bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlations between General Joint Hypermobility and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and Injury in Contemporary Dance Students
Authors: Ruemper Alia , Watkins Katherine
Published: May 2023

The first objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of general joint hypermobility (GJH) and joint hyper-mobility syndrome (JHS) in BA Dance Theatre 1st and 3rd year students at a contemporary dance conservatory. The second objective was to determine the statistical correlation between GJH, JHS, and injury in this population. A total of 85 (female, Ν = 78; male, Ν = 7) contemporary dance students participated in the study. The Beighton score (with a forward flexion test modification) was used to determine GJH, and the Brighton criteria were used to verify JHS. Participants completed a self-reported injury questionnaire that included type of injury (physical complaint, medical diagnosis, or time-loss) and injury frequency. Statistical analysis (Pearson correlation) was used to correlate GJH, JHS, and frequency-of-injury scores. Overall, 69% of the students were found to have GJH, and 33% had JHS. A statistical correlation of r = + 0.331 (p < 0.01) was found between JHS and injury. No significant correlation was found between GJH and injury. This is the first study to look at these correlations in contemporary dance students and suggests that screening programs should include the Brighton criteria to identify JHS in these dancers. Subsequent injury tracking and injury prevention programs would then provide data for further research in this area.
The Effect of a Conditioning and Alignment Program on the Measurement of Supine Jump Height and Pelvic Alignment When Using the Current Concepts Reformer
Authors: McLain Susan , Carter Charles L. , Abel Jennifer
Published: May 2023

The response of supine jump height and pelvic alignment to a conditioning and alignment program using the Current Concepts Reformer is evaluated. A total of 24 subjects (first and second year dance students at California State University, Long Beach) participated in the study; 14 in the experimental group received 8 weeks of Reformer instruction and 10 in the control group received no Reformer instruction. The two variables assessed were jump height from a supine position on the Reformer and the maintenance of pelvic alignment while executing jumps in a standing position. A significant improvement was found in jump height for each group, however, there was no significant difference in the amount of improvement between the groups; the experimental group had a p-value of 0.0016 and the control group had a p-value of 0.0008. Differences in alignment between groups were found in 3 of 8 pelvic alignment assessment questions as determined by independent observers. An average change in mean score toward the poor alignment grade was found in the experimental group (0.71 ± 0.61). A very slight shift toward the excellent alignment grade was found in the control group (0.06 ± 0.58; 0.11 ± 0.42; 0.22 ± 0.51). Inter-observer reliability was determined for each of the pelvic alignment assessment questions and a p-value of 0.05 was obtained for one of the eight assessment questions using the Spearman Rank Order Correlation. A correlation between pelvic alignment and jump height was unable to be determined.
Measuring Functional Range of Motion in Ballet Dancers’ Hips
Authors: Martin Suzanne C. , Marquez Felix A. , Ordonio Margie A. , Allen Diane D.
Published: May 2023

In this pilot study, values for functional range of motion (FROM) at the hip were assessed for six female elite ballet dancers ranging from 18 to 30 years of age. The feasibility of the MOM© method of hip FROM goniometric assessment was determined so that it might be used to create normative tables of FROM for this population. Results indicate that four out of five end-positions were found to be reliably reproducible, and reliability across the three investigators was within clinically accepted values for four out of five end positions. A preliminary normative hip FROM table was generated that revealed both high and low FROM values within as well as across dancers.
HipBone: A performance-portable graphics processing unit-accelerated C++ version of the NekBone benchmark
Authors: Chalmers Noel , Mishra Abhishek , McDougall Damon , Warburton Tim
Published: May 2023

We present hipBone, an open-source performance-portable proxy application for the Nek5000 (and NekRS) computational fluid dynamics applications. HipBone is a fully GPU-accelerated C++ implementation of the original NekBone CPU proxy application with several novel algorithmic and implementation improvements which optimize its performance on modern fine-grain parallel GPU accelerators. Our optimizations include a conversion to store the degrees of freedom of the problem in assembled form in order to reduce the amount of data moved during the main iteration and a portable implementation of the main Poisson operator kernel. We demonstrate near-roofline performance of the operator kernel on three different modern GPU accelerators from two different vendors. We present a novel algorithm for splitting the application of the Poisson operator on GPUs which aggressively hides MPI communication required for both halo exchange and assembly. Our implementation of nearest-neighbor MPI communication then leverages several different routing algorithms and GPU-Direct RDMA capabilities, when available, which improves scalability of the benchmark. We demonstrate the performance of hipBone on three different clusters housed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, namely, the Summit supercomputer and the Frontier early-access clusters, Spock and Crusher. Our tests demonstrate both portability across different clusters and very good scaling efficiency, especially on large problems.
Examining thermal comfort levels and ASHRAE Standard-55 applicability: A case study of free-running classrooms in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Mustapha Tajudeen Dele , Hassan Ahmad Sanusi , Khozaei Fatemeh , Onubi Hilary Omatule
Published: May 2023

Most thermal comfort research has traditionally focused on office and commercial buildings as opposed to educational facilities. Due to the high population density in schools and the undesirable impact an unsuitable thermal setting can have on performance, teaching and learning, providing thermal comfort in school facilities is crucial. Considering the above information, this study aims to collect empirical data from secondary schools in Abuja’s hot and dry climate to evaluate thermal comfort settings for students in naturally ventilated classrooms and the applicability of ASHRAE Standard-55 in the area. To achieve this, field investigations were conducted in free-running classrooms from four secondary schools. The study involved 1448 students drawn from 41 classrooms. Data collection involved measuring classroom thermal comfort variables and respondent survey, simultaneously performed while students were learning in the classroom. Findings revealed none of the studied classrooms’ thermal conditions met the ASHRAE Standard-55 comfort range. However, 44% of students felt comfortable. The study indicated a regression-neutral temperature of 28.8°C and a ‘comfort temperature’ range of 26 to 31°C. The findings of this research could form the foundation data for a local thermal comfort standard. However, the prior thermal experiences of respondents were not investigated in this study.
Simulation study of active vibration control of planetary gear: Theoretical and numerical analysis using pole placement
Authors: Olanipekun Kolade Abiola , Rustighi Emiliano , Ferguson Neil
Published: May 2023

This paper presents analytical and numerical studies on the active assignment of poles to a planetary gear system for vibration control in order to avoid resonance. This involves feeding back the displacement and velocity to add active stiffness and damping, respectively. A rotating frame of reference has been adopted in order to describe the dynamics over a broad range of rotational speed. As an illustration, the closed loop poles were assigned to the translational directions of the sun gear first and thereafter the carrier. This can be achieved by placing the actuators on the outer race of their bearings mounted onto their shafts. The controller was designed such that the closed loop poles can be assigned considering the rotational speed. In this way, it is possible to apply a robust pole-placement that is insensitive to the rotational speed. Numerical examples, where sensors and actuators were collocated, are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the method when applied to a physical system. The results shows that the active control force and power required for the system, when rotating, can be determined using a rotating frame of reference and transformed for practical implementation. In addition, the same conjugate poles were assigned to the carrier and sun gear and the optimal place to apply control forces was discovered. This depends upon the control power required to shift the poles from one location to another. The results show that more control power will be required to shift the poles of the system when poles were assigned to the sun gear, where higher active bearing stiffness was required. Therefore, the optimal place to assign poles in this case is the carrier due to lower control power required to shift the system poles.
WeDesign: Conceptualizing a process that invites young children to codesign inclusive learning spaces
Authors: Gupta Sarika S , Nagasawa Mark
Published: May 2023

The environment shapes the foundation of healthy development and learning. The aim of this colloquium is to share the authors’ recent research efforts to center children as necessary codesign partners in their built learning environments. To do this, the authors believe that it is important to reposition preschool inclusion as a bottom-up, or micro-driven, practice that begins with the child. This ecological shift acknowledges children as able-bodied, dynamic individuals who move in multiple ways and can contribute to decision-making conversations.
Afghan immigrants in Western Australia: Divisions within the community and integration within the society
Authors: Rezaei Omid , Banham Vicki , Adibi Hossein
Published: May 2023

The integration process for immigrants is a multi-dimensional concept, influenced by a wide range of structural and individual factors, including social connections that immigrants make in the host society. An important part of this social connection can be developed with other co-nation immigrants within the immigrant community. However, this sometimes can be challenging due to the divisions that might exist within communities. Drawing on data with a mixed-method design, this study focuses on the Afghan community in Western Australia to understand, firstly, the relationship between Afghan immigrants’ social connections within their community and successful integration within Australian society, and secondly the causes of divisions and challenges within the community. To do this, the Immigration Policy Lab (IPL) Integration Index was used to measure the level of integration among 115 Afghan participants in the quantitative phase, with 18 interviews and two focus groups conducted in the qualitative phase, to understand Afghan experiences of divisions within their community. Findings show that there is a correlation between Afghans’ social connections within their community and the four dimensions of economic, social, linguistic, and navigational integration. Qualitative findings also showed the details of the challenges that Afghans face within their community due to ethnic/regional divisions as well as the challenges women face in the community.
Academics’ perspectives of the purpose and enactment of accreditation of health professions programs in Australia: Using Yanow’s interpretive policy approach
Authors: Meiklejohn Sarah J , Morphet Julia , Lee Kristal , Baird Marilyn , Hodgson Wayne , Palermo Claire E , Coffey Brian
Published: May 2023

This article offers a critical exploration of the espoused purpose and implementation of accreditation of health professions programs in Australia from the perspectives of academics at an Australian university. It examines enactment of accreditation in supporting the development of work-ready graduates through outcome-based education. By drawing upon Yanow’s interpretive policy approach, this qualitative study identifies similarities in perceptions of accreditation across health professions and draws attention to key tensions that must be addressed in the pursuit of outcome-based education. Concerns related to the inflexibility of accreditors, time and administrative requirements, and processes for educational review and innovation are highlighted. The article concludes by offering suggestions for changing accreditation practices to ensure future-focused work-ready graduates.
A review of the role of intermittent fasting in the management of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Lavallee Celeste M. , Bruno Andreina , Ma Christopher , Raman Maitreyi
Published: May 2023

Intermittent fasting (IF) may be a weight management strategy for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this short narrative review is to summarize the evidence related to IF in the management of IBD. A literature search of English publications related to IF or time-restricted feeding and IBD, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. Four publications on studies of IF in IBD were found: three randomized controlled trials in animal models of colitis and one prospective observational study in patients with IBD. The results from animal studies suggest either moderate or no changes in weight but improvements in colitis with IF. These improvements may be mediated through changes in the gut microbiome, decreased oxidative stress and increased colonic short-chain fatty acids. The study in humans was small and uncontrolled, and it did not assess changes in weight, making it difficult to draw conclusions around the effects of IF on changes in weight or disease course. Given that preclinical evidence suggests intermittent fasting may play a beneficial role in IBD, randomized controlled trials in large patients with active disease are warranted to determine whether intermittent fasting could be an integrated therapy for patients with IBD management, either for weight or for disease management. These studies should also explore the potential mechanisms of action related to intermittent fasting.
Long-term outcomes of vedolizumab in inflammatory bowel disease: the Swedish prospective multicentre SVEAH extension study
Authors: Visuri Isabella , Eriksson Carl , Karlqvist Sara , Lykiardopoulos Byron , Karlén Per , Grip Olof , Söderman Charlotte , Almer Sven , Hertervig Erik , Marsal Jan , Malmgren Carolina , Delin Jenny , Strid Hans , Sjöberg Mats , Bergemalm Daniel , Hjortswang Henrik , Halfvarson Jonas
Published: May 2023

Background:

Real-world data on long-term outcomes of vedolizumab (VDZ) are scarce.

Objective:

To assess long-term outcomes (up to 3 years) of VDZ in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Design:

A nationwide, prospective multicentre extension of a Swedish observational study on VDZ assessing Effectiveness And Healthcare resource utilization in patients with IBD (SVEAH).

Methods:

After re-consent, data of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) ( n = 68) and ulcerative colitis (UC) ( n = 46) treated with VDZ were prospectively recorded using an electronic case report form integrated with the Swedish IBD Register (SWIBREG). The primary outcome was clinical remission (defined as Harvey–Bradshaw Index ⩽4 in CD and partial Mayo score ⩽2 in UC) at 104 and 156 weeks in patients with a response and/or remission 12 weeks after starting VDZ. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and biochemical outcomes.

Results:

VDZ continuation rates were high at weeks 104 and 156, 88% and 84%, respectively, for CD and 87% and 78%, respectively, for UC. Of the 53 CD patients with a response/remission at 12 weeks, 40 (75%) patients were in remission at 104 weeks and 42 (79%) patients at 156 weeks. For UC, these numbers were 25/31 (81%) and 22/31 (71%), respectively. Improvements were seen in the Short Health Scale ( p < 0.01 for each dimension; CD, n = 51; UC, n = 33) and the EuroQol 5-Dimensions, 5-levels index value ( p < 0.01; CD, n = 39; UC, n = 30). Median plasma-C-reactive protein concentrations (mg/L) decreased from 5 at baseline to 4 in CD ( p = 0.01, n = 53) and from 5 to 4 in UC ( p = 0.03, n = 34) at 156 weeks. Correspondingly, median faecal-calprotectin (µg/g) decreased from 641 to 114 in CD patients ( p < 0.01, n = 26) and from 387 to 37 in UC patients ( p = 0.02, n = 17).

Conclusion:

VDZ demonstrated high continuation rates and was associated with improvements in clinical outcomes, HRQoL measures and inflammatory markers at 2 and 3 years after treatment initiation in this prospective national SVEAH extension study.

Registration:

ENCePP registration number: EUPAS22735.
Antidiarrheal Properties of the Combination of Tannin Albuminate and Ethacridine Lactate - A Narrative Review
Authors: Salama-Müller Andera , Roese Nadine
Published: May 2023

Objective

To review the efficacy and safety of tannin albuminate and ethacridine lactate monohydrate in the treatment and prevention of diarrhea.

Design

Narrative review. Data sources: A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and Embase from inception to September 2022. The search was restricted to English and German language publications. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: Randomized controlled trials, non-interventional studies, and meta-analyses assessing tannin and/or ethacridine for the treatment or prevention of diarrhea.

Results

Of 366 titles identified, a total of 13 studies were included in this review. Five randomized controlled trials and four noninterventional trials demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the fixed combination of tannin albuminate and ethacridine lactate monohydrate in treating acute diarrhea and preventing traveler's diarrhea. The fixed combination reduced acute diarrhea duration by improving stool frequency, consistency, and weight and reduced the risk of traveler's diarrhea. Two pilot studies indicate efficacy in chronic diarrhea. Safety and tolerability were very good in all included studies. Two meta-analyses investigated the efficacy of gelatin tannate in children with acute gastroenteritis.

Conclusion

The efficacy and safety of tannin albuminate and ethacridine lactate monohydrate for the treatment of acute diarrhea and the prevention of traveler's diarrhea are proven in randomized controlled trials. Several noninterventional studies substantiate the real-world effectiveness and tolerability of the fixed combination. Both active ingredients combine antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, mucosal protection, and spasmolytic properties. However, existing clinical data should be updated with larger, well-designed, placebo-controlled trials in adult and pediatric patient populations.
Lower Extremity Considerations in the Pregnant Patient
Authors: Black Alexandra T. , Yancovitz Sara , Rouse Angela , Logan Daniel
Published: May 2023

There remains a paucity of literature on musculoskeletal dysfunction, biomechanics, and pathologies of the lower extremity during pregnancy. There are a multitude of physiologic changes that affect a large percentage of patients throughout pregnancy. Podiatric pathologies observed during gestation can be debilitating for this population, ranging from musculoskeletal and biomechanical causes to traumatic injuries and thromboembolic events. This literature review aims to provide an updated review of lower extremity considerations during pregnancy. The authors seek to provide guidance to clinicians based on a review of the available evidence today, and we aim to address deficiencies in research involving the pregnant population.

Levels of Evidence: Level V
Hamstring Stiffness and Strength Responses to Repeated Sprints in Healthy Nonathletes and Soccer Players With Versus Without Previous Injury
Authors: Freitas Sandro R. , Radaelli Régis , Oliveira Raúl , Vaz João R.
Published: May 2023

Background:

The effect of 10 × 30 m repeated sprints on passive and active stiffness of semitendinosus (ST) and biceps femoris long head (BFlh), and knee flexor maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and rate of force development (RFD), and whether athletes with previous hamstring injury have a different response, is unknown.

Hypothesis:

Repeated sprints would (1) increase BFlh stiffness and decrease ST stiffness and knee flexors MVIC and RFD in healthy participants; and (2) greater magnitude of response would be seen in athletes with previous hamstring injury.

Study Design:

Case series (experiment I) and case control (experiment II) study designs.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Healthy nonathletes attended 2 replicated sessions (experiment I, n = 18), while soccer players with (n = 38) and without (n = 67) previous hamstring injury attended 1 testing session (experiment II).

Results:

In both experiments, the knee flexors MVIC and RFD decreased after the sprints ( P < 0.05). In experiment I, the ST and BFlh passive stiffness reduced after the sprints ( P < 0.02), while a small BFlh active stiffness increase was noted ( P = 0.02); however, no correlation was observed between the 2 testing sessions for the postsprint muscle stiffness responses ( r = -0.07-0.44; P > 0.07). In experiment II, only an ST passive stiffness reduction was observed after the sprints ( P < 0.01). No differences were noted between injured and noninjured lower limbs for any variable ( P > 0.10).

Conclusion:

Repeated sprints are likely to decrease the knee flexor’s maximal and rapid strength, and to alter the hamstring stiffness in the nonathlete population. Previous hamstring injury does not apparently affect the footballer’s hamstring functional and mechanical responses to repeated sprints.

Clinical Relevance:

The responses of hamstring stiffness and knee flexor strength to repeated sprints are unlikely to be associated with hamstring injury.
Seeds beneath the snow: Lefebvre, autogestion, and ecological questions
Authors: Biagi Francesco
Published: May 2023

This commentary engages with Napoletano et al.'s (2023) analysis of the relationship between society, nature, and ‘autogestion’ in the work of Henri Lefebvre. I present some reflections on what kind of relationship between humans and nature is envisioned with respect to political and social forms of governance after the advent of metabolic rift and, with Lefebvre, what kind of ‘autogestion’ regime can be imagined to begin to solve the ecological question.
Finding place in extremes
Authors: Squire Rachael
Published: May 2023

This commentary calls for a human geography that is more attentive to the complexities of making sense of place in extreme and troubling times. It explores how place is produced, navigated, and, importantly, enclosed in a time of climate crisis. It argues that, in particular contexts, very ordinary, mundane, even boring emotions and affective registers might animate this process, grounding future thinking within the present moment. It then turns to think through how such conditions are being produced and manufactured through extraordinary enclosures and analogue spaces.
Relationship satisfaction and psychological wellbeing in men having participated in the MindTheHeart® psychoeducation intervention after an acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Barriault Sophie , Jbilou Jalila , Charbonneau Andréanne , Greenman Paul Samuel , Grenier Jean , Chomienne Marie-Hélène
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the associations of relationship satisfaction, depression, and anxiety post-acute coronary syndrome in a sample of men having completed an early, couple-focused, and men-tailored psychoeducation intervention. A baseline sample of 50 male patients were followed over a 12-month period and completed the Couples Satisfaction Index and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Results revealed a significant improvement in depression symptoms from T0 to T1, during which all participants completed the MindTheHeart® psychoeducation intervention. In addition, a hierarchical regression analysis showed that relationship satisfaction is an important predictor of this improvement in depression symptoms. Our preliminary findings point to the consideration of life partners in post-ACS interventions and encourage the exploration of this clinical approach in future research.
Word Retrieval After the 80s: Evidence From Specific and Multiple Words Naming Tasks
Authors: Rojas Carlos , Riffo Bernardo , Guerra Ernesto
Published: May 2023

Older adults show a progressive cognitive decline, and although language processing appears to resist advancing age, studies in word retrieval report that elders show important difficulties. Previous research reports that such failures increase from age 70 years, which suggests that during the fourth age word retrieval would exhibit even stronger constraints. At the same time, extant evidence suggests that only retrieval of a specific word might decline in advanced aging, and not the recovery of multiple pieces associated with a given semantic category. However, those studies did not explicitly assess these phenomena in a group of older adults in their fourth age, and thus cannot be considered conclusive with regards to this particular group. In the present study, we examined word retrieval in three distinctive advanced age groups (60–69, 70–79, and 80+ years) in two production tasks: a picture naming task, and a lexical availability task. We compared the fourth-age group against the other two third-age group in their reaction time (RT) and accuracy as well as, on the lexical availability index (LAI) and total words retrieved in a lexical availability task. Fourth-age group exhibited longer RT in the picture naming task, yet a high level of accuracy. They also showed a reduced number of retrieved words, as well as, a reduced LAI, relative to the control groups. We discuss our results in the context of the decline of fluid intelligence, and the information transmission deficits hypothesis.
“You Don’t Have to Share Everything, You Know”: College Students’ Decisions to Withhold Information From Parents
Authors: Fletcher Anne C. , Alligood Brittany N. , Chacon-Villalobos Melissa
Published: May 2023

American college students ( N = 61) participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews focused on identifying topics students avoided discussing with their parents and reasons for avoiding these discussions. Interviews were transcribed and data analyzed using a cross-case, variable-oriented approach. Students discussed avoiding seven topics in conversations with parents. In order of frequency these were: Romantic Relationships and Sex; Physical and Mental Well-Being; School Decisions and Grades; Friends; Parties, Alcohol and Drug Use; Family Matters; and Personal Beliefs and Lifestyle Choices. Reasons for avoiding discussions with parents yielded four distinct parent-student relationship types: Appropriate Boundaries (43%), Guarding Privacy (30%), Protective of Parents (15%), and Disconnected (13%). Avoided topics associated with these relationship types and the ways in which students in these relationship types reflected on avoidance of topics with parents suggested distinct ways in which students negotiated components of autonomy development during the college years.
Political Participation of Gaddi Tribe of Himachal Pradesh in State Politics
Authors: Nehria Shivanshi , Ghosh Abhik
Published: May 2023

This article is an ethnographic examination of the participation of Gaddis of Himachal Pradesh in state politics. Traditionally, they followed pastoral nomadism, but now the trend has changed. Gaddis today prefer government and private sector jobs. However, Gaddis were also trying to make a career in politics. Many had registered their names in state politics with their enthusiastic involvement. After Independence, only the Gaddis from the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh were notified as Scheduled Tribes. But with their active involvement in politics, in 2002, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders from Dharamshala and Baijnath appealed for scheduled caste status to the rest of the Gaddis living in Himachal Pradesh who were classified under other backward classes. All the Gaddis from different areas were re-notified as Scheduled Tribes and given rights with regard to aid, education and jobs in January 2003. They had been facing discrimination among other communities due to their occupation and lifestyle but with the passage of time, Gaddis tried to maintain their identity among other communities by actively participating in politics and showing their presence to others. The aim of the study was to explore how the Gaddis were ensuring their political identity through their support of cultural identities and relation within and outside their tribe.
Evolution of Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations and Criteria for Decision Making in 5 Western European Countries and the United States
Authors: Noharet-Koenig Roxane , Lasota Katarzyna , Faivre Pascaline , Langevin Edith
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Pneumococcal vaccine recommendations have become increasingly complex. This study aims to understand how national immunization technical advisory groups (NITAGs) and health technology assessment (HTA) agencies of 5 European countries and the United States formed their pneumococcal vaccine recommendations, by providing reviewed evidence and key drivers for new recommendations.

Methods

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and National Health Authorities Web sites were screened to capture the evolution of pneumococcal recommendations. A narrative review was conducted on NITAGs and HTA bodies’ Web sites. Assessments of pneumococcal vaccines published from 2009 to 2022 were included.

Results

Thirty-four records were identified including 21 assessments for risk groups, 17 for elderly, and 12 for children. Burden of disease and vaccine characteristics were almost systematically reviewed during assessments. All 6 countries recommended the use of higher-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV; i.e., PCV10 and PCV13) in childhood vaccination programs, given their broader serotype coverage and their comparable profile to PCV7. PCV13 was progressively added to the vaccine schedule (in addition to polysaccharide vaccine) in at least the high-risk group, given the high burden in this population and expected additional benefits of PCV13. For the elderly, unlike the United States, European countries issued negative recommendation for PCV13 routine use because of substantial herd effects from childhood vaccination program making PCV13 likely not cost-effective.

Conclusions

This research provides an overview of decision-making processes for higher-valent PCVs recommendations and could be of interest to anticipate the place of next generation of PCVs in the vaccination landscape.

Highlights

By describing evidence-based criteria for decision making, this study emphasizes the framework analysis of NITAGs and HTA bodies when assessing pneumococcal vaccines and demonstrates that variation exists between countries and also according to population evaluated. While the burden of disease and immunogenicity/efficacy data were almost systematically reviewed by national stakeholders, economic assessments were reported to a lesser extent but played a major role in the limited use of PCV13 in the adult population.
Automatic ply detection and finite element model generation for composite laminates
Authors: Lau Pok Lam Marvin , Belnoue Jonathan P-H , Hallett Stephen R
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a novel methodology to detect and isolate individual ply information contained within a relatively low-resolution cross-section image of thick composite laminate specimens. The proposed method can process laminate sample images and construct detailed geometric models in a fast and automated manner with minimal user interaction. The finite element models can be used directly for structural and strength simulations to analyse the effect of waviness defects. The algorithm processes the greyscale sample image and splits it into multiple slices. The initial starting points for each ply were identified by analysing the pixel brightness of the image. The pixel brightness variation was used to identify the different plies in all image slices and a list of possible ply centreline coordinate is generated. The ply centreline points are grouped and connected by selecting the points with minimal distance to the previous one in the ply. A finite element mesh is created for each ply by creating a boundary at the midpoint between two adjacent plies. The geometric information of the isolated plies is then used to create structured finite element models using an in-house meshing algorithm.
Program Management Within Digital Transformation: The Emerging Importance Of Technology Architecture, Product Management, and Human Capital Transformation
Authors: Gemino Andrew , Reich Blaize Horner
Published: May 2023

Organizations invest in digital transformation (DT) programs to digitize, digitalize, and integrate products, processes, services, and data. This research explores the management disciplines, both accepted and emerging, underlying program management in the context of DT. Case analyses from two DT programs explore program management elements. Findings suggest strong support for the existing program disciplines of governance, benefits management, and change management. Three disciplinary elements also emerged—aligning multiple digital architectures, developing product management capabilities, and transforming human capital in low-code environments. Research into DT programs has much to contribute to our understanding of program management and successful DT initiatives.
Risk prediction for dermatomyositis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xusheng , Ma Yongxin , Liu Kejun , Chen Long , Ding Lin , Ma Weihu , Chen Bendong
Published: May 2023

Objective

To explore dermatomyositis signature genes as potential biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma and their associated molecular regulatory mechanisms.

Methods

Based on the mRNA-Seq data of dermatomyositis and hepatocellular carcinoma in public databases, five dermatomyositis signature genes were screened by LASSO regression analysis and support vector machine (SVM) algorithm, and their biological functions in dermatomyositis with hepatocellular carcinoma were investigated, and a nomogram risk prediction model for hepatocellular carcinoma was constructed and its predictive efficiency was initially evaluated. The immune profile in hepatocellular carcinoma was examined based on the CIBERSORT and ssGSEA algorithms, and the correlation between five dermatomyositis signature genes and tumor immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints in hepatocellular carcinoma was investigated.

Results

The expression levels of five dermatomyositis signature genes were significantly altered in hepatocellular carcinoma and showed good diagnostic efficacy for hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting that they may be potential predictive targets for hepatocellular carcinoma, and the risk prediction model based on five dermatomyositis signature genes showed good risk prediction efficacy for hepatocellular carcinoma and has good potential for clinical application. In addition, we also found that the upregulation of SPP1 expression may activate the PI3K/ART signaling pathway through integrin-mediated activation, which in turn regulates the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusion

LY6E, IFITM1, GADD45A, MT1M, and SPP1 are potential predictive targets for new-onset hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with dermatomyositis, and the upregulation of SPP1 expression may activate the PI3K/ART signaling pathway through the mediation of integrins to promote the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Shifting the narrative from living at risk to living with risk: validating and pilot-testing a clinical decision support tool: a mixed methods study
Authors: MacLeod Heather , Veillette Nathalie , Klein Jennifer , Delli-Colli Nathalie , Egan Mary , Giroux Dominique , Kergoat Marie-Jeanne , Gingrich Shaen , Provencher Véronique
Published: May 2023

Background

When there are safety concerns, healthcare professionals (HCPs) may disregard older adults’ wishes to return or remain at home. A paradigm shift is needed for HCPs to move from labelling older adults as living at risk to helping them live with risk. The Living with Risk: Decision Support Tool (LwR:DST) was developed to support older adults and HCPs with difficult decision-making regarding living with risk. The study objectives were to: (1) validate, and (2) pilot-test the LwR:DST in hospital and community settings.

Methods

The study was conducted across Canada during the pandemic. The LwR:DST’s content was validated with quantitative and qualitative data by: (1) 71 HCPs from hospital and community settings using the Delphi method, and (2) 17 older adults and caregivers using focus groups. HCPs provided feedback on the LwR:DST’s content, format and instruction manual while older adults provided feedback on the LwR:DST’s communication step. The revised LwR:DST was pilot-tested by 14 HCPs in one hospital and one community setting, and 17 older adults and caregivers described their experience of HCPs using this approach with them. Descriptive and thematic analysis were performed.

Results

The LwR:DST underwent two iterations incorporating qualitative and quantitative data provided by HCPs, older adults and caregivers. The quantitative Delphi method data validated the content and the process of the LwR:DST, while the qualitative data provided practical improvements. The pilot-testing results suggest that using the LwR:DST broadens HCPs’ clinical thinking, structures their decision-making, improves their communication and increases their competence and comfort with risk assessment and management. Our findings also suggest that the LwR:DST improves older adults’ healthcare experience by feeling heard, understood and involved.

Conclusions

This revised LwR:DST should help HCPs systematically identify frail older adults’ risks when they remain at or return home and find acceptable ways to mitigate these risks. The LwR:DST induces a paradigm shift by acknowledging that risks are inherent in everyday living and that risk-taking has positive and negative consequences. The challenges involved in integrating the LwR:DST into practice, i.e., when, how and with whom to use it, will be addressed in future research.
Extracellular status of thrombospondin-2 in type 2 diabetes mellitus and utility as a biomarker in the determination of early diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Lin Zhenzhen , Zhang Didong , Zhang Xinxin , Guo Wanxie , Wang Wenjun , Zhang Yingchao , Liu Zhen , Bi Yanxue , Wu Maolan , Lin Zhuofeng , Lu Xuemian
Published: May 2023

Objective

Thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) is a multifunctional matricellular glycoprotein correlated with glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Investigation of the association of TSP-2 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the potential diagnostic value of serum TSP-2 for detecting early diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is needed.

Research design and methods

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for detection serum TSP-2 levels in 494 Chinese T2DM subjects. The protein expression of TSP-2 in the kidney and other tissues were tested by western blotting.

Results

Serum TSP-2 levels in T2DM subjects were significantly higher than in healthy individuals. Serum TSP-2 correlated positively with triglycerides, serum uric acid, creatinine, platelets, and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), but negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate, after adjusting for age, sex, and T2DM duration. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated an independent association between serum TSP-2 and early DKD. Furthermore, the high UACR identified at risk of early DKD increased significantly from 0.78 (95%CI 0.73–0.83) to 0.82 (95%CI 0.77–0.86, p < 0.001) when added to a clinical model consisting of TSP-2 and age. In db/db mice, serum TSP-2 levels were elevated. TSP-2 expression was markedly increased in the kidney tissue compared with that in db/m and m/m mice. Furthermore, serum TSP-2 expression correlated well with UACR in mice.

Conclusions

TSP-2 is a novel glycoprotein associated with early DKD in patients with T2DM. The paradoxical increase of serum TSP-2 in T2DM individuals may be due to a compensatory response to chronic inflammatory and renal vascular endothelial growth, warranting further investigation.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy outcomes of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depression in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Jinli , Zheng Xiaohui , Zhao Zhenying
Published: May 2023

Background

Depressive symptoms are the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, despite being common, no definite consensus recommendations exist for the management of depression in AD.

Objective

To assess the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on the alleviation of depressive symptoms in patients with AD.

Material and methods

Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PsychINFO were electronically searched from inception until October 2022. Response to therapy and mean depression scores between the treatment (or before) and placebo (or after) groups were the primary outcomes. For depression scores, the standard mean deviation and accompanying 95% confidence interval were determined. The risk of bias was determined using the funnel plot, trim and fill, Egger’s and Begg’s analyses.

Results

SSRIs attenuated depressive symptoms in patients with AD (0.905 SMD, 95%CI, 0.689 to 1.121, p < 0.000). At individual SSRI level, escitalopram, paroxetine, and sertraline significantly alleviated depressive symptoms in AD patients (0.813 SMD, 95%CI, 0.207 to 1.419, p = 0.009, 1.244 SMD, 95%CI, 0.939 to 1.548, p < 0.000, and 0.818 SMD, 95%CI, 0.274 to 1.362, p < 0.000). The funnel plot, trim and fill, Begg’s test (p = 0.052), and Egger’s test (p = 0.148), showed no significant risk of publication bias.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis supports the use of SSRIs for the alleviation of depression in patients with AD. However, we recommend larger randomized clinical trials that would compare the efficacy of different SSRIs in AD patients with depression.
Hsp90 is a potential risk factor for ovarian cancer prognosis: an evidence of a Chinese clinical center
Authors: Duan Cancan , Li KuoKuo , Pan Xiaohua , Wei Zhaolian , Xiao Lan
Published: May 2023

Background

The potential treatment effects of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors in ovarian cancer (OC) are controversial. This research aims to investigate the relationship between the level of Hsp90 in peripheral blood and the prognosis of OC patients, as well as the clinicopathological indicators.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively collected the clinicopathological indicators of OC patients who were admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from 2017 to 2022. Hsp90 level in patient blood was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the correlation between Hsp90 level and OC prognosis was systematically investigated. Kaplan–Meier method was used to draw the survival curve, and the average survival time and survival rate were calculated. The log-rank test and Cox model were used for univariate survival analysis, and the Cox proportional hazards model was applied for multivariate survival analysis. Based on the TCGA dataset of OC obtained by cBioPortal, Pearson’s correlation coefficients between Hsp90 level values and other mRNA expression values were calculated to further conduct bioinformatics analysis. GSEA and GSVA analysis were also conducted for gene functional enrichment. The expression of Hsp90 in OC tissues were evaluated and compared by Immunohistochemical staining.

Results

According to the established screening criteria, 106 patients were selected. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that 50.94% OC patients with abnormal Hsp90 level. According to the outcome of Kaplan–Meier curves, the results revealed that the abnormal level of Hsp90 was suggested to poor prognosis (P = 0.001) of OC patients. Furthermore, the result of multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis also predicted that abnormal Hsp90 level (HR = 2.838, 95%CI = 1.139–7.069, P = 0.025) was linked to poor prognosis, which could be an independent prognostic factor for the prognosis of OC patients. Moreover, top 100 genes screened by Pearson’s value associated with Hsp90, indicating that Hsp90 participated in the regulation of ATF5 target genes, PRAGC1A target genes and BANP target genes and also enriched in the metabolic processes of cell response to DNA damage stimulus, response to heat and protein folding.

Conclusion

Hsp90 level is positively associated with OC mortality and is a potential prognostic indicator of OC.
Dissociation protocols used for sarcoma tissues bias the transcriptome observed in single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing
Authors: Truong Danh D. , Lamhamedi-Cherradi Salah-Eddine , Porter Robert W. , Krishnan Sandhya , Swaminathan Jyothishmathi , Gibson Amber , Lazar Alexander J. , Livingston J. Andrew , Gopalakrishnan Vidya , Gordon Nancy , Daw Najat C. , Navin Nicholas E. , Gorlick Richard , Ludwig Joseph A.
Published: May 2023

Background

Single-cell RNA-seq has emerged as an innovative technology used to study complex tissues and characterize cell types, states, and lineages at a single-cell level. Classification of bulk tumors by their individual cellular constituents has also created new opportunities to generate single-cell atlases for many organs, cancers, and developmental models. Despite the tremendous promise of this technology, recent evidence studying epithelial tissues and diverse carcinomas suggests the methods used for tissue processing, cell disaggregation, and preservation can significantly bias gene expression and alter the observed cell types. To determine whether sarcomas – tumors of mesenchymal origin – are subject to the same technical artifacts, we profiled patient-derived tumor explants (PDXs) propagated from three aggressive subtypes: osteosarcoma (OS), Ewing sarcoma (ES), desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT). Given the rarity of these sarcoma subtypes, we explored whether single-nuclei RNA-seq from more widely available archival frozen specimens could accurately be identified by gene expression signatures linked to tissue phenotype or pathognomonic fusion proteins.

Results

We systematically assessed dissociation methods across different sarcoma subtypes. We compared gene expression from single-cell and single-nucleus RNA-sequencing of 125,831 whole-cells and nuclei from ES, DSRCT, and OS PDXs. We detected warm dissociation artifacts in single-cell samples and gene length bias in single-nucleus samples. Classic sarcoma gene signatures were observed regardless of the dissociation method. In addition, we showed that dissociation method biases could be computationally corrected.

Conclusions

We highlighted transcriptional biases, including warm dissociation and gene-length biases, introduced by the dissociation method for various sarcoma subtypes. This work is the first to characterize how the dissociation methods used for sc/snRNA-seq may affect the interpretation of the molecular features in sarcoma PDXs.