bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More user engagement, better for libraries: Proposing a framework for social Media integration in libraries
Authors: T A Yadukrishnan , Kumar Amit , Ihejirika Kingsley T
Published: August 2023

The integration of social media into libraries has become a popular worldwide trend, offering the potential to improve services and increase user participation. This literature review explores the benefits, challenges, and barriers experienced by libraries during social media integration. A comprehensive search was conducted, and the literature was synthesized by breaking it down into various titles, findings, and key takeaways. The findings reveal that social media integration in libraries is beneficial and increases user engagement. However, financial constraints, lack of competent personnel, and lack of policies were identified as barriers to successful integration. Based on these findings, a conceptual framework for successfully integrating social media into libraries is proposed that involves four steps: 1) study, 2) adoption, 3) implementation, and 4) interaction that comprehend identifying library goals, assessing resources, developing a social media strategy, creating and implementing policies, and evaluating performance that will lead to enhanced user engagement.
Motor neurone disease: A point-prevalence study of patient reported symptom prevalence, severity and palliative care needs
Authors: Runacres Fiona , Mathers Susan , Lee Sarah CM , Hearn Rowan , Gregory Sonia , Bear Natasha , Aoun Samar
Published: August 2023

Background:

Motor neurone disease is a rare but debilitating illness with incomplete evidence regarding patients’ symptom burden. Palliative care and generalist clinicians are often in-experienced in caring for these patients and assessing their needs.

Aim:

To identify the symptom prevalence and severity experienced by patients with motor neurone disease. Secondary objectives were to examine differences in symptom burden and clusters according to phenotype, functional status, palliative care provision and those in their last months of life.

Design:

A point prevalence study assessing patient-reported symptoms using a modified IPOS-Neuro assessment tool, incorporating 41 symptom items.

Setting/participants:

Patients with motor neurone disease attending the State-wide Progressive Neurological Disease Service or inpatient unit at Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, Melbourne Australia, from March to December 2021.

Results:

A total of 102 patients participated, the majority diagnosed with lumber-onset (30.4%), bulbar-onset (28.4%) and cervical-onset (25.5%) phenotypes. Patients experienced a median of 17 symptoms (range 2–32) with a median of 3 symptoms rated as severe/overwhelming (range 0–13). Motor and functional symptoms predominated, with differences in symptom clusters present according to phenotype. Patients had a higher number of severe/overwhelming symptoms if they were accessing palliative care services ( p = 0.005), in their last 6 months of life ( p = 0.003) and experiencing moderate or severe functional impairment ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Patients with motor neurone disease report high symptom burden. A validated motor neurone disease-specific symptom assessment tool is needed to accurately assess patients, including important variations in symptom clusters according to phenotype. Further research must focus on evidence-based treatment guidelines for symptoms experienced commonly and severely.
Go or grow? Feedbacks between moving slopes and shifting plants in high mountain environments
Authors: Eichel Jana , Stoffel Markus , Wipf Sonja
Published: August 2023

High mountains are climate change hotspots. Quickly rising temperatures trigger vegetation shifts such as upslope migration, possibly threatening mountain biodiversity. At the same time, mountain slopes are becoming increasingly unstable due to degrading permafrost and changing rain and snowfall regimes, which favour slope movements such as rockfall and debris flows. Slope movements can limit plant colonization, while, at the same time, plant colonization can stabilize moving slopes. Thus, we here propose that response of high mountain environments to climate change depends on a ‘biogeomorphic balance’ between slope movement intensity and the trait-dependent ability of mountain plants to survive and stabilize slopes. We envision three possible scenarios of biogeomorphic balance: (1) Intensifying slope movements limit vegetation shifts and thus amplify instability. (2) Shifting ecosystem engineer species reduce slope movement and facilitate shifts for less movement-adapted species. (3) Trees and tall shrubs shifting on stable slopes limit slope instability but decrease biodiversity. Previous geomorphic, ecological and palaeoecological studies support all three scenarios. Given differences in ecologic and geomorphic response rates to climate change, as well as high environmental heterogeneity and elevational gradients in mountain environments, we posit that future biogeomorphic balances will be variable and heterogeneous in time and space. To further unravel future biogeomorphic balances, we propose three new research directions for joint research of mountain geomorphologists and ecologists, using advancing field measurement, remote sensing and modelling techniques. Recognizing high mountains as ‘biogeomorphic ecosystems’ will help to better safeguard mountain infrastructure, lives and livelihoods of millions of people around the world.
Evaluating the Coverage and Spatiotemporal Accuracy of Crowdsourced Reports Over Time: A Case Study of Waze Event Reports in Tennessee
Authors: Liu Yuandong , Hoseinzadeh Nima , Gu Yangsong , Han Lee D. , Brakewood Candace , Zhang Zhihua
Published: August 2023

Researchers are increasingly aware of the importance of crowdsourced data and consider them as possible complementary data sources to existing traffic monitoring systems. In this study, we investigated the coverage, timeliness, and location accuracy of Waze user reports over the years (2018–2021) by comparing their reports with official abnormal event records. The results indicate that the coverage of Waze reports is not constant over time and space. The matching rate of Waze crashes to official records was affected by traffic volumes. It dropped at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020) and recovered gradually in 2021, coinciding with the decline and recovery of traffic during the COVID-19 period. Other factors affecting the matching rate include incident duration and location. In addition, Waze reports were timely. On average, 55% of the crashes were reported sooner by Waze users than by the official records. Location accuracy was evaluated as well, and the average absolute distance difference was 0.40 mi for crashes and 0.29 mi for stopped vehicles. Nearly all (90%) of the distance differences between Waze reports and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) records were between −0.85 and 0.80 mi for crashes and −0.67 to 0.62 mi for stopped vehicles. No obvious change in the spatiotemporal accuracy over time could be observed. Moreover, those Waze reports that could not be matched to TDOT records were analyzed, and the number of crashes covered by those reports was estimated. The results suggest that Waze reports have potential value in identifying missed/unreported crash records and complementing the existing incident database.
Effect and environmental behaviour of microplastics in soil
Authors: Cao Yingnan , Ma Yuping , Han Yunping , Bian Jing , Yu Xuezheng , Wang Zixuan , Liu Jianguo , Feng Weiying , Deng Yuxin , Miao Qingfeng
Published: August 2023

Soil microplastic pollution is currently a worldwide concern. Microplastics are organic pollutants that are abundant in the natural environment, are persistent and difficult to degrade and may endanger human health while harming the environment. This article offers a bibliometric analysis of the environmental behaviour of microplastics in soils, as well as a thorough statistical analysis of research goals and trends in this field. We conducted a thorough search of all relevant literature from 2012 to 2022 in the Web of Science core database. The data analysis shows that, starting in 2012, there has been an upward trend in the number of articles about soil microplastic pollution. It can also be seen that China is relatively ahead of the curve in this area of research, followed by the United Kingdom and the United States. This article also systematically describes the research hotspots in this field. The results show that the current research on soil microplastics is mainly focused on their identification, enrichment and toxicity, whereas studies on the migration and transformation of soil microplastics and the mechanism of interaction with other pollutants are still lacking. Our results provide ideas and prospects for future research in this field.
Commitments beyond coupledom: Negotiating relational futures in Finnish small-scale communes
Authors: Heinonen Anna
Published: August 2023

In this paper, I analyze the possibilities for organizing one's personal life around co-residing friendship and roommate relationships in the life course position of adulthood. The normative significance of coupledom and procreation as markers of adulthood has hardly diminished, although the nuclear family model has opened up in past decades in Euro-American countries. I argue that the close connection between coupledom and adult status sidelines communal living as a relational arrangement when persons age beyond the socially shared understanding of youth. Moreover, resisting this temporal order leads communal dwellers into a socially structured negotiation of their future trajectories, where personal autonomy in friendship and roommate relations poses an intra-relational obstacle to building a communal future. The paper is based on 31 interviews with residents of Finnish small-scale communes. Communal dwellers’ negotiations of future trajectories dealt with finding someone to build their life with, whether commitment could be expected in friendship and roommate relations, and whether long-term communal living is compatible with existing housing structures.
Documentary Form and Spectral Citizenship in Madhusree Dutta’s7 Islands and a Metro
Authors: Herbert Caroline
Published: August 2023

Despite its aesthetic experimentation, its intervention into urgent questions about citizenship and belonging in contemporary India, and its attention to the most iconic of Indian cities, Mumbai, Madhusree Dutta’s 2006 documentary film 7 Islands and a Metro—and Dutta’s work more broadly—has yet to receive the critical attention it demands. Addressing this gap, this article examines Dutta’s use of spectrality to structure her search for a documentary form that makes room for Mumbai’s marginalised subjects to narrate themselves into its representational histories and contemporary spaces. Key to Dutta’s approach is a visual dialogue between the city’s historical ghosts and its spectral citizens—those who exist in a state of dispossession and social invisibility in the present, such as women, migrant workers, casteised and Muslim subjects, and the urban poor. Through this spectral framework—a dialogue between the living and the dead, which is also an intertextual dialogue between the past and the present, the fictional and the actual—Dutta’s film probes the complexities of representation and self-representation, agency and access to story-making processes and platforms. Dutta’s formal play foregrounds the multiple ways in which the city and citizenship are mediated, represented and claimed, and the multiple ways in which spectral subjects are produced and displaced. Her aesthetic experimentation—particularly her use of spectrality and performative modes of representation—enables reflections on the ways in which spectral subjects seek to render themselves visible in the city and claim themselves as active agents and participants in the making of Mumbai.
Addressing Systemic Racism in the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children Publications
Authors: Briggs Ernestine , Hanson Rochelle , Klika J. Bart , LeBlanc Stacie , Maddux Jemour , Merritt Darcey , Palusci Vincent , Panlilio Carlomagno C. , Roygardner Debangshu , Schelbe Lisa , Stormer Bri , Valentino Kristin , Vaughan-Eden Viola , Barboza Gia
Published: August 2023

The United States continues to grapple with longstanding policies and systems that have adversely impacted historically marginalized communities who identify (and are racialized) as non-White. These stem from a legacy of structural and systemic racism, and the long-term consequences of sanctioned colonization. This legacy rests upon a field of scholarly research that is similarly fraught with white supremacy. As a field, we must examine the process of producing and publishing the body of evidence that has codified harmful policies and practices. Although racial and ethnic disparities have been discussed for decades in the child welfare and health systems, systemic racism has received comparatively little attention in academic research and journals. In this commentary, the authors detail concrete steps over the coming years that will advance diversity, equity, inclusion and justice through American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children’s (APSACs) flagship journal, Child Maltreatment. The journal is committed to anti-racist publication processes, such that the journal pledges to develop procedures, processes, structures, and culture for scholarly research that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all forms.
On the stochastic parametric resonance of a rate-type viscoelastic string
Authors: Farina Angiolo , Fusi Lorenzo , Rosso Fabio , Saccomandi Giuseppe
Published: August 2023

We analyze small amplitude shearing motions superimposed onto a harmonic extension of a string made of an isotropic rate-type viscoelastic material. In particular, we consider also the case in which the harmonic extension is perturbed by adding stochastic noise. We study the onset of resonance as a function of the characteristic parameters both in the absence and in the presence of noise. In the first case, we use the renormalization group (RG) method, while in the second case, we make use of a “ deterministic” approach that implies replacing the noise by high-frequency excitations. The main conclusion of our investigation is that the substitution of a classical elastic rope with a viscoelastic stress–relaxing string allows us to reproduce the parametric resonance phenomena observed by Melde. The presence of noise can change the well-known 2:1 resonance. In particular, the 2:1 resonance is reduced proportionally to the square of the amplitude ratio, frequency of the noise, and to the ratio between the characteristic viscous stress and the elastic stress.
Five Critical Gene-Based Biomarkers With Optimal Performance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yongjun , Zhang Heping , Xu Yuqing , Liu Yao-Zhong , Al-Adra David P , Yeh Matthew M , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: August 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal cancers in the world. There is an urgent need to understand the molecular background of HCC to facilitate the identification of biomarkers and discover effective therapeutic targets. Published transcriptomic studies have reported a large number of genes that are individually significant for HCC. However, reliable biomarkers remain to be determined. In this study, built on max-linear competing risk factor models, we developed a machine learning analytical framework to analyze transcriptomic data to identify the most miniature set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By analyzing 9 public whole-transcriptome datasets (containing 1184 HCC samples and 672 nontumor controls), we identified 5 critical differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (ie, CCDC107, CXCL12, GIGYF1, GMNN, and IFFO1) between HCC and control samples. The classifiers built on these 5 DEGs reached nearly perfect performance in identification of HCC. The performance of the 5 DEGs was further validated in a US Caucasian cohort that we collected (containing 17 HCC with paired nontumor tissue). The conceptual advance of our work lies in modeling gene-gene interactions and correcting batch effect in the analytic framework. The classifiers built on the 5 DEGs demonstrated clear signature patterns for HCC. The results are interpretable, robust, and reproducible across diverse cohorts/populations with various disease etiologies, indicating the 5 DEGs are intrinsic variables that can describe the overall features of HCC at the genomic level. The analytical framework applied in this study may pave a new way for improving transcriptome profiling analysis of human cancers.
Improving the efficiency of clinical trials in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Marrie Ruth Ann , Sormani Maria Pia , Apap Mangion Sean , Bovis Francesca , Cheung Winson Y , Cutter Gary R , Feys Peter , Hill Michael D , Koch Marcus Werner , McCreary Morgan , Mowry Ellen M , Park Jay JH , Piehl Fredrik , Salter Amber , Chataway Jeremy
Published: August 2023

Background:

Phase 3 clinical trials for disease-modifying therapies in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) have utilized a limited number of conventional designs with a high degree of success. However, these designs limit the types of questions that can be addressed, and the time and cost required. Moreover, trials involving people with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) have been less successful.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to discuss complex innovative trial designs, intermediate and composite outcomes and to improve the efficiency of trial design in MS and broaden questions that can be addressed, particularly as applied to progressive MS.

Methods:

We held an international workshop with experts in clinical trial design.

Results:

Recommendations include increasing the use of complex innovative designs, developing biomarkers to enrich progressive MS trial populations, prioritize intermediate outcomes for further development that target therapeutic mechanisms of action other than peripherally mediated inflammation, investigate acceptability to people with MS of data linkage for studying long-term outcomes of clinical trials, use Bayesian designs to potentially reduce sample sizes required for pediatric trials, and provide sustained funding for platform trials and registries that can support pragmatic trials.

Conclusion:

Novel trial designs and further development of intermediate outcomes may improve clinical trial efficiency in MS and address novel therapeutic questions.
Enhancing diversity of clinical trial populations in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Marrie Ruth Ann , Chataway Jeremy , Bierer Barbara E , Finlayson Marcia , Martinez-Lapiscina Elena H , Panagoulias Jennifer , Sormani Maria Pia , Williams Mitzi Joi , Amezcua Lilyana
Published: August 2023

Background:

Demographic characteristics, social determinants of health (SDoH), health inequities, and health disparities substantially influence the general and disease-specific health outcomes of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants in clinical trials do not represent all people with MS treated in practice.

Objective:

To provide recommendations for enhancing diversity and inclusion in clinical trials in MS.

Methods:

We held an international workshop under the Auspices of the International Advisory Committee on Clinical Trials in MS (the “Committee”) to develop recommendations regarding diversity and inclusivity of participants of clinical trials in MS. Workshop attendees included members of the Committee as well as external participants. External participants were selected based on expertise in trials, SDoH, health equity and regulatory science, and diversity with respect to gender, race, ethnicity, and geography.

Results:

Recommendations include use of diversity plans, community engagement and education, cultural competency training, biologically justified rather than templated eligibility criteria, adaptive designs that allow broadening of eligibility criteria over the course of a trial, and logistical and practical adjustments to reduce study participant burden. Investigators should report demographic and SDoH characteristics of participants.

Conclusion:

These recommendations provide sponsors and investigators with methods of improving diversity and inclusivity of clinical trial populations in MS.
Fostering equitable change in health services: Using critical reflexivity to challenge dominant discourses in low back pain care in Australia
Authors: Mescouto Karime , Olson Rebecca E , Costa Nathalia , Evans Kerrie , Dillon Miriam , Walsh Kelly , Jensen Niamh , Hodges Paul W , Lonergan Kathryn , Weier Megan , Setchell Jenny
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Justice and equity-focused practices in health services play a critical but overlooked role in low back pain (LBP) care. Critical reflexivity – the ability to examine and challenge power relations, and broader social issues embedded in everyday life – can be a useful tool to foster practices that are more socially just. No research has yet explored this approach in back pain health services. This study sought to understand how clinicians construct LBP in relation to broader socio-cultural-political aspects of care and explore if those constructions changed when clinicians engaged with critically reflexive dialogues with researchers.

Methods

Using critical discourse analysis methods, this qualitative study explored institutionalised patterns of knowledge in the construction of LBP care. We conducted 22 critically reflexive dialogues with 29 clinicians from two health services in Australia – a private physiotherapy clinic and a public multidisciplinary pain clinic.

Results

Our analyses suggested that clinicians and services often constructed LBP care at an individual level. This dominant individualistic discourse constrained consideration of justice-oriented practices in the care of people with LBP. Through dialogues, discursive constructions of LBP care expanded to incorporate systems and health service workplace practices. This expansion fostered more equitable clinical and service practices – such as assisting patients to navigate health care systems, considering patients’ socioeconomic circumstances when developing treatment plans, encouraging staff discussion of possible systemic changes to enhance justice, and fostering a more inclusive workplace culture. Although such expansions faced challenges, incorporating broader discourses enabled recommendations to address LBP care inequities.

Conclusions

Critical reflexivity can be a tool to foster greater social justice within health services. By expanding constructions of LBP care beyond individuals, critical reflexive dialogues can foster discussion and actions towards more equitable workplace cultures, services and systems.
The travel of a thangka: Crossing gender and cultural boundaries with Lutso's stories
Authors: Xue Ming
Published: August 2023

The article examines how the life experiences of a Tibetan female thangka painter, Lutsojam (known as Lutso), are intertwined with the meaning of her artworks, in particular, with the thangka painting, “Avalokiteśvara with Mind at Rest,” which I followed from its birth in Amdo Rebgong (Qinghai, China), to its visit to an art gallery in Beijing, and finally to its entry into the collection of an ethnographic museum in New York. Through painting thangkas and training her own apprentices (especially female apprentices), Lutso is able to support her family, empower other Tibetan women, and authenticate a religious identity that has been elided in the official narrative of Tibetan thangka art.
Comparative effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction and psychoeducational support on parenting stress in families of autistic preschoolers
Authors: Neece Cameron L , Fenning Rachel M , Morrell Holly ER , Benjamin Laurel R
Published: August 2023

Relative to parents of children with neurotypical development and other developmental disabilities, parents of autistic children experience higher levels of parenting stress, which are associated with deleterious consequences for parents’ mental and physical health and child functioning. Despite urgent calls to action, parenting stress is rarely addressed directly in interventions for families of autistic children, and less so in underserved and racial/ethnic minority populations where clinical needs are greater. This study tested the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction, compared to a psychoeducation and support intervention, in reducing parenting stress among diverse families of autistic preschoolers. Participants ( N = 117) were randomly assigned to the mindfulness-based stress reduction or psychoeducation and support groups; assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately postintervention, and 6 and 12 months postintervention. Results indicated significant reductions in parenting stress across both the mindfulness-based stress reduction and psychoeducation and support intervention conditions; however, reductions in parenting stress were greater for parents in mindfulness-based stress reduction than in psychoeducation and support. Furthermore, the benefit of mindfulness-based stress reduction relative to psychoeducation and support increased over time, with significant group differences in parenting stress detected at 12-month follow-up.

Lay abstract

Parents of autistic children often experience high levels of parenting stress, which can have negative mental and physical effects on both the parent and child. This study tested the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction in reducing parenting stress in parents of preschool-aged autistic children compared to a psychoeducation and support intervention. We assessed parenting stress before and after the interventions and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Both interventions significantly decreased parenting stress, but mindfulness-based stress reduction reduced stress more than did psychoeducation and support, with the strongest effect observed 1 year later. This suggests that the stress-reducing benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction persist and may increase over time.
Retrograde tibial access for revascularization of chronic total occlusions in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia
Authors: Raskin Daniel , Barash Yiftach , Silverberg Daniel , Halak Moshe , Hater Hatem , Khaitovich Boris
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To evaluate tibial single access in treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTO) in patients with ipsilateral chronic-limb ischemia (CLTI).

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, data was collected on patients treated for ipsilateral CTO via a tibial artery access between March 2017 and March 2021. Fifty-nine limbs in 57 patients, (42 men, average age 73 years; range 47–96) were treated. Patient's symptoms were classified in accordance with the Rutherford category. The end points were freedom from major amputation and the need for reintervention up to 1 year of follow up.

Results

Out of the 59 treated limbs, technical success was achieved in 57 (97%). The treated multilevel segments involved 5 common and 12 external iliac arteries, 23 common and 37 superficial femoral arteries, 23 femoropopliteal segments, 14 popliteal arteries, and 4 bypasses. Mean length of occlusion was 186 mm (range 7–670). Rutherford classification of the treated limbs was category 5 and 6 in 45 patients and category 4 in 14 patients. Three procedural complications occurred and were successfully treated during the same procedure. No immediate post-procedural complication was encountered. Median follow-up was 13 months (range 1–45.3). Reintervention was required in 9 limbs, after an average of 6 months. One year free from amputation rate was 91.2%.

Conclusions

Single access via the ipsilateral tibial artery can be a useful, effective, and safe approach for treating CTO in CLTI patients.
Looking back and ahead: A bibliometric review of research on principal well-being, 1962–2022
Authors: Chen Junjun , Li Xinlin , Hallinger Philip , Lee John Chi-Kin
Published: August 2023

This systematic review employed bibliometric methods to examine the meta-data of 244 documents on principal well-being during 61 years starting from its birth in 1962 to 2022. This review aimed at summarising the descriptive trends, identifying the most inﬂuential and popular themes and uncovering its underlying intellectual structure on principal well-being. Citation and author co-citation analysis was also applied in this review. The combination of the descriptive and bibliometric techniques with a large corpus of scientific outputs allows broader overviews but deeper insights into the past, present and future of the knowledge production and evolution of principal well-being literature. This bibliometric review provides ‘high ground’ signposts on the historical path of intellectual accumulation of principal well-being literature using a far larger corpus of publications than previous reviews.
Metabolic abnormalities underlying nonunion in the adult fracture patient
Authors: Sleiman Anthony , Revelt Nicolas , Thuppal Sowmyanarayanan , Bejcek Christopher , Beason Austin , Besserman Kathryn , Delfino Kristin , Gardner Matthew P
Published: August 2023

Introduction: The objective of this study is to comprehensively evaluate fracture type, category of nonunion, and metabolic profile to identify metabolic causes that may impact fracture union. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with nonunion after fracture fixation was performed. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, and metabolic profiles were assessed. Results: Data was collected from 94 patients with nonunion, with a mean age of 54.7 years, 50% men, 47.3% obese, and 60.8% current/former smokers. The most common nonunited bone was the femur (48%), tibia (22%), humerus (15%), ulna (5%), clavicle (3%), and fibula (2%). The distal femur, femoral shaft, and tibial shaft made up 50% of the nonunion. The intra-articular fracture was diagnosed in 13% and open injuries in 27%. The most common metabolic abnormalities were low hemoglobin (62.3%), elevated neutrophil percentage (61.9%), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate in women (51.8%), low testosterone (46.9%), and hypovitaminosis D (44.3%). Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic abnormalities was documented across all nonunion types, suggesting this is not unique to atrophic nonunion. Given the high morbidity and cost of nonunion, and low cost of vitamin supplementation, future prospective studies are warranted to identify effective prevention and treatment.
Evaluation of Technological Innovation Initiatives for Indian MSMEs Using the Fuzzy-Based Model
Authors: Singh Davinder
Published: August 2023

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are considered as a growing sector of the country due to their huge growth potential and possible social or economic effect, especially on employment and revenue generation. Existent globalised competition compels companies to constantly look for methods to improve their products and services. Without continuous innovation, manufacturing companies cannot remain competitive. Innovation represents the keyways the organisation responds to technical or market-related challenges. All manufacturers are currently trying to implement Multicriteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques such as Analytic Hierarchy Process, Piecewise Affine and fuzzy models, along with technology innovation initiatives (TIIs) for enhancing their production performance. In the current study, an attempt is made to assess the synergy fit of TIIs for MSMEs in India. The study considers metrics related to these initiatives, such as product performance and sales performance. In addition, these procedures use the MATLAB Fuzzy Logic Toolbox for the analysis of a Simulink block for designing and simulating the data set.
Migraine and the risk of cervical artery dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Zihan , Kleine-Borgmann Julian , Suh Joome , McDermott Gregory C , Vishnevetsky Anastasia , Rist Pamela M
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Migraine is a common, disabling chronic pain condition possibly related to changes in endothelial and vascular structure and function. Several observational studies have suggested an elevated risk of cervical artery dissection (CeAD) in patients with a history of migraine. We aimed to investigate this potential association using systematic review and meta-analytic methods.

Patients and methods:

We utilized a pre-defined search protocol to identify and screen studies related to migraine and CeAD in PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science Core Collection. We assessed the risk of bias and performed a meta-analysis of selected studies to assess the association between migraine and CeAD. We also performed subgroup analyses by migraine subtype, biological sex, and the use of stroke versus non-stroke controls.

Results:

We identified 11 studies ( N = 9857 patients) for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed an association between migraine and CeAD with an odds ratio of 1.74 (95%CI 1.38–2.19). There was high heterogeneity among the included studies ( I2 = 61%). Publication bias was present but the Trim-Fill imputation suggested that the impact on results was likely minimal. Subgroup analyses revealed an association between migraine without aura and CeAD (OR 1.86, 95%CI 1.55–2.24) but not migraine with aura and CeAD (OR 1.15, 95%CI 0.71–1.88). There was no difference in the association between migraine and CeAD in men compared to women.

Discussion and conclusion:

A history of migraine is associated with an increased risk of CeAD. Further studies are needed to elucidate the potential pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying this association.
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Clinics Multicenter Advancement Network Consortium (PPACMAN) 2021 Annual Meeting Proceedings
Authors: Grant Carly , Perez-Chada Lourdes , Haberman Rebecca H. , Webster Daniel , FitzGerald Oliver , Ritchlin Christopher , Chandran Vinod , Rosen Cheryl F. , Weber Brittany , Garshick Michael , Eder Lihi , Reddy Soumya M. , Ogdie Alexis , Scher Jose U. , Merola Joseph F.
Published: August 2023

The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Clinics Multicenter Advancement Network (PPACMAN) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to optimize the clinical care of patients with psoriatic disease through multidisciplinary collaboration models. The PPACMAN 2021 Annual Meeting was held virtually on December 11, 2021. In all, 50 stakeholders participated in the meeting including dermatologists, rheumatologists, cardiologists, clinical researchers, patient advocacy representatives, and industry representatives. During the opening session of the meeting, presenters provided an update of several research projects dedicated to predicting and preventing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) such as the Psorcast, PAMPA, HIPPOCRATES, and the ELLIPSS studies. The second session centered around novel approaches to deliver multidisciplinary care in psoriatic disease. PPACMAN leadership introduced its wellness program and invited speakers to discuss new advances in cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance, mental health problems, and dietary interventions in psoriatic disease. The final session of the meeting focused on how to improve patient engagement in their disease and care.
The Effect of Public–Private Partnerships on Innovation in Infrastructure Delivery
Authors: Liu Lucia Xiaoyan , Clegg Stewart , Pollack Julien
Published: August 2023

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) have been promoted as achieving value for money in government projects through innovation. Private investment, contract bundling, and transferring risk to the private sector are regarded as incentives creating innovation. Data collected on PPPs through in-depth interviews with 36 senior practitioners are analyzed by applying a transdisciplinary theoretical approach and grounded theory. The relation between PPPs and innovation is systematically addressed. PPP models provide an environment for innovation precontract award but limit risk, thus inhibiting post-contract innovation. A framework illustrating the complex relations of different elements of PPPs and their effects on innovation is presented.
Clay mineralogical evidence of near-equatorial Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum in Barmer Basin, India
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Hameed Abdul , Srivastava Pankaj
Published: August 2023

The Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was a global extreme climatic event, but it is relatively unknown from lower latitudes or equatorial regions in comparison to mid- and high latitudes. The present study provides the first clay mineralogical evidence of the PETM and subsequent hyperthermal events in a near-equatorial region represented by the Akli Formation in the Barmer Basin, India. The 32 m-thick succession of the Akli Formation shows abrupt changes in smectite and kaolin abundances preceding, during and succeeding the PETM event. Within the studied section, the kaolin content increases from 5–8% pre-PETM to 30–35% during the PETM, and then again decreases to 5–6% during the post-PETM period. The smectite, however, is marked by a corresponding decrease and its transformation into kaolin in acid weathering conditions. The transformation of the smectite is first marked by hydroxy interlayering and then transformation into kaolin during the PETM. The transformation of smectite into kaolin also resulted in extensive precipitation of iron oxide in sediments. The clay mineralogical changes in the Palaeocene–Eocene transition sediments of the Akli Formation were caused by 3–5°C warming and a 25–50% increase in rainfall during the hyperthermal events. Unusually high charcoal (~20%) fragments during the Palaeocene–Eocene transition also suggest warming and widespread biomass burning during the PETM in the lower latitudes.
Guidance and standard operating procedures for functional exercise testing in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Saynor Zoe L. , Gruet Mathieu , McNarry Melitta A. , Button Brenda , Morrison Lisa , Wagner Marlies , Sawyer Abbey , Hebestreit Helge , Radtke Thomas , Urquhart Don S.
Published: August 2023

Regular exercise testing is recommended for all people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). A range of validated tests, which integrate both strength and aerobic function, are available and increasingly being used. Together, these tests offer the ability for comprehensive exercise evaluation. Extensive research and expert consensus over recent years has enabled the adaptation and standardisation of a range of exercise tests to aid the understanding of the pathophysiology related to exercise limitation in PwCF and has led to the development of novel exercise tests which may be applied to PwCF. This article provides expert, opinion-based clinical practice guidance, along with test instructions, for a selection of commonly used valid tests which have documented clinimetric properties for PwCF. Importantly, this document also highlights previously used tests that are no longer suggested for PwCF and areas where research is mandated. This collaboration, on behalf of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Exercise Working Group, represents expert consensus by a multidisciplinary panel of physiotherapists, exercise scientists and clinicians and aims to improve global standardisation of functional exercise testing of PwCF. In short, the standardised use of a small selection of tests performed to a high standard is advocated.
Animal models of silicosis: fishing for new therapeutic targets and treatments
Authors: Martínez-López Alicia , Candel Sergio , Tyrkalska Sylwia D.
Published: August 2023

Silicosis as an occupational lung disease has been present in our lives for centuries. Research studies have already developed and implemented many animal models to study the pathogenesis and molecular basis of the disease and enabled the search for treatments. As all experimental animal models used to date have their advantages and disadvantages, there is a continuous search for a better model, which will not only accelerate basic research, but also contribute to clinical aspects and drug development. We review here, for the first time, the main animal models developed to date to study silicosis and the unique advantages of the zebrafish model that make it an optimal complement to other models. Among the main advantages of zebrafish for modelling human diseases are its ease of husbandry, low maintenance cost, external fertilisation and development, its transparency from early life, and its amenability to chemical and genetic screening. We discuss the use of zebrafish as a model of silicosis, its similarities to other animal models and the characteristics of patients at molecular and clinical levels, and show the current state of the art of inflammatory and fibrotic zebrafish models that could be used in silicosis research.
Chronic kidney disease following nephrectomy for renal tumours: retrospective analysis risk factors
Authors: Can Osman , Sabuncu Kenan , Erkoç Mustafa , Bozkurt Muammer , Danış Eyyüp , Degirmentepe Recep Burak , Ötünçtemur Alper
Published: August 2023

Objective

We aimed to determine factors responsible for chronic kidney disease (CKD) following nephrectomy for renal tumours.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken in patients underwent partial or radical nephrectomy due to kidney tumour between January 2015 and June 2020. Patients with eGFR above 60 ml/min/1.73m2 were included in the study. Demographic information, surgical features, eGFR values and some comorbidities of patients were recorded. The patients were evaluated for the development of CKD according to the CKD-EPI equation postoperatively.

Results

One hundred and sixty-six patients who underwent radical (n = 125) or partial (n = 41) nephrectomy were included to study. According to the logistic regression analysis, radical nephrectomy (adjusted OR 0.139 (95% CI 0.038–0.507), p = 0.003), age (adjusted OR 1.037 (95% CI 1.001–1.074), p = 0.045), preoperative proteinuria (adjusted OR 0.251 (95% CI 0.084–0.750) p = 0.013) and preoperative lower eGFR (adjusted OR 0.943 (95% CI 0.917–0.969) p < 0.001) were determined as independent predictor for development of CKD.

Conclusions

CKD is an important disease that causes morbidity and mortality. Age, type of surgery and preoperative eGFR and preoperative proteinuria are an independent risk factor for CKD development. Patients should be informed about this problem before surgery.
Testicular sperm aspiration has a poor effect in predicting micro-TESE outcomes in NOA patients with AZFc deletion
Authors: Deng Chenyao , Mao Jiaming , Zhao Lianming , Liu Defeng , Lin Haocheng , Zhang Zhe , Yang Yuzhuo , Zhang Haitao , Hong Kai , Jiang Hui
Published: August 2023

Background

Testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) is widely used in the diagnosis and management of nonobstructive azoospermia. However, its ability for predicting microdissection testicular sperm extraction in nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients with AZFc deletion remains uncertain. To investigate whether TESA affected the sperm retrieval rate (SRR) in NOA patients with AZFc deletion, a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of NOA patients with AZFc deletion who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) was conducted. The effects of age, testicular volume, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, testosterone (T) levels and TESA on the SRR were analyzed in this group of patients.

Results

A total of 181 individuals had their sperm successfully collected and underwent micro-TESE, with an SRR of 67.4%. The patients were separated into two groups based on their micro-TESE results (sperm acquisition and nonsperm acquisition), with no significant variations in age, testicular volume, FSH levels, LH levels, or T levels between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the SRR between any of the groups into which patients were classified based on reproductive hormone reference value ranges. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the absence of significant effects of age, testicular volume, FSH levels, LH levels, and T levels on sperm acquisition in patients undergoing micro-TESE. In the preoperative testicular diagnostic biopsy group, the sperm acquisition and nonsperm acquisition groups had SRRs of 90.1% and 65.1%, respectively. More significantly, there was no significant difference in the SRR between the negative preoperative testicular diagnostic biopsy group and the nonpreoperative testicular diagnostic biopsy group (65.1 vs. 63.8%, p = 0.855).

Conclusion

There is a high probability of successful sperm acquisition in the testis of men undergoing micro-TESE. In this group of patients, age, testicular volume, FSH levels, LH levels, and T levels may have little bearing on the micro-TESE outcome. In patients whose preoperative TESA revealed the absence of sperm, the probability of obtaining sperm by micro-TESE remained high (65.1%); negative TESA results appeared to not influence the SRR (63.8%) in patients undergoing micro-TESE.
Impact of total intravenous anesthesia and total inhalation anesthesia as the anesthesia maintenance approaches on blood glucose level and postoperative complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xiong Xinghui , He Yong , Zhou Cheng , Zheng Qin , Chen Chan , Liang Peng
Published: August 2023

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent metabolic disease in the world. Previous studies have shown that anesthetics can affect perioperative blood glucose levels which related to adverse clinical outcomes. Few studies have explored the choice of general anesthetic protocol on perioperative glucose metabolism in diabetes patients. We aimed to compare total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with total inhalation anesthesia (TIHA) on blood glucose level and complications in type 2 diabetic patients undergoing general surgery.

Methods

In this double-blind controlled trial, 116 type 2 diabetic patients scheduled for general surgery were randomly assigned to either the TIVA group or TIHA group (n = 56 and n = 60, respectively). The blood glucose level at different time points were measured and analyzed by the repeated-measures analysis of variance. The serum insulin and cortisol levels were measured and analyzed with t-test. The incidence of complications was followed up and analyzed with chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. The risk factors for complications were analyzed using the logistic stepwise regression.

Results

The blood glucose levels were higher in TIHA group than that in TIVA group at the time points of extubation, 1 and 2 h after the operation, 1 and 2 days after the operation, and were significantly higher at 1 day after the operation (10.4 ± 2.8 vs. 8.1 ± 2.1 mmol/L; P < 0.01). The postoperative insulin level was higher in TIVA group than that in TIHA group (8.9 ± 2.9 vs. 7.6 ± 2.4 IU/mL; P = 0.011). The postoperative cortisol level was higher in TIHA group than that in TIVA group (15.3 ± 4.8 vs. 12.2 ± 8.9 ug/dL ; P = 0.031). No significant difference regarding the incidence of complications between the two groups was found based on the current samples. Blood glucose level on postoperative day 1 was a risk factor for postoperative complications (OR: 1.779, 95%CI: 1.009 ~ 3.138).

Conclusions

TIVA has less impact on perioperative blood glucose level and a better inhibition of cortisol release in type 2 diabetic patients compared to TIHA. A future large trial may be conducted to find the difference of complications between the two groups.

Trial registration

The protocol registered on the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry on 20/01/2020 (ChiCTR2000029247).