bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial clusters of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli causing community-onset bacteriuria due to repeat infections: cluster analysis from a large urban medical center, San Francisco, 2014–2020
Authors: Raphael Eva , Inamdar Pushkar P. , Belmont Cheyenne , Shariff-Marco Salma , Huang Alison J. , Chambers Henry F.
Published: October 2023

Background

Urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producingEscherichia coli(ESBL-E. coli) may occur as outbreaks due to common-source exposures. Yet, it is currently unknown if they cluster geographically as would be expected as part of an outbreak.

Methods

We collected electronic health record data on all patients living in San Francisco with culture-documented community-onsetE. colibacteriuria in a safety-net public healthcare system from January 2014 to March 2020 (diagnosed < 48 h after hospital admission or in outpatient clinical settings without a hospitalization in the past 90 days). We assessed the presence of spatial clusters of (1) ESBL-E. colibacteriuria episodes, and (2) individuals with any ESBL-E. colibacteriuria episode, with Global and Local Moran’s I. We evaluated differences in prevalence of bacteriuria recurrence by ESBL-production by Poisson regression.

Results

Out of 4,304 unique individuals, we identified spatial clusters of ESBL-E. colibacteriuria episodes (n = 461) compared to non-ESBL-E. colibacteriuria episodes (n = 5477; Global Moran’s p < 0.001). Spatial clusters of individuals with any bacteriuria caused by ESBL-E. coliwere not identified (p = 0.43). Bacteriuria recurrence was more likely to occur with ESBL-E. coli(odds ratio [OR] 2.78, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.10, 3.66, p < 0.001), particularly after an initial ESBL-E. colibacteriuria episode (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.82, 2.83, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We found spatial clusters of ESBL-E. colibacteriuria episodes. However, this was partly explained by clustering within individuals more than between individuals, as having an ESBL-E. colibacteriuria was associated with recurrence with ESBL-E. coli. These findings may help better tailor clinical treatment of patients with recurrent urinary tract infections after an initial episode caused by ESBL-E. coli.
Change-point models for identifying behavioral transitions in wild animals
Authors: Gundermann Kathleen P. , Diefenbach D. R. , Walter W. D. , Corondi A. M. , Banfield J. E. , Wallingford B. D. , Stainbrook D. P. , Rosenberry C. S. , Buderman F. E.
Published: October 2023

Animal behavior can be difficult, time-consuming, and costly to observe in the field directly. Innovative modeling methods, such as hidden Markov models (HMMs), allow researchers to infer unobserved animal behaviors from movement data, and implementations often assume that transitions between states occur multiple times. However, some behavioral shifts of interest, such as parturition, migration initiation, and juvenile dispersal, may only occur once during an observation period, and HMMs may not be the best approach to identify these changes. We present two change-point models for identifying single transitions in movement behavior: a location-based change-point model and a movement metric-based change-point model. We first conducted a simulation study to determine the ability of these models to detect a behavioral transition given different amounts of data and the degree of behavioral shifts. We then applied our models to two ungulate species in central Pennsylvania that were fitted with global positioning system collars and vaginal implant transmitters to test hypotheses related to parturition behavior. We fit these models in a Bayesian framework and directly compared the ability of each model to describe the parturition behavior across species. Our simulation study demonstrated that successful change point estimation using either model was possible given at least 12 h of post-change observations and 15 min fix interval. However, our models received mixed support among deer and elk in Pennsylvania due to behavioral variation between species and among individuals. Our results demonstrate that when the behavior follows the dynamics proposed by the two models, researchers can identify the timing of a behavioral change. Although we refer to detecting parturition events, our results can be applied to any behavior that results in a single change in time.
Earthworms facilitated pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) growth via enhancing the population and function of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a low-density polyethylene-contaminated soil
Authors: Liu Yifan , He Baiping , Xiao Qingqing , Wang Xin , Lin Xiangui , Hu Junli
Published: October 2023

Microplastics (MPs) produced by the decomposition of plastics exist persistently, interfering with soil fertility and plant nutrition. Both arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and earthworms are beneficial in terrestrial ecosystems, but their interactions under MPs contamination are unclear so far. Here, the influences of inoculating earthworms (Eisenia fetida) on indigenous AM fungi and pepper (Capsicum annuumL.) growth were investigated in a vegetable soil treated with 0.1% low-density polyethylene (LDPE), while the specific interactions of earthworm and AM fungus (Funneliformis caledonium) under LDPE contamination were further resolved in another experiment using sterilized soil. Inoculation of earthworms shifted soil AM fungal community structure, replacing the predominant genusGlomusbyParaglomus, and increased the abundance, diversity (i.e., Shannon) index, and root colonization rate of AM fungi by 108, 34.6 and 45.0%, respectively. Earthworms also significantly decreased soil pH, and significantly increased soil alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, shoot biomass and fruit yield of pepper by 394, 82.8 and 188%, respectively. In the sterilized soil, bothE. fetidaandF. caledoniumimproved pepper growth, while the latter noticeably increased phosphorus (P) translocation efficiency from root to shoot, and the combination induced the highest soil ALP activity and pepper fruit yield. Furthermore, the significantly interactive effects between earthworm and AM fungus were observed in soil pH and available P concentration, as well as in shoot P concentration and fruit yield of pepper. This study revealed the interaction between earthworms and AM fungi under MPs contamination conditions for the first time, indicating that earthworms could facilitate vegetable growth via enhancing the propagation and P-promoting function of AM fungi in LDPE-contaminated soils.

Graphical Abstract
Firearm availability and police shootings of citizens: a city level analysis of fatal and injurious shootings in California and Florida
Authors: Shjarback John A. , Semenza Daniel C. , Stansfield Richard
Published: October 2023

Background

A growing body of research has found a link between firearm availability and police shootings of citizens across place. The problem, however, is that the previous studies on the topic tend to suffer from several limitations: a near exclusive focus on citizen fatalities, units of analysis at the state or county levels, and a variety of proxy measures tapping into community-level firearm access. The current study set out to address these issues by examining the relationship between different forms of firearm availability and both fatal and nonfatal injurious police shootings of citizens at the city level.

Methods

More specifically, it merged The Trace’s “Missing Pieces” measures of guns reported lost and stolen to police as well as licensed firearms dealers across jurisdictions from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives as proxies for firearm availability with data on police shootings of citizens in California and Florida from California’s URSUS system and the Tampa Bay Times’ “Why Cops Shoot” database, respectively. Negative binomial regression analyses were performed on a sample of 253 cities across the two states and a sub-sample of cities with licensed firearms dealers.

Results

Findings uncovered a small positive association between rates of federally licensed guns stores and the number citizens shot by police as well as police shooting incidents while controlling for several community-level measures (e.g., concentrated disadvantage, gun homicide rates). Rates of guns lost or reported stolen were generally not significantly associated with the outcome measures in the multivariate models.

Conclusions

Firearm availability is a significant correlate of police shootings. Pooled counts of both citizens shot by police and police shooting incidents are heightened in jurisdictions with higher rates of licensed gun dealers, which may be due to the fact that all firearms sold in the USA first make their way to the public through these mechanisms. Such licensed gun dealers must be appropriately monitored and audited to reduce illicit behavior and prevent firearms from making their way into secondary markets. Addressing access to firearms can be meaningful for a host of gun-related morbidity and mortality outcomes, including police shootings of citizens.
Follow-up assessment of visceral leishmaniasis treated patients and the impact of COVID-19 on control services in Nepal
Authors: Joshi Anand Ballabh , Banjara Megha Raj , Das Murari Lal , Bist Nav Raj , Pant Krishna Raj , Pyakurel Uttam Raj , Dahal Gokarna , Paudel Krishna Prasad , Das Chuman Lal , Kroeger Axel , Aseffa Abraham
Published: October 2023

Background

Follow-up assessment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) treated cases is important to monitor the long term effectiveness of treatment regimens. The main objective of this study was to identify the gaps and challenges in the follow-up of treated VL cases, to monitor treatment outcome and to assess the impact of COVID-19 on VL elimination services and activities.

Methods

Clinicians treating VL patients, district focal persons for VL, and patients treated for VL in seven high endemic districts in Nepal during 2019–2022 were interviewed to collect data on challenges in the follow-up of VL treated patients as per national strategy.

Results

Follow up status was poor in two districts with the largest number of reported cases. The majority of cases were children under 10 years of age (44.2%). Among 104 VL treated cases interviewed, 60.6% mentioned that clinicians had called them for follow-up but only 37.5% had complied. Among 112 VL treated cases followed up, 8 (7.14%) had relapse and 2 (1.8%) had PKDL. Among 66 cases who had VL during the COVID-19 lock down period, 32 (48.5%) were diagnosed within 1 week; however, 10 (15.1%) were diagnosed only after 4 weeks or more. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no active search for VL because of budget constraints and lack of diagnostic tests, and no insecticide spraying was done.

Conclusion

Relapses and PKDL are challenges for VL elimination and a matter of concern. Successful implementation of the national strategy for follow up of treated VL cases requires addressing elements related to patients (awareness, transport, communication) clinicians (compliance) and organization of service delivery (local health worker training and deployment). COVID-19 did not have much impact on VL diagnosis and treatment; however, public health programmes including active case detection and insecticide spraying for vector control were severely reduced.
Safety and effectiveness of prilocaine for spinal anesthesia in day surgery setting: a retrospective study on a sample of 3291 patients
Authors: Ambrosoli Andrea Luigi , Di Carlo Stefano , Crespi Andrea , Severgnini Paolo , Fedele Luisa Luciana , Cofini Vincenza , Necozione Stefano , Musella Giuseppe
Published: October 2023

Spinal anesthesia is considered safe and reliable for most surgical procedures involving the lower part of the body, but its use in the ambulatory setting requires drugs with rapid onset and regression of the motor and sensory block-like prilocaine.

The purpose of this study is to retrospectively analyze data from 3291 procedures recorded in our institutional database, to better define the safety profile of spinal prilocaine and the incidence of complications and side effects.

All clinical data, prospectively collected from 2011 to 2019 in an Italian tertiary hospital, of patients treated with spinal anesthesia performed with 40 mg of hyperbaric 2% prilocaine, according to our internal protocol of day surgery, were analyzed.

Surgical procedures included saphenectomy (28.5%, n = 937), knee arthroscopy (26.8%, n = 882), proctologic surgery (15.16%, n = 499), and inguinal canal surgery (14.9%, n = 491).

Anesthesia-related complication was represented by urinary retention (1.09%, n = 36), lipotimia (0.75%, n = 25), and postoperative nausea (0.33%, n = 11); arrhythmic events were uncommon (0.18%, n = 6). One case of persistent hypotension and 2 cases of persistent hypertension were reported.

Persistent motor or sensory block (lasting more than 5 h) was experienced by 7 patients. One patient (0.03%), who underwent knee arthroscopy, experienced pelvic pain lasting for 6 h, compatible with a transient neurological symptom.

Proctologic surgery was a factor associated with unplanned admission due to anesthesia-related complications (OR = 4.9; 95% CI: 2–14%).

The number of complications related to the method was low as well as the need for hospitalization. This drug is valid and safe for the most performed day surgery procedures; however, further trials are needed to investigate the incidence of complications in the days following the procedure.
Psychological framework to understand interpersonal violence by forensic patients with psychosis
Authors: Lambe Sinéad , Cooper Kate , Fazel Seena , Freeman Daniel
Published: October 2023

Background

Forensic patients with psychosis often engage in violent behaviour. There has been significant progress in understanding risk factors for violence, but identification of causal mechanisms of violence is limited.

Aims

To develop a testable psychological framework explaining violence in psychosis – grounded in patient experience – to guide targeted treatment development.

Method

We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 patients with psychosis using forensic psychiatric services across three regions in England. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. People with lived experience contributed to the analysis.

Results

Analysis of interviews identified several psychological processes involved in the occurrence of violence. Violence was the dominant response mode to difficulties that was both habitual and underpinned by rules that engaged and justified an attack. Violence was triggered by a trio of sensitivities to other people: sensitivity to physical threat, from which violence protected; sensitivity to social disrespect, by which violence increased status; and sensitivity to unfairness, by which violence delivered revenge. Violence was an attempt to regulate difficult internal states: intense emotions were released through aggression and violence was an attempt to escape being overwhelmed by voices, visions or paranoia. There were different patterns of emphasis across these processes when explaining an individual participant's offending behaviour.

Conclusions

The seven-factor model of violence derived from our analysis of patient accounts highlights multiple modifiable psychological processes that can plausibly lead to violence. The model can guide the research and development of targeted treatments to reduce violence by individuals with psychosis.
Toward recovery-oriented perinatal healthcare: A participatory qualitative exploration of persons with lived experience and health providers’ views and experiences
Authors: Dubreucq Marine , Thiollier Mathilde , Tebeka Sarah , Fourneret Pierre , Leboyer Marion , Viaux-Savelon Sylvie , Massoubre Catherine , Dupont Corinne , Dubreucq Julien
Published: October 2023

Background

Perinatal mental health disorders (PMHD) remain often undetected, undiagnosed, and untreated with variable access to perinatal mental health care (PMHC). To guide the design of optimal PMHC (i.e., coproduced with persons with lived experience [PLEs]), this qualitative participatory study explored the experiences, views, and expectations of PLEs, obstetric providers (OP), childcare health providers (CHPs), and mental health providers (MHPs) on PMHC and the care of perinatal depression.

Methods

We conducted nine focus groups and 24 individual interviews between December 2020 and May 2022 for a total number of 84 participants (24 PLEs; 30 OPs; 11 CHPs; and 19 MHPs). The PLEs group included women with serious mental illness (SMI) or autistic women who had contact with perinatal health services. We recruited PLEs through social media and a center for psychiatric rehabilitation, and health providers (HPs) through perinatal health networks. We used the inductive six-step process by Braun and Clarke for the thematic analysis.

Results

We found some degree of difference in the identified priorities between PLEs (e.g., personal recovery, person-centered care) and HPs (e.g., common culture, communication between providers, and risk management). Personal recovery in PMHD corresponded to the CHIME framework, that is, connectedness, hope, identity, meaning, and empowerment. Recovery-supporting relations and peer support contributed to personal recovery. Other factors included changes in the socio-cultural conception of the peripartum, challenging stigma (e.g., integrating PMH into standard perinatal healthcare), and service integration.

Discussion

This analysis generated novel insights into how to improve PMHC for all users including those with SMI or autism.
Pro-Con Debate: Electroencephalography-Guided Anesthesia for Reducing Postoperative Delirium
Authors: Hao David , Fritz Bradley A. , Saddawi-Konefka Daniel , Palanca Ben Julian A.
Published: October 2023

Postoperative delirium (POD) has significant implications on morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditures. Monitoring electroencephalography (EEG) to adjust anesthetic management has gained interest as a strategy to mitigate POD. In this Pro-Con commentary article, the pro side supports the use of EEG to reduce POD, citing an empiric reduction in POD with processed EEG (pEEG)-guided general anesthesia found in several studies and recent meta-analysis. The Electroencephalography Guidance of Anesthesia to Alleviate Geriatric Syndromes (ENGAGES) trial is the exception to this, and issues with methods and achieved depths are discussed. Meanwhile, the Con side advocates that the use of EEG to reduce POD is not yet certain, citing that there is a lack of evidence that associations between anesthetic depth and POD represent causal relationships. The Con side also contends that the ideal EEG signatures to guide anesthetic titration are currently unknown, and the potential benefits of reduced anesthesia levels may be outweighed by the risks of potentially insufficient anesthetic administration. As the public health burden of POD increases, anesthesia clinicians will be tasked to consider interventions to mitigate risk such as EEG. This Pro-Con debate will provide 2 perspectives on the evidence and rationales for using EEG to mitigate POD.
Stabilization of DNA-encapsulating Droplets through Negative Charge at the Droplet Interface
Authors: Shono Mayu , Fujita Fumika , Yoshikawa Kenichi , Shioi Akihisa
Published: October 2023

It was found that stable cell-sized droplets entrapping DNA molecules are spontaneously generated through micro segregation. To clarify the mechanism, we performed measurements of the electrification by adapting a polymer solution with polyethylene glycol/dextran. We determined the Donnan potential for macroscopic phase segregation in both the presence and absence of DNA, together with the measurements of Zeta potentials of the microphase solution with number of small droplets. We confirmed that the droplets entrapping DNA are negatively charged.
Exercise and Nutrition Pre- and Post-surgery
Authors: Fayez Omar , Khalid Anum , Peterson Sean
Published: October 2023

Apply It!

From this article, the reader will be introduced to our current understanding of the role exercise and nutrition play in the pre-operative and post-operative periods of surgery. In the pages that follow, readers will learn about factors that influence recovery time and prognosis after major surgeries as well as recommended guidelines and protocols to most effectively incorporate nutrition and exercise regimens into patient management plans leading up to surgery.
Sustainable development
Authors: Κωστόπουλος Ιωάννης
Published: October 2023

Σε αυτή τη διατριβή, πραγματοποιήσαμε τρεις διαφορετικές μελέτες για να εξετάσουμε την υπόθεση ότι οι κρατικές ενισχύσεις έχουν θετική επίδραση στις επιχειρήσεις που τις λαμβάνουν. Ο πρωταρχικός στόχος είναι να αναλύσουμε τον αντίκτυπο των κρατικών ενισχύσεων στην παραγωγικότητα των επιχειρήσεων και να παράσχουμε πληροφορίες για τη χάραξη πολιτικής βάσει στοιχείων. Η πρώτη μελέτη με τίτλο “Τι γνωρίζουμε μέχρι τώρα για τη διαδικασία και τον αντίκτυπο του ελληνικού Αναπτυξιακού νόμου; Ανασκόπηση της βιβλιογραφίας” εξετάζει υφιστάμενες μελέτες για την απόδοση της πιο μακροχρόνιας πολιτικής κρατικών ενισχύσεων στην Ελλάδα, που ονομάζεται Αναπτυξιακός νόμος. Παρέχει μια ανάλυση της απόδοσής του όσον αφορά το σχεδιασμό πολιτικής, την εφαρμογή και τον αντίκτυπο, όπως τεκμηριώνεται σε πενήντα δύο υφιστάμενες ερευνητικές μελέτες. Το πιο σημαντικό εύρημα είναι ότι ο Αναπτυξιακός νόμος ενισχύει επενδύσεις που δεν ολοκληρώνονται ποτέ. Αυτό τα εύρημα μπορεί να αποτελεί ένδειξη ότι ο Αναπτυξιακός νόμος δεν έχει επιτύχει τα επιδιωκόμενα αποτελέσματα, ιδίως όσον αφορά την υποστήριξη της ανάπτυξης βιομηχανιών έντασης τεχνολογίας και την αύξηση της κινητοποίησης κεφαλαίων σε μειονεκτούσες περιοχές. Η δεύτερη μελέτη, με τίτλο “Ο αντίκτυπος των κρατικών ενισχύσεων της ΕΕ στην παραγωγικότητα των επιχειρήσεων: Συστηματική ανασκόπηση της βιβλιογραφίας”, είναι μια συστηματική ανασκόπηση (systematic review) τριάντα πέντε μελετών που αξιολογούν τον αντίκτυπο των κρατικών ενισχύσεων της ΕΕ στην παραγωγικότητα των επιχειρήσεων. Οι μελέτες καλύπτουν 369.643 εταιρείες που συμμετέχουν σε προγράμματα κρατικών ενισχύσεων από το 1996 έως το 2015 σε δώδεκα κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ και χρησιμοποιούν τεχνικές αντιστοίχισης βαθμολογίας τάσης (propensity score matching) για τη διεξαγωγή αναλύσεων με τη μέθοδο του αντιπαραδείγματος (counterfactual impact evaluation). Τα ευρήματα των μελετών αποκάλυψαν μια μικτή εικόνα, με μόνο τις μισές από τις μελέτες να καταδεικνύουν θετική επίδραση των κρατικών ενισχύσεων στην παραγωγικότητα των επιχειρήσεων. Τέλος, η τρίτη μελέτη, με τίτλο “Αξιολόγηση επιπτώσεων των κρατικών ενισχύσεων της ΕΕ στην Ελλάδα”, αναλύει τον αντίκτυπο του Αναπτυξιακού νόμου στην παραγωγικότητα των επιχειρήσεων βάσει δεδομένων που αντλήθηκαν κυρίως από το πληροφοριακό σύστημα κρατικών ενισχύσεων του Υπουργείου Οικονομίας. Το σύνολο των δεδομένων αποτελείται από 1.910 εταιρείες που υπέβαλαν αίτηση για κρατική ενίσχυση στο πλαίσιο του Αναπτυξιακού νόμου. Τα αποτελέσματα της αξιολόγησης δεν έδειξαν σαφή θετική επίδραση του Αναπτυξιακού νόμου στην παραγωγικότητα των επιχειρήσεων, αλλά μάλλον το αντίθετο. Αυτό το εύρημα υποδηλώνει ότι είτε ο Αναπτυξιακός νόμος μπορεί να μην έχει επιτύχει τους επιδιωκόμενους στόχους του είτε ότι οι μηχανισμοί μέσω των οποίων οι κρατικές ενισχύσεις επηρεάζουν την παραγωγικότητα των επιχειρήσεων είναι πιο περίπλοκοι από ό,τι αναμενόταν αρχικά.
Effect of lactoferrin in oral nutrition supplement (ONS) towards IL-6 and IL-10 in failure to thrive children with infection
Authors: Widjaja Nur Aisiyah , Hamidah Azizah , Purnomo Marissa Tulus , Ardianah Eva
Published: October 2023

Background: Growth failure due to infection in children is a major health problem throughout the world. It provokes a systemic immune response, with increased interleukin (IL)-6 and reduced IL-10. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a multifunctional iron-binding protein that can be found in whey protein inside formula milk such as oral nutrition supplement (ONS), which can upregulate anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) and modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study investigates the effect of Lf supplementation in ONS on IL-6 and IL-10 levels in children with failure to thrive and infection. Methods: We performed a quasi-experimental pre- and post-study in children aged 12–60 months old with failure to thrive due to infectious illness. The subjects received 400 ml of oral nutritional supplements (ONS, 1 ml equivalent to 1 kcal) each day for 90 days, and their parents received dietary advice and medication based on the underlying illness. Blood was drawn to measure IL-6 and IL-10 before and after the intervention. Results: There were 75 subjects recruited and divided into group-1 and group-2 based on age. The incidence of undernutrition was 37.33%. Lf in ONS intervention improved body weight and body length. Lf also reduced IL-6, although there was not a significant difference before and after the intervention. However, the IL-6 reduction was significantly higher in subjects with undernutrition compared with subjects with weight faltering. Pre-intervention IL-6 levels were higher in children with stunting than in children with normal stature. There was a greater change in IL-6 in children with severe stunting than in children with normal stature or stunting. IL-10 was significantly reduced after the intervention. Conclusions: In addition to improving body weight and length, Lf supplementation in ONS improved immune response homeostasis by balancing IL-6 and IL-10 levels and by improving the IL-6/IL-10 ratio. ClinicalTrials.gov number ID: NCT05289674, dated May 3rd 2022.
Case Report: The role of Panchagavya and Panchakarma treatment in the management of radiotherapy and chemotherapy side effects in infiltrative ductal carcinoma
Authors: Sawarkar Punam , Sawarkar Gaurav , Bhojraj Nandini
Published: October 2023

The incidence rate of infiltrative ductal carcinoma of the breast is increasing worldwide. Chemo- and radiotherapy are commonly used after the surgical intervention for radical cure. The occurrence of various side-effects of these chemo-radiation therapies creates much discomfort to the patient. Therefore, the compliance rate of the patient towards their adoption becomes poor, or the patient is highly affected by their associated side effects in unavoidable circumstances. It is imperative to study the effect of safe, alternative options such as Panchakarma and Panchagavya treatment, which are widely used in clinical practice as an adjuvant therapy in various types of carcinoma. This report presents the case of a 31-year-old female patient diagnosed with right infiltrative ductal carcinoma of the breast, and who was advised to undergo chemo-radiation therapy after surgical intervention. However, as soon as she finished the first chemo cycle, she suffered from palpitations, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, severe restlessness, and hot flushes. She was rushed to the Kamdhenu Panchgavya Ayurvedic Clinic of Govigyan Anusandhan Kendra. Specific Panchagvya Chikitsa, along with Mrudu Shodhana based on Ayurvedic principles, was prescribed to her (Kamdhenu Gomutra Ark, Laghusutshekhar Ras, Panchagavya Ghrita, Panchatikta Kshir Vasti, Anuvasana Vasti with Panchgavya Ghrita) throughout her total rounds of chemo- and radiotherapy. After starting the above-said Ayurvedic treatment, the patient experienced significant relief in all symptoms. Her full six sittings of chemo- and radiotherapy were smoothly completed without causing any untoward effect. The selected combination of Ayurveda medicines gave relief in all symptoms induced by chemo- and radiotherapy therapy due to their Vatanulomak, Pittghna, Dahahara, Balya and Rasayana properties. The present case study shows that the Panchakarma and Panchagavya treatment is effective to subside the side effects induced by chemo- and radiotherapy, and improve the compliance rate of the patients towards these conventional therapies.
Case Report: A rare case of Fanconi anaemia
Authors: Gajbhiye Varsha , Lamture Yeshwant , Gharde Pankaj , Inamdar Akash , Meghe Juee
Published: October 2023

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is autosomal recessive but can also be an autosomal dominant or X-linked recessive disease. In India, Fanconi anaemia is a very rarely seen disorder. Clinical findings in FA include pancytopenia, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, skeletal anomalies, small stature or growth retardation, endocrine abnormalities, anal atresia, deafness, malignancy of head and neck, and it has a tendency to run in families. Diagnosis of FA can be made on clinical findings and laboratory examination. Recommended prenatal testing like chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. Androgen therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are treatment modalities recommended for FA. Follow-up of all diagnosed FA patients is essential throughout their lifetime. Having a healthcare team with diverse expertise is vital in preventing anemia and malignancy. A meticulous plan and unwavering support are also crucial. Outcomes of FA patients is desolate due to complications associated with it. Our aim of the study is to increase awareness among physicians about the presence of such rare diseases. Well-timed diagnosis with appropriate treatment is needed to prevent complication.
Green synthesis of new and natural diester based on gallic acid and polyethylene glycol
Authors: Zerigui Hafida , Labied Radia , Chebout Redouane , Bachari Khaldoun , Meghaber Rachid , Zeggai Fatima zohra
Published: October 2023

Background Antioxidant polyphenols like gallic acid (GA) and its esters called “gallates”, which have health advantages for humans, have grown in significance in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating a significant amount of secondary plant phytochemicals. Here, for the first time, we suggest a green synthesis of a brand-new, all-natural diester based on gallic acid and polyethylene glycol. Methods This di-gallate is created in a single step without the use of a solvent (solid-solid reaction). This reaction has a potential yield of up to 90%. The bathochromic shift of the absorption bands from 277 nm to 295 nm in the UV-VIS spectra was caused by the addition of PEG to gallic acid. To confirm the structure of this di-gallate; Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR), the thermal stability identified by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were all used to thoroughly analyze the manufactured product. Results and conclusions The acquired results, when compared to the literature spectrums, supported the establishment of the di-ester structure and created new opportunities for a large number of applications.
Impact of dietary fiber on gut microbiota composition, function and gut-brain-modules in healthy adults – a systematic review protocol
Authors: Lachmansingh David Antoine , Valderrama Benjamin , Bastiaanssen Thomaz , Cryan John , Clarke Gerard , Lavelle Aonghus
Published: October 2023

Background: The gut microbiota has been extensively implicated  in health and disease. The functional outputs of the gut microbiota, such as microbial metabolites, are considered particularly important in this regard. Significant associations exist between alterations in the relative abundance of  specific microbial taxa and mental health disorders. Dietary fiber has the potential to alter gut microbiota composition and function, modifying bacterial enzymatic function and the production of metabolites. As many taxa of microorganisms have enzymes capable of producing or degrading neurochemicals i.e. neuroactive gut brain modules, new predictive tools can be applied to existing datasets such as those harvested from dietary fiber interventions. We endeavor to perform a systematic review in order to identify studies reporting compositional gut microbiota alterations after interventions with dietary fiber in healthy individuals. We aim to also extract from the selected studies publicly available microbial genomic sequence datasets for reanalysis with a consistent bioinformatics pipeline, with the ultimate intention of identifying altered gut brain modules following dietary fiber interventions.

Methods: Interventional trials and randomized controlled studies that are originally published, including cross-over and non-crossover design and involving healthy adult humans will be included. A systematic search of  PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE, two electronic databases, will be completed.

Discussion: Various types of dietary fiber have an impact on the gut microbiota composition, with some promoting the growth of particular taxa while others are reduced in relative abundance. Our search focuses on the impact of this food component on the microbiota of healthy individuals. Compositional gut microbial changes have been reported and our review will compile and update these observations after reanalysis of their datasets with a consistent bioinformatic pipeline. From this it may be possible to predict more detailed functional consequences in terms of neuroactive gut brain modules, of the compositional alterations in gut microbial taxa.
Technology-Enhanced Learning in Medical Education Collection: Latest Developments
Authors: Choi-Lundberg Derek
Published: October 2023

Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) refers to learning activities and environments that are potentially improved or enhanced with information and communication technologies (Shen and Ho, 2020; Wasson and Kirschner, 2020). TEL may be implemented in face-to-face, distance/remote and blended or hybrid modes; in various environments such as online, classrooms, workplaces, communities, and other built and natural environments; include a range of learning designs and pedagogies/andragogies; involve synchronous and asynchronous interactions amongst students, teachers, workplace staff and clients, and/or community members; and delivered with the support of various technologies (Wasson and Kirschner, 2020). To date, the Technology-Enhanced Learning in Medical Education collection, part of MedEdPublish, has received submissions relating to several technologies to support learning, including web conferencing, web 2.0, e-textbooks, e-portfolios, software, generative artificial intelligence, simulation mannequins and wearables for point-of-view video, often in combination. Learning designs included flipped classroom with interactive case discussions (Imran et al., 2022), e-portfolios (Javed et al., 2023), didactic teaching followed by demonstrations of clinical skills on a simulation mannequin (Zwaiman et al., 2023), interdisciplinary case discussions to promote interprofessional learning (Major et al., 2023), patient panels to share narratives and perspectives (Papanagnou et al., 2023), and team-based learning (Lee & Wong, 2023). In the four papers that included evaluation, participant reaction (feedback on learning activities) and/or learning (self-reported through surveys, with pre- vs post-training comparisons or at different timepoints during learning) were reported, corresponding to levels 1 and 2 of the commonly used outcomes-focused Kirkpatrick model of evaluation (Allen et al., 2022). Two papers focused on the work of health professions educators, including conducting the nominal group technique, a qualitative research method, via web conferencing (Khurshid et al., 2023); and using ChatGPT to assist with various medical education tasks (Peacock et al., 2023).
Investigating immersion and migration decisions for agent-based modelling: A cautionary tale
Authors: Bijak Jakub , Modirrousta-Galian Ariana , Higham Philip A , Prike Toby , Hinsch Martin , Nurse Sarah
Published: October 2023

Background Agent-based modelling provides an appealing methodological choice for simulating human behaviour and decisions. The currently dominant approaches based on static transition rates or unverified assumptions are restrictive, and could be enhanced with insights from cognitive experiments on actual decision making. Here, one common concern is that standard surveys or experiments may lack ecological validity, limiting the extent to which research findings can be generalised to real-life settings. For complex, highly emotive decision-making scenarios, such as those related to migration, the typically used short, methodical survey questions may not appropriately map onto complex real-world decisions of interest. Immersive contexts may offer more accurate representations of reality, potentially enhancing the usefulness of experimental information in multi-disciplinary modelling endeavours. Methods This pre-registered study of migration decisions, aimed at informing a multi-disciplinary construction of an agent-based model of migration, presents a choice-based interactive fiction game in which players make migration decisions to advance through a story. Participants (N = 1000 Prolific users) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions, three involving different renditions of the game attempting to create immersion, with the last condition presenting the decisions in standard survey format. Results Although addressing the lack of ecological validity in survey data is important for improving agent-based modelling methodology, the experimental design used to tackle this issue, while responding directly to modelling needs, proved too complex. The created experimental conditions ended up too distinct from each other, involving stimuli that differed in quantity and content. This introduced several unintended and uncontrolled confounds, making it impossible to meaningfully interpret the results of this experiment on its own. Our results act as a cautionary tale for agent-based modellers, highlighting that the modelling needs should not override the principles of experimental design, and provide motivation for more rigorous research on this topic.
ECRIN – CESSDA strategies for cross metadata mappings in selected areas between life sciences and social sciences and humanities
Authors: Ohmann Christian , Moilanen Katja , Kleemola Mari , Canham Steve , Panagiotopoulou Maria
Published: October 2023

Background:The recent COVID-19 pandemic dramatically underlined the multi-faceted nature of health research, requiring input from basic biological sciences, pharmaceutical technologies, clinical research), social sciences and public health and social engineering. Systems that could work across different disciplines would therefore seem to be a useful idea to explore. In this study we investigated whether metadata schemas and vocabularies used for discovering scientific studies and resources in the social sciences and humanities and in clinical research are similar enough to allow information from different source disciplines to be easily retrieved and presented together.Methods:As a first step a literature search was performed, exemplarily identifying studies and resources, in which data from social sciences and the humanities have been usefully employed or integrated with that from clinical research and clinical trials. In a second step a comparison of metadata schemas and related resource catalogues in ECRIN (European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network) and CESSDA (Consortium of European Social Science Data Archives) was performed. The focus was on discovery metadata, here defined as the metadata elements used to identify and locate scientific resources.Results:A close view at the metadata schemas of CESSDA and ECRIN and the basic discovery metadata as well as a crosswalk between ECRIN and CESSDA metadata schemas have shown that there is considerable resemblance between them.Conclusions:The resemblance could serve as a promising starting point to implement a common search mechanism for ECRIN and CESSDA metadata. In the paper four different options for how to proceed with implementation issues are presented.
Technology for Assessing the Level of Achievement of Educational Results of Future Teachers Based on a Case Assignment
Authors: Perevoshchikova Elena , Stafeeva Anastasiya
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to the problem of assessing the educational results of future teachers. The technology for assessing the level of achievement of educational results based on a case assignment is revealed. As a methodological basis for constructing an assessment tool, the provisions of the systemic, activity-based, competency-based and criterion-based approaches are used, which make it possible to determine the observable and measurable actions of students that are part of the future professional activity of the teacher. The main stages of the technology for assessing educational results in the field of methodological training of future teachers are considered using the example of a case assignment. The content and organizational and methodological foundations of the identified stages are revealed. The results of testing case tasks to assess educational results and the level of their achievement in the field of methodological training of future teachers are presented.
Digital Visualization Tools in Training Students of Economic Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Kornilceva E. , Burmistrova N. , Simonova N. , Starikov V. , Fedorova V.
Published: October 2023

The study is devoted to the issue of improving the quality of training of students of economic universities using visualization tools for educational material. The importance for future economists of the ability to formalize economic problems is emphasized. An important role is given to graphical models as a means of visualizing quantitative data. t is noted that within the framework of mathematical training, students of economic universities study the basics of differential and integral calculus, which, in turn, allows them to explore, analyze and interpret a wide range of graphical models. The advantages of digital technologies for the visualization of educational material and the study of dynamic economic and mathematical models in the process of mathematical training of students of an economic university are considered. The capabilities of the MS Excel spreadsheet processor and the Python programming language are demonstrated, which make it possible to formalize specific economic problems and perform an intra-model solution. An online survey of students of economic universities in the city of Omsk was conducted on the problematic aspects of using digital tools for visualizing economic and mathematical models. The findings indicate the need for further development of integrative links between the disciplines of the subject areas “Economics”, “Mathematics”, “Computer Science and Information Technology” in the context of the digitalization of modern society.
Climate Risk and Capital Structure
Authors: Ginglinger Edith , Moreau Quentin
Published: October 2023

We use firm-level data that measure forward-looking physical climate risk to examine the impact of climate risk on capital structure. We find that greater physical climate risk leads to lower leverage in the post-2015 period (i.e., after the Paris Agreement and the first step of standardization of disclosure of climate risk information). Our results hold after controlling for firm characteristics known to determine leverage, including credit ratings. Our evidence shows that the reduction in leverage related to climate risk is shared between a demand effect (the firm’s optimal leverage decreases) and a supply effect (bankers and bondholders increase spreads when lending to firms with the greatest risk). Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that physical climate risk affects leverage via larger expected distress costs and higher operating costs.

This paper was accepted by Colin Mayer, Special Section of Management Science on Business and Climate Change.

Funding: This project benefited from the financial support of the Institut Europlace de Finance (Grant EIF 2019). Q. Moreau acknowledges financial support from the French Association of Institutional Investors. The authors have received in-kind support from Carbone 4 for this project in the form of a data set of climate risk ratings.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4952 .
Spanning Analysis of Stock Market Anomalies Under Prospect Stochastic Dominance
Authors: Arvanitis Stelios , Scaillet Olivier , Topaloglou Nikolas
Published: October 2023

We develop and implement methods for determining whether introducing new securities or relaxing investment constraints improves the investment opportunity set for prospect investors. We formulate a new testing procedure for prospect spanning for two nested portfolio sets based on subsampling and linear programming. In an application, we use the prospect spanning framework to evaluate whether well-known anomalies are spanned by standard factors. We find that of the strategies considered, a few of them expand the opportunity set of the prospect type investors and thus have real economic value for them and involve absence of loss aversion. Those are the net stock issue anomaly under the FF-5 model, the momentum and net stock issue anomalies under the M-4 model, and the momentum anomaly under the q model. In-sample and out-of-sample results prove remarkably consistent in identifying genuine anomalies for prospect investors.

This paper was accepted by Will Cong, finance.

Supplemental Material: The data and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4953 .
Contribution Of Teacher Performance Commitment And Motivation On Teacher Work Productivity In SMPN Tana Toraja District
Authors: Maria Sappa Atriani , Limbong Mesta , Grasia Kailola Lisa
Published: October 2023

This study aims to determine how much dedication and motivation contribute to the job productivity of teachers at SMPN in the Tana Toraja District. This research employed regression analysis and a quantitative methodology. The quantitative technique was chosen for this study since the specifications of this design are methodical, organized, and adequately structured from the beginning to the end of the research design process. This research had 75 participants from 3 UPT SMPNs in Tana Toraja. This study also employed a descriptive method to explain the issue or research findings better. The results of this study indicated that: (1) There Was a significant positive effect between teacher commitment on teacher work productivity in Public Middle Schools in Tana Toraja Regency. This showed that other factors significantly influenced the work productivity of teachers in Public Middle Schools in Tana Toraja Regency. (2) There was a significant favorable influence between teachers' work motivation on teacher work productivity in State Junior High Schools in Tana Toraja Regency. This showed that the higher the teacher's work motivation, the higher the teacher's productivity. (3) There was a significant positive effect between teacher commitment and teacher work motivation on teacher work productivity in Public Middle Schools in Tana Toraja Regency. This showed that the higher the teacher's commitment and work motivation, the higher the teacher's productivity.
Application of rotary dryer modification technology to increase animal feed production efficiency
Authors: Zubir Moondra , Junaidi Agus , Selly Rini , Rahmah Siti , Nasution Hafni Indriati , Muchtar Zainuddin
Published: October 2023

Lorong Ujung Tanjung Dua, Lingk 15, Bagan Deli Village, Belawan, North Sumatra became the location of this community research and service with Mr. Deddy Suryono as the owner of the business as the partner. His business activity is processing seafood shell waste into animal feed products. This business partner had problems whereas manual drying prolong the time due to the natural causes. Furthermore, the market of the product was in lower level due to the absence of explanation of the content of the product and also the brand name. One of the solution to propose is a high quality functional drying oven with eligible size and fixed temperature. Secondly, to increase the marketing of the product it need to be standardize by laboratory and make the brand name. The results, Rotary Dryer Modification Technology was used as the dryer which increased the product 4 times in quantity. The product was analysed in laboratory with three type of products whereas Shrimp Skin, Crab Skin and Fish Skin. The lab result showed that fish skin has the highest protein more than 50%. The brand name then named as EBYPRO.