bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology for societal change: Evaluating a mobile app addressing the emotional needs of people experiencing homelessness
Authors: Burrows Rachel , Mendoza Antonette , Pedell Sonja , Sterling Leon , Miller Tim , Lopez-Lorca Alexi
Published: December 2022

New technology that aims to tackle the systemic and societal problems face challenges bringing together diverse stakeholder perspectives effectively. We evaluate how an emotion-led approach, with a Living Lab process may be effective in these situations. We discuss findings and their implications for this in the context of the development and ongoing maintenance of a web app called “Ask Izzy”. Ask Izzy supports people who are homeless or are otherwise disadvantaged by providing information and consequently improving their everyday life and wellbeing. We present a mixed-method evaluation of the web app: firstly, we evaluate impact of key design decisions upon engagement. Secondly, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 participants who are either homeless, ex-homeless or service providers and used content analysis. Then we demonstrate that our emotion-led approach brings a novel perspective on concerns from key actors influencing the refinement of the app. The results section outlines emotional goals such as a feeling of control that were important to consider in order to meet the needs of both end users and the wider service provision network. Our study provides recommendations and an approach that may inform others in developing and delivering similar health care and related systems and services.
Proposal complexity and report allocation in the European Parliament
Authors: Hurka Steffen , Haag Maximilian , Kaplaner Constantin
Published: December 2022

Experience and loyalty have been identified as major explanations for why Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are selected as committee rapporteurs in the European Parliament. Yet, existing research implicitly assumes that these explanations operate in isolation of what the report is about. In this article, we hypothesize that the effects of experience and loyalty on MEPs’ chances to become rapporteurs should be conditioned by the complexity of the Commission's legislative proposal. We show that party group coordinators indeed distribute the most complex legislative tasks to highly experienced MEPs but cannot confirm such a conditional relationship for the effect of loyalty. Our study contributes to the literature on the legislative organization in the European Parliament by highlighting the role of proposal complexity for the report allocation process.
“Shared care” through instant messaging updates in youth care; an interaction analysis
Authors: Sliedrecht Keun Young , Stommel Wyke , Schep Ellen
Published: December 2022

In this article, we analyse WhatsApp interactions in a youth care setting. In family-style group care, young people temporarily live in the family of professional foster parents (PFP), while they regularly visit their birth parents (BPs). Our data consist of instant messaging of 11 pairs of PFPs and BPs during 2 months. Using Conversation Analysis (CA), we focused on the social interaction between BPs and PFPs, achieved in and through multi-modally constructed sequences of updates—responses. First, updates are used by BPs in the context of the transfer from the child from/to the PFP marking the transfer of responsibility for the child. Second, PFPs use images as updates to provide BPs quasi-primary access to the experiences of the child. Third, updates are given or elicited in the context of prior problems. Across these functions, we observe that while BPs work to display responsibility, PFPs subtly empower BPs as parents.
Simulations of non-image-forming effects of light in building design: A literature review
Authors: Gkaintatzi-Masouti M , van Duijnhoven J , Aarts MPJ
Published: December 2022

Light affects many aspects of human physiology, through the non-image-forming (NIF) pathway. To account for this pathway, lighting design simulation tools need to combine several luminous and temporal factors to predict how architectural and lighting design decisions affect eye-level light exposure. Based on a systematic literature review, containing 55 journal and conference papers, the state-of-the-art towards implementing lighting beyond vision in computer simulation workflows for building design is presented. The review shows that, while interest in simulating the NIF effects of light on people is increasing, there is not a common method to perform these simulations. Gaps were identified in the currently available simulation workflows in relation to metrics, software and approaches for predicting NIF effects of light in the context of the building design.
The Role of the Literature and Theory in Defining and Bounding a Case
Authors: Vold Hansen Tiril
Published: December 2022

Defining and bounding a case are recognized as especially important components in designing a case study. Discussions concerning the case study methodology and the relationship between theory and research in this domain has been featured in the literature for some time now. Yet, the process of identifying or constructing a case and the contribution of theory in this space seem neglected. This paper discusses how a case can be defined and bounded, and the role of the literature and theory in the process. Throughout the article, the author draws upon her experiences in the course of her PhD project vis-à-vis interests and power in Norwegian Svalbard politics. The article is divided into three parts. The first part considers how to define a case. The second part discusses how to bound a case. The third part digs deeper into the dilemmas of using the literature and theory in these processes. Although there may not be any clear solution to these dilemmas, the author finds that treating preliminary definitions and boundaries as sensitizing concepts can allow a researcher to find “the stuff” that pushes the study toward more interesting findings and theoretical innovations. However, neither methodology textbooks nor journal articles carry the solution to such dilemmas. Rather, the researcher’s own reflection specific to actual research can be a panacea.
Chemical Compositions and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils From the Leaves of 4 Vietnamese Zingiberaceae Species
Authors: Huong Le Thi , The Son Ninh , Sam Ly Ngoc , Phan Nhat Minh , Dinh Luyen Nguyen , Hao Nguyen Thanh , Dai Do Ngoc
Published: December 2022

Essential oils of the leaves of 4 Vietnamese Zingiberaceae species were first obtained by hydro-distilled, and their chemical compositions were identified by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection/mass spectrometry . β-Pinene (21.7%), sabinene (12.8%), and α-pinene (8.0%) were the main compounds in Wurfbainia tenella leaf oil. The essential oil of Hedydium villosum var. tenuifolium leaf was dominated by β-pinene (23.7%), β-caryophyllene (21.6%), and 1,8-cineole (14.0%). β-Pinene (27.4%), α-pinene (21.2%), limonene (12.1%), and myrcene (8.6%) were the characteristic components of Meistera sudae leaf oil, and β-pinene (32.8%) and ( E)-methyl cinnamate (15.8%) of Alpinia hongiaoensis leaf oil. The 4 oil samples exhibited antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis (American Type Culture Collection [ATCC] 27212), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 12222), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 25923), Aspergillus niger (ATCC 9763), Fusarium oxysporum (ATCC 48112), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ATCC 2601) at different levels. Especially, the leaf oil of M sudae showed strong activity against B subtilis, S aureus, and S cerevisiae with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 25.0 µg/mL.
Chest X-ray features facilitate screening for pulmonary hypertension caused by fibrosing mediastinitis
Authors: Zhou Mingfang , Li Bo , Chen Yaling , Wang Aqian , Zhu Yining , Li Yu , Su Hongling , Fan Jingchun , Zhang Yan , Cao Yunshan
Published: December 2022

Background:

Misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of pulmonary hypertension caused by fibrosing mediastinitis (PH-FM) are considerably prevalent due to unspecific symptoms and as well as the lack of awareness of this fatal disease.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the chest X-ray (CXR) for screening the patients with PH-FM from those with pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Design:

This was a retrospective observational cohort study.

Methods:

The patients with suspected PH were recruited between October 2014 and October 2020. All the clinical data and CXR findings were collected. The sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio of the CXR features were calculated. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with the CXR characteristics and FM and to generate a prediction model. Finally, the diagnostic efficiency of the prediction model was evaluated using nomogram and internal validation.

Results:

The patients with PH-FM ( n = 36) and PH caused by the diseases other than FM (PH-non-FM, n = 62) were enrolled. The CXR features, including atelectasis, pleural effusion, consolidation, nodules, calcification, interlobular septal thickening, and interstitial reticulation, were more prevalent in patients with PH-FM than in those with PH-non-FM (all p < 0.05). Atelectasis had a specificity of 97%, a sensitivity of 50%, and a greater accuracy for diagnosing of PH-FM [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.720; 95% CI: 0.634–0.806] than the other factors did. The combination of tuberculosis, natural logarithmic NT-proBNP (lnBNP), atelectasis, pleural effusion, and prominent right heart border constituted a prediction model to distinguish the PH-FM from the PH-non-FM, with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 83.9%. The model demonstrated good prediction performance by showing an AUC of 0.922 (95% CI: 0.861–0.983) in the internal validation.

Conclusion:

In this study, atelectasis was the most specific and accurate CXR characteristic for identifying PH-FM in the PH patients. The combination of atelectasis, pleural effusion, prominent right heart border, tuberculosis, and lnBNP constituted a prediction model that distinguished the PH-FM patients from the PH-non-FM ones with good performance.
Toward a better understanding of the perceived value of an online visit experience: Analysis of the relevance of the experiential value scale approach based on a double replication
Authors: Maubisson Laurent , Rivière Arnaud
Published: December 2022

As online experiences continue to grow, most researchers and practitioners assess the perceived value of a web browsing experience through restrictive measures originally developed in offline environments. While the experiential value scale (EVS) is the only measure specifically designed 20 years ago to capture the different facets of the perceived value of an online experience, it has only been used twice in this context, even though it is commonly used to study the perceived value of an offline offer. This research note thus aims to assess the relevance and robustness of EVS in an online context. At the end of a double replication of this measure, applied to visits to the websites of the châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau ( N = 914), the results underline the interest and the conditions of use of this approach, which makes it possible to apprehend more finely the sources of the perceived value of an online visit experience.
An Empirical Analysis of Tribal Identity in Indian Literature
Authors: Vijayan Don G. , Umamaheshwari S.
Published: December 2022

Homogenizing the heterogeneous Indian tribes might be unfair. However, as large groups of tribal families are the subjects of study, the word ‘tribes’ was adopted as a grab for the underprivileged people, regardless of geographical location or cultural moorings. The current study analyse the significance of ethnographic novels that specifically evoke cultural experiences and the efficiency of their strategies in depicting people via the analysis of the two books such as Paraja (authored in Oriya in 1945) by Gopinath Mohanty and translated by Bikram K. Das in 2001, and Chotti Munda and His Arrow (Bangla title is Chotti Munda ebang Tar Tir, 1980) by Mahasweta Devi and translated by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak in 2002. The current study emphasizes the shifting paradigms of centre–right binarism by using fictional works by well-known writers Mahasweta Devi and Gopinath Mohanty who have done literary works that spoke about the rights of tribal community.
Critically assembling water quality ethics beyond thresholds, hierarchies and best practices
Authors: MacAfee Elizabeth
Published: December 2022

The emerging field of water ethics analyses and explores the moral implications of particular human–water relations and practices. This article focuses on ethical aspects of planning, management and governance of water quality, in what I refer to as water quality ethics. In particular, I draw attention to the potential for incorporating the ethical perspectives of philosophers Giles Deleuze and Félix Guattari into water quality planning, management and governance, opening for exchange between these normative fields of policy and practice with speculative philosophy. Deleuze and Guattari’s ethics emphasises the rejection of externally imposed binaries and categories onto a deeply heterogenous and dynamic world. Therefore, I identify three potentially problematic moments in how water quality is defined and responded to according to these criteria. I provide examples of how abstract and universalising principles can obscure the complexity of individual situations and thus hinder the visibility of alternative solutions. In so doing, I note the possibility for the empirically oriented arena of water justice scholarship to be complemented by a philosophical approach that emphasises the situated, fluid and lively materiality of water and water quality.
Crystal structures of rhodium-containing erlichmanite–laurite solid solutions (Os1–x–yRuxRhyS2: x = 0.09–0.60, y = 0.07–0.10) with unique compositional dependence
Authors: Kitahara Ginga , Yoshiasa Akira , Ishimaru Satoko , Terai Kunihisa , Tokuda Makoto , Nishio-Hamane Daisuke , Tanaka Takahiro , Sugiyama Kazumasa
Published: December 2022

Rh-rich and Ir-poor erlichmanite–laurite OsS2–RuS2 solid solutions have been discovered at placers in Haraigawa, Misato-machi, Kumamoto, Japan. Microprobe analysis was performed to identify solid solutions containing few sub-components other than Rh. Approximately 10 at.% Rh was found to be present in the solid-solution samples. Structural refinement was performed using four natural samples: Os0.32Ru0.61Rh0.07S2, Os0.49Ru0.43Rh0.08S2, Os0.58Ru0.33Rh0.08S2 and Os0.81Ru0.09Rh0.10S2. The unit-cell parameters for the solid solutions containing Rh from Haraigawa varied from 5.61826(6) to 5.63142(8) Å. The (Os, Ru, Rh)–S distances in the Os1–x–yRuxRhyS2 system were almost constant with a small variation of 0.001 Å. Conversely, the S–S distances varied significantly, with variations approaching 0.1 Å. Rh substitution of Os rather than Ru had a larger impact on the crystal structure. The atomic displacement ellipsoid of both cations and anions was almost spherical, and no elongation along the M–S and S–S bond directions was observed. The bulk Debye temperatures were estimated from the Debye–Waller factor for the sulfide site. The bulk Debye temperatures of pure OsS2 and RuS2 were 688 K and 661 K, respectively, which suggests that the melting point of erlichmanite is higher than that of laurite. The high Debye temperature of OsS2 is inconsistent with the crystallisation of laurite prior to erlichmanite from the primitive magma, which suggests that $f_{\rm S_2}$, rather than temperature, is the main cause of the known crystallisation order. The presence of several percent Rh has a significant effect on the thermal stability of OsS2 and lowers the melting point of the erlichmanite solid solution compared to that of the laurite solid solution.
The electronic tree of life (eToL): a net of long probes to characterize the microbiome from RNA-seq data
Authors: Hu Xinyue , Haas Jürgen G. , Lathe Richard
Published: December 2022

Background

Microbiome analysis generally requires PCR-based or metagenomic shotgun sequencing, sophisticated programs, and large volumes of data. Alternative approaches based on widely available RNA-seq data are constrained because of sequence similarities between the transcriptomes of microbes/viruses and those of the host, compounded by the extreme abundance of host sequences in such libraries. Current approaches are also limited to specific microbial groups. There is a need for alternative methods of microbiome analysis that encompass the entire tree of life.

Results

We report a method to specifically retrieve non-human sequences in human tissue RNA-seq data. For cellular microbes we used a bioinformatic 'net', based on filtered 64-mer sequences designed from small subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences across the Tree of Life (the 'electronic tree of life', eToL), to comprehensively (98%) entrap all non-human rRNA sequences present in the target tissue. Using brain as a model, retrieval of matching reads, re-exclusion of human-related sequences, followed by contig building and species identification, is followed by confirmation of the abundance and identity of the corresponding species groups. We provide methods to automate this analysis. The method reduces the computation time versus metagenomics by a factor of >1000. A variant approach is necessary for viruses. Again, because of significant matches between viral and human sequences, a 'stripping' approach is essential. Contamination during workup is a potential problem, and we discuss strategies to circumvent this issue. To illustrate the versatility of the method we report the use of the eToL methodology to unambiguously identify exogenous microbial and viral sequences in human tissue RNA-seq data across the entire tree of life including Archaea, Bacteria, Chloroplastida, basal Eukaryota, Fungi, and Holozoa/Metazoa, and discuss the technical and bioinformatic challenges involved.

Conclusions

This generic methodology is likely to find wide application in microbiome analysis including diagnostics.
High prevalence of dyslipidaemia among persons with diabetes mellitus and hypertension at a tertiary hospital in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Katundu Kondwani G. H. , Mukhula Victoria , Phiri Tamara , Phiri Chimota , Filisa-Kaphamtengo Florence , Chipewa Pascal , Chirambo George , Mipando Mwapatsa , Mwandumba Henry C. , Muula Adamson S. , Kumwenda Johnstone
Published: December 2022

Background

Dyslipidaemia drives the process of atherosclerosis, and hence a significant modifiable risk factor complicating hypertension and diabetes. In Malawi, the prevalence, screening and management of dyslipidaemia among persons with diabetes mellitus have not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, biochemical characteristics, screening and management practices for dyslipidaemia among persons with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus and hypertension comorbidity at Queen Elizabeth Central hospital in Blantyre, Malawi.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021. A total of 256 adult participants (diabetes mellitus = 100); hypertension = 100; both conditions = 56) were included. Medical data and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Blood samples were analysed for HbA1C and serum lipids. Associated risk factors for dyslipidaemia were also assessed.

Results

Dyslipidaemia was prevalent in 58%, 55%, and 70% of participants with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and both conditions. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) dyslipidaemia was the most common in all participant groups. Participants with both diabetes and hypertension had 2.4 times (95% CI 1.2–4.6) increased risk of LDL-C dyslipidaemia than those with diabetes alone (p < 0.02). Being overweight or obese and age over 30 years were risk factors for dyslipidaemia in participants with diabetes mellitus alone (OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.1–1.6), p < 0.04, and OR 2.2 (95% CI 1.2–4.7) (p < 0.01), respectively. Overweight and obesity predicted LDL-C dyslipidaemia in hypertensive patients (OR 3.5 (95% CI 1.2–9.9) p < 0.001). Poorly controlled hypertension and the use of beta-blockers and thiazide diuretics predicted dyslipidaemia among patients with both diabetes mellitus and hypertension (OR 6.50 CI 1.45–29.19; and OR 5.20 CI 1.16–23.36 respectively). None of the participants had a lipogram performed before the study or were on lipid-lowering therapy.

Conclusions

Dyslipidaemia with LDL-C derangement was highly prevalent, especially in individuals with both diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and there was absent use of lipid-lowering therapy. Screening and managing dyslipidaemia should be reinforced to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in this population at increased risk.
A novel missense mutation of the STK11 gene in a Chinese family with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Authors: Yu Zhen , Liu Lin , Jiang Fang , Ji Yimin , Wang Xiao , Liu Lili
Published: December 2022

Background

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by mutations in the Serine-Threonine Kinase 11 (STK11) gene. This study aimed to diagnose a Chinese pedigree with PJS and to expand the spectrum of STK11 variants.

Methods

We performed an inductive analysis of clinical features, gastrointestinal endoscopy, radiologic imaging, and pathological findings in a Chinese family with PJS. Whole-exome sequencing (WES), Sanger sequencing, and STK11 protein 3D structure prediction were performed for establishing a molecular diagnosis.

Results

The proband, her mother, and grandfather presented with pigmentation spots on lips, oral mucosa, and fingers. Her mother and grandfather also had pigmentation spots on face and feet, while her brother had pigmentation spots only on the lower lip. On endoscopy, polyps were discovered in the proband, her mother, and grandfather. A novel heterozygous mutation (c.521A > C) in exon 4 of STK11 was identified in all four patients, leading to a change from histidine to proline in amino acid 174. The variable site p.H174 was highly conserved in different species on multiple sequence alignment analysis.

Conclusions

We diagnosed a Chinese pedigree with PJS based on clinical features, gastrointestinal endoscopy, and genetic testing results. Our results expanded the spectrum of STK11 variants, which will be helpful for genetic counseling.
Synthesis, characterization, and anticancer evaluation of 1,3-bistetrahydrofuran-2yl-5-FU as a potential agent for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ndemazie Nkafu Bechem , Inkoom Andriana , Ebesoh Dexter , Bulusu Raviteja , Frimpong Esther , Trevino Jose , Han Bo , Zhu Xue , Agyare Edward
Published: December 2022

The failure of current chemotherapeutic agents for pancreatic cancer (PCa) makes it the most aggressive soft tissue tumor with a 5-year survival of slightly above 10% and is estimated to be the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030.

Objective: The main aim was to synthesize, characterize and evaluate the anticancer activity of 1,3-bistetrahydrofuran-2yl-5FU (MFU).

Methods: MFU was synthesized by using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and tetrahydrofuran acetate, and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), micro-elemental analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and liquid chromatography with mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS). MFU and Gemcitabine hydrochloride (GemHCl) were tested for antiproliferative activity against MiaPaca-2 and Panc-1 cell lines.

Results: The half-minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of MFU was twice lower than that of GemHCl when used in both cell lines. MiaPaca-2 cells (MFU-IC50 = 4.5 ± 1.2 μM vs. GemHCl-IC50 = 10.3 ± 1.1 μM); meanwhile similar trend was observed in Panc-1 cells (MFU-IC50 = 3.0 ± 1 μM vs. GemHCl-IC50 = 6.1 ± 1.03 μM). The MFU and GemHCl effects on 3D spheroids showed a similar trend (IC50-GemHCl = 14.3 ± 1.1 μM vs. IC50-MFU = 7.2 ± 1.1 μM) for MiaPaca-2 cells, and (IC50-GemHCl = 16.3 ± 1.1 μM vs. IC50-MFU = 9.2 ± 1.1 μM) for Panc-1 cells. MFU significantly inhibited clonogenic cell growth, and induced cell death via apoptosis. Cell cycle data showed mean PI for GemHCl (48.5–55.7) twice higher than MFU (24.7 to 27.9) for MiaPaca-2 cells, and similarly to Panc-1 cells. The in-vivo model showed intensely stained EGFR (stained brown) in all control, GemHCl and MFU-treated mice bearing subcutaneous PDX tumors, however, HER2 expression was less stained in MFU-treated tumors compared to GemHCl-treated tumors and controls. Mean tumor volume of MFU-treated mice (361 ± 33.5 mm3) was three-fold lower than GemHCl-treated mice (1074 ± 181.2 mm3) bearing pancreatic PDX tumors.

Conclusion: MFU was synthesized with high purity and may have potential anticancer activity against PCa.
Recurrent vitreous opacity caused by intraocular Toxocara larva: a case report and literature review
Authors: Lin Shiqun , Han Xiaoxu , Dai Rongping
Published: December 2022

Background

Toxocara larva entity has seldom been reported on the surface of the retina. We report on an unusual case of recurrent vitreous opacity caused by intraocular Toxocara larva after vitrectomy.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old male was referred to our clinic with a 6-month history of decreased visual acuity in the right eye characterized as red, painless, and progressive. Optos fundus photograph showed optic disc elevation with granuloma, and proliferative membrane starting from the optic disc and running towards the superior temporal retina due to the movement of a Toxocara larva, which was covered by the proliferative membrane in the superior temporal retina. Since it adhered closely to the retina, the lesion in the superior temporal retina was not removed to avoid induction of an iatrogenic retinal break and the larva was not found during the first diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy. Intraocular Anti-Toxocara IgG was 45.53U (< 3, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)), and the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient was 8.55, confirming the diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis. After this operation, visual acuity improved to 20/200. However, vitreous opacity worsened again, and the proliferative membrane expanded around the Toxocara larva three weeks after the operation. Toxocara larva was found and removed in the superior temporal region during the second operation. His visual acuity improved to 20/100, vitreous opacity disappeared, and the retina was stable two months after the second operation.

Conclusion

It is advisable to remove suspected Toxocara larva to prevent the reoccurrence of ocular toxocariasis.
Treatment results of diabetic macular edema with different choroidal thickness with intravitreal anti vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Savur Fatma , Kaldırım Havva , Atalay Kürşat , Öğreden Tülin , Hayat Şerife Çiloğlu
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To compare the results of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) with different choroidal thicknesses.

Methods

The files of patients diagnosed with DME and treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF were reviewed retrospectively. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), choroidal thickness (CT), and macular thickness (MT) measurements were recorded before and after treatment. All patients included in the study were divided into 3 groups according to the initial subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). Group 1 included 35 patients with SFCT ≤ 220, group 2 included 27 patients with SFCT > 220 ≤ 270, and group 3 included 30 patients with SFCT > 270. The total number of anti-VEGF administered during the follow-up at the last examination, baseline and post-treatment CT, MT, and BCVA measurements were statistically compared in all 3 groups.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 61.9 ± 10.2 in group 1, 58.7 ± 8.7 in group 2, and 57.0 ± 6.5 in group 3. The mean anti-VEGF count in group 1 was significantly lower than group 2 and group 3 (p = 0.004, p = 0.006). In Group 1, BCVA improved significantly after treatment compared to baseline (p = 0.001). In Groups 2 and 3, BCVA did not change significantly after treatment compared to baseline (p = 0.320, p = 0.104). After treatment, central macular thickness decreased significantly in group 1 compared to baseline, while central macular thickness did not show a significant change from baseline in group 2 and group 3 after treatment (p = 0.003, p = 0.059, p = 0.590).

Conclusion

In our study, we observed that the treatment needs of our DME patients with different choroidal thicknesses were different. In patients with DME, the initial choroidal thickness may help determine the need for follow-up and treatment.
Validation of a new emotion regulation self-report questionnaire for children
Authors: Junghänel Michaela , Wand Hildegard , Dose Christina , Thöne Ann-Kathrin , Treier Anne-Katrin , Hanisch Charlotte , Ritschel Anne , Kölch Michael , Lincke Lena , Roessner Veit , Kohls Gregor , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike , Kaman Anne , Banaschewski Tobias , Aggensteiner Pascal-M. , Görtz-Dorten Anja , Döpfner Manfred ,   on behalf of the ADOPT Consortium, Bernheim Dorothee , Bienioschek Stefanie , Boecker Maren , Brandeis Daniel , Christmann Nina , Daunke Andrea , Fegert Jörg M. , Frenk Franziska , Giller Franziska , Ginsberg Claudia , Goldbeck Carolina , Groh Monja , Hellmich Martin , Hohmann Sarah , Holz Nathalie , Igel Christine , Kaiser Anna , Katmer-Amet Betül , Katzmann Josepha , Millenet Sabina , Mücke Kristina , Schreiner Anne , Schroth Jennifer , Schüller Anne , Steiner Marie-Therese , Steiner Marion , Uhlmann Anne , Winkler Matthias , Zaplana Sara
Published: December 2022

Objective

To examine and validate the self-report Questionnaire on the Regulation of Unpleasant Moods in Children (FRUST), which is a modified and shortened version of the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Emotion Regulation in Children and Adolescents (FEEL-KJ).

Methods

The data comprised child and parent ratings of a community-screened sample with differing levels of affective dysregulation (AD) (N = 391, age: M = 10.64, SD = 1.33, 56% male). We conducted latent factor analyses to establish a factor structure. Subsequently, we assessed measurement invariance (MI) regarding age, gender, and AD level and evaluated the internal consistencies of the scales. Finally, we examined the convergent and divergent validity of the instrument by calculating differential correlations between the emotion regulation strategy (ERS) scales and self- and parent-report measures of psychopathology.

Results

A four-factor model, with one factor representing Dysfunctional Strategies and the three factors Distraction, Problem-Solving and Social Support representing functional strategies provided the best fit to our data and was straightforward to interpret. We found strong MI for age and gender and weak MI for AD level. Differential correlations with child and parent ratings of measures of psychopathology supported the construct validity of the factors.

Conclusions

We established a reliable and valid self-report measure for the assessment of ERS in children. Due to the reduced number of items and the inclusion of highly specific regulatory behaviors, the FRUST might be a valuable contribution to the assessment of ER strategies for diagnostic, therapeutic, and research purposes.
Prevalence and risk factors for transactional sex among Swedish-born and foreign-born MSM in Sweden
Authors: Causevic Sara , Salazar Mariano , Ekström Anna Mia , Berglund Torsten , Ingemarsdotter Persson Kristina , Jonsson Mikael , Jonsson Jonas , Strömdahl Susanne
Published: December 2022

Background

Little is known about transactional sex (TS) (selling and buying sex) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sweden, especially among foreign-born MSM. This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of TS (ever and in the previous five years) among MSM living in Sweden and to determine if there is a difference between Swedish-born MSM and foreign-born MSM.

Methods

Swedish data from a multicountry online banner survey (EMIS-2017) was used (n = 4443). Multivariable regression analysis was applied to analyse the data.

Results

The prevalence of ever-selling sex among all MSM participants was 13.2% and 5.9% in the previous five years. Selling sex ever and in the previous five years was higher among foreign-born MSM (16% and 8.4%, respectively) than Swedish-born MSM (12.7% and 5.4%, respectively). Among all participants, younger age (aOR:3.19, 95% CI:1.57–6.45) and really struggling to live on current income (aOR:3.37, 95% CI:2.29–4.96) increased the odds of selling sex. Being foreign-born MSM (aOR:1.33, 95% CI:1.02–1.73) and having had sex with a woman in the previous 12 months increased the odds of selling sex (aOR:1.44, 95% CI:1.00–2.07).

The prevalence of ever buying sex among MSM participants in Sweden was 10.8% and 6.7% in the previous five years, with the same trend among foreign-born MSM (11.6% and 6.9%, respectively) and Swedish-born MSM (10.7% and 6.6%, respectively). Higher education and not having a current partner increased the odds of buying sex. Younger age was protective for buying sex (aOR:0.05, 95% CI:0.02–0.14). Among the foreign-born MSM, the length of stay in Sweden decreased the odds of buying sex (aOR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99).

Conclusions

The comparatively high prevalence of TS among MSM participants in Sweden, where buying sex is illegal, with a higher prevalence among foreign-born MSM participants, calls for sexual and reproductive health and rights interventions in this population. Increased attention, including HIV prevention programming and education, should be aimed at younger MSM, MSM struggling with their current income, and foreign-born MSM, as they are more likely to report selling sex.
COVID-19 and its prevention in internally displaced person (IDP) camps in Somalia: impact on livelihood, food security and mental health
Authors: Mumin Farah I. , Wesonga Fred D. , Handuleh Jibril I. M. , White Ross G. , Mor Siobhan M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Somalia has over 2.6 million internally displaced people (IDP) that depend on daily wages and humanitarian assistance for their livelihoods. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on livelihoods, food security and mental health of Somalia’s IDPs.

Methods

A questionnaire was conducted with “breadwinners” (n = 585) residing in 15 randomly selected IDP camps. Mental health was assessed using the 5-item World Health Organization Wellbeing Index (WHO-5) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Multivariable regression was used to explore the effect of depressive symptoms on soap use and ability to pay for food/medicine/rent.

Results

Knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, transmission and prevention was relatively high, however only 55% reported using soap for hand washing. Around one third perceived that prohibition of public gatherings had negatively impacted weekly earnings. Participants reported difficulty buying food (85%), medicine (82%) and paying rent (51%) because of COVID-19. The majority were assessed as having low wellbeing and high depressive symptoms (mean WHO-5 = 44.2/100; mean PHQ-9 = 18.6/27), with most (74%) indicating that they felt worse than before the pandemic. Compared to people with low depressive symptoms, people with high depressive symptoms were less likely to use soap (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.2, 0.7; P < 0.001) and more likely to report difficulty buying food (aOR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1, 4.3; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

COVID-19 and associated restrictions have negatively impacted Somalia’s internally displaced population. Livelihood and mental health support is urgently needed in the recovery phase of the pandemic and should be factored into future pandemic planning.
Validity and repeatability of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Tomlinson Owen W. , Markham Laura , Wollerton Rebecca L. , Knight Bridget A. , Duckworth Anna , Gibbons Michael A. , Scotton Chris J. , Williams Craig A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and its primary outcome of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), are acknowledged as biomarkers in the diagnostic and prognostic management of interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, the validity and repeatability of CPET in those with ILD has yet to be fully characterised, and this study fills this evidence gap.

Methods

Twenty-six people with ILD were recruited, and 21 successfully completed three CPETs. Of these, 17 completed two valid CPETs within a 3-month window, and 11 completed two valid CPETs within a 6-month window. Technical standards from the European Respiratory Society established validity, and repeatability was determined using mean change, intraclass correlation coefficient and typical error.

Results

Every participant (100%) who successfully exercised to volitional exhaustion produced a maximal, and therefore valid, CPET. Approximately 20% of participants presented with a plateau in VO2, the primary criteria for establishing a maximal effort. The majority of participants otherwise presented with secondary criteria of respiratory exchange ratios in excess of 1.05, and maximal heart rates in excess of their predicted values. Repeatability analyses identified that the typical error (expressed as percent of coefficient of variation) was 20% over 3-months in those reaching volitional exhaustion.

Conclusion

This work has, for the first time, fully characterised how patients with ILD respond to CPET in terms of primary and secondary verification criteria, and generated novel repeatability data that will prove useful in the assessment of disease progression, and future evaluation of therapeutic regimens where VO2peak is used as an outcome measure.
Preoperative vitamin D level is significantly associated with hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy
Authors: Qi Yantao , Chai Jixin , Zhang Liuyang , Chen Yong
Published: December 2022

Background

To evaluate the association of preoperative vitamin D levels with postoperative hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy.

Methods

The medical records of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between May 2020 and January 2022 and who had a documented preoperative serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentration were retrospectively reviewed. Vitamin D levels were categorized into four groups: <10 ng/mL (severe vitamin D deficiency), 10–20 ng/mL (vitamin D deficiency), 20–30 ng/mL (vitamin D insufficiency), and > 30 ng/mL (vitamin D sufficiency). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyse the association of vitamin D levels with the risk of hypocalcaemia after controlling for potential confounding factors.

Results

A total of 196 patients were included in this study. Of these, 47 (24.0%) had preoperative 25-OHD < 10 ng/mL, 62 (31.6%) had 25-OHD of 10–20 ng/mL, 51 (26.0%) had 25-OHD of 20–30 ng/mL and the remaining 36 (18.4%) had 25-OHD > 30 ng/mL. The incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia was highest in the group of patients with severe vitamin D deficiency (42.6% and 23.4% for postoperative laboratory and symptomatic hypocalcaemia, respectively), followed by the group with vitamin D deficiency (29.0% and 16.1%), the group with vitamin D insufficiency (19.6% and 5.9%) and the group with vitamin D sufficiency (5.6% and 2.8%). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that the odds of postoperative laboratory hypocalcaemia for patients with severe vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D deficiency were 13.20 times (95% CI: 2.69–64.79, P < 0.01) and 6.32 times (95% CI: 1.32–30.28, P = 0.02) greater than for those with vitamin D sufficiency, respectively; while the odds of symptomatic hypocalcaemia for patients with severe vitamin D deficiency was 10.18 times (95% CI: 1.14–90.86, P = 0.04) greater than for those with vitamin D sufficiency.

Conclusion

Preoperative vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL), especially severe vitamin D deficiency (< 10 ng/mL), is an independent predictive factor of postoperative hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy.
Effectiveness of manual therapy, computerised mobilisation plus home exercise, and home exercise only in treating work-related neck pain: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Weiming , Ji Chang , Andersen Lars Louis , Wang Yafei , Lin Yangyang , Jiang Li , Chen Shuwei , Xu Yangfan , Zhang Ziping , Shi Le , Wang Yuling
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background

Work-related neck pain (WRNP) is a leading cause of disability and absenteeism. Patients with neck pain often have neck muscle tenderness and decreased cervical mobility, which are sometimes combined with psychosocial issues, such as pain catastrophising, thereby reducing their work ability. Whilst multidisciplinary treatments, including pharmacological interventions, manual therapy and specific neck exercises, have produced positive outcomes, effective personalised treatment modalities are still needed. Furthermore, manual therapies using the hands can bring fatigue to therapist. Occiflex is a computerised device that can provide personalised segmental joint mobilisation based on symptoms and injury of the patient and then provide a medium range of joint activities to improve range of cervical motion. This study aims to compare the effect of computerised mobilisation performed with Occiflex with that of traditional manual therapy on WRNP.

Methods

We will conduct a prospective randomised controlled trial including 150 patients with WRNP. These patients will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (i) home exercise (TE), (ii) home exercise plus Occiflex therapy and (iii) home exercise plus manual therapy delivered by a physical therapist. Ten treatment sessions will be performed in four weeks. During the trial, these patients will receive only the assigned treatment and the standard patient education and will be asked not to use any analgesics unless strictly necessary. Assessments by trained evaluators will occur at baseline, week 4 and week 12. The primary outcome measures will include visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and neck disability index (NDI) at each time point. Secondary outcome measures will include cervical range of motion (CROM), pressure pain threshold (PPT), global perceived effect (GPE) and sick leave. Group by time differences will be analysed using linear mixed models with repeated measures.

Discussion

This protocol describes the methods for a randomised controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of computerised versus manual mobilisation techniques in treating WRNP. The results will provide an alternative method (Occiflex) that is possibly effective for treating neck pain whilst minimising the manual work done by therapists.

Trial registration

The study protocol was retrospectively registered athttp://www.chictr.org.cn(registration number: ChiCTR2100053076) on November 10, 2021.
Characteristics of salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase as psychobiological study outcomes in palliative care research
Authors: Warth Marco , Stoffel Martin , Koehler Friederike , Bardenheuer Hubert J. , Kessler Jens , Ditzen Beate
Published: December 2022

Background

Psychosocial interventions are rapidly emerging in palliative care. However, randomized trials often fail to provide evidence for their effectiveness with regard to patient-reported outcomes. Stress biomarkers could complement self-report data, but little is known about their feasibility, acceptance, and interpretability.

Methods

Therefore, we designed a randomized crossover trial in which 42 patients in a palliative care unit participated in both a brief mindfulness intervention (MI) and a resting state control condition (CC) on two consecutive afternoons. On each day, we collected four saliva samples in 20-min intervals using Salivettes© to determine salivary cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA) concentration levels. At all measurement points, self-rated well-being and stress as well as cardiovascular markers were assessed. Baseline measurements further included self-rated quality of life and clinician-rated functional status.

Results

78.6% of the patients provided the maximum number of 8 saliva samples and 62.2% reported no subjective difficulties with the sampling procedures. 66.6% (sCort) and 69.6% (sAA) of all possible samples were finally included in the analysis. Xerostomia and nausea were the main reasons for missing data. Higher sCort levels were associated with higher heart rate and lower quality of life, functional status, and heart rate variability. Corticosteroid and sedative medication as well as time since last meal were identified as potential confounders. Regarding reactivity to the MI, we found an overall decrease in sCort levels over time (b = -.03, p = .01), but this effect did not differ significantly between the study conditions (b = .03, p = .21). sAA levels were higher in men than in women. Trajectories over time did not significantly differ between the two conditions (b = -.02, p = .80) and associations with other stress and health-related constructs were weak.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that sCort might serve as a psychobiological outcome in future palliative care trials. However, future research should refine the exact measurement and conceptualization strategies for sCort in palliative care research. High attrition rates should be expected in patients with xerostomia or nausea.

Trial Registration

Registered at the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00013135) at 04/12/2017.
Perpetuation of gender discrimination in Pakistani society: results from a scoping review and qualitative study conducted in three provinces of Pakistan
Authors: Ali Tazeen Saeed , Ali Shahnaz Shahid , Nadeem Sanober , Memon Zahid , Soofi Sajid , Madhani Falak , Karim Yasmin , Mohammad Shah , Bhutta Zulfiqar Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Background

Gender discrimination is any unequal treatment of a person based on their sex. Women and girls are most likely to experience the negative impact of gender discrimination. The aim of this study is to assess the factors that influence gender discrimination in Pakistan, and its impact on women’s life.

Methods

A mixed method approach was used in the study in which a systematic review was done in phase one to explore the themes on gender discrimination, and qualitative interviews were conducted in phase two to explore the perception of people regarding gender discrimination. The qualitative interviews (in-depth interviews and focus group discussions) were conducted from married men and women, adolescent boys and girls, Healthcare Professionals (HCPs), Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) and Community Midwives (CMWs). The qualitative interviews were analyzed both manually and electronically through QSR NVivo 10. The triangulation of data from the systematic review and qualitative interviews were done to explore the gender discrimination related issues in Pakistan.

Results

The six major themes have emerged from the systematic review and qualitative interviews. It includes (1) Status of a woman in the society (2) Gender inequality in health (3) Gender inequality in education (4) Gender inequality in employment (5) Gender biased social norms and cultural practices and (6) Micro and macro level recommendations. In addition, a woman is often viewed as a sexual object and dependent being who lacks self identity unless being married. Furthermore, women are restricted to household and child rearing responsibilities and are often neglected and forced to suppress self-expression. Likewise, men are viewed as dominant figures in lives of women who usually makes all family decisions. They are considered as financial providers and source of protection. Moreover, women face gender discrimination in many aspects of life including education and access to health care.

Conclusion

Gender discrimination is deeply rooted in the Pakistani society. To prevent gender discrimination, the entire society, especially women should be educated and gendered sensitized to improve the status of women in Pakistan.