, and progressive reloading of the muscular and skeletal system, we propose a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach to safely and successfully allow an athlete to return to an elite level of competition.

Conclusion:

Return to running in the postpartum period is a highly individualized process that benefits from multidisciplinary, individualized care. This includes monitoring of nutrition, core and pelvic floor function, bone reloading, muscle and tendon reloading, and breastfeeding care when applicable.

Strengh of recommendation taxonomy (SORT):

C.
Tourism-Led Inclusive Growth in Emerging and Developing Economies: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Bhatt Ketan , Seabra Claudia , Kumar Jeetesh , Ashutosh Kumar , Kumar Kabia Sunil
Published: June 2024

The focus of governments around the globe to accelerate economic growth through market-driven policies has resulted merely in increasing GDP while deterring certain groups from becoming a part of their development agenda. This turned the focus of leading international developmental communities toward the concept of inclusive growth that strives to reduce poverty and inequality by creating equitable and productive opportunities for all sections of society, including the often-excluded ones. Considering its profound and wide-ranging impacts on the destination’s economy, the tourism industry has been identified as a harbinger of inclusive growth. The conception of tourism-led inclusive growth remains contended in the academic literature. Therefore, as an attempt to contribute to the existing debate, the present study has been undertaken to explore the rapport between tourism and inclusive growth by systematically reviewing the scientific literature and the evolutionary nuances of this research field. The literature for this purpose was derived from the two most renowned databases viz. Scopus and Web of Science. The content analysis of 27 systematically selected articles performed in the present study highlighted a set of seven noteworthy research areas/themes and a variety of topics under each theme that shape the knowledge structure of the underlying research field. The overall analysis calls for further investigations in the tourism sectors of low-income nations to find significant empirical evidence that may validate the hypothesis of tourism-led inclusive growth and signals a need for evidence-based frameworks to harness inclusive growth through tourism development.
From University Students and Graduates to Male Sex Workers: The Career Decisions and Decision-Making Processes
Authors: Dos Santos Luis Miguel
Published: June 2024

There is limited information concerning the experiences and career decision-making processes of male sex workers in South Korea. The aim of this study was to understand the motivations, career decisions, and decision-making processes of a group of male university students and graduates who decided to join the sex work profession in South Korea as part of their career development. Qualitative research design and snowball strategies were employed in 2021 with nine male sex workers. Interview sessions, online focus group activity, remarkable items sharing, and member-checking interview sessions were undertaken to collect rich stories and promote understanding of male sex workers who are completing or have completed their bachelor’s degrees in South Korea. Based on the social cognitive career and motivation theory, three main themes were highlighted: (1) financial consideration, (2) personal interest in sexual activities, and (3) limited career opportunities for the younger generation. The findings illustrate the motivations of a group of educated male sex workers and the social issues for sex workers in South Korea. Government bodies, policymakers, and non-profit organizations may use this study as a reference for policy development and human resources schemes.
Competition for Safety: The National Civilized City Campaign and Enterprise Production Safety in China
Authors: Xu Huange , Chen Bo , Li Guangchen
Published: June 2024

Awards and competitions are representative policy instruments of the central government to promote urban governance. Compared with command-and-control tools, awards and competitions can encourage regulators and regulated parties to actively participate in governance. Using the panel data of 286 Chinese cities during 2005 to 2017 and regarding the National Civilized City (NCC) campaign as a quasi-natural experiment, we employ the difference-in-difference (DID) method to analyze the impact of the NCC campaign on enterprise production safety and its spillover effect. Our findings indicate that the NCC campaign significantly reduces enterprise production safety accidents and deaths in cities with the title of the NCC. However, this campaign appears to engender an unintended consequence: an increase in such incidents in the neighboring cities surrounding the NCCs. Heterogeneity analysis further shows that in non-old industrial base, low corruption and low economic growth target cities, the promotion effect of the NCC campaign on enterprise production safety is more significant. The increase in production safety input and the reinforcement of corporate social responsibility are the main influencing mechanisms. This paper can contribute to decision-makers thinking about how to improve enterprise production safety through awards and competitions under the governance structure with Chinese characteristics.
Contradictions that erode institutional trust & opportunities for addressing them
Authors: Long Chris P. , Sitkin Sim B.
Published: June 2024

In this article, we identify institutional contradictions as a central challenge that institutions must address to develop and maintain stakeholder trust. Institutional contradictions occur when institutions present stakeholders with inconsistent or conflicting decisions, statements, ideas, or actions. Drawing on both the organizational literature and the findings presented by articles in the Spotlight section of this issue, we describe the nature and antecedents of institutional contradictions and how they can compromise trust development and foment distrust. In addition, we propose ways for institutions to identify and remediate the processes that lead to institutional contradictions.
The architecture of dispossession: On the dark side of architecture and art in transforming original spaces and displacing people
Authors: Jabareen Yosef
Published: June 2024

This paper interrogates and problematizes the intimate role of architecture in the dispossession and displacement of people. It explores the case of Ayn Hawd, a dispossessed Palestinian village that was transformed into an Israeli Artists colony in 1951. It found that architecture is deeply involved in executing, facilitating, legitimizing, and aestheticizing the violent act of dispossessing people. I theorize this as architecture of dispossession, a coherent aesthetic, economic, and political regime of practices, in which a social reality is manipulated and transformed spatially to construct a new, spectacular and imaginary, reality in the dispossessed space. The architecture of dispossession involves three distinct yet interrelated logics: political, economic, and aesthetic. The logic of accumulation by dispossession involves the seizure of the dispossessed’s property as assets used for the purpose of profit. It can take place in various ways, including privatization, the commodification of cultural forms, and dispossession. The logic of the exclusion of presence focuses on both the actual exclusion of a group of persons and the subjective or “existential” effects, intended or not, on the dispossessed, experienced as a loss not just of property and belonging but of their identity, form of life, or “being” as such; a kind of existential or ontological negation. Finally, an aesthetic logic of dispossession is a use of art and architecture to describe the dispossession in ways that legitimize it by representing or dissimulating it so that it can be advertised and appreciated as something more and other than the violence it involves. There is an important role for architectural criticism in showing not only that some population has been excluded, but how this is rationalized and legitimated in the ways the new forms and uses are constructed, described, represented, or advertised.
Modeling pedestrian activity in cities with urban network analysis
Authors: Sevtsuk Andres , Kalvo Raul
Published: June 2024

The global climate-change crisis, along with public health and economic competitiveness challenges in cities around the world have underscored the need for analytic tools to examine the relationship between city design and sustainable mobility. Car-centered travel demand models and land-use-transportation interaction models have historically analyzed zone-to-zone trips along major roadways, largely omitting pedestrian and bicycle trips and creating a gap in the ability for planners and urban designers to systematically assess non-motorized outcomes of development interventions. We present the Urban Network Analysis tools to address this gap. UNA tools offer an accessibility-based framework for analyzing how built environments influence pedestrian travel in both existing and newly planned built environments. Developed as a free plugin for Rhinoceros 3D since 2015 and applied in several cities and research projects internationally, this paper describes the current Urban Network Analysis modeling framework and discusses the unique contributions the framework offers compared to existing pedestrian modeling approaches. Using Somerville, MA as case example, we demonstrate several commonly used functions for planners: examining pedestrian accessibility over networks; identifying critical walking routes to destinations; estimating foot-traffic on street segments; identifying frustration points for pedestrians; and evaluating how development changes may impact pedestrian activity in their vicinity. Such analyses can provide analytic evidence to pedestrian infrastructure planning and investment, and enable planners, designers, and policy makers to prioritize projects that increase sustainable mobility outcomes.
The metonymic determinatives in Egyptian and Chinese writing
Authors: Chen Yong sheng
Published: June 2024

A determinative, also known as a “classifier,” is an ideogram utilized within a phonogram-ideogram compound, a common feature in ideographic-phonographic writing systems. It functions as a semantic indicator for the hosting word. Both ancient Egyptian and Chinese scripts extensively employed metonymic determinatives, which indicate the meaning of their hosting words in a metonymic manner. This article compares the use of metonymic determinatives in these two scripts and summarizes five underlying metonymic models through the analysis of numerous examples. Additionally, the cultural influences affecting the selection of metonymic determinatives are explored.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals molecular damage associated with cryopreservation in Crassostrea angulata D-larvae rather than to cryoprotectant exposure
Authors: Anjos Catarina , Duarte Daniel , Fatsini Elvira , Matias Domitília , Cabrita Elsa
Published: June 2024

Background

The Portuguese oyster Crassostrea angulata, a bivalve of significant economic and ecological importance, has faced a decline in both production and natural populations due to pathologies, climate change, and anthropogenic factors. To safeguard its genetic diversity and improve reproductive management, cryopreservation emerges as a valuable strategy. However, the cryopreservation methodologies lead to some damage in structures and functions of the cells and tissues that can affect post-thaw quality. Transcriptomics may help to understand the molecular consequences related to cryopreservation steps and therefore to identify different freezability biomarkers. This study investigates the molecular damage induced by cryopreservation in C. angulata D-larvae, focusing on two critical steps: exposure to cryoprotectant solution and the freezing/thawing process.

Results

Expression analysis revealed 3 differentially expressed genes between larvae exposed to cryoprotectant solution and fresh larvae and 611 differentially expressed genes in cryopreserved larvae against fresh larvae. The most significantly enriched gene ontology terms were “carbohydrate metabolic process”, “integral component of membrane” and “chitin binding” for biological processes, cellular components and molecular functions, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis identified the “neuroactive ligand receptor interaction”, “endocytosis” and “spliceosome” as the most enriched pathways. RNA sequencing results were validate by quantitative RT-PCR, once both techniques presented the same gene expression tendency and a group of 11 genes were considered important molecular biomarkers to be used in further studies for the evaluation of cryodamage.

Conclusions

The current work provided valuable insights into the molecular repercussions of cryopreservation on D-larvae of Crassostrea angulata, revealing that the freezing process had a more pronounced impact on larval quality compared to any potential cryoprotectant-induced toxicity. Additionally, was identify 11 genes serving as biomarkers of freezability for D-larvae quality assessment. This research contributes to the development of more effective cryopreservation protocols and detection methods for cryodamage in this species.
Does hip protector prevent falls and hip fractures? An umbrella review of meta-analyses
Authors: Da Qingchen , Xiao Yingheng , Wu Feng , Chen Yueliang , Li Liping
Published: June 2024

Background

Wearing hip protectors is a measure used to prevent hip fractures caused by falls. However, its protective effect has remained controversial in previous studies. This study provides a rationale for the use of hip protectors by pooling all the current meta-analysis evidence.

Methods

We conducted an umbrella review of all the current meta-analysis articles about the efficacy of hip protectors to reduce hip fractures and falls in communities and/or institutions. Major databases including EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Science, were searched up to June 2022. Two reviewers screened the studies, extracted the data, and conducted the methodological quality assessment independently. The primary outcome was the association statistic (odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR), etc.) reported in the meta-analysis that quantified the influence of the intervention on hip fractures and falls compared to that of the control group. Narrative synthesis was also conducted. Forest plots and the AMSTAR score were used to describe the results and quality of the pooled literature, respectively.

Results

A total of six meta-analysis articles were included in the study. Hip protectors were effective at reducing hip fractures in older individuals who were in institutions (nursing or residential care settings) but not in communities (RR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.85, I2 = 42%, P < 0.001) (RR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.34, I2 = 0%, P = 0.20), and they did not reduce falls (RR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.13, I2 = 0%, P = 0.89).

Conclusions

Hip protectors are effective at preventing hip fractures in institutionalized older adults but not in community-dwelling older adults.

Trial registration

This study has been registered in PROSPERO (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022351773).
Detection of IgG antibodies against the receptor binding domain of the spike protein and nucleocapsid of SARS-CoV-2 at university students from Southern Mexico: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bailón-Cuenca Jesús Adolfo , Cortés-Sarabia Karen , Legorreta-Soberanis José , Alvarado-Castro Víctor Manuel , Juárez-Baltazar Ulises , Sánchez-Gervacio Belén Madeline , Vences-Velázquez Amalia , Leyva-Vázquez Marco Antonio , Del Moral-Hernández Oscar , Illades-Aguiar Berenice
Published: June 2024

Background

Natural infection and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is associated with the development of immunity against the structural proteins of the virus. Specifically, the two most immunogenic are the S (spike) and N (nucleocapsid) proteins. Seroprevalence studies performed in university students provide information to estimate the number of infected patients (symptomatic or asymptomatic) and generate knowledge about the viral spread, vaccine efficacy, and epidemiological control. Which, the aim of this study was to evaluate IgG antibodies against the S and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2 at university students from Southern Mexico.

Methods

A total of 1418 serum samples were collected from eighteen work centers of the Autonomous University of Guerrero. Antibodies were detected by Indirect ELISA using as antigen peptides derived from the S and N proteins.

Results

We reported a total seroprevalence of 39.9% anti-S/N (positive to both antigens), 14.1% anti-S and 0.5% anti-N. The highest seroprevalence was reported in the work centers from Costa Grande, Acapulco and Centro. Seroprevalence was associated with age, COVID-19, contact with infected patients, and vaccination.

Conclusion

University students could play an essential role in disseminating SARS-CoV-2. We reported a seroprevalence of 54.5% against the S and N proteins, which could be due to the high population rate and cultural resistance to safety measures against COVID-19 in the different regions of the state.
Long-term visual outcomes in spasmus nutans
Authors: Hennein Lauren , Heidary Gena , Gaier Eric D. , Gise Ryan
Published: June 2024

Background

The long-term visual outcomes in spasmus nutans patients is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize visual outcomes and identify comorbid ophthalmic conditions in patients with spasmus nutans.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of consecutive patients diagnosed with spasmus nutans between 2000 and 2020. Demographic information, ophthalmic characteristics, and neuroimaging results were assessed over time.

Results

Of the 32 patients included in the study, 13 (41%) were female. Underlying medical conditions included a diagnosis of Trisomy 21 in 6 (19%) and prematurity in 8 (25%). Twenty-one patients (66%) self-reported as a race other than Caucasian. 18 patients (56%) had non-private health insurance and 1 (3%) was uninsured. Mean age at diagnosis and resolution were 16 months (range 45 months) and 48 months (range 114 months), respectively. All 32 patients had nystagmus, 31 (97%) had head nodding and 16 (50%) had ocular torticollis. Mean follow-up was 66 months (range 185 months). On initial presentation, 6/32 (19%) had an amblyogenic refractive error and mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the better-seeing eye was 0.78 Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (LogMAR) (range 1.24). In a sub-analysis that included patients with > 1 exam (n = 23), 17/20 (85%) had an amblyogenic refractive error and mean BCVA in the better-seeing eye was 0.48 LogMAR (range 1.70). At the final exam, 12 patients had measurable stereopsis, eight had strabismus, and three had undergone strabismus surgery. Eight patients required treatment for amblyopia.

Conclusions

We found a high prevalence of amblyogenic refractive error, strabismus and amblyopia among patients with spasmus nutans. Children with spasmus nutans benefit from ongoing ophthalmic follow-up until they are past the amblyopic age range, even after resolution of nystagmus.
Postoperative hypoalbuminemia and outcomes of pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Uasuwannakul Alina , Lertudomphonwanit Chatmanee , Anantasit Nattachai , Tanpowpong Pornthep , Getsuwan Songpon , Thirapattaraphan Chollasak , Treepongkaruna Suporn
Published: June 2024

Background

Hypoalbuminemia after liver transplantation (LT) is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) and poor outcomes in adult LT recipients. This study was performed to examine the association between the postoperative serum albumin level and early postoperative outcomes of LT in children.

Methods

This single-center retrospective review involved pediatric LT recipients (0–18 years old) treated from January 2013 to June 2020. All patients were admitted to PICU and received standard post-LT care protocol. We divided patients into low (< 30 g/L) and normal (> 30 g/L) groups based on postoperative albumin day 1 to 3.

Results

Among 108 LT recipients, most had biliary atresia. The median age at the time of LT was 1.8 years [interquartile range (IQR), 1.5–5.7]. There were 18 patients in low albumin group [median albumin level, 27.9 g/L (IQR, 25.8–29.6) and 90 patients in normal albumin group [median albumin level, 34.5 g/L (IQR, 32.4–36.9). The low albumin group had significantly higher incidence of AKI, occurring in 20% of patients with a median onset of 2.5 days following LT (IQR, 1–5). Postoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR, 4.94; 95% CI, 1.32–18.47; p = 0.01) and a longer operative time (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.01–1.47; p = 0.02) were independent risk factors for AKI by multivariable analysis. No significant differences between the two groups were found in other early postoperative outcomes.

Conclusion

Postoperative hypoalbuminemia was associated with early postoperative AKI following LT in children but not with other worsening outcomes.
Determinants of speech and language delay among children aged 12 months to 12 years at Yekatit 12 Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a case–control study
Authors: Moges Feven Y. , Mengistu Zuriyash , Tilahun Sosina W.
Published: June 2024

Background

Speech and language delay among children can result in social interaction problems, attention difficulties, decreased writing and reading abilities, and poor cognitive and behavioral development. Despite the mounting prevalence of speech and language delays in Ethiopia, there is a lack of literature addressing the factors contributing to this delay. Consequently, this study aims to identify determinants of speech and language delay among children aged 12 months to 12 years at Yekatit 12 Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

We conducted an institutional-based at Yekatit 12 Hospital, unmatched case–control study with 50 cases and 100 controls aged 12 months to 12 years. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the parents or caregivers of the participating children. Epi Info v7 was used for sample calculation, and SPSS v26 was used for analysis. The chi-square test was performed to determine the relationship between speech and language delay and determining factors, which was then followed by logistic regression. The significant determining factors were identified based on the adjusted odds ratio (AOR), with a 95% CI and p-value (< 0.05).

Results

Case group constituted 23 males and 27 females, totaling 50 children. Upon completing the multivariate analysis, birth asphyxia [AOR = 4.58, 95CI (1.23–16.99)], bottle-feeding [AOR = 4.54, 95CI (1.29–16.04)], mother–child separation [AOR = 2.6, 95CI (1.05–6.43)], multilingual family [AOR = 2.31, 95CI (1.03–5.18)], and screen time greater than two hours [AOR = 3.06, 95CI (1.29–7.28)] were found to be statistically significant determinants of speech and language delay.

Conclusions

Our study found that birth asphyxia, bottle-feeding, mother–child separation, being from a multilingual family, and excessive screen time contribute significantly to speech and language delay. As a result, it is important to develop interventions that target these modifiable factors, while also ensuring that early diagnosis and treatment options are readily accessible.
Police-referred psychiatric emergency presentations during the first and second wave of COVID-19 in Berlin, Germany: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Goldschmidt Thomas , Kippe Yann David , Gutwinski Stefan , Deutscher Karl , Schouler-Ocak Meryam , Kroehn-Liedtke Franziska
Published: June 2024

Background

Literature on psychiatric emergency services (PES) presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic showed heterogeneous results regarding patients brought in by police (BIBP). This is the first study primarily focusing on patients BIBP in a PES during the COVID-19-period.

Methods

Case documentation records during the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in a PES in Berlin, Germany were analyzed using descriptive data analysis and binomial logistic regression analysis to detect factors that predict presentations BIBP.

Results

5440 PES presentations: 20.4% BIBP during the first wave vs. 16.3% during its control period; second wave: 17.6% BIBP vs. 14.9% during its control period. In both waves, absolute increases in presentations BIBP were seen compared to control (p = .029, p = .028, respectively). COVID-19-period was a predictor for presentations BIBP during the first and the second wave. The following factors also predicted presentations BIBP: younger age, male gender, aggressive behavior, suicide attempt prior to presentation and diagnosis of psychotic or substance use disorders; depressive disorders were negatively associated.

Conclusions

During the two first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in presentations BIBP in a PES in Berlin. Regression analysis shows that the pandemic itself was a predictor of presentations BIBP. The underlying factors of this association need to be further elucidated in future research. Additionally, general factors predicting PES presentations BIBP are reported that replenish the present literature.