bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation des Troubles Cognitifs Chez des Patients Tunisiens Atteints de Trouble Bipolaire en Rémission : Étude Cas-Témoins: Assessment of Cognitive Impairment in Tunisian Patients With Bipolar Disorder in Remission: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Charfi Nada , Bouaziz Amal , Omri Sana , Gassara Imen , Feki Rim , Smaoui Najeh , Zouari Lobna , Maâlej Mohamed , Ben Thabet Jihène , Maâlej Bouali Manel
Published: May 2024

Abrégé

Objectifs

Nos objectifs étaient d’évaluer les troubles cognitifs chez des patients bipolaires en rémission comparativement à des témoins sains et d’étudier leur rapport avec les facteurs cliniques et thérapeutiques.

Méthodes

Il s’agissait d’une étude cas-témoins, menée auprès de patients atteints de trouble bipolaire (TBP) en rémission et de témoins sains appariés. Elle a été réalisée au centre hospitalo-universitaire (CHU) Hédi Chaker de Sfax (Tunisie). L’échelle the Screen for cognitive impairment in psychiatry (SCIP) a été utilisée pour l’évaluation des fonctions cognitives chez les patients et les témoins. Cette échelle se compose des sous-échelles d’apprentissage verbal avec rappel immédiat (VLT-I) et différé (VLT-D), de la mémoire de travail (WMT), de la fluence verbale (VFT) et de la vitesse de traitement de l’information (PST).

Résultats

Nous avons recruté 61 patients et 40 témoins. Comparés aux témoins, les cas avaient des scores totaux du SCIP et de toutes les sous-échelles du SCIP significativement plus bas (p < 0,001 partout) avec des tailles d’effet modérées à élevées. Dans l’analyse multivariée, la présence de caractéristiques psychotiques était corrélée à l’abaissement des scores du SCIP total (p = 0,001), du VLT-I (p = 0,001) et VLT-D (p = 0,007), du WMT (p = 0,002), et du PST (p = 0,008). Le TBP de type 2 était corrélé à l’abaissement du score de VLT-I (p = 0,023). L’âge de début et la durée d’évolution du trouble étaient corrélés négativement au score PST (p < 10−3 et p = 0,007 respectivement). La polarité maniaque prédominante était corrélée à l’abaissement du score VFT (p = 0,007).

Conclusions

Notre étude a montré que les patients bipolaires en rémission présentaient des troubles cognitifs touchant différents domaines cognitifs, significativement plus marqués que chez les témoins. Ces troubles cognitifs semblent être liés à des facteurs cliniques et thérapeutiques considérés eux-mêmes comme des facteurs de mauvais pronostic de la maladie bipolaire.
Mobilizing against Democratic Backsliding: What Motivates Protestors in Central and Eastern Europe?
Authors: Blackington Courtney , Dimitrova Antoaneta L. , Ionita Iulia , Vachudova Milada Anna
Published: May 2024

Several central and eastern European countries have experienced democratic erosion of different kinds. While the Czech Republic and Poland have faced democratic backsliding, for example, others, such as Bulgaria and Romania, are better characterized as struggling with democratic stagnation. Regardless of the type of democratic erosion, robust protest movements have challenged democratic erosion. What motivates protestors who face different types of democratic erosion to take to the streets? What kinds of political and institutional changes do they seek? In this article, we theorize that protestors experiencing democratic backsliding prioritize changing the government or changing the political practices that have developed over the last decade. By contrast, protestors facing democratic stagnation emphasize the need to change long-standing institutions and practices that have existed since the country transitioned to democracy in 1989. To test our hypotheses, we conducted original surveys of pro-democracy protestors in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania. We found that protestors in states where incumbents have pursued rapid democratic backsliding prioritize changing the government or changing practices that have taken root over the last decade. By contrast, protestors living through long-standing democratic stagnation emphasize changing the practices and institutions that have emerged since the transition to democracy in 1989. Moreover, we found that in all four countries protestors had mobilized to fight democratic erosion. Also, respondents in all four countries believed that the main impact of the protests was to increase political awareness and spread information about democracy.
Energy consumption forecast model of CNC machine tools based on support vector regression optimized by improved artificial hummingbird algorithm
Authors: Du Jidong , Wang Yan , Ji Zhicheng
Published: May 2024

With the development of the manufacturing industry, energy consumption is growing rapidly, which makes the energy crisis and environmental problems become more and more serious. CNC machine tools play an essential role and are the primary energy consumption devices in the manufacturing industry. The accurate prediction of machine tool energy consumption can provide support for energy production plans and reduce energy waste. This paper proposes a novel energy consumption prediction model based on support vector regression (SVR) optimized by an improved artificial hummingbird algorithm (IAHA). Firstly, as the artificial hummingbird algorithm (AHA) may easily get trapped in a local optimum, an improved AHA based on chaotic mapping and local backtracking exploitation strategy is proposed. The chaotic mapping is used to initialize individual positions, which is good for maintaining population diversity. The local backtracking exploitation strategy is employed to improve the local optimization ability. The effectiveness and feasibility of the IAHA algorithm have been verified through 12 benchmark functions. Then, the IAHA algorithm is employed to optimize the parameters of the SVR, and the IAHA-SVR energy consumption prediction model is established. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the IAHA-SVR model are verified through a case study.
Real-time Vital Signs Monitoring and Data Management Using a Low-Cost IoT-based Health Monitoring System
Authors: Mishra Antim Dev , Thakral Bindu , Jijja Alpana , Sharma Nitin
Published: May 2024

This study describes the creation and evaluation of a low-cost internet of things (IoT)-based health monitoring system for the continuous monitoring of vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2) and blood pressure (BP) (both systolic and diastolic). Along with an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display and an ESP8266 microcontroller, the system includes BP, non-contact temperature, SpO2 and electrocardiogram (ECG) sensors. Using the visual programming tool, Node-RED, the data from these sensors are gathered, processed and transmitted to the Google Cloud platform for archival and visualisation. The process involved mounting the sensors and microcontrollers on a special printed circuit board and designing the circuit with EasyEDA. The device measures systolic, diastolic and pulse rates from the BP sensor, as well as temperature, ECG and SpO2 values. The system works by using three push switches to read and display these values on demand. The gathered data are simultaneously shown on the OLED and sent to the Node-RED dashboard, where it is then sent to a Google Spreadsheet for archiving and analysis. This research article gives a thorough overview of the health monitoring system, the way it was implemented, and how it was successfully validated in a real-time setting. This study examines certain vital signs but additional health measures, such as respiration rate or glucose monitoring, could be included. Machine learning algorithms could also be used for predictive analytics. This would uncover data anomalies and trends early, improving healthcare management.
Unequal Educational Opportunities and Challenges in Online Learning during the Pandemic in India
Authors: Suresh Babu G. S.
Published: May 2024

Enforcing online classes during the lockdown due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the living and learning conditions of students from the most marginalised sections in India. Against this backdrop, this study seeks to shed light on the risk of the rapid adaptation of online teaching methods under extremely unfavourable educational conditions and poor educational infrastructure in India. The evolved system was entrenched in the existing social and educational inequalities that were exacerbated by ever-growing private educational providers. This almost limited the vulnerable group in finding choices of learning through the online mode necessitated by the lockdown. Traditional teaching and learning practices were implicated not only due to the existing social arrangements but also due to the shift to the online mode of learning with the adaptation of digital technology during the pandemic crisis, which has deeply disrupted the current educational scenario as well. Critical lessons learned from the recent catastrophic events will provide a political vision to outline an inclusive approach to designing sustainable educational planning and programmes targeting the most vulnerable sections of the population. This also reminds us that hasty and cosmetic solutions would do more harm to the poor than to the rich, thereby leading to everlasting damage to educational and social systems.
Campbell’s Law Explains the Replication Crisis: Pre-Registration Badges Are History Repeating
Authors: Klonsky E. David
Published: May 2024

Campbell’s Law explains the replication crisis. In brief, useful tools such as hypotheses, p-values, and multi-study designs came to be viewed as indicators of strong science, and thus goals in and of themselves. Consequently, their use became distorted in unanticipated ways (e.g., hypothesizing after results were known [HARKing], p-Hacking, misuses of researcher degrees of freedom), and fragile findings proliferated. Pre-registration mandates are positioned as an antidote. However, I argue that such efforts, perhaps best exemplified by pre-registration badges (PRBs), are history repeating: Another useful tool has been converted into an indicator of strong science and a goal in and of itself. This, too, will distort its use and harm psychological science in unanticipated ways. For example, there is already evidence that papers seeking PRBs routinely violate the rules and spirit of pre-registration. I suggest that pre-registration mandates will (a) discourage optimal scientific practice, (b) exacerbate the file drawer problem, (c) encourage pre-registering after results are known (PRARKing), and (d) create false trust in fragile findings. I conclude that multiple design features can help support replicability (e.g., adequate sample size, valid measurement, robustness checks, pre-registration), none should be canonized, replication is the only arbiter of replicability, and the most important solution is sociocultural: to foster a field that reveres and reinforces robust science—just as we once revered and reinforced flashy but fragile science.
Exploring the Theological Context to Domestic and Family Violence
Authors: Clarke Josephine , Wendt Sarah , Mayer Wendy
Published: May 2024

This article explores the theological drivers of domestic and family violence (DFV)—specifically intimate partner violence—by engaging with ecclesiastical beliefs and practices of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA). Key theological, policy, and public documents were analyzed to understand gender relations, gender roles, marriage, ordination, ethical behavior, and responses to DFV. Findings from the document analysis demonstrate church practice and policy reforms underway in addressing violence against women and supporting safety. Simultaneously, the documents show contested and troubled positions regarding gender relations, the theological context to gender roles and responsibilities and the church's journey of debating (re)configuration of its organizational structure and responsibilities.
Contributions of CSF interleukin-6 elevation to the pathogenesis of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–associated disease
Authors: Uzawa Akiyuki , Mori Masahiro , Masuda Hiroki , Muto Mayumi , Ohtani Ryohei , Aoyama Shinji , Matsushita Kazuyuki , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: May 2024

Background:

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–associated disease (MOGAD) is a rare neuroinflammatory disorder characterized by acute episodes of central nervous system (CNS) demyelination. Previous studies have reported elevated interleukin (IL)-6 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MOGAD patients.

Objective:

We examined if CSF IL-6 level increase is associated with clinical parameters in MOGAD.

Methods:

IL-6 levels were measured using 44 CSF samples during the acute phase and 6 samples during recovery from 34 MOGAD patients, as well as 65 CSF samples from 45 aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4Ab + NMOSD), 107 samples from 76 multiple sclerosis patients, and 45 samples from neurodegenerative disease patients. Associations between IL-6 levels and clinical parameters in MOGAD were also evaluated.

Results:

CSF IL-6 levels were significantly comparably elevated during acute-phase in MOGAD and AQP4Ab + NMOSD, but declined following the acute phase. Among MOGAD patients, CSF IL-6 level was significantly correlated with CSF cell count, greater in patients with brain lesions than spinal cord lesions, and higher in CSF than serum, suggesting that excessive IL-6 is produced predominantly in CNS. Neurological recovery was tended to be poorer in MOGAD patients with higher CSF IL-6 level.

Conclusion:

CSF IL-6 may play important roles in the pathogenesis of MOGAD, especially in CNS inflammation.
Regional, state, and immigrants’ heritage languages in high school: The effect of geographic origin and linguistic acculturation profiles on language attitudes
Authors: Sáenz-Hernández Isabel , Janés Judit , Ubalde Josep , Lapresta-Rey Cecilio
Published: May 2024

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions:

This study explores the language attitudes that high-school students of immigrant origin hold toward Catalan, Spanish, and the heritage languages of immigrant communities, focusing on linguistic acculturation profiles at school and geographic origin of these students. It takes place in Catalonia (Spain), a multilingual setting where Spanish and Catalan have official status.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

Using a 5-point Likert-type scale, 198 students of immigrant background were asked about their attitudes regarding these three languages, as well as questions regarding their linguistic acculturation profiles at school.

Data and Analysis:

A K-means cluster analysis was conducted to create identity groups based on linguistic acculturation profiles at school. Then, a series of analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were run: first to analyze the relationship between linguistic acculturation profiles and attitudes toward heritage languages, such as Catalan and Spanish, and second between linguistic acculturation profiles and continent of origin. A two-factor ANOVA was conducted to test the interaction effects between linguistic acculturation and geographic origin regarding language attitudes.

Findings/Conclusions:

Those in the acculturation profile that incorporates all three languages at school have significantly lower attitudes toward Catalan, suggesting that heritage language maintenance is perceived as incompatible with Catalan at school. As for geographic origin, the European origin group is more commonly placed in the Catalan assimilation acculturation profile than the African and Latin American groups. There is also a significant interaction effect between origin and the acculturation profile, with the European multilingual group showing significantly less positive attitudes toward Catalan.

Originality:

While other studies have explored immigrant attitudes toward Catalan and Spanish, very few have incorporated the wide range of unofficial languages present in the territory, like Arabic, Amazigh, or Romanian.

Significance/Implications:

These results complement previous general acculturation research showing that, for linguistic acculturation as well, racialized ethnic hierarchies affect the acculturation options available to different linguistic groups.
Disclaiming knowledge to encourage participation in research group meetings
Authors: Stein Fabíola , Melander Bowden Helen
Published: May 2024

This study investigates instances where experienced researchers make explicit claims of lack of knowledge (e.g., ‘I have to reveal my ignorance completely’) in the context of paper discussions during research group meetings. Drawing on multimodal interaction analysis, the analysis focuses on epistemic disclaimers in their sequential contexts, and the local management of institutional identities and domains of knowledge. The analyzed data draw from video-ethnographic work involving participant observation and video recordings at a research program in Physical Chemistry at a Swedish university. Focusing on epistemic disclaimers occurring in first pair-parts, the analysis explores how senior researchers employ disclaimers to mark the eliciting function of their questions, as they work to encourage participation by opening the floor while positioning co-participants as (more) knowledgeable. The results evidence how the accomplishment of peer collaboration and knowledge distribution in scientific work involves the management of rights and responsibilities with respect to knowledge and scientific expertise.
Invoking “re” Towards Potentialities for African Agency in (Re)search
Authors: Amuzu Delali
Published: May 2024

This essay is a provocation that seeks to contribute to the (re)naissance of African-centered scholarship through a critical interrogation and engagement of words or concepts that exude criticality yet are frequently used superficially. For Africans (globally), conceived by unfavorable imaginations, critical reflection is vital to enable them to engage in deep, reflective analysis of their thoughts, actions, and experiences. Having been dislocated in many ways, (re)examining assumptions, biases, and beliefs and (re)considering alternative perspectives and ideas must preoccupy African researchers. Through an onto-epistemic prism that centers on both Afrocentric assumptions and decolonial thought, the paper interrogates how the prefix “re” extends beyond simplistic meanings like “again” or “repeat” to offer potentialities for African agency. The paper seeks to contribute toward critical African thought and education as well as supporting the pathways for the African Renaissance. The aim is to explore how the prefix “re” can help to empower Africans to shape their own futures.
Rates of Acute Brain Injury Among Severely Hypertensive Patients Seen in the Emergency Department
Authors: Ishak Amgad , Kamel Hooman , Kaiser Jed H. , Liao Vanessa , Rotblat Jenny , Pawar Anokhi , Lappin Richard , Razzak Junaid , White Halina , Ng Catherine , Liberman Ava L.
Published: May 2024

Background

Identifying patients with acute brain injury among patients who present to the Emergency Department (ED) with severe hypertension can be challenging. We explored rates of brain injury in a cohort of ED patients with severe hypertension in whom acute target-organ damage was or was not initially suspected.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart-review study at two different hospitals within the same urban health system. Consecutive adult patients seen from 10/1/2020 to 5/1/2022 with a systolic blood pressure ≥180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥120 mmHg were included.

Results

A total of 972 patients met our eligibility criteria. The average age was 59 years (SD: 16.5), 454 (46.7%) were women, and 582 (59.9%) were non-White. A total of 186/972 (19.1%) patients were initially thought to have acute target-organ damage in the ED with 97/186 (52.2%) diagnosed with stroke or TIA. The remaining 786/972 (80.9%) patients were not initially diagnosed with target-organ damage (hypertensive urgency [HU]). Of the 786 patients with HU, a head CT was obtained in 216/786 (27.7%) and brain MRI in 74/786 (9.4%). Of the HU patients with a brain MRI, 23/74 (31.1%) had acute abnormalities; most abnormalities on brain MRI (17/23 [73.9%]) were not seen on preceding head CT.

Conclusions

In a multicenter study of ED patients, nearly 1 in 5 patients though to have HU who eventually underwent brain MRI had unexpected acute neurological findings, though brain MR was obtained in only 9%.
Using a transdiagnostic approach to examine the associations among internalizing symptoms, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance
Authors: Tanguy William J. , Kaur Kiran , Asnaani Anu
Published: May 2024

Difficulty tolerating distress (e.g., distress tolerance [DT]) and regulating emotions (e.g., emotion regulation [ER]) are implicated as transdiagnostic risk factors for various internalizing disorders. The present study investigated the relationships among six internalizing disorder symptoms, baseline ER, and DT in college students ( N = 137) to identify which internalizing disorders were most closely associated with DT. We expected ER and internalizing symptoms to be associated with DT and that ER would moderate relationships among internalizing symptoms and both trait DT and state distress. Results indicated that ER, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety symptoms influenced trait DT. ER moderated the associations between depression, anxiety, and panic disorder (PD) symptoms, and trait DT at the .05 level. Similarly, ER moderated the association between PD symptoms and anticipatory distress at the .05 level. However, these analyses did not withstand the Bonferroni adjustment ( p = .008) for multiple comparisons. Findings suggest that, when considering transdiagnostic symptoms, certain internalizing symptoms (i.e., social anxiety, PTSD) may have a stronger influence on trait DT. Further, strong ER abilities may buffer the adverse effects of internalizing symptoms on one’s perceived ability to handle distress. These patterns may not translate to individuals’ behavioral capacity to handle distress.
Bereaved by Intimate Partner Homicide: Consequences and Experiences of Support
Authors: Enander Viveka , Krantz Gunilla , Lövestad Solveig , Örmon Karin
Published: May 2024

The aim of this qualitative study is to present the experiences of family members bereaved by intimate partner homicide (IPH). The focus is on immediate and long-term consequences of the killing, and on the participants’ experiences of subsequently offered information and support. This includes interactions with healthcare, social services, the criminal justice system, and the media. Twenty-two interviews with parents, siblings, and adult children of IPH victims underwent thematical analysis. The bereaved mainly described the social support following the IPH as lacking or inadequate, and recounted that they had been left alone with handling practical and emotionally difficult tasks, such as cleaning up after the killing. More specifically, they felt that institutional responses had been lacking with regard to information, understanding, coordination between professionals, continuity, professionalism, and redress. These results indicate that a coordinated response to people bereaved by IPH is necessary and, if lacking, must be developed.
The Moderating Role of Flow Experience on Mobile Commerce Continuance Intention: The Integrative View of User Adaptation, Expectation-Confirmation, and Task-Technology Models
Authors: Nguyen Giang-Do , Thi Dao Thu-Hien
Published: May 2024

This study examines mobile commerce continuance intention based on integrating expectation-confirmation and task-technology models and incorporating flow experience and user adaptation perspectives in an emerging context of Vietnam. The dataset ( n = 519) of face-to-face responses from mobile commerce consumers utilizing convenience and snowball sampling techniques was examined employing the partial least squares structural equation modeling SmartPLS4.0. The findings confirm that confirmation, perceived usefulness, and satisfaction are all positively related to continuance intention. Additionally, the findings show that while task-technology fit affects perceived usefulness and user adaptation, it does not directly predict satisfaction. Furthermore, the study indicates that flow and task-technology fit impact continuance intention. Remarkably, this study is the first to unveil the significant moderating effect of flow on the relationship between adaptation and continuation intention. The study offers insightful implications for firms to retain customers effectively by boosting the factors forming continuance intention.
Contributions of Coping Flexibility and Associated Functional Brain Connectivity to Resilient Trajectories of Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Tan Yafei , Jia Lei , Mao Yu , Feng Tingyong , Lei Xu , He Qinghua , Chen Hong , Nie Qian , Teng Zhaojun , Blain Scott D. , Qiu Jiang
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented challenge for individual mental health. In this study, we examined the lasting impact of the pandemic on mental health among Chinese college students and tested whether different coping dimensions contributed to resilience. Using a 2-year longitudinal design with four waves, we identified four common trajectories for individuals’ levels of depression and anxiety: resilient, recovered, delayed, and chronic. With prepandemic coping and resting-state neuroimaging data as predictors, we found that coping flexibility and corresponding connectivity patterns significantly predicted increased odds ratios of resilient trajectories for depression and anxiety. However, use of specific emotion-regulation strategies (i.e., cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) did not predict resilient trajectories. Overall, findings help to identify heterogeneity in emotional trajectories during the pandemic and indicate that coping flexibility plays a critical role in resilience. This work has implications for clinical-risk identification and developing mental-health interventions for the current pandemic and future crises.
Biomechanical Characteristics of All-Suture Meniscal Repair Devices Compared With PEEK-Anchored Devices and Inside-Out Suture for Meniscal Repair: A Porcine Study
Authors: Barber F. Alan , Davidson Philip A. , Henninger Heath B.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Recently, all-suture, all-inside meniscal repair devices—including devices containing flat sutures or tapes—have been introduced. Similar to those in suture anchors, these modifications may have different performance characteristics than conventional sutures and polyether ether ketone (PEEK)-anchored devices.

Purpose:

To compare the biomechanical characteristics of all-suture meniscal repair devices with those of a conventional PEEK-anchored device and an inside-out meniscal suture construct.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 48 adult porcine menisci with simulated bucket-handle tears were included. Single-device repairs were performed with the SuperBall Meniscal Repair System, FiberStitch, and FAST-FIX 360 with 2 PEEK anchors, and a vertical mattress inside-out suture repair was performed using a Ti-Cron No. 2-0 braided polyethylene terephthalate suture. All specimens were preloaded (10 N) and cycled 200 times (between 10 and 50 N). Specimens surviving cyclic loading were then destructively tested. Endpoints included maximum failure load, stiffness, cyclic displacement, and failure mode. The goal was 12 successful tests in each group. Metrics between groups were compared using analysis of variance with post hoc tests to control for multiple comparisons.

Results:

The SuperBall (108.9 N) was significantly stronger than the FAST-FIX 360 (67.3 N) and Ti-Cron (75.2 N), and the FiberStitch (102.8 N) was significantly stronger than the FAST-FIX 360 ( P≤ .01 for all). Cyclic stiffness increased during cyclic loading for all constructs ( P < .001). The Ti-Cron was significantly stiffer than the SuperBall during 5 to 200 cycles ( P < .001). Cyclic displacement significantly increased in all constructs during cycling ( P < .001) but did not differ between devices. Failure mode varied by device: the Ti-Cron repairs failed because of suture breakage, the SuperBall and FAST-FIX 360 failed at the anchor, and the FiberStitch showed both failure modes.

Conclusion:

The all-suture, all-inside meniscal repair devices demonstrated superior strength to the PEEK-anchored device and the classic inside-out suture meniscal repair but no statistically significant difference in cyclic displacement.
Trends in Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repairs and Reconstructions and an Analysis Between Low- and High-Volume Surgical Centers: A 10-Year Study in New York State
Authors: Bi Andrew S. , Lin Charles C. , Anil Utkarsh , Rokito Andrew S. , Jazrawi Laith M. , Erickson Brandon J.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR) is the gold standard for operative treatment of UCL tears, with renewed interest in UCL repairs.

Purpose:

To (1) assess trends in rates of UCLR and UCL repair and (2) identify predictors of complications by demographic, socioeconomic, or surgical center volume factors.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Patients who underwent UCLR or UCL repair at New York State health care facilities between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively identified; concomitant ulnar nerve procedures among the cohort were also identified. Surgical center volumes were classified as low (<99th percentile) or high (≥99th percentile). Patient information, neighborhood socioeconomic status quantified using the Area Deprivation Index, and complications within 90 days were recorded. Poisson regression analysis was used to compare trends in UCLR versus UCL repair. Multivariable regression was used to determine whether center volume, demographic, or socioeconomic variables were independent predictors of complications.

Results:

A total of 1448 UCL surgeries were performed, with 388 (26.8%) concomitant ulnar nerve procedures. UCLR (1084 procedures; 74.9%) was performed more commonly than UCL repair (364 procedures; 25.1%), with patients undergoing UCL repair more likely to be older, female, and not privately ensured and having undergone a concomitant ulnar nerve procedure (all P < .001). With each year, there was an increased incidence rate ratio for UCL repair versus UCLR (β = 1.12 [95% CI, 1.02-1.23]; P = .022). The authors identified 2 high-volume centers (720 UCL procedures; 49.7%) and 131 low-volume centers (728 UCL procedures; 50.3%). Patients undergoing UCL procedures at high-volume centers were more likely to be younger and male and receive workers’ compensation (all P < .001). UCL repair and ulnar nerve-related procedures were both more commonly performed at low-volume centers ( P < .001). There were no significant differences in 3-month infection, ulnar neuritis, instability, arthrofibrosis, heterotopic ossification, or all-cause complication rates between low- and high-volume centers. The only significant predictor for all-cause complication was Medicaid insurance (OR, 2.91 [95% CI, 1.20-6.33]; P = .011).

Conclusion:

A rising incidence of UCL repair compared with UCLR was found in New York State, especially among female patients, older patients, and nonprivate payers. There were no differences in 3-month complication rates between high- and low-volume centers, and Medicaid insurance status was a predictor for overall complications within 90 days of operation.
Organ Donation: Behaviour and Beliefs in Sweden
Authors: Södereld Theres , Engström Åsa , Lindgren Katarina , Forsberg Angelica
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Barely one-fifth of people in Sweden have expressed their will regarding organ donation in the national Swedish Donor Registry, and the number of organ donations in Sweden remains low.

Objective

The aim of this study was to map behaviour and beliefs regarding organ donation in Sweden.

Methods

In a descriptive cross-sectional survey following a quantitative approach and 600 questionnaires were issued to randomly selected individuals across Sweden. Of them, 206 (36.3%) were completed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented as frequencies and percentages. Analytical statistical testing involved Pearson chi-square tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results

The results indicate a discrepancy between positive opinion about organ donation in Sweden and the number of people enrolled in the Swedish Donation Registry. The most common argument for not wanting to donate organs was the notion of being too old to. Although self-rated knowledge about organ donation was admittedly low, so was interest in interest in learning more about it. Younger patients more frequently wanted information than older patients did.

Conclusion

Not wanting to donate organs due to age and/or illness may indicate a misconception. Making one's will known does not involve assessing one's health status or age but solely concerns the wish to do so. The findings thus raise an important question: How can people's interest in learning more about organ donation be induced in ethical ways?
Book review: Christophe Jaffrelot and Narender Kumar (Eds), Dr. Ambedkar and Democracy: An Anthology
Authors: Kumar Vikash
Published: May 2024

Christophe Jaffrelot and Narender Kumar (Eds), Dr. Ambedkar and Democracy: An Anthology. Oxford University Press, 2018, 263 pp., £34.99. ISBN: 978-0199483167, ISBN-10: 0199483167.
Dietary resveratrol improves the flesh quality of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) by enhancing myofiber growth, nutrient accumulation and antioxidant capacity
Authors: Yang Shiyong , Zhang Jiajin , Xu Zihan , Shao Wuyuntana , Pang Xiaojian , Li Datian , Huang Xiaoli , Luo Wei , Du Zongjun , Li Yunkun , Wu Jiayun , Du Xiaogang
Published: May 2024

Background

In aquaculture, sturgeons are generally maintained in the confined spaces, which not only hinders sturgeon movement, but also threatens their flesh quality that seriously concerned by aquaculture industry. As a typical antioxidant, resveratrol can improve the flesh quality of livestock and poultry. However, the mechanism of resveratrol’s effect on the muscle of Siberian sturgeon is still unclear.

Results

In this study, the dietary resveratrol increased the myofiber diameter, the content of the amino acids, antioxidant capacity markers (CAT, LDH and SOD) levels and the expression levels of mTORC1 and MYH9 in muscle of Siberian sturgeon. Further transcriptome analysis displayed that ROS production-related pathways (“Oxidative phosphorylation” and “Chemical carcinogenes-reactive oxygen species”) were enriched in KEGG analysis, and the expression levels of genes related to the production of ROS (COX4, COX6A, ATPeF1A, etc.) in mitochondria were significantly down-regulated, while the expression levels of genes related to scavenging ROS (SOD1) were up-regulated.

Conclusions

In summary, this study reveals that resveratrol may promote the flesh quality of Siberian sturgeon probably by enhancing myofiber growth, nutritional value and the antioxidant capacity of muscle, which has certain reference significance for the development of a new type of feed for Siberian sturgeon.
Identification and fungicides sensitivity evaluation of the causal agent of cobweb disease on Lyophyllum decastes in China
Authors: Peng Keqin , Lin Meiling , Yuan Xiaoxiao , Li Changtian , Zeng Xiangyu , Tian Fenghua , Li Yu
Published: May 2024

Background

Cobweb disease is a fungal disease that commonly affects the cultivation and production of edible mushrooms, leading to serious yield and economic losses. It is considered a major fungal disease in the realm of edible mushrooms. The symptoms of cobweb disease were found during the cultivation of Lyophyllum decastes. This study aimed to identify the causative pathogen of cobweb disease and evaluate effective fungicides, providing valuable insights for field control and management of L. decastes cobweb disease.

Results

The causal agent of cobweb disease was isolated from samples infected and identified as Cladobotryum mycophilum based on morphological and cultural characteristics, as well as multi-locus phylogeny analysis (ITS, RPB1, RPB2, and TEF1-α). Pathogenicity tests further confirmed C. mycophilum as the responsible pathogen for this condition. Among the selected fungicides, Prochloraz-manganese chloride complex, Trifloxystrobin, tebuconazole, and Difenoconazole exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the pathogen’s mycelium, with EC50 values of 0.076 µg/mL, 0.173 µg/mL, and 0.364 µg/mL, respectively. These fungicides can serve as references for future field control of cobweb disease in L. decastes.

Conclusion

This study is the first report of C. mycophilum as the causing agent of cobweb disease in L. decastes in China. Notably, Prochloraz-manganese chloride complex demonstrated the strongest inhibitory efficacy against C. mycophilum.
Effects of esketamine on postoperative fatigue syndrome in patients after laparoscopic resection of gastric carcinoma: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Xinru , Feng Xiaoxue , Sun Linxiao , Wang Yijian , Wu Xudong , Lu Shufang , Shao Lulu , Wang Wenchao , Yang Liqun , Geng Wujun , Lin Hai
Published: May 2024

Background

Despite the implementation of various postoperative management strategies, the prevalence of postoperative fatigue syndrome (POFS) remains considerable among individuals undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. While the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor antagonist esketamine has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing sleep quality and alleviating postoperative pain, its impact on POFS remains uncertain. Consequently, the objective of this study is to ascertain whether perioperative administration of esketamine can effectively mitigate the occurrence of POFS in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

Methods

A total of 133 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer were randomly assigned to two groups, namely the control group (Group C) (n = 66) and the esketamine group (Group E) (n = 67), using a double-blind method. The Group C received standardized anesthesia, while the Group E received esketamine in addition to the standardized anesthesia. The primary outcome measure assessed was the Christensen fatigue score at 3 days after the surgical procedure, while the secondary outcomes included the disparities in postoperative fatigue, postoperative pain, sleep quality, and adverse reactions between the two groups.

Results

In the group receiving esketamine, the fatigue scores of Christensen on the third day after surgery were significantly lower compared to the Group C (estimated difference, -0.70; 95% CI, -1.37 to -0.03; P = 0.040). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in the occurrence of fatigue in the Group E compared to the Group C on the first and third days following surgery (P < 0.05). Also, compared to individuals who had distal gastrectomy, those who had entire gastrectomy demonstrated a higher degree of postoperative tiredness reduction with esketamine. Furthermore, the Group E exhibited reduced postoperative pain and improved sleep in comparison to the Group C. Both groups experienced similar rates of adverse events.

Conclusions

The use of esketamine during the perioperative period can improve POFS after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, without adverse reactions.

Trial registration

Registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300072167) on 05/06 /2023.
Exploring T-cell exhaustion features in Acute myocardial infarction for a Novel Diagnostic model and new therapeutic targets by bio-informatics and machine learning
Authors: Jin Nake , Rong Jiacheng , Chen Xudong , Huang Lei , Ma Hong
Published: May 2024

Background

T-cell exhaustion (TEX), a condition characterized by impaired T-cell function, has been implicated in numerous pathological conditions, but its role in acute myocardial Infarction (AMI) remains largely unexplored. This research aims to identify and characterize all TEX-related genes for AMI diagnosis.

Methods

By integrating gene expression profiles, differential expression analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction networks, and machine learning algorithms, we were able to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying TEX and its significant association with AMI. In addition, we investigated the diagnostic validity of the leading TEX-related genes and their interactions with immune cell profiles. Different types of candidate small molecule compounds were ultimately matched with TEX-featured genes in the “DrugBank” database to serve as potential therapeutic medications for future TEX-AMI basic research.

Results

We screened 1725 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from 80 AMI samples and 71 control samples, identifying 39 differential TEX-related transcripts in total. Functional enrichment analysis identified potential biological functions and signaling pathways associated with the aforementioned genes. We constructed a TEX signature containing five hub genes with favorable prognostic performance using machine learning algorithms. In addition, the prognostic performance of the nomogram of these five hub genes was adequate (AUC between 0.815 and 0.995). Several dysregulated immune cells were also observed. Finally, six small molecule compounds which could be the future therapeutic for TEX in AMI were discovered.

Conclusion

Five TEX diagnostic feature genes, CD48, CD247, FCER1G, TNFAIP3, and FCGRA, were screened in AMI. Combining these genes may aid in the early diagnosis and risk prediction of AMI, as well as the evaluation of immune cell infiltration and the discovery of new therapeutics.
Norwegian general practitioners’ perceptions of their depression care – a national survey
Authors: Grung Ina , Hjørleifsson Stefan , Anderssen Norman , Bringedal Berit , Ruths Sabine , Hetlevik Øystein
Published: May 2024

Background

The General Practitioner (GP) is often the first professional contact for patients with depression. Depression care constitutes a substantial part of GPs’ workload.

Objective

To assess how GPs experience their patients’ expectations and their own provision of depression care; further, how their depression care was associated with doctor- and practice-characteristics.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire study about depression care in general practice among the GPs in the Norwegian Physician Survey of 2021.

Results

Of the 221 responding GPs, 50% were female and 70% agreed to have constant time pressure due to workload. The GPs believed that patients with depression were interested in their professional assessment (87.2%) and saw them as providers of talking therapy (76,9%). Still, 77,8% of the GPs thought the patients expected a referral. Talking therapy was commonly provided (79.6%) along with consultations of more than 30 min (80.4%). The youngest age group and GPs with shorter patient lists spent more time. Most GPs (92.3%) considered their help to be of great benefit for depressed patients. However, one-fourth of the GPs did not feel competent in providing talking therapy, less frequently reported by the GPs aged 40–54 years.

Conclusions

Talking therapy is commonly provided by GPs. However, there is a need to investigate what GP talking therapy implies, and to strengthen GP skills in this regard. Overall, the GPs experience their depression care to be useful for their patients, and do not de-prioritize this although they experience workload pressure.
Noninvasive models for the prediction of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Wang Juanxia , Sun Xince , Wei Shibo , Chen Xinyue , Zhu Haoyu , Liantang Youyou , Bao Ruikun , Du Yufeng
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of aspartate aminotransferase(AST)/ alanine transaminase (ALT), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet count ratio (GPR) for hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods

A total of 1210 CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy were divided into two groups: patients with no significant fibrosis (control group) and patients with significant fibrosis, and routine laboratory tests were retrospectively included. Logistic regression models were used for the prediction, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy.

Results

A total of 631 (52.1%) and 275 (22.7%) patients had significant fibrosis (≥ S2) and advanced fibrosis (≥ S3), respectively. The GPR showed significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than that of APRI, FiB-4, and AST/ALT to predict ≥ S2(significant fibrosis) and ≥ S3 fibrosis(advanced fibrosis), with an AUROC was 0.69 (95%CI: 0.66–0.71) and 0.72 (0.69–0.75), respectively. After stratified by the status of HBeAg ( positive or negative), GPR, APRI, and FiB-4 showed improved predicting performance for significant fibrosis and advanced fibrosis in HBeAg positive patients, with the most significant improvement was shown for GPR in predicting significant fibrosis (AUROC = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.70–0.78).

Conclusions

Among the four noninvasive models, GPR has the best performance in the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis in CHB patients and is more valuable in HBeAg-positive patients.
Identifying villages and breeding habitats for dengue transmission in Thailand: insights from long-term larval surveys
Authors: Sahavechaphan Naiyana , Chatrattikorn Asamaporn , Rattananen Manot , Sadakorn Pongsakorn , Areechokchai Darin , Iamsirithaworn Sopon
Published: May 2024

Background

In Thailand, the Department of Disease Control (DDC) regularly performs visual larval surveys throughout the country to monitor dengue fever outbreaks. Since 2016, the DDC switched from a paper-based to a digital-based larval survey process. The significant amount of larval survey data collected digitally presents a valuable opportunity to precisely identify the villages and breeding habitats that are vulnerable to dengue transmission.

Methods

The study used digitally collected larval survey data from 2017 to 2019. It employed larval indices to evaluate the risk of dengue transmission in villages based on seasonal, regional, and categorical perspectives. Furthermore, the study comprehensively scrutinized each container category by employing different measures to determine its breeding preference ratio.

Results

The result showed that villages with a very high-risk of dengue transmission were present year-round in all regions, with the highest proportion during the rainy season. The Southern region had more high-risk villages during the winter season due to rainfall. Slums and residential communities were more vulnerable to dengue than commercial areas. All container categories could potentially serve as breeding habitats for dengue-carrying mosquitoes, with abandoned containers being the most significant breeding sites.

Conclusions

The risk of dengue transmission was present year-round throughout Thailand. This underscores the importance of community and government initiatives, along with sustained public awareness campaigns and active community engagement, to efficiently and permanently eradicate mosquito breeding habitats. It should be noted that larval indices may not strongly correlate with dengue cases, as indicated by the preliminary analysis. However, they offer valuable insights into potential breeding sites for targeted preventive measures.