bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How theories of complexity and resilience affect interprofessional simulation-based education: a qualitative analysis of facilitators’ perspectives
Authors: Amorøe Torben Nordahl , Rystedt Hans , Oxelmark Lena , Dieckmann Peter , Andréll Paulin
Published: October 2023

Background

Quality of care and patient safety rely on the ability of interprofessional teams to collaborate effectively. This can be trained through interprofessional simulation-based education (IPSE). Patient safety also relies on the ability to adapt to the complexity of such situations, an ability termed resilience. Since these needs are not explicitly addressed in IPSE, the aim of this study was to explore how central concepts from complexity-theory and resilience affect IPSE, from facilitators’ perspective, when applied in debriefings.

Methods

A set of central concepts in complexity-theory and resilience were introduced to facilitators on an IPSE course for nursing and medical students. In five iterations of focus groups interviews the facilitators discussed their application of these concepts by reviewing video recordings of their own debriefings. Video recordings of the interviews were subjected to coding and thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified. The first, Concepts of complexity and resilience are relevant for IPSE, points to the applicability of these concepts and to the fact that students often need to deviate from prescribed guidelines/algorithms in order to solve cases. The second theme, Exploring complexity, shows how uncertainty could be used as a cue to explore complexity. Further, that individual performance needs to account for the context of actions and how this may lead to certain outcomes. Moreover, it was suggested that several ways to approach a challenge can contribute to important insight in the conditions for teamwork. The third theme, Unpacking how solutions are achieved, turns to needs for handling the aforementioned complexity. It illustrates the importance of addressing self-criticism by highlighting how students were often able to overcome challenges and find solutions. Finally, this theme highlights how pre-defined guidelines and algorithms still work as important resources to help students in transforming perceived messiness into clarity.

Conclusions

This study suggests that IPSE provides the possibility to explore complexity and highlight resilience so that such capability can be trained and improved. Further studies are needed to develop more concrete ways of using IPSE to account for complexity and developing resilience capacity and to evaluate to what extent IPSE can provide such an effect.
Use of routine health information systems data in developing and monitoring district and facility health plans: a scoping review
Authors: Byrne Elaine , Heywood Arthur
Published: October 2023

Background

Routine Health Information Systems data should be used in a systematic and institutionalised manner to support the making of plans, the monitoring of plans and in supportive supervision. To explore to what extent there is discussion about the linkage between planning, monitoring and supervision of sub-national programs using routine data we conducted a scoping review. The review question was: How are routine health information systems used in developing and monitoring health plans at district and facility level?

Methods

From a search of Ovid Medline (all), EMBASE and Web of Science along with a review of grey literature and involving a number of key stakeholders in identifying any missing resources a total of over 2200 documents were reviewed and data from 13 documents were extracted.

Results

Overall, there are many descriptions of how to implement and strengthen systems, ways to assess and improve data availability and quality, tools to improve the data use context, training in data use and mechanisms to involve stakeholders and strengthen infrastructure. However, there are gaps in examples of routine health data being used in the development, monitoring and supervision of plans at district and facility level.

Conclusions

There appears to be no institutionalised obligation of planners to monitor plans, very little guidance on how to practically monitor programs and minimal discussion about how to use the routinely available data to supportively supervise the implementation of the plans. To overcome these shortcomings, we recommend that practical procedures to ensure linkage of existing district plans to regular monitoring of priority programs are institutionalised, that mechanisms for making managers institutionally accountable for monitoring and supervising these plans are put in place, and that practical guidelines for linking plans with routine health information system data and regular monitoring and supportive supervision are developed.
Return to work and health-related quality of life up to 1 year in patients hospitalized for COVID-19: the CO-FLOW study
Authors: Bek L. M. , Berentschot J. C. , Hellemons M. E. , Remerie S. C. , van Bommel J. , Aerts J. G. J. V. , Ribbers G. M. , van den Berg-Emons H. J. G. , Heijenbrok-Kal M. H. ,   on behalf of the CO-FLOW collaboration group, van Genderen Michel E. , Gommers Diederik A. M. P. J. , Ista Erwin , van der Stoep Robert , Osterthun Rutger , Wijffels Markus P. J. M. , Visser Marieke M. , Tazmi-Staal Janette J. , Willems Eva G. , Heller Roxane , Gajadin Shai A. , Blox Wouter J. B. , Oswald Laurien , Bindraban Sieshem , van de Sande Herbert J. , van Rossem Ronald N. , van Loon-Kooij Stephanie
Published: October 2023

Background

Currently, evidence about the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on return to work and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is limited. We evaluated return to work and its associations with baseline characteristics and physical and mental recovery over time in patients up to 1 year after hospitalization for COVID-19. Secondly, we aimed to evaluate the association between return to work and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

CO-FLOW, a multicenter prospective cohort study, enrolled adult participants hospitalized for COVID-19, aged ≥ 18 years within 6 months after hospital discharge. Return to work and HRQoL were collected at 3, 6, and 12 months after hospital discharge using the iMTA Productivity Cost Questionnaire and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, respectively. Data were collected between July 1, 2020, and September 1, 2022. Generalized estimating equations with repeated measurements were used to assess outcomes over time.

Results

In the CO-FLOW study, 371 participants were employed pre-hospitalization. At 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge, 50% (170/342), 29% (92/317), and 15% (44/295) of participants had not returned to work, and 21% (71/342), 21% (65/317), and 16% (48/295) only partially, respectively. ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.17 (0.10 to 0.30), p < 0.001), persistent fatigue (0.93 (0.90 to 0.97), p < 0.001), female sex (0.57 (0.36 to 0.90), p = 0.017), and older age (0.96 (0.93 to 0.98), p < 0.001) were independently associated with no return to work. ICU patients required a longer time to return to work than non-ICU patients. Patients who did not return or partially returned to work reported lower scores on all domains of HRQoL than those who fully returned.

Conclusions

One year after hospitalization for COVID-19, only 69% of patients fully returned to work, whereas 15% did not return and 16% partially returned to work. No or partial return to work was associated with reduced HRQoL. This study suggests that long-term vocational support might be needed to facilitate return to work.

Trial registration

World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform NL8710.
Radiographic determination of the tracheal indices at caudal cervical, thoracic-inlet, and intra-thoracic trachea in non-bulldog brachycephalic breeds without evidence of cardiorespiratory disease
Authors: Mostafa Ayman A. , Berry Clifford R.
Published: October 2023

Background

Congenital tracheal hypoplasia is a component of airway syndrome affecting a wide variety of brachycephalic dog breeds. Several radiographic procedures were utilized to assess vertical tracheal diameter (VTD) in dogs. The objective of this study was to calculate the tracheal indices at the caudal cervical, thoracic-inlet, and intra-thoracic tracheal regions on the right lateral thoracic radiograph to further establish a screening protocol for diagnosis of tracheal hypoplasia in non-bulldog brachycephalic breeds. Dogs without clinical or radiographic evidence of tracheal, respiratory, or cardiovascular abnormalities were investigated. The absolute and average VTDs were normalized by manubrium length (ML), thoracic-inlet distance (Ti-D), and proximal 3rd rib width (PR3-W). Manubrium-tracheal index (M-TI), thoracic inlet-tracheal index (Ti-TI), and proximal R3-tracheal score (PR3-TS) were calculated. Correlations between averaged VTD and each of the normalizing parameters (ML, Ti-D, and PR3-W), and between M-TI and each of the previously established procedures (Ti-TI and PR3-TS) were determined.

Results

Eighty healthy subjects met the inclusion criteria for the study. There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.0001) among the means of absolute and normalized VTDs at the 3 tracheal levels. The smallest VTD was identified at the thoracic inlet. The average tracheal diameter showed a better correlation with ML (rs=0.81,P < 0.0001) compared to Ti-D and PR3-W. There was a strong correlation (rs=0.83,P < 0.0001) between the averaged M-TI and Ti-TI.

Conclusion

Radiographic M-TI could be an alternative to traditional procedures to assess the tracheal lumen in non-bulldog brachycephalic dogs. M-TI < 0.39, < 0.30, or < 0.34 at caudal cervical, thoracic inlet, or intrathoracic trachea, respectively, may indicate tracheal hypoplasia in non-bulldog brachycephalic breeds. Screening of tracheal diameter using M-TI should be recommended. However, further investigation of non-bulldog brachycephalic breeds with cardiac and/or respiratory disease is indicated.
Insights into the genetics of menopausal vasomotor symptoms: genome-wide analyses of routinely-collected primary care health records
Authors: Ruth Katherine S. , Beaumont Robin N. , Locke Jonathan M. , Tyrrell Jessica , Crandall Carolyn J. , Hawkes Gareth , Frayling Timothy M. , Prague Julia K. , Patel Kashyap A. , Wood Andrew R. , Weedon Michael N. , Murray Anna
Published: October 2023

Background

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) can often significantly impact women’s quality of life at menopause. In vivo studies have shown that increased neurokinin B (NKB) / neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) signalling contributes to VMS, with previous genetic studies implicating the TACR3 gene locus that encodes NK3R. Large-scale genomic analyses offer the possibility of biological insights but few such studies have collected data on VMS, while proxy phenotypes such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use are likely to be affected by changes in clinical practice. We investigated the genetic basis of VMS by analysing routinely-collected health records.

Methods

We performed a GWAS of VMS derived from linked primary-care records and cross-sectional self-reported HRT use in up to 153,152 women from UK Biobank, a population-based cohort. In a subset of this cohort (n = 39,356), we analysed exome-sequencing data to test the association with VMS of rare deleterious genetic variants. Finally, we used Mendelian randomisation analysis to investigate the reasons for HRT use over time.

Results

Our GWAS of health-records derived VMS identified a genetic signal near TACR3 associated with a lower risk of VMS (OR=0.76 (95% CI 0.72,0.80) per A allele, P=3.7x10-27), which was consistent with previous studies, validating this approach. Conditional analyses demonstrated independence of genetic signals for puberty timing and VMS at the TACR3 locus, including a rare variant predicted to reduce functional NK3R levels that was associated with later menarche (P = 5 × 10–9) but showed no association with VMS (P = 0.6). Younger menopause age was causally-associated with greater HRT use before 2002 but not after.

Conclusions

We provide support for TACR3 in the genetic basis of VMS but unexpectedly find that rare genomic variants predicted to lower NK3R levels did not modify VMS, despite the proven efficacy of NK3R antagonists. Using genomics we demonstrate changes in genetic associations with HRT use over time, arising from a change in clinical practice since the early 2000s, which is likely to reflect a switch from preventing post-menopausal complications in women with earlier menopause to primarily treating VMS. Our study demonstrates that integrating routinely-collected primary care health records and genomic data offers great potential for exploring the genetic basis of symptoms.
Clinical trials of new drugs for Alzheimer disease: a 2020–2023 update
Authors: Huang Li-Kai , Kuan Yi-Chun , Lin Ho-Wei , Hu Chaur-Jong
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, presenting a significant unmet medical need worldwide. The pathogenesis of AD involves various pathophysiological events, including the accumulation of amyloid and tau, neuro-inflammation, and neuronal injury. Clinical trials focusing on new drugs for AD were documented in 2020, but subsequent developments have emerged since then. Notably, the US-FDA has approved Aducanumab and Lecanemab, both antibodies targeting amyloid, marking the end of a nearly two-decade period without new AD drugs. In this comprehensive report, we review all trials listed in clinicaltrials.gov, elucidating their underlying mechanisms and study designs. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating numerous promising new drugs for AD. The main trends in these trials involve pathophysiology-based, disease-modifying therapies and the recruitment of participants in earlier stages of the disease. These trends underscore the significance of conducting fundamental research on pathophysiology, prevention, and intervention prior to the occurrence of brain damage caused by AD.
Wealth-based inequality in the continuum of maternal health service utilisation in 16 sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Asefa Anteneh , Gebremedhin Samson , Marthias Tiara , Nababan Herfina , Christou Aliki , Semaan Aline , Banke-Thomas Aduragbemi , Tabana Hanani , Al-beity Fadhlun M. Alwy , Dossou Jean-Paul , Gutema Keneni , Delvaux Thérèse , Birabwa Catherine , Dennis Mardieh , Grovogui Fassou Mathias , McPake Barbara , Beňová Lenka
Published: October 2023

Background

Persistent inequalities in coverage of maternal health services in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a region home to two-thirds of global maternal deaths in 2017, poses a challenge for countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. This study assesses wealth-based inequalities in coverage of maternal continuum of care in 16 SSA countries with the objective of informing targeted policies to ensure maternal health equity in the region.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 16 SSA countries (Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia). A total of 133,709 women aged 15-49 years who reported a live birth in the five years preceding the survey were included. We defined and measured completion of maternal continuum of care as having had at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit, birth in a health facility, and postnatal care (PNC) by a skilled provider within two days of birth. We used concentration index analysis to measure wealth-based inequality in maternal continuum of care and conducted decomposition analysis to estimate the contributions of sociodemographic and obstetric factors to the observed inequality.

Results

The percentage of women who had 1) at least one ANC visit was lowest in Ethiopia (62.3%) and highest in Burundi (99.2%), 2) birth in a health facility was less than 50% in Ethiopia and Nigeria, and 3) PNC within two days was less than 50% in eight countries (Angola, Burundi, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania). Completion of maternal continuum of care was highest in South Africa (81.4%) and below 50% in nine of the 16 countries (Angola, Burundi, Ethiopia, Guinea, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda), the lowest being in Ethiopia (12.5%). There was pro-rich wealth-based inequality in maternal continuum of care in all 16 countries, the lowest in South Africa and Liberia (concentration index = 0.04) and the highest in Nigeria (concentration index = 0.34). Our decomposition analysis showed that in 15 of the 16 countries, wealth index was the largest contributor to inequality in primary maternal continuum of care. In Malawi, geographical region was the largest contributor.

Conclusions

Addressing the coverage gap in maternal continuum of care in SSA using multidimensional and people-centred approaches remains a key strategy needed to realise the SDG3. The pro-rich wealth-based inequalities observed show that bespoke pro-poor or population-wide approaches are needed.
Hyperlipidemia in immune thrombocytopenia: a retrospective study
Authors: Han Shouqing , Lu Hui , Yu Yafei , Liu Xinguang , Jing Fangmiao , Wang Liang , Zhao Yajing , Hou Ming
Published: October 2023

Background

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune hemorrhagic disease characterized by low platelet count and bleeding manifestations. However, some patients also suffered from atherosclerosis or even infarction. Apart from activated platelets, lipid metabolism takes a large part in the formation of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome. The lipid metabolic state in ITP patients is still unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 302 hospitalized ITP patients in our cohort, comparing their blood lipids, bleeding symptoms, metabolic diseases and treatment responses.

Results

We found a high proportion of ITP patients suffered from hyperlipidemia, and other metabolic diseases including cardiovascular or cerebral atherosclerosis or infarction, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Hyperlipidemia was associated with severe bleeding and treatment refractoriness in ITP. Statins could alleviate thrombocytopenia and bleeding severity, and facilitate ITP treatment, while improving hyperlipidemia in ITP patients.

Conclusions

Our present study demonstrated that lipid metabolism might play an indispensable role in ITP pathogenesis and development.
Epstein-Barr virus infection: the micro and macro worlds
Authors: Huang Wei , Bai Lang , Tang Hong
Published: October 2023

Epstein‒Barr virus (EBV) is a DNA virus that belongs to the human B lymphotropic herpesvirus family and is highly prevalent in the human population. Once infected, a host can experience latent infection because EBV evades the immune system, leading to hosts harboring the virus for their lifetime. EBV is associated with many diseases and causes significant challenges to human health. This review first offers a description of the natural history of EBV infection, clarifies the interaction between EBV and the immune system, and finally focuses on several major types of diseases caused by EBV infection.
The stress of nursing: exploring communicatively restricted organizational stress (CROS), effort-reward imbalance, and organizational support among a sample of U.S. working nurses
Authors: Boren Justin P. , Veksler Alice E.
Published: October 2023

Background

Nurses experience a constellation of negative outcomes such as lost productivity, based on their high levels of organizational stress. Following recommendations for best practices in health communication can dramatically improve the organizational climate for nurses and can have a significant effect on patient outcomes. In this study, we evaluate the impact of Communicative Restricted Organizational Stress (CROS) and effort-reward imbalance (ERI).

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was employed. A professional survey research vendor was contracted to obtain an appropriate national sample (N = 299) of working nurses in the United States of America. Participants completed an online closed-ended questionnaire for the quantitative portion of the study. Qualitative data were gathered from member-checking follow-up interviews.

Results

Results of the quantitative analysis indicated that nurses experience CROS, that these experiences are distressing, that CROS functions as an effort in the effort-reward-imbalance model, and that CROS and ERI contribute to negative outcomes such as insomnia, productivity lost, and poor general health. Specifically, a moderated moderation model accounted for 53% of the variance [F (7,290) = 47.363, p < .001] indicating that nurses with high levels of CROS distress and low levels of organizational support experienced the highest level of ERI in the presence of high nursing stress, t (296) = 3.05, p = .03, 95% CI [0.0038, 0.0178]. These findings were validated through member-checking qualitative interviews and specific overarching themes were explicated.

Conclusions

CROS is an important variable in understanding the experience of nursing stress. Furthermore, CROS serves as an effort in the ERI Model and serves to exacerbate nursing stress. We recommend practical implications for the improvement of psychosocial stress in an occupational environment for nurses.
Wide diagnostic and genotypic spectrum in patients with suspected mitochondrial disease
Authors: Grigalionienė Kristina , Burnytė Birutė , Ambrozaitytė Laima , Utkus Algirdas
Published: October 2023

Background

Mitochondrial Diseases (MDs) are a diverse group of neurometabolic disorders characterized by impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and caused by pathogenic variants in more than 400 genes. The implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies helps to increase the understanding of molecular basis and diagnostic yield of these conditions. The purpose of the study was to investigate diagnostic and genotypic spectrum in patients with suspected MD. The comprehensive analysis of mtDNA variants using Sanger sequencing was performed in the group of 83 unrelated individuals with clinically suspected mitochondrial disease. Additionally, targeted next generation sequencing or whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for 30 patients of the study group.

Results

The overall diagnostic rate was 21.7% for the patients with suspected MD, increasing to 36.7% in the group of patients where NGS methods were applied. Mitochondrial disease was confirmed in 11 patients (13.3%), including few classical mitochondrial syndromes (MELAS, MERRF, Leigh and Kearns-Sayre syndrome) caused by pathogenic mtDNA variants (8.4%) and MDs caused by pathogenic variants in five nDNA genes. Other neuromuscular diseases caused by pathogenic variants in seven nDNA genes, were confirmed in seven patients (23.3%).

Conclusion

The wide spectrum of identified rare mitochondrial or neurodevelopmental diseases proves that MD suspected patients would mostly benefit from an extensive genetic profiling allowing rapid diagnostics and improving the care of these patients.
GenArk: towards a million UCSC genome browsers
Authors: Clawson Hiram , Lee Brian T. , Raney Brian J. , Barber Galt P. , Casper Jonathan , Diekhans Mark , Fischer Clay , Gonzalez Jairo Navarro , Hinrichs Angie S. , Lee Christopher M. , Nassar Luis R. , Perez Gerardo , Wick Brittney , Schmelter Daniel , Speir Matthew L. , Armstrong Joel , Zweig Ann S. , Kuhn Robert M. , Kirilenko Bogdan M. , Hiller Michael , Haussler David , Kent W. James , Haeussler Maximilian
Published: October 2023

Interactive graphical genome browsers are essential tools in genomics, but they do not contain all the recent genome assemblies. We create Genome Archive (GenArk) collection of UCSC Genome Browsers from NCBI assemblies. Built on our established track hub system, this enables fast visualization of annotations. Assemblies come with gene models, repeat masks, BLAT, and in silico PCR. Users can add annotations via track hubs and custom tracks. We can bulk-import third-party resources, demonstrated with TOGA and Ensembl gene models for hundreds of assemblies.

Three thousand two hundred sixty-nine GenArk assemblies are listed at https://hgdownload.soe.ucsc.edu/hubs/ and can be searched for on the Genome Browser gateway page.
MBE: model-based enrichment estimation and prediction for differential sequencing data
Authors: Busia Akosua , Listgarten Jennifer
Published: October 2023

Characterizing differences in sequences between two conditions, such as with and without drug exposure, using high-throughput sequencing data is a prevalent problem involving quantifying changes in sequence abundances, and predicting such differences for unobserved sequences. A key shortcoming of current approaches is their extremely limited ability to share information across related but non-identical reads. Consequently, they cannot use sequencing data effectively, nor be directly applied in many settings of interest. We introduce model-based enrichment (MBE) to overcome this shortcoming. We evaluate MBE using both simulated and real data. Overall, MBE improves accuracy compared to current differential analysis methods.
Increases in negative affective arousal precede lower self-esteem in patients with borderline personality disorder but not in patients with depressive disorders: an experience sampling approach
Authors: Heekerens Johannes Bodo , Schulze Lars , Enge Juliane , Renneberg Babette , Roepke Stefan
Published: October 2023

Background

Instability in self-esteem and instability in affect are core features of borderline personality disorder (BPD). For decades, researchers and theorists have been interested in the temporal dynamics between these constructs. Some hypothesize that changes in affective states should precede changes in self-esteem (Linehan, Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, 1993), while others suggest that changes in self-esteem should precede changes in affective states (Kernberg, Borderline conditions and pathological narcissism, 1975).

Methods

In this study, we investigated the temporal relations between negative affective arousal states and current self-esteem in daily life. Patients with BPD (n = 42) or depressive disorders (DD;n = 40), and non-clinical controls (NCC;n = 40) were assessed every 15 min for 13 h.

Results

As expected, dynamic structural equation modeling showed higher levels of average daily negative affective arousal and lower levels of average daily self-esteem in the BPD group compared with the NCC group, and scores in the DD group were in-between the BPD and the NCC groups. In line with predictions based on Linehan’s (Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. Diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, 1993) model of affective dysregulation in BPD, negative affective arousal (t) and subsequent self-esteem (t+ 1) were significantly linked only in the BPD group, implying that higher negative affective arousal is followed by lower current self-esteem in the next measurement (ca. 15 min later). Importantly, self-esteem (t) and subsequent negative affective arousal (t + 1) were not significantly related (Kernberg, Borderline conditions and pathological narcissism, 1975).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest close dynamic temporal relations between affective instability and self-esteem instability in BPD, which highlights the importance of providing patients with means to effectively modulate high negative affective arousal states.
Comparison and simulation-based analysis of the sound field of Dong drum tower buildings
Authors: Mao Linqing , Ma Jianjun , Zhang Xin , Liu Bin , Niu Jianzhuang
Published: October 2023

Drum towers are the most prominent cultural markers and the major site for cultural ceremonies in Dong villages. The visibility and audibility of drum towers are important factors influencing the location and construction of buildings in Dong villages. In this paper, the authors map and classify 21 drum tower buildings according to three characteristics: shape of the plan, elevation of the enclosure, and aspect ratio of the longitudinal section. Having used the sound field simulation software Odeon to filter two of the three characteristics that were identical, the authors simulated drum towers with different values of the third characteristic to study the factors influencing their sound field. The correlation between the construction of the drum tower and its characteristics of sound was established, and the characteristics of the sound field as well as their adaptability were assessed by comparing different forms of drum towers. This can provide technical support for the protection and repair of drum towers, their renovation and upgrade, and the construction of new drum towers in the Dong region.
The impact of deproteinized bovine bone particle size on histological outcomes in sinus floor elevation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xin , Lin Shi-chen , Duan Shao-yu
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate whether large granular bovine bone can be as effective as small granular bovine bone in maxillary sinus floor elevation.

Methods

A comprehensive online search of eligible articles was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science, and a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed from establishment to February, 2023. The outcome indicators were the percentage of connective tissue, the percentage of newly formed bone and the percentage of residual xenograft respectively. The meta-analysis was conducted by using the Stata 15.1 (Stata Conpernarn, USA) and Review Manager software5.4.1.

Results

After careful screening and review, a total of 4 studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. The data were extracted to compare the histological performance of bovine bones with different particle sizes after maxillary sinus elevation. No significant differences were found in the percentage of connective tissue, the percentage of newly formed bone, and the percentage of residual xenograft.

Conclusion

In this study, a systematically review of the previous literature showed that similar histological results were obtained for both large-particle bovine bone and small-particle bovine bone. Therefore, the large granular bovine bone and the small granular bovine bone were equally effective in maxillary sinus elevation. It is difficult to make conclusion from limited evidence from four studies. More clinical evidence was needed.
Assessment of hepatic fibrosis, portal hemodynamic changes, and disease severity in patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis after sustained virologic response to direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs)
Authors: Hassan Waleed Attia , Kamel Sherif I. , Mahmoud Ibrahim Abdel Naby , Makhlouf Nahed , Moubark Mahmoud , Hassany Sahar M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Regression of fibrosis and improvement of portal hemodynamics after achievement of sustained viral response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a subject of debate in different studies. Some studies reported improvement in the degree of fibrosis, while others did not find significant changes.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate changes in liver fibrosis, portal hemodynamics and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic HCV-related liver cirrhosis after the achievement of SVR with direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs).

Patients and methods

In our prospective longitudinal study, a total of 100 patients with chronic HCV infection-related liver cirrhosis were recruited, received DAAs, and completed the follow-up period. Clinical evaluation for assessment of liver disease severity using MELD and Child–Pugh class and scores were done. A noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis using serum biomarkers (APRI index & FIB4 score) and share wave elastography (SWE) was done. Portal hemodynamic evaluation using Doppler ultrasound was done. All were done at baseline and 3 and 12 months after the end of therapy.

Results

A significant reduction in the degree of fibrosis was observed. Share wave elastography (SWE) readings showed 19.79% and 30.45% reduction 3 and 12 months after the end of therapy respectively (P < 0.001). Regarding the FIB4 score, the percentage of score reduction was 19.8% and 26.46% 3 and 12 months after the end of therapy, respectively (P < 0.01). APRI scores showed 22.6% and 41.09% reduction 3 and 12 months after the end of therapy respectively (P < 0.001). Significant improvement in Child–Pugh scores 3 and 12 months after the end of treatment was observed. Doppler ultrasound showed a significant increase in portal vein flow velocity, a significant decrease in time average mean velocity, and cross-section area 12 months after the end of treatment.

Conclusion

There was a considerable degree of reduction of liver fibrosis, improvement of portal hemodynamics, and Child–Pugh score in cirrhotic HCV patients who achieved SVR after DAAs.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03241823. Registered on 08 May 2017.
Evaluation of the prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlShomar Ahmad , Sula Idris , Al Abdulmonem Waleed , Saquib Nazmus
Published: October 2023

Background

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, an X-linked disorder that is more common in males, is the most prevalent blood enzyme deficiency, affecting 5% of the population worldwide. Its prevalence in Saudi Arabia varies greatly from one region to another (4.7% to 12%), and no related data are available for the country’s Al-Qassim region.

Methods

This was a retrospective medical record-based study. Eligible patients were those who visited Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Hospital in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, between June 2021 and November 2022, and underwent the test for G6PD enzyme deficiency. The study sample consisted of (n = 313) randomly selected Saudi patients. G6PD enzyme activity was evaluated using spectrophotometry.

Results

The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 2.9%. The proportion of male patients (100%) was significantly higher than that of female patients. 88.9% of patients with G6PD deficiency experienced episodes of acute hemolysis and reported a history of favism, whereas 77.8% of the patients had a family history of favism.

Conclusion

The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was low in Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.
Reviews
Authors: Aitken Julie
Published: October 2023

An Introduction to Python Programming for Scientists and Engineers, by Johnny Wei-Bing Lin, Hannah Aizenman, Erin Manette Cartas Espinel, Kim Gunnerson, and Joanne Liu, 2022.
Stochastic analysis of chemical reactions in multi-component interacting systems at criticality
Authors: Tiani Reda , Täuber Uwe C.
Published: October 2023

We numerically and analytically investigate the behavior of a non-equilibrium phase transition in the second Schlögl autocatalytic reaction scheme. Our model incorporates both an interaction-induced phase separation and a bifurcation in the reaction kinetics, with these critical lines coalescing at a bicritical point in the macroscopic limit. We construct a stochastic master equation for the reaction processes to account for the presence of mutual particle interactions in a thermodynamically consistent manner by imposing a generalized detailed balance condition, which leads to exponential corrections for the transition rates. In a non-spatially extended (zero-dimensional) setting, we treat the interactions in a mean-field approximation, and introduce a minimal model that encodes the physical behavior of the bicritical point and permits the exact evaluation of the anomalous scaling for the particle number fluctuations in the thermodynamic limit. We obtain that the system size scaling exponent for the particle number variance changes from

at the standard non-interacting bifurcation to

at the interacting bicritical point. The methodology developed here provides a generic route for the quantitative analysis of fluctuation effects in chemical reactions occurring in multi-component interacting systems.
Data Worlds: An Introduction
Authors: Bode Katherine , Goodlad Lauren M. E.
Published: October 2023

This introductory article calls attention to the shift from the “big data” discourse of the 2000s to the current focus on “AI” in its supposedly “responsible” and “human-centered” forms. Such rhetoric helps deflect attention from the profitable and surveillant accumulation of data and the worrisome concentration of power in a handful of companies. Alert to this problematic political economy, the issue's editors engage recent theories of data capitalism and argue that attention to processes of datafication helps to elude the pitfalls of data positivism, data universalism, and unintentional criti-hype. As the authors touch upon each contribution to this special issue, they call for critical AI studies to forge an interdisciplinary community of practice, alert to ontological commitments, design justice principles, and spaces of dissensus.
Co-cultures of cerebellar slices from mice with different reelin genetic backgrounds as a model to study cortical lamination
Authors: Merighi Adalberto , Lossi Laura
Published: October 2023

Background: Reelin has fundamental functions in the developing and mature brain. Its absence gives rise to the Reeler mouse phenotype. In reln(-/-) mutants, neurons are mispositioned in layered brain areas such as the cerebellar cortex. We demonstrate that in cultured cerebellar slices, one can reduce the number of animals and use a non-recovery procedure to analyze the effects of Reelin on the migration of Purkinje neurons (PNs).

Methods: We generated mouse hybrids (L7-GFP reln F1/) with GFP-tagged PNs, directly visible under fluorescence microscopy. We cultured singularly or in combination the slices from mice with different reln genotypes and used Voronoi tessellation and geographic information systems (GIS)-based spatial statistics to validate microscopic observations.

Results: In co-cultured slices from reln(-/-) mice, Voronoi polygons were larger than in single-cultured slices of the same genetic background but smaller than in slices of reln(+/-) animals, thus indicating a rearrangement of the cortical architecture toward normality. The mean roundness factor, area disorder, and roundness factor homogeneity differed when slices from reln(-/-) mice were cultivated singularly or co-cultivated with slices from reln(+/-) mice. Analysis of Central Feature, Mean Center, Median Center, Directional Distribution, Standard Distance, Average Nearest Neighbor, Getis-Ord General G, Ripley’s K function, Global Moran’s I, Anselin Local Moran’s I, and Getis-Ord G* were fully supportive of Voronoi’s results giving further insight on the role of Reelin in cerebellar development. Our approach demonstrated mathematically the transition from the clustered organization of the PNs in the absence of Reelin to a layered structure when the protein is supplied ex vivo.

Conclusions: Neurobiologists are the primary target users of this 3Rs approach. They should adopt it to study and manipulate ex vivo the activity of a bioactive protein (scientific perspective), the potential reduction (up to 20%) of the animals used, and the avoidance of severe surgery (3Rs perspective).
Indoor environmental quality in schools: NOTECH solution vs. standard solution
Authors: Volf Carlo , Martiny Klaus , Andersen Mathias , Engberg Pallesen Bodil
Published: October 2023

Background: In many Danish schools, the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is challenging and studies document a poor IEQ in a majority of existing schools. Municipalities cannot afford comprehensive renovations and expensive mechanical ventilation solutions, hence public schools often suffer from poor indoor environment conditions. This study tests a new façade based, demand-controlled ventilation solution called NOTECH in the renovation of school. The study tests NOTECH vs. existing mechanical ventilation solution, comparing performance of both solutions at Skovbrynet Skole in Denmark.

Methods: The project implements and investigates the effect of the NOTECH solution in a primary school classroom, comparing it to a similar classroom with conventional, mechanical ventilation. Methodically, indoor environmental quality and energy performance is monitored in the two identical classrooms during one school year 2018 - 2019.

Results: The results show that both systems keep the conditions within acceptable limits and CO2 levels below 1000 ppm, which is the requirement according to the Danish Building Regulations. In terms of costs, the NOTECH system has a lower overall cost than the mechanical ventilation system, with total estimated costs for installation, heating, electricity and maintenance amounting to approximately 35% of the mechanical system’s costs. Finally, the results show that the NOTECH solution has a smaller embedded CO2 footprint for building materials, reducing the estimated carbon load by 95% compared to the mechanical ventilation solution.

Conclusions: The performance of the two systems roughly is the same in relation to the indoor environmental quality, temperature, CO2 levels and relative air-humidity. Costs for implementation, energy consumption for heating and CO2 footprint for building materials however, are significantly lower for the NOTECH solution, compared to the mechanical solution.
Antibacterial and anti-virulence potential of plant phenolic compounds against Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Vazquez-Armenta F. Javier , Aros-Corrales M. Olivia , Alvarez-Ainza M. Lizeth , Bernal-Mercado A. Thalia , Ayala-Zavala J. Fernando , Ochoa-Leyva Adrian , Lopez-Zavala A. Alexis
Published: October 2023

Background: Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a pathogenic bacterium that affects shrimp aquaculture; its infection can lead to severe production losses of up to 90%. On the other hand, plant phenolic compounds have emerged as a promising alternative to combat bacterial infections. The antibacterial and anti-virulence activity of the plant phenolic compounds quercetin, morin, vanillic acid, and protocatechuic acid against two strains of V. parahaemolyticus (Vp124 and Vp320) was evaluated.

Methods: The broth microdilution test was carried out to determine phenolic compounds' antibacterial activity. Moreover, the biofilm-forming ability of V. parahaemolyticus strains in the presence of phenolic compounds was determined by total biomass staining assay using the cationic dye crystal violet. The semisolid agar displacement technique was used to observe the effect of phenolic compounds on the swimming-like motility of V. parahaemolyticus.

Results: Results showed that phenolic compounds inhibited both strains effectively, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.8 to 35.03 mM. Furthermore, at 0.125 – 0.5 × MIC of phenolic compounds, V. parahaemolyticus biofilms biomass was reduced by 63.22 – 92.68%. Also, quercetin and morin inhibited the motility of both strains by 15.86 – 23.64% (Vp124) and 24.28 – 40.71% (Vp320).

Conclusions: The results suggest that quercetin, morin, vanillic, and protocatechuic acids may be potential agents for controlling V. parahaemolyticus.
Human movement patterns of farmers and forest workers from the Thailand-Myanmar border
Authors: Tun Sai Thein Than , Min Myo Chit , Aguas Ricardo , Fornace Kimberly , Htoo Gay Nay , White Lisa J. , Parker Daniel M.
Published: October 2023

Background: Human travel patterns play an important role in infectious disease epidemiology and ecology. Movement into geographic spaces with high transmission can lead to increased risk of acquiring infections. Pathogens can also be distributed across the landscape via human travel. Most fine scale studies of human travel patterns have been done in urban settings in wealthy nations. Research into human travel patterns in rural areas of low- and middle-income nations are useful for understanding the human components of epidemiological systems for malaria or other diseases of the rural poor. The goal of this research was to assess the feasibility of using GPS loggers to empirically measure human travel patterns in this setting, as well as to quantify differing travel patterns by age, gender, and seasonality among study participants.

Methods: In this pilot study we recruited 50 rural villagers from along the Myanmar-Thailand border to carry GPS loggers for the duration of a year. The GPS loggers were programmed to take a time-stamped reading every 30 minutes. We calculated daily movement ranges and multi-day trips by age and gender. We incorporated remote sensing data to assess patterns of days and nights spent in forested or farm areas, also by age and gender.

Results: Our study showed that it is feasible to use GPS devices to measure travel patterns, though we had difficulty recruiting women and management of the project was relatively intensive. We found that older adults traveled farther distances than younger adults and adult males spent more nights in farms or forests.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that further work along these lines would be feasible in this region. Furthermore, the results from this study are useful for individual-based models of disease transmission and land use.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE METHODOLOGY FOR DESIGNING SOIL PROTECTION TECHNOLOGIES ON SLOPE AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPES
Authors: Chuchkalov Sergey , Alekseev Viktor , Maksimov Ivan , Kazakov Yuriy , Khafizov Kamil
Published: October 2023

The main purpose of the work is to clarify the values of soil erosion resistance. In the existing methods for assessing the erosion resistance of soils, the kinetic and potential energy of the water flow is studied. It is believed that the decrease in total energy in the process of flowing along the channel is associated with the work of the water flow in destroying and washing away the soil. However, this does not take into account the energy of capillary waves existing on the water surface during laminar flow. The frequency of the capillary waves is usually such that the waves are not visible to the naked eye and are therefore not taken into account, although their energy is, in order of magnitude, comparable to the energy of the flow. Refinement of the value of erosion resistance is associated with the ability to evaluate and take into account the energy of capillary waves. The work is related to the development of a methodology for accounting and evaluating the contribution of the energy of capillary waves to the total energy of a water microflow, which has a destructive and eroding effect on the soil of a sloping agricultural landscape. The paper developed a mathematical model for estimating the energy of capillary waves, on the basis of which an expression was obtained to determine the ratio of the energy of capillary waves formed on the surface of a water flow to the kinetic energy of the water flow. To experimentally study the process of development of capillary waves on smooth and rough surfaces and determine the operating parameters, an installation was created in the form of a rectangular-section tray with an adjustable inclination angle, adjustable intensity of water supply and replaceable working surfaces. The geometry of the microflow and the shape of its surface were determined from the results of video filming and the readings of the laser rangefinder. In the range of regime parameters studied in this work, the numerical estimation of the dependence of the energy of capillary waves on the kinetic energy of the water flow for the first time revealed a significant (up to 40–60%) contribution of capillary waves formed on the surface of microflows to the total energy of the water flow. The results obtained in this work indicate the need to take into account the contribution of capillary waves in the energy analysis of the initial stage of water erosion on slopes.