bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin K Prescribing Trends Among Critically Ill Children Hospitalized for Sepsis: A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Fowler Corey A. , Roddy Meghan , Havlicek Elizabeth , Sochet Anthony A.
Published: May 2024

Objective: Vitamin K (VK) is commonly prescribed for pediatric sepsis-induced coagulopathy without trial-derived evidence to support its use for this indication. The purpose of this study was to characterize national prescribing trends for VK in this population. Patients and Methods: This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System registry including children 0 to 17 years of age hospitalized for sepsis in the pediatric intensive care unit from January 2016 through December 2022. The primary outcome was overall, annual, and center-specific VK prescribing rates. Descriptive data included demographics, length of stay, and rates of VK deficiency, hepatic insufficiency, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and mortality. VK prescribing trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression. Descriptive statistics employed included Wilcoxon rank-sum, student's t, and chi-square tests. Results: Of the 31 221 encounters studied, 4539 (14.6%) were prescribed VK (median center-specific rate: 14.2%; interquartile range [IQR]: 8.8-21%) with a linear annual trend decreasing from 17.3% in 2016 to 13.3% in 2022 (−0.6%/year, r2 = .661). Those prescribed VK had greater rates of hepatic dysfunction (20.5% vs 3.1%), RBC transfusion (26.5% vs 11.2%), VTE (12.5% vs 4.6%), mortality (17.1% vs 4.4%), and median length of stay (16 [IQR: 8-33] vs 8 [4-15] days) (all P < .001). VK deficiency was diagnosed in 0.2% of encounters. Conclusions: In this multicenter retrospective cohort, VK prescribing was common among critically ill children diagnosed with sepsis. Phased trials are needed to demonstrate clinical efficacy and safety for VK in this population.
Early Holocene occurrence of loess in Folldal, east-central southern Norway: Identification, origin and palaeoclimatic significance
Authors: Dahl Svein Olaf , Nielsen Pål Ringkjøb
Published: May 2024

Identified for the first time in Norway, windblown yellowish-brown dust in Folldal, east-central southern Norway, fulfils physical and geochemical criteria for sensu stricto loess, including a high carbonate content. Two extant and one relict marl pond located on low-carbonate rocks are investigated. An allochthonous origin for the marl ponds is suggested and explained by the deposition of suspended clastic carbonate as loess by aeolian processes. The scattered geographical distribution of loess and the need for a calcareous source area suggest a W-SW provenance from a relict valley sandur/existing flood plain in upper Grimsdalen. The mean grain size (~22.4 µm) of the aeolian silt is in the finer range of average loess, explained by the up to 25–30 km long transport and approximately 250–300 m airborne uphill move from the suggested source area to the marl ponds. Based on age-depth modelling using 9 AMS radiocarbon dates, loess deposition occurred from ca. 10,390 to 9780 cal. yr BP (610 years). Two prominent periods of loess accumulation occurred from ca. 10,390 to 10,190 (200 years) and ca. 10,020–9950 (70 years) cal. yr BP. Loess deposition results from W-SW wintertime winds in a dry to semi-arid climate. In southern Norway, W-SW winds in winter are associated with a positive mode of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). From source to deposition, the response time to erode, transport and accumulate loess is suggested to be seasonal to 1 year. An immediate increase in organic production followed loess deposition as early initiation of a warmer and wetter Holocene climatic optimum.
Outdoor Environmental Educators’ Views on Learning in Light of Integral Theory
Authors: Dean Steph N. , Gallifa Josep
Published: May 2024

Background: Outdoor environmental education (OEE) is an effective learning approach that helps prepare students to address the complex problems currently facing our world. Integral theory (IT) is a comprehensive framework that acknowledges the interconnectedness between self, society, and the environment. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the presence of four categories derived of IT – subjective, objective, intersubjective, interobjective – within OEE and to investigate the extent to which outdoor environmental educators consider learning experiences as a contribution to integral development. Methodology: Using discourse analysis, we analyzed 23 interviews from twelve outdoor environmental educators. We employed a deductive approach as we looked for evidence of IT categories and then adopted an inductive approach while analyzing participants’ discourse for general patterns related to IT and integral human development. Findings: The four categories of IT are illustrated within OEE experiences to varying degrees of representation. Outdoor environmental educators consider learning experiences as a contribution to integral development, regularly employing systems thinking, and mindfulness, among others. Implications: The findings from our study indicate a connection between OEE, teacher sensemaking, and integral education. Furthermore, OEE can be a way to facilitate integral human development, contributing to future understandings within education fields.
Treatment Outcomes of Lip Taping in Patients with Non-syndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: R Vignesh , Singhal Ruchi , Namdev Ritu , Kumar Adarsh , Dayma Charu , Rani Asha
Published: May 2024

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of the data in peer-reviewed medical literature and evaluate the effectiveness of lip taping as a pre-surgical naso-alveolar molding (NAM) technique in infants with cleft lip and/or palate.

Design

An electronic search of various databases for relevant studies, regardless of date, from inception to June 2023 was carried out and evaluated. After completing the electronic search and applying our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 6 studies—2 randomized control trials, 2 non-randomized studies, and 2 case series—were included. Data extraction of relevant articles was done independently by 2 authors. Quality assessment was done using the JBI prevalence critical appraisal tool and certainty of evidence was carried out by GRADE approach.

Main Outcome Measures

Nasolabial Aesthetics, Dentoalveolar Relationship.

Results

A total of six studies were included in the current review. Meta-analysis was carried out, and forest plots were obtained for a single mean from the lip-taping group. 3 studies had a low risk of bias, while 3 studies displayed a serious risk of bias. Significant improvement in various outcome measures was noted with lip taping when compared with the control group although the certainty of evidence was very low.

Conclusion

When compared to no therapy, lip taping appears to ameliorate dentoalveolar measurements and nasolabial aesthetics. To increase our knowledge of lip taping, more research will be needed in the future, as there are not many studies to prove lip taping is better than other treatment approaches.
Initiation of decohesion between a flat punch and a thin bonded incompressible layer
Authors: Argatov Ivan I , Mishuris Gennady S , Popov Valentin L
Published: May 2024

Non-axisymmetric frictionless JKR-type adhesive contact between a rigid body and a thin incompressible elastic layer bonded to a rigid base is considered in the framework of the leading-order asymptotic model, which has the form of an overdetermined boundary value problem. Based on the first-order perturbation of the Neumann operator in the Dirichlet problem for Poisson’s equation, the decohesion initiation problem is formulated in the form of a variational inequality. The asymptotic model assumes that the contact zone and its boundary contour during the detachment process are unknown. The absence of the solvability theorem is illustrated by an example of the instability of an axisymmetric flat circular contact.
How Technology, Health Information Seeking, and Socioeconomic Factors Are Associated With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Readiness in Estonians Over 50 Years?
Authors: Paimre Marianne , Virkus Sirje , Osula Kairi
Published: May 2024

Despite the proven effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing severe illness, many individuals, including older adults who are most susceptible to the virus, have opted against vaccination. Various factors could shape vaccination decisions, including seeking health information (HI). The internet is the primary source of HI today; however, older adults are often referred to as those missing out on digital benefits. The study explores the correlations between information and communication technology (ICT) use, online HI seeking, socioeconomic factors, and COVID-19 vaccination readiness among individuals aged 50 and above in Estonia. The survey data were gathered from 501 people aged 50 and older after the first lockdown in 2020. The outcomes revealed that vaccination readiness positively correlated with factors such as higher educational attainment, greater income, male gender, access to ICT, a readiness to employ digital technologies for health-related purposes, a greater demand for HI, and a higher frequency of seeking it online. There was some discrepancy in the preference of HI sources; for example, vaccination consenters preferred online versions of professional press publications and specific health portals. Based on the findings, it is advisable to encourage older adults to utilize the internet and new technology for health-related purposes. This practice expands the range of information sources available to them, ultimately enabling better decision-making regarding their health behaviors.
Cui Bono? Cow Slaughter ban and its impact on business and society in India
Authors: Pereira Vijay , Vaz Daicy , Malik Ashish , Ali Faiza
Published: May 2024

This research investigates the impact of the cow slaughter ban on different stakeholders in India. The cow is considered a sacred animal in Hinduism, and prohibition of its slaughter prevails in several states in India. India is also a secular state, as its written constitution prescribes. However, the recent ban on cow slaughter in certain states raises several interesting and important ethical questions. We use Aristotle’s Cui Bono moral framing and stakeholder theory to investigate the causes and consequences of the cow slaughter ban on business and society. To this end, our study argues that political and religious affiliations affect stakeholders’ actions and decisions and that they comply with their actions. This has implications for businesses (such as the beef business in India) and society. Based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with key stakeholders such as beef business owners, religious leaders and opposition politicians, our findings indicate that although these stakeholders have their interests, religious and political affiliations play a significant role in shaping such decision-making.
Exploring the impact of algorithmic policing on social justice: Developing a framework for rhizomatic harm in the pre-crime society
Authors: Van Brakel Rosamunde , Govaerts Lander
Published: May 2024

This article aims to contribute to digital criminology by proposing a framework of rhizomatic harms of algorithmic policing. We propose to expand zemiologist insights with a technological and relational component, and to broaden the concept of ‘social harms’ to ‘rhizomatic harms’. Rhizomatic harms are to be understood in all their complexity, as they emerge from multiple entry points with the creation of complex layers of harms as a result. By focusing on the genealogy of rhizomatic harms of algorithmic policing in our analysis, we aim to make visible the collective, relational, cumulative and intersectional dimensions of harms and the role that macro, meso and micro processes play in harm production. The Top400 list and the use of the ProKid + algorithm in Amsterdam, The Netherlands will be used to exemplify our framework.
‘It needs to be within the bounds of what is acceptable and required of us’: Governing hair in Queensland high schools
Authors: Mildren Kayla
Published: May 2024

This paper analyses how regulations on hair are constructed and justified in the uniform policies of Queensland high schools. Covering Government, Catholic, and Protestant schools, this paper explores how uniform policy across these sectors deploys the rhetoric of community values and appropriate representation, promoting the idea that uniformity is unity. Drawing on an analysis of 50 uniform policies from Queensland schools, I explore how hair is regulated by such policies and what justifications are provided for this regulation. In doing so, I examine the idea of an imagined, idealised student body and how these regulations impact students’ ability to negotiate with gendered, classed, and racialised constructions of community.
Sound transmission loss optimization of clamped double-panels
Authors: Zhang Yumei , Li Ye , Xiao Xinbiao , Zhao Yue , Yao Dan , Ai Yi , Pan Weijun
Published: May 2024

The panel cavity structure is one of the key components of the aircraft (vehicle) body and is among the main noise transmission pathways. Based on the modal superposition and Galerkin method, this paper realizes the theoretical model of sound insulation of the clamped, double-panel structure. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is used to realize the sound insulation of the clamped double-panel structure. Through optimization, the fitting function and law of structural surface density and the optimized normal weighted sound insulation Pareto fronts were obtained. The results show that among the optimization, for the Pareto front cases, their double-panel thickness ratio h1/ h2 is relatively far away from 1, and the corresponding cavity thickness H is relatively large. The influence of boundary conditions and size effects of lightweight sound insulation optimization are also discussed. The research on the influence of boundary and size indicates that the difference in the optimal weighted sound insulation Pareto fronts corresponding to the same surface density is mostly within the 1 dB range. Both the boundary and thickness of the panel will affect the frequency STL, while the boundary conditions or structure size changed, even the total thickness of panels needs to be the same, and the structure can also have similar weighted sound transmission loss ( Rw) when the thickness ratio of the double-panel structure is chosen properly. The difference of material effects is also discussed. This research provides a method for the sound insulation optimization of clamped double-panel structures concerning the boundary and size effect.
Genetic Signature for the Causation of Charcot Neuro-osteoarthropathy of Foot in Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sharma Sonali , Rastogi Ashu
Published: May 2024

Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CNO) is a complication of diabetes occurring in people with diabetic neuropathy with a prevalence of 0.5% to 1% that may culminate to foot deformity, amputation, and early mortality. However, it is not known why only certain patients with diabetic neuropathy develop CNO. Hence, early recognition of risk factors, timely diagnosis, and appropriate intervention of CNO is pertinent. Recent understanding of the pathophysiology of CNO has expanded to suggest the involvement of RANKL-OPG pathways. But pharmaco-therapeutic interventions targeting bone metabolism predominantly inhibiting RANKL were not found to be useful. Moreover, there are not enough markers to help identify patients with diabetes who are at a higher risk of developing CNO. Hence, we explored the literature in the present systematic review of mainly case-control studies to identify genetic factors that could help in understanding the pathophysiology and risk factors for the development of CNO. We could identify 7 relevant studies identifying single nucleotide polymorphism of OPG and RANK genes. There is an isolated study identifying alterations of micro RNA associated with RANKL-OPG pathway. Another study found epigenetic alterations by performing whole methylome sequencing in people with CNO compared to control. These genetic factors can be used as a diagnostic marker and their functional counterparts as targets for future therapeutic interventions. However, we found that literature is sparse on the genetic risk factors for CNO in people with diabetic neuropathy and there is still a lot of scope for future studies towards finding the molecular and genetic markers for CNO.
Sexual Function After Surgical Treatment for Benign Anorectal Disorders
Authors: Büyükkasap Çağrı , Bostancı Hasan , Dikmen Kürşat , Göbüt Hüseyin , Yavuz Aydın , Altıner Saygın , Bölükbaşı Başak , Atan Ali
Published: May 2024

Benign anorectal diseases such as hemorrhoidal disease, anal fissure, anal pruritus, perianal abscess, and fistula are the most common ones. The aim of this study was to assess sexual function in patients after surgery for benign anorectal diseases. Sixty-one male patients with perianal fistulas, operated on at Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, completed a self-administered questionnaire including the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score. The median IIEF score of the postoperative patients was significantly higher (24, range [10–25]) than that of preoperative patients (22, range [5–25]), p < .0001. Sexual function is significantly influenced by surgery for benign anorectal diseases.
Match-play running demands in a female soccer professional club: From academy to professional team
Authors: Casamichana David , Barba Eider , Gantois Petrus , Nakamura Fabio , Erkizia Beñat , Castellano Julen
Published: May 2024

The objective of the study was to examine the match-running load of female soccer players competing at distinct age groups (U15, U18 and senior cohorts) belonging to the same professional club, over a competitive season. The external load variables of the official matches were monitored with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology: total distance (TD), at >18 km·h−1 (running), at >21 km·h−1 (high-speed running, HSR) and at >24 km·h−1 (sprint, SPR) distances, efforts at >85% of the maximal sprint speed (>85% MSS), acceleration load (aLoaD), accelerations (ACC2 and ACC3, >2 and >3 m·s−2) and decelerations (DEC2 and DEC3 <−2 and <−3 m·s−2). Overall, distances covered at running, HSR and sprinting were greater for senior players than their younger peers (U15 and U18; p < 0.05). Regarding HSR and sprints, no difference was found for sprints accumulated by central defender (CD) players in comparison to U18 and U15 ( p > 0.05). In addition, U18 and senior players engaged more often in ACC and DEC, >2 and >3 m·s−2, respectively, than U15 players ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, older female soccer players are exposed to higher match load than their younger peers. These findings could be useful for soccer coaches to design specific speed development programmes across the long-term athletic development pathway.
Smart teaching versus hard teaching: Insights from instructors from old and new classrooms in Ghana
Authors: Adarkwah Michael Agyemang , Odame Jonathan , Huang Ronghuai , Wang Huanhuan , Amoako Prince Yaw Owusu
Published: May 2024

Smart learning environment (SLE) modules are rapidly expanding with the advancement of technology. However, the concept is still new to many educational institutions in developing countries, with scant studies conducted using the African context. To avoid being left behind in the steps towards modernization, the qualitative study proposes the need to migrate from a traditional learning environment (TLE) to a SLE. Thirty-eight (38) teachers in Ghana who transitioned from TLE to a SLE were recruited to explore their pedagogical experiences in instructing in TLE (old classrooms) and SLE (new classrooms). Generally, teachers favoured SLE compared to TLE. Teachers were motivated to instruct in smart schools because of the affordances of smart technologies. They considered the ambience created in SLE as conducive to promoting their psychological well-being, facilitating their professional development, fostering good assessment strategies, and building twenty-first-century skills in learners needed in the labour market. However, a majority of the teachers perceived self-regulation and social interactions to be more effective in TLE. The key challenges in the SLE included network lag, limited funds to purchase data bundles, malfunction of learning management systems (LMS), and difficulty in designing a Smart App tailored to instructors’ and students’ interests. It is recommended that school administrators and policymakers continually revise SLE frameworks for a successful smart education. Future researchers can investigate how to promote personalized and adaptive learning in SLE and promising tools to assist instructors in technology-enhanced learning environments.
Multiplatform web app (My Way Up) plus motivational interviewing for improving treatment retention in patients with onset of alcohol-related liver disease and alcohol use disorder – an example of participatory research
Authors: Caballeria Elsa , Balcells-Oliveró Mercè , Bataller Ramón , Bruguera Pol , Cabrera Noel , Estruch Alexandra , Freixa Neus , Garcia-Pañella Óscar , Graell Mireia , Gratacós-Gines Jordi , Guzman Pablo , Hernández-Rubio Anna , Lligoña Anna , Pérez-Guasch Martina , Pons-Cabrera María Teresa , Pose Elisa , Zuluaga Paola , López-Pelayo Hugo
Published: May 2024

Background

With the aim of improving treatment retention in patients with the onset of alcohol-related liver disease (ArLD), we designed a blended intervention (brief motivational intervention + ‘serious game’ (SG)). We present the participatory design methodology and outcomes and the usability assessment of the intervention.

Methods

(1) The design of the SG was based on the outcomes of two 3-h co-creation sessions with 37 participants (healthcare and technology professionals, patients, and patients’ relatives). The brief face-to-face motivational intervention was based on the 5 As Model and adapted to the ArLD population. (2) Usability pilot study: 20 participants (10 ArLD patients + 10 healthcare professionals) received the intervention. System Usability Scale (SUS) and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) were applied to assess the SG usability and patients’ satisfaction with it. Weekly semi-structured interviews on the phone were conducted to identify the preferred elements in the SG and those aspects that should be improved.

Results

(1) Design: an SG in the form of a gamified web app, consisting of a daily activity for six weeks and adapted brief motivational interviewing. (2) Usability pilot study: usability results were excellent for both patients and healthcare professionals (SUS median score = 85). The general usability, the quality of the information provided by the SG and the quality of the interface were very positively rated in the PSSUQ (overall median score = 2, IQR = 1–2). The best-rated aspects were the provision of feedback, the use of metaphors and the application of audiovisual material. Changes in the design, response mechanics and content were applied after the study.

Conclusions

The usability and acceptability of an intervention for increasing retention to treatment in patients with recent onset of ArLD and AUD were excellent for patients and healthcare professionals. A randomized-controlled trial is required to test the efficacy of this approach.
Eleven Years After Scimitar Syndrome Repair With the Lugones Technique: Usefulness of Four-Dimensional Flow Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zezular Idara , Hanse Lisa Carlson , Choe Hyon Ju , Craiem Damian , Lugones Ignacio
Published: May 2024

Anatomic and physiologic assessment of surgical repair of scimitar syndrome can be challenging. We evaluated the first patient who underwent the Lugones procedure in 2012 using 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging. With this technology, we demonstrate that the reconstructed right pulmonary venous return drains into the left atrium with laminar flow, just as normal pulmonary veins do.
Biomarkers to improve functional outcome prediction after ischemic stroke: Results from the SICFAIL, STRAWINSKI, and PREDICT studies
Authors: Montellano Felipe A , Rücker Viktoria , Ungethüm Kathrin , Penalba Anna , Hotter Benjamin , Giralt Marina , Wiedmann Silke , Mackenrodt Daniel , Morbach Caroline , Frantz Stefan , Störk Stefan , Whiteley William N , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Meisel Andreas , Montaner Joan , Haeusler Karl Georg , Heuschmann Peter U
Published: May 2024

Background and aims:

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) outcome prognostication remains challenging despite available prognostic models. We investigated whether a biomarker panel improves the predictive performance of established prognostic scores.

Methods:

We investigated the improvement in discrimination, calibration, and overall performance by adding five biomarkers (procalcitonin, copeptin, cortisol, mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)) to the Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne (ASTRAL) and age/NIHSS scores using data from two prospective cohort studies (SICFAIL, PREDICT) and one clinical trial (STRAWINSKI). Poor outcome was defined as mRS > 2 at 12 (SICFAIL, derivation dataset) or 3 months (PREDICT/STRAWINSKI, pooled external validation dataset).

Results:

Among 412 SICFAIL participants (median age 70 years, quartiles 59–78; 63% male; median NIHSS score 3, quartiles 1–5), 29% had a poor outcome. Area under the curve of the ASTRAL and age/NIHSS were 0.76 (95% CI 0.71–0.81) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.73–0.82), respectively. Copeptin (0.79, 95% CI 0.74–0.84), NT-proBNP (0.80, 95% CI 0.76–0.84), and MR-proANP (0.79, 95% CI 0.75–0.84) significantly improved ASTRAL score’s discrimination, calibration, and overall performance. Copeptin improved age/NIHSS model’s discrimination, copeptin, MR-proANP, and NT-proBNP improved its calibration and overall performance. In the validation dataset (450 patients, median age 73 years, quartiles 66–81; 54% men; median NIHSS score 8, quartiles 3–14), copeptin was independently associated with various definitions of poor outcome and also mortality. Copeptin did not increase model’s discrimination but it did improve calibration and overall model performance.

Discussion:

Copeptin, NT-proBNP, and MR-proANP improved modest but consistently the predictive performance of established prognostic scores in patients with mild AIS. Copeptin was most consistently associated with poor outcome in patients with moderate to severe AIS, although its added prognostic value was less obvious.
Multi-omics analysis revealed that the protein kinase MoKin1 affected the cellular response to endoplasmic reticulum stress in the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Zhang Lianhu , Zhang Yifan , Liu Yankun , Miao Wenjing , Ai Jingyu , Li Jingling , Peng Song , Li Songyan , Ye Lifang , Zeng Rong , Shi Xugen , Ma Jian , Lin Yachun , Kuang Weigang , Cui Ruqiang
Published: May 2024

Background

Previous studies have shown that protein kinase MoKin1 played an important role in the growth, conidiation, germination and pathogenicity in rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae. ΔMokin1 mutant showed significant phenotypic defects and significantly reduced pathogenicity. However, the internal mechanism of how MoKin1 affected the development of physiology and biochemistry remained unclear in M. oryzae.

Result

This study adopted a multi-omics approach to comprehensively analyze MoKin1 function, and the results showed that MoKin1 affected the cellular response to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress). Proteomic analysis revealed that the downregulated proteins in ΔMokin1 mutant were enriched mainly in the response to ER stress triggered by the unfolded protein. Loss of MoKin1 prevented the ER stress signal from reaching the nucleus. Therefore, the phosphorylation of various proteins regulating the transcription of ER stress-related genes and mRNA translation was significantly downregulated. The insensitivity to ER stress led to metabolic disorders, resulting in a significant shortage of carbohydrates and a low energy supply, which also resulted in severe phenotypic defects in ΔMokin1 mutant. Analysis of MoKin1-interacting proteins indicated that MoKin1 really took participate in the response to ER stress.

Conclusion

Our results showed the important role of protein kinase MoKin1 in regulating cellular response to ER stress, providing a new research direction to reveal the mechanism of MoKin1 affecting pathogenic formation, and to provide theoretical support for the new biological target sites searching and bio-pesticides developing.
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) based genetic diversity profiling of chilli germplasm for fruit pungency and phytochemical contents
Authors: Naseem Misbah , Rana Rashid Mehmood , Mahmood ul Hassan  , Khan Muhammed Azam , Binobead Manal Abdulaziz , Elsadek Mohamed Farouk , Elsalahy Heba H. , Iqbal Rashid
Published: May 2024

Chilli peppers are widely consumed for their pungency, as used in flavoring the food and has many pharmaceutical and medicinal properties. Based on these properties an experiment was held using 83 varieties of chilli (Hot pepper and sweet pepper) were grown in suitable environment using Augment Block design and evaluated for fruit pungency and phytochemical contents using high proficiency liquid chromatography. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of traits showed highly significant for all traits except for fruit length and capsaicin contents. The value of Least significant increase (LSI)was ranged 0.27-1289.9 for all traits showed high variation among varieties. Highly significant correlation was found among fruit diameter to fruit weight 0.98, while moderate to high correlation was present among all traits. The most pungent genotype 24,634 was 4.8 g in weight, while the least pungent genotypes i.e. PPE-311 (32.8 g), green wonder (40.67) had higher in weight. The genotypes 24,627, 32,344, 32,368 and 1108 marked as higher number of seeds in their placental region. It was observed that chilli genotype 24,621 had maximum length with considerable high amount of pungency act as novel cultivar. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed the high variability of 46.97 for two PCs with the eigen value 2.6 and 1.63 was recorded. Biplot analysis showed a considerable variability for fruit pungency, while huge variability was found for all traits among given varieties. PPE-311, T5 and T3 are found as highly divergent for all traits. The findings of this study are instrumental for selecting parents to improve desirable traits in future chilli pepper breeding programs. It will help plant/vegetable breeders for development of highly nutrient and pungent varieties and attractive for the consumer of food sector.
Using Bayesian statistics in confirmatory clinical trials in the regulatory setting: a tutorial review
Authors: Lee Se Yoon
Published: May 2024

Bayesian statistics plays a pivotal role in advancing medical science by enabling healthcare companies, regulators, and stakeholders to assess the safety and efficacy of new treatments, interventions, and medical procedures. The Bayesian framework offers a unique advantage over the classical framework, especially when incorporating prior information into a new trial with quality external data, such as historical data or another source of co-data. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in regulatory submissions using Bayesian statistics due to its flexibility and ability to provide valuable insights for decision-making, addressing the modern complexity of clinical trials where frequentist trials are inadequate. For regulatory submissions, companies often need to consider the frequentist operating characteristics of the Bayesian analysis strategy, regardless of the design complexity. In particular, the focus is on the frequentist type I error rate and power for all realistic alternatives. This tutorial review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of Bayesian statistics in sample size determination, control of type I error rate, multiplicity adjustments, external data borrowing, etc., in the regulatory environment of clinical trials. Fundamental concepts of Bayesian sample size determination and illustrative examples are provided to serve as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and statisticians seeking to develop more complex and innovative designs.
Medical assistants’ comic styles and their potential for positive functioning at work: a cross-sectional study including a subgroup analysis
Authors: Raecke Julia , Proyer René T.
Published: May 2024

Background

Medical assistants are essential for the healthcare system. However, they face several working demands every day, for which they need resources to cope. While several studies show that humour can be a resource for healthcare professionals, studies on humour styles/comic styles in healthcare are scarce. But, as humour styles (e.g., light vs. dark) may have varying – and even negative – effects on positive psychological functioning, it is important to investigate their individual potential for medical assistants. Thus, this study investigates the relationships between medical assistants’ comic styles and their positive psychological functioning at work.

Methods

Applying a cross-sectional design we assessed German medical assistants’ eight comic styles (i.e., benevolent humour, fun, wit, nonsense, irony, satire, sarcasm, cynicism) and facets of positive psychological functioning (e.g., well-being, feeling of competence). We analysed relationships between the variables by means of Pearson correlations, ANCOVAs and hierarchical regressions. All analyses were conducted with the total sample (N = 608; completion rate 44%) as well as a large subsample of medical assistants working in general medicine (N = 263).

Results

While most of the light styles (e.g., benevolent humour) relate positively to most facets, the dark style sarcasm relates negatively. The other dark styles showed coefficients around zero or even slightly positive ones (e.g., satire). Most relationships were also prevalent in the subgroup of medical assistants working in general medicine.

Conclusions

The eight comic styles might have varying potential for medical assistants’ positive psychological functioning at work, with benevolent humour being most adaptive and sarcasm being maladaptive. This study points to the relevance of raising attention regarding the (mal-)adaptiveness of different comic styles of healthcare professionals. Trainings of professionals (e.g., vocational education and training of medical assistants) might integrate the topic of humour (i.e., foster benevolent vs. caution against sarcastic humour) to build and maintain this helpful resource which professionals can use as a tool to master various challenges of everyday work (e.g., cope with stressful situations).
Development and validation of the osteoporosis scale among the system of quality of life instruments for chronic diseases QLICD-OS (V2.0)
Authors: Liu Qiongling , Li Lie’e , Ma Wanrui , Yang Zheng , Zhao Rui , Liu Caixia , Wan Chonghua
Published: May 2024

Background

Quality of life of osteoporosis patients had caused widespread concern, due to high incidence and difficulty to cure. Scale specifics for osteoporosis and suitable for Chinese cultural background lacked. This study aimed to develop an osteoporosis scale in Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases system, namely QLICD-OS (V2.0).

Methods

Procedural decision-making approach of nominal group, focus group and modular approach were adopted. Our scale was developed based on experience of establishing scales at home and abroad. In this study, Quality of life measurements were performed on 127 osteoporosis patients before and after treatment to evaluate the psychometric properties. Validity was evaluated by qualitative analysis, item-domain correlation analysis, multi-scaling analysis and factor analysis; the SF-36 scale was used as criterion to carry out correlation analysis for criterion-related validity. The reliability was evaluated by the internal consistency coefficients Cronbach’s α, test-retest reliability Pearson correlation r. Paired t-tests were performed on data of ​​the scale before and after treatment, with Standardized Response Mean (SRM) being calculated to evaluate the responsiveness.

Results

The QLICD-OS, composed of a general module (28 items) and an osteoporosis-specific module (14 items), had good content validity. Correlation analysis and factor analysis confirmed the construct, with the item having a strong correlation (most > 0.40) with its own domains/principle components, and a weak correlation (< 0.40) with other domains/principle components. Correlation coefficient between the similar domains of QLICD-OS and SF-36 showed reasonable criterion-related validity, with all coefficients r being greater than 0.40 exception of physical function of SF-36 and physical domain of QLICD-OS (0.24). Internal consistency reliability of QLICD-OS in all domains was greater than 0.7 except the specific module. The test–retest reliability coefficients (Pearson r) in all domains and overall score are higher than 0.80. Score changes after treatment were statistically significant, with SRM ranging from 0.35 to 0.79, indicating that QLICD-OS could be rated as medium responsiveness.

Conclusion

As the first osteoporosis-specific quality of life scale developed by the modular approach in China, the QLICD-OS showed good reliability, validity and medium responsiveness, and could be used to measure quality of life in osteoporosis patients.
An analysis of factors influencing cognitive dysfunction among older adults in Northwest China based on logistic regression and decision tree modelling
Authors: Wang Yu , Dou Li , Wang Ni , Zhao Yanjie , Nie Yuqin
Published: May 2024

Background

Cognitive dysfunction is one of the leading causes of disability and dependence in older adults and is a major economic burden on the public health system. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for cognitive dysfunction and their predictive value in older adults in Northwest China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage sampling method. The questionnaires were distributed through the Elderly Disability Monitoring Platform to older adults aged 60 years and above in Northwest China, who were divided into cognitive dysfunction and normal cognitive function groups. In addition to univariate analyses, logistic regression and decision tree modelling were used to construct a model to identify factors that can predict the occurrence of cognitive dysfunction in older adults.

Results

A total of 12,494 valid questionnaires were collected, including 2617 from participants in the cognitive dysfunction group and 9877 from participants in the normal cognitive function group. Univariate analysis revealed that ethnicity, BMI, age, educational attainment, marital status, type of residence, residency status, current work status, main economic source, type of chronic disease, long-term use of medication, alcohol consumption, participation in social activities, exercise status, social support, total scores on the Balanced Test Assessment, total scores on the Gait Speed Assessment total score, and activities of daily living (ADL) were significantly different between the two groups (all P < 0.05). According to logistic regression analyses, ethnicity, BMI, educational attainment, marital status, residency, main source of income, chronic diseases, annual medical examination, alcohol consumption, exercise status, total scores on the Balanced Test Assessment, and activities of daily living (ADLs) were found to influence cognitive dysfunction in older adults (all P < 0.05). In the decision tree model, the ability to perform activities of daily living was the root node, followed by total scores on the Balanced Test Assessment, marital status, educational attainment, age, annual medical examination, and ethnicity.

Conclusions

Traditional risk factors (including BMI, literacy, and alcohol consumption) and potentially modifiable risk factors (including balance function, ability to care for oneself in daily life, and widowhood) have a significant impact on the increased risk of cognitive dysfunction in older adults in Northwest China. The use of decision tree models can help health care workers better assess cognitive function in older adults and develop personalized interventions. Further research could help to gain insight into the mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction and provide new avenues for prevention and intervention.
Impact of interventions to reduce nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in English NHS Trusts: a computational modelling study
Authors: Evans Stephanie , Stimson James , Pople Diane , White Peter J , Wilcox Mark H , Robotham Julie V
Published: May 2024

Background

Prior to September 2021, 55,000–90,000 hospital inpatients in England were identified as having a potentially nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection. This includes cases that were likely missed due to pauci- or asymptomatic infection. Further, high numbers of healthcare workers (HCWs) are thought to have been infected, and there is evidence that some of these cases may also have been nosocomially linked, with both HCW to HCW and patient to HCW transmission being reported. From the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic interventions in hospitals such as testing patients on admission and universal mask wearing were introduced to stop spread within and between patient and HCW populations, the effectiveness of which are largely unknown.

Materials/methods

Using an individual-based model of within-hospital transmission, we estimated the contribution of individual interventions (together and in combination) to the effectiveness of the overall package of interventions implemented in English hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. A panel of experts in infection prevention and control informed intervention choice and helped ensure the model reflected implementation in practice. Model parameters and associated uncertainty were derived using national and local data, literature review and formal elicitation of expert opinion. We simulated scenarios to explore how many nosocomial infections might have been seen in patients and HCWs if interventions had not been implemented. We simulated the time period from March-2020 to July-2022 encompassing different strains and multiple doses of vaccination.

Results

Modelling results suggest that in a scenario without inpatient testing, infection prevention and control measures, and reductions in occupancy and visitors, the number of patients developing a nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection could have been twice as high over the course of the pandemic, and over 600,000 HCWs could have been infected in the first wave alone. Isolation of symptomatic HCWs and universal masking by HCWs were the most effective interventions for preventing infections in both patient and HCW populations. Model findings suggest that collectively the interventions introduced over the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in England averted 400,000 (240,000 – 500,000) infections in inpatients and 410,000 (370,000 – 450,000) HCW infections.

Conclusions

Interventions to reduce the spread of nosocomial infections have varying impact, but the package of interventions implemented in England significantly reduced nosocomial transmission to both patients and HCWs over the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Large skin defect in Type V aplasia cutis congenita treated with conservative treatment: a case report
Authors: song Yan , yang Ru , shi Zeyao , yan Jing , hou Shulin , li Xiaowen , zhao Xiufang
Published: May 2024

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a congenital disorder that can be classified into nine types, with Type I ACC being the most common. Type V ACC associated with fetus papyraceus is a rare subtype of ACC. We report the case of a Type V ACC in a male newborn with extensive abdominal skin defects. The patient received conservative treatment using hydrogel foam and silicone foam dressings. Approximately five weeks later, the patient was discharged when more than 60% of the skin had completed epithelialization. After discharge from West China Second University Hospital, Chengdu , the patient continued to be followed up regularly at the Burns and Plastic Surgery Clinic at local hospital in Gansu. We followed up the child by telephone. After 4 months of follow-up, scar tissue formation was observed in the trunk area. The infant is 2 years and 5 months old now, physical examination did not reveal any organ problems.
A novel entity of HIPK2::YAP1 pulmonary fibromatosis
Authors: Liu Yuqiang , Liang Meng , Chen Kai , Wang Lucas , Yang Yaxian , Li Qi , Lian Bin , Zhuo Tongxu , Huang Jian
Published: May 2024

Background

Pulmonary fibromatosis (PF) is a specific variant of fibromatosis, which is rarely reported occurring in the lung. PF with HIPK2-YAP1 fusion was a novel entity.

Case presentation

In this report, a 66-year-old male with PF had been smoking over 40 years. Multiple cords and small nodules in both lungs had been detected in a health examination two years earlier at our hospital. But approximately twofold enlarged in the lingual segment of the upper lobe in the left lung were disclosed in this year. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the vimentin and β-Catenin were positive in the largest nodule. After underwent a DNA/RNA panel next-generation sequencing (NGS), missense mutations and HIPK2-YAP1 fusion were found in this sample. Ultimately, the case diagnosis as PF with HIPK2-YAP1 fusion after multidisciplinary treatment. Currently, the patient is doing well and recurrence-free at 14 months post-surgery.

Conclusions

It’s difficult for patients with complex morphology to make accurate diagnosis solely based on morphology and immunohistochemistry. But molecular detection is an effective method for further determining pathological subtypes.
Extravertebral low back pain: a scoping review
Authors: Kunow Anna , Freyer Martins Pereira Julia , Chenot Jean-François
Published: May 2024

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for consultation in general practice. Currently, LBP is categorised into specific and non-specific causes. However, extravertebral causes, such as abdominal aortic aneurysm or pancreatitis, are not being considered.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed across MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane library, complemented by a handsearch. Studies conducted between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2020, where LBP was the main symptom, were included.

Results

The literature search identified 6040 studies, from which duplicates were removed, leaving 4105 studies for title and abstract screening. Subsequently, 265 publications were selected for inclusion, with an additional 197 publications identified through the handsearch. The majority of the studies were case reports and case series, predominantly originating from specialised care settings. A clear distinction between vertebral or rare causes of LBP was not always possible. A range of diseases were identified as potential extravertebral causes of LBP, encompassing gynaecological, urological, vascular, systemic, and gastrointestinal diseases. Notably, guidelines exhibited inconsistencies in addressing extravertebral causes.

Discussion

Prior to this review, there has been no systematic investigation into extravertebral causes of LBP. Although these causes are rare, the absence of robust and reliable epidemiological data hinders a comprehensive understanding, as well as the lack of standardised protocols, which contributes to a lack of accurate description of indicative symptoms. While there are certain disease-specific characteristics, such as non-mechanical or cyclical LBP, and atypical accompanying symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, or leg swelling, that may suggest extravertebral causes, it is important to recognise that these features are not universally present in every patient.

Conclusion

The differential diagnosis of extravertebral LBP is extensive with relatively low prevalence rates dependent on the clinical setting. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for extravertebral aetiologies, especially in patients presenting with atypical accompanying symptoms.