bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accessible Parallel Embodiment of Multiple Robotic Avatars in a Cafe
Authors: Barbareschi Giulia , Kawaguchi Midori , Kato Hiroaki , Takeuchi Kazuaki , Nagahiro Masato , Shiiba Yoshifumi , Ory Yoshifuji , Yoshifuji Kentaro , Kasahara Shunichi , Minamizawa Kouta
Published: January 2023

Novel technological systems enabling people to control multiple robotic avatars simultaneously could support more accessible ways to multitask. An implementation of a parallel avatar system in a cafe shows that, leveraging their existing skills, remote workers with disabilities were able to utilize the system to control up to four robots, each with a different function, to assist customers in a cafe. The parallel avatar systems expand the agency and the capabilities of disabled workers, while also delivering better experiences to customers.
Chemical Composition, Antibacterial Test, and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils from Fresh and Dried Stropharia rugosoannulata
Authors: Wei Lei , Wang Wei , Hou Yueying , Xie Xiaoyang , Li Xiao , Chen Fei , Wang Zhiyao , Zhou Yong , Li Feifei , Jing Bingnian
Published: January 2023

The essential oils, respectively, from fresh and dried Stropharia rugosoannulata fruiting bodies, an important edible mushroom, have been studied for their chemical composition, antibacterial capacity, and antioxidant activity. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) combined with Kovats retention index. The oils’ antibacterial test was evaluated by the microdilution method against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and antioxidant activity was determined through DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing power. Twenty-nine components were identified from the fresh mushroom, and the compositions were mainly dominated by hydrocarbons (54.72%), acids (32.99%), esters (5.07%), and terpenic compounds (0.96%). Thirty-five components were identified from the dried sample, and acids (31.22%), terpenic compounds (28.7%), alcohols (12.7%), and ketones (10.48%) were the major compounds. Strong antibacterial capacity and obvious antioxidant activity were observed for both essential oils from the fresh and dried mushrooms.
Fabrication of Nutraceutical Beverage from Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Extract and Studying Its Health Effects
Authors: Jameel Qaswaa Yousif , Mohammed Nameer Khairullah , Ajeel Mohammed Abdullah
Published: January 2023

A saffron extract-based beverage (SEBB) was formulated and characterized based on its sensory attributes and health benefits. The main bioactive compounds of saffron extract (crocin and safranal) were quantified. Three formulations of SEBB were prepared based on the sucrose concentration: SEBB 1 contained 65 g of sucrose per 500 ml, SEBB 2 contained 17.5 g, and SEBB 3 contained 79.5 g. The SEBB most desired by consumers was then subjected to biochemical analysis to evaluate its antioxidative effects on the damage induced by food contaminated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Fifteen albino rats were split into five groups and treated with different doses of CCl4 or SEBB according to the planned animal experiment for 62 days. Sensory evaluation illustrated that SEBB 1 had the highest acceptability scores. The content of crocin and safranal was 23.039 and 4.135 ppm, respectively. The SEBB ameliorated the increased activity of enzymes involved in liver and kidney function and improved the total antioxidant capacity, blood glucose, and lipid profile.
Real‐Time Strain Detection Technology for Steel Structures Based on Eddy Current Effect
Authors: Ji Shu-an , Jin Wei-liang , Jin Ying , Lin Zheng , Wang Sen , Li Qing
Published: January 2023

To avoid strains in steel structures in special equipment caused by excessive alternating loads, which cause stress concentrations in local areas and reduce the strength and pressure‐bearing capacity of the steel structures, a method for evaluating the strain state of the steel structures using the eddy current effect is proposed, and the relevant testing device is developed. The RMS voltage and tension values were tested and fitted linearly with sampling time, and their linear correlations after fitting were 0.9978560 and 0.9967905, respectively. To investigate the method’s practical application, the effect of strain on the impedance of the eddy current probe was first studied theoretically, followed by the design and fabrication of a strain detection device comprised of an eddy current probe and a signal processing system. Finally, tensile strain experiments were carried out on 5 mm thick standard Q235 steel tensile specimens using a universal tensile machine and the linear equation of RMS voltage versus strain was obtained analytically. Theoretical and experimental tests have shown that the device can detect each strain stage and quantify the strain within the elastic stage by fitting a linear equation.
Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Drinking Water on Growth Rate, Biochemical Parameters, and Intestinal Histology of Broilers
Authors: Mohammed Arkan B. , Hamad Oday K. , Khttab Thamer A.
Published: January 2023

The study objectives were to evaluate effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on growth rate, gut histomorphology, and physiological parameters of broilers. A total 360 birds were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 72 birds per group; four replicates per group n = 18), the control group drink water without nano zinc, and ZnO NP groups added 6, 8, 10, and 12 mg/liter to drinking water. The results presented that ZnO NP groups showed significant (

p
<
0.05

) in growth performance with reduced feed intake in all ZnO NP groups in comparison to the control at 35 and 42 days of age. Villus height and villi to crypt ratio showed significant differences (p<0.05) in all ZnO NP groups compared to the basal control, but the results showed there was no significant difference (p<0.05) between the ZnO NP and control in crypt depth. There was no significant effect of ZnO NP on total protein and albumin in broiler serum compared to the control at 35 and 42 days of age. The data showed that ZnO NP had a positive effect and improved the ratio of serum globulin and globulin to albumin compared to the others of broilers at 35 and 42 days of age. On the other hand, liver enzyme activity was significantly (

p
<
0.05

) different in ZnO NP groups compared to the basal control. The inclusion of ZnO NPs in drinking water significantly improved growth performance and gut histomorphology, and it had an impact on antioxidant and biochemical parameters.
Advances in the Role of Sodium Hypochlorite Irrigant in Chemical Preparation of Root Canal Treatment
Authors: Cai Chen , Chen Xuan , Li Yang , Jiang Qianzhou
Published: January 2023

Irrigation of root canal system is of great significance to the success of endodontic treatment, where sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most widely used irrigant in chemical preparation. NaOCl functions by eliminating bacterial biofilms and dissolving organic tissue, which may vary according to several factors such as the microbiology of root canal infection and the concentration of the irrigant. It has been proposed that the effectiveness of NaOCl could be enhanced via several methods, including heating the irrigant, applying in conjunction with certain reagents, or activating by agitation techniques. Despite its antibacterial and tissue‐dissolving capacities, NaOCl should be used with caution to avoid detrimental effect due to its cytotoxicity and negative effect on dentin properties. In this narrative review, we discussed the factors that affect the properties of NaOCl, the methods to improve its efficacy, and the side effects that might occur in clinical practice.
COVID-19 Quarantine and Sexual Function after First Vaginal Delivery
Authors: Gutzeit Ola , Ben Zvi Dikla , Levy Gali , Mazor Daniela , Iluz Roee , Tzur Lilia , Lauterbach Roy , Dibbiny Sima , Weiner Zeev , Lowenstein Lior
Published: January 2023

Objectives: Sexual function is an important part of quality of life at all ages. Childbirth brings many changes that may affect sexual function. During COVID-19 global pandemic, nuclear families were forced to stay home. The goal of this study was to evaluate sexual function during the COVID-19 quarantine, in postpartum couples in the first months following their first vaginal childbirth. Design: This is a single-center, prospective study of females following their first vaginal delivery and their male partners. Participants were recruited in the maternity ward after their first delivery at Rambam Medical Center. Both spouses signed a consent form for answering the sexual function questionnaires. Participants: Participants were interviewed by telephone during the last week of the first COVID-19 quarantine, according to Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). Main outcome measures: pre- and post-quarantine sexual function according to ASEX scores. ASEX is a survey that assesses sexual drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication, the ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm. Responses are scored on a 1–6 Likert scale with a potential range of 5–30, where the highest scores indicate worse sexual function. Results: The participants were 38 women and 29 men. The average time from delivery to the interviews was 182.8 ± 84.7 days; 56% of the spouses were under quarantine. The median baseline total ASEX score was 13 (sexual drive 3, arousal 2.5, vaginal lubrication 2.5, ability to reach orgasm 2, orgasm satisfaction 2) for women and 11 (sexual drive 3, arousal 2, penile erection 1, ability to reach orgasm 2, orgasm satisfaction 2) for men. Sixteen percent of the women and none of the men had a baseline sexual dysfunction (ASEX score >19). Significant differences were not observed in total ASEX scores before and during the quarantine. Limitations: Sexual function at the end of the quarantine was evaluated prospectively and pre-quarantine sexual function was evaluated retrospectively, with the limitation of recall bias. Conclusions: COVID-19 quarantine did not seem to have a significant effect on female or male sexual function, three to 9 months after the first vaginal delivery. The current study is the first to describe primiparous postpartum sexual function as median ASEX score.
Medical Oncology Education in Europe: Equipping Medical Oncologists to Provide the Best Care for Patients with Cancer
Authors: Jordan Karin , De Azambuja Evandro , Amaral Teresa , Strijbos Michiel , Curigliano Giuseppe , Lordick Florian
Published: January 2023

Background: High-quality, evidence-based, and practice-relevant education is essential to equip medical oncologists to provide high-quality care for patients with cancer. The need for medical oncology education is growing due to a rapid development of new therapies with novel mechanisms of action. Moreover, the number of patients with cancer is increasing with the rising in incidence and improved survival for some cancers. Access to medical oncology education and training opportunities, particularly in research, varies considerably in different countries and regions. Summary: The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), the European School of Oncology (ESO), and other relevant associations have developed a wide range of opportunities, resources, and measures to increase access to high-quality medical oncology education. Initiatives that are helping to achieve effective and consistent medical oncology education include the ESMO/ASCO (American Society of Medical Oncology) global curriculum in medical oncology. Key Messages: There is great value in providing wider educational opportunities than local and national training to increase access and, potentially, quality and scope and reduce variations in medical oncology education. Pan-European and global educational initiatives open up the expertise, knowledge, and best practice on different tumour types and cross-sectional topics, such as supportive and palliative care that can be shared between medical oncologists from other countries.
Evidence for Spinozan “Unbelieving” in the Right Inferior Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Bernhard Regan M. , Frankland Steven M. , Plunkett Dillon , Sievers Beau , Greene Joshua D.
Published: January 2023

Humans can think about possible states of the world without believing in them, an important capacity for high-level cognition. Here, we use fMRI and a novel “shell game” task to test two competing theories about the nature of belief and its neural basis. According to the Cartesian theory, information is first understood, then assessed for veracity, and ultimately encoded as either believed or not believed. According to the Spinozan theory, comprehension entails belief by default, such that understanding without believing requires an additional process of “unbelieving.” Participants (n = 70) were experimentally induced to have beliefs, desires, or mere thoughts about hidden states of the shell game (e.g., believing that the dog is hidden in the upper right corner). That is, participants were induced to have specific “propositional attitudes” toward specific “propositions” in a controlled way. Consistent with the Spinozan theory, we found that thinking about a proposition without believing it is associated with increased activation of the right inferior frontal gyrus. This was true whether the hidden state was desired by the participant (because of reward) or merely thought about. These findings are consistent with a version of the Spinozan theory whereby unbelieving is an inhibitory control process. We consider potential implications of these results for the phenomena of delusional belief and wishful thinking.
Breaking the Spirit of Poverty in African Pentecostal Christianity
Authors: Ng’etich Elias Kiptoo
Published: January 2023

Poverty is one of Africa’s most intractable problems. Decades of deliberate and strategic socioeconomic policies have not yielded considerable concrete results to eradicate it. Upon succeeding the brutal colonial administration, the burgeoning African governments promised their citizens material well-being through socioeconomic development. A half century later the continent is perpetually witnessing a blatant betrayal of dreams. Just like the African governments that succeeded colonial governments, religious organizations continue to promise poverty eradication by divine means to their adherents, whose numbers keep exploding across the continent. The Pentecostal variant of African Christianity is particularly renowned for its promises of wealth, health, and prosperity through supernatural divine power: in the Bible, God has promised to deliver immense material goods to those who believe in Jesus Christ. The expediency of these promises to alleviate poverty and bring about social transformation is debatable. Some scholars argue that African Pentecostalism is an elaborately complex increase in religious activities devoid of social structural transformation, while others opine that it contributes positively to development. In asking whether African Pentecostal Christianity is a move toward or a distraction from development, this article broadly explores discourses on Pentecostalism and development in Africa. Arguably, in the endeavor to preach and live out the experiential power of the Holy Spirit, Pentecostal Christianity in Africa inadvertently plays a role in the broader ongoing development discourse. Although they do not view themselves as ‘religious’ or ‘religion’, Pentecostal churches’ attempts to make the teachings of Jesus Christ relevant to the mundane help individual believers cope with life’s stresses and vulnerabilities. However, it does not transform the social conditions that create problems for individuals. The liberating hope of African Pentecostal Christianity lies in theologically nuancing its discourses to meaningfully engage in global development discourses.
Graphene Nanosheets Mediate Efficient Direct Reprogramming into Induced Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Kim Junyeop , Chang Yujung , Hwang Yerim , Kim Sumin , Oh Yu-Kyoung , Kim Jongpil
Published: January 2023

In vivo cardiac reprogramming is a potential therapeutic strategy to replace cardiomyocytes in patients with myocardial infarction. However, low conversion efficiency is a limitation of In vivo cardiac reprogramming for heart failure. In this study, we showed that graphene
nanosheets mediated efficient direct reprogramming into induced cardiomyocytes In vivo. We observed that the administration of graphene nanosheets led to the accumulation of H3K4me3, which resulted in direct cardiac reprogramming. Importantly, the administration of graphene nanosheets
combined with cardiac reprogramming factors in a mouse model of myocardial infarction enhanced the effectiveness of directly reprogrammed cell-based cardiac repair. Collectively, our findings suggest that graphene nanosheets can be used as an excellent biomaterial to promote cardiac cell fate
conversion and provide a robust reprogramming platform for cardiac regeneration in ischemic heart disease.
Non-destructive corrosion removing on bronze historical artifacts by sodium bicarbonate blasting
Authors: Li Xiaoxuan , Jiang Zhouyu , Wang Mingliang
Published: January 2023

Sodium bicarbonate blasting was applied to remove the corrosion layer of ancient bronze artifacts. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) was employed to investigate the surface morphology, and element composition of the bronze coin surface
before and after blasting. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the mineralogical composition of products in the corrosion layer of the bronze coin. The products are cerussite (PbCO3), lead oxide (PbO2), cassiterite (SnO2), bobkingite Cu2Cl2(OH)8(H2O)12
and malachite Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 which can be effectively removed by employing an impinge angle of 90°, working pressure at 0.3 MPa. These results indicate that sodium bicarbonate blasting can achieve non-destructive removal of the corrosion layer on the bronze
coin. This work will be helpful for better restoration and preservation of the bronze cultural relics.
Accountability in Healthcare: Sovereign Authority to Democratization
Authors: Nakayama Don K.
Published: January 2023

While accountability in healthcare is associated with Ernest Amory Codman (1869-1940), its origins can be traced to the beginning of recorded history. A physician guilty of a medical misdeed under the Code of Hammurabi (ca. 1755 BCE) had his fingers severed. The authority to regulate medical practice passed from sovereign to physicians in 1241 when emperor Frederick II gave the medical faculty of the University of Salerno the responsibility of examination and licensure to practice medicine. Thomas Linacre (1460-1524) convinced Henry VIII to assign licensure to a newly constituted College of Physicians (1518) that set standards for education and practice. In his code of medical ethics (1803) Thomas Percival (1740-1804) introduced the notion that medical misdeeds be judged by a panel of peers. In enacting an analogous code (1847) the American Medical Association incited strong opposition from a prevailing attitude of professional autonomy distrustful of outside interference (1883). Codman’s innovation, the End Result system (1914), reflected his belief that surgery was an industrial process where the goal was perfection: survival without complications and full recovery to complete health. This required the systematic collection of clinical data on all surgical patients and an objective assessment of outcome. The approach evolved decades later to modern concepts of quality improvement (QI), using scientifically derived data to standardize processes and minimize variability and sources of error. With the objective tools of QI physicians and their patients judge for themselves the care they offer and select under the democratization of healthcare.
Bereaved in Me: Understanding the Vicarious Grief Experiences Among Helping Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sera Jose Kaina Marie Clare , Navarro Agham Josiah , Pomida Angelo Nico , Hechanova-Alampay Maria Regina
Published: January 2023

Literature on the experience of the bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic suggests how complicated it has been for those who lost loved ones. However, the sense of grief experienced by those who journey with them is relatively unexplored. The present study examines vicarious experiences of grief of healthcare workers, faith-based workers and mental health workers who worked with the bereaved due to COVID-19 deaths. The study was done in two phases. In the first phase, a survey showed that compared to other helping professionals, healthcare workers reported the highest levels of vicarious grief. In the second phase, in-depth interviews revealed five themes: acknowledging contexts of grief, navigating relations with the bereaved, sharing others’ grief, internalizing encounters, and negotiating challenges. Findings highlight the need for supportive interventions at the organizational level.
Integrated aerodynamic optimization for stationary components of squirrel cage fan Considering impeller-Volute interaction
Authors: Wang Zhen , Li Zhen , Shi Qingxin , Ju Yaping , Zhang Chuhua
Published: January 2023

As the flow state in the volute plays an important role in the energy loss of the squirrel cage fan, the optimization design of the fan volute has drawn great attention. To further improve the overall performance of the fan, the aerodynamic match between the volute and the inlet nozzle as well as the local flow pattern within the fan components should be considered in the optimization. In the present work, a high-dimensional optimization method based on the genetic algorithm, support vector regression surrogate model, Latin hypercube sampling method and the mixed adaptive sampling algorithm is developed. Then, the integrated optimization for inlet nozzle and volute of the fan is carried out, in which both the aerodynamic performance and the impeller-volute interaction are considered. The optimization results show that the total efficiency of the fan increases by 2.24% and the static pressure recover coefficient increases by 2.18%. The reversed flow at the impeller outlet is restrained, and the flow uniformity at the impeller inlet is improved. This work is helpful for the design of squirrel cage fans with high aerodynamic performance.
First-line Behavioral Health Treatment Prior to Stimulant or Alpha-2 Agonist Use for Preschoolers on Kentucky Medicaid in 2017
Authors: Davis Deborah Winders , Jawad Kahir , Lohr William David , Trace Marie , Le Jennifer , Feygin Yana , Jones Veronnie Faye
Published: January 2023

Objective:

We aimed to assess the degree to which the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) clinical guidelines were followed when treating attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers.

Method:

Using Medicaid claims for children 4 to 5 years of age receiving their first dose of stimulants/alpha-2 agonists in 2017 ( n = 836), we determined if BH was received prior to initiation of medication. We examined predictors after controlling for confounders.

Results:

More than half the sample did not receive first-line BH, which did not differ by demographics. Those receiving BH prior to medication had a higher rate of receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Only three diagnoses were significant in multivariate (OR 13.8, 95% CI [1.7–115.1]) analyses.

Conclusion:

More than half the sample did not, conservatively, meet the AAP clinical recommendations. Further research is needed to identify targets for intervention. Limitations are noted.
Passages to the outside: A prelude to a geophilosophy of the future
Authors: Savransky Martin
Published: January 2023

What might it take to re-imagine the futures of geographical thought on an Earth whose geological disjunctures and catastrophic dynamics have radically upended the progressive temporality that once made of ‘the future’ a modern article of faith and a matter of concern? What, in other words, is the future to those practices animated by the metamorphic forces of the Earth? Seeking to inhabit the problem-space these questions generate, this commentary suggests that at stake is nothing less than the challenge of learning to think of futurity immanently, as a problem of space. The challenge is to re-imagine the future not as the promise of a yet-to-come but as a passage to the outside: to those immanent zones of indeterminacy, anarchy, and contingency composed in the interstices and outlaw edges of every territory, where impossible forms of sociality and speculative methodologies of life are improvised in the act of striding the movements and forces of an unstable and tumultuous earth, giving themselves over to the inchoate and the unformed, to a groundlessness that surrounds and subtends every ground, to a runaway metamorphosis which eludes finality and escapes totality. That, indeed, might be the task of a geophilosophy of the future.
Oxygenation index in the first three weeks of life is a predictor of bronchopulmonary dysplasia grade in very preterm infants
Authors: Chou Fu-Sheng , Leigh Rebekah M. , Rao Srinandini S. , Narang Arvind , Yeh Hung-Wen
Published: January 2023

Background

The new bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) grading system was developed based on its correlation with long-term respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes and may provide better personalized prognostication. Identifying early-life predictors for accurate BPD grade prediction may allow interventions to be tailored to individual needs. This study aimed to assess whether oxygenation index (OI) dynamics in the first three weeks of life are a predictor of BPD grade.

Methods

A single-center retrospective study was performed. Generalized additive mixed modeling was used to model OI trajectories for each BPD grade subgroup. A multinomial regression model was then developed to quantify the association between OI dynamics and BPD grade.

Results

Two hundred fifty-four infants were identified for inclusion in the trajectory modeling. A total of 6,243 OI data points were available for modeling. OI trajectory estimates showed distinct patterns in the three groups, most prominent during the third week of life. The average daily OI change was -0.33 ± 0.52 (n = 85) in the No-BPD group, -0.04 ± 0.75 (n = 82) in the Low-Grade BPD group, and 0.22 ± 0.65 (n = 75) in the High-Grade BPD group (p < 0.001). A multinomial regression analysis showed the initial OI value and the average daily OI change both independently correlated with BPD grade outcomes after adjusting for birth gestation, birth weight z-score, sex, and the duration of invasive ventilation.

Conclusion

Early-life OI dynamics may be a useful independent marker for BPD grade prediction. Prospective studies may be warranted to further validate the findings.
Effects of a blended design of closed-book and open-book examinations on dental students’ anxiety and performance
Authors: Hong Sumin , Go Bokyung , Rho Jaehee , An Soyoun , Lim Cheolil , Seo Deog-Gyu , Ihm Jungjoon
Published: January 2023

Background

While closed-book examinations (CBEs) have traditionally been implemented in dental education, open-book examinations (OBEs) are being introduced for the purpose of acquiring higher levels of knowledge and promoting long-term memory. This study examines whether it is effective to use a blended assessment of CBEs and OBEs for dental students to reduce test anxiety and enhance academic performance.

Methods

Using a quasi-experimental research method, a blended assessment that combined CBEs in class and OBEs online was designed for a dental course. In 2020, when the pandemic was at its peak, student assessment was ineffective, and the 2020 cohort was omitted for our study; instead, two cohorts of predoctoral dental students (N = 178) enrolled in Restorative Dentistry in the spring semesters of 2019 and 2021 were included in the study. These students were informed about the experimental design, and they provided written consent for data collection, thereby voluntarily participating in the survey. Their self-perceived responses to open-ended survey questions on assessment methods were qualitatively analyzed.

Results

There was no significant difference in test anxiety between the CBEs and OBEs at the p-values of 0.001 in all items. Traditional and blended assessment showed a similar trend of lower scores in midterm exams compared to higher scores in final exams, thus discriminating against students’ performances. In particular, a low-achieving group was better predicted by a blended assessment. An analysis of the students’ self-perceived responses produced highly topical themes, including exam burden, learning effects, and fairness issues.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the feasibility of blended assessment that can be implemented in online and in-person educational environments. Moreover, it can be used as the groundwork to develop new models of assessment in dental education.
Validation of the CaReQoL asthma: a patient reported outcome measure for monitoring the perceived effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in adult patients with severe refractory asthma
Authors: Springvloet Linda , Triemstra Mattanja , Knottnerus Bart , Rolink Marlon , Heijerman Harry , de Boer Dolf
Published: January 2023

Background

The CaReQoL Asthma assesses the care-related quality of life outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation retrospectively in patients with severe asthma. The questionnaire comprises five domains (physical functioning; social functioning; coping with asthma; knowledge about asthma; medication).

Aim

To investigate construct and criterion validity of the CaReQoL Asthma, as well as its responsiveness and minimal important change (MIC), in comparison with other health measures (AQLQ, ACQ and FEV1).

Methods

Eighty three adults with severe refractory asthma filled out the CaReQoL Asthma at 6 and 12 months after a 12-week personalized multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program in a tertiary asthma centre, either in Switzerland or The Netherlands. Construct validity and responsiveness were assessed by testing pre-defined hypotheses about associations with changes in AQLQ, ACQ and FEV1scores. Criterion validity and MIC was assessed using Global Perceived Effect (GPE). Factor analyses, Cronbach’s alpha, Spearman's correlations, paired t-tests and Student–Newman–Keuls tests were performed.

Results

Cronbach’s alphas of the questionnaire domains ranged from 0.82 to 0.95. Good construct validity and responsiveness were found; 84% of the assessed correlations confirm pre-defined hypotheses and reflect both weak and moderate to strong correlations. Good criterion validity was also identified, with CaReQol scores discriminating better than other health measures between levels of GPE at 6 months post-rehabilitation. The MIC for the total score was estimated at 0.84.

Conclusion

These study results suggest that the CaReQoL Asthma is a valid and responsive instrument and shows to be a comprehensive and tailored questionnaire for evaluating and monitoring outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with severe refractory asthma. In order to further substantiate the reliability and validity of the CaReQoL Asthma, as well as to monitor outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with severe asthma, it is recommended to use the CaReQoL Asthma in addition to other disease specific instruments.
Achilles enthesitis on physical examination leads to worse outcomes after 2 years of follow up in patients with ankylosing spondylitis from REGISPONSER-AS registry
Authors: López-Medina Clementina , Puche-Larrubia M. Ángeles , Granados Raquel , Ladehesa-Pineda Lourdes , Ruiz-Vilchez Desirée , Ábalos-Aguilera M. Carmen , Font-Ugalde Pilar , Collantes-Estévez Eduardo
Published: January 2023

Background

Enthesitis represents one of the most important peripheral musculoskeletal manifestations in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). However, studies specifically evaluating Achilles tendon enthesitis and its impact over time are scarce. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of Achilles’ tendon enthesitis found at baseline during physical examination on the outcome measures after 2 years of follow-up in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

This was an observational and prospective study conducted during 2 years of follow-up in the REGISPONSER-AS registry. Linear regression models adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), and anti-TNF intake were conducted to evaluate the association between the presence of Achilles enthesitis at baseline and the patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores at baseline. The impact of this feature on PROs over 2 years of follow-up was evaluated using mixed models for repeated measures adjusted for age, BMI, and anti-TNF intake.

Results

Among the 749 patients included, 46 patients (6.1%) showed Achilles’ tendon enthesitis during physical examination at the baseline study visit. Patients with Achilles enthesitis had an increase in the global VAS score, BASDAI, mBASDAI, ASDAS-CRP, and BASFI scores in comparison with patients without this feature. In addition, the mean global VAS, BASDAI, and ASDAS-CRP scores were significantly higher among patients with Achilles enthesitis over the 2 years of follow-up after adjusting for age, BMI, and current anti-TNF intake. The percentage of patients achieving ASDAS low disease activity (ASDAS < 2.1) after 2 years of follow-up was 15.9% and 31.5% for patients with and without Achilles enthesitis, respectively (p = 0.030).

Conclusions

In patients with AS, the presence of Achilles’ tendon enthesitis was associated with worse scores on the outcome measures after 2 years of follow-up, leading to a lower probability of achieving low disease activity.
Cu and As containing pigments in Zhejiang architecture polychrome paintings: a case study of degradation products of emerald green
Authors: Shen Ling , Wang Chenya , Zhang Jiachen , Cui Biao , Zhu Suimin , Mao Jianqiang
Published: January 2023

The discoloration of pigments caused by deterioration may significantly alter an artifact's original pattern and design, which could have an impact on its intended meaning. The green pigments containing copper (Cu) and arsenate (As) in paintings are usually recognized as Emerald green or Scheele’s green and are also infrequently reported as cornwallite and lavendulan. Recent studies point out that lavendulan may be the degradation product of Emerald green but not a natural mineral. Overall, there are still relatively few cases of current studies on green pigment with Cu and As. The elemental composition and molecular structure of green minerals containing Cu and As are similar, so it is difficult to identify by Raman spectroscopy. The green pigment samples used in this investigation were taken from architectural paintings in the Wenchang palace and traditional Ziweishan dwellings. The composition of the paint samples was investigated comprehensively by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope observation, micro-X-ray diffraction (μ-XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) analysis. From the results of elemental distribution, the pigments mainly contain Cu, As, and Cl. The morphological results illustrated that the particles in these three pigments are rounded and granular, indicating the synthetic pigment is possibly emerald green. The characteristic vibrational peaks of the As–O, Cu–O and Cu–Cl bond were detected by Raman spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy found the presence of oxalate salt. The XPS and XANES analysis results show that As valence is + 5. This study found that the green pigment samples are a degradation product of emerald green. The formation of this product is related to the preservation environment. The results of this work will provide information to understand the degradation processes of emerald green and be a reference for the identification of pigments containing Cu and As elements.
Culturomics- and metagenomics-based insights into the microbial community and function of rhizosphere soils in Sinai desert farming systems
Authors: Lian Wen-Hui , Mohamad Osama Abdalla Abdelshafy , Dong Lei , Zhang Ling-Yu , Wang Dong , Liu Lan , Han Ming-Xian , Li Shuai , Wang Shuang , Antunes André , Fang Bao-Zhu , Jiao Jian-Yu , Li Wen-Jun
Published: January 2023

Background

The microbiome of the Sinai Desert farming system plays an important role in the adaptive strategy of growing crops in a harsh, poly-extreme, desert environment. However, the diversity and function of microbial communities under this unfavorable moisture and nutritional conditions have not yet been investigated. Based on culturomic and metagenomic methods, we analyzed the microbial diversity and function of a total of fourteen rhizosphere soil samples (collected from twelve plants in four farms of the Sinai desert), which may provide a valuable and meaningful guidance for the design of microbial inoculants.

Results

The results revealed a wide range of microbial taxa, including a high proportion of novel undescribed lineages. The composition of the rhizosphere microbial communities differed according to the sampling sites, despite similarities or differences in floristics. Whereas, the functional features of rhizosphere microbiomes were significantly similar in different sampling sites, although the microbial communities and the plant hosts themselves were different. Importantly, microorganisms involved in ecosystem functions are different between the sampling sites, for example nitrogen fixation was prevalent in all sample sites while microorganisms responsible for this process were different.

Conclusion

Here, we provide the first characterization of microbial communities and functions of rhizosphere soil from the Sinai desert farming systems and highlight its unexpectedly high diversity. This study provides evidence that the key microorganisms involved in ecosystem functions are different between sampling sites with different environment conditions, emphasizing the importance of the functional microbiomes of rhizosphere microbial communities. Furthermore, we suggest that microbial inoculants to be used in future agricultural production should select microorganisms that can be involved in plant-microorganism interactions and are already adapted to a similar environmental setting.
Prevalence and associated factors of modern contraceptive discontinuation among sexually active married women in Nigeria
Authors: Kupoluyi J. A. , Solanke B. L. , Adetutu O. M. , Abe J. O.
Published: January 2023

Background

Contraceptive discontinuation for reasons other than the desire for pregnancy is associated with a high rate of unintended pregnancies leading to unsafe abortions, maternal morbidity and mortality. In Nigeria, little is known about modern contraceptive discontinuation using the calendar data.

Methods

A cross-sectional research design from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS) women’s dataset was used to examine the prevalence and associated factors of modern contraceptive discontinuation among sexually active married women in Nigeria. A weighted sample size of 3,353 currently sexually active married or in union women who have ever used a modern contraceptive 5 years before the survey and with complete reproductive histories and are not sterilised or declared infecund was analysed. Data were analysed and displayed using frequency tables and charts, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression model at 5% level of significance.

Results

The prevalence of modern contraceptive discontinuation was 35.8% (1199) with 45.8% (549) of the women discontinuing using modern contraceptives while at risk of pregnancy. The most modern method discontinued was Injectables (25.2%) while the commonest reason for modern method discontinuation was because they wanted to become pregnant (36.1%). Associated factors of modern contraceptive discontinuation among sexually active married women in Nigeria were: marital duration (aOR = 3.0; 95%CI: 1.5–6.2), visitation to a health facility in the last 12 months before the survey (aOR = 0.6; 95%CI: 0.4–0.8), education (aOR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.2–3.4) and region of residence (aOR = 2.7; 95%CI: 1.6–4.7).

Conclusion

Modern contraceptive discontinuation among the study respondents was high. Region of residence, health facility visitation and marital duration were significantly associated with modern contraceptive discontinuation. The study suggests that health care providers should address the discontinuation of contraception through counselling, particularly among women who reside in the region of high prevalence of contraceptive discontinuation, short-term users as well as strengthen the use of contraception among those who are still at risk of becoming pregnant. Governments and stakeholders should also partner with private sectors to make health care accessible to women by bring health facilities closer to them to improve facility visitation.
Exploring STEM Teaching Assistants’ Self-Efficacy and Its Relation to Approaches to Teaching
Authors: Smith Cody R. , Menon Deepika , Wierzbicki Annette , Dauer Jenny M.
Published: January 2023

This study provides a deeper understanding of the model of teaching assistant (TA) self-efficacy by connecting self-efficacy to teaching approach and suggesting that high self-efficacy TAs show a greater concern for impacting student learning (outward focus) than for their own tasks (inward focus).
Biosimilar Competition and Payments in Medicare: The Case of Trastuzumab
Authors: Horn Danea M. , Alpert Abby E. , Duggan Mark G. , Garcia Nicolas A. , Jacobson Mireille
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE:

Numerous biologic drugs will soon be facing biosimilar competition. We study the case of trastuzumab, a revolutionary drug approved in 1998 to treat human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer, to understand how trends in the price and treatment cost of the originator brand and biosimilar forms of trastuzumab evolved following biosimilar entry.

METHODS:

We use average sales price data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, adjusted for inflation to real 2020 dollars using the consumer price index, to describe price changes for the originator biologic and biosimilar versions of trastuzumab between 2019, when the first biosimilar was covered by Medicare, and 2022, when a total of five biosimilar competitors were on the market. We also estimate total treatment costs of biologic and biosimilar forms of trastuzumab from 2005 to 2022 and describe changes in their market share.

RESULTS:

We find that the first biosimilar entrant's price was 15% lower than the originator brand in 2019, and the fifth biosimilar entrant's price in 2022 was 58% lower than the originator brand in 2019. Contrary to expectations from prior research, the originator biologic price in 2022 decreased 29% from its 2019 average sales price. Average treatment cost for the biologic and biosimilar versions of trastuzumab combined was $45,659 US dollars lower in 2022 compared with the year before biosimilar entry, 2018. Finally, biosimilar market share grew from only 7% in the first year of entry to 32% in the second year, when three biosimilars were on the market.

CONCLUSION:

Biosimilar entry may be an effective means of decreasing the cost of biologic cancer treatments. Our findings suggest that policies that support biosimilar entry and encourage use may expand access to necessary treatment and reduce health care costs.
The Curious Case of Oscar Lorick: Race, Markets, and Militancy during the Farm Crisis
Authors: Shimoni-Stoil Rebecca
Published: January 2023

In 1985 Oscar Lorick—an aging and illiterate Black farmer clinging to seventy-nine acres of land and burdened with massive debts—turned to local farm activist Tommy Kersey to help stave off foreclosure. The ensuing mobilization tied together the NAACP, Black church networks, white supremacist militants, corporate sponsors, a millionaire benefactor, and even the Atlanta Falcons in the ultimately successful attempt to save his farm. Lorick's story serves as a point of departure to assert that the Farm Crisis facilitated the convergence of anti-federal and federal-skeptic ideologies, both radical and conventional, in the fertile ground of rural America. Relying on court records, news reports, and organizational documents, this article reconstructs a story that grabbed national attention during the Farm Crisis to demonstrate the importance of free-market narratives, racial discrimination, and the legacy of civil rights mobilization in understanding the complexity of agrarian activism in the crisis-era South.
Σύγκρισή του πραγματικού κόστους νοσηλείας των ασθενών ΜΕΘ σε σχέση με την αποζημίωση που καταβάλλει ο ΕΟΠΥΥ
Authors: Πλατανιάς Αθανάσιος
Published: January 2023

ΣΚΟΠΟΣ Η σύγκριση του πραγματικού κόστους νοσηλείας ασθενών που νοσηλεύτηκαν σε μία Μονάδα Εντατικής Θεραπείας (ΜΕΘ) παίδων και σε μία ΜΕΘ ενηλίκων σε σχέση με την αποζημίωση που κατέβαλε ο Εθνικός Οργανισμός Παροχής Υπηρεσιών Υγείας (Ε.Ο.Π.Υ.Υ.) στο εκάστοτε νοσοκομείο. ΥΛΙΚΟ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΘΟΔΟΣ Πραγματοποιήθηκε αναδρομική μελέτη παρατήρησης. Το πραγματικό κόστος υπολογίστηκε με βάση τη μεθοδολογία ανάλυσης κόστους bottom-up. Η αποζημίωση που έλαβε το νοσοκομείο από τον Ε.Ο.Π.Υ.Υ. υπολογίστηκε λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τη διάρκεια νοσηλείας. Τα δημογραφικά και κλινικά χαρακτηριστικά των ασθενών συλλέχθηκαν από τους φακέλους του ασθενούς. Το ημερήσιο οικονομικό έλλειμα ανά κλίνη ΜΕΘ υπολογίστηκε ως η διαφορά μεταξύ του πραγματικού κόστους νοσηλείας και της αποζημίωσης που έλαβε το νοσοκομείο από τον Ε.Ο.Π.Υ.Υ., προκειμένου να αξιολογηθεί η οικονομική επιβάρυνση των νοσοκομείων. Το πραγματικό κόστος νοσηλείας και της αποζημίωσης του νοσοκομείου από τον Ε.Ο.Π.Υ.Υ. υπολογίστηκε για τους ασθενείς που εισήχθησαν σε μία ΜΕΘ ενηλίκων και σε μία ΜΕΘ παίδων του λεκανοπεδίου Αττικής από τον Ιανουάριο του 2016 έως τον Δεκέμβριο του 2019. ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ Στη μελέτη συμπεριλήφθηκαν συνολικά 928 παιδιατρικοί και 718 ενήλικες ασθενείς ΜΕΘ. Το πραγματικό κόστος νοσηλείας στη ΜΕΘ ήταν υψηλότερο σε σύγκριση με το ύψος της αποζημίωσης που κατέβαλε ο Ε.Ο.Π.Υ.Υ. στο νοσοκομείο τόσο στον ενήλικο όσο και στον παιδιατρικό πληθυσμό. Το ημερήσιο οικονομικό έλλειμα ανά κλίνη ΜΕΘ ήταν σημαντικά υψηλότερο στην παιδιατρική ΜΕΘ. Η μισθοδοσία του προσωπικού αποτελούσε το μεγαλύτερο μέρος του πραγματικού κόστους. ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑΤΑ Η εισαγωγή του συστήματος Ομοιογενών Διαγνωστικών Κατηγοριών (K.E.N. – DRGs) στην Ελλάδα δεν φαίνεται να οδηγεί σε επαρκή αποζημίωση των δημόσιων νοσοκομείων αναφορικά με το κόστος νοσηλείας ασθενών στις ΜΕΘ.