bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis and management of acute out-of-hospital cluster headaches
Authors: Crawley Kerry , Brady Mike
Published: August 2022

Cluster headaches are the most painful form of primary headache and the most common of a group of headaches known as trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs). It is estimated that 25 million days are lost from work or school because of migraine each year, as well as a potential cost of £956 million to health services due to service use, and £4.8 billion due to lost employment each year. Given the burden upon health services and the wider economy, a number of strategic drivers for enhancing general management of headaches have been produced with explicit aims of reducing inappropriate referrals and admissions. This article reviews the current literature and discusses the appropriateness of non-specialist clinicians working in out-of-hospital settings, and in primary, urgent and emergency care, such as paramedics, safely diagnosing and managing cluster headaches in the community, while also considering the balance of possible risks and fiscal benefits. It concludes that community practitioners could safely manage recurrent episodes of cluster headaches within the community, with good referral and consultation pathways in place. However, caution should be paid to discharging those patients presenting with a first bout of cluster headache without specialist clinical assessment.
Frequent callers and frustrated clinicians
Authors: Snowdon Kate
Published: August 2022

Most ambulance services experience frequent callers or high-volume user populations. It is not an isolated issue but a worldwide problem. Frequent users are a heterogeneous population, with complex physical, mental and social needs. These patients often have numerous conditions or compounding factors, such as frequent falls, psychiatric illness, substance misuse and long-term conditions. As a result, these patients are often vulnerable to poverty, social isolation, reduced quality of life and higher than expected mortality rates. Attending to these patients requires intense emotional investment from clinicians. Without this, communication can break down and practitioners can rapidly become frustrated. Patients who fail to provide validation of the clinician's role as a provider of care and assistance threaten the clinician's sense of control, create demand and risk moral jeopardy. Moral appraisal is intrinsically bound to human development and difficult to avoid without deliberate moderation. This article seeks to explore literature on the frequent caller population, the development of frustration, the consequences for practice and how empathy can restore the therapeutic relationship.
Lensless facial recognition with encrypted optics and a neural network
computation
Authors: Wu Ming-Hsuan , Chang Lee Ya-Ti , Tien Chung-Hao
Published: August 2022

Face recognition plays an essential role for the biometric
authentication. Conventional lens-based imagery keeps the spatial
fidelity with respect to the object, thus, leading to the privacy
concerns. Based on the point spread function engineering, we employed
a coded mask as the encryption scheme, which allows a readily
noninterpretable representation on the sensor. A deep neural network
computation was used to extract the features and further conduct the
identification. The advantage of this data-driven approach lies in
that it is neither necessary to correct the lens aberration nor
revealing any facial conformity amid the image formation chain. To
validate the proposed framework, we generated a dataset with practical
photographing and data augmentation by a set of experimental
parameters. The system has the capability to adapt a wide depth of
field (DoF) (60-cm hyperfocal distance) and pose variation (0 to
45 deg). The 100% recognition accuracy on real-time measurement was
achieved without the necessity of any physics priors, such as the
encryption scheme.
Ultrashort near-infrared pulse generation by non-collinear optical parametric amplification in LiInS2
Authors: Imasaka Kotaro , Ogawa Kanade , Ishii Nobuhisa , Maruyama Momoko , Itakura Ryuji
Published: August 2022

We demonstrate non-collinear optical parametric amplification (NOPA) in LiInS2 to generate ultrashort near-infrared pulses. White light pulses around 1400 nm generated in yttrium aluminum garnet are amplified by five orders of magnitude up to 1.0 µJ by three-stage NOPA in LiInS2. The dispersion of the amplified pulses is compensated by an acousto-optic programmable dispersive filter, resulting in the pulse compression down to 40 fs, which is 1.1 times the pulse width of the Fourier-transform limited pulse. The successful demonstration of NOPA in LiInS2 indicates the possibility as a new light source to obtain high peak intensity which enables us to access the regime of non-perturbative physics.
Verbal manipulations of learning expectancy do not enhance reconsolidation
Authors: Marinos Julia , Simioni Olivia , Ashbaugh Andrea R.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Pharmacological studies using propranolol suggest that if reactivation signals that new information will be learned (i.e., there is an expectation for learning) reconsolidation can be enhanced. We examined if the verbal instructions to expect new learning will enhance reconsolidation of fear memories using the post-retrieval extinction paradigm.

Methods

On day one, participants (n = 48) underwent differential fear conditioning to two images (CS+ and CS-). On day two, participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups; groups one and two had their memory for the CS+ reactivated (i.e., a single presentation of the CS+) 10 minutes prior to extinction, whereas group three did not have their memory reactivated but went right to extinction (no reactivation group). One reactivation group was told that they would learn something new about the images (expectation for learning group), and the other group was told that they would not learn anything new (no expectation for learning group). On day three, return of fear was measured following reinstatement (i.e., four shocks). Fear potentiated startle (FPS) and skin conductance response (SCR) were measured throughout.

Results

There was evidence of fear acquisition for participants for SCR but not FPS. With regards to reconsolidation, SCR increased for the CS+ and CS-in all groups from the end of extinction to the beginning of re-extinction (i.e., return of fear). For FPS, post-hoc tests conducted on the sub-group of participants showing fear learning showed that FPS remained stable in the two reactivation groups, but increased to the CS+, but not the CS- in the no reactivation group.

Implications

These findings suggest that a verbal manipulation of the expectation for learning may not be salient enough to enhance reconsolidation. Results are discussed in relation to theories on differences in between SCR, as a measure of cognitive awareness, and FPS, as a measure of fear.
Kinetics and mechanisms of catalyzed dual-E (antithetic) controllers
Authors: Waheed Qaiser , Zhou Huimin , Ruoff Peter
Published: August 2022

Homeostasis plays a central role in our understanding how cells and organisms are able to oppose environmental disturbances and thereby maintain an internal stability. During the last two decades there has been an increased interest in using control engineering methods, especially integral control, in the analysis and design of homeostatic networks. Several reaction kinetic mechanisms have been discovered which lead to integral control. In two of them integral control is achieved, either by the removal of a single control species E by zero-order kinetics (“single-E controllers”), or by the removal of two control species by second-order kinetics (“antithetic or dual-E control”). In this paper we show results when the control species E1 and E2 in antithetic control are removed enzymatically by ping-pong or ternary-complex mechanisms. Our findings show that enzyme-catalyzed dual-E controllers can work in two control modes. In one mode, one of the two control species is active, but requires zero-order kinetics in its removal. In the other mode, both controller species are active and both are removed enzymatically. Conditions for the two control modes are put forward and biochemical examples with the structure of enzyme-catalyzed dual-E controllers are discussed.
Classification of QRS complexes to detect Premature Ventricular Contraction using machine learning techniques
Authors: De Marco Fabiola , Ferrucci Filomena , Risi Michele , Tortora Genoveffa
Published: August 2022

Detection of Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC) is of crucial importance in the cardiology field, not only to improve the health system but also to reduce the workload of experts who analyze electrocardiograms (ECG) manually. PVC is a non-harmful common occurrence represented by extra heartbeats, whose diagnosis is not always easily identifiable, especially when done by long-term manual ECG analysis. In some cases, it may lead to disastrous consequences when associated with other pathologies. This work introduces an approach to identify PVCs using machine learning techniques without feature extraction and cross-validation techniques. In particular, a group of six classifiers has been used: Decision Tree, Random Forest, Long-Short Term Memory (LSTM), Bidirectional LSTM, ResNet-18, MobileNetv2, and ShuffleNet. Two types of experiments have been performed on data extracted from the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia database: (i) the original dataset and (ii) the balanced dataset. MobileNetv2 came in first in both experiments with high performance and promising results for PVCs’ final diagnosis. The final results showed 99.90% of accuracy in the first experiment and 99.00% in the second one, despite no feature detection techniques were used. The approach we used, which was focused on classification without using feature extraction and cross-validation techniques, allowed us to provide excellent performance and obtain better results. Finally, this research defines as first step toward understanding the explanations for deep learning models’ incorrect classifications.
Optimum time for hand pollination in yam (Dioscorea spp.)
Authors: Mondo Jean M. , Agre Paterne A. , Asiedu Robert , Akoroda Malachy O. , Asfaw Asrat
Published: August 2022

Hand pollination success rate is low in yam (Dioscorea spp.), due partly to suboptimal weather conditions. Thus, determining the most suitable time for pollination could improve the pollination success in yam breeding programs. We performed continuous hand pollination within flowering windows of D. rotundata and D. alata for two consecutive years to determine the most appropriate month, week, and hours of the day allowing maximum pollination success. In D. alata crossing block, we observed significant differences among crossing hours for pollination success (p = 0.003); morning hours (8–12 a.m.) being more conducive than afternoons (12–5 p.m.). No significant differences existed between crossing hours in D. rotundata, though the mid-day seemed optimal. For both species, the time interval 11–12 a.m. was more appropriate for crossing while 4–5 p.m. was the poorest. However, in vitro pollen germination tests showed that mid-day pollen collection (12 noon–2 p.m.) had better results than both extremes, though there were strong genotypic effects on outcomes. Pollination success rates differed significantly among months for D. alata (p < 0.001) but not for D. rotundata (p > 0.05). Differences in pollination success existed across weeks within flowering windows of both D. alata (p < 0.001) and D. rotundata (p = 0.004). The seed production efficiency (SPE) had a similar trend as the pollination success rate. No clear pattern existed between the pollination time and the seed setting rate (SSR) or seed viability (SV), though their dynamics varied with weeks and months. This study provided an insight on the dynamics of pollination outcomes under the influence of pollination times and allows detecting months, weeks, and hours of the day when hybridization activities should be focused for better results.
Four-way decomposition of effect of cigarette smoking and body mass index on serum lipid profiles
Authors: Yu Wenhao , Gao Chaonan , Zhao Xiangjuan , Li Chunxia , Fan Bingbing , Lv Jiali , Wei Mengke , He Li , Su Chang , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2022

Objective

Smoking and obesity are established risk factors of dyslipidemia, however, the interplay between them has not been well studied. This study aims to explore the joint effect of smoking and body mass index (BMI) on serum lipid profiles.

Methods

The study consisted of 9846 Chinese adults (mean age = 49.9 years, 47.6% males, 31.2% ever smokers), based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Serum lipid profiles included total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A (APO-A), and apolipoprotein B (Apo-B). The joint effect of smoking and BMI on serum lipids were examined by the four-way decomposition analysis and multivariate linear regression models.

Results

The four-way decomposition showed that the interplay between smoking and BMI was complicated. There was only indirect effect (the mediated effect) between smoking and BMI on TC, LDL-C and APO-B. The pure indirect effect was -0.023 for TC, -0.018 for LDL-C, and -0.009 for APO-B. For TG, HDL-C and APO-A, the interaction effect was dominant. The reference interaction (the interactive effect when the mediator is left to what it would be in the absence of exposure) was 0.474 (P < 0.001) for TG, -0.245 (P = 0.002) for HDL-C, and -0.222 (P < 0.001) for APO-A, respectively. The effect of BMI on TG, HDL-C and APO-A were significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (TG: 0.151 in smokers versus 0.097 in nonsmokers, HDL-C: -0.037 versus -0.027, APO-A: -0.019 versus -0.009, P for difference < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion

These findings illustrate the joint effects of smoking and BMI on serum lipid profiles. There were significant interaction effects of smoking and BMI on TG, HDL-C and APO-A, while BMI maybe a mediator for the association of smoking with TC, LDL-C and APO-B. The effects between them were rather complex. Smoking cessation is necessary, especially for those overweight.
Collection and detection of SARS-CoV-2 in exhaled breath using face mask
Authors: Kim Hwang-soo , Lee Hansol , Park Junsoo , Abbas Naseem , Kang Seonghui , Hyun Hakjun , Seong Hye , Yoon Jin Gu , Noh Ji Yun , Kim Woo Joo , Shin Sehyun
Published: August 2022

Face masks are used to protect the wearer from harmful external air and to prevent transmission of viruses from air exhaled by potentially infected wearers to the surrounding people. In this study, we examined the potential utility of masks for collecting viruses contained in exhaled breath and detected the collected viruses via various molecular tests. Using KF94 masks, the inner electrostatic filter was selected for virus collection, and an RNA extraction protocol was developed for the face mask. Virus detection in worn mask samples was performed using PCR and rolling circle amplification (RCA) tests and four different target genes (N, E, RdRp, and ORF1ab genes). The present study confirmed that the mask sample tests showed positive SARS-CoV-2 results, similar to the PCR tests using nasopharyngeal swab samples. In addition, the quantity of nucleic acid collected in the masks linearly increased with wearing time. These results suggest that samples for SARS-CoV-2 tests can be collected in a noninvasive, quick, and easy method by simply submitting worn masks from subjects, which can significantly reduce the hassle of waiting at airports or public places and concerns about cross-infection. In addition, it is expected that miniaturization technology will integrate PCR assays on face masks in the near future, and mask-based self-diagnosis would play a significant role in resolving the pandemic situation.
Inhibition of experimental autoimmune uveitis by intravitreal AAV-Equine-IL10 gene therapy
Authors: Crabtree Elizabeth , Uribe Katy , Smith Sara M. , Roberts Darby , Salmon Jacklyn H. , Bower Jacquelyn J. , Song Liujiang , Bastola Prabhakar , Hirsch Matthew L. , Gilger Brian C.
Published: August 2022

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a spontaneous, painful, and vision threatening disease affecting up to 25% of equine populations worldwide. Current treatments of ERU are non-specific and have many side effects which limits them to short-term use. In order to develop an effective therapy for ERU, we investigated the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy, exploiting a natural immune tolerance mechanism induced by equine interleukin-10 (Equine-IL10). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a single intravitreal (IVT) dose of AAV8-Equine-IL10 gene therapy for inhibition of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in rats. Each rat was dosed intravitreally (IVT) in both eyes with either balanced salt solution (BSS) (control; n = 4), AAV8-Equine-IL10 at a low dose (2.4x109vg; n = 5) or high dose (2.4x1010vg; n = 5). EAU was induced in all groups of rats 7 days after IVT injections and euthanized 21 days post-injection. Ophthalmic examination and aqueous humor (AH) cell counts were recorded with the observer blinded to the treatment groups. Histopathology and qPCR were performed on selected ocular tissues. Data presented herein demonstrate that AAV8-Equine-IL10 treated rats exhibited a significant decrease in clinical inflammatory scores and AH cell counts compared to BSS-treated EAU eyes on days 10, 12 and 14 post EAU induction at both administered vector doses. Mean cellular histologic infiltrative scores were also significantly less in AAV8-Equine-IL10 dosed rats compared to the BSS group. Intravitreal injection of AAV8-Equine-IL10 resulted in Equine-IL10 cDNA expression in the ciliary body, retina, cornea, and optic nerve in a dose-dependent manner. A single IVT injection of AAV8-Equine-IL10 appeared to be well-tolerated and inhibited EAU even at the lowest administered dose. These results demonstrate safety and efficacy of AAV8-Equine-IL10 to prevent EAU and support continued exploration of AAV gene therapy for the treatment of equine and perhaps human recurrent uveitis.
Comparison of 8- versus 12-weeks of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for Taiwanese patients with hepatitis C and compensated cirrhosis in a real-world setting
Authors: Lu Yung-Hsin , Lu Chung-Kuang , Chen Chun-Hsien , Hsieh Yung-Yu , Tung Shui-Yi , Chen Yi-Hsing , Yen Chih-Wei , Tung Wei-Lin , Chang Kao-Chi , Chen Wei-Ming , Lu Sheng-Nan , Hung Chao-Hung , Chang Te-Sheng
Published: August 2022

Real-world data on the effectiveness of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) for patients with HCV infection and compensated cirrhosis is limited, especially for the 8-week regimen and in an Asian population. This retrospective study enrolled 159 consecutive patients with HCV and compensated cirrhosis who were treated with GLE/PIB at a single center in Taiwan. Sustained virological response (SVR) and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Among the 159 patients, 91 and 68 were treated with GLE/PIB for 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. In the per protocol analysis, both the 8- and 12-week groups achieved 100% SVR (87/87 vs. 64/64); and in the evaluable population analysis, 95.6% (87/91) of the 8-week group and 94.1% (64/68) of the 12-week group achieved SVR. The most commonly reported AEs, which included pruritus (15.4% vs. 26.5%), abdominal discomfort (9.9% vs. 5.9%), and skin rash (5.5% vs. 5.9%), were mild for the 8- and 12-week groups. Two patients in the 8-week group exhibited total bilirubin elevation over three times the upper normal limit. One of these two patients discontinued GLE/PIB treatment after 2 weeks but still achieved SVR. Both 8- and 12-week GLE/PIB treatments are safe and effective for patients of Taiwanese ethnicity with HCV and compensated cirrhosis.
Medication regimen complexity and its association with adherence and blood pressure control among hypertensive patients at selected hospitals of South Gondar Zone: A hospital based cross sectional study
Authors: Yazie Taklo Simeneh , Mengistu Workneh Ebabu , Asmare Zemen , Belete Abebe Muche , Teshome Assefa Agegnehu , Yimer Yohannes Shumet
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Despite the availability of effective antihypertensive medications, blood pressure (BP) control is suboptimal. High medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) is known to reduce adherence and may be the reason for poor BP control. However, there is no data in the present study areas. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess MRCI and its association with adherence and BP control among hypertensive patients at selected hospitals of South Gondar Zone.

Methods

A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from December 1, 2020 to February 30, 2021 at selected hospitals of South Gondar Zone. Medication regimen complexity and adherence was evaluated using 65-item validated tool called MRCI and eight items Morisky Medication Adherence, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to determine the association between predictive and outcome variables.

Results

About 3.3% of participants were classified as having high HTN specific MRCI whereas 34.75% of participants were classified as having high patient level MRCI. Among participants, 37.8% were adherent to their medications, and 52.2% of respondents were categorized as having controlled BP. Multivariate logistic regression showed being married, and having lower education level was more likely and less likely to be adherent, respectively. Being illiterate, and having low HTN MRCI were more likely to have controlled BP in adjusted analyses. On the contrary, being non-adherent, not having health insurance, and having lower monthly income were less likely to have controlled BP.

Conclusion

A considerable proportion of patients had high MRCI. Having low HTN MRCI was more likely to have controlled BP. Simplification of a complex medication regimen for patients with HTN should be sought by physicians and pharmacists to improve BP control.
Timely initiation of antenatal care and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Redi Toffik , Seid Oumer , Bazie Getaw Walle , Amsalu Erkihun Tadesse , Cherie Niguss , Yalew Melaku
Published: August 2022

Background

The timing of initiation of first antenatal care visit is paramount for ensuring optimal care and health outcomes for women and children. However, the existing evidence from developing countries, including Ethiopia, indicates that most pregnant women are attending antenatal care in late pregnancy. Thus, this study was aimed to assess timely initiation of antenatal care and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 375 pregnant women from April 15 to June 15, 2019 in Southwest Ethiopia. A structured and pre-tested face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire technique was used to collect data. Systematic random sampling technique was employed to recruit pregnant women. The data were entered into Epi data version 4.4.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Frequency tables, charts and measures of central tendency were used to describe the data. The effect of each variable on timely initiation of antenatal care was assessed using bi-variable logistic regression. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with timely initiation of antenatal care. The adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p<0.05 was used to identify factors associated with timely initiation of antenatal care.

Results

The study revealed that 41.9% of pregnant women started antenatal care timely. Pregnant women who had good knowledge of timely initiation of antenatal care (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.2–6.5), planned to be pregnant (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI: 2.9–8.9), being primigravida (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.4–4.7) and confirmed their pregnancy by urine test (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI: 2.4–6.9) were found to be significant predictors for timely initiation of antenatal care.

Conclusions

Despite the efforts made to make ANC visit services freely available, timely initiation of antenatal care among pregnant women in the study area was low. Pregnant women who had good knowledge of timely initiation of antenatal care, planned to be pregnant, being primigravida and confirmed pregnancy by urine test were found to be significant predictors for timely initiation of antenatal care. Therefore, efforts that strengthen awareness on antenatal care and its right time of commencement, increase pregnant women’s knowledge of timing of antenatal care services and reducing unplanned pregnancies should be organized.
Bi-directional long short term memory-gated recurrent unit model for Amharic next word prediction
Authors: Endalie Demeke , Haile Getamesay , Taye Wondmagegn
Published: August 2022

The next word prediction is useful for the users and helps them to write more accurately and quickly. Next word prediction is vital for the Amharic Language since different characters can be written by pressing the same consonants along with different vowels, combinations of vowels, and special keys. As a result, we present a Bi-directional Long Short Term-Gated Recurrent Unit (BLST-GRU) network model for the prediction of the next word for the Amharic Language. We evaluate the proposed network model with 63,300 Amharic sentence and produces 78.6% accuracy. In addition, we have compared the proposed model with state-of-the-art models such as LSTM, GRU, and BLSTM. The experimental result shows, that the proposed network model produces a promising result.
Multi-center matched cohort study of convalescent plasma for hospitalized patients with COVID-19
Authors: Zhou Cindy Ke , Bennett Monica M. , Villa Carlos H. , Hammonds Kendall P. , Lu Yun , Ettlinger Jason , Priest Elisa L. , Gottlieb Robert L. , Davis Steven , Mays Edward , Clarke Tainya C. , Shoaibi Azadeh , Wong Hui-Lee , Anderson Steven A. , Kelly Ronan J.
Published: August 2022

Background

Although frequently used in the early pandemic, data on the effectiveness of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) remain mixed. We investigated the effectiveness and safety of CCP in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in real-world practices during the first two waves of the pandemic in a multi-hospital healthcare system in Texas.

Methods and findings

Among 11,322 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection from July 1, 2020 to April 15, 2021, we included patients who received CCP and matched them with those who did not receive CCP within ±2 days of the transfusion date across sites within strata of sex, age groups, days and use of dexamethasone from hospital admission to the match date, and oxygen requirements 4–12 hours prior to the match date. Cox proportional hazards model estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for effectiveness outcomes in a propensity score 1:1 matched cohort. Pre-defined safety outcomes were described. We included 1,245 patients each in the CCP treated and untreated groups. Oxygen support was required by 93% of patients at the baseline. The pre-defined primary effectiveness outcome of 28-day in-hospital all-cause mortality (HR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.66,1.10) were similar between treatment groups. Sensitivity and stratified analyses found similar null results. CCP-treated patients were less likely to be discharged alive (HR = 0.82; 95%CI: 0.74, 0.91), and more likely to receive mechanical ventilation (HR = 1.48; 95%CI: 1.12, 1.96). Safety outcomes were rare and similar between treatment groups.

Conclusion

The findings in this large, matched cohort of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and mostly requiring oxygen support at the time of treatment, do not support a clinical benefit in 28-day in-hospital all-cause mortality for CCP. Future studies should assess the potential benefits with specifically high-titer units in perhaps certain subgroups of patients (e.g. those with early disease or immunocompromised).
Effectiveness of web-based intervention for life-change adaptation in family caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with acquired brain injury: A cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Iwata (Shindo) Yuka , Tadaka Etsuko
Published: August 2022

Objective

To test the effectiveness of the web-based intervention “Koji-family.net 3-day program” (KF3 PGM) for life-change adaptation in family caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI).

Design

A cluster-randomized trial.

Settings

All 82 institutions for families of individuals with ABI in Japan.

Participants

Participants were 240 families at 16 different institutions for families of individuals with ABI. Inclusion criteria for participants were (1) families caring for an individual with ABI, (2) family members aged 20 years and over, and (3) the individual with ABI developed ABI when aged more than 16 years and less than 65 years.

Methods

Clusters were randomly assigned to the intervention (8 clusters, n = 120) or the control (8 clusters, n = 120) group. For the intervention group, the KF3 PGM was assigned, in addition to routine family group activities to enhance the life-change adaptation. The control group followed their daily routine and received usual services. The primary outcome was the life-change adaptation scale (LCAS); secondary outcomes were the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) and the positive appraisal of care (PAC) scale at the baseline, after 3 days (short-term follow-up), and after 1 month (long-term follow-up). A mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) was applied.

Results

A total of 91 participants were enrolled. The mean age (SE) of the participants was 64.0 (9.2) years; 87.8% of them were female. The intervention group showed better improvement in the LCAS than the control group in the whole study period (F = 6.5, p = 0.002). The mean observed change in LCAS from baseline was +8.0 (SE = 2.0) at 3 days and +11.6 (SE = 2.0) at 1 month in the intervention group (F = 18.7, p < 0.001). No significant differences in MSPSS and PAC were observed among the intervention and control groups in the whole study.

Conclusions

The KF3 PGM can be an effective method of enhancing the adaptation to daily life in family caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with ABI. The results show that a potential web-based intervention in institutions for families of individuals with ABI plays a substantial, longer-term role in their support in Japan. Future studies could address the same research questions in different settings and cultures for family caregivers for even longer time periods.
Winning and losing in online gambling: Effects on within-session chasing
Authors: Chen Zhang , Doekemeijer Roos Arwen , Noël Xavier , Verbruggen Frederick
Published: August 2022

The tendency to continue or intensify gambling after losing (loss-chasing) is widely regarded as a defining feature of gambling disorder. However, loss-chasing in real gambling contexts is multifaceted, and some aspects are better understood than others. Gamblers may chase losses between multiple sessions or within a single session. Furthermore, within a session, loss-chasing can be expressed in the decision of (1) when to stop, (2) how much stake to bet, and (3) the speed of play after winning and losing. Using a large player-tracking data set (>2500 players, >10 million rounds) collected from the online commercial game Mystery Arena, we examined these three behavioral expressions of within-session loss-chasing. While the first two aspects (when to stop and how much stake to bet) have been examined previously, the current research is the first large-scale study to examine the effects of wins and losses on the speed of play in real gambling. The players were additionally assigned different involvement levels by the operator based on their gambling behavior on the operator’s own platform, which further allowed us to examine group differences in loss-chasing. We found that after winning, both the high- and low-involvement groups were less likely to stop, and increased the stake amount, thus showing win-chasing instead of loss-chasing in these two facets. After losing, both groups played more quickly though, which may reflect an urge to continue gambling (as an expression of loss-chasing). Wins and losses had a smaller influence on the speed of play for the high-involvement players, suggesting that they might have reduced sensitivity to wins and/or losses. Future work can further examine chasing in different gambling products and in people with gambling problems to assess the generalizability of these findings.
Public knowledge, practices, and awareness of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in Myanmar: The first national mobile phone panel survey
Authors: Miyano Shinsuke , Htoon Thi Thi , Nozaki Ikuma , Pe Eh Htoo , Tin Htay Htay
Published: August 2022

In 2017, the Myanmar National Action Plan for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) (2017–2022) was endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar; one of its objectives was to increase public awareness of AMR to accelerate appropriate antibiotic use. This survey aimed to assess the public knowledge, practices and awareness concerning antibiotics and AMR awareness among adults in Myanmar. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional mobile phone panel survey in January and February 2020. Participants were randomly selected from the mobile phone panel in each of three groups stratified by gender, age group, and residential area urbanity; they were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Collected data were weighted based on the population of each stratum from the latest national census and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Two thousand and forty-five adults from 12 regions and states participated in this survey. Overall, 89.5% of participants had heard about antibiotics; however, only 0.9% provided correct answers to all five questions about antibiotics, whereas 9.7% provided all incorrect answers. More than half of participants (58.5%) purchased antibiotics without a prescription, mainly from medical stores or pharmacies (87.9%); this was more frequent in age group (18–29 years) and those in rural areas (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). Only 56.3% were aware of antibiotic resistance and received their information from medical professionals (46.3%), family members or friends (38.9%), or the media (26.1%). Less than half (42.4%) knew that antibiotics were used in farm animals. Most did not know that using antibiotics in farm animals could develop resistance (73.2%) and is banned for the purposes of growth stimulation (64.1%). This survey identifies considerable gaps in the knowledge, practices, and awareness about antibiotics among the general population in Myanmar. Continuous public education and awareness campaigns must be urgently conducted to fulfill these gaps, which would aid in promoting antibiotic stewardship, leading to combating AMR in Myanmar.
Expressive portraiture as research: Exploration, ideation and discovery
Authors: Helmick Linda
Published: August 2022

Expressive portraiture, as a form of arts-based research, is an emerging methodology that complements traditional approaches to qualitative inquiry. Marrying phenomenological methodology to arts practice, the artist-as-researcher can explore meanings that are often taken for granted. Expressive portraits facilitate the researcher’s reflections on participants’ experiences, allowing the development of complex ideas and feelings. The portraits became my entry point to understanding participants’ lived experience and offered an avenue to explore and deepen our relationships. However, one participant and I unexpectedly diverged in our interpretations, a vulnerable experience for us both. In my quest to deeply understand the experiences of my participants, I found that I had to release my own preconceived notions. The arts-based method of expressive portraiture made visible my interpretation, that altered my conceptions of qualitative research, and who I am as an artist/researcher/teacher.
Exploring the sister cells of embryo sac: developmental and functional attributes
Authors: Kaur Inderdeep , Koul Monika
Published: August 2022

Synergids are metabolically dynamic cells of the egg apparatus and represent an important component of the female gametophyte. Besides directing the growth of the pollen tube towards the micropylar end of the embryo sac, these ephemeral structures make room for the pollen tube cytoplasm. The nature of chemotrophic substances that direct the growth of the pollen tube, the mechanism of degeneration of one of the synergids before fertilization and the molecular aspects of synergid morphogenesis have been studied in detail. Research carried out on model systems such as Arabidopsis, Brassica, Capsella, Triticum and Torenia has expanded our understanding of the molecular regulation of the pollen tube journey, its guidance and navigation in the pistil. Recently, the critical role of the central cell in fertilization and prevention of polytubey has also been thoroughly investigated. Interesting aspects that lead to degeneration of synergids, and the factors governing degeneration, including molecular aspects, have produced a paradigm shift in the understanding of these intriguing units. Sophisticated confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, and molecular tools have helped in furthering our knowledge of the functioning of synergids. Recent research using high throughput techniques has deciphered the role of various genes that regulate and govern the release of chemotropic substances, cell-to-cell interaction and synergid cell degeneration. Moreover, with the diversity displayed in form and function of organs in the angiosperms, and the switching of roles of the cells of egg apparatus, new insights have been provided into the involvement of synergids both pre- and post-fertilization. The present review provides a comprehensive account of synergids, their role in fertilization and the post fertilization events that have emerged using interdisciplinary approaches in recent years. We also discuss the variations observed in degeneration of synergids and the mechanisms that have been unraveled recently. Study of the dynamism exhibited by synergids reveals newer roles of these in fertilization. How synergids in angiosperm taxa where genetic transformation/alteration is carried out will respond to pollen stimuli is still unknown. Since environmental factors such as light and temperature have a significant impact on synergids and fertilization, it would be rewarding to study the role of chemo-attractants and other factors in elucidating the functional roles of synergids. Further research into developing adequate protocols for manipulating synergid functions is certainly required. This research has enormous potential in the advancement of basic science and has potential applications in agriculture, horticulture, and bioprospecting.
ntegrated Curriculum Approaches to Teaching in Initial Teacher Education for Secondary Schooling: A Systematic Review
Authors:   Queensland University of Technology, Bourke Terri , L’Estrange Lyra ,   Queensland University of Technology, Willis Jill ,   Queensland University of Technology, Alford Jennifer ,   Queensland University of Technology, Davis James ,   Queensland University of Technology, Henderson Deborah ,   Queensland University of Technology, Tambyah Mallihai ,   Queensland University of Technology, Henderson Senka ,   Queensland University of Technology, Clark-Fookes Tricia ,   Queensland University of Technology
Published: August 2022

Demands that Initial Teacher Education (ITE) prepare teachers who can equip students to be agile real-world problem solvers are frequent. Guidance about ITE integrated curriculum approaches to achieve this aim is harder to find, a significant gap given increasing time and policy pressures for ITE educators. Drawing from an Australian context, this systematic review investigates how integrated curriculum is conceptualised and enacted in secondary schooling ITE courses. Three conceptions of integrated curriculum for ITE are highlighted – Interdisciplinary, Disciplinary Literacy, and Transdisciplinary approaches – alongside benefits and barriers to enacting integrated curriculum. Recommendations for further research and practice around integrated curriculum are proposed.
INFERIOR TURBINOPLASTY: COMPARISON BETWEEN THE DIRECT VISION AND NASAL ENDOSCOPIC TECHNIQUES
Authors: Santana Jéssyca Porto , Ribeiro Filho Roberto Hyczy , Iwamoto Cassio Wassano , Soares Maria Fernanda de Aguiar , Hurtado Johann G. G. Melcherts
Published: August 2022

The hypertrophy of inferior turbinates is considered one of the main causes of nasal obstruction. There are clinical and surgical options for treatment. If clinical control fails, the volumetric reduction of those structures is usually recommended. Theendoscopic approach is considered safe, as it enables a comprehensive assessment of the extent of the turbinate anatomy and effective hemostasis. Turbinoplasty is a procedure that requires manual skill and has the advantages of non-exposure of raw area, less chance of bleeding and less crusting. This study aimed to compare the postoperative outcome of patients who underwent inferior turbinoplasty under direct vision and via nasal endoscopy, through a prospective randomized study conducted at the IPO hospital (Instituto Paranaense de Otorrinolaringologia, Curitiba/PR, Brazil). In this study, 17 patients were evaluated and divided into two groups according to the surgical technique used. Both groups underwent flexible nasofibroscopy on the 15th and 30th day postoperatively, were asked if they experienced cacosmia, and if there was any need for nasal packing during the period. Although the video technique offers a broad view of the nasal anatomy and of the inferior turbinates, it demands more adequate material and more experience from the surgeon, and its surgical time is longer. By considering these results, we can conclude that there are no statistical differences between the postoperative results of the two turbinoplasty techniques.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PRE- AND POSTOPERATIVE ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS OF PATIENTS SUBMITTED TO RHINOPLASTY
Authors: Dal Negro Junior Ênio Murilo , Soares Caio Márcio Correia , Soares Maria Fernanda de Aguiar , Tanaka Gabriel Kenzo , Soares Pedro de Aguiar
Published: August 2022

Facial anthropometry has an important role in rhinoplasty, as it makes palpable for surgeons the irregularities they deal with, while also assisting in the choice of the tools to correct them. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine the pre- and postoperative nasal anthropometric measurements of patients undergoing rhinoplasty in a tertiary hospital (IPO Hospital, Curitiba, Brazil), given that such studies are scarce in the Brazilian population. The evaluation of the nasal measurements was performed via specialized software and compared to classical values from the literature. Except for the nasolabial angle, the remaining values differed from the neoclassical canons of beauty, both pre- and postoperatively.The data corroborated a previous population study from the region, while showing the changes in this population thought to be mostly Caucasian. The postoperative outcome indicates a narrower and shorter nose trend, with a more obtuse nasofrontal angle and nasolabial angle values preserved.
ENDOSCOPIC FRONTAL SINUS SURGERY: SURGICAL TECHNIQUE IN AUGMENTED REALITY
Authors: Santos Marco Cesar Jorge dos
Published: August 2022

This FESS (Functions Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) article demonstrates the evolution of knowledge transmission through augmented reality (AR) to a safer procedure for frontal sinus surgery
HUBUNGAN ANTARA DUKUNGAN SOSIAL TEMAN SEBAYA DENGAN EFIKASI DIRI KEPUTUSAN KARIR PADA MAHASISWA TAHUN KETIGA FAKULTAS PSIKOLOGI UNIVERSITAS DIPONEGORO
Authors: Rahayu Rella Budhi , Sawitri Dian Ratna
Published: August 2022

Efikasi diri keputusan karir adalah keyakinan individu dalam mengambil keputusan-keputusan yang berkaitan dengan karir. Mahasiswa memiliki tingkat efikasi diri keputusan karir yang berbeda-beda, karena terdapat berbagai faktor yang berkontribusi dalam terbentuknya efikasi diri keputusan karir. Dukungan sosial merupakan salah satu faktor yang diduga dapat menentukan efikasi diri keputusan karir mahasiswa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara dukungan sosial teman sebaya dengan efikasi diri keputusan karir pada mahasiswa tahun ketiga Fakultas Psikologi Universitas Diponegoro. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah 200 mahasiswa tahun ketiga Fakultas Psikologi. Sampel penelitian sejumlah 127 mahasiswa diperoleh dengan metode convenience sampling. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan dua alat ukur, yaitu Skala Efikasi Diri Keputusan Karir (28 aitem,=0,924 ) dan Skala Dukungan Sosial Teman Sebaya (37 aitem,=0,955). Hasil pengolahan data menggunakan uji korelasi regresi sederhana diperoleh nilai rxy= 0,520, dengan p = 0,000 (p < 0,05), sehingga didapatkan hubungan positif yang signifikan antara dukungan sosial teman sebaya dengan efikasi diri keputusan karir pada mahasiswa tahun ketiga Fakultas Psikologi Universitas Diponegoro. Semakin tinggi dukungan sosial teman sebaya maka semakin tinggi efikasi diri keputusan karir mahasiswa, sebaliknya semakin rendah tingkat dukungan sosial teman sebaya, maka semakin rendah efikasi diri keputusan karir mahasiswa. Dukungan sosial teman sebaya memberikan kontribusi sebesar 27% terhadap efikasi diri keputusan karir pada mahasiswa tahun ketiga Fakultas Psikologi Universitas Diponegoro.Kata kunci: dukungan sosial teman sebaya; efikasi diri keputusan karir; mahasiswa
Effectiveness of Core Exercise Training Programs Designed to Enhance Ball-Throwing Velocity in Overhead Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Oyama Sakiko , Palmer Thomas G.
Published: August 2022

In overhead throwing, core muscles play a role in transferring momentum from the trunk to the arm. Yet, studies evaluating various core exercise programs on core muscle function and ball-throwing velocity yield varying results. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize the effects of these programs on ball-throwing velocity and trunk muscle function based on the focus of the training program. Searches were conducted using MEDLINE on November 24, 2020, and updated on April 27, 2022. Articles were included if the training was administered to overhead-throwing athletes, targeted the core musculature, and had at least 1 comparison group. Of a total of 875 articles retrieved, 11 were selected for analysis. The synthesis of evidence suggests that (a) commonly used spinal stabilization exercises may improve trunk muscle endurance and isometric strength, but not ball-throwing velocity; (b) advanced spinal stabilization exercises performed on a sling suspension system can improve ball-throwing velocity; and (c) trunk plyometrics using medicine balls can improve trunk rotational strength, power, and ball-throwing velocity. More challenging core exercises that incorporate unstable surfaces, higher resistance, and dynamic trunk movement seem necessary to promote improvement in ball-throwing velocity.