bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical performance of polyethylenefiber reinforced resin composite restorations in endodontically treated teeth: (a randomized controlled clinical trial)
Authors: Metwaly Ahmed Abdelsattar , Elzoghby Amira Farid , Abd ElAziz Rawda Hesham
Published: October 2024

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of polyethylene fiber reinforced resin composite fillings compared to bulk fill resin composite fillings in endodontically treated teeth over a two-year monitoring period.

Method

A total of 240 individuals with endodontically treated lower molars and a moderate amount of tooth structure were divided into two equal groups of 120 each. One group received polyethylene fiber reinforced bulk fill resin composite restorations while the other group received only bulk fill resin composite restorations, both applied as per manufacturer guidelines. Two proficient experienced blinded assessors assessed the restorations using modified USPHS criteria at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months.

Statistical analysis used

Data analysis involved the utilization of Mann-Whitney U, Friedman’s test, and Nemenyi post hoc test, with age data being displayed as mean and standard deviation. The significance level was established as p < 0.05, and R software was utilized for statistical analysis.

Results

There were no notable distinctions in any parameters or scores between the intervention and comparator groups at various time points. Alpha scores were present for retention, gross fracture, and secondary caries at all follow up intervals.

Conclusion

Both direct resin composite restorations reinforced with polyethylene fibers and direct bulk fill resin composite restorations placed in endodontically treated molars with moderate remaining tooth structure demonstrated satisfactory clinical outcomes during a 24-month follow-up period.

Clinical relevance

Bulk fill resin composites directly placed in endodontically treated molars with moderate remaining tooth structure showed promise as a treatment option over a two-year period.

Clinical trial registration

(06-01-2022) on https://ClinicalTrials.gov with the ID (NCT05180903).
Brief communication: Effect of mobile health intervention on medication time adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS receiving care at selected hospitals in Owerri, Imo State Nigeria
Authors: Ezelote Chinelo Judith , Nwoke Eunice Anyalewechi , Ibe Sally Nkechinyere , Nworuh Blessed Okwuchi , Iwuoha Gregory Ndubeze , Iwuala Chimezie Christain , Udujih Obinna Godwin , Osuoji Joy Nkechi , Inah Alain Simon , Okaba Alexis Ebikonbowei , Asuzu Eleanor
Published: October 2024

Aim

This study aimed to assess the impact of Mobile health (M-health) on medication time adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

Methods

The study included all PLWHA who were receiving care at the Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri (FUTH) and Imo State Specialist Hospital (ISSH) Umugumma during the study duration. The test group (FUTH) received a 2-way text message sent three times a week and a once-a-week phone call, while the control group (ISSH) received only the standard care.

Findings

The result shows that the adherence was higher among PLWHA in the test group compared to those in the control group (P = 0.000, χ2 = 168.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.22 to 16.19).

Conclusion

M-health intervention significantly improved the medication time adherence among the participants in the test group compared to those in the control group.
Eosinophil count testing in patients with asthma varies by healthcare provider type in the US: a retrospective study
Authors: Mathur Sameer , Corbridge Thomas , Packnett Elizabeth , Jariwala-Parikh Krutika , Deb Arijita
Published: October 2024

Background

Patients with asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype may be eligible for additional treatment options to improve disease control; however, the prevalence and frequency of eosinophil testing is unknown. This study assessed blood eosinophil count testing prevalence in patients with asthma by exacerbation frequency and healthcare provider (HCP) type.

Methods

This was a retrospective, longitudinal, real-world study (GSK ID: 214470) utilizing the Merative Explorys® Universe electronic health records database. Eligible patients had ≥ 2 asthma diagnostic codes (January 2016–December 2018) (Index date: first asthma diagnosis). Outcomes included patient demographics and clinical characteristics (12 months pre-index [baseline]), and prevalence of blood eosinophil count testing, stratified by exacerbation frequency (infrequent exacerbations [< 2]) or frequent exacerbations [≥ 2] or primary HCP (Allergist/Pulmonologist, a primary care physician [PCP] or other HCP) during the 12 months post-index (follow-up).

Results

Of 400,254 patients included (mean age: 51.2 years; 70.8% female), the most common provider type at baseline was a PCP (76.8%). A higher proportion of patients with frequent exacerbations had blood eosinophil count tests at baseline (55.4–69.5%) and follow-up (67.9–75.1%), compared with patients with infrequent exacerbations (55.5–63.7%, 62.4–67.3%). Significantly more patients in the Allergist/Pulmonologist subgroup had ≥ 1 blood eosinophil count test result compared with patients in the PCP subgroup at both baseline (59.9% vs. 50.7%; p < 0.001) and follow-up (59.0% vs. 56.2%; p < 0.001). In the total population, the mean (SD) number of tests ordered was 3.4 (5.3) and 4.1 (6.4) during the baseline and follow-up periods, respectively. A greater mean number of tests were ordered for patients with frequent exacerbations, most apparently in the Allergist/Pulmonologist subgroup during baseline and follow-up (7.4 vs. 4.9). For patients with frequent exacerbations and blood eosinophil count test results, the mean (SD) number of tests ranged from 3.1 (4.6) to 5.8 (8.3) at baseline and 5.1 (8.5) to 7.4 (10.6) during follow-up.

Conclusions

The prevalence of blood eosinophil count testing in patients with asthma remains suboptimal. Routine blood eosinophil count testing should be considered by HCPs for patients with asthma to increase identification of the eosinophilic asthma phenotype, which may inform the decision to advance to targeted biologic therapy.
An adaptive 6-dimensional floating-search multi-station seismic-event detector (A6-DFMSD) and its application to low-frequency earthquakes in the East Eifel Volcanic Field, Germany
Authors: Koushesh Konun , Ritter Joachim R. R.
Published: October 2024

We introduce a seismic event detector that applies signal analysis in the time and frequency domains. Signals are searched for with matching coincidences at neighbouring recording stations in space and time. No a priori waveform information is needed for the Adaptive 6-Dimensional Floating-search Multi-station Seismic-event Detector (A6-DFMSD). It combines a short / long time average algorithm (STA/LTA), frequency range selection, energy envelope matching, and backprojection techniques to find a robust detection model. As a challenging test example, the new detector is tuned and applied to a dataset with five months of microearthquake (ML < 2) recordings in the East Eifel Volcanic Field (EEVF), Germany. There, both magmatic and tectonic earthquakes occur in a depth range between 3 km and 43 km. A6-DFMSD detected 4.3 times as many events as were already known and it discovered a previously unknown event cluster. After manual localization and classification of the events, we show that A6-DFMSD finds events of different origins: tectonic, magmatic, atmospheric, and anthropogenic. In particular, low-frequency (LF) earthquakes of magmatic origin with a complicated waveform coda are very well identified. We suggest that seismological networks monitoring local seismicity in similar target zones would benefit from the use of A6-DFMSD to allow the detection of a wide range of different seismic signals.
Diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound in obstetric anesthesia and critical care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Sjaus Ana , Young Laura V.
Published: October 2024

Background

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has gained popularity as a bedside diagnostic imaging modality. In obstetrical populations, particularly in acute care settings, POCUS serves as a valuable complement to clinical assessment. Despite its many applications, only a few have been defined and validated in the obstetric population. This scoping review aims to delineate literature on the diagnostic applications of POCUS in obstetric anesthesia and critical care.

Methods

This review will adhere to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews, as updated by Arksey and O’Malley and in stages elaborated by Levac et al. Relevant literature will be identified using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), keyword, and proximity searches and combined using Boolean operators in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from January 1, 2000, to the present. Two independent reviewers will screen literature against predefined eligibility criteria in abstract and full-text forms. A third reviewer will be consulted if consensus cannot be reached. Data extraction will be systematic, focusing on pre-specified variables aligned with the review’s aims. Descriptive statistical and thematic analysis will follow data extraction, with findings presented in graphical and tabular forms. The reporting will follow Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

Conclusion

This review will present the scope of the current literature on diagnostic POCUS in obstetric anesthesia and critical care, highlighting both strengths and gaps in existing knowledge. The insights gained will support future research, knowledge synthesis, and development of educational programs. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publications, conferences, and social media platforms.

Systematic review registration

Not applicable.
Microstructural Analysis of the Effect of Using Nano-silica on the Mechanical Properties of Cement–Sand Mortar Under the Effect of Heat
Authors: Nasehi Ghashouieh Motahereh , Malekinejad Mohsen , Amiri Mohammad
Published: October 2024

The performance of cement-based materials depends on the characteristics of solid particles at the nano-scale or nanometer porosities in the interfacial transition zone between cement particles and aggregate. Heat significantly affects the properties of these particles and the connection between them. Accordingly, the present study seeks to investigate the effect of nano-silica on the strength parameters of sand–cement mortar at high temperatures. In this regard, the sand–cement mortar was prepared by replacing 5, 10, and 15 percent of cement with nano-silica. The specimens were subjected to temperatures of 25, 100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 °C after curing at the ages of 3, 28, and 90 days. The effect of high temperatures on the physical and mechanical properties of sand–cement mortar was analyzed using macro-structural tests of compressive strength, loss in weight, and water absorption, and microstructural tests of X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the macro-structural behavior of sand–cement mortar highly depends on the microstructure and changes in cement nanostructures during heat treatment. Primary portlandite and C–S–H nanostructure were destroyed at 600 °C, and alite, belite, and β-wollastonite were formed at 800 °C. Adding nano-silica improved the strength properties of sand–cement mortar against heat, so the compressive strength of 28-day specimens containing 15% nano-silica increased from 13.9 to 19.2 MPa at a temperature of 800 °C.
A single-stranded based library preparation method for virome characterization
Authors: Zhai Xichuan , Gobbi Alex , Kot Witold , Krych Lukasz , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Deng Ling
Published: October 2024

Background

The gut virome is an integral component of the gut microbiome, playing a crucial role in maintaining gut health. However, accurately depicting the entire gut virome is challenging due to the inherent diversity of genome types (dsDNA, ssDNA, dsRNA, and ssRNA) and topologies (linear, circular, or fragments), with subsequently biases associated with current sequencing library preparation methods. To overcome these problems and improve reproducibility and comparability across studies, universal or standardized virome sequencing library construction methods are highly needed in the gut virome study.

Results

We repurposed the ligation-based single-stranded library (SSLR) preparation method for virome studies. We demonstrate that the SSLR method exhibits exceptional efficiency in quantifying viral DNA genomes (both dsDNA and ssDNA) and outperforms existing double-stranded (Nextera) and single-stranded (xGen, MDA + Nextera) library preparation approaches in terms of minimal amplification bias, evenness of coverage, and integrity of assembling viral genomes. The SSLR method can be utilized for the simultaneous library preparation of both DNA and RNA viral genomes. Furthermore, the SSLR method showed its ability to capture highly modified phage genomes, which were often lost using other library preparation approaches.

Conclusion

We introduce and improve a fast, simple, and efficient ligation-based single-stranded DNA library preparation for gut virome study. This method is compatible with Illumina sequencing platforms and only requires ligation reagents within 3-h library preparation, which is similar or even better than the advanced library preparation method (xGen). We hope this method can be further optimized, validated, and widely used to make gut virome study more comparable and reproducible.
Barriers to Implementing a Quality Improvement Program in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Adequacy of Resources
Authors: Pain Debanjan , MacDuffie Emily , Martei Yehoda M. , Kassick Megan , Ikeda Daniel J. , Shulman Lawrence N. , Salazar Lina Loaiza , Diaz Pardo Dayssy , Nag Shona , Grover Surbhi
Published: October 2024

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) report disproportionally worse cancer mortality. Current global cancer control efforts focus predominantly on expanding access to multimodality treatment for patients, whereas less attention has been spent on implementing strategies to ensure sustained quality assessment and improvement across the cancer care continuum. The goal of this focused review was to examine specific resource barriers to the development and implementation of quality improvement programs in LMICs. In this article, we use a nonsystematic review process to discuss the existing literature on four resource barriers within the context of cancer care delivery in LMICs, focusing on staff, time allocated for quality improvement work, research infrastructure, and funding. We provide possible solutions to address these barriers and share examples of specific quality improvement initiatives implemented across different world regions. Possible solutions to address these resource barriers include investment in human resources by increasing recruitment and training of the workforce, engagement of medical trainees and patients in quality improvement work, establishment of cancer registries and electronic medical records, and prioritization by large international funding agencies to invest in quality improvement research in LMICs. This review highlights four prevalent resources barriers to quality improvement in LMICs. Using examples from Botswana, Colombia, India, and Rwanda, we demonstrate solutions that may help overcome these barriers.
Amplification of
MYC
and Its Enhancer Correlates With Genetic Ancestry in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jain Sejal , Bai Xuechun , Mallick Samyukta , Kinghorn Branden , May Benjamin , Yao Alexandria G. , Allen-Gipson Diane , Zhang Xiaoyang , Henick Brian S. , Momen-Heravi Fatemeh , Carrot-Zhang Jian , Taylor Alison M.
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

In lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), Black patients show significantly higher incidence and lower overall survival than White patients. Although socioeconomic factors likely contribute to this survival disparity, genomic factors have yet to be elucidated in LUSC.

METHODS

Using 416 LUSC tumor samples in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we assessed genomic and transcriptomic profiles by ancestry. We replicated our analyses in pan-cancer data from TCGA, the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE), and Columbia University Medical Center.

RESULTS

We found increased
MYC
amplification, LUSC-specific
MYC
enhancer amplification, and chromosome arm 8q (chr8q) gain to be significantly associated with genetic AFR (African) ancestry in LUSC in TCGA. Furthermore, expression of
MYC
target genes was significantly enriched in AFR samples. Local ancestry analysis identified correlation of chr8q gain with AFR ancestry at the
MYC
locus in TCGA. We also found a significant correlation between chr8q and AFR ancestry in multiple cancer types and pan-cancer in TCGA. Similarly, in a pan-cancer subset of AACR GENIE data, we found a significant correlation between chr8q gain and race.

CONCLUSION

Together, our data suggest that ancestry may influence amplification of not only
MYC
but also its enhancer in LUSC. They also suggest a role for genetic ancestry in chr8q aneuploidy in cancer. These studies further define and expand patients who may benefit from future anti-
MYC
therapeutic approaches.
Private Optimal Inventory Policy Learning for Feature-Based Newsvendor with Unknown Demand
Authors: Zhao Tuoyi , Zhou Wen-Xin , Wang Lan
Published: October 2024

The data-driven newsvendor problem with features has recently emerged as a significant area of research, driven by the proliferation of data across various sectors such as retail, supply chains, e-commerce, and healthcare. Given the sensitive nature of customer or organizational data often used in feature-based analysis, it is crucial to ensure individual privacy to uphold trust and confidence. Despite its importance, privacy preservation in the context of inventory planning remains unexplored. A key challenge is the nonsmoothness of the newsvendor loss function, which sets it apart from existing work on privacy-preserving algorithms in other settings. This paper introduces a novel approach to estimating a privacy-preserving optimal inventory policy within the f-differential privacy framework, an extension of the classical [Formula: see text]-differential privacy with several appealing properties. We develop a clipped noisy gradient descent algorithm based on convolution smoothing for optimal inventory estimation to simultaneously address three main challenges: (i) unknown demand distribution and nonsmooth loss function, (ii) provable privacy guarantees for individual-level data, and (iii) desirable statistical precision. We derive finite-sample high-probability bounds for optimal policy parameter estimation and regret analysis. By leveraging the structure of the newsvendor problem, we attain a faster excess population risk bound compared with that obtained from an indiscriminate application of existing results for general nonsmooth convex loss. Our bound aligns with that for strongly convex and smooth loss function. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed new method can achieve desirable privacy protection with a marginal increase in cost.

This paper was accepted by J. George Shanthikumar, data science.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [Grants DMS-2113409 and DMS 2401268 to W.-X. Zhou, and FRGMS-1952373 to L. Wang].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.01268 .
Unveiling Regulatory Operations: A Data Set of the Determinants, Process, and Outcomes of Product Defect Investigations by the U.S. Automotive Safety Regulator
Authors: Damavandi Hoorsana , Astvansh Vivek
Published: October 2024

Problem definition: The paucity of data on governmental regulatory agencies’ product safety defect investigations has restricted our knowledge about (1) the determinants of a regulator’s decisions to open or close an investigation, (2) the process it follows between opening and closing of an investigation, and (3) the outcomes of the investigation when it is closed. Methodology/results: The authors view a safety regulator’s opening and closing of a product defect investigation as a decision of interest to the operations management discipline. This data paper describes a rich, novel, and hand-collected data set of all investigations that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration—the U.S. regulator for automobile safety—opened and closed against 187 manufacturers between 2009 and 2021. The authors provide two Microsoft Excel data files, one capturing data for the investigations opened and the other for the investigations closed. The data files enable researchers to address three sets of research questions. First, researchers can use the “Data on Investigations Opened” file to model the determinants of a regulator’s opening of a product defect investigation. Second, researchers can mine the textual variables from both files to identify the steps involved in the investigation process. They can also use the process variables included in the data to investigate the regulator’s efficiency in opening and closing investigations. Third, researchers can use the “Data on Investigations Closed” file to better understand when and why a regulator closes an investigation and the outcomes of the closed investigations. Managerial implications: The data files can also be valuable to nonacademic stakeholders (e.g., governmental organizations and regulators, journalists, liability lawyers, politicians, and safety advocates). The authors provide an open-access website that simplifies the use of the data for a nonacademic audience and allows them to draw insights from the data via graphs and tables.

Supplemental Material: The online supplement is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.0705 .
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor presenting as sciatica in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: is magnetic resonance imaging an effective screening tool?
Authors: Teferi Adisalem M. , Sangam Sangam , Newman Azana , Alvarado Osman , Madera Irvianny , Paniagua Julian
Published: October 2024

Peripheral malignant nerve sheath tumours (MPNST) are rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcomas often associated with neurofibromatosis type I (NF-1). We describe a case of a 26-year-old female with NF-1, initially misdiagnosed as sciatica, who was later found to have a malignant spindle cell peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the right sciatic nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved to be a valuable tool for diagnosis. This case illustrates the importance of considering the transformation of neurofibromas into MPNST as a potential cause of worsening neuropathic pain in patients with NF-1. Given the overlap in clinical presentation with benign conditions, we analyse the utility of MRI for early screening for. Early detection is crucial to improve the chances of cure and prolonged disease-free survival.
Epstein-Barr virus-driven T-cell lymphoma with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a life-threatening disorder extending beyond childhood
Authors: Wannaphut Chalothorn , Kozai Landon , Takahashi Toshiaki , Macapagal Sharina , Nishimura Yoshito
Published: October 2024

An 18-year-old previously healthy Filipino male presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, dyspnoea and fever. Initial investigations revealed severe hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopaenia, elevated liver enzymes, coagulopathy and extremely high ferritin levels. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed an abnormal CD8+ T-cell population with haemophagocytosis. Extensive workup was performed, and he was ultimately diagnosed with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) secondary to Epstein-Barr virus-positive T-cell lymphoma of childhood (EBV-TCL), a rare and aggressive malignancy. Despite the initiation of modified dexamethasone, methotrexate, ifosfamide, L-asparaginase and etoposide (SMILE) chemotherapy along with high-dose glucocorticoids, the patient did not respond to the treatment and expired. This case underscores the critical importance of early recognition and prompt intervention in EBV-TCL-associated HLH which is a unique condition and a rare entity. The diagnosis of this entity can be particularly challenging, given its rapid progression and high mortality rate. Therefore, timely diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate therapy are essential for improving patient outcomes. General medicine providers play a key role in identifying warning signs to avoid delays in treatment initiation.
FOTO SENSÍVEL: Mundos possíveis, além das lembranças da Armação
Authors: Guimarães Cristiane
Published: October 2024

O texto sintetiza uma experiência narrativa envolvendo a linguagem audiovisual, tendo como disparador um documentário produzido no bairro da Armação do Pântano do Sul, na Ilha de Santa Catarina, que versa sobre narrativas de memórias de personagens do bairro. Situa brevemente a experiência no âmbito de políticas públicas específicas e que se desenharam historicamente nos últimos anos. Busca, também, detalhar os desdobramentos de um projeto de letramentos realizado no cotidiano escolar aqui alargado ao entorno da escola, ao mundo da vida, permitindo articular e produzir sentidos outros, constituindo-se como prática pedagógica rica em interações sociais, troca de experiências e registros em diferentes linguagens. Levanta, portanto, indagações sobre os modos que tais experiências narrativas desafiam as práticas didáticas, atravessando os cotidianos escolares e currículos,  redesenhando seus muros visíveis e invisíveis. A experiência narrativa evidencia a importância fundamental das linguagens, no caso o audiovisual, para fazer significar e ampliar a concepção de letramentos contemporâneos e o compromisso com uma formação escolar mais humana e cidadã.
POR UMA ECOESTÉTICA RESSOANTE: Nos cotidianos da educação
Authors: Catunda Marta Bastos
Published: October 2024

Apresenta-se a ecoestética como conceito do gesto político de educar e a partir da explanação metodológica  evidenciada em práticas pedagógicas/educativas sensíveis; expressar reverberações na ambiência escolar entretecendo vivo universo de relações.
SENTIDOS NA DOCÊNCIA: O desafio docente nos processos de subjetivação
Authors: Trancoso Michelle Viana , Martins Lopes Vivian
Published: October 2024

Os desafios de uma pesquisa-formação exigem um olhar diferente daquele distante e neutro pela ciência moderna. Frente a um contexto de biopoder, o professorpesquisador encontra dilemas em situações educativas nas quais é preciso sentir o mundo e mergulhar na realidade do cotidiano de sua sala de aula. Frente a isso, a questão de estudos que se apresenta é: quais são os sons, os movimentos e as imagens de uma sala de aula na formação de autores-cidadãos? Partindo dos pressupostos teórico-metodológicos nos/dos/com os cotidianos de Certeau e Nilda Alves assim como da Multirreferencialidade de Ardoino e Macedo, este artigo pretende apresentar uma narrativa de experiência vivida durante o campo de pesquisa no Mestrado em Educação (UERJ). Entendendo a formação docente como uma rede de conhecimentossignificações e subjetividades para a formação de autores-cidadãos, propõe-se refletir sobre sentidos desestabilizadores desse cotidiano encarando a experiência como um desafio ao processo de autorização do eu em relação ao outro. Por fim, encaminhamos novos questionamentos de modo a problematizar a atuação docente em tempos de biopoder, diante das operações nas quais os alunos operam táticas de subversão e resistência aos mecanismos de controle.
Wearable cuffless blood pressure monitoring devices: a commentary
Authors: Mbeta Elliot , McDowell Garry , West Jenni , Hill James Edward , Sankaranarayanan Rajiv
Published: October 2024

Hypertension is a growing public challenge as a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Reducing overall cardiovascular risk through early screening, initiation of treatment and ongoing monitoring remains a priority in the comprehensive management of hypertension and its complications. Community nurses are ideally positioned to play a crucial role in the early detection of hypertension and providing support for its management. Wearable cuffless devices have the potential for continuous remote blood pressure monitoring. However, there is not enough literature on the validity and usability of wearable cuffless blood pressure devices to justify their use in clinical practice. This commentary critically appraises a systematic review designed to assess the validity, features and clinical usability of wearable cuffless devices, and expands on its findings and their relevance to community nursing and future research.
Medication management: how medication review improves lives and reduces waste
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: October 2024

Ageing is associated with an increased risk of adverse drug reactions. This calls for great care and diligent follow up when prescribing medication to older patients. Yet, this is seldom the case and the proportion of older people taking five or more medications has quadrupled from 12% to 49% in the last 20 years. Certain medications are riskier than others. Those with anticholinergic effects are of particular concern. Adverse effects of anticholinergics include dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, urinary retention, blurred vision, tachycardia and neurologic impairment, such as confusion and agitation. Anticholinergic medication can cause daytime drowsiness and cognitive decline, while increasing the risk of fall and can lead to increased mortality. Although anticholinergic medication should be avoided in older people whenever possible, their use has almost doubled in the last 20 years, and those who are most vulnerable to its adverse effects had the greatest increase in use. This article examines why older people are at increased risk of adverse drug reactions and how medication review can enable older persons to take medications regularly, improve quality of life and minimise medication waste.
Co-production and the community nurse
Authors: Dowie Iwan
Published: October 2024

In this month's Policy column, Iwan Dowie explores the significance and role of co-production in patient care.
Decriminalising terror: for a zemiology of counterterrorism
Authors: Dinesson Kajsa E , Soliman Francesca
Published: October 2024

Over the past two decades, UK counterterrorism efforts have involved contentious legal and social measures aimed at preventing harm and increasing security. Critical scholars argue that these measures narrowly define security, risk, and harm, failing to recognise intervention itself as a potential threat to individuals and communities. Despite significant critical research, the legitimacy of the criminal justice model of counterterrorism persists in criminological scholarship. This article uses zemiology, the study of social harm, to critique contemporary counterterrorism’s impact. It employs UK counterterrorism as its case study, highlighting its ‘security first’ approach and its narrow definition of public interest. Three key arguments are advanced: first, counterterrorism is not an exceptional extension of criminal law but a form of hybrid governance; second, viewing this governance through a crime-centric lens obscures the harms of criminalisation and overlooks non-criminalised politically-motivated violence; third, examining counterterrorism through a social harm lens allows for a focus on social and racial structures, rather than state-defined categories of harm. The social harm perspective challenges the conceptualisation of terrorism as a crisis justifying exceptional measures, highlighting instead counterterrorism’s broader social impact. The zemiological approach highlights the role of law, not just as source of protection, but also as a means of repression and state violence, emphasising state accountability and providing a framework for identifying and preventing social harm. This perspective centres the broader implications of counterterrorism policies on social structures and racial dynamics, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of security and harm.
Biospeckle techniques for evaluating the radial growth rate of a fungal colony
Authors: Al-Ogaidi Marwah , Al-Temeemy Ali A.
Published: October 2024

Microorganisms play essential roles in the environment, forming
symbiotic relationships with plants and animals, though many can be
pathogenic and cause significant harm. Investigating microorganism
development through monitoring their radial growth offers valuable
insights into growth kinetics, biomass, and metabolite synthesis,
emphasizing the need for advanced methodologies in radial growth
calculation. We utilize laser-based biospeckle techniques to visualize
microorganism activity on semi-solid culture media and propose a
comprehensive framework to determine the radial growth curve and its
rate. This framework efficiently extracts these growth parameters from
biospeckle microorganism patterns, as demonstrated through
experimental validation. Additionally, we propose a new procedure, to the best
of our knowledge, for calculating optimal parameters within
the proposed framework, which impacts radial growth calculation. This
procedure was tested through a series of experiments, demonstrating
its effectiveness in identifying optimal parameters using the
biospeckle patterns of microorganism colonies under various
conditions. The results highlight the improvement in radial growth
calculation when these parameters are applied within the proposed
framework.
Laser Pulse Diagnostics of Ultrafast <8 fs Pulses Through Two-Photon Absorption Fluorescence In Liquid Media - The Role of GVD and Third-Order Dispersion
Authors: Mahmood Asad , Puente Raúl , Batelaan Herman , Syed Rafeeq , Uiterwaal Cornelis
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the propagation of an ultrafast laser pulse through a liquid medium. A femtosecond laser oscillator with a pulse duration of less than 8 fs is used. By conducting experiments with coumarin and fluorescein dyes in water, methanol, and chloroform, we analyze two-photon absorption (TPA) fluorescence, a method pioneered by Schröder [Opt. Express 14, 10125 (2006)]. A numerical algorithm we developed to model the fluorescence signal determines the group velocity dispersion (GVD), the third-order dispersion (TOD), and the group delay dispersion (GDD). Autocorrelation measurements combined with a detailed analysis confirm the validity of our method and the accuracy of the retrieved temporal profile of the pulse. This cost-effective approach is robust and useful for laser pulse characterization, outperforming traditional methods in terms of alignment sensitivity. Our method allows us to study the time evolution of the pulses as they propagate through the liquid, determines higher-order phase terms as acquired by the pulse while reflecting off the chirped mirrors and propagating through the liquid, and even works for non-Gaussian spectral intensities of the laser.
Generalized Stokes polarimetry design for 3-D polarization field
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Wang Luo , Yue Peng , Zhao Changming
Published: October 2024

Optical polarization is three-dimensional (3-D), and its complete information is described by 9-component generalized Stokes vector (GSV). However, existing Stokes polarimetry and its design theory are primarily based on paraxial 4-component Stokes vector and 4 × 4 Mueller Matrix. In this letter, we introduce a novel concept of generalized Stokes polarimetry (GSP), which can reconstruct 9 generalized Stokes parameters through a series of non-paraxial polarized modulations and intensity projections. The reconstruction theory of GSP is based on 9 × 9 generalized Mueller matrix (GMM) calculator we reported previously. In addition, to optimize the 9 × 9 analysis matrix of GSP, we developed an optimization algorithm combined Monte-Carlo and gradient descent (GD) methods, finding the optimal configuration with CN = 3.7261, EWV = 1.2405. The simulated results of noise sources and GSV reconstruction verified the significant improvement in accuracy and stability of optimized configuration.
Musculoskeletal surgeons have implicit bias towards the biomedical paradigm of human illness
Authors: Ramtin Sina , Rajagopalan Dayal , Ring David , Crijns Tom , Jayakumar Prakash
Published: October 2024

Background

Evidence is mounting that the biopsychosocial paradigm is more accurate and useful than the biomedical paradigm of care. Habits of thought can hinder the implementation of this knowledge into daily care strategies. To understand and lessen these potential barriers, we asked: 1) What is the relative implicit and explicit attitudes of musculoskeletal surgeons towards the biomedical or biopsychosocial paradigms of medicine? 2) What surgeon factors are associated with these attitudes?

Methods

An online survey-based experiment was distributed to members of the Science of Variation Group (SOVG) with a total of 163 respondents. Implicit bias towards the biomedical or biopsychosocial paradigms was measured using an Implicit Association Test (IAT) designed by our team using open-source software; explicit preferences were measured using ordinal scales.

Results

On average, surgeons demonstrated a moderate implicit bias towards the biomedical paradigm (d-score: -0.21; Interquartile range [IQR]: -0.56 to 0.19) and a moderate explicit preference towards the biopsychosocial paradigm (mean: 14; standard deviation: 14). A greater implicit bias towards the biomedical paradigm was associated with male surgeons (d-score: -0.30; IQR: -0.57 to 0.14; P = 0.005). A greater explicit preference towards the biomedical paradigm was independently associated with a European practice location (Regression coefficient: -9.1; 95% CI: -14 to -4.4; P <0.001) and trauma subspecialty (RC: -6.2; 95% CI: -11 to -1.0; P <0.001).

Conclusions

The observation that surgeons have an implicit bias favoring the biomedical paradigm might inform strategies for implementation of care strategies based on evidence favoring the biopsychosocial paradigm.
Frailty prevalence in older adults with atrial fibrillation: A cross-sectional study in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Colchado Vallejos José Guillermo , Quirós López Gonzalo Daniel , Tello Rodríguez Tania , Anchante Hernández Henry
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives

Frailty is a common condition among older adults and is associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including mortality, disability, dysmobility, falls, and hospitalization. In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), these risks are further exacerbated. However, evidence linking AF and frailty, particularly in the South American context, is limited. This study aimed to assess frailty and other geriatric conditions in older outpatients with atrial fibrillation in a resource-limited setting in Lima, Peru.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we included adults aged 60 years and older diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who were attending outpatient check-ups. Patients who were hospitalized, receiving chemotherapy induction, or presenting with acute infections or exacerbations were excluded. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess frailty, cognitive impairment, and functional dependence. Statistical analysis was performed using R Studio version 4.3.1, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results

Among the 200 patients who agreed to participate (mean age 74.76 ± 8.42 years, 41% females), 28.5% exhibited frailty, and 46.5% were classified as prefrail. Frailty and prefrailty were significantly associated with older age (p<0.01), female gender (p = 0.01), illiteracy (p<0.01), heart failure (p<0.01), falls (p<0.05), cognitive impairment (p<0.01), and functional dependence (p<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between frailty and cognitive impairment (p<0.05), frailty and functional dependence (p<0.05), and cognitive impairment and functional dependence (p<0.05).

Conclusions

One-third of older outpatients with atrial fibrillation were identified as frail, while half were classified as prefrail. In this population, frailty frequently coexists with cognitive impairment and functional dependence, highlighting the need for timely screening and the implementation of evidence-based interventions for individuals with atrial fibrillation in resource-limited settings.
Caspase-1 in Cx3cr1-expressing cells drives an IL-18-dependent T cell response that promotes parasite control during acute Toxoplasma gondii infection
Authors: Babcock Isaac W. , Sibley Lydia A. , Labuzan Sydney A. , Cowan Maureen N. , Sethi Ish , Alemu Seblework , Kelly Abigail G. , Kovacs Michael A. , Lukens John R. , Harris Tajie H.
Published: October 2024

Inflammasome activation is a robust innate immune mechanism that promotes inflammatory responses through the release of alarmins and leaderless cytokines, including IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-18. Various stimuli, including infectious agents and cellular stress, cause inflammasomes to assemble and activate caspase-1. Then, caspase-1 cleaves targets that lead to pore formation and leaderless cytokine activation and release. Toxoplasma gondii has been shown to promote inflammasome formation, but the cell types utilizing caspase-1 and the downstream effects on immunological outcomes during acute in vivo infection have not been explored. Here, using knockout mice, we examine the role of caspase-1 responses during acute T. gondii infection globally and in Cx3cr1-positive populations. We provide in vivo evidence that caspase-1 expression is critical for, IL-18 release, optimal interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, monocyte and neutrophil recruitment to the site of infection, and parasite control. Specifically, we find that caspase-1 expression in Cx3cr1-positive cells drives IL-18 release, which potentiates CD4+ T cell IFN-γ production and parasite control. Notably, our Cx3cr1-Casp1 knockouts exhibited a selective T cell defect, mirroring the phenotype observed in Il18 knockouts. In further support of this finding, treatment of Cx3cr1-Casp1 knockout mice with recombinant IL-18 restored CD4+ T cell IFN-γ responses and parasite control. Additionally, we show that neutrophil recruitment is dependent on IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP) signaling but is dispensable for parasite control. Overall, these experiments highlight the multifaceted role of caspase-1 in multiple cell populations contributing to specific pathways that collectively contribute to caspase-1 dependent immunity to T. gondii.
Impact of bolt positioning on the stiffness of angular support brackets
Authors: Croccolo Dario , Fini Stefano , Khan Muhammad Yasir
Published: October 2024

Bolts and screws are usually preferred over other joining techniques when assembly and disassembly operations are required. However, they add extra weight to the system, so it is essential to reduce their size and weight by optimizing bolt parameters. Additionally, the stiffness of bolted members is very crucial; those with low stiffness may affect the correct functioning of the other connected components. This study focuses on the impact produced by bolt positions, specifically their center of gravity and spacing among them, on the stiffness of angular L-shaped brackets using Finite Element Analysis. Bending and torsional loads were applied to the free end of the member and deformations were recorded under these loads. The results revealed that a triangular bolt pattern is recommended for three bolts, whereas for four or more bolts, the pattern should be uniform to avoid stress concentrations. Moreover, the center of gravity and bolt spacing have a significant impact on stiffness. By optimizing bolt spacing and the center of gravity, a combination of six bolts can be replaced with four bolts of the same size while maintaining the same stiffness.
A geometry projection method for designing and optimizing additively manufactured variable-stiffness composite laminates
Authors: Gandhi Yogesh , Norato Julián , Pavlovic Ana , Minak Giangiacomo
Published: October 2024

A method for designing laminates is presented using geometry projection to optimize the layout of additively manufactured variable-stiffness composite laminates. By considering fiberreinforced bars as geometric primitives, the geometry projection methodology is extended to include optimizing regions with intersecting load paths. This is achieved by utilizing a dual representation of bars, which considers the geometric parameters and the element-wise density field representation. The dual representation enables the combining and overlapping of bars, resulting in a localized orthotropic material response at overlapping regions that mitigates the transverse compliant response of fiberreinforced components. The proposed method’s effectiveness is demonstrated through minimizing the compliance of the Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm beam problem, a well-known benchmark problem in topology optimization.
Analisis Pengaruh Perubahan Tutupan Lahan Terhadap Ancaman Bencana Longsor Dengan Menggunakan Sistem Informasi Geografis (Studi Kasus: Kabupaten Kebumen)
Authors: Hanifudin Faiz , Nugraha Arief Laila , Firdaus Hana Sugiastu
Published: October 2024

Bencana longsor merupakan bencana yang paling sering terjadi di Kabupaten Kebumen. Berdasarkan data BNPB tercatat pada tahun 2014 hingga 2023 terdapat 400 bencana, 193 diantaranya merupakan bencana tanah longsor. Pada penelitian ini dilakukan pemetaan ancaman bencana tanah longsor pada tahun 2016 dan 2022 serta dilakukan analisis terkait perubahan tutupan lahan yang paling mempengaruhi terhadap bencana longsor. Pembuatan peta ancaman mengacu pada Permen PU No.22/PRT/M/2007 dengan enam parameter yaitu kemiringan lereng, curah hujan, kedekatan sesar, jenis tanah, jenis batuan, dan tutupan lahan. Pembobotan parameter menggunakan metode Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) serta analisis pengaruh perubahan tutupan lahan menggunakan metode Frequency ratio (FR). Berdasarkan hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa bencana longsor di Kabupaten Kebumen tahun 2016 dan 2022 tidak memiliki perubahan signifikan, untuk ancaman longsor didominasi oleh kelas rendah berkisar 73%, kelas sedang 24%, kelas 3%, dan yang terakhir kelas sangat tinggi 0%. Untuk analisis pengaruh perubahan terhadap ancaman longsor, perubahan tutupan lahan menjadi lahan kosong merupakan perubahan tutupan lahan yang mempunyai pengaruh paling besar terhadap ancaman bencana longsor. Sedangkan perubahan tutupan lahan menjadi hutan merupakan perubahan tutupan lahan yang paling kecil pengaruhnya terhadap ancaman tanah longsor, hal ini dibuktikan dengan nilai FR lebih dari 1 dan cenderung lebih besar dari tutupan lahan lainnya.