bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary application of a 3D-printed track-guided precise drug delivery device for the sinuses after endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Wang Jinping , Zhao Kezhong , Wang Zhou , Li An , Yang Shuangyuan , Wang Qin , Zhao Yuxiang , Tian Junwei
Published: October 2022

Background

Conventional treatment for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (eCRSwNP) is usually limited; consequently, relapses occur frequently, accurate local drug delivery is currently a research area of major interest.

Methods

Based on postoperative nasal sinus computed tomography (CT) images, the 3D printing technique was used to design and fabricate a precise track-guided sinus drug delivery device. The control group was treated with glucocorticoids by nasal spray for 1 year according to the conventional method, while the experimental group received topical nasal glucocorticoids using the 3D-printed track-guided precise sinus drug delivery device for 1 year. Scores on the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scale and the Lund-Kennedy nasal endoscopic scale during reexamination at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the operation were used as the basis for evaluation.

Results

The follow-up duration was 12 months or more following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with neosinus cavity formation. The two groups showed significant differences in SNOT-22 scores and nasal polyp Lund-Kennedy subscores at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year (p < 0.001) and no differences in plasma cortisol at 6 months and 1 year (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Local drug administration using our 3D-printed precise sinus drug delivery device is superior to conventional nasal cavity administration in controlling eCRS recurrence.
Frequency modulation analysis of solar array using genetic algorithm
Authors: Zhu Rui , Jiang Dong
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the optimal placement of prestress (OPP) is investigated for solar array frequency modulation using the genetic algorithm (GA). The purpose of OPP is to improve the solar array’s fundamental frequency and prevent coupling resonance between the solar array and the microwave imager. Prestress is applied to a solar panel by the tension actuators. For optimization producers, the finite element model is used to analyze the prestress configuration problem, which can be converted into the number of programming decision constraints. The automatic interactive updating calculation between MATLAB and finite element software is realized by programming. The GA is used to optimize the solution. Region detection is used, and the bad individuals can be eliminated directly to avoid fitness calculation and effectively improve the optimization efficiency. Simulations are conducted for a solar panel with four arrays. Single-, two-, and three-plate optimizations are investigated. Four optimization parameters include the abscissa value, ordinate value, the laying direction of the actuator in the global coordinate system, and the prestress magnitude. Results demonstrate that the fundamental frequency reaches the maximum at a horizontal layout of prestress after the frequency modulation. The optimal solution is obtained when the prestress is placed in No.2, No.3, and No.4 plates.
HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among men who have sex with men in three regions of Paraguay, 2020
Authors: Aguilar Gloria , Samudio Tania , Méndez Julieta , López Gladys , Giménez Liliana , Schaerer Christian , Gómez Santiago , Báez Teresita , Morel Zoilo , Munoz Sergio , McFarland William
Published: October 2022

Background

Our study aimed to measure HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in three regions of Paraguay in 2020.

Methods

MSM were recruited for cross-sectional surveys in three regions of Paraguay using respondent-driven sampling. Interview were conducted face-to-face to collect demographic characteristics and risk and preventive behaviors. The analysis assessed HIV prevalence and associated risk factors in the three samples of MSM within each region.

Results

A total of 1,207 MSM were recruited, including 559 in Asunción-Central, 245 in Alto Paraná, and 403 in Caaguazú. HIV prevalence was 24.2% (95% CI 20.6–27.9) in Asunción-Central, 10.2% (95% CI 6.7–14.6) in Alto Paraná, and 3.2% (95% CI 1.7–5.4) in Caaguazú. In Asunción-Central, associations with HIV were age ≥25 years (1.86, 95% CI 1.15–3.00), being employed (1.82, 95% CI 1.07–3.11), self-reporting as homosexual (1.90, 95% CI 1.06–3.43), having sex with a known HIV-positive partner acquisition (4.19, 95% CI 2.37–7.43), self-perceived as being at higher risk for HIV acquisition (4.15, 95% CI 2.54–6.77), and able to access condoms and lubricants (1.82, 95% CI 1.08–3.05). In Alto Paraná, associations with HIV were self-reporting as homosexual (4.33, 95% CI 1.19–15.65) and having higher HIV knowledge (2.53, 95% CI 0.97–6.61). In Caaguazú, associations with HIV were self-reporting as homosexual (7.06, 95% CI 1.53–32.46) and being diagnosed with depression (4.68, 95% CI 0.89–24.43).

Conclusions

HIV prevalence among MSM in Paraguay varied by region, being highest in the capital and major metropolitan area of Asunción-Central, followed by the border area of Alto Paraná. While being self-identified as homosexual was associated with HIV in all three regions, other associations differed, indicating prevention programs need to be tailored to the locale.
Effects of venture capital on green technology innovation in new energy vehicle industry in China
Authors: Jiang Cailou , Liu Dehai
Published: October 2022

Taking new energy vehicle (NEV) listed enterprises from 2010 to 2018 as a research sample, this paper empirically analyzes the innovative impact of VC on NEV enterprises by applying the difference-in-difference (DID) model. The results indicate that the intervention of VC has a positive and significant impact on the green technological innovation in NEV enterprises, an impact which is reflected in a significant increase in the number of green invention and green utility model patent applications. Compared with state-owned NEV enterprises, VC plays a more significant role in promoting the green technological innovation of private and foreign NEV enterprises. In the NEV industry chain, VC has significantly promoted green technological innovation of upstream and midstream NEV enterprises. From the perspective of VC, it also finds that, compared with independent and local VC, it is the syndicated and non-local VC that have a more positive and significant impact on green technological innovation in the NEV enterprises. Besides, the high-reputation of VC has not had an “incubating” effect on green technological innovation in NEV enterprises.
A Conceptual Model of Adaptive Protective Factors for Migrant Workers
Authors: Singh Aruna , Vijila Y. , Gael Karubu Armel
Published: October 2022

About 450 million of 1.2 billion Indians migrated within the country, according to recently released Census 2011 data. Of this, 78 million, or 15.6% of all domestic migrants, moved from rural to urban areas. This is how their numbers have changed over 2001 and where they moved.

Migrant workers show an enhancement in the occurrence of stern maladaptation to the host cities due to slaughter of social eminence, inequity and parting from the family. Several migrant workers are not entitled to avail of basic facilities such as education, social security, housing and medical benefits.

Using a resilience perspective, this study attempted to find out adaptive protective factors responsible for the resilience of migrant labour in the host city. Data was collected through an interview schedule by using a structured questionnaire on 240 migrant workers in the Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu. The questionnaire was constructed on demographic characteristics and different dimensions of adaptive protective factors such as structural adaptation, labour market competitiveness, opportunity for informal entrepreneurship, language acquisition and access to mobility on the seven-point Likert scale. By doing structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), it is found that favourableness in structural adaptation and opportunity for informal entrepreneurship stood out as the most predictive adaptive protection factors along with language acquisition, access to mobility and level of competitiveness in the labour market for migrant workers.
Don't Panic: Remaining El Capitan While Navigating Unpreparedness in Response to Extreme Events
Authors: Gröschl Stefan , Lepoutre Jan
Published: October 2022

Company leaders are frequently confronted with highly uncertain and risky situations for which they are often ill-prepared, and consequently, in which they often panic. Based on an exploratory case study of extreme rock climber Alexander Honnold, we have developed propositions that help decision-makers to learn to avoid panic in crises. Our findings suggest that gradual exposure to incrementally more challenging tasks by adjusting individual learning goals allows decision-makers to leverage existing skills, and to develop their physical, mental and emotional states simultaneously. Deliberate confrontation with the challenges that may trigger panic through real-life simulation and imagination helps decision-makers to retrain and transform triggers for panic responses, and to build systemic confidence. This organic and holistic growth provides decision-makers with the simultaneous preparation and mastery of their physical, mental, and emotional states to ensure the lightness and calmness necessary not to panic when facing a crisis.
Comparative cost savings of biosimilar and dose rounding utilization in oncology care
Authors: Abdelmeseh Verona , Brown Britny R , Huynh Justin P , Zullo Andrew R
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The exponential rise in cancer costs has led many centers to utilize dose rounding to the nearest vial size when the difference in dose is ≤10% to decrease costs. The recent approval of several biosimilar products has presented another opportunity to mitigate the rising costs of oncology care. Scarce information exists about the expected cost savings of combining dose rounding strategies (DRS) with biosimilar use (BU). We therefore assessed the cost savings of combining DRS and BU.

Methods

Electronic health record data for two health systems in Rhode Island were used to identify patients who received ≥1 of trastuzumab, trastuzumab-anns, bevacizumab, or bevacizumab-awwb from October 1, 2015 to September 1, 2020. Costs were estimated using Medicare drug pricing. Multivariable generalized estimating equations adjusting for age, gender, presence of metastases, dosing weight, and dose administered were used to compare costs per dose between the four exposure groups: DRS + BU, DRS only, BU only, and neither DRS or BU.

Results

A total of 1156 patients were administered 15,145 doses of drug. After covariate adjustment, average savings per dose was greatest in the DRS + BU group (vs. the neither DRS nor BU group); $331 for trastuzumab and $497 for bevacizumab.

Conclusions

Combining dose rounding with biosimilar substitution for trastuzumab and bevacizumab resulted in significant cost savings per dose and should be implemented by healthcare systems.
Attenuating sugar spot and retaining quality of banana fruits by combined use of hot water and calcium lactate during storage
Authors: Su-Mon Myat , Asrey Ram , Meena Nirmal Kumar , Sethi Shruti
Published: October 2022

Combined use of hot water (HW) treatment and calcium lactate (CL) is a promising postharvest approach to preserve the food value and prolong the shelf life of fruits. The present experiment aims to determine the physiological loss in weight, firmness, respiration rate, ethylene and biochemical attributes of banana fruits treated with hot water (50 °C for 7 min) and aqueous CL dipping (1, 2, and 3% for 2 min). Treated fruits were stored under ambient conditions (22–25°C temperature and 60–65% of relative humidity) for up to 9 days. The study showed that combined use of HW and CL (3%) maintained higher hue angle, peel firmness (4.4 N), reduced decay loss (10.63%), respiration and ethylene evolution rate of stored fruits. Also, CL treatments (3%) with HW proved the best which reduced 6-fold sugar spot and 1.5-fold decay loss over untreated fruits. At the end of storage sensory parameters such as mouthfeel, peel colour and overall acceptability (score 6.9) were recorded higher in HW and CL 3% treated fruits. The findings indicated that pre-storage combined use of HW and CL has a great potential to preserve quality, delay ripening, and reduce sugar spots, and postharvest decay loss in banana fruit without any adverse effect on consumer appeal.
The effects of direct written corrective feedback and comparator texts on the complexity and accuracy of revisions and new pieces of writing
Authors: Hamano-Bunce Douglas
Published: October 2022

There is growing consensus that the provision of Written Corrective Feedback (WCF) on second language (L2) writing is beneficial for long-term L2 development. Yet, while WCF may help improve linguistic accuracy, there is no evidence that it promotes the development of linguistic complexity. Further, WCF is also often laborious and time-consuming for the provider. One intervention that may mitigate the above is learner exposure to comparator (model) texts. Studies have demonstrated that the use of comparators can lead to noticing and uptake in immediate revisions. However, no attempt has been made to ascertain the longer-term effect of comparators on the complexity and accuracy of new pieces of writing. Using a pre-, post-, delayed post-test design, this study examined the effects of two interventions on the complexity and accuracy of revisions, and on new pieces of writing. One group received comprehensive WCF on an initial draft and a second received comparators. A third group received neither. All groups revised their draft and produced new pieces of writing. It was found that comparators had a significant effect on the lexical complexity of revisions and on the accuracy of new texts on the same topic but of a different genre. Furthermore, both comparators and WCF had a significant effect on the accuracy of revisions, and WCF led to a significant increase in the use of subordination in revisions.
Understanding Grotesque Transparency as a Strategy for Fundamentalist Radicalization: Implications for Social Marketing Theory and Practice
Authors: Nahon-Serfaty Isaac
Published: October 2022

Background

To counter the effects of radicalization, we should first understand the persuasion mechanisms used by fundamentalist organizations to reach and engage with potential candidates to religious radicalization, particularly in Western societies.

Focus of the Article

The paper analyzes ISIS and Al-Qeada (AQ) propaganda as grotesque transparency strategy, with particular attention to the so-called “Islamic State.”

Research Questions

The main research question guiding this case study is: how the “grotesque transparency” strategy is articulated in the context of radicalization propaganda by Islamist terrorist organizations? The secondary research question is: how the understanding of the “grotesque transparency” strategy could inform social marketing and policy initiatives to counter the effects of such propaganda?

Importance to the Social Marketing Field

The novelty of grotesque transparency in the context of digital networks lies in the ease with which potentially everyone can be a propagandist, transforming the strategic prescriptions of the organized terrorist into an individual “creative” tactic or action. In this context of media fragmentation, the notion of social marketing as mainly a strategic endeavor to favor general change of attitudes and behaviors may be reconsidered as a more dialogic and individualized interaction to understand the expectations, needs and ideas of the “tribal groups.”

Methods

By applying the “aquarium metaphor”, the author describes the narrative of such radical groups, including the visual elements that are key in the case of grotesque transparency in the digital media ecosystem.

Results

The visually grotesque gives meaning to events in a world of excess, fragmentation, and disenchantment. The language of the ocular reduces ambiguity, privileges the concrete, and facilitates moral judgments. It has become a way of “knowing” based on emotion.

Recommendations for Practice

Social marketing experts and officers might reconsider the very notion of strategy when trying to counter the effects of grotesque transparency radical propaganda among certain groups of the population, moving beyond the more traditional approach of control-command to a more open and interactive process to engage in a dialogue and connect with individuals, their families and peers through strategizing.

Limitations

The analysis presented here of the Islamist terrorist propaganda is based on a literature review and some empirical research. The question of reception and tactical appropriation by some groups remains an important area to be explored in future research.
Bioinformatics methods in biomarkers of preeclampsia and associated potential drug applications
Authors: Peng Ying , Hong Hui , Gao Na , Wan An , Ma Yuyan
Published: October 2022

Background

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition that causes high blood pressure and proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is linked to increased maternal mortality, organ malfunction, and foetal development limitation. In this view, there is a need critical to identify biomarkers for the early detection of preeclampsia. The objective of this study is to discover critical genes and explore medications for preeclampsia treatment that may influence these genes.

Methods

Four datasets, including GSE10588, GSE25906, GSE48424 and GSE60438 were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The GSE10588, GSE25906, and GSE48424 datasets were then removed the batch effect using the “sva” R package and merged into a complete dataset. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the “limma” R package. The potential small-molecule agents for the treatment of PE was further screened using the Connective Map (CMAP) drug database based on the DEGs. Further, Weight gene Co-expression network (WGNCA) analysis was performed to identified gene module associated with preeclampsia, hub genes were then identified using the logistic regression analysis. Finally, the immune cell infiltration level of genes was evaluated through the single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA).

Results

A total of 681 DEGs (376 down-regulated and 305 up-regulated genes) were identified between normal and preeclampsia samples. Then, Dexamethasone, Prednisone, Rimexolone, Piretanide, Trazodone, Buflomedil, Scoulerin, Irinotecan, and Camptothecin drugs were screened based on these DEGs through the CMAP database. Two modules including yellow and brown modules were the most associated with disease through the WGCNA analysis. KEGG analysis revealed that the chemokine signaling pathway, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, B cell receptor signalling pathway and oxytocin signalling pathway were significantly enriched in these modules. Moreover, two key genes, PLEK and LEP were evaluated using the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis from the hub modules. These two genes were further validated in the external validation cohort GSE60438 and qRT-PCR experiment. Finally, we evaluated the relationship between immune cell and two genes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the present study investigated key genes associated with PE pathogenesis that may contribute to identifying potential biomarkers, therapeutic agents and developing personalized treatment for PE.
Evaluating continuum of maternal and newborn healthcare in Rwanda: evidence from the 2019–2020 Rwanda demographic health survey
Authors: Sserwanja Quraish , Gatasi Ghislaine , Musaba Milton W.
Published: October 2022

Background

Access to a complete continuum of maternal and child health care has been recommended globally for better pregnancy outcomes. Hence this study determined the level (pooled prevalence) and predictors of successfully completing continuum of care (CoC) in Rwanda.

Methods

We analyzed weighted secondary data from the 2019–2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) that included 6,302 women aged 15 to 49 years who were selected using multistage stratified sampling. We analyzed complete continuum of care as a composite variable of three maternal care services: at least four ANC contacts, SBA, maternal and neonatal post-natal care. We used the SPSS version 25 complex samples package to conduct multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Of the 6,302 women, 2,131 (33.8%) (95% CI: 32.8–35.1) had complete continuum of care. The odds of having complete continuum of care were higher among women who had exposure to newspapers (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11–1.52), those belonging to the eastern region (AOR): 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01–1.52), southern region (AOR): 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04–1.53), those with health insurance (AOR): 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30–1.85), those who had been visited by a field health worker (AOR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15–1.49), those with no big problems with distance to health facility (AOR): 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07–1.46), those who were married (AOR): 1.35, 95% CI: 1.11–1.64), those with tertiary level of education (AOR): 1.61, 95% CI: 1.05–2.49), those belonging to richer households (AOR): 1.33, 95% CI: 1.07–1.65) and those whose parity was less than 2 (AOR): 1.52, 95% CI: 1.18–1.95).

Conclusion

We have identified modifiable factors (exposure to mass media, having been visited by a field health worker, having health insurance, having no big problems with distance to the nearest health facility, belonging to richer households, being married and educated), that can be targeted to improve utilization of the entire continuum of care. Promoting maternity services through mass media, strengthening the community health programmes, increasing access to health insurance and promoting girl child education to tertiary level may improve the level of utilization of maternity services.
Association between water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and child undernutrition in Ethiopia: a hierarchical approach
Authors: Sahiledengle Biniyam , Petrucka Pammla , Kumie Abera , Mwanri Lillian , Beressa Girma , Atlaw Daniel , Tekalegn Yohannes , Zenbaba Demisu , Desta Fikreab , Agho Kingsley Emwinyore
Published: October 2022

Background

Undernutrition is a significant public health challenge and one of the leading causes of child mortality in a wide range of developing countries, including Ethiopia. Poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities commonly contributes to child growth failure. There is a paucity of information on the interrelationship between WASH and child undernutrition (stunting and wasting). This study aimed to assess the association between WASH and undernutrition among under-five-year-old children in Ethiopia.

Methods

A secondary data analysis was undertaken based on the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) conducted from 2000 to 2016. A total of 33,763 recent live births extracted from the EDHS reports were included in the current analysis. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between WASH and child undernutrition. Relevant factors from EDHS data were identified after extensive literature review.

Results

The overall prevalences of stunting and wasting were 47.29% [95% CI: (46.75, 47.82%)] and 10.98% [95% CI: (10.65, 11.32%)], respectively. Children from households having unimproved toilet facilities [AOR: 1.20, 95% CI: (1.05,1.39)], practicing open defecation [AOR: 1.29, 95% CI: (1.11,1.51)], and living in households with dirt floors [AOR: 1.32, 95% CI: (1.12,1.57)] were associated with higher odds of being stunted. Children from households having unimproved drinking water sources were significantly less likely to be wasted [AOR: 0.85, 95% CI: (0.76,0.95)] and stunted [AOR: 0.91, 95% CI: (0.83, 0.99)]. We found no statistical differences between improved sanitation, safe disposal of a child’s stool, or improved household flooring and child wasting.

Conclusion

The present study confirms that the quality of access to sanitation and housing conditions affects child linear growth indicators. Besides, household sources of drinking water did not predict the occurrence of either wasting or stunting. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to determine whether individual and joint access to WASH facilities was strongly associated with child stunting and wasting.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Population-level counterfactual trend modelling to examine the relationship between smoking prevalence and e-cigarette use among US adults
Authors: Foxon Floe , Selya Arielle , Gitchell Joe , Shiffman Saul
Published: October 2022

Background

Studies have suggested that some US adult smokers are switching away from smoking to e-cigarette use. Nationally representative data may reflect such changes in smoking by assessing trends in cigarette and e-cigarette prevalence. The objective of this study is to assess whether and how much smoking prevalence differs from expectations since the introduction of e-cigarettes.

Methods

Annual estimates of smoking and e-cigarette use in US adults varying in age, race/ethnicity, and sex were derived from the National Health Interview Survey. Regression models were fitted to smoking prevalence trends before e-cigarettes became widely available (1999–2009) and trends were extrapolated to 2019 (counterfactual model). Smoking prevalence discrepancies, defined as the difference between projected and actual smoking prevalence from 2010 to 2019, were calculated, to evaluate whether actual smoking prevalence differed from those expected from counterfactual projections. The correlation between smoking discrepancies and e-cigarette use prevalence was investigated.

Results

Actual overall smoking prevalence from 2010 to 2019 was significantly lower than counterfactual predictions. The discrepancy was significantly larger as e-cigarette use prevalence increased. In subgroup analyses, discrepancies in smoking prevalence were more pronounced for cohorts with greater e-cigarette use prevalence, namely adults ages 18–34, adult males, and non-Hispanic White adults.

Conclusion

Population-level data suggest that smoking prevalence has dropped faster than expected, in ways correlated with increased e-cigarette use. This population movement has potential public health implications.
“Back Rx, a personalized mobile phone application for discogenic chronic low back pain: a prospective pilot study”
Authors: Vad Vijay B. , Madrazo-Ibarra Antonio , Estrin Deborah , Pollak John P. , Carroll Kaitlin M. , Vojta Deneen , Vad Amoli , Trapness Camilla
Published: October 2022

Background

Intervertebral disc pathology is the most common identifiable cause of chronic lower back pain (CLBP). There are limited conservative alternatives to treat discogenic axial CLBP. Back Rx is a mobile application (app) developed to treat patients with this condition, following the Back Rx exercise program, assisted by a virtual coach.

Methods

Patients 18 to 65 years of age, with axial CLBP (more than 3 months), and evidence of lumbar disc pathology by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled to the study. Patients’ symptomatology was prospectively evaluated at baseline and after 3 months of using the Back Rx app. The main outcome of the study was back pain evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Secondary outcomes were the patient's functionality, the weekly pain medication intake, the patients’ adherence to the app, and the patients´ satisfaction rate.

Results

Seventy-five patients with CLBP were enrolled in the study. All patients had a statistically significant improvement from baseline to final follow-up in the average VAS scores, and the functionality evaluations. Average VAS scores decreased from 5.17 ± 2.1 at baseline to 3.8 ± 2.6 at final follow-up (P = 0.016). Patients showed a significant decrease in the number of pain medications taken during a week (P = 0.001). Overall compliance with the app was 52%, and 65% of the patients rated the overall experience as good or excellent.

Conclusion

The Back Rx app decreased pain and increased function in patients with discogenic axial CLBP compared to their baseline status. Further measures are needed to increase patients' compliance with the app and the Back Rx program.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered in 2/2/2017 NCT03040310 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Components of stigma and its impact on maternal and child health service and outcomes: perspective of Akha hill tribe women in Thailand
Authors: Mulikaburt Thanatchaporn , Apidechkul Tawatchai , Wongnuch Pilasinee , Kitchanapaibul Siwarak , Udplong Anusorn , Srichan Peeradone , Upala Panupong , Chomchoei Chalitar , Yeemard Fartima , Tamornpark Ratipark , Singkhorn Onnalin
Published: October 2022

Background

Maternal and child health (MCH) is crucial to the well-being of mothers and children. Stigma regarding access to MCH services is a major challenge, especially for hill tribe people in Thailand. The study aimed to understand the components of stigma and its impact on MCH service and outcomes including experiences and expectations to address the stigma in perspective of Akha hill tribe women in Thailand.

Methods

A phenomenological qualitative approach was used to gather information from Akha women who had attended MCH service one year prior and had an experience with stigma. A validated question guide was used in the study. The interview was conducted in private and confidential rooms in the Akha hill tribe villages between June and September 2021. A thematic analysis was used to extract the major and minor themes and develop the findings.

Results

A total of 61 Akha postdelivery participants were recruited to provide information; the average age was 28.9 years, 32.8% had no Thai ID card, and 93.4% were married. Language, traditional clothing, poverty, and name were identified as drivers of stigma, while health care providers’ background, gender differences between clients and health care providers, and knowledge gaps facilitated the stigma. Being a member of a hill tribe acted as the stigma marker. Stigma manifestation was presented in the forms of verbal or physical abuse, refusal to provide treatment, and intentional disclosure of personal information to the public. Accepting the situation with no better option, defending oneself to receive better care and services, and using a private care service were experiences in addressing the stigma. Gender matching, active MCH service, mobile emergency clinics, and appropriate, permanent medical equipment in health care facilities located in their villages were the expectations.

Conclusion

Akha women face a variety of stigmas in access to MCH services, with substantial impacts on health outcomes, especially the rate of services in women and child health. Creating laws to prevent the occurrence of any forms of stigma and implementing gender matching in MCH services should be considered.
Cerebellar hemorrhage in a healthy young adult: a case report
Authors: Ibrahim A. H. , Mohamad N. , Mohd Yusof Rasid T. A. , Abdullah M. S.
Published: October 2022

Background

Cavernous venous malformation is an uncommon entity that occurs in around 0.5% of the general population. Cerebellar cavernous venous malformation accounts for 1.2–11.8% of intracranial cavernous venous malformation cases. Patients are commonly asymptomatic until a hemorrhage occurs. In approximately 20% of the cases, cavernous venous malformation and developmental venous anomalies occur together, called mixed vascular malformation. Our case report reveals the imaging features of the mixed vascular malformation and highlights the appropriate imaging modality and sequence to detect the abnormalities.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 15-year-old Malay male, a healthy young male who presented with dizziness, vomiting, and mild headache for 1 month. Computed tomography brain imaging at presentation revealed cerebellar hemorrhage with multiple cavernous venous malformation and coexisting developmental venous anomalies, which was then confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was started on dexamethasone 4 mg four times a day, observed in the ward, and discharged well without neurological sequelae.

Conclusion

A cavernous malformation with concurrent developmental venous anomalies requires accurate diagnosis. Our case report contributes to the literature on the imaging diagnosis of this disease, which is beneficial for current and future reference.
Effects of GLP-1 Infusion Upon Whole-body Glucose Uptake and Skeletal Muscle Perfusion During Fed-state in Older Men
Authors: Abdulla Haitham , Phillips Bethan , Wilkinson Daniel , Gates Amanda , Limb Marie , Jandova Tereza , Bass Joseph , Lewis Johnathan , Williams John , Smith Kenneth , Idris Iskandar , Atherton Philip
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Ageing skeletal muscles become both insulin resistant and atrophic. The hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) facilitates postprandial glucose uptake as well as augmenting muscle perfusion, independent of insulin action. We thus hypothesized exogenous GLP-1 infusions would enhance muscle perfusion and positively affect glucose metabolism during fed-state clamps in older people.

Methods

Eight men (71 ± 1 years) were studied in a randomized crossover trial. Basal blood samples were taken before postprandial (fed-state) insulin and glucose clamps, accompanied by amino acid infusions, for 3 hours. Reflecting this, following insertions of peripheral and femoral vessels cannulae and baseline measurements, peripheral IV infusions of octreotide, insulin (Actrapid), 20% glucose, and mixed amino acids; Vamin 14-EF with or without a femoral arterial GLP-1 infusion were started. GLP-1, insulin, and C-peptide were measured by ELISA. Muscle microvascular blood flow was assessed via contrast enhanced ultrasound. Whole-body glucose handling was assayed by assessing glucose infusion rate parameters.

Results

Skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow significantly increased in response to GLP-1 vs feeding alone (5.0 ± 2.1 vs 1.9 ± 0.7 fold-change from basal, respectively; P = 0.008), while also increasing whole-body glucose uptake (area under the curve 16.9 ± 1.7 vs 11.4 ± 1.8 mg/kg−1/180 minutes−1, P = 0.02 ± GLP, respectively).

Conclusions

The beneficial effects of GLP-1 on whole-body glycemic control are evident with insulin clamped at fed-state levels. GLP-1 further enhances the effects of insulin on whole-body glucose uptake in older men, underlining its role as a therapeutic target. The effects of GLP-1 in enhancing microvascular flow likely also affects other glucose-regulatory organs, reflected by greater whole-body glucose uptake.
Meeting report – Cell size and growth: from single cells to the tree of life
Authors: Chatzitheodoridou Dimitra , D'Ario Marco , Jones Ian , Piñeros Liliana , Serbanescu Diana , O'Donnell Frank , Cadart Clotilde , Swaffer Matthew P.
Published: October 2022

In April 2022, The Company of Biologists hosted their first post-pandemic in-person Workshop at Buxted Park Country House in the Sussex countryside. The Workshop, entitled ‘Cell size and growth: from single cells to the tree of life’, gathered a small group of early-career and senior researchers with expertise in cell size spanning a broad range of organisms, including bacteria, yeast, animal cells, embryos and plants, and working in fields from cell biology to ecology and evolutionary biology. The programme made ample room for fruitful discussions and provided a much-needed opportunity to discuss the most recent findings relating to the regulation of cell size and growth, identify the emerging challenges for the field, and build a community after the pandemic.
Η κοινωνία της Χίου κατά τον 18ο αιώνα
Authors: Στρουμπάκης Χρίστος
Published: October 2022

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή εξετάζει την κοινωνία της Χίου κατά τον 18ο αιώνα, επιχειρώντας να παρουσιάσει μια συνεκτική και ολοκληρωμένη εικόνα της, βασιζόμενη τόσο σε δημοσιευμένες και αδημοσίευτες πηγές όσο και στην υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία. Ειδικότερα διαιρείται σε πέντε επιμέρους ενότητες, οι οποίες αναλύονται διακριτά. Αρχικά μελετάται το κοινωνικό πλαίσιο που αναδύεται την εξεταζόμενη περίοδο λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τον παράγοντα του πληθυσμού και την κοινωνική ζωή και οργάνωση. Ακολουθεί ο τομέας της οικονομίας συμπεριλαμβάνοντας τα κυριότερα οικονομικά πεδία και οικονομικές δραστηριότητες, ενώ ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δίνεται στην εμφάνιση των Χιωτών εμπόρων και των εμπορικών δικτύων που δημιούργησαν. Έπειτα, η έρευνα στρέφεται στον τρόπο διοίκησης του νησιού υπό το πρίσμα τόσο των οθωμανικών όσο και των τοπικών αυτοδιοικητικών θεσμών, ανάμεσα στους οποίους ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον παρουσιάζει η δημογεροντία. Έπεται η ανάλυση του ρόλου της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας στο νησί, η οποία μελετάται σε συνάρτηση με την παρουσία στη Χίο διαφόρων χριστιανικών δογμάτων και θρησκειών. Η τελευταία θεματική ενότητα αφορά την ανάπτυξη της παιδείας και των γραμμάτων εστιάζοντας στους Χιώτες λόγιους και στην ίδρυση και λειτουργία εκπαιδευτικών ιδρυμάτων.
Estimating the magnetic field strength in the interstellar medium
Authors: Σκαλίδης Ραφαήλ
Published: October 2022

Το διαστρικό μέσο (ΔΜ) του Γαλαξία μας διαπερνάτε από ένα μεγάλου μήκους μαγνητικό πεδίο. Το μαγνητικό πεδίο στο ΔΜ είναι πολύ δύσκολο να μετρηθεί και ως εκ τούτου υπάρχει μια μακροχρόνια διαμάχη για το δυναμικό ρόλο του μαγνητικού πεδίου στην αστρογένεση. Το μαγνητικό πεδίο μπορεί να μετρηθεί άμεσα με το φαινόμενο Zeeman, αλλά μόνο σε ορισμένες περιπτώσεις. Για αυτό το λόγο έχουν αναπτυχθεί έμμεσοι τρόποι για την εκτίμηση της έντασης του μαγνητικού πεδίου. Οι πιο προσιτές μέθοδοι βασίζονται στην πόλωση λόγω σκόνης. Η πόλωση αυτή ανιχνεύει άμεσα την διεύθυνση του μαγνητικού πεδίου στο επίπεδο του ουρανού, αλλά όχι την ένταση του. Αυτοί οι έμμεσοι τρόποι εκτίμησης του μαγνητικού πεδίου βασίζονται στην ενεργειακή ισορροπία της ασυμπίεστης τυρβώδους ροής. Οι παρατηρήσεις όμως υποδεικνύουν ότι το ΔΜ συμπιέζεται και, ως εκ τούτου, οι υποθέσεις τον διαθέσιμων μεθόδων δε συνάδουν με τις παρατηρήσεις. Σε αυτή τη διατριβή, προτείνουμε μια καινοτόμο μέθοδο για την εκτίμηση του μαγνητικού πεδίου με τη χρήση δεδομένων πόλωσης λόγω σκόνης βασίζοντας την στις ενεργειακές ιδιότητες της συμπιεσμένης τυρβώδους ροής. Εκτιμήσαμε την ακρίβεια της προτεινόμενης μεθόδου σε συνθετικές παρατηρήσεις που δημιουργήσαμε από πληθώρα αριθμητικών προσομοιώσεων. Βρήκαμε ότι με την προτεινόμενη μέθοδο μπορούμε να επιτύχουμε ακρίβεια καλύτερη από παράγοντα δύο.
Project Activity in Primary School: Cooperation and Co-creation in the System "Parent - Child - Teacher"
Authors: Petrash E. , Pradun I.
Published: October 2022

The article reveals the essence of the concept of "project activity", provides methodological techniques to make it accessible and attractive to participants in the educational process. The idea is substantiated that only through assistance in cooperation and co-creation in the “parent-child-teacher” system, it is possible to achieve effective results and develop the cognitive activity of younger students using the project method. The roles of adults (parent, teacher) in the implementation of student projects in elementary school are fixed while maintaining the subjectivity of the child.
First Records of Black Widow Spider Latrodectus Walckenaer (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Oman
Authors: Al-Jahdhami Ali , Al-Raeesi Ali , Al-Rashdi Said
Published: October 2022

The present communication deals with a faunistic study on two species of Latrodectus Walckenaer with medically important issues from Oman. Several specimens of Latrodectus have been collected at various localities in Sultanate of Oman. This study records two species of Latrodectus from Oman, of which Latrodectus cinctus Blackwall only from northern Oman and Latrodectus geometricus C.L. Koch from both northern and southern Oman.
Colonialidad interna y europeidad en la política para la inmigración en Andalucía.
Authors: Castaño Madroñal Angeles
Published: October 2022

Las políticas para la inmigración en Andalucía suponen una performance de la colonialidad interna/externa en la transnacionalidad de las políticas neoliberales en la UE. Estas políticas construyen un imaginario de la inmigración que atribuye la idea de diversidad cultural en Andalucía al proceso inmigratorio de las dos últimas décadas. Multiculturalidad y diversidad cultural en estas políticas articulan la posracialidad de un discurso antirracista que se ha proyectado sobre el tercer sector, y se articula con otros discursos de poder y en la producción de conocimiento. En los sentidos sobre la interculturalidad emitidos en claves eurocéntricas persisten los sesgos del multiculturalismo. Un abordaje desde el análisis crítico del discurso, la teoría descolonial y la crítica literaria, permite desvelar las relaciones entre ideología y poder, la transnacionalidad de los marcos europeos y la intertextualidad entre distintos documentos marcos que construyen la europeidad de Andalucía en los ejes de la colonialidad eurocéntrica y estatal.
Asociación de conocimientos y actitudes sobre accidentes ocupacionales en prácticas clínicas de alumnos de odontología
Authors: Medina Crispin Clara Victoria , León Ríos Ximena Alejandra , Caballero García Carmen Stefany , Díaz del Olmo Morey Carlos Enrique
Published: October 2022

Introducción: el uso constante de material punzocortante e instrumental rotatorio y la flora bacteriana de la cavidad oral del paciente representan un peligro latente de contagio en los estudiantes de odontología. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la asociación entre los conocimientos y las actitudes sobre accidentes ocupacionales en prácticas clínicas de alumnos de odontología de una clínica universitaria de Lima (Perú). Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, analítico de asociación y transversal. El universo incluyó 156 alumnos. Los conocimientos y las actitudes se evaluaron mediante una encuesta adaptada de 24 preguntas, previa validación interna por juicio de expertos. Se calcularon proporciones para las variables cualitativas y medidas de tendencia central (mediana) para la variable edad. De la misma manera, se usaron la prueba de chi-cuadrado para comparar las variables cualitativas y la prueba U de Mann-Whitney para comparar las variables cualitativas con la variable cuantitativa edad. Se aceptó una significancia de 0.05. Resultados: el 78.2 % de los participantes tuvo un conocimiento alto frente al manejo de accidentes ocupacionales; de la misma manera, el 72.4 % manifestó una actitud positiva. No se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa (p > 0.05) entre las variables conocimientos y actitud. Por otro lado, el 69.1 % de los estudiantes sufrió al menos un accidente ocupacional durante sus prácticas clínicas, en su mayoría causado por el explorador (65.1 %). Conclusiones: no se encontró asociación significativa entre las variables conocimiento y actitud; sin embargo, una gran cantidad de estudiantes sufrieron al menos un accidente ocupacional.
Lectura, entorno y publicidad: por una educación en el buen uso de medicamentos dirigida a población escolar
Authors: Cáceres-Molano Carolina , Barragán Daniel
Published: October 2022

Introducción: el presente artículo, de tipo reflexivo, presenta una perspectiva amplia de la lectura como camino al aprendizaje, a la vez que reconoce la importancia y la necesidad de generar entornos que promuevan el autocuidado y el cuidado de los demás como base de la salud social. Desarrollo: a través de un recorrido histórico, se expone la presencia de la publicidad (directa, indirecta o encubierta) de medicamentos y otros productos farmacéuticos en entornos cotidianos a infantes y adolescentes, y se deja abierta la reflexión sobre el posible impacto de este tipo de publicidad en problemáticas actuales relacionadas con el uso, no uso, o mal uso de medicamentos y productos farmacéuticos. Conclusiones: se pone en evidencia la necesidad de incluir el buen uso de medicamentos y productos farmacéuticos en los programas de educación para la salud, con especial atención en la educación de infantes y adolescentes, como estrategia clave en programas de farmacovigilancia proactiva.
Closing the Gender Profit Gap?
Authors: Batista Catia , Sequeira Sandra , Vicente Pedro C.
Published: October 2022

We examine the impact of providing access to mobile savings accounts and improving financial management skills on the performance of microenterprises in Mozambique. The effects are highly heterogeneous: Combining both types of support is associated with a large increase in both short- and long-term firm profits and in financial security for female microentrepreneurs. This allowed female-headed microenterprises, particularly those with a higher level of profits at baseline, to close the gender profit gap in performance and skills relative to their male counterparts. The main drivers of improved business performance are improved financial management practices (bookkeeping), an increase in accessible savings, and reduced transfers to friends and relatives. Providing access to mobile money as a tool to save and manage finances also increases long-term profits of female microentrepreneurs, particularly for those with higher profits at baseline. However, neither treatment has any impact on male-led enterprises. Uncovering this heterogeneity in impact across different types of microenterprises can help improve the targeting of these interventions in the future.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: This work was supported by the International Growth Centre and the U.S. Agency for International Development [Grant AIO-OAA-F-12-00015].

Supplemental Material: The data files and Online Appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4579 .
A formação visual do leitor por meio do Design na Leitura: uma síntese
Authors: Lacerda Maíra Gonçalves , Farbiarz Jackeline Lima
Published: October 2022

Compreendendo que o livro de literatura para crianças e jovens encontra na relação verbo-visual o espaço propício à fruição, a pesquisa, apresentada aqui em síntese, assumiu por objetivo estabelecer a relação entre o Design presente nesses objetos e o processo de formação visual do leitor. Para isso, propõe-se, por meio de análise gráfica dos livros selecionados pelo Programa Nacional Biblioteca da Escola – PNBE, a organização de um panorama a respeito da progressão de complexidade gráfica, relacionando os aspectos gráficos com o desenvolvimento escolar do leitor na Educação Infantil, anos iniciais e finais do Ensino Fundamental e Ensino Médio. A partir dos resultados encontrados, identificando que o conteúdo gráfico e imagético tende a diminuir em quantidade e a simplificar-se conforme o estudante avança nas etapas escolares, propõem-se intervenções para a modificação desse cenário a partir de propostas de formação direcionadas aos mediadores de leitura, dentre eles os designers.
As vertentes da noção de experiência no Campo do Design
Authors: Heinrich Fabiana Oliveira , Cipiniuk Alberto
Published: October 2022

Nesse artigo definimos o emprego contemporâneo do termo experiência no Campo do Design a partir de duas vertentes: a vertente teórica humanista, que advoga por projetos supostamente centrados no usuário; e a vertente orientada pelo mercado, que defende projetos que dizem projetar a/ para a experiência do usuário com base em seu lucro econômico. Embora pareçam opostas, a vertente teórica humanista é recorrentemente empregada como justificativa para a vertente orientada pelo mercado, aspecto que desvela os imperativos econômico e ideológico do modo de produção capitalista como determinantes para o Campo do Design. As vertentes foram definidas após análise da literatura sobre experiência no Campo do Design em recorte temporal de 1998 a 2018, com base no método da Crítica Social. Com essa definição, descartamos o discurso de suposta benevolência humanista que impera no Campo em questão e evidenciamos a determinação econômica e ideológica do modo de produção capitalista na produção projetual e teórica.