bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpersonal Psychotherapy’s problem areas as an organizing framework to understand depression and sexual and reproductive health needs of Kenyan pregnant and parenting adolescents: a qualitative study
Authors: Kumar Manasi , Yator Obadia , Nyongesa Vincent , Kagoya Martha , Mwaniga Shillah , Kathono Joseph , Gitonga Isaiah , Grote Nancy , Verdeli Helena , Huang Keng Yen , McKay Mary , Swartz Holly A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Peripartum adolescents experience significant interpersonal transitions in their lives. Depression and emotional distress are often exacerbated by adolescents’ responses to these interpersonal changes. Improved understanding of pregnancy-related social changes and maladaptive responses to these shifts may inform novel approaches to addressing the mental health needs of adolescents during the perinatal period. The paper aims to understand the sources of psychological distress in peripartum adolescents and map these to Interpersonal Psychotherapy’s (IPT) problem areas as a framework to understand depression.

Method

We conducted interviews in two Nairobi primary care clinics with peripartum adolescents ages 16–18 years (n = 23) with experiences of depression, keeping interpersonal psychotherapy framework of problem areas in mind. We explored the nature of their distress, triggers, antecedents of distress associated with an unplanned pregnancy, quality of their relationships with their partner, parents, and other family members, perceived needs, and sources of support.

Results

We found that the interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) framework of interpersonal problems covering grief and loss, role transitions, interpersonal disputes, and social isolation was instrumental in conceptualizing adolescent depression, anxiety, and stress in the perinatal period.

Conclusion

Our interviews deepened understanding of peripartum adolescent mental health focusing on four IPT problem areas. The interpersonal framework yields meaningful information about adolescent depression and could help in identifying strategies for addressing their distress.
Relationship between dry eye and expressions of CXCR3 and CCR5 after ocular acid burn
Authors: Jiang Bo , Hu Qianqian , Li Tao , She Man , Li Chunxia , Zhou Xiaodong
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate the manifestation of dry eye and its relationship with CXCR3 and CCR5 expression in patients with ocular acid burns.

Methods

This is a case–control study. A total of 27 eyes of 22 cases ocular with acid burns of I-V degrees from Jan.2020 to Feb.2021 in Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University were selected as observation group, and 8 eyes of 8 cases of normal people were selected as control group. The follow-up period was 3 months. The visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal fluorescein staining scores (CFS), breakup time of tear film (BUT), Schirmer I test, corneal thickness and tear meniscus height (TMH) were observed at 1 day, 1 and 3 months after injury. The protein expressions of CXCR3 and CCR5 were examined by ELISA and compared among groups at each time point.

Results

BUT and Schirmer I tests value in the observation group were lower than those in the control group 3 months after injury (BUT: Group I ~ IV p = 0.0266, p = 0.0222, p = 0.0003, p = 0.0059, respectively; Schirmer I test: Group I ~ IV p = 0.0027, p = 0.0033, p = 0.0016, p = 0.0032, respectively). CFS scores were higher than those in the control group at 1 day after injury (all p < 0.0001), but decreased gradually at 1 and 3 months after injury (Group I ~ IV p = 0.0042, p = 0.0096, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). The corneal thickness and TMH 1 day after injury were higher than those in the control group (corneal thickness: Group II ~ IV p = 0.0010, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively; TMH: Group II ~ IV p = 0.0002, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively), and also higher than those at 1 month and 3 months after injury (corneal thickness: Group II ~ IV p = 0.0010, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively; TMH: Group II ~ IV p = 0.0345 and p = 0.0045, p = 0.0005 and p < 0.0001, p = 0.0114 and p = 0.0019, respectively). The expression levels of CXCR3 and CCR5 protein were significantly negatively correlated with BUT (all p < 0.0001), and CXCR3 and CCR5 were also significantly negatively correlated with Schirmer I test value (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0004, respectively).

Conclusion

Ocular acid burns can cause dry eye, and the expression of CXCR3 and CCR5 protein in tears may be related to the occurrence of dry eye after ocular acid burn.
Incidence of malnutrition and changes in phosphocalcic metabolism in perioperative liver transplantation patients -a retrospective study in a tertiary children’s hospital in China
Authors: Pan Liya , Gao Xuejie , Fu Huanhuan , Liu Yunman , Hong Li
Published: December 2022

Background

The primary aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of pediatric liver transplant outpatients in nutrition clinic, particularly the nutritional status of their bones. 

Methods

One hundred thirty-eight pediatric liver transplant outpatients, who had visited the nutrition clinic in Shanghai Children’s Medical Center between January 2017 and December 2019, were recruited. The bone mineral density (BMD) z-scores were determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Nutritional assessment was performed, and their corresponding height-for-age z-scores (HAZs)/weight-for-age z-scores (WAZs)/BMI-for-age z-scores (BMIZs) were obtained.

Results

A total of 138 patients came to our nutrition outpatient clinic, including 68 boys (49.3%) and 70 girls (50.7%). The median age was 0.87y (0.68y, 1.71y). Among these patients, 44 (31.9%) had acute malnutrition with WAZ/BMIZ value -1.14 (-2.38, -0.18), 55 (38.4%) had chronic malnutrition with HAZ value -1.51 (-2.39, -0.38), and 96 (69.6%) had a BMD lower than normal. The BMD z-score was significantly correlated with the WAZ/BMIZ value (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.334,p < 0.001). A total of 37 infants re-visited the nutrition clinic for a follow-up after (147 ± 127) days. The WAZ/BMIZ value of the re-visiting patients and the BMD z-score of the re-visiting patients were significantly improved compared to those of the first-visit patients (p = 0.004 andp = 0.001 respectively).

Conclusions

There were different rates of malnutrition before and after liver transplantation. At the same time, BMD Z-score and serum vitamin D level of patients decreased. There was a significant correlation between BMD z-scores and WAZ/BMIZ values. Proper and professional nutrition guidance significantly improved the WAZ/BMIZ-values and BMD Z-score of liver transplantation patients.
Blood urea nitrogen to serum albumin ratio: a good predictor of in-hospital and 90-day all-cause mortality in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zeng Zixiong , Ke Xiaocui , Gong Shan , Huang Xin , Liu Qin , Huang Xiaoying , Cheng Juan , Li Yuqun , Wei Liping
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous studies on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) have found that those who died in hospital had higher blood urea nitrogen levels and a worse nutritional status compared to survivors. However, the association between the blood urea nitrogen to serum albumin ratio (BUN/ALB ratio) and in-hospital and short-term prognosis in patients with AECOPD remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the usefulness of BUN/ALB ratio in AECOPD as an objective predictor for in-hospital and 90-day all-cause mortality.

Methods

We recorded the laboratory and clinical data in patients with AECOPD on admission. By drawing the ROC curve for the patients, we obtained the cut-off point for the BUN/ALB ratio for in-hospital death. Multivariate logistic regression was used for analyses of the factors of in-hospital mortality and multivariate Cox regression was used to analyze the factors of 90-day all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 362 patients were recruited and 319 patients were finally analyzed. Twenty-three patients died during hospitalization and the fatality rate was 7.2%. Furthermore, 14 patients died by the 90-day follow-up. Compared with in-hospital survivors, patients who died in hospital were older (80.78 ± 6.58 vs. 75.09 ± 9.73 years old,P = 0.001), had a higher prevalence of congestive heart failure(69.6% vs. 27.4%,P < 0.001), had a higher BUN/ALB ratio [0.329 (0.250–0.399) vs. 0.145 (0.111–0.210),P < 0.001], had higher neutrophil counts [10.27 (7.21–14.04) vs. 6.58 (4.58–9.04),P < 0.001], higher blood urea nitrogen levels [10.86 (7.10–12.25) vs. 5.35 (4.14–7.40),P < 0.001], a lower albumin level (32.58 ± 3.72 vs. 36.26 ± 4.53,P < 0.001) and a lower lymphocyte count [0.85 (0.58–1.21) vs. 1.22 (0.86–1.72),P = 0.001]. The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of BUN/ALB ratio for in-hospital death was 0.87, (95%CI 0.81–0.93,P < 0.001), the best cut-off point value to discriminate survivors from non-survivors in hospital was 0.249, the sensitivity was 78.3%, the specificity was 86.5%, and Youden’s index was 0.648. Having a BUN/ALB ratio ≥ 0.249 was an independent risk factor for both in-hospital and 90-day all-cause mortality after adjustment for relative risk (RR; RR = 15.08, 95% CI 3.80–59.78,P < 0.001 for a multivariate logistic regression analysis) and hazard ratio (HR; HR = 5.34, 95% CI 1.62–17.57,P = 0.006 for a multivariate Cox regression analysis).

Conclusion

An elevated BUN/ALB ratio was a strong and independent predictor of in-hospital and 90-day all-cause mortality in patients with AECOPD.
Comparison of transfacet and pedicle screws in oblique lateral interbody fusion for single-level degenerative lumbar spine diseases: a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Lang Zhao , Ge Tenghui , Wu Jingye , Yuan Qiang , Sun Yuqing
Published: December 2022

Background

To perform a comparative assessment of percutaneous transfacet screws (TFS) and percutaneous bilateral pedicle screws (BPS) in oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) for the treatment of single-level degenerative lumbar spine diseases in terms of radiological examinations and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Sixty-six patients who received single-level OLIF with percutaneous supplementary fixation assisted by the robot for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine diseases were selected. There were 16 cases of OLIF with TFS and 50 cases of OLIF with BPS. The propensity score matching method selected 11 patients in each group with matched characteristics to perform a clinical comparison.

Results

The estimated blood loss was 68.2 ± 25.2 ml in the OLIF with TFS group compared to 113.6 ± 39.3 ml in the OLIF with BPS group (P < 0.05). The intervertebral disc height raised from 8.6 to 12.9 mm in the TFS group and from 8.9 to 13.9 mm in the BPS group in the immediate postoperative period, and dropped to 10.8 and 12.9 mm at the twelfth month, respectively (P < 0.05). The fusion rates were 91% and 100% for TFS and BPS groups (P > 0.05). Quantitative assessments of back/leg pain of the two groups reached a healthy level in the late period of the follow-up.

Conclusion

Both TFS and BPS techniques for the OLIF surgery relieve back pain caused by degenerative lumbar spine diseases. The TFS technique exhibits less blood loss compared with the BPS. A moderate cage subsidence is present in TFS but no complication is reported.
Training nurse simulation educators at scale to improve maternal and newborn health: a case study from Bihar, India
Authors: Madriz Solange , Afulani Patience , Spindler Hilary , Ghosh Rakesh , Subramaniam Nidhi , Mahapatra Tanmay , Das Aritra , Sonthalia Sunil , Gore Aboli , Cohen Susanna R. , Handu Seema , Walker Dilys
Published: December 2022

Background

Simulation has been shown to improve clinical and behavioral skills of birth attendants in low-resource settings at a low scale. Populous, low-resource settings such as Bihar, India, require large cadres of simulation educators to improve maternal and newborn health. It’s unknown if simulation facilitation skills can be adopted through a train of trainers’ cascade. To fill this gap, we designed a study to evaluate the simulation and debrief knowledge, attitudes and skills of a third generation of 701 simulation educators in Bihar, India. In addition, we assessed the physical infrastructure where simulation takes place in 40 primary healthcare facilities in Bihar, India.

Methods

We performed a 1 year before–after intervention study to assess the simulation facilitation strengths and weaknesses of a cadre of 701 nurses in Bihar, India. The data included 701 pre-post knowledge and attitudes self-assessments; videos of simulations and associated debriefs conducted by 701 providers at 40 primary healthcare centers.

Results

We observed a statistically significant difference in knowledge and attitude scores before and after the 4-day PRONTO simulation educator training. The average number of participants in a simulation video was 5 participants (range 3-8). The average length of simulation videos was 10:21 minutes. The simulation educators under study, covered behavioral in 90% of debriefs and cognitive objectives were discussed in all debriefs.

Conclusion

This is the first study assessing the simulation and debrief facilitation knowledge and skills of a cadre of 701 nurses in a low-resource setting. Simulation was implemented by local nurses at 353 primary healthcare centers in Bihar, India. Primary healthcare centers have the physical infrastructure to conduct simulation training. Some simulation skills such as communication via whiteboard were widely adopted. Advanced skills such as eliciting constructive feedback without judgment require practice.
Identifying the areas of low self-reported confidence of internal medicine residents in geriatrics: a descriptive study of findings from a structured geriatrics skills assessment survey
Authors: Kokorelias Kristina Marie , Leung Grace , Jamshed Namirah , Grosse Anna , Sinha Samir K.
Published: December 2022

Background

Currently, no standardized methods exist to assess the geriatric skills and training needs of internal medicine trainees to enable them to become confident in caring for older patients. This study aimed to describe the self-reported confidence and training requirements in core geriatric skills amongst internal medicine residents in Toronto, Ontario using a standardized assessment tool.

Methods

This study used a novel self-rating instrument, known as the Geriatric Skills Assessment Tool (GSAT), among incoming and current internal medicine residents at the University of Toronto, to describe self-reported confidence in performing, teaching and interest in further training with regard to 15 core geriatric skills previously identified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Results

190 (75.1%) out of 253 eligible incoming (Year 0) and current internal medicine residents (Years 1–3) completed the GSAT. Year 1–3 internal medicine residents who had completed a geriatric rotation reported being significantly more confident in performing 13/15 (P < 0.001 to P = 0.04) and in teaching 9/15 GSAT skills (P < 0.001 to P = 0.04). Overall, the residents surveyed identified their highest confidence in administering the Mini-Mental Status Examination and lowest confidence in assessing fall risk using a gait and balance tool, and in evaluating and managing chronic pain.

Conclusion

A structured needs assessment like the GSAT can be valuable in identifying the geriatric training needs of internal medicine trainees based on their reported levels of self-confidence. Residents in internal medicine could further benefit from completing a mandatory geriatric rotation early in their training, since this may improve their overall confidence in providing care for the mostly older patients they will work with during their residency and beyond.
Frequency of adding salt at the table and risk of incident cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Fengping , Chen Liangkai , Liu Buyun , Zhong Victor W. , Deng Yan , Luo Dan , Gao Chao , Bao Wei , Rong Shuang
Published: December 2022

Background

Adding salt at the table is a prevalent eating habit, but its long-term relationship with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality remains unclear. We evaluated the associations of adding salt at the table with the risk of incident CVD and all-cause mortality.

Methods

Among 413,109 middle- and old-aged adults without cancer or CVD, all participants reported the frequency of adding salt at the table at baseline. The associations between adding salt at the table and incident CVD (the composite endpoint of coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and CVD deaths) and all-cause mortality were investigated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Of the study population, the mean age was 55.8 years and 45.5% were men; 44.4% reported adding salt at the table; 4.8% reported always adding salt at the table. During a median follow-up of 12 years, there were 37,091 incident CVD cases and 21,293 all-cause deaths. After adjustment for demographic, lifestyle, and cardiometabolic risk factors, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for participants who always added salt at the table versus never/rarely added salt at the table were 1.21 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.26) for CVD, 1.19 (95%CI: 1.05–1.35) for CVD mortality, and 1.22 (95%CI: 1.16–1.29) for all-cause mortality, respectively.

Conclusions

In this prospective cohort study, a higher frequency of adding salt at the table was associated with a greater risk of incident CVD and mortality. Our findings support the benefits of restricting the habit of adding salt at the table in promoting cardiovascular health.
Bidirectional associations between parental feeding practices, infant appetitive traits and infant BMIz: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Burnett Alissa J , Jansen Elena , Appleton Jessica , Rossiter Chris , Fowler Cathrine , Denney-Wilson Elizabeth , Russell Catherine G
Published: December 2022

Background

Little is known about the pathways linking parent feeding practices with appetitive traits and BMIz throughout infancy. This study examined bidirectional associations between parental feeding practices, infant appetitive traits, and infant BMIz.

Methods

Parents (n = 380) of infants aged less than 6 months at baseline reported their feeding practices (using the Feeding Practices and Structure Questionnaire (FPSQ) for infants and toddlers), infant appetitive traits (using the Baby Eating Behaviour Questionnaire) and infant BMIz (parent-reported) at three timepoints (< 6 months, ~ 9 months, ~ 12 months) up to 12 months of age. Cross-lagged models examined bidirectional associations between parent feeding practices, infant appetitive traits and infant BMIz.

Results

There was strong continuity across the three timepoints for maternal feeding practices, infant appetitive traits, and infant BMIz. Infant food avoidance was prospectively associated with higher parental persuasive feeding. Infant BMIz was prospectively associated with higher parent-led feeding. Parent use of food to calm was prospectively associated with lower infant BMIz, and infant BMIz was prospectively associated with higher infant food approach. Feeding on demand was prospectively associated with lower infant food approach.

Conclusion

This study highlights the complex associations between parental feeding practices, infant appetitive traits and infant BMIz. The study demonstrated that both child and parent effects are important, suggesting a need for tailored programs beginning in infancy to promote and support infant appetitive traits and parent feeding practices that support healthy development.
Haptoglobin in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Berntson Lillemor , Palm Jakob , Axling Fredrik , Zarelius Peter , Hellström Per M. , Webb Dominic-Luc
Published: December 2022

Background

Haptoglobin (Hp), a liver derived acute phase inflammatory protein (APP), has scarcely been studied in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Hp can occur in blood as two isoforms (Hp1 and Hp2) in precursor and mature forms. Routine clinical chemistry immunoturbidimetry does not discern these forms. It is unknown how different forms relate to disease activity in JIA. Our aims were to determine allele frequency and plasma concentrations of different Hp forms at higher versus lower JIA disease activity and compare to other APPs.

Methods

Plasma from JIA (n = 77) and healthy (n = 42) children were analyzed for apparent Hp allelic frequency and densitometric concentrations of alpha forms by Western blot (WB). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (buffy coat) was performed in a subset to estimate conformity with genetics. At higher versus lower juvenile arthritis disease activity score (JADAS27) (which includes erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)), total mature Hp concentration from WB was compared and correlated against immunoturbidimetry and total protein, albumin, serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results

At 300-fold dilution needed to study mature forms in Western blot, precursors were undetectable. Hp2 contributed most signal in most samples. Hp allele frequency was similar in JIA and controls. Both mature forms, taken separately or by sum, declined following treatment, but remained above concentrations of healthy controls, even in a remission subset that achieved JADAS27 < 1. Densitometry correlated with immunoturbidimetry. Hp concentrations correlated with JADAS27, albumin (negatively), CRP and SAA with immunoturbidimetric method correlating strongest to JADAS27 (Spearman R ~ 0.6, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Hp allele frequency in JIA is similar to the general population, indicating that children with JIA should have the same possibility as in healthy children to produce preHp2 (zonulin), thought to increase intestinal permeability. Circulating Hp concentrations largely parallel other APPs and ESR; none of these measures correlate very strongly to JADAS27 score but Hp can be measured from capillary sampling which is impossible with ESR.
The challenges and opportunities of scRNA-seq in COVID-19 research and clinical translation
Authors: Liu Wendao , Ye Xiaohua , An Zhiqiang , Zhao Zhongming
Published: December 2022

The application of single-cell RNA sequencing in COVID-19 research has greatly improved our understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis and immunological characteristics. In this commentary, we discuss the current challenges, limitations, and perspectives in harnessing the power of single-cell RNA sequencing to accelerate both basic research and therapeutic development for COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases.
G-quadruplexes sense natural porphyrin metabolites for regulation of gene transcription and chromatin landscapes
Authors: Li Conghui , Yin Zhinang , Xiao Ruijing , Huang Beili , Cui Yali , Wang Honghong , Xiang Ying , Wang Lingrui , Lei Lingyu , Ye Jiaqin , Li Tianyu , Zhong Youquan , Guo Fangteng , Xia Yuchen , Fang Pingping , Liang Kaiwei
Published: December 2022

Background

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are unique noncanonical nucleic acid secondary structures, which have been proposed to physically interact with transcription factors and chromatin remodelers to regulate cell type-specific transcriptome and shape chromatin landscapes.

Results

Based on the direct interaction between G4 and natural porphyrins, we establish genome-wide approaches to profile where the iron-liganded porphyrin hemin can bind in the chromatin. Hemin promotes genome-wide G4 formation, impairs transcription initiation, and alters chromatin landscapes, including decreased H3K27ac and H3K4me3 modifications at promoters. Interestingly, G4 status is not involved in the canonical hemin-BACH1-NRF2-mediated enhancer activation process, highlighting an unprecedented G4-dependent mechanism for metabolic regulation of transcription. Furthermore, hemin treatment induces specific gene expression profiles in hepatocytes, underscoring the in vivo potential for metabolic control of gene transcription by porphyrins.

Conclusions

These studies demonstrate that G4 functions as a sensor for natural porphyrin metabolites in cells, revealing a G4-dependent mechanism for metabolic regulation of gene transcription and chromatin landscapes, which will deepen our knowledge of G4 biology and the contribution of cellular metabolites to gene regulation.
Study of single nucleotide polymorphism of vascular endothelium factor in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Motawea Mohamad Mohsen , Zaki Maysaa El Sayed , Saif Maha , Osman Asmaa Osama BS , Nada Aml Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Background

Genetic alterations and high levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are presumptive risk factors for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Objective

This work aims to study the presence of − 634G/C polymorphism of vascular endothelial growth factor (rs2010963) and its’ serum level in patients with DTC and comparing these results with those of the control subjects.

Material and method

The study was a retrograde case–control study that included seventy patients with DTCin addition to seventy apparently healthy control subjects. Blood sample was taken and subjected to study of − 634G/C VEGF polymorphism (rs2010963) by real time PCR and measurement of its’ plasma level by immunoassay kit (ELISA).

Results

Regarding genotyping of VEGFA − 634G/C (rs2010963) polymorphism, there was significant increase in CG and GG genotypes (28.6%, 18.6% respectively) among patients compared to control subjects (20.0%, 4.3% respectively) and significant increase in CC genotype in control subjects (75.7%) compared to patients (52.9%), P = 0.001. The VEGF mean ± SD level was significantly elevated in patients compared to control subjects (1215.81 ± 225.78 versus 307.16 ± 91.81, P = 0.006). Moreover, there was significant increase in VEGF levels in patients with CG and GG genotypes (1295.9 ± 68.74, 1533.08 ± 109.95, respectively) compared to patients with CC genotype (1061 163.25), P = 0.001).

Conclusion

There was significant increase in GG and CG genotypes in patients with DTC compared to control subjects which may suggest a predisposing role for these genotypes in development of DTC. Moreover, there was significant increase in serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with GG and CG genotypes which may reflect the mechanism of these genotypes in development of DTC.
Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory conduction study in a sample of apparently healthy Egyptian volunteers
Authors: Saba Emmanuel Kamal Aziz
Published: December 2022

Background

Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve (posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh) is a sensory nerve arises from the sacral plexus. Its terminal part supplies the skin of the posterior surface of the thigh and popliteal fossa, and it extends for a variable length below the popliteal fossa till the mid-calf region. The aim was to assess the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve antidromic sensory conduction technique and estimate its different sensory nerve action potential parameters’ reference values in a sample of apparently healthy Egyptian participants. One hundred and twenty lower limbs of 60 apparently healthy Egyptian volunteers were included. Clinical evaluation and sensory conduction study for the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve were done.

Results

Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential was elicited in 98 lower limbs (81.6%) of 52 individuals (86.7%). The obtained results of different parameters of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential were as the following: onset latency (2.04 ± 0.21 ms), peak latency (2.86 ± 0.25 ms), conduction velocity (59.45 ± 6.36 m/s) and amplitude (6.16 ± 2.29 μV). No significant differences between the two genders were found regarding different parameters of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential except for amplitude which was significantly larger among male participants (P = 0.030). No significant differences between the right and left lower limbs were found regarding different parameters of sensory nerve action potential. There was a statistical significant negative correlation between age and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve conduction velocity (P = 0.008). There was a statistical significant positive correlation between height and peak latency (P ≤ 0.0001), as well as, a statistical significant negative correlation between height and conduction velocity (P ≤ 0.0001). There was a statistical significant negative correlation between body mass index and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve peak latency (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

The research provides a reliable electrophysiological antidromic sensory conduction study for the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and normal cut-off reference values for posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential parameters. This is essential for the evaluation of suspected posterior femoral cutaneous nerve lesions.
Anesthetic considerations in pediatric renal autotransplantation
Authors: Kapoor Hemlata , Shah Milin , Terdal Mohan K.
Published: December 2022

Background

Renal autotransplantation is a complex procedure involving reimplantation of the renal artery and vein at a different site. Anesthetic management of renal autotransplant is challenging because of associated morbidities and intraoperative hemodynamic changes.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 14-month-old male who had severe hypertension and cardiomyopathy due to renal artery stenosis. Echocardiography reported dilated left atrium and left ventricle, moderate to severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 30%. The renal artery and renal vein were anastamosed to the great vessels. Anesthetic management included maintaining normal baseline diastolic pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and preload and avoiding tachycardia. Milrinone infusion was used.

Conclusions

Anesthetic management was challenging as adequate perfusion pressures had to be maintained while keeping the patient hemodynamically stable.
Introducing a new Routledge Open Research collection: Digital Pedagogy
Authors: Hall Tony , Prestridge Sarah
Published: December 2022

Sharing research represents an essential part of the research process. The act of making one’s research public (or publication as we commonly refer to it) is so important, it can be argued, that research ceases to be research if it is not shared or published. A key reason for the sharing (or publication) of research is, and always has been, the betterment of society. This obtains particularly in education, which has as its central focus the advancement of the public good. Since it first started to see widespread use in education in the 1990s, the Internet has affected a transformative impact on research publication and sharing. Web technologies have made research available on levels never previously conceivable. Platforms such as Routledge Open Research can enable researchers to share their work at different stages in its development, and in innovative and imaginative, new ways. It can serve as an important stepping stone towards the appreciation and valorisation of a wider range of research outputs and resources, beyond the mono-media academic manuscript. It is our pleasure, as inaugural international academic advisors, to introduce this exciting new hub for research in education and educational technology, Routledge Open Research’s new collection, Digital Pedagogy. As a flagship collection, we hope it affords a new space for educators and researchers around the world to communicate, collaborate and share their concepts and ideas, methodologies, data, outputs and resources in dialogic ways, where the educational community at large can participate meaningfully and creatively in the constructive conversation that is the hallmark of all engaged research in education and digital pedagogy.
The genome sequence of the lesser treble-bar moth, Aplocera efformata (Guenée, 1857)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Palmada-Flores Marc ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Aplocera efformata (the lesser treble-bar; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence is 349.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly (99.97%) is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with W and Z sex chromosomes assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 15.4 kilobases in length.
Galileusz i rozróżnienie między jakościami pierwotnymi a wtórnymi (II). Problem statusu ontologicznego wrażeń
Authors: Żukowski Bartosz
Published: December 2022

Artykuł stanowi kontynuację pracy poświęconej teoretycznej analizie głównego argumentu użytego przez Galileusza do sformułowania rozróżnienia między jakościami pierwotnymi a wtórnymi. Jego przedmiotem jest problem ontologicznego statusu jakości wtórnych/wrażeń. W artykule omawiam trzy główne linie interpretacji tego zagadnienia, rozpatrywane w świetle ustaleń poczynionych w pierwszym tekście. Pierwsza część pracy poświęcona jest mentalistycznej interpretacji Galileuszowych jakości wtórnych. Dociekania te uzupełnia analiza mechanistycznych przesłanek jego koncepcji, za sprawą których zasługuje ona na miano „śmieciowej teorii sensorium”. W części drugiej, analizuję argumenty na rzecz materialistycznej interpretacji jakości wtórnych oraz, posiłkując się wynikami uzyskanymi w pierwszym artykule, wskazuję związane z nią trudności teoretyczne. W trzeciej części pracy, omawiam hermeneutyczne zalety i teoretyczne wady wykładni Galileuszowych jakości wtórnych w kategoriach arystotelesowskich. Artykuł konkluduję uwagami na temat tekstualnego podłoża i historycznego znaczenia ujawnionych trudności interpretacyjnych.
Cibervitimização e suporte social percebido pelos adolescentes e jovens adultos
Authors: Cabral Flávia , Fernandes Otília Monteiro , Relva Inês Carvalho
Published: December 2022

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a relação entre a cibervitimização (Cybervictimization Questionnaire – CYVIC) e a satisfação com o suporte social (Escala de Satisfação com o Suporte Social – ESSS). A amostra foi constituída por 346 participantes divididos em dois grupos: adolescentes (15-19 anos) e jovens adultos (20-30 anos). Verificaram-se associações negativas entre a satisfação com o suporte social e a cibervitimização. Os resultados sugerem diferenças ao nível das idades para as duas variáveis dependentes, com os adolescentes a apresentarem maior satisfação com a família do que os jovens adultos, e estes uma maior satisfação com as atividades sociais do que os adolescentes, e, finalmente, os participantes mais novos a estarem mais envolvidos na cibervitimização do que os mais velhos. Por fim, observou-se um papel preditor da satisfação com as atividades sociais sobre a cibervitimização. Assim, este estudo contribui para colmatar a pouca literatura que existe em Portugal acerca do ciberbullying, salientando a importância das relações sociais e, especialmente, do envolvimento em atividades de cariz social, mostrando uma clara necessidade de integrar os jovens na comunidade e na sociedade, dando-lhes a oportunidade de se envolverem em atividades e relações satisfatórias como forma de prevenção de comportamentos desajustados como é o caso do ciberbullying.
REFLEXÕES SOBRE AS DEBILIDADES COMUNICATIVAS EM LÍNGUA PORTUGUESA NOS ALUNOS DA PROVÍNCIA DO UIGE / Reflections on Communicative Weaknesses in Portuguese Language in Students of Uige Province
Authors: Ndombele Eduardo David
Published: December 2022

Angola é um país situado na parte austral de África e tem o português como língua oficial e de escolarização em todos sub-sistemas de ensino. A província do Uíge fica situado no norte de Angola atendendo às várias situações do uso ineficiente do Português que verificamos nos alunos, isto é, problemas comunicativos visíveis na expressão oral sobretudo e escrita dos alunos, surgiu a necessidade de desenvolvermos este artigo no âmbito de ensino e aprendizagem da Língua Portuguesa, uma realidade quotidiana de quem lida com o ensino das línguas, especialmente, o de Português. o nosso objectivo é identificar os factores que estão na base dessas debilidades e  explorar quais metodologias ou técnicas que se têm usado para superar este problema comunicativo e promover nos alunos as quatro principais habilidades linguísticas.
Antropofagia como cosmotécnica, uma abordagem arqueológica
Authors: Varoni de Carvalho Pedro Henrique
Published: December 2022

A proposta do artigo é construir uma breve análise arqueológica da noção da antropofagia modernista brasileira, baseada na metodologia de Michel Foucault. Parte-se da publicação do manifesto de Oswald de Andrade, em 1928, considerando sua ressignificação no tropicalismo no final dos anos 1960 até chegar ao contemporâneo. O percurso arqueológico do pensamento antropofágico no campo cultural brasileiro demonstra diferentes apropriações, por vezes servindo aos interesses do capital, na forma de uma subjetividade flexível acrítica, tal como apontada por Suely Rolnik. A crise contemporânea do antropoceno, agravada pela pandemia da covid 19, criou, entretanto, novas condições de escuta e visibilidade para o discurso indígena, fazendo ressignificar a figura do bárbaro tecnizado aludida por Oswald em seu manifesto. O espaço para as ontologias de matriz indígena ressoa uma brasilidade popular mestiça dos núcleos quilombolas, de formas de existência não domesticadas, que se colocam como resistência política, ainda que isso se dê sobre o recrudescimento da violência contra essas populações. Procuramos pensar a presença interdiscursiva da antropofagia nessas práticas e discursos de resistência, inclusive a partir dos erros passados.
Modernismo e auto-invenção – uma leitura crítica de Retrato do artista, de James Joyce
Authors: Cruz Tarso Do Amaral de Souza
Published: December 2022

Tendo como tema a relação existente entre a noção de ‘auto-invenção’ desenvolvida por Declan Kiberd, a obra do romancista irlândes James Joyce e o contexto modernista, o artigo tem como objetivo principal analisar criticamente o ensaio Retrato do artista, escrito por Joyce em 1904. Para tanto, o artigo discute o conceito de ‘auto-invenção’, as linhas mestras que compõem Retrato do artista, assim como a imbricação entre os preceitos e práticas experimentais que marcam o modernismo e o contexto colonial irlandês, tendo como pressupostos teóricos ideias de autores como Terry Eagleton, Richard Ellmann, James Fairhall, Declan Kiberd além do próprio Joyce. Um dos resultados obtidos com a investigação desenvolvida ao longo do artigo é evidenciar como o contexto colonial irlandês em que se deu a escrita de Retrato do artista contribuiu fundamentalmente para o caráter experimental do projeto de auto-invenção que viria a integrar parte considerável da obra de Joyce como um todo.
Eu é um outro: confissões na Orgia do fogo
Authors: Fernandes Evelyn Blaut
Published: December 2022

Resumo: Romance tradicionalmente lido pelos temas dominantes na obra de Mário de Sá-Carneiro: desejo, delírio e suicídio. A dispersão – outro elemento importante na sua poética – e a dança permitem uma nova proposta de leitura de A confissão de Lúcio.
Charting new territory: medication administration records and transcribing in district nursing services
Authors: Cusens Chiquita , Jones Emyr
Published: December 2022

Community nurses are often requested to administer medicines. A medicines administration record (MAR) is usually used to demonstrate all medicines administered, withheld or declined. In Wales, district nursing teams have highlighted concerns about accessing MARs and have been seeking solutions, which includes transcription of medication, where an exact copy of previously prescribed medicines are made to enable their administration. To understand the types of medicines administered in district nursing teams and nurses' views on transcribing, an anonymised electronic survey was developed and shared with such teams across Wales. A total of 286 responses were received from Health Boards in Wales. The survey found 60% of nurses experienced difficulties in accessing MARs, particularly during the out of hours period. Overall, 77% of nurses supported transcribing as a possible solution. Further work is required to develop clear policies and training to support safe transcribing within district nursing services. This can be supported by providing access to the person's medical records.
Three wound types: common challenges with exudate, gaps and anatomical positioning
Authors: Muldoon Jeanette
Published: December 2022

Complex wounds require combinations of technologies and regimes to match laboratory tests and address challenges of physiological processes, body contours, movement and ease of use during life-long self-management. Wound management for vascular and lymphatic disorders incorporate wound dressings, skin care and compression to address local wound needs and underlying pathologies, while allowing functionality for movement. In a similar manner, acute inflammatory conditions that become chronic require skin care and local conformable and absorbent wound management, but with simple, atraumatic retention methods without compression.

Three types of conditions will be discussed in this article—venous leg ulcers with chronic oedema (VLU), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and pilonidal sinuses (PS). It focuses on overcoming challenges associated with excess exudate, compromised skin, dressing awkward areas and contours, while also demonstrating wound care similarities when administered by patients themselves.
The need for integration nursing theories into pressure ulcer care in the community
Authors: Subrata Sumarno Adi , Phuphaibul Rutja
Published: December 2022

Pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin requiring integrated care, particularly when patients are at home. Pressure ulcers have been a nursing concern for years, and several strategies have been proposed for its prevention and management. Nursing theory, which is essential for nursing practice, recommends plausible approaches to health problems. However, literature describing steps to integrate nursing theory into pressure ulcer care has not yet been explored. For this reason, this article discusses the six steps on how to apply nursing theory in community practice. A case study is also discussed to help gain a better understanding of these steps.
Latest clinical research
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: December 2022

The latest studies of interest to primary care clinicians rounded up by Mark Greener
Combined polishing process of a sapphire aspherical component based on temperature-controlled magnetorheological processing
Authors: Tian Ye , Qiao Shuo , Guo Shuangpeng , Hou Yunze , Shi Feng
Published: December 2022

In view of the problems of large surface roughness and low removal efficiency caused by the existing sapphire processing process, a combined polishing process based on temperature control computer controlled optical surfacing-magnetic rheology is proposed. The polishing removal mechanism of sapphire material polishing and the law of processing surface roughness change are studied. The optimal process parameters are obtained by designing the orthogonal experiments. Under this parameter, a sapphire aspherical component with good surface quality is obtained, and the temperature has a significant amount of influence on the removal efficiency. Finally, the optimum temperature of sapphire material under magnetorheological polishing was determined to be 75°C. The results greatly improve the manufacturing efficiency of high sapphire surface quality.
Experimentally determined critical power for self-focusing of femtosecond vortex beams in air by a fluorescence measurement
Authors: Liang Wei , Li Dongwei , Chang Junwei , Xi Tingting , Ji Longfei , Li Deming , Zhang Lanzhi , Hao Zuoqiang
Published: December 2022

The filamentation of the femtosecond vortex beam has attracted much attention because of the unique filamentation characteristics, such as annular distribution and helical propagation, and related applications. The critical power for self-focusing of the femtosecond vortex beams is a key parameter in the filamentation process and applications. But until now, there is no quantitative determination of the critical power. In this work, we experimentally determine the self-focusing critical power of femtosecond vortex beams in air by measuring fluorescence using a photomultiplier tube. The relation between the self-focusing critical power and the topological charge is further obtained. Our work provides a simple method to determine the self-focusing critical power not only for vortex beams but also for Airy, Bessel, vector, and other structured laser beams.
Satellite estimation of suspended particle types using a backscattering efficiency-based model in the marginal seas
Authors: Wang Shengqiang , Li Xiaofan , Sun Deyong , He Xianqiang , Zhang Hailong , Zhao Wenyuan , He Yijun
Published: December 2022

The particle composition of suspended matter provides crucial information for a deeper understanding of marine biogeochemical processes and environmental changes. Particulate backscattering efficiency (Qbbe(λ)) is critical to understand particle composition, and a Qbbe(λ)-based model for classifying particle types was proposed. In this study, we evaluated the applicability of the Qbbe(λ)-based model to satellite observations in the shallow marginal Bohai and Yellow Seas. Spatiotemporal variations of the particle types and their potential driving factors were studied. The results showed that the Qbbe(λ) products generated from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the satellite Aqua agreed well with the in situ measured values, with determination coefficient, root mean square error, bias, and mean absolute percentage error of 0.76, 0.007, 16.5%, and 31.0%, respectively. This result verifies the satellite applicability of the Qbbe(λ)-based model. Based on long-term MODIS data, we observed evident spatiotemporal variations of the Qbbe(λ), from which distinct particle types were identified. Coastal waters were often dominated by minerals, with high Qbbe(λ) values, though their temporal changes were also observed. In contrast, waters in the offshore regions showed clear changes in particle types, which shifted from organic-dominated with low Qbbe(λ) levels in summer to mineral-dominated with high Qbbe(λ) values in winter. We also observed long-term increasing and decreasing trends in Qbbe(λ) in some regions, indicating a relative increase in the proportions of mineral and organic particles in the past decades, respectively. These spatiotemporal variations of Qbbe(λ) and particle types were probably attributed to sediment re-suspension related to water mixing driven by wind and tidal forcing, and to sediment load associated with river discharge. Overall, the findings of this study may provide valuable proxies for better studying marine biogeochemical processes, material exchanges, and sediment flux.
Polarization independent Bragg gratings using tilted subwavelength grating waveguide Bragg gratings
Authors: Sun Hao , Chen Lawrence R.
Published: December 2022

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a polarization independent subwavelength grating (SWG) waveguide Bragg grating (WBG) by using an SWG waveguide with tilted segments. By optimizing the tilting angle and other geometry parameters, such as the width and the length of the loading segments used to create the BG, we can obtain a zero birefringence tilted SWG waveguide and consequently, a polarization independent SWG WBG. In our simulations, the optimal tilting angle is ∼ 58°, whereas the optimal angle obtained in fabrication is ∼ 46°. This deviation is mainly due to fabrication errors, e.g., on the sidewall angle of the silicon segments. For the optimal tilting angle of 46°, the characterized Bragg wavelengths of the TE and TM modes are both ∼ 1517 nm. We believe that the proposed device can have applications in optical communications and interconnections.