bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurturing Hope: Reproductive Outcomes with Sinosomatics following Unsuccessful in vitro Fertilization Attempts
Authors: Pfeiffer Antonia , Schweizer-Arau Annemarie , Popovici Roxana M. , Vogel Astrid , von Hasselbach Yumiko , Beissner Florian , Meissner Karin
Published: May 2024

Introduction: For women who have experienced failed attempts at in vitro fertilization (IVF) and face medical issues, leading to infertility, the renewed effort to seek fertility treatment, coupled with decreasing likelihood of success, can exert substantial emotional and physical strains. Consequently, many couples opt to discontinue treatment before attaining pregnancy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive outcomes in patients with unsuccessful prior IVF attempts who received a complementary treatment designed to alleviate emotional distress and burden. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from infertile patients who initiated the complementary intervention at a private clinic between January 2014 and December 2016 was conducted. Information on diagnosis, history of infertility, prior assisted reproductive technology treatments, mode of conception, and pregnancy outcomes were retrieved. Results: The data of 133 patients with a history of one or more unsuccessful IVF treatments were analyzed. Patients had an average age of 36.7 years (±4.4 SD) and had been experiencing infertility for an average of 4.6 years (±2.7 SD). The two main causes of their infertility were endometriosis (36.1%, 48 patients) and diminished egg quality (31.6%, 42 patients). By May 2020, a significant proportion of the patients, 81.2% (108 patients), had achieved pregnancy, leading to 94 live births, which represents a 70.7% success rate. These pregnancies mostly resulted from natural cycle IVF (35.1%), donor cycles (23.4%), and conventional IVF (21.3%). The dropout rate was comparatively low at 23.3%. The median time from the start of complementary treatment to delivery was 18 months, with a range of 12–28 months. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential value of complementary treatment approaches in conjunction with standard medical care for women who have experienced unsuccessful IVF treatments in the past and thus face a reduced chance of motherhood. The reported 71% live birth rate is notably high, indicating that the inclusion of complementary treatments may provide women with past IVF failures a tangible opportunity for achieving successful pregnancy and childbirth. However, these findings need to be confirmed through randomized controlled studies.
The effectiveness oxytocin massage combination moringa leaves and soy milk on breastmilk production postpartum mothers
Authors: Umaroh Umaroh , Hardjanti Triana Sri , Rahfiludin Mohammad Zen
Published: May 2024

Breastfeeding is very influential on infants’ and child’s growth. Survey result in 2018 mentioning the coverage of exclusive breastfeeding is 68.74% in Indonesia and 64.19% in Central Java. Some factors caused breastfeeding obstructions are breast milk didn’t ooze and small quantity of the ooze. Breast milk obstruction caused due lack of oxytocin and prolactin hormone stimulation. This can be cured by giving moringa leaves and oxytocin massage. The study's goal is to examine breast milk production after a combination oxytocin massage with moringa leaves and soy milk. The research design is quasi-experimental with a post-test only control group, and the data analysis design is an independent T-test. Population of this study is postpartum mothers in Central Java. With 83 total samples in Salatiga, Semarang, Grobogan, Rembang, Blora, Kendal and Demak. The group combined with moringa leaves, has 1,183.24 grams difference weight before and after treatment, estimated 185.21 ml volume of breast milk. The group combined with soy milk, has 1,088.04 grams difference weight before and after treatment, with 170.31 ml estimated of breast milk volume. The difference baby's weight from two combination groups was 95.2 grams with a p-value of 0.108. Conclusion of the study is the difference is not significant. The weight gain of infants in the oxytocin massage combination with moringa leaves group was higher than soy milk combination. Recommendation of moringa leaves can be offer for postpartum mother to increase the ooze of breast milk production.
An innovative leg self-exercise to reduce knee pain severity among the elderly people in Thailand
Authors: Tanthanapanyakorn Phannathat , Khantikulanon Nonlapan , Weschasat Tassanapan
Published: May 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent health issue that has consistently risen in occurrence among the elderly in Thailand. This issue holds significant importance within Thailand's healthcare system. This research was allocated to the quasi-experimental study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of leg self-exercises for reducing knee pain severity among the elderly. The total sample size was 108 elderly people recruited into the study with an Oxford Knee Score (OKS) between 20 and 48. The participants were divided into two groups: the intervention group received leg self-exercise with a plank for six weeks, and the control group: received health education booklets. All parameters were compared between and within each group using the independent t-test and paired sample t-test in data analysis. At the three-month follow-up, the results revealed that the OKS and self-exercise behavior in the intervention group had considerably increased more than those in the control group (p<0.001). Compared with the baseline and three-month follow-up, the within comparison, the OKS, and self-exercise behavior were significantly improved (p<0.001). The leg self-exercise with the plank program can lessen the degree of knee discomfort in the elderly and be used to impose and produce recommendations for supporting healthy policies.
Eating habits of students during a typical exam period-Case of Kosovo
Authors: Salihu Salih , Gashi Njomza
Published: May 2024

The exam period is a stressful period for students, which often influences them to make wrong food choices. This study examines the eating habits of students during a typical exam period, to understand their food patterns or dietary choices, in a period when they have greater stress due to the high academic demands at the university. The 200 students of different academic levels at the University of Prishtina participated in this research. Data have been compiled through online questionnaires where the respondents were asked to anonymously declare their health status, the number of meals they take per day during a typical exam period, their food preferences, physical activity, and sleep. Results showed that Kosovar students have unhealthy eating habits during exam periods. They have a disorder in the time and number of meals they take during the day on a typical exam period, compared to other periods of the year. The findings of this research contribute to the existing literature related to dietary habits of students in stressful periods, providing knowledge for students and addressing the issue of education for healthy nutrition in educational institutions.
Los proyectos de aula: de lo fragmentado a lo complejo
Authors: Romero Castro Myriam
Published: May 2024

El artículo da razón del proceso de sistematización de la experiencia escolar del Colegio Fe y Alegría, ubicado en el Barrio Vitelma de la Localidad 4 San Cristóbal de la Ciudad de Bogotá. En él se entiende la sistematización como un procedimiento que ha surgido como modalidad de investigación social que se ajusta a ciertas características diferenciadoras. En este sentido, el escrito aborda el proceso de escritura de la experiencia relacionada con la interdisciplinariedad como una alternativa a la fragmentación de las disciplinas escolares y una forma de construir sentidos tanto para docentes como para estudiantes. El artículo expone el marco de referencia en el cual se inscribe la práctica en el Colegio Fe y Alegría, así como también hace un breve recorrido histórico que da cuenta de la génesis de la misma. En el cierre se establecen algunas tensiones y retos que se identificaron a lo largo del proceso
Reseña de libro “Prácticas docentes en el ámbito universitario”
Authors: Moreno Diana
Published: May 2024

LA UNIVERSIDAD DE LA SALLE PRESENTA NOVEDOSO LIBRO SOBRE

PRÁCTICAS DOCENTES UNIVERSITARIAS

Ø Más de 40 docentes comparten con la sociedad colombiana sus estrategias más exitosas en las aulas en el libro “Prácticas docentes en el ámbito universitario”.

Ø El libro fué una de las novedades de la Feria Internacional del Libro de Bogotá en Corferias del 4 al 16 de mayo de 2011, convirtiéndose en uno de los primeros aportes a un tema que requiere aún de mucho desarrollo como lo es la docencia universitaria.

Ø El libro responde a la carencia de libros dedicados al tema pedagógico a nivel de educación superior.

La deserción universitaria en Colombia llega al 45.3%, según el Ministerio de Educación Nacional (MEN), la mayoría de la población universitaria deserta antes de completar el quinto semestre. La mitad de ese porcentaje se retira por motivos económicos, (la gran mayoría regresa al sistema de manera intermitente según sus posibilidades financieras), pero la otra mitad nunca vuelve por diferentes razones.
Circuncentro e ortocentro : teoria, construções e problemas
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Linares Juan López
Published: May 2024

Circuncentro (O) e Ortocentro (H) figuram entre os centros de triângulos mais conhecidos, devido a sua grande utilização em diversos campos da Matemática e Física. A discussão neste e-book é organizada em três capítulos: Fundamentos teóricos; Construções, exercícios e desafios; Problemas de olimpíadas internacionais. Este material didático foi utilizado durante algumas das aulas do curso "Geometria Olímpica com GeoGebra"' para professores de Matemática do Ensino Fundamental e Médio de todo o Brasil. O texto conta com 39 figuras que facilitam acompanhar a resolução. Todas têm como complemento links para os gráficos interativos no site do GeoGebra e, vários, a resolução em vídeo do YouTube. O diferencial na utilização do GeoGebra está baseado na disponibilidade gratuita do software, tanto online como aplicativos para computadores e celulares. As construções geométricas podem ser feitas de forma dinâmica, onde exploram-se diversas configurações de um mesmo problema. O GeoGebra serve tanto como calculadora gráfica e numérica, utilizada para a verificação, como ferramenta para a apresentação, passo a passo, de uma demonstração rigorosa. O GeoGebra também convida o leitor a interagir, a pôr as mão na massa.
Implementation of Obesity Science Into Clinical Practice: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Laddu Deepika , Neeland Ian J. , Carnethon Mercedes , Stanford Fatima C. , Mongraw-Chaffin Morgana , Barone Gibbs Bethany , Ndumele Chiadi E. , Longenecker Chris T. , Chung Misook L. , Rao Goutham ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Obesity Committee of the Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health; Council on Epidemiology and Prevention; Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Hypertension; Council on the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease; and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing
Published: May 2024

Obesity is a recognized public health epidemic with a prevalence that continues to increase dramatically in nearly all populations, impeding progress in reducing incidence rates of cardiovascular disease. Over the past decade, obesity science has evolved to improve knowledge of its multifactorial causes, identifying important biological causes and sociological determinants of obesity. Treatments for obesity have also continued to develop, with more evidence-based programs for lifestyle modification, new pharmacotherapies, and robust data to support bariatric surgery. Despite these advancements, there continues to be a substantial gap between the scientific evidence and the implementation of research into clinical practice for effective obesity management. Addressing barriers to obesity science implementation requires adopting feasible methodologies and targeting multiple levels (eg, clinician, community, system, policy) to facilitate the delivery of obesity-targeted therapies and maximize the effectiveness of guideline-driven care to at-need patient populations. This scientific statement (1) describes strategies shown to be effective or promising for enhancing translation and clinical application of obesity-based research; (2) identifies key gaps in the implementation of obesity science into clinical practice; and (3) provides guidance and resources for health care professionals, health care systems, and other stakeholders to promote broader implementation and uptake of obesity science for improved population-level obesity management. In addition, advances in implementation science that hold promise to bridge the know-do gap in obesity prevention and treatment are discussed. Last, this scientific statement highlights implications for health research policy and future research to improve patient care models and optimize the delivery and sustainability of equitable obesity-related care.
The type specimens of bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) deposited in the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg. Contribution VII. Family Andrenidae, genus Andrena Fabricius, 1775, taxa described by A. Osytshnjuk and A. Lebedev
Authors: ASTAFUROVA YULIA V. , PROSHCHALYKIN MAXIM YU. , SIDOROV DMITRY A.
Published: May 2024

The type specimens for names of bee taxa in the genus Andrena Fabricius, 1775, described by Anna Z. Osytshnjuk and Alexander G. Lebedev which are deposited in the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg) are reviewed. Primary types of 27 taxa (22 described by A. Osytshnjuk and five described by A. Lebedev) are illustrated and detailed information is provided. A new synonymy is established for Andrena marmora Nurse, 1904=A. gussakovskii Lebedev, 1932, syn. nov. Lectotypes are designated for Andrena azerbaidshanica Lebedev, 1932 and A. cochlearicalcar Lebedev, 1933. A complete list of all taxa of the genus Andrena described by A. Osytshnjuk (88 taxa) and A. Lebedev (11 taxa) is also given, with the locality data of the primary types.
Sensitivity of Coastal Squall-Line Evolution to Numerical Sea-Breeze Initialization Method
Authors: Wu Fan , Lombardo Kelly
Published: May 2024

This study employs 3D idealized numerical experiments to investigate the physical processes associated with coastal convection initiation (CI) as an offshore-moving squall line traverses a mountainous coastal region. A squall line can propagate discretely as convection initiates over the lee slope downstream of the primary storm as the cold pool collides with a sea breeze. Intensity of the initiating convection, thus the downstream squall line, is sensitive to the sea-breeze numerical initialization method, since it influences sea-breeze and cold pool characteristics, instability and vertical wind shear in the sea-breeze environment, and ultimately the vertical acceleration of air parcels during CI. Here, sea breezes are generated through four commonly used numerical methods: a cold-block marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL), a prescribed surface sensible heat flux function, a prescribed surface sensible plus latent heat flux functions, and radiation plus surface-layer parameterization schemes. For MABL-initialized sea breezes, shallow weak sea-breeze flow in a relatively low instability environment results in weak CI. For the remainder, deeper stronger sea-breeze flow in an environment of enhanced instability supports more robust CI. In a subset of experiments, however, the vertical trajectory of air parcels is suppressed leading to weaker convection. Downward acceleration forms due to the horizontal rotation of the sea-breeze flow. Accurate simulations of coastal convective storms rely on an accurate representation of sea breezes. For idealized experiments such as the present simulations, a combination of initialization methods likely produces a more realistic representation of sea breeze and the associated physical processes.
Scaling and Flow Structure of Langmuir Turbulence in Inertial Frames
Authors: Chang Yun , Scotti Alberto
Published: May 2024

This paper provides a framework that unifies the characteristics of Langmuir turbulence, including the vortex force effect, velocity scalings, vertical flow structure, and crosswind spacing between surface streaks. The widely accepted CL2 mechanism is extended to explain the observed maximum alongwind velocity and downwelling velocity below the surface. Balancing the extended mechanism in the Craik–Leibovich equations, the scalings for the alongwind velocity u, crosswind velocity υ, and vertical velocity w are formulated as Here, Uf is the friction velocity, Us is the Stokes drift on the surface, and La = (Uf/Us)1/2 is the Langmuir number. Simulations using the Stratified Ocean Model with Adaptive Refinement in large-eddy simulation (LES-SOMAR) mode validate the scalings and reveal physical similarity for velocity and crosswind spacing. The horizontally averaged velocity along the wind on the surface grows with time, whereas υ/V and w/W are confined. The root-mean-square (rms) of w peaks at wrms/W ≈ 0.85 at a depth of 1.3Zs, where Zs is the e-folding scale of the Stokes drift. The crosswind spacing Lp grows linearly with time but is finally limited by the depth of the water H, with maximum Lp/H = 3.3. This framework agrees with measurement collected in six different field campaigns.
Diagnostics for Imbalance on the Convective Scale
Authors: Diefenbach Theresa , Scheck Leonhard , Weissmann Martin , Craig George
Published: May 2024

The analyses produced by a data assimilation system may be unbalanced, which is dynamically inconsistent with the forecasting model, leading to noisy forecasts and reduced skill. While there are effective procedures to reduce synoptic-scale imbalance, the situation on the convective scale is less clear because the flow on this scale is strongly divergent and nonhydrostatic. In this study, we compare three measures of imbalance relevant to convective-scale data assimilation: (i) surface pressure tendencies, (ii) vertical velocity variance in the vicinity of convective clouds, and (iii) departures from the vertical velocity prescribed by the weak temperature gradient (WTG) approximation. These are applied in a numerical weather prediction system, with three different data assimilation algorithms: 1) latent heat nudging (LHN), 2) local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF), and 3) LETKF in combination with incremental analysis updates (IAUs). Results indicate that surface pressure tendency diagnoses a different type of imbalance than the vertical velocity variance and the WTG departure. The LETKF induces a spike in surface pressure tendencies, with a large-scale spatial pattern that is not clearly related to the precipitation pattern. This anomaly is notably reduced by the IAU. LHN does not generate a pronounced signal in the surface pressure but produces the most imbalance in the other two measures. The imbalances measured by the partitioned vertical velocity variance and WTG departures are similar and closely coupled to the convective precipitation. Between these two measures, the WTG departure has the advantage of being simpler and more economical to compute.
Inflammation Triggers Chondrocyte Ferroptosis in TMJOA via HIF-1α/TFRC
Authors: Chen B.Y. , Pathak J.L. , Lin H.Y. , Guo W.Q. , Chen W.J. , Luo G. , Wang L.J. , Sun X.F. , Ding Y. , Li J. , Diekwisch T.G.H. , Liu C.
Published: May 2024

Inflammation and loss of articular cartilage are considered the major cause of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA), a painful condition of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). To determine the cause of TMJ osteoarthritis in these patients, synovial fluid of TMJOA patients was compared prior to and after hyaluronic lavage, revealing substantially elevated levels of interleukin (IL) 1β, reactive oxidative stress (ROS), and an overload of Fe3+ and Fe2+ prior to lavage, indicative of ferroptosis as a mode of chondrocyte cell death. To ask whether prolonged inflammatory conditions resulted in ferroptosis-like transformation in vitro, we subjected TMJ chondrocytes to IL-1β treatment, resulting in a shift in messenger RNA sequencing gene ontologies related to iron homeostasis and oxidative stress–related cell death. Exposure to rat unilateral anterior crossbite conditions resulted in reduced COL2A1 expression, fewer chondrocytes, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) downregulation, and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) upregulation, an effect that was reversed after intra-articular injections of the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin 1 (Fer-1). Our study demonstrated that ferroptosis conditions affected mitochondrial structure and function, while the inhibitor Fer-1 restored mitochondrial structure and the inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) or the transferrin receptor 1 (TFRC) rescued IL-1β–induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Inhibition of HIF-1α downregulated IL-1β–induced TFRC expression, while inhibition of TFRC did not downregulate IL-1β–induced HIF-1α expression in chondrocytes. Moreover, inhibition of HIF-1α or TFRC downregulated the IL-1β–induced MMP13 expression in chondrocytes, while inhibition of HIF-1α or TFRC rescued IL-1β–inhibited COL2A1 expression in chondrocytes. Furthermore, upregulation of TFRC promoted Fe2+ entry into chondrocytes, inducing the Fenton reaction and lipid peroxidation, which in turn caused ferroptosis, a disruption in chondrocyte functions, and an exacerbation of condylar cartilage degeneration. Together, these findings illustrate the far-reaching effects of chondrocyte ferroptosis in TMJOA as a mechanism causing chondrocyte death through iron overload, oxidative stress, and articular cartilage degeneration and a potential major cause of TMJOA.
Intersectionality in Marketing: A Paradigm for Understanding Understudied Consumers
Authors: Uduehi Esther , Saint Clair Julian K. , Crabbe Rowena
Published: May 2024

Intersectionality remains largely underutilized within marketing. To address this gap, this article synthesizes literature to provide tools for incorporating intersectionality into marketing research, including a framework for an intersectional marketing paradigm, a research design roadmap, a research agenda, and key takeaways for stakeholders. The definition of intersectionality focuses on three main components: (1) awareness and acknowledgment of overlapping (rather than isolated) social categories (e.g., gender, race, and class), (2) understanding of how differences in lived experiences at these intersections influence the marketplace, and (3) recognition of how power shapes these lived experiences. This article's novel research design roadmap features concrete theoretical and methodological approaches for marketing researchers from various backgrounds to utilize intersectionality in solving marketing problems: conducting exploratory subsample analyses, developing intersectional theory and hypotheses, conducting inclusive literature reviews, collecting and reporting detailed demographics, sampling understudied populations, and carefully situating conclusions. The research agenda provides research questions for emerging topics at societal, organizational, and consumer levels. Engaging with intersectionality will help ensure that marketing remains socially relevant, develops diverse and inclusive theories, and more accurately reflects the lived experiences of understudied populations and communities.
Enteral feeding in neonates ≥34 weeks of gestation with moderate to severe birth asphyxia: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Jhajra Sandeep , Nanda Debasish , Dalal Jagjit Singh
Published: May 2024

There are no standard guidelines regarding time for initiation of feeds in moderate to severely asphyxiated neonates and data regarding the same in neonates are scanty. Case sheets of all neonates born ≥34 weeks of gestation who satisfied the definition were analysed. The early feeding group was defined as those in whomh feeds were started <24 h and the late feeding group as those started ≥24 h of life. The primary outcome of the study was time to achieve full enteral feeds. A total of 184 neonates were enrolled. Mean time to reach full enteral feeding was 53.7 ± 24.8 h in the early feeding group as compared to 95.0 ± 81.1 h in late enteral feeding group, with a mean difference of 41.3 (25.7–56.8) h. The incidence of adverse secondary outcomes was higher in the late feeding group.
Fault-tolerant control for Markov jump nonlinear systems based on an observer and finite-time fast integral terminal sliding mode control
Authors: Yang Pu , Shen Ziwei , Feng Kejia , Ding Yu
Published: May 2024

This paper develops a novel fault-tolerant control based on an observer for underactuated robot manipulators with unknown external disturbances, uncertainties, and actuator faults. First, unlike the traditional approach of treating the robot system as a parameter time-varying system, the underactuated robot manipulator with different drive modes can be considered as one of the classical Markov jump nonlinear systems (MJNSs). Second, an adaptive disturbance observer is designed to estimate the state and disturbances of the system. Finally, based on the observation results, a nonsingular fast integral terminal sliding mode controller (NFITSMC) is utilized to implement fault-tolerant control of the system. Compared with traditional observer and terminal sliding mode controller, the adoption of the novel controller and observer can improve response time and reduce chattering. Especially, in order to eliminate chattering, the integral term is introduced into the nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode controller. Structuring Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) and based on linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) techniques, the convergence of control strategy and tracking errors is proved. The simulation results show that the actuator faults can be observed successfully and the error system is finite-time stable.
Tolerable Tests: Regulating Diagnostic Innovation in a Global Health Emergency, Lessons from Ebola
Authors: Street Alice , Kelly Ann H.
Published: May 2024

The response to the 2014-2016 West African epidemic was a watershed for emergency research and innovation, forcing a shift in regulatory norms as evidentiary standards were pitted against humanitarian imperatives and biosecurity concerns. This article examines how those ethical and epistemic negotiations unfolded in practice through the development, testing, and use of novel tools for Ebola diagnosis with a focus on Sierra Leone. We track the priorities placed on the accuracy, feasibility, and clinical efficiency of Ebola diagnostic platforms and explore how these varied over the course of the outbreak and for different actors involved in their deployment. The lack of clarity over which tools might be fit for purpose exposed the profound ambiguities around the nature, scope, and purpose of building in-country Ebola diagnostic capacity. Ultimately, we argue that the accelerated regulatory process coordinated by the World Health Organization operated as a liminal procedure that both revealed the scientific, ethical, and political trade-offs and inequalities attendant to an emerging regime of emergency research and development, and provided a tentative, reflexive platform for regulatory experimentation, deliberation, and reform.
Division of Household Labor in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese: A Couple-Centered Approach
Authors: Luo Mengsha
Published: May 2024

The literature provides an incomplete picture of gender dynamics in later-life domestic work. This couple-level study examines the division of female-typed, gender-neutral, and male-typed housework among middle-aged and older Chinese couples, comparing working and non-working couples. It also explores the different relationships between education, income, and the division of housework in these two groups of couples. The findings derived from national time-use data reveal that, first, non-working couples exhibit a smaller gender gap in household labor compared to working couples, primarily because wives take on more gender-neutral tasks, while husbands assume more female-typed tasks. Second, female-typed housework exhibits the largest gender disparity, followed by gender-neutral housework. Third, educational and economic resources play distinct roles in shaping the division of household chores in the two groups. Furthermore, the time spent on paid work is a more significant factor in explaining gender differences in housework among working couples than education and income.
Changes in International Migration to and from Australia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Guan Qing , O’Donnell James , Raymer James
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic slowed down international migration around the world, with many countries closing their international borders for a prolonged period of time. Although there are studies emerging that analyse the impact of COVID-19 and border control measures, more detailed migration flow data have been largely absent. In this research note, we examine changes to the patterns of immigration and emigration in Australia during the pandemic to further our understanding of the differing impacts of the pandemic on population groups. Foreign-born populations with large shares of international students recorded the highest declines in immigration, especially those from China, Malaysia, and South America. Immigration of seasonal workers from the Pacific Islands, on the other hand, exhibited increased levels. There were also unexpected situations where residents who made temporary visits outside Australia were unable to return, or persons who were visiting on short-term visas prolonged their stay. Results reveal how responsive migration can be to policies in a time of a population health crisis. The nuance and complexity of these patterns underscore the importance of migration dynamics, adding to our knowledge of the changing international migration profiles during the recent pandemic.
Facilitators and barriers to implementing complex community-based interventions for addressing acute malnutrition in low- and lower-middle income countries: A scoping review
Authors: Beggs Bridget , Bustos Monica , Brubacher Laura Jane , Little Matthew , Lau Lincoln , Dodd Warren
Published: May 2024

Background: Community-based nutrition interventions have been established as the standard of care for identifying and treating acute malnutrition among children 6–59 months in low- and lower-middle-income countries. However, limited research has examined the factors that influence the implementation of the community-based component of interventions that address severe acute malnutrition and moderate acute malnutrition among children. Aim: The objective of this review was to identify and describe the facilitators and barriers in implementing complex community-based nutrition interventions to address acute malnutrition among children in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Methods: This review used a systematic search strategy to identify existing peer-reviewed literature from three databases on complex community-based interventions (defined as including active surveillance, treatment, and education in community settings) to address severe acute malnutrition and moderate acute malnutrition in children. Results: In total, 1771 sources were retrieved from peer-reviewed databases, with 38 sources included in the review, covering 26 different interventions. Through an iterative deductive and inductive analysis approach, three main domains (household and interpersonal, sociocultural and geographical; operational and administrative) and eight mechanisms were classified, which were central to the successful implementation of complex community-based interventions to address acute child malnutrition. Conclusion: Overall, this review highlights the importance of addressing contextual and geographical challenges to support participant access and program operations. There is a need to critically examine program design and structure to promote intervention adherence and effectiveness. In addition, there is an opportunity to direct resources towards community health workers to facilitate long-term community trust and engagement.
Book review: Ashok Pankaj, Inclusive Development Through Guaranteed Employment. India’s MGNREGA Experiences
Authors: Sinha Amarjeet
Published: May 2024

Ashok Pankaj, Inclusive Development Through Guaranteed Employment. India’s MGNREGA Experiences (Singapore: Springer, 2023), xxx + 313 pp.
Book review: Dipsikha Acharya, Iron in India: History and Historiography
Authors: Adhikary Chanchal
Published: May 2024

Dipsikha Acharya, Iron in India: History and Historiography (Delhi: Primus Books, 2022), xiii + 392 pp.
Book review: Indranil Acharya and Sayantan Dasgupta, Writings from the Sundarbans
Authors: Dey Deepanwita
Published: May 2024

Indranil Acharya and Sayantan Dasgupta, Writings from the Sundarbans (New Delhi: Orient Blackswan, 2023), xxvi + 203 pp.
The precipitation and corrosion behaviour of cast Al–Mg–(0.7, 1.3) Li–Cu alloys
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Wang Zhenqiang , Zha Zepeng , Huo Dongshen , Jiang Fengchun
Published: May 2024

Achieving the development of ultra-light Al–Li alloys with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance is always a challenge. In this study, the precipitation characteristics and electrochemical corrosion behaviours after isothermal aging of cast Al–Li alloys with two different Li contents were comparatively analysed. The results showed that the increase in Li content from 0.7 wt-% to 1.3 wt-% retarded the peak hardening and improved the Al–Li alloy hardness and strength by promoting the precipitation of the S′ (Al2CuMg) and T1 (Al2CuLi) phases. Besides, the galvanic coupling corrosion of the alloying element Cu with the aluminium matrix was reduced by more Li addition, thus improving the corrosion resistance of the alloy.
Musculoskeletal System and Gait Characteristics in Patients with Osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Graff Krzysztof , Kalinowska Małgorzata , Szczerbik Ewa , Kaczmarczyk Katarzyna , Syczewska Małgorzata
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the muscoloskeletal system and spatiotemporal gait parameters of patients in three types of osteogenesis imperfecta.

Design study

Retrospective observational study.

Settings

The Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw, Poland.

Participants

This study investigated individuals with various types of osteogenesis imperfecta: 33 with osteogenesis imperfecta I (aged 13.9), 16 with osteogenesis imperfecta III (aged 10.4), and 14 with osteogenesis imperfecta IV (aged, 15.8), as well as a reference group of 400 healthy individuals.

Main measures

The musculoskeletal assessment included: medical record review, clinical evaluation, functional tests, long bone deformity assessment via clinical and X-ray examination, and objective gait analysis with the Vicon Motion Systems (Ltd, Oxford, UK).

Results

The study revealed notable differences in clinical presentation, deformities within the musculoskeletal system, gait parameters across the various types of osteogenesis imperfecta (p < 0.001). The most affected gait parameters were: cadence, gait speed and step length. The greatest deformities of lower limbs and spine were presented in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta type III.

Conclusions

These findings are significant for understanding gait abnormalities in osteogenesis imperfecta patients and designing customized physiotherapy programs to help them participate fully in daily life. Improvement of muscle strength is one of the key for easier engagement in activities like walking or stair-climbing.
The 4AT, a rapid delirium detection tool for use in hospice inpatient units: Findings from a validation study
Authors: Arnold Elizabeth , Finucane Anne M , Taylor Stacey , Spiller Juliet A , O’Rourke Siobhan , Spenceley Julie , Carduff Emma , Tieges Zoë , MacLullich Alasdair MJ
Published: May 2024

Background:

Delirium is a serious neuropsychiatric syndrome with adverse outcomes, which is common but often undiagnosed in terminally ill people. The 4 ‘A’s test or 4AT ( www.the4AT.com ), a brief delirium detection tool, is widely used in general settings, but validation studies in terminally ill people are lacking.

Aim:

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the 4AT in detecting delirium in terminally ill people, who are hospice inpatients.

Design:

A diagnostic test accuracy study in which participants underwent the 4AT and a reference standard based on the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The reference standard was informed by Delirium Rating Scale Revised-98 and tests assessing arousal and attention. Assessments were conducted in random order by pairs of independent raters, blinded to the results of the other assessment.

Setting/participants:

Two hospice inpatient units in Scotland, UK. Participants were 148 hospice inpatients aged ⩾18 years.

Results:

A total of 137 participants completed both assessments. Three participants had an indeterminate reference standard diagnosis and were excluded, yielding a final sample of 134. Mean age was 70.3 (SD = 10.6) years. About 33% (44/134) had reference standard delirium. The 4AT had a sensitivity of 89% (95% CI 79%–98%) and a specificity of 94% (95% CI 90%–99%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.97 (95% CI 0.94–1).

Conclusion:

The results of this validation study support use of the 4AT as a delirium detection tool in hospice inpatients, and add to the literature evaluating methods of delirium detection in palliative care settings.

Trial registry:

ISCRTN 97417474.
Using time diaries to inform occupational therapy practice for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An exploratory study
Authors: Roxburgh Rachel , Hughes Julie , Milgate Wendy
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome affects an individual’s occupational participation. There is little understanding in Australia of occupational interventions for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. This study explored how Australian adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome use their time and whether the National Institute of Health Activity Record can inform occupational interventions.

Method:

Using a convergent mixed method, nine participants completed the National Institute of Health Activity Record time diary and five survey questions exploring clinical utility and the impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Data analysis included descriptive statistics for time-use data and an inductive thematic analysis for survey responses.

Results/Findings:

Participants (aged 29–59 years) reported 58% of their time was spent awake and in recreation and leisure occupations. Quantitative data reflected no statistically significant change in participants’ symptoms, performance and motivation throughout the day. Six themes emerged from the qualitative data that highlighted participants’ experiences completing the National Institute of Health Activity Record and the impact of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome on their time-use.

Conclusion and Relevance:

The National Institute of Health Activity Record provided insights into a participant’s time-use, which could inform occupational interventions. Modifying the National Institute of Health Activity Record format would improve usability for participants and reduce time for completion. Discussing results and extending the data collection period may capture the impact and fluctuations of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome more accurately.
Clinical Outcomes of Medial Meniscal Allograft Transplantation With or Without High Tibial Osteotomy: A Case-Control Study Up to 8 Years of Follow-up
Authors: Grassi Alberto , Lucidi Gian Andrea , Di Paolo Stefano , Altovino Emanuele , Agostinone Piero , Dal Fabbro Giacomo , Romandini Iacopo , Filardo Giuseppe , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: May 2024

Background:

Satisfactory clinical results of meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) have been reported in recent years. However, it remains unclear whether the clinical outcomes of MAT when combined with an osteotomy are inferior to those of isolated MAT.

Purpose:

To compare the survival rates and clinical outcomes of patients who received isolated medial MAT with those of patients undergoing medial MAT combined with high tibial osteotomy (HTO).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 55 patients underwent arthroscopic medial MAT using the soft tissue technique and HTO (mean age, 41.3 ± 10.4 years; 9 female); after fuzzy case-control matching on demographics, 55 controls who underwent isolated medial MAT were also included. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with surgical failure, clinical failure (Lysholm score, <65), and reoperation as endpoints. Subjective clinical scores were collected preoperatively and at the final follow-up.

Results:

The mean follow-up time was 5.4 years, up to 8 years. All outcomes significantly improved at the last follow-up ( P < .001). No differences were identified between MAT and MAT + HTO groups preoperatively and at the last follow-up ( P > .05). At the final follow-up, 8 of 55 (14.5%) of the MAT + HTO patients and 9 of 55 (16.4%) of the MAT patients had a Lysholm score <65 ( P = .885). Overall, 90% of the patients declared they would repeat the surgery regardless of the combined procedure. Surgical failure was identified in 6 of 110 (5.5%) patients: 5 of 55 (9.1%) in the MAT + HTO group and 1 of 55 (1.8%) in the MAT group ( P = .093). Clinical failure was identified in 19 of 110 (17.3%) patients: 11 of 55 (20%) in the MAT + HTO group and 8 of 55 (14.5%) in the MAT group ( P = .447). A significantly lower survivorship from surgical failure was identified in the MAT + HTO group (hazard ratio, 5.1; P = .049), while no differences in survivorship from reoperation and clinical failure were identified ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing medial MAT + HTO showed similar clinical results to patients undergoing isolated medial MAT at midterm follow-up, and thus a surgically addressed malalignment does not represent a contraindication for medial MAT. However, the need for a concomitant HTO is associated with a slightly higher failure rate over time.
Effect of a Partial Superficial and Deep Medial Collateral Ligament Injury on Knee Joint Laxity
Authors: Beel Wouter , Doughty Callahan , Vivacqua Thiago , Getgood Alan , Willing Ryan
Published: May 2024

Background:

Injuries to the medial collateral ligament (MCL), specifically the deep MCL (dMCL) and superficial MCL (sMCL), are both reported to be factors in anteromedial rotatory instability (AMRI); however, a partial sMCL (psMCL) injury is often present, the effect of which on AMRI is unknown.

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of a dMCL injury with or without a psMCL injury on knee joint laxity.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Sixteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were tested using a 6 degrees of freedom robotic simulator. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was cut first and last in protocols 1 and 2, respectively. The dMCL was cut completely, followed by an intermediary psMCL injury state before the sMCL was completely sectioned. Tibiofemoral kinematics were measured at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion for the following measurements: 8 N·m of valgus rotation (VR), 4 N·m of external tibial rotation, 4 N·m of internal tibial rotation, and combined 89 N of anterior tibial translation and 4 N·m of external tibial rotation for both anteromedial rotation (AMR) and anteromedial translation. The differences between subsequent states, as well as differences with respect to the intact state, were analyzed.

Results:

In an ACL-intact or -deficient joint, a combined dMCL and psMCL injury increased external tibial rotation and VR compared with the intact state at all angles. A significant increase in AMR was seen in the ACL-intact knee after this combined injury. Cutting the dMCL alone showed lower mean increases in AMR compared with the psMCL injury, which were significant only when the ACL was intact in knee flexion. Moreover, cutting the dMCL had no effect on VR. The ACL was the most important structure in controlling anteromedial translation, followed by the psMCL or dMCL depending on the knee flexion angle.

Conclusion:

A dMCL injury alone may produce a small increase in AMRI but not in VR. A combined dMCL and psMCL injury caused an increase in AMRI and VR.

Clinical Relevance:

In clinical practice, if an increase in AMRI at 30° and 90° of knee flexion is seen together with some increase in VR, a combined dMCL and psMCL injury should be suspected.
Effect of holmium oxide nanoparticle on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites
Authors: Wang Bo , Liu Xinjing , Chang Yunfei , Luo Zhuowen , Jiang Yuhang , Fang Yingjin , Liu Jiaan , Han Zhiwu
Published: May 2024

In this study, holmium oxide/epoxy resin (Ho2O3/EP) nanocomposites were prepared by using different additions of Ho2O3 nanoparticles as nanofiller. The surface-modification treatment of Ho2O3 was applied with a silane coupling agent (SCA) to improve the interfacial combination between Ho2O3 and EP. The effect of SCA treatment on the chemical structure of Ho2O3 was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effects of Ho2O3 nanoparticle and SCA treatment on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were studied. The fracture morphology of the EP nanocomposites was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to explore the failure mechanism of the EP nanocomposites with Ho2O3 nanoparticle. The experimental results show the tensile and flexural strengths of the nanocomposites are improved when Ho2O3 content is 1 wt. %. The tensile and flexural strengths were increased to 73.42 MPa and 130.85 MPa, respectively. But on further increase in Ho2O3 content of 1.5 wt. %, the tensile and flexural strengths were reduced. The SCA treatment could increase the interfacial bonding by containing C-H and Si-O functional groups, promoting the tensile properties, flexural properties, impact toughness, and fracture properties of the nanocomposites.
Institutional Coadaptation Work: How Refugees and Provisioning Institutions Coadapt in Pursuit of Consumption Adequacy
Authors: Venugopal Srinivas , Arias Robert
Published: May 2024

Prior research on refugee migration documents the acculturation processes through which refugees adapt to the cultural context of the host society. In this research, the authors complement the insights from prior research by uncovering how the host society's provisioning institutions coadapt in response to the consumption adequacy needs of refugees. To understand these coadaptation practices, they gather qualitative data from low-income Sri Lankan Tamil refugees who were repatriated to India in the face of violent ethnic conflict. The data aid in theorizing the concept of institutional coadaptation work, defined as the dyadic coadaptation of refugees and a host society's provisioning institutions, to serve the consumption adequacy needs of refugees. This coadaptation perspective envisages change as a collective process in which agency is distributed among multiple actors in society. More specifically, this research provides focused policy recommendations explaining how the government, market, and community can work collaboratively to address consumption adequacy needs of refugees.