bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An optimized location service for the fifth generation VANETs inspired by traffic lights
Authors: Al-Ezaly Esraa , Abo-Elfetoh Ahmed , Elhishi Sara
Published: November 2021

Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) address a steadily expanding demand, particularly for public emergency applications. Real-time localization of destination vehicles is important for determining the route to deliver messages. Existing location administration services in VANETs are classified as flooding-based, flat-based, and geographic-based location services. Existing localization techniques suffer from network disconnection and overloading because of 5G VANET topology changes. 5G VANETs have low delay and support time-sensitive applications. A traffic light-inspired location service (TLILS) is proposed to manage localization inspired by traffic lights. The proposed optimized localization service uses roadside units (RSUs) as location servers. RSUs with the maximum traffic weight metrics were chosen. Traffic weight metrics are based on speed of vehicles, connection time and density of neighboring vehicles. The proposed TLILS outperforms both Name-ID Hybrid Routing (NIHR) and Zoom-Out Geographic Location Service (ZGLS) for packet delivery ratio (PDR) and delay. TLILSs guarantee the highest PDR (0.96) and the shortest end-to-end delay (0.001 s) over NIHR and ZGLS.
Antibody in Lymphocyte Supernatant (ALS) responses after oral vaccination with live Shigella sonnei vaccine candidates WRSs2 and WRSs3 and correlation with serum antibodies, ASCs, fecal IgA and shedding
Authors: Venkatesan Malabi M. , Ballou Cassandra , Barnoy Shoshana , McNeal Monica , El-Khorazaty Jill , Frenck Robert , Baqar Shahida
Published: November 2021

The levels of antigen-specific Antibodies in Lymphocyte Supernatant (ALS) using an ELISA are being used to evaluate mucosal immune responses as an alternate to measuring the number of Antibody Secreting Cells (ASCs) using an ELISpot assay. A recently completed trial of two novel S. sonnei live oral vaccine candidates WRSs2 and WRSs3 established that both candidates were safe, well tolerated and immunogenic in a vaccine dose-dependent manner. Previously, mucosal immune responses were measured by assaying IgA- and IgG-ASC in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In this report, the magnitude of the S. sonnei antigen-specific IgA- and IgG-ALS responses was measured and correlated with previously described ASCs, serum antibodies, fecal IgA and vaccine shedding. Overall, the magnitude of S. sonnei anti-Invaplex50 ALS was higher than that of LPS or IpaB, and both vaccines demonstrated a more robust IgA-ALS response than IgG; however, compared to WRSs3, the magnitude and percentage of responders were higher among WRSs2 recipients for IgA- or IgG-ALS. All WRSs2 vaccinees at the two highest doses responded for LPS and Invaplex50-specific IgA-ALS and 63–100% for WRSs3 vaccinees responded. Regardless of the vaccine candidate, vaccine dose or detecting antigen, the kinetics of ALS responses were similar peaking on days 7 to 9 and returning to baseline by day 14. The ALS responses were vaccine-specific since no responses were detected among placebo recipients at any time. A strong correlation and agreement between responders/non-responders were noted between ALS and other mucosal (ASC and fecal IgA) and systemic (serum antibody) immune responses. These data indicate that the ALS assay can be a useful tool to evaluate mucosal responses to oral vaccination, an observation noted with trials of other bacterial diarrheal pathogens. Furthermore, this data will guide the list of immunological assays to be conducted for efficacy trials in different populations. It is hoped that an antigen-specific-ALS titer may be a key mucosal correlate of protection, a feature not currently available for any Shigella vaccines candidates. https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01336699.
Optimism in adults born preterm: Systematic review and individual-participant-data meta-analysis
Authors: Robinson Rachel K. , Heinonen Kati , Girchenko Polina , Lahti-Pulkkinen Marius , Kajantie Eero , Hovi Petteri , Lano Aulikki , Andersson Sture , Eriksson Johan G. , Wolke Dieter , Lemola Sakari , Räikkönen Katri
Published: November 2021

Aim

Preterm birth(<37 gestational weeks) is associated with numerous adversities, however, data on positive developmental outcomes remain limited. We examined if preterm and term born(≥37 gestational weeks) adults differ in dispositional optimism/pessimism, a personality trait associated with health and wellbeing. We assessed if birth weight z-score, neurosensory impairments and parental education modified the outcome.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science for cohort or case-control studies(born ≥ 1970) with data on gestational age and optimism/pessimism reported using the Life-Orientation-Test-Revised in adulthood(≥18 years). The three identified studies(Helsinki Study of Very Low Birth Weight Adults; Arvo Ylppö Longitudinal Study; Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) provided data for the two-step random-effects linear regression Individual-Participant-Data meta-analysis.

Results

Preterm and term borns did not differ on optimism(p = 0.76). Preterms scored higher on pessimism than term borns(Mean difference = 0.35, 95%Confidence Interval 0.36, 0.60, p = 0.007), although not after full adjustment. Preterm born participants, but not term born participants, with higher birth weight z-score, had higher optimism scores (0.30 raw score units per standard deviation increase, 95% CI 0.10, 0.49, p = 0.003); preterm vs term x birth weight z-score interaction p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Preterm and term born adults display similar optimism. In preterms, higher birth weight may foster developmental trajectories promoting more optimistic life orientations.
Persistence of sleep difficulties for over 16 years amongst 66,948 working-aged adults
Authors: Saltychev Mikhail , Juhola Juhani , Arokoski Jari , Ervasti Jenni , Kivimäki Mika , Pentti Jaana , Stenholm Sari , Myllyntausta Saana , Vahtera Jussi
Published: November 2021

The objective was to investigate the persistence of sleep difficulties for over 16 years amongst a population of working age. In this prospective cohort study, a group-based trajectory analysis of repeated surveys amongst 66,948 employees in public sector (mean age 44.7 [SD 9.4] years, 80% women) was employed. The main outcome measure was sleep difficulties based on Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS). Up to 70% of the respondents did not experience sleep difficulties whereas up to 4% reported high frequency of notable sleep difficulties through the entire 16-year follow-up. Heavy drinking predicted sleep difficulties (OR 2.3 95% CI 1.6 to 3.3) except for the respondents younger than 40 years. Smoking was associated with sleep difficulties amongst women younger than 40 years (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.5). Obesity was associated with sleep difficulties amongst men (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.7) and women (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.3) of middle age and amongst women older than 50 (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.8) years. Physical inactivity predicted sleep difficulties amongst older men (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.6). In this working-age population, sleep difficulties showed a great persistence over time. In most of the groups, the level of sleep difficulties during the follow-up was almost solely dependent on the level of initial severity. Depending on sex and age, increasing sleep problems were sometimes associated with high alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity, but the strength of these associations varied.
Surveying the local public health response to COVID-19 in Canada: Study protocol
Authors: Plante Charles , Bandara Thilina , Baugh Littlejohns Lori , Sandhu Navdeep , Pham Anh , Neudorf Cory
Published: November 2021

Background

Public health services and systems research is under-developed in Canada and this is particularly the case with respect to research on local public health unit operational functioning and capacity. The purpose of this paper is to report on a study that will collect retrospective information on the local public health response to COVID-19 throughout Canada between 2020 and 2021.

Methods/Design

The goal of the study is to develop and implement a study framework that will collect retrospective information on the local public health system response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. This study will involve administering a mixed-method survey to Medical Health Officers/Medical Officers of Health in every local and regional public health unit across the country, followed by a process of coding and grouping these responses in a consistent and comparable way. Coded responses will be assessed for patterns of divergent or convergent roles and approaches of local public health across the country with respect to interventions in their response to COVID-19. The Framework Method of thematic analysis will be applied to assess the qualitative answers to the open-ended questions that speak to public health policy features.

Discussion

The strengths of the study protocol include the engagement of Medical Health Officers/Medical Officers of Health as research partners and a robust integrated knowledge translation approach to further public health services and systems research in Canada.
Economic crisis and stillbirth ratios: Evidence from Southern Europe
Authors: Tsimbos Cleon , Verropoulou Georgia , Petropoulou Dimitra
Published: November 2021

In this paper we assess the impact of the recent European recession on stillbirth indices over the course of the 2000s and 2010s; the analysis focuses on four Southern European countries (Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal), which were seriously affected by the sovereign debt crisis from around 2008 to 2017. We use national vital statistics and established economic indicators for the period 2000–2017; stillbirth ratios (stillbirths per 1000 livebirths) are the chosen response variable. For the purpose of the study, we employ correlation analysis and fit regression models. The overall impact of economic indicators on the stillbirth indices is sizeable and statistically robust. We find that a healthy economy is associated with low and declining levels of stillbirth measures. In contrast, economic recession appears to have an adverse effect (Greece, Italy and Spain), or an unclear impact (Portugal), on the stillbirth outcome. This study provides evidence of the adverse effect of the European sovereign debt crisis and ensuing period of austerity on a scarcely explored aspect of health.
Effects of velocity based training vs. traditional 1RM percentage-based training on improving strength, jump, linear sprint and change of direction speed performance: A Systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Liao Kai-Fang , Wang Xin-Xin , Han Meng-Yuan , Li Lin-Long , Nassis George P. , Li Yong-Ming
Published: November 2021

Background

There has been a surge of interest on velocity-based training (VBT) in recent years. However, it remains unclear whether VBT is more effective in improving strength, jump, linear sprint and change of direction speed (CODs) than the traditional 1RM percentage-based training (PBT).

Objectives

To compare the training effects in VBT vs. PBT upon strength, jump, linear sprint and CODs performance.

Data sources

Web of science, PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI).

Study eligibility criteria

The qualified studies for inclusion in the meta-analysis must have included a resistance training intervention that compared the effects of VBT and PBT on at least one measure of strength, jump, linear sprint and CODs with participants aged ≥16 yrs. and be written in English or Chinese.

Methods

The modified Pedro Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. Random-effects model was used to calculate the effects via the mean change and pre-SD (standard deviation). Mean difference (MD) or Standardized mean difference (SMD) was presented correspondently with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Six studies met the inclusion criteria including a total of 124 participants aged 16 to 30 yrs. The differences of training effects between VBT and PBT were not significant in back squat 1RM (MD = 3.03kg; 95%CI: -3.55, 9.61; I2 = 0%) and load velocity 60%1RM (MD = 0.02m/s; 95%CI: -0.01,0.06; I2 = 0%), jump (SMD = 0.27; 95%CI: -0.15,0.7; I2 = 0%), linear sprint (MD = 0.01s; 95%CI: -0.06, 0.07; I2 = 0%), and CODs (SMD = 0.49; 95%CI: -0.14, 1.07; I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

Both VBT and PBT can enhance strength, jump, linear sprint and CODs performance effectively without significant group difference.
Effect of after action review on safety culture and second victim experience and its implementation in an Irish hospital: A mixed methods study protocol
Authors: McCarthy Siobhán E. , Keane Theresa , Walsh Aisling , Mellon Lisa , Williams David J. , Jenkins Loretta , Hogan Catherine , Stuart Cornelia , Rafter Natasha
Published: November 2021

Background

After Action Review is a form of facilitated team learning and review of events. The methodology originated in the United States Army and forms part of the Incident Management Framework in the Irish Health Services. After Action Review has been hypothesized to improve safety culture and the effect of patient safety events on staff (second victim experience) in health care settings. Yet little direct evidence exists to support this and its implementation has not been studied.

Aim

To investigate the effect of After Action Review on safety culture and second victim experience and to examine After Action Review implementation in a hospital setting.

Methods

A mixed methods study will be conducted at an Irish hospital. To assess the effect on safety culture and second victim experience, hospital staff will complete surveys before and twelve months after the introduction of After Action Review to the hospital (Hospital Survey on Safety Culture 2.0 and Second Victim Experience and Support Tool). Approximately one in twelve staff will be trained as After Action Review Facilitators using a simulation based training programme. Six months after the After Action Review training, focus groups will be conducted with a stratified random sample of the trained facilitators. These will explore enablers and barriers to implementation using the Theoretical Domains Framework. At twelve months, information will be collected from the trained facilitators and the hospital to establish the quality and resource implications of implementing After Action Review.

Discussion

The results of the study will directly inform local hospital decision-making and national and international approaches to incorporating After Action Review in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
Examining the dimensionality of pre-service teachers’ enthusiasm for teaching by combining frameworks of educational science and organizational psychology
Authors: Bock Denise , Harms Ute , Mahler Daniela
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to obtain a holistic understanding of pre-service teachers’ enthusiasm for teaching (a subject) by examining its structure as well as relevant factors that may be related to it in the first phase of teacher education. For this purpose, we considered two strands of research: educational science and organizational psychology. Accordingly, the professional competence model and the job demands and resources model helped to identify factors that are associated with pre-service teachers’ enthusiasm for teaching. Responses of 211 pre-service biology teachers indicated that enthusiasm for teaching can be considered as one-dimensional. Moreover, we found positive relationships between enthusiasm for teaching and academic self-concept, intrinsic career choice motives and occupational commitment. In contrast, we detected negative relations between enthusiasm for teaching and both emotional exhaustion and intention to quit. No significant relations could be found for enthusiasm for teaching and both professional knowledge and extrinsic career choice motives. Our findings highlight the importance of enthusiasm for teaching in the earliest stage of teachers’ careers. Thus, our study points out relevant factors that could help to maintain high enthusiasm and to keep (pre-service) teachers healthy and in the profession.
Comparative chromosome painting in Spizaetus tyrannus and Gallus gallus with the use of macro- and microchromosome probes
Authors: Carvalho Carlos A. , Furo Ivanete O. , O’Brien Patricia C. M. , Pereira Jorge , O’Connor Rebeca E. , Griffin Darren , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm , de Oliveira Edivaldo Herculano Corrêa
Published: November 2021

Although most birds show karyotypes with diploid number (2n) around 80, with few macrochromosomes and many microchromosomes pairs, some groups, such as the Accipitriformes, are characterized by a large karyotypic reorganization, which resulted in complements with low diploid numbers, and a smaller number of microchromosomal pairs when compared to other birds. Among Accipitriformes, the Accipitridae family is the most diverse and includes, among other subfamilies, the subfamily Aquilinae, composed of medium to large sized species. The Black-Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus-STY), found in South America, is a member of this subfamily. Available chromosome data for this species includes only conventional staining. Hence, in order to provide additional information on karyotype evolution process within this group, we performed comparative chromosome painting between S. tyrannus and Gallus gallus (GGA). Our results revealed that at least 29 fission-fusion events occurred in the STY karyotype, based on homology with GGA. Fissions occurred mainly in syntenic groups homologous to GGA1-GGA5. On the other hand, the majority of the microchromosomes were found fused to other chromosomal elements in STY, indicating these rearrangements played an important role in the reduction of the 2n to 68. Comparison with hybridization pattern of the Japanese-Mountain-Eagle (Nisaetus nipalensis orientalis), the only Aquilinae analyzed by comparative chromosome painting previously, did not reveal any synapomorphy that could represent a chromosome signature to this subfamily. Therefore, conclusions about karyotype evolution in Aquilinae require additional painting studies.
Growing as slow as a turtle: Unexpected maturational differences in a small, long-lived species
Authors: Edmonds Devin , Dreslik Michael J. , Lovich Jeffrey E. , Wilson Thomas P. , Ernst Carl H.
Published: November 2021

Turtle body size is associated with demographic and other traits like mating success, reproductive output, maturity, and survival. As such, growth analyses are valuable for testing life history theory, demographic modeling, and conservation planning. Two important but unsettled research areas relate to growth after maturity and growth rate variation. If individuals exhibit indeterminate growth after maturity, older adults may have an advantage in fecundity, survival, or both over younger/smaller adults. Similarly, depending on how growth varies, a portion of the population may mature earlier, grow larger, or both. We used 23-years of capture-mark-recapture data to study growth and maturity in the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), a species suffering severe population declines and for which demographic data are needed for development of effective conservation and management strategies. There was strong support for models incorporating sex as a factor, with the interval growth model reparametrized for capture-mark-recapture data producing later mean maturation estimates than the age-based growth model. We found most individuals (94%) continued growing after maturity, but the instantaneous relative annual plastral growth rate was low. We recommend future studies examine the possible contribution of such slow, continued adult growth to fecundity and survival. Even seemingly negligible amounts of annual adult growth can have demographic consequences affecting the population vital rates for long-lived species.
Using data envelopment analysis to perform benchmarking in intensive care units
Authors: Antunes Bianca B. P. , Bastos Leonardo S. L. , Hamacher Silvio , Bozza Fernando A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Studies using Data Envelopment Analysis to benchmark Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are scarce. Previous studies have focused on comparing efficiency using only performance metrics, without accounting for resources. Hence, we aimed to perform a benchmarking analysis of ICUs using data envelopment analysis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis on observational data of patients admitted to ICUs in Brazil (ORCHESTRA Study). The outputs in our data envelopment analysis model were the performance metrics: Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) and Standardized Resource Use (SRU); whereas the inputs consisted of three groups of variables that represented staffing patterns, structure, and strain, thus resulting in three models. We compared efficient and non-efficient units for each model. In addition, we compared our results to the efficiency matrix method and presented targets to each non-efficient unit.

Results

We performed benchmarking in 93 ICUs and 129,680 patients. The median age was 64 years old, and mortality was 12%. Median SMR was 1.00 [interquartile range (IQR): 0.79–1.21] and SRU was 1.15 [IQR: 0.95–1.56]. Efficient units presented lower median physicians per bed ratio (1.44 [IQR: 1.18–1.88] vs. 1.7 [IQR: 1.36–2.00]) and nursing workload (168 hours [IQR: 168–291] vs 396 hours [IQR: 336–672]) but higher nurses per bed ratio (2.02 [1.16–2.48] vs. 1.71 [1.43–2.36]) compared to non-efficient units. Units from for-profit hospitals and specialized ICUs presented the best efficiency scores. Our results were mostly in line with the efficiency matrix method: the efficiency units in our models were mostly in the “most efficient” quadrant.

Conclusion

Data envelopment analysis provides managers the information needed to identify not only the outcomes to be achieved but what are the levels of resources needed to provide efficient care. Different perspectives can be achieved depending on the chosen variables. Its use jointly with the efficiency matrix can provide deeper understanding of ICU performance and efficiency.
Development and validation of a prognostic tool: Pulmonary embolism short-term clinical outcomes risk estimation (PE-SCORE)
Authors: Weekes Anthony J. , Raper Jaron D. , Lupez Kathryn , Thomas Alyssa M. , Cox Carly A. , Esener Dasia , Boyd Jeremy S. , Nomura Jason T. , Davison Jillian , Ockerse Patrick M. , Leech Stephen , Johnson Jakea , Abrams Eric , Murphy Kathleen , Kelly Christopher , Norton H. James
Published: November 2021

Objective

Develop and validate a prognostic model for clinical deterioration or death within days of pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis using point-of-care criteria.

Methods

We used prospective registry data from six emergency departments. The primary composite outcome was death or deterioration (respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, new dysrhythmia, sustained hypotension, and rescue reperfusion intervention) within 5 days. Candidate predictors included laboratory and imaging right ventricle (RV) assessments. The prognostic model was developed from 935 PE patients. Univariable analysis of 138 candidate variables was followed by penalized and standard logistic regression on 26 retained variables, and then tested with a validation database (N = 801).

Results

Logistic regression yielded a nine-variable model, then simplified to a nine-point tool (PE-SCORE): one point each for abnormal RV by echocardiography, abnormal RV by computed tomography, systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg, dysrhythmia, suspected/confirmed systemic infection, syncope, medico-social admission reason, abnormal heart rate, and two points for creatinine greater than 2.0 mg/dL. In the development database, 22.4% had the primary outcome. Prognostic accuracy of logistic regression model versus PE-SCORE model: 0.83 (0.80, 0.86) vs. 0.78 (0.75, 0.82) using area under the curve (AUC) and 0.61 (0.57, 0.64) vs. 0.50 (0.39, 0.60) using precision-recall curve (AUCpr). In the validation database, 26.6% had the primary outcome. PE-SCORE had AUC 0.77 (0.73, 0.81) and AUCpr 0.63 (0.43, 0.81). As points increased, outcome proportions increased: a score of zero had 2% outcome, whereas scores of six and above had ≥ 69.6% outcomes. In the validation dataset, PE-SCORE zero had 8% outcome [no deaths], whereas all patients with PE-SCORE of six and above had the primary outcome.

Conclusions

PE-SCORE model identifies PE patients at low- and high-risk for deterioration and may help guide decisions about early outpatient management versus need for hospital-based monitoring.
Health problems and violence experiences of nurses working in acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home-based long-term care in Germany: A systematic review
Authors: Schaller Andrea , Klas Teresa , Gernert Madeleine , Steinbeißer Kathrin
Published: November 2021

Background

Working in the nursing sector is accompanied by great physical and mental health burdens. Consequently, it is necessary to develop target-oriented, sustainable profession-specific support and health promotion measures for nurses.

Objectives

The present review aims to give an overview of existing major health problems and violence experiences of nurses in different settings (acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home-based long-term care) in Germany.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and PubPsych and completed by a manual search upon included studies’ references and health insurance reports. Articles were included if they had been published after 2010 and provided data on health problems or violence experiences of nurses in at least one care setting.

Results

A total of 29 studies providing data on nurses health problems and/or violence experience were included. Of these, five studies allowed for direct comparison of nurses in the settings. In addition, 14 studies provided data on nursing working in acute care hospitals, ten on nurses working in long-term care facilities, and four studies on home-based long-term care. The studies either conducted a setting-specific approach or provided subgroup data from setting-unspecific studies. The remaining studies did not allow setting-related differentiation of the results. The available results indicate that mental health problems are the highest for nurses in acute care hospitals. Regarding violence experience, nurses working in long-term care facilities appear to be most frequently affected.

Conclusion

The state of research on setting-specific differences of nurses’ health problems and violence experiences is insufficient. Setting-specific data are necessesary to develop target-group specific and feasible interventions to support the nurses’ health and prevention of violence, as well as dealing with violence experiences of nurses.
Haematotoxicity during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy: Baseline parameters differences and effect on patient’s therapy course
Authors: de Vries–Huizing Daphne M. V. , Versleijen Michelle W. J. , Sinaasappel Michiel , Walraven Iris , Geluk–Jonker Martine M. , Tesselaar Margot E. T. , Hendrikx Jeroen J. M. A. , de Wit–van der Veen Berlinda J. , Stokkel Marcel P. M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Mainly severe (CTCAE grade 3–4) haematotoxicity during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is reported in literature due to major clinical impact, however moderate (CTCAE grade 2) haematotoxicity is common and could affect therapy management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the haematotoxicity course during PRRT and to compare baseline parameters between haematotoxicity grades.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 100 patients with a neuroendocrine tumour treated with PRRT were included. Patients were treated with an aimed number of four cycles with 7.4 GBq [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE administered every 10 weeks. Haematological assessment was performed at baseline and frequently up to 10 weeks after the fourth cycle. The lowest haematological value was graded according to CTCAE v5.0, and patients were classified using the highest observed grade. Differences in baseline parameters, including [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TATE positive tumour volume, were evaluated between CTCAE grades.

Results

Four cycles were completed by 86/100 of patients, 4/100 patients discontinued due to haematotoxicity, and 10/100 patients due to progressive disease. The treatment course was adjusted due to haematotoxicity in 24/100 patients, including postponed next cycle (n = 17), reduced administered activity (n = 13), and both adjustments (n = 10). The most observed haematotoxicity grade was grade 0–1 in 54/100 patients, grade 2 in 38/100 and grade 3–4 in 8/100. Significant differences in baseline leucocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts were observed between grade 0–1 and grade 2. However, the correlation between baseline and lowest observed values was poor to moderate. No differences between haematotoxicity grades and baseline parameters or somatostatin receptor positive tumour volume was observed.

Conclusions

The incidence of severe haematotoxicity was low with extensive screening and monitoring. The vast majority of patients (96/100) was not restricted in treatment continuation by haematotoxicity; therefore, our selection criteria appeared appropriate for safe PRRT treatment. Baseline parameters showed limited correlation with the degree of decline in haematological values.
Modulation of the goodness of fit in hydrological modelling based on inner balance errors
Authors: Pellicer-Martínez Francisco , Gomariz-Castillo Francisco , Portela María Manuela , Martínez-Alcalá Isabel María , Martínez-Paz José Miguel
Published: November 2021

In hydrological modelling, a good result for the criterion of goodness of fit does not always imply that the hypothesis of mass conservation is fulfilled, and models can lose their essential physical soundness. We propose a way for detecting this anomaly by accounting the resulting water balance during model simulation and use it to modulate the obtained goodness of fit. We call this anomaly in water balance as “inner balance error of the model”. To modulate the goodness of fit values, a penalty function that depends on this error is proposed. In addition, this penalty function is introduced into a multi-criteria objective function, which is also tested. This procedure was followed in modelling the Headwater of the Tagus River (Spain), applying the monthly abcd water balance model. Modulation of the goodness of fit allowed for detecting balance errors in the modelling, revealing that in the simulation of some catchments the model tends to accumulate water in, or release water from, the reservoir that simulates groundwater storage. Although the proposed multi-criteria objective function solves the inner balance error for most catchments, in some cases the error cannot be corrected, indicating that any error in the input and output data is probably related to groundwater flows.
Comprehensive cost-effectiveness of diabetes management for the underserved in the United States: A systematic review
Authors: Bosetti Rita , Tabatabai Laila , Naufal Georges , Menser Terri , Kash Bita
Published: November 2021

Background

Diabetes mellitus affects almost 10% of U.S. adults, leading to human and financial burden. Underserved populations experience a higher risk of diabetes and related complications resulting from a combination of limited disposable income, inadequate diet, and lack of insurance coverage. Without the requisite resources, underserved populations lack the ability to access healthcare and afford prescription drugs to manage their condition. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the findings from cost-effectiveness studies of diabetes management in underserved populations.

Methods

Original, English, peer-reviewed cost-effectiveness studies of diabetes management in U.S. underserved populations were obtained from 8 databases, and PRISMA 2009 reporting guidelines were followed. Evidence was categorized as strong or weak based on a combination of GRADE and American Diabetes Association guidelines. Internal validity was assessed by the Cochrane methodology. Studies were classified by incremental cost-effectiveness ratio as very cost-effective (ICER≤US$25,000), cost-effective (US$25,000<ICER≤US$50,000), marginally cost-effective (US$50,000US$100,000). Reporting and quality of economic evaluations was assessed using the CHEERS guidelines and Recommendations of Second Panel for Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine, respectively.

Findings

Fourteen studies were included. All interventions were found to be cost-effective or very cost-effective. None of the studies reported all 24 points of the CHEERS guidelines. Given the considered cost categories vary significantly between studies, assessing cost-effectiveness across studies has many limitations. Program costs were consistently analyzed, and a third of the included studies (n = 5) only examined these costs, without considering other costs of diabetes care.

Interpretation

Cost-effectiveness studies are not based on a standardized methodology and present incomplete or limited analyses. More accurate assessment of all direct and indirect costs could widen the gap between intervention and usual care. This demonstrates the urgent need for a more standardized and comprehensive cost-effectiveness framework for future studies.
Continuous monitoring of aerial density and circadian rhythms of flying insects in a semi-urban environment
Authors: Genoud Adrien P. , Williams Gregory M. , Thomas Benjamin P.
Published: November 2021

Although small in size, insects are a quintessential part of terrestrial ecosystems due to their large number and diversity. While captured insects can be thoroughly studied in laboratory conditions, their population dynamics and abundance in the wild remain largely unknown due to the lack of accurate methodologies to count them. Here, we present the results of a field experiment where the activity of insects has been monitored continuously over 3 months using an entomological stand-off optical sensor (ESOS). Because its near-infrared laser is imperceptible to insects, the instrument provides an unbiased and absolute measurement of the aerial density (flying insect/m3) with a temporal resolution down to the minute. Multiple clusters of insects are differentiated based on their wingbeat frequency and ratios between wing and body optical cross-sections. The collected data allowed for the study of the circadian rhythm and daily activities as well as the aerial density dynamic over the whole campaign for each cluster individually. These measurements have been compared with traps for validation of this new methodology. We believe that this new type of data can unlock many of the current limitations in the collection of entomological data, especially when studying the population dynamics of insects with large impacts on our society, such as pollinators or vectors of infectious diseases.
Dietary chitosan promotes the growth, biochemical composition, gut microbiota, hematological parameters and internal organ morphology of juvenile Barbonymus gonionotus
Authors: Salam Mohammad Abdus , Rahman Md. Ashikur , Paul Sulav Indra , Islam Fatama , Barman Avishek Kanti , Rahman Zinia , Shaha Dinesh Chandra , Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Islam Tofazzal
Published: November 2021

In this study, we determined the effects of dietary chitosan on the growth, biochemical composition, gut microbiota, and hematological and histological parameters of juvenileBarbonymus gonionotus. Three test diets containing three different concentrations (1, 2, and 3 g kg-1feed) of dietary chitosan were formulated. A basal diet without dietary chitosan was considered a control, and the fish were reared for 60 days. Comparing the effects of the dietary chitosan-containing diets with those of the control diet, we found that dietary chitosan significantly improved the muscle growth, nutrient and mineral contents, hematological parameters, lactic acid bacterium abundance, and digestive enzyme activities ofB.gonionotus. Moreover, dietary chitosan significantly inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria in fish. Interestingly, an increase in the dietary chitosan level significantly enhanced the protein contents of the muscles and inversely significantly decreased the lipid contents compared to those with the basal diet. Quantitative study revealed that dietary chitosan significantly enhanced the length of intestinal villi, and qualitative study showed that dietary chitosan considerably reduced the fat content in the liver and improved the morphology of the kidney compared to those with the basal diet. Taken together, our results suggest that the application of dietary chitosan at a dose of 1 g kg-1feed produced the highest benefit to treatedB.gonionotus, indicating its potential for safe use in aquaculture.
Percutaneous transhepatic drainage is safe and effective in biliary obstruction—A single-center experience of 599 patients
Authors: Kokas Bálint , Szijártó Attila , Farkas Nelli , Ujváry Miklós , Móri Szabolcs , Kalocsai Adél , Szücs Ákos
Published: November 2021

Background

Historically, surgical bilioenteric bypass was the only treatment option for extrahepatic bile duct obstruction, but with technological advancements, percutaneous transhepatic drainage (PTD) and endoscopic solutions were introduced as a less invasive alternative. Endoscopic methods may lead to a decreasing indication of PTD in the future, but today it is still the standard treatment method, especially in hilar obstructions.

Methods

In our retrospective data analysis, we assessed technical success rate, reintervention rate, morbidity, mortality, and the learning curve of patients treated with PTD over 12 years in a tertiary referral center.

Results

599 patients were treated with 615 percutaneous interventions. 94.5% (566/599) technical success rate; 2.7% (16/599) reintervention rate were achieved. 111 minor and 22 major complications occurred including 1 case of death. In perihilar obstruction, cholangitis were significantly more frequent in cases where endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography had also been performed prior to PTD compared to PTD alone, with 39 (18.2%) and 15 (10.5%) occurrences, respectively.

Discussion

The results and especially the excellent success rates demonstrate that PTD is safe and effective, and it is appropriate for first choice in the treatment algorithm of perihilar stenosis. Ultimately, we concluded that PTD should be performed in experienced centers to achieve low mortality, morbidity, and high success rates.
Factors associated with unintentional weight loss among older adults in a geriatric outpatient clinic of university hospital
Authors: Sripongpunkul Chuthamas , Petchlorlian Aisawan , Chattaris Tanchanok , Thanapluetiwong Saran , Sriwannopas Orapitchaya , Chansirikarnjana Sirintorn , Assavapokee Taweevat , Srisuwarn Praopilad , Ruangritchankul Sirasa
Published: November 2021

Background

Unintentional weight loss (UWL) is defined as unintentional reduction of more than 5% of baseline body weight over 6 to 12 months. UWL is a common problem in the older adults, resulting in increased rate of morbidity and mortality. With specific reference to Thailand, no information on factors associated with UWL in older adults could be traced. The aims of this research were to identify the factors associated with UWL and to assess the common causes of UWL among older adults in the geriatric outpatient clinic of university hospital.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted from June 1st, 2020 to December 31st, 2020. Eighty older adults aged 60 years or older were enrolled in the UWL group while the non-UWL group consisted of 160 participants. Data collection was performed by structural questionnaire including baseline characteristics, psychosocial factors, health information, lifestyle behaviors, and medications. The factors associated with UWL were analyzed by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Causes of UWL were recorded from electronic medical records.

Results

The mean age of the 240 participants was 79.6 years (SD 7.4). Most patients were female (79.2%) and had fewer than 12 years of education (62.6%). The three common causes of UWL were reduced appetite (20.1%), dementia and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (13.7%) and medications (11.0%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score of >1 (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.37–4.73; P = 0.003), vitamin D deficiency (OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.62–9.97; P = 0.003), and hemoglobin level of <12 g/dL (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.32–4.63; P = 0.005) were factors significantly associated with UWL.

Conclusions

Factors associated with UWL were CCI score >1, vitamin D deficiency, and hemoglobin level of <12 g/dl. The early detection of these associated factors, reduced appetite, dementia and polypharmacy may be important in UWL prevention in older adults.
Simulation design for improvement of undergraduate nursing students’ experience of evidence-based practice: A scoping-review protocol
Authors: Song Chi Eun , Jang Aeri
Published: November 2021

Simulation may be an effective educational strategy for undergraduate nursing students to experience evidence-based practice. The aim of this scoping review is to explore such simulations to discover the design characteristics that best achieve this goal. In this review, we will consider studies in which the focus was on evidence-based practice-related simulation programs for undergraduate students in academic, clinical, or virtual settings. We will also focus on the active learning strategies applied in such simulation programs. This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Studies will be searched in Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE; PubMed), theCumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature(CINAHL), the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and the Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE). Sources of unpublished studies/gray literature will not be included in this scoping review. Data extraction will be undertaken by using a data-extraction tool developed by the reviewers, based on the National League for Nursing Jeffries Simulation Theory. Via a narrative summary and tabulated results, we will describe how the simulation programs were designed or implemented in an undergraduate curriculum.
THE PROBLEMS OF DRAFTING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF REGION STRATEGIC PLANNING ACTS
Authors: Gvozdeva A.A.
Published: November 2021

Article research is in the problems of drafting and implementation of region strategic planning acts.The article analyzes the legal nature of region strategic planning acts, the analysis of the normative field ofstrategic planning of individual regions is carried out, explores the gaps of legal regulation in the areas ofdrafting and implementation of planning documents at the regional level. The article addresses the issuesof constitutional regulation of region strategic planning acts, solutions suggested.
ON THE QUESTION OF THE EXERCISE BY RUSSIAN WOMEN OF THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF LABOR
Authors: Golovinov A.V. , Golovinova Yu.V.
Published: November 2021

Within the framework of this publication, the authors analyze some of the problems of the realizationby Russian women of the constitutional right to freedom of labor. The emphasis is placed on the principleof equality as a basic platform that allows women to effectively exercise their right to freedom of work. The authors proceed from the fact that equality as a principle of law is nothing more than the ideal of ajust structure of the state and society, which is characterized by the comprehensive implementation andprotection of human and civil rights and freedoms. Therefore, equality canonizes parity in the relationshipbetween the individual and the state, discrimination on the part of state bodies with this interpretation isexcluded.The article shows that the Russian state, striving to improve the conditions of women’s work, in orderto effectively protect their constitutional rights, creates a system of normative legal acts that fix the list ofprofessions and types of professional work, which women have no right to replace. This, in turn, leads to thelatter’s appeal to the courts, up to the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and the European Court ofHuman Rights in Strasbourg.
GENESIS OF THE PROTOCOL FORM OF PRE-TRIAL INVESTIGATION IN THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE LEGISLATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Абдульдинов Р.О. , Khanov T.A.
Published: November 2021

The article discusses certain issues related to the protocol form of pre-trial investigation of criminalcases. A hypothesis is tested that defines protocol proceedings as a simplified (accelerated) form of pre-trialinvestigation used in criminal proceedings in the Republic of Kazakhstan. A comparative analysis of theprotocol form of pre-trial preparation of materials has been carried out. This form was in force in the 1959Criminal Procedure Code of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. The simplified procedure for pre-trialproceedings was introduced by the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 1997.The accelerated procedure for pre-trial investigation has been in force in the criminal procedurelegislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan since 2014. The authors came to the conclusion that the protocolform is a full-fledged procedural production of the pre-trial investigation. This form practically does notcontain elements of simplification, and the introduced changes and additions have brought to naught theaccelerated procedure. This led to the fact that most of the cases are terminated due to violation of thetimeframe for the investigation.
INSTITUTE OF COMPULSORY INSURANCE OF PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY OF LAWYERS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN: COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Kazantseva O.L.
Published: November 2021

The article is devoted to the problems of introduction of the institute of compulsory insurance ofprofessional liability of lawyers in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan. The authoranalyzes the current legislation of the two states, in terms of mandatory insurance of professional liabilityof lawyers, identifies current problems in this area, justifies ways to solve them. The article has a certainscientific and practical value, since it analyzes the experience of the establishment of the institute ofcompulsory insurance of professional liability of lawyers in Russia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, whichwill improve the legislative and law enforcement practice of both states.
REFERENCES TO THE TITLE OF THE TURKIC RULERS WHEN DESCRIBING THE HISTORY OF THE GHAZNAVIDS IN “TABA’I’ AL-HAYYAWAN” BY AL–MARWAZI
Authors: Timokhin D.M.
Published: November 2021

Within the framework of this article, the focus is on the mention in al-Marwazi’s work “Taba’i’al-hayyawan” (“On the nature of animals”) of embassies from the Uighur and Khitan rulers to the court ofSultan Mahmud Ghaznаvi. This author also cites in his work the text of the messages that were sent to thissultan by both rulers. In the text of the letter of the Khitan emperor, the title “Qara-khan” is used in relationto Mahmud Ghaznavi, which could not but raise certain questions from researchers. In this article, we wouldlike to consider, first of all, the author’s explanation of the origin of such a title, as well as its application toMahmoud Ghaznаvi. Here it is necessary to analyze al-Marwazi’s instructions on the connection betweenthe title “Qara-khan” and African slaves in the Turkic nomadic environment, on which this author dwellsin detail. In addition, we will analyze the points of view of researchers, both on the origin of such title, andits existence in the political system of Desht-i Qipchak and neighboring regions. We hope that this articlewill be useful not only for researchers dealing with the history of the Ghaznavid dynasty, but also for a widerange of experts on the history of nomadic Turkic tribes, as well as the reflection of their history in medievalMuslim historiography.