bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Perceived and Real Metacognitive Reading Strategies of Iranian EFL Learners: Different Text Types in Focus
Authors: Nilforoushan Somayeh , Rashtchi Mojgan , Abbasian Gholam-Reza
Published: March 2023

This mixed methods study examined whether perceived metacognitive reading strategies differed in Iranian EFL learners with different reading abilities. It also compared their actual (real) utilization of metacognitive reading strategies in different English text types (narrative and expository). Four hundred Iranian university students studying TEFL were selected according to their performance on the Oxford Placement Test. A Persian Reading Comprehension Placement Test, Reading Section of PET, and English and Persian Perceived Reading Strategy Questionnaires were administered. One hundred thirty-three students were selected and divided into two groups based on the Persian Reading Comprehension Placement Test scores. Those who achieved above the mean score were classified as high readers and others as low readers. After administering the questionnaires and conducting think-aloud, the data were analyzed through chi-square, MANOVA, and theme-based analysis. The findings revealed that the realizations of global reading strategies regarding frequency and type were not different in Iranian EFL learners’ perceived metacognitive reading strategies. The findings also indicated a significant difference between the frequency and type of problem-solving reading strategies. The results confirmed that learners used the same global and problem-solving strategies in reading narrative and expository text types, while the pattern of using support-reading strategies was different. The most frequent support reading strategies used in expository text were paraphrasing, circling the information, and reading aloud while summarizing and asking questions were the most frequent support reading strategies used in narrative text. The theoretical and pedagogical implications of the study were finally pointed out.
Comparison of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Versus Without Anterolateral Augmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lai Sike , Zhang Zhong , Li Jian , Fu Wei-Li
Published: March 2023

Background:

It is clear that the anterolateral ligament has an important role in rotational knee stability. However, whether patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) can benefit from anterolateral augmentation (ALA) is still controversial.

Purpose:

To compare the effects of isolated ACLR versus ACLR combined with ALA (ACLR+ALA) on clinical outcomes and knee stability.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

The methodology followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was undertaken to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing isolated ACLR with ACLR+ALA for the treatment of ACL injuries in the last 15 years. The Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool and the revised Jadad scale were utilized by 2 independent reviewers to determine the quality of RCTs. Relevant data were extracted and compared between procedures, and heterogeneity across the RCTs was assessed using the I 2 statistic.

Results:

The initial search yielded 849 articles. A total of 14 studies (1850 patients; 941 ACLR and 909 ACLR+ALA) satisfied the eligibility criteria for the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between the procedures in terms of patient-reported outcomes (International Knee Documentation Committee score, Tegner score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) or return-to-sport rates. However, patients who underwent ACLR+ALA had better knee stability based on the pivot-shift test (risk ratio [RR], 1.06 [95% CI, 1.02 to 1.10]; P = .0008), Lachman test (RR, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.00 to 1.07]; P = .04), and side-to-side difference in anterior laxity (standardized mean difference, –0.55 [95% CI, –0.98 to –0.12]; P = .01) as well as a lower incidence of graft failure (RR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.19 to 0.45]; P < .01) compared with patients who underwent isolated ACLR.

Conclusion:

ALA can be considered as a reinforcement of ACLR to improve anteroposterior and anterolateral rotational stability of the knee and reduce the risk of failure. The patient-reported outcomes of isolated ACLR were similar to those of ACLR+ALA, and both procedures provided improved knee function.
My Favorite Assignment: Selections From the ABC 2022 Annual International Conference, Tampa, Florida: A Sunrise of Classroom-Tested Pedagogy
Authors: Whalen D. Joel , Drehmer Charles
Published: March 2023

This article offers readers 11 classroom teaching innovations presented at the 2022 Association for Business Communication’s (ABC’s) Annual International Conference. Sessions were held online and on-site in Tampa, Florida, USA. Readers will find unique developments in teaching techniques—all designed to enhance students’ communication skill building. The new ideas featured here include personal and professional development, oral communication, analysis, and critical thinking. Additional assignment support materials—instructions to students, stimulus materials, slides, grading rubrics, frequently asked questions, and sample student projects—are posted on the ABC and DePaul University Center for Sales Leadership websites: https://www.businesscommunication.org/page/assignments and https://salesleadershipcenter.com/research/business-professional-communication-quarterly-my-favorite-assignment
The Work of Breastfeeding Among Women of Low Socioeconomic Status: A Qualitative Metasynthesis
Authors: Weston Karry , Anbari Allison Brandt , Bullock Linda
Published: March 2023

A theory-generating qualitative metasynthesis was used to explore the questions: (a) How do mothers of low socioeconomic status in the United States express their attitudes and beliefs on breastfeeding? (b) How do mothers of low socioeconomic status in the United States describe the types of support received related to breastfeeding? Databases were searched from January 2000 to June 2022. Eleven qualitative studies were evaluated, and six themes were identified. A model was developed illustrating how the themes impact a mother’s decision to breastfeed. Positive factors included shared narratives, knowledge of breastfeeding physiology, and social network. However, more negative influences were heard such as opinions passed on from family and friends, lack of teaching and anticipatory guidance, limited support and follow up, and the perception of conflicting messages from health care professionals. This model identifies constructs that can be used as starting points for interventions, policy development and/or health promotion education.
Film programming politics vis-à-vis festival site politics: The case of the Mezipatra queer film festival
Authors: Šerý Ondřej , Doboš Pavel
Published: March 2023

This paper belongs to the sub-field of queer geography. It is a spatially sensitive study of queer film festival programming that relates its politics to the affective politics of the site. It focuses on the Mezipatra Queer Film Festival, which is a film festival that takes place in the cities of Prague and Brno, Czech Republic. We differentiate between intentional subject-centred programming politics and de-subjectivated festival site politics. The film programme is created by a single organizing team and is the same for both cities. Still, the programme means different things to each of them. According to programming theories, we distinguish between films of traditional assimilationist, even homonormative, programming, and films of anti-identity queer programming. The different status of the two festival incarnations makes the former more appropriate for Brno, whereas the latter is more appropriate for Prague. Yet, in Brno, the assimilationist identity politics is turned into an autonomous community politics through the festival site. In Prague, the queer politics is turned into a politics of competition among art film festivals. Hence, we go beyond critiques of homonormative cinema as depoliticized and consumerist. The problem is not the difference between “better” queer programming and “worse” traditional programming. The problem lies in discerning site politics as shaping different screenings of the same films, whether they are homonormative or art-house queer films.
Ultrasonography- and Doppler-Guided Surgical Treatment for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: Results From a Case Series in a Southern Sweden County Hospital
Authors: Lindén Louise , Granath Martin , Hedlund Pär , Spang Christoph , Alfredson Håkan
Published: March 2023

Background:

Treatment with ultrasonography (US)- and color Doppler (CD)-guided mini surgery for insertional Achilles tendinopathy has shown good clinical results in a sports medicine setting. The aim in this study was to introduce this new methodology at a county hospital and study the clinical results on a traditional orthopaedic population.

Methods:

Twenty-six consecutive patients (12 men, mean age 61 years; 14 women, mean age 56 years) with a long duration (>12 months) of pain symptoms from insertional Achilles tendinopathy (a combination of bursae, bone, and tendon pathology) were included. US- and CD-guided surgical removal of bursae, bone, and tendon pathology, performed with local anaesthesia, was used. After surgery, there was immediate weightbearing loading without immobilization, followed by a structured rehabilitation protocol for 12 weeks. The VISA-A and SEFAS scores plus a questionnaire evaluating satisfaction with treatment and activity level was used for evaluation.

Results:

At the 1-year follow-up, there were 3 dropouts. Twenty-one patients were satisfied. Their VISA-A score had increased significantly from 26 to 81 ( P < .001), and the SEFAS score from 17 to 38 ( P < .001). Two patients were not satisfied. There were 3 complications, 2 superficial skin infections, and 1 wound rupture.

Conclusion:

For patients with chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy, the US- and CD-guided surgical treatment method followed by immediate weightbearing loading showed a high satisfaction rate and improved functional scores at the 1-year follow-up in a majority of the patients. There are advantages using this method compared to other more tendon invasive surgical methods in use for this condition.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
How replication studies can improve doctoral student education
Authors: Schwab Andreas , Aguinis Herman , Bamberger Peter , Hodgkinson Gerard P. , Shapiro Debra L. , Starbuck William H. , Tsui Anne S.
Published: March 2023

In addition to helping advance theory, replication studies offer rich and complementary learning experiences for doctoral students, enabling them to learn general research skills, through the process of striving to imitate good studies. In addition, students gain replication-specific methodological skills and learn about the important roles replications play for making management knowledge trustworthy. We outline best practices for enabling doctoral students and their supervisors to select studies to replicate, execute their replications, and increase the probability of successfully publishing their findings. We also discuss the crucial role of faculty mentors in supporting and guiding replication-based learning of doctoral students. Ultimately, educating doctoral students on how to execute high-quality replication studies helps to answer wider calls for more replication studies in the field of management, an important stepping stone along the journey toward open and responsible research.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pharmacy practice and on the provision of pharmaceutical care: A cross-sectional study among community pharmacists
Authors: Hatem Georges , Ghamloush Sara , Chami Aya Al , Chaheen Mohammad , Khachman Dalia , Awada Sanaa
Published: March 2023

Background:

Community pharmacists played an essential role in the control and management of the COVID-19 pandemic; both pharmaceutical care and community pharmacists were affected, given that, patients’ needs and demands increased due to the fear of lockdowns and shortage of medication throughout the pandemic.

Objectives:

This study was based in Lebanon and aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on (1) pharmacists, including infection rates, pay, and working hours, and (2) pharmacy practice, including medicine and personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages.

Design:

A cross-sectional study involving 120 community pharmacists was carried out between August and November 2021.

Methods:

Data were collected using an online survey filled out by pharmacists working in Lebanon.

Results:

Most participants (71.7%) reported an increase in their income during the pandemic, and 60% reduced their working hours. A significant association was noted between being previously infected and marital status, level of education, work position, and salary of the participants. Most participants (95.8%) encountered a shortage of medications during the pandemic leading to high home storage of medication, searching for other sources of medicines, and decreased patient/pharmacist interactions.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed new challenges on pharmacists and the provision of pharmaceutical care. It affected pharmacists’ daily routines, putting them at risk of infection with limited availability of medicines and PPE. This study suggests that establishing effective crisis management plans to increase community pharmacists’ resilience during similar outbreaks.
Comprehensive study of volatile compounds and transcriptome data providing genes for grape aroma
Authors: Li Yongzhou , He Liangliang , Song Yinhua , Zhang Peng , Chen Doudou , Guan Liping , Liu Sanjun
Published: March 2023

Background

Fruit aroma is an important quality with respect to consumer preference, but the most important aroma compounds and their genetic regulatory mechanisms remain elusive.

Results

In this study, we qualitatively analysed volatile compounds in the pulp and skin of five table grape cultivars with three aroma types (muscat, strawberry, and neutral) using solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. We identified 215 aroma compounds, including 88 esters, 64 terpenes, and 29 alcohols, and found significant differences in the number of compounds between the pulp and skin, especially for terpenes. Skin transcriptome data for the five grape cultivars were generated and subjected to aroma compound-gene correlation analysis. The combined transcriptomic analysis and terpene profiling data revealed 20 candidate genes, which were assessed in terms of their involvement in aroma biosynthetic regulation, including 1 VvCYP (VIT_08s0007g07730), 2 VvCCR (VIT_13s0067g00620, VIT_13s0047g00940), 3 VvADH (VIT_00s0615g00010, VIT_00s0615g00030, VIT_ 00s0615g00020), and 1 VvSDR (VIT_08s0040g01200) in the phenylpropanoids synthesis pathway, and 1 VvDXS (VIT_05s0020g02130) and 6 VvTPS (VIT_13s0067g00370, Vitis_vinifera_newGene_3216, VIT_13s0067g00380, VIT_13s0084g00010, VIT_00s0271g00010, and VIT_13s0067g00050) in the methylerythritol phosphate pathway (involved in the production and accumulation of aromatic compounds). Additionally, 2 VvMYB (VIT_17s0000g07950, VIT_03s0063g02620) and 1 VvGATA (VIT_15s0024g00980) transcription factor played important regulatory roles in the accumulation of key biosynthetic precursors of these compounds in grapes. Our results indicated that downstream genes, specifically 1 VvBGLU (VIT_03s0063g02490) and 2 VvUGT (VIT_17s0000g07070, VIT_17s0000g07060) are involved in regulating the formation and volatilization of bound compounds in grapes.

Conclusions

The results of this study shed light on the volatile compounds and “anchor points” of synthetic pathways in the pulp and skin of muscat and strawberry grapes, and provide new insight into the regulation of different aromas in grapes.
Use of a wearable accelerometer to evaluate physical frailty in people receiving haemodialysis
Authors: Zanotto Tobia , Mercer Thomas H. , van der Linden Marietta L. , Traynor Jamie P. , Koufaki Pelagia
Published: March 2023

Background

Physical frailty is a major health concern among people receiving haemodialysis (HD) for stage-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD-5). Wearable accelerometers are increasingly being recommended to objectively monitor activity levels in CKD-5 and recent research suggests they may also represent an innovative strategy to evaluate physical frailty in vulnerable populations. However, no study has yet explored whether wearable accelerometers may be utilised to assess frailty in the context of CKD-5-HD. Therefore, we aimed to examine the diagnostic performance of a research-grade wearable accelerometer in evaluating physical frailty in people receiving HD.

Methods

Fifty-nine people receiving maintenance HD [age = 62.3 years (SD = 14.9), 40.7% female] participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants wore a uniaxial accelerometer (ActivPAL) for seven consecutive days and the following measures were recorded: total number of daily steps and sit-to-stand transitions, number of daily steps walked with cadence < 60 steps/min, 60–79 steps/min, 80–99 steps/min, 100–119 steps/min, and ≥ 120 steps/min. The Fried phenotype was used to evaluate physical frailty. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were performed to examine the diagnostic accuracy of the accelerometer-derived measures in detecting physical frailty status.

Results

Participants classified as frail (n = 22, 37.3%) had a lower number of daily steps (2363 ± 1525 vs 3585 ± 1765, p = 0.009), daily sit-to-stand transitions (31.8 ± 10.3 vs 40.6 ± 12.1, p = 0.006), and lower number of steps walked with cadence of 100–119 steps/min (336 ± 486 vs 983 ± 797, p < 0.001) compared to their non-frail counterparts. In ROC analysis, the number of daily steps walked with cadence ≥ 100 steps/min exhibited the highest diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68–0.92, p < 0.001, cut-off ≤ 288 steps, sensitivity = 73%, specificity = 76%, PPV = 0.64, NPV = 0.82, accuracy = 75%) in detecting physical frailty.

Conclusions

This study provided initial evidence that a wearable accelerometer may be a useful tool in evaluating physical frailty in people receiving HD. While the total number of daily steps and sit-to-stand transitions could significantly discriminate frailty status, the number of daily steps walked with cadences reflecting moderate to vigorous intensity of walking may be more useful in monitoring physical frailty in people receiving HD.
A longitudinal study of COVID-19 preventive behavior fatigue in Hong Kong: a city with previous pandemic experience
Authors: Kim Jean H. , Kwok Kin On , Huang Zhe , Poon Paul Kwok-ming , Hung Kevin Kei Ching , Wong Samuel Yeung Shan , Chan Emily Ying Yang
Published: March 2023

Background

In addition to high vaccination levels, COVID-19 control requires uptake and continued adherence to personal hygiene and social distancing behaviors. It is unclear whether residents of a city with successive experience in worldwide pandemics such as SARS, would quickly adopt and maintain preventive behaviors.

Methods

A population-based, longitudinal telephone survey was conducted between in first local wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020) and third local wave (December 2020) (n = 403). The study examined factors associated with personal hygiene and social distancing behavior fatigue, as measured by reduced adherence.

Results

Over 9 months, face mask use increased (96.5–100%, p < 0.001). Although habitual hand hygiene remained unchanged (92.0%), blue collar workers and non-working individuals showed higher risk of hand hygiene fatigue. There was a decline (p < 0.05) in avoidance of social gatherings (81.1 to 70.7%), avoidance of public places (52.9–27.5%) and avoidance of international travel (81.9–77.4%) even with rising caseloads. Lowered perception of COVID-19 disease severity was associated with decreased avoidance of social gatherings and public places while lower education was associated with decline in avoidance of social gatherings.

Conclusion

Even in regions with past pandemic experience, maintaining social distancing behaviors during a protracted pandemic remains a major public health challenge.
U.S. young adults’ awareness of the Master Settlement Agreement and cigarette industry practices and their associations with electronic cigarette industry and health risk perceptions
Authors: Phan Lilianna , Choi Kelvin
Published: March 2023

Background

The lawsuit that led to the U.S. Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) exposed the cigarette industry’s deceptive marketing practices, which changed population perceptions about the cigarette industry and helped prevent cigarette smoking. The cigarette industry now owns many electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) companies and make their own e-cigarettes. Given that the MSA occurred in previous decades, many millennial and generation Z young adults may not know about the MSA and the cigarette industry’s marketing practices. It is unknown whether awareness about the MSA and cigarette industry practices may influence these young adults’ e-cigarette industry and e-cigarette health risk perceptions, which may inform e-cigarette prevention efforts.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were collected from a U.S. sample of tobacco-naïve young adults, 18–30 years-old, susceptible to e-cigarette use (n = 1,329) through an online panel service in August 2021-January 2022. Participants reported their demographic characteristics, awareness of the MSA, awareness of cigarette industry practices, e-cigarette industry perceptions, and e-cigarette health risk perceptions. We examined the relationships between awareness of the MSA and cigarette industry practices with e-cigarette industry and e-cigarette health risk perceptions using multivariable linear regressions, adjusted for demographic characteristics.

Results

Overall, 36.2%, 24.1%, and 39.3% of participants had heard of the MSA and knew a lot about it, had heard of the MSA, but did not know much about it, and did not hear of the MSA, respectively. On average, participants were aware of 5.2 (SD = 3.0) of the 11 cigarette industry practices included. Hearing about the MSA and knowing a lot about it and awareness of more cigarette industry practices were associated with less positive e-cigarette industry and higher e-cigarette health risk perceptions, whereas having heard of the MSA but not knowing much about it was associated with more positive e-cigarette industry and lower e-cigarette health risk perceptions.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that increasing comprehensive awareness of the MSA and cigarette industry practices may influence young adults’ e-cigarette-related perceptions, and may importantly prevent detrimental information gaps about the cigarette industry. Future research should investigate the potential impact of increasing awareness of the MSA and cigarette industry practices in changing e-cigarette-related perceptions, which may help prevent e-cigarette use.
A novel smartphone application for the tracking of procedural numbers and trainee experience in gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Zepeda-Gómez Sergio , Dávila-Cervantes Andrea , Montaño-Loza Aldo J. , Yang David , Baumgart Daniel C. , Kroeker Karen , Halloran Brendan P.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The tracking and documentation of procedures in gastrointestinal endoscopy including therapeutic interventions is an essential but challenging process. The University of Alberta has developed a smartphone app to help facilitate this task. This study evaluated the functionality, usefulness, and user satisfaction of this app.

Methods

Four Gastroenterology (GI) residents and two therapeutic endoscopy fellows participated in the study. The trainees submitted all their data into the app from the procedures in which they participated hands-on for one year, data was collected and analyzed on the app and the website associated with it.

Results

Trainees were able to register the procedures immediately after each procedure without difficulty, this data was available to be reviewed at anytime in the app and associated website. Furthermore, the data collected was able to be transformed into tables and graphs on the app website.

The total number of procedures and therapeutic interventions performed were easily accessed in the app and website at anytime. The app facilitated the calculation of the cecal intubation rate in colonoscopy and the cannulation rate in ERCP for the therapeutic endoscopy trainee. Trainees reported excellent experience with the app capabilities.

Conclusions

A novel smartphone app was useful in collecting meaningful data submitted by gastrointestinal endoscopy trainees, furthermore, through an associated website, it was capable to create graphs and tables to show and facilitate the calculation of meaningful data such as key performance indicators.
Association between metabolically healthy overweight/obesity and gallstones in Chinese adults
Authors: Zhang Junlu , Chen Liangli , Shen Keqing , Zhang Jia , Zhu Yue , Qiao Qiaohua , Chen Liying
Published: March 2023

Background

Metabolic syndrome and obesity are risk factors for gallstones. However, these two factors often occur together, and few studies have focused on the association between metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHOW/MHO) and gallstones. We hypothesized that MHO individuals would be associated with the prevalence of gallstones.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 125,668 participants aged 18–80 years at the Health Promotion Center of Run Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine during 2017–2019 years. Each participant underwent a comprehensive health checkup. Gallstones were diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. Metabolically health was defined as not meeting the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Obesity was measured by BMI. MetS and weight stratification were combined to classify the metabolism-obesity phenotypes. Logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs.

Results

Among 125,668 participants, 5486 (4.4%) had gallstones. 21407 (17.0%) were MHOW individuals, and 3322 (2.6%) were MHO individuals. MHOW (OR 1.40; 95%CI: 1.29–1.53) and MHO (OR 1.80; 95%CI: 1.53–2.12) participants were at higher risk of gallstones and had larger and more numerous gallstones than metabolically healthy normal weight participants. Obesity, MetS, premenopausal women and advanced age were significantly associated with the prevalence of gallstones.

Conclusions

MHOW/MHO individuals exhibited a higher risk of gallstones. In metabolically healthy individuals, the risk of gallstones increased with increasing BMI. Thus, obesity was associated with the prevalence of gallstones, even in relatively metabolically healthy adults.
qHTSWaterfall: 3-dimensional visualization software for quantitative high-throughput screening (qHTS) data
Authors: Queme Bryan , Braisted John C. , Dranchak Patricia , Inglese James
Published: March 2023

High throughput screening (HTS) is widely used in drug discovery and chemical biology to identify and characterize agents having pharmacologic properties often by evaluation of large chemical libraries. Standard HTS data can be simply plotted as an x–y graph usually represented as % activity of a compound tested at a single concentration vs compound ID, whereas quantitative HTS (qHTS) data incorporates a third axis represented by concentration. By virtue of the additional data points arising from the compound titration and the incorporation of logistic fit parameters that define the concentration–response curve, such as EC50 and Hill slope, qHTS data has been challenging to display on a single graph. Here we provide a flexible solution to the rapid plotting of complete qHTS data sets to produce a 3-axis plot we call qHTS Waterfall Plots. The software described here can be generally applied to any 3-axis dataset and is available as both an R package and an R shiny application.

Graphical Abstract
A blockchain-based SLA monitoring and compliance assessment for IoT ecosystems
Authors: Alzubaidi Ali , Mitra Karan , Solaiman Ellis
Published: March 2023

A Service Level Agreement (SLA) establishes the trustworthiness of service providers and consumers in several domains; including the Internet of Things (IoT). Given the proliferation of Blockchain technology, we find it compelling to reconsider the assumption of trust and centralised governance typically practised in SLA management including monitoring, compliance assessment, and penalty enforcement. Therefore, we argue that, such critical tasks should be operated by blockchain-based smart contracts in a non-repudiable manner beyond the influence of any SLA party. This paper envisions an IoT scenario wherein a firefighting station outsources end-to-end IoT operations to a specialised service provider. The contractual relationship between them is governed by an SLA which stipulates a set of quality requirements and violation consequences. The main contribution of this paper lies in designing, deploying and empirically experimenting a novel blockchain-based SLA monitoring and compliance assessment framework in the context of IoT. This is done by utilising Hyperledger Fabric (HLF), an enterprise-grade blockchain technology. Our work highlights a set of considerations and best practice at two sides, the IoT application monitoring-side and the blockchain-side. Moreover, it experimentally validates the reliability of the proposed monitoring approach, which collects relevant metrics from each IoT component and examines them against the quality requirements stated in the SLA. Finally, we propose a novel design for smart contracts at the blockchain-side, analyse and benchmark the performance, and demonstrate that the new design proves to successfully handle Multiversion Concurrency Control (MVCC) conflicts typically encountered in blockchain applications, while maintaining sound throughput and latency.
Strategies to improve outcomes of youth experiencing healthcare transition from pediatric to adult HIV care in a large U.S. city
Authors: Momplaisir Florence , McGlonn Kassandra , Grabill Megan , Moahi Kaelo , Nkwihoreze Hervette , Knowles Kayla , Laguerre Roberta , Dowshen Nadia , Hussen Sophia A. , Tanner Amanda E. , Lowenthal Elizabeth D.
Published: March 2023

Background

The healthcare transition (HCT) from pediatric to adult HIV care can be disruptive to HIV care engagement and viral suppression for youth living with HIV (YLH).

Methods

We performed qualitative interviews with 20 YLH who experienced HCT and with 20 multidisciplinary pediatric and adult HIV clinicians to assess and rank barriers and facilitators to HCT and obtain their perspectives on strategies to improve the HCT process. We used the Exploration Preparation Implementation Sustainment Framework to guide this qualitative inquiry.

Results

The most impactful barriers identified by YLH and clinicians focused on issues affecting the patient-clinician relationship, including building trust, and accessibility of clinicians. Both groups reported that having to leave the pediatric team was a significant barrier (ranked #1 for clinicians and #2 for YLH). The most impactful facilitator included having a social worker or case manager to navigate the HCT (listed #1 by clinicians and #2 by YLH); case managers were also identified as the individual most suited to support HCT. While YLH reported difficulty building trust with their new clinician as their #1 barrier, they also ranked the trust they ultimately built with a new clinician as their #1 facilitator. Factors reported to bridge pediatric and adult care included providing a warm handoff, medical record transfer, developing relationships between pediatric clinics and a network of youth-friendly adult clinics, and having the pediatric case manager attend the first adult appointment. Longer new patient visits, increased health communication between YLH and clinicians and sharing vetted clinician profiles with YLH were identified as innovative strategies.

Conclusion

In this multi-disciplinary contextual inquiry, we have identified several determinants that may be targeted to improve HCT for YLH.
Psychological distress is more common in some occupations and increases with job tenure: a thirty-seven year panel study in the United States
Authors: Laditka James N. , Laditka Sarah B. , Arif Ahmed A. , Adeyemi Oluwaseun J.
Published: March 2023

Background

Workers in certain occupations may have elevated risks of psychological distress. However, research is limited. For example, researchers often measure distress that may have existed before occupational exposures. We studied occupations and the development of psychological distress using national data from the United States.

Methods

We reviewed relevant research to identify occupations with low and high risks of mental health problems. We confirmed those individual low and high risk occupations using 1981–2017 data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (n = 24,789). We measured new cases of distress using the Screening Scale for Psychological Distress (Kessler K6) and compared distress in the low and high risk groups, adjusted for factors associated with occupational selection and non-occupational distress risks. A subset of participants described their jobs (n = 1,484), including factors such as job demands, social support, and control over work. We examined associations of those factors with psychological distress.

Results

Workers in high risk occupations had 20% higher adjusted odds of developing distress than those in low risk occupations (odds ratio, OR 1.20, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.13–1.28). Distress increased with time in a high risk occupation: ≥5 years OR 1.38 (CI 1.18–1.62), ≥ 10 years OR 1.46 (CI 1.07–1.99), and ≥ 15 years OR 1.77 (CI 1.08–2.90; p-trend = 0.0145). The most common positive participant descriptions of their jobs indicated social support (34%), sense of accomplishment (17%), and control over work (15%). Participants reporting such descriptions were significantly less likely to have a high risk occupation (OR 0.66, CI 0.46–0.94, p = 0.0195). The most common negative descriptions were excessive job demands (43%), low social support (27%), and lack of control (14%). Participants reporting such descriptions were significantly more likely to have a high risk occupation (OR 1.49, CI 1.03–2.14, p = 0.0331).

Conclusion

Certain occupations may have high risks of psychological distress, which may be due to characteristics of the occupations rather than employee characteristics, or in addition to them. Results were consistent with theoretical models of psychosocial work environments. Providers of health care and social services should ask patients or clients about work-related distress.
Disturbed circadian rhythm and retinal degeneration in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Carrero Laura , Antequera Desireé , Alcalde Ignacio , Megías Diego , Figueiro-Silva Joana , Merayo-Lloves Jesús , Municio Cristina , Carro Eva
Published: March 2023

The circadian clock is synchronized to the 24 h day by environmental light which is transmitted from the retina to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) primarily via the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT). Circadian rhythm abnormalities have been reported in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Whether these AD-related changes are a result of the altered clock gene expression, retina degeneration, including the dysfunction in RHT transmission, loss of retinal ganglion cells and its electrophysiological capabilities, or a combination of all of these pathological mechanisms, is not known. Here, we evaluated transgenic APP/PS1 mouse model of AD and wild-type mice at 6- and 12-month-old, as early and late pathological stage, respectively. We noticed the alteration of circadian clock gene expression not only in the hypothalamus but also in two extra-hypothalamic brain regions, cerebral cortex and hippocampus, in APP/PS1 mice. These alterations were observed in 6-month-old transgenic mice and were exacerbated at 12 months of age. This could be explained by the reduced RHT projections in the SCN of APP/PS1 mice, correlating with downregulation of hypothalamic GABAergic response in APP/PS1 mice in advanced stage of pathology. Importantly, we also report retinal degeneration in APP/PS1 mice, including Aβ deposits and reduced choline acetyltransferase levels, loss of melanopsin retinal ganglion cells and functional integrity mainly of inner retina layers. Our findings support the theory that retinal degeneration constitutes an early pathological event that directly affects the control of circadian rhythm in AD.
Damaged mitochondria coincide with presynaptic vesicle loss and abnormalities in alzheimer’s disease brain
Authors: Wang Wenzhang , Zhao Fanpeng , Lu Yubing , Siedlak Sandra L. , Fujioka Hisashi , Feng Hao , Perry George , Zhu Xiongwei
Published: March 2023

Loss of synapses is the most robust pathological correlate of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-associated cognitive deficits, although the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. Synaptic terminals have abundant mitochondria which play an indispensable role in synaptic function through ATP provision and calcium buffering. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an early and prominent feature in AD which could contribute to synaptic deficits. Here, using electron microscopy, we examined synapses with a focus on mitochondrial deficits in presynaptic axonal terminals and dendritic spines in cortical biopsy samples from clinically diagnosed AD and age-matched non-AD control patients. Synaptic vesicle density within the presynaptic axon terminals was significantly decreased in AD cases which appeared largely due to significantly decreased reserve pool, but there were significantly more presynaptic axons containing enlarged synaptic vesicles or dense core vesicles in AD. Importantly, there was reduced number of mitochondria along with significantly increased damaged mitochondria in the presynapse of AD which correlated with changes in SV density. Mitochondria in the post-synaptic dendritic spines were also enlarged and damaged in the AD biopsy samples. This study provided evidence of presynaptic vesicle loss as synaptic deficits in AD and suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction in both pre- and post-synaptic compartments contribute to synaptic deficits in AD.
Impact of popular beverages on polyamides versus polymethyl methacrylate denture base materials colour stability: in vitro study
Authors: Mostafa Marwa Hassan , Abuhelal Osama Abdel-hamid , AlSourori Ali Abdulghani
Published: March 2023

Background

Changing of different denture base materials colours could have a detrimental impact on patients' satisfaction and make them seek more frequent adjustments to their prosthesis; hence this study was conducted to investigate the colour stability of the conventional denture base polymer (PMMA) and polyamides.

Methods

Specimens of conventional PMMA and thermoplastic polyamides were constructed according to manufacturer instructions and utilized during the current study. For colour stability test a total of 80 specimens with dimensions of 40 mm (length) X 20 mm (width) X 0.8 mm (thicknesses), the specimens in this test were divided into two equal groups (n = 40) (PMMA specimens and polyamides specimens).

Results

When compared to polymethyl methacrylate denture base resin, polyamid denture base resin exhibited the greatest colour change (P 0.001). For 7 and 30 days, both materials had the greatest value in tea solution. One-Way ANOVA test P < 0.00001).

Conclusions

Within limitation of this in vitro study, we found that heat-cure PMMA resin has the significant higher colour stability when compared to the Polyamides after immersion in the tea, cola, coffee and distilled water solutions for 30 days.
Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) in critically ill patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT): expert opinion from the SIAARTI-SIN joint commission
Authors: Pistolesi Valentina , Morabito Santo , Pota Vincenzo , Valente Fabrizio , Di Mario Francesca , Fiaccadori Enrico , Grasselli Giacomo , Brienza Nicola , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , De Rosa Silvia , Fanelli Vito , Fiorentino Marco , Marengo Marita , Romagnoli Stefano ,   the SIAARTI-SIN joint commission
Published: March 2023

Renal replacement therapies (RRT) are essential to support critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI), providing control of solutes, fluid balance and acid–base status. To maintain the patency of the extracorporeal circuit, minimizing downtime periods and blood losses due to filter clotting, an effective anticoagulation strategy is required.

Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) has been introduced in clinical practice for continuous RRT (CRRT) in the early 1990s and has had a progressively wider acceptance in parallel to the development of simplified systems and safe protocols. Main guidelines on AKI support the use of RCA as the first line anticoagulation strategy during CRRT in patients without contraindications to citrate and regardless of the patient’s bleeding risk.

Experts from the SIAARTI-SIN joint commission have prepared this position statement which discusses the use of RCA in different RRT modalities also in combination with other extracorporeal organ support systems. Furthermore, advise is provided on potential limitations to the use of RCA in high-risk patients with particular attention to the need for a rigorous monitoring in complex clinical settings. Finally, the main findings about the prospective of optimization of RRT solutions aimed at preventing electrolyte derangements during RCA are discussed in detail.
Microsurgery Versus Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Treatment of Patients With Brain Arteriovenous Malformation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sattari Shahab Aldin , Shahbandi Ataollah , Kim Jennifer E. , Lee Ryan P. , Feghali James , Hung Alice , Yang Wuyang , Rincon-Torroella Jordina , Xu Risheng , Caplan Justin M. , Gonzalez L. Fernando , Tamargo Rafael J. , Huang Judy
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:

Treatment decision-making for brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) with microsurgery or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is controversial.

OBJECTIVE:

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare microsurgery vs SRS for bAVMs.

METHOD:

Medline and PubMed were searched from inception to June 21, 2022. The primary outcomes were obliteration and follow-up hemorrhage, and secondary outcomes were permanent neurological deficit, worsened modified Rankin scale (mRS), follow-up mRS > 2, and mortality. The GRADE approach was used for grading the level of evidence.

RESULTS:

Eight studies were included, which yielded 817 patients, of which 432 (52.8%) and 385 (47.1%) patients underwent microsurgery and SRS, respectively. Two cohorts were comparable in age, sex, Spetzler-Martin grade, nidus size, location, deep venous drainage, eloquence, and follow-up. In the microsurgery group, the odds ratio (OR) of obliteration was higher (OR = 18.51 [11.05, 31.01], P < .000001, evidence: high) and the hazard ratio of follow-up hemorrhage was lower (hazard ratio = 0.47 [0.23, 0.97], P = .04, evidence: moderate). The OR of permanent neurological deficit was higher with microsurgery (OR = 2.85 [1.63, 4.97], P = .0002, evidence: low), whereas the OR of worsened mRS (OR = 1.24 [0.65, 2.38], P = .52, evidence: moderate), follow-up mRS > 2 (OR = 0.78 [0.36, 1.7], P = .53, evidence: moderate), and mortality (OR = 1.17 [0.41, 3.3], P = .77, evidence: moderate) were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSION:

Microsurgery was superior at obliterating bAVMs and preventing further hemorrhage. Despite a higher rate of postoperative neurological deficit with microsurgery, functional status and mortality were comparable with patients who underwent SRS. Microsurgery should remain a first-line consideration for bAVMs, with SRS reserved for inaccessible locations, highly eloquent areas, and medically high-risk or unwilling patients.
A Validation Study of Four Preoperative Surgical Planning Tools for Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery in Proximal Junctional Kyphosis and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Park Se-Jun , Lee Chong-Suh , Park Jin-Sung , Jeon Chung-Youb , Ma Chang-Hyun
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:

Four guidelines have been suggested for optimal correction in adult spinal deformity surgery: Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-Schwab classification, age-adjusted sagittal alignment goals, Global Alignment and Proportion (GAP) score, and the Roussouly algorithm. Whether these goals provide benefit in both proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) reduction and clinical outcome improvement remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE:

To validate 4 preoperative surgical planning tools in PJK development and clinical outcomes.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent ≥5-segment fusion including the sacrum for adult spinal deformity with a follow-up of ≥2-year. PJK development and clinical outcomes were compared among the groups separately using 4 surgical guidelines: SRS-Schwab pelvic incidence (PI)-lumbar lordosis (LL) modifier (Group 0, +, ++), age-adjusted PI-LL goal (undercorrection, matched correction, and overcorrection), GAP score (proportioned, moderately disproportioned, and severely disproportioned groups), and the Roussouly algorithm (restored and nonrestored groups).

RESULTS:

A total of 189 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 68.3 years, and there were 162 women (85.7%). There were no differences in the rate of PJK development and clinical outcomes among SRS-Schwab PI-LL modifier and GAP score groups. With the age-adjusted PI-LL goal, PJK developed significantly less frequently in the matched group compared with the under- and overcorrection groups. Clinical outcomes were significantly better in the matched group compared with the under- and overcorrection groups. With the Roussouly algorithm, PJK developed significantly less frequently in the restored group than in the nonrestored group. However, there were no differences in clinical outcomes between the 2 Roussouly groups.

CONCLUSION:

Correction according to the age-adjusted PI-LL goal and the restored Roussouly type was associated with reduced PJK development. However, differences in clinical outcomes were only observed in the age-adjusted PI-LL groups.