bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inside regular lab meetings: The social construction of a research team and ideas in optical physics
Authors: Philipps Axel , Paruschke Laura
Published: August 2023

Scheduled meetings are associated with standardization and understood as a bureaucratic form of coordination, control, and rule observation. In attending assemblies of a research team in optical physics for over a year, we found regular lab meetings are compulsory for all their members and are an avenue to announce and give information about new and changed institutional regulations, to supervise members’ activities and their output. But more importantly, they offer an environment for continuous thinking through talk that goes beyond announcements. Meetings are a protected space to comment on conducted research, to amend experimental set-ups, to test argumentation, and to outline potentially new directions of research. By participating in these practices, researchers, become members of the team as they get acquainted with the ongoing research; its scope, problems, and limits; the solutions at hand; and the know-how within the team. In functional terms, observed internal meetings seem to (a) ensure that the research team focuses on a specific research agenda by talking about and discussing ongoing research in the lab, (b) be used to discuss and assure the quality of the team’s research output, and (c) generate and inspire new research within the team. Our findings suggest regular internal meetings, like shop talk, are constitutive of doing science by talking about ongoing research.
Personalized problems and student discourse in thermal fluid transport courses
Authors: Melsky Katie , Stuopis Isabella , Wendell Kristen , Kemmerling Erica Cherry
Published: August 2023

Many undergraduate engineering courses rely heavily on highly idealized textbook problems, which are often difficult for students to view as connected to the world outside the classroom and as productive contexts for making meaning of technical concepts. The goal of this study was to explore one potential approach to reforming the problems assigned in thermal fluid courses: developing open-ended design problems that specifically address the self-identified personal interests of the students in the course. We studied the influence of problem personalization on students’ peer-to-peer discussion of thermal fluid transport concepts. The data set included eleven small-group conversations recorded as students worked collaboratively to solve one personalized problem and one non-personalized problem within a homework session lasting approximately one hour. Our analysis of student discourse revealed that students exhibited more instances of positive engagement and drew more connections between thermal fluid concepts and the world around them when discussing personalized problems as compared to when discussing non-personalized problems. These discourse differences occurred despite the fact that problems of both types were ill-structured, design-focused, and based on real-life scenarios. We found no influence of problem personalization on the frequency of knowledge construction and task production discourse by students, nor on the balance of participation by different group members. We discuss implications for future research on learning outcomes related to problem personalization and for instructional practice in thermal fluid transport courses.
Peer Mentors as Prison Volunteers: Building Bridges Between Institutions and Communities
Authors: Lazzari Sarah R. , Franz Brooke , Lloyd Caleb D. , Higley Cole A. , Serin Ralph C.
Published: August 2023

One creative way that Departments of Corrections offset costs is by relying on volunteers. Prison volunteers are a heterogeneous group, who provide various programs to incarcerated populations. One unique subset of prison volunteers are peer mentors, who are individuals who have experienced criminal justice interventions and have desisted from criminal activities. These mentors provide unique guidance to individuals who are currently incarcerated or are preparing for release. The current study analyzed responses from peer mentors ( N = 51) and explored their motivations and experiences. Thematic analysis was utilized to assess self-reported motivations and thoughts. Participants described internal, relational, and religious/community-based motivations for facing the barriers and challenges inherent in returning to prisons, in order to provide volunteer services. There is little known about prison volunteers and less about peer mentors. We encourage future research and policy to capitalize on the unique benefits peer mentors may provide incarcerated individuals.
Immediate effect of alpha-blockers in predicting LUTS improvement in BPH patients
Authors: Sevach Prashant , Sharma Govind , Priyadarshi Shivam , Faujdar Gaurav
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Indications for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia include reversing signs and symptoms or preventing the progression of the disease. Alpha-blockers are the most effective, least costly, and best tolerated of the drugs for relieving LUTS. The aim of the study is to investigate the immediate impact of alpha-blocker medications on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Materials and methodology:

About 100 patients were included in the study—50 patients in each of the groups A (tamsulosin) and B (silodosin). The first visit was the baseline examination before starting alpha-blockers and included history, DRE, UFM, USG KUBP with PVR, IPSS, serum PSA, serum creatinine, urine analysis, urine culture, and sensitivity. All above parameters were also at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months following starting of alpha-blockers respectively, and compared with baseline.

Result:

As of the first, second, third, and fourth visits, the mean Qmax in group A was 10.3 ± 3.3 s, 15.08 ± 2.80 s, 15.66 ± 3.18 s, and 15.12 ± 3.24 s, respectively, while in group B it was 10.1 ± 3.1 s, 14.88 ± 2.80 s, 15.18 ± 3.18 s, and 15.08 ± 3.24 s, respectively ( p < 0.001). The mean voiding time was 40.87 ± 23.91 s, 36.41 ± 20.73 s, 34.85 ± 21.37 s, and 32.07 ± 21.81 s, respectively in group A, and 41.27 ± 15.49 s, 37.23 ± 21.34 s, 38.59 ± 20.83 s, and 33.10 ±22.08. In group A, the mean PVR and IPSS scores were improved and also improved in group B.

Conclusion:

The first dose of tamsulosin and silodosin improves UFM and predicts the mid-term change in UFM as well as IPSS indices in the treatment of BPH-related LUTS.
Eleven theses or hypotheses on the way out of the pandemic
Authors: Wieviorka Michel
Published: August 2023

Written while the pandemic was still a key issue, this article tries to imagine the post-pandemic from different perspectives, and first of all in distinct temporalities. A question arises immediately: how can we consider the hypothesis of a deep cultural or anthropological mutation with intellectual or scientific tools that were forged before this mutation? What might new approaches for the social sciences look like? The article proceeds to analyse the more obvious social, technological and cultural changes that occurred with the pandemic, which definitively modify our perception and understanding of globalisation. New or renewed inequalities, intergenerational tensions, racism, increasing fake news and conspiracy theory visions of the world, but also issues raised by feminism or ecology are at stake here.
Trade-Offs Faced by 2-and 4-Year College Students Experiencing Food Insecurity: An Analysis of Qualitative Data
Authors: McGuire Cydney M. , Stebleton Michael J. , Lenk Kathleen M. , Lust Katherine , Porta Carolyn M. , Laska Melissa N.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To understand the trade-offs, defined as compromises or decisions students must make to prioritize one important need over another, as a result of economic constraints, food insecure (FI) college students experience and the perceived impact of these challenges on health, well-being, and academic achievement.

Design

8 Semi-structured focus groups.

Setting

Seven 2- and 4-year Minnesota colleges.

Participants

53 students initially screening positive for FI.

Method

The focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis, a systematic approach for identifying and analyzing patterns across qualitative data, was used through four analysis phases to identify themes and categories.

Results

We identified five themes within trade-offs: sacrificing food, missing out on relationships, sacrificing academic studies, choosing between basic needs, and maintaining physical and mental well-being. The trade-offs students described were multifaceted, caused notable stress and worry, and presented challenges to students’ well-being.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence on the complexities of FI among students and details on what students may be sacrificing as a result of making trade-offs. Understanding the trade-offs students are experiencing can help college staff to prioritize which issues to focus on to improve student health and academic performance.
Development and Validation of a Holistically Based Follow-Up Pain Assessment Diary Leading to Holistic Nursing for Patients with Cancer Pain in Sri Lanka
Authors: Edirisinghe N. P. , Makuloluwa P. T. R. , Amarasekara A. A. T. D. , Perera G. L. S. N. , Goonewardena C. S. E.
Published: August 2023

Purpose of the study: The study aimed to develop and validate a holistically based follow-up pain assessment diary for patients with cancer pain in Sri Lanka. Design of the study: Mixed-method design adapted. Methods used: Developing a pain diary and testing its psychometric qualities were done in two phases. Comprehensive literature research and qualitative semistructured interviews with patients, clinical, and subject specialists created the pain diary items. Content, face, construct, criterion validity, and reliability were evaluated. Findings: The essential domains to be assessed were identified under six main categories; pain and related characteristics, physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and financial aspects. The average variance extracted from the subscales “Influence on daily life,” “Gastric disturbances,” and “Pain intensity” were 0.526, 0.562, and 0.696, respectively. The heterotrait–monotrait criterion values between subscales were from 0.691 to 0.44, which was lower than the threshold. Good to excellent correlation coefficients were demonstrated with the scores of reference tools. Cronbach's alpha was computed for each subscale and ranged from 0.75 to 0.92 and composite reliability from 0.921 to 0.826. Conclusions: Pain diary is a reliable and valid instrument for follow-up assessment of holistic pain experience enabling holistic nursing among patients with cancer pain in Sri Lanka.
Enhancing energy efficiency in trapezoidal solar ponds: A synergistic approach utilizing east-west reflector and coal cinder – An energy analysis study
Authors: Jayakumar Vinoth Kumar , Arunachalam Amarkarthik
Published: August 2023

The realm of sustainable energy systems has seen the salt gradient solar pond (SGSP) emerge as an eco-friendly solution for thermal energy storage. This research explores the use of an East-West (EW) reflector and coal cinder additive (CC) to enhance the energy efficiency of the inner zones of a salt gradient trapezoidal solar pond (SGTSP). In this work, SGTSP with EW and CC systems were designed, fabricated, and analyzed based on an energy point of view and compared with standard SGTSP systems. It also provides a shading area analysis based on the slant angle of the SGSP system, offering valuable insights into the system’s performance for low-grade heat source thermal applications. The study found that the EW reflector significantly increased the average solar intensity by 33.2%. The addition of coal cinder additive raised the average temperature of the lower convection zone by 24.1%. The SGTSP with EW reflector and coal cinder (SGTSP-EWR&CC) reached a maximum average temperature of 83.85°C, with a 42% higher energy efficiency in the lower convection zone compared to the conventional SGTSP (SGTSP-C). Further, the SGTSP’s potential for thermal energy storage and providing practical strategies for enhancing its energy efficiency is showcased.
Design and performance evaluation of a multi-disc magnetorheological fluid brake for A00-class minicars
Authors: Yang Guangxin , Yao Lan , Dong Tao , Wang Daoming
Published: August 2023

This paper presents the design and performance evaluation of a multi-disc magnetorheological fluid (MRF)-based brake (MRB) for A00-class minicars. The braking performance of the MRB is studied by means of theoretical analysis and experimental verification. Firstly, the MRB is designed according to the shear model of the MRF, and the structure optimization is carried subsequently. Secondly, multi-physical simulations of the MRB are conducted to investigate the transient temperature field, thermal stress and thermal strain distribution of the MRB under different braking models; Finally, a performance evaluating testbed is built to experimentally assess the braking performance of the MRB. The results indicate that the theoretical braking torque of the MRB fulfills the target value. The thermal strain-induced deformation of the disc is minimal and has a negligible effect on the torque output. In addition, the MRB is experimentally validated to exhibit excellent braking performance in terms of sufficient torque output capacity, rapid response, low temperature rise characteristic, as well as favorable velocity following property.
Neural network based predictive control with optimized search space for dynamic tracking of a piezo-actuated nano stage
Authors: Ahmed Khubab , Yan Peng , Zhang Zhiming
Published: August 2023

This paper presents an intelligent modified predictive control approach with squeezed search space, for tracking control of piezo-actuated nano stage. The model obtained from the gray box neural network is first dynamically linearized to avoid calculation of inverse hysteresis model. The optimum control values of the previous control cycle are used to construct a squeezed search space, which reduces the computation burden and improves the tracking control performance. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified theoretically by deriving a convergence analysis and by experimental results. The results show that the proposed approach significantly improves the dynamic tracking performance for high-frequency reference signals than existing results in the literature.
An active piezoelectric damping vibration control system for the sting used in wind tunnel
Authors: Huang Yun , Shen Xing , Wang Binwen , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2023

In wind tunnel tests, the cantilever sting supporting system often suffers from low-frequency and large-amplitude resonance due to its inherent low structural damping characteristic, resulting in the degradation of data quality and structural safety. To improve wind tunnel testing safety and data accuracy, this paper is dedicated to establish an active vibration control system using piezoelectric stack actuators. A novel methodology of vibration monitoring based on modal transformation, which uses measured strain and a Strain-to-Displacement Transformation (SDT) matrix to reconstruct dynamic displacement field, is proposed herein. Meanwhile, strain sensor positions are optimized by an improved Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to reduce systematic estimation errors of this method. Furthermore, a Back-Propagated Neutral Network (BPNN) is established to implement a self-adaptive control strategy. A series of verification tests are performed to demonstrate the validity of the proposed system. Experimental results indicate that the relative Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) between estimated vibration displacement and measured vibration displacement is less than 3%, and a vibration attenuation of over 14 dB/Hz is achieved in ground tests, proving the superiority of this intelligent active vibration suppression system.
Palliative Care against Medically Assisted Death? Misunderstanding and Instrumental Objections
Authors: Patuzzo Sara , Pulice Elisabetta , Orsi Luciano
Published: August 2023

Context

Palliative Care (PC) and Medically Assisted Death (MAD), specifically assisted suicide and euthanasia, are distinct practices characterized by differing objectives, methods, implementation and outcomes. Representatives of PC, including scientific societies or physicians, may, in certain cases, adopt a critical stance towards MAD.

Objectives

The study aims to explore the underlying reasons for such opposition.

Methods

To this end, the philosophical underpinnings and legal conditions of PC and MAD will be analyzed.

Results

The ethical and philosophical landscape of PC and MAD leads us to identify, on one hand, the Hippocratic paradigm and, on the other hand, what we call Socratic medicine. From a legal analysis perspective, the presence of intolerable suffering serves as a common ground between the two practices, albeit risking being the subject of misunderstandings and instrumental objections.

Conclusion

Preventing an instrumental use of PC in relation to MAD is crucial to enable the respect and the coexistence of the two practices.
Dietary Diversity, Nutritional Status, and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Their First Trimester of Pregnancy in Ambo District, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremichael Mitsiwat Abebe , Belachew Lema Tefera
Published: August 2023

Background:

Poor dietary diversity and undernutrition is a major public health concern for pregnant mothers. Optimal dietary diversity is essential during pregnancy since nutritional deficiencies may have a significant impact on both the mother’s and the fetus’s health. Pregnant women in Ambo district had inadequate dietary diversity and were undernourished, but their status during the first trimester of pregnancy was not known. As a result, the objective of this research was to assess the dietary diversity, nutritional status, and associated factors among pregnant women in the Ambo district.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study design and a multi-stage sampling technique were used among 750 pregnant women. Data was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire. The Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance questionnaire was modified to collect data on dietary diversity. The nutritional status of pregnant women was assessed by measuring the mid-upper arm circumference. First, descriptive statistics like mean, Standard deviation, frequency and percentage were used, then bivariable and, finally, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of the predictors with the outcome variable.

Result:

The study revealed that 73.6% and 23.9% of pregnant women had low dietary diversity and were undernourished, respectively. Being in food secured household (AOR = 4.44, 95% CI: 2.14-9.15), having good knowledge (AOR = 3.32, 95% CI: 2.10-5.23) and favorable attitude toward nutrition and health (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.10-2.66) were significantly associated with dietary diversity, whereas household size (having 1-3 household members AOR = 6.59, 95% CI: 2.53-17.21, having 4-5 household members AOR = 5.62, 95% CI: 3.15-9.99), being in food secured household (AOR = 5.64, 95% CI: 2.79-11.38), having high dietary diversity (AOR = 8.49, 95% CI: 2.47-29.23), and having optimal practice on nutrition and health (AOR = 6.85, 95% CI: 3.23-14.55) were significantly associated with undernutrition ( P < .05).

Conclusions:

The current study revealed that pregnant women in the study area had inadequate dietary diversity practices and a high prevalence of undernutrition. Knowledge and attitude, and households’ food security status were the predictors of dietary diversity, while household size, household food security status, dietary diversity and nutrition and health practice were predictors of undernutrition. Hence, behavior change communication needs to be designed to improve the dietary diversity and nutritional status of pregnant women.
Scenes of precarity: Conditions, dynamics and challenges for the post-pandemic future of cultural labour in Argentina
Authors: Quiña Guillermo
Published: August 2023

Creative industries are often promoted as key for economic, social and cultural development, particularly in countries of the Global South. In Argentina, the impact of the pandemic nurtured cultural workers’ organization and collective action, which brought to public attention the precarious conditions of cultural labor, and brought into question the centrality of individual and private initiatives known as ‘culturepreneurship’ within culture production. This article discusses the issue through an approach to cultural labor in general, and theatre and live music in particular, based on interviews and focus groups with 23 cultural workers in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. We argue that cultural labor precarity presents a specific set of characteristics that are not only material but also related to its symbolic and subjective character, which public policy makers and cultural workers themselves need to consider in order to improve these conditions in the post-pandemic period.
The arrival ward requiring help by wheelchair or medical cart, arterial oxygenation index, age, albumin and neutrophil count score: Predicting in-hospital mortality in Chinese patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Chen Dawei , Chen Caimei , Zhang Pan , Zhang Feng , Zhang Hao , Sun Qing , Sun Jian , Tan Yan , Pan Binbin , Wan Xin
Published: August 2023

Background

In this study, we will derive and validate a prognostic tool to predict in-hospital death based on Chinese acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) patients.

Methods

Independent predictors of in-hospital death were identified by logistic regression analysis and incorporated into a clinical prediction tool.

Results

The clinical prediction model was developed with data from 1121 patients and validated with data from 245 patients. The five predictors of in-hospital death from the development cohort (Arrival ward requiring help by wheelchair or medical cart, Arterial oxygenation index, Age, Albumin and Neutrophil count) were combined to form the AAAAN Score. The AAAAN Score achieved good discrimination (AUC = 0.85, 95% CI 0.81–0.89) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-square value was 3.33, p = 0.65). The AAAAN Score, which underwent internal bootstrap validation, also showed excellent discrimination for mortality (AUC = 0.85, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.89) and performed more strongly than other clinical prediction tools. Patients were categorized into 3 risk groups based on the scores: low risk (0–2 points, 0.7% in-hospital mortality), intermediate risk (3–4 points, 4.1% in-hospital mortality), and high risk (5–7 points, 23.4% in-hospital mortality). Predictive performance was confirmed by external validation.

Conclusions

The AAAAN Score is a prognostic tool to predict in-hospital death in Chinese AECOPD patients.
U.S. Primary Care Provider Needs: An Analysis of Workforce Projections and Policy Implications
Authors: Zwilling Jana , Wise Barbara , Pintz Christine , Bigley Mary Beth , Douglass Brenda , Kirkland Tracie W. , La Manna Stefanie , Lynch-Smith Donna , Mitchell Sheryl L. , Stager Sharon L. , Steed Julia
Published: August 2023

The primary care (PC) physician workforce has consistently been projected as requiring additional numbers to meet the needs of the U.S. The Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) has reported the PC nurse practitioner (NP) workforce to be 90,000 NPs more than required to meet the PC needs of the U.S. With both clinician types contributing to the PC workforce in the country, it is difficult to understand such an oversupply of NPs with continued deficit in PC physicians. The purpose of this study was to investigate results and methods used for HRSAs current PC workforce projections and compare those with the same used for Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) projections. Methods included a review of technical documents, dashboards, and published reports. Interviews with subject matter experts were also completed. Projections were found to differ significantly, as did data and assumptions. Two of the three projections modeled physicians as the sole provider of PC. An integrated model gives the most comprehensive and accurate picture of PC workforce needs. The utilization of NPs as PC providers has been demonstrated to be safe and effective, with the potential to alleviate predicted shortages, improve patient care outcomes, reduce cost, and address PC inequities. Implications include improving workforce data, creating projections that mirror clinical integration in PC, adjusting workforce preparation funding, incentivizing interprofessional collaboration in research, addressing barriers to practice among non-physician providers, and leveraging growth in the NP workforce.
Autophagy and Glycometabolic Reprograming in the Malignant Progression of Lung Cancer: A Review
Authors: Li Yuting , Liu Tongzuo , Wang Xiaoqun , Jia Yingjie , Cui Huantian
Published: August 2023

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, there are currently limited treatment options that are widely available to patients with advanced lung cancer, and further research is required to inhibit or reverse disease progression more effectively. In lung and other solid tumor cancers, autophagy and glycometabolic reprograming are critical regulators of malignant development, including proliferation, drug resistance, invasion, and metastasis. To provide a theoretical basis for therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy and glycometabolic reprograming to prevent lung cancer, we review how autophagy and glycometabolism are regulated in the malignant development of lung cancer based on research progress in other solid tumors.
A Comparative Investigation of Wavelet Families for Classification of EOG Signals Related to Healthy and ADHD Children
Authors: Ayoubipour Shahrzad , Sho'ouri Nasrin
Published: August 2023

Based on previous research, there are differences between eye movements of people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and of healthy people, as a result, the existence of differences regarding the electrooculogram (EOG) signals of the 2 groups exists. Thus, this study aimed to examine the recorded EOG signals of 30 ADHD children and 30 healthy children while performing an attention-related task. For this purpose, the EOG signals of these 2 groups were decomposed utilizing various wavelet functions. Afterward, features, including mean, energy, and standard deviation (SD) of approximation and detail wavelet coefficients were calculated. The Davies–Bouldin (DB) index was used for the evaluation of the feature space quality. Finally, the 2 groups were classified using one-dimensional feature vector and support vector machine (SVM). The SD of detail coefficients (db4) was selected as the most effective feature for separating the 2 groups. Statistical analysis revealed that the values of energy and SD of EOG signals’ detail coefficients were significantly lower in the ADHD group in comparison with the healthy group ( P<.001). These results showed that the speed of the ADHD group's eye movements was slower due to the fact that the high-frequency band activity of EOG signals in the healthy group was higher. In addition, the EOG signals were classified with a detection accuracy of 83.42 ± 3.8%. The results of this study can be applied in designing an EOG biofeedback protocol to treat or mitigate the symptoms of ADHD patients.
Potential effects of gingerol topical application on components of the innate immunity in lactating goat mammary glands
Authors: Tsugami Yusaku , Nii Takahiro , Kobayashi Ken , Isobe Naoki
Published: August 2023

In the mammary glands, production of antimicrobial components and formation of less-permeable tight junctions (TJs) are important for safe milk production. Previously, we reported that local heat treatment of udders using disposable heating pad enhances the components of innate immunity in lactating goat mammary glands. Gingerol is a polyphenol present in ginger that can induce heat-like effects. However, oral administration of polyphenols causes a decrease in biological activity through conjugation and metabolic conversion. Here, we investigated the effects of gingerol on antimicrobial components and TJs by topically applying it to lactating goat udders. Gingerol application increased the somatic cell count, cathelicidin-2 concentration, and proportion of polymorphonuclear cells in the milk and interleukin-8 production. Moreover, gingerol treatment enhanced β-defensin-1 production in milk, cultured mammary epithelial cells, and cultured somatic cells. Contrastingly, gingerol treatment did not affect the concentrations of blood-derived components (Na+, albumin, and IgG) in the milk or the TJ barrier function of cultured mammary epithelial cells. These findings suggest that the topical application of gingerol, similar to local heat treatment, to udders enhances the components of innate immunity in mammary glands. These findings may be useful for the prevention of mastitis in milk-producing animals and, hence, safe and stable dairy production.
Impact of Preoperative Motor Status for the Positive Predictive Value of Transcranial Motor-Evoked Potentials Alerts in Thoracic Spine Surgery: A Prospective Multicenter Study by the Monitoring Committee of the Japanese Society for Spine Surgery and Related Research
Authors: Funaba Masahiro , Kanchiku Tsukasa , Yoshida Go , Machino Masaaki , Ushirozako Hiroki , Kawabata Shigenori , Ando Muneharu , Yamada Kei , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Shigematsu Hideki , Fujiwara Yasushi , Tadokoro Nobuaki , Takahashi Masahito , Taniguchi Shinichirou , Wada Kanichiro , Yamamoto Naoya , Yasuda Akimasa , Morito Shinji , Hashimoto Jun , Takatani Tsunenori , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Ando Kei , Kurosu Kenta , Segi Naoki , Nakashima Hiroaki , Nakanishi Kazuyoshi , Takeshita Katsushi , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Imagama Shiro
Published: August 2023

Study Design

Prospective multicenter study.

Objective

To investigate the validity of transcranial motor-evoked potentials (Tc-MEP) in thoracic spine surgery and evaluate the impact of specific factors associated with positive predictive value (PPV).

Methods

One thousand hundred and fifty-six cases of thoracic spine surgeries were examined by comparing patient backgrounds, disease type, preoperative motor status, and Tc-MEP alert timing. Tc-MEP alerts were defined as an amplitude decrease of more than 70% from the baseline waveform. Factors were compared according to preoperative motor status and the result of Tc-MEP alerts. Factors that showed significant differences were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Overall sensitivity was 91.9% and specificity was 88.4%. The PPV was significantly higher in the preoperative motor deficits group than in the preoperative no-motor deficits group for both high-risk (60.3% vs 38.3%) and non-high-risk surgery groups (35.1% vs 12.8%). In multivariate logistic analysis, the significant factors associated with true positive were surgical maneuvers related to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (odds ratio = 11.88; 95% CI: 3.17–44.55), resection of intradural intramedullary spinal cord tumor (odds ratio = 8.83; 95% CI: 2.89–27), preoperative motor deficit (odds ratio = 3.46; 95% CI: 1.64–7.3) and resection of intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumor (odds ratio = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.16–7.8). The significant factor associated with false positive was non-attributable alerts (odds ratio = .28; 95% CI: .09–.85).

Conclusion

Surgeons are strongly encouraged to use Tc-MEP in patients with preoperative motor deficits, regardless of whether they are undergoing high-risk spine surgery or not. Knowledge of PPV characteristics will greatly assist in effective Tc-MEP enforcement and minimize neurological complications with appropriate interventions.
‘It was called a grab bag and nobody wanted to grab them’: Teachers’ perceptions of school lunches during the COVID-19 pandemic – a regional case study
Authors: Zaremba SMM , Cook WB , Anderson AS
Published: August 2023

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic brought changes to primary school lunches leading to concerns over nutritional quality and uptake of lunches by vulnerable children. Regional data from Tayside, Scotland, showed that only 55% of children who were eligible for free school meals took these (normal uptake pre-pandemic was 66%). The current work aimed to identify teachers’ perceptions of meal provisioning in primary schools during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design and methods:

A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among primary school teachers across Tayside, Scotland. Using an online survey (21 questions combining multiple choice formats and open text) and interviews, primary school teachers shared their views on food quality, quantity, meal choices and factors influencing uptake of primary school lunches. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed with respect to factors influencing consumption.

Results:

The survey was completed by 41 teachers and 8 participated in a follow up interview. Around one-third (29%) of primary school teachers believed the quality of lunches had decreased and cited poor appearance of food, use of takeaway containers and food wastage. The lunch format was viewed negatively principally relating to the substitution of hot lunches with cold sandwiches, portion sizes, choice and perceived value for money. Concerns were expressed about acceptability and how far the meals contributed to food security.

Conclusions:

Further work on food provisioning is needed in order to identify ways to provide a nutritional safety net for vulnerable children.
Safety and pharmacodynamic efficacy of eculizumab in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (CLASH): A phase 2a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Koopman Inez , Tack Reinier WP , Wunderink Herman F , Bruns Anke HW , van der Schaaf Irene C , Cianci Daniela , Gelderman Kyra A , van de Ridder Inge M , Hol Elly M , Rinkel Gabriel JE , Vergouwen Mervyn DI
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Complement C5 antibodies reduce brain injury after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Patients and methods:

In this randomized, controlled, open-label, phase 2a clinical trial with blinded-outcome assessment, we included adult aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients admitted to a tertiary referral center ⩽11 h after ictus. Patients were randomized (1:1) to eculizumab plus care as usual or to care as usual. Eculizumab (1200 mg) was administered <12 h, and on days 3 and 7 after ictus. In the intervention group, all patients received prophylactic antibiotics and, after a protocol amendment, fluconazole if indicated. Primary outcome was C5a concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on day 3 after ictus. Safety was monitored during 4 weeks. In each group, 13 patients with CSF assessments were needed to detect a 55% reduction in CSF C5a concentration.

Results:

From October 2018 to May 2021, we enrolled 31 patients of whom 26 with CSF samples, 13 per group. Median C5a concentration in CSF on day 3 was 251 pg/ml [IQR: 103–402] in the intervention group and 371 pg/ml [IQR: 131–534] in the control group ( p = 0.29). Infections occurred in two patients in the intervention group and four patients in the control group. One patient in the intervention group developed a C. albicans meningitis prior to the protocol amendment.

Discussion and conclusion:

One dose of eculizumab did not result in a ⩾ 55% decrease in C5a concentration in CSF on day 3 after aSAH. The study did not reveal new safety concerns, except for a C. albicans drain-related infection prior to antifungal monitoring and treatment.

Trial registration:

EudraCT 2017-004307-51, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/
Education Scenario of Scheduled Tribes: Evidences from Census (2011) and Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE) 2017–2018 Data
Authors: Bhat Zahoor Ahmad , Khan Mahmood Ahmad
Published: August 2023

The study examined and compared various demographic and human developmental indicators, especially education and its allied aspects such as literacy, enrolment, promotion, repetition, retention, dropout and transition rates of tribal children at various school education stages. And to assess these indicators, data have been collected from secondary sources. Census reports of India, Jammu and Kashmir and Ganderbal, 2001 and 2011 have been reviewed to obtain the data related to demography and literacy. The information related to various educational indicators has been collected from Unified District Information System for Education 2017–2018. Thus, the present study is a desk research. The data have been expressed in tabular and graphical forms. The study concluded that the tribals figure significantly below the overall population on educational parameters such as literacy, enrolment, gross enrolment ratio, promotion, retention, dropout and transition rates. Moreover, variations and gaps have been found among trials of India, Jammu and Kashmir and Ganderbal district. Gender disparities/gaps, prominent among females, raise question marks on the efficiency and management of the educational system as well as affirmative action and intervention policies of the government in mitigating disparities based either on gender, social category or location.
Republication of “Online Patient Resources for Ankle Instability: An Objective Analysis of Available Materials”
Authors: Abousayed Mostafa M. , Tartaglion Jason P. , Zonshayn Samuel , Rai Navdeep , Johnson Christopher K. , Rosenbaum Andrew J.
Published: August 2023

Background:

The Internet has drastically changed how patients access health-related information. There are several ways the public can access online health-related information such as search engines, blogs, support groups, and webinars. A recent study found that 45% of orthopedic patients searched for information online regarding their injury. Also, 78% believed they had better understanding of their condition after visiting these websites; furthermore, 41% felt the Internet supplied them with questions and concerns to discuss with their physicians. The aim of our study is to evaluate the accuracy, quality, and readability of online available information using the search terms “ankle sprain” and “ankle instability.”

Methods:

Three search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo) were used to search for the terms “ankle sprain” and “ankle instability.” The first 25 websites from each search were collected. Each website was assessed for quality, accuracy, and readability by 3 orthopedic residents blinded to the search term used. Websites were also evaluated for commercial bias and whether written by physicians or not.

Results:

Twenty sites were identified using Google, 14 using Bing, and 3 using Yahoo while the remaining 19 appeared in multiple search engines. Sixty-nine percent of the websites (39/56) were written by physicians whereas only 21% (12/56) were associated with commercial bias. The mean quality and accuracy of the websites written above a seventh-grade level was statistically significantly higher than those at or below a seventh-grade level ( P = .01). The mean accuracy of websites written by physicians was not statistically different from those not written by physicians ( P = .055).

Conclusion:

The current study highlights the poor quality and accuracy of online information related to ankle sprains, especially those with commercial bias. Furthermore, although websites written by or under supervision of physicians were found to be of superior quality, a majority of sites were found to have an unacceptably high reading level.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives During COVID-19: A Study on the Indian FMCG Sector
Authors: Menaga A , Lokesh S , Vasantha S
Published: August 2023

The research aims to study the Perceived consumer and CSR initiation taken by the organization and their influences on Brand loyalty. The study combines Carroll’s CSR pyramid theory and Ovidiu’s brand loyalty multidimensional model. To test the relationship between CSR and brand loyalty, especially the research intended to test the two-dimension legal and ethical aspects of Carroll’s model out of four which represents the consumer perceived CSR, with the SEM method, the relationship between CSR and brand loyalty is tested. The study did two things: reviewed the FMCG initiative taken by top FMCG. And then adopted purposive sampling of 10 Indian-listed FMCG sectors and collected data through an online Google survey during the pandemic period from September 2020 to May 2021; the study got 450 valid responses. The role of corporate social responsibility creates brand loyalty is confirmed. Research also found that consumers are more attracted to the legal and ethical responsibility of the organization. The research implies a marketing strategy for gaining brand loyalty. The findings project that event marketing, media marketing, and customer loyalty programs can create more effective CSR programs, and greater satisfaction with a product will make repeated purchase behaviour among customers.
Evaluation of the Autof ms1000 mass spectrometry for rapid clinical identification of filamentous fungi
Authors: Ao Keping , Li Xiaohan , Zhang Weili , Chen Zhixing , Liu Ya , Shu Ling , Xiao Yuling , Wu Siying , Xie Yi , Kang Mei
Published: August 2023

Background

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has revolutionized microbial identification. However, there is a lack of data on its performance in identifying filamentous fungi. The objective of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Autof ms1000 mass spectrometry for identifying filamentous fungi in the clinical microbiology laboratory.

Results

Among 106 samples tested using the Autof ms1000 system, 101 (95.28%) were identified at the genus or species level, and 81 (76.41%) were accurately identified at the species level. Additionally, we developed a new rapid formic acid extraction method with simple pretreatment for filamentous fungi that saved time and provided accurate results.

Conclusions

The Autof ms1000 mass spectrometer proved to be a valuable tool for identifying filamentous fungi. However, upgrading the database is recommended for correctly identifying rare strains.
Application of the multiple dependent state sampling strategy to late adolescent suicide rates
Authors: Kolli Nagasaritha , Rosaiah Kanaparthi , Rao Gadde Srinivasa , Kirigiti Peter Josephat
Published: August 2023

A multiple dependent state sampling plan (MDSSP) is designed when the lifetimes of the variables follow New Lomax Rayleigh Distribution (NLRD). The decision to accept or reject a lot in the proposed methodology is based on the quality of the given present or previous lots. A binomial model-based operating characteristic curve (OC curve) for continuous lots of variables under similar settings in healthcare is used in finding the probability of acceptance, acceptance number, rejection number, and the number of preceding (succeeding) lots to consider. Time truncated life test based on the specified median of the NLRD is used in designing the current acceptance sampling plan. For specified values of the parameters of NLRD, quantile ratios, consumer’s risk and producer’s risk, average sampling number (ASN) and probability of acceptance of a lot are reported in tables. Real data on worldwide suicide rates of 15–19 years in the year 2019 from the World Health Organization (WHO) website is considered to illustrate this methodology. The minimum sample size required from the selected data to comment on worldwide suicide rates in late adolescents is explained with MDSSP. The results of the proposed acceptance sampling method are compared with the single-stage sampling plan.
Fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease—strongly influenced by depression and not identifiable through laboratory testing: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Uhlir Victoria , Stallmach Andreas , Grunert Philip Christian
Published: August 2023

Background

Fatigue is a debilitating and highly relevant symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, awareness of fatigue and treatment options remains limited. This study was aimed at elucidating the influence of disease activity and common complications (pain, anemia, depression, anxiety and quality of life) on fatigue in patients with IBD to identify potential interventional targets for treating physicians.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey including five questionnaires (HADS, Fatigue Assessment Scale, McGill Pain Questionnaire, IBDQ and general well-being) was performed on patients with IBD (n = 250) at a university IBD clinic. Additionally, demographic data, laboratory data, IBD history, treatment and current disease activity (Harvey-Bradshaw Index, partial Mayo Score, calprotectin and CRP) were recorded.

Results

A total of 189 patients were analyzed (59.8% with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 40.2% with ulcerative colitis (UC)). A total of 51.3% were fatigued, and 12.2% were extremely fatigued. Multiple factors showed significant correlations in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that fatigue was correlated with depression (CD, p = 0.002; UC, p = 0.02), diminished quality of life (CD, p = 0.015), female sex (CD, p = 0.015) and younger age (UC, p = 0.024), whereas the influence of anemia or disease activity was non-significant.

Conclusions

Fatigue is burdensome and highly prevalent in patients with active and inactive IBD. Considerations for fatigue treatment, beyond targeting inflammation and anemia, should include investigation of underlying sub-clinical depression.
Neuroimaging and machine learning for studying the pathways from mild cognitive impairment to alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review
Authors: Ahmadzadeh Maryam , Christie Gregory J. , Cosco Theodore D. , Arab Ali , Mansouri Mehrdad , Wagner Kevin R. , DiPaola Steve , Moreno Sylvain
Published: August 2023

Background

This systematic review synthesizes the most recent neuroimaging procedures and machine learning approaches for the prediction of conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease dementia.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) systematic review guidelines.

Results

Our search returned 2572 articles, 56 of which met the criteria for inclusion in the final selection. The multimodality framework and deep learning techniques showed potential for predicting the conversion of MCI to AD dementia.

Conclusion

Findings of this systematic review identified that the possibility of using neuroimaging data processed by advanced learning algorithms is promising for the prediction of AD progression. We also provided a detailed description of the challenges that researchers are faced along with future research directions. The protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews– CRD42019133402 and published in the Systematic Reviews journal.