bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Literature Review of Authentic Leadership in Tourism and Hospitality: A Call for Future Research
Authors: Hoang Giang , Luu Tuan Trong , Yang Mingjun
Published: April 2024

In recent tourism and hospitality literature, there has been a surge in research endeavors that center on the construct of authentic leadership. Given this increasing interest, our study reviews the empirical studies on authentic leadership in tourism and hospitality to provide a comprehensive framework and research agenda of this leadership style in these contexts. Through a systematic selection process using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, we obtained a sample of 37 empirical studies. Following the content analysis approach, we analyzed and synthesized the research results from these studies. Our review makes several critical contributions to the literature. First, our study casts light upon the divergent conceptualizations and approaches used for defining and measuring authentic leadership in the tourism and hospitality literature, thereby enhancing the depth of understanding of this multifaceted construct. Second, we present an overview of the theoretical frameworks and research designs employed in this domain. Third, we present a nomological network of authentic leadership in tourism and hospitality, highlighting the outcomes, moderators, and mediators. Based on these findings, directions for further studies are suggested to address the identified gaps in the literature. We also proposed several practical implications for managers and firms in tourism and hospitality industries to help leaders effectively influence their employees through their authentic behavior.
Endovascular treatment of acute arteriosclerotic vertebrobasilar occlusion: A single center experience
Authors: Morosetti Daniele , Mascolo Alfredo Paolo , Argirò Renato , Da Ros Valerio , Nezzo Marco , Crociati Sara , Cecchi Gianluca , Funari Luca , Diomedi Marina , Floris Roberto
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Few experiences on vertebrobasilar occlusion over underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease have been reported in literature and the optimal strategy on how to perform a mechanical thrombectomy is unclear. The aim of this paper is to bring our experience based on patients admitted with acute vertebrobasilar occlusion with underlying atheromatous lesions.

Materials and Methods

Several data were collected from August 2009 to October 2022 including clinical history, pre- and post-treatment neurological objectivity, diagnostic images and angiographic procedural images, and clinical outcome at 6 months. We selected 13 patients from August 2009 to October 2022, 12 men and 1 woman, aged 40 to 82 years (mean age, 62.6 years).

Results

Mechanical thrombectomy with a thromboaspiration was performed in all patients as beginning of the procedure. In three patients, the procedures resulted in excellent angiographic result and clinical outcome, while in three patients, we observed a failure of the procedural and clinical outcome. For residual intracranial stenosis in three patients, an angioplasty was performed obtaining an ischemic area related to the posterior circulation. In four patients, a stent was placed, in three patients, we obtained a good clinical outcome with a mRS between 0 and 2, while one treatment resulted in death, probably due to a late endovascular treatment.

Conclusions

Endovascular treatment with stent deployment appears to result in an excellent outcome in patients with occlusion of the vertebrobasilar circulation in cases of occlusion on atheromatic plaque. The degree of residual stenosis after thrombospiration can significantly affect subsequent type of treatment.
Blue-yellow combination enhances perceived motion in Rotating Snakes illusion
Authors: Uesaki Maiko , Biswas Arnab , Ashida Hiroshi , Maus Gerrit
Published: April 2024

The Rotating Snakes illusion is a visual illusion where a stationary image elicits a compelling sense of anomalous motion. There have been recurring albeit anecdotal claims that the perception of illusory motion is more salient when the image consists of patterns with the combination of blue and yellow; however, there is limited empirical evidence that supports those claims. In the present study, we aimed to assess whether the Rotating Snakes illusion is more salient in its blue-yellow variation, compared to red-green and greyscale variations when the luminance of corresponding elements within the patterns were equated. Using the cancellation method, we found that the velocity required to establish perceptual stationarity was indeed greater for the stimulus composed of patterns with a blue-yellow combination than the other two variants. Our findings provide, for the first time, empirical evidence that the presence of colour affects the magnitude of illusion in the Rotating Snakes illusion.
Enhancing the implementation of provider-to-provider telehealth in rural and remote areas: A mixed methods study protocol
Authors: Toll Kaylie , Moullin Joanna C , Andrew Stephen , Williams Aled , Varhol Richard , Carey Timothy A , Robinson Suzanne
Published: April 2024

Background

Virtual healthcare solutions are proposed as a way to combat the inequity of access to healthcare in rural and remote areas, and to better support the front-line providers who work in these areas. Rural provider-to-provider telehealth (RPPT) connects rural and remote clinicians to a ‘hub’ of healthcare specialists who can increase access to emergency and specialised healthcare via an integrated model. Reported benefits for the place-based provider include enhanced knowledge, expanded professional development opportunities, improved scope of practice, and increased confidence in treating more complex cases. These reported benefits could have implications for supporting and futureproofing our health workforce in terms of productivity, burnout, recruitment, and retention.

Methods

The research uses an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach across multiple phases to evaluate the current implementation of Western Australia Country Health Service's (WACHS) Command Centre (CC) services and explore factors associated with their differential use. The primary population of interest and participants in this study are the place-based providers in country Western Australia (WA). Patient data constitutes the secondary population, informing the access and reach of CC services into country WA. Data collection will include service data, an online survey, and semi-structured interviews with the primary population. The data will be interpreted to inform evidence-based strategies and recommendations to improve the implementation and sustainment of RPPT.

Discussion

Innovative and sustained workforce models and solutions are needed globally. Virtual healthcare, including provider-to-provider models, demonstrate potential, especially in rural and remote areas, designed to increase access to specialised expertise for patients and to support the local workforce. This research will generate new data around behaviour, perceptions, and value from the WACHS rural and remote workforce about provider-to-provider telehealth, to explore the implementation and investigate strategies for the long-term sustainment of RPPT services.
Anticoagulation Patterns Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Costello Meaghan , Tung Ericka E. , Fischer Karen M. , Jaeger Thomas M.
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

To assess clinicians’ prescribing practices for anticoagulation in older adults with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (AF/F) and determine factors common among those without anticoagulation.

Methods:

We performed a community-based retrospective cohort study of adults aged 65 years and older with a history of nonvalvular AF/F to determine the rate of oral anticoagulation utilization. We also assessed for associations between anticoagulation use and comorbid conditions and common geriatric syndromes.

Results:

A total of 3832 patients with a diagnosis of nonvalvular AF/F were included (mean [SD] age, 79.9 [8.4] years), 2693 (70.3%) of whom were receiving anticoagulation (51.7%, a vitamin K antagonist; 48.1%, a direct-acting oral anticoagulant). Patients with higher Elderly Risk Assessment index (ERA) scores, a surrogate for health vulnerability, received anticoagulation less often than patients with lower scores. The percentage of patients with a history of falling was higher among those who did not receive anticoagulation than among those who did (44.4% vs 32.8%; P < .001). Similarly, a diagnosis of dementia was more common in the no-anticoagulation group than the anticoagulation group (18.5% vs 12.7%; P < .001).

Conclusions:

A substantial proportion of older adults with AF/F do not receive anticoagulation. Those without anticoagulation had higher risk of health deterioration based on higher ERA scores and had a higher incidence of dementia and fall history. This suggests that the presence of geriatric syndromes may influence the decision to withhold anticoagulation.
Influence of Compensation, Performance Feedback on Employee Retention in Indian Retail Sector
Authors: Khan Mohammed Arshad , Farooqi Md Rashid , Ahmad Md Faiz , Haque Serajul , Alkhuraydili Abdulaziz
Published: April 2024

The present article investigates the influence of compensation plans – financial as well as nonfinancial and performance feedback – with respect to the retention of the employee considering the retail sector in India from viewpoint of employees. A structured questionnaire was employed to gather information from the Hyderabad city and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) consisting of 571 retail outlet employees as sample respondents. The collected data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the hypothecated relationship among financial that is, extrinsic rewards (FR), non-financial that is, intrinsic reward (NFR), performance feedback (PF), and employee retention (ER). The findings reveal that intrinsic and extrinsic benefits portray an important role in performance feedback (PF) which in turn helps the organization to retain their employees for years to come. The study offers academia and practitioner a thoughtful and insightful understanding of some of the important aspects of keeping skillful and talented performers and ultimately increasing productivity and providing a competitive advantage to the organization.
Pro-growth Working Environment Concept to Enhance Followers’ Creativity in Start-ups Business
Authors: Setiawan Roy , Eliyana Anis , Suryani Tatik , Zahar Marziah
Published: April 2024

This study aims to analyze the role of transformational leadership on followers’ creative performance through pro-growth working environment, entrepreneurial values-based developmental interaction capability, and psychological empowerment in start-up businesses in Indonesia and to test a new pro-growth working environment concept in that model. This study uses a Structural Equation Model (SEM) using data analysis tools, namely WarpPLS. The research design used a survey method, and data collection was carried out using questionnaires sent directly to the research respondents. In this study, the population is start-up business employees in Indonesia. The sampling technique is purposive, and this study’s sample is 270 respondents. The results indicate that all the variables significantly influence each other. The existence of transformational leadership, a pro-growth working environment, entrepreneurial values-based development interaction capability, and the right psychological empowerment can affect creative performance to get even better results.
Indonesian air medical evacuation: Analyzing readiness and proposing an integrated standard procedure
Authors: Ayuningtyas Dumilah , Oktarina Ratih , Pebrina Anita , Sakka Ambo , Rozali Roni , Barinda Sandra , Pramesti Alya
Published: April 2024

Indonesia still faces challenges in providing healthcare services, and it is crucial to develop an air medical evacuation services system for at least two reasons. Firstly, Indonesia is an archipelagic country and a popular tourist destination. Secondly, there are still significant disparities in the number and types of healthcare facilities and health workers nationwide. To respond to the current situation, the healthcare providers and government have made some efforts regarding air medical evacuation but are showing an unintegrated system. This qualitative study aimed to explore the current implementation of air medical evacuation in Indonesia and to propose an integrated standard procedure that all related stakeholders can adopt at the national and regional levels. The study used a multi-case design analysis, collecting both primary and secondary data. Secondary data was gathered through desk studies to learn related policies and previous studies. Primary data was collected through observation and in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders, including regulators, service providers, practitioners, and non-governmental organizations. The study found that there is currently a regulatory gap for the implementation of air medical evacuation services in Indonesia. The readiness of the Health Human Resources (HHR) is limited in terms of qualification and competency, and the definitive infrastructure of air medical evacuation requires improvement since the providers continue to use the airport for civil transportation. Besides, the interaction pattern between stakeholders needs to be integrated into standardized procedures. Therefore, the study recommends proposing an integrated standard procedure and actionable recommendations to advocate for all stakeholders.
Weighty Evidence? Poverty Estimation with Missing Data
Authors: Drèze Jean , Somanchi Anmol
Published: April 2024

Attempts have been made to estimate poverty in India using a biased dataset, by adjusting household weights to remove or reduce the bias. The effectiveness of this method, however, is uncertain. Simulation exercises suggest that its ability to correct poverty estimates varies wildly depending on the nature of the underlying bias, which may be hard to guess—there lies the rub. When the bias changes over time, estimating poverty trends becomes truly problematic. There are wider lessons for poverty estimation with biased or missing data.

JEL Classifications: C83, I32
Comparison of Self and Caregiver Reports of Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence among Children and Adolescents Living with HIV in Western Kenya
Authors: Gillette Emma , Nyandiko Winstone , Baum Aaron , Chory Ashley , Aluoch Josephine , Ashimosi Celestine , Lidweye Janet , Njorge Tabitha , Sang Festus , Nyagaya Jack , Scanlon Michael , Vreeman Rachel
Published: April 2024

Background

Youth living with HIV with perinatal infection spend a lifetime taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) to suppress the virus, and face significant challenges to successfully maintaining ART adherence. Tools to measure adherence include self-report, medication event monitoring system (MEMS) pill bottle caps, pill counts, and plasma or hair drug levels; however, the inter-rater agreement between child and caregiver self-report has not been validated in an African setting. This study aims to assess inter-rater agreement between child and caregiver self-reports, compared to reporting from MEMS pill bottle caps.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a cluster-randomized trial to evaluate an intervention for children living with HIV, conducted at the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare in western Kenya. We analyzed data from 285 child-caregiver dyads to compare adherence self-reported by children and their caregivers, and subsequently compared all self-reports to adherence reported by MEMS pill bottle caps to determine whether child or caregiver self-reports aligned more closely with adherence measured by MEMS.

Results

Children and their caregivers reported similar levels of adherence and numbers of missed doses in the past month, and both reports were similarly associated with adherence reported by MEMS pill bottle caps. Children with a caregiver that was not a biological parent were significantly more likely to report more missed doses than their caregiver. The correlation coefficient for the relationship between the child and caregiver self-reports was 0.71; for the relationship between child report and MEMS was 0.23; and for the relationship between caregiver report and MEMS was 0.20. Both children and caregivers under-reported non-adherence compared to MEMS data.

Conclusion

Children and caregiver self-reports were generally similar in reporting adherence and were not highly correlated with MEMS reports of adherence, with children and caregivers reporting higher level of adherence than the MEMS data. This may indicate that children and caregiver reports are similarly inaccurate or biased; however, further research with larger sample sizes is required to further understand the differences in these reports.
Suicidal Emotions, Motivations and Rationales in Australian Men: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Macdonald Diane , Nicolopoulos Ally , Habak Stephanie , Christensen Helen , Boydell Katherine
Published: April 2024

Suicide has a devasting and far-reaching effect on our communities. In developed countries, most people who die by suicide are male. Understanding men’s mental health and what they experience in a suicidal state is key to preventing future attempts. Our paper explores how a group of 37 men in Australia describe the leadup to their suicidality. Underpinned by interpretive phenomenological analysis, interview transcripts were examined for phrases that the investigative team subjectively identified as profound. Our approach considered language and expression that evoke reactions to the sometimes contradictory nature of suicide. The process enabled our team to identify the emotions, rationales, and motivations for and against suicide that give rise to and arise during suicidal states. One man’s source of strength may be another’s cause of anguish, so any single, one-size-fits-all pathway to suicide prevention is unlikely to succeed, signaling the need for a tailored approach to suicide prevention.
Forced mobilization of student youth in the temporary occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions at the beginning of the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Pashkova Olha
Published: April 2024

This report examines the involvement of the population of the occupied territories of Ukraine of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in the invasion of the territory of Ukraine in 2022 by the armed forces of the Russian Federation. It focuses on the body of evidence for the forced mobilization of the student youth population in these two regions in the lead up to invasion and assesses the implications of this mobilization effort.
Getting Your First Publication in Medical Education—Why? What? Where? How?
Authors: Tomlinson Owen W.
Published: April 2024

The process of getting one’s work published is a major milestone for many in their early academic and clinical careers. However, this process can be confusing and overwhelming for many who have yet to publish themselves. There are differing motivators for publishing work in our early career stages, alongside considerations, such as what we publish, where we decide to submit work, and how we logistically undertake the submission process. This commentary provides a holistic overview for the early career medical educator, empowering them to take the bold steps toward “getting published.”
Unearthing care: Rooting alternative agricultural practices in Norway and Costa Rica
Authors: Hugøy Isabelle
Published: April 2024

This article contributes to the growing literature on human-soil relations by exploring how care for agricultural soils unfolds among farmers who engage with alternative agricultural practices across different productions and sites in Norway and Costa Rica. These farmers approach soil as a living being and seek to approach care with macro- and microorganisms in response to soil challenges and economic instabilities. The article follows recent literature on soil care in showing how agricultural practices challenge the dominant approach to soils as passive. However, the article argues the necessity of expanding on existing notions of care. This, I argue, involves ethnographically “unearthing” care: unpacking and situating a diversity of soil care practices, their human and other-than-human entanglements, and how these relations are conditioned by environmental, genealogical, sociocultural, temporal, epistemic, economic, and political mechanisms within and beyond the farm. Considering these variables is essential to keep soil care in the emerging literature from following a romanticizing path toward abstract individualism.
A Study of the Correlation of Pulsatility Index by Transcranial Doppler in the Clinical Outcome of Patients with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Bansal Kshitij , Sardana Vijay , Bhushan Bharat , Maheshwari Dilip
Published: April 2024

Background

Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT), accounting for 3% of strokes, can be assessed using non-invasive Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound to measure cerebrovascular function in real-time. The TCD-derived pulsatility index (PI), highly correlates with intracranial pressure (ICP) and serves as a reliable non-invasive monitoring tool.

Aim

This study aims to correlate PI by TCD with clinical outcomes in CVT patients.

Methods

A prospective observational study of 41 CVT patients admitted between June 2022 to December 2022 was conducted in the Department of Neurology of MBS Hospital. Each patient was subjected to TCD and the PI was also recorded. The results were analysed with SPSS.

Results

Out of the 41 patients, two patients died and 39 patients were discharged. The PI at admission in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) was 1.19 ± 0.20 amongst discharged and 1.64 ± 0.10 amongst those who died ( p = .003). Similarly, the PI at admission in the right MCA was 1.23 ± 0.21 amongst those discharged and 1.63 ± 0.20 amongst those who died ( p = .02). Also, PI in both left and right MCA positively and significantly correlated with CVT GS score at admission (r = 0.70, p < .05; r = 0.64, p < .05).

Conclusion

PI at admission is both right and left MCA was found to be significantly higher in patients who died during the hospital stay. Also, PI significantly correlated with the CVT GS score at the presentation. Thus, PI at admission by TCD can predict the clinical outcome of patients with CVT.
Helping Educational Leaders Mobilize Evidence (HELM): The iterative redesign of the Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation (LOCI) intervention for use in schools
Authors: Locke Jill , Corbin Cathy M. , Collins Vaughan K. , Ehrhart Mark G. , Goosey Roger , Hatch Kurt , Espeland Christine , Cook Clayton R. , Lyon Aaron R.
Published: April 2024

Background

Few “intervention agnostic” strategies have been developed that can be applied to the broad array of evidence-based practices (EBPs) in schools. This paper describes two studies that reflect the initial iterative redesign phases of an effective leadership-focused implementation strategy—Leadership and Organizational Change for Implementation (LOCI)—to ensure its acceptability, feasibility, contextual appropriateness, and usability when used in elementary schools. Our redesigned strategy—Helping Educational Leaders Mobilize Evidence (HELM)—is designed to improve principals’ use of strategic implementation leadership to support the adoption and high-fidelity delivery of a universal EBP to improve student outcomes.

Method

In Study 1, focus groups were conducted ( n = 6) with 54 district administrators, principals, and teachers. Stakeholders provided input on the appropriateness of original LOCI components to maximize relevance and utility in schools. Transcripts were coded using conventional content analysis. Key themes referencing low appropriateness were summarized to inform LOCI adaptations. We then held a National Expert Summit (Study 2) with 15 research and practice experts. Participants provided feedback via a nominal group process (NGP; n = 6 groups) and hackathon ( n = 4 groups). The research team rated each NGP suggestion for how actionable, impactful/effective, and feasible it was. We also coded hackathon notes for novel ideas or alignment with LOCI components.

Results

Study 1 suggestions included modifications to LOCI content and delivery. Study 2's NGP results revealed most recommendations to be actionable, impactful/effective, and feasible. Hackathon results surfaced two novel ideas (distributed leadership teams and leaders’ knowledge to support educators EBP use) and several areas of alignment with LOCI components.

Conclusion

Use of these iterative methods informed the redesign of LOCI and the development of HELM. Because it was collaboratively constructed, HELM has the potential to be an effective implementation strategy to support the use of universal EBP in schools.
Human innovation and the creative agency of the world in the age of generative AI
Authors: Peschl Markus F.
Published: April 2024

With the advent of Large Language Models, such as ChatGPT, and, more generally, generative AI/cognitive technologies, global knowledge production faces a critical systemic challenge. It results from continuously feeding back non- or poorly-creative copies of itself into the global knowledge base; in the worst case, this could not only lead to a stagnation of creative, reliable, and valid knowledge generation, but also have an impact on our material (and subsequently our social) world and how it will be shaped by these rather uninspired automatized knowledge dynamics. More than ever, there appears to be an imperative to bring the creative human agent back into the loop. Arguments from the perspectives of 4E- and Material Engagement Theory approaches to cognition, human-technology relations as well as possibility studies will be used to show that being embodied, sense-making, and enacting the world by proactively and materially interacting with it are key ingredients for any kind of knowledge and meaning production. It will be shown that taking seriously the creative agency of the world, an engaged epistemology, as well as making use of future potentials/possibilities complemented and augmented by cognitive technologies are all essential for re-introducing profound novelty and creativity.
Possibility Thinking Scale: An initial psychometric exploration
Authors: Glăveanu Vlad P. , Karwowski Maciej , Ross Wendy , Beghetto Ronald A.
Published: April 2024

Although there has been longstanding work on possibility thinking (PT), there is no current scale that researchers can use to measure and study this important action-based orientation. In this paper, we report on four studies with English and Polish speaking participants ( N > 1,500) focused on developing and providing an initial evaluation of the Possibility Thinking Scale (PTS). Across the four studies, we examined the factor structure of the PTS by comparing one- and three-factor models and tested the links between PT and relevant correlates: divergent thinking, creative agency factors, and facets of Openness and Extraversion. After a series of replications presented in Studies 1 to 3, Study 4 ( N = 491) explored revisions to the scale, using new items developed with input from Large Language Models. Taken together, our results indicate that the final version of PTS reflects three factors of one’s orientation to the possible (i.e. awareness, excitement, and exploration). Our results also indicate that the factors were associated with, but sufficiently distinct from related constructs. We close by discussing strengths and weaknesses of PTS and propose future directions for research.
Simultaneous targeted and discovery-driven clinical proteotyping using hybrid-PRM/DIA
Authors: Goetze Sandra , van Drogen Audrey , Albinus Jonas B. , Fort Kyle L. , Gandhi Tejas , Robbiani Damiano , Laforte Véronique , Reiter Lukas , Levesque Mitchell P. , Xuan Yue , Wollscheid Bernd
Published: April 2024

Background

Clinical samples are irreplaceable, and their transformation into searchable and reusable digital biobanks is critical for conducting statistically empowered retrospective and integrative research studies. Currently, mainly data-independent acquisition strategies are employed to digitize clinical sample cohorts comprehensively. However, the sensitivity of DIA is limited, which is why selected marker candidates are often additionally measured targeted by parallel reaction monitoring.

Methods

Here, we applied the recently co-developed hybrid-PRM/DIA technology as a new intelligent data acquisition strategy that allows for the comprehensive digitization of rare clinical samples at the proteotype level. Hybrid-PRM/DIA enables enhanced measurement sensitivity for a specific set of analytes of current clinical interest by the intelligent triggering of multiplexed parallel reaction monitoring (MSxPRM) in combination with the discovery-driven digitization of the clinical biospecimen using DIA. Heavy-labeled reference peptides were utilized as triggers for MSxPRM and monitoring of endogenous peptides.

Results

We first evaluated hybrid-PRM/DIA in a clinical context on a pool of 185 selected proteotypic peptides for tumor-associated antigens derived from 64 annotated human protein groups. We demonstrated improved reproducibility and sensitivity for the detection of endogenous peptides, even at lower concentrations near the detection limit. Up to 179 MSxPRM scans were shown not to affect the overall DIA performance. Next, we applied hybrid-PRM/DIA for the integrated digitization of biobanked melanoma samples using a set of 30 AQUA peptides against 28 biomarker candidates with relevance in molecular tumor board evaluations of melanoma patients. Within the DIA-detected approximately 6500 protein groups, the selected marker candidates such as UFO, CDK4, NF1, and PMEL could be monitored consistently and quantitatively using MSxPRM scans, providing additional confidence for supporting future clinical decision-making.

Conclusions

Combining PRM and DIA measurements provides a new strategy for the sensitive and reproducible detection of protein markers from patients currently being discussed in molecular tumor boards in combination with the opportunity to discover new biomarker candidates.
Combination of pregabalin and Amitriptyline in management of chronic idiopathic pain following penile prosthesis implantation: a pilot study
Authors: Shaker Hassan , Said Nouran Omar El , ElSaeed Karim Omar
Published: April 2024

Background

Chronic post-penile prosthesis pain is de novo pain persisting > 2 months post-operatively. This pain is inadequately reported, poorly understood and undermanaged. The purpose of this current pilot study was to improvise a medical approach to alleviate the condition and assess the combination of Pregabalin and Amitriptyline in its management.

Results

The study enrolled 9 patients complaining of idiopathic penile, pelvic, or scrotal pain persisting > 2 months after penile prosthesis implantation. Patients were prescribed pregabalin 75mg/12h (escalated after 1 week to 150mg/12h upon demand) and Amitriptyline 25mg once daily for 3 months. The pain was reassessed after 10, 30 and 100 days. The dose of pregabalin required and the side effects of the medication were noted. Findings revealed a significant decrease in pain duration (p = 0.007), frequency (p < 0.001), and intensity (p < 0.001); in glanular (p = 0.008), shaft pain (p = 0.046) but not scrotal (p = 0.112). Moreover, a significant decrease was found in sharp pain (p = 0.003) and pain aggravated by touch (p = 0.008) but not aching pain (p = 0.277). Additionally, significant improvement was reported in QoL (p < 0.001) and dose escalation of pregabalin to 150mg/12h was required in only 1 case (11%).

Conclusion

The combination of pregabalin and amitriptyline is very effective in the management of chronic idiopathic pain following penile prosthesis implantation. However, due to the ambiguity and lack of reporting of the condition, we recommend a multicentric contribution to acknowledge the condition, and weigh its prevalence accurately, whilst evaluating the efficacy of our approach.

This study received ethical approval from Ain Shams University Research Ethics Committee (REC) FWA 000017585, on 04/13/2023 (REC-FMASU@med.asu.edu.eg).

Trial registration

no FMASU R98/2023.
CITEViz: interactively classify cell populations in CITE-Seq via a flow cytometry-like gating workflow using R-Shiny
Authors: Kong Garth L. , Nguyen Thai T. , Rosales Wesley K. , Panikar Anjali D. , Cheney John H. W. , Lusardi Theresa A. , Yashar William M. , Curtiss Brittany M. , Carratt Sarah A. , Braun Theodore P. , Maxson Julia E.
Published: April 2024

Background

The rapid advancement of new genomic sequencing technology has enabled the development of multi-omic single-cell sequencing assays. These assays profile multiple modalities in the same cell and can often yield new insights not revealed with a single modality. For example, Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing (CITE-Seq) simultaneously profiles the RNA transcriptome and the surface protein expression. The surface protein markers in CITE-Seq can be used to identify cell populations similar to the iterative filtration process in flow cytometry, also called “gating”, and is an essential step for downstream analyses and data interpretation. While several packages allow users to interactively gate cells, they often do not process multi-omic sequencing datasets and may require writing redundant code to specify gate boundaries. To streamline the gating process, we developed CITEViz which allows users to interactively gate cells in Seurat-processed CITE-Seq data. CITEViz can also visualize basic quality control (QC) metrics allowing for a rapid and holistic evaluation of CITE-Seq data.

Results

We applied CITEViz to a peripheral blood mononuclear cell CITE-Seq dataset and gated for several major blood cell populations (CD14 monocytes, CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, NK cells, B cells, and platelets) using canonical surface protein markers. The visualization features of CITEViz were used to investigate cellular heterogeneity in CD14 and CD16-expressing monocytes and to detect differential numbers of detected antibodies per patient donor. These results highlight the utility of CITEViz to enable the robust classification of single cell populations.

Conclusions

CITEViz is an R-Shiny app that standardizes the gating workflow in CITE-Seq data for efficient classification of cell populations. Its secondary function is to generate basic feature plots and QC figures specific to multi-omic data. The user interface and internal workflow of CITEViz uniquely work together to produce an organized workflow and sensible data structures for easy data retrieval. This package leverages the strengths of biologists and computational scientists to assess and analyze multi-omic single-cell datasets. In conclusion, CITEViz streamlines the flow cytometry gating workflow in CITE-Seq data to help facilitate novel hypothesis generation.
Sex differences in pain catastrophizing and its relation to the transition from acute pain to chronic pain
Authors: Le Linh H.L. , Brown Vanessa A.V. , Mol Sander , Azijli Kaoutar , Kuijper Martijn M. , Becker Leonie , Koopman Seppe S.H.A.
Published: April 2024

Background and importance

Differences exist between sexes in pain and pain-related outcomes, such as development of chronic pain. Previous studies suggested a higher risk for pain chronification in female patients. Furthermore, pain catastrophizing is an important risk factor for chronification of pain. However, it is unclear whether sex differences in catastrophic thinking could explain the sex differences in pain chronification.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine sex differences in pain catastrophizing. Additionally, we investigated pain catastrophizing as a potential mediator of sex differences in the transition of acute to chronic pain.

Design, settings and participants

Adults visiting one of the 15 participating emergency departments in the Netherlands with acute pain-related complaints. Subjects had to meet inclusion criteria and complete questionnaires about their health and pain.

Outcomes measure and analysis

The outcomes in this prospective cohort study were pain catastrophizing (short form pain catastrophizing) and pain chronification at 90 days (Numeric Rating Scale ≥ 1). Data was analysed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. Finally, stratified regression analyses were conducted to assess whether differences in pain catastrophizing accounted for observed differences in pain chronification between sexes.

Main results

In total 1,906 patients were included. Females catastrophized pain significantly more than males (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analyses suggested that pain catastrophizing is associated with pain chronification in both sexes.

Conclusions

This study reported differences between sexes in catastrophic cognitions in the development of chronic pain. This is possibly of clinical importance to identify high-risk patients and ensure an early intervention to prevent the transition from acute to chronic pain.
Classification system for primary care provider eConsults about medications for older adults with frailty
Authors: Schneider T , Farrell B , Karunananthan S , Afkham A , Keely E , Liddy C , McCarthy L. M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Providing primary care for people with frailty can be challenging due to an increased risk of adverse outcomes and use of potentially inappropriate medications which may exacerbate characteristics of frailty. eConsult is a service where primary care providers can receive timely specialist advice for their patients through a secure web-based application. We aimed to develop a classification system to characterize medication-focused eConsult questions for older adults with frailty and assess its usability.

Methods

A classification system was developed and refined over three cycles of improvement through a cross-sectional study of 35 cases categorized as medication-focused from cases submitted in 2019 for patients aged 65 or older with frailty through the Champlain BASE eConsult service (Ontario, Canada). The final classification system was then applied to each case.

Results

The classification system contains 5 sections: (1) case descriptives; (2) intent and type of question; (3) medication recommendations and additional information in the response; (4) medication classification; and (5) potentially inappropriate medications. Among the 35 medication-focused cases, the most common specialties consulted were endocrinology (9 cases, 26%) and cardiology (5 cases, 14%). Medication histories were available for 29 cases (83%). Many patients were prescribed potentially inappropriate medications based on explicit tools (AGS Beers Criteria®, STOPPFall, Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale, ThinkCascades) yet few consults inquired about these medications.

Conclusion

A classification system to describe medication-related eConsult cases for patients experiencing frailty was developed and applied to 35 eConsult cases. It can be applied to more cases to identify professional development opportunities and enhancements for eConsult services.
Safety and efficacy of a low-dose combination of midazolam, alfentanil, and propofol for deep sedation of elderly patients undergoing ERCP
Authors: Zhang Yanping , Zhang Ning , Hu Jing , Liu Changlin , Li Guanjun
Published: April 2024

Background

Proper sedation of patients, particularly elderly individuals, who are more susceptible to sedation-related complications, is of significant importance in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of a low-dose combination of midazolam, alfentanil, and propofol for deep sedation in elderly patients undergoing ERCP, compared to a group of middle-aged patients.

Methods

The medical records of 610 patients with common bile duct stones who underwent elective ERCP under deep sedation with a three-drug regimen, including midazolam, alfentanil, and propofol at Shandong Provincial Third Hospital from January 2023 to September 2023 were retrospectively reviewed in this study. Patients were categorized into three groups: middle-aged (50–64 years, n = 202), elderly (65–79 years, n = 216), and very elderly (≥ 80 years, n = 192). Intraoperative vital signs and complications were compared among these groups.

Results

The three groups showed no significant difference in terms of intraoperative variation of systolic blood pressure (P = 0.291), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.737), heart rate (P = 0.107), peripheral oxygen saturation (P = 0.188), bispectral index (P = 0.158), and the occurrence of sedation-related adverse events including hypotension (P = 0.170) and hypoxemia (P = 0.423).

Conclusion

The results suggest that a low-dose three-drug regimen consisting of midazolam, alfentanil, and propofol seems safe and effective for deep sedation of elderly and very elderly patients undergoing ERCP procedures. However, further studies are required to verify these findings and clarify the benefits and risks of this method.
Comparison of lifestyle, cognitive function, mental health, and quality of life between hospitalized older adults with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 in South Korea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jung Jae Hyu , Park Ji-Hyuk , Park Kang-Hyun
Published: April 2024

Background

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly impacted older adults, resulting in many deaths. The impact of lifestyle and mental health on vulnerable groups, such as older adults, can be large and long lasting. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 confirmation on cognition, lifestyle, mental health, and quality of life in adults aged 55 years.

Methods

The sample consisted of 111 people in the COVID group and 189 people in the non-COVID group aged over 55 years in South Korea. An online survey was conducted between January and May 2022. Participants responded to the following assessment tools: Yonsei Lifestyle Profile, Prospective and Retrospective Memory (PRMQ), Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire (SMCQ), Visual Analogue Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19 S), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF). Differences in lifestyle, cognition, depression, anxiety, and quality of life were compared between the two groups.

Results

There were significant differences in physical activity, diet, the total score of the PRMQ, PM (a sub-score of the PRMQ), PHQ-9, Korean version of the ISI (ISI-K), and WHOQOL-BREF scores between the COVID and non-COVID groups. However, there were no significant differences in activity participation, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), or FCV-19 S between groups.

Conclusions

The study confirms that COVID-19 negatively affects memory, physical activity, diet, quality of life, depression, and insomnia in the older adults. Therefore, this study implicated that prevention and intervention strategies required improving the memory, lifestyle, and mental health of older adults with COVID-19.

Trial registration

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Yonsei university in Korea (Registration number: 1041849-202112-SB-226-03, Date of registration: 01042022).
Can a prolonged healing pressure injury be benefited by using an AI mattress? A case study
Authors: Ni Tung Fang , Wang Jyh-Liang , Chen Chih-Kuang , Shih De Fen , Wang Jeng
Published: April 2024

Background

Pressure injuries are a common and serious issue for bedridden residents in long-term-care facilities. Areas of bony prominences, such as the scapula, sacrum, and heels, are more likely to develop pressure injuries. The management of pressure injury wounds include dressing changes, repositioning, away from moisture, decreasing the occurrence of friction and shear, and more. Some supportive surfaces are also used for pressure injury cases such as gel pads, alternating pressure air mattresses, and air-fluidized beds. The aim of this case study was to determine whether the use of an artificial intelligent mattress can improve a nursing home resident with prolonged pressure injury.

Case presentation

A retrospective study design was conducted for this case study. A 79-year-old male developed a pressure injury in the sacrum. His pressure injury was initially at stage 4, with a score of 12 by the Braden scale. The PUSH score was 16. During 5.5 months of routine care plus the use of the traditional alternative air mattress, in the nursing home, the wound stayed in stage 3 but the PUSH score increased up to 11. An artificial intelligence mattress utilizing 3D InterSoft was used to detect the bony prominences and redistribute the external pressure of the skin. It implements a color guided schematic of 26 colors to indicate the amount of pressure of the skin.

Results

The wound size was decreased and all eczema on the resident’s back diminished. The PUSH score was down to 6, as the artificial intelligent mattress was added into the routine care. The staff also reported that the resident’s quality of sleep improved and moaning decreased. The hemiplegic side is at greater risk of developing pressure injury.

Conclusions

This novice device appeared to accelerate wound healing in this case. In the future, more cases should be tested, and different care models or mattress can be explored.
Preoperative prediction of microsatellite instability status in colorectal cancer based on a multiphasic enhanced CT radiomics nomogram model
Authors: Bian Xuelian , Sun Qi , Wang Mi , Dong Hanyun , Dai Xiaoxiao , Zhang Liyuan , Fan Guohua , Chen Guangqiang
Published: April 2024

Background

To investigate the value of a nomogram model based on the combination of clinical-CT features and multiphasic enhanced CT radiomics for the preoperative prediction of the microsatellite instability (MSI) status in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Methods

A total of 347 patients with a pathological diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma, including 276 microsatellite stabilized (MSS) patients and 71 MSI patients (243 training and 104 testing), were included. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the clinical-CT features of CRC patients linked with MSI status to build a clinical model. Radiomics features were extracted from arterial phase (AP), venous phase (VP), and delayed phase (DP) CT images. Different radiomics models for the single phase and multiphase (three-phase combination) were developed to determine the optimal phase. A nomogram model that combines clinical-CT features and the optimal phasic radscore was also created.

Results

Platelet (PLT), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), tumour location, enhancement pattern, and AP contrast ratio (ACR) were independent predictors of MSI status in CRC patients. Among the AP, VP, DP, and three-phase combination models, the three-phase combination model was selected as the best radiomics model. The best MSI prediction efficacy was demonstrated by the nomogram model built from the combination of clinical-CT features and the three-phase combination model, with AUCs of 0.894 and 0.839 in the training and testing datasets, respectively.

Conclusion

The nomogram model based on the combination of clinical-CT features and three-phase combination radiomics features can be used as an auxiliary tool for the preoperative prediction of the MSI status in CRC patients.