bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametrically excited shape distortion of a submillimeter bubble
Authors: Shaw Stephen J.
Published: July 2024

The existence of finite amplitude shape distortion caused by parametrically excited surface instabilities for a gas bubble in water driven by a temporally periodic, spatially uniform pressure field in an axisymmetric geometry is investigated. Employing a nonlinear coupled system of equations which includes shape mode interactions to third order, the resultant spherical oscillations, translation, and shape distortion of the bubble are modelled, placing no restriction on the size of the spherical oscillations. The model accounts for viscous and thermal damping with compressibility effects. The existence of synchronous and higher order parametrically induced sustained, finite amplitude, periodic shape deformation is demonstrated. The excitement of an odd shape mode via the synchronous mechanism is shown to give rise to linear bubble self-propulsion. For larger driving amplitudes, it is shown that more than one shape mode can be parametrically excited at the same driving frequency but by different resonance mechanisms, leading to more involved shape deformation and the increased possibility of bubble self-propulsion.
Assessing the lateral and vertical variability of shelf-margin depositional systems and associated forcing mechanisms: A forward modeling approach
Authors: Shepherd John W. , Paumard Victorien , Salles Tristan , Lang Simon , George Annette D.
Published: July 2024

Understanding the primary drivers of lateral and vertical variability in the stratal architecture of shelf-margin settings is key to understanding how sediments are partitioned from the shelf to the slope and the basin floor in source-to-sink systems. In this study, we model the 4-D evolution of a shelf margin over a period of 18.5 m.y. using Badlands stratigraphic forward modeling software. The modeled system is analogous to the Hammerhead shelf margin developed in the Bight Basin (southern Australian margin) during the Late Cretaceous, with forcing parameters interpreted from “real world” 3-D seismic data. A series of seven models were designed and tested to investigate potential drivers of shelf-margin variability, which include shoreline process regime (i.e., fluvial, wave, or mixed coastal processes), uplift, rainfall, and source area extent. We find that shoreline processes, which in the context of this study include fluvial and wave processes, may significantly impact shelf-margin architecture although they are less likely to affect the long-term evolution of a shelf margin. The addition of either fluvial or wave processes increases along-strike lateral variability with mixed-process shorelines resulting in the most variability. We propose that these hydrodynamic processes affect sediment supply locally leading to “out-of-phase” supply influencing both shelf-margin architecture and the character of sequence stratigraphic surfaces laterally. Rainfall is also shown to have a much more immediate effect on shelf-margin architecture compared to changes in tectonics (uplift). The results of this study are particularly applicable to the Hammerhead shelf margin and may also be applied to other shelf margins where eustasy is not the primary control on shelf-margin architecture and/or paleoclimatic conditions are poorly constrained.
Association between video laryngoscopy characteristics and successful neonatal tracheal intubation: a prospective study
Authors: Corder William , Nelin Timothy , Ades Anne M , Flibotte John , Laverriere Elizabeth , Daly Guris Rodrigo , Soorikian Leane , Foglia Elizabeth E
Published: July 2024

Objective

To identify associations between procedural characteristics and success of neonatal tracheal intubation (NTI) using video laryngoscopy (VL).

Design

Prospective single-centre observational study.

Setting

Quaternary neonatal intensive care unit.

Patients

Infants requiring NTI at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Interventions

VL NTI recordings were evaluated to assess 11 observable procedural characteristics hypothesised to be associated with VL NTI success. These characteristics included measures of procedural time and performance, glottic exposure and position, and laryngoscope blade tip location.

Main outcome measure

VL NTI attempt success.

Results

A total of 109 patients underwent 109 intubation encounters with 164 intubation attempts. The first attempt success rate was 65%, and the overall encounter success rate was 100%. Successful VL NTI attempts were associated with shorter procedural duration (36 s vs 60 s, p<0.001) and improved Cormack-Lehane grade (63% grade I vs 49% grade II, p<0.001) compared with unsuccessful NTIs. Other factors more common in successful NTI attempts than unsuccessful attempts were laryngoscope blade placement to lift the epiglottis (45% vs 29%, p=0.002), fewer tracheal tube manoeuvres (3 vs 8, p<0.001) and a left-sided or non-visualised tongue location (76% vs 56%, p=0.009).

Conclusion

We identified procedural characteristics visible on the VL screen that are associated with NTI procedural success. Study results may improve how VL is used to teach and perform neonatal intubation.
Mental health surveillance in elite Para athletes: early identification and follow-up of athletes at risk of mental health problems
Authors: Meidl Verena , Dallmann Petra , Steffen Kathrin , Bretthauer Berit , Busch Aglaja , Kubosch Eva Johanna , Leonhart Rainer , Hirschmueller Anja
Published: July 2024

Objective

There is a lack of prospective data on mental health of elite Para athletes. The objective was to identify and follow elite Para athletes at risk of mental health problems.

Methods

In a 124-week prospective cohort study, mental health of German elite Para athletes was monitored using the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). In case of positive screening (PHQ-4≥5) over 2 weeks, a follow-up contact was conducted by a sports psychiatrist, who asked the athletes about their mental condition and sources for their mental distress and offered support.

Results

7543 PHQ-4 scores were obtained from 122 Para athletes with a mean weekly response rate of 84%. The PHQ-4 screening was considered positive for symptoms of depression or anxiety with a prevalence of 6.7%, affecting 48.4% (n=59) of all participants at some point during the study period. In 76.6% (n=49) of all follow-up contacts, athletes (n=34) reported at least one mental health problem, most frequently mental distress (n=31), followed by symptoms of depression (n=19) including acute suicidality (n=1). The most common mental stressors cited were related to education and problems with the team, coaches or federation. At follow-up, almost two-thirds of the athletes were either already in professional psychiatric or psychological care (25%) or were recommended to seek such care (32.8%).

Conclusion

Our screening and follow-up system revealed high rates of mental health problems in elite Para athletes. Programmes for early identification with mental health monitoring under the supervision of mental health professionals should be considered by sports federations for Para athletes.
Breastfeeding challenges among adolescent mothers: a phenomenological study at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Suglo Mavis , Kpekura Stephen , Yiryuo Lilian
Published: July 2024

Background

The natural and best approach to give newborns the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development is through breast feeding. Breastfeeding rates fall more sharply with time for mothers under the age of 20 years.

Aim

This study sought to explore the challenges experienced by adolescent mothers who visit the department of obstetrics and gynaecology of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana.

Method

This study employed a qualitative phenomenology design and collected data from adolescent mothers. Data were gathered with the aid of a semistructured in-depth interview guide from 13 breastfeeding adolescent mothers. Data for the study were analysed using content analysis. The study was conducted at the obstetrics and gynaecology department of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

Findings

Two major themes were generated from the study to be the challenges that confront adolescent breastfeeding mothers, and they are maternal factors of breastfeeding barriers and societal factors of breastfeeding barriers. Subcategories were generated for both themes during the process.

Conclusion and recommendation

Training of pregnant adolescents during antenatal care visits on how to manage the inability to lactate, breastfeeding stress, painful and sore nipple, engorged breast, stigma from society will lessen their burden. Furthermore, training close family members and friends on how to be kind and support adolescent mothers during breast feeding is important. In-service training should be organised for health workers to enhance their knowledge and practice of approaching and guiding adolescent mothers on effective breast feeding and the provision of cubicles in public places where adolescent mothers can comfortably breastfeed.
Role of drug-eluting bead bronchial arterial chemoembolisation in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: protocol for a meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Guocan , Shen Yanqin , Ye Bo , Xu Xudong , Zhao Wuchen
Published: July 2024

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a poor prognosis. Transvascular intervention is an important approach for treating NSCLC. Drug-eluting bead bronchial artery chemoembolisation (DEB-BACE) is a technique of using DEBs loaded with chemotherapeutic drugs for BACE. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the effectiveness and safety of DEB-BACE in treating NSCLC and investigate a novel therapeutic strategy for NSCLC.

Methods and analysis

Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, Scopus and Embase databases will be searched in November 2024. A meta-analysis will be conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of DEB-BACE in the treatment of NSCLC. The following keywords will be applied: “Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung”, “Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer”, “Drug-Eluting Bead Bronchial Arterial Chemoembolization” and “drug-eluting beads”. Reports in Chinese or English comparing the efficacy of DEB-BACE with other NSCLC treatment options will be included. Case reports, single-arm studies, conference papers, abstracts without full text and reports published in languages other than English and Chinese will not be considered. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions will be used to independently assess the risk of bias for each included study. In case of significant heterogeneity between studies, possible sources of heterogeneity will be explored through subgroup and sensitivity analysis. For the statistical analysis of the data, RevMan V.5.3 will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

This meta-analysis will seek publication in a peer-reviewed journal on completion. Ethical approval is not required for this study as it is a database-based study.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023411392.
Photobiomodulation therapy for chronic knee pain in obese patients in pre-rehabilitation for bariatric surgery: randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, clinical trial protocol
Authors: Amorim Ana Cristina Ferreira Garcia , Belchior Thays C Flausino , Silva Rodarte Tatiane Nunes da , Rebouças Junior Francisco Albino , Rodrigues Maria Fernanda Setúbal Destro , Marcos Rodrigo Labat , Lino-dos-Santos-Franco Adriana , Cecatto Rebeca Boltes
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Obesity has become a worldwide public health problem and is directly linked to loss of quality of life, complications and comorbidities. One of them is chronic pain, especially in the knees, which increases significantly and proportionally with weight gain. In patients with severe obesity, with indication for bariatric surgery, the presence of chronic pain disables and often prevents their participation in a pre-surgical rehabilitation programme. As an analgesic therapy, photobiomodulation (PBM) has been studied with safety, efficacy, well-tolerated used and low costs. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the use of PBM for the treatment of chronic knee pain in obese patients undergoing a pre-surgical rehabilitation programme for bariatric surgery.

Methods and analyses

This is a double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical, superiority, trial protocol. The PBM will be applied in bilateral knees and lumbar paraspinal points levels referring to the roots of innervation of the knee. The outcomes evaluated will be pain intensity, functionality, quality of life and clinical signs of neurological sensitization of chronic knee pain pathways.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has already been approved by the Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Goiás/EBSERH—Ethics Committee and it is following SPIRIT guidelines. The results will be statistically analysed and subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

Clinical Trials Platform (https://clinicaltrials.gov/) with the numberNCT05816798.
SPEctacle Correction for the TReatment of Amblyopia (SPECTRA): study protocol for a prospective non-randomised interventional trial in adults with anisometropic/mixed mechanism amblyopia
Authors: Tan Ken Wei Sheng , Park Adela So Yun , Cheung Blossom Wing Sum , Wong Ginny Hei Ting , Thompson Benjamin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental vision disorder typically affecting one eye, resulting in compromised binocular function. While evidence-based treatments exist for children, there are no widely accepted treatments for adults. This trial aims to assess the efficacy of appropriate optical treatment in improving vision and visual functions in adults with amblyopia. This is hypothesised to significantly improve visual acuity of the amblyopic eye and other visual functions.

Methods and analysis

SPEctacle Correction for the TReatment of Amblyopia is a prospective non-randomised interventional trial. The following criteria for amblyopia will be used: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the amblyopic eye of 0.3 to 1.0 (inclusive) logMAR VA and in the fellow eye, 0.1 logMAR or better, with an interocular VA difference of ≥2 logMAR lines. Eligible participants aged 18–39 will receive full/near-full optical treatment requiring wear for at least half their waking hours for the trial duration. A difference of ≥1.00D spherical equivalent between a participant’s current refractive correction and the study prescription is required for eligibility. Primary outcome is the change in amblyopic eye BCVA from baseline to 24-week postenrolment. Secondary outcomes include distance and near VA of both eyes, stereoacuity, contrast sensitivity, interocular suppression, angle of strabismus and fixation stability measured at monthly intervals. Visual evoked potentials will also be measured at baseline, week 12 and week 24. Treatment compliance and quality of life for all participants will be monitored.

Analyses comparing baseline and week 24 will utilise pairwise comparisons. Linear mixed models will be fitted to the data for measures taken monthly. This allows estimates and inferences to be drawn from the coefficients of the model, while handling missing data.

Ethics and dissemination

Human ethics approval was obtained from the respective ethics board of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HSEARS20210915002) and the University of Waterloo (#44235). The study protocol will conform to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05394987; clinicaltrials.org.
Helping ourselves, helping others: the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Study (YWS) – a multisite prospective cohort study to advance the understanding of breast cancer diagnosed in women aged 40 years and younger
Authors: Rosenberg Shoshana M , Zheng Yue , Ruddy Kathryn , Poorvu Philip D , Snow Craig , Kirkner Gregory J , Meyer Meghan E , Tamimi Rulla M , Schapira Lidia , Peppercorn Jeffrey , Come Steven , Borges Virginia F , Warner Ellen , Gelber Shari , Collins Laura , Winer Eric P , Partridge Ann H
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Compared with older women diagnosed with breast cancer, younger women are more likely to die of breast cancer and more likely to suffer psychosocially in both the short-term and long term. The Young Women’s Breast Cancer Study (YWS) is a multisite prospective cohort study established to address gaps in our knowledge about this vulnerable and understudied population.

Participants

The YWS enrolled 1302 women newly diagnosed with stages 0–IV breast cancer at age 40 years or younger at 13 academic and community sites in North America between 2006 and 2016. Longitudinal patient-reported outcome data are complemented by clinical data abstraction and biospecimen collection at multiple timepoints.

Findings to date

Key findings related to fertility include that nearly 40% of participants were interested in pregnancy following diagnosis; of those who reported interest, 10% pursued fertility preservation. Overall, approximately 10% of YWS participants became pregnant in the first 5 years after diagnosis; follow-up is ongoing for pregnancies after 5 years. Studies focused on psychosocial outcomes have characterised quality of life, post-traumatic stress and fear of recurrence, with findings detailing the factors associated with the substantial psychosocial burden many young women face during and following active treatment. Multiple studies have leveraged YWS biospecimens, including whole-exome sequencing of tumour analyses that revealed that select somatic alterations occur at different frequencies in young (age≤35) versus older women with luminal A breast cancer, and a study that explored clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential found it to be rare in young survivors.

Future plans

With a median follow-up of approximately 10 years, the cohort is just maturing for many relevant long-term outcomes and provides outstanding opportunities to further study and build collaborations to address gaps in our knowledge, with the ultimate objective to improve care and outcomes for young women with breast cancer.

Trial registration number

NCT01468246.
Respiratory support with standard low-flow oxygen therapy, high-flow oxygen therapy or continuous positive airway pressure in adults with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure in a resource-limited setting: protocol for a randomised, open-label, clinical trial – the Acute Respiratory Intervention StudiEs in Africa (ARISE-AFRICA) study
Authors: Kwizera Arthur , Kabatoro Daphne , Owachi Darius , Kansiime Jackson , Kateregga George , Nanyunja Doreen , Sendagire Cornelius , Nyakato Doreen , Olaro Charles , Audureau Etienne , Mekontso Dessap Armand
Published: July 2024

Rationale

Acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (AHRF) is associated with high mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. This is at least in part due to critical care-related resource constraints including limited access to invasive mechanical ventilation and/or highly skilled acute care workers. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and high-flow oxygen by nasal cannula (HFNC) may prove useful to reduce intubation, and therefore, improve survival outcomes among critically ill patients, particularly in resource-limited settings, but data in such settings are lacking. The aim of this study is to determine whether CPAP or HFNC as compared with standard oxygen therapy, could reduce mortality among adults presenting with AHRF in a resource-limited setting.

Methods

This is a prospective, multicentre, randomised, controlled, stepped wedge trial, in which patients presenting with AHRF in Uganda will be randomly assigned to standard oxygen therapy delivered through a face mask, HFNC oxygen or CPAP. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality at 28 days. Secondary outcomes include the number of patients with criteria for intubation at day 7, the number of patients intubated at day 28, ventilator-free days at day 28 and tolerance of each respiratory support.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has obtained ethical approval from the Research and Ethics Committee, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University as well as the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology. Patients will be included after informed consent. The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04693403.

Protocol version

8 September 2023; version 5.
Fatigue and physical activity in post-CABG patients: the parallel mediation model of kinesiophobia and self-efficacy : a prospective multicentre and cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Li Li , Piao Jing Jing , Shang Zhiyang
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate how kinesiophobia and self-efficacy explain the relationship between fatigue and physical activity (PA) in post-coronary artery bypass grafting (post-CABG) patients over the age of 45.

Design

A prospective multicentre and cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted in four public tertiary hospitals in China.

Participants

A total of 1278 patients who underwent CABG surgery were selected from the case pool, with their surgeries occurring between 3 and 19 months prior to selection. Out of 1038 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were invited to participate in the study, 759 patients agreed to participate and complete the questionnaire. Ultimately, 376 questionnaires were deemed eligible and included in the analysis.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The questionnaire included the following scales: the Chinese version of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Heart (TSK-SV Heart), the Cardiac Exercise Self-Efficacy Instrument (CESEI) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long (IPAQ-L). A serial mediation model was used to test whether the association between fatigue and PA was mediated by kinesiophobia and self-efficacy, in the overall sample and subsamples defined by age.

Results

The results confirmed that fatigue was directly (95% CI (−5.73 to −3.02)) associated with PA. Higher kinesiophobia (95% CI (−0.16 to −0.05)) or lower PA self-efficacy (95% CI (−0.11 to −0.02)) were parallel pathways through which higher fatigue impediment reduced PA levels. In both subgroups, the street pathways of kinesiophobia and self-efficacy were altered. In the age, 45–60 years group, kinesiophobia (Boot 95% CI (−0.19 to−0.05)) was a mediator of fatigue on PA levels, while in the 61–75 years age group, self-efficacy (Boot 95% CI (−0.17 to −0.04)) was a mediator of fatigue on PA levels.

Conclusions

A clear relationship between fatigue and PA was mediated by both kinesiophobia and self-efficacy. Furthermore, our findings highlight the importance of adapting the intervention according to the age of the patients, mainly by reducing patients’ kinesiophobia in patients aged 45–60 years and increasing patients’ self-efficacy in patients aged 61–75 years. It may be possible to improve PA levels in post-CABG patients over 45 years of age by eliminating kinesiophobia and increasing self-efficacy.
Cerina: cognitive–behavioural therapy-based mobile application for managing GAD symptoms among Ulster University Students in Northern Ireland – a protocol for a pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Eylem-van Bergeijk Ozlem , Poulter Siobhan , Ashcroft Kurtis , Robinson Tony , Mane Prasannajeet , Islam Momotaj , Condell Joan , Leavey Gerard
Published: July 2024

Introduction

University students are one of the most vulnerable populations for anxiety disorders worldwide. In Northern Ireland, anxiety disorders appear to be more common among the university student population due to the population demographics across the region. Despite the need, these students show less inclination to access the widely available on-campus well-being services and other external professional services. Digital cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) aims to bridge this gap between the need for psychological help and access to it. However, challenges such as limited reach, low adoption, implementation barriers and poor long-term maintenance are mainstay issues resulting in reduced uptake of digital CBT. As a result, the potential impact of digital CBT is currently restricted. The proposed intervention ‘Cerina’ is a scalable CBT-based mobile app with an interactive user interface that can be implemented in university settings if found to be feasible and effective.

Methods and analysis

The study is a single-blind pilot feasibility randomised controlled trial aiming to test the feasibility and preliminary effects of Cerina in reducing Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms. Participants are 90 Ulster University students aged 18 and above with self-reported GAD symptoms. They will be allocated to two conditions: treatment (ie, access to Cerina for 6 weeks) and a wait-list control group (ie, optional on-campus well-being services for 6 weeks). Participants in the wait-list will access Cerina 6 weeks after their randomisation and participants in both conditions will be assessed at baseline, at 3 (mid-assessment) and 6 weeks (postassessment). The primary outcome is the feasibility of Cerina (ie, adherence to the intervention, its usability and the potential to deliver a full trial in the future). The secondary outcomes include generalised anxiety, depression, worry and quality of life. Additionally, participants in both conditions will be invited to semistructured interviews for process evaluation.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the study has been granted by the Ulster University Research Ethics Committee (ID: FCPSY-22-084). The results of the study will be disseminated through publications in scientific articles and presentations at relevant conferences and/or public events.

Trial registration number

NCT06146530.
INfluenza VaccInation To mitigate typE 1 Diabetes (INVITED): a study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in children and adolescents with recent-onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Pedersen Ida Borreby , Kjolby Mads , Hjelholt Astrid Johannesson , Madsen Mette , Christensen Ann-Margrethe Rønholt , Adolfsen Ditte , Hjelle Jesper Sand , Kremke Britta , Støvring Henrik , Jessen Niels , Vestergaard Esben Thyssen , Kristensen Kurt , Frobert Ole
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Children and adolescents with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) commonly maintain a certain level of insulin production during the remission phase, which can last months to years. Preserving β-cell function can reduce T1D complications and improve glycaemic control. Influenza vaccination has pleiotropic effects and administration of the vaccine during the early phases of T1D may offer β-cell protection. This study aims to assess the effect of influenza vaccination on preserving β-cell function in children and adolescents with recent-onset T1D.

Methods and analysis

The INfluenza VaccInation To mitigate typE 1 Diabetes trial is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial in paediatric patients with recent-onset T1D aged 7–17 years. 100 participants will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a standard inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine or a placebo within 14 days of diagnosis. The primary outcome is a difference in mean change (from baseline to 12 months) in C-peptide level between groups during a 2-hour mixed-meal tolerance test. Secondary outcomes include mean change (from baseline to 6 months) in C-peptide levels, haemoglobin A1c, ambulatory glucose profiles and insulin requirements. Exploratory outcomes are diabetes-related autoantibodies, inflammatory markers and serum haemagglutinin inhibition antibody titres against the influenza viruses. The current treatment for T1D is largely symptomatic, relying on insulin administration. There is a pressing need for novel pharmacological approaches aimed at modulating the immune system to preserve residual β-cell function. Existing immunotherapies are cost-prohibitive and associated with multiple side effects, whereas influenza vaccination is inexpensive and generally well tolerated. A positive outcome of this study holds potential for immediate implementation into standard care for children and adolescents with recent-onset T1D and may guide future research on immune modulation in T1D.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from Danish Health Authorities prior to participant enrollment. The trial results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.govNCT05585983and EudraCT Number 2022-500906-17-01.
Person-centredness in dementia care: an integrative review of theoretical approaches
Authors: Serbser-Koal Jonathan , Rommerskirch-Manietta Mike , Purwins Daniel , Roes Martina
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This review identifies and examines theoretical approaches (components and objectives) to person-centred dementia care in order to obtain a better understanding of what is meant by the concept of person-centred dementia care.

Design

Following the approach of Whittemore and Knafl, an integrative literature review was conducted to answer the following questions: (1) Which theoretical approaches to person-centred dementia care have been published? (2) What are the components of the theoretical approaches to person-centred dementia care thus identified, and which objectives can be identified?

Data sources

MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL (via EBSCO) and PsycINFO (via EBSCO) were searched through to 26 April 2021.

Eligibility criteria

We included any kind of published literature that describes theoretical approaches to person-centred dementia care and that was written in German or English.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted data. Data were pooled using a data extraction form developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. A qualitative content analysis was conducted.

Results

The analysis revealed heterogeneous perspectives within the identified approaches to person-centred dementia care. Statements pertaining to the components and objectives could be assigned to three different subcategories (microlevel, macrolevel and application level). This analysis enabled an enhanced understanding of how person-centred dementia care is currently described and whether and how the theoretical approaches differ in terms of their orientations and their focus on the individual and/or on sociality, which allows conclusions regarding the underlying conceptual idea of personhood.

Conclusions

There is a clear challenge for future research to overcome the dominance of the focus on the individual and to consider aspects of sociality to be at least equally important. This is needed in order to understand dementia as a multifaceted phenomenon that demands a differentiated consideration of theoretical notions of how to understand personhood in this context.
Managing COPD exacerbations in primary care
Authors: Moore Anna , Hylton Hannah , Long Alex , Patel Irem
Published: July 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common but underdiagnosed lung condition that is frequently managed inappropriately. It impacts poorest communities most, where health inequalities are greatest. New acute symptoms of breathlessness, cough, sputum production and wheeze should prompt clinical suspicion of underlying COPD in someone who is a current or ex-smoker (or has exposure to other risk factors) and be followed by referral for quality-assured spirometry once recovered. Management of COPD exacerbations in primary care includes use of short-acting bronchodilators if mild, and antibiotics and a short course of oral prednisolone if moderate/severe. Hospital at home schemes are safe and effective and should be considered for some patients exacerbating in the community; these are increasingly supported by remote monitoring (‘virtual wards’). New or worsening hypoxia is an indication for hospital admission and therefore oxygen saturation monitoring is an important part of exacerbation management; clinicians should be aware of patient safety alerts around use of pulse oximeters. Exacerbations drive poor health status and lung function decline and therefore asking about exacerbation frequency at planned reviews and taking action to reduce these is an important part of long-term COPD care. An exacerbation is an opportunity to ensure that fundamentals of good care are addressed. Patients should be supported to understand and act on exacerbations through a supported self-management plan; prompt treatment is beneficial but should be balanced by careful antibiotic and corticosteroid stewardship. COPD rescue packs on repeat prescription are not recommended.
Interplay between gut microbiome, host genetic and epigenetic modifications in MASLD and MASLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ha Suki , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Zhang Xiang , Yu Jun
Published: July 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of liver injuries, ranging from hepatic steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis to MASLD-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (MASLD-HCC). Recent studies have highlighted the bidirectional impacts between host genetics/epigenetics and the gut microbial community. Host genetics influence the composition of gut microbiome, while the gut microbiota and their derived metabolites can induce host epigenetic modifications to affect the development of MASLD. The exploration of the intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and the genetic/epigenetic makeup of the host is anticipated to yield promising avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting MASLD and its associated conditions. In this review, we summarise the effects of gut microbiome, host genetics and epigenetic alterations in MASLD and MASLD-HCC. We further discuss research findings demonstrating the bidirectional impacts between gut microbiome and host genetics/epigenetics, emphasising the significance of this interconnection in MASLD prevention and treatment.
The reckoning table, the periodoscope and the shaping of modern pregnancy in nineteenth-century print forms
Authors: Leighton Mary Elizabeth , Surridge Lisa
Published: July 2024

How did Victorian print forms shape experiences of pregnancy? This article focuses on pregnancy calendars, a form that rose to prominence in nineteenth-century Britain and Europe. Such calendars appeared in tabular as well as circular formats and were printed in books, periodicals and pocketbooks designed for both medical practitioners and fertile women. These calendars shaped the nebulous period of human gestation, giving pregnancy narrative form by dividing it temporally into stages and highlighting key events and medical interventions. In the nineteenth century, these printed pregnancy calendars mediated between women’s personal experiences and gestational body time as well as medical management of that time. During this period, such calendars—which included the columnar reckoning table as well as the circular periodoscope—functioned as instruments of both medical control and female agency. Although they did not enable pregnant women to critique the medicalisation of pregnancy, they nevertheless accorded to such women some power in managing their reproductive bodies.
Rotation of tobacco health warnings and messages: challenges and recommendations for implementation
Authors: Alonso Fernanda , Cohen Joanna E
Published: July 2024

Health warnings and messages—or health warning labels (HWLs)—are integral to tobacco control efforts, but their sustained impact necessitates regular rotation. This paper explores challenges in HWL rotation implementation across six diverse countries: Chile, Guyana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Mexico, and Vietnam. 19 in-depth interviews were conducted with government officials and representatives from civil society organisations and academia. Interviews explored the effectiveness of HWL regulations, the processes involved in their execution, and any challenges encountered along the way. Interviews were analysed thematically, using a combination of deductive and inductive approaches. Interviews revealed critical challenges that fall into two categories: specific and overarching. Government priorities and transitions, political will, time and bureaucracy, legal loopholes, lack of images, evaluation, and economic and human resources constitute HWL-specific challenges. Broad tobacco control challenges included tobacco industry interference and enforcement difficulties. To address HWL rotation challenges, international bodies such as WHO could establish extensive image banks, pre-evaluated for effectiveness and cultural relevance. In addition, countries must institutionalise the rotation process by establishing mechanisms that avoid having to pass complex legal instruments with each new round of warnings, delegating responsibilities to stable government institutions, addressing legal loopholesand planning for multiple rounds within a single legal instrument. Further, partnerships at national and international levels, along with systematic evaluations, are crucial for successful HWL implementation. These recommendations form a comprehensive framework for global collaboration, aiming to strengthen tobacco prevention through impactful HWLs on a sustainable basis.
Klerksdorp Tornado on March 4, 2007, in South Africa: A Synoptic Overview
Authors: Kimambo Offoro N.
Published: July 2024

This research delves into the factors contributing to tornado formation in South Africa, with a specific focus on the Klerksdorp tornado that occurred on March 4, 2007, in Northwest Province. Despite their recurrent occurrence and significant potential for damage, tornadoes have received relatively little attention. Between 1990 and 2014, these weather phenomena incurred estimated costs exceeding half a billion American dollars in addition to other weather-related disasters. In this study, data from multiple observation systems, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) in Germany, and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), were thoroughly analyzed. The findings reveal that the Klerksdorp tornado was linked to a cold front and a cut-off low, which were the dominant weather systems on the day of the tornado. This case study enhances our comprehension of tornado dynamics in South Africa, aiding in improving short-term forecasts and potentially early warning systems. Future research should concentrate on the recurring nature of tornadoes in association with tropical weather systems and locally-driven factors.
Our Model Achieves Excellent Performance on MovieLens: What Does It Mean?
Authors: Fan Yu-Chen , Ji Yitong , Zhang Jie , Sun Aixin
Published: July 2024

A typical benchmark dataset for recommender system (RecSys) evaluation consists of user-item interactions generated on a platform within a time period. The interaction generation mechanism partially explains why a user interacts with (e.g., like, purchase, rate) an item, and the context of when a particular interaction happened. In this study, we conduct a meticulous analysis of the MovieLens dataset and explain the potential impact of using the dataset for evaluating recommendation algorithms. We make a few main findings from our analysis. First, there are significant differences in user interactions at the different stages when a user interacts with the MovieLens platform. The early interactions largely define the user portrait which affect the subsequent interactions. Second, user interactions are highly affected by the candidate movies that are recommended by the platform's internal recommendation algorithm(s). Third, changing the order of user interactions makes it more difficult for sequential algorithms to capture the progressive interaction process. We further discuss the discrepancy between the interaction generation mechanism that is employed by the MovieLens system and that of typical real-world recommendation scenarios. That is, the MovieLens dataset records

\(\langle user-MovieLens\rangle\)

interactions, but not

\(\langle user-movie\rangle\)

interactions. All research articles using the MovieLens dataset model the

\(\langle user-MovieLens\rangle\)

rather than the

\(\langle user-movie\rangle\)

interactions, making their results less generalizable to many practical recommendation scenarios in real-world settings. In summary, the MovieLens platform demonstrates an efficient and effective way of collecting user preferences to address cold-starts. However,
models that achieve excellent recommendation accuracy on the MovieLens dataset may not demonstrate superior performance in practice
, for at least two kinds of differences: (1) the differences in the contexts of user-item interaction generation, and (2) the differences in user knowledge about the item collections. While results on MovieLens can be useful as a reference, they should not be solely relied upon as the primary justification for the effectiveness of a recommendation system model.
A Spreadsheet-Based Redox Flow Battery Cell Cycling Model Enabled by Closed-Form Approximations
Authors: Neyhouse Bertrand J. , Brushett Fikile R.
Published: July 2024

The complex interplay between numerous parasitic processes—voltage losses, crossover, decay—challenges interpretation of cycling characteristics in redox flow batteries (RFBs). Mathematical models offer a means to predict cell performance prior to testing and to interpret experimentally measured cycling data, however most implementations Require extensive domain expertise, programming knowledge, and/or computational resources. Here, we expand on our previously developed zero-dimensional modeling framework by deriving closed-form expressions for key performance metrics. The resulting closed-form model streamlines the computational structure and allows for spreadsheet modeling of cell cycling behavior, which we highlight by developing a simulation package in Microsoft® Excel®. We then apply this model to analyze previously published experimental data from our group and others, highlighting its utility in numerous diagnostic configurations—bulk electrolysis, compositionally unbalanced symmetric cell cycling, and full cell cycling. Given the accessibility of this modeling toolkit, it has potential to be a widely deployable tool for RFB research and education, aiding in data interpretation and performance prediction.
Data from Appendectomy and Risk of Prostate Cancer in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study
Authors: Zhang Yiwen , Feng Xiaotong , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground:
Appendectomy is a common surgical procedure to treat appendicitis. Limited studies have examined its association with prostate cancer, with one large cohort study suggesting a significantly increased risk of overall and advanced prostate cancer, especially among younger men.
Methods:
A total of 49,104 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study were followed from 1986 to 2016. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to evaluate the association between self-reported history of appendectomy and risk of overall and subtype-specific prostate cancer, adjusted for multiple risk factors.
Results:
During 30 years of follow-up, we documented 7,253 overall prostate cancer cases, including 579 advanced and 1,092 lethal events. Compared to men without appendectomy, those who reported at baseline having had appendectomy were not at higher risk of overall [HR, 1.01; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.95–1.07], advanced (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.81–1.23), or lethal (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.89–1.20) prostate cancer. The association remained null when stratified by age.
Conclusions:
We found no evidence of an association between appendectomy and the risk of overall and clinically important prostate cancer.
Impact:
We showed that appendectomy was not associated with overall or advanced prostate cancer after adjusting for multiple risk factors in a large population of men with 30 years of follow-up.
Supplementary Figure S1 from A Modular Trial of Androgen Signaling Inhibitor Combinations Testing a Risk-Adapted Strategy in Patients with Metastatic Castration–Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Aparicio Ana M. , Tidwell Rebecca S.S. , Yadav Shalini S. , Chen Jiun-Sheng , Zhang Miao , Liu Jingjing , Guo Shuai , Pilié Patrick G. , Yu Yao , Song Xingzhi , Vundavilli Haswanth , Jindal Sonali , Zhu Keyi , Viscuse Paul V. , Lebenthal Justin M. , Hahn Andrew W. , Soundararajan Rama , Corn Paul G. , Zurita-Saavedra Amado , Subudhi Sumit K. , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Wenyi , Huff Chad , Troncoso Patricia , Allison James P. , Sharma Padmanee , Logothetis Christopher J.
Published: July 2024

Supplementary Figure S1. PSA and CTC status at module allocation, after 8 weeks of AAPA treatment.
Supplementary Figure S3 from A Machine Learning Algorithm Facilitates Prognosis Prediction and Treatment Selection for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage C Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Han Ji W. , Lee Soon K. , Kwon Jung H. , Nam Soon W. , Yang Hyun , Bae Si H. , Kim Ji H. , Nam Heechul , Kim Chang W. , Lee Hae L. , Kim Hee Y. , Lee Sung W. , Lee Ahlim , Chang U I. , Song Do S. , Kim Seok-Hwan , Song Myeong J. , Sung Pil S. , Choi Jong Y. , Yoon Seung K. , Jang Jeong W.
Published: July 2024

A KNIME workflow presents the backward elimination feature selection.
Supplementary Figure S11 from A Machine Learning Algorithm Facilitates Prognosis Prediction and Treatment Selection for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage C Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Han Ji W. , Lee Soon K. , Kwon Jung H. , Nam Soon W. , Yang Hyun , Bae Si H. , Kim Ji H. , Nam Heechul , Kim Chang W. , Lee Hae L. , Kim Hee Y. , Lee Sung W. , Lee Ahlim , Chang U I. , Song Do S. , Kim Seok-Hwan , Song Myeong J. , Sung Pil S. , Choi Jong Y. , Yoon Seung K. , Jang Jeong W.
Published: July 2024

Kaplan–Meier curves examining the survival differences of three representative modalities in each risk subgroup by CLAM-C.