bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sentiment Analysis of Weather-Related Tweets from Cities within Hot Climates
Authors: Dzyuban Yuliya , Ching Graces N. Y. , Yik Sin Kang , Tan Adrian J. , Crank Peter J. , Banerjee Shreya , Pek Rachel Xin Yi , Chow Winston T. L.
Published: October 2022

Evidence exists that exposure to weather hazards, particularly in cities subject to heat island and climate change impacts, strongly affects individuals’ physical and mental health. Personal exposure to and sentiments about warm conditions can currently be expressed on social media, and recent research noted that the geotagged, time-stamped, and accessible social media databases can potentially be indicative of the public mood and health for a region. This study attempts to understand the relationships between weather and social media sentiments via Twitter and weather data from 2012 to 2019 for two cities in hot climates: Singapore and Phoenix, Arizona. We first detected weather-related tweets, and subsequently extracted keywords describing weather sensations. Furthermore, we analyzed frequencies of most used words describing weather sensations and created graphs of commonly occurring bigrams to understand connections between them. We further explored the annual trends between keywords describing heat and heat-related thermal discomfort and temperature profiles for two cities. Results showed significant relationships between frequency of heat-related tweets and temperature. For Twitter users exposed to no strong temperature seasonality, we noticed an overall negative cluster around hot sensations. Seasonal variability was more apparent in Phoenix, with more positive weather-related sentiments during the cooler months. This demonstrates the viability of Twitter data as a rapid indicator for periods of higher heat experienced by public and greater negative sentiment toward the weather, and its potential for effective tracking of real-time urban heat stress.

Significance Statement

Social media such as Twitter allow individuals to broadcast their opinions in real time, including perceptions and sensations related to weather events. Evidence from two cities exposed to hot weather—one equatorial and one desert subtropical—indicates that tweets were sensitive to seasonal temperature differences even within a small range. For Twitter users exposed to no strong temperature seasonality, generally negative sentiments to hot weather were seen year-round. In Phoenix with more pronounced seasonality, tweets were more positive in sentiment during the cooler months. This result shows promise for the medium as a rapid real-time indicator—or a snapshot—for societal sentiment to weather events.
Achieving sustainability through improvement in the textile wet process using particle swarm optimization and the tabu search algorithm
Authors: Hiremath Rahul B , Bansode Sheelratan S , Kumar Bimlesh
Published: October 2022

As far as cloth production is concerned, the dyeing process in textiles forms a bottleneck procedure, as this process consumes a great deal of time and high volumes of water per unit of fabric for processing, which causes depletion of groundwater levels at a high rate. Besides, textile effluents are discharged into rivers or wetlands without proper treatment in many cases. Untreated textile effluent can contaminate groundwater and water bodies, reduce dissolved oxygen in the water, and affect aquatic ecosystems, which may indirectly cause climate change. The waste generated in dyeing is mainly due to the cleaning process. Thus, the dyeing process needs to be improved and optimized to solve the problem and reduce delay. To take effective measures for future improvement, it is essential to develop a nature-inspired tracking system. The amount of emission and the performance can be improved by utilizing scheduling as a tool. In this view, the dyeing process is formulated as a bi-objective optimization model to reduce the tardiness cost and minimize the emission of wastewater during the cleaning process of the dyeing vat. The current problem is of a difficult nature; thus, multi-objective particle swarm optimization in collaboration with the tabu search algorithm has been used to attain good and nondominant results. The tabu search algorithm is used along with ejection chains to focus on the objectives of emission reduction and increase the number of desired solutions. It was found that the total processing time was reduced by 4–5 hours and water was reduced by 500 liters for dyeing 200 kg of yarn daily.
High temperature vulcanized ethylene propylene diene rubber nanocomposites as high voltage insulators: Dielectric breakdown measurements and evaluation
Authors: Abou-Kandil Ahmed I , Nasrat Loai , Fareed Eman L.
Published: October 2022

The use of porcelain and thermoplastic based materials as High voltage insulators has always been dominant in the industry. Several elastomers were also investigated, mainly Ethylene Propylene Rubber and Silicone rubbers were used as replacement of the traditional Porcelain high Voltage insulators. In this study we experiment with new elastomer, Ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), that is capable of withstanding high voltage as well as being resistant to severe weathering conditions. In addition to having excellent mechanical properties that we discussed elsewhere. Detailed dielectric breakdown measurements were carried out for room temperature vulcanized and high temperature vulcanized samples. The effects of exposure to UV radiation on the dielectric breakdown strength was also studied. Different fillers were used to improve the dielectric breakdown strength of different polymer matrices. Both carbon black based fillers and inorganic fillers were experimented in order to reach optimum mix properties that provide the best dielectric breakdown strength. Resistance to thermal aging and UV radiation was also carried out on EPDM samples.
A coloniser’s view: On healing and native title reform
Authors: Reynolds Annika
Published: October 2022

This article explores, from my perspective as a white person, how the recognition of rights of nature under native title is one mechanism that could contribute to healing from, and moving beyond, colonial Australia. I use ‘listening’ as a methodology, drawing upon the works of Indigenous academics and activists to examine the need for reform to native title and the responsibilities of non-Indigenous people to contribute to healing Country. The article concludes that the recognition of rights of nature would be a meaningful form of healing, for both Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous peoples in an era of climate change.
Fully automated modal tracking for long-span high-speed railway bridges
Authors: Yang Xiao-Mei , Li Hongnan , Yi Ting-Hua , Qu Chun-Xu , Liu Hua
Published: October 2022

Modal parameters are inherent structural characteristics that are valuable for model updating, condition assessment, and early warning of bridges. Operational modal tracking technology has been a popular research topic in bridge structural health monitoring (SHM) because of its output-only advantage; that is, only the vibration responses of the bridge are necessary for modal identification. The real-time objective of bridge SHM requires operational modal tracking to be fully automated. Because the loads acting on long-span high-speed railway bridges are various, the modal identification methods should be changed according to the excitation characteristics; otherwise, the results may be incorrect. However, there is no unified framework for simultaneously tracking the modal evolution of a bridge under different excitations. In this study, modal tracking strategies based on ambient loads, train loads and immediately a train moving past the bridge were developed to identify the operational modal parameters of the bridge. In addition, a unified tracking framework was established to automatically switch among the three-stage modal-tracking strategies, which utilizes the real-time positioning of the axle loads. Furthermore, the computational efficiency of the tracking strategies and the obstacles of operational modal analysis were analyzed to provide a reference for mode-based SHM of bridges, and the essential parameters in the tracking algorithms were suggested. The three-stage modal-tracking methods were validated through long-term monitoring data of a long-span high-speed railway bridge. The results indicated that the best tracking results were generated from free-vibration data, while the modal-tracking under ambient loads had best timeliness.
Using ethnography to understand the lives of street sex workers
Authors: Stockdale Rebecca
Published: October 2022

This article examines the value of using ethnographic methodology in research with women involved in street sex work in an inner-city suburb of Melbourne, Australia. The aim is to draw attention to the importance of three fundamental elements of this type of research with marginalised populations: 1) researchers’ immersion into the field over a sustained period of time, 2) ethical considerations about informed consent for people with cognitive impairment as a result of chronic drug use, and 3) reflexivity and positionality in qualitative research. Data collected from two and a half years of ethnographic fieldwork, including participant observation and semi-structured interviews with women involved in street sex work, emphasises the importance of adopting these participatory methods to ensure authenticity, rigour and credibility of research findings with marginalised populations.
Is There a Tradeoff Between Policy Responsiveness and Government Effectiveness? Evidence From the American States
Authors: Flavin Patrick
Published: October 2022

Citizens in a democracy expect elected officials will be responsive to their political opinions and govern in an effective way that improves their quality of life. However, a government that is too responsive to public sentiments may, in practice, be unable to govern effectively and promote societal well-being. This study is the first attempt to date to empirically evaluate this important potential tradeoff. Using newly developed measures of public opinion and public policy liberalism in the American states over time and a diverse battery of societal outcomes as well as multiple estimation strategies and timeframes, I find a weak and directionally inconsistent statistical relationship between policy responsiveness and government effectiveness. These findings have significant normative and theoretical implications because they suggest there is not a tradeoff between a government responding to its citizens’ opinions and it governing effectively by promoting citizens’ well-being.
Crisis management in the community mass recall of angiotensin II receptor blocker losartan due to nitrosamine impurities
Authors: Ng Lok Pui , Oka Prawira , Lim Christina Jit Fan , Aau Wai Keong , Koh Eileen Yi Ling , Ee Adrian Guan Liang , Tan Ngiap Chuan
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB) are widely utilized in the treatment of hypertension and nephropathy. In March 2019, a mass recall of selected brands of an ARB, losartan due to reported elevated levels of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamine impurities was implemented in a Singapore primary care institution.

Objective

To describe the crisis management of the mass losartan recall in a public primary healthcare institution in Singapore.

Methods

The crisis management framework was adapted from the Gonzalez-Herrero and Pratt model. This crisis was managed over three phases: identification of impending crisis based on risk reports by local health authorities, formation of a task force to develop turnaround strategies and measures, implementation and monitoring of the remedial measures. Data to plan and chart implementation was retrieved from the institution databases, including the Electronic Health Intelligence System for patient medical and prescription records, Outpatient Administrative System for reimbursement of medications and other expenditures incurred. An exigency scheme, Losartas® Review Service (LRS), was established to expedite the replacement of the affected medication with another ARB or another anti-hypertensive medication.

Results

SingHealth Polyclinics completed the recall of 29,794 (92.1%) patients within 14 weeks. The majority of the patients (76.2%) were attended to by doctors, while 16.5% and 7.3% were managed using the LRS and pharmacy respectively. The institution incurred a cost of SGD2,824,760 (estimated SGD95 per patient) to manage the crisis.

Conclusion

The successful implementation of a mass medication recall hinged on timely intervention, cross-departmental coordination, effective communication and judicious resource allocation.
Further Examination of the Psychometric Properties of the Current Experiences Scale and Model of Resiliency
Authors: Groves James , Luberto Christina , Fricchione Gregory , Park Elyse
Published: October 2022

Background

Stress-related disease is increasing, with high resilience proposed as protective. Whilst the Current Experiences Scale (CES) shows promise as a measure of resilience, its psychological correlates and relationship to psychological stress remain unclear.

Objectives

(1) Further explore the psychometric properties of the CES, (2) identify modifiable psychological factors associated with the CES and (3) test a previously published model for the influence of adaptive strategies and stress management factors on resiliency and stress.

Methods

N = 455 individuals (mean age = 47.8, 65.1% female) completed measures of adaptive strategies: mindfulness (Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale-Revised), positive affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) and gratitude (The Gratitude Questionnaire), stress management skills: coping (Measure of Current Status-A), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8) and anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder Assessment) and outcomes: resilience (CES) and stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examined the psychometric properties of the CES. Multivariable regression identified psychological variables associated with resilience. Structural equation modelling (SEM) tested the previously published model for resilience.

Results

The CES and its subscales showed good internal consistency (ɑ = .75-.93). The 23-item CES produced excellent results for model fit (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = .07, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = .06, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = .99; Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = .99). Higher gratitude (P < .0001), mindfulness (P < .0001), positive affect (P < .0001) and coping (P < .0001) were associated with higher resilience. Depression (P = .23) and anxiety (P = .34) were not. A model of resilience which included gratitude, mindfulness, positive affect and coping as determinants of resilience and perceived stress performed well (RMSEA = .03, SRMR = .02, CFI = .99; TLI = .99).

Conclusions

The CES was validated in a large sample. The association of gratitude, mindfulness, positive affect and coping with resilience may guide practitioners seeking to design resilience-enhancing programs.
Housing price indices from online listing data: Addressing the spatial bias with sampling weights
Authors: Lopez Ochoa Esteban
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a method to reduce the inherent sampling bias when estimating housing price indices using online listing data. Producing more accurate and representative metrics is important as new sources of data emerge with higher frequency, detail, and volume, providing more information for policymaking, but usually come with strong sampling biases that are often overlooked. In the case of housing price indices, although the literature around its estimation is abundant, it has concentrated only in traditional and formal sources of housing data, which is normally not available in some markets (i.e. renting) and locations (developing countries). In this paper, I propose a method to create a housing price index (HPI) that is comparable in quality to the industry-standard Case-Shiller HPI but using online listing data. Using online listing data from a developing economy (Chile), this paper shows that large sampling biases present when using raw unweighted data, how these biases can be minimized using sampling weights, and how new and relevant information can be obtained from adjusted HPIs that can lead better policymaking.
Disadvantaged communities have lower access to urban infrastructure
Authors: Nicoletti Leonardo , Sirenko Mikhail , Verma Trivik
Published: October 2022

Disparity in spatial accessibility is strongly associated with growing inequalities among urban communities. Since improving levels of accessibility for certain communities can provide them with upward social mobility and address social exclusion and inequalities in cities, it is important to understand the nature and distribution of spatial accessibility among urban communities. To support decision-makers in achieving inclusion and fairness in policy interventions in cities, we present an open and data-driven framework to understand the spatial nature of accessibility to infrastructure among the different demographics. We find that accessibility to a wide range of infrastructure in any city (54 cities) converges to a Zipf’s law, suggesting that inequalities also appear proportional to growth processes in these cities. Then, assessing spatial inequalities among the socioeconomically clustered urban profiles for 10 of those cities, we find urban communities are distinctly segregated along social and spatial lines. We find low accessibility scores for populations who have a larger share of minorities, earn less and have a relatively lower number of individuals with a university degree. These findings suggest that the reproducible framework we propose may be instrumental in understanding processes leading to spatial inequalities and in supporting cities to devise targeted measures for addressing inequalities for certain underprivileged communities.
Study on porosity of aramid fiber reinforced composites prepared by additive manufacturing
Authors: Zou Ailing , Shan Zhongde , Wang Shaozong , Liu Xiaojun , Ma Xueya , Zou Dongming , Jiang Xibin
Published: October 2022

Continuous fiber additive manufacturing technology has developed rapidly in recent years, and pore has a great influence on the properties of composites. Through the optimization process of aramid fiber (AF) reinforced composite filament forming, the internal porosity of composites filament was reduced, and stable wire was provided for continuous fiber additive manufacturing. A mathematical model of 0° fiber orientation porosity was established, and the porosity of composites was measured by Micro-CT, and the correctness of the mathematical model was verified with the absolute error of 0.26%, and the relative error of 2.16%. The process parameters of printing speed, printing layer thickness, and printing spacing were designed by orthogonal experiment. The relationship between interlaminar shear properties and porosity of composites with 0° fiber orientation was studied.
Humans-livestock predators conflict in the Central and Eastern Part of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Authors: Sebsibe Israel
Published: October 2022

Background

Sharing of space by humans and wildlife at a time may ignite apparent conflict. Populations of many species are declining due to the degradation of wildlife habitats caused by agricultural activities. Additionally, livestock may compete with wild herbivores for grazing and reduce the abundance of wild prey for carnivores. A reduction in populations of prey species of large predators might cause carnivores to be attracted towards livestock, ultimately provoking and aggravating the human-carnivores conflict. This study investigated the current status of the human-predators conflict in and around the Bale Mountains National Park.

Results

Most (72.75%) respondents agreed on the presence of livestock predation. Major reported predators were spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), olive baboon (Papio anubis), African wolf (Canis lupaster), aardvark (Orycteropus afer), genet (Genetta genetta), Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis), lion (Panthera leo), and leopard (Panthera pardus). Cattle (54.19%), sheep (70.96%), goat (32.0%), donkey (37.72%) and horse (27.54%) were mentioned as major target of predators. Within the past ten years 1623 sheep, 741 cattle, 639 goats, 193 donkeys, and 124 horses were predated. This study found an increasing trend of livestock predation. The trend was reported to be high within the Park (68%). During the past ten years, households reported killings of 3320 livestock that cost 347,460.53 USD. Loss of 8.66 USD per month constituted 27.45% of their monthly income which is expected to have a great sustenance impact. Human settlement (41%), agricultural practices (38.6%), overgrazing (25.3%), deforestation for charcoal production (25.1%), deliberate fire to free lands for agriculture (17.3%) were noticed as major causes of livestock depredation.

Conclusions

The results of the present study show that there is strong human-livestock predator conflict in the study area. Therefore, the author suggested that conflict mitigation efforts focus on securing the livestock enclosure to protected areas and regular compensation fees for farmers that face great damage from wildlife. The foremost action should be awareness creation about the environmental, social, and economic importance of protected areas. The management staff of the Park is also expected to promote community involvement in the plan of mitigation strategies and practices.
Clinical value of serum sTREM-1 and HBP levels in combination with traditional inflammatory markers in diagnosing hospital-acquired pneumonia in elderly
Authors: Wang Zhang , Chang Binbin , Zhang Yong , Chen Jieyu , Xie Fang , Xiang Ying , Liu Tingting , Li Ying
Published: October 2022

Background

The clinical presentation of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in older patients is often complex and non-specific, posing a diagnostic challenge. This study evaluates the value of serum soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) and heparin-binding protein (HBP) in combination with traditional inflammatory markers procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in diagnosing HAP in older patients.

Methods

Thirty-eight elderly male patients with HAP (≥ 80 years old) and 46 age-matched controls, who were hospitalized for other reasons than HAP, were enrolled. The serum sTREM-1, HBP, PCT and CRP levels were measured by ELISA on the first day after enrollment. In addition, routine blood test, blood gas, sputum analysis, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) assessment, and chest X-ray were performed, and the correlations with HAP were analyzed.

Results

The serum sTREM-1 (n = 38, 170.75 ± 158.33 pg/ml), HBP (2.08 ± 0.50), PCT (9.44 ± 17.73) and CRP (79.63 ± 71.37) were all significantly higher in the HAP group, when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the values were positively correlated with the CPIS. The ROC curve analysis revealed that the AUC for sTREM-1 (0.667) and HBP (0.711) were lower, when compared to that for PCT (AUC = 0.839) and CRP (AUC = 0.840). The combination of PCT and CRP with sTREM-1 (AUC = 0.927) or HBP (AUC = 0.930) had the highest AUC values.

Conclusion

Serum sTREM-1, HBP, PCT and CRP can all be used as diagnostic markers for HAP in the elderly. The combination of traditional inflammatory markers PCT and CRP with novel inflammatory marker sTREM-1 or HBP further improves the diagnostic performance.
Incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections following ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Takeshita Jun , Tachibana Kazuya , Nakajima Yasufumi , Shime Nobuaki
Published: October 2022

Background

Ultrasonographic guidance is widely used for central venous catheterization. Several studies have revealed that ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization increases the rate of success during the first attempt and reduces the procedural duration when compared to the anatomical landmark-guided insertion technique, which could result in protection from infectious complications. However, the effect of ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization on catheter-related bloodstream infections remains unclear. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the value of ultrasound guidance in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections and catheter colonization associated with central venous catheterization.

Methods

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and MEDLINE (via PubMed) were searched up to May 9, 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ultrasound-guided and anatomical landmark-guided insertion techniques for central venous catheterization. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for RCTs. A meta-analysis was performed for catheter-related bloodstream infections and catheter colonization, as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively.

Results

Four RCTs involving 1268 patients met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization was associated with a slightly lower incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (risk ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16–1.32) and was not associated with a lower incidence of catheter colonization (risk ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.57–3.26).

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization might reduce the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections. Additional RCTs are necessary to further evaluate the value of ultrasound guidance in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections with central venous catheterization.
Development and validation of an MRI-based radiomic model for predicting overall survival in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with local residual tumors after intensity-modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Jiang Shengping , Han Lin , Liang Leifeng , Long Liling
Published: October 2022

Background

To investigate the potential value of the pretreatment MRI-based radiomic model in predicting the overall survival (OS) of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with local residual tumors after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Methods

A total of 218 consecutive nonmetastatic NPC patients with local residual tumors after IMRT [training cohort (n = 173) and validation cohort (n = 45)] were retrospectively included in this study. Clinical and MRI data were obtained. Univariate Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to select the radiomic features from pretreatment MRI. The clinical, radiomic, and combined models for predicting OS were constructed. The models’ performances were evaluated using Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis.

Results

The C-index of the radiomic model was higher than that of the clinical model, with the C-index of 0.788 (95% CI 0.724–0.852) versus 0.672 (95% CI 0.599–0.745) in the training cohort and 0.753 (95% CI 0.604–0.902) versus 0.634 (95% CI 0.593–0.675) in the validation cohort. Calibration curves showed good agreement between the radiomic model-predicted probability of 2- and 3-year OS and the actual observed probability in the training and validation groups. Decision curve analysis showed that the radiomic model had higher clinical usefulness than the clinical model. The discrimination of the combined model improved significantly in the training cohort (P < 0.01) but not in the validation cohort, with the C-index of 0.834 and 0.734, respectively. The radiomic model divided patients into high- and low-risk groups with a significant difference in OS in both the training and validation cohorts.

Conclusions

Pretreatment MRI-based radiomic model may improve OS prediction in NPC patients with local residual tumors after IMRT and may assist in clinical decision-making.
Identification of CPT2 as a prognostic biomarker by integrating the metabolism-associated gene signature in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Jiaxin , Li Yimin , Xiao Qing , Li Yuanyuan , Peng Yuqian , Gan Yaqi , Shu Guang , Yi Hanxi , Yin Gang
Published: October 2022

Background

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered to be the third-highest malignant tumor among all carcinomas. The alterations in cellular bioenergetics (metabolic reprogramming) are associated with several malignant phenotypes in CRC, such as tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, as well as promotes its immune escape. However, the expression pattern of metabolism-associated genes that mediate metabolic reprogramming in CRC remains unknown.

Methods

In this study, we screened out CPT2 by investigating the function of a series of metabolism-related genes in CRC progression by integrating the data from the TCGA and GEO databases. Next, we collected CRC tissues (n = 24) and adjacent non-tumor tissues (n = 8) and analyzed mRNA levels by qRT-PCR, and proteins levels of CPT2 in CRC cell lines by western blotting. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, Edu assay and flow cytometry assay were performed to assess the effects of CPT2 on proliferation in vitro.

Results

We identified 236 metabolism-related genes that are differentially expressed in colorectal cancer, of which 49 up-regulated and 187 down-regulated, and found CPT2 as the most significant gene associated with favorable prognosis in CRC. It was revealed that CPT2 expression was consistently down-regulated in CRC cell lines and tissues. Moreover, knockdown of CPT2 could promote the proliferative ability of CRC cells, whereas over-expression of CPT2 significantly suppressed the cell growth.

Conclusion

In summary, CPT2 can provide new insights about the progression and occurrence of the tumor as it acts as an independent prognostic factor in CRC sufferers.
Evaluation of children with severe neurological impairment admitted to hospital with pain and irritability
Authors: Fishman Isobel , Siden Harold , Vadeboncoeur Christina
Published: October 2022

Background

Pain is the most common symptom reported by caregivers of children with severe neurological impairment (SNI), a descriptive term for children with disorders affecting the neurological system across multiple domains. In SNI, cognition, communication, and motor skills are impaired and other organ systems are impacted. Pain is difficult to identify and treat in children with SNI because of communication impairment. When a clear cause of pain is not determined, the term “Pain and Irritability of Unknown Origin (PIUO)” is used to describe pain-like behaviours. This study explores the clinical care received by children with SNI admitted to hospital after presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary pediatric hospital with pain or irritability. Findings are compared to the approach suggested in the PIUO pathway, an integrated clinical pathway for identifying and treating underlying causes of pain and irritability in children with complex conditions and limited communication.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of children (age 0 to 18 years inclusive) with diagnoses compatible with SNI presenting with pain, irritability, and/or unexplained crying that required hospitalization between January 1st, 2019 and December 31st, 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the clinical care received by children in whom a source of pain was identified or not. In children for whom no cause of pain was identified, investigations completed were compared to the PIUO pathway.

Results

Eight hospital admissions of six unique children were included for data analysis. A cause for pain and irritability was identified and resolved in three patients. In children with PIUO, there were gaps in history taking, physical examination, and investigations that might have allowed a cause of pain and irritability to be found. Pain was assessed using the r-FLACC pain scale and varying medications for pain/irritability were given during each hospital admission.

Conclusion

Children with SNI admitted to a tertiary pediatric hospital did not undergo a standardized approach to identifying a cause of pain and irritability. Future efforts should explore the effectiveness of the PIUO pathway, a standardized approach to reducing and resolving pain in children with SNI.
Knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and COVID-19 hesitancy in a large public university in Mexico city during the early vaccination rollout
Authors: Mongua-Rodríguez Norma , Rodríguez-Álvarez Mauricio , De-la-Rosa-Zamboni Daniela , Jiménez-Corona María Eugenia , Castañeda-Cediel Martha Lucía , Miranda-Novales Guadalupe , Cruz-Pacheco Gustavo , Ferreira-Guerrero Elizabeth , Ferreyra-Reyes Leticia , Delgado-Sánchez Guadalupe , Martínez-Hernández Maribel , Cruz-Salgado Arturo , Pérez-Padilla Rogelio , Ponce-de-León Samuel , García-García Lourdes
Published: October 2022

Background

Vaccination against COVID-19 is a primary tool for controlling the pandemic. However, the spread of vaccine hesitancy constitutes a significant threat to reverse progress in preventing the disease. Studies conducted in Mexico have revealed that vaccination intention in Mexico among the general population ranges from 62 to 82%.

Objective

To know the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and associated factors among academics, students, and administrative personnel of a public university in Mexico City.

Methods

We administered an online survey investigating sociodemographic aspects, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and acceptance/hesitancy regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Using generalized linear Poisson models, we analyzed factors associated with vaccine hesitancy, defined as not intending to be vaccinated within the following six months or refusing vaccination.

Results

During May and June 2021, we studied 840 people, prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was 6%. Hesitancy was significantly associated with fear of adverse effects, distrust of physician’s recommendations, lack of knowledge regarding handwashing, age younger than 40 years, refusal to use face masks, and not having received influenza vaccination during the two previous seasons.

Conclusions

Vaccine hesitancy in this population is low. Furthermore, our results allowed us the identification of characteristics that can improve vaccine promotion.
Status of Iranian schools’ psycho-social environment: cultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the W.H.O profile to create Child-Friendly Schools
Authors: Ahrari Amin , Salmani Fatemeh , Zeinali Tayebeh , Izadi Kimia , Yousefi Azam , Rahimi Fatemeh , Norozi Ensiyeh
Published: October 2022

Background

Creating an environment for emotional and social well-being is an important responsibility of Health-Promoting and Child-Friendly Schools. Thus, the present study aimed to assess cultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the Psycho-Social Environment (PSE) Profile. The second purpose of this study was to survey the psycho-social environment of schools among a local sample of Iranian school staff.

Methods

This study was conducted in two phases, including cultural adaptation and validation of a culturally adapted scale. The cultural adaptation process followed the procedure suggested by Beaton et al. Then, the culturally adapted scale was administered to a local sample of Iranian school staff including managers (21.9%), teachers (57.4%), support staff (4%), and other school staff (16.7%) in a cross-sectional study. The participants’ mean age was 39.98 ± 8.11 years and they were mostly female (62.8%). The psychometric properties of the culturally adapted version of the questionnaire were tested using a confirmatory factor analysis (n = 265), and a test of internal consistency. Finally, the status of schools’ psycho-social environment was assessed using descriptive and analytical statistics.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an overall good fit for the 7-factor profile (χ2/df: 1.906, PNFI: 0.62, TLI: 0.78, CFI: 0.79, RMSE: 0.059). The test of internal consistency showed an acceptable reliability (α = 0. 98).

Conclusions

The Persian version of the PSE profile was culturally adapted for use in Iranian schools. Certainly, this culturally adapted version of PSE profile could be useful to determine the school psycho-social environment and to make any changes that can promote a friendly school climate for all participants, and to enhance learning and development.
Anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity and antilipidemic properties: novel bioactivities of true cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) leaf
Authors: Abeysekera Walimuni Prabhashini Kaushalya Mend , Premakumara Galbada Arachchige Sirimal , Ratnasooriya Wanigasekera Daya , Abeysekera Walimuni Kanchana Subhashini Mendis
Published: October 2022

Background

The leaf of Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) is traditionally claimed for a variety of health benefits. However, reported scientific information is scanty and needs urgent attention for value addition.

Methods

Ethanolic (95%) and Dichloromethane:Methanol (DM, 1:1 v/v) leaf extracts of Ceylon cinnamon were evaluated for a range of medically important bioactivities namely anti-inflammatory [nitric oxide scavenging activity (NOSA), superoxide scavenging activity (SCA), COX1 and COX2 inhibition], growth inhibition & cytotoxicity against MCF7, HePG2 and AN3CA carcinoma cell lines, glutathionase-S-transferase (GST) inhibition and antilipidemic (anti-HMG-CoA reductase, anti-lipase, anti-cholesterol esterase, and cholesterol micellization inhibition) properties in vitro (n = 3). Further, a range of bioactive compounds in both leaf extracts was also quantified (n = 3).

Results

Both leaf extracts had all the investigated bioactive compounds and possessed moderately potent bioactivities compared to the reference drugs used in the study. Ethanolic leaf extract (ELE) exhibited the highest activities (IC50: μg/mL) for NOSA (40.26 ± 0.52), SCA (696.24 ± 40.02), cholesterol esterase inhibition (110.19 ± 1.55), cholesterol micellization inhibition (616.69 ± 7.09), GST inhibition (403.78 ± 2.70) and growth inhibition (GI50: 144.84 ± 1.59-269.00 ± 0.51) & cytotoxicity (LC50: 355.44 ± 9.38-717.71 ± 23.69) against studied cancer cell lines. In contrast, COX1 & COX2 (IC50: 6.62 ± 0.85 and 44.91 ± 3.06 μg/mL) and HMG-CoA reductase & lipase inhibitory activities (36.72 ± 4.74 and 19.71 ± 0.97% inhibition at 200 and 600 μg/mL) were highest in DM extract. ELE also showed the highest quantities (0.81 ± 0.06-104.38 ± 1.79) of tested compounds (mg/g extract) where eugenol was the highest and gallic acid was the lowest among quantified.

Conclusion

Both leaf extracts of Ceylon cinnamon had all the tested bioactive compounds and possess all the investigated bioactivities. This is the 1st study to report all the investigated bioactivities of the leaf of Ceylon Cinnamon.
Musculoskeletal imaging authority, levels of training, attitude, competence, and utilisation among clinical physiotherapists in Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Onyeso Ogochukwu Kelechi , Umunnah Joseph O. , Eze Joseph C. , Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim , Anyachukwu Canice Chukwudi , Ezema Charles Ikechukwu , Onwuakagba Ifeoma Uchenna , Abaraogu Ukachukwu Okoroafor , Awhen Agba Peter , Anikwe Ernest Emezie , Akinola Odunayo Theresa , Kalu Michael Ebe
Published: October 2022

Background

Direct-access physiotherapy practice has led to a global review of the use of differential-diagnostic modalities such as musculoskeletal imaging (MI) in physiotherapy.

Objective

To explore the MI authority, levels of training, attitude, utilisation, and competence among clinical physiotherapists in Nigeria.

Methods

This national cross-sectional study analysed a voluntary response sample of 400 Nigerian physiotherapists that completed the online version of the Physiotherapist’s Musculoskeletal Imaging Profiling Questionnaire (PMIPQ), using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Friedman’s ANOVA tests.

Results

Of the 400 participants, 93.2% believed that physiotherapists should use MI in clinical practice. However, only 79.8% reported having MI authority in their practice settings. The participants’ median (interquartile range) levels of training =10 (24) and competence =16 (24) were moderate. Nonetheless, levels of training (χ2 [15] = 1285.899,p = 0.001), and competence (χ2 [15] = 1310.769,p < 0.001) differed across MI procedures. The level of training and competence in x-ray referral and utilisation was significantly higher than magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scan, ultrasonography, scintigraphy, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, in that order (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the levels of training and competence (rho =0.61,p < 0.001). The participants had a positive attitude =32 (32) and occasionally used MI in clinical practice =21 (28).

Conclusion

Majority of the respondents believed they had MI authority although there was no explicit affirmation of MI authority in the Nigerian Physiotherapy Practice Act. Participants had a positive attitude towards MI. However, levels of MI training, competence, and utilisation were moderate. Our findings have legislative and curriculum implications.
The comparison of two different protocols ultra-long versus medroxyprogesterone acetate in women with ovarian endometriosis: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Guo Haiyan , Du Tong , Gao Hongyuan , Xi Qianwen , Wu Ling , Lyu Qifeng , Zhu Qianqian
Published: October 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate the medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) + HMG protocol vs ultra-long gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol in patients with advanced ovarian endometriosis who received in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

Three hundred patients with advanced ovary endometriosis who underwent IVF were included, and embryological and clinical outcomes were assessed between March 2017 and September 2017. Patients were divided into MPA + HMG group and 1-month ultra-long GnRHa protocol group.

Results

Lower hMG dose and shorter medication time were found in the MPA + HMG group than in the GnRHa group (P < 0.05). Follicle to-Oocyte Index was significantly different between MPA + HMG group and GnRHa group (P < 0.001). No differences were found in the ovary response and numbers of mature oocytes, fertilized oocytes and viable embryos. The clinical pregnancy and live birth outcomes were similar between MPA + HMG group and GnRHa group, and these outcomes were independent of fresh or frozen embryo transfer in the GnRHa protocol group. There were no significant differences in the time to embryo transfer, medical cost and adverse effects.

Conclusion

The number of oocytes retrieved and pregnancy outcomes after MPA + HMG protocol are similar to those after ultra-long GnRHa protocol in women with ovarian endometriosis. MPA + HMG protocol may be an alternative to ultra-long GnRHa protocol for IVF in ovary endometriosis patients.

Trial registration The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-INR-17010924)

Plain English summary

In conclusion, the administration of MPA in COH showed similar number of oocytes retrieved, no premature LH surge, and similar pregnancy and live birth outcomes in patients with advanced ovarian endometriosis undergoing IVF/ICSI as compared to the one-month long protocol. The use of MPA in COH appears to be promising although many questions remain to be elucidated, including the dose and time of progestin priming as well as its possible influence on the oocyte development potential and microenvironment. Given their good tolerability, few metabolic influence, and low cost, progestogens provide a novel alternative to the conventional protocol for patients with endometriosis.
Surgical or non-surgical treatment of plantar fasciopathy (SOFT): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Møller Stefan , Riel Henrik , Wester Jens , Simony Ane , Viberg Bjarke , Jensen Carsten
Published: October 2022

Background

Plantar fasciopathy is the most common reason for complaints of plantar heel pain and one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions with a reported lifetime incidence of 10%. The condition is normally considered self-limiting with persistent symptoms that often last for several months or years. Multiple treatments are available, but no single treatment appears superior to the others. Heavy-slow resistance training and radiofrequency microtenotomy for the treatment of plantar fasciopathy have shown potentially positive effects on short- and long-term outcomes (> 3 months). However, the effect of heavy-slow resistance training compared with a radiofrequency microtenotomy treatment is currently unknown. This trial compares the efficacy of heavy-slow resistance training and radiofrequency microtenotomy treatment with supplemental standardized patient education and heel inserts in improving the Foot Health Status Questionnaire pain score after 6 months in patients with plantar fasciopathy.

Methods

In this randomized superiority trial, we will recruit 70 patients with ultrasound-confirmed plantar fasciopathy and randomly allocate them to one of two groups: (1) heavy-slow resistance training, patient education and a heel insert (n = 35), and (2) radiofrequency microtenotomy treatment, patient education and a heel insert (n = 35). All participants will be followed for 1 year, with the 6-month follow-up considered the primary endpoint. The primary outcome is the Foot Health Status Questionnaire pain domain score. Secondary outcomes include the remaining three domains of the Foot Health Status Questionnaire, a Global Perceived Effect scale, the physical activity level, and Patient Acceptable Symptom State, which is the point at which participants feel no further need for treatment.

Discussion

By comparing the two treatment options, we should be able to answer if radiofrequency microtenotomy compared with heavy-slow resistance training is superior in patients with plantar fasciopathy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03854682. Prospectively registered on February 26, 2019.