bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“‘We Hope They Forget COVID Exists’: Pandemic Dissonance in HGTV’s Evergreen Escapism”
Authors: McNutt Myles
Published: May 2024

This article analyzes American cable channel HGTV’s programing strategies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and specifically their construction of a “COVID-free” fantasia in their series Home Town and its spinoff, Home Town Takeover. By considering this response through the lens of dissonance, I argue that while the network originally emphasized their social responsibility to mitigating the spread of the virus, their business model incentivized them to move past the virus more swiftly than other channels, pushing the labor of mediating dissonance onto their on-screen talent and their audience. This case study foregrounds how variables like genre, channel, and audience shaped the television industry’s response to the pandemic, with HGTV’s business model built on “evergreen” reality programing leading them to abdicate principles of social responsibility both more quickly and more thoroughly, despite numerous options that would have addressed the dissonance of COVID in a more balanced fashion.
Practice Patterns in Sternal Closure and Evaluation of Adoption of a Novel Sternal Closure Device
Authors: Yost Gardner , Marten Thomas , Plott Jeffrey , Haft Jonathan W.
Published: May 2024

Objective:

The technique for sternal closure has remained largely unchanged owing to the efficacy, simplicity, and low cost of stainless-steel sternal wires. Despite their ubiquity, several other closure devices designed to address the complications associated with sternal wires such as sternal bleeding and dehiscence have become popular. We have developed a novel sternal closure device that reduces sternal bleeding and dehiscence. This study quantifies the use of currently available sternal closure devices and determines predicted uptake of the novel device.

Methods:

An electronic survey, designed to determine practice patterns for sternal closure, was distributed to 70 US cardiac surgeons. The survey included a discrete choice section in which surgeons evaluated relative value of device attributes including cost, ease of emergent sternal reentry, and dehiscence risk.

Results:

There were 70 surgeons from 30 states who completed the survey. The most frequent means of sternal closure was straight sternal wires (35.8%), followed by straight sternal wires plus figure-of-8 sternal wires (18.1%), double wires (10.9%), plates (10.2%), and other (25%). The relative utilization shifted from sternal wires to sternal plates as the risk for dehiscence increased. The adoption of the novel closure device was estimated at 34.6%.

Conclusions:

The standard stainless-steel sternal wire remains the most common means of sternal reapproximation, but its utilization is lower in patients at high risk for sternal dehiscence. Based on this survey, there is acceptance in the community for a novel sternal closure device designed to address the limitations of traditional sternal closure methods.
A three-years follow-up of extra intensive support for individuals with intellectual disability and severe challenging behaviour in the Netherlands
Authors: Verhaar Linda , Dijkxhoorn Yvette M. , de Sonneville Leo , Swaab Hanna
Published: May 2024

Adults with Intellectual Disability who show severe challenging behaviour need intensive individual support. If intensive support proves to be insufficient, extra intensive support can be provided in the Netherlands, which is characterized by more time for individual care. The present study evaluates the impact of extra intensive support over time. Client characteristics of adults receiving intensive support (IS, N=70) or extra intensive support (IS+, N=35) are compared and the impact of provided support on challenging behaviour (Developmental Behaviour Checklist-Adults), adaptive behaviour (Vineland II), and Quality of Life (San Martin Scale) is evaluated over a three years period. Compared to adults receiving intensive support, those receiving extra intensive support initially showed higher intensity of challenging behaviour, higher number of mental health diagnoses and stronger focus on goals to reduce challenging behaviour. Over time, intensity of challenging behaviour decreased in adults receiving extra intensive support, although Quality of Life and adaptive functioning did not improve. Results show that the indications for receiving extra intensive support are clear and that the extra support is effective over time. It is concluded that extra individual support is serving those who need this support.
Critical speed models of high-resolution speed-duration profiles describe peak running demands in soccer
Authors: Mizelman Eliran , Pearson Aaron , Chu Dani , Clarke David C
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to characterize critical speed (CS) models for summarizing high-resolution speed-duration profiles from GPS tracking data obtained from soccer players. GPS data from 15 male NCAA Division I soccer players were collected during practices and games over a 6-week period. Moving averages of the speed data were computed for each file for duration windows spanning 0.1 to 600 seconds at 0.1-second resolution. Speed-duration profiles for each session and for the entire sampling period (“global”) were generated for each player by selecting the maximal mean speeds for each duration. Four models were fit to the profiles: the two-parameter CS (CS2) model, the three-parameter CS (CS3) model, the omni-domain speed-duration (OmSD) model, and the five-parameter logistic (5PL) model. The 5PL, CS3, and OmSD models exhibited similar goodness of fits, and all outperformed the CS2 model. Similar CS estimates were obtained for each model, whereas maximum speed ( Smax) estimates were lower for OmSD compared to the 5PL. Players exhibited a range of parameter values for CS, D′, and Smax. Smax and CS estimated from session-specific speed-duration profiles were on average higher for games compared to practices. We conclude that CS models are useful for empirically describing speed-duration profiles and for assessing peak running demands for soccer practices and games. The proposed approach could help coaches design practice activities to better mimic game demands.
An inconvenient truth about “bundling” commitment, engagement, and embeddedness: Unbundling to extend theory on turnover motivations and beyond
Authors: Maertz Carl P. , Johnson Clark D. , Bauer Brittney C.
Published: May 2024

This paper critiques a research practice that we call “bundling,” which has produced highly popular constructs in the organizational behavior literature, including organizational commitment, employee engagement, and organizational embeddedness. We show how these bundled constructs, using broad labels from common parlance, have produced overlapping meanings, confounded theoretical mechanisms, and imposed limiting “ideal employee” conceptions in the literature, organizations, and ultimately, societal discourse about employees. We argue that “unbundling” these constructs can provide multiple benefits to theory, empirical inquiry, and practical assessment of complex employee motives. As a demonstration, we unbundle the three focal constructs to integrate and clarify their component relations within the nomological net of turnover motivation. Thereby, we enrich conceptions of proximal withdrawal states, while synthesizing the most comprehensive model of turnover motivations. Finally, we discuss further research implications suggested by unbundling our focal constructs, and unbundling more generally.
Representing territory beyond the map
Authors: Branch Jordan
Published: May 2024

This commentary engages with Gonin et al. in terms of how their novel concept of terrestrial territory can be read through the importance of representations: visual, linguistic, and otherwise. This supports their effort to reframe and address the challenges of the Anthropocene.
Standing with Ukraine? How citizens trade off self-interest and principles in supporting war-torn international partners
Authors: Bøggild Troels , Göbel Sascha , Lutscher Philipp , Nyrup Jacob
Published: May 2024

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an attack on democracy, human rights, and the international order. While European democracies have supported their war-torn partner, Russia has sought to undermine public support by stopping its gas supply and imposing economic costs on European citizens. In consequence, Europeans find themselves caught between economic self-interest and principles. We present a theoretical argument and test how corresponding arguments for and against continued backing of Ukraine affect citizens’ support using experimental and observational data collected while concerns with gas shortage and inflation mounted in Germany and Denmark. We find that support for Ukraine does not falter due to economic concerns. In contrast, citizens become more supportive when presented with arguments related to human rights, democracy, and respect for territorial boundaries. We discuss implications for understanding citizens’ responses to autocratic power strategies and how support likely depends on the type of partner and domestic elite rhetoric.
Predicting the employment of teledentistry in clinical practice by the Saudi dental community using a theoretical model
Authors: Joseph Angel M , Alsalman Rasha A , Almasoud Wjoud A , Almutairi Reem , Alammari Rawan B , Deeban Yahya AM , Mustafa Mohammed Z , Thakare Amar A
Published: May 2024

Introduction

There are very few scholastic studies applying a theory-driven methodology to analyse the employment of teledentistry in clinical practice by the Saudi dental community. The objective of this research was to predict the employment of teledentistry in clinical practice by the Saudi dental community using the UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) model.

Methods

A countrywide survey was executed from November 2022 to April 2023 among the dental community (pre-graduate students, graduates, post-graduate students, general dentists, and specialist dentists) involved in clinical practice. The survey employed the UTAUT model, which has four fundamental constructs: performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI) and facilitating conditions (FC). These constructs are known to impact the user's behavioural intention (BI). The four fundamental constructs were independent, and BI was the dependent variable. A Likert scale with five scores was used to record each variable. Descriptive statistics were used to describe all the constructs. Cronbach's alpha scores were used to measure the inner consistency of the Likert scale . Simple linear regression and multiple linear regression were used to determine the correlation between all the constructs and the overall model's prediction. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was applied for analysis. The study had 80% power and an alpha threshold of .05.

Results

The electronic survey was sent to 3000 participants, out of whom 2143 responded (response rate = 71.43%). PE ( R2= 26%, p < .01) was the most significant predictor of the Saudi dental community BI to employ teledentistry in clinical practice, followed by SI ( R2= 24%, p < .01), EE ( R2= 19%, p < .01) and FC ( R2= 6%, p < .01). With statistically significant predictive power, the UTAUT model explained 32% of the variance in the BI ( R2= 0.32, p < .01).

Conclusions

Each UTAUT construct and the entire model were significantly correlated with the employment of teledentistry in clinical practice by the Saudi dental community. PE had the most salient correlation, followed by SI, EE and FC. The participants have perceived the benefits of teledentistry, increasing the future likelihood of its utilisation. The Saudi government could consider the UTAUT constructs to promote teledentistry in tandem with Vision 2030.
The Impact of Digital Finance on Industrial Structure: Evidence From China
Authors: Xue Qiutong , Feng Sixian , Li Muchen
Published: May 2024

This paper first theoretically analyzes the impact mechanism of digital finance on industrial structure upgrading, and then empirically analyzes the relationship between digital finance and industrial structure upgrading. The results show that the development of digital finance can promote the upgrading of industrial structure. Further analysis shows that the proper allocation of government attention is also key to achieving digital finance development and industrial structure upgrading. The above conclusions provide policy implications between the development of digital finance and the upgrading of industrial structure in China.
Self-Employed Versus Paid-Employed: What are the Different Preferences for Microfinance? Experimental Evidence From Rural China
Authors: Ding Zhao , Fan Xinyi , Zhang Jingye
Published: May 2024

Microfinance has gained significant importance in supporting the livelihoods of individuals in developing economies. This paper examines the influence of self-employment on preferences for microfinance, based on the hypothesis that self-employment choices and participation in microfinance share the same decision-making ability. The analysis utilizes data from a recent survey conducted in rural China, employing a generalized multinomial logit model (GMNL) to account for both preference heterogeneity and scale heterogeneity. This model allows us to investigate the choice probabilities and the impact of different types of self-employment on preferences for microfinance attributes. The empirical findings indicate that engaging in self-employment contributes to a sense of reassurance regarding preferences for microfinance among rural respondents. Specifically, non-agricultural self-employment has a positive effect on this preference, whereas agricultural self-employment has a negative effect.
The Impact of Economic Openness and Institutional Environment on Technological Innovation: Evidence From China’s Provincial Patent Application Data
Authors: Lu Huixin , Feng Zongxian , Wang Shi
Published: May 2024

Analyzing the impact of economic openness and institutional environment on technological innovation is of great significance for China to build a new system of open economy. This study investigates the short- and long-run effects of economic openness and institutional environment on innovation by applying a dynamic panel regression model and two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) method to dynamic panel data of China’s 30 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government (referred to as provinces hereafter) from 2008 to 2017. Results indicate that trade openness impedes innovation, whereas foreign direct investment (FDI) significantly promotes China’s innovation particularly in the long-run. The continuous improvement of institutional environment promotes domestic innovation particularly in the long run. The integration of economic openness and institutional environment magnifies the effects of trade openness and FDI on innovation. The effects of economic openness and institutional environment on innovation differ by region with a descending pattern from China’s Eastern to the Central and Western regions.
The Effect of Municipal Fiscal Decentralization on Subjective Well Being: The Case of Chile
Authors: Letelier S Leonardo , Sáez-Lozano José L.
Published: May 2024

This research hinges upon the relationship between fiscal decentralization and life satisfaction. It contributes to the field by performing an empirical analysis focused on the case of Chile, by merging the national household survey (CASEN) with municipal level information. This analysis is based on a hierarchical empirical model, in which data from both sources are integrated. Our results show a significant positive effect of municipal level fiscal decentralization on individual subjective well-being. Nonetheless, we also show that said result is contingent upon residents’ political representation, which is in line with the hypothesis that citizens’ oversight of local authorities is a necessary condition for the effect of fiscal decentralization to emerge. From the viewpoint of how fiscally decentralized measures should be implemented in practice, above evidence suggests that said process should be accompanied by the strengthening of local residents’ participation in community relevant matters. Further confirmation of this is presented in this research, by showing that residents’ membership in organized groups further increases individual subjective well-being.

JEL Classification: H72, H77, C11.
Self-scheduling Medical Visits in a Multispecialty, Multisite Medical Practice: Complexity, Challenges, and Successes
Authors: North Frederick , Buss Rebecca , Nelson Elissa M. , Thompson Matthew C. , Pecina Jennifer , Garrison Gregory M. , Crum Brian A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Self-scheduling of medical visits is becoming more common but the complexity of applying multiple requirements for self-scheduling has hampered implementation. Mayo Clinic implemented self-scheduling in 2019 and has been increasing its portfolio of self-schedulable visits since then. Our aim was to show measures quantifying the complexity associated with medical visit scheduling and to describe how opportunities and challenges of scheduling complexity apply in self-scheduling.

Methods

We examined scheduled visits from January 1, 2022, through August 24, 2023. For seven visit categories, we counted all unique visit types that were scheduled, for both staff-scheduled and self-scheduled. We examined counts of self-scheduled visit types to identify those with highest uptake during the study period.

Results

There were 9555 unique visit types associated with 20.8 M (million) completed visits. Self-scheduled visit types accounted for 4.0% (838,592/20,769,699) of the completed total visits. Of seven visit categories, self-scheduled established patient visits, testing visits, and procedure visits accounted for 93.5% (784,375/838,592) of all self-scheduled visits. Established patient visits in primary care (10 visit types) accounted for 273,007 (32.6%) of all self-scheduled visits. Testing visits (blood and urine testing, 2 visit types) accounted for 183,870 (21.9%) of all self-scheduled visits. Procedure visits for screening mammograms, bone mineral density, and immunizations (8 visit types) accounted for 147,358 (17.6%) of all self-scheduled visits.

Conclusion

Large numbers of unique visit types comprise a major challenge for self-scheduling. Some visit types are more suitable for self-scheduling. Guideline-based procedure visits such as screening mammograms, bone mineral density exams, and immunizations are examples of visits that have high volumes and can be standardized for self-scheduling. Established patient visits and laboratory testing visits also can be standardized for self-scheduling. Despite the successes, there remain thousands of specific visit types that may need some staff-scheduler intervention to properly schedule.
Fibrous Dysplasia Polyostotic: When Radiology Clarifies the Diagnosis
Authors: Lahlou Ihssane , Essetti Sara , Obilat Samia , Chait Fatima , Bahlouli Nourrelhouda , Guelzim Yousra , El Haddad Siham , Allali Nazik , Chat Latifa
Published: May 2024

Fibrous dysplasia is a rare non-hereditary congenital condition characterized by 2 main forms: monostotic and polyostotic. Monostotic is the more common form, while polyostotic, often associated with a syndrome, is rarer. The case presented involves a 10-year-old patient who was diagnosed with polyostotic fibrous dysplasia accompanied by an endocrinopathy. This report explores the clinical and radiological aspects of this condition based on the patient’s case.
Antitrypsin deficiency: still more to learn about the lung after 60 years
Authors: Stockley Robert A. , Parr David G.
Published: May 2024

The past 60 years have seen multiple publications related to lung disease in α1-antitrypsin deficiency largely reflecting the pathophysiology, biochemical effect and outcomes of augmentation therapy. However, the complexity of disease phenotype and the impact of the natural history presents problems of patient management, study design and hence interpretation of outcome. Although many national and some international registries exist, the lack of consistent in-depth assessment and importantly, the impact of augmentation therapy likely influences our perception of the true natural history.

Development of new therapeutic strategies, and even assessment of the role and efficacy of augmentation, remain a challenge as powering such studies for conventional COPD outcomes is impractical due to relative rarity of the genetic condition and the presence of clinical phenotypic variation.

The current review approaches these issues, discusses the nature and complexity of assessing patient variability, and provides guidance on further studies required to address them.
Surveillance of subsolid nodules avoids unnecessary resections in lung cancer screening: long-term results of the prospective BioMILD trial
Authors: Balbi Maurizio , Sabia Federica , Ledda Roberta Eufrasia , Rolli Luigi , Milanese Gianluca , Ruggirello Margherita , Valsecchi Camilla , Marchianò Alfonso , Sverzellati Nicola , Pastorino Ugo
Published: May 2024

Background

The management of subsolid nodules (SSNs) in lung cancer screening (LCS) is still a topic of debate, with no current uniform strategy to deal with these lesions at risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The BioMILD LCS trial has implemented a prospective conservative approach for SSNs, managing with annual low-dose computed tomography nonsolid nodules (NSNs) and part-solid nodules (PSNs) with a solid component <5 mm, regardless of the size of the nonsolid component. The present study aims to determine the lung cancer (LC) detection and survival in BioMILD volunteers with SSNs.

Materials and methods

Eligible participants were 758 out of 4071 (18.6%) BioMILD volunteers without baseline LC and at least one SSN detected at the baseline or further low-dose computed tomography rounds. The outcomes of the study were LC detection and long-term survival.

Results

A total of 844 NSNs and 241 PSNs were included. LC detection was 3.7% (31 out of 844) in NSNs and 7.1% (17 out of 241) in PSNs, being significantly greater in prevalent than incident nodules (8.4%versus1.3% in NSNs; 14.1%versus2.1% in PSNs; p-value for both nodule types p<0.01). Most LCs from SSNs were stage I (42/48, 87.5%), resectable (47/48, 97.9%), and caused no deaths. The 8-year cumulative survival of volunteers with LC derived from SSNs and not derived from SSNs was 93.8% and 74.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Conservative management of SSNs in LCS enables timely diagnosis and treatment of LCs arising from SSNs while ensuring the resection of more aggressive LCs detected away from SSNs.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment for people with both COPD and frailty starting pulmonary rehabilitation: a mixed-methods feasibility trial
Authors: Brighton Lisa Jane , Evans Catherine J. , Farquhar Morag , Bristowe Katherine , Kata Aleksandra , Higman Jade , Ogden Margaret , Nolan Claire , Yi Deokhee , Gao Wei , Koulopoulou Maria , Hasan Sharmeen , Ingram Karen , Clarke Stuart , Parmar Kishan R. , Baldwin Eleni , Steves Claire J. , Man William D-C. , Maddocks Matthew
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Many people with COPD experience frailty. Frailty increases risk of poor health outcomes, including non-completion of pulmonary rehabilitation. Integrated approaches to support people with COPD and frailty throughout and following rehabilitation are indicated. The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial of integrating comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) for people with COPD and frailty starting pulmonary rehabilitation.

Methods

A multicentre mixed-methods randomised controlled feasibility trial (“Breathe Plus”;ISRCTN13051922) was carried out. People with COPD, aged ≥50 years, Clinical Frailty Scale ≥5 and referred for pulmonary rehabilitation were randomised 1:1 to usual pulmonary rehabilitation, or pulmonary rehabilitation plus CGA. Remote intervention delivery was used during COVID-19 restrictions. Outcomes (physical, psychosocial, service use) were measured at baseline, 90 and 180 days, alongside process data and qualitative interviews.

Results

Recruitment stopped at 31 participants (mean±sdage 72.4±10.1 years, 68% Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale 4–5), due to COVID-19-related disruptions. Recruitment (46% eligible recruited) and retention (87% at 90- and 180-day follow-up) were acceptable. CGAs occurred on average 60.5 days post-randomisation (range 8–129) and prompted 46 individual care recommendations (median 3 per participant, range 0–12), 65% of which were implemented during follow-up. The most common domains addressed during CGA were nutrition and cardiovascular health. Participants valued the holistic approach of CGA but questioned the optimal time to introduce it.

Conclusion

Integrating CGA alongside pulmonary rehabilitation is feasible and identifies unmet multidimensional need in people with COPD and frailty. Given challenges around timing and inclusivity, the integration of geriatric and respiratory care should not be limited to rehabilitation services.
Impact of temporal resolution in single particle tracking analysis
Authors: Schirripa Spagnolo Chiara , Luin Stefano
Published: May 2024

Temporal resolution is a key parameter in the observation of dynamic processes, as in the case of single molecules motions visualized in real time in two-dimensions by wide field (fluorescence) microscopy, but a systematic investigation of its effects in all the single particle tracking analysis steps is still lacking. Here we present tools to quantify its impact on the estimation of diffusivity and of its distribution using one of the most popular tracking software for biological applications on simulated data and movies. We found important shifts and different widths for diffusivity distributions, depending on the interplay of temporal sampling conditions with various parameters, such as simulated diffusivity, density of spots, signal-to-noise ratio, lengths of trajectories, and kind of boundaries in the simulation. We examined conditions starting from the ones of experiments on the fluorescently labelled receptor p75NTR, a relatively fast-diffusing membrane receptor (diffusivity around 0.5–1 µm2/s), visualized by TIRF microscopy on the basal membrane of living cells. From the analysis of the simulations, we identified the best conditions in cases similar to these ones; considering also the experiments, we could confirm a range of values of temporal resolution suitable for obtaining reliable diffusivity results. The procedure we present can be exploited in different single particle/molecule tracking applications to find an optimal temporal resolution.
The impact of biochar addition on morpho-physiological characteristics, yield and water use efficiency of tomato plants under drought and salinity stress
Authors: Murtaza Ghulam , Usman Muhammad , Iqbal Javed , Tahir Muhammad Nauman , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Alkahtani Jawaher , Toleikienė Monika , Iqbal Rashid , Akram M. Irfan , Gruda Nazim S.
Published: May 2024

The use of saline water under drought conditions is critical for sustainable agricultural development in arid regions. Biochar is used as a soil amendment to enhance soil properties such as water-holding capacity and the source of nutrition elements of plants. Thus, the research was carried out to assess the impact of biochar treatment on the morphological and physiological characteristics and production ofSolanum lycopersicumin greenhouses exposed to drought and saline stresses. The study was structured as a three-factorial in split-split-plot design. There were 16 treatments across three variables: (i) water quality, with freshwater and saline water, with electrical conductivities of 0.9 and 2.4 dS m− 1, respectively; (ii) irrigation level, with 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of total evapotranspiration (ETC); (iii) and biochar application, with the addition of biochar at a 3% dosage by (w/w) (BC3%), and a control (BC0%). The findings demonstrated that salt and water deficiency hurt physiological, morphological, and yield characteristics. Conversely, the biochar addition enhanced all characteristics. Growth-related parameters, such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, and dry and wet weight, and leaf gas exchange attributes, such rate of transpiration and photosynthesis, conductivity, as well as leaf relative water content were decreased by drought and salt stresses, especially when the irrigation was 60% ETc or 40% ETc. The biochar addition resulted in a substantial enhancement in vegetative growth-related parameters, physiological characteristics, efficiency of water use, yield, as well as reduced proline levels. Tomato yield enhanced by 4%, 16%, 8%, and 3% when irrigation with freshwater at different levels of water deficit (100% ETc, 80% ETc, 60% ETc, and 40% ETc) than control (BC0%). Overall, the use of biochar (3%) combined with freshwater shows the potential to enhance morpho-physiological characteristics, support the development of tomato plants, and improve yield with higher WUE in semi-arid and arid areas.
Correlation of alanine aminotransferase levels and a histological diagnosis of steatohepatitis with ultrasound-diagnosed metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in patients from a centre in Nigeria
Authors: Kolawole O. J. , Oje M. M. , Betiku O. A. , Ijarotimi O. , Adekanle O. , Ndububa D. A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is defined as the occurrence of hepatic fat accumulation in patients with negligible alcohol consumption or any other cause of hepatic steatosis. This study aimed to correlate the ultrasound-based diagnosis of MAFLD with the histological diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in patients with MAFLD.

Methods

This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study of 71 patients with MAFLD diagnosed by ultrasound. Percutaneous liver biopsy was performed for histological evidence of NASH in all patients, regardless of liver function test (LFT) values, provided that they had no contraindications. Liver histology was graded using the NASH Clinical Research Network MAFLD Activity Score. The data obtained were entered into SPSS version 21 and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The significance level was set at < 0.05.

Results

A total of 71 patients (26 males and 45 females) with MAFLD were included. Thirty-nine (76.5%) patients with MAFLD and normal ALT levels had NASH, while 14 (82.4%) had elevated ALT levels. There was no statistically significant difference in the histological grade of NASH between patients with normal and elevated ALT levels. A weak correlation was found between the severity of steatosis on ultrasound scan and NASH incidence (p = 0.026). The sensitivity and specificity of ALT levels for predicting NASH according to the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC 0.590) at an ALT cut-off value of 27.5 IU/L were 55.8% and 64.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

NASH can occur in patients with MAFLD, irrespective of alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, and ultrasound grading of the severity of steatosis cannot accurately predict NASH. Liver biopsy remains the investigation of choice.
Simple mathematical model for predicting COVID-19 outbreaks in Japan based on epidemic waves with a cyclical trend
Authors: Manabe Hiroki , Manabe Toshie , Honda Yuki , Kawade Yoshihiro , Kambayashi Dan , Manabe Yoshiki , Kudo Koichiro
Published: May 2024

Background

Several models have been used to predict outbreaks during the COVID-19 pandemic, with limited success. We developed a simple mathematical model to accurately predict future epidemic waves.

Methods

We used data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan for newly confirmed COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 case data were summarized as weekly data, and epidemic waves were visualized and identified. The periodicity of COVID-19 in each prefecture of Japan was confirmed using time-series analysis and the autocorrelation coefficient, which was used to investigate the longer-term pattern of COVID-19 cases. Outcomes using the autocorrelation coefficient were visualized via a correlogram to capture the periodicity of the data. An algorithm for a simple prediction model of the seventh COVID-19 wave in Japan comprised three steps. Step 1: machine learning techniques were used to depict the regression lines for each epidemic wave, denoting the “rising trend line”; Step 2: an exponential function with good fit was identified from data of rising straight lines up to the sixth wave, and the timing of the rise of the seventh wave and speed of its spread were calculated; Step 3: a logistic function was created using the values calculated in Step 2 as coefficients to predict the seventh wave. The accuracy of the model in predicting the seventh wave was confirmed using data up to the sixth wave.

Results

Up to March 31, 2023, the correlation coefficient value was approximately 0.5, indicating significant periodicity. The spread of COVID-19 in Japan was repeated in a cycle of approximately 140 days. Although there was a slight lag in the starting and peak times in our predicted seventh wave compared with the actual epidemic, our developed prediction model had a fairly high degree of accuracy.

Conclusion

Our newly developed prediction model based on the rising trend line could predict COVID-19 outbreaks up to a few months in advance with high accuracy. The findings of the present study warrant further investigation regarding application to emerging infectious diseases other than COVID-19 in which the epidemic wave has high periodicity.
Factors associated with posttraumatic stress and anxiety among the parents of babies admitted to neonatal care: a systematic review
Authors: Malouf Reem , Harrison Sian , Pilkington Victoria , Opondo Charles , Gale Chris , Stein Alan , Franck Linda S. , Alderdice Fiona
Published: May 2024

Background

Posttraumatic stress (PTS) and anxiety are common mental health problems among parents of babies admitted to a neonatal unit (NNU). This review aimed to identify sociodemographic, pregnancy and birth, and psychological factors associated with PTS and anxiety in this population.

Method

Studies published up to December 2022 were retrieved by searching Medline, Embase, PsychoINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health electronic databases. The modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for cohort and cross-sectional studies was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. This review was pre-registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021270526).

Results

Forty-nine studies involving 8,447 parents were included; 18 studies examined factors for PTS, 24 for anxiety and 7 for both. Only one study of anxiety factors was deemed to be of good quality. Studies generally included a small sample size and were methodologically heterogeneous. Pooling of data was not feasible. Previous history of mental health problems (four studies) and parental perception of more severe infant illness (five studies) were associated with increased risk of PTS, and had the strongest evidence. Shorter gestational age (≤ 33 weeks) was associated with an increased risk of anxiety (three studies) and very low birth weight (< 1000g) was associated with an increased risk of both PTS and anxiety (one study). Stress related to the NNU environment was associated with both PTS (one study) and anxiety (two studies), and limited data suggested that early engagement in infant’s care (one study), efficient parent-staff communication (one study), adequate social support (two studies) and positive coping mechanisms (one study) may be protective factors for both PTS and anxiety. Perinatal anxiety, depression and PTS were all highly comorbid conditions (as with the general population) and the existence of one mental health condition was a risk factor for others.

Conclusion

Heterogeneity limits the interpretation of findings. Until clearer evidence is available on which parents are most at risk, good communication with parents and universal screening of PTS and anxiety for all parents whose babies are admitted to NNU is needed to identify those parents who may benefit most from mental health interventions.
‘Getting addicted to it and losing a lot of money… it’s just like a hole.’ A grounded theory model of how social determinants shape adolescents’ choices to not gamble
Authors: Hing Nerilee , Thorne Hannah , Lole Lisa , Sproston Kerry , Hodge Nicole , Rockloff Matthew
Published: May 2024

Background

Gambling abstinence when underage lowers the risk of harmful gambling in later life. However, little research has examined why many young people refrain from gambling, even though this knowledge can inform protective strategies and lower risk factors to reduce underage gambling and subsequent harm. This study draws on the lived experience of adolescent non-gamblers to explore how social determinants while growing up have shaped their reasons and choices to not gamble.

Methods

Fourteen Australian non-gamblers, aged 12–17 years, participated in an in-depth individual interview (4 girls, 3 boys) or online community (4 girls, 3 boys). Questions in each condition differed, but both explored participants’ gambling-related experiences while growing up, including exposure, attitudes and behaviours of parents and peers, advertising, simulated gambling and motivations for not gambling. The analysis used adaptive grounded theory methods.

Results

The grounded theory model identifies several reasons for not gambling, including not being interested, being below the legal gambling age, discouragement from parent and peers, concern about gambling addiction and harm, not wanting to risk money on a low chance of winning, and moral objections. These reasons were underpinned by several social determinants, including individual, parental, peer and environmental factors that can interact to deter young people from underage gambling. Key protective factors were parental role modelling and guidance, friendship groups who avoided gambling, critical thinking, rational gambling beliefs, financial literacy and having other hobbies and interests.

Conclusions

Choices to not gamble emanated from multiple layers of influence, implying that multi-layered interventions, aligned with a public health response, are needed to deter underage gambling. At the environmental level, better age-gating for monetary and simulated gambling, countering cultural pressures, and less exposure to promotional gambling messages, may assist young people to resist these influences. Interventions that support parents to provide appropriate role modelling and guidance for their children are also important. Youth education could include cautionary tales from people with lived experience of gambling harm, and education to increase young people’s financial literacy, ability to recognise marketing tactics, awareness of the risks and harms of gambling, and how to resist peer and other normalising gambling influences.
Perioperative complications of en bloc resection and anterior column reconstruction for thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors
Authors: Tang Yanchao , Li Haozheng , Liu Shanshan , Liu Jiacheng , Zhou Hua , Liu Xiaoguang , Liu Zhongjun , Wei Feng
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the perioperative clinical outcomes of en bloc resection and anterior column reconstruction for thoracolumbar spinal tumors.

Methods

This study conducted a retrospective analysis of prospective data collection of 86 consecutive patients, including 40 males and 46 females, with an average age of 39 years (ranged from 10 to 71 years). There were 35 cases of a malignant primary tumor,42 cases of an aggressive benign tumor, and nine cases of metastases. The main lesions were located in 65 cases of thoracic spine, 17 cases of lumbar spine, and 4 cases of thoracolumbar spine. Tumors involved one level in 45 patients, two levels in 12 patients, three levels in 21 patients, four levels in five patients, five levels in two patients, and six levels in one patient.

Results

According to the Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini surgical staging system, all patients achieved en bloc resections, including 74 cases of total en bloc spondylectomy and 12 cases of sagittal resections. The mean surgical time was 559 min (210–1208 min), and the mean total blood loss was 1528 ml (260–5500 ml). A total of 122 complications were observed in 62(72.1%) patients, of which 18(20.9%) patients had 25 major complications and one patient (1.2%) died of complications. The combined approach (P = 0.002), total blood loss (P = 0.003), staged surgery (P = 0.004), previous surgical history (P = 0.045), the number of involved vertebrae (P = 0.021) and lumbar location (P = 0.012) were statistically significant risk factors for major complication. When all above risk factors were incorporated in multivariate analysis, only the combined approach (P = 0.052) still remained significant.

Conclusions

En bloc resection and anterior column reconstruction is accompanied by a high incidence of complications, especially when a combined approach is necessary.
Platelet-rich plasma alleviates neuropathic pain in osteoarthritis by downregulating microglial activation
Authors: Yan Xiao , Ye Yinshuang , Wang Lin , Xue Junqiang , Shen Nana , Li Tieshan
Published: May 2024

Background

The development of neuropathic pain (NP) is one of the reasons why the pain is difficult to treat, and microglial activation plays an important role in NP. Recently, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a novel therapeutic method for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, it’s unclarified whether PRP has analgesic effects on NP induced by KOA and the underlying mechanisms unknown.

Purpose

To observe the analgesic effects of PRP on NP induced by KOA and explore the potential mechanisms of PRP in alleviating NP.

Methods

KOA was induced in male rats with intra-articular injections of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) on day 0. The rats received PRP or NS (normal saline) treatment at days 15, 17, and 19 after modeling. The Von Frey and Hargreaves tests were applied to assess the pain-related behaviors at different time points. After euthanizing the rats with deep anesthesia at days 28 and 42, the corresponding tissues were taken for subsequent experiments. The expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and ionized-calcium-binding adapter molecule-1(Iba-1) in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) was detected by immunohistochemical staining. In addition, the knee histological assessment was performed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining.

Results

The results indicated that injection of MIA induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, which could be reversed by PRP treatment. PRP downregulated the expression of ATF3 within the DRG and Iba-1 within the SDH. Furthermore, an inhibitory effect on cartilage degeneration was observed in the MIA + PRP group only on day 28.

Conclusion

These results indicate that PRP intra-articular injection therapy may be a potential therapeutic agent for relieving NP induced by KOA. This effect could be attributed to downregulation of microglial activation and reduction in nerve injury.
Predicting osteoporotic fractures post-vertebroplasty: a machine learning approach with a web-based calculator
Authors: Cai Sanying , Liu Wencai , Cai Xintian , Xu Chan , Hu Zhaohui , Quan Xubin , Deng Yizhuo , Yao Hongjie , Chen Binghao , Li Wenle , Yin Chengliang , Xu Qingshan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a machine learning (ML) model for predicting the risk of new osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) in patients who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and to create a user-friendly web-based calculator for clinical use.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty: A retrospective analysis of patients treated with PVP between June 2016 and June 2018 at Liuzhou People's Hospital was performed. The independent variables of the model were screened using Boruta and modelled using 9 algorithms. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC_AUC), and clinical utility was assessed by clinical decision curve analysis (DCA). The best models were analysed for interpretability using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and the models were deployed visually using a web calculator.

Results

Training and test groups were split using time. The SVM model performed best in both the training group tenfold cross-validation (CV) and validation group AUC, with an AUC of 0.77. DCA showed that the model was beneficial to patients in both the training and test sets. A network calculator developed based on the SHAP-based SVM model can be used for clinical risk assessment (https://nicolazhang.shinyapps.io/refracture_shap/).

Conclusions

The SVM-based ML model was effective in predicting the risk of new-onset OVCF after PVP, and the network calculator provides a practical tool for clinical decision-making. This study contributes to personalised care in spinal surgery.
Exploring age and gender variations in root canal morphology of maxillary premolars in Saudi sub population: a cross-sectional CBCT study
Authors: Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Iqbal Azhar , Batul Rumesa , Adil Abdul Habeeb , Syed Jamaluddin , Algarni Hmoud Ali , Alonazi Meshal Aber , Noorani Tahir Yusuf
Published: May 2024

Background

In complex teeth like maxillary premolars, endodontic treatment success depends on a complete comprehension of root canal anatomy. The research on mandibular premolars’ root canal anatomy has been extensive and well-documented in existing literature. However, there appears to be a notable gap in available data concerning the root canal anatomy of maxillary premolars. This study aimed to explore the root canal morphology of maxillary premolars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging, considering age and gender variations.

Methods

From 500 patient CBCT scans, 787 maxillary premolar teeth were evaluated. The sample was divided by gender and age (10–20, 21–30, 31–40, 41–50, 51–60, and 61 years and older). Ahmed et al. classification system was used to record root canal morphology.

Results

The most frequent classifications for right maxillary 1st premolars were 2MPM1 B1 L1 (39.03%) and 1MPM1 (2.81%), while the most frequent classifications for right maxillary 2nd premolars were 2MPM1 B1 L1 (39.08%) and 1MPM1 (17.85%). Most of the premolars typically had two roots (left maxillary first premolars: 81.5%, left maxillary second premolars: 82.7%, right maxillary first premolars: 74.4%, right maxillary second premolars: 75.7%). Left and right maxillary 1st premolars for classes 1MPM1 and 1MPM1–2−1 showed significant gender differences. For classifications 1MPM1 and 1MPM1–2−1, age-related changes were seen in the left and right maxillary first premolars.

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights into the root canal anatomy of maxillary premolars within the Saudi population, addressing a notable gap in the literature specific to this demographic. Through CBCT imaging and analysis of large sample sizes, the complex and diverse nature of root canal morphology in these teeth among Saudi individuals is elucidated. The findings underscore the importance of CBCT imaging in precise treatment planning and decision-making tailored to the Saudi population. Consideration of age and gender-related variations further enhances understanding and aids in personalized endodontic interventions within this demographic.