bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teleconsulta pelo terapeuta ocupacional: relato de experiência no acompanhamento de pessoas idosas em distanciamento social devido à pandemia COVID-19
Authors: Chinaglia Letícia Monteiro , Batista Marina Picazzio Perez , Silva Micaela Alexandra Spanjer Herford da , Marques Cibele , Almeida Maria Helena Morgani de
Published: December 2022

Introdução: Pessoas idosas compõem a população com maior risco de desenvolver a forma grave da COVID-19 e tiveram sua saúde mental significativamente impactada no contexto pandêmico. A teleconsulta se mostra como uma ferramenta clínica segura que viabiliza os cuidados em saúde. Objetivo: Relatar desenvolvimento e repercussões do acompanhamento em teleconsulta pelo terapeuta ocupacional para pessoas idosas em distanciamento social devido à pandemia COVID-19. Método: Foram realizadas teleconsultas semanais a 12 idosos encaminhadas por serviços da região do Butantã no município de São Paulo. Tais encaminhamentos foram mediados por uma terapeuta ocupacional, preceptora do campo.  Resultados: As teleconsultas enfatizaram a escuta atenta e qualificada. O processo de distanciamento social impôs a necessidade de readaptação da rotina. Os envolvidos consideram que o acompanhamento teleconsulta ampliou informações e cuidados em saúde e desempenho ocupacional. Discussão: Com o distanciamento social, readaptação da rotina ocupacional de todos foi necessária. As diferenças sociais evidenciaram o impacto que o contexto social e econômico tem sobre a participação. Conclusão: A teleconsulta pelo terapeuta ocupacional tem se mostrado ferramenta clínica relevante para o cuidado às pessoas idosas em distanciamento social.
Raciocínio clínico em terapia ocupacional no campo da reabilitação: um modelo a partir do referencial dos cuidados paliativos
Authors: Othero Marilia Bense
Published: December 2022

A Organização Mundial da Saúde reitera a importância do modelo dos Cuidados Paliativos precoces, presentes desde o diagnóstico inicial do paciente, como parte da assistência integral saúde, no tratamento às doenças crônicas. A literatura científica aponta que há uma subutilização da reabilitação neste contexto, com ainda menos evidências sobre a especificidade clínica da atuação do terapeuta ocupacional. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um modelo de raciocínio clínico e organização do plano de cuidados em Terapia Ocupacional a partir dos conceitos e princípios dos Cuidados Paliativos, com foco na intervenção clínica da Terapia Ocupacional no contexto da reabilitação. Foi desenvolvido a partir deste referencial teórico conjuntamente com reflexões sobre a prática cotidiana e sistematização das ações desenvolvidas. A ação terapêutica ocupacional ocorrerá em três momentos distintos: fase inicial, fase crônica, fase de doença avançada/final de vida). Para cada um deles, as prioridades são diferentes, assim como os recursos, ferramentas e estratégias a serem utilizadas na intervenção. Por fim, para a definição de prioridades de tratamento (e seus objetivos de curto, médio e longo prazos), exige-se uma composição entre a avaliação específica e a identificação do momento atual do paciente no processo de adoecimento.
Proteomics Analysis of Genetic Liability of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Identifies Plasma Neogenin and Kit Ligand: The ARIC Study
Authors: Steffen Brian T. , Pankow James S. , Norby Faye L. , Lutsey Pamela L. , Demmer Ryan T. , Guan Weihua , Pankratz Nathan , Li Aixin , Liu Guning , Matsushita Kunihiro , Tin Adrienne , Tang Weihong
Published: December 2022

Background:

Genome-wide association studies have reported 23 gene loci related to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)—a potentially lethal condition characterized by a weakened dilated vessel wall. This study aimed to identify proteomic signatures and pathways related to these risk loci to better characterize AAA genetic susceptibility.

Methods:

Plasma concentrations of 4870 proteins were determined using a DNA aptamer-based array. Linear regression analysis estimated the associations between the 23 risk alleles and plasma protein levels with adjustments for potential confounders in a race-stratified analysis of 1671 Black and 7241 White participants. Significant proteins were then evaluated for their prediction of clinical AAA (454 AAA events in 11 064 individuals), and those significantly associated with AAA were further interrogated using Mendelian randomization analysis.

Results:

Risk variants proximal to
PSRC1-CELSR2-SORT1
,
PCIF1-ZNF335-MMP9, RP11-136O12.2/TRIB1
,
ZNF259/APOA5, IL6R
,
PCSK9
,
LPA
, and
APOE
were associated with 118 plasma proteins in Whites and 59 were replicated in Black participants. Novel associations with clinical AAA incidence were observed for kit ligand (HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.42–0.82] for top versus first quintiles) and neogenin (HR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.46–0.88]) over a median 21.2-year follow-up; neogenin was also associated with ultrasound-detected asymptomatic AAA (N=4295; 57 asymptomatic AAA cases). Mendelian randomization inverse variance weighted estimates suggested that AAA risk is promoted by lower levels of kit ligand (OR per SD=0.67;
P
=1.4×10
−5
) and neogenin (OR per SD=0.50;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions:

Low levels of neogenin and kit ligand may be novel risk factors for AAA development in potentially causal pathways. These findings provide insights and potential targets to reduce AAA susceptibility.
An updated catalogue of nomenclatural types housed in the herbarium IEB of the Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Michoacán, Mexico
Authors: BEDOLLA-GARCÍA BRENDA Y. , PÉREZ-CALIX EMMANUEL
Published: December 2022

An updated catalogue of the collection of primary nomenclatural types preserved in the herbarium IEB is presented. Information is provided regarding the nomenclature of 600 taxa of vascular plants (566 species, 13 subspecies, 20 varieties and 1 form) supported by 730 specimens (219 holotypes, 500 isotypes, 3 neotypes and 8 isoneotypes). Nearly 27% of the types and 33% of the taxa correspond to the Flora del Bajío y de Regiones Adyacentes.
Contributions to the knowledge and distribution of Pucciniales (rust fungi) in three Brazilian biomes
Authors: MARTINS JUNIOR ALCINDO DA SILVA , GOMES PAULO WESLEM PORTAL , SAKURAGUI CÁSSIA MÔNICA , CARVALHO JUNIOR ANÍBAL ALVES DE
Published: December 2022

Inventories of Pucciniales in areas of Cerrado, Atlantic Forest and the Amazon forest were carried out to fill the knowledge gap about this order and update the hosts and geographic distribution of the recorded species. After the analysis of 424 samples of plants infected with Pucciniales, we identified 122 species distributed in 37 (anamorphic and teleomorphic) genera parasitizing host plants of 101 genera of 43 botanical families. This study is the first to present results of inventories at national level and gathers information about 15% of the total number of Pucciniales registered in Brazil. The Atlantic Forest had the largest number of species of Pucciniales (63), followed by Cerrado (60) and the Amazon forest (31). The three biomes showed unique mycobiotas. We present new occurrences of species for Brazil, for the regions of the Amazon Forest, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest, and for the local areas studied. The results also increase the number of hosts of previously registered rust fungi.
A Continuing Increase of the Impact of the Spring North Pacific Meridional Mode on the Following Winter El Niño and Southern Oscillation
Authors: Zheng Yuqiong , Chen Shangfeng , Chen Wen , Yu Bin
Published: December 2022

This study reveals that the impact of the spring North Pacific meridional mode (PMM) on the following-winter El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) shows a continuing increase in the past. A comparative analysis is conducted for the high- and low-correlation periods to understand the factors for the strengthened impact of the PMM. The spring PMM-related sea surface temperature (SST) and atmospheric anomalies over the subtropical northeastern Pacific propagate southwestward to the tropical central Pacific via wind–evaporation–SST feedback in the high-correlation period. The tropical SST and atmospheric anomalies further develop to an ENSO-like pattern via positive air–sea interaction. In the low-correlation period, SST and atmospheric anomalies over the subtropical northeastern Pacific related to the PMM cannot extend to the deep tropics. Therefore, the spring PMM has a weak impact on ENSO. The extent to which the PMM-related SST and atmospheric anomalies extend toward the tropics is related to the background flow. The stronger mean trade winds in the high-correlation period lead to an increase in the air–sea coupling strength over the subtropical northeastern Pacific. As such, the spring PMM-related SST and atmospheric anomalies can more efficiently propagate southwestward to the tropical Pacific and exert stronger impacts on the succeeding ENSO. In addition, the southward shifted intertropical convergence zone in the high-correlation period also favors the southward extension of the PMM-related SST anomalies to the tropics and contributes to a stronger PMM–ENSO relation. The variation and its formation mechanism of the spring PMM–winter ENSO relationship appear in both the observations and the long historical simulation of Earth system models.

Significance Statement

The North Pacific meridional mode (PMM) is the leading atmosphere–ocean coupling pattern over the subtropical northeastern Pacific after removing the ENSO variability, with maximum variance during boreal spring. Previous studies indicated that the PMM plays an important role in relaying the impact of the atmosphere–ocean forcings over the extratropics on the tropical ENSO. This study reveals that the impact of the spring PMM on the following winter ENSO shows a continuing increase in the past 70 years. The physical mechanisms for this strengthened impact are further examined. Results obtained in this study have important implications for improving the prediction of the tropical ENSO variability.
Interlocking peace processes: Between competing and complementing peacemaking efforts in interlocking conflicts
Authors: Lehrs Lior
Published: December 2022

What is the dialectical influence between interlocking peace processes? The scholarship in the field of conflict analysis has identified the occurrence of “interlocking conflicts”—namely, linked conflicts that affect each other—but less attention has been drawn to the linkages between efforts to resolve them. The article focuses on the phenomenon of “interlocking peace processes,” in which parallel peacemaking efforts take place among interlinked conflicts. This article examines how progress in one peace process can influence an interlocking process, and the conditions under which a breakthrough in one process can trigger progress in a parallel process or undermine its advancement. It offers a theoretical framework for the analysis of interlocking peace processes, outlining three main arguments, which rest on three influence patterns: complementing peace processes, competing peace processes, and a paving-the-way peace process. The discussion considers how the mechanisms of diffusion, identity formation, and legitimization serve as dominant tools in these processes. The article uses the interlocking peace processes in the Arab-Israeli conflict as a case study, examining the relationship between four processes in the Middle East: the Israeli- Egyptian, Israeli-Palestinian, Israeli-Jordanian, and Israeli-Syrian peace processes.
A Black feminist approach to antiracist qualitative research methods: Commemorating the legacy of bell hooks
Authors: Au Anson
Published: December 2022

This article commemorates the legacy of bell hooks by bringing core themes in her oeuvre to bear on several debates on the conceptualization and use of qualitative research methods in sociology. Despite the uptake of qualitative research methods in sociology as a launching point for critical inquiry with analytical and political overtones, they have been fragmented threefold by debates about their politics (whether to humanize research subjects), practice (whether to intervene in field research), and epistemology (procedural, craft, and bricolage orientations). Reflecting on the legacy of bell hooks, this article articulates a Black feminist approach by unearthing methodological and epistemological themes underwritten in hooks’ work (inclusive pedagogy, creative dialogue, and reflexive accountability) to offer new perspectives on the three debates and, in so doing, to identify ways to better qualitative research methods as tools for emancipating the marginalized – by invigorating cross-professional and transdisciplinary dialogue, collaboration, and love.
An interval type-2 fuzzy linear quadratic regulator method for an overhead crane
Authors: Shao Xuejuan , Zhao Ruonan , Zhang Jinggang , Chen Zhimei , Zhao Zhicheng
Published: December 2022

The overhead crane systems contain parameter uncertainties and external disturbances, which will affect the control performance of the systems. To overcome this problem, an interval type-2 Takagi–Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy linear quadratic regulator (LQR) approach is proposed for overhead crane system in this paper. First, an interval type-2 T-S fuzzy model is constructed based on the nonlinear dynamic model of the overhead crane system. The type-2 model can capture the system uncertainties. Second, the fuzzy LQR is designed on the basis of the fuzzy model and the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system is analyzed using Lyapunov method. Finally, simulations and experiments are studied. The results show that the proposed method can give the overhead crane system faster trolley positioning speed, smaller load swing, and better anti-disturbance ability than the existing LQR control method.
Orientation and mobility remote instruction during COVID-19: Best practices, liability, and ethics
Authors: Welch-Grenier Stephanie , Fast Danene , Kaiser Justin , DeGrant Jasamyn N
Published: December 2022

This research evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on orientation and mobility (O&M) services for school-aged students, families, and service providers. The survey asked O&M specialists about their instructional practices and decision-making processes regarding remote instruction service provisions, allowances, and district guidelines. The online survey collected data from October to November 2020, with open-ended responses from 166 O&M specialists. A thematic analysis was used to examine and code qualitative responses. Respondents were found to divide remote instruction into two categories, foundational skills and high-level travel skills. A preference for teaching foundational skills during remote instruction was also identified, with concerns for student safety and practitioner liability reported as the deciding factors. Field-specific guidelines and potential legal vulnerabilities regarding remote instruction are considered, with an analysis of negligence and professional liability. Practices used during COVID are also examined according to the COMS Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice. The findings demonstrate the need for field-specific guidance and research-based instructional methods regarding remote instruction. O&M specialists should continue to conduct a thorough risk assessment before utilizing new and unresearched remote instructional methods as a means of acting in the best interest of the student.
How do you know? Seven theses on qualitative sociology as theory and method
Authors: Benzecry Claudio E
Published: December 2022

In its seven theses, this article discusses: (a) how different qualitative sociology is from other approaches; (b) the role of ‘casing’ in generating both units of analysis and settings; (c) the theoretical and empirical work of adjudicating what some emergent phenomena is a case of; (d) the ‘modelization’ through writing of our case as a research object; (e) the rhetorical construction of causality and the central role of ‘puzzles’ on it; (f) the reflexive epistemological vigilance about the role of the participant observer in producing the knowledge they generate; and (g) the reconceptualization of qualitative sociology as a type of epistemological package, and of theorization, in consequence, as a kind of practical activity.
The effects of motor imagery on trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis in women during the post-surgical immobilisation period: A protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Prado-Robles Eva , Delgado-Gil Jose Ángel , Navarro-Prada Sonia Ruth , Rodríguez-Martín Bárbara , Gómez-Martínez Miguel , Seco-Calvo Jesús
Published: December 2022

Background:

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis is the second most frequent degenerative hand disease and is the most functionally debilitating. The condition presents in 66% of women over 55. Motor imagery (MI) training post-surgery could help reduce rehabilitation times.

Method:

It is an experimental, prospective, longitudinal, parallel arm randomised clinical trial. Participants were women over 50 years old on the surgical waiting list. The experimental group will undergo MI training during the 3-week post-surgical immobilisation period. The control group will receive standard rehabilitation treatment. Outcomes will be assessed four times throughout the study using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, the Cochin Hand Function Scale questionnaire, the Visual Analogue Scale, goniometry, baseline pinch gauge, circumferential measurement (cm), the Modified Kapandji Index and the Kinaesthetic and Visual Imagery questionnaire.

Discussion:

Early MI could improve hand function leading to improvements in recovery times.

Trial registration:

Clinical Trials registration: NCT03815734. Ethics Committee approval: 17155. Project funded in 2021.
Identifying and Addressing the “Health Halo” Surrounding Plant-Based Meat Alternatives in Limited-Information Environments
Authors: Gonzales Gabriel E. , Berry Christopher , Meng Matthew D. , Leary R. Bret
Published: December 2022

In limited-information environments like restaurants, consumers are forced to make health inferences by drawing from the menu or promotional materials or by using their intuition. Understanding such health inferences related to plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs), which are available at a rapidly growing number of restaurants, is increasingly important. In addition to their clear environmental benefits, PBMAs are widely promoted as being healthier than traditional meat. Across five experiments, results illustrate that although some perceptions of PBMAs are aligned with reality (e.g., environmental friendliness), consumers greatly underestimate calories and nutrition (e.g., fat, sodium) relative to objective values. Additionally, consumers believe PBMAs are substantially healthier than, and decrease disease risk relative to, traditional meat, which is not always true. The currently accepted interventions of calorie labeling and nutrition information disclosure are not enough to attenuate this “health halo.” However, ensuring that consumers actively compare menu items realigns perceptions with reality. The health halo resulting from inferences formed with the limited information available at the point of purchase has numerous implications for public health, sustainable consumerism, and public policy decisions.
Chronic Alcohol Consumption Disrupts the Skeletal Muscle Circadian Clock in Female Mice
Authors: Tice Abigail L. , Laudato Joseph A. , Gordon Bradley S. , Steiner Jennifer L.
Published: December 2022

The intrinsic skeletal muscle core clock has emerged as a key feature of metabolic control and influences several aspects of muscle physiology. Acute alcohol intoxication disrupts the core molecular clock, but whether chronic consumption, like that leading to alcoholic myopathy, is also a zeitgeber for skeletal muscle remains unknown. The purpose of this work was to determine whether chronic alcohol consumption dysregulates the skeletal muscle core molecular clock and clock-controlled genes (CCGs). C57BL/6Hsd female mice (14 weeks old) were fed a control (CON) or alcohol (EtOH) containing liquid diet for 6 weeks. Gastrocnemius muscles and serum were collected from CON and EtOH mice every 4-h for 24-h. Chronic alcohol consumption disrupted genes of the core clock including suppressing the rhythmic peak of expression of Bmal1, Per1, Per2, and Cry2. Genes involved in the regulation of Bmal1 also exhibited lower rhythmic peaks including Reverb α and Myod1. The CCGs, Dbp, Lpl, Hk2, and Hadh were also suppressed by alcohol. The nuclear expression patterns of MYOD1, DBP, and REVERBα were shifted by alcohol, while no change in BMAL1 was detected. Overall, these data indicate that alcohol disrupted the skeletal muscle core clock but whether these changes in the core clock are causative or a consequence of alcoholic myopathy requires future mechanistic confirmation.
Economic growth and carbon emission in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries: The effects of oil, gas, and renewable energy
Authors: Wang Qiang , Guo Jiale , Li Rongrong , Jiang Xue-ting
Published: December 2022

The world is stepping forward to a carbon-neutral economic system in response to the rising issues caused by climate change. Fossil fuel combustion is the primary source of increased carbon emissions, energy mix adjustment is critical to climate change mitigation and the carbon neutrality goal. This study investigates the different responses to energy sources’ economic growth and environmental sustainability using balanced panel data from 34 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries during 1995–2019. This study uses oil, natural gas, and renewable energy to represent traditional, emerging alternative fossil, and green energy sources, respectively. Results show that renewable energy, oil, and natural gas all impose impacts on economic growth, however, renewable energy contributes more than oil and natural gas. Furthermore, there is a significant inverse relationship between the amount of renewable energy produced and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. While both natural gas and oil have a positive effect on CO2 emissions, the effect of natural gas is much smaller than that of oil. Furthermore, the causality investigation reveals that renewable energy, oil, and natural gas all show impacts on carbon emissions but do not contribute to economic growth. These findings suggest that increasing investment in renewable energy, with natural gas playing the role of a transitional replacement for oil, will contribute to the “carbon neutrality” process of these countries.
Mental Health Counselors’ Experiences Working with Fostered Youth
Authors: Jacoby Rachel , Clark Madeline , Laux John , Long Susan , Reynolds Jennifer , Best Mihkaya , Thomas Tyler
Published: December 2022

There are roughly 440,000 foster youth living in the United States. Coupled with experiences of child welfare inequalities, foster youth are at an increased risk to develop mental and behavioral health issues. Mental health counselors are trained to advocate for their client’s mental and emotional well-being. However, minimal research demonstrates a counselor’s ability to work with foster youth. The current study adds to the existing body of research surrounding clinical work with children living in foster care. Using a transcendental phenomenology study to explore the experiences of mental health counselors working with foster youth, participants ( N = 11) were interviewed about their knowledge, skills, and feelings of preparedness to work with children living within the foster care system. Implications for counseling practice, supervision, and counselor education are provided.
Understanding Intimate Partner Violence Among Ethnic and Sexual Minorities: Lived Experiences of Queer Women in Norway
Authors: Ummak Esra , Turken Salman , Akin Deniz
Published: December 2022

Drawing upon in-depth, semi-structured interviews, this study explored how queer women from ethnic minority backgrounds in Norway understand and experience intimate partner violence (IPV). Based on an intersectional approach, the study highlights and discusses how having multiple minority positions may inform and affect the way participants experience IPV. The analysis shows that participants’ experiences of IPV are shaped by their multiple minority statuses in Norwegian society. A discussion is provided that revolves around how being a sexual as well as an ethnic minority generates a significant power imbalance for the participants in their relationships.
Efficacy of the intracamerally administered mydriatics for cataract surgery in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Ripa Matteo , Cuffaro Giovanni , Savastano Maria Cristina , Grieco Giulia , Rizzo Stanislao , Ricci Francesco
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To compare Mydrane®, mydriatic eye drops, and Mydriasert® in terms of pupil site stability, surgical time, visual field, and anterior chamber configuration modifications among patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) during cataract extraction surgery.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of sixty patients with POAG and cataract who underwent elective cataract extraction. All patients underwent routine ophthalmic examinations, including automatic visual field examination, anterior chamber configuration, specular microscopy, and arterial blood pressure measurement prior to surgery, and 24 h and 30 days postoperatively. All cataract surgeries were video-recorded and all measurements were performed using a media player. Patients divided into groups 1, 2, and 3 (n = 20 in each group) received topical mydriatic eye drops, Mydriasert®, and an intracameral injection of Mydrane®, respectively, immediately after the first incision.

Results

The mean change in pupil size from just before capsulorhexis to the end of surgery was 0.43 ± 0.09, 0.42 ± 0.08, and 0.36 ± 0.02 mm in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The mean surgery duration was similar among all the groups. The baseline main cell density slightly decreased at 24 h and remained stable for 30 days postoperatively. The mean deviation and pattern standard deviation remained stable at 1 month after surgery. At 24 h after surgery, the nasal irido-corneal angle, temporal-iridocorneal angle, and anterior chamber depth increased compared with the baseline, remaining stable for 30 days after surgery.

Conclusions

Mydrane® produced adequate and stable mydriasis as effectively as produced by Mydriasert® and topical eye drops.
Power, community involvement, and sustainability of tourism destinations
Authors: Dong Xuan Dam , Nguyen Thi Quynh Trang
Published: December 2022

Power to influence is essential to encourage stakeholder involvement in tourism development, yet little is known about how power can affect stakeholder involvement in achieving sustainable tourism. This paper reports a qualitative case study to explore power relations between stakeholders concerning the sustainability of tourism destinations. The data collection involves document analysis and interviews with tourism stakeholders in Da Nang, a flagship tourist destination in central Vietnam. Our findings revealed the influence of the local community and public opinion on the change of government decisions related to a new tourism development plan. The combination of top-down influence (exercised by the central government) and bottom-up influence (manifested by the local community) forced the Da Nang government to consider the community’s voice. This research contributes to the tourism literature on community involvement in sustainable tourism by providing an understanding of reshaping power relations to increase the power balance between stakeholders. The finding recommends practical implications for destination governance in achieving environmental sustainability by involving the local community and mobilising public actions.
In vitro comparative evaluation of Tamarix gallica extracts for antioxidant and antidiabetic activity
Authors: Nisar Jaweria , Ali Shah Syed Muhammad , Ayaz Sultan , Akram Muhammad , Rashid Abid , Mustafa Imtiaz , Nisar Zonaira
Published: December 2022

Tamarix gallica known as Jhau is traditionally used as expectorant, liver tonic, laxative, astringent, and antidiarrheal. The current study was proposed to determine the in vitro antioxidant, antidiabetic properties of the methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of Tamarix gallica arial part, subsequently the phytochemical evaluation. Hence, Tamarix gallica arial part extracts were extracted with methanol (MthTg), ethanol (EthTg), and distilled water (AqTg). Extracts phytochemical analysis were accomplished to identify the phenolic components (TPC and TFC). Extracts antioxidant property was evaluated by DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assay. For antidiabetic property, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were assessed. One Way ANOVA was applied statistically by means of software SPSS Statistics 23 and attained data were definite as mean ± standard deviation. Result revealed that EthTg have the maximum TPC and TFC levels than MthTg and AqTg. Antioxidant property in relations of DPPH (lowest IC50 = 1.309 ± 0.31), FRAP (323.51 ± 2.32), and ABTS (266.97 ± 25.14) assay was also highest in EthTg. EthTg was also exposed highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activity with lower IC50 (1.116 ± 0.051; 0.402 ± 0.2, respectively). The extracts antioxidant and antidiabetic activities order was as EthTg > MthTg > AqTg. TFC and TPC also revealed directly proportional correlation with antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties of the Tamarix gallica arial part extracts. Results noticeably stated that the ethanolic extract of Tamarix gallica have the highest antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Tamarix gallica has competency to reduce the oxidative stress and can be utilized in the management of diabetes.
A narrative review of staff views about dementia care in hospital through the lens of a systems framework
Authors: Duah-Owusu White Mary , Kelly Fiona
Published: December 2022

Background:

Significant numbers of people with dementia are admitted into acute settings. They are likely to face poor health outcomes during hospitalisation. There is the need to fully understand the care provided to people with dementia through novel methods such as a systems approach (i.e. human interactions, policy, environment and equipment).

Aim:

The aim of this literature review is to explore hospital practitioners’ views on dementia care and to analyse findings using a systems approach.

Methods:

We conducted a narrative review of primary studies that examined dementia care in acute settings. We analysed a total of 33 papers using Thomas and Harden’s thematic synthesis guidelines.

Results:

Thirty-three papers met the inclusion criteria for the review. The findings were as follows: (1) staff-patient relationships (e.g. coping with difficult behaviour), (2) staff–family relationships (e.g. the benefits of involving families in patient care), (3) staff–staff relationships (e.g. building a robust multidisciplinary team), (4) staff–patient care decisions (e.g. decisions directly related to the patient), (5) the environment (e.g. difficulty in adjusting to the hospital environment), (6) policies (e.g. hospital bureaucratic processes) and (7) equipment (e.g. pain assessment tools).

Conclusion:

The paper revealed multidimensional challenges in the provision of dementia care within hospitals. We conclude that training programmes, hospital policies and processes aimed at improving outcomes for patients with dementia should adopt a systems approach which focuses on the relational, environmental, procedural and instrumental aspects of the hospital system.
Costs of post-stroke dysphagia during acute hospitalization from a health-insurance perspective
Authors: Labeit Bendix , Kremer Almut , Muhle Paul , Claus Inga , Warnecke Tobias , Dziewas Rainer , Suntrup-Krueger Sonja
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a common and complication-prone symptom after stroke and is assumed to increase medical expenses. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine acute hospitalization costs associated with post-stroke dysphagia.

Method:

This retrospective study included patients with acute stroke who had been examined by Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). Health insurance expenditures were determined for the patient cases according to the 2021 revenue criteria. Multiple linear regression was used to examine predictors of health insurance spending including age, sex, stroke severity, stroke characteristics, comorbidity, therapeutic interventions, duration of artificial ventilation, length of hospital stay, and severity of dysphagia, as assessed by the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Dysphagia Severity Scale (FEDSS), ranging from 1 (best) to 6 (worst).

Findings:

Six hundred seventy four patients (men/women: 367/307; mean age: 71.1 ± 12.8 years; mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale: 11.2 ± 6.2; FEDSS 1/2/3/4/5/6: 113/73/144/119/124/101; mean health-insurance costs 11,521.5 ± 12,950.5€) were included in the analysis. Advanced age ( p = 0.007; B = 57.6), catheter interventions ( p < 0.001; B = 4105.6), tracheotomy ( p = 0.006; B = 5195.2), duration of artificial ventilation ( p < 0.001; B = 388.6), length of hospital stay ( p < 0.001; B = 441.9), and severe dysphagia with an FEDSS of 6 ( p = 0.004, B = 2554.3) were independent predictors of increased health insurance expenditures ( p < 0.001, R-squared = adjusted-R-squared = 0.83).

Discussion and conclusion:

The results of this study show an association between severe dysphagia and health care costs for acute hospitalization from a health-insurance perspective. Therefore, therapies that target severe dysphagia with impaired secretion management may have the potential to reduce costs.
A scenario-based quasi-experimental study of co-workers’ cognitive responses to an individual’s resource-focused job crafting
Authors: Mainka Danina , Süß Stefan
Published: December 2022

Research on job crafting has demonstrated a more positive effect of an individual’s approach crafting on co-workers and supervisors compared to the effect of avoidance crafting, but how the availability of resources and demands affects this relationship remains unclear. Our study investigates co-workers’ cognitive responses to an individual’s resource-focused job crafting when resources are finite. We applied a scenario-based quasi-experimental research design to test the moderating effect of resource availability on the relationship between an individual’s resource-focused job crafting and co-workers’ evaluation. The results show that co-workers rate avoidance resources crafting as more destructive than approach resources crafting. When an individual steps away from unlimited resources, co-workers perceive the behavior more negatively than they do when the individual avoids limited resources. For approaching resources, the effect is reversed. The study provides insights into co-workers’ responses to job crafting and the influence of contextual factors.
The impact of COVID-19 on myocardial infarctions, strokes and out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrests: an observational retrospective study on time-sensitive disorders in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region (Italy)
Authors: Pegani Carlo , Buttignon Giovanni , Tullio Annarita , Naccarato Marcello , Manganotti Paolo , Rakar Serena , Fabris Enrico , Nadalin Federico , Mione Vincenzo , Gigli Gian Luigi , Lorenzut Simone , Spedicato Leonardo , Passadore Paolo , Pavan Daniela , Lutman Cristina , Andrian Manila , Borelli Massimo , Novello Stefano , Belfiore Rita , Daneluzzi Chiara , Sinagra Gianfranco , Peratoner Alberto
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 global pandemic has changed considerably the way time-sensitive disorders are treated. Home isolation, people’s fear of contracting the virus and hospital reorganisation have led to a significant decrease in contacts between citizens and the healthcare system, with an expected decrease in calls to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG) region. However, mortality in clinical emergencies like acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), stroke and out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest (OHCA) remained high. An observational retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in FVG, taking into account the period between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020, the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and comparing it with the same period in 2019. The flow of calls to the EMS was analysed and COVID-19 impact on time-sensitive disorders (STEMIs, ischemic strokes and OHCPAs) was measured in terms of hospitalisation, treatment and mortality. Despite a −8.01% decrease (p value ˂0.001) in emergency response, a 10.89% increase in calls to the EMS was observed. A lower number of advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitations (CPR) (75.8 vs 45.2%, p=0.000021 in April) and ROSC (39.1 vs 11.6%, p=0.0001 in April) was remarked, and survival rate dropped from 8.5 to 5%. There were less strokes (−27.5%, p value=0.002) despite a more severe onset of symptoms at hospitalisation with NHISS˃10 in 38.47% of cases. Acute myocardial infarctions decreased as well (−20%, p value=0.05), but statistical significances were not determined in the variables considered and in mortality. Despite a lower number of emergency responses, the number of calls to the EMS was considerably higher. The number of cardiac arrests treated with advanced CPR (ALS) was lower, but mortality was higher. The number of strokes decreased as well, but at the time of hospitalisation the clinical picture of the patient was more severe, thus affecting the outcome when the patient was discharged. Finally, STEMI patients decreased; however, no critical issues were observed in the variables taken into account, neither in terms of response times nor in terms of treatment times.
Identification of highly variable sequence fragments in unmapped reads for rapid bacterial genotyping
Authors: Nykrynova Marketa , Barton Vojtech , Bezdicek Matej , Lengerova Martina , Skutkova Helena
Published: December 2022

Background

Bacterial genotyping is a crucial process in outbreak investigation and epidemiological studies. Several typing methods such as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and whole genome sequencing are currently used in routine clinical practice. However, these methods are costly, time-consuming and have high computational demands. An alternative to these methods is mini-MLST, a quick, cost-effective and robust method based on high-resolution melting analysis. Nevertheless, no standardized approach to identify markers suitable for mini-MLST exists. Here, we present a pipeline for variable fragment detection in unmapped reads based on a modified hybrid assembly approach using data from one sequencing platform.

Results

In routine assembly against the reference sequence, high variable reads are not aligned and remain unmapped. If de novo assembly of them is performed, variable genomic regions can be located in created scaffolds. Based on the variability rates calculation, it is possible to find a highly variable region with the same discriminatory power as seven housekeeping gene fragments used in MLST. In the work presented here, we show the capability of identifying one variable fragment in de novo assembled scaffolds of 21 Escherichia coli genomes and three variable regions in scaffolds of 31 Klebsiella pneumoniae genomes. For each identified fragment, the melting temperatures are calculated based on the nearest neighbor method to verify the mini-MLST’s discriminatory power.

Conclusions

A pipeline for a modified hybrid assembly approach consisting of reference-based mapping and de novo assembly of unmapped reads is presented. This approach can be employed for the identification of highly variable genomic fragments in unmapped reads. The identified variable regions can then be used in efficient laboratory methods for bacterial typing such as mini-MLST with high discriminatory power, fully replacing expensive methods such as MLST. The results can and will be delivered in a shorter time, which allows immediate and fast infection monitoring in clinical practice.
Culturable bacteria diversity in stem liquid and resina from Populus euphratica and screening of plant growth-promoting bacteria
Authors: Anwar Nusratgul , Jiang Yuhang , Ma Wenbo , Yao Yuhao , Li Jue , Ababaikeli Gulibahaer , Li Guoqiang , Ma Ting
Published: December 2022

Background

Populus euphratica Olivier is a kind of tree capable of growing in extremely arid desert and semi-desert environments. In this study, a culture-dependent method was used to analyze the bacterial diversity of stem liquid of P. euphratica and resina of P. euphratica, and to further evaluate plant growth promoting (PGP) activity.

Results

A total of 434 bacteria were isolated from stem fluid and resina of P. euphratica in Ebinur Lake Wetland Nature Reserve and Mulei Primitive forest. The results of taxonomic composition analysis shows that Gammaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria_c are the three dominant groups in all the communities, and the representative genera are Bacillus, Nesterenkonia and Halomonas. The diversity analysis shows that the culturable bacterial community diversity of P. euphratica in Ebinur Lake Wetland Nature Reserve is higher than that in Mulei Primitive forest, and the bacterial community diversity of P. euphratica stem fluid is higher than that of resina. According to PGP activity evaluation, 158 functional bacteria with plant growth promoting potential were screened. Among them, 61 strains havephosphorus solubilizing abilities, 80 strains have potassium solubilizing abilities, 32 strains have nitrogen fixation abilities, and 151 strains have iron ammonia salt utilization abilities. The germination rate, plant height, and dry weight of the maize seedlings treated with strains BB33-1, TC10 and RC6 are significantly higher than those of the control group.

Conclusion

In this study, a large number of culturable bacteria were isolated from P. euphratica, which provides new functional bacteria sources for promoting plant growth.
Effects of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia in cardiac surgery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Dost Burhan , De Cassai Alessandro , Balzani Eleonora , Tulgar Serkan , Ahiskalioglu Ali
Published: December 2022

Background

The objective of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to compare the effects of single-shot ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery.

Methods

This systematic review and network meta-analysis involved cardiac surgical patients (age > 18 y) requiring median sternotomy. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, and Web of Science. The effects of the single-shot ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia technique were compared with those of placebo and no intervention. We conducted a risk assessment of bias for eligible studies and assessed the overall quality of evidence for each outcome.

Results

The primary outcome was opioid consumption during the first 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes were pain after extubation at 12 and 24 h, postoperative nausea and vomiting, extubation time, intensive care unit discharge time, and length of hospital stay. Fifteen studies with 849 patients were included. The regional anesthesia techniques included pecto-intercostal fascial block, transversus thoracis muscle plane block, erector spinae plane (ESP) block, and pectoralis nerve block I. All the regional anesthesia techniques included significantly reduced postoperative opioid consumption at 24 h, expressed as morphine milligram equivalents (MME). The ESP block was the most effective treatment (-22.93 MME [-34.29;-11.56]).

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis, we concluded that fascial plane blocks were better than placebo when evaluating 24 h MMEs. However, it is still challenging to determine which is better, given the paucity of studies available in the literature. More randomized controlled trials are required to determine which regional anesthesia technique is better.

Trial registration

PROSPERO; CRD42022315497.
Detection of Leishmania donovani using ITS1-RFLP from positive and negative smear samples among clinically reported patients visiting University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital
Authors: Usmael Umer Ahmed , Tesema Nega Berhane , Girma Selfu , Kendie Desalegn Adane , Abas Musin Kelel
Published: December 2022

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis is caused by the Leishmania donovani species complex that can spread to internal organs and leading to death if not treated on time. Diagnosis of leishmaniasis is based on clinical signs and symptoms, microscopy, serological and molecular techniques. Because of a broad spectrum of diverse clinical manifestations and similarities of the responses to different species, identification to the species level is often difficult for the proper patient treatment and management. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the PCR- RFLP assay of the ITS1 region for identification of L. donovani species from clinical smear slide patient samples.

Method

DNA extraction was performed on a total of 90 smear slide samples using phenol—chloroform method. The PCR detection limit was determined by L. donovani reference strain DNA. The ITS1 region was amplified at 320 bp using LITSR/L5.8S genus specific primers and then the ITS1-PCR products were subjected to RFLP assay for confirmation of L. donovani species using HaeIII restriction enzyme.

Results

Of the total samples ITS1-PCR revealed the true positive, false positive, true negative, and false negative results of 42 (46.7%), 6 (6.7%), 37 (41.1%) and 5 (5.6%), respectively. Considering microscopy as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values of the ITS1- PCR technique was 89.4%, 86.0%, 87.5%, and 88.1% respectively. All ITS1-PCR positive clinical samples were confirmed as L. donovani species by PCR–RFLP patterns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ITS1- RFLP method is highly sensitive and more specific for identification of L. donovani species in the smear negative clinical samples of visceral leishmaniasis patients. There is also significant association and degree of agreement between the two methods. For direct identification of L. donovani species from clinical samples, irrespective of genus and species level, PCR–RFLP is more recommendable than a microscope.
Immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1 and its correlation with microsatellite status in endometrial and ovarian clear cell carcinomas: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghasemi Dorsa , Ameli Fereshteh , Nili Fatemeh , Edjtemaei Ramtin , Sheikhhasani Shahrzad
Published: December 2022

Background

Clear cell carcinoma is an uncommon histologic subtype of ovarian and endometrial carcinoma with poor response to Platinium-based chemotherapy agents at high stages. Blockage of Programmed cell Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1), can be used in targeted immunotherapy. This study investigated Mismatch Repair Deficiency (MMR-D) status, PD-L1 expression, and the correlation between PD-L1 expression and microsatellite instability (MSI) status in ovarian and endometrial clear cell carcinomas.

Methods

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) (n = 28) and endometrial clear cell carcinoma (ECCC) (n = 28) samples were evaluated for PD-L1 (in tumoral and peri-tumoral inflammatory cells), MSH6 and PMS2 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) study. PD-L1 expression > 1% in tumor cells and > 5% in peritumoral inflammatory cells were considered positive.

Results

The prevalence of PD-L1 expression was higher in ECCC (20/28, 71.43%) compared to OCCC tumor cells (16/28, 57.15%) (p > 0.05), while expression in peritumoral inflammatory cells was significantly higher in ECCC (25/28, 89.29%) compared to OCCC (11/28, 39.28%) (p < 0.05). MMR-D was observed in 5 cases, four OCCCs and one ECCC, among which, four (80%) showed PD-L1 expression in peritumoral inflammatory and tumor cells. The only OCCC case with extensive PD-L1 expression in tumor cells (> 50%) exhibited MSH6/MSH2 loss. No significant correlation was noted between PD-L1 expression and the pathologic stage or survival.

Conclusion

PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with clear cell morphology, especially in the endometrium, independent of MMR protein status.