bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective analysis of mortality within 30 days of systemic anticancer therapy and comparison with a previous audit at an Australian Regional Cancer Centre
Authors: Zimbwa Bernadatte , Gilbar Peter J , Davis Mark R , Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan Srinivas
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To retrospectively determine the rate of death occurring within 14 and 30 days of systemic anticancer therapy (SACT), compare this against a previous audit and benchmark results against other cancer centres. Secondly, to determine if the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), not available at the time of the initial audit, impacted mortality rates.

Method

All adult solid tumour and haematology patients receiving SACT at an Australian Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) between January 2016 and July 2020 were included.

Results

Over a 55-month period, 1709 patients received SACT. Patients dying within 14 and 30 days of SACT were 3.3% and 7.0% respectively and is slightly higher than our previous study which was 1.89% and 5.6%. Mean time to death was 15.5 days. Males accounted for 63.9% of patients and the mean age was 66.8 years. 46.2% of the 119 patients dying in the 30 days post SACT started a new line of treatment during that time. Of 98 patients receiving ICI, 22.5% died within 30 days of commencement. Disease progression was the most common cause of death (79%). The most common place of death was the RCC (38.7%).

Conclusion

The rate of death observed in our re-audit compares favourably with our previous audit and is still at the lower end of that seen in published studies in Australia and internationally. Cases of patients dying within 30 days of SACT should be regularly reviewed to maintain awareness of this benchmark of quality assurance and provide a feedback process for clinicians.
Comparison of phaco time parameters in eyes with and without glaucoma filtration surgery due to pseudoexfoliation glaucoma
Authors: Kocak Altintas Ayse Gul , Ilhan Cagri
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

To compare the phaco time parameters including ultrasound time (UST), effective phaco time (EPT), and average phaco power (APP) in eyes with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG) and had or had not glaucoma filtration surgery.

Methods:

In this retrospective comparative study, Group 1 was constructed with 84 PEG patients who had not operated previously, and Group 2 was constructed with 49 PEG patients who had glaucoma filtration surgery. The mean values of UST, EPT, and APP were compared. The preoperative clinical characteristics and surgical manipulations were also compared.

Results:

The mean ages and male-to-female ratios of the groups were similar ( p > 0.05, for both). There was no difference in the preoperative clinical characteristics, including biometric values between the groups ( p > 0.05, for all). Some surgical manipulations, including pupillary stretching ( p = 0.004), pupillary membrane peeling ( p = 0.021), iris hook using ( p = 0.041), and capsular tension ring implantation ( p = 0.041), were significantly performed more commonly in Group 2. Although the mean UST and EPT values were similar ( p > 0.05, for both), the mean APP value was significantly lower in Group 2 ( p = 0.011).

Conclusion:

The lower APP parameter was observed in PEG patients having had glaucoma filtration surgery. Needing more surgical manipulation to overcome poor pupillary dilation and weak zonular instability can be a reason for this result.
Forearm brachial artery to brachial vein looped arteriovenous grafts: A single center, single surgeon observational study
Authors: Liu Jeremy , Situmeang Josiah , Takahashi Devin , Harada Russell
Published: May 2021

Background:

Long-term hemodialysis (HD) treatment requires the establishment of a cannulatable vascular access (VA) point. While the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is considered the gold standard, the arteriovenous graft (AVG) is a viable alternative especially in patients with poor superficial venous anatomy. Few studies have assessed the efficacy of the brachial-brachial arteriovenous graft (BB-AVG) for long-term HD access. By analyzing one surgeon’s experience in creating, surveilling and maintaining BB-AVGs, this retrospective study aims to add to the body of literature in assessing patency outcomes of BB-AVGs.

Methods:

We identified 57 BB-AVGs that met inclusion criteria and were created between October 6, 2005 and May 1, 2019 by a single surgeon in 54 patients. We analyzed primary failures, patency, complications and interventions. Patency rates were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. The incidence of complications and interventions were expressed as number of events per person-year.

Results:

A total of 54 patients (median age of 65 years) were analyzed. Primary patency rates at 12, 24, and 36 months were 20.4% 7.4%, and 5.0%. Primary assisted patency rates at 12, 24, and 36 months were 46.7%, 33.5%, and 15.1%. The secondary patency rates at 12, 24, and 36 months were 81.8%, 63.8%, and 60.1%, respectively. The incidence of complications and interventions was 2.164 per person-year. Most complications and interventions were due to stenosis (1.202 per person-year) or thrombosis (0.802 per person-year).

Conclusion:

In patients with poor superficial veins, the brachial vein is a reasonable alternative to use as the venous outflow. However, in order to achieve acceptable patency rates, close monitoring of the VA, as well as aggressive treatment of complications within the brachial vein is necessary. Overall, the BB-AVG should be considered in patients who lack adequate superficial veins and require preservation of the more proximal veins.
A multidisciplinary team approach to screening, assessment and early intervention for young people with type 1 diabetes and disordered eating behaviour
Authors: Simmons Anna , McMahon Lauren , Crosbie Vivienne , Carlson Lyndsey
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Recent NICE guidelines have emphasised the need for diabetes and eating disorder teams to collaborate in order to provide safe and effective treatment for young people with type 1 diabetes and eating disorders.

Aim:

Our aim was to examine and describe the current treatment journeys for young people under the care of our paediatric diabetes team who presented with eating difficulties and body image concerns. We also sought to increase staff awareness, communication and opportunities for joint working across the diabetes and eating disorders teams.

Method:

Information regarding the screening, assessment and interventions offered to young people with type 1 diabetes and eating difficulties was collected. A joint training event was developed and attended by healthcare professionals from the diabetes and eating disorder teams.

Results:

Information collected regarding patient’s treatment journeys was used to inform the multidisciplinary pathway. The joint training event offered the opportunity for shared learning, and identification of areas for service improvement.
COVID-19 preventive behaviours in White British and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people in the UK
Authors: Breakwell Glynis M , Fino Emanuele , Jaspal Rusi
Published: May 2021

A model of the effects of ethnicity, political trust, trust in science, perceived ingroup power, COVID-19 risk and fear of COVID-19 upon likelihood of COVID-19 preventive behaviour (CPB) is presented. The structural equation model was a good fit for survey data from 478 White British and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people. Ethnicity had a direct effect on CPB (BAME reported higher CPB) and an indirect effect on it through political trust, ingroup power, COVID-19 risk and trust in science. Ethnicity was not significantly related to COVID-19 fear. COVID-19 fear and trust in science were positively associated with CPB.
Transnational evaluation of the Sympathy for Violent Radicalization Scale: Measuring population attitudes toward violent radicalization in two countries
Authors: Frounfelker Rochelle L. , Frissen Thomas , Miconi Diana , Lawson Jordan , Brennan Robert T. , d’Haenens Leen , Rousseau Cécile
Published: May 2021

Countering violent radicalization is a priority in many countries, prompting research that assesses attitudes and beliefs about violent radicalization in the general population. The majority of violent radicalization assessments have been developed among specific populations, with limited investigation into the generalizability and cross-cultural applicability of measurement tools. A transcultural investigation raises questions about the implicit assumptions and norms that inform instrument development. This research examined the psychometric properties of the Sympathy for Violent Radicalization Scale (SyfoR), a measure developed for use with Pakistani and Bangladeshi immigrant groups in the UK, in two convenience samples of youth and young adults in North America and Western Europe. We investigated the factor structure, reliability, and construct validity of adapted versions of the SyfoR among convenience samples of youth and young adults living in Belgium ( N = 2014) and in Quebec, Canada ( N = 1364) via online surveys administered to students engaged in secondary and post-secondary education. Results indicate that, in both samples, a reduced, 8-item version of the SyfoR has a 3-factor structure with good model fit statistics using confirmatory factor analysis and good internal consistency reliability. More studies are needed to assess the appropriateness of the SyfoR for use in diverse contexts and among diverse populations. The potential usefulness and harmfulness of measures of violent radicalization should balance the benefits of obtaining local data with the risks associated with pathologizing social dissent.
Preliminary study on the threshold stiffness and residual displacement of the multangular-pyramid concave friction system (MPCFS) for seismic isolation
Authors: Wei Xiong , Li-Zhong Jiang , Yao-Zhuang Li
Published: May 2021

In this research, the threshold stiffness and residual displacement of the MPCFS are both investigated. The MPCFS has a higher threshold (breakaway) stiffness and no residual displacement after earthquakes or ambient vibrations, which makes it different from the conventional Curved Surface Slider (CSS). These two features can enable the MPCFS to be more stable when experiencing micro-to-small shakings, and always restore to its central point after earthquakes. With the aim of testifying the two features, a series of analytical simulations are conducted on a four-storey building model equipped with MPCFS. The analytical results are compared with that obtained with CSS. The simulation results validate the aforementioned virtues of MPCFS over the CSS. This indicates that MPCFS has great potential in the engineering practice of seismic isolation.
Typical brick masonry walls reinforced with high-strength mortar and steel bars in the horizontal joints
Authors: Yao Xinqiang , Liang Bin , Zhang Hai , Zhang Ziliang , He Zheng
Published: May 2021

Based on investigation of rural buildings in china, there are more than 20% of the masonry structures constructed in 1970s. Thus, the old blue bricks (OBB) and old red bricks (ORB), which demolished from the typical brick masonry structures was built in 1970s, was chosen in the test. During demolishing the OBB and ORB, the original mortar was destroyed. Thus, the 1:7.8 cement mortar was chosen instead of original mortars and the 1:5 cement mortar was chosen as the reinforcement mortar. In order to know the performant of the reinforcement methods, there are three-level test plan was put forward in the study. Firstly, the mechanical properties of OBB and ORB and mortars was tested; Secondly, the experiment tested the shear strength of the reinforced and unreinforced masonry specimens along mortar joints; Thirdly, there are four walls (OBB reinforced wall and unreinforced wall, ORB reinforced wall and unreinforced wall) have been made for the pseudo-static tests. This research conducted physical performance tests on masonry bricks, masonry components, and masonry walls of typical masonry structures. Through experiments, the shear capacity of the masonry structure reinforced by high-strength mortar and steel bars can be obtained.
Renewal and upgrading of a courtyard building in the historic and cultural district of Beijing: Design concept of ‘multiple coexistence’ and a case study
Authors: Che Wanqiao , Cao Zhanrong , Shi Yuan , Yu Chuck Wah
Published: May 2021

Historic buildings in urban areas are valuable heritage and would require effective design for renovation to upgrade these buildings while preserving their heritage characteristics. This current study evaluated renovation requirements: loss of natural and spatial characteristics, single function and lack of building facade design, of a courtyard building in a Beijing historical district. Limitations of the ‘multiple coexistence’ design concept were analysed to fully achieve integration of historical, cultural, social, educational, commercial and economic values while preserving their natural characteristics. Intelligent control strategy and equipment can reshape the spatial lay out and natural environment, to enhance the building function and social value. The design strategy of the skylight to be installed in the courtyard was evaluated by simulation in this study. CFD simulation results show that the air temperature in the courtyard can increase 20% by incorporating a skylight that can be automatically closed in winter. During the summer, the skylight would be open to largely reduce the average air temperature by 1.2°C. The visual impact of external equipment can be mitigated by adding decoration to the courtyard facade. The findings should inform future development of a new design concept, to provide design paradigms for the renewal and renovation of similar historic buildings.
Exploring the feasibility of an individual cognitive stimulation therapy application and related technology for use by people with dementia and carers in Indonesia: A mixed-method study
Authors: Rai Harleen Kaur , Prasetya Virginia Geraldine Hanny , Sani Tara Puspitarini , Theresia Imelda , Tumbelaka Patricia , Turana Yuda , Schneider Justine , Orrell Martin
Published: May 2021

Background

Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is a psychosocial intervention for people with dementia and can benefit cognition and quality of life. A touch-screen individualised CST (iCST) application has been developed to improve on accessibility and provide increased interactivity. This study aimed to explore the attitudes of people with dementia, carers and healthcare professionals in Indonesia towards the iCST application and related technology.

Methods

Four focus groups were organised: one comprising family carers ( n = 3), two comprising people with dementia and family carers ( n = 12) and one made up of family carers and home care workers ( n = 3). Participants discussed the uses of technology, tried out the iCST application and completed a usability and acceptability questionnaire. Furthermore, 21 healthcare professionals attended an expert meeting to discuss the potential of implementing the iCST application in the community.

Results

Attitudes towards technology were positive but lack of experience, difficulties with operating devices and a limited infrastructure to support technology were described as barriers. The iCST application was seen as an interesting tool to support mental stimulation. Compared with people with dementia, carers were more willing to use the application and rated its usability higher. Healthcare professionals were positive about the interactive features of the application and judged that it could be useful within the family context.

Discussion

Low-cost and low-infrastructure technology like iCST can meet the needs for stimulation of people with dementia in Indonesia and other countries. By understanding the attitudes of people with dementia and carers towards IT and their willingness to adopt technology like the iCST application, we are better placed to overcome potential obstacles to its implementation. It appears that systemic changes are needed to facilitate wider use of IT particularly in dementia care. These include needs to empower end users, strengthen access and connectivity to technology, and improve diagnostic support.
Playing the long game: Exploring the phenomenon of dementia-friendly golf
Authors: Norval Robbie S , Henderson Fiona , Whittam Geoff
Published: May 2021

As individuals age, participation in previously accessible leisure activities can be compromised through diminished capabilities and negative societal expectations. This study investigates the unexplored accessibility of golf for older people with dementia using interviews and observations of Scottish participants in social enterprise–led golfing activities. The resulting thematic analysis concluded that golf is an accessible activity for people living with dementia, and continued participation generates social connectedness and enhances well-being. However, there remain social barriers to participation including societal stigma surrounding the perceived abilities of people living with dementia and the perception of golf as a middle-class and male-dominated sport.
A qualitative exploration of how gender and relationship shape family caregivers’ experiences across the Alzheimer’s disease trajectory
Authors: Kokorelias Kristina M , Naglie Gary , Gignac Monique AM , Rittenberg Nira , Cameron Jill I
Published: May 2021

Caregiving experiences are not static. They change across the disease trajectory and care continuum. However, it is not clear how caregiver gender or relationship type is related to evolving caregiver experiences over time. This qualitative study informed by constructivist grounded theory and framework analysis explored the experiences over time of men and women who were adult children and spousal caregivers to persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Forty spousal (10 husbands and 10 wives) and adult children (10 sons and 10 daughters) caregivers to persons with Alzheimer’s disease were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Our findings suggest the experiences of caregiving, examined through a gender and relationship type lens, are complex and variable. The caregiving experience was not related to gender or relationship type alone, but often to a combination of the two. For instance, spousal caregivers did not immediately accept the diagnosis, with wives being more optimistic than husbands about a slow progression of the disease. Adult children caregivers were concerned about the ways the caregiving role would impact their personal and career obligations and sought ways to mitigate the changes to their daily lives. Sons and husband caregivers largely utilized home and community health services to assist with personal care tasks, whereas daughters and wives utilized the same services to allow them to complete other caregiving tasks (e.g., housekeeping). Recognition of the complex inter-relationships among gender and relationship type on caregiving experiences supports the need for family-centered interventions. This article also extends sex and gender research as it highlights that an in-depth understanding of the caregiving experience cannot be understood by gender alone and relationship type must also be considered.
Alkali-treated coir fibre-pith composite for waste water treatment
Authors: Ganesan Monnisha , Nallathambi Gobi
Published: May 2021

Coir fibre and pith are eco-friendly material used in the preparation of composites. Coir fibre and coir pith were treated with sodium hydroxide to study the effect of alkali for prolonged exposure on its properties. Fibre and pith were treated with different concentrations of NaOH from 5% to 30% for 24 hours at room temperature. Alkali treatment removes the impurities and the expose the crystalline cellulose and to enhance the surface properties. The alkali-treated coir fibre and pith were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy for morphology, X-ray diffraction for crystallinity index, thermogravimetry for thermal stability, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for structural changes. The chemical composition was analysed for both fibre and pith. Physical properties such as bulk density, particle density and porosity were determined for pith. After alkali treatment, the properties (physical and chemical) of the treated fibre (5% to 20%) has been enhanced. For coir pith the properties has been diminished. Untreated/treated coir fibre/pith filter (CFP) were developed to study the removal of heavy metal ions from the waste water, where untreated (CFP) as a control. The removal efficiency of the developed CFP filter for heavy metal ions were determined by Inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). 5% CFP filter exhibited higher efficiency for removal of heavy metal ions.
Increase of Portal Vein Pressure Gradient After Hepatectomy Predicts Post-operative Liver Dysfunction
Authors: Xiao Nan , Li Xiao-Long , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Huang Cheng , Shen Ying-Hao , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Sun Hui-Chuan
Published: May 2021

Background. Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Whether Child–Pugh A patients with varying degrees of cirrhosis are good candidates for hepatectomy is disputed. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of portal venous pressure gradient (PVPG) variation during surgery on PHLF. Methods. PVPG, the pressure gradient between the portal vein and central vein, was measured in consecutive patients before and after liver resection. The optimal cutoff of PVPG to predict PHLF was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Risk factors for PHLF were subjected to univariate and multivariable analysis. Results. Sixty Child–Pugh A patients were recruited. The mean PVPG was increased from 5.17 ± 4.78 mm of mercury (mmHg) to 6.37 ± 4.44 mmHg after liver resection. The optimal cutoff value of PVPG increments to predict PHLF was 1.5 mmHg. Multivariable analysis showed prothrombin time (PT), post-hepatectomy PVPG increments of 1.5 mmHg or greater, and resected liver segments of 3 or more to be independent predictors of PHLF. Conclusions. Acute PVPG increase after hepatectomy is associated with a higher risk of PHLF in Child–Pugh A patients.
Friend or fiend? An interpretative phenomenological analysis of moral and relational orientation in authentic leadership
Authors: Bradley-Cole Kim
Published: May 2021

Authentic leadership has been developed with insufficient empirical challenge to its definitional components, and alternative conceptualizations have largely been ignored. The theory remains heavily criticized and its distinctiveness from other higher-purpose leadership theories remains in doubt, leading to a circular debate as to its usefulness in practice. In response to the call to return to the definitional drawing table, this article presents the findings of an interpretative phenomenological study that reimagines authentic leadership as a two-component moral and relational model that is closer to Heidegger’s notions of ‘being true’ and ‘care’. The study inductively explores how leaders themselves make sense of authenticity in practice, when it is enacted by their own leaders within the social exchange relationship. It richly describes how managers perceive and attribute authenticity to their leaders within the lived experience of contemporary work. The study also identifies that working for a leader who is perceived as authentic feels like a friendship and is beneficial to followers’ own psychological experience of work, facilitates their own authentic expression and is worthy of retention as a distinct leadership theory that explains how performance is enabled within proximal leader relationships.
Artificial intelligence: A rapid case for advancement in the personalization of Gynaecology/Obstetric and Mental Health care
Authors: Delanerolle Gayathri , Yang Xuzhi , Shetty Suchith , Raymont Vanessa , Shetty Ashish , Phiri Peter , Hapangama Dharani K , Tempest Nicola , Majumder Kingshuk , Shi Jian Qing
Published: May 2021

To evaluate and holistically treat the mental health sequelae and potential psychiatric comorbidities associated with obstetric and gynaecological conditions, it is important to optimize patient care, ensure efficient use of limited resources and improve health-economic models. Artificial intelligence applications could assist in achieving the above. The World Health Organization and global healthcare systems have already recognized the use of artificial intelligence technologies to address ‘system gaps’ and automate some of the more cumbersome tasks to optimize clinical services and reduce health inequalities. Currently, both mental health and obstetric and gynaecological services independently use artificial intelligence applications. Thus, suitable solutions are shared between mental health and obstetric and gynaecological clinical practices, independent of one another. Although, to address complexities with some patients who may have often interchanging sequelae with mental health and obstetric and gynaecological illnesses, ‘holistically’ developed artificial intelligence applications could be useful. Therefore, we present a rapid review to understand the currently available artificial intelligence applications and research into multi-morbid conditions, including clinical trial-based validations. Most artificial intelligence applications are intrinsically data-driven tools, and their validation in healthcare can be challenging as they require large-scale clinical trials. Furthermore, most artificial intelligence applications use rate-limiting mock data sets, which restrict their applicability to a clinical population. Some researchers may fail to recognize the randomness in the data generating processes in clinical care from a statistical perspective with a potentially minimal representation of a population, limiting their applicability within a real-world setting. However, novel, innovative trial designs could pave the way to generate better data sets that are generalizable to the entire global population. A collaboration between artificial intelligence and statistical models could be developed and deployed with algorithmic and domain interpretability to achieve this. In addition, acquiring big data sets is vital to ensure these artificial intelligence applications provide the highest accuracy within a real-world setting, especially when used as part of a clinical diagnosis or treatment.
Upward gaze direction increases center of pressure displacement and decreases squat stability
Authors: Kohn Michael A , Smith Melissa C , Goble Daniel J
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to quantify differences in barbell back squat stability as a function of gaze direction. Sixteen female subjects who were experienced in barbell back squatting performed six sets of three squat repetitions, randomized according to three gaze directions (DOWN, STRAIGHT, and UP). Stability was determined based on the displacement of center of pressure (COP) during each squat repetition, measured using a low-cost, portable force plate. Multiple t-tests with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 were conducted between gaze directions and revealed significant differences in stability between the DOWN versus UP conditions. Specifically, DOWN had the smallest COP displacement, with significantly larger COP displacement in the UP condition (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences when DOWN or UP was compared to STRAIGHT (p = 0.22 and p = 0.28 respectively). From a practical standpoint, these results suggest that having a downward gaze direction during barbell back squat will maximize stability and reduce the likelihood of injury.
Designing facilitated task constraints for different age groups in soccer: The impact of floaters’ rules
Authors: Praça Gibson Moreira , Moreira Pedro Emílio Drumond , Rochael Marcelo , Barbosa Gustavo , Travassos Bruno
Published: May 2021

This study compared the influence of changing floaters’ rules on player positioning in small-sided games (SSG) played by different age groups. A total of 48 youth soccer players (24 U-13 and 24 U-14) took part in the study, playing three different SSGs: regular 3vs3, 1-floater condition (one floater playing for both teams), and 2-floater condition (one floater per team, with alternate participation). Positional data were collected by 5 Hz GPS devices, generating individual (spatial exploration index) and collective (team’s length, width, length per width ratio, and stretching index) positional variables. The results revealed that the 2-floater format significantly reduced the length (p = 0.001), and both formats with floaters increased the width (p < 0.001). Also, the 1-floater format presented the lowest stretching index (p < 0.001). Concerning age-group differences, older players presented higher values of length (p < 0.001), length per width ratio (p < 0.001), and spatial exploration index (p < 0.001) than their younger counterparts. The 2-floater SSG format is a more facilitated and simplified version of numerically unbalanced SSGs, which might be considered by coaches when designing tasks adjusted to the level of the athletes.
Laryngeal cancer
Authors: Miu Kelvin
Published: May 2021

Laryngeal cancer is a common head and neck cancer and typically presents with voice hoarseness in patients older than 60 years. Early recognition of signs and symptoms of laryngeal cancer can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, therefore improving patient outcomes. This article aims to provide an overview of the anatomy of the larynx, presentation and management of laryngeal cancer, and common follow-up problems.
Efficacy of a county-wide schools weight management intervention
Authors: Sanders GJ , Marwa WL , Wade B , Gately P
Published: May 2021

Aims:

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Local Authority commissioned large-scale public health service that provided a 6-week school-based weight management intervention for children aged 4–19 years.

Methods:

A quantitative retrospective cohort study identified participants from 130 schools consisting of 8550 potential children aged 4−19 years across a mixture of Lower Super Output Area (LSOA) deprivation groups. Participants were invited to take part in a 5- to 12-week Healthy Lifestyles intervention with a focus on weight management delivered by OneLife Suffolk between 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2020. This resulted in a final sample of 5163 participants. The following information for each child was collected anonymously: (1) age, (2) gender, (3) preprogramme body mass index (BMI), (4) postprogramme BMI, (5) weight category and (6) LSOA category.

Results:

Following the 6-week school-based intervention, there was a significant decrease in mean ΔBMI SDS (standardised body mass index) of −0.07 (−14.89%) among participants. Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a significant change in weight status post 6-week weight management programme (WMP): BMI ( Z = −15.87, p < .001), BMI SDS ( Z = −21.54, p < .001), centile ( Z = −20.12, p < .01) and weight category ( Z = −7.89, p < .001), whereas Mann−Whitney U test showed no statistically significant difference in mean BMI SDS change between gender groups ( p = .24) and Kruskal−Wallis test revealed no statistically significant differences in mean BMI SDS change between child LSOA groups (c2(4) = 1.67, p = .796), school LSOA groups (c2(4) = 4.72, p = .317), ethnic groups (c2(4) = 2.53, p = .640) and weight category at the start of the intervention (c2(3) = 6.20, p = .102).

Conclusions:

This study contributes to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of multicomponent school-based weight management interventions and demonstrates that such interventions can be successfully implemented as part of a wider healthy lifestyles service, without widening health inequalities.
La pandemia de la COVID-19 y las estrategias de promoción de la salud en las ciudades brasileñas
Authors: Sperandio Ana Maria Girotti , Bloes Rodrigo Brandini , Cifoni Giovanna Gastaldo , de Andrade Mônica
Published: May 2021

La promoción de la salud busca influir en los determinantes sociales y actuar en acciones que no solo mejoran la calidad de vida sino que también pueden ser fundamentales y estratégicas en la prevención y mitigación de situaciones de crisis, como la actual pandemia de la COVID-19. En el contexto brasileño, los responsables de la toma de decisiones consideran como acciones necesarias para combatir la pandemia la participación y movilización comunitaria, la contribución de los diferentes sectores (trabajo intersectorial), la emisión de políticas públicas, la transformación de los entornos, y el desarrollo de conocimientos y competencias en la población. Este estudio tiene como finalidad identificar las acciones de afrontamiento de la pandemia de la COVID-19 y señalar conexiones entre los principios y valores de la promoción de la salud y una ciudad saludable. Se observaron publicaciones periodísticas entre marzo y julio del 2020 relacionadas con la pandemia. Fueron observados registros de hechos que retratan la realidad para servir a la población vulnerable, lo que impulsó acciones solidarias locales, con la formación de microrredes, para superar las limitaciones estructurales. Se destacan los esfuerzos intersectoriales para afrontar la pandemia y las contribuciones enfocadas a garantizar unas condiciones básicas de vida a la población brasileña. Este trabajo describe la necesidad de desarrollar acciones transversales de promoción de la salud, la importancia de la toma de decisiones con un enfoque de salud en todas las políticas y de optimizar espacios de desarrollo de habilidades personales, que inspiren y permitan a la comunidad actuar conjuntamente para resolver desafíos y administrar la ciudad.
Classification of Gastroparesis from Glycemic Variability in Type 1 Diabetes: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Cichosz Simon Lebech , Hejlesen Ole
Published: May 2021

Background and Objective:

Delayed gastric emptying is a substantial challenge for people with diabetes, affecting quality of life and blood glucose regulation. The complication is underdiagnosed, and current diagnostic tests are expensive or time consuming or have modest accuracy. The assessment of glycemic variations has potential use in gastroparesis screening. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in glycemic variability between type 1 diabetes patients with gastroparesis and without a diagnosis of gastroparesis and the potential for using a classification model to differentiate between groups.

Methods:

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) from 425 patients with diabetes was included in the analytic cohort, including 16 patients with a diagnosis of gastroparesis and 409 without a known gastroparesis diagnosis. Sixteen features (9 daytime features and 7 nighttime features) describing glucose dynamics were extracted to assess differences between patients with and without a diagnosis of gastroparesis. A logistic regression model was trained using forward selection and cross-validation.

Results:

In total, 3 features were included in the model utilizing forward selection of features and cross-validation: mean absolute glucose (MAG), span, and standard deviation during the night. The Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) AUC for the classification model was 0.76.

Conclusions:

Gastroparesis seems to have an impact on glucose variability, especially during the night. Moreover, CGM could possibly be used as a part of the screening process for delayed gastric emptying, but more studies are needed to determine a realistic accuracy.
The media image of Chinese older people: From stigmatic stereotype to diverse self-representation
Authors: Li Kun
Published: May 2021

From the perspective of communication and media studies, this article explores a comparison between the image of older adults presented on media and online self-representation facilitated by the use of smartphones. The qualitative textual analysis was conducted with a sample (228 posts, from 1 January to 31 December,2019) selected from a representative WeChat Public Account targeting at older adults in China. The results demonstrate that leisure and recreation is the most frequently mentioned topic (58%) with memories of past life receiving the least references (3%). The striking features of popular posts among older people include a highly emotional tone, bright colours and multimedia. Sentiment analyses shows 68.42%, 13.16% and 18.42% of positive, neutral and negative emotions, respectively. A generally positive attitude of self-representation is in a sharp contrast with the stigmatic media image of older adults. The article concludes that the visibility of Chinese older people may help to reduce the stigma surrounding old age in China.
Health Status and Occupational Health and Safety Access among Informal Workers in the Rural Community, Southern Thailand
Authors: Thanapop Chamnong , Thanapop Sasithorn , Keam-Kan Sukanya
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Thailands’ informal workers are faced with job insecurity and poor working conditions. Good health status can promote lifelong working and increase quality of life. This study analyzed factors associated with the health status of the community informal workers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 390 informal workers aged 15 to 59 years in Thasala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, southern Thailand. A multi-stage sampling method using proportional to size selection was employed in various types of informal workers. The interviews on self-reported health status, health behaviors, occupational hazards, healthcare utilization, occupational health and safety (OHS) access are reported as descriptive. The multivariate association was explored using the simple logistic regression.

Findings

The results revealed that 80.77% of the participants had good health, 57.44% had healthy behavior, 76.41% had safe work practices, 22.05% had moderate to high exposed of occupational hazards, and 56.41% had the low OHS access. Safe work practices, moderate to high OHS access, low exposed to occupational hazards, and low income were more likely to produce good health status, which yielded the adj. OR 2.57, 1.86, 0.39, and 0.48, respectively.

Conclusions

The community informal workers health status was associated by income, work practices, occupational hazards, and OHS access. To strengthening the informal workers’ health, the OHS program should be managed intensively by the primary care services, especially the OHS risk management.
Screen Time for Preschool Children: Learning from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Susilowati Indri Hapsari , Nugraha Susiana , Alimoeso Sudibyo , Hasiholan Bonardo Prayogo
Published: May 2021

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indonesian Government enacted a study at home policy for all students. This policy also applied to preschool children aged 2 to 6 years old. The purpose of the research was to examine the duration and impact of digital media use by preschool children in urban areas in Indonesia during weekdays and weekends. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire called the Surveillance of digital-Media hAbits in earLy chiLdhood Questionnaire (SMALLQ®). A total of 951 parents or guardians (17-70 years old) who had preschool children volunteered to complete the questionnaire online. Preschool children have been using screen media since infancy, and the time they spend on-screen time is more than 1 hour per day. The digital media most used were mobile phones (91.6%), followed by television (86.1%) and computers (61%). The parents realized the impact and the importance of limiting time of screen media, but it difficult to prevent their children from using it, especially when learning from home. Hence, there is a need different approach to learning from home, especially to manage the duration of screen time for preschool children.
Experimental characterization of conformal hydrodynamic nanopolishing of a machined single crystal sapphire cavity
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Mittal Rinku , Singh Ramesh K. , Joshi Suhas S.
Published: May 2021

Sapphire is an important ceramic material which finds applications in fields such as temperature sensing, optics, electronics, and ceramic bearings. Polishing of sapphire has always been a difficult task for industries and research communities. Hydrodynamic polishing (HDP) is one of the prominent methods used for polishing of hard and profiled surfaces, whereas rigid tool-based methods such as diamond turning, grinding, and honing have many limitations. The HDP process involves deterministic flow of abrasive particles in the slurry between the workpiece surface and a rotating soft tool to obtain the desired surface finish. A novel experimental setup has been fabricated to realize the conformal hydrodynamic nanopolishing on single crystal sapphire cavity. In this study, the experiments were conducted to understand the effect of abrasive particle size, basicity of slurry, and change in temperature of slurry on the polishing of machined sapphire cavity. The effect of the initial surface roughness of the machined cavity on conformal hydrodynamic nanopolishing has also been investigated. A microcrack/pit-free surface has been found after the final polishing of the sapphire cavity. An improvement of 21% is found in surface finish after the final polishing using abrasive particle size of 0.06 µm. Abrasive slurry with higher basicity (pH 13) does not improve the surface finish. By heating the abrasive slurry to a temperature of 70°C–75°C, surface finish improves by ∼26% as compared to improvement of ∼ 21% at room temperature polishing.
A multi-study examination of the role of repeated spaced retrieval in the word learning of children with developmental language disorder
Authors: Leonard Laurence B. , Christ Sharon L. , Deevy Patricia , Karpicke Jeffrey D. , Weber Christine , Haebig Eileen , Kueser Justin B. , Souto Sofía , Krok Windi
Published: May 2021

Background

Many children with developmental language disorders (DLD) have well-documented weaknesses in vocabulary. In recent years, investigators have explored the nature of these weaknesses through the use of novel word learning paradigms. These studies have begun to uncover specific areas of difficulty and have provided hints about possible intervention strategies that might help these children learn words more accurately and efficiently. Among the studies of this type are those that incorporate repeated spaced retrieval activities in the learning procedures.

Methods

In this study, we examined the data from four of these studies that employed the same types of participants (4- and 5-year-old children with DLD and same-age children with typical language development), research design, and outcome measures. The studies differed primarily in the type of learning condition that was being compared to a spaced retrieval condition. A mixed-effects modeling framework was used, enabling the data from the four studies and different outcome measures to be aggregated.

Results

Across the studies, more words in the repeated spaced retrieval condition were recalled than those in the comparison conditions. This was true regardless of outcome measure. Children with typical language development recalled more words than the children with DLD. Both groups benefited from spaced retrieval, though effects were larger for the group with DLD. Children recalled words as accurately 1 week after learning as they did at the 5-min mark; the two groups were essentially identical in this respect.

Conclusions

Overall, the findings support the continued refinement of these types of repeated spaced retrieval procedures, as they may have potential to serve as effective approaches to intervention.
Identifying collateral and synthetic lethal vulnerabilities within the DNA-damage response
Authors: Pinoli Pietro , Srihari Sriganesh , Wong Limsoon , Ceri Stefano
Published: May 2021

Background

A pair of genes is defined as synthetically lethal if defects on both cause the death of the cell but a defect in only one of the two is compatible with cell viability. Ideally, if A and B are two synthetic lethal genes, inhibiting B should kill cancer cells with a defect on A, and should have no effects on normal cells. Thus, synthetic lethality can be exploited for highly selective cancer therapies, which need to exploit differences between normal and cancer cells.

Results

In this paper, we present a new method for predicting synthetic lethal (SL) gene pairs. As neighbouring genes in the genome have highly correlated profiles of copy number variations (CNAs), our method clusters proximal genes with a similar CNA profile, then predicts mutually exclusive group pairs, and finally identifies the SL gene pairs within each group pairs. For mutual-exclusion testing we use a graph-based method which takes into account the mutation frequencies of different subjects and genes. We use two different methods for selecting the pair of SL genes; the first is based on the gene essentiality measured in various conditions by means of the “Gene Activity Ranking Profile” GARP score; the second leverages the annotations of gene to biological pathways.

Conclusions

This method is unique among current SL prediction approaches, it reduces false-positive SL predictions compared to previous methods, and it allows establishing explicit collateral lethality relationship of gene pairs within mutually exclusive group pairs.
Contemporary treatment of anxiety in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes in countries with universal healthcare
Authors: Parker Erin L. , Banfield Michelle , Fassnacht Daniel B. , Hatfield Timothy , Kyrios Michael
Published: May 2021

Background

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent mental health conditions and are managed predominantly in primary care. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of psychological and pharmacological treatments in countries with universal healthcare, and investigated the influence of treatment provider on the efficacy of psychological treatment.

Method

PubMed, Cochrane, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched in April 2017 for controlled studies of evidence-based anxiety treatment in adults in primary care, published in English since 1997. Searches were repeated in April 2020. We synthesised results using a combination of meta-analysis and narrative methods. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects multi-level model to account for intercorrelation between effects contributed different treatment arms of the same study. Moderator variables were explored using meta-regression analyses.

Results

In total, 19 articles (from an initial 2,247) reporting 18 studies were included. Meta-analysis including ten studies (n = 1,308) found a pooled effect size ofg = 1.16 (95%CI = 0.63 – 1.69) for psychological treatment compared to waitlist control, and no significant effect compared to care as usual (p = .225). Substantial heterogeneity was present (I2 = 81.25). Specialist treatment produced large effects compared to both waitlist control (g = 1.46, 95%CI = 0.96 – 1.96) and care as usual (g = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.27 – 1.25). Treatment provided by non-specialists was only superior to waitlist control (g = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.31 – 1.28). We identified relatively few studies (n = 4) of medications, which reported small to moderate effects for SSRI/SNRI medications and hydroxyzine. The quality of included studies was variable and most studies had at least “unclear” risk of bias in one or more key domains.

Conclusions

Psychological treatments for anxiety are effective in primary care and are more effective when provided by a specialist (psychologist or clinical psychologist) than a non-specialist (GP, nurse, trainee). However, non-specialists provide effective treatment compared with no care at all. Limited research into the efficacy of pharmacological treatments in primary care needs to be considered carefully by prescribers

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018050659