bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Shock Indices with Peri-Intubation Hypotension and Other Outcomes: A Sub-Study of the KEEP PACE Trial
Authors: Smischney Nathan J. , Seisa Mohamed O. , Schroeder Darrell R.
Published: February 2024

Background

Based on current evidence, there appears to be an association between peri-intubation hypotension and patient morbidity and mortality. Studies have identified shock indices as possible pre-intubation risk factors for peri-intubation hypotension. Thus, we sought to evaluate the association between shock index (SI), modified shock index (MSI), and diastolic shock index (DSI) and peri-intubation hypotension along with other outcomes.

Methods

The present study is a sub-study of a randomized controlled trial involving critically ill patients undergoing intubation. We defined peri-intubation hypotension as a decrease in mean arterial pressure <65 mm Hg and/or a reduction of 40% from baseline; or the initiation of, or increase in infusion dosage of, any vasopressor medication (bolus or infusion) during the 30-min period following intubation. SI, MSI, and DSI were analyzed as continuous variables and categorically using pre-established cut-offs. We also explored the effect of age on shock indices.

Results

A total of 151 patients were included in the analysis. Mean pre-intubation SI was 1.0  ±  0.3, MSI 1.5  ±  0.5, and DSI 1.9  ±  0.7. Increasing SI, MSI, and DSI were significantly associated with peri-intubation hypotension (OR [95% CI] per 0.1 increase  =  1.16 [1.04, 1.30], P  =  .009 for SI; 1.14 [1.05, 1.24], P  =  .003 for MSI; and 1.11 [1.04, 1.19], P  =  .003 for DSI). The area under the ROC curves did not differ across shock indices (0.66 vs 0.67 vs 0.69 for SI, MSI, and DSI respectively; P  =  .586). Increasing SI, MSI, and DSI were significantly associated with worse sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (spearman rank correlation: r  =  0.30, r  =  0.40, and r  =  0.45 for SI, MSI, and DSI, respectively, all P < .001) but not with other outcomes. There was no significant impact when incorporating age.

Conclusions

Increasing SI, MSI, and DSI were all significantly associated with peri-intubation hypotension and worse SOFA scores but not with other outcomes. Shock indices remain a useful bedside tool to assess the potential likelihood of peri-intubation hypotension.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier - NCT02105415
Bystander Intervention in Coercive Control: Do Relationship to the Victim, Bystander Gender, and Concerns Influence Willingness to Intervene?
Authors: Walker Jacqueline , Kelty Sally Fiona , Ng Tseung-Wong Caroline
Published: February 2024

With rates of coercive control (CC) increasing, there is a need to ensure that intervention programs are underpinned by evidence-based research. Current interventions are scarce, with their efficacy rarely established. Most current interventions appear to rely on victims seeking support from formal sources/agencies, despite suggestions that victims are more likely to confide in people they know, such as their friends. Researchers suggest that a victim’s friends may provide an effective source of support and intervention. The aim of this study was to fill the gap in the literature exploring whether the closeness of the relationship to the victim, bystander gender, and bystander concerns influenced attitudes toward intervening in CC situations. The study used an experimental design, whereby participants were randomly allocated to read a vignette depicting a CC scenario involving a friend, colleague, or stranger, and quantitative methods were used to examine bystanders’ willingness and concerns about intervening. The sample was 340 Australian participants (229 female, 111 male), recruited from social media, namely community Facebook groups. The results indicated that friends were significantly more willing to intervene than colleagues or strangers, while strangers reported the highest concerns about intervening. Females reported significantly higher willingness to intervene than men despite also reporting higher concerns. Exploratory analysis of concerns about intervening revealed that the participants were most concerned about risk of harm and their beliefs in their ability to successfully intervene. These findings have implications for bystander intervention programs and campaigns, including offering a range of potential directions to enhance intervention program content.
Don’t Say “Beans” When Promoting Plant Protein to Family Meal Planners
Authors: Kottke Thomas E. , Dinh Jennifer M. , Henderson Maren S. G. , Zibley Laura , Rivard Rachael L. , Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y. , Ellefson Katherine J. , Peterson Hikaru , Canterbury Marna
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To identify “headlines” that would engage recipients to consider plant protein over red meat.

Design

Mail and web survey.

Setting

Urban Minnesota community.

Subjects

144 survey respondents from our health plan and community program distribution lists who live with at least 1 other person and eat meat.

Intervention

We asked respondents how likely they would be to click on each of 24 headlines with a motivator (eating plant protein for health vs for environmental reasons) and a barrier (family preferences, knowledge about plant proteins, or cooking skills). 16 headlines contained the word “beans”.

Measures

We created categorical variables for each headline construct: (1) motivator, (2) barrier, and (3) reference to beans. Using a mixed model with random effects, we compared, for each construct, respondents’ self-reported likelihood to click on a headline.

Results

Health-related headlines performed significantly better than environmental headlines ( P = .0019, 95% CI .01, .11). Family-oriented headlines performed slightly better than skills-oriented ( P = .0927, 95% CI -.01, .11) and knowledge-oriented ( P = .0960, 95% CI -.01, .11) headlines. Headlines containing the word “beans” performed significantly worse than those not containing “beans” ( P < .0001, 95% CI -.22, -.12).

Conclusions

The population represented by our survey respondents report being most likely to click on headlines that emphasize health and family. They report they are significantly less likely to click on headlines that promote beans.
Scapular muscle dynamic stiffness of asymptomatic subjects and subjects with chronic shoulder pain, at rest and isometric contraction conditions
Authors: Melo Ana SC , Montóia Bárbara , Cruz Eduardo B , Vilas-Boas J Paulo , Sousa Andreia SP
Published: February 2024

Muscle stiffness had a crucial role in joint stability, particularly, at the shoulder complex. Although changes in upper trapezius muscle stiffness have been described for shoulder pain, contradictory findings have been obtained. Also, existing data regarding scapular muscles are, majorly, about trapezius. Myotonometry is a method used to assess stiffness; however, the reliability values of scapular muscle stiffness through this method have not been assessed in shoulder pain conditions. The present study aims to compare scapular muscles’ stiffness (trapezius, serratus anterior, and levator scapulae) between subjects with and without chronic shoulder pain and to evaluate the related test-retest reliability. Twenty-two symptomatic and twenty-two asymptomatic subjects participated in a cross-sectional study. The dynamic muscular stiffness of scapular muscles, at rest and during an isometric contraction, was measured bilaterally with myotonometry, in two moments. The differences in bilateral averaged values between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects and the effect of the group (group presenting pain in the dominant or non-dominant side, and asymptomatic group) and of the limb (unilateral painful or asymptomatic limb, and bilateral asymptomatic limbs) were investigated. Test-retest intra-rater reliability was determined. An effect of the group was observed at rest, for middle trapezius stiffness, and during contraction, for middle and lower trapezius stiffness. For middle trapezius, increased values were observed in the group presenting pain in non-dominant side comparing to both groups or to group presenting pain in dominant side. The intraclass correlation coefficient, majorly, ranged between 0.775 and 0.989. Participants with pain in the non-dominant side presented an increased middle trapezius’ stiffness. Globally, high reliability was observed for scapular muscles dynamic stiffness.
Coexistence in the Anthropocene: Tigers and Humans of the Dibang Valley
Authors: Beggiora Stefano , Exley Victoria May
Published: February 2024

In the Anthropocene and on the brink of the Sixth Mass Extinction, we are called upon to reflect on how humans can, do, and should live with other species on Earth. This article uses an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on Bruno Latour’s actor-network theory, to unveil the multifaceted ways that tigers and humans have an impact on each other. The result is an interspecies ethnography of the reality of coexistence between two species recognized as dangerous to the other. The indigenous Mishmi people of the Dibang Valley provide us with a complex example, revealing that humans and tigers have equal roles to play, and the article highlights the flexibility of were-tigers and shamanism as one way to navigate this complex relationship.
Incidence of Hypertriglyceridemia in Patients on Propofol, Clevidipine, or Both
Authors: Johns Christopher B. , Fleming Travis W. , Brown Skyler R. , Black Rebekah B. , Rowe A. Shaun
Published: February 2024

Background:

Propofol and clevidipine (PC) are commonly used in the treatment of critically ill patients. While both medications are lipid emulsions, there is limited evidence concerning the incidence of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) when these agents are used individually or concurrently.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to determine the effects of propofol, clevidipine, or concurrent PC on triglycerides (TGs) and related outcomes in critically ill adults.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at an academic medical center. Patients were included if they received ≥24 hours of continuous propofol and/or clevidipine. Excluded were those without TG levels after ≥24 hours of infusion, baseline HTG, acute pancreatitis at admission, or receiving total parenteral nutrition with lipids. The primary outcome was incidence of HTG (defined as a TG level >400 mg/dL). Secondary outcomes included median and peak TG levels, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, total lipid infused, time to peak TG level, peak lipase level, and development of pancreatitis.

Results:

In total, 190 patients were studied: 109 in the propofol group, 50 in the clevidipine group, and 31 in the PC group. Incidence of HTG was similar (19 [17.4%] vs 6 [12%] vs 4 [12.9%] patients, P = 0.6246). Peak and median TG levels were similar for propofol, clevidipine, and PC groups (216 mg/dL vs 189.5 mg/dL vs 205 mg/dL, P = 0.7069; 177 mg/dL vs 185.5 mg/dL vs 177 mg/dL, P = 0.6791).

Conclusions and Relevance:

There was a similar incidence of HTG in all groups. The results of this study suggest that the concurrent use of PC should not modify the frequency of TG level monitoring.
Nonlinear vibration control of magnetic bearing system considering positive and negative stiffness
Authors: Wang Can , Liu Canchang , Cao Shuaikang , Sun Liang
Published: February 2024

The nonlinear dynamics are studied for an active magnetic bearing (AMB) system under the low-frequency sinusoidal excitation, which can affect the operational stability of a high-speed magnetic bearing. A single-degree-of-freedom nonlinear dynamics model of magnetic bearing was developed with a c-type active magnetic bearing as the research target. The characteristics of the magnetic bearing system show positive and negative stiffness for different feedback gains. The amplitude–frequency response curves of the vibration characteristics of the positive stiffness magnetic bearing system were obtained by using the method of multiple scales. The influence of each parameter on the resonance amplitude and nonlinearity of the magnetic bearing system is understood by analyzing the amplitude–frequency response curve. The bifurcation diagram for the rotor with rotor mass, and control parameters is derived from the numerical simulation of the negative stiffness magnetic bearing system. The parameter intervals that cause single-cycle vibration, double-cycle vibration, and chaotic state of the magnetic bearing rotor are discovered by analyzing the bifurcation diagrams of each parameter. The simulation results show that the magnetic bearing system exhibits complex nonlinear dynamic characteristics when it is a negative stiffness system.
Effects of turbulence and bush wear on the transient tribo-dynamic characteristics of water-lubricated bearings
Authors: Chen Ziqi , Wang Ji , Li Rui , Liu Yujun , Yu Pengfa
Published: February 2024

This research proposes a transient mixed elastohydrodynamic model considering turbulence and bush wear, as well as the concept of contact work, to study the transient tribo-dynamic characteristics of water-lubricated bearings. The effects of turbulence, wear depth, and wear deviation angle on transient tribo-dynamic characteristics of water-lubricated bearings are investigated. The findings show that turbulence significantly affects the dynamics of stable conditions and enhances the hydrodynamic effect, but little affects the frictional contact behavior. An appropriate wear depth favors improving the tribo-dynamic characteristics of the water-lubricated bearings, but it deteriorates as the wear depth continuously increases. Negative deviation angles are better for minimizing contact work and enhancing rotor stability. The lubrication and dynamic properties of water-lubricated bearings can be enhanced through a rational approach to wear morphology design. This research is important for the optimal design and diagnosis of water-lubricated bearings wear failures.
Beyond the ‘critical incident’: COVID-19, data journalism and the slow road to editorial automation in Australian newsrooms
Authors: Montaña-Niño Silvia X , Burgess Jean
Published: February 2024

This article draws on a qualitative interview-based study and the framework of the ‘critical incident’ to explore whether, how and for whom the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic saw an increased uptake of data-driven automation in Australian newsrooms and with what implications for the field. Our findings show that, while news workers combined and adapted existing technologies to meet increased demands for rolling, data-driven coverage of the pandemic, structural and institutional factors prevented the uptake and embedding of forms of data journalism and editorial automation that may have assisted with providing more timely and effective public health information. The findings highlight the importance of COVID-19 as both an acute event and an ongoing situation that has revealed and prompted reflection on the practical and political challenges of data flows between government agencies and news organisations.
QR codes and automated decision-making in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Goggin Gerard , Wilken Rowan
Published: February 2024

In this article, we explore Quick Response (QR) codes (machine-readable optical labels that link to information) and how, after a period of having fallen out of favor, they have been reactivated and have come to underpin COVID-19 automation and contact-tracing efforts. During the pandemic, they were used especially for “safe entry” and other kinds of check-in to locations to facilitate contact tracing. In this context, QR codes facilitate automated decision-making in relation to infectious disease surveillance and disease outbreak control. However, the use of QR codes for contact-tracing purposes has enjoyed mixed success and its implementation has encountered several challenges, as we illustrate through a case study that explores QR codes and COVID contact tracing in Singapore and Australia.
Digital citizenship and disability in the covid era
Authors: van Toorn Georgia , Cox Lloyd
Published: February 2024

The covid-19 crisis has accelerated automation and digitalization in many aspects of social life. Social distancing and lockdowns, combined with the imperative to preserve economic activity, have seen much work and education move online, while the digitalization of government services has intensified. These developments slowed the spread of covid-19 but their broader effects, both positive and negative, have been unevenly distributed. One group for whom covid-driven digitalization has been especially ambivalent is people with a disability. While remote forms of communication and work have afforded physical health protections to many disabled people, these same forms have had exclusionary effects that magnify pre-existing disadvantages and diminish citizenship rights. This article analyses this ambivalent dialectic and the politics of neoliberal digital citizenship with which it is enmeshed. We argue that digital citizenship needs to be decoupled from a constraining neoliberal rationality prioritizing ableist individual competition, techno-entrepreneurship and government cost-cutting.
How “the left” meme: Analyzing taboo in the Internet memes of r/DankLeft
Authors: Merrill Samuel , Gardell Mattias , Lindgren Simon
Published: February 2024

This article explores how “the left” meme and the character and emotional reception of taboo-breaking therein via the case of r/DankLeft—a USA-centric Marxist, Anarchist, and Democratic Socialist Internet meme community. It asks: what themes do popular r/DankLeft Internet memes relate to, how does taboo feature within popular r/DankLeft Internet memes, and can any differences in the ways in which taboo-related r/DankLeft Internet memes are received be discerned. In turn, it carries out a thematic analysis of 366 popular memes, a multimodal critical discourse analysis of 41 taboo-related popular memes, and a comparative sentiment analysis of the comments these and other memes have received in r/DankLeft. The article finds that popular memes in r/DankLeft primarily relate to perceived threats to its community of users. It also shows that taboo-breaking does feature in r/DankLeft memes and that when it does correlative patterns emerge in terms of popularity and emotional reception.
Evaluation of corrosion behaviour and susceptibility to hydrogen-induced cracking in high-strength low-alloy X70 steels under sour gas conditions
Authors: Quiñones Gonzalo Aurelio Mamani , Condori Roger Imata , Apaza-Apaza Diego , Ariza Edwan Anderson , Quispe-Avilés Janeth M.
Published: February 2024

High-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels find extensive usage in the oil industry for manufacturing pipes due to their requirement for materials with high mechanical and corrosion resistance. Among these steels, the HSLA X70 steels are particularly of great interest to the petroleum industry because of its high mechanical resistance, ductility and weldability. In this study, it was aimed to assess the corrosion behaviour of HSLA API X70 pipelines using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique and evaluate its resistance to hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC). The analyses were conducted in non-sour and sour media, as per NACE TM0284 standard. Microstructural characterisations of polished and corroded samples were also conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). The results indicate that the resistance to HIC in API 5L X70 steel is compromised when exposed to surface corrosion in sour gas media. This susceptibility may be attributed to the presence of microconstituents MnS and M/A along the grain boundaries, which were found in the crack trajectory. The identified microstructural features are deemed to exert a significant influence on the propagation of cracks and the consequent susceptibility to HIC. Moreover, the EIS tests revealed the lowest corrosion resistance when exposed to H2S media, as MnS inclusions accelerate the active regions in the matrix, consequently leading to the formation of a plethora of corrosion products and the dissolution of iron.
Infection Prevention and the Protective Effects of Unidirectional Displacement Flow Ventilation in the Turbulent Spaces of the Operating Room
Authors: Ziegler Mareike , Seipp Hans-Martin , Steffens Thomas , Walter Dirk , Büttner-Janz Karin , Rodger Daniel , Herzog-Niescery Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Background:

Unidirectional displacement flow (UDF) ventilation systems in operating rooms are characterized by a uniformity of velocity ≥80% and protect patients and operating room personnel against exposure to hazardous substances. However, the air below the surgical lights and in the surrounding zone is turbulent, which impairs the ventilation system’s effect.

Aim:

We first used the recovery time (RT) as specified in International Organization for Standardization 14644 to determine the particle reduction capacity in the turbulent spaces of an operating room with a UDF system.

Methods:

The uniformity of velocity was analyzed by comfort-level probe grid measurements in the protected area below a hemispherical closed-shaped and a semi-open column-shaped surgical light (tilt angles: 0°/15°/30°) and in the surrounding zone of a research operating room. Thereafter, RTs were calculated.

Results:

At a supply air volume of 10,500 m3/h, the velocity, reported as average uniformity ± standard deviation, was uniform in the protected area without lights (95.8% ± 1.7%), but locally turbulent below the hemispherical closed-shaped (69.3% ± 14.6%), the semi-open column-shaped light (66.9% ± 10.9%), and in the surrounding zone (51.5% ± 17.6%). The RTs ranged between 1.1 and 1.7 min below the lights and 3.5 ± 0.28 min in the surrounding zone and depended exponentially on the volume flow rate.

Conclusions:

Compared to an RT of ≤20 min as required for operating rooms with mixed dilution flow, particles here were eliminated 12–18 times more quickly from below the surgical lights and 5.7 times from the surrounding zone. Thus, the effect of the lights was negligible and the UDF’s retained its strong protective effect.
Higher Eccentric Hamstring Muscle Fatigue After Participation in a Soccer Match in Young Female Athletes
Authors: Nutarelli Sebastiano , Rocchi Jacopo Emanuele , Salerno Manuela , Sangiorgio Alessandro , Deabate Luca , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Background:

Hamstring (HS) strength deficits and imbalances have been identified as risk factors for sustaining anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and muscular strains, with HS injuries being the most prevalent muscle injuries in soccer athletes. The aim of this study was to investigate HS eccentric strength before and after a soccer match in both male and female soccer athletes.

Hypothesis:

Soccer athletes have changes in eccentric HS strength after a soccer game.

Study Design:

Cohort observational study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

HS eccentric strength (mean and absolute peak torque and total work) was measured in 64 healthy male and female competitive football athletes (14-25 years) with an automatic device during the execution of the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) test before and after a 90-minute soccer match. The anterior-knee laxity (AKL) was quantified with an arthrometer.

Results:

Mean and absolute eccentric HS peak torque decreased by 24.5 N.m (-12.34%; P < 0.01) and 21.9 N.m (-10.08%; P < 0.01) in female athletes, whereas their male peers improved by 19.9 N.m (+9.01%; P = 0.01) and by 20.9 N.m (+8.51%; P = 0.02), respectively. HS total work in female athletes decreased by 831.1 J ( P < 0.01) compared with the male athlete reduction of 235.3 J. Both the pre- versus postmatch intersex mean and absolute eccentric HS peak torque changes were significant ( P < 0.01), as were the changes in HS total work ( P < 0.01). The pre- versus postmatch AKL difference and the dominant versus nondominant limb comparison of the strength parameters were not significantly different. Younger female athletes (14-19 years old) presented a greater decrease in mean and absolute peak HS eccentric strength compared with those in older female athletes and men.

Conclusion:

HS eccentric strength and work differ based on athlete sex, as measured by the NHE test. Mean peak, absolute peak, and total work showed greater reductions in female athletes than those in their male peers. The subgroup of 14- to 19-year-old female athletes experienced the highest reduction in strength parameters.
Real-world safety and effectiveness of secukinumab in adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: results from postmarketing surveillance in Korea
Authors: Kim Byung Soo , Kim Dong Hyun , Shin Bong Seok , Lee Eun-So , Jo Seong Jin , Bang Chul Hwan , Yun Yeojun , Choe Yong Beom
Published: February 2024

Background:

Secukinumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, was approved in Korea for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in September 2015.

Objectives:

To assess the safety and effectiveness of secukinumab in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in Korea.

Design:

Multicenter, real-world, noninterventional study conducted over 6 years.

Methods:

Adults with moderate to severe psoriasis were enrolled. Safety was assessed by evaluating adverse events (AEs), treatment-related AEs, and serious AEs (SAEs). Effectiveness was assessed using the change in absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, percentage of patients achieving PASI 75/90/100 and PASI ⩽2; at weeks 12 and 24.

Results:

Overall, 829 and 542 patients were included in the safety and effectiveness sets, respectively. AEs, treatment-related AEs, and SAEs occurred in 29.0%, 9.5%, and 4.1% of patients, with incidence rates of 39.43, 12.98, and 5.59 per 100 patient years, respectively. The absolute PASI score decreased from 16.1 ± 7.1 (baseline) to 1.6 ± 2.4 (week 24), with a similar reduction in biologic-naïve (16.4 ± 7.3 to 1.5 ± 2.2) and biologic-experienced (14.8 ± 5.9 to 2.4 ± 3.2) groups. At week 24, PASI 75/90/100 was achieved by 95.1%, 62.4%, and 24.9% of patients. At week 24, PASI 75/90 were higher in biologic-naïve (96.6%/65.8%) than biologic-experienced patients (88.3%/48.6%), whereas PASI 100 was similar in both cohorts (24.1% and 28.6%). A similar trend in PASI ⩽ 2 was observed in both cohorts.

Conclusion:

Secukinumab showed sustained effectiveness and favorable safety profile in adult patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in Korea.
Assessment of clinical pharmacist interventions using a web-based application in a Saudi Arabian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: AlKhanbashi Rana Omar , AlNoamy Yahya , Ghandorah Reham , Awan Razan Mohammed , AlButi Hala
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

Medication-related problems are a top concern of clinical pharmacists. Medication-related problems can cause patient harm and increase the number of visits, hospital admissions, and length of hospital stay. The objective was to assess clinical pharmacy medication-related problem-related interventions in a tertiary care setting.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) between June 2021 and June 2022. The data were extracted monthly from a new web-based Microsoft Excel application documenting medication-related problems during any stage of the medication use process.

Results:

A total of 5310 medication-related problem-related interventions in 1494 patients were performed. The departments associated with the highest frequency of medication-related problem-related interventions were the critical care unit (26.9%), intensive care unit (23.8%), anticoagulation clinic (17.1%), medical ward (11.3%), and nephrology unit (6.8%). The most common type of medication-related problem-related interventions included inappropriate dosage regimens (25.6%), monitoring drug effect or therapeutic drug monitoring (24.4%), requirement of additional drug therapy (21.9%), and inappropriate drug selection (14.1%). The proposed interventions were accepted by physicians in 97% of the incidents. The most frequent medication classes associated with medication-related problem-related interventions were cardiovascular agents (47.6%), antimicrobial agents (27.2%), and nutrition and blood substitute agents (11.4%). The most frequent medication groups associated with medication-related problem-related interventions were anticoagulants (25.6%) and antibiotics (25.2%).

Conclusions:

The current findings characterize the medication-related problem-related interventions addressed in clinical pharmacy at a tertiary care setting. The high rate of physician acceptance emphasizes the integral patient safety role of clinical pharmacy services.
Cumulative Transitions in Emerging Adulthood: Portents of Adjustment Problems or a Window for Opportunities?
Authors: Lanctôt Joëlle , Poulin François
Published: February 2024

Cumulative transitions in diverse life domains during emerging adulthood appear to promote both problems and fulfillment. This study aimed to shed light on the coexistence of these contradictory observations by examining the associations between cumulative transitions in four life domains (education, work, romantic, and residential) and adjustment problems (depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use) and well-being. Participants ( n = 255; 62 % women) were assessed annually between ages 18 to 25. Results of regression analyses partially confirmed both perspectives: cumulative transitions in the four life domains combined were curvilinearly associated with depressive symptoms (i.e., too few and too many transitions were associated with higher symptoms) and linearly and positively associated with well-being. Domain-specific effects were also observed. These results paint a more nuanced picture of how transitions are associated with adjustment in emerging adults, revealing how under- and over-exploration of the life domains predict individual adjustment.
Cool-contacts: Cryo-Electron Microscopy of Membrane Contact Sites and Their Components
Authors: Ching Cyan , Maufront Julien , di Cicco Aurélie , Lévy Daniel , Dezi Manuela
Published: February 2024

Electron microscopy has played a pivotal role in elucidating the ultrastructure of membrane contact sites between cellular organelles. The advent of cryo-electron microscopy has ushered in the ability to determine atomic models of constituent proteins or protein complexes within sites of membrane contact through single particle analysis. Furthermore, it enables the visualization of the three-dimensional architecture of membrane contact sites, encompassing numerous copies of proteins, whether in vitro reconstituted or directly observed in situ using cryo-electron tomography. Nevertheless, there exists a scarcity of cryo-electron microscopy studies focused on the site of membrane contact and their constitutive proteins. This review provides an overview of the contributions made by cryo-electron microscopy to our understanding of membrane contact sites, outlines the associated limitations, and explores prospects in this field.
Reinventing Fashion as an Affective Apparatus by China's Youth: Bilibili, Danmaku Commentaries, and the Online Hanfu Ceremony During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Ip Penn Tsz Ting , Fan Chen
Published: February 2024

Hanfu, an attire newly reinvented by China's youth, has been revived as traditional Chinese attire and further reconstructed as a symbol of China's emerging cultural identity. During the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, the annual National Costume Day, launched in 2018 by the Chinese Communist Youth League, transitioned into an online event on Bilibili, an emerging media platform in China. Known as the online Hanfu ceremony, this National Costume Day comprised self-produced short films contributed by Hanfu supporters who created videos during the lockdown. This article employs a case study approach focusing on the online Hanfu ceremony to delve into the impacts of such an event in the wake of a national health crisis. Its results indicate that Hanfu served as an affective apparatus to gather Chinese people online, evoking feelings of nationalism through the notion of cultural confidence. By assembling as a community online via Bilibili, younger Chinese people were able to experience a sense of belonging and affective moments of attachment. Such positive affective sentiments provided solace and cohesion, aiding individuals in navigating the collective ordeal of COVID-19, thereby serving the nation through configuring Hanfu as an affective apparatus—a tool for constituting solidarity.
Effects of a Faith-Based Obesity Intervention on African American and Latino Adults’ Children
Authors: Perez Lilian G. , Flόrez Karen R. , Seelam Rachana , Williams Malcolm V. , Derose Kathryn P.
Published: February 2024

Background

Faith-based interventions are promising for promoting healthy behaviors among adults, but their ripple effects on participants’ children are unknown. This study is one of the first to assess the effects of a faith-based multilevel obesity intervention on adult participants’ children.

Methods

We analyzed quantitative data from a cluster randomized controlled trial with two African American and two Latino churches in South Los Angeles, California, which invited adult participants to enroll one child (5-17 years) in a sub-study. At baseline and 6-7 months follow-up, parents completed a child health survey, which included the family nutrition and physical activity screening tool, and child height and weight were measured ( n = 50).

Results

Results from linear regression models showed children of intervention participants, compared to control, had significantly better dietary patterns at follow-up.

Conclusions

Findings suggest the health benefits of a faith-based multilevel obesity intervention for adults can extend to children and may help address obesity disparities.
Demographics and clinical characteristics of carbon monoxide poisoning for patients attending in the emergency department at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharthy Nesrin , Alanazi Aljohara , Almoqaytib Alreem , Alharbi Bedour , Alshaibani Rakad , Albuniyan Jawaher , Alshibani Abdullah
Published: February 2024

Background

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is one of the most common environmental causes of acute intoxication globally. It can lead to the development of Delayed Neuropsychiatric Sequelae (DNS) which may develop in 2-40 days after remission of acute CO poisoning. DNS is defined by recurrent-transient neurological, cognitive, or psychological manifestations. This study was intended to describe the demographics and characteristics of CO poisoning patients attending at the Emergency Department (ED) and assess the association between CO intoxication and the development of DNS in a tertiary hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in subjects who were diagnosed with CO poisoning and attended to the ED at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) and King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh during the period from January 2016 to December 2021. Patient demographics, vitals, diagnostic tests, and oxygen therapy at initial presentation were documented. Patient medical records were reviewed at 2-40 days following CO poisoning for development of DNS. Ethical approval was obtained from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC).

Results

A total of 85 patients were diagnosed with CO poisoning and met the study inclusion criteria. Of those, 76% were adults with an average age of 32.36 (SD ± 15.20) and 51% were male adults. Five (6%) of the 85 patients developed DNS. Common symptoms included dizziness, nausea, and decreased visual acuity in 40% of the cases. The development of DNS manifestations was most likely (80%) to occur at 2 to 10 days after the initial incident. Inferential statistics showed that BMI (p-value = 0.021) and age group (p-value = 0.029) were significantly associated with COHb level, which was not the case for gender and the presence of clinical manifestation. Furthermore, Gender was significantly associated with the development of DNS (20% male vs. 80% female, p = 0.050).

Conclusions

The findings of this study are consistent with previous published studies showing low proportions of patients who were exposed to CO poisoning at risk of developing DNS. Further larger-scale multicenter studies are needed to assess the factors associated with the development of DNS for patients with CO poisoning.
Impact of teaching on use of mechanical chest compression devices: a simulation-based trial
Authors: Steffen Richard , Burri Simon , Roten Fredy-Michel , Huber Markus , Knapp Jürgen
Published: February 2024

Background

The use of mechanical chest compression devices on patients in cardiac arrest has not shown benefits in previous trials. This is surprising, given that these devices can deliver consistently high-quality chest compressions without interruption. It is possible that this discrepancy is due to the no-flow time (NFT) during the application of the device. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate a reduction in no-flow time during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with mechanical chest compression devices following 10 min of structured training in novices.

Methods

270 medical students were recruited for the study. The participants were divided as a convenience sample into two groups. Both groups were instructed in how to use the device according to the manufacturer’s specifications. The control group trained in teams of three, according to their own needs, to familiarise themselves with the device. The intervention group received 10 min of structured team training, also in teams of three. The participants then had to go through a CPR scenario in an ad-hoc team of three, in order to evaluate the training effect.

Results

The median NFT was 26.0 s (IQR: 20.0–30.0) in the intervention group and 37.0 s (IQR: 29.0–42.0) in the control group (p < 0.001). In a follow-up examination of the intervention group four months after the training, the NFT was 34.5 s (IQR: 24.0–45.8). This represented a significant deterioration (p = 0.015) and was at the same level as the control group immediately after training (p = 0.650). The position of the compression stamp did not differ significantly between the groups. Groups that lifted the manikin to position the backboard achieved an NFT of 35.0 s (IQR: 27.5–42.0), compared to 41.0 s (IQR: 36.5–50.5) for the groups that turned the manikin to the side (p = 0.074).

Conclusions

This simulation-based study demonstrated that structured training can significantly reduce the no-flow time when using mechanical resuscitation devices, even in ad-hoc teams. However, this benefit seems to be short-lived: after four months no effect could be detected.
Optimization and characterization of quercetin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for biomedical application in colorectal cancer
Authors: Mohamed Jamal Moideen Muthu , Ahmad Fazil , El-Sherbiny Mohamed , Al Mohaini Mohammed Ahmad , Venkatesan Krishnaraju , Alrashdi Yahya Bin Abdullah , Eldesoqui Mamdouh Basheir , Ibrahim Adel Ehab , Dawood Amal Fahmy , Ibrahim Ateya Megahed , El Deeb Sami
Published: February 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum and occurs in individuals over the age of 50, although it can affect people of all ages. Quercetin is a flavonoid, which is a type of plant pigment with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have explored the potential of quercetin as an adjuvant therapy to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Methodology

In the proposed work, the nano-biomaterials of solid lipids such as stearic acid (SA) and tripalmitin (TpN) as well as the surfactants tween 80 and span 80 were used to prepare novel quercetin (QuR)-loaded-solid lipid nanoparticles (QuR-SLNs) for medical applications in colorectal cancer (CRC). The resulting bio-nano SLNs’ mean entrapment efficiency (EE) and particle size (PS) were optimized by Box–Behnken design (BBD) approach based on the response-like surface methodology (RSM). The variables include lipid ratio (X1), surfactant ratio (X2), QuR-to-lipid ratio (X3), the sonication time (X4), and the homogenization time (X5). Requirements on the maximum EE (%) and minimum PS (nm) were optimized for the preparation of QuR-SLN. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were then used to analyze the optimized SLN and to find the crystalline state of QuR with lipid relationship. In addition, on the Caco-2 cells, at IC50 (49 µM/mL), in vitro cytotoxicity was attained.

Results

The optimized QuR-SLN had practically spherical shapes, with % EE and a PS of 97.8 ± 1.16% and 132.16 ± 4.1 nm, respectively. In aqueous media, the degree of lipid crystallinity and the lipid modification was investigated, and the QuR incorporation and release patterns showed high correlations with both. The results showed that over 41.12 ± 1.6% of the bio-nano QuR-SLNs was released gradually over the course of 48 h, demonstrating effective QuR delayed release. Results on apoptotic observations indicate that apoptosis accounts for the majority of cell death, while necrosis, a type of cell death, constitutes a very minor portion. In conclusion, the prepared bio-nano QuR-SLNs might improve cytotoxicity and can act as an ideal carrier for the delivery of QuR and this preparation is used in the treatment of CRC.
Effect of deficit irrigation combined with Bacillus simplex on water use efficiency and growth parameters of maize during vegetative stage
Authors: Nawaz Haq , Akgün İlknur , Şenyiğit Ulaş
Published: February 2024

The production of crops depending on many factors including water, nutrient, soil types, climate and crops types, water stress and drought is in one of the important factors affecting crop productivity. The experiment was conducted in pots to evaluate the effect of biofertilizers (Bacillus simplex) with deficit irrigations on the early development and growth of maize crop under greenhouse condition. Pre sowing seed was inoculated with strain of bacteria (B+/B-) and different irrigation levels (no stress: 100% (I1) and deficit irrigation: 75 (I2), 50 (I3), 25 (I4) % of required water amount to reach pot capacity) was performed. Data was collected on different morphological characteristics and root characteristic of maize crop. Highest plant height (125 cm), stem diameter (18.02 mm), leaf area (350 cm− 2), plant weight (180.42 g in fresh, 73.58 g in dry), root length (92.83 cm) root ((91.70 g in fresh, (28.66 g in dry) weight were recorded in pots applied with 100% irrigation followed by 75%. Bacillus treated plants showed significant increase in leaf area (214.20 cm− 2), plant fresh weight (91.65 g) and dry weight (42.05 g), root length (79.20 cm), root fresh (53.52 g) and dry weight (16.70 g) compared with control (without bacteria). Likewise highest relative water content of leaf was observed with I3 followed by I2 and I1 respectively. Highest water use efficiency was recorded as 0.67 g pot− 1 mm− 1 in I1 with B + treatment. Likewise, Bacillus inoculated pots resulted in increased water use efficiency (0.44 g pot− 1 mm− 1) compared with no application (0.36 g pot− 1 mm− 1). It can be endorsed from the outcome that Bacillus inoculation increased plant biomass, root biomass of maize and water use efficiency during early growth stage of maize despite of water stress and can be used under limited water condition for crop combating during moderate to lower stress conditions.
Effect of carboxymethyl cellulose and gibberellic acid-enriched biochar on osmotic stress tolerance in cotton
Authors: Qian Lisheng , Huang Shoucheng , Song Zhihua , Fahad Shah , Dawar Khadim , Danish Subhan , Saif Hina , Shahzad Khurram , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Salmen Saleh H.
Published: February 2024

The deleterious impact of osmotic stress, induced by water deficit in arid and semi-arid regions, poses a formidable challenge to cotton production. To protect cotton farming in dry areas, it’s crucial to create strong plans to increase soil water and reduce stress on plants. The carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gibberellic acid (GA3) and biochar (BC) are individually found effective in mitigating osmotic stress. However, combine effect of CMC and GA3 with biochar on drought mitigation is still not studied in depth. The present study was carried out using a combination of GA3 and CMC with BC as amendments on cotton plants subjected to osmotic stress levels of 70 (70 OS) and 40 (40 OS). There were five treatment groups, namely: control (0% CMC-BC and 0% GA3-BC), 0.4%CMC-BC, 0.4%GA3-BC, 0.8%CMC-BC, and 0.8%GA3-BC. Each treatment was replicated five times with a completely randomized design (CRD). The results revealed that 0.8 GA3-BC led to increase in cotton shoot fresh weight (99.95%), shoot dry weight (95.70%), root fresh weight (73.13%), and root dry weight (95.74%) compared to the control group under osmotic stress. There was a significant enhancement in cotton chlorophyll a (23.77%), chlorophyll b (70.44%), and total chlorophyll (35.44%), the photosynthetic rate (90.77%), transpiration rate (174.44%), and internal CO2 concentration (57.99%) compared to the control group under the 40 OS stress. Thus 0.8GA3-BC can be potential amendment for reducing osmotic stress in cotton cultivation, enhancing agricultural resilience and productivity.
Angiographic characteristics of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Meda John R. , Kusima Happiness L. , Magitta Ng’weina F.
Published: February 2024

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an important cause of global burden of disease. There is a paucity of data on the burden and risk factors for CAD in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), despite the rising trends in the shared risk factors across regions. The recent introduction of cardiac catheterization laboratory services in SSA could shed light on the burden of CAD in the region. We aimed to assess the angiographic characteristics among patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography (CAG) at a single tertiary care hospital in Tanzania.

Methods

This study was a retrospective chart review. A total of 728 patients  ≥ 18 years of age who underwent CAG from January 2020 to December 2022 were recruited into the study. Basic demographic variables, risk factors and clinical characteristics including CAG findings were obtained from the registry. In addition, CAG images were retrieved for assessment of angiographic features. The luminal vessel stenosis was assessed based on eyeballing and the degree of obstruction was agreed by two independent and experienced cardiologists. The coronary stenosis of ≥ 50% was considered significant for obstructive CAD. The study was approved by the local ethics committee.

Results

Of patients who were recruited into the study, 384 (52.23%) were female. The study participants had a mean age of 59.46 ± 10.83 standard deviation (SD) and mean body mass index (BMI) of 31.18 kg/m2. The prevalence of CAD of any degree was estimated at 24.43% (34.18% in male, 15.50% in female), while that of obstructive CAD was 18.27%. Forty six percent of those with obstructive CAD had multiple vessel disease (MVD). Nearly 77% of patients were found to have ≥ 50–70% luminal stenosis and while those with ≥ 70% luminal coronary artery stenosis constituted 56.65%. Right coronary artery (RCA) was the most commonly affected vessel, accounting for 36.84% when any vessel disease or 56% when single vessel disease were considered. Being 65 years or older and comorbidity with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were independent risk factors for developing CAD.

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of obstructive CAD among patients undergoing diagnostic CAG in Tanzania, with male gender preponderance and increasingly higher in older age, often with severe disease. A large, prospective study is needed to provide epidemiological and clinical data for developing a locally-relevant cardio-preventive strategy for CAD intervention in Tanzania.