bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crafting Tempo and Timeframes in Qualitative Longitudinal Research: Case Studies From Health Research
Authors: Wanat Marta , Weller Susie , Borek Aleksandra J. , Newhouse Nikki , McNiven Abi
Published: August 2024

Qualitative Longitudinal Research (QLR) is a dynamic and evolving methodology using time as a lens to inform study design, data collection and analysis. A key feature of QLR is the collection of data on more than one occasion, often described as waves or time points. Thus, researchers embarking on designing a new study need to consider several key features including the study duration (timeframe) and the frequency and intensity of data collection (tempo). Yet, how to embed these features in practice is not well described. Leveraging the intensive-extensive temporal plane of time, we explore research approaches employing both shorter and longer timeframes, as well as intensive and extensive tempos. Drawing on six studies that we have conducted, we discuss four pivotal aspects including: (i) crafting intensive-extensive tempo and timeframes; (ii) defining baseline and closure points; (iii) planning for flexibility; and (iv) working ethically within a temporal lens. By examining and critically analysing these case studies through the lens of the intensive-extensive plane of time, this article aspires to offer insights for researchers interested in using the QLR design in healthcare. We thus aim to prepare researchers for embedding these features during the research process.
Performing terror, communicating fear: Analysing terrorism as performance of violence
Authors: Ette Mercy
Published: August 2024

This study conceptualizes terrorist acts as performance of violence. It concentrates on how Jama’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lida’awati Wal Jihad, a transnational terrorist group commonly known as Boko Haram, stages dramatic spectacles to generate public fear and anxiety by deploying the news media to publicize its activities. Predicated on a conceptual framework consisting of performance theory, news media–terrorism nexus and newsworthiness, the study illustrates how terrorist groups and media organizations exploit each other’s affordances to actualize tactical and strategic goals. The author asserts that terrorist groups command the attention and gaze of diverse audiences by generating newsworthy, conflictual, consequential and impactful contents for news organizations. The study concludes that Boko Haram’s activities are illustrative of terrorism as the communication of symbolic messages through the performance of violence.
The association between self-assessed improvement in mental health preceding rotator cuff repair and patient satisfaction: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Moore Brady P , Allen Dexter , Clark David S , Somerson Jeremy S
Published: August 2024

Background

The association between preoperative mental health trends and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) outcomes and patient satisfaction has not been previously described. We investigated the association between a subjective change in preoperative mental health and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and achievement of patient satisfaction and substantial clinical benefit (SCB), defined as an improvement of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment score ≥ 17.5, following RCR.

Methods

Among patients undergoing RCR, various PROMs were collected preoperatively and at follow-up intervals up to 2 years postoperatively. Patient satisfaction and achievement of SCB were analyzed relative to subjective reports of better, worse, or unchanged mental health in the year preceding RCR and preoperative PROMs.

Results

Eighty-eight patients (47 male and 41 female) with a median age of 60.0 years (interquartile range (IQR), 10.0) were included in this study. All patients (n = 13) who reported improved mental health status preceding RCR had significantly better satisfaction ( P = 0.03) and SCB ( P ≤ 0.05) at 2 years postoperatively compared to patients who reported worse or unchanged mental status.

Discussion

Subjective improvement in mental health status preceding arthroscopic RCR was associated with patient satisfaction and achievement of SCB at 2 years postoperatively.
Electoral Accountability in a Multilevel Governance Context: Economic Voting and Gubernatorial Support in Latin America
Authors: Gélineau François , Turgeon Mathieu , Dufresne Yannick , Déry Axel
Published: August 2024

We know a great deal about how individual and institutional factors combine to explain economic voting in well-established democracies, but much less is known about these dynamics in younger democracies and even less so in subnational contexts. Using survey and fiscal data from four federal Latin American countries and adopting a multilevel estimation strategy, we examine voters’ ability to blame and reward governors for the state of the economy (state and national levels) while simultaneously accounting for the states’ level of fiscal centralization and partisan dynamics between the two levels. We find that support for governors is weakly associated with the economy but more strongly so with presidential approval. More importantly, we find that fiscal centralization and partisan dynamics moderate the association between the economy, presidential approval, and support for governors. Little support is found, however, for the clarity of responsibility argument in multilevel governance in these Latin American countries.
Identifying Potential Bioactive Components and Targets of Shaofuzhuyu Decoction in Treating Endometriosis Using serum Pharmacochemistry and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Li Qiyao , Liu Jing , Ding Lin , Yang Dongxia , Piao Chengyu , Yu Yang , Wu Xiuhong
Published: August 2024

Objective

To evaluate the underlying pharmacodynamics and therapeutic mechanism of Shaofuzhuyu Decoction (SFZYD) in treating Endometriosis (EMs).

Methods

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to identify prototype ingredients of SFZYD in serum samples of EMs model rats. SFZYD was screened by Network Pharmacology for potential bioactive components, targets and key pathways in vivo according to the prototype components in blood. Subsequently, the binding activities of the potential bioactive compounds and key targets were tested by molecular docking techniques.

Results

170 components of SFZYD were characterized in vitro using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and a total of 40 prototype ingredients of SFZYD were identified in rat serum. Network pharmacology predicted 90 protein targets and 193 pathways associated with EMs based on these prototypes. Five components of SFZYD were screened as potential biological activities, and four core targets were identified, these components were trans-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, ethyl p-methoxycinnamate, ferulic acid, protoferulic acid, and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, while the identified core targets were ESR1, EGFR, SRC, and MAPK1. Vigorous binding activities between potential bioactive components and the core targets were demonstrated by molecular docking studies.

Conclusion

The present study elucidated that 13 active components in SFZYD act to treat EMs by regulating four core targets, ESR1, EGFR, SRC and MAPK1, through multiple signalling pathways, and have multi-target, multi-component and synergistic effects, which may serve as a reference and basis for the development of new drugs for treating EMs.
Multiple Pathways to Leadership: A Revision and Extension of the CIP Leadership Framework
Authors: Hunter Sam T. , Lovelace Jeffrey B. , Neely Brett H. , Allen Julian
Published: August 2024

The charismatic, ideological, and pragmatic (CIP) theory of leadership emphasizes an equifinality approach to leading, where a diverse set of styles are theorized to serve as viable routes to leader influence and success. The theory has received substantial support and attention over the past 15 years, yet there is a need to address key limitations and expand on insights from recent reviews to offer a revised and extended version of the CIP theory. We offer that each leader type emphasizes varying influence mechanisms resulting in differing dominant reactions from followers. In addition, we discuss the importance of considering mixed pathways as a key avenue for future iterations of the framework. Our proposed model addresses several criticisms of modern leadership theories by specifying how different leadership approaches elicit varying dominant follower motivational and effort mechanisms.
Comparing the effects of lower limb orthoses on knee pain, function, quality of life, and knee joint alignment in people with medial knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Mahmoodi Maede , Arazpour Mokhtar , Mousavi Mohammad Ebrahim
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of three types of orthoses (knee orthosis, ankle foot orthosis (AFO), and foot orthosis) on knee alignment, pain, function, and quality of life in individuals with medial knee osteoarthritis (MKOA).

Method

Thirty patients took part in this study and were randomly assigned to three groups ( n = 10 in each group) based on the type of intervention. Knee function was assessed using the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) questionnaire, and knee alignment was evaluated by measuring angles using the images of bony prominence (AMI) method.

Results

After using knee orthosis and AFO, all subscales of KOOS showed significant improvement ( p < .05). However, there was no significant difference in the results after using foot orthosis ( p > .05).

Conclusion

The findings indicate that knee orthosis or AFO for 6 weeks can improve clinical outcomes for individuals with MKOA. This suggests that clinicians can consider using knee orthosis and AFO among the available treatment options to improve clinical outcomes.
The Proportionality of Police Stop and Search in the Coronavirus Pandemic
Authors: Halford Eric
Published: August 2024

Multiple studies and reports have now concluded that the police in the United Kingdom (UK) disproportionately enforced coronavirus legislation against black and minority ethnic communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This disproportionality was enforced through coronavirus fines which were introduced as part of coercive measures designed to restrict the movement of citizens. The use of coercive tactics by the police as a tool for maintaining order is not unheard of, and stopping and searching citizens is one method that is used to achieve this. This study therefore seeks to establish if the stop and search tactic was used proportionately by the police during the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve this, we examine the application of the tactic in the UK, where data from stop and search records from all police services in England and Wales is publicly available. By using descriptive statistics, combined with modeling designed to detect anomalies, data from a 5 year period that includes the relevant periods of the UK pandemic is examined. Results identify significant rises in the use of the tactic during periods of lockdown, which when compared to white citizens, illustrates that the rises disproportionately affected Black, Asian, and young people aged 18 to 24. We discuss these findings against a backdrop of reduced recorded crime and wider traditional police demand, along with correlations in increased police activity related to the issuance of coronavirus fines. In conclusion, we suggest that both coronavirus legislation and stop and search may have been used together by the police as tactics to maintain order, specifically adherence to periods of coronavirus lockdowns.
Mixed Methods Research in Secondary Transition: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kutscher Elisabeth L. , Mazzotti Valerie L. , McDaniel Sara L. , Zeng Wen , Reardon Kyle , Bumble Jennifer L. , Voggt Ashley , Harris Ryan
Published: August 2024

A main goal of secondary transition is to prepare and empower all students to pursue their goals after completing high school. Mixed methods research, which integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches, can provide insights into secondary transition experiences and outcomes for secondary youth with disabilities. Although mixed methods research may inform transition planning, practice, and services, little is known about the application of mixed methods research in the field of secondary transition. This systematic literature review examined the application of mixed methods approaches across 39 peer-reviewed articles focused on secondary transition research. Emphasis was placed on the recent scope of mixed methods research in secondary transition and the quality assessment of methods used in included studies. The results indicated mixed methods research focuses on a range of transition predictors and outcomes. However, quality assessment of included articles revealed that quality indicators were inconsistently applied, with few articles meeting items that were unique to mixed methods approaches. Recommendations for the application of mixed methods within the field of secondary transition are discussed along with suggestions and implications for future research, policy, and practice.
Property Right Conflict and Contestation in Global South: A Case from Eritrea
Authors: Gebrezgabher Solomon Haile
Published: August 2024

Despite their longevity and direct impact on peasants, land conflicts in Eritrea remain neglected. By scrutinizing conflict cases reported to and deposited at Adiquala sub-region and by probing more through interviews, conducting focus group discussions, and selecting empirical conflict cases in Mailafo area, which registered 42.3% of the total cases, this study examines land conflicts and contestations. Close examination of the cases shed light that the peri-urban nature of the area and state’s weakness to implement the 1994 land proclamation, to distribute tiesa, and to prepare town master plan as the main causes. Moreover, beyond the need for economic/material motivation, the conflicts show that the society is a never-give -up litigant society and the state is weak. The recursive processes and/or dyadic relations brought various disputants and state institutions closer to everyday forms/practices of claims and counter-claims and everyday forms/practices of governance, which sheds more light on the nature of state–society relations in rural Eritrea.
The impact of urban form on physical change: A quantitative and diachronic analysis of urban form evolution in Midtown Manhattan
Authors: Tümtürk Onur , Karakiewicz Justyna , de Haan Fjalar J
Published: August 2024

The importance of urban form as a key factor affecting future development and transformation patterns is well-recognised in urban morphology. However, despite the need for a diachronic approach to rigorously understand the form-change relationship, studies utilising longitudinal datasets remain scarce, and only a small fraction employs quantitative methodologies and morphometric approaches. This paper aims to quantitatively examine how the character of urban form elements and their spatial arrangements influence patterns of physical change, and to assess the performance of geometric and configurational urban form measures of plots, buildings, and streets in explaining physical change patterns over time. We hypothesise that configurational measures, being more sensitive to the relations between urban form elements, can better explain physical changes compared to conventional geometric measures predominantly adopted thus far. To test this hypothesis, we present a diachronic and quantitative methodology to measure urban form conditions and the patterns of physical change in Midtown Manhattan through four time frames (1890, 1920, 1956, and 2021), using a longitudinal geospatial database generated from historical cartographic resources and recent digital datasets. The association between urban form and physical change is demonstrated through statistical analysis. The findings prove that while the prevailing hypotheses emphasising the effect of geometric measures, such as size and shape, are often off the mark, configurational and access-based measures of plots and streets can accurately describe the dynamic relationships between form and change. The character of urban form patterns and structures measured by configurational variables is more reliable than the individual and geometric quality of urban form elements in explaining the dynamics of physical change and persistence. Our empirical findings add to the rapidly expanding fields of urban morphometrics and provide data-informed insights to improve the resilience and adaptive capacity of urban spaces.
Visualizing the global deployment of Filipina workers
Authors: Ortega Arnisson Andre C
Published: August 2024

Filipina migrant workers have played an important role in various economies and societal sectors across the globe, including providing vital support to healthcare systems during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This graphics article visualizes their overseas global deployment, mapping their migration into countries that have at least 100 Filipina workers in 2019. The map illustrates sizable deployment of Filipinas to the Middle East and East and Southeast Asia, from 2015 to 2019. While labor migration to East and Southeast Asia has been traditionally female-dominated, the Middle East experienced a gendered shift, from a more male-dominated stock working in the oil industry to a more female workforce supporting the thriving service and commercial industries. Meanwhile, European countries have emerged as major destinations for Filipina workers, experiencing high rates of growth of Filipina deployment. These patterns can potentially inspire future research in understanding gendered shifts in labor migration and help guide policy on labor migration and support systems for Filipinas and their families left behind in the Philippines.
Implementing Gaussian process modelling in predictive maintenance of mining machineries
Authors: Shao Zhixuan , Kumral Mustafa
Published: August 2024

Mining machinery constitutes essential assets for a mining corporation. Due to economies of scale, technological innovations and stringent quality and safety requirements, the size, complexity, functionality and diversity of industrial machinery have expanded markedly over the last two decades. This growth has increased sensitivity to machine availability and reliability. Mining operations install comprehensive maintenance units tasked with inspection, repair, replacement and inventory management for the machines in use. Leveraging the proliferation of sensor technologies integrated within the machines, maintenance units obtain rich data streams synchronously disclosing machine health and performance metrics, which enables a predictive maintenance programme. This programme performs prognostic detections of anomalies and permits timely intervention to avert catastrophic breakdowns. However, such sensor-driven predictive maintenance scheme for machinery in the mining sector is limited. The present paper utilises the Gaussian process, a powerful predictive modelling technique, to show its potential in addressing this challenge. The efficacy of this approach is validated through three case studies. Each case study is equipped with sensor data and represents a typical predictive maintenance task for mining assets. The developed Gaussian process models successfully capture meaningful temporal patterns in sensor data and generate credible predictions across all three tasks: temporal prediction of sensor data degradation trends, remaining useful lifespan prediction and simultaneous monitoring and prediction of multiple machine conditions. Furthermore, the models offer uncertainty estimates to the prediction outcomes, potentially facilitating maintenance decision-making process.
A rapid transition from subduction to Barrovian metamorphism: geochronology of mafic–ultramafic relicts of oceanic crust in the Central Alps, Switzerland
Authors: Lemke Kim , Rubatto Daniela , Hermann Jörg
Published: August 2024

Relicts of subducted oceanic lithosphere provide key information for the tectonic reconstructions of convergent margins. In the Central Alps, such relicts occur as isolated mafic–ultramafic lenses within the migmatites of the southern Adula nappe and Cima-Lunga unit. Analysis of the major-, minor-, and accessory minerals of these ophiolitic relicts, combined with zircon and rutile U–Pb ages and zircon oxygen isotopes, allows the reconstruction of different stages of their complex evolution. The mafic–ultramafic suite in Valle di Moleno consists of chlorite-harzburgites associated with metarodingites and retrogressed eclogites. Relic omphacite and kyanite in retrogressed eclogites provide evidence for subduction-related metamorphism. Increasing XPrp in the garnet mantle towards the rim documents heating during high-pressure metamorphism up to 800–850 °C. Polyphase inclusions and chemical zoning in garnet suggest fluid-assisted melting during high-pressure metamorphism dated at 31.0 ± 0.9 Ma. In Val Cama, chlorite-harzburgites, metarodingites and calcsilicate-metasediments occur. Detrital zircon ages in the metasediment suggest a Mesozoic deposition. The metarodingite-metaperidotite-metasediment association and the low δ18O signatures of zircon (δ18O 3.0–3.7‰), inherited from seafloor metasomatism of the protoliths, show that the rocks are derived from former altered oceanic crust. Amphibolite facies metamorphism related to the Central Alps Barrovian evolution in Val Cama occurred at 28.8 ± 1.5 Ma. The combined data from Moleno and Cama indicate a rapid transition (~ 2 Ma) from subduction to collisional metamorphism with corresponding exhumation rates of 3–6 cm/year. Fast exhumation tectonics may have been favored by slab break-off or slab extraction. U–Pb dating of rutile from both localities yields ages of ~ 20 Ma, suggesting that these rocks remained at amphibolite-facies conditions for about 10 Ma and underwent a second fast exhumation of 3 cm/year associated with vertical movements along the Insubric line.
Assessing in-field pesticide effects under European regulation and its implications for biodiversity: a workshop report
Authors: Solé Magali , Brendel Stephan , Aldrich Annette , Dauber Jens , Ewald Julie , Duquesne Sabine , Gottschalk Eckhard , Hoffmann Jörg , Kuemmerlen Mathias , Leake Alastair , Matezki Steffen , Meyer Stefan , Nabel Moritz , Natal-da-Luz Tiago , Pieper Silvia , Piselli Dario , Rigal Stanislas , Roß-Nickoll Martina , Schäffer Andreas , Settele Josef , Sigmund Gabriel , Sotherton Nick , Wogram Jörn , Messner Dirk
Published: August 2024

Background

Biodiversity loss is particularly pronounced in agroecosystems. Agricultural fields cover about one-third of the European Union and are crucial habitats for many species. At the same time, agricultural fields receive the highest pesticide input in European landscapes. Non-target species, including plants and arthropods, closely related to targeted pests, are directly affected by pesticides. Direct effects on these lower trophic levels cascade through the food web, resulting in indirect effects via the loss of food and habitat for subsequent trophic levels. The overarching goals of the European pesticide legislation require governments to sufficiently consider direct and indirect effects on plants and arthropods when authorising pesticides. This publication provides an overview of a workshop's findings in 2023 on whether the current pesticide risk assessment adequately addresses these requirements.

Results

Effects due to in-field exposure to pesticides are currently not assessed for plants and inadequately assessed for arthropods, resulting in an impairment of the food web support and biodiversity. Deficiencies lie within the risk assessment, as defined in the terrestrial guidance document from 2002. To overcome this problem, we introduce a two-step assessment method feasible for risk assessors, that is to determine (i) whether a pesticide product might have severe impacts on plants or arthropods and (ii) whether these effects extend to a broad taxonomic spectrum. When each step is fulfilled, it can be concluded that the in-field exposure of the pesticide use under assessment could lead to unacceptable direct effects on non-target species in-field and thus subsequent indirect effects on the food web. While our primary focus is to improve risk assessment methodologies, it is crucial to note that risk mitigation measures, such as conservation headlands, exist in cases where risks from in-field exposure have been identified.

Conclusions

We advocate that direct and indirect effects caused by in-field exposure to pesticides need to be adequately included in the risk assessment and risk management as soon as possible. To achieve this, we provide recommendations for the authorities including an evaluation method. Implementing this method would address a major deficiency in the current in-field pesticide risk assessment and ensure better protection of biodiversity.
The reliability and validity of rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation mapping for muscles under active contraction
Authors: Chowdhury Nahian S. , Chang Wei-Ju , Cavaleri Rocco , Chiang Alan K.I. , Schabrun Siobhan M.
Published: August 2024

Rapid mapping is a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) mapping method which can significantly reduce data collection time compared to traditional approaches. However, its validity and reliability has only been established for upper-limb muscles during resting-state activity. Here, we determined the validity and reliability of rapid mapping for non-upper limb muscles that require active contraction during TMS: the masseter and quadriceps muscles. Eleven healthy participants attended two sessions, spaced two hours apart, each involving rapid and ‘traditional’ mapping of the masseter muscle and three quadriceps muscles (rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis). Map parameters included map volume, map area and centre of gravity (CoG) in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions. Low to moderate measurement errors (%SEMeas = 10–32) were observed across muscles. Relative reliability varied from good-to-excellent (ICC = 0.63–0.99) for map volume, poor-to-excellent (ICC = 0.11–0.86) for map area, and fair-to-excellent for CoG (ICC = 0.25–0.8) across muscles. There was Bayesian evidence of equivalence (BF’s > 3) in most map outcomes between rapid and traditional maps across all muscles, supporting the validity of the rapid mapping method. Overall, rapid TMS mapping produced similar estimates of map parameters to the traditional method, however the reliability results were mixed. As mapping of non-upper limb muscles is relatively challenging, rapid mapping is a promising substitute for traditional mapping, however further work is required to refine this method.
External validation of the CARDOT score for predicting respiratory complications after thoracic surgery
Authors: Pipanmekaporn Tanyong , Kitswat Pakaros , Leurcharusmee Prangmalee , Runraksar Thanaporn , Bunchungmongkol Nutchanart , Khorana Jiraporn , Tantraworasin Apichat , Lapisatepun Panuwat , Saokaew Surasak
Published: August 2024

Background

The CARDOT scores have been developed for prediction of respiratory complications after thoracic surgery. This study aimed to externally validate the CARDOT score and assess the predictive value of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for postoperative respiratory complication.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive thoracic surgical patients at a single tertiary hospital in northern Thailand was conducted. The development and validation datasets were collected between 2006 and 2012 and from 2015 to 2021, respectively. Six prespecified predictive factors were identified, and formed a predictive score, the CARDOT score (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, right-sided operation, duration of surgery, preoperative oxygen saturation on room air, thoracotomy), was calculated. The performance of the CARDOT score was evaluated in terms of discrimination by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AuROC) curve and calibration.

Results

There were 1086 and 1645 patients included in the development and validation datasets. The incidence of respiratory complications was 15.7% (171 of 1086) and 22.5% (370 of 1645) in the development and validation datasets, respectively. The CARDOT score had good discriminative ability for both the development and validation datasets (AuROC 0.789 (95% CI 0.753–0.827) and 0.758 (95% CI 0.730–0.787), respectively). The CARDOT score showed good calibration in both datasets. A high NLR (≥ 4.5) significantly increased the risk of respiratory complications after thoracic surgery (P < 0.001). The AuROC curve of the validation cohort increased to 0.775 (95% CI 0.750–0.800) when the score was combined with a high NLR. The AuROC of the CARDOT score with the NLR showed significantly greater discrimination power than that of the CARDOT score alone (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

The CARDOT score showed a good discriminative performance in the external validation dataset. An addition of a high NLR significantly increases the predictive performance of CARDOT score. The utility of this score is valuable in settings with limited access to preoperative pulmonary function testing.
YELLOW RoUTIne prospective cohort study protocol: insight in the dynamics of bacteria in the elderly bladder
Authors: Wang Ruo Chen , Van Buul Laura W. , Geerlings Suzanne E. , De Greeff Sabine C. , Haenen Anja , Halonen Kati , Notermans Daan W. , Reuland E. Ascelijn , Smalbrugge Martin , Twisk Jos W. R. , Schneeberger Caroline
Published: August 2024

Background

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) – the presence of bacteria in urine without urinary tract infection (UTI) related signs & symptoms (S&S) – is common in the elderly bladder and is not considered pathogenic for UTI. We hypothesise that colonisation with non-uropathogenic bacteria could protect the bladder from invasion of more harmful bacteria. The exact role and dynamics of bacteriuria in the relation to the development of a UTI is still unknown. We aim to provide insight into the course of bacteriuria in the elderly bladder and its relation to UTI in frail older adults.

Methods and analysis

A prospective observational cohort study is being conducted in Dutch nursing homes (NHs) between February 2024 and December 2025. Urine samples and case report forms (CRF) on UTI-related S&S will be collected from each consenting NH resident every 3 months for a follow-up period of 18 months. Whenever a UTI-suspicion occurs in between the 3 monthly time points, additional data and a urine sample will be collected. Urine samples undergo several urinalyses (e.g. dipstick and bacterial culture). Additional molecular analysis will be conducted on a selection of cultured Escherichia coli (E. coli) for virulence genes.

Primary analyses will be conducted between residents with and without ASB at each time point. The primary outcome is UTI incidence during follow-up. In secondary analyses we will also take into account the low versus high presence of virulence genes of the E. coli.

Discussion

The combination of high ASB prevalence and a reduced ability of frail older adults to express UTI-related S&S may lead to UTI misdiagnosis and inappropriate antibiotic use. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the dynamics and role of bacteriuria in the elderly bladder and their potential protective effect on the development of UTI.

The study findings with comprehensive analysis of epidemiological, clinical and molecular data could set the fundamental base for future guidelines and studies, and contribute to improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment of UTI in frail older adults, in addition to contributing to antibiotic stewardship in NHs.
Special supplement issue on quality assurance and enrichment of biological and biomedical ontologies and terminologies
Authors: Cui Licong , Agrawal Ankur
Published: August 2024

Ontologies and terminologies serve as the backbone of knowledge representation in biomedical domains, facilitating data integration, interoperability, and semantic understanding across diverse applications. However, the quality assurance and enrichment of these resources remain an ongoing challenge due to the dynamic nature of biomedical knowledge. In this editorial, we provide an introductory summary of seven articles included in this special supplement issue for quality assurance and enrichment of biological and biomedical ontologies and terminologies. These articles span a spectrum of topics, such as development of automated quality assessment frameworks for Resource Description Framework (RDF) resources, identification of missing concepts in SNOMED CT through logical definitions, and developing a COVID interface terminology to enable automatic annotations of COVID-19 related Electronic Health Records (EHRs). Collectively, these contributions underscore the ongoing efforts to improve the accuracy, consistency, and interoperability of biomedical ontologies and terminologies, thus advancing their pivotal role in healthcare and biomedical research.
Integrating causal pathway diagrams into practice facilitation to address colorectal cancer screening disparities in primary care
Authors: Ike Brooke , Johnson Ashley , Meza Rosemary , Cole Allison
Published: August 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death and the second most common cancer diagnosis among the Hispanic population in the United States. However, CRC screening prevalence remains lower among Hispanic adults than among non-Hispanic white adults. To reduce CRC screening disparities, efforts to implement CRC screening evidence-based interventions in primary care organizations (PCOs) must consider their potential effect on existing screening disparities. More research is needed to understand how to leverage existing implementation science methodologies to improve health disparities. The Coaching to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Equity (CoachIQ) pilot study explores whether integrating two implementation science tools, Causal Pathway Diagrams and practice facilitation, is a feasible and effective way to address CRC screening disparities among Hispanic patients.

Methods

We used a quasi-experimental, mixed methods design to evaluate feasibility and assess initial signals of effectiveness of the CoachIQ approach. Three PCOs received coaching from CoachIQ practice facilitators over a 12-month period. Three non-equivalent comparison group PCOs received coaching during the same period as participants in a state quality improvement program. We conducted descriptive analyses of screening rates and coaching activities.

Results

The CoachIQ practice facilitators discussed equity, facilitated prioritization of QI activities, and reviewed CRC screening disparities during a higher proportion of coaching encounters than the comparison group practice facilitator. While the mean overall CRC screening rate in the comparison PCOs increased from 34 to 41%, the mean CRC screening rate for Hispanic patients did not increase from 30%. In contrast, the mean overall CRC screening rate at the CoachIQ PCOs increased from 41 to 44%, and the mean CRC screening rate for Hispanic patients increased from 35 to 39%.

Conclusions

The CoachIQ program merges two implementation science methodologies, practice facilitation and causal pathway diagrams, to help PCOs focus quality improvement efforts on improving CRC screening while also reducing screening disparities. Results from this pilot study demonstrate key differences between CoachIQ facilitation and standard facilitation, and point to the potential of the CoachIQ approach to decrease disparities in CRC screening.
Total elbow replacement in England: a protocol for analysis of National Joint Registry and Hospital Episode Statistics data
Authors: Hamoodi Zaid , Sayers Adrian , Whitehouse Michael R. , Rangan Amar , Kearsley-Fleet Lianne , Sergeant Jamie C. , Watts Adam C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Primary total elbow replacement (TER) services in England are being restructured with the goal of centralising care to specialised centres. It is important to monitor the impact of this service redesign. This protocol outlines an intended analysis to provide detailed descriptions of the patients who are receiving primary TER, where and by whom TER is being performed, and what the current surgical practices for TER are in England before the reconfiguration.

Methods

This analysis will use the National Joint Registry (NJR) elbow dataset and link it with NHS England Hospital Episode Statistics-Admitted Patient Care (HES-APC). It will include eligible patients from the start of the NJR elbow dataset in April 2012 to December 2022. The main objective is to determine the incidence of TER in England. Age-sex standardised rates will be calculated for groups including different ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, using the mid-year population data provided by the Office for National Statistics. This planned analysis will summarise patient characteristics such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), hand dominance, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade, indication for TER, socioeconomic status, and patient co-morbidities. It will also examine implant fixation type, classification, brand/type, and changes over time in implant types used in England. Additionally, it will explore the characteristics and volume of the surgeons and hospitals providing primary TER services, including the grade of the primary surgeons, funding source for surgery, and admission type. The analysis will cover the number of procedures performed by surgeons and hospitals annually in England and in each region of England. Finally, the planned analysis will summarise the elective wait time, postoperative length of stay, and any serious adverse events or re-admissions within 30 and 90 days after the TER.

Discussion

This protocol describes the first deep dive analysis into the NJR elbow dataset to describe the incidence of TER surgery in England and the characteristics of patients who are receiving it. This analysis will summarise current primary TER practices in England before service reconfigurations. The impact of reconfiguration can be monitored by comparing future practice to the outcomes from this study.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06355011. Registered 02 April 2024, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06355011.
Altered brain connectivity in mild cognitive impairment is linked to elevated tau and phosphorylated tau, but not to GAP-43 and Amyloid-β measurements: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Sadeghi Mohammad , Azargoonjahromi Ali , Nasiri Hamide , Yaghoobi Arash , Sadeghi Maryam , Chavoshi Seyedeh Saeideh , Baghaeikia Shilan , Mahzari Nastaran , Valipour Arina , Razeghi Oskouei Romina , Shahkarami Farshad , Amiri Fatemeh , Mayeli Mahsa
Published: August 2024

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a neurological condition characterized by a noticeable decline in cognitive abilities that falls between normal aging and dementia. Along with some biomarkers like GAP-43, Aβ, tau, and P-tau, brain activity and connectivity are ascribed to MCI; however, the link between brain connectivity changes and such biomarkers in MCI is still being investigated. This study explores the relationship between biomarkers like GAP-43, Aβ, tau, and P-tau, and brain connectivity. We enrolled 25 Participants with normal cognitive function and 23 patients with MCI. Levels of GAP-43, Aβ1–42, t-tau, and p-tau181p in the CSF were measured, and functional connectivity measures including ROI-to-voxel (RV) correlations and the DMN RV-ratio were extracted from the resting-state fMRI data. P-values below 0.05 were considered significant. The results showed that in CN individuals, higher connectivity within the both anterior default mode network (aDMN) and posterior DMN (pDMN) was associated with higher levels of the biomarker GAP-43. In contrast, MCI individuals showed significant negative correlations between DMN connectivity and levels of tau and P-tau. Notably, no significant correlations were found between Aβ levels and connectivity measures in either group. These findings suggest that elevated levels of GAP-43 indicate increased functional connectivity in aDMN and pDMN. Conversely, elevated levels of tau and p-tau can disrupt connectivity through various mechanisms. Thus, the accumulation of tau and p-tau can lead to impaired neuronal connectivity, contributing to cognitive decline.
Laboratory validation of the automated diagnosis of intestinal parasites via fecal sample processing for the recovery of intestinal parasites through the dissolved air flotation technique
Authors: Soares Felipe Augusto , Suzuki Celso Tetsuo Nagase , Sabadini Edvaldo , Falcão Alexandre Xavier , de Oliveira Baccin Amanda , de Melo Leyva Cecília Vieira , Gomes Jancarlo Ferreira
Published: August 2024

Background

Techniques for diagnosing intestinal parasites need technological advancements in the preanalytical (collection/processing) and analytical (detection) stages. The dissolved air flotation (DAF) technique effectively recovers parasites from processed feces for routine diagnosis. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a practical and affordable alternative to modernize the analysis stage of microscopy images and generates high efficiency in the parasitological examination of feces.

Methods

The objective of this study was to standardize a laboratory protocol for stool processing using the DAF technique in conjunction with an automated diagnosis of intestinal parasites (DAPI) system. A total of 400 samples were obtained to perform the tests with the use of DAF to verify the recovery of the parasites as a function of the chemical reagent (polymer and surfactant), the volume of the flotation tube, and standardization of smear assembly on a microscopy slide, with automated analysis by DAPI. The DAF protocol that obtained the most satisfactory results in terms of parasite recovery (P < 0.05) and slide positivity was compared with the Three Fecal Test (TF-Test) protocol with manual (microscopists) and automated (DAPI) evaluation. We compared the sensitivity with the modified TF-Test technical protocol and the diagnostic agreement with the gold standard (Kappa) result.

Results

There was no significant difference in the parasite recovery between the 10 ml and 50 ml tubes (P > 0.05). The surfactants showed a range of parasite recoveries between 41.9% and 91.2% in the float supernatant. We obtained a maximum positivity of 73% of the assembled slides when we applied DAF processing with 7% CTAB surfactant and 57% positivity with the modified TF-Test technique. Regarding diagnostic performance, the TF-Test-modified and DAF techniques used in fecal processing for subsequent computerized analysis by AI presented sensitivities of 86% and 94%, with kappa agreements of 0.62 and 0.80 (substantial), respectively.

Conclusions

The DAF protocol defined in this study and the DAPI system are innovative processes for parasite recovery and fecal debris elimination that are favorable for effectively detecting pathogenic structures in laboratory diagnosis.

Graphical Abstract
Comprehensive multiparametric analysis of human deepfake speech recognition
Authors: Malinka Kamil , Firc Anton , Šalko Milan , Prudký Daniel , Radačovská Karolína , Hanáček Petr
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we undertake a novel two-pronged investigation into the human recognition of deepfake speech, addressing critical gaps in existing research. First, we pioneer an evaluation of the impact of prior information on deepfake recognition, setting our work apart by simulating real-world attack scenarios where individuals are not informed in advance of deepfake exposure. This approach simulates the unpredictability of real-world deepfake attacks, providing unprecedented insights into human vulnerability under realistic conditions. Second, we introduce a novel metric to evaluate the quality of deepfake audio. This metric facilitates a deeper exploration into how the quality of deepfake speech influences human detection accuracy. By examining both the effect of prior knowledge about deepfakes and the role of deepfake speech quality, our research reveals the importance of these factors, contributes to understanding human vulnerability to deepfakes, and suggests measures to enhance human detection skills.
Paralleled grazing and mowing differentially affected plant community diversity and productivity in a semi-arid grassland
Authors: Hassan Nazim , Wang Zhengwen
Published: August 2024

Background

Numerous previous studies have investigated the effects of grazing or mowing on plant community diversity and productivity in grasslands; however, few have deliberately made sound comparison between the effects of paralleled grazing and mowing in terms of biomass removal on plant community diversity and productivity in semi-arid grasslands. Using a 4-year field manipulative experiment, we investigated how moderate intensity of domestic cattle (Bos taurus) grazing and mowing can affect plant community diversity and productivity in the semi-arid grassland in northeastern China, with the attempt to find a better management practice.

Results

Our results showed that grazing significantly increased plant species richness by 9% but did not change plant biomass, whereas mowing did not alter plant species richness but significantly reduced total plant biomass and root biomass by 18% and 12%, respectively, and significantly altered plant community composition, reflected by 32% increase of grass to forb biomass ratio.

Conclusions

Cattle grazing exerted a neutral effect on plant biomass and a positive effect on plant species richness, suggesting that cattle grazing is a better management practice compared to the paralleled mowing, but longer-term experiments are needed to explore the lasting influences of grazing vs. mowing on grassland productivity, plant diversity and the sustainability.
Anisotropic structure at shallow depths across the Japan Trench
Authors: Tonegawa Takashi , Shiomi Katsuhiko , Takagi Ryota
Published: August 2024

Anisotropic structures within the crust are frequently perceived to originate from stress-induced cracks, which have been mainly estimated on land through different wave speeds of orthogonally polarized S waves propagating in the anisotropic media. However, such estimations of crustal anisotropic structures in ocean areas, particularly for subduction zones around trenches, have not been investigated in detail due to the lack of long-term ocean bottom observations. In this study, we used ocean bottom seismometers of a permanent network deployed across the Japan Trench and the southern part of the Kuril Trench and applied the shear-wave splitting analysis to P-to-s converted waves extracted by receiver function analyses using teleseismic events. We estimated the anisotropic structures in marine sediments and oceanic crust for the incoming Pacific Plate and marine sediments for the overriding North American Plate. The obtained fast polarization directions for the incoming plate are mainly oriented to be parallel to the trench axis for the marine sediment and oceanic crust, which are formed by normal faults and cracks due to the upward plate bending in the outer-rise region, whereas results for marine sediments at the northern part of the Japan Trench are obliquely aligned to the trench axis. The oblique direction is consistent with the magnetic lineations of the incoming plate, indicating that ancient faults within the plate, which were formed in the shallow part of the crust during the creation of the oceanic plate at the ridge, are reactivated by the plate flexure. For the overriding plate, the fast polarization directions in the northern and southern parts of the study area are nearly normal to the trench axis. The central part shows two distinct features: the fast polarization directions parallel to the trench axis and small degrees of anisotropy. These patterns may reflect crack alignments associated with the lateral variation in postseismic crustal deformation after the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake. Our results suggest substantial lateral variations in the stress field at the tip of the overriding plate along the strike direction.

Graphical Abstract