bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information needs and information-seeking behavior of Egyptian nurses during a health crisis: A survey
Authors: Elsayed Amany M. , Ismail Safaa Salah , Hamza Manar , Said Zeinab S.
Published: January 2025

Since early 2020, nurses have been fighting on the frontlines to save people's lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has thrown nurses and other healthcare professionals into the public eye like never before. So, exploring their information needs during the battle will help to identify needs and improve preparedness when drawing up crisis plans. Thus, this paper investigates the information needs of nurses during the pandemic, how they met those needs, and the problems they encountered in seeking information. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 386 nurses in 52 Egyptian hospitals; 44% of nurses confirmed seeking information to increase their Knowledge in dealing with the pandemic, and about 76% of nurses were most likely to rely on internet websites such as those of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Egyptian Ministry of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their search for medical information. Many nurses (48%) stated that “lack of time” was the biggest challenge they faced while searching for COVID-19 information. Although hospital libraries may have the opportunity to meet nurses’ information needs and improve their information-seeking behavior, our study has shown that 63.2% of nurses acknowledged that their hospitals do not have a library. Indeed, more research must be conducted in pandemics regarding information needs and resources.
Kinetics During the Tuck Jump Assessment and Biomechanical Deficits in Female Athletes 12 Months After ACLR Surgery
Authors: Kember Lucy S. , Riehm Christopher D. , Schille Andrew , Slaton Jake A. , Oliver Jon L. , Myer Gregory D. , Lloyd Rhodri S.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Residual interlimb deficits after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) can lead to functional maladaptation and increase the risk of reinjury. The tuck jump assessment (TJA) may offer a more effective evaluation of ACLR status as compared with traditional tasks owing to increased risk of altered landing mechanics, asymmetrical landing, and increased knee valgus attributed to the cyclical nature of the task. However, it remains unclear whether altered TJA kinetics resolve over time or persist through return-to-play phases of rehabilitation.

Purpose:

To examine longitudinal kinetics, asymmetries, and functional performance deficits during TJA at 9 and 12 months after ACLR in female athletes at high risk of reinjury.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Female athletes (ACLR, n = 24; controls, n = 19; total, N = 43) performed a single trial of TJA on dual-force plates at 2 time points. The ACLR group (mean ± SD age, 16.8 ± 1.9 years) was tested at 9 and 12 months after surgery, and the control group (16.5 ± 3.6 years) was tested at similar time points. All athletes participated in similar sports and had comparable activity levels. Discrete time point analysis and statistical parametric mapping were used to identify deficits within each group.

Results:

At 9 months after surgery, the ACLR group exhibited significant interlimb differences in all kinetic variables ( P < .05), which persisted at 12 months with only small reductions in magnitude. As compared with controls, the ACLR group demonstrated a persistent offloading strategy in the involved limb by exhibiting larger interlimb asymmetries for a range of kinetic variables and a greater vertical ground-reaction force in the uninvolved limb during most of the stance phase at both time points ( P < .001). Distinct differences in functional performance of TJA were evident at both time points, characterized by lower peak vertical ground-reaction force, peak center of mass displacement, and relative vertical leg stiffness and longer ground contact times ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

This study revealed that young female athletes after ACLR exhibit persistent interlimb deficits and functional maladaptations up to 12 months after surgery. The TJA identified significant biomechanical impairments to both limbs, resulting in asymmetrical loading and altered movement strategies as compared with healthy controls. Despite some improvements, athletes with ACLR continued to demonstrate offloading to the uninvolved limb, indicating incomplete neuromuscular recovery.
Association Between Social Determinants of Health and Concussion Among High School Students in the United States
Authors: Cook Nathan E. , Gaudet Charles E. , Iverson Grant L.
Published: January 2025

We examined the association between social determinants of health and the likelihood of sustaining a concussion among adolescents. Participants in this cross-sectional study were 7164 high school students who completed the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (52.7% girls; mean age = 16.0 years, SD = 1.2; age range 12-18 years). Logistic regression was used to determine which social determinants of health variables were associated with a self-reported history of concussion from playing a sport or being physically active over the past year. One in 10 adolescents (n = 716; 10.0% total; 11.8% of boys, 8.3% of girls) reported sustaining a concussion during the past year. Seven of 10 adolescents (70.3%) reported experiencing at least 1 of 8 negative social determinants of health. A multivariable logistic regression was statistically significant ( P < .001), indicating that the negative social determinants of health were associated with having sustained a concussion during the past year; the model explained 12.5% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance in concussion. Controlling for all other predictors, sports participation (odds ratio [OR] = 3.72, medium effect), housing instability (OR = 3.25, small-medium effect) and limited English language proficiency (OR = 3.05, small-medium effect) were the strongest independent predictors of sustaining concussion within the past year. Adolescents who lived in a neighborhood where there is violence (OR = 1.78, small effect), who were bullied (OR = 1.57, very small effect), and who experienced food insecurity (OR = 1.36, very small effect) were more likely to have sustained a concussion. Research is needed to understand the nature of these determinant-injury associations. Whether social determinants of health are associated with specific treatment and rehabilitation needs, and time to recover following concussion, should be examined with prospective studies.
Retrospective Study of the Efficacy of Biofeedback Therapy for Pediatric Persistent Posttraumatic Headache
Authors: Schwarz Anisha C. , Breuner Cora C. , Blume Heidi K.
Published: January 2025

Background

Posttraumatic headache is common in pediatrics. Studies have examined treatment of postconcussion symptoms, but few target posttraumatic headache. Biofeedback therapy has been studied in children and teens with primary headaches, but not posttraumatic headache. Our goal was to examine the changes in posttraumatic headache associated with biofeedback therapy in pediatric patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 74 children aged 10-18 years who received biofeedback therapy for posttraumatic headache. “Positive response” to biofeedback therapy was defined as ≥50% reduction in headache days per week, or 3-point drop in pain rating between the first and last biofeedback therapy visits. Patient characteristics were analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors associated with response.

Results

In our cohort, 42% of all patients with posttraumatic headache had a positive response to biofeedback therapy. Thirty-six percent experienced ≥50% decrease in headache frequency, 13% had a ≥3-point decrease in headache severity and 8% reported both changes. For those with daily headaches, 36% had a positive response to biofeedback therapy. School absences, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or prescription preventive medication use were associated with nonresponse.

Conclusions

Biofeedback therapy is a reasonable treatment to consider to manage pediatric posttraumatic headache because more than 40% of our cohort had a beneficial response and biofeedback therapy has few adverse effects.
Cardiac Critical Care of the Cardio-Obstetric Patient
Authors: Kharawala Amrin , Nagraj Sanjana , Setia Gayatri , Reynolds Deborah , Thachil Rosy
Published: January 2025

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of pregnancy-related mortality in the United States, with an incidence that has increased from 7.2 to 32.9 fatalities per 100,000 live births in the last 3 decades. This trend underscores the potential for an increase in the volume of admissions to cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) in the peripartum period. While congestive heart failure remains at the forefront of maternal morbidity, other life-threatening conditions include myocardial infarction (MI), hypertensive emergencies, fatal arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, aortopathies, valvular dysfunction, cardiac arrest, and cardiogenic shock. The lack of standardized guidelines to facilitate management of these conditions highlights the significant gap in medical knowledge while caring for acutely ill pregnant women. Through this comprehensive review, we highlight the most common cardiac pathologies encountered in the obstetric population and their diagnosis and contemporary management in the cardiac intensive care unit.
Uncovering the role of stringent environmental policies and energy transition in the achievement of SDG-13: Evidence from BRICS countries by WLMC model
Authors: Kartal Mustafa Tevfik , Mukhtarov Shahriyar , Depren Özer , Ayhan Fatih , Ulussever Talat
Published: January 2025

Countries take measures to protect the environment as compatible with the increasing interest in climate change-related issues. In this context, this research analyzes the impact of environmental policy stringency (EPS), energy transition index (ETI), and income (GDP) on environmental quality. In doing this, the study examines BRICS countries, which are the leading developing countries that cause higher emissions, consume higher amounts of energy, and have higher economic growth, uses data from 2000/Q1 to 2020/Q4, and performs wavelet local multiple correlation (WLMC) model to investigate the relationship under time and frequency-based diverging scheme. In bivariate cases, EPS, ETI, and GDP have a differentiating impact on load capacity factor (LCF) across countries, where there are some exclusions. These factors have a generally increasing impact on LCF. In contrast, EPS has a decreasing impact at low (medium) frequency in Russia (South Africa), ETI has a declining impact at high frequency in Brazil and China, GDP has a decreasing impact at lower frequency in Russia, medium and high frequency in China, and higher frequency Brazil and South Africa. In four-variate cases, the factors have a fully increasing impact on LCF in the countries for all times and frequencies, while the impact is stronger at higher frequencies. GDP is the dominant factor in India and China, while ETI (EPS) is leading in Brazil and Russia (South Africa). Thus, the study reveals the dynamic impacts of EPS, ETI, and GDP on LCF, which diverge across times, frequencies, and countries. Accordingly, policy options for BRICS are argued.
Characterization of anatase TiO2 nanoparticle: Comparative synthesis via microwave combustion and sol-gel techniques
Authors: Gaber A. A. , Khattab R. M. , Sadek H. E. H. , Hessien M. A.
Published: January 2025

Using polyacrylic acid (PAA) as the template polymer and titanium tri-chloride as the titanium source, two distinct methods were employed in this study to prepare TiO2 nanoparticles: a sol-gel method and a microwave combustion method. The methods described above were used to determine the ideal polymer ratio to create three distinct molar proportions of TiCl3 and PAA (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3) at 300 °C. After calcination at various temperatures (400, 450, 500, and 550 °C), the TiO2 nanoparticles prepared by the two different methods were characterized by XRD. Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to determine the chemical structures of the TiO2 and polymer. The morphology and particle size of TiO2 at the ideal temperature were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV-VIS spectroscopy was used to characterize the optical properties of the TiO2 samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis determined that a 1:2 ratio of TiCl3 to PAA (MW2 and SG2) is optimal for producing well-crystallized TiO2 in the anatase form through a microwave-based method. Calcination at 550 °C further enhanced the crystallization of anatase nanoparticles, mainly when the microwave method was applied. In contrast, the sol-gel method indicated that the powder remained amorphous at 300 °C, with higher calcination temperatures leading to the formation of both anatase and rutile phases. The size of the TiO2 nanoparticles created by the microwave approach was determined to be 3–9 nm, whereas that of the TiO2 particles prepared by the sol-gel method was 8–20 nm. MW2 and SG2 had band gaps of 3.17 eV and 3.15 eV. In this study, we successfully synthesized nano-anatase TiO2 using an efficient and time-saving approach (microwave combustion method) in conjunction with heat treatment. The resulting material has potential applications in various fields, including energy storage, supercapacitor electrodes, photoelectric conversion, optical coatings, beam splitters, and anti-reflection coatings.
Management of Nausea and Vomiting in Palliative Care – Real Life Data From a Palliative Care Unit in Germany
Authors: Berner-Sharma Jennifer Marie , Bausewein Claudia , Rémi Constanze
Published: January 2025

Background

Nausea and vomiting significantly impact the quality of life in palliative care. Due to various underlying causes, treatment approaches vary. However, scientific evidence on pharmacotherapeutic management is limited, complicating treatment decisions. Objective is to assess the current antiemetic treatment approach in palliative care in Germany.

Methods

A retrospective observational study (15 months) was conducted, evaluating clinical records of adult patients admitted to palliative care in a German hospital. Symptom burden (Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS®)), suspected aetiology, antiemetics, treatment quality and drug-related problems (DRPs) were evaluated.

Results

We included 330 patients (median age 71 years, 50.9% female), of which 172 (52%) experienced nausea/vomiting in 230 treatment episodes. Symptoms were more prevalent in cancer-patients ( P = 0.002) and women ( P = 0.002). Main aetiologies were intestinal obstruction (59/230, 25.7%), hypomotility (31/230, 16.1%), and raised intracranial pressure (23/230, 10.0%). Nearly 70% experienced a reduction of symptom burden within the first 3 days, with faster symptom relief and shorter episodes in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients (median length 3d vs 2d). DRPs were documented in 213/230 episodes (92.6%), indicating high interaction potential of antiemetics (87.4%). Manifest DRPs affected patients due to ineffective treatment (29.0%) or side effects (6.5%).

Conclusions

One-third experienced inadequate symptom control with the current treatment, underscoring the complexity of managing nausea/vomiting in palliative care and the need for a systematic approach. This study emphasizes the importance of evidence-based guidelines and further research into underutilized antiemetics, along with improved medical education in an interdisciplinary team to enhance treatment quality.
Lives of Irish Adolescents Who Were Born With a Cleft (LIA-Cleft)
Authors: Blacam Catherine de , Geoghegan Bridget , Nixon Elizabeth , Nolan Anne
Published: January 2025

Objective

The objective was to describe the lives of adolescents, who were born with cleft lip and palate (CL/P), in comparison to the general population as recorded in Growing up in Ireland (GUI), the national longitudinal study of children and youth.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was performed in a cleft center at a university teaching hospital. Participants: Adolescents born with CL/P in the years 2007 to 2009. Interventions: Growing up in Ireland questionnaires, which assessed demographics, health and experience of friendship, school, leisure, and social life, were adapted and administered to adolescents and their parents/guardians, who were identified from a prospectively maintained cleft database. Data were compared to that of GUI Cohort ‘08. Main Outcome Measures: Outcome measures comprised primary caregiver and young person self-report items. Mental health and psychological well-being were assessed using validated instruments including the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Results

Thirty adolescents (10 female, 20 male) participated in the LIA-Cleft group. LIA-Cleft respondents indicated poorer ratings of both medical and dental health than the GUI group. Responses to questions regarding friendship, bullying, physical activity, social media, and screen time were similar in the GUI and LIA-Cleft groups. The LIA-Cleft group were less satisfied with their lives and exhibited lower self-esteem than the GUI group, but did not differ in measures of mental health and well-being or socioemotional well-being.

Conclusions

In spite of reporting poorer medical and dental health, young people who were born with CL/P in Ireland lead lives that are broadly similar to their peers in the general population.
Technical Validation of a Spatial Tracking Configuration for Augmented and Co-Localized Medical Assistance Under Gravity Variations in Parabolic Flights
Authors: Thierry Séamus , Querrec Ronan , Bernard Cécile Isabelle , Kubicki Sébastien , Bevacqua Elisabetta
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Augmented reality is a promising technology for enhancing remote medical assistance. It assists users by directly projecting the relevant virtual assistance in the real world at the right moment and at the right location. This modality is called colocalization but has not been validated in parabolic flights. Our hypothesis was that this modality is technically feasible in weightlessness and is superior to a paper checklist in assisting a caregiver during a simulated medical emergency.

Methods

During parabolic flight campaigns, we conducted an abdominal pain simulation scenario and sought to compare procedural assistances. Participants performed a basic medical examination using either classic cognitive aids (such as a paper checklist) or an augmented-reality device projecting visual co-localized (situated or embedded) assistance.

Results

Gravity variations induced technical difficulties in the nominal functioning of augmented-reality headsets due to the native accelerometers in these devices. Clinical data were not interpretable due to small sample size secondary to the technical difficulties encountered. Finally, an efficient and stable spatial tracking configuration was found during the last flight, offering future research perspectives.

Conclusions

Our study validated the first achievement of a stable co-localized assistance under gravity variation. The augmented-reality headset required an external tracking system based on surrounding infrared cameras and an in-flight calibration to recreate the virtual environment (spatial mapping) independently of gravity conditions. Further studies are needed to clinically validate the potential benefits of co-localized augmented reality for space medicine.
Measurement uncertainties for airborne and impact sound insulation building acoustic parameters from interlaboratory comparison
Authors: Petošić Antonio , Suhanek Mia , Lelas Zvonko , Petrović Karlo
Published: January 2025

This manuscript denotes the results of the Interlaboratory Comparisons (ILC) conducted to test the proficiency of accredited laboratories (23) according to in situ measurement methods described in ISO 16283-1:2014/A1:2017, ISO 16283-2:2020 with ISO 717-1:2020 and ISO 717-2:2020. The comparison of all measured parameters and single number building acoustic parameters is presented with attained measurement uncertainties. The overall influence of all uncertainty components on the final results is taken account for sound reduction index and normalized impact sound pressure levels. The measurement uncertainties are obtained by performing one independent measurement from each laboratory and they are determined at the end for all results in reproducibility and repeatability conditions. The obtained values for measurement uncertainties are compared with values given in standard ISO 12999-1:2020 and with previous ILC2015-s results for airborne and impact sound insulation parameters when five independent measurements have been done. The experimental measurement uncertainties for single number results are lower (in average 0.3 dB for u( R′ w) and in average 1 dB for ( L′ n,w)) than values given in standard ISO 12999-1:2020. The experimental measurement uncertainties calculated from reproducibility in one-third octave bands are not smoothed compared to the situation when five independent measurements are done.
Research note: On relation between photopic luminous efficacy and colour rendering of LED strips
Authors: Skarżyński K
Published: January 2025

Light-emitting diode (LED) strips have recently become a top-rated light source, used primarily in interior lighting applications. This increase is mainly due to increased performance in technical parameters, primarily photopic luminous efficacy (PLE) and the CIE general colour rendering index ( Ra). The relation between PLE and Ra was investigated for several types of light sources in the past and was found to be inversely related. However, confirming if a similar relation exists for the newest phosphor-converted LED strips based on up-to-date colour rendering metrics, such as TM-30-18 Rf (ANSI/IES), is essential. This study was based on measurements of 105 different phosphor-converted LED strips with correlated colour temperatures (CCTs) from 2500 K to 5000 K. The results showed that lower PLE and higher Ra usually characterize the group with lower CCTs than those with higher CCTs. In the group of LED strips below 3500 K, there is a strong negative linear correlation ( R2 = 0.51, p < 0.001) between PLE and Ra. However, in the group with CCTs above 3500 K, the linear correlation between PLE and Ra is weaker ( R2 = 0.29, p < 0.001). Moreover, the analysis of the relationship between PLE and TM-30-18 Rf showed no association between those variables. Results suggest the need to rethink the influence of PLE on colour rendering in the case of using modern metrics for LED lighting. Finally, the results are a reasonable basis for the further analysis of such associations, which should be done periodically according to the rapid development of LED light sources.
Diagnostic Significance of Serum VEGF, bFGF, and Wound Tissue EGFR in Diabetic Chronic Refractory Wounds
Authors: Wang Xuanyu , Que Huafa
Published: January 2025

Background

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) face a higher risk of developing chronic refractory wounds. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in diabetes-related complications. This study aims to analyze the correlation between the 3 indicators and diabetic chronic refractory wounds, in order to establish the diagnostic value of these 3 indicators and provide reference for the treatment.

Material and Methods

We selected 168 patients, with 84 in healing group and 84 in refractory group. The levels of serum VEGF, bFGF, and wound tissue EGFR were compared before treatment, and the correlation between the 3 indicators and the refractory wounds was analyzed. After the specific treatment in refractory group, the clinical efficacy and wound closure index was recorded, and the correlation between them and the 3 indicators were analyzed.

Results

The 3 indicators were all protective factors for diabetic chronic refractory wounds ( p < .05). The serum VEGF and bFGF had relatively low diagnostic value for diabetic chronic refractory wounds, while wound tissue EGFR demonstrated higher diagnostic value ( p < .05). The 3 indicators had a positive correlation with both the clinical efficacy and the wound closure index ( p < .05).

Conclusion

Higher levels of serum VEGF, bFGF, and wound tissue EGFR are conducive to reducing the incidence of diabetic chronic refractory wounds. The combined measurement of these indicators holds high diagnostic value for the disease. Moreover, the higher the expression levels of these 3 indicators, the more favorable the clinical outcomes.
Academic writing: Key components, structure, and avoiding plagiarism
Authors: Britton Carolina
Published: January 2025

This article aims to provide perioperative practitioners with an overview of the fundamentals of academic writing in undertaking academic work, conducting research or producing evidence-based essays in their professional activity (such as to support business cases, innovation or improvement work). It focuses on the key components and the structure of a piece of academic quality, on the review of the literature and on the fundamentals of avoiding plagiarism.
Deep Learning-Derived Quantitative Scores for Chronic Rhinosinusitis Assessment: Correlation With Quality of Life Outcomes
Authors: Shen Zhefan , Wei Ying , Liu Kexin , Ma Zhiqi , Zhang Zhiliang , Wang Xuechun , Li Yong , Shi Feng , Ding Zhongxiang
Published: January 2025

Background

Computed tomography (CT) plays a crucial role in assessing chronic rhinosinusitis, but lacks objective quantifiable indicators.

Objective

This study aimed to use deep learning for automated sinus segmentation to generate distinct quantitative scores and explore their correlations with disease-specific quality of life.

Methods

From July 2021 to August 2022, 445 CT data were collected from 2 medical centers. A deep learning model based on nnU-Net was trained for automatic sinus segmentation and internally validated using 300 cases. The remaining 145 cases were split into an external testing set (74 cases) and an independent testing set (71 cases). Two quantitative scores, the quantitative Lund-MacKay score and the quantitative opacification score (QOS), were derived from the segmentation results. The quantitative scores’ efficacy was assessed by comparing them with the Lund-MacKay score (LMS), the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test score (SNOT-22), and other clinical variables through correlation analyses. Furthermore, the relationship between quantitative scores and postoperative quality of life improvement was explored using single-factor logistic regression.

Result

The segmentation model achieved average Dice similarity coefficients of 0.993, 0.978, 0.958, and 0.871 for the training, validation, external testing, and independent testing sets, respectively. Both quantitative scores significantly correlated with the LMS ( rho = 0.87 and rho = 0.70, P < .001). Neither score correlated with the total SNOT-22 score, although the modified QOS showed significant correlations with the nasal and sleep subdomains ( rho = 0.26 and rho = 0.27, P <  .05). No significant association was found between quantitative score and postoperative improvement in quality of life.

Conclusion

Deep learning enables the automated segmentation of sinuses on CT scans, producing quantitative scores of sinus opacification. These automatic quantitative scores may serve as tools for chronic rhinosinusitis assessment.
Current practice of using the airway pressure release ventilation mode in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients among respiratory therapists in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqarni Abdullah A , Aldhahir Abdulelah M , Siraj Rayan A , Alasimi Ahmed H , Alqahtani Jaber S , Alwafi Hassan , Almeshari Mohammed A , Alobaidi Nowaf Y , Majrshi Mansour S , Alghamdi Saeed M , Alyami Mohammed M
Published: January 2025

Background:

There is a limited data examining the practice of using the airway pressure release ventilation mode for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome among respiratory therapists.

Objectives:

To evaluate the current practice and barriers when using airway pressure release ventilation mode in the management of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods:

A cross-sectional online survey was disseminated between November 2022 and April 2023 to respiratory therapists in Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the respondents’ characteristics.

Results:

Overall, 802 respiratory therapists (male: 59.60%) completed the survey. Five hundred nineteen (64.71%) did not receive training on airway pressure release ventilation mode. Moreover, 325 (40.52%) and 391 (48.75%) did not know if airway pressure release ventilation was used at their hospitals and if the mode was managed via protocol with acute respiratory distress syndrome patients. Of the participants, 276 (34.41%) reported that plateau pressure should be used as a target when setting P-high initially, while 427 (53.24%) believed that the initial P-low should be equal to 0 cmH2O. Moreover, 468 (58.36%) believed that the initial T-high should be between 4 and 6 s, while 548 (68.33%) believed the initial T-low should be a set time (between 0.4 and 0.8) seconds. The most appropriate intervention to improve ventilation and oxygenation was to increase the P-high, which was reported by 370 (46.14%) and 326 (40.65%) respiratory therapists, respectively. Inadequate training was the most common barrier (678, 84.54%) to airway pressure release ventilation implementation.

Conclusion:

Airway pressure release ventilation management varies between respiratory therapists which may be due to inadequate training and the absence of protocols.
Interactive 3D visualisation technique used in pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomised controlled study evaluating quality of life, compliance and use of health care
Authors: Sönnerfors Pernilla , Nordlin Anna-Karin , Nykvist Maria , Thunström Ulrika , Einarsson Ulrika
Published: January 2025

Introduction

A pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme, including exercise training, education, and behaviour change, is highly recommended in treatment guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A new PR educational material for PR using an interactive three-dimensional (3D) visualisation technique was developed. There is little known regarding using 3D in this setting. The aim was to evaluate, within a PR programme setting, differences between outcomes of education through interactive 3D compared with education by means of 2D visualisation in patients with COPD regarding health-related quality of life (HRQL), physical capacity, exercise self-efficacy, compliance to exercise training, compliance to medication, and the use of health care and to describe learning styles.

Methods

Patients were cluster randomised to PR at the University Hospital clinic, including exercise training, for 10 weeks with education by 3D ( n = 27) or education by traditional 2D technique ( n = 17). At follow-ups, HRQL, physical capacity, self-efficacy, handgrip strength, compliance to exercise training, compliance to medication and health care utilisation were assessed.

Results

No significant differences were observed in HRQL in relation to COPD between the groups after 10 weeks. Differences were found in handgrip strength at baseline and at 10 weeks ( p < 0.01). The 3D group had improved scores in HRQL assessed with the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ-S) psychological domain ( p = 0.022). In the 2D group, the LCQ-S social domain ( p = 0.028), psychological domain ( p = 0.021) and the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire total ( p = 0.050) were increased. The most common learning mode and learning style in both groups was reflective observation and divergent style.

Conclusion

An interactive education in 3D technique used in a PR programme for patients with COPD yielded no significant differences compared to conventional techniques. Three-dimensional techniques can be used in PR for COPD as an alternative to conventional techniques. ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier:NCT02802618).
A multi-patch-based deep learning model with VGG19 for breast cancer classifications in the pathology images
Authors: Ponraj Anitha , Nagaraj Palanigurupackiam , Balakrishnan Duraisamy , Srinivasu Parvathaneni Naga , Shafi Jana , Kim Wonjoon , Ijaz Muhammad Fazal
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Breast cancer encompasses various subtypes with distinct prognoses, necessitating accurate stratification methods. Current techniques rely on quantifying gene expression in limited subsets. Given the complexity of breast tissues, effective detection and classification of breast cancer is crucial in medical imaging. This study introduces a novel method, MPa-DCAE, which uses a multi-patch-based deep convolutional auto-encoder (DCAE) framework combined with VGG19 to detect and classify breast cancer in histopathology images.

Methods

The proposed MPa-DCAE model leverages the hierarchical feature extraction capabilities of VGG19 within a DCAE framework, designed to capture intricate patterns in histopathology images. By using a multi-patch approach, regions of interest are extracted from pathology images to facilitate localized feature learning, enhancing the model's discriminatory power. The auto-encoder component enables unsupervised feature learning, increasing resilience and adaptability to variations in image features. Experiments were conducted at various magnifications on the CBIS-DDSM and MIAS datasets to validate model performance.

Results

Experimental results demonstrated that the MPa-DCAE model outperformed existing methods. For the CBIS-DDSM dataset, the model achieved a precision of 97.96%, a recall of 94.85%, and an accuracy of 98.36%. For the MIAS dataset, it achieved a precision of 97.99%, a recall of 97.2%, and an accuracy of 98.95%. These results highlight the model's robustness and potential for clinical application in computer-assisted diagnosis.

Conclusion

The MPa-DCAE model, integrating VGG19 and DCAE, proves to be an effective, automated approach for diagnosing breast cancer. Its high accuracy and generalizability make it a promising tool for clinical practice, potentially improving patient care in histopathology-based breast cancer diagnosis.
From Volunteerism to Corporatization: Analyzing Participation in the 2015 and 2023 Reddit Blackouts
Authors: Schmitz Andreas , Samory Mattia
Published: January 2025

Reddit, one of the largest global social media platforms, has undergone significant transformations since its inception in 2005. From a loosely structured, niche platform to a globally recognized company with a standardized and regulated governance system, Reddit’s evolution has been marked by a shift in the power dynamics between its owners, moderators, and users. 2015 and 2023 were marked by the occurrence of two prominent protests, termed “blackouts.” Moderators of numerous subreddits, though not all, disabled public access to their subreddits, thereby protesting the company’s policies and policy changes and challenging the company’s endeavors to exert further control over the platform. Drawing on Bourdieusian theory and relational methodology, we establish a computational social science approach to investigate the structural causes behind the two blackouts and contextualize the differences between them. We argue that these blackouts signify growing tensions within the socio-technical space of Reddit and an ongoing political, cultural, and economic reconfiguration of its power structure and political economy.
Using large language models for preprocessing and information extraction from unstructured text: A proof-of-concept application in the social sciences
Authors: Schwitter Nicole
Published: January 2025

Recent months have witnessed an increase in suggested applications for large language models (LLMs) in the social sciences. This proof-of-concept paper explores the use of LLMs to improve text quality and to extract predefined information from unstructured text. The study showcases promising results with an example focussed on historical newspapers and highlights the effectiveness of LLMs in correcting errors in the parsed text and in accurately extracting specified information. By leveraging the capabilities of LLMs in these straightforward, instruction-based tasks, this research note demonstrates their potential to improve on the efficiency and accuracy of text analysis workflows. The ongoing development of LLMs and the emergence of robust open-source options underscores their increasing accessibility for both, the quantitative and qualitative, social sciences and other disciplines working with text data.
Associations of Concordant and Shared Lung Cancer Screening Decision Making with Decisional Conflict: A Multi-Institution Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Sullivan Donald R. , Golden Sara E. , Schweiger Liana , Melzer Anne C. , Datta Santanu , Davis James M. , Wiener Renda Soylemez , Slatore Christopher G.
Published: January 2025

Introduction. Many organizations recommend structured communication processes, including formal shared decision making (SDM), for patients undergoing lung cancer screening (LCS) using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). We sought to understand if concordant and shared LCS decision making was associated with decisional conflict. Methods. In this prospective, observational study, we enrolled patients from 3 medical centers (2 Veterans Health Administration, 1 academic facility) after a decision-making interaction about undergoing LCS but before receiving the LDCT. We included patients who indicated they accepted or declined to undergo the LDCT. We evaluated preferred and actual decision-making roles and used multivariable linear and logistic regression models to measure the association of concordant (congruence between actual and preferred roles) and shared LCS decision making with decisional conflict to report adjusted odds ratios (AOR). Results. Of the 409 participants with nonmissing information, 83% reported LCS decision-making role concordance. In addition, 223 (58%) reported an indeterminate level and 56 (14%) reported decisional conflict. LCS decision-making role concordance was not associated with decisional conflict (AOR = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38–1.94, P = 0.71) compared with role discordance. Participant-reported actual LCS SDM role was not associated with decisional conflict (AOR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.51–1.93, P = 0.98) compared with patient- or provider-controlled roles. Conclusions. LCS decisional conflict was uncommon, although many patients reported an indeterminate level of decisional conflict. Neither concordant nor shared LCS decision-making role was associated with decisional conflict. Clinicians may be unable to decrease LCS decisional conflict using efforts to enhance decision-making interactions.

Highlights

We evaluated patients’ preferred and actual decision-making role and decisional conflict following a decision-making interaction about lung cancer screening (LCS). Concordant decision-making preference was not associated with decisional conflict. Actual decision-making role was also not associated with decisional conflict. Efforts to enhance decision-making interactions may not decrease LCS decisional conflict.
An AHP and BEES model-based sustainability assessment of small-scale marble processing industries: Indian prospects
Authors: Sodha Dharmanshu Singh , Mali Harlal Singh , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: January 2025

Ornamental marble stone holds significant value as a natural resource and serves as a primary mineral within the mining and processing industries of Rajasthan (India). This industry is characterised by its longstanding production practices and increasing economic impact, placing it among many other conventional sectors. Small to medium-sized industries operate the majority of marble processing industries, and because of their high production levels and lack of monitoring of resource flow and energy consumption, these industries threaten the natural ecosystem and adversely affect human health. This study presents an energy consumption analysis of each transferring and cutting technique employed in the Indian state of Rajasthan’s marble ornamental stone processing industries. The energy consumption dataset utilised for the energy analysis was obtained through a survey conducted in four processing industries, and cross-validation of the information was performed from existing literature on stone industries. Life-cycle assessment was performed with gate-to-gate boundary conditions in which four environmental impacts, such as global warming potential, abiotic depletion potential, acidification potential and human toxicity potential, were calculated using the sustainability and life-cycle assessment tool GaBi®. Furthermore, the analytical hierarchy process was employed to evaluate and rank the various marble processing industries with sustainability indicators. The consolidated index was developed via manufacturing, economic and environmental score indicators, and the outcomes were compared with the analytical hierarchy process results for validation. The study also suggested feasible strategies to improve the processing plants’ overall effectiveness while reducing their environmental impact.
Meaningfulness in DIY/DIWO music making and learning: A duoethnographic exploration of a rock band and a high school choir
Authors: Smith Gareth Dylan , Lee Austina Frances
Published: January 2025

This article presents two authors’ duoethnographic exploration of meaningfulness in the do-it-yourself/do-it-with-others (DIY/DIWO) contexts of an independent rock band in the United Kingdom and a high school choir in the United States. The authors’ duoethnographic method also models a DIY/DIWO approach to scholarship, fostering a collaborative ethos founded in mutual trust and authentic connection. Meaningfulness is explored in relation to themes of fun, fulfillment, friendship and familiality, which are integral to the experiences and ethos of the musicians and scholars involved. This article concludes by suggesting ways in which the DIY/DIWO practices and contexts explored, might point to modes of engagement that can foster successful intimate, sustained relationships in arts, education and research.
Incidence and outcomes of neonatal group B streptococcal sepsis in Qatar-a multicentre study
Authors: Thyvilayil Sajid Salim , Vellamgot Anvar Paraparambil , Salameh Khalil , Kurunthattilthazhe Sudheer Babu , Elikkottil Abdurahiman , Dominguez Liliana Llerena , Banarjee Dhanya
Published: January 2025

Background

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the most common cause of neonatal early onset sepsis in term infants and a major cause of late onset sepsis in both term and preterm infants.

Aim

To estimate the incidence of GBSS among neonates born in Qatar between July 2015 and June 2020 (5 years). A secondary aim was to describe the outcomes of the affected babies.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective chart review of all neonates born during the study period was performed with the help of medical records departments of the four main maternity hospitals in Qatar, where > 90% of the births occurred.

Results

From 123,878 live births, 113 babies grew GBS in blood culture, during the first 90 days. 72 cases of early-onset GBS sepsis (EOGBSS) and 41 cases of late-onset GBS sepsis (LOGBSS) were identified. The estimated incidence of EOGBSS and LOGBSS were 0.58/1000 live births (95% CI 0.46- 0.73) and 0.33/1000 live births (95% CI 0.24- 0.45) respectively. The overall mortality was 7%, and the chart review identified severe neurodisability among at least 11% of survivors.

Conclusion

The incidences of EOGBSS and LOGBSS in Qatar are 0.58/1000 live births (LB) and 0.33/1000 LB, respectively. The relatively high incidence of EOGBSS probably reflects the high rate of carrier state among pregnant mothers. We did not observe any significant change in incidence after introducing the universal maternal screening for GBS. The overall mortality was similar to previously published data. Further prospective studies are recommended.
Impact of psychotropic pro re nata prescription-monitoring programme on prescriptions for inpatients with psychiatric disorders: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Saito Yoshitaka , Sumida Kyohei , Muraoka Hiroyuki , Oishi Satoru , Suzuki Ryutaro , Nishikawa Taiyo , Miyake Shin , Tanno Yukihiro , Tobita Yuki , Otori Katsuya , Inada Ken
Published: January 2025

Background

Pro re nata (PRN) medication is used “as needed” for symptoms such as agitation and insomnia, in addition to regular daily pharmacotherapy of mental disorders. However, there is no high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of psychotropic PRN medications and concerns have been raised about their potential to contribute to polypharmacy. This study introduced a psychotropic PRN prescription-monitoring programme for psychiatric inpatients with the aim of examining the change before and after the implementation of the programme.

Method

This study included 389 patients admitted to the psychiatric department between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2023. The psychotropic PRN prescription-monitoring programme was implemented in July 2022, and the participants were classified into monitoring and non-monitoring groups. Demographic data (age, sex, and diagnosis), regular prescriptions before admission and at discharge, psychotropic PRN prescriptions before admission and at discharge, and the total number of psychotropic PRN prescriptions during hospitalisation were compared between the two groups. Data on psychotropic prescription were collected by psychotropic category. The significance level of 5% was set at 1.67 × 10−3 using the Bonferroni correction for multiple testing.

Results

The psychotropic PRN prescription ratio at discharge in the monitoring group was 9.3%, which was significantly lower than the 28.1% in the non-monitoring group. The percentage of patients with a PRN prescription during hospitalisation in the monitoring group was 29.8%, which was significantly lower than the 64.5% in the non-monitoring group. In the non-monitoring group, there was no statistically significant difference in the number of psychotropic drugs prescribed regularly before and after admission. However, in the monitoring group, the number of psychotropic drugs in the regular prescriptions at discharge was 1.87 ± 1.24, which was significantly lower than 2.47 ± 1.90 in the regular prescription before admission.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a psychotropic PRN prescription-monitoring programme may contribute to the elimination of polypharmacy, including regular prescriptions. Further research is required to optimise psychotropic PRN prescriptions and reduce polypharmacy.