bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a conceptual framework of the acceptability of tuberculosis treatment in children using a theory generative approach
Authors: Wademan Dillon T. , Palmer Megan , Purchase Susan , van der Zalm Marieke M. , Osman Muhammad , Garcia-Prats Anthony J. , Seddon James A. , Schaaf H. Simon , Hesseling Anneke C. , Reis Ria , Reynolds Lindsey J. , Hoddinott Graeme
Published: December 2022

To describe an early-stage holistic framework towards evaluating factors that impact the overall acceptability of TB treatment along the TB care cascade in children. We developed a conceptual framework utilising a theory generative approach. Domains were developed through review of existing definitions and analysis of existing qualitative data undertaken in acceptability studies of TB treatment in children. Clarity of domain definitions was achieved through iterative refinement among the research team. Three domains, each comprising several dimensions, were identified to holistically evaluate treatment acceptability: (1) usability, which involves the alignment between the requirements of treatment use and caregivers’ and children’s ability to integrate TB treatment into their everyday routines, (2) receptivity, which describes the end-user’s perception and expectations of treatment and its actual use, and (3) integration, which describes the relationship between available health services and caregivers/children’s capacity to make use of those services. Our framework addresses the gaps in current research which do not account for the influence of caregivers’ and children’s contexts on TB treatment uptake and overall acceptability. This approach may support the development of more standard, holistic measures to improve TB treatment delivery and experiences and future research in children.
Limited efficacy of repeated praziquantel treatment in Schistosoma mansoni infections as revealed by highly accurate diagnostics, PCR and UCP-LF CAA (RePST trial)
Authors: Hoekstra Pytsje T. , Casacuberta-Partal Miriam , van Lieshout Lisette , Corstjens Paul L. A. M. , Tsonaka Roula , Assaré Rufin K. , Silué Kigbafori D. , N’Goran Eliézer K. , N’Gbesso Yves K. , Brienen Eric A. T. , Roestenberg Meta , Knopp Stefanie , Utzinger Jürg , Coulibaly Jean T. , van Dam Govert J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Most studies assessing praziquantel (PZQ) efficacy have used relatively insensitive diagnostic methods, thereby overestimating cure rate (CR) and intensity reduction rate (IRR). To determine accurately PZQ efficacy, we employed more sensitive DNA and circulating antigen detection methods.

Methodology

A sub-analysis was performed based on a previously published trial conducted in children from Côte d’Ivoire with a confirmed Schistosoma mansoni infection, who were randomly assigned to a standard (single dose of PZQ) or intense treatment group (4 repeated doses of PZQ at 2-week intervals). CR and IRR were estimated based on PCR detecting DNA in a single stool sample and the up-converting particle lateral flow (UCP-LF) test detecting circulating anodic antigen (CAA) in a single urine sample, and compared with traditional Kato-Katz (KK) and point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA).

Principal findings

Individuals positive by all diagnostic methods (i.e., KK, POC-CCA, PCR, and UCP-LF CAA) at baseline were included in the statistical analysis (n = 125). PCR showed a CR of 45% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32–59%) in the standard and 78% (95% CI 66–87%) in the intense treatment group, which is lower compared to the KK results (64%, 95% CI 52–75%) and 88%, 95% CI 78–93%). UCP-LF CAA showed a significantly lower CR in both groups, 16% (95% CI 11–24%) and 18% (95% CI 12–26%), even lower than observed by POC-CCA (31%, 95% CI 17–35% and 36%, 95% CI 26–47%). A substantial reduction in DNA and CAA-levels was observed after the first treatment, with no further decrease after additional treatment and no significant difference in IRR between treatment groups.

Conclusion/Significance

The efficacy of (repeated) PZQ treatment was overestimated when using egg-based diagnostics (i.e. KK and PCR). Quantitative worm-based diagnostics (i.e. POC-CCA and UCP-LF CAA) revealed that active Schistosoma infections are still present despite multiple treatments. These results stress the need for using accurate diagnostic tools to monitor different PZQ treatment strategies, in particular when moving toward elimination of schistosomiasis.

Clinical trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02868385.
Risk factors for neonatal hypothermia at Arba Minch General Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Tessema Tegenu , Asena Tilahun Ferede , Alemayehu Meseret Mosissa , Wube Asmare Mekonnen
Published: December 2022

Background

The first few minutes after birth are the most dangerous for the survival of an infant. Babies in neonatal intensive care units are either under heated or overheated, and hypothermic infants remain hypothermic or develop a fever. As a result, special attention must be paid to monitoring and maintaining the time of recovery from hypothermia states. Despite numerous studies, only a few have examined the transition from neonatal hypothermia and associated risk factors in depth.

Method

A retrospective observational study was conducted to track axillary temperatures taken at the time of neonatal intensive care unit admission, which were then tracked every 30 minutes until the newborn’s temperature stabilized. All hypothermic neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between January 2018 and December 2020 was included in the study. Temperature data were available at birth and within the first three hours of admission for 391 eligible hypothermic neonates. The effect of factors on the transition rate in different states of hypothermia was estimated using a multi-state Markov model.

Result

The likelihood of progressing from mild to severe hypothermia was 5%, while the likelihood of progressing to normal was 34%. The average time spent in a severe hypothermia state was 48, 35, and 24 minutes for three different levels of birth weight, and 53, 41, and 31 minutes for low, moderate, and normal Apgar scores, respectively. Furthermore, the mean sojourn time in a severe hypothermia state was 48, 39, and 31 minutes for three different levels of high, normal, and low pulse rate, respectively.

Conclusion

For hypothermic survivors within the first three hours of life, very low birth weight, low Apgar, and high pulse rate had the strongest association with hypothermia and took the longest time to improve/recover. As a result, there is an urgent need to train all levels of staff dealing with maintaining the time of recovery from neonatal hypothermia.
Selecting correct functional form in consumption function: Analysis of energy demand at household level
Authors: Hina Hafsa , Abbas Faisal , Qayyum Unbreen
Published: December 2022

In the estimation of demand functions for energy resources, parametric econometric models of energy demand are commonly used to predict future energy needs. The functional forms commonly assumed in parametric energy demand models include linear functional forms, log-linear forms, trans-log models, and an almost ideal demand system. It is frequently debated which is the “best” functional form to employ in order to accurately represent the underlying relationships between the demand for various energy resources and explanatory variables such as energy prices, income, and other demographic factors. The study has focused on developing proper non-nested tests to compare the two demand systems, the double log model and the LA-AIDS model. C-test is used to test the validity of using the two parametric functional forms in models of residential energy demand. Cross-sectional household-level data of the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement (PSLM) 2013–14 and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Asia and Pacific 2018 are used. Results indicate that the LA-AIDS model is better than the double log model. The estimated elasticity of own prices, cross-prices, and income in terms of spending, family size, and equipment are particularly important to producers and policymakers in making investment and incentive choices. A significant part of the budget for families is for electricity, natural gas, firewood, and other fuels; smaller budget shares are set down to other items such as kerosene oil, cylinder gas, and diesel. Household per capita demand for energy resources will rise over the next decade; therefore, the government needs to make progress on developing energy-saving strategies. If not addressed the issue properly, we may face energy shortages and high energy import bills.
Application of eccentric training in various clinical populations: Protocol for a multi-centered pilot and feasibility study in people with low back pain and people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wochatz Monique , Schraplau Anne , Engel Tilman , Zecher Mahli M. , Sharon Hadar , Alt Yasmin , Mayer Frank , Kalron Alon
Published: December 2022

Physical activity and exercise are effective approaches in prevention and therapy of multiple diseases. Although the specific characteristics of lengthening contractions have the potential to be beneficial in many clinical conditions, eccentric training is not commonly used in clinical populations with metabolic, orthopaedic, or neurologic conditions. The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the feasibility, functional benefits, and systemic responses of an eccentric exercise program focused on the trunk and lower extremities in people with low back pain (LBP) and multiple sclerosis (MS). A six-week eccentric training program with three weekly sessions is performed by people with LBP and MS. The program consists of ten exercises addressing strength of the trunk and lower extremities. The study follows a four-group design (N = 12 per group) in two study centers (Israel and Germany): three groups perform the eccentric training program: A) control group (healthy, asymptomatic); B) people with LBP; C) people with MS; group D (people with MS) receives standard care physiotherapy. Baseline measurements are conducted before first training, post-measurement takes place after the last session both comprise blood sampling, self-reported questionnaires, mobility, balance, and strength testing. The feasibility of the eccentric training program will be evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures related to the study process, compliance and adherence, safety, and overall program assessment. For preliminary assessment of potential intervention effects, surrogate parameters related to mobility, postural control, muscle strength and systemic effects are assessed. The presented study will add knowledge regarding safety, feasibility, and initial effects of eccentric training in people with orthopaedic and neurological conditions. The simple exercises, that are easily modifiable in complexity and intensity, are likely beneficial to other populations. Thus, multiple applications and implementation pathways for the herein presented training program are conceivable.

Trial registration: DRKS00020483 (DRKS, German Clinical Trials Register; 24th January 2020 –retrospectively registered; https://www.drks.de/DRKS00020483).
Study protocol for a randomized clinical trial to assess 7 versus 14-days of treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections (SHORTEN-2 trial)
Authors: Molina José , Rosso-Fernández Clara María , Montero-Mateos Enrique , Paño-Pardo José Ramón , Solla María , Guisado-Gil Ana Belén , Álvarez-Marín Rocío , Pachón-Ibáñez María Eugenia , Gimeno Adelina , Martín-Gutiérrez Guillermo , Lepe José Antonio , Cisneros José Miguel ,   on behalf of the SHORTEN-2 trial team
Published: December 2022

Background

Research priorities in Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) have rapidly evolved in the last decade. The need for a more efficient use of antimicrobials have fueled plenty of studies to define the optimal duration for antibiotic treatments, and yet, there still are large areas of uncertainty in common clinical scenarios. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been pointed as a priority for clinical research, but it has been unattended by most randomized trials tackling the effectiveness of short treatments. The study protocol of the SHORTEN-2 trial is presented as a practical example of new ways to approach common obstacles for clinical research in AMS.

Objective

To determine whether a 7-day course of antibiotics is superior to 14-day schemes for treating bloodstream infections by P. aeruginosa (BSI-PA).

Methods

A superiority, open-label, randomized controlled trial will be performed across 30 Spanish hospitals. Adult patients with uncomplicated BSI-PA will be randomized to receive a 7 versus 14-day course of any active antibiotic. The primary endpoint will be the probability for the 7-day group of achieving better outcomes than the control group, assessing altogether clinical effectiveness, severe adverse events, and antibiotic exposure through a DOOR/RADAR analysis. Main secondary endpoints include treatment failure, BSI-PA relapses, and mortality. A superiority design was set for the primary endpoint and non-inferiority for treatment failure, resulting in a sample size of 304 patients.

Conclusions

SHORTEN-2 trial aligns with some of the priorities for clinical research in AMS. The implementation of several methodological innovations allowed overcoming common obstacles, like feasible sample sizes or measuring the clinical impact and unintended effects.

Trial registration

EudraCt: 2021-003847-10; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05210439.
Machine learning for prediction of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia
Authors: Shim Jae-Geum , Ryu Kyoung-Ho , Cho Eun-Ah , Ahn Jin Hee , Cha Yun Byeong , Lim Goeun , Lee Sung Hyun
Published: December 2022

Background

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a still highly relevant problem and is known to be a distressing side effect in patients. The aim of this study was to develop a machine learning model to predict PONV up to 24 h with fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA).

Methods

From July 2019 and July 2020, data from 2,149 patients who received fentanyl-based IV-PCA for analgesia after non-cardiac surgery under general anesthesia were applied to develop predictive models. The rates of PONV at 1 day after surgery were measured according to patient characteristics as well as anesthetic, surgical, or PCA-related factors. All statistical analyses and computations were performed using the R software.

Results

A total of 2,149 patients were enrolled in this study, 337 of whom (15.7%) experienced PONV. After applying the machine-learning algorithm and Apfel model to the test dataset to predict PONV, we found that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve using logistic regression was 0.576 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.520–0.633), k-nearest neighbor was 0.597 (95% CI, 0.537–0.656), decision tree was 0.561 (95% CI, 0.498–0.625), random forest was 0.610 (95% CI, 0.552–0.668), gradient boosting machine was 0.580 (95% CI, 0.520–0.639), support vector machine was 0.649 (95% CI, 0.592–0.707), artificial neural network was 0.686 (95% CI, 0.630–0.742), and Apfel model was 0.643 (95% CI, 0.596–0.690).

Conclusions

We developed and validated machine learning models for predicting PONV in the first 24 h. The machine learning model showed better performance than the Apfel model in predicting PONV.
Measuring daily-life fear perception change: A computational study in the context of COVID-19
Authors: Chai Yuchen , Palacios Juan , Wang Jianghao , Fan Yichun , Zheng Siqi
Published: December 2022

COVID-19, as a global health crisis, has triggered the fear emotion with unprecedented intensity. Besides the fear of getting infected, the outbreak of COVID-19 also created significant disruptions in people’s daily life and thus evoked intensive psychological responses indirect to COVID-19 infections. In this study, we construct a panel expressed fear database tracking the universe of social media posts (16 million) generated by 536 thousand individuals between January 1st, 2019 and August 31st, 2020 in China. We employ deep learning techniques to detect expressions of fear emotion within each post, and then apply topic model to extract the major topics of fear expressions in our sample during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our unique database includes a comprehensive list of topics, not being limited to post centering around COVID-19. Based on this database, we find that sleep disorders (“nightmare” and “insomnia”) take up the largest share of fear-labeled posts in the pre-pandemic period (January 2019-December 2019), and significantly increase during the COVID-19. We identify health and work-related concerns are the two major sources of non-COVID fear during the pandemic period. We also detect gender differences, with females having higher fear towards health topics and males towards monetary concerns. Our research shows how applying fear detection and topic modeling techniques on posts unrelated to COVID-19 can provide additional policy value in discerning broader societal concerns during this COVID-19 crisis.
Bayesian space-time SIR modeling of Covid-19 in two US states during the 2020–2021 pandemic
Authors: Lawson Andrew B. , Kim Joanne
Published: December 2022

This paper describes the Bayesian SIR modeling of the 3 waves of Covid-19 in two contrasting US states during 2020–2021. A variety of models are evaluated at the county level for goodness-of-fit and an assessment of confounding predictors is also made. It is found that models with three deprivation predictors and neighborhood effects are important. In addition, the work index from Google mobility was also found to provide an increased explanation of the transmission dynamics.
Bentonite clay with different nitrogen sources can effectively reduce nitrate leaching from sandy soil
Authors: Hussain Zahid , Cheng Tang , Irshad Muhammad , Khattak Riaz Ahmed , Yao Chen , Song Di , Mohiuddin Muhammad
Published: December 2022

Nitrate (NO3-1) leaching from soils results in the lower soil fertility, reduced crop productivity and increased water pollution. The effects of bentonite clay mixed with various nitrogen (N) fertilizers on NO3-1leaching from sandy soils haven’t been extensively studied. Therefore, the present lysimetric study determined NO3-1leaching from bentonite [0, 2 and 4% (m/m)] treated sandy soil under three N sources (calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2], ammonium chloride [NH4Cl], and urea [CO(NH2)2] at the rate of 300 kg N ha-1). Results showed that bentonite markedly reduced NO3-1release in the leachate, while 4% bentonite retained higher NO3in the soil. The NO3-1leaching from sandy soil varied with N sources as Ca(NO3)2> NH4Cl > (CO(NH2)2. At early stages of leaching, higher concentrations of NO3-1were detected in leachate with both NH4Cl and Ca(NO3)2, but leaching of NO3-1increased with urea at later leaching stages. The amount of total NO3-1retained in soil was conversely related to the amount of NO3-1in the leachate. This study indicated that soil amendment with bentonite could efficiently mitigate NO3-1leaching from sandy soil and hence prevent N fertilizer losses and groundwater pollution.
The role of generalized trust in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance
Authors: Eisnecker Philipp Simon , Kroh Martin , Kühne Simon
Published: December 2022

Immunization by vaccination is one of the most important tools for fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet in many countries, immunization campaigns have been hampered by vaccine hesitancy within the population. Building on the idea that vaccination decisions are embedded in the broader societal context, we study the role of generalized trust—the belief that most people can generally be trusted—in vaccine acceptance. Immunization campaigns face an inherent collective action problem: As all individuals benefit collectively from high immunization rates regardless of individual contribution, especially those with a low risk of severe COVID infection have an incentive to decide against the (perceived) costs and risks of vaccination. We argue that generalized trust may help to overcome this problem by encouraging the belief that cooperation for the common good is achievable and that those who cooperate are unlikely to be exploited by others. We further argue that the positive effect of generalized trust on vaccination decisions is weaker among individuals who are at higher risk of severe outcomes from the disease, as the collective action problem is less pronounced in this group. To test our predictions, we used data from the SOEP-CoV survey, which queried a representative probability sample of Germany’s population between January and February 2021 on topics connected to the pandemic. Using multiple logistic regression models, and in line with expectations, we found a positive and robust link between generalized trust and the willingness to accept vaccination as soon as offered. However, overall, our examination of heterogeneous effects does not unequivocally support the idea that the role of generalized trust varies according to individual COVID risk.
COVID-19 dynamics in Madrid (Spain): A new convolutional model to find out the missing information during the first three waves
Authors: Benavides Efrén M. , Ordobás Gavín María , Mallaina García Raúl , de Miguel García Sara , Ortíz Pinto Maira , Doménech Gimenez Ramón , Gandarillas Grande Ana
Published: December 2022

This article presents a novel mathematical model to describe the spread of an infectious disease in the presence of social and health events: it uses 15 compartments, 7 convolution integrals and 4 types of infected individuals, asymptomatic, mild, moderate and severe. A unique feature of this work is that the convolutions and the compartments have been selected to maximize the number of independent input parameters, leading to a 56-parameter model where only one had to evolve over time. The results show that 1) the proposed mathematical model is flexible and robust enough to describe the complex dynamic of the pandemic during the first three waves of the COVID-19 spread in the region of Madrid (Spain) and 2) the proposed model allows us to calculate the number of asymptomatic individuals and the number of persons who presented antibodies during the first waves. The study shows that the following results are compatible with the reported data: close to 28% of the infected individuals were asymptomatic during the three waves, close to 29% of asymptomatic individuals were detected during the subsequent waves and close to 26% of the Madrid population had antibodies at the end of the third wave. This calculated number of persons with antibodies is in great agreement with four direct measurements obtained from an independent sero-epidemiological research. In addition, six calculated curves (total number of confirmed cases, asymptomatic who are confirmed as positive, hospital admissions and discharges and intensive care units admissions) show good agreement with data from an epidemiological surveillance database.
Solving an airport ground service task assignment problem with an exact algorithm
Authors: Tian Qiannan , Li Jie , Huang Guoxuan , Yuan Wei
Published: December 2022

In this paper, an airport ground service task assignment problem is studied. A task represents a service, which must be performed by one or multiple ground crew of a shift with required qualification/proficiency within a prescribed time period. For every assigned task, define “task priority” times “task duration” as the “benefit” generated. The objective is to maximize the summation of “benefit” for all the assigned tasks. The problem is modeled as an integer linear programming problem with mathematical formulation. A branch-and-price algorithm is proposed for solving the problem instances to optimality. To expedite the column generation process, an acceleration strategy is proposed. The computational results show that our proposed branch-and-price algorithm is capable of solving large-sized instances and the acceleration strategy is quite effective in reducing the computational time. Moreover, the impact of changing various characteristics of tasks and shifts on the performance of the algorithm is studied in detail with supporting computational experiments. In particular, the impact of reducing the qualifications is significant with 20.82% improvement in the objective value.
Practice and associated factors of traditional uvulectomy among caregivers having children less than 5 years old in South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Yirdaw Berhanu Wale , Gobeza Mengistu Berhanu , Tsegaye Gebreegziabher Netsanet
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Traditional uvulectomy is widely practiced in Africa especially in sub-Saharan countries including Ethiopia. Studies conducted in different times and areas of the world have shown that the level of practice of uvulectomy and its associated factors were varied from country to country. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the practice and associated factors of traditional uvulectomy among caregivers having children less than 5 years old in the South Gondar Zone.

Objective

This study aimed to assess practice and associated factors of traditional uvulectomy among caregivers having children less than 5 years old in South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2020.

Method

A community–based cross-sectional study was conducted on 634 participants who were selected using a multistage with a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered Amharic version questionnaire; it was entered into Epi Data and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics were calculated and logistic regressions were fitted to declare statistical significance at p-value < 0.05 and 95% CI.

Result

The prevalence of traditional uvulectomy in this study was 52.5% (95% CI, 48.6–56.3%). Moreover, lack of information [AOR = 2.975 (1.677–5.277)], perceived as uvula causes illness [AOR = 4.888 (2.954–8.086)], future intention or will perform [AOR = 4.188 (2.584–6.788)], perceived as traditional uvulectomy should not be eradicated [AOR = 1.893 (1.172–3.057)]), saw the previous good result [AOR = 9.396 (5.512–16.016)], health personnel hospitality problem [AOR = 5.922 (2.392–14.664)] and did not get cured by pharmacologic treatment [AOR = 3.918 (2.073, 7.405)] were significantly associated with traditional uvulectomy.

Conclusion and recommendation

The prevalence of traditional uvulectomy was high. Lack of information, perceived as uvula causes illness, future intention to uvulectomy, perceived as traditional uvulectomy should not be eradicated, saw the previous good result, health personnel hospitality problem and did not get cured by pharmacologic treatment were the factors significantly associated with traditional uvula cutting. Therefore, special attention will be given to creating further awareness to the community at large and setting controlling mechanisms for the health care delivery system.
Retrospective in silico mutation profiling of SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins circulating in Uganda by July 2021: Towards refinement of COVID-19 disease vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics
Authors: Odongo Steven , Okella Hedmon , Ndekezi Christian , Okee Moses , Namayanja Monica , Mujuni Brian , Sterckx Yann G. J. , Kizito Dennison , Radwanska Magdalena , Magez Stefan , Ikwap Kokas , Mwiine Frank Nobert , Lutwama Julius Julian , Ibingira Charles
Published: December 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, the agent of COVID-19, caused unprecedented loss of lives and economic decline worldwide. Although the introduction of public health measures, vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics disrupted the spread of the SARS-CoV-2, the emergence of variants poses substantial threat. This study traced SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in Uganda by July 2021 to inform the necessity for refinement of the intervention medical products. A comprehensivein silicoanalysis of the SARS-CoV-2 genomes detected in clinical samples collected from COVID-19 patients in Uganda revealed occurrence of structural protein variants with potential of escaping detection, resisting antibody therapy, or increased infectivity. The genome sequence dataset was retrieved from the GISAID database and the open reading frame encoding the spike, envelope, membrane, or nucleocapsid proteins was translated. The obtained protein sequences were aligned and inspected for existence of variants. The variant positions on each of the four alignment sets were mapped on predicted epitopes as well as the 3D structures. Additionally, sequences within each of the sets were clustered by family. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to assess relationship between the encountered spike protein sequences and Wuhan-Hu-1 wild-type, or theAlpha,Beta,DeltaandGammavariants of concern. Strikingly, the frequency of each of the spike protein point mutations F157L/Del, D614G and P681H/R was over 50%. The furin and the transmembrane serine protease 2 cleavage sites were unaffected by mutation. Whereas theDeltadominated the spike sequences (16.5%, 91/550),Gammawas not detected. The envelope protein was the most conserved with 96.3% (525/545) sequences being wild-type followed by membrane at 68.4% (397/580). Although the nucleocapsid protein sequences varied, the variant residue positions were less concentrated at the RNA binding domains. The dominant nucleocapsid sequence variant was S202N (34.5%, 205/595). These findings offer baseline information required for refining the existing COVID-19 vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Cutaneous information processing differs with load type during isometric finger abduction
Authors: Yunoki Keisuke , Watanabe Tatsunori , Matsumoto Takuya , Kuwabara Takayuki , Horinouchi Takayuki , Ito Kanami , Ishida Haruki , Kirimoto Hikari
Published: December 2022

During submaximal isometric contraction, there are two different load types: maintenance of a constant limb angle while supporting an inertial load (position task) and maintenance of a constant force by pushing against a rigid restraint (force task). Previous studies demonstrated that performing the position task requires more proprioceptive information. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there would be a difference in cutaneous information processing between the position and force tasks by assessing the gating effect, which is reduction of amplitude of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), and cutaneomuscular reflex (CMR). Eighteen healthy adults participated in this study. They contracted their right first dorsal interosseous muscle by abducting their index finger to produce a constant force against a rigid restraint that was 20% maximum voluntary contraction (force task), or to maintain a target position corresponding to 10° abduction of the metacarpophalangeal joint while supporting a load equivalent to 20% maximum voluntary contraction (position task). During each task, electrical stimulation was applied to the digital nerves of the right index finger, and SEPs and CMR were recorded from C3’ of the International 10–20 system and the right first dorsal interosseous muscle, respectively. Reduction of the amplitude of N33 component of SEPs was significantly larger during the force than position task. In addition, the E2 amplitude of CMR was significantly greater for the force than position task. These findings suggest that cutaneous information processing differs with load type during static muscle contraction.
Prevalence and incidence of cyclic vomiting syndrome in Japan: A study using Japanese claims data
Authors: Chang Chia-Hsien , Hikita Toshiyuki , Takabayashi Nobuyoshi , Sakaguchi Motonobu
Published: December 2022

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that is characterized by recurrent episodes of vomiting. Previous studies have provided reliable data on the prevalence of CVS among children in Japan; however, neither prevalence data nor incidence of CVS is available for adults. Hence, we obtained detailed prevalence and incidence data for CVS and estimated the total number of CVS cases in Japan. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the JMDC (JMDC, Inc.; formerly known as Japan Medical Data Center Co., Ltd.,) database, which is a de-identified Japanese claims database. Individuals enrolled between January 2017 and December 2017 were included in this study. Longitudinal data for eligible populations were used to identify patients who displayed CVS symptoms throughout the follow-up period. Due to the lack of a specific diagnosis code for CVS in 2017, the Rome IV criteria were applied to identify CVS cases in the pediatric and adult populations. The prevalence was standardized to the 2017 Japanese census and extrapolated to estimate the number of CVS cases. A total of 2,093 patients with CVS were identified from 3,506,144 individuals. The overall age-and-sex-standardized prevalence was 0.32 per 1,000 population (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30–0.34), projected to approximately 49,000 patients with CVS across Japan. The pediatric age-and-sex-standardized prevalence was 2.10 per 1,000 population (95% CI: 2.01–2.19), and the adult prevalence was 0.05 per 1,000 population (95% CI: 0.04–0.06). Marked sex differences were observed before and after 12 years of age. Thus our study provides the first large-population-based estimates of CVS prevalence and incidence in Japan, and currently, the only estimates for adult CVS in Japan.
Spatiotemporal gait patterns in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation: A hierarchical cluster analysis
Authors: Ichimura Daisuke , Amma Ryo , Hisano Genki , Murata Hiroto , Hobara Hiroaki
Published: December 2022

Gait pattern classification in individuals with lower-limb amputation could help in developing personalized prosthetic prescriptions and tailored gait rehabilitation. However, systematic classifications of gait patterns in this population have been scarcely explored. This study aimed to determine whether the gait patterns in individuals with unilateral transfemoral amputation (UTFA) can be clustered into homogeneous subgroups using spatiotemporal parameters across a range of walking speeds. We examined spatiotemporal gait parameters, including step length and cadence, in 25 individuals with UTFA (functional level K3 or K4, all non-vascular amputations) while they walked on a split-belt instrumented treadmill at eight speeds. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to identify clusters with homogeneous gait patterns based on the relationships between step length and cadence. Furthermore, after cluster formation, post-hoc analyses were performed to compare the spatiotemporal parameters and demographic data among the clusters. HCA identified three homogeneous gait pattern clusters, suggesting that individuals with UTFA have several gait patterns. Further, we found significant differences in the participants’ body height, sex ratio, and their prosthetic knee component among the clusters. Therefore, gait rehabilitation should be individualized based on body size and prosthetic prescription.
A paradigm shift in studio pedagogy during pandemic times: An international perspective on challenges and opportunities teaching design online
Authors: Fleischmann Katja
Published: December 2022

This study advances the debate over the role of technology-enhanced teaching in the practice-based design studio. Framed by the exigencies of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a detailed survey and follow-up interviews illuminate the transformative experiences among 90 experienced design educators from seven countries. At the heart of this study is the question: where did design educators succeed in trying to approximate a physical studio using online technologies and where did technology-enhanced teaching fall short? Content analysis of qualitative data and reflective remarks provide a window into what educators see as the concrete pedagogical challenges and opportunities they have encountered. Their responses are analysed using the four major characteristics of the practice-based design studio: dialogical learning, the critique, studio culture and studio class size. The results clearly demonstrate that the social aspects of the physical studio with its informal learning opportunities are difficult to replicate online and dialogical learning could not be effectively established online unless classes were smaller. There were also positive responses, particularly using online collaboration platforms for online critiques. Design educators can now prototype a new studio pedagogy that incorporates online elements that potentially enhance the learning and teaching experience in the physical design studio, while rejecting those that do not work for their domain.
Revisión bibliográfica internacional sobre el patrimonio geológico
Authors: Pareja-Pareja Germán , Martínez-Ibarra Emilio
Published: December 2022

El creciente interés que está generando el patrimonio geológico pone de relieve la necesidad de evaluar su producción científica. Por ello, en el presente trabajo se ha realizado una revisión bibliográfica sobre dicha temática. Concretamente, la metodología empleada se ha sustentado en la búsqueda exhaustiva por palabras clave. Para los artículos españoles se han empleado las bases de datos bibliográficas del Centro de Ciencias Humanas y Sociales del CSIC y Dialnet y para los publicados en revistas internacionales se han utilizado las bases de datos bibliográficas de Scopus, la Web of Science y Google Scholar. En el apartado de resultados se ofrece un análisis diacrónico de la producción científica, su origen académico, científico y espacial, los temas específicos abordados y las revistas que participan en la publicación y difusión de los conocimientos y avances sobre patrimonio. Los resultados se ofrecen de forma sintética, no sólo a partir de gráficos y tablas, sino también mediante el empleo de cartografía. Como conclusión destacable, conviene subrayar la consolidación de la investigación sobre el patrimonio geológico.
Política de cohesión y desequilibrios socioeconómicos interterritoriales en la Europa del Sur durante los últimos veinte años. Los casos de Piamonte, Comunidad Valenciana y Sicilia
Authors: Francos Marcos , Santasusagna Riu Albert , Corvacho-Ganahin Oscar , Plaza Gutiérrez Juan Ignacio
Published: December 2022

La Unión Europea (UE) es una forma y proceso de integración supranacional y una comunidad política supraestatal de compleja articulación jurídica e instrumental que ha respondido históricamente a una serie de objetivos de interés en el ámbito territorial para los Estados miembros. Este estudio pretende dar a conocer algunos aspectos fundamentales del trabajo realizado por la UE a escala internacional y más concretamente en los países del sur de Europa. Dentro de esta labor que desempeña la UE, este estudio se centra en el análisis de la llamada política de cohesión y cómo esta influye en el desarrollo regional de determinadas zonas meridionales de Europa. La UE está compuesta por 27 países europeos entre los cuales existen claras disparidades socioeconómicas. Este escenario plural y diverso influye en la forma en que se concretan los fondos europeos en el territorio, y más concretamente en la Europa del Sur. Estudiar este proceso es fundamental para lograr los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible de la Agenda 2030 y dotar a las regiones de instrumentos propios que les hagan ser dinámicas y competitivas.
Ressenya del llibre: Llorente i Blasco Ibáñez. Entre la política i la literatura
Authors: Guardiola i Savall Maria Isabel
Published: December 2022

Ressenya de Ferrando, Antoni (2021): Llorente i Blasco Ibáñez, entre la política i la literatura. València: Institució Alfons el Magnànim. 287 pp. ISBN 978-84-7822-892-8.
La arquitectura doméstica en Carthago Nova (siglos II a. C.-III d. C.): síntesis de un problema arqueológico
Authors: Gómez Marín Javier
Published: December 2022

Esta publicación trata de sintetizar la notable cantidad de estructuras y restos de arquitectura doméstica documentada en la ciudad romana de Carthago Nova. Las diferentes intervenciones de carácter arqueológico que de manera intermitente se han ido desarrollando en la ciudad a lo largo de más de un siglo, así como algunos proyectos de arqueología urbana, han constatado la presencia de restos domésticos púnicos, bizantinos, islámicos y, por supuesto, romanos, siendo nuestro principal objeto de estudio e interés aquellos pertenecientes al periodo tardorrepublicano y altoimperial. La elaboración de esta síntesis pone de manifiesto las notables diferencias existentes entre las viviendas tardorrepublicanas y las pertenecientes al periodo altoimperial, siendo especialmente evidentes en aspectos tales como la técnica constructiva, los programas decorativos y ornamentales, o la planta. De igual manera, se aprecia un claro y marcado contraste entre las viviendas pertenecientes a las élites o a los individuos más acomodados de la ciudad en comparación con aquellos hogares propiedad de las gentes más humildes. Resulta especialmente destacable cómo los individuos más pudientes eligieron principalmente las laderas de las colinas de la ciudad como lugar donde emplazar sus viviendas. Este escrito también muestra varios ejemplos de viviendas pertenecientes al siglo III d. C., producto de la ocupación, reutilización y amortización de un edificio público, siendo ésta una dinámica presente durante este periodo en otras ciudades que se encontraban bajo la égida de Roma. En resumen, esta publicación constituye una versión actualizada que reúne todas las evidencias localizadas en la ciudad durante este periodo, exponiendo, además, sus principales características. Este conjunto de datos nos permite plantear futuras líneas de investigación de gran interés para el conocimiento de la arquitectura romana en Hispania y de su sociedad.
Peningkatan Kompetensi Guru Mengoperasional Microsoft Excel untuk Pengolahan Nilai Hasil Belajar di MI Negeri 8 Gunungkidul dan MI Muhammadiyah Munggur Semanu
Authors: Karmanto
Published: December 2022

This research aims to find out the ability of teachers to process the value of students' learning results using microsoft excel. Microsoft excel implementation activities are conducted through group supervision in the form of training and mentoring. This research uses a method of action research and is carried out in two cycles. The results showed that training and mentoring activities can improve teachers' ability to operate Microsoft Excel. In cycle I, of the 18 teachers, 83.33% had poor criteria, 11.11% had enough criteria, and 5.56% had a good criteria with an average score of 62.35 in cycle I increasing to 83.70 in cycle II. Group supervision activities through training and mentoring can improve the ability of MI teachers in processing the value of learning results using Microsoft excel.
Construction of an MFC Anaerobic-Aerobic Coupled Denitrification System and Its Performance Enhancement Method
Authors: Dong Bo , Li Yurong , Li Xinyue , Chen Zhiting , Ge Yi , Zhang Rui
Published: December 2022

Compared with a microbial fuel cell (MFC) of single flora, the MFC of mixed flora provide much better denitrification and electricity generation performance. Therefore, in-depth analysis of the kinetic features such as the structures of various types of microflora in MFCs is of important theoretical and practical significance. There is little existing research on the electricity generation and pollutant removal process of cathode microorganisms and the functions of microbial flora. To this end, this paper constructs an MFC anaerobic-aerobic coupled denitrification system and studies its performance enhancement method. First, the basic principle of MFC biological denitrification was expounded, the kinetics was introduced into the analysis of the reaction between the MFC microorganisms and pollutants, and the migration and transformation occurring in the reaction process and the mechanism of transformation speed changes were revealed. Then, the analysis and calculation methods for the electrochemical parameters and microbial diversity index in MFC were explained in detail, and the experimental results and analysis conclusions were given.
Drug Dose Calculator Application to Prevent Medication Errors
Authors: Lestari Mayang Indah , Zulkifli Zulkifli , Zainal Rizal , Mulia Muhammad Imam
Published: December 2022

As a part of the essentials in achieving patient safety, medication errors are one of the most financially detrimental problems in the treatment process faced by health institutions. This article firstly debriefs the definition of medication error and its general classification based on the treatment process. Wrong dose calculation has become one of the most frequent medication errors, especially among anesthesiology-care providers. This article then concisely defines the side effects of commonly-used anesthesia drugs in critical and perioperative care. This article examines medication errors prevalence among anesthesiologists and investigates the line between several risk factors and wrong dosage calculation. Finally, this article concludes with the elucidation of current trends of drug dosage calculators and several studies that aim to validate and prove the efficacy of those applications.
Tata Laksana Pasien Kritis pada Sumber Daya Terbatas
Authors: Kasim Riyanti Amujib , Arif Syafri Kamsul
Published: December 2022

Latar belakang: Perawatan kritis merupakan komponen penting dari sistem perawatan kesehatan di seluruh dunia. Idealnya perawatan pasien sakit kritis di unit perawatan intensif (ICU) dikelola dengan tenaga kesehatan profesional yang sangat terspesialisasi, pemantauan secara sistematis dan penggunaan peralatan penunjang yang lengkap. Sayangnya, komponen ini tidak selalu tersedia terutama pada fasilitas kesehatan pesisir yang terbatas sumber daya. Hal ini berpotensi menyebabkan beban penyakit lebih besar dan hasil lebih buruk sehingga diperlukan pendekatan khusus dalam pelayanan perawatan kritis.Kasus: Perempuan 71 tahun body max index (BMI) 21,3 dikonsulkan perawatan ICU dengan diagnosis sementara bendungan paru akut dan pneumonia. Tata laksana pasien sepsis dan bendungan paru akut dengan menggunakan panduan parameter klinis dan memanfaatkan sumber daya dengan segala keterbatasannya.Pembahasan: Mengenali pasien dengan sepsis merupakan langkah penting untuk pengobatan yang efektif. Namun, pada tempat dengan sumber daya terbatas, definisi sepsis internasional tidak dapat sepenuhnya terpenuhi. Modifikasi definisi sepsis, sepsis beratn dan syok sepsis diperlukan agar bisa diterapkan pada situasi apapun termasuk tempat dengan sumber daya terbatas.Kesimpulan: Sepsis dan bendungan paru merupakan kondisi gawat darurat yang memerlukan terapi agresif dalam upaya penyematanan jiwa. Meskipun dengan semua keterbatasan yang ada, terapi agresif harus tetap dilakukan menggunakan pendekatan panduan literatur dan mengikuti perkembangan klinis yang ditunjukkan oleh pasien.
Ventilasi Mekanik Noninvasif
Authors: Hartawan Dicky , Soesilowati Danu , Budiono Uripno
Published: December 2022

Ventilasi mekanis dapat diberikan dengan cara invasif maupun noninvasif. Ventilasi noninvasif menjadi alternatif karena dapat menghindari risiko yang ditimbulkan pada penggunaan ventilasi invasif, mengurangi biaya dan lama perawatan di ruang intensif. Ventilasi noninvasif terbagi 2 yaitu ventilasi tekanan negatif dan ventilasi tekanan positif. Ventilasi noninvasif tekanan positif memerlukan alat penghubung seperti sungkup muka, sungkup nasal, keping mulut, nasal pillow dan helmet. Ventilator yang digunakan dapat berupa ventilator kontrol volume, tekanan, BIPAP dan CPAP.