bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Swiss GPs’ preferences for antidepressant treatment in mild depression: vignette-based quantitative analysis
Authors: Hengartner Michael P. , Neuner-Jehle Stefan , Senn Oliver
Published: December 2021

Background

GPs frequently prescribe antidepressants in mild depression. The aim of this study was to examine, how often Swiss GPs recommend antidepressants in various clinical presentations of mild depression and which factors contribute to antidepressant treatment recommendations.

Methods

We conducted an online survey among Swiss GPs with within-subject effect analysis. Alternating case vignettes described a typical female case of mild depression according to International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition criteria, with and without anxiety symptoms and sleep problems. GPs indicated for each vignette their preferred treatments (several recommendations were possible). Additionally, we assessed GP characteristics, attitudes towards depression treatments, and elements of clinical decision-making.

Results

Altogether 178 GPs completed the survey. In the initial description of a case with mild depression, 11% (95%-CI: 7%-17%) of GPs recommended antidepressants. If anxiety symptoms were added to the same case, 29% (23%-36%) recommended antidepressants. If sleep problems were mentioned, 47% (40%-55%) recommended antidepressants, and if both sleep problems and anxiety symptoms were mentioned, 63% (56%-70%) recommended antidepressants. Several factors were independently associated with increased odds of recommending antidepressants, specifically more years of practical experience, an advanced training in psychosomatic and psychosocial medicine, self-dispensation, and a higher perceived effectiveness of antidepressants. By contrast, a higher perceived influence of patient characteristics and the use of clinical practice guidelines were associated with reduced odds of recommending antidepressants.

Conclusions

Consistent with depression practice guidelines, Swiss GPs rarely recommended antidepressants in mild depression if no co-indications (i.e., sleep problems and anxiety symptoms) were depicted. However, presence of sleep problems and anxiety symptoms, many years of practical experience, overestimation of antidepressants’ effectiveness, self-dispensation, an advanced training in psychosomatic and psychosocial medicine, and non-use of clinical practice guidelines may independently lead to antidepressant over-prescribing.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychological stress in breast cancer patients
Authors: Bartmann Catharina , Fischer Leah-Maria , Hübner Theresa , Müller-Reiter Max , Wöckel Achim , McNeill Rhiannon V. , Schlaiss Tanja , Kittel-Schneider Sarah , Kämmerer Ulrike , Diessner Joachim
Published: December 2021

Background

The majority of breast cancer patients are severely psychologically affected by breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent therapeutic procedures. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on public life have additionally caused significant psychological distress for much of the population. It is therefore plausible that breast cancer patients might be particularly susceptible to the additional psychological stress caused by the pandemic, increasing suffering. In this study we therefore aimed to assess the level of psychological distress currently experienced by a defined group of breast cancer patients in our breast cancer centre, compared to distress levels pre-COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Female breast cancer patients of all ages receiving either adjuvant, neoadjuvant, or palliative therapies were recruited for the study. All patients were screened for current or previous COVID-19 infection. The participants completed a self-designed COVID-19 pandemic questionnaire, the Stress and Coping Inventory (SCI), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Distress Thermometer (DT), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ C30, and the BR23.

Results

Eighty-two breast cancer patients were included. Therapy status and social demographic factors did not have a significant effect on the distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the DT pre and during COVID-19 pandemic did not differ significantly. Using the self-designed COVID-19 pandemic questionnaire, we detected three distinct subgroups demonstrating different levels of concerns in relation to SARS-CoV-2. The subgroup with the highest levels of concern reported significantly decreased life quality, related parameters and symptoms.

Conclusions

This monocentric study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected psychological health in a subpopulation of breast cancer patients. The application of a self-created “COVID-19 pandemic questionnaire” could potentially be used to help identify breast cancer patients who are susceptible to increased psychological distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore may need additional intensive psychological support.

Trial registration

DRKS-ID: DRKS00022507.
Understanding the sociodemographic factors associated with intention to receive SMS messages for health information in a rural area of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Fakir M Amirul , Lambert Elisabeth A , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Hosen M Arzan , Thompson Bruce R , Lambert Gavin W
Published: December 2021

Background

The use of digital interventions for managing chronic diseases is significantly increasing. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of ownership of a mobile phone, and factors associated with the ability to read and access SMS delivered health information, and willingness to pay for it among people with hypertension in a rural area in Bangladesh.

Methods

Data were collected from 307 participants aged 30 to 75 years with hypertension from a rural area in Bangladesh from December 2020 to January 2021. Outcome measures included ownership of a mobile phone, ability to read SMS, willingness to receive and pay for health information by SMS. Associated factors included age, gender, level of education, occupation, and socioeconomic status. We used regression analysis to identify variables associated with the outcome variables.

Results

Overall, 189 (61.6%) people owned a mobile phone which was higher in men (73.3% vs. 50%, p < 0.001), younger people (82.6% aged 30–39 years vs. 53.5% aged 60–75 years, p < 0.001). Of the total participants, 207 (67.4%) were willing to receive SMS, and 155 (50.5%) were willing to pay for receiving SMS for health information. The prevalence was significantly higher among professionals (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.58, 1.73–12.1) and businesspersons (OR 3.68, 95% CI 1.49–9.10) compared to farmers, respectively. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of willingness to pay for health information SMS was 10 (28) Bangladesh Taka (BDT) (1 BDT ~ 0.013 US$), and there were no specific factors that were associated with the willingness of any higher amounts of payment. In terms of reading SMS of people who own a mobile, less than half could read SMS. The proportion of people who could read SMS was significantly higher among men, younger people, educated people, middle class or rich people, professionals or businesspersons. Of people who could read SMS, the majority read SMS occasionally.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of people are unable to read SMS. However, people are willing to receive and pay to receive SMS for health information. Education and awareness programs should be conducted among targeted groups, including people with low education and women.
Dual antiplatelet therapy before coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with myocardial infarction: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sadeghi Roxana , Haji Aghajani Mohammad , Miri Reza , Kachoueian Naser , Jadbabaei Amir Nasser , Mahjoob Mohammad Parsa , Omidi Fatemeh , Ghazanfarabadi Mahboobeh , Sarveazad Arash
Published: December 2021

Background

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with MI who are candidates for early coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can affect intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of DAPT up to the day before CABG on the outcomes during and after surgery in patients with MI.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 224 CABG candidate patients with and without MI were divided into two groups: (A) patients without MI who were treated with aspirin 80 mg/day before surgery (noMI-aspirin group; n = 124) and (B) patients with MI who were treated with aspirin 80 mg/day before surgery and clopidogrel (Plavix brand) at a dose of 75 mg/day (MI-DAPT group; n = 120). Dual or mono-antiplatelet therapy continued until the day before surgery. Patients were followed to assess in-hospital and 6-months outcomes.

Results

The in-hospital mortality in MI-DAPT group was similar with noMI-aspirin group (OR 4.2; 95% CI 0.9–20.5; p = 0.071). The prevalence of CVA (p = 0.098), duration of hospital stay (p = 0.109), postoperative ejection fraction level (p = 0.693), diastolic dysfunction grade (p = 0.651) and postoperative PAP level (p = 0.0364) did not show difference between two groups. No mild or severe bleeding was observed in the patients. Six-month follow up showed that number of readmissions (p = 0.801), number of cases requiring angiography (p = 0.100), cases requiring re-PCI (p = 0.156), need for re-CABG (p > 0.999) and CVA (p > 0.999) did not differ between the two groups. During the 6-month follow-up, out-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.446).

Conclusions

A 6-month follow-up showed that DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel before CABG in patients with MI has no effect on postoperative outcomes more than mono-APT with aspirin. Therefore, DAPT is recommended in the preoperative period for these patients.
Comparison of nephroscopy and cystoscopy used in the treatment of bladder stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gou Liping , Wang Zhenghao , Zhou Ye , Zheng Xiaofeng
Published: December 2021

Background

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare the safety and efficiency of nephroscopy and cystoscopy in transurethral cystolithotripsy (TUCL) for bladder stones (BS).

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to January 2021 for studies assessing the effect of different types of endoscopes among patients who underwent TUCL. The search strategy and study selection process were in accordance with the PRISMA statement.

Results

Five randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed no difference in stone-free rate (RR = 1.00, CI = 0.98–1.02, p = 1.00) between the two groups and nonsignificant heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 1.00), and all patients were rendered stone free. Use of the nephroscope significantly shortened the operative time compared with the cystoscope group (RR= − 26.26, CI = − 35.84 to − 16.68, p < 0.00001), and there was significant heterogeneity (I2= 87%, p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in mean urethral entries (RR = 0.66, CI = − 0.71 to − 2.04, p = 0.35), hospitalization (MD = 0.08, 95% CI = − 0.07 to 0.23, p = 0.31) or total complication rate (RR=1.37, 95% CI = 0.47–4.00, p = 0.56) between the two groups.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this systematic review demonstrates that both nephroscopy and cystoscopy have high stone clearance efficiency, low rates of complications and short hospitalizations. The mean urethral entries depend on the treatment method for large stone fragments. However, the use of nephroscopy can significantly reduce the operative time.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Carica Papaya Linn. seeds extract on CCl4-induced liver injury in male rats
Authors: Shaban Nadia Z. , El-Kot Sarah M. , Awad Olfat M. , Hafez Afaf M. , Fouad Ghada M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are the central pathogenic events in liver diseases. In this study, the protective and therapeutic role of Carica Papaya Linn. seeds extract (SE) was evaluated against the hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats.

Methods

The air-dried papaya seeds were powdered and extracted with distilled water. The phytochemical ingredients, minerals, and antioxidant potentials were studied. For determination of the biological role of SE against hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4, five groups of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared (8 rats per each): C: control; SE: rats were administered with SE alone; CCl4: rats were injected subcutaneously with CCl4; SE-CCl4 group: rats were administered with SE orally for 2 weeks before and 8 weeks during CCl4 injection; SE-CCl4-SE group: Rats were administered with SE and CCl4 as mentioned in SE-CCl4 group with a prolonged administration with SE for 4 weeks after the stopping of CCl4 injection. Then, the markers of OS [lipid peroxidation (LP) and antioxidant parameters; glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], inflammation [nuclear factor (NF)-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6], fibrosis [transforming growth factor (TGF)-β], apoptosis [tumor suppressor gene (p53)], liver and kidney functions beside liver histopathology were determined.

Results

The phytochemical analyses revealed that SE contains different concentrations of phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and minerals so it has potent antioxidant activities. Therefore, the treatment with SE pre, during, and/or after CCl4 administration attenuated the OS induced by CCl4 where the LP was reduced, but the antioxidants (GSH, SOD, GST, and GPx) were increased. Additionally, these treatments reduced the inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis induced by CCl4, since the levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, and p53 were declined. Accordingly, liver and kidney functions were improved. These results were confirmed by the histopathological results.

Conclusions

SE has protective and treatment roles against hepatotoxicity caused by CCl4 administration through the reduction of OS, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis induced by CCl4 and its metabolites in the liver tissues. Administration of SE for healthy rats for 12 weeks had no adverse effects. Thus, SE can be utilized in pharmacological tools as anti-hepatotoxicity.
Correction to: Pristimerin induces apoptosis in imatinib-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia cells harboring T315I mutation by blocking NF-κB signaling and depleting Bcr-Abl
Authors: Lu Zhongzheng , Jin Yanli , Chen Chun , Li Juan , Cao Qi , Pan Jingxuan
Published: December 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Extended myectomy for apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Saitoh Daiki , Saji Mike , Takanashi Schuichiro
Published: December 2021

Background

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that predominantly affects the apex of the left ventricle and rarely involves the right ventricular apex or both apexes. Heart transplantation is the traditional treatment for apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Although surgical myectomy approaching the apex has been available for decades, its safety and accuracy greatly depend on the surgeon’s skills and experience.

Case presentation

The first case involved a 63-year-old man with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, wherein preoperative contrast computed tomography findings revealed apical hypertrophy and complete apical cavity obliteration. The patient underwent extended myectomy, which revealed the apex cavity filled with abnormal muscles. Using the transaortic approach, the location of the bilateral papillary muscle was confirmed, thereby providing the required orientation. The abnormal muscle mass was successfully resected, and the postoperative end-diastolic volume was extremely increased. The second case involved a 43-year-old man with an apical left ventricular aneurysm and mid-hypertrophic cardiomyopathy obstruction. The thin-walled apical aneurysm contained a large apical-basal band. Upon detecting the bilateral papillary muscle, mid-ventricular myectomy was performed from the apex. During postoperative catheterization, there was no pressure gradient between the left ventricle and aorta.

Conclusions

We reviewed two cases of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, efficiently treated using extended apical myectomy. Although it is an uncommon procedure, the cases presented show how it can be used to successfully manage cases of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, it is important to secure the postoperative left ventricular end-diastolic volume.
Earthquake monitoring of the Baribis Fault near Jakarta, Indonesia, using borehole seismometers
Authors: Damanik Ruben , Supendi Pepen , Widiyantoro Sri , Rawlinson Nicholas , Ardianto A. , Gunawan Endra , Husni Yayan M. , Zulfakriza Z. , Sahara David P. , Shiddiqi Hasbi Ash
Published: December 2021

The geological setting of Jakarta and its immediate surroundings are poorly understood, yet it is one of the few places in Indonesia that is impacted by earthquakes from both the Java subduction zone and active faults on land. In this study, a borehole seismic experiment with low noise characteristics was deployed to record seismic activity on the ~ E-W oriented Baribis Fault, which is ~ 130 km long, passes to the south of Jakarta, and is only ~ 20 km away at its nearest point. A primary objective of this study is to determine whether this fault is seismically active, and therefore, whether it might pose a threat to nearby population centers, including Jakarta in particular. A total of seven broadband instruments that spanned Jakarta and the surrounding region were installed between the end of July 2019 and August 2020, during which time we were able to detect and locate 91 earthquakes. Two earthquakes were located close to the Baribis Fault line, one of which was felt in Bekasi (southeast of Jakarta) where it registered II-III on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. The focal mechanism solutions of these events indicate the presence of a thrust fault, which is in good agreement with previous studies, and suggest that the Baribis Fault is active.
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-based therapies for severe viral pneumonia: therapeutic potential and challenges
Authors: Masterson C. H. , Ceccato A. , Artigas A. , dos Santos C. , Rocco P. R. , Rolandsson Enes S. , Weiss D. J. , McAuley D. , Matthay M. A. , English K. , Curley G. F. , Laffey J. G.
Published: December 2021

Severe viral pneumonia is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, whether due to outbreaks of endemic viruses, periodic viral epidemics, or the rarer but devastating global viral pandemics. While limited anti-viral therapies exist, there is a paucity of direct therapies to directly attenuate viral pneumonia-induced lung injury, and management therefore remains largely supportive. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are receiving considerable attention as a cytotherapeutic for viral pneumonia. Several properties of MSCs position them as a promising therapeutic strategy for viral pneumonia-induced lung injury as demonstrated in pre-clinical studies in relevant models. More recently, early phase clinical studies have demonstrated a reassuring safety profile of these cells. These investigations have taken on an added importance and urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic, with multiple trials in progress across the globe. In parallel with clinical translation, strategies are being investigated to enhance the therapeutic potential of these cells in vivo, with different MSC tissue sources, specific cellular products including cell-free options, and strategies to ‘licence’ or ‘pre-activate’ these cells, all being explored. This review will assess the therapeutic potential of MSC-based therapies for severe viral pneumonia. It will describe the aetiology and epidemiology of severe viral pneumonia, describe current therapeutic approaches, and examine the data suggesting therapeutic potential of MSCs for severe viral pneumonia in pre-clinical and clinical studies. The challenges and opportunities for MSC-based therapies will then be considered.
SmartSurfACE transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy with mitomycin C enhancement after small incision lenticule extraction
Authors: Gab-Alla Amr A.
Published: December 2021

Background

To evaluate predictability, stability, efficacy, and safety of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TPRK) using smart pulse technology (SPT) (SmartSurface procedure) of Schwind Amaris with mitomycin C for correction of post small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) myopic residual refractive errors.

Method

This study is a prospective, non-comparative case series conducted at a private eye centre in Ismailia, Egypt, on eyes with post-SMILE myopic residual refractive errors because of undercorrection or suction loss (suction loss occurred after the posterior lenticular cut and the creation of side-cuts; redocking was attempted, and the treatment was completed in the same session with the same parameters) with myopia or myopic astigmatism. The patients were followed up post-SMILE for six months before the SmartSurface procedure, and then they were followed up for one year after that. TPRK were performed using Amaris excimer laser at 500 kHz. The main outcomes included refractive predictability, stability, efficacy, safety and any reported complications.

Results

This study included 68 eyes of 40 patients out of 1920 total eyes (3.5%) with post-SMILE technique myopic residual refractive errors. The average duration between the SMILE surgery and TPRK was 6.7 ± 0.4 months (range 6 to 8 months). The mean refractive spherical equivalent (SE) was within ± 0.50 D of plano correction in 100% of the eyes at 12 months post-TPRK. Astigmatism of < 0.50 D was achieved in 100% of the eyes. The mean of the residual SE error showed statistically significant improvement from preoperative − 1.42 ± 0.52 D to 0.23 ± 0.10 D (P < 0.0001). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) (measured by Snellen's chart and averaged in logMAR units) was improved significantly to 0.1 ± 0.07 (P < 0.0001). UDVA was 0.2 logMAR or better in 100% of the eyes, 0.1 logMAR or better in 91.2% of the eyes, and 0.0 logMAR in 20.6% of the eyes. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) remained unchanged in 79.4% of eyes. 14.7% of eyes gained one line of CDVA (Snellen). 5.9% of eyes gained two lines of CDVA (Snellen).

Conclusion

Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy using smart pulse technology with mitomycin C enhancement after SMILE is a safe, predictable, stable, and effective technique.
Achievements, experiences and challenges of the battle against poverty in China’s ethnic minority areas: focusing on the “three areas and three prefectures”
Authors: Wang Yanzhong , Ding Sai
Published: December 2021

The incidence of poverty in three of China’s provinces (Qinghai, Guizhou and Yunnan) and five of its autonomous regions (Inner Mongolia, Guangxi, Tibet, Ningxia, and Xinjiang) is greater than the national average. As severely impoverished areas in China and top priorities in the country’s battle against poverty, ethnic minority areas, especially the most impoverished “three areas” (the Tibet Autonomous Region, prefectures and counties with large Tibetan populations in the provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan, and the Hotan, Aksu, Kashgar prefectures and Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture in southern Xinjiang) and the “three prefectures” (the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, and the Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu Province) showed a significant reduction in poverty and achieved decisive progress in poverty elimination from 2018 to 2019. This laid a solid foundation for the building of a moderately prosperous society in an all respects by 2020. By reviewing and explaining methods and measures of targeted poverty alleviation used in ethnic minority areas of China, this paper summarizes the most successful experiences of these areas, particularly the “Three Areas and Three Prefectures”, in the process of alleviating poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. These successful experiences consist of four aspects: roles of national systems, promotion of key poverty alleviation efforts, improved mechanisms and systems for targeted poverty alleviation, and specific innovative methods and measures. While examining the difficulties of eliminating poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects in China’s ethnic minority areas, especially in the “Three Areas and Three Prefectures”, this article also discusses practical challenges and problems yet to be solved, such as follow-up adjustments of poverty alleviation policies, cultivation of self-development capacity and weak educational foundations. Ultimately, this paper offers relevant solutions and suggestions in relation to macro policies, government officials and impoverished groups.
Frameless Robotic-Assisted Deep Brain Stimulation With the Mazor Renaissance System
Authors: Liang Allison S. , Ginalis Elizabeth E. , Jani Raja , Hargreaves Eric L. , Danish Shabbar F.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Robotic-assisted stereotactic systems for deep brain stimulation (DBS) have recently gained popularity because of their abilities to automate arduous human error-prone steps for lead implantation. Recent DBS literature focuses on frame-based robotic platforms, but little has been reported on frameless robotic approaches, specifically the Food and Drug Administration-approved Mazor Renaissance Guidance System (Mazor Robotics Ltd).

OBJECTIVE:

To present an initial case series for patients undergoing awake DBS with the Mazor Renaissance Guidance System and evaluate operative variables and stereotactic accuracy.

METHODS:

Retrospective data collection at a single institution was conducted for an initial 35 consecutive patients. Patient demographics and operative variables, including case times, microelectrode recording passes, and postoperative complications, were obtained by chart review. Implant accuracy was evaluated through measuring radial and vector (x, y) errors using the Mazor software. Pneumocephalus volumes were calculated using immediate postoperative T1-weighted MRI scans.

RESULTS:

Total operating room (245 ± 5.5 min) and procedural (179 ± 4.7) times were comparable with previous awake DBS literature. The radial error for center tract implants was 1.3 ± 0.1 mm, with smaller error in the first (1.1 ± 0.2) vs second (1.7 ± 0.3) implants of bilateral DBS (P = .048). Vector error analysis demonstrated larger shifts posteriorly for first implants and medially for second implants. Pneumocephalus volumes (12.4 ± 2.2 cm3) were not associated with increased microelectrode recording passes, radial error, or complications.

CONCLUSION:

Frameless robotic-assisted DBS is a safe and efficient new technology that has been easily adopted into the workflow at our institution.
The Cyclical Behavior of Unemployment and Wages under Information Frictions
Authors: Morales-Jiménez Camilo
Published: December 2021

I propose a new mechanism for sluggish wages based on workers’ noisy information about the state of the economy. Wages do not respond immediately to a positive aggregate shock because workers do not (yet) have enough information to demand higher wages. The model is robust to two major criticisms of existing theories of sluggish wages and volatile unemployment, namely, that wages are flexible for new hires and the flow opportunity cost of employment (FOCE) is pro-cyclicality. The model generates volatility in the labor market as well as wage and FOCE elasticities with respect to productivity, consistent with the data. (JEL E24, E32, J24, J31, J63)
The Discursive Construction of Foreign Language Pedagogy at the University Level in Poland against the Background of the European Qualifications Framework
Authors: Nosidlak Katarzyna
Published: December 2021

Katarzyna Nosidlak’s book focuses on the theory and practice of foreign language pedagogy construed on a national scale for the needs of higher education systems in Poland under the pressures of international requirements. It raises contemporary issues of official educational discourses on language policy in Europe, which are significant for shaping the vision of the world shared by humans in interindividual communication in general and English as a second language in particular. Approaching the European Qualifications Framework and the Polish Qualifications Framework as tools for coordinating and comparing the content and results of education in the EU Member States at all levels, from basic to post-secondary, the book essentially enriches the knowledge of foreign language teaching and learning in the era of unification of laws on education. The notable achievements of Katarzyna Nosidlak’s book lie in its emphasis on the role of discourses and discursive practices in social life, including the formation of the Polish education system on the example of language pedagogy, its revelation of the consequences of the application of the perspective of social constructivism for communicative practices in foreign language teaching, and its provision of a comprehensive overview of legal acts and publications on the qualifications framework for lifelong learning.
Once Again on Claudian's Egyptian Origin
Authors: Babnis Tomasz
Published: December 2021

The life of Claudius Claudian (c. 370 – c. 404 AD), the great Latin poet active during the reign of Honorius, is unknown, especially the years before his great debut in 395 AD. Communis opinio holds that he was a pagan Egyptian Greek born in Alexandria c. 370 AD, who having come to Italy in 394 AD started a career of a political poet in the service of the elites of the Western Roman Empire. This view codified by Alan Cameron (1970) was challenged by Peder G. Christiansen (1997), who asserted that Claudian was actually a Westerner. The thesis of the poet’s Egyptian origin was defended by Bret Mulligan (2007) and then again attacked by Christiansen and Christiansen (2009). This article aims to reconsider the scarce textual evidence and to put an emphasis on some points that have been underestimated so far: the possibility of Claudian’s early connections with Constantinople and the ruling circles of the eastern capital.
The Electric Vehicle Routing Problem with Capacitated Charging Stations
Authors: Froger Aurélien , Jabali Ola , Mendoza Jorge E. , Laporte Gilbert
Published: December 2021

Electric vehicle routing problems (E-VRPs) deal with routing a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) to serve a set of customers while minimizing an operational criterion, for example, cost or time. The feasibility of the routes is constrained by the autonomy of the EVs, which may be recharged along the route. Much of the E-VRP research neglects the capacity of charging stations (CSs) and thus implicitly assumes that an unlimited number of EVs can be simultaneously charged at a CS. In this paper, we model and solve E-VRPs considering these capacity restrictions. In particular, we study an E-VRP with nonlinear charging functions, multiple charging technologies, en route charging, and variable charging quantities while explicitly accounting for the number of chargers available at privately managed CSs. We refer to this problem as the E-VRP with nonlinear charging functions and capacitated stations (E-VRP-NL-C). We introduce a continuous-time model formulation for the problem. We then introduce an algorithmic framework that iterates between two main components: (1) the route generator, which uses an iterated local search algorithm to build a pool of high-quality routes, and (2) the solution assembler, which applies a branch-and-cut algorithm to combine a subset of routes from the pool into a solution satisfying the capacity constraints. We compare four assembly strategies on a set of instances. We show that our algorithm effectively deals with the E-VRP-NL-C. Furthermore, considering the uncapacitated version of the E-VRP-NL-C, our solution method identifies new best-known solutions for 80 of 120 instances.
Employee Performance Measurements at ‘Aisyiyah Klaten Hospital using the Human Resources Scorecard approach
Authors: Kundariyah Siti , Tjahjono Heru Kurnianto , Aini Qurratul , Setyonugroho Winny
Published: December 2021

Background: The rapid development of health services is a challenge for hospitals in facing the increasingly open and accessible competition. Good human resource management is needed to increase the productivity of an organization. One of the strategies to increase productivity and improve human resource management is to use an integrated and comprehensive employee performance measurement. This research measured employee performance using the Human Resources Scorecard (HRSC) approach based on several conditions. HRSC is a Balanced Scorecard with a Human Resources (HR) approach where Key Performance Indicators (KPI) are based on 4 (four) perspectives: Financial Perspective, Customer Perspective, Internal Business Process Perspective, and Learning and Growth Perspective. Method: This study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey research design. Data collection methods included questionnaires, document review, and Consensus Decision Making Group (CDMG). The research population was 256 employees of the ‘Aisyiyah Hospital Klaten.  Samples were determined using non-probability sampling technique with a purposive sampling method of 100 respondents. Results: The results showed that overall employee performance was good, with a score of 4.03. Based on Key Performance Indicators for each perspective, the internal business process perspective of employee performance was very good, with a score of 1.24. The financial perspective of employee performance was good with a score of 0.8, while the customer perspective of employee performance was good, with a score of 1.19. Finally, the learning and growth perspective of employee performance was good, with a score of 0.8. Conclusion: With the HRSC approach, the overall performance results of the ‘Aisyiyah Klaten Hospital employees were good.
Phenomenological Analysis of the Meaning of Life in of People Who Experience Mental Illness
Authors: Lee Mi Ok , Lee Eun Jin , Lee Mi Hyoung
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of life in patients with mental illness.Methods: This study used a phenomenological research approach. Subjects were recruited from shared living houses or rehabilitation facilities. Subjects had received treatment for mental illness. An in-depth interview was conducted for data collection from June 2019 to September 2019.Results: Three themes of the meaning of life were identified; 1. discovering their own power to keep away from a shaky life, 2. expanding into a safe relationship, and 3. developing towards a more valuable life.Conclusion: The meaning of life for subjects who experienced mental illness was that they felt helpless in the process of endless mental illness, but they realized the value of accepting the disease and living their daily lives and tried to restore close relationships with people and live the life they desired.
Exploration of the Independent Housing Experience of People with Mental Illness in a Community
Authors: Kim Hee Jung , Oh Hee-Young , Lee Hyeon-Joo
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This study aims to explore the independent housing experiences of people with mental illness who receive supported independent housing services provided by the public sector.Methods: Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using semi-structured interviews. Twelve participants, who had been living independently in the community for around 11 months, were included. A qualitative descriptive method and a content analysis method were applied.Results: Independent housing experiences of people with mental illness were classified into the following four domains: house effect, growth, challenges and limitations, relationships, and support. Eleven categories included the starting point of life, environmental & psychological comfort, inspire independence and confidence, recognition of goals and responsibilities, positive self-awareness, psychological difficulties, immaturity of daily coping, unstable self-protection, relationship improvement, and importance of support resources.Conclusion: For successful community integration of mentally disabled people, continuous legal institutional preparation for stable housing, government active interest, and flexible financial support are needed. In addition to housing support, a recovery-based independent housing case management model needs to be developed for successful maintenance of independent living. We also suggest a study on the effectiveness of independent housing to determine evidence for making a policy.
Korean Clinical Nurses’ Emotional Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kim Duck Jin , Cho Moo Yong
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the emotions experienced by Korean clinical nurses during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to understand their essential meaning in depth.Methods: A qualitative study was performed using individual in-depth interviews and data were collected from 12 nurses in clinical practice from June 2020 to December 2020. Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi’s phenomenological method.Results: The following three categories were derived: ‘shock of the unprecedented new infectious disease’, ‘hardships caused by the never-ending struggle’, and ‘hope in the midst of hardship’.Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it was confirmed that there is a need to prepare an appropriate compensation system and emotional support strategies for nurses in the traumatic event of a pandemic. In addition, it is necessary to develop a recovery from trauma and emotional management program to reduce the negative emotional experiences and strengthen the positive emotional experiences.
The concept of subject-object relations in draft versions of the song “Game” by V.R. Tsoy
Authors: Petrova Svetlana Andreevna
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the identification of subject-object relations in the text of the song by V.R. Tsoy. The aim of this work is to analyze the drafts of V.R. Tsoy and characteristics of subject-object relations based on the text of the song “Game” included in the rock album “Night”. To achieve this goal, the following methods were used in the work: bibliographic analysis of the literary works and drafts of the writer, the comparative method, the method of analogy and the descriptive method. Based on three versions of the lyrics of the song “Game”, the author notes that in the artistic structure of the text, there is a lyrical character that conveys the emotional state, mood and cognitive side of being. The author comes to the conclusion that the key concept of the studied text is “game”. This is reflected in the use of the second person plural pronoun “we”, as well as in the identification of the author with the lyric hero of the work in question. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that for the first time subject-object relations are analyzed on the material of the song “Game” by V.R. Tsoy.
Assessment of Conventional Insecticides against Common Bed Bugs Cimex Hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) in Jeddah Province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khan Samar A. , Mahyoub Jazem A. , Al-Ghamdi Khalid M. , Alghamdi Samia Q. , Alghamdi Tariq S. , Gharsan Fatehia N.
Published: December 2021

Bed bugs, Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are small insects that are considered public health pests and cause many health and economic problems. The efficacy of Organophosphorus insecticides (Safrotin and Actikill) and pyrethroids (Project and Cyper Safe) in controlling C. hemipterus adults and nymphs were investigated using contact and dipping methods. The WHO protocol was followed for insecticides application. The results of the current study showed that the project pesticide from the pyrethroids group gave the highest effectiveness against bed bugs, as the value of the concentration that killed 50% (LC50) of insects was of the adults (264.8, 337.5 ppm) when using dipping and contact methods, respectively. while the LC50 value when applying the two methods of the same insecticide against nymphs was 254.7 and 329.3ppm, respectively. However, Safrotin the more effective organophosphorus insecticide. The dipping method was more effective than the contact method for all insecticides, and the nymphs were more susceptible than the adults (LC50= 1502.6 and 1065.28ppm). The pesticides can be arranged in descending order according to their effect as follows: Project> Cyper Safe > Safrotin > Actikill. Our findings suggest that bed bugs in Jeddah Province may have developed resistance to common pesticides used in public health pest management programs. For this reason, this study recommends a periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of pesticides to be used during emergency pest outbreaks
Enlisting Aero-algal Flora and Algal Allergens Using Fan Dust Sampling Method from Pune, Maharashtra
Authors: Kamble Apurva Kapil. , Pandkar Jogita Tushar
Published: December 2021

Algae in the atmosphere are one of the bio-components of the environment. Despite the fact that they may have a negative impact on human health, they are the least studied organism in the field of aerobiology. Airborne algae continue to be viable in the atmosphere in the form of spores and filaments. In order to investigate the intramural diversity of airborne algae in Pune, eight residences were chosen, from which 16 fan dust samples were collected over a ten-day period. Total (108) aero-algal forms were recorded. Out of which 107 were Cyanophyta, and only one was Chlorophyta. The dominance of Cyanophyta members is attributed to the presence of a thick mucilaginous sheath around them, which allows them to tolerate the dryness. Overall, filamentous cyanophytes (71) outnumber coccoid cyanophytes (36). However, both fan dust slide samples and culture slide samples show variance. Coccoid cyanophytes (53) outnumber filamentous cyanophytes (11) in direct slide scans, although filamentous cyanophytes (25) were somewhat more numerous in culture samples than coccoid Cyanophyta (19). This increase in filamentous forms might be because of hormogonia of filamentous algae, which remained unidentified in direct slide scan and upon inoculation underwent reproduction increasing number of filamentous algae in culture slides. Chrooccocus, Gloeocapsa, Lyngbya, Nostoc, and Stigonema were among the forms found on the first and tenth days of fan dust sampling, indicating that they were a common inhabitant of fan dust during the study and that the fan, as an aero sampler, was able to capture them, demonstrating its potency as an aero sampler. Soil can be a substantial factor in the creation of fan dust, as these genera were frequently separated from the soil. Gloeocapsa, Phormidium, Lyngbya, Schizothrix, Cylindrospermum, Nostoc, Anabaena, Scytonema, Calothrix, and Scenedesmus were among the allergic aero-algal genera discovered during the investigation.
Assessment of Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity Potential of Clementine Extract Obtained by Microwave Assisted Extraction Method
Authors: Azzouzi Hanane , Elhajji Loubna , Achchoub Mouad , Benbati Mohammed , El-Fazazi Kaoutar , Salmaoui Souad
Published: December 2021

Citrus peels are known as rich source of bioactive compounds. Therefore, the establishment of an appropriate and innovative extraction method is a major interest to the food processing industry. The aim of this work is to assess the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of peels extracts prepared from five Moroccan clementine varieties. Extracts were prepared with microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique using acetone and methanol solvents. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity was performed by DPPH and ABTS- free radical scavenging. The extraction conditions had significant effects on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA). In fact, the highest TPC amount of clementine varieties (730.850±0.004mg GAE/100g DM) was obtained with acetone solvent for the Sidi Aissa variety. Regarding antioxidant activity, results with DPPH method showed an important antiradical and antioxidant activities for Sidi Aissa variety with methanol solvent (46.30± 1.01%) . However, ABTS method showed a good antioxidant activity for Ain Taoujdat with methanol solvent (3.02 mg/100g DM). This work provided to study the biochemical quality of Moroccan clementine extracts obtained by two microwave-assisted extraction processes in order to investigate further industrial potential uses in agro-food and pharmaceutical industries
Estimating pulmonary function after surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using biplanar radiographs of the chest with 3D reconstruction
Authors: Pietton Raphaël , Bouloussa Houssam , Langlais Tristan , Taytard Jessica , Beydon Nicole , Skalli Wafa , Vergari Claudio , Vialle Raphaël
Published: December 2021

Aims

This study addressed two questions: first, does surgical correction of an idiopathic scoliosis increase the volume of the rib cage, and second, is it possible to evaluate the change in lung function after corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using biplanar radiographs of the ribcage with 3D reconstruction?

Methods

A total of 45 patients with a thoracic AIS which needed surgical correction and fusion were included in a prospective study. All patients underwent pulmonary function testing (PFT) and low-dose biplanar radiographs both preoperatively and one year after surgery. The following measurements were recorded: forced vital capacity (FVC), slow vital capacity (SVC), and total lung capacity (TLC). Rib cage volume (RCV), maximum rib hump, main thoracic curve Cobb angle (MCCA), medial-lateral and anteroposterior diameter, and T4-T12 kyphosis were calculated from 3D reconstructions of the biplanar radiographs.

Results

All spinal and thoracic measurements improved significantly after surgery (p < 0.001). RCV increased from 4.9 l (SD 1) preoperatively to 5.3 l (SD 0.9) (p < 0.001) while TLC increased from 4.1 l (SD 0.9) preoperatively to 4.3 l (SD 0.8) (p < 0.001). RCV was correlated with all functional indexes before and after correction of the deformity. Improvement in RCV was weakly correlated with correction of the mean thoracic Cobb angle (p = 0.006). The difference in TLC was significantly correlated with changes in RCV (p = 0.041). It was possible to predict postoperative TLC from the postoperative RCV.

Conclusion

3D rib cage assessment from biplanar radiographs could be a minimally invasive method of estimating pulmonary function before and after spinal fusion in patients with an AIS. The 3D RCV reflects virtual chest capacity and hence pulmonary function in this group of patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):112–119.