bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality and exacerbations associated with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A regional cohort study of 22,689 outpatients
Authors: Rønn Christian , Kamstrup Peter , Eklöf Josefin , Toennesen Louise Lindhardt , Boel Jonas Bredtoft , Andersen Christian Ostergaard , Dessau Ram Benny , Wilcke Jon Torgny , Sivapalan Pradeesh , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli , Jensen Jens-Ulrik Stæhr
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The clinical significance of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in patients with COPD is poorly understood. We aimed to determine whether a lower respiratory tract culture positive for S. maltophilia in COPD patients was independently associated with increased risk of death and hospitalisation for exacerbation of COPD.

Methods

An observational cohort study following outpatients with COPD in Eastern Denmark between 2010 and 2018, with a follow-up period of five years. Presence of S. maltophilia was treated as a time-varying exposure, where patients were considered exposed at the time of the first isolation of S. maltophilia from the lower respiratory tract. The hazard ratio (HR) of death and hospitalisation for acute exacerbations of COPD was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Of the total 22,689 patients 459 (2.0%) had a lower respiratory sample positive for S. maltophilia. A total of 7,649 deaths (S. maltophilia positive: 243 (52.9%) and S. maltophilia negative: 7,406 (34.4%)) and 24,912 hospitalisations for exacerbation of COPD (S. maltophilia positive: 1,100 in 459 patients and S. maltophilia negative: 23,821 in 22,230 patients) were registered during the study period. We found that a lower respiratory tract culture positive for S. maltophilia was associated with both increased mortality: HR 3.3 (95% CI 2.6–4.3), and hospitalisation for exacerbation of COPD: HR 3.4 (95% CI 2.8–4.1).

Conclusions

A lower respiratory tract culture positive for S. maltophilia in COPD patients was associated with a substantially increased mortality and hospitalisation for exacerbation of COPD. Randomised controlled trials are proposed to determine whether S. maltophilia should be the target of antibiotic treatment.
Detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum in human blood by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry: a proof of concept study
Authors: Stauning Marius Ahm , Jensen Christian Salgård , Staalsøe Trine , Kurtzhals Jørgen A. L.
Published: September 2023

Background

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) has revolutionized identification of bacteria and is becoming available in an increasing number of laboratories in malaria-endemic countries. The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to explore the potential of MALDI-TOF as a diagnostic tool for direct detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum in human blood.

Methods

Three different P. falciparum strains (3D7, HB3 and IT4) were cultured and synchronized following standard protocols. Ring-stages were diluted in fresh blood group 0 blood drawn in EDTA from healthy subjects to mimic clinical samples. Samples were treated with saponin and washed in PBS to concentrate protein material. Samples were analysed using a Microflex LT MALDI-TOF and resulting mass spectra were compared using FlexAnalysis software.

Results

More than 10 peaks specific for P. falciparum were identified. The identified peaks were consistent among the three genetically unrelated strains. Identification was possible in clinically relevant concentrations of 0.1% infected red blood cells, and a close relationship between peak intensity and the percentage of infected red blood cells was seen.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that the method has the potential to detect and quantify P. falciparum at clinically relevant infection intensities and provides proof-of-concept for MALDI-TOF-based diagnosis of human malaria. Further research is needed to include other Plasmodium spp., wildtype parasite isolates and to increase sensitivity. MALDI-TOF may be a useful tool for mass-screening purposes and for diagnosis of malaria in settings where it is readily available.
Blind estimation of modulation parameters for PCMA signals using frame cyclic features
Authors: Li Fang , Qiu Zhaoyang , Zha Xiong , Li Tianyun
Published: September 2023

Blind receiver technologies for paired carrier multiple access (PCMA) signals have always been a challenging task with many technical difficulties, among which the estimation of modulation parameters is a fundamental but important element. Despite some achievements in previous studies, more systematic and sophisticated estimation methods have not been adequately investigated. In this paper, schemes for the blind estimation of the symbol timing phase, amplitude attenuation, frequency offset, and carrier phase for PCMA signals in satellite communications are proposed. The data flow transmitted in satellite communication often has a certain frame structure, the most important of which is the synchronization data, namely the so-called cycle features. The proposed schemes assume that the modulated signals have fixed frame length and frame sync code and that the symbol rate has been estimated when the signals are encoded asynchronously. Distinct from the previous methods, our schemes exploit the sync waveform and the overlapping waveform, which are estimated via singular value decomposition (SVD) (using the frame cyclic features) and interference cancelation, together with their demodulation results as aid data, for the estimation of the desired parameters. The simulation results demonstrate that the schemes are effective in the parameters estimation of PCMA signals and outperform the comparison algorithms.
Neuroprotective effect and possible mechanism of edaravone in rat models of spinal cord injury: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xiao-bo , Zhou Long-yun , Chen Xu-qing , Li Ran , Yu Bin-bin , Pan Meng-xiao , Fang Lu , Li Jian , Cui Xue-jun , Yao Min , Lu Xiao
Published: September 2023

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most disabling neurological conditions, afflicting thousands of human beings. Edaravone, a well-known reactive oxygen species scavenger, is expanding its new scope in field of SCI. The objective of this systematic review is to determine the neuroprotective effects and discuss the underlying mechanism of edaravone in management of SCI.

Methods

The systematic review will include the controlled studies evaluating the neurological roles of edaravone on experiment rat models following SCI. The primary outcome will be the 21-point Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale. The secondary outcomes will include the preservation of white matter areas and malondialdehyde levels. Two researchers will independently search PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library from their inception date. Following study selection, data extraction, and assessment of methodological quality in included studies using the SYRCLE’s RoB tool, data from eligible studies will be pooled and analyzed using random-effects models with RevMan 5.3 software. In case of sufficient data, subgroup analyses with respect to species, age, gender, injury characteristics, or administration details will be carried out to explore the factors modifying efficacy of edaravone. For exploring the appropriate dose of edaravone, a network meta-analysis approach will be conducted based on the Bayesian method. Importantly, the proposed mechanisms and changes of related molecules will be also extracted from included studies for comprehensively investigating the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of edaravone.

Discussion

In this study, we aim to quantitatively analyze the role of edaravone in locomotor recovery and tissue damage in SCI rat model. The efficacy of edaravone in distinct scenarios will be investigated by subgroup analyses, and we expect to predict the candidate dose that offers a superior treatment effect using network meta-analyses. Moreover, a comprehensive framework regarding the neuroprotective mechanisms behind edaravone will be constructed via a combination of systematic and traditional review. This study will bring implications for future preclinical studies and clinical applications of SCI. Nonetheless, in light of the anticipated limitations in animal experimental design and methodological quality, the results in this review should be interpreted with caution.
Women’s experiences with yoga after a cancer diagnosis: a qualitative meta-synthesis—part I
Authors: Price Jenson , Sharma Sitara , Brunet Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Background

Qualitative research on women’s experiences participating in yoga after a cancer diagnosis is growing; systematic synthesis and integration of results are necessary to facilitate the transfer and implementation of knowledge among researchers and end-users. Thus, the purpose of this meta-synthesis was to: (1) integrate findings from qualitative studies, (2) compare and contrast findings to elucidate patterns or contradictions in conclusions, and (3) develop an overarching interpretation of women’s experiences participating in yoga after a cancer diagnosis.

Methods

Using meta-study methodology, six electronic databases were searched using a sensitive search strategy in November 2020, a supplemental scan of reference lists was conducted in August 2021, and the database search was replicated in October 2021. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full-texts to determine eligibility.

Results

The searches yielded 6804 citations after de-duplication. Data from 24 articles meeting the eligibility criteria were extracted, and the results, methods, and theoretical approach(es) were analyzed. The analysis revealed that there was a predominant focus on two focal points in the primary articles: (1) women’s well-being and quality of life (QoL; part I) and (2) intervention preferences (part II). Five overarching categories emerged related to well-being and QoL: (1) yoga can support improvements in multiple dimensions of QoL in women diagnosed with cancer, (2) women diagnosed with cancer experience an interaction between QoL dimensions, (3) elements of yoga that support improvements in QoL dimensions, (4) breathwork and meditation are integral elements of yoga, and (5) yoga practice may support lifestyle behavior change. The articles reviewed had notable limitations related to: (1) reporting about instructor(s), content of the intervention, and environmental characteristics of the setting, (2) identifying and incorporating optimal features in the intervention design, (3) incorporating theory and real-world considerations into the study procedures, and (4) including positive and negative conceptualizations of QoL as an interconnected and multidimensional concept.

Conclusion

Moving forward, it remains critical to identify the ideal structure and content of yoga programs for promoting well-being and QoL among women diagnosed with cancer, as well as to explore barriers and facilitators to sustainable program implementation.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42021229253.
Contact with grandparents and young people’s explicit and implicit attitudes toward older adults
Authors: Liao Tiansi , Zhuoga Cuo , Chen Xiaochen
Published: September 2023

Background

Given the dramatic rise in population aging and widespread negative attitudes toward older people, it is necessary to understand the factors that affect age-related attitudes among young people in order to improve intergenerational solidarity and reduce ageism. The current study examined young people’s contact with their grandparents and attitudes toward older people on both explicit and implicit levels.

Method

The sample included 146 Chinese college students (Mage = 21.50 yrs, SD = 2.23, 101 females). Participants completed a questionnaire concerning contact with their grandparents(contact quantity and contact quality), perceived typicality of their grandparents, intergroup anxiety, inclusion of other in the self, and explicit attitudes toward older people (aged 65 years or older) in general. Participants were also invited to complete a single-category implicit association test (SC-IAT) to assess their implicit attitudes toward older people.

Results

The findings indicated that both quantity and quality of contact with grandparents predicted better explicit attitudes toward older people, and contact effects were stronger when one’s grandparents were perceived as being typical of older adults. Contact quantity (not quality) was associated with more favorable implicit attitudes only when one’s grandparents were perceived as highly typical older adults. Contact effects on explicit attitudes were mediated by intergroup anxiety and inclusion of other in the self.

Conclusion

Our findings on the positive effects of contact with grandparents underscore the importance of promoting intergenerational contact within the family as a starting point to reduce prejudice toward older adults in age-segregated modern societies. Current results also provide insights on how to extend the benefits of grandparent-grandchild contact outside the family by promoting the perceived typicality of one’s grandparents.
Exploration of coating alternatives for the protection of bare steel and brass in scientific-technical artefacts
Authors: Molina María Teresa , Salvadori Barbara , Cano Emilio , de la Fuente Daniel , Ramírez-Barat Blanca
Published: September 2023

The development of new alternatives for the protection of metallic heritage aims to improve the performance of the coatings used in recent decades. For this purpose, the performance of three novel or poorly explored coatings in this field of study has been evaluated: Owatrol Oil, TiO2-modified Paraloid B-72 and a hybrid of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline), PEOX and poly(4-hydroxy styrene), PHS as a self-healing coating. These have been compared with coatings widely used in conservation such as: Paraloid B-72, Incralac and microcrystalline wax C80. The coatings were evaluated after accelerated ageing in terms of aesthetic changes (visual observation under stereomicroscope and colour measurements), protective ability (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and chemical stability (FTIR). After 500 h of exposure to Xenon-arc lamp, it was observed how the addition of TiO2 to Paraloid B-72 partially reduces photo-oxidation of the polymer, but at the same time harms the protective ability due to the appearance of defects. The self-healing coating is quite stable and can also regenerates superficial scratches of about 100 µm if subjected to 90% RH. On the other side, Owatrol demonstrated a very poor performance. These advantages and disadvantages in their use have been compared with those of B-72, Incralac and C80 microcrystalline wax, identifying in which cases their application for protection on scientific-technical artefacts may be feasible.
“It's More Of A Me-Thing Than An Evolution Thing”: Exploring The Validity Of Evolution Acceptance Measures Using Student Interviews
Authors: Misheva Taya , Brownell Sara E. , Barnes M. Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

In this study, the authors have examined the response-process validity of two recent measures of student evolution acceptance, the Inventory of Student Evolution Acceptance (I-SEA) and the Generalized Acceptance of Evolution Evaluation (GAENE), using student interviews. They found several validity issues which can inform future study design and survey improvement.
Guidelines for Prehospital Management of Traumatic Brain Injury 3rd Edition: Executive Summary
Authors: Hawryluk Gregory W. J. , Lulla Al , Bell Randy , Jagoda Andy , Mangat Halinder S. , Bobrow Bentley J. , Ghajar Jamshid
Published: September 2023

Prehospital care markedly influences outcome from traumatic brain injury, yet it remains highly variable. The Brain Trauma Foundation's guidelines informing prehospital care, first published in 2002, have sought to identify and disseminate best practices. Many of its recommendations relate to the management of airway, breathing and circulation, and infrastructure for this care. Compliance with the second edition of these guidelines has been associated with significantly improved survival. A working group developed evidence-based recommendations informing assessment, treatment, and transport decision-making relevant to the prehospital care of brain injured patients. A literature search spanning May 2005 to January 2022 supplemented data contained in the 2nd edition. Identified studies were assessed for quality and used to inform evidence-based recommendations. A total of 122 published articles formed the evidentiary base for this guideline update including 5 providing Class I evidence, 35 providing Class II evidence, and 98 providing Class III evidence for the various topics. Forty evidence-based recommendations were generated, 30 of which were strong and 10 of which were weak. In many cases, new evidence allowed guidelines from the 2nd edition to be strengthened. Development of guidelines on some new topics was possible including the prehospital administration of tranexamic acid. A management algorithm is also presented. These guidelines help to identify best practices for prehospital traumatic brain injury care, and they also identify gaps in knowledge which we hope will be addressed before the next edition.
Factors associated with quality of life in patients receiving palliative radiotherapy for bone metastases: a secondary cross-sectional analysis of data from a prospective multicenter observational study
Authors: Saito Tetsuo , Shikama Naoto , Takahashi Takeo , Harada Hideyuki , Ueno Shuichi , Notsu Akifumi , Shirato Hiroki , Yamada Kazunari , Uezono Haruka , Koide Yutaro , Kubota Hikaru , Yamasaki Takuya , Ito Kei , Heianna Joichi , Okada Yukinori , Tonari Ayako , Katoh Norio , Wada Hitoshi , Ejima Yasuo , Yoshida Kayo , Kosugi Takashi , Takahashi Shigeo , Komiyama Takafumi , Uchida Nobue , Miwa Misako , Watanabe Miho , Nagakura Hisayasu , Ikeda Hiroko , Asakawa Isao , Shigematsu Naoyuki
Published: September 2023

Objective

To identify factors significantly associated with quality of life (QOL) and determine if these associations are strong enough to predict certain aspects of QOL without measuring them.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory secondary analysis of baseline data of 224 patients (enrolled between December 2020 and March 2021) from a previously published prospective observational study on radiotherapy for bone metastases at 26 centres. Using univariable linear regression, we assessed the association between patient/treatment factors and QOL scale scores as measured by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QOL Questionnaire Core 15-Palliative (QLQ-C15-PAL) and the EORTC QOL Questionnaire Bone Metastases module (QLQ-BM22).

Results

Age and sex were not significantly associated with QOL. Worse performance status, higher pain scores, and opioid and single-fraction use were significantly associated with most QOL scales; these four factors were associated with worse global QOL, worse functioning status, and more severe symptoms. The coefficients of determination for most QOL scales were less than 0.2, indicating that most of the variability in QOL scores was not explained by any of the explanatory variables.

Conclusion

Performance status, pain intensity, and opioid and single-fraction use were significantly associated with most QOL scales. However, the associations were not strong enough to estimate QOL.

Advances in knowledge

To date, the association between treatment factors and QOL in patients with bone metastases has not been fully studied. We identified the factors that were significantly associated with QOL and found that these associations were not strong enough to predict QOL.
Περιβαλλοντικοί μύθοι και το φυσικό περιβάλλον στις θρησκείες της Ανατολικής Μεσογείου
Authors: Τρόμπακας Κωνσταντίνος
Published: September 2023

Η μελέτη των θρησκευτικών παραδόσεων που αναπτύχθηκαν διαχρονικά στην περιοχή της Ανατολικής Μεσογείου αποτελεί αδιαμφισβήτητα ένα εξαιρετικά ενδιαφέρον γνωστικό πεδίο, το οποίο έχει απασχολήσει τη σύγχρονη έρευνα. Όμως οι εξελίξεις των τελευταίων δεκαετιών στον περιβαλλοντικό διάλογο και προβληματισμό, αλλά και οι προκλήσεις για ένα νέο μοντέλο κατανόησης και νοηματοδότησης του φυσικού κόσμου, έχουν αναδείξει την ανάγκη ενός νέου πλαισίου μελέτης της θρησκείας ως ένα βασικό στοιχείο του ανθρώπινου πολιτισμού. Το πρώτο κεφάλαιο, το οποίο βρίσκεται σε διάλογο με τα δυο επόμενα αλλά την ίδια στιγμή διατηρεί τη νοηματική του αυτονομία, επιχειρεί να κάνει μια ιστορική επισκόπηση των περιβαλλοντικών προβλημάτων που αντιμετώπισαν οι άνθρωποι της ευρύτερης περιοχής διαχρονικά. Επίσης, γίνεται μια προσπάθεια να μελετηθούν μια σειρά από θεωρίες και τάσεις που έχουν αναπτυχθεί στο σύγχρονο περιβαλλοντικό διάλογο, και δείχνουν να συνδέονται με αρχαίες θρησκευτικές πεποιθήσεις και δοξασίες οι οποίες αναπτύχθηκαν στην ευρύτερη περιοχή. Τέλος, παρουσιάζεται εν συντομία η συμβολή των σύγχρονων θρησκευτικών παραδόσεων που κυριαρχούν στην περιοχή της Ανατολικής Μεσογείου (Ιουδαϊσμός, Χριστιανισμός, Ισλάμ), στον περιβαλλοντικό διάλογο και προβληματισμό. Ακόμη, η παρούσα μελέτη επικεντρώνεται σε έξι θρησκευτικές παραδόσεις που αναπτύχθηκαν στην περιοχή της Ανατολικής Μεσογείου. Το δεύτερο και τρίτο κεφάλαιο, τα οποία νοηματικά συνδέονται στενά, προσπαθούν να διερευνήσουν τη σχέση του ανθρώπου με το φυσικό κόσμο, μέσα από τις αφηγήσεις περί της δημιουργίας και του μεγάλου κατακλυσμού αντίστοιχα. Επίσης, γίνεται μια προσπάθεια να αναδειχθούν επιμέρους στοιχεία που σχετίζονται με την κατανόηση του φυσικού κόσμου στην εκάστοτε παράδοση και τα οποία δείχνουν να προβληματίζουν το σύγχρονο περιβαλλοντικό διάλογο.
Το Κοράνιο μεταξύ παραδοσιακών και νεωτερικών κατανοήσεων
Authors: Γαλανοπούλου Σπυριδούλα
Published: September 2023

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή πραγματεύεται τους πνευματικούς και φιλοσοφικούς στοχασμούς, ενίοτε διαξιφισμούς, μεταξύ της παραδοσιακής-φιλολογικής και θεολογικής οπτικής επί του αποκαλυπτικού λόγου του Θεού -όπως καταγράφηκε στο ιερό βιβλίο του Ισλάμ, το Κοράνιο-και της νεωτερικής-συναφειακής ανάγνωσης του ιδίου κειμενικού υλικού. Η ερμηνευτική βεβαιότητα και απολυτότητα που χαρακτηρίζουν τους προνεωτερικούς στοχασμούς των θεολόγων της διαμορφωτικής περιόδου του Ισλάμ αντι-μετωπίζονται με (από) την κουλτούρα του νεωτερικού πολλαπλού και τις ανθρωπο-ολιστικές ερμηνευτικές του θεωρήσεις. Η εν λόγω σύγχρονη ερμηνευτική τάση εντός του Ισλάμ παρωθεί προς την αναθεώρηση και ανακατασκευή συγκεκριμένων παραδοσιακών ερμηνειών, οι οποίες αποδεικνύονται κοινωνικά μη λειτουργικές σε ένα πλαίσιο πιστών της μουσουλμανικής κοινότητας, το οποίο επιζητά την επικαιροποίηση συγκεκριμένων κορανικών ερμηνειών, όπως του στίχου 4:34. Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή φιλοδοξούμε να αντιπαραβάλλουμε ένα μέρος από τις ανωτέρω ερμηνευτικές οπτικές μέσα από έργα κορυφαίων θεολόγων, εκπροσώπων τόσο της παραδοσιακής σχολής, όπως των Abū Jaʿfar Muḥammad ibn Jarīr ibn Yazid al-Ṭabarī (839-923), Qāḍī Abū Bakr Muḥammad ibn ʽAbd Allāh ibn al-ʽArabī (1076-1148), ʽImād al-Din Abuʼl-Fidāʼ Ismāʽīl ibn ʽUmar ibn Kathīr (1301-1373) όσο και από το σύγχρονο Ισλάμ των Fatima Mernissī (1940-2015), Asma Barlas (1950-) και Amīna Wadūd (1952-). Μέσω της αντιπαραβολής των εν λόγω έργων επιδιώκουμε να αποδείξουμε ότι η νεωτερική ερμηνευτική ανάγνωση του Κορανίου δεν αντιπαρέρχεται την παράδοση και τις επίσημα κατατιθέμενες θεολογικές της προσεγγίσεις, τουναντίον επιδιώκει την προσαρμοστική συνδιαλλαγή και τη δημιουργική διασύνδεση του σύγχρονου (νεωτερική αφήγηση) με το παλαιό (παραδοσιακή αφήγηση), υπηρετώντας τελικά το θρησκευόμενο άτομο τόσο ως πολίτη ενός μουσουλμανικού κράτους αλλά και ως ψυχοπνευματική οντότητα. Η συναφειακή κατανόηση του Κορανίου επιβοηθά την εν λόγω δράση και αποτελεί κατά την γνώμη μας ένα ισχυρό και δυναμικό ερμηνευτικό εργαλείο στα χέρια των μουσουλμάνων θεολόγων καθώς εγκύπτει εμβριθώς στα ιστορικά, πολιτισμικά, κοινωνικά και οικονομικά συμφραζόμενα των κορανικών στίχων. Επίσης, η συναφειακή ερμηνεία αναδύει ολιστικά τις παραμέτρους που συμβάλλουν σε μία όσο το δυνατόν ολοκληρωμένη ανάγνωση και κατανόηση του υπό εξέταση κορανικού υλικού, με αποτέλεσμα μία θεολογική προσέγγιση ευέλικτη, πλουραλιστική και συμπεριληπτική. Εν τέλει, περισσότερο αγαπητική προς τα θρησκευόμενα υποκείμενα.
A comparative study of divide and conquer, stop and chop and direct chop techniques of nucleotomy in topical phacoemulsification: an interventional study
Authors: Upasani Devwrath , Tidake Pravin
Published: September 2023

Based on population research, it has been found that more than 74% of elderly individuals in India have either undergone cataract surgery or have cataracts, and women are more likely than males to acquire cataracts. A cataract is one of the primary causes of blindness in India and around the world, but it's also the leading cause of avoidable blindness. There have been many advances in cataract surgery including advancements in surgical techniques and the availability of various intra-ocular lenses for better visual rehabilitation of the patient. Phacoemulsification is now one of the most commonly used surgical techniques for cataract extraction, it is done under local anesthesia or under topical anesthesia. As with all cataract surgeries, there is corneal decompensation even with phacoemulsification. Our study aims to compare three different nucleotomy approaches used for topical phacoemulsification: Divide & Conquer, Stop & Chop, and Direct Chop. We will assess which technique yields the best visual prognosis postoperatively, causes less corneal decompensation and has fewer complications. Specular microscopy will be used in patients who are to be operated for cataract extraction. Before the operation, we can use specular microscopy to determine the number of Corneal Endothelial cells and Central Corneal Thickness of the patient. Then, after the surgery, we can conduct another specular microscopy test to compare the techniques used for nucleotomy. This will help us determine which technique results in less loss of corneal endothelial cells and less reduction in central corneal thickness. Thus, we will use specular microscopy as a diagnostic tool and also a prognostic indicator in our study. Visual acuity of the patient will be measured preoperatively and again post operatively to compare which surgical technique achieves best visual rehabilitation for the patient.
Prophylaxis of infectious diseases among Polish population travelling abroad
Authors: Magda Inga , Gazda Dawid , Gaik Magdalena , Uram Ewa , Bogacz Rafał , Osuch Magdalena
Published: September 2023

Introduction and purpose of the study: With the gradual increase in travel, new challenges are arising in the health sector, especially with regard to infectious diseases. Growing number of Poles choose countries on other continents as their holiday destination. The aim of this study was to examine the health behaviour of Poles in relation to their travel destinations within Europe, Asia and Africa. Of particular importance were pre-travel consultations, awareness of recommended and mandatory vaccinations and malaria prevention.
Material and method: The study was based on an analysis of data from a specially constructed, online questionnaire. It was completed by 237 people. Pearson’s χ2 test, T-student and ANOVA were used to analyse the survey results. The processing of the data obtained, statistical calculations and graphs were performed using the R programme.
Results and conclusions: Travellers to Asian or African countries were significantly more likely to seek information on the infectious diseases their travel destination was at risk of than travellers to European countries. In addition, recommended vaccinations were significantly more frequently administered prior to travelling to Africa or Asia than before travelling within Europe. No statistically significant differences were found between travellers to Asia or Africa in terms of seeking information on the infectious diseases, having a pre-travel consultation or being administered recommended vaccinations. With regards to malaria-prone regions, travellers to Africa were more than twice as likely to take antimalarial drugs than travellers to Asia. Mandatory vaccinations were significantly more common than recommended vaccinations, although despite the obligation some travellers still chose not to receive them.
Myocarditis as a cause of neonate’s circulatory failure during delivery - case study
Authors: Pękała Maciej , Stencel Katarzyna , Berner Aleksandra , Olszewska Anna , Stelmaszak Karina , Polak Paulina , Polaszek Monika , Bogowska Marta , Matyja Karolina , Marczyk Klaudia
Published: September 2023

Myocarditis (MCI) is a heart pathology characterized by its rare occurrence and a possible fatal course. In the natural history of the disease inflammatory cell infiltrates are present. There are subtypes of MCI depending on the predominant cell type in the biopsy sampls. One of them is eosinophilic myocarditis. In eosinophilic myocarditis more that 50% of the cells are eosinophils. In the later phases of the disease the myocardium is infiltrated by fibrous tissue and the heart vessels are often affected by thrombosis. Cardiomyopathy is a common long-term complication of the MCI.

 

Reported case presents a death of a male neonate. The neonate was delivered by vaginal delivery. Both prenatal development and all the prenatal tests indicated proper development of the fetus. At the delivery the neonate weight was 3900 grams and was evaluated with only 1 point on the Apgar score. Moreover, the neonate presented a complete acute cardiorespiratory failure at birth. Despite the 2 hour-long cardio-pulmonary resuscitation no return of spontaneous circulation was observed. The neonate’s remains were pathologically as well as histologically examined. The microscopic examination of the neonate’s heart samples contained many inflammatory cell infiltrations. Microabscesses with Charcot-Leyden crystals inside were also observed. Furthermore, the presence of atypical, polynuclear cells was noted. On the basis of the morphological image, it was recognized as an eosinophilic MCI.
Introduction: 2022 Daniel H. Wagner Prize for Excellence in the Practice of Advanced Analytics and Operations Research
Authors: Bjarnadottir Margret V. , Stone Lawrence D.
Published: September 2023

The judges for the 2022 Daniel H. Wagner Prize for Excellence in the Practice of Advanced Analytics and Operations Research selected the four finalist papers featured in this special issue of the INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics (IJAA). The prestigious Wagner Prize—awarded for achievement in implemented operations research, management science, and advanced analytics—emphasizes the quality and originality of mathematical models along with clarity of written and oral exposition. This year’s winning application describes the design and deployment of a generalized synthetic control, a powerful and innovative statistical method for identifying, in a noisy environment, retailing innovations that produce a small percentage improvement in a large volume of sales for Anheuser Busch Inbev. The remaining three papers describe an inverse control approach to allocating lung transplants that best meets targeted outcomes and has been implemented as the national lung allocation policy on March 9, 2023, across the United States; a human-centric, optimized parcel delivery system developed for Deutsche Post that saves money while meeting constraints learned dynamically from driver behavior; and an AI-based system developed for Alibaba that learns supplier behavior to improve replenishment ordering and inventory control.

Supplemental Material: Full presentation videos with slides are available in the INFORMS Video Library at https://www.informs.org/Resource-Center/Video-Library and as electronic companions to the INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics articles.
Utility Tokens, Network Effects, and Pricing Power
Authors: Shakhnov Kirill , Zaccaria Luana
Published: September 2023

We examine digital product markets in which consumers are heterogeneous in their propensity to actively interact with other users and valuations increase with the share of active users (e.g., social network platforms). We propose a model in which entrepreneurs can issue digital claims (tokens) to promise exclusive access to benefits that specifically enhance the utility of active users. This allows entrepreneurs to extract consumer surplus through price discrimination. Because there is an incentive to renege on the “exclusivity” promise ex post and expand the network of active users, the credibility of this commitment resides in a costly technology (blockchain) that embeds automatic contracts in the tokens sold and limits entrepreneurial discretion. We show that the profitability of token-based sales increases with entrepreneurial ability and the intensity of network effects.

This paper was accepted by Will Cong, Special Section of Management Science: Blockchains and Crypto Economics.

Supplemental Material: The internet appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4917 .
A Sequential Model for High-Volume Recruitment Under Random Yields
Authors: Du Lilun , Li Qing , Yu Peiwen
Published: September 2023

A Sequential Model for High-Volume Recruitment Under Random Yields

High-volume recruiting is challenging, as it involves hiring a larger number of people in a short amount of time. In “A Sequential Model for High-Volume Recruitment Under Random Yields,” Du, Li, and Yu model a high-volume recruiting process as a large-scale dynamic program. Their model captures three important features of high-volume recruiting: multiple phases, random yields, and a preset hiring target. They provide a decision tool to answer practical questions about the number of offers to be made in each phase and the number of phases in a recruitment season. To solve the dynamic program, they rely on approximations, and the approximations are asymptotically optimal when the volume is large. Their simulation studies confirm the convergence results. They illustrate how their modeling framework can be put into practice in a case study, which shows that their decision tool can improve the recruiting outcome.
Keep on Telemeterin'
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: September 2023

The telemetry industry's leading event returns to Las Vegas, USA in October
On condition numbers of quaternion matrix inverse and quaternion linear systems with multiple right-hand sides
Authors: Liu Qiaohua , Wang Shan , Zhang Fengxia
Published: September 2023

This paper is devoted to the condition numbers of quaternion linear system with multiple right-hand sides and the associated condition numbers of the quaternion matrix inverse as well. The explicit expressions of the unstructured and structured normwise, mixed, and componentwise condition numbers for the system are given. To reduce the computational cost of the condition numbers,compact and tight upper bounds for these condition numbers are proposed. For general sparse and badly scaled problems, numerical examples show that mixed and componentwise condition numbers are preferred than the normwise condition number for estimating the forward error of the solution, and structured condition numbers are tighter than the unstructured ones for some specific structured problems.
Psychometric characteristics of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale–Revised in a population of Polish university students
Authors: Kotyśko Martyna , Frankowiak Joanna
Published: September 2023

The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale–Revised (CESD-R) has already been validated on the Polish population. However, the structure of the scale obtained at that time was not confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in subsequent studies on the Polish sample and measurement invariance for gender was not performed. The purpose of this article is to present the results of psychometric analyses to verify the structure of the CESD-R in a university student sample. An online cross-sectional study was conducted with 1519 university students (March/April 2021). The dataset was randomly divided into three subsets to perform principal component analysis (PCA, Subset 1) and CFA for CESD-R versions with different numbers of factors and items (Subsets 2 and 3). Measurement invariance for gender was verified for the whole sample. PCA pointed to a three-factor solution that was analyzed in the subsequent CFA. Due to high correlation coefficients between factors, further steps were taken using only one factor. For CFA, 20-, 18- and 9-item versions of the CESD-R were used, but the 9-item version obtained the best model fit parameters and was used to evaluate the measurement invariance for gender, which was confirmed. The 9-item CESD-R has the best model fit compared to other versions of this scale and is gender invariant. Further research is needed to verify the criterion validity of this shortened scale.
Functional characterization of a single nucleotide polymorphism associated with Alzheimer’s disease in a hiPSC-based neuron model
Authors: Stolzenburg Lindsay R. , Esmaeeli Sahar , Kulkarni Ameya S. , Murphy Erin , Kwon Taekyung , Preiss Christina , Bahnassawy Lamiaa , Stender Joshua D. , Manos Justine D. , Reinhardt Peter , Rahimov Fedik , Waring Jeffrey F. , Ramathal Cyril Y.
Published: September 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a group of debilitating conditions resulting from progressive nerve cell death. Of these, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) occurs most frequently, but is currently incurable and has limited treatment success. Late onset AD, the most common form, is highly heritable but is caused by a combination of non-genetic risk factors and many low-effect genetic variants whose disease-causing mechanisms remain unclear. By mining the FinnGen study database of phenome-wide association studies, we identified a rare variant, rs148726219, enriched in the Finnish population that is associated with AD risk and dementia, and appears to have arisen on a common haplotype with older AD-associated variants such as rs429358. The rs148726219 variant lies in an overlapping intron of the FosB proto-oncogene (FOSB) and ERCC excision repair 1 (ERCC1) genes. To understand the impact of this SNP on disease phenotypes, we performed CRISPR/Cas9 editing in a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line to generate isogenic clones harboring heterozygous and homozygous alleles of rs148726219. hiPSC clones differentiated into induced excitatory neurons (iNs) did not exhibit detectable molecular or morphological variation in differentiation potential compared to isogenic controls. However, global transcriptome analysis showed differential regulation of nearby genes and upregulation of several biological pathways related to neuronal function, particularly synaptogenesis and calcium signaling, specifically in mature iNs harboring rs148726219 homozygous and heterozygous alleles. Functional differences in iN circuit maturation as measured by calcium imaging were observed across genotypes. Edited mature iNs also displayed downregulation of unfolded protein response and cell death pathways. This study implicates a phenotypic impact of rs148726219 in the context of mature neurons, consistent with its identification in late onset AD, and underscores a hiPSC-based experimental model to functionalize GWAS-identified variants.
The gait pattern and not the femoral morphology is the main contributor to asymmetric hip joint loading
Authors: Koller Willi , Baca Arnold , Kainz Hans
Published: September 2023

Gait asymmetry and skeletal deformities are common in many children with cerebral palsy (CP). Changes of the hip joint loading, i.e. hip joint contact force (HJCF), can lead to pathological femoral growth. A child’s gait pattern and femoral morphology affect HJCFs. The twofold aim of this study was to (1) evaluate if the asymmetry in HJCFs is higher in children with CP compared to typically developing (TD) children and (2) identify if the bony morphology or the subject-specific gait pattern is the main contributor to asymmetric HJCFs. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) and three-dimensional gait analysis data of twelve children with CP and fifteen TD children were used to create subject-specific musculoskeletal models and calculate HJCF using OpenSim. Root-mean-square-differences between left and right HJCF magnitude and orientation were computed and compared between participant groups (CP versus TD). Additionally, the influence on HJCF asymmetries solely due to the femoral morphology and solely due to the gait pattern was quantified. Our findings demonstrate that the gait pattern is the main contributor to asymmetric HJCFs in CP and TD children. Children with CP have higher HJCF asymmetries which is probably the result of larger asymmetries in their gait pattern compared to TD children. The gained insights from our study highlight that clinical interventions should focus on normalizing the gait pattern and therefore the hip joint loading to avoid the development of femoral deformities.
Worsening of mental health outcomes in nursing home staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland
Authors: Brady Conan , Shackleton Ellie , Fenton Caoimhe , Loughran Orlaith , Hayes Blánaid , Hennessy Martina , Higgins Agnes , Leroi Iracema , Shanagher Deirdre , McLoughlin Declan M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Mental health issues in nursing home staff during the COVID-19 pandemic have been significant; however, it is not known if these issues persist following widespread vaccination and easing of restrictions.

Objective

To quantify the mental health of nursing home staff at different timepoints during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland.

Design/Methods

Two identical, online, cross-sectional, nationwide, anonymous surveys of Republic of Ireland nursing home staff at two timepoints (survey 1 (S1, n = 390): November 2020 to January 2021; survey 2 (S2, N = 229: November 2021 to February 2022) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Convenience sampling was used with staff self-selecting for participation. Methods included the World Health Organisation’s Well-Being Index (WHO-5), the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Moral Injury Events Scale (MIES), two Likert-scale items regarding suicidal ideation and planning, the Work Ability Score (WAS), the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief-COPE) Scale, and a 15-item questionnaire assessing perceptions of the outbreak with one additional Likert-scale item on altruism. Descriptive analysis examined differences between staff based on their classification in one of three groups: nurses, healthcare assistants (HCA) and nonclinical staff. Pseudonymous identifiers were used to link responses across surveys.

Results

An insufficient number of participants completed both surveys for linked analyses to be performed; therefore, we performed an ecological comparison between these two independent surveys. More staff reported moderate-severe post-traumatic stress symptoms (S1 45%; S2 65%), depression (S1: 39%; S2 57%), suicidal ideation (S1: 14%; S2 18%) and suicidal planning (S1: 9%; S2 15%) later in the pandemic. There was a higher degree of moral injury at S2 (S1: 20.8 standard deviation (SD) 9.1; S2: 25.7 SD (11.3)) and use of avoidant (maladaptive) coping styles at S2 (S1: 20.8 (6.3); S2 23.0 (6.3)) with no notable differences found in the use of approach (adaptive) coping styles. Staff reported more concerns at S2 regarding contracting COVID-19, social stigma, job stress, doubts about personal protective equipment and systems and processes.

Conclusion

In comparison to our previous survey, mental health outcomes appear to have worsened, coping did not improve, and staff concerns, and worries appear to have increased as the pandemic progressed. Follow-up studies could help to clarify is there are any lingering problems and to assess if these issues are related to the pandemic and working conditions in nursing homes.
Effects of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) technology on early recovery quality in patients after thyroid surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Haocong , Lu Zhijun
Published: September 2023

Background

Patient-focused evaluation of postoperative recover has been recognized as one of the most important concerns in postoperative medicine. Previous studies have shown that the Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) Questionnaire can be used to accurately assess the quality of recovery from surgery. During thyroid surgery using intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) technology, the strategy of low dose of muscle relaxant, intubation of different endotracheal tubes and electrical stimulation on vocal cord are applied. Its still unknown if these performances would affect patients’ postoperative recovery in thyroid surgery patients.

Methods

82 patients were randomly assigned to the neuromonitoring group (NEURO Group) and the control group (CON Group). In the CON Group, rocuronium (0.6 mg / kg) was given for intubation and additional dose was injected if needed, while in the NEURO Group, only rocuronium (0.3 mg / kg) was given when induction. The primary outcome is the QoR-40 scores on postoperative day 1 (POD1) and postoperative day 3 (POD3). Other parameters, such as postoperative nausea or vomiting (PONV) and medical cost were also recorded.

Results

One subject in each group was excluded, leaving 80 for analysis. In the NEURO Group, the global QoR-40 score, emotional state, physical comfort, physical independence and pain were significantly lower both on POD1 and POD3 (P<0.05). Patients in the NEURO Group had a higher incidence of PONV (P<0.05) and medical expense (P<0.05).

Conclusions

After thyroidectomy, the patients using IONM suffer worse quality of recovery, more risk of PONV and increased medical expense.
Editorial
Authors: Hancock Joseph H.
Published: September 2023

Our ten-year celebration of Fashion, Style & Popular Culture (FSPC) ends with the arrival of new associate editors, editorial board members and innovative scholarship. Editor Joseph H. Hancock, II discusses how various state legislatures targeting gender identity, seeking to block health care for trans kids, and preventing young queer people from joining sports teams, among other issues. Retailers such as Target Corporation have become victims of right-wing conservative protestors who demand the retailer remove their 2023 pride shops in the front of their stores. Fashion is a driving force of gender identity and gender expression. By teaching others on the importance of fashion, style and popular culture in the LGBTQIA community is crucial for new generations to stop hate – this must end.
Estudios ibéricos online: El futuro de las iniciativas virtuales. Informe del encuentro en la sede del Instituto Cervantes (Madrid, 24 de octubre 2022)
Authors: Fouz-Hernández Santiago , Gimeno Ugalde Esther
Published: September 2023

In its third year of existence, Pleibéricos, an online platform focused on launching and promoting new books in the field of Iberian ṣtudies, held an event at the headquarters of the Cervantes Institute in Madrid on 24 October 2022. The aim of this first in-person meeting was to start conversations with other initiatives in the field that, like Pleibéricos, were founded during the COVID-19 pandemic or that had to move their operations online or adopt a hybrid format during that time. The founders and coordinators of the following six platforms talked about their projects: the online research seminar series Polibéricos, Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival (ESFF – to represent hybrid formats in the creative sector), the Spanish-language podcast New Books Network and the conferences Conversations on Iberian Studies: Challenges and Opportunities (CISCO) and Association for Contemporary Iberian Studies (ACIS). They placed special emphasis on the advantages and challenges of the online and hybrid formats and how to incorporate these new experiences, technologies and skills into a post-pandemic context. The event concluded with a roundtable discussion and some concluding remarks by a guest respondent. This meeting was made possible with the support of a Hispanex grant awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sport.