bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhabdomyosarcoma With FUS::TFCP2 Fusion in the Mandible: A Rare Aggressive Subtype, but Can Be Misdiagnosed as Ossifying Fibroma
Authors: Zhong Peng , Wei Shirong , Xiao Hualiang , Zeng Ying
Published: August 2023

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) with TFCP2 rearrangement has been identified recently. This entity has a distinctive clinicopathologic features: a rapidly aggressive clinical course, a preference for the craniofacial bones, a spindle and epithelioid histomorphology, and positive immunohistochemistry for epithelial markers, ALK, and myogenic markers. RMS with TFCP2 rearrangement is rare and may be misdiagnosed as other spindle cell tumors. Here, we report a case of this entity arising in the mandible, which was initially diagnosed as ossifying fibroma in primary tumor in another hospital. A 26-year-old man presented with a recurred mass in the mandible for 1 month after the operation of mandibular tumor. The first excisional specimen was initially diagnosed as ossifying fibroma in another hospital. Histopathologic examination revealed the tumor with a hybrid spindle cell and epithelioid cytomorphology, spindle cells and spindle-to-epithelioid cells with eosinophilic and rich cytoplasm, with high-grade features, prominent nucleoli and some atypical mitosis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positivity for desmin, MYOD1, pan-keratin, ALK (5A4), ALK (D5F3). Based on the morphology and immunophenotype, molecular studies were performed, which revealed a FUS::TFCP2 fusion transcript, confirming the diagnosis of Rhabdomyosarcoma with FUS::TFCP2 fusion. Making a correct diagnosis is primarily dependent on awareness by the pathologist of this rare subtype of RMS and careful histopathological evaluation, supported by immunohistochemical and molecular analysis, to avoid potential diagnostic pitfalls.
Thirty Years of Service Failure and Recovery Research: Thematic Development and Future Research Opportunities From a Social Network Perspective
Authors: Liu Dong , Zhao Yanhui , Wang Guocai , Schrock Wyatt A. , Voorhees Clay M.
Published: August 2023

Service failure and recovery (SFR) is a well-established area of research that has made considerable progress over the past 30 years. In this study, we used a combination of text mining, co-word analysis, and social network analysis (SNA) to explore the relationships among keywords in SFR research. We analyzed a dataset of 533 SFR articles published between 1990 and 2020, extracting the most frequently used keywords using text-mining techniques. These keywords were then subjected to co-word analysis and SNA to understand the development of themes and topics in SFR research. By examining changes in network centrality measures, we gained insights into the evolution of research in this field. Furthermore, by identifying gaps or disconnections in the keyword networks, we identified future research opportunities related to the impact of service recovery strategies on customer reactions, employee reactions, and firm outcomes, as well as the relationship between customer and employee responses.
Understanding the barriers to blood pressure assessment in cats
Authors: Caney Sarah MA , Page Su , Gunn-Moore Danièlle A
Published: August 2023

Objectives

A questionnaire was designed to survey veterinarians and veterinary nurses/technicians on blood pressure (BP) assessment in cats, including ocular examination, encompassing current methodology, indications, uptake and barriers.

Methods

An online questionnaire was produced and promoted to more than 2000 veterinary professionals, of whom 545 answered all questions and 85 answered most questions.

Results

Of the participants, 572 (90.8%) were based in the UK and almost all (n = 613, 97.3%) had access to a BP monitor. Of those that had a monitor, most (n = 550, 88.4%) participants had access to a Doppler monitor; 367 (59.0%) participants had access to multiparameter monitors; fewer (n = 202, 32.5%) had access to oscillometric BP monitors. Where applicable, Doppler monitors were most commonly chosen for conscious cat measurements (n = 337, 72.2%) due to the greater ‘trust’ and ‘reliability’ of these compared with oscillometric machines. Conscious BP measurement typically involved two members of staff (n = 391, 62.9%). Only 156 (29.1%) participants recommended BP assessment at least several times a week in their interactions with cat owners. BP assessment was routinely recommended in cats with ocular target organ damage (n = 365, 87.7%), chronic kidney disease (n = 346, 78.6%), proteinuria (n = 255, 63.0%) and hyperthyroidism (n = 266, 60.9%). Common equipment-related barriers included ‘cuff frustration’ and difficulties hearing the pulse signal for Doppler users (72.2% and 71.6%, respectively), and oscillometric machines failing to give a reading at least some of the time (52.8%). Situational hypertension concerns affected many (n = 507, 92.0%), as did lack of time to do the procedure (n = 402, 73.0%). Significant owner barriers included difficulties persuading the owner to bring their cat in for BP checks (n = 475, 86.2%) and concerns over costs (n = 445, 80.8%). Most participants had access to a direct ophthalmoscope (n = 527, 96.5%); however, 399 (73.1%) reported that they struggled to interpret ocular findings.

Conclusions and relevance

Significant barriers exist to successful BP assessment in cats. Education and support of clinics should focus on improving confidence with equipment and eye examination.
Long-term follow-up of cats in complete remission after treatment of feline infectious peritonitis with oral GS-441524
Authors: Zwicklbauer Katharina , Krentz Daniela , Bergmann Michèle , Felten Sandra , Dorsch Roswitha , Fischer Andrea , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina , Meli Marina L , Spiri Andrea M , Alberer Martin , Kolberg Laura , Matiasek Kaspar , Zablotski Yury , von Both Ulrich , Hartmann Katrin
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a common disease in cats caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV), is usually fatal once clinical signs appear. Successful treatment of FIP with oral GS-441524 for 84 days was demonstrated recently by this research group. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome in these cats.

Methods

A total of 18 successfully treated cats were followed for up to 1 year after treatment initiation (9 months after completion of the antiviral treatment). Follow-up examinations were performed at 12-week intervals, including physical examination, haematology, serum biochemistry, abdominal and thoracic ultrasound, FCoV ribonucleic acid (RNA) loads in blood and faeces by reverse transciptase-quantitative PCR and anti-FCoV antibody titres by indirect immunofluorescence assay.

Results

Follow-up data were available from 18 cats in week 24, from 15 cats in week 36 and from 14 cats in week 48 (after the start of treatment), respectively. Laboratory parameters remained stable after the end of the treatment, with undetectable blood viral loads (in all but one cat on one occasion). Recurrence of faecal FCoV shedding was detected in five cats. In four cats, an intermediate short-term rise in anti-FCoV antibody titres was detected. In total, 12 cats showed abdominal lymphadenomegaly during the follow-up period; four of them continuously during the treatment and follow-up period. Two cats developed mild neurological signs, compatible with feline hyperaesthesia syndrome, in weeks 36 and 48, respectively; however, FCoV RNA remained undetectable in blood and faeces, and no increase in anti-FCoV antibody titres was observed in these two cats, and the signs resolved.

Conclusions and relevance

Treatment with GS-441524 proved to be effective against FIP in both the short term as well as the long term, with no confirmed relapse during the 1-year follow-up period. Whether delayed neurological signs could be a long-term adverse effect of the treatment or associated with a ‘long FIP syndrome’ needs to be further evaluated.
Feline chronic gingivostomatitis: current concepts in clinical management
Authors: Soltero-Rivera Maria , Goldschmidt Stephanie , Arzi Boaz
Published: August 2023

Practical relevance:

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a debilitating disease for cats and a challenge for veterinarians and cat caregivers alike. Recent literature indicates that the disease is immune-mediated in nature and likely associated with a chronic viral infection in patients with higher alpha diversity of their subgingival microbiome. The immune-mediated nature of FCGS includes both local as well as systemic effects, and the transcriptomic analysis of affected patients supports these findings.

Treatment options:

Localized therapy in the form of surgical extraction of all, or nearly all, teeth continues to be the mainstay of treatment. For cats that do not respond to surgical management, medical management, in the form of immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapy, remains an option. Analgesia is of fundamental importance. Immunomodulation utilizing mesenchymal stromal cell therapy provides an alternative treatment avenue for refractory patients and likely targets the chronic viral infection present in this disease. The potential for treatment stratification and use of novel systemic treatment options may be revealed as the molecular pathways involved in this disease are better described.

Aims:

This review outlines current and emerging concepts linking available science pertaining to FCGS and clinical management of the disease.

Evidence base:

The article draws on the best evidence base at this juncture and is also driven by the authors’ collective experience of working on the disease for over a decade.
Non-cuffed central venous catheter for unplanned and urgent start haemodialysis in chronic kidney disease: A multi-centre experience from India
Authors: Sathiavageesan Subrahmanian , Swaminathan Balamurugan , Myvizhiselvi Murugan , Ramakrishnan Gopalakrishnan , Elumalai Ramprasad
Published: August 2023

Background:

Central Venous Catheter (CVC) is indispensable to unplanned and urgent start haemodialysis in chronic kidney disease (CKD). While cuffed CVC is preferred to non-cuffed CVC for urgent start haemodialysis, patient’s clinical condition might warrant immediate insertion of non-cuffed CVC. In the resource poor setting, non-cuffed CVCs might have to be retained longer than guideline recommended limit of 2 weeks. In this multi-centre retrospective observational study, the real-world survival of non-cuffed CVC was assessed among CKD patients who initiated dialysis urgently.

Methods:

CVC survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival estimate. Predictors of premature CVC loss were assessed using multi-level multi-variate Cox frailty model wherein, each centre was provided with a random intercept to account for within-centre correlation of practice patterns.

Results:

Among 433 non-cuffed CVCs, there were 393 removals out of which 80% were elective and 20% were premature. The median CVC survival was 37 days (95% CI: 35–41). The rate of premature CVC removal was 4.5/1000 CVC-days (95% CI: 3.6–5.6). Mechanical complications followed by central line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) were the most common reasons for premature removal. Rate of CLABSI was 1.7/1000 CVC-days (95% CI: 1.2–2.5). Diabetic CKD significantly increased the hazard of premature CVC removal (HR 1.91, 95% CI: 1.01–3.63, p = 0.04) while right internal-jugular location decreased the hazard (HR 0.22, 95% CI: 0.13–0.38, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Prolonged retention of non-cuffed CVC (median 37 days) is common in resource-poor setting. It is worrisome and calls for pre-emptive access creation.
Physicians differ in their perceptions of sensitive medical records: Survey and interview study
Authors: Banerjee Ipsha , Syed Kazi , Potturu Aishwarya , Pragada Venkata SVS , Sharma Rishika S , Murcko Anita , Chern Darwyn , Todd Michael , Aking Padma , Al-Yaqoobi Ali , Bayless Patricia , Belmonte Winona , Cuadra Teresa , Dockins Trudy , Eldredge Christina , El-Kareh Robert , Gale Gregory , Gentile Edward , Kalpas Edward , Morris Meghan , Mueller Laurel , Piekut Dorothy , Ross Mindy K , Sarris John , Singh Gagandeep , Tharani Shalini , Wallace Mark , Grando Maria Adela
Published: August 2023

Physician categorizations of electronic health record (EHR) data (e.g., depression) into sensitive data categories (e.g., Mental Health) and their perspectives on the adequacy of the categories to classify medical record data were assessed. One thousand data items from patient EHR were classified by 20 physicians (10 psychiatrists paired with ten non-psychiatrist physicians) into data categories via a survey. Cluster-adjusted chi square tests and mixed models were used for analysis. 10 items were selected per each physician pair (100 items in total) for discussion during 20 follow-up interviews. Interviews were thematically analyzed. Survey item categorization yielded 500 (50.0%) agreements, 175 (17.5%) disagreements, 325 (32.5%) partial agreements. Categorization disagreements were associated with physician specialty and implied patient history. Non-psychiatrists selected significantly ( p = .016) more data categories than psychiatrists when classifying data items. The endorsement of Mental Health and Substance Use categories were significantly ( p = .001) related for both provider types. During thematic analysis, Encounter Diagnosis (100%), Problems (95%), Health Concerns (90%), and Medications (85%) were discussed the most when deciding the sensitivity of medical information. Most (90.0%) interview participants suggested adding additional data categories. Study findings may guide the evolution of digital patient-controlled granular data sharing technology and processes.
Shifting the practice of coercive penal care over time in a problem-solving court
Authors: Omori Marisa , Lee Jacqueline , Lautenschlager Rachel
Published: August 2023

While problem-solving courts represent one area in which rehabilitative efforts have expanded within correctional settings as “coercive penal care,” still unexplored is how the blend of rehabilitative and punitive practices might evolve over time. By conducting interviews and observing a new reentry court, we explore how the court's navigation of coercive penal care transforms over time. We argue that initially, the introduction of rehabilitative goals was mostly subverted by the court's existing punitive criminal legal system and organizational structure. This occurred through court actors prioritizing internal over external goals and metrics in the program, and articulating self-responsibilization narratives for success. As the court progressed, court actors shifted toward emphasizing individualism. Increased individualism occurred in recognition of the complex barriers that participants faced, but presented a double-edged sword: actors focused more on the individual needs of participants beyond program requirements, but also increased individual accountability by participants. This greater emphasis on individualization also allowed court actors to resolve sometimes competing rehabilitative and punitive goals through increased discretion.
The question of feminist critique
Authors: Chadwick Rachelle
Published: August 2023

This article engages the contested question of feminist critique, suggesting that reflecting on how we ‘do’ critique as feminist scholars is integral to the work of examining the broader politics of feminist worldmaking and knowledge production. Building on the work of Rosalyn Diprose and Audre Lorde, I suggest that the concept of ‘epistemic generosity’ opens space for the development of a lexicon in which the nuances of an open and receptive attitude to feminist critique can be explored. As a stance of open receptivity, epistemic generosity is associated with waiting, slowness and listening, rather than pursuit, suspicion, vigilance and self-affirmation. Furthermore, as a non-directive mode of relating, epistemic generosity does not presume to know. Open to surprise, wonder and connection, it is fundamentally an orientation to thinking and knowing rooted in hopefulness. At the same time, epistemic generosity is not without risks. What thinking generously means, its risks and its costs, differs according to social positioning. For those located in privileged positions, epistemic generosity is only possible in conjunction with constant practices of self-critique that involve attending to friction, discomfort, difference and difficulty.
Pathways to care for people with dementia in India: An exploratory study using case vignettes
Authors: Thomas Priya Treesa , Rajagopalan Jayeeta , Hurzuk Saadiya , Ramasamy Narendhar , Pattabiraman Meera , De Poli Chiara , Lorenz-Dant Klara , Comas-Herrera Adelina , Alladi Suvarna
Published: August 2023

Background

Limited evidence exists on how people living with dementia and their family/unpaid carers navigate care and support in India.

Aim

This study used case vignettes to illustrate likely pathways to care for dementia, from receiving a diagnosis to long-term support, in India and to highlight gaps and challenges associated with current care provision for persons living with dementia.

Methods

As part of the Strengthening Responses to Dementia in Developing Countries (STRiDE) project, and to contribute to an analysis of dementia care policies and systems in India, case vignettes were used to illustrate the diverse situations that people with dementia and their families may experience when seeking care in the Indian context. Eight hypothetical, but realistic cases of people with dementia were created by a multi-disciplinary team with experience in dementia care in India, to map out the likely care journeys of each case.

Results

Investigating eight diverse care trajectories of people living with dementia highlighted important patterns relevant to the Indian context. We identified delays in dementia diagnosis to be attributed to low awareness of dementia among the general public and medical professionals in addition to a critical shortage of specialist services involved in facilitating dementia diagnosis. Post-diagnosis, support was recognized as limited and associated with considerable out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. Families primarily provide long-term care for people with dementia till end of life.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Several steps need to be taken in order to improve dementia care in India. Increasing dementia awareness among both medical professionals and general public is essential. Shortages in dementia specialists can be addressed in part through appropriate task shifting. Lastly, more research is needed to develop evidence-based community interventions to support informal care provision for persons with dementia in India.
Does Race Affect Public Evaluations of Constituent Messages in Local Government Meetings? Results from an Experiment
Authors: Hoang Bai Linh
Published: August 2023

Constituents in the United States have used local public meetings in recent years to shape policy on some of the most high-profile race-related issues. However, public meeting participation remains less studied relative to other modes of participation. This study investigates the extent to which race shapes the way a message is heard and evaluated by the public audience and the degree to which its impact depends on the issue of the message. To carry out the study, I set up a 2 × 3 experiment containing six short treatment videos in which I manipulated the race of the actor/speaker (Black or White) and the message issue (innocuous service request, race-related policy, and race-neutral policy). Subjects were randomly assigned to watch one of the six videos and then asked to evaluate the message in the video. The early results of this study show that unlike previous studies revealing racial bias in a range of political contexts in the United States, race exerts neither independent nor conditional effects on the evaluation of the message as reasonable. I discuss the limitations and implications of these findings and useful considerations to think about in expanding this study.
Vaping—Know the Truth: Evaluation of an Online Vaping Prevention Curriculum
Authors: Hair Elizabeth C. , Tulsiani Shreya , Aseltine Madeleine , Do Elizabeth K. , Lien Rebecca , Zapp Daniel , Green Molly , Vallone Donna
Published: August 2023

Background

Unacceptably high levels of e-cigarette use among youth paired with growing research about the dangers of vaping demonstrate a critical need to develop interventions that educate young people to reject e-cigarette use and promote cessation for current users. Vaping: Know the Truth (VKT) is a free digital learning experience prioritizing middle and high school students that aims to improve students’ knowledge about the dangers of using e-cigarettes and provide quitting resources for those who already vape. The current study was designed to evaluate whether students receiving the curriculum increased knowledge of the dangers of vaping.

Methods

The outcome measures were calculated as the change in the number of correct responses from the pre- to post-module assessments among middle and high school students who completed four modules of the VKT curriculum ( N = 103,522). Linear regression was performed to determine the association between the student’s pre-module assessment score and the knowledge change score after completion of the four modules.

Results

Students’ e-cigarette knowledge significantly improved by an average of 3.24 points ( SD = 3.54), following implementation of the VKT curriculum. This indicates that participants answered more than 3 additional questions correctly, on average, after the intervention.

Conclusion

Findings demonstrate that the Vaping: Know the Truth curriculum is an effective resource for increasing knowledge among youth about the harms associated with e-cigarette use. Further research is needed to evaluate whether the intervention is associated with behavioral outcomes over time.
A Comparison of Perioperative Complications of Hand and Wrist Arthroplasty for Osteoarthrosis by Orthopedic Versus Plastic Surgeons
Authors: Pham Jason T. , Lem Melinda R. , Tang Cathy J.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Arthroplasty is commonly performed in the management of osteoarthrosis of the hand and wrist by orthopedic or plastic surgeons with a fellowship in hand. The differences between operative outcomes between the 2 groups have not been described. Therefore, we analyzed a national database to determine acute outcomes between orthopedic and plastic surgery when performing arthroplasty for osteoarthrosis of the hand and wrist.

Methods:

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed by including patients with osteoarthrosis of the hand and wrist by International Classification of Diseases codes. Demographic, operative, and outcome variables were collected. Pearson χ2 and Fischer exact tests were used for categorical variables, while a Mann-Whitney U test was performed for continuous variables. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine strength of predictors.

Results:

There were 3721 patients who received arthroplasty for osteoarthrosis of the hand and wrist from 2007 to 2020. Most cases were performed by orthopedic surgeons (82.7%); however, there were an increasing number of surgeries performed by plastic surgeons. Most cases were performed on the intercarpal or carpometacarpal joints (81.7%). The incidence of acute complications was low (1.9%) with superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) being the most common complication. Univariate analysis found that plastic surgery may result in higher chances of superficial SSIs, but multivariate analysis indicated that there were no significant differences between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

There were no significant differences on multivariate regression analysis between plastic and orthopedic surgeons, suggesting that both can perform arthroplasty of the hand and wrist without safety concerns.
A sex-based analysis of 5-year outcomes following stenting for the treatment of aorto-iliac occlusive disease
Authors: Mwipatayi Bibombe Patrice , Barry Ian Patrick , Hanna Joseph , Macarulay Reane , Wong Jackie , Thomas Shannon , Vijayan Vikram , Puttaswamy Vikram , Ward Natalie C.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sex on mid-term outcomes following stenting for aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD).

Methods

The Covered versus Balloon Expandable Stent Trial (COBEST) compared the safety and efficacy of the covered stent (CS) with those of the bare metal stent (BMS) in the treatment of hemodynamically significant AIOD. It was identified that CS provided a significant benefit. The primary endpoint of our analysis was the rate of primary patency 5 years following stenting for AIOD (inclusive of both CS and BMS) in both sexes.

Results

Of the 168 lesions treated, 103 (61%) were present in men and 65 (39%) were present in women. Of the concomitant comorbidities, diabetes mellitus was significantly more common in women (17.5% vs 41.5%, p = .006). Although chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) at the time of intervention was more common in women, the difference was not significant (16.5% vs 24.6%, p = .395). Sex was not associated with the primary patency rate (male; 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23–2.19, p = .543). When considering both male sex and the utilization of BMS, no significant impact was found on the primary patency rate (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.43, 95% CI: 0.69–17.10, p = .133). All-cause mortality at 60 months was 22.6% in men compared to 19.4% in women ( p = .695).

Conclusions

No significant difference was identified in the primary patency rate between the sexes. Further investigation is warranted to ascertain whether sex-specific interventional guidelines are required in this regard.
Effects of scutellarin on acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in isolated rat heart
Authors: Qu Daoxu , Feng Peiwen , Zhang Xinjie , Zhou Mingjie
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects and mechanism of scutellarin (Scu) on heart ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by using an isolated Langendorff rat heart model.

Methods

Myocardial function was evaluated via measurements of cardiac haemodynamic parameters. Myocardial infarct size was macroscopically estimated by using TTC staining. The release of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was used to evaluate cardiac injury. GSH/GSSG, SOD, and MDA were determined as being indicators of oxidative stress. CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were also analysed to assess inflammation in the heart tissues. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was quantified by using a TUNEL kit. PPARγ, Nrf2, and NF-κB were assayed via Western blotting.

Results

The results indicated that I/R induced significant cardiac dysfunction, myocardial infarct, and apoptosis, as well as decreasing the GSH/GSSG ratio, SOD activity, Nrf2 protein expression, and PPARγ protein expression, but increased levels of TNF-α, MDA, CRP, IL-6, and NF-κB.

Conclusion

These data suggest that Scu attenuates cardiac I/R.
Successful treatment of exfoliative cheilitis with dupilumab: A case report
Authors: Cino Daniela , Gavigan Genevieve
Published: August 2023

This case report describes the first known successful treatment of exfoliative cheilitis with the interleukin-4 receptor alpha antagonist dupilumab in an adult patient. With no response to topical tacrolimus, hydrocortisone, dapsone, crisaborole or systemic doxycycline, low dose isotretinoin, or methotrexate, she had resolution with off-label dupilumab after 4 months of treatment.
A SuperLearner-enforced approach for the estimation of treatment effect in pediatric trials
Authors: Azzolina Danila , Comoretto Rosanna , Da Dalt Liviana , Bressan Silvia , Gregori Dario
Published: August 2023

Background

Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT) represent the gold standard among scientific evidence. RCTs are tailored to control selection bias and the confounding effect of baseline characteristics on the effect of treatment. However, trial conduction and enrolment procedures could be challenging, especially for rare diseases and paediatric research. In these research frameworks, the treatment effect estimation could be compromised. A potential countermeasure is to develop predictive models on the probability of the baseline disease based on previously collected observational data. Machine learning (ML) algorithms have recently become attractive in clinical research because of their flexibility and improved performance compared to standard statistical methods in developing predictive models.

Objective

This manuscript proposes an ML-enforced treatment effect estimation procedure based on an ensemble SuperLearner (SL) approach, trained on historical observational data, to control the confounding effect.

Methods

The REnal SCarring Urinary infEction trial served as a motivating example. Historical observational study data have been simulated through 10,000 Monte Carlo (MC) runs. Hypothetical RCTs have been also simulated, for each MC run, assuming different treatment effects of antibiotics combined with steroids. For each MC simulation, the SL tool has been applied to the simulated observational data. Furthermore, the average treatment effect (ATE), has been estimated on the trial data and adjusted for the SL predicted probability of renal scar.

Results

The simulation results revealed an increased power in ATE estimation for the SL-enforced estimation compared to the unadjusted estimates for all the algorithms composing the ensemble SL.
The Urban Belonging Photo App: A toolkit for studying place attachments with digital and participatory methods
Authors: Madsen Anders Koed , Burgos-Thorsen Sofie , De Gaetano Carlo , Ehn Drude , Groen Maarten , Niederer Sabine , Norsk Kathrine , Simonsen Thorben
Published: August 2023

This paper introduces the open-source Urban Belonging (UB) toolkit, designed to study place attachments through a combined digital, visual and participatory methodology that foregrounds lived experience. The core of the toolkit is the photovoice UB App, which prompts participants to document urban experiences as digital data by taking pictures of the city, annotating them, and reacting to others’ photos. The toolkit also includes an API interface and a set of scripts for converting data into visualizations and elicitation devices. The paper first describes how the app’s design specifications were co-created in a process that brought in voices from different research fields, planners from Gehl Architects, six marginalized communities, and citizen engagement professionals. Their inputs shaped decisions about what data collection the app makes possible, and how it mitigates issues of privacy and visual and spatial literacy to make the app as inclusive as possible. We document how design criteria were translated into app features, and we demonstrate how this opens new empirical opportunities for community engagement through examples of its use in the Urban Belonging project in Copenhagen. While the focus on photo capture animates participants to document experiences in a personal and situated way, metadata such as location and sentiment invites for quali-quantitative analysis of both macro trends and local contexts of people’s experiences. Further, the granularity of data makes both a demographic and post-demographic analysis possible, providing empirical ground for exploring what people have in common in what they photograph and where they walk. And, by inviting participants to react to others’ photos, the app offers a heterogeneous empirical ground, showing us how people see the city differently. We end the paper by discussing remaining challenges in the tool and provide a short guide for using it.
Is Too Much Work Intensification Harmful? Impact on Psychological Health and Work Engagement of Employees
Authors: Chouhan Vikram Singh
Published: August 2023

The article empirically investigates the relationship between work intensification (WI) and employee well-being by considering high-performance work systems (HPWS) and perceived organisational support (POS) as mediators. An integrated model is designed to discover the interactions between WIs, indicators of employee well-being (psychological health and work engagement), POS and HPWS. Our sample consists of 411 executives working in Indian IT organisations. Data analyses were performed by structural equation modelling. The research found that WI adversely impacts employee well-being. The findings revealed that POS and HPWS mediate the linkage between WI and employee well-being. The research findings make significant contributions by demonstrating how WI affects employee well-being and by assisting organisations in implementing sustainable HRM practices and constructing a congenial atmosphere. Finally, we sum up the impact of WI on workers, their families and society, and present a broad variety of implications for researchers and practitioners to comprehend sustainable HRM and its role in enhancing employee well-being.
The Evolution of Alternative Care in Pakistan over the Last Decade and Way Forward
Authors: Murtaza Amir
Published: August 2023

This research article explores the situation of children in alternative or institutional care in Pakistan, aiming to shed light on the challenges they face, interventions implemented to address their needs, and the associated laws and policy implications. Drawing on the existing literature, empirical studies and reports from reputable organisations, this research article examines the factors contributing to the placement of children in alternative care, highlights the impact of institutionalisation on their development and assesses the effectiveness of interventions and policies aimed at improving their well-being. The findings emphasise the importance of family-based care alternatives, comprehensive support systems and evidence-informed policies to ensure the holistic development of children in Pakistan’s alternative care system.
Facilitation of Competency-Based Learning With a Practicum Administration Software: The User Experience
Authors: Arinze Chika A. , Lokker Cynthia , Slifierz Mackenzie , Apatu Emma
Published: August 2023

Objective

Technology is essential in the facilitation of many operations in higher educational institutions. The use of web-based platforms to deliver academic content, including practice-based training, has gained popularity. However, their use in practicum process administration is not well studied. In the 2020/2021 academic year, a graduate program in the Faculty of Health Science within a public university in Ontario incorporated the InPlace platform to streamline the administration of the practicum process, including goal setting. This study aimed to understand the user experience of the platform in facilitating competency-based learning.

Methods

Twelve students participated in two focus group sessions that lasted approximately 1.5 hr each. Two staff members participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was used as a measure of the platform’s usability. Other outcomes included staff and students’ user experience.

Result

Overall, the students and staff believe the platform is good for facilitating competency-based learning. The SUS score was 61.8 (95% confidence interval, [56.7, 66.9]). Eight students (66.7%) indicated that the platform was useful in helping them navigate their learning goals. Staff expressed appreciation of the program with respect to communication, practicum process, and overall program administration. Some suggestions for improving the platform were made.

Conclusion

The practicum placement platform has shown some initial benefits in communication and practicum process administration. In a future configuration of similar platforms, the implementation of the suggestions provided in this study may be necessary to improve usability and enhance the facilitation of competence-based learning.
Family Structure and Cohort Trends in Childhood Family Income Volatility
Authors: Liu Airan , Cheng Siwei
Published: August 2023

The authors examine cohort trends in childhood income volatility among U.S. children born between 1970 and 1990. In contrast to previous studies that focused mainly on period trends, the authors adopt a cohort-life-course perspective and measure children’s exposure to income volatility from birth to age 17, which provides a more adequate account of the economic environment during early life stages. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, the authors investigate (1) how income volatility among U.S. children has changed across cohorts, (2) how cohort trends in income volatility differ by family structure, and (3) the extent to which the increasing prevalence of single-headed families and the growth of income volatility among single-headed families contribute to the overall trend in childhood income volatility. The results show that (1) income volatility in childhood has increased over time; (2) children who lived in single-headed families experienced greater increase in childhood income volatility than those from two-headed families; and (3) both the increasing prevalence of single-headed families (“composition effects”) and the fact that single-headed families’ incomes have become less stable (“volatility effects”) in the past decades account for a significant proportion of the increasing income volatility for U.S. children, yet their relative contributions differ between White and Black families.
Primary Brainstem Hemorrhage—An Institutional Series From a Stroke Register and Evaluation of Outcome Determinants
Authors: Gupta Namrata , Pradhan Aseem , Ibrahim Sufyan , S Benak , Hegde Ajay , Menon Girish
Published: August 2023

Objective

Primary brainstem hemorrhage (PBH) carries poor prognosis and the need for aggressive management is a matter of debate especially in developing countries with limited resources. The aim of this study was to analyze the prognostic factors in mortality prediction following PBH in a series of 59 consecutive patients.

Methods

A single institutional, retrospective, cohort study with a study period of 6 years (2016-2021). All patients with computerized tomography-proven intracerebral hematoma in the midbrain, pons, or medulla, alone or in combination were included in the study. Outcome was analyzed using a modified Rankin score (mRS) and was categorized into good (mRS 0, 1, 2, and 3), poor (mRS 4 and 5), and death. Statistical analysis was done using univariate regression analysis followed by multivariate regression analysis and a P value < .05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 59 patients diagnosed with primary brainstem hematoma were included in the study. Of the 59 patients, 40 (67.79%) were males and 19 (32.2%) were females, with a mean age of 55.51 ± 13.46 (range of 29-93 years). The median admission GCS score on admission was 6. No definite history of hypertension could be elicited in 18 patients (30.50%). The most common site for a brain stem hematoma was the pons 47 (79.9%) followed by pons-midbrain combination (06 10.2%). The average clot volume was 7.78 ± 6.5 mL. Fourth ventricular extension was seen in 18 patients (28.8%%) of whom 15 (27.2%) developed hydrocephalus. All patients were managed conservatively. At 3 months, 34 patients (57.62%) succumbed to the illness while 25 survived (42.37%) of whom only 12 had a good outcome (mRS 0-3). In addition to GCS score < 8, ( P < .001) large clot volume (>10 mL) ( P < .001), high systolic blood pressure on admission, and intraventricular extension, a high admission neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ( P < .03) was found to have significant correlation with mortality.

Conclusion

Brainstem hemorrhage has a high mortality and few patients have good clinical outcome. Admission GCS, clot volume, hypertensive in etiology, and a high NLR are poor prognostic factors. Low GCS on admission is the most important and independent predictor of mortality and poor outcome.
Comparing the performance of Cyperus papyrus and Typha domingensis for the removal of heavy metals, roxithromycin, levofloxacin and pathogenic bacteria from wastewater
Authors: Hamad Mohammed Taha Moustafa Hussien
Published: August 2023

Contamination of heavy metals and antibiotics would threaten the water and soil resources. Phytoremediation can be potentially used to remediate metal and antibiotics contaminated sites. The current study was carried out over a period of 12 months to assess the efficiency of the macrophytes Typha domingensis and Cyperus papyrus with different substrate materials to remove heavy metals and two antibiotics, roxithromycin and levofloxacin, from wastewater for reuse in agriculture. The concentrations of seven heavy metals (copper, nickel, iron, cadmium, zinc, lead, and chromium) in water and plant tissues were determined. The results showed that C. papyrus had a greater capacity than T. domingensis to remove biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (80.69%), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (69.87%), and ammonium (NH4+) (69.69%). Cyperus papyrus was more effective in retaining solid pollutants. The bioaccumulation factors (BCF) roots of C. papyrus were higher levels of most metals than those of T. domingensis. The highest root–rhizome translocation factor (TF) values of C. papyrus were higher than T. domingensis. The bacterial indicators (total and fecal coliforms, as well as Faecal streptococci) and the potential pathogens (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) showed removal efficiencies ranging between 96.9% and 99.8%. The results indicated that the two systems could significantly reduce the concentration of antibiotics in wastewater, with roxithromycin showing higher elimination rates than levofloxacin. The results showed maximum removal of the heavy metals in constructed wetlands CWs planted with T. domingensis. The presence of zeolite and C. papyrus in the effluent of CWs significantly improved treatment capacity and increased pollutant removal efficiency.
A novel SNP in NKX1-2 gene is associated with carcass traits in Dezhou donkey
Authors: Wang Xinrui , Wang Tianqi , Liang Huili , Wang Liyuan , Akhtar Faheem , Shi Xiaoyuan , Ren Wei , Huang Bingjian , Kou Xiyan , Chen Yinghui , Zhan Yandong , Wang Changfa
Published: August 2023

Background

At present, donkey meat in the market shows an imbalance between supply and demand, and there is an urgent need to cultivate a meat-type Dezhou donkey breed. On the one hand, it can improve the imbalance in the market, and on the other hand, it can promote the rapid development of the donkey industry. This study aimed to reveal significant genetic variation in the NK1 homeobox 2 gene (NKX1-2) of Dezhou donkeys and investigate the association between genotype and body size in Dezhou donkeys.

Results

In this study, a SNP (g.54704925 A > G) was identified at the exon4 by high-depth resequencing of the Dezhou donkey NKX1-2 gene. The AA genotype is the dominant genotype. The g.54704925 A > G site was significantly associated with body length, thoracic girth, and hide weight (P < 0.05), while it was highly significantly associated with body height and carcass weight (P < 0.01) in Dezhou donkeys.

Conclusion

Overall, the results of this study showed that the NKX1-2 gene could be a candidate gene for breeding meat-type Dezhou donkeys, and the g.54704925 A > G locus could be used as a marker locus for selection and breeding.
Prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, and its associated risk factors among medical students: a nation-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Baklola Mohamed , Terra Mohamed , Badr Amr , Fahmy Fayrouz Mohamed , Elshabrawy Enas , Hawas Yousef , Abdel-Hady Doaa , El-Gilany Abdel-Hady
Published: August 2023

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive problem in adults particularly medical students, who are one of the most vulnerable groups. Many variables, including lifestyle changes and psychological stress, increase the prevalence of GERD among undergraduate medical students. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence, and risk factors of GERD, and its relationship with perceived stress among medical students in Egypt.

Methods

In November and December of 2022, a cross-sectional descriptive study with an analytical component was carried out among medical students from six different universities. An online self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire included data on sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, lifestyle, the Arabic version of GerdQ, and the Arabic version of Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).

Results

The questionnaire was filled out by 964 medical students, the majority of whom were female (64%). Overall, 17.1% of participants reported symptoms of GERD. Logistic regression showed that smoking, high perceived stress, and a family history of GERD were the independent predictors of having GERD symptoms, with odds ratios of 4.1, 3.9, and 2.2, respectively.

Conclusion

GERD is a frequent condition among Egyptian medical students, affecting around one-fifth of them. In the fight against GERD, university-based smoking cessation and stress management programs may be influential.
Facilitators and barriers to tuberculosis active case findings in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review of qualitative research
Authors: Fenta Melkie Dagnaw , Ogundijo Oluwaseun Adeolu , Warsame Ahmed Abi Abdi , Belay Abebaw Getachew
Published: August 2023

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient infection and a major public health problem in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Active case finding (ACF) programs have been established to effectively reduce TB in endemic global communities. However, there is little information about the evidence-based benefits of active case finding at both the individual and community levels. Accurately identifying the facilitators and barriers to TB-ACF provides information that can be used in planning and design as the world aims to end the global TB epidemic by 2035. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers to tuberculosis ACF in LMICs.

Methods

A systematic search was performed using recognized databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, HINARI, and other reference databases. Relevant studies that assessed or reported the ACF of TB conducted in LMICs were included in this study. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. The Statement of Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) was used to strengthen the protocol for this systematic review. The Confidence of Evidence Review Quality (CERQual) approach was also used to assess the reliability of the review findings.

Results

From 228 search results, a total of 23 studies were included in the final review. Tuberculosis ACF results were generated under two main themes: barriers and facilitators in LMICs, and two sub-themes of the barriers (healthcare-related and non-healthcare-related barriers). Finally, barriers to active TB case finding were found to be related to (1) the healthcare workers’ experience, knowledge, and skills in detecting TB-ACF, (2) distance and time; (3) availability and workload of ACF healthcare workers; (4) barriers related to a lack of resources such as diagnostic equipment, reagents, and consumables at TB-ACF; (5) the stigma associated with TB-ACF detection; (6) the lack of training of existing and new healthcare professionals to detect TB-ACF; (7) communication strategies and language limitations associated with TB ACF; and (8) poor or no community awareness of tuberculosis. Stigma was the most patient-related obstacle to detecting active TB cases in LMICs.

Conclusion

This review found that surveillance, monitoring, health worker training, integration into health systems, and long-term funding of health facilities were key to the sustainability of ACF in LMICs. Understanding the elimination of the identified barriers is critical to ensuring a maximum tuberculosis control strategy through ACF.