bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Industry Payments Among Appropriate Use Criteria Voting Panels
Authors: Acuña Alexander J. , Jella Tarun K. , Barksdale Edward M. , Samuel Linsen T. , Kamath Atul F.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Although multiple studies have consistently demonstrated that orthopaedic surgeons receive greater transfers of value than other specialties, the industry payments of providers who are involved in the formation of practice guidelines have not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, the purpose of our analysis was to evaluate the industry payments of the authors of the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Methods:

The publicly available AAOS web portal (OrthoGuidelines.org) was queried for all AUCs that had been released between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2019, regarding the management of musculoskeletal pathologies. A cross-sectional analysis of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments database was conducted to determine the number and total value of industry payments to AUC voting committee members during the year of voting for the AUC. Industry payments for each orthopaedic surgeon voting member were compared with payments received by orthopaedic surgeons nationwide who received any payment within the same year. The proportion of orthopaedic surgeon voting members who received any industry payment was compared with the proportion of orthopaedic surgeons nationwide who received payments.

Results:

Our analysis included a total of 18 different AUCs with 216 voting members, 157 of whom were orthopaedic surgeons. Of the orthopaedic surgeon voting members, 105 (67%) received industry payments, a rate roughly comparable with the national average among orthopaedic surgeons (74%). For 7 of 18 AUCs (39%), the median payment per orthopaedic surgeon voting member was above the median among orthopaedic surgeons receiving payments nationwide that year. Qualitatively, orthopaedic surgeon voting members were more likely to receive payments in the form of royalties, licenses, or speaking fees than orthopaedic surgeons nationwide.

Conclusions:

AUC voting members receive payments at frequencies and magnitudes that are roughly comparable with orthopaedic surgeons nationwide. Whether voting panel members receiving payments at these rates is ideal or is in the best interest of patients is a policy decision for the AAOS and society at large. Our study confirms that payments are common and, thus, continued vigilance is justified.
Management of de Quervain Tenosynovitis
Authors: Larsen Christopher G. , Fitzgerald Michael J. , Nellans Kate W. , Lane Lewis B.
Published: September 2021

» Most cases of de Quervain tenosynovitis can be managed with nonoperative measures, and the mainstay of treatment is corticosteroid injection (CSI). The use of ultrasound may improve the accuracy of injections and can help to identify and localize injections to separate subcompartments.

» For patients who are in the third trimester of pregnancy or breastfeeding, there is no contraindication to CSI as studies have shown that it can provide optimal symptomatic relief to the mother without impacting the baby.

» When nonoperative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical release of the first dorsal compartment (FDC) can provide excellent symptom relief. Open release performed through a longitudinal incision allows for better visualization of the underlying anatomy, resulting in fewer injuries to underlying structures and a lower incidence of hypertrophic scarring compared with a transverse incision.

» For surgeons who are comfortable performing endoscopic techniques, endoscopic FDC release can result in quicker symptom improvement, superior scar cosmesis, and a lower incidence of radial sensory nerve injury.

» Studies have shown that FDC release can safely and effectively be performed using the WALANT (wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet) technique, which has the potential for cost savings without compromising quality or patient comfort.
Geospatial Suitability Indices Toolbox (GSI Toolbox)
Authors: Saltus Christina , Swannack Todd , McKay S.
Published: September 2021

Habitat suitability models are widely adopted in ecosystem management and restoration, where these index models are used to assess environmental impacts and benefits based on the quantity and quality of a given habitat. Many spatially distributed ecological processes require application of suitability models within a geographic information system (GIS). Here, we present a geospatial toolbox for assessing habitat suitability. The Geospatial Suitability Indices (GSI) toolbox was developed in ArcGIS Pro 2.7 using the Python® 3.7 programming language and is available for use on the local desktop in the Windows 10 environment. Two main tools comprise the GSI toolbox. First, the Suitability Index Calculator tool uses thematic or continuous geospatial raster layers to calculate parameter suitability indices based on user-specified habitat relationships. Second, the Overall Suitability Index Calculator combines multiple parameter suitability indices into one overarching index using one or more options, including: arithmetic mean, weighted arithmetic mean, geometric mean, and minimum limiting factor. The resultant output is a raster layer representing habitat suitability values from 0.0 to 1.0, where zero is unsuitable habitat and one is ideal suitability. This report documents the model purpose and development as well as provides a user’s guide for the GSI toolbox.
Extracting and analyzing inorganic material synthesis procedures in the literature
Authors: Makino Kohei , Kuniyoshi Fusataka , Ozawa Jun , Miwa Makoto
Published: September 2021

Analyzing material synthesis procedures in the literature is required to collect structural information of material names and synthesis procedures for designing materials computationally. Since synthesis procedures are mostly written in natural language in paper or technical documents, they need to be extracted and structured into a format that can be handled by a computer through information extraction. Moreover, to represent a synthesis procedure, it is necessary to express information such as conditions and the order of operations in the procedure, but existing databases that compile structural information of material names and synthesis procedures of materials do not provide such information about procedures. It is, therefore, necessary to create a framework that extracts and organizes the information of synthesis procedures in text so that the information is enough for material development such as the order of operations and the links among materials, operations, and conditions. In this study, we construct a pipeline system that extracts synthesis procedures from a text in the form of a flow graph. The extraction system consists of preprocessing, deep learning-based entity extraction, rule-based relation extraction, and selection for paragraph-containing procedures. We applied the system to a large body of literature and extracted flow graphs (procedures) that include about 4 million entities and 3 million relations. We took several statistics on the extracted graphs and performed several analyses on the extracted graphs. We experimentally confirmed that some extracted operations were specific to the target material and the frequently extracted sub-graphs include reasonable operations.
ALF-Score - a Novel Approach to Build a Predictive Network-Based Walkability Scoring System
Authors: Alfosool Ali M. S. , Chen Yuanzhu , Fuller Daniel
Published: September 2021

Walkability is a term that describes various aspects of the built and social environment and has been associated with physical activity and public health. Walkability is subjective and although multiple definitions of walkability exist, there is no single agreed upon definition. Road networks are integral parts of mobility and should be an important part of walkability. However, using the road structure as nodes is not widely discussed in existing methods. Most walkability measures only provide area-based scores with low spatial resolution, have a one-size-fits-all approach, and do not consider individuals opinion. Active Living Feature Score (ALF-Score) is a network-based walkability measure that incorporates road network structures as a core component. It also utilizes user opinion to build a high-confidence ground-truth that is used in our machine learning pipeline to generate models capable of estimating walkability. We found combination of network features with road embedding and points of interest features creates a complimentary feature set enabling us to train our models with an accuracy of over 87% while maintaining a conversion consistency of over 98%. Our proposed approach outperforms existing measures by introducing a novel method to estimate walkability scores that are representative of users opinion with a high spatial resolution, for any point on the map.
Prognostic Implication of Preoperative Serum Albumin to Carcinoembryonic Antigen Ratio in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Xu Mingyue , Liu You , Xue Tianhui , Ye Qianwen , Xiang Jia , Liu Long , Yan Bing
Published: September 2021

Both preoperative serum albumin (ALB) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were previously reported as useful prognostic factors in colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the ALB to CEA ratio (ACR) and their individual prognostic efficacies have been less studied. In this study, a total of 156 CRC patients staged I-IV were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into ACR-low or ACR-high subgroups, and the differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were conducted by Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank test and Cox proportional model. As a result, a total of 31.41% (49/156) of patients presented with ACR-low disease, and these patients had tumors with advanced T stages (T3 + T4) (P<0.01), larger tumor diameters (P<0.01) and distant metastases (P = 0.01) and a relatively lower lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) (P<0.01). The ACR was significant in predicting survival. When 5.98 was used as the cutoff point, it had a sensitivity of 58.50% and 61.50% and a specificity of 83.50% and 80.50% for PFS and OS, respectively. ACR displayed a superior prognostic efficacy than other tested markers for both PFS and OS (except LMR). Patients in the ACR-low group displayed significantly worse PFS (log rank = 35.75, P<0.01) and OS (log rank = 29.68, P<0.01) than those in the ACR-high group. Finally, ACR was an independent prognostic factor for both PFS (HR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.17–0.56, P < 0.01) and OS (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.16–0.66, P < 0.01). For conclusion, the ACR was a robust prognostic factor in CRC, and patients with a relatively low preoperative ACR had significantly worse survival.
How to cease the ‘succession’ of anthropogenic environmental problems using the knowledge on their interconnected nature?
Authors: Sivaramanan Sivakumaran , Kotagama Sarath Wimalabandara
Published: September 2021

Some man-made environmental problems are in a succession. Usually this happens due to the establishment of unsustainable solutions to the identified man-made environmental crisis. When the human driven solutions to the environmental problem also become a threat, the chain continues as a succession of man-made environmental crises until a permanent sustainable or regenerative solution is achieved. For instance, in early 1950s, Dayak people suffered from malaria. World Health Organization (WHO) had permitted to spray huge amount of DDT to kill mosquitoes. The attempt was a success and vector borne disease malaria was mitigated, however, their houses began to fall down on their heads. This is because application of DDT also killed the parasitic wasp that had previously controlled thatch eating caterpillars. In this scenario the worst event is DDT poisoned insects were eaten by geckos, which were eaten by cats, the cats died (biomagnification of DDT) and the rat population increased. The people were affected by sylvatic plague and typhus. To find solution to this WHO was obliged to parachute 14,000 live cats into Borneo. Thus, to prevent this succession of man-made environmental crises a need for clear understanding on all man-made environmental issues and their causes and effects is required. This article reviews the previously published research paper “Keystone Links of Anthropogenic Environmental Problems and Emergence of Interconnected Man-made Environmental crises” on this journal. In that study 40 identified man-made environmental crises were mapped by their interconnections as causes and effects. And established concept map could be used in problem mitigation, or identifying most promising solution to the man-made environmental crises. Qualitative content analysis method was applied in that study, and 252 links between man-made environmental crises were identified and supported by real-world examples in the elaborated thesis.
Systemic sclerosis and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study from a single centre
Authors: Barilaro Giuseppe , Castellanos Aleida , Ferreira Inês Gomes , Lledó Gema Maria , Rocca Carlo Della , Blanco Lorena Fernandez , Cervera Ricard , Baños Núria , Figueras Francesc , Espinosa Gerard
Published: September 2021

Background

Pregnancy in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients is no more an infrequent event as it used to be, but literature data on pregnancy outcomes in women with SSc are scarce. The rate of preterm deliveries and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) seems to be increased, while the risk of miscarriages is controversial. Moreover, no study compared pregnancy outcomes in SSc with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We performed a retrospective study to compare the pregnancy and disease outcomes of women with SSc with a cohort of age-matched women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and healthy controls (HC).
Methods

154 pregnancies from SSc, SLE, APS patients and HC were prospectively followed at the High-Risk Pregnancy Unit of our center from 2008 to 2019. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of miscarriages, fetal deaths, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preeclampsia, neonatal deaths, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborns. Single APO represented secondary endpoints. SSc activity variations in relation to pregnancy were assessed.
Results

The risk of APO was significantly higher in SSc patients compared to HC (60.6% vs 10.0%; OR = 14.42; 95% CI 3.70–56.18, p = 0.001) and SLE patients (60.6% vs 37.5%; OR = 3.56; 95% CI 1.29–9.83, p = 0.014). Compared to HC, women with SSc had an increased frequency of first trimester miscarriage (15% vs 0 %; p = 0.016), preeclampsia (12% vs 0%, p = 0.038), IUGR (15% vs 0%; p = 0.016), and SGA newborns (21.2% vs 0%; p = 0.003). Preterm deliveries were more frequent in SSc pregnancies in comparison to HC (24.2% vs 5%; OR = 6.08; 95% CI 1.19–31.02, p = 0.036) and SLE patients (24.2% vs 7.5%, OR = 5.68; 95% CI 1.1–29.38, p = 0.038). Disease remained stable in all SSc patients during pregnancy and up to one year after delivery.
Conclusions

We found an increased risk of APO in our SSc cohort in comparison to HC (with higher rates of miscarriages, preeclampsia, IUGR, SGA newborns and preterm deliveries) and SLE patients (presenting higher rate of preterm deliveries). High-risk multidisciplinary management of SSc pregnant women is highly recommended.
How do outcome-based competitive relationships shape future risky cooperation?
Authors: Liu Zhenliang , Li Yansong
Published: September 2021

There is growing evidence that cooperative behavior between individuals is regulated by their experience of previous interactions with others. However, it is unclear how a relationship that stems from the evaluation of outcomes from competitive interactions can affect subsequent cooperation between these individuals. To address this issue, we examined how participants cooperated with a partner having just competed with them. While competing, participants (N = 164) were randomly assigned to receive one of four types of outcome feedback regarding their performance (win vs. loss vs. uncertain vs. control). We found that both the experience of loss and of uncertainty as competitive outcomes exerted a negative impact on the extent to which participants then engaged in mutually cooperative behavior toward their opponents. Moreover, these effects operated in a context-dependent manner: they were only found when we manipulated the relational context to imply a high potential for incurring personal costs rather than imply no risk for incurring personal costs and mutual gains. Finally, our mediation analysis further revealed that the effect of the loss outcome was mediated by the intention of participants to cooperate and their level of interpersonal trust, while the effect of uncertain competitive outcome was mediated only by the extent to which participants intended to cooperate. This suggests the presence of distinct psychological processes underlying the effects of these two types of competitive outcome. Taken together, these finding offer novel insight into how risky cooperation may cascade from previous exposure to competitive settings.
Ultra-highly sensitive detection of influenza virus by Localized surface-plasmon resonance sensor
Authors: Monkawa Akira , Takimoto Yuki , Nakagawa Tomoe , Nagata Koki , Gessei Tomoko
Published: September 2021

H5N1 is a highly pathogenic influenza virus that causes severe respiratory disease in birds and humans. The development of a highly sensitive detection method for H5H1 is vital to control spread and even terminate the outbreak of pandemic H5N1. Herein, we develop a highly sensitive local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor based on a gold-dot pattern chip for H5N1 detection. The LSPR sensor chip is fabricated by nano-imprint lithography, and it can detect and discriminate hemagglutinin H5 protein at femtogram-level sensitivity. Based on the results of the finite-difference time-domain simulation, the LSPR spectrum in the near-infrared region is suitable and appropriate to obtain the desired sensor sensitivity. The detection sensitivity of the sensor is 109 times higher than the immunochromatography method and is comparable to RT-PCR. Therefore, our sensor chip is very useful to provide valuable information for protection from pandemics.
AED applied, not recommending defibrillation - A validation study of the new variable “AED” in the Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry
Authors: Casarini Eleonora , Ako Tazha , Ringgren Kristian Bundgaard , Blomberg Stig Nikolaj Fasmer , Christensen Helle Collatz
Published: September 2021

Background: to design and implement a new variable, in accordance with the Utstein style – namely the variable “AED” - considering the challenges of reporting cases in which the AED did not recommend an electrical shock after analyzing cardiac arrhythmias, for use in the Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry.Participants: Patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest for which resuscitation was attempted between 2016 and 2019, identified in the nationwide Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry. Their medical records were reviewed to establish a positive variable in “AED”.Methods: Data from the national Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry were used to identify core features of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests medical recording in Denmark and its possible improvement. Results: Among n= 1080 cases, summary statistics on core recording variables of interest were collected. We found statistically significant differences in the two cohorts of cardiac arrests where an AED was present on the scene and recorded in the Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry, regarding age, location, emeregency medical service response time, witnesses, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first monitored rhythm, direct current cardioversion shock delivered by the medical staff and survival outcomes such as return of spontaneous circulation at any time, status at arrival at hospital and 30-day survival. Conclusions: This validation study showed an improved completeness of registration of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests when implementing the new AED-variable, in accordance with the Utstein style. Thus, the new AED-variable is a valid and substantial resource for future epidemiological studies. However, a future effort to improve registration completeness along with continuous improvement of the Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry is needed.
Phase diagram senses orbitals and prompts a fundamental constant
Authors: Abdulvagidov Shapiullah
Published: September 2021

Van der Waals’ discovery of that the volumes of molecules and their intermolecular attraction between them cause the peculiarities of the phase diagrams of gases and liquids1 gave the greatest impact on the progress of science and industry. Unfortunately, the phase charts of solids capable to advance scientific and technical progress remain uncomprehended mystery. Only the certain linear phase boundaries are understood by the struggle of magnetic field B against the thermal agitation2,3. Here we show that the intersection volume of internal atomic orbitals determines the form of phase boundary and, furthermore, energy per unit volume of the intersection is a new fundamental constant v = 8.941 eV/Å3. Together with the known struggle contribution2,3 to TC(B), we found a term proportional to the intersection volume of 3deg and 2p orbitals in the Sm0.55Sr0.45MnO3 manganite. Hysteresis of TC is described by the avalanche-like widening of the intersection volume due to reducing the Coulomb distortion with double-exchange ferromagnetism. The pressure-TC diagram4 of (Sm1-xNdx)0.55Sr0.45MnO3 (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5) is approximated with the same parameters as the TC(B) diagram of Sm0.55Sr0.45MnO3. Furthermore, the diamond’s melting point 4157oC calculated from the intersection volume of sp3-orbitals is in excellent agreement with the real 4000oC. Tips explaining the puzzling pressure-TN diagrams5-10 of NiS, Ni1-xS1-ySey, BaVS3, V2O3, RNiO3 and ferrites were given. Our discovery is the beginning of condensed-matter geometrodynamics and marks an era of studying phase diagrams to advance condensed-matter physics and tailor new materials with predicted properties necessary in sunrise industries. Moreover, internucleon, interquark and intergluon orbital intersections would be useful for understanding the properties of nuclei, nucleons and quarks.
Sexual health and behaviors in the COVID-19 pandemic era: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Qaderi Kowsar , Namadian Masoumeh , Sharafkhani Rahim , Rahmani Nahid , Ezabadi Sajjad Ghane , Kajbafvala Mehrnaz , Norouzi Solmaz , Motaqi Monireh , Alkatout Ibrahim , khodavirdilou Rasa , Shamsabadi Ahmadreza , Mehraeen Esmaeil
Published: September 2021

Background: Sexual health as an essential component of life, has been affected by COVID-19 pandemic. Changing in sexual life has consequences for couples and society. A critical review of current literature on sexual function in general populations will shed light on possible determinants as well as at-risk groups. Thus, the aim of this systematic review is to assess the consequences of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health. Methods/Design: A systematic review of literature on data reporting changings of individuals’ sexual life during the COVID-19 pandemic will be performed. The scientific databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, the World Health Organization, as well as protocols and guideline related to sexual health, behaviors, function and practices will be systematically searched from the onset of the disease in the world until August 15, 2021. We will consider, appraise, and synthesize studies including the change of sexual function and behaviour (physical, emotional, mental and relational health), SRH-care and services (contraception, birth control, STIs management), and sexual rights (gender-based and sexual minorities violence). Screening of search results and extraction of data from included studies will be conducted cooperatively by two authors. The quality of the studies will be appraised and documented. Results will be compiled and presented in evidence tables. Risk of bias (the quality assessment) will be evaluated by two review authors using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. This protocol has been conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. Also, this protocol is registered in PROSPERO with number CRD42021275387.Discussion: Given the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the people’s sexual life and reproductive health, this review aims to provide accurate information on different aspects of sexual function and behavior in populations from various age groups, cultures, and sexual orientations sexual health and reproductive care delivery (contraception, and birth control, SDTs management) and sexual rights (gender-based and sexual minority, sexual violence) to provide a better understanding of COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on people’s sexual lives The findings could be used by health planners and health care providers to address the adverse effects of this period on reproductive health and sexual lives. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021275387
The physics of people’s opinions
Authors: Zachary Dan
Published: September 2021

This paper explores the abstraction of classical physics and applies several metrics that explore the evolution of social opinion. These metrics include an abstraction of Newtonian kinematics: mass, position, speed, acceleration, and Newtonian dynamics, an abstraction of force. Poll data is fit to a 2nd-order polynomial and a logistic function. These fits are used to understand the acceleration of opinion shift, and we explore recent social, cultural, and environmental trends, such as views on global climate change. We compare our results with the evolution of communication technologies and time spent on devices over the past 120 years. We show that the model connects the evolution in opinion with an abstraction of a Galilean concept: acceleration is independent of mass. Finally, we discuss the model of social polarization and the non-linear effect of media such as echo chambers.
Evaluation of Potentially Inappropriate Prescription and Drug-Drug Interactions in the Critically Sick Elderly Patients in China
Authors: Yang Xiaohu , Owoicho Orgah John , Zhu Fengjia , Liu Wei , Yu Yihua
Published: September 2021

Background There is ongoing debate about the incidence and relationships of potentially inappropriate prescriptions and drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in elderly patients in China. Objective This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and DDIs in elderly patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods A total of 547 patients aged ≥65 years from the 30-bed ICU in a 3A (Class Three/Grade A) hospital in China over a 1-year period were included. The participant statistics and drugs prescribed were collected by the Hospital Information System (HIS). The study was limited to drugs ordered at and during ICU hospitalization. The drug list of every patient was reviewed to identify PIMs based on the 2012 Beers criteria, and the drugs implicated in PIMs were classified at five levels according to World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification. Results In total, 94.3% of the patients had prescriptions for ≥10 drugs, and 61.4% of the patients were prescribed at least one PIM. DDIs were identified in 95.6% of the medication profiles evaluated. Conclusions The results of this study conducted in an ICU setting that assessed the incidence and relationships of PIMs and pDDIs in elderly patients in China, providing baseline information and quantifying drug-related problems among critically ill elderly patients receiving PIMs. It is of clinical importance that better information must be provided to physicians and intensive care specialists regarding the risks and benefits of drug therapy, and patient compliance and inappropriate and unnecessary prescriptions must be addressed.
Study on perception on HIV infection and prevention among religious leaders of Presbyterian Church, Aizawl, Mizoram
Authors: Ralte MPH MBBS Lalchhanhima , Kannan Srinivasan
Published: September 2021

Aim of the study is to find the perceptions of Presbyterian Church leaders about HIV prevention in Aizawl, Mizoram. For the study, mixed method was followed for data collection. From 15 Presbyterian churches, 293 Church leaders representing four groups, that is, Pastor/Elder, Women, Youth and Men were randomly selected and used self-administered questionnaire for the purpose of understanding perceptions on HIV prevention from them. Chi-square test was done to understand the associations with different factors. Qualitative information was collected using in-depth interviews from 12 and focus group discussions from 3 leaders. Thirty four percent of leaders expressed willingness to advocate condom for prevention. Majority (97.3 %) of leaders felt they need to intervene and 90% were for including HIV prevention in church services. Two third (70 %) felt Biblical disobedience causes HIV and 80% felt homosexuals deserved it. Leaders preferred abstinence, marital fidelity, and condom use as appropriate methods for HIV prevention. About 70% agreed with the Church statement, ‘condoms encourage pre-marital sex’, and above 80% reported condom prevents HIV. Analysis show, contacting person living with HIV (PLHIV) was not positively associated with willingness to advocate condom use. Church leaders their inability quoting the church doctrine as constraint. Many felt disobedience to Biblical teachings and sinful acts result in HIV. Leaders felt, educating church leaders and disseminating sex education using church media were effective methods for HIV prevention.
PARP dependent recruitment of RNA methylated at 8-adenosine is linked to base excision repair mechanism
Authors: Legartova Sona , Suchankova Jana , Bartova Eva
Published: September 2021

Methylation of RNAs, especially 6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified RNAs, plays a specific role in DNA damage response (DDR). Here, we observed that 8-methyladenosine (m8A)-modified RNA is recruited to UVA-microirradiated chromatin, which was reduced by inhibiting both DNA methylation and histone acetylation, especially in later phases of DDR. Most importantly, clinically used PARP inhibitor (PARPi), olaparib, prevents both m8A and m6A RNA accumulation at microirradiated chromatin. Testing the effect of PARPi on the efficiency of BER, NHEJ, and HR repair pathways, we observed that NHEJ repair proteins are down-regulated after PARP inhibition and recruitment of XRCC1, a factor of BER, to DNA lesions was abolished entirely. Conversely, the PARP inhibitor, olaparib, enhanced the genome-wide level of γH2AX that significantly interacted with m8A RNA, similar to DNA. Together, we showed that the recruitment of m6A RNA and m8A RNA to DNA lesions is PARP dependent, similarly as XRCC1 playing a role in the BER mechanism. We found that γH2AX likely stabilizes m8A/m6A RNA-DNA hybrid loops that are formed during PARP-dependent non-canonical m6A/m8A-mediated DNA repair pathway.
Assessing alcohol consumption patterns in Jinja and Masindi districts
Authors: Makumbi Gerald M , Sekimpi Deogratias K , Wanyana Mercy W , Musiime Primah , Mukisa John , Ssetimba Michael , Were Jackson
Published: September 2021

BackgroundUganda National Association of Community and Occupational Health (UNACOH) implemented a workplace and community based alcohol control intervention in the districts of Masindi and Jinja in Uganda where alcohol is highly consumed. UNACOH therefore conducted an end-of year evaluation with a main focus on two of the project’ anticipated outcomes. These include:1) Reduced risky alcohol consumption patterns among the communities in the project area especially among vulnerable and high risk groups (elderly, youth, women, commercial motorcyclists and fisher folk) by 2021 and 2) Legal restrictions on density of alcohol outlets, accessibility to minors and availability are in place in Masindi and Jinja district by 2021 .The main objective was therefore to assess alcohol consumption patterns among drinkers, perceptions about community awareness of alcohol control regulations and their perceived effectiveness in the project area (Masindi and Jinja) in the year 2020.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional evaluation conducted among 310 respondents in selected villages within the intervention Sub Counties of the Districts in the project area. These included; These included Karujubu Division,Miirya and Pakanyi Sub Counties in Masindi District, and Bugembe Town Council,Walukuba- Masese Division and Budondo Sub County in Jinja District. The primary outcomes were; reduced risky alcohol consumption patterns among the communities and presence of legal restrictions on density of alcohol outlets, accessibility to minors and availability. Quantitative data were entered and cleaned using Epi-data version 4.6.0.2 analyzed using STATA version 12.0. Descriptive analysis was used to generate information on the alcohol consumption patterns.Results Findings indicated that majority drinkers were male (71.34%) with only 0.93% below the age of 18 years. Spirits were the commonest type of alcohol consumed (40.78%). Risky alcohol consumptions were reported by nearly half (48.71%) of the drinkers. Male drinkers (81.88%) and those in Jinja (58.97%) reported significantly higher alcohol consumption in comparison with female drinkers (18.12%) and those in Masindi (38.31%) respectively. (χ2 =15.74 and p value of 0.000 and χ2=13.24 and p = 0.000).ConclusionVariation in risky alcohol consumption between the project areas could be attributed to differences in implementation of alcohol control regulations. In some project areas, communities were aware of alcohol control regulations and thought these had been beneficial in reducing alcohol related harm. Risky consumption among drinkers remained relatively high. If these negative trends are not reversed they could significantly increase the non-communicable disease burden including mental health.
Trust in pathways? Professionals’ sensemaking of patient pathways in Norwegian mental health services
Authors: Tørseth Tine Nesbø , Ådnanes Marian
Published: September 2021

Background: In January 2019, the official launch of new guidelines within specialist mental health services and substance abuse treatment in Norway took place, with treatment organized according to structured patient pathways. The pathway system introduced maximum lengths for assessment, treatment, and evaluation and the coding of the different steps. The system was based on overall goals to improve services by focusing on user participation, coordinated patient flow, avoidance of unnecessary waiting time, more equal services independent of geographic location, and greater emphasis on somatic health and lifestyle. The purpose of our study was to examine the implementation of patient pathways within mental health services, and more specifically how trust emerges and influences the final outcome. Methods: Our study included four outpatient clinics for adults in four community health centres in different parts of Norway. The informants consisted of treatment personnel, leaders, and pathway coordinators, and data were collected through qualitative group and individual interviews. Results: The results indicated four distinct themes or reactions towards the patient pathway system. These themes were unclarity regarding the overall goals and content of the patient pathway; increased coding, registration and administrative work, which professionals experienced as stressors; an IT and journal system that did not correspond with the coding of the patient pathway; and an unrealistic distinction between assessment and treatment. All of the above encouraged health professionals to reduce the importance of patient pathways, as well as increase their resistance towards health authorities. Conclusions: To understand how and why health professionals made sense of the patient pathway, theory on trust can be used to show how professionals within health care interpret the implementation of patient pathways as a desire to control more areas and work practices within mental health care, leading to their distrust towards the new system Trial registration: Not neccessary
Correlation of hematological inflammatory biomarkers in patients with urolithiasis: A prospective case control study
Authors: T MANJUNATH , Barua Sasanka Kumar , Sarma Debanga , P Rajeev T. , Bagchi Puskal Kumar , Phukan Mandeep
Published: September 2021

Background

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the initial stage and the progression of urinary stones. The literature suggesting association of elevated inflammatory biomarkers in patients with urolithiasis is very scarce. Therefore, present study aimed to compare association of inflammatory biomarkers with urolithiasis.
Methods

This prospective study compared patients age > 14 years with kidney, bladder, ureter stones and no other systemic disease (test group) with healthy controls (control group). Baseline characteristics and routine blood tests were recorded. Primary endpoint was to diagnose the effect of biochemical parameters in stone prevalence.
Results

A total of 399 populations categorized into two groups: test group (n = 358) and control group (n = 41). The median age was 47.0 years in the test group and 48.0 years in the control group. The proportion of men was more than women in both the groups. The median C-reactive protein level and red cell distribution width (RDW) were significantly higher in the test group than control group (P < 0.001). Where, the lymphocyte level was significantly lowered in patients with kidney stones. Microscopic hematuria was present in approximately 17.6% of patients with urinary calculi (P = 0.001). Binary multiple logistic regression analysis with biochemical parameters, predicted that neutrophil (P = 0.010), lymphocyte (P = 0.040), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P = 0.006) and RDW (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with urinary stone prediction. Area under curve for RDW was 0.78 (95% CI 0.70–0.86); P < 0.001.
Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that NLR and RDW significantly increased in patients with kidney stone. It appears to be potentially useful inflammatory biomarkers of systemic inflammation in patients with kidney stone.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Brazil (#CCG)
Authors: Cannone Carla , Allington Lucy , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Howells Mark , Walker Miriam Zachau , Ahsan Aniq , Charbonnier Flora , Halloran Claire , Hirmer Stephanie , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Rogner Holger , Quirós-Tortós Jairo , Angulo-Paniagua Jam
Published: September 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to energy system modelling, causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Brazil, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and three stylized scenarios (Fossil Future, Least Cost and Net Zero by 2050) for 2020-2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Experience of Using Bedaquiline in a Young Child with Drug Resistant Tuberculosis and Concurrent Primary Immunodeficiency
Authors: Danilova T. I. , Barmina N. А. , Borisova E. S. , Maksimova L. А. , Kornev Yu. V.
Published: September 2021

The article describes a clinical case of the treatment of a young child with a complicated course of tuberculosis with multiple localizations and concurrent primary immunodeficiency. The new anti-tuberculosis drug of bedaquiline was successfully used in the treatment regimen. The child received bedaquiline for 6 months without any adverse events, after 2 months no acid-fast mycobacteria were detected, there were pronounced positive radiological changes which remained until the end of treatment. This clinical case provides evidence that bedaquiline can be used safely and effectively in MDR TB chemotherapy regimens in children under 5 years of age.
MÉTODOS ANALÍTICOS PARA DETERMINAR LACTONAS MACROCÍCLICAS EN DIFERENTES TIPOS DE MATRICES. UNA REVISIÓN
Authors: Vázquez-Quintal Patricia , Rodríguez-Vivas Roger , Muñoz-Rodrígueza David
Published: September 2021

ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF MACROCYCLIC LACTONES IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF MATRICES. A REVIEW. The macrocyclic lactones (ML) are drugs widely used to combat endo- and ectoparasites in livestock, pets, crops, etc. Since marketing of ivermectin, the number of available ML increased considerably and, consequently, a wide variety of analytical methodologies for determination of MLs in multiple types of matrices have been published. Most of these methodologies have already been reviewed before so this paper is about those most recent and/or those have not been previously considered. In this review the focus is on biological, alimentary, and environmental matrices emphasizing on the most important techniques employed on sample preparation. Also, the liquid chromatography with of fluorescence and mass spectrometry detectors is discussed as the most used instrumental techniques for identification of MLs. Finally, a brief review is made on the importance of method validation and some strategies for its implementation.
The Benefits of Multimodal Interactive Case Studies
Authors: Soon Zoe , Lauridsen Megan
Published: September 2021

It is hypothesized that creating case studies that are visually and kinesthetically interactive will encourage experiential and active learning, as well as enhance student engagement and a sense of enjoyment in learning. The case studies in this study were designed to incorporate reading, visual imagery, as well as auditory and hands-on activities for the students. Specifically, each question created has an experiential and/or active component as well as immediate electronic auto-feedback. It was expected that students would find the incorporated images, video clips, interactive websites, as well as hands-on plastic models appealing as well as helpful in their learning. Additionally, it was anticipated that the case studies would assist with remembering key aspects of pathophysiology for the final exam. The four case study topics focus on peptic ulcers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and bone fractures coupled with osteoporosis and sciatica. In addition, each case study begins with reflective questions that are designed to add a metacognitive component to each lesson. Surveys were given after each case study to gauge student satisfaction. In addition, final exam questions responses were analyzed for signs of improvement.
Multimodal Review Session for Undergraduate Muscle Anatomy
Authors: Welleford Andrew , Weaver Lauren , Platt Kristen
Published: September 2021

Engagement of multiple learning modalities has been shown to promote learning. This study aimed to develop resources for anatomical sciences educators interested in adding additional teaching modalities into their repertoire. Three review sessions were created for the muscle anatomy unit of an undergraduate anatomy and physiology course, each designed to engage a different learning modality. The first session was a kinesthetic experience in which students were cued through a sequence of body positions similar to yoga poses with instruction of muscle anatomy relevant to each position. The second session was a tactile experience in which students were instructed how to shape clay into models of muscles and place them on a corresponding plastic skeleton. The third session was an audience-response question and answer (Q&A) session in which students responded to questions and received feedback about their performance. Each of the three review sessions was successfully implemented in a large undergraduate course with 445 total students. The authors encourage other anatomy educators to adapt these sessions for use in their own teaching.
Examining the Impact of Case Studies on Student Learning, Interest, Motivation, and Belonging in Undergraduate Human Physiology
Authors: Pekary M. M. , Jellyman J. K. , Giang M.T. , Beardsley P. M.
Published: September 2021

Human physiology is a foundational course for future health practitioners. Previous research suggests case studies may improve students’ critical thinking and comprehension, but little is known about how case studies affect student interest, motivation, and belonging. The current quasi-experiment investigates the impact of integrating case studies into an otherwise lecture-based human physiology course, compared to traditional lecture-based teaching. We hypothesized that case studies would improve all student outcomes, especially for students from underrepresented groups. Results showed that students in the case study section received higher overall grades and scores for related questions on three exams, combined higher level Bloom’s questions on those exams, interest, motivation, and belonging to the course when compared to at least one, and in most cases both, of the comparison sections. We found few significant interactions between course section and student demographic groups, though improvements in final grades appear to be driven by improved grades for women.
Use of ILearning in an Introductory Human Anatomy and Physiology Course
Authors: Huisman Michael , Valster Katelin
Published: September 2021

The incorporation of mobile learning methods (iLearning) into human anatomy and physiology classrooms has been debated with regard to its effectiveness in higher education. This study aimed to understand how iLearning affects college-aged students’ perception of learning and engagement in an introductory human anatomy and physiology course using a survey established by Rossing and coworkers (2012). Perceived learning was not significantly different from start to end of the semester while perceived engagement was significantly different in a negative direction. Mean scores were high for both dimensions at both time points which may have diminished meaningful interpretation. Nevertheless, the present study demonstrates that iLearning can be successfully implemented into higher education classroom settings while maintaining traditional classroom teaching and learning techniques.