bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated fatigue crack detection of orthotropic steel decks using an improved mask region-based convolutional neural network approach
Authors: Zhao Yang , Wang Pengyu , Cai Shunyao , Sun Huahuai , Wang Zhihao
Published: November 2023

Orthotropic steel decks (OSD) are widely used in the bridge industry, but they are susceptible to fatigue cracking due to various factors such as weld defects, overload traffic, and complicated welded joint configurations. Traditional crack detection methods rely mainly on visual inspection, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. Recently, many crack detection methods based on machine vision have been introduced. However, accurately and effectively detecting fatigue cracks of OSD remains challenging due to the indistinct nature of these cracks compared to the background and their susceptibility to various types of noise. To address these problems, this research proposes an improved Mask Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (Mask R-CNN). The proposed model enhances the feature extraction ability of the original Mask R-CNN by introducing a Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) and Path Augmentation Feature Pyramid Network (PAFPN) into the backbone network. Additionally, a morphological closing operation is performed on the extracted fatigue cracks to address the problem of disjoint cracks. On the basis of crack mask closure, the pixel-wise quantization of cracks was achieved using relevant OpenCV functions. Evaluation on a crack dataset of OSD shows that the proposed model outperforms other methods with precision, recall, average precision (AP), and F1 score of 83.98%, 84.44%, 77.9%, and 84.21%, respectively. In conclusion, the experiment validates that the proposed model can effectively detect, segment, and quantify fatigue cracks of OSD.
Numerical simulation and experimental study of residual stress in dissimilar aluminum alloy laser composite welding
Authors: Chen Xiaowen , Tang Song , Xie Wanlin , Zhang Meng , Song Hao , Ran Qingzheng , Zhang Defen , Zeng Dezhi
Published: November 2023

The study combined experimental and numerical simulation methods to investigate the distribution of residual stress in laser composite welding of dissimilar aluminum alloys 6063 and 5083. Using the Simufact Welding simulation software and a combined volume heat source, the distribution patterns of transverse and longitudinal residual stress fields at different welding speeds were analyzed. The blind hole method was used to test the residual stress after welding. The results showed that the use of a combined volume heat source model for heat source calibration yielded ideal results, and the thermal cycle curve was basically consistent with the simulation and experimental results of residual stress. As the welding speed decreased, the longitudinal residual stress of the parent material on both sides significantly decreased, while the transverse residual stress increased. The majority of tensile and compressive stresses on both sides of the 5083 and 6063 aluminum alloys decreased with a decrease in welding speed. The Von Mises equivalent stress indicated that the cooling process is the main stage for residual stress generation. When the welding speed decreased, the peak value of longitudinal residual stress on the 6063 aluminum alloy side decreased from 230 to 90 MPa, while that on the 5083 aluminum alloy side decreased from 304 to 150 MPa. These findings provide an important basis for controlling and reducing the residual stress and deformation of dissimilar aluminum alloy laser arc composite welded components.
The effect of European integration on economic redistribution in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Petrova Bilyana , Sznajder Lee Aleksandra
Published: November 2023

We examine the effects of European integration on economic redistribution in Central and Eastern Europe. While accession to the European Union provided new economic opportunities, it also imposed considerable constraints. Using cross-sectional time-series analysis of 11 post-communist countries between 2004 and 2018, we focus on the impact of trade flows, cohesion policy funds, emigration, remittances, and Economic and Monetary Union membership. We find that emigration and commercial reorientation toward the European Union are associated with greater efforts to alleviate income inequality. In contrast, the adoption of the euro induces lower redistribution. Finally, the receipt of European Union cohesion funds does not affect income differentials. To our knowledge, this is one of the first systematic analyses of how the European Union shapes inequality dynamics in Central and Eastern Europe.
Origin stories: Framing 25 years of Dutch political discourse on child sexual exploitation by tourists and travelers
Authors: Koning Anneke , Ras Ilse A. , van der Leun Joanne P.
Published: November 2023

Sexual exploitation of children in the context of travel and tourism (SECTT) has been described as a serious and growing problem. This study critically analyzes political debates and policy measures proposed by the Dutch government between 1995 and 2020 to combat SECTT. To understand how SECTT is framed in Dutch political discourse, Bacchi's ‘what's the problem represented to be?’ approach guided a systematic critical discourse analysis of over 200 political documents. Our analysis shows that SECTT has, over time, predominantly become framed as a crime problem. Offender detection, international cooperation, awareness raising, public–private partnerships, and prevention targeted at known sex offenders are the most commonly proposed solutions. Despite the focus on apprehending offenders, the political discourse offers no concrete clues as to who they are; still, conducting research or evaluating policies' effects is seldom proposed as a response. This problem representation overlooks the connections of SECTT with structural issues, such as victim vulnerabilities, colonization, and global inequality on the one hand, and mental health, sexual expression, and cultural values on the other.
Cerebral Vasomotor Reactivity Testing in the Middle Cerebral Artery Using Transcranial Doppler to Assess Brain Dysregulation in Long-haul COVID Patients
Authors: Mohiuddin Musharaf , Alexander Thomas H. , Holcomb Amanda , Alexander Kaitlyn , Plotkin George , Cook Alan
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

COVID-19 has wide-ranging physiological effects, with many patients complaining of persistent asthenia following recovery from the acute phase of the infection. The frequent term for this is “Long-Haul COVID.” While we have tools to measure effects on general physiology in human subjects, a metric for cerebral dysregulation is lacking. Cerebral blood flow is closely regulated in a healthy young person. Cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVR) was used as a tool to assess this dysregulation.

Methods:

A transcranial Doppler (TCD) study for CVR was performed under the influence of Carbogen gas. A questionnaire collected prior to the procedure provided additional details on subjects’ demographics and COVID history. Cases and controls were recruited using the self-reported questionnaire. Statistics involved assessing the reproducibility of the test, as well as discovering differences between cases and control groups.

Results:

Cerebral vasomotor reactivity was assessed in 26 subjects (10 cases and 16 controls). Mean flow velocity in the left middle cerebral artery was analyzed at baseline, at peak Carbogen gas exposure, and in the hypercapnic phase. The reproducibility of the test was established within the longitudinal repeated measures data. The case and control groups were insignificant in difference at the base level but significant when controlled for confounders. Cerebral vasomotor reactivity was found to increase by 3.8 units in cases compared to controls. Confounders like body mass index, gender, and age were found significantly different between cases and controls. The number of COVID episodes and symptom severity was significant for CVR.

Conclusion:

This simple TCD bedside test was found to be effective in assessing CVR among all the subjects and was homogenous in its effect irrespective of baseline subject differences. As a preliminary test, the test showed differences among cases and control groups. The sample for the test lacked sufficient power and observations. A bigger sample size and a subsequent longitudinal follow-up may help better understand the use of CVR to screen high-risk populations for cerebrovascular anomalies.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Versus Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Retrospective Observational Single-Center Study in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Nakayama Taisuke , Ishii Naoki , Nakamura Yoshitsugu
Published: November 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MICS-AVR) versus transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR) in Asian patients.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective, observational, single-center study in Japan, including cases of MICS-AVR ( n = 202) and TF-TAVR ( n = 248) between 2014 and 2021. In a total of 450 cases, propensity score matching was performed at a ratio of 1:1, resulting in 96 pairs. Furthermore, we performed competing-risk regression and mediation analyses to determine the treatment effect on outcomes of interests, considering death as a competing risk, and to evaluate the mediation effect of paravalvular leak (PVL) severity.

Results:

There were similar incidences of all-cause death, cardiac death, stroke and cerebral hemorrhage, and aortic valve reintervention between the 2 groups. However, the TF-TAVR cohort had a longer hospital length of stay and higher rates of significant PVL compared with the MICS-AVR cohort. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analyses revealed that heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.129, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.038 to 0.445, p = 0.001) and permanent pacemaker implantation (HR = 0.050, 95% CI: 0.006 to 0.409, p = 0.005) favored MICS-AVR. Competing-risk regression analyses confirmed similar findings. All outcomes were unrelated to PVL severity.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first comparative study of clinical outcomes in Asian patients undergoing MICS-AVR versus TF-TAVR, revealing that MICS-AVR could be a feasible and efficient alternative to TF-TAVR. Future larger-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to validate the present results.
Distal radioulnar joint translation evaluated by maximum intensity projection images of computed tomography
Authors: Mane Satish Annabhau , Saeki Yuji , Sakamoto Sotetsu
Published: November 2023

This study compared distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) translation measured using the subluxation ratio (SR) method between maximum intensity projection (MIP) and conventional CT images on 30 wrists with ulnar positive variance. The results show that DRUJ translation can be reliably evaluated with MIP.
Civil Society and Democratic Decline in Southeast Asia
Authors: Bünte Marco , Weiss Meredith L.
Published: November 2023

This paper introduces a special issue that examines civil society and democratic decline in Southeast Asia. Using the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Cambodia as case studies, the articles in the special issue examine often divergent reactions in civil society to increasing authoritarian pressures, diminishing political space, and increased repression. The paper at hand reviews the literature on concepts at the core of this inquiry, including civil society, backsliding, and diagonal accountability, and summarises the main findings of the special issue for Southeast Asia specifically and more broadly.
Cauda equina neuroendocrine tumors: A single institutional imaging review of cases over two decades
Authors: Ajmera Pranav , Agarwal Amit K , Mehta Parv M , Benson John C , Madhavan Ajay A , Diehn Felix E , Soni Neetu , Bathla Girish
Published: November 2023

Cauda Equina Neuroendocrine Tumors (CE-NET), previously referred to as paragangliomas are a rare subset of spinal tumors, with limited data on imaging. Herein, we present a retrospective review of clinical and imaging findings of CE-NETs in ten patients who were evaluated at our institution over the past two decades. All patients had well-defined intradural lesions in the lumbar spine which demonstrated slow growth. A review of imaging findings revealed the presence of an eccentric vascular pedicle along the dorsal aspect of the tumor in 8 of the 10 patients (eccentric vessel sign), a distinctive finding that has not previously been reported with this tumor and may help improve the accuracy of imaging-based diagnosis. In all cases, a gross-total resection was performed, with resolution of symptoms in most of the cases.
Parathyroid carcinoma: Imaging features of initial presentation and recurrence. A single center experience
Authors: Eldaya Rami W , Calle Susana , Wong Franklin C , Learned Kim O , Wintermark Max
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

Parathyroid carcinoma is the rarest endocrine neoplasm with very few published data discussing its imaging appearance with primary focus on ultrasound imaging features. We present our 23 years institutional experience to highlight multimodality imaging evaluation at presentation and at recurrence.

Material and Methods

Retrospective chart review of clinical and pathological diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma patients presented for initial or recurrent disease management at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center between the period of January 2000 and February 2023 was performed. Imaging findings on US, CT, PET/CT, and technetium-99m sestamibi were analyzed for initial and local recurrent parathyroid carcinoma. We further assess patterns of distant recurrence and its location.

Results

Twenty three patients with pathological and clinical diagnosis of initial (14 patients) or recurrent parathyroid carcinoma (14 patients) were included in this study. US findings of parathyroid carcinoma were larger lesions, increased/irregular vascularity, and non-circumscribed margins. Multiphasic CT findings of parathyroid carcinoma included an arterially enhancing lesion that is hypoenhancing relative to the thyroid and demonstrates no washout on delayed imaging. Highly suggestive findings for recurrent disease included a hypoechoic solid nodule (91.67%) with increased vascularity on ultrasound (81.8%) with corresponding enhancement on CT.

Conclusion

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy often diagnosed after surgical resection. We provided CT and US imaging features that are helpful in suggesting the diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma and detection of early local recurrence.
Awareness and Willingness to use Condoms and Preexposure Prophylaxis among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Cisgendered Men who Have sex with men in Slum Communities in Ghana. BSGH-004
Authors: Abu-Ba’are Gamji Rabiu , Shamrock Osman Wumpini , Apreku Amos , Agbemedu George Rudolph Kofi , Zigah Edem Yaw , Ezechi Oliver C. , Nelson LaRon E. , Torpey Kwasi
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Research has begun to examine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategies within the Ghanaian context. Still, little is known about specific populations such as gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men (GBMSM) living in slum communities. We studied HIV prevention strategies such as condoms and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in slum communities and the awareness and willingness to use these choices among GBMSM. This qualitative study examines HIV prevention strategies, specifically examining PrEP and condom use behaviors among GBMSM in Ghana. Methods: We conducted in-depth face-to-face interviews among 12 GBMSM from slums in Accra and Kumasi cities in Ghana. Data were analyzed through a summative content analysis with multiple reviewers to develop codes. Data were collected from participants in January 2022. Results: We found the fear and perceived risk of infection were motivators for consistent condom use, especially during anal sex. GBMSM living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy were more inclined to use condoms. We found motivations for using PrEP were influenced by the type of sexual activity and a history of negative HIV status. Also, the barriers to PrEP for GBMSM included limited access to healthcare facilities and the distance to these facilities. Conclusions: To improve condom and PrEP access and uptake, we recommend addressing structural barriers by increasing the number of health facilities and implementing targeted interventions to address the lack of information on HIV awareness and prevention. Involving peer educators may also effectively promote HIV prevention strategies, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare such as slums. Overcoming these access constraints could significantly enhance awareness and prevention of HIV, leading to improved health outcomes for GBMSM living in slum communities.
Visualizing Children’s Family Structure
Authors: Juteau Gabrielle , Westrick-Payne Krista K. , Brown Susan L. , Manning Wendy D.
Published: November 2023

This visualization illustrates the multidimensionality of family life among U.S. children. The authors used the 2022 Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplements from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series to examine the intersection of three family structure domains: number of parents, relationship of child to parent(s), and parental union type. Even as 74 percent of children live with two parents, only 60 percent lived with their two biological or adoptive married parents, and substantial variation was evident in children’s family configurations. By focusing on child’s relationship to parent, the authors revealed that a minority of children lived with only their stepparent(s). A consideration of parents’ parental union status shows that parents within stepfamilies are almost nearly as likely to cohabit than marry. Children not residing with their parents were mostly living with other family members, mainly their grandparents, and these relatives were largely married or single. The results suggest that limiting family structure to one domain conceals its complexity by providing a narrow lens on families.
Value Creation Agility on Business Performance: An Empirical Study in Retail Fashion SMEs
Authors: Mulyana Mulyana , Nurhayati Tatiek , Putri Erlinda Ramadhani Permata
Published: November 2023

This study examines the effect of digital marketing capability, relational capability, market knowledge capability and value creation agility on business performance. This study includes 312 owners or leaders of fashion retail small and medium enterprises in Central Java, Indonesia’s respondents. The data obtained were analysed by using the structural equation model. The results show that digital marketing capability, relational capability and market knowledge capability affect value creation agility and business performance. Furthermore, value creation agility affects business performance.
Multimodal necrosectomy with full combined endoscopic necrosectomy in the management of acute necrotizing pancreatitis
Authors: Ouazzani S. , Gasmi M. , Barthet M. , Gonzalez J.M.
Published: November 2023

Transgastric and transduodenal endoscopic drainages and necrosectomy are minimally invasive and effective way for the treatment of infected necrosis in the setting of acute pancreatitis (AP), but are limited in case of large and distant collections or in case of altered anatomy. We present an exclusively endoscopic approach consisting of multimodal endoscopic necrosectomy. We included consecutive patients with severe AP and presenting with large and infected necrosis requiring one transgastric and at least one extra-gastric access, among which are percutaneous, transcolonic, and/or transgrelic access. All accesses and necrosectomy sessions were performed endoscopically with CO2 insufflation. Six consecutive patients were treated. The location of infected collections were perigastric (100%), right and left paracolonic (67% and 67%), and paraduodenal (33%). All patients had transgastric or transduodenal access, all had at least one percutaneous access (total: 7 accesses), one had one transcolonic access, and one had one transjejunal access. A median of 4 necrosectomy sessions (2–5) were performed. All patients recovered without additional surgical necrosectomy. Full endoscopic multimodal management of infected necrosis with step-up approach seems feasible, safe, and effective in very large collections.
GCN5L1 regulates pulmonary surfactant production by modulating lamellar body biogenesis and trafficking in mouse alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Xu Wenqin , Ma Xiaocui , Wang Qing , Ye Jingjing , Wang Nengqian , Ye Zhenzhen , Chen Tianbing
Published: November 2023

Background

The pulmonary surfactant that lines the air–liquid surface within alveoli is a protein–lipid mixture essential for gas exchange. Surfactant lipids and proteins are synthesized and stored in the lamellar body (LB) before being secreted from alveolar type II (AT2) cells. The molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate these processes are incompletely understood. We previously identified an essential role of general control of amino acid synthesis 5 like 1 (GCN5L1) and the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelle complex 1 subunit 1 (BLOS1) in surfactant system development in zebrafish. Here, we explored the role of GCN5L1 in pulmonary surfactant regulation.

Method

GCN5L1 knockout cell lines were generated with the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay. Released surfactant proteins were measured by ELISA. Released surfactant lipids were measured based on coupled enzymatic reactions. Gene overexpression was mediated through lentivirus. The RNA levels were detected through RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)- polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The protein levels were detected through western blotting. The cellular localization was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Morphology of the lamellar body was analyzed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Lysotracker staining, and BODIPY phosphatidylcholine labeling.

Results

Knocking out GCN5L1 in MLE-12 significantly decreased the release of surfactant proteins and lipids. We detected the downregulation of some surfactant-related genes and misregulation of the ROS–Erk–Foxo1–Cebpα axis in mutant cells. Modulating the activity of the axis or reconstructing the mitochondrial expression of GCN5L1 could partially restore the expression of these surfactant-related genes. We further showed that MLE-12 cells contained many LB-like organelles that were lipid enriched and positive for multiple LB markers. These organelles were smaller in size and accumulated in the absence of GCN5L1, indicating both biogenesis and trafficking defects. Accumulated endogenous surfactant protein (SP)-B or exogenously expressed SP-B/SP-C in adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporterA3 (ABCA3)-positive organelles was detected in mutant cells. GCN5L1 localized to the mitochondria and LBs. Reconstruction of mitochondrial GCN5L1 expression rescued the organelle morphology but failed to restore the trafficking defect and surfactant release, indicating specific roles associated with different subcellular localizations.

Conclusions

In summary, our study identified GCN5L1 as a new regulator of pulmonary surfactant that plays a role in the biogenesis and positioning/trafficking of surfactant-containing LBs.
Sctensor detects many-to-many cell–cell interactions from single cell RNA-sequencing data
Authors: Tsuyuzaki Koki , Ishii Manabu , Nikaido Itoshi
Published: November 2023

Background

Complex biological systems are described as a multitude of cell–cell interactions (CCIs). Recent single-cell RNA-sequencing studies focus on CCIs based on ligand–receptor (L–R) gene co-expression but the analytical methods are not appropriate to detect many-to-many CCIs.

Results

In this work, we propose , a novel method for extracting representative triadic relationships (or hypergraphs), which include ligand-expression, receptor-expression, and related L–R pairs.

Conclusions

Through extensive studies with simulated and empirical datasets, we have shown that can detect some hypergraphs that cannot be detected using conventional CCI detection methods, especially when they include many-to-many relationships. is implemented as a freely available R/Bioconductor package.
DNA methylation on C5-Cytosine and N6-Adenine in the Bursaphelenchus xylophilus genome
Authors: Liu Zhenkai , Li Yongxia , Zhang Xingyao
Published: November 2023

Background

The pinewood nematode is the causal agent of the pine wilt disease, which causes severe ecological and economic losses in coniferous forests. The invasion of pine wood nematode has undergone various rapid adaptations to a wide range of temperatures and to new hosts and vector insects. DNA methylation may play crucial roles in the rapid adaptation of PWN during invasion. However, whether the PWN genome contins functional DNA modifications remains elusive.

Results

Here, we detected the extensive presence of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and N6-methyladenine (6mA) in the B. xylophilus genome, with low methylation levels at most positions. Cytosines were methylated in the CpG, CHG. and CHH sequence contexts, with the lowest methylation levels at CpG sites. The methylation levels of CpG and 6mA in gene regions showed opposite trends. The changes in the abundance of 5mC and 6mA showed the same trends in response to temperature change, but opposite trends during development. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses showed that the proteins BxDAMT and BxNMAD have typical characteristics of a methylase and demethylase, respectively, and are conserved among species.

Conclusions

These findings shed light on the epigenetic modifications present in the genome of PWN, and will improve our understanding of its invasiveness and evolution.
A shorter distal resection margin is a surrogate marker of nodal metastasis and poor prognosis in distal gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Takashima Yusuke , Komatsu Shuhei , Nishibeppu Keiji , Ohashi Takuma , Kosuga Toshiyuki , Konishi Hirotaka , Shiozaki Atsushi , Kubota Takeshi , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Otsuji Eigo
Published: November 2023

Background

Although a 3–5 cm surgical margin distance is recommended for advanced gastric cancer (GC) in Japanese guidelines, little is known about the clinical effects of the surgical margin, especially the distal resection margin (DM). This study aims to clarify the clinical significance of DM in GC.

Methods

A total of 415 GC patients who underwent curative distal gastrectomy between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

The DM significantly stratified recurrence-free survival (P = 0.002), and a DM < 30 mm was an independent factor of a poor prognosis (P = 0.023, hazard ratio: 1.91). Lymphatic recurrence occurred significantly more frequently in the DM < 30 mm group than in the DM ≥ 30 mm group (P = 0.019, 6.9% vs. 1.9%). Regarding the station No.6 lymph node metastases in advanced GC (DM < 30 mm vs. 30 mm ≤ DM ≤ 50 mm vs. DM > 50 mm), the number (P < 0.001, 1.42 ± 1.69 vs. 1.18 ± 1.80 vs. 0.18 ± 0.64), the positive rate (P < 0.001, 59.0% vs. 46.7% vs. 11.3%) and therapeutic value index (43.3 vs. 14.5 vs. 8.0) were significantly higher in the DM < 30 mm group. By subdivision using the DM distance of 30 mm, more segmented prognostic stratifications were possible (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A DM of less than 30 mm could be a surrogate marker of poor RFS, especially increasing nodal recurrence. More intensive treatment strategies, including lymphadenectomy and chemotherapy, are needed for patients with this condition.
Exploring how members of the public access and use health research and information: a scoping review
Authors: Heaton-Shrestha Celayne , Hanson Kristin , Quirke-McFarlane Sophia , Delaney Nancy , Vandrevala Tushna , Bearne Lindsay
Published: November 2023

Background

Making high-quality health and care information available to members of the general public is crucial to support populations with self-care and improve health outcomes. While attention has been paid to how the public accesses and uses health information generally (including personal records, commercial product information or reviews on healthcare practitioners and organisations) and how practitioners and policy-makers access health research evidence, no overview exists of the way that the public accesses and uses high quality health and care information.

Purpose

This scoping review aimed to map research evidence on how the public accesses and uses a specific type of health information, namely health research and information that does not include personal, product and organisational information.

Methods

Electronic database searches [CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Social Sciences Full Text, Web of Science and SCOPUS] for English language studies of any research design published between 2010–2022 on the public’s access and use of health research or information (as defined above). Data extraction and analysis was informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol for scoping reviews, and reported in accordance with the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews.

Results

The search identified 4410 records. Following screening of 234 full text studies, 130 studies were included. One-hundred-and-twenty-nine studies reported on the public’s sources of health-research or information; 56 reported the reasons for accessing health research or information and 14 reported on the use of this research and information. The scoping exercise identified a substantial literature on the broader concept of ‘health information’ but a lack of reporting of the general public’s access to and use of health research. It found that ‘traditional’ sources of information are still relevant alongside newer sources; knowledge of barriers to accessing information focused on personal barriers and on independent searching, while less attention had been paid to barriers to access through other people and settings, people’s lived experiences, and the cultural knowledge required.

Conclusions

The review identified areas where future primary and secondary research would enhance current understanding of how the public accesses and utilises health research or information, and contribute to emerging areas of research.
Estimating the effect of timing of earned income tax credit refunds on perinatal outcomes: a quasi-experimental study of California births
Authors: Karasek Deborah , Batra Akansha , Baer Rebecca J. , Butcher Brittany D. Chambers , Feuer Sky , Fuchs Jonathan D. , Kuppermann Miriam , Gomez Anu Manchikanti , Prather Aric A. , Pantell Matt , Rogers Elizabeth , Snowden Jonathan M. , Torres Jacqueline , Rand Larry , Jelliffe-Pawlowski Laura , Hamad Rita
Published: November 2023

Background

The largest poverty alleviation program in the US is the earned income tax credit (EITC), providing $60 billion to over 25 million families annually. While research has shown positive impacts of EITC receipt in pregnancy, there is little evidence on whether the timing of receipt may lead to differences in pregnancy outcomes. We used a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences design, taking advantage of EITC tax disbursement each spring to examine whether trimester of receipt was associated with perinatal outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a difference-in-differences analysis of California linked birth certificate and hospital discharge records. The sample was drawn from the linked CA birth certificate and discharge records from 2007–2012 (N = 2,740,707). To predict eligibility, we created a probabilistic algorithm in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and applied it to the CA data. Primary outcome measures included preterm birth, small-for-gestational age (SGA), gestational diabetes, and gestational hypertension/preeclampsia.

Results

Eligibility for EITC receipt during the third trimester was associated with a lower risk of preterm birth compared with preconception. Eligibility for receipt in the preconception period resulted in improved gestational hypertension and SGA.

Conclusion

This analysis offers a novel method to impute EITC eligibility using a probabilistic algorithm in a data set with richer sociodemographic information relative to the clinical and administrative data sets from which outcomes are drawn. These results could be used to determine the optimal intervention time point for future income supplementation policies. Future work should examine frequent income supplementation such as the minimum wage or basic income programs.
Introduction and acceptability of the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Barth-Jaeggi Tanja , Houngbedji Clarisse A. , Palmeirim Marta S. , Coulibaly Daouda , Krouman Aboubakar , Ressing Cordula , Wyss Kaspar
Published: November 2023

Background

The Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) has been implemented for various infectious diseases since 2015. 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, SORMAS was adapted to SARS-CoV2.

Methods

We assessed the acceptability and usability of SORMAS and accompanied its implementation in two pilot regions of Côte d’Ivoire (Abidjan 2 and Gbêkê) from July/August 2021 to March 2022. We conducted 136 semi-structured interviews to cover knowledge on COVID-19, information on conventional surveillance systems for disease monitoring including COVID-19, acceptability of SORMAS, and impact of SORMAS on epidemic preparedness and surveillance. Scores before and 6–8 months after implementation were compared.

Results

SORMAS was implemented in two pilot regions in Côte d’Ivoire. The conventional software for the surveillance of the COVID-19 pandemic by the company MAGPI was maintained in parallel; the additional time needs to enter and manage the data in SORMAS were the main concern. SORMAS acceptance and satisfaction scores were high after the user training, which was prior to implementation, and after 6–8 months of use. The ability of SORMAS to improve COVID-19 preparedness and early detection of cases and contacts was widely acknowledged. To keep the understanding and skills of users up-to-date, regular refresher trainings were requested. The expectation to be able to make decisions based on data produced by SORMAS was high at baseline and the perceived experience after several months of use of the software was very positive. Unfortunately, the link with the laboratories could not be established in the pilot regions, but it is an existing feature of SORMAS that many users were asking for. Following the positive experience using SORMAS for COVID-19, the pilot regions expanded its use for monitoring and management of measles, yellow fever, meningitis, and cholera.

Conclusion

SORMAS was very well accepted by users and decision makers in the two pilot regions of Côte d’Ivoire and its ability to improve epidemic preparedness and surveillance was acknowledged. If the hurdles of maintenance (tablets, server, and maintaining user skills) are handled sustainably, it can serve as a valid tool to identify, surveil and manage future outbreaks of various infectious diseases in Côte d’Ivoire.
Socioeconomic inequality in teenage pregnancy in Papua New Guinea: a decomposition analysis
Authors: Li Hao , Pu Yiran , Li Zhen , Jin Ziyang , Jiang Yi
Published: November 2023

Background

Teenage pregnancy is a global public health issue, and it poses a serious threat to the health and socioeconomic status of mothers and their newborn children. Although Papua New Guinea has recorded one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates among Asia-Pacific countries, few studies have conducted research on the related inequality in the country. Therefore, this study aimed to assess socioeconomic inequality in teenage pregnancy and its contributing factors in Papua New Guinea.

Methods

Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained from the 2016–2018 Papua New Guinea Demographic and Health Survey. The analytical sample consisted of 2,864 girls aged 15–19 years. We employed Erreygers normalized concentration index (ECI) and concentration curves to measure and depict socioeconomic inequality in teenage pregnancy. Decomposition analysis was likewise performed to identify the contributions of determinants to the observed inequality.

Results

Weighted ECI for teenage pregnancy was − 0.0582 (P < 0.001), thereby indicating that teenage pregnancy in Papua New Guinea is disproportionately concentrated among poor girls. Decomposition analysis suggested that education level (65.2%), wealth index (55.2%), early sexual debut (25.1%), region (8.5%), and sex of household head (4.1%) are the main determinants explaining the pro-poor socioeconomic inequality in teenage pregnancy.

Conclusions

A pro-poor socioeconomic inequality of teenage pregnancy was present in Papua New Guinea. This inequality may be alleviated by such interventions as ensuring that teenage girls receive education; implementing poverty alleviation projects, eliminating child, early, and forced marriages; strengthening promotion for household head to support teenagers in accessing sexual and reproductive health education; improving geographical accessibility to health facilities on contraceptive services, and taking necessary precautions and responses to sexual misconduct.
Self-rated health impact of COVID 19 confinement on inmates in Southeastern of Europe: a qualitative study
Authors: Sánchez-Recio Raquel , Samper-Pardo Mario , Llopis-Lambán Rebeca , Oliván-Blázquez Bárbara , Cerdan-Bernad Marta , Magallón-Botaya Rosa
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the implementation of various measures within closed institutions like prisons to control the spread of the virus. Analyzing the impact of these measures on the health of inmates is crucial from a public health perspective. This study aimed to explore inmates’ subjective perception of the COVID-19 lockdown, the implemented measures, their physical self-perception, and their views on the vaccination process.

Method

Between April 2021 and January 2022, 27 semi-structured individual interviews and 1 focus group were conducted with inmates in a prison located in northwest Spain. The interviews were conducted in person and audio-recorded. Thematic content analysis was employed, utilizing methodological triangulation to enhance the coherence and rigor of the results.

Results

The analysis revealed two main themes and nine subthemes. The first theme focused on inmates’ perception of the implementation of protective measures against COVID-19 within the prison and its impact on their well-being. The second theme explored the pandemic’s emotional impact on inmates. All participants reported negative consequences on their health resulting from the measures implemented by the institution to contain the pandemic. However, they acknowledged that measures like lockdowns and mass vaccination helped mitigate the spread of the virus within the prison, contrary to initial expectations.

Conclusion

COVID-19 and related measures have directly affected the health of inmates. To improve their health and minimize the impact of pandemic-induced changes, community participation and empowerment of individuals are essential tools, particularly within closed institutions such as prisons.
Complications analysis of Ilizarov bone transport technique in the treatment of tibial bone defects–a retrospective study of 199 cases
Authors: Feng Dongwei , Zhang Yaxin , Jia Heping , Xu Guogang , Wu Weize , Yang Fan , Ding Jianan , Li Dong , Wang Kang , Luo Yongjie , Liu Xin , Guo Qi , Zong Zhiguo
Published: November 2023

Background

The clinical treatment of long bone defets in the extremities caused by trauma, infection, tumours, and nonunion has been a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. Bone transport techniques have become the only way to treat such bone defects. However, inevitable difficulties and complications related to bone transport techniques have been reported in many studies.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for complications and the effectiveness of the Ilizarov bone transport technique in the treatment of tibial bone defects.

Methods

The study was conducted in 199 patients who underwent treatment with the Ilizarov bone transport technique at our institution from May 2012 to September 2019. Patient demographic data, complications and clinical outcomes after a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were collected and retrospectively analysed. Additionally, a risk factor analysis was performed for the top three major complications. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria at the last clinical follow-up.

Results

A total of 199 patients underwent follow-up for 12–40 months, with an average of 23.5 months, and all achieved bone healing. A total of 310 complications occurred, with an average of 1.04 minor complications and 0.48 major complications per patient. The top three complications were pin tract infection in 48 cases (61.3%), axial deviation in 86 cases (43.2%), and delayed union in 50 cases (25.13%). Multivariate analysis showed that the bone defect length (P = 0.02, OR = 5.489), the number of previous surgeries (P = 0.003, OR = 2.204), and the external fixation index (P = 0.01, OR = 1.202) were significantly correlated with pin tract infection. Bone defects of the middle 1/3 (P < 0.001, OR = 23.769), the bone defect length (P < 0.001, OR = 2.776), and the external fixation index (P < 0.001, OR = 1.154) were significantly correlated with axial deviation. The bone defect length (P = 0.003, OR = 1.242), soft tissue defects (P = 0.013, OR = 0.312) and bone defects of the distal 1/3 (P = 0.023, OR = 4.257) were significantly correlated with delayed healing. The ASAMI bone score at the last follow-up showed a rate of excellent and good bone results of 95.48% and a rate of excellent functional results of 87.94%.

Conclusion

The Ilizarov bone transfer technique is an effective method for treating tibial bone defects, and shortening the treatment period can reduce the incidence of complications. Older patients and those with longer bone defects, a higher external fixation index, more previous operations, and defects of the middle and distal 1/3 had a higher incidence of complications.
Pullout strength of different pedicle screws after primary and revision insertion: an in vitro study on polyurethane foam
Authors: Wu Lien-Chen , Hsieh Yueh-Ying , Tsuang Fon-Yih , Kuo Yi-Jie , Chen Chia-Hsien , Chiang Chang-Jung
Published: November 2023

Background

Surgeons are routinely required to remove loose or failed pedicle screws and insert a new screw in their place. However, inserting a new screw into an existing hole may compromise the holding capacity of the pedicle screw. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pullout strength of pedicle screws with different thread designs after the primary insertion and revision surgery in a synthetic bone model.

Methods

Four pedicle screws with different thread designs (single-lead-thread (SLT) screw, dual-lead-thread (DLT) screw, mixed-single-lead-thread (MSLT) screw, and proximal-unthreaded-dual-thread (PUDL) screw) were inserted into pre-drilled, untapped holes (ø 4.2 mm, length 35 mm) in Sawbone blocks of density 20 pcf. In the first sequence, a 6.0 mm screw was inserted into the predrilled foam block and the primary pullout strength of the screw was measured according to ASTM F543. In the second sequence, a 6.0 mm screw was inserted and removed, and then either a 6.5 mm screw of the same design or a different screw design was inserted into the same hole and the pullout strength recorded.

Results

In the first sequence, the mean pullout strength of the MSLT screw was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than all other screw designs. In the second sequence, when the MSLT screw was the primary screw, using a larger MSLT screw (6.5 mm) as the revision screw did not lead to a higher pullout strength than if a 6.0 mm diameter PUDL screw was used for the revision. Using a larger DLT screw (6.5 mm) as the revision screw resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) greater pullout strength than a 6.0 mm STL, DLT, MSLT, or PUDL screw.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that employing classic oversizing of the same screw design is a safe choice for maintaining screw purchase in the bone after revision. In cases where oversizing with the same screw design is not practical, opting for a PUDL screw with the same original diameter can provide enough purchase in the bone to maintain stability.
Super pulsed thulium fiber laser outcomes in retrograde intrarenal surgery for ureteral and renal stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Almasoud Nazal A. , Safar Omar , Elatreisy Adel , Alshahrani Saad Thamer , Libdah Saud Bin , Alkhaldi Sulaiman M. , Alsoliman Nezar F. , Alderaan Abdulrahman M. , Abdel-Al Ibrahim , Abouelgreed Tamer A. , Alabeedi Mohammed , Al-Aown Abdulrahman
Published: November 2023

Background

Laser lithotripsy using a thulium fiber laser (TFL) has become an effective treatment option for small renal stones with low complication rates. TFL has a higher absorption coefficient, smaller fibers, and better pulse rate capability.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the published evidence regarding TFL's lithotripsy performance in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), for which we primarily assessed the outcomes of stone-free rate, operation time, and complications. We searched different databases from inception to April 2023. We assessed the methodological quality and risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized trials and the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies. We used a random-effects model for meta-analysis and assessed heterogeneity using the I2 statistic.

Results

Twelve published studies evaluated the efficacy of RIRS using a TFL for treating renal and ureteral stones. The meta-analysis revealed a predicted stone-free rate of 89.37% (95% CI: 83.93% to 93.12%), indicating that, on average, approximately 89.37% of patients achieved a stone-free state after treatment. The substantial heterogeneity among the studies was evident, as shown by a Q-value of 33.1174 and a p-value of 0.0003. The I2 value of 69.80% (95% CI: 25.91% to 92.02%) highlighted the proportion of variability attributed to genuine heterogeneity across the studies. Moreover, the H2 value 3.31 (95% CI: 1.35 to 12.53) indicated significant heterogeneity beyond random chance. The estimated overall effect size (logit-transformed) of 2.1289 was highly statistically significant (z = 8.7648, p < 0.0001) with a confidence interval of 1.6528 to 2.6049. The reported complications varied across studies, encompassing Clavien grade I–II complications in most cases, with a subset experiencing more severe Clavien grade III–V complications. Additionally, other studies noted a range of complications, such as haematuria, fever, transient creatinine elevation, and postoperative issues like bleeding, pain, and sepsis.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that RIRS using TFL is an effective and safe treatment option for renal and ureteral stones, with high stone-free and low complication rates. The included studies exhibited a low risk of bias and were of high quality. However, more extensive randomized controlled trials with extended follow-up periods are needed to investigate this technique's efficacy and safety.