bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central sensitization mechanisms in chronic migraine with medication overuse headache: a study of thalamocortical activation and lateral cortical inhibition
Authors: Sebastianelli Gabriele , Casillo Francesco , Abagnale Chiara , Renzo Antonio Di , Cioffi Ettore , Parisi Vincenzo , Lorenzo Cherubino Di , Fazio Federica , Petricola Fausto , Mattia Consalvo , Serrao Mariano , Schoenen Jean , Coppola Gianluca
Published: October 2023

Background

It is unclear whether cortical hyperexcitability in chronic migraine with medication overuse headache (CM-MOH) is due to increased thalamocortical drive or aberrant cortical inhibitory mechanisms.

Methods

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) were performed by electrical stimulation of the median nerve (M), ulnar nerve (U) and simultaneous stimulation of both nerves (MU) in 27 patients with CM-MOH and, for comparison, in 23 healthy volunteers (HVs) of a comparable age distribution. We calculated the degree of cortical lateral inhibition using the formula: 100 – [MU/(M + U) × 100] and the level of thalamocortical activation by analyzing the high frequency oscillations (HFOs) embedded in parietal N20 median SSEPs.

Results

Compared to HV, CM-MOH patients showed higher lateral inhibition (CM-MOH 52.2% ± 15.4 vs. HV 40.4% ± 13.3; p = 0.005), which positively correlated with monthly headache days, and greater amplitude of pre-synaptic HFOs ( p = 0.010) but normal post-synaptic HFOs ( p = 0.122).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that central neuronal circuits are highly sensitized in CM-MOH patients, at both thalamocortical and cortical levels. The observed changes could be due to the combination of dysfunctional central pain control mechanisms, hypersensitivity and hyperresponsiveness directly linked to the chronic intake of acute migraine drugs.
The computational analysis of digital traces in ethnographic studies of online communities
Authors: Barkhatova Larisa A.
Published: October 2023

This article proposes a methodological approach that integrates quantitative analysis into ethnographic studies of online communities. By considering traces of interactions in digital environments, it demonstrates the potential benefits of computational analysis in enhancing online ethnography. The application of quantitative methods, which may be unconventional in the field of ethnography, effectively complements qualitative understanding. Computational analysis of digital traces provides a valuable framework for observations within online ethnography. Through a case study of a Russian-speaking sociological online community, this article highlights the points where research questions intersect, fostering a dialogue between computational analysis of digital traces and online ethnography. It describes the implementation of methods such as content analysis, network analysis, and topic modeling, while also reflecting on their analytical capabilities within the context of online ethnography.
How Do Young Workers Perceive Job Insecurity? Legitimising Frames for Precarious Work in England and Germany
Authors: Trappmann Vera , Umney Charles , McLachlan Christopher J , Seehaus Alexandra , Cartwright Laura
Published: October 2023

This article examines the legitimising frames young workers in England and Germany apply to precarious work. Through 63 qualitative biographical interviews, the article shows that most young precarious workers saw work insecurity as an unavoidable fact of life whose legitimacy could not realistically be challenged. Four frames are identified that led to precarious work being seen as legitimate: precarious work as a driver of entrepreneurialism; as inevitable due to repeated exposure; as a stage within the life course; and as the price paid for the pursuit of autonomy and meaningful work. The article advances the literature on precarious workers’ subjectivity by identifying the frames through which it is legitimised, and by underlining the importance of frames that are currently underexamined. The prevalence of the pursuit of meaningful, non-alienating work as a frame is a particularly striking finding.
Diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid chemokine c-x-c motif ligand 13 for neurosyphilis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Luan Xingbao , Du Yanru , Luo Dan
Published: October 2023

The diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid chemokine c-x-c motif ligand 13 (CSF CXCL13) for neurosyphilis was assessed by meta-analysis in this study. PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases were searched to identify relevant articles by using MeSH and free terms of CXCL13 and neurosyphilis. A total of 720 syphilis and 338 neurosyphilis individuals in 6 articles were involved in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.82 (95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.77–0.87) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.79–0.87). The pooled positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve were 5.10 (95% CI, 3.90–6.60), 0.21 (95% CI, 0.16–0.28), 24.00 (95% CI, 14.00–39.00) and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.84–0.90), respectively. In subgroup analysis, human immunodeficiency virus infection and diagnostic criteria for neurosyphilis were identified to be associated with heterogeneity. Based on limited evidence, CSF CXCL13 can be helpful in diagnosing neurosyphilis.
Knowledge About the Source of Emotion Predicts Emotion-Regulation Attempts, Strategies, and Perceived Emotion-Regulation Success
Authors: Millgram Yael , Nock Matthew K. , Bailey David D. , Goldenberg Amit
Published: October 2023

People’s ability to regulate emotions is crucial to healthy emotional functioning. One overlooked aspect in emotion-regulation research is that knowledge about the source of emotions can vary across situations and individuals, which could impact people’s ability to regulate emotion. Using ecological momentary assessments ( N = 396; 7 days; 5,466 observations), we measured adults’ degree of knowledge about the source of their negative emotions. We used language processing to show that higher reported knowledge led to more concrete written descriptions of the source. We found that higher knowledge of the source predicted more emotion-regulation attempts; increased the use of emotion-regulation strategies that target the source (cognitive reappraisal, situation modification) versus strategies that do not (distraction, emotional eating); predicted greater perceived success in regulating emotions; and greater well-being. These patterns were evident both within and between persons. Our findings suggest that pinpointing the source of emotions might play an important role in emotion regulation.
Psychometric testing of the nurses professional values scale-revised on family and community health nurses
Authors: Gasperini Giulia , Renzi Erika , Massimi Azzurra , Mazzotta Rocco , Stievano Alessandro , Cianciulli Angelo , Villari Paolo , De Maria Maddalena
Published: October 2023

Background

Family and Community Health Nurses (FCHNs) are at a higher risk of experiencing emotional exhaustion and feelings of low personal accomplishment. Higher levels of professional identity may decrease these negative feelings. Its measurement could produce positive effects for FCHNs and the quality of care they offer.

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties (validity and reliability) of the Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised (NPVS-R) on FCHNs in Italy.

Research design

A cross-sectional research design was used.

Participants and research context

A convenience sample of FCHNs was recruited in an out-of-hospital setting from Italy. A total of 202 nurses were eligible (mean age of 41.11 ± 10.55 years; 78.2% female).

Ethical considerations

The study was performed in accordance with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki. Participants were asked for their consent and were guaranteed anonymity in the information collected. The study was approved by the internal review board of the university.

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) supported a unidimensional factorial structure of the NPVS-R with an adequate fit to the data. Internal consistency reliability was also supported. The construct validity was further reinforced by the concurrent validity results showing a positive and significant correlation of professional identity with job satisfaction.

Conclusion

The NPVS-R is a valid and reliable instrument to measure professional identity among FCHNs. It can be used in clinical practice to improve FCHNs’ psychological-emotional feelings and quality of care provided, in research to allow comprehensive understanding of professional identity, and in educational settings to monitor the professional identity levels of Family and Community Health Nursing students.
Comparison of Body Measurements and Adiposity Between Small and Appropriate for Gestational Age Term Neonates: An Observational Study
Authors: Madhu M. , Harini V. , Nayak Praveen , Shenoy Rathika D.
Published: October 2023

Background

Small for gestational age (SGA) infants have preserved adipose tissue compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants. This forms the basis of the fetal origin of adult disease. Studies show that Indian babies are ‘thin’ but ‘fat’ compared to babies born in high-income countries. Skin fold thickness (SFT) is a measure of adiposity.

Objective

To compare the newborn adiposity by SFT in term moderate SGA infants and term AGA infants.

Methods

We included 222 term newborns, 62 moderate SGA, and 160 AGA with no fetal growth restriction. Babies born to mothers with obesity, abnormal weight gain, pregnancy-related illnesses, and severe SGA were excluded. Weight, length, head circumference, and other circumferences (mid-upper-arm, abdominal, and mid-thigh) and SFT (Anterior abdomen, quadriceps or mid-thigh, triceps, and subscapular) were measured. The mean SD scores were calculated for each of the measurements. Comparisons were made using independent sample t-test.

Results

Weight, length, circumferences, and SFT were significantly lower ( p < .001) in the SGA infants compared to AGA. Among AGA, the mean standard deviation (SD) scores of all measures ranged between 0.1 and 0.5. However, in the SGA group, the mean SD scores for SFT showed minimal deviation (–0.3 to –0.5) compared to anthropometry (–0.7 to –1.2) and circumferences (–0.5 and –0.7), demonstrating the preservation of newborn adiposity. All the SFTs showed a moderate correlation ( r = 0.4) with the newborn weight and circumferences. There was no correlation to the anthropometry of non-obese mothers.

Conclusion

Term SGA newborns showed preservation of adiposity compared to AGA newborns.
Pension Fund Investments and Capital Market Development in Nigeria: The Moderating Role of Inflation
Authors: Dibal Hyeladi Stanley , Haruna Habila Abel , Onyejiaku Chinyere C. , Ogbole Ogbole Friday , Onwumere Josaphat Uchechukwu J.
Published: October 2023

Pension fund investment is a significant source of finance for the capital market in Nigeria. It increases the availability of funds for firms to acquire for expansion, stimulating economic growth and development. However, high inflation rates can have a negative impact on the effectiveness of pension fund investment in the capital market in Nigeria. This study investigates whether inflation enhances or reduces the effect of pension fund investment on capital market development in Nigeria. Monthly time series data from January 2013 to February 2020 were utilized using the ARDL model. The findings revealed that pension fund investments have a long- and short-run effect on capital market development in Nigeria. Our study also established that inflation reduces the negative impact of total domestic debt securities on total market capitalization both in the long- and short-run, which is the novelty of this study. The study contributes to the Modern Portfolio Theory, thereby establishing the role of inflation in determining the effect of pension fund investment on capital market development in Nigeria.

JEL Classification

G10, G23
Characteristic analysis of a novel magnetorheological fabric composite cored flexible sandwich beam with tunable stiffness
Authors: Li Pingyang , Dong Xiaomin , Fei Zhenyang , Liu Qinglin
Published: October 2023

This paper focuses on the performance improvement and evaluation of a novel flexible sandwich beam incorporated magnetorheological fluid porous fabric (MRF-PF). As a novel MR material, MRF-PF has been introduced, prepared, and measured to analyze the pre-yield property between complex shear modulus and magnetic fields. MRF-PF is used into the flexible sandwich beam as core layer. Pre-yield property with tunable stiffness is used to adjust the dynamic response. Then, a theoretical model is derived which can precisely describe the performance. Based on experimental results, sandwich beam incorporated MRF-PF has a good performance of controllability. When the magnetic field is applied into the free end, the natural frequency decreases with increasing the currents and filling ratio. In contrast, the frequency and amplitude increase when the clamped end is exposed to the magnetic fields. Comparing with other investigations, this proposed sandwich beam incorporated MRF-PF has a larger frequency range. The first and second natural frequency show the increases of 54.8% and 77.2%, respectively. The reduction of amplitude is closely related to the thickness of face plate. Therefore, the performance of the compound sandwich beam can be significantly improved by MRF-PF.
Adherence to Chemotherapy and Associated Factors Among Patients With Cancer in Amhara Region, Northeastern Ethiopia, 2022. A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bekalu Yemane Eshetu , Wudu Muluken Amare , Gashu Amare Workie
Published: October 2023

Background

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and poor adherence to chemotherapy has become a public health issue in developing countries, including Ethiopia.

Objective

To assess chemotherapy adherence and associated factors among patients with cancer in the Amhara Region, Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study design was employed, and a total of 460 cancer patients were enrolled using a systematic random sampling method at Felege Hiwot and Dessie comprehensive specialized hospitals from May 15, 2022, to July 15, 2022, in the Amhara region. The data was gathered through a review of medical records and a face-to-face interview and entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 before being exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Furthermore, at 95% confident interval (CI), multivariable binary logistic regression was used, and variables with P-values of <.05 were found to be significant.

Result

The overall response rate in this study was 94.1% (433), with 42.3% of patients adhering to chemotherapy. Moreover, having a family history of cancer [AOR = 3.58, 95% CI (2.22, 5.76)], being female [Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) = 2.17, 95% CI: (1.31, 3.60)], having no history of comorbidity [AOR = 2.74, 95% CI (1.56, 4.81)], having side effects from chemotherapy [AOR = 3.50, 95% CI (1.55, 7.90)], and having social support [AOR = 1.52, 95% CI (1.21, 1.95)] were important predictors of chemotherapy adherence.

Conclusion

and recommendations: Patients' understanding of illness characteristics and treatment should be improved through health education. Involving family members in the treatment plan will also improve adherence to chemotherapy in this context.
Property rights and marine protected areas
Authors: Warren Lynda M
Published: October 2023

Property rights in the marine environment differ from those on land and this difference has an impact on the legal framework for marine protected areas. The Site of Special Scientific Interest designation, which underpins terrestrial nature conservation in the UK, is only relevant at sea for intertidal sites and a few subtidal extensions. Legislation for Marine Nature Reserves, based on that for terrestrial National Nature Reserves, was unworkable because of government reluctance to designate sites in the face of stakeholder opposition. Regulations for the protection of European Marine Sites were made to implement the European Habitats Directive which covers very few marine habitats or species. The lacuna in legal protection was filled by the creation of the Marine Conservation Zone designation but the emphasis on features of particular value detracts from the objective of wider ecosystem protection. Protection for all types of marine protected areas is constrained by the need to consider the socio-economic consequences of regulation. The new pilot Highly Protected Marine Areas in England could tip the balance in favour of conservation but the rejection of two out of five candidate sites on the basis of the socio-economic concerns does not augur well for the future.
“Video Games Were My First Safe Space”: Queer Gaming in the Animal Crossing New Horizons LGBTIQA+ Community
Authors: Blanco-Fernández Vítor , Moreno Jose A.
Published: October 2023

This article analyses LGBTIQA+ playing experiences of Animal Crossing New Horizons (ACNH). It first surveys LGBTIQA+ players of ACNH, with questions regarding ways of playing, identity, community, and fanfiction practices. It also analyses LGBTIQA+ ACNH YouTube videos, divided into three main categories: design, gaming, and fanfiction. The first category, design, is analyzed quantitatively. The second and third categories follow a qualitative analysis, grouping findings into seven subcategories: (a) decorating, (b) celebrating Pride, (c) counter-gaming, (d) weddings, (e) coming out, (f) self-determination and encouraging discourses, and (g) community building. Explorative results show that, although out-game LGBTIQA+ experiences are necessary for queer self-realization, the in-game experiences of our sample help non-cis-straight identities and communities. They also demonstrate that diversity and intersectionality are fundamental in the ACNH queer community sampled, and that LGBTIQA+ players perform queer counter-gaming: transforming the game's tools and affordances to encourage self-expression.
Impact of smoking on outcomes following endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kobeissi Hassan , Ghozy Sherief , Turfe Bilal , Amoukhteh Melika , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Brinjikji Waleed , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Kallmes David F.
Published: October 2023

Background

Smoking represents a leading risk factor for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Previous literature has described a “smoking paradox”, wherein smokers experience better outcomes following intravenous thrombolysis for AIS. It is unclear whether such a phenomenon exists in smokers undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT) for AIS. To assess outcomes in smokers following EVT for AIS, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review of the English language literature was conducted using PubMed, Embase Web of Science, and Scopus. Outcomes of interest included 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2, thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score 2b-3, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality. We calculated mean difference (MD), pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Eight studies with 2633 patients comprised our analysis. On average, smokers were 10.14 years (MD  =  10.14, [95% CI  =  −14.49 to −5.79], P-value < 0.001) younger than non-smokers. Smokers achieved mRS 0–2 (OR =  1.82, [95% CI, 1.34–2.48], P-value < 0.001) and TICI 2b-3 (OR =  1.61, [95% CI, 1.19–2.19], P-value  =  0.002) at a higher rate than non-smokers. sICH rates were comparable between smokers and non-smokers (OR =  1.07, [95% CI, 0.62–1.85], P-value  =  0.81). Smokers had a lower rate of 90-day mortality than non-smokers (OR =  0.54, [95% CI, 0.41–0.71], P-value < 0.001).

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis of eight studies, we found that smokers with AIS undergoing EVT experienced better 90-day outcomes and higher rates of TICI 2b-3. This may be due to baseline differences between smokers and non-smokers, but future studies should explore alternative reasons that could explain this relationship between smoking and AIS treated with EVT.
A Duoethnographic Study of Power and Privilege in the Psychotherapeutic Space: Dialogical Research as Professional Development
Authors: Hills John , Christodoulidi Fevronia , Charura Divine
Published: October 2023

We are three psychotherapists, also trainers at different universities in the United Kingdom, who came together to explore the application of duoethnography as a research method in the context of counselling and psychotherapy. The focus of our dialogues was on privilege and power as experienced between client and therapist in the therapeutic relationship, mirroring the social worlds we each come from and return to. The article presented here is written largely in the form of ‘speaking turns,’ reflecting the dialogical nature through which data were generated. We met periodically through Microsoft Teams to record our dialogues and furthered our exchange via email communications and other text messages. We came together explicitly mindful of and valuing our differences – one woman and two men; our ethnocultural heritages being Greek, African, and English, with different trajectories towards our professional positions; and we highlight differentials in privilege emerging along lines of gender, race, and class. Emergent themes include: ‘the visible – invisible spectrum of privilege,’ ‘the historic present,’ and ‘power with versus power over.’ As an ongoing, highly relational form of encounter, this project highlighted the benefits this approach can bring in the ongoing development of therapists. Participation facilitated the revelation of more unconscious or unarticulated material. We found the duoethnography depended upon our mutual negotiation of trust and preparedness to be vulnerable in the encounter. Recognising that each dialogue brings unique configurations of similarity and difference, we thus argue for greater uptake of duoethnography methods in counselling and psychotherapy training and research.
Isobavachalcone Inhibits Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipemia in Type 2 Diabetes and the Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Xia Zhenhong , Liu Xiaoran , Li Yuqi , Li Zhiqi , Ni Feixue , Tian Geng , Jiang Wenguo
Published: October 2023

Objective: The aim of this research was to probe the effect of isobavachalcone inhibiting the high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipemia in mice and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: A mouse model with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was established by the HFD and low-dose streptozotocin. T2DM mice were treated with 10 mg/kg of isobavachalcone for 4 weeks. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood lipids, and relative proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as well as the histological structural changes in the liver were determined. Results: The results showed that the expression levels of FBG (42%, P < .001), triglyceride (70%, P < .001), and glucose transporter 2 were significantly reduced by isobavachalcone. The proteinic and mRNA expressions of IRS1, PI3K, and AKT genes of T2DM mice were dramatically increased with the isobavachalcone treatment. Furthermore, isobavachalcone ameliorated the morphology of the liver in T2DM model mice. Conclusion: The results suggested that isobavachalcone controls the development of T2DM as well as the regulatory mechanism involved in glucose and lipid metabolism through the PI3K/AKT signal pathway in the liver.
Using the Futures Triangle to Infer Images of the Future of Food and Agriculture in the Southern Cone: The Case of Argentina
Authors: Gauna Diego , Márquez Susana , Puechagut Soledad
Published: October 2023

The different perceptions of food and agriculture stakeholders about the future is a key input to design future-oriented public policies and to build a shared vision of the future. By applying the futures triangle to the results of a qualitative study concerning the future of food and agriculture innovation system in Argentine, five archetypes of images of the future were inferred. The archetypes reflect a distinct combination between the weight of history, the pushes of the present and the pulls of the future, corresponding to the perception of the future of nine distinct stakeholders of the food and agriculture system in Argentine. The archetypes are named: stuck in the present, the future is not ours, the future never comes, the future is being built and the future is ours. The analysis show that the stakeholders can envision the future of the world’s agriculture with a certain degree of creativity. However, they find it difficult to imagine the future of the Argentine agricultural industry in new ways: they repeat the old ideas or notions they have about it. All those visions lead to a demand for changes that are more connected to the present than to the future. This foresight study offers a first approach to explore the different views regarding the future of food and agriculture and it reveals how such views influence the type and characteristics of the new stakeholders demands to the public agriculture sector in Argentina to the year 2030.
Differences Between General Internal Medicine and Family Medicine Physicians’ Initiation of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Drallmeier Theresa , Salas Joanne , Keegan Garrett Elizabeth , Meyr Ashley , Tucker Jane , Scherrer Jeffrey F.
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is under-utilized in primary care. Given differences in treatment approaches for other conditions between family medicine (FM) and general internal medicine (GIM), this study compared PrEP-prescribing between FM and GIM physicians.

Methods:

De-identified electronic health record data from a multi-state health care system was used in this retrospective observational study. The time period from 1/1/13 to 9/30/21 was used to identify PrEP eligible patients using measures of current sexually transmitted disease and condomless sex at the time of eligibility. Receipt of PrEP was measured in the 12 months after PrEP eligibility. The odds of receiving PrEP in GIM as compared to FM was computed before and after adjusting for demographics and physical and psychiatric comorbidities.

Results:

The majority of eligible patients were 18 to 39 years of age, 60.9% were female and 71.6% were White race. Among PrEP eligible patients, 1.1% received PrEP in the first year after index date. Receiving PrEP was significantly more likely among patients treated in GIM versus FM (OR = 2.30; 95% CI:1.63-3.25). After adjusting for covariates, this association remained statistically significant (OR = 2.02; 95% CI:1.41-2.89).

Conclusions:

PrEP is grossly under-utilized in primary care. The majority of Americans enter the health care system through primary care and not through HIV providers or other specialties. Therefore, educational interventions are needed to increase confidence and knowledge and to encourage PrEP prescribing by FM and GIM physicians.
Emerging Adulthood in Russia: Class and Educational Disparities
Authors: Mikhaylova Oxana , Sivak Elizaveta
Published: October 2023

“Emerging adulthood” is a unique developmental stage between adolescence and early adulthood. During this period, individuals experience a transition towards adult roles and begin to view their lives as full of opportunities for identity exploration, experimentation, possibilities, and self-focus. Previous research has questioned the universality of emerging adulthood as a developmental stage and its’ applicability to young adults from lower socioeconomic backgrounds without higher education. This paper contributes to this debate by analyzing the relationships between education, socioeconomic background, and emerging adulthood. We use the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA) to measure emerging adulthood among 2177 Russian young people aged 24-26 who participated in the Russian Longitudinal Panel Study of Educational and Occupational Trajectories (TrEC) in 2021. Our findings confirm that emerging adulthood is not limited to the US, where the concept was coined, but also occurs in developing countries.
Efficacy of a Neuromuscular Warm-up Program in Reducing the Risk of School Sports Injury among Chinese Children: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ding Liyi , Mackey Marcia , Li Shaohua
Published: October 2023

Background:

Children who participate in sports have reduced cardiovascular risk, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. However, sports participation also comes with an inherent risk of sports-related injuries.

Purpose:

To examine the efficacy of a school-based neuromuscular warm-up program (NWP) in reducing the risk of school sports injury (SSI) in children and the impact of different levels of compliance on the effectiveness of the program.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A total of 421 students from grades 4 to 6 at a single school (age range, 9-14 years) were randomized by grade to an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group participated in a 13-week simplified (8-minute) NWP designed to reduce SSI risk. The control group participated in a standard warm-up of the same length and duration. Exposure, compliance, and injury data were collected via a weekly form. The primary injury outcome was all SSIs. Secondary outcomes included injuries from physical education (PE) and non-PE class, upper and lower extremity injuries, other location injuries, and time-loss injuries. A Poisson regression model using an intent-to-treat analysis was performed to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for all injuries in the intervention group compared with the control group. To examine the influence of level of compliance, we divided the intervention group into low compliance (participation 1-2 times/wk) and high compliance (participation >2 times/wk) then compared the difference on injury rates (IRs) between these groups and the control group.

Results:

There were significant differences between the intervention and control groups regarding all SSIs (IRR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.23-0.96; P = .038), PE class injuries (IRR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.14-0.99; P = .048), and other location injuries (IRR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.82; P = .025). The compliance analysis revealed that although the low-compliance group was able to reduce the risk of SSIs (IR, 4.43; 95% CI, 2.49-6.37) compared with the control group (IR, 7.60; 95% CI, 5.61-9.59), the high-compliance group produced a better effect in reducing the SSI risk (IR, 1.80; 95% CI, 0.04-3.56).

Conclusion:

The simplified NWP used in this study was efficacious in the reduction of SSIs in children.

Registration:

ChiCTR2100043875 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; http://www.chictr.org.cn ).
¿Quién es gentrificación (‘who is gentrificación’)? urban change, conceptual chimerae, and the challenge of blanqueamiento (‘whitening’) in mexico city
Authors: Gerlofs Ben A. , López-Morales Ernesto
Published: October 2023

In this article, we outline the central tenets of an endogenous theory of neighborhood change in Mexico City known as blanqueamiento (‘whitening'). Drawing on longstanding research and intellectual exchange with local scholars and activists, we illustrate the promise this concept holds for transcending the many limitations of ‘gentrification', and its metaphrase translation, gentrificació n, in this and other contexts. We argue that while blanqueamiento and similar theories from outside the Global North often face extreme difficulties in emergence, their value to both critical scholarship and urban politics can be profound, and should be more fully explored and recognized. We demonstrate this value in Mexico City through an exploration of this concept’s core meanings and expressions, specifically in the areas of: 1) belonging, displacement, and racialized aesthetics; 2) architecture, design, and globalizing aesthetics; and 3) finance, money laundering, and the insidious complicity of aestheticized consumption. In support of our overall argument about the need for more productive urban exchanges and the critical co-production of knowledge on the topic of urban change through translation, we bring together insights from ongoing debates on the nature and uses of gentrification in contemporary cities and the politics of theory-making and conceptualization in geography and urban studies across the globe.
Mathematical study of viscoelastic polymer during roll-over-web coating
Authors: Atif Hafiz Muhammad , Jabeen Fariha , Javed Muhammad Asif
Published: October 2023

Roll-coating, also known as roll-to-roll coating or web coating is a continuous and high-speed method used in various industrial applications to apply a thin and uniform layer of material onto a substrate. This process is commonly employed in industries such as electronics, photovoltaic, printing, packaging, and other fields where precise and consistent coating is essential. Here we present an asymptotic analysis of forward roll coating over a rigid substrate for low Weissenberg number viscoelastic fluids. The analysis uses lubrication theory coupled with regular perturbation theory assuming a simplified Phan-Thien-Tanner (SPPT) constitutive equation and small values of the extensibility parameter ε. The analytical expressions of velocity fields, pressure gradient and pressure fields are obtained while the load carrying force, and power input are estimated by numerical solutions (4th order Runge-Kutta). Increases in both Wi and ε increases the pressure gradient in the nip region and increases in viscoelasticity reduce the overall force on the roll. Further, SPTT model predicts 14% lower pressure for [Formula: see text] in the nip region when compared to Newtonian model.
Introducing extended consultations for patients with severe mental illness in general practice: Results from the SOFIA feasibility study
Authors: Jønsson A. B. R. , Martiny F. H. J. , Søndergaard M. K. , Brodersen J. B. , Due T. D. , Nielsen M. H. , Bakkedal C. , Bardram J. E. , Bissenbakker K. , Christensen I. , Doherty K. , Kjellberg P. , Mercer S. W. , Reventlow S. , Rozing M. P. , Møller A.
Published: October 2023

Background

People with a severe mental illness (SMI) have shorter life expectancy and poorer quality of life compared to the general population. Most years lost are due to cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and various types of cancer. We co-designed an intervention to mitigate this health problem with key stakeholders in the area, which centred on an extended consultations for people with SMI in general practice. This study aimed to1) investigate general practitioners’ (GPs) experience of the feasibility of introducing extended consultations for patients with SMI, 2) assess the clinical content of extended consultations and how these were experienced by patients, and 3) investigate the feasibility of identification, eligibility screening, and recruitment of patients with SMI.

Methods

The study was a one-armed feasibility study. We planned that seven general practices in northern Denmark would introduce extended consultations with their patients with SMI for 6 months. Patients with SMI were identified using practice medical records and screened for eligibility by the patients’ GP. Data were collected using case report forms filled out by practice personnel and via qualitative methods, including observations of consultations, individual semi-structured interviews, a focus group with GPs, and informal conversations with patients and general practice staff.

Results

Five general practices employing seven GPs participated in the study, which was terminated 3 ½ month ahead of schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. General practices attempted to contact 57 patients with SMI. Of these, 38 patients (67%) attended an extended consultation, which led to changes in the somatic health care plan for 82% of patients. Conduct of the extended consultations varied between GPs and diverged from the intended conduct. Nonetheless, GPs found the extended consultations feasible and, in most cases, beneficial for the patient group. In interviews, most patients recounted the extended consultation as beneficial.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that it is feasible to introduce extended consultations for patients with SMI in general practice, which were also found to be well-suited for eliciting patients’ values and preferences. Larger studies with a longer follow-up period could help to assess the long-term effects and the best implementation strategies of these consultations.
A randomized trial of a theory-driven model of health coaching for older adults: short-term and sustained outcomes
Authors: Potempa Kathleen , Calarco Margaret , Flaherty-Robb Marna , Butterworth Susan , Marriott Deanna , Potempa Stacia , Laughlin Candia , Schmidt Patricia , Struble Laura , Harden Karen , Ghosh Bidisha , Furspan Philip , Ellis Alexis
Published: October 2023

Background

Healthy Lifetime, a theoretically driven, personalized health coaching program delivered electronically, including face-to-face videoconferencing, was developed to intervene in early aging to stave off functional decline and minimize the onset/exacerbation of chronic conditions.

Objective

To determine the efficacy of a theoretically driven, personalized health coaching program in participants 50 years and older with one or more chronic conditions using a randomized, controlled, pragmatic clinical trial methodology.

Methods

Participants were randomly assigned to the HL (n = 59) or a usual care (n = 63) group. The HL group received health coaching from a trained nurse over eight weeks. Outcomes were measured at baseline, eight weeks, and 20 weeks (after the 12-week no-treatment phase). Regression modeling with fixed-effect repeated measures was used to account for the longitudinal data collection.

Results

For the HL group, health habits increased at 8 weeks (3.1 units; SE = 1.0; p = .0005; effect size = .15). This difference was sustained at 20 weeks (2.4 units, SE = 0.2; p = .0005). Independent self-care agency improved at 8 weeks in individuals with high blood pressure (13.5 units; SE = 4.37; p = .0023; effect size = .3). However, that difference was not sustained at 20 weeks (p = .47). No significant improvements were shown in the usual care group at 8 weeks or 20 weeks.

Conclusions

HL participants significantly improved their health habits at 8 weeks and sustained this improvement at week 20 (after a 12-week no-treatment phase) vs. the usual care group. Changing health habits alone has been shown to reduce all-cause morbidity and mortality in chronic disease. The high-functioning, community-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases we studied is an important target population for primary care practices to intervene early in aging to stave off the complications of chronic disease and functional decline.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (record NCT05070923, 07/10/2021).
Optimization strategy for the early timing of bronchoalveolar lavage treatment for children with severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Wu Xiangtao , Lu Weihong , Wang Tuanjie , Xiao Aiju , Guo Xixia , Xu Yali , Li Shujun , Liu Xue , Zeng Hanshi , He Shaoru , Zhang Xingliang
Published: October 2023

Background

Early evaluation of severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) and the prompt utilization of fiberoptic bronchoscopic manipulation can effectively alleviate complications and restrict the progression of sequelae. This study aim to establish a nomogram forecasting model for SMPP in children and explore an optimal early therapeutic bronchoalveolar lavage (TBAL) treatment strategy.

Methods

This retrospective study included children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) from January 2019 to December 2021. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen independent risk factors for SMPP and establish a nomogram model. The bootstrap method was employed and a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the accuracy and robustness of the model. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to assess the effect of lavage and hospitalization times.

Results

A total of 244 cases were enrolled in the study, among whom 68 with SMPP and 176 with non-SMPP (NSMPP). A prediction model with five independent risk factors: left upper lobe computed tomography (CT) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, acute physiology and chronic health assessment (APACHE) II score, bronchitis score (BS), and c-reactive protein (CRP) was established based on the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The ROC curve of the prediction model showed the area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.985 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.972–0.997). The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test results showed that the nomogram model predicted the risk of SMPP well (χ2 = 2.127, P = 0.977). The log-rank result suggested that an early BAL treatment could shorten MPP hospitalization time (P = 0.0057).

Conclusion

This nomogram model, based on the left upper lobe CT score, SOFA score, APACHE II score, BS, and CRP level, represents a valuable tool to predict the risk of SMPP in children and optimize the timing of TBAL.
Biocompatibility and biofilm formation on conventional and CAD/CAM provisional implant restorations
Authors: Parakaw Tipparat , Ruangsawasdi Nisarat , Dararat Pornpen , Phruksaniyom Chareerut , Srihirun Sirada , Petchmedyai Pobploy
Published: October 2023

Dental implant treatment is a complex and sophisticated process, and implant provisional restorations play a vital role in ensuring its success. The advent of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has revolutionized the field of implant restorations by providing improved precision leading to a reduction in chair time and more predictable treatment outcomes. This technology offers a promising solution to the drawbacks of conventional methods and has the potential to transform the way implant procedures are approached. Despite the clear advantages of CAD/CAM over conventional provisional implant restorations including higher accuracy of fit and superior mechanical properties, little research has been conducted on the biological aspect of these novel restorations. This study aims to fill that gap, comprehensively assessing the biocompatibility, gingival tissue attachment and biofilm formation of a range of provisional implant restorations using CAD/CAM technology through milling and 3-D printing processes compared to conventional fabrication. The biocompatibility of the tested restorations was assessed by MTT assay, Calcein-AM assay as well as SEM analysis. The surface roughness of the tested samples was evaluated, alongside the attachment of Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGF) cells as well as biofilm formation, and estimated Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) cell count from DNA detection.

The results showed all tested provisional implant restorations were non-toxic and good HGF cell attachment but differed in their quantity of biofilm formation, with surface texture influenced by the material and fabrication technique, playing a role. Within the limitation of this study, the findings suggest that CAD/CAM-fabricated provisional implant restorations using a milling technique may be the most favourable among tested groups in terms of biocompatibility and periodontal-related biofilm formation.
Extracting the latent needs of dementia patients and caregivers from transcribed interviews in japanese: an initial assessment of the availability of morpheme selection as input data with Z-scores in machine learning
Authors: Tanemura Nanae , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Miyamoto Ryotaro , Watanabe Jin , Araki Michihiro , Sato Junko , Chiba Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2023

Background

Given the increasing number of dementia patients worldwide, a new method was developed for machine learning models to identify the ‘latent needs’ of patients and caregivers to facilitate patient/public involvement in societal decision making.

Methods

Japanese transcribed interviews with 53 dementia patients and caregivers were used. A new morpheme selection method using Z-scores was developed to identify trends in describing the latent needs. F-measures with and without the new method were compared using three machine learning models.

Results

The F-measures with the new method were higher for the support vector machine (SVM) (F-measure of 0.81 with the new method and F-measure of 0.79 without the new method for patients) and Naive Bayes (F-measure of 0.69 with the new method and F-measure of 0.67 without the new method for caregivers and F-measure of 0.75 with the new method and F-measure of 0.73 without the new method for patients).

Conclusion

A new scheme based on Z-score adaptation for machine learning models was developed to predict the latent needs of dementia patients and their caregivers by extracting data from interviews in Japanese. However, this study alone cannot be used to assign significance to the adaptation of the new method because of no enough size of sample dataset. Such pre-selection with Z-score adaptation from text data in machine learning models should be considered with more modified suitable methods in the near future.
End-users’ perspectives on factors affecting implementation and utilization of the Iranian electronic health record system: a qualitative study in a developing country
Authors: Abbasi Hajar , Rahimi Bahlol , Jebraeily Mohamad , Nourani Aynaz
Published: October 2023

Background

As one of the most important information technologies for storing, managing, and exchanging health information, the electronic health record (EHR) plays a major role in the health system. However, these systems in developing countries have been associated with multidimensional issues. The purpose of the present study was the assessment of nonclinical end-users’ points of view on the implementation and utilization of the Iranian electronic health record system.

Methods

This was a large qualitative study conducted in 2021 for 7 months from February to August. In this study, data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 70 non-clinical end-users in 22 public and six private hospitals of West Azerbaijan province in Iran. To analyze the data, the thematic analysis method was used.

Results

The study results indicated that technical, human, cultural, managerial, and financial readiness are the most important factors affecting the implementation of EHRs in Iran. Among the mentioned factors, technical and human readiness were emphasized more by the users. Also, technical, organizational, human, and managerial factors were identified as factors influencing EHRs utilization, and technical and organizational factors had a stronger role in the system utilization.

Conclusions

According to the results, several factors influence EHR implementation and adequate utilization in Iran. To achieve the predetermined goals of this system, implementation issues and problems of using the system should be considered and solved.
Novel SETBP1 mutation in a chinese family with intellectual disability
Authors: Wang Le , Wang Xu-Dong , Yang Bo , Wang Xue-Meng , Peng Yu-Qian , Tan Hang-Jing , Xiao Hong-Mei
Published: October 2023

Background

Intellectual disability (ID) is characterized by an IQ < 70, which implies below-average intellectual function and a lack of skills necessary for daily living. ID may occur due to multiple causes, such as metabolic, infectious, and chromosomal causes. ID affects approximately 1–3% of the population; however, the cause can be identified in only 25% of clinical patients.

Methods

To find the cause of genetic ID in a family, we performed whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing to confirm the presence of a SETBP1 variant and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect SETBP1 expression in the proband and normal controls.

Results

A novel variant, c.942_943insGT (p. Asp316TrpfsTer28), was found in SETBP1. Furthermore, we observed that SETBP1 expression in patients was only 20% that of normal controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

A heterozygous variant in SETBP1 associated with ID was found. This report provides further evidence for its genetic basis and support for clinical genetic diagnosis.