bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raising awareness of pre-conception care in community pharmacies: a feasibility study
Authors: Eastwood KA , Allen-Walker V. A. , Maxwell M. , McKinley M. C.
Published: February 2022

Background

There is growing evidence to support the introduction of pre-conception interventions to optimise the health of mothers and their future children. At present, there is poor awareness regarding the importance of pre-conception care (PCC) amongst healthcare professionals and couples planning a pregnancy. Community pharmacies are ideally placed to reach a range of prospective couples planning a pregnancy and could effectively provide information about PCC.

Methods

This study assessed feasibility of an intervention to raise awareness of PCC in community pharmacies in Northern Ireland over 3 months. Inclusion criteria: women of childbearing age (16–45 years) engaging with services at participating pharmacies. Study resources: campaign posters, information cards, crib sheets for pharmacy staff. A mixed methods approach was employed, including, brief information provision for women, record of staff interactions with customers, customer feedback cards and qualitative interviews with pharmacy staff. Descriptive statistics assessed distribution of study resources and staff interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis framework.

Results

There were eight participating pharmacies, three of which consented to post-study interviews. Three pharmacies chose not to deliver the planned intervention. Distribution of campaign cards (n = 456) varied (0–86%). Analysis of customer feedback cards (n = 9) demonstrated that the majority of respondents were happy to receive information on pre-conception health. Of the women who responded to this question (n = 8), all were ‘extremely likely’ or ‘likely’ to act on the information provided. Four main themes emerged from analysis of staff interviews: (1) training and experience in providing health advice, (2) intervention resources, (3) understanding the aims of the intervention, (4) perceived value of the intervention. Barriers to intervention delivery included non-engagement from pharmacies and need for additional training of staff.

Conclusions

An intervention to raise awareness of PCC within a community pharmacy setting was feasible and acceptable to both women and staff in participating pharmacies. This study indicates that a number of factors must be considered to enhance implementation and effectiveness of PCC interventions in this setting. In particular, better understanding of non-engagement, provision of adequate training and support for staff, and exploring incentives for pharmacies to prioritise PCC.
Dialysis access-associated steal syndrome with percutaneous endovascular arteriovenous fistula creation
Authors: Varma Rakesh , Betancourt-Torres Manuel , Bready Eric , Al-Balas Alian
Published: February 2022

Background

Dialysis access-associated steal syndrome (DASS) is an infrequent complication after hemodialysis access creation. Clinical symptoms depend on the degree of steal. Percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgical creation, though complications have been reported. The following presents the first described case of DASS after percutaneous endovascular arteriovenous fistula creation, and discusses risk factors and management.

Case Presentation

Our case is that of a 27-year-old male with end stage renal disease due to congenital renal dysplasia, who underwent left percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation for initiation of dialysis. Two months after the procedure the patient complained of coldness, pain, tingling, and numbness in the left arm during dialysis, concerning for steal syndrome. The patient subsequently underwent brachial artery angiogram, which showed minimal antegrade flow through the ulnar and interosseous arteries towards the hand, and a focal, severe stenosis in the distal ulnar artery. Angioplasty of the stenosis was performed, though steal symptoms continued.

Conclusions

DASS, though rare, can be seen with percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation. Identification of the risk factors prior to creation can help avoid this complication. Management is largely guided by clinical presentation. As long as there is adequate collateral supply to the extremity, single vessel occlusion is not a contraindication to percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation with the use of WavelinQ technology. Careful patient selection with pre-creation angiogram may reduce the risk of symptomatic steal.
Perspectives of healthcare professionals in Nigeria about physiotherapists’ scope of practice and skills in ICU patients’ management: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Odunaiya Nse , Muonwe Chidile , Agbaje Samuel A.
Published: February 2022

Background

There is growing evidence for physiotherapy in the intensive care unit (ICU), but physiotherapy in the ICU and patients’ referral rate remains low in Nigeria. This study assessed the healthcare professionals’ perception of the physiotherapists’ scope of practice and skills in managing patients in the ICU of selected teaching hospitals in Southern Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional survey that involved seventy healthcare professionals working in the ICU who completed an adapted and validated questionnaire. The data obtained from the cross-sectional study were presented using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency distribution, and percentage.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 39.74 ± 7.08 years. The majority of the participants had a bachelor’s degree and had worked for a minimum of 5 years in the ICU, with all the participants working in a mixed ICU and 46.7% work in ICUs with four to six beds. Physiotherapists (PTs) are not posted exclusively to the ICUs, and PTs were reported to be on call in most of the ICUs during the weekdays and weekends. Patients were referred for physiotherapy by the physicians. Healthcare professionals had negative perceptions about PTs’ scope in airway suctioning, nebulization, weaning, and adjustment of mechanical ventilators, intubation, extubation, and changing tracheostomy tubes for ICU patients. Participants had a positive perception about PTs’ assessment skills in the ICU except for hypoxemia calculation, readiness for weaning, and the need for humidification.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals working in the ICU in the selected hospitals had both negative and positive perceptions regarding certain areas about the scope of practice and skills of PTs in managing patients in the ICU.
High Residual β-cell Function in Chinese Patients With Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Wang Yueshu , Qin Yao , Gu Huilan , Zhang Linyu , Wang Jing , Huang Yiting , Shi Yuwen , Hu Qizhen , Chen Yang , Gu Yong , Shi Yun , Tao Yang , Zhang Mei
Published: February 2022

Objective

The destruction of pancreatic β cells causes type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), an autoimmune disease. Studies have demonstrated that there is heterogeneity in residual β-cell function in Caucasians; therefore, we aimed to evaluate β-cell function in Chinese autoimmune T1D patients.

Methods

β-cell function was determined using oral glucose tolerance testing or standardized steamed bread meal tolerance test in 446 participants with autoantibody-positive T1D. Clinical factors, such as age onset, sex, duration, body mass index, autoantibodies, other autoimmune diseases, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia events, glycosylated hemoglobin, and insulin dose, were retrieved. We also analyzed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for C-peptides from 144 participants enrolled in the Chinese-T1D genome-wide association study.

Results

Of 446 T1D patients, 98.5%, 97.4%, 86.9%, and 42.6% of individuals had detectable C-peptide values (≥ 0.003 nmol/L) at durations of < 1 year, 1 to 2 years, 3 to 6 years, and ≥ 7 years, respectively. A total of 60.7% of patients diagnosed at ≥ 18 years old and 15.8% of those diagnosed at < 18 years had detectable C-peptide after ≥ 7 years from the diagnosis. Furthermore, the patients diagnosed at ≥ 18 years old had higher absolute values of stimulated C-peptide (≥ 0.2 nmol/L). Diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia events, and insulin doses were shown to be associated with β-cell function. SNPs rs1770 and rs55904 were associated with C-peptide levels.

Conclusion

Our results have indicated that there are high residuals of β-cell mass in Chinese patients with autoimmune T1D. These findings may aid in the consideration of therapeutic strategies seeking prevention and reversal of β-cell function among Chinese T1D patients.
No Effect of Levothyroxine on Hemoglobin in Older Adults With Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Pooled Results From 2 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Du Puy Robert S , Poortvliet Rosalinde K E , Mooijaart Simon P , Stott David J , Quinn Terry , Sattar Naveed , Westendorp Rudi G J , Kearney Patricia M , McCarthy Vera J C , Byrne Stephen , Rodondi Nicolas , Baretella Oliver , Collet Tinh-Hai , van Heemst Diana , Dekkers Olaf M , Jukema J Wouter , Smit Johannes W A , Gussekloo Jacobijn , den Elzen Wendy P J
Published: February 2022

Context

Subclinical thyroid dysfunction and anemia are common disorders, and both have increasing prevalence with advancing age.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess whether levothyroxine treatment leads to a rise in hemoglobin levels in older persons with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Methods

This preplanned combined analysis of 2 randomized controlled trials included community-dwelling persons aged 65 years and older with subclinical hypothyroidism who were randomly assigned to levothyroxine or placebo treatment. The levothyroxine dose was periodically titrated aiming at thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level within the reference range, with mock titrations in the placebo group. The main outcome measure was the change in hemoglobin level after 12 months.

Results

Analyses included 669 participants (placebo n = 337, levothyroxine n = 332) with a median age of 75 years (range, 65-97) and mean baseline hemoglobin of 13.8 ± 1.3 g/dL. Although levothyroxine treatment resulted in a reduction in TSH from baseline after 12 months of follow-up compared with placebo, the change in hemoglobin level was not different between the levothyroxine and the placebo groups (−0.03 g/dL [95% CI, −0.16 to 0.11]). Similar results were found in stratified analyses including sex, age, or TSH levels. No difference in change of hemoglobin levels after 12 months was identified in 69 participants with anemia at baseline (−0.33 g/dL [95% CI, −0.87 to 0.21]).

Conclusion

In persons aged 65 years and older with subclinical hypothyroidism, treatment with levothyroxine does not lead to a rise in hemoglobin levels, regardless of the presence of anemia.
Queer African Cinemas
Authors: Green-Simms Lindsey B.
Published: February 2022

In Queer African Cinemas, Lindsey B. Green-Simms examines films produced by and about queer Africans in the first two decades of the twenty-first century in an environment of increasing antiqueer violence, efforts to criminalize homosexuality, and other state-sanctioned homophobia. Green-Simms argues that these films not only record the fear, anxiety, and vulnerability many queer Africans experience; they highlight how queer African cinematic practices contribute to imagining new hopes and possibilities. Examining globally circulating international art films as well as popular melodramas made for local audiences, Green-Simms emphasizes that in these films queer resistance—contrary to traditional narratives about resistance that center overt and heroic struggle—is often practiced from a position of vulnerability. By reading queer films alongside discussions about censorship and audiences, Green-Simms renders queer African cinema as a rich visual archive that documents the difficulty of queer existence as well as the potentials for queer life-building and survival.
Impact of Woven EndoBridge Shape Modification on Aneurysm Recanalization at Short-Term Follow-up Digital Subtraction Angiography
Authors: Nawka Marie Teresa , Fiehler Jens , Bester Maxim , Broocks Gabriel
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:

Woven EndoBridge (WEB) shape modification (WSM) is a frequently observed phenomenon after aneurysm embolization.

OBJECTIVE:

To test our hypothesis that WSM is associated with worse aneurysm occlusion on short-term angiographic follow-up images.

METHODS:

Patients with short-term follow-up digital subtraction angiography (DSA) available were included. Baseline patient characteristics, aneurysm morphometrics, and WEB dimensions (“conventional” parameters) and height and width WSM (“WSM” parameters) in the initial and the follow-up examination were analyzed. For ordinal regression analyses, aneurysm occlusion was graded according to the Bicêtre Occlusion Scale Score (BOSS; grades 0, 0′, 1, 2, 3, and 1 + 3). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to distinguish adequately (BOSS 0, 0′, and 1) from incompletely (BOSS 2, 3, and 1 + 3) occluded aneurysms.

RESULTS:

We included 93 patients with 96 aneurysms. Adequate occlusion was observed in 72 cases (75.0%). In univariate ordinal regression analysis, width WSM in anteroposterior DSA (odds ratio = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.99, P = .010) and in lateral DSA (odds ratio = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99, P = .049) were significantly associated with the BOSS after 6 months. In multivariate regression analysis, WSM was not independently associated with aneurysm occlusion. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) of the “conventional” model (AUC = 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.90) was higher than the AUC of the “WSM” model (WSM; AUC = 0.70, 95% CI 0.60-0.79).

CONCLUSION:

WSM was not independently associated with angiographic aneurysm occlusion status after 6 months. However, the “conventional” parameters including sex, rupture state, WEB type, WEB width, aneurysm width, height, and volume were associated with partial aneurysm recanalization in WEB-treated patients at the short-term follow-up.
Metabolic scaling of fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) engaged in collective behaviors
Authors: Ko Hungtang , Komilian Keyana , Waters James S. , Hu David L.
Published: February 2022

During flash floods, fire ants (Solenopsis invicta Buren) link their bodies together to build rafts to stay afloat, and towers to anchor onto floating vegetation. Can such challenging conditions facilitate synchronization and coordination, resulting in energy savings per capita? To understand how stress affects metabolic rate, we used constant-volume respirometry to measure the metabolism of fire ant workers. Group metabolic rates were measured in a series of conditions: at normal state, at three elevated temperatures, during rafting, and during tower-building. We hypothesized that the metabolic rate of ants at various temperatures would scale isometrically (proportionally with the group mass). Indeed, we found metabolic rates scaled isometrically under all temperature conditions, giving evidence that groups of ants differ from entire colonies, which scale allometrically. We then hypothesized that the metabolism of ants engaged in rafting and tower-building would scale allometrically. We found partial evidence for this hypothesis: ants rafting for short times had allometric metabolic rates, but this effect vanished after 30 min. Rafting for long times and tower-building both scaled isometrically. Tower-building consumed the same energy per capita as ants in their normal state. Rafting ants consumed almost 43% more energy than ants in their normal state, with smaller rafts consuming more energy per capita. Together, our results suggest that stressful conditions requiring coordination can influence metabolic demand.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
A lateral protrusion latticework connects neuroepithelial cells and is regulated during neurogenesis
Authors: Kasioulis Ioannis , Dady Alwyn , James John , Prescott Alan , Halley Pamela A. , Storey Kate G.
Published: February 2022

Dynamic contacts between cells within the developing neuroepithelium are poorly understood but play important roles in cell and tissue morphology and cell signalling. Here, using live-cell imaging and electron-microscopy we reveal multiple protrusive structures in neuroepithelial apical endfeet of the chick embryonic spinal cord, including sub-apical protrusions that extend laterally within the tissue, and observe similar structures in human neuroepithelium. We characterise the dynamics, shape, and cytoskeleton of these lateral protrusions and distinguish them from cytonemes/filopodia and tunnelling nanotubes. We demonstrate that lateral protrusions form a latticework of membrane contacts between non-adjacent cells, depend on actin but not microtubule dynamics and provide a lamellipodial-like platform for further extending fine actin-dependent filipodia. We find that lateral protrusions depend on actin-binding protein WAVE1: mutant-WAVE1 misexpression attenuated protrusion and generated a round-ended apical endfoot morphology. However, this did not alter apico-basal cell polarity nor tissue integrity. During normal neuronal delamination lateral protrusions were withdrawn, but mutant-WAVE1-induced precocious protrusion loss was insufficient to trigger neurogenesis. This study uncovers a new form of cell-cell contact within the developing neuroepithelium regulation of which prefigures neuronal delamination.
Research and development of the project of a process information system for supply chain management (SCM) (using the example of the business process «Purchase of inventory» in LLC «Stroytechmontazh»)
Authors:   V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Gusev S.S.
Published: February 2022

В монографии рассматривается бизнес-процесс «Закупка товарно-материальных ценностей» на предприятии ООО «Стройтехмонтаж». Предприятие относится к отрасли - Промышленность строительных материалов, тип предприятия - частная собственность. Основным видом деятельности компании является строительство и реконструкция жилых и нежилых зданий. Актуальность темы исследования заключается в том, что на сегодняшний день в результате роста масштабности и сложности ИТ-систем, роста их стоимости и рисков в проектах их создания и внедрения, а также перехода к процессному подходу, интегрирующему деятельность, рост требований к эффективности инвестиций в ИТ, использование архитектурного подхода на предприятии является средством снижения рисков и увеличения отдачи от инвестиций в ИТ. Данный подход четко определяет структуру как существующих, так и будущих ИТ-систем, что приводит к снижению их сложности. Наличие ясной стратегии будущих закупок, выбора поставщиков технологий и планируемых изменений позволяет упростить и ускорить все процессы, связанные с закупками, при одновременном обеспечении совместимости и взаимодействия компонентов ИТ-систем организации. Практическая значимость данной работы состоит в том, что посредством автоматизации процесса закупки ТМЦ возможно своевременно получать статистические и аналитические отчеты о закупках. С помощью информационной системы с автоматическим процессом закупки ТМЦ решаются такие задачи как сокращение ошибок во время ввода информации, обмен информацией, автоматическая обработка информации, отображение статистической информации и формирование отчетности.
EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF STRUCTURAL BREAKS ON PRICE DISCOVERY EFFICIENCY: EVIDENCE FROM THE INDIAN EQUITY FUTURES MARKET
Authors: Adish Kumar  , Kapil Gupta
Published: February 2022

The current study aims to examine the impact of structural breaks on price discovery efficiency of Indian equity futures market. Global financial crisis, change of Government, demonetization and COVID-19 are identified as significant events. Data is divided into sub-samples of pre and post event period to study the impact of these events on price discovery efficiency of the Indian equity futures market. Unit root test is used to check stationarity of data. Granger causality test, Johansen’s cointegration test and Vector error correction methodology (VECM) are used for analysis. During full sample period, it is observed that there is a significant bi-directional causality between cash and futures markets and cash market leads futures market in price discovery. In addition, global financial crisis triggered volatility in Indian equity futures market, which reduced its price discovery efficiency, whereas, after change in Government, bidirectional transmission of information restored between cash market and futures market. Furthermore, futures market played a leading role in absorbing volatility triggered by demonetization. COVID-19 did not significantly affect price discovery efficiency of Indian equity futures market.
RISK-RETURN RELATIONSHIP IN THE NIGERIAN STOCK MARKET DURING PANDEMIC COVID-19: SECTORAL PANEL GARCH APPROACH
Authors: Kamaldeen Ibraheem Nageri
Published: February 2022

This study examines how the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of risk-return relationship and volatility. Panel data analyses of GARCH-in-mean and Threshold GARCH were estimated on three error distributional assumptions. All Share Index (ASI) from January 2020 to December 2020 for ten stock market indices on the NSE. Findings indicate that the cross-section return of the ten stock market indices returns exhibit a positive risk-return relationship during COVID-19 and the impact of bad news was found to have no significant impact on return volatility on the NSE. This indicates that the policy response during the pandemic is adequate to cushion the negative impact of COVID-19, which should be sustained.
Analysis of Poverty in Kulon Progo DIY
Authors: Oktavia Rina , Wihastuti Latri
Published: February 2022

Kulon Progo Regency is one of the regencies in the Special Region of Yogyakarta which has a very high percentage of poverty rates. The problem of poverty in Kulon Progo Regency has not yet been resolved. In fact, compared to other regencies/cities in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, the percentage of poor people in Kulon Progo Regency ranks the highest. Various poverty reduction policies have been carried out by the district and provincial governments to reduce poverty rates, but still have not shown significant results. This condition is interesting to analyze considering that poverty policies have not yet had an impact on the condition of Kulon Progo. The purpose of this study was to determine the determinants of poverty in Kulon Progo. This study uses a mixed research approach, namely research that combines quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The results of this study indicate that the inherent characteristics of households in Kulon Progo affect the level of poverty.
International evaluation of current practices in cognitive assessment for motor neurone disease
Authors: Gray Debbie , Abrahams Sharon
Published: February 2022

Background:

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease, with up to 50% suffering from cognitive and/or behaviour changes.

Aims:

Evaluate current practices in the cognitive assessment of MND patients internationally.

Methods:

An online survey explored the use of cognitive assessments in MND clinics.

Findings:

80/195 clinicians responded. The Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS) was the most popular method for evaluating cognition and 72% agreed that patients screened for cognitive change have better clinical care. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses indicated that cognitive assessments help to: identify and validate changes in cognition and behaviour, aid understanding of the clinical impact of the disease, inform and direct clinical care, and infer patients' decision-making abilities. However, a number of factors affected the implementation and administration of cognitive assessments in clinics.

Conclusions:

Cognitive assessments have been implemented in MND clinics internationally and have a positive impact on clinical practice.
Multiple sclerosis specialist nursing in the UK: results from the 2021 MS Trust nurse mapping survey
Authors: Naik Paru
Published: February 2022

Mapping surveys are one of the ways in which the MS Trust achieves its aim of better serving those with multiple sclerosis (MS). Paru Naik elaborates on the results of the charity's 2021 nurse mapping survey, providing a snapshot of current MS provision and what needs to be done to better meet the needs of people with MS.
Acquired brain injury nurse-led clinic: roll out, review and referral
Authors: O'Rourke Ciara
Published: February 2022

Aim:

This paper documents the introduction of a nurse-led outpatient clinic for patients post acquired brain injury (ABI). Nurse-led clinics in primary care settings have been widely acclaimed as a positive step towards improving access to investigations and specialist services, and offering a solution towards limited clinician resources.

Method:

A retrospective analysis was undertaken to review the ABI nurse-led clinic service over a 12-month period. This analysis reviewed how the clinic has impacted the hospital in terms of hours saved by the neurosurgical consultant clinic by the patient attending the nurse-led clinic. This paper also looks at how the clinic benefits the patient by timely access to the ABI clinical nurse specialist along with referrals and review by community-based rehab services, Headway Ireland and ABI Ireland.

Findings:

Through the review of the ABI clinic over a 12-month period, 47 hours were saved from the consultant led clinics. It was also found that 30% of patients reviewed in the ABI clinic were now in an appropriate ABI community support service.

Conclusion:

The audit shows that the ABI nurse-led clinic benefits the patient is terms of timely review and follow-up after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The patient also has early access to specialist TBI follow-on services, which enhances recovery and overall quality of care. The nurse-led clinic also benefits the organisation by reviewing and following up on patients who would have previously have been reviewed at the consultant-led clinics, therefore, reducing waiting times.
Homelessness during the pandemic: helping the most vulnerable
Authors: Dorney-Smith Sam
Published: February 2022

Sam Dorney-Smith, Nursing Fellow, Pathway, and Specialist Advisor, Homeless Health Programme, Queen's Nursing Institute, London ( samantha.dorney-smith@nhs.net ), runner-up in the Nurse of the Year category of the BJN Awards 2021
Team working part 9: dealing with frustration
Authors: Fowler John
Published: February 2022

John Fowler, Educational Consultant, explores ways to enhance teamwork
The challenges of wound management for hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Moloney Suzanne
Published: February 2022

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an under-reported, poorly understood and often mismanaged inflammatory skin condition that manifests itself as painful, inflamed areas or boils. Although blind at first, it develops into exuding lesions often with tracking sinuses, leaving painfully stretched and scarred skin. While advances have been made in surgical and pharmaceutical interventions to interrupt the disease and prevent infection, effective wound management, evidence and guidelines remain limited. This article describes the experiences of an HS sufferer, in her quest for a satisfactory and acceptable wound management solution. It is hoped that the author's criteria for the ideal wound management system for HS will be the starting point for discussion and development of sound HS wound care guidelines.
Effect of a physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor in a neurology department on the length of hospital stay for patients recovering from stroke
Authors: Khutorniuk Tamara , Sokolsky Vadim , Zilberman Steven , Lutsky Lena , Friedman Alan , Ifergan Gal , Treger Iuly
Published: February 2022

Background/Aims

Although in Israel a physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor is not an integral part of neurology department team, their attendance can have a positive effect on the management of patients recovering from stroke and their optimal transfer to rehabilitation setting. The aim of this study was to investigate if the presence of a physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor in a neurology department can influence the length of stay for patients recovering from stroke.

Methods

A retrospective comparative electronic data analysis of periods with and without a physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor was undertaken in an inpatient neurology department of an urban, periphery, academic medical centre.

Results

A total of 118 patients with stroke were included in the study; 32 were treated 3 months before the physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor worked on the ward, 43 during, and 43 after the physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor left the department. Statistical comparative analysis showed that length of stay was significantly reduced when there is a physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor present among the neurology ward physicians (18.06 days before intervention, 12.39 days during and 14.12 days after).

Conclusions

Having a physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor in the neurology department can shorten the length of stay in patients with stroke. Were larger studies to confirm these findings, the authors would recommend incorporating a physical and rehabilitation medicine doctor in neurology departments.
Virtual care facing the COVID-19 outbreak in China
Authors: Zhang Jingxue , Yang Minhui , Sui Zhen
Published: February 2022

New ways of care have emerged as the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the world, including virtual care exchanged in cyberspace. As people are physically isolated by travel restrictions and guidelines to avoid gatherings and keep at distance, cyberspace has become a major place in which people care about and for each other. When government-oriented medical and civil service systems malfunctioned upon the rapid outbreak in Hubei Province, China, Chinese people used online social platforms to provide individual and organised care activities – disseminating information, petitioning for access to healthcare, offering voluntary mental health interventions and facilitating embodied and material support – to respond to the challenges of local people at the epicentre. This article intends to acknowledge and showcase the virtual care that Chinese people demonstrated transnationally upon the outbreak of COVID-19 in China, and discusses the significance and impacts of this way of care in the cyberspace era.
When Optical Tweezers Met Biology
Authors: Daukantas Patricia
Published: February 2022

Arthur Ashkin’s longtime fascination with light pressure
sparked new insights into the mechanical forces that govern biological
molecules and cells.
A biopsychosocial model of severe fear of COVID-19
Authors: Nürnberger Patrick , von Lewinski Dirk , Rothenhäusler Hans-Bernd , Braun Celine , Reinbacher Patrick , Kolesnik Ewald , Baranyi Andreas
Published: February 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that causes not only somatic health issues, but also frequently psychosocial burdens. The aims of this study were to investigate biopsychosocial factors that might further aggravate fear of COVID-19, and to establish a biopsychosocial model of severe fear of COVID-19.

Methods

368 participants were included in this study. Biopsychosocial factors observed comprised biological factors (somatic risk), psychological factors (state/trait anxiety, physical symptoms of anxiety, severe health anxiety, specific phobias, depression), and psychosocial factors (social support, financial losses, social media consumption, social contacts with COVID-19 infected people). Psychometric questionnaires included State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory, Whiteley-Index / Illness Attitude Scales, Specific Phobia Questionnaire, WHO-5 and Social Support Survey.

Results

162/368 (44.0%) participants had almost no fear, 170/368 (46.2%) participants had moderate fear, and 45/368 (12.2%) participants had severe fear of COVID-19. Female participants showed higher levels of fear of COVID-19 than male participants (gender: χ2 = 18.47, p<0.001). However, the level of fear of COVID-19 increased in male participants when they had contact with people who were infected with COVID-19, while in contrast the level of fear of COVID-19 decreased in female participants when they had such contacts [ANCOVA: fear of COVID-19 (contact x gender): F(1,363) = 5.596, p = .019]. Moreover, participants without relationships showed higher levels of fear of COVID-19 (marital status: χ2 = 14.582, p = 0.024). Furthermore, financial losses due to the COVID-19 were associated with higher levels of fear of COVID-19 [ANCOVA: fear of COVID-19(financial loss x gender): F(1, 363) = 22.853, p< .001]. Multiple regression analysis revealed female gender, severe health anxiety (WI-IAS) and state /trait anxiety (STAI) as significant predictors of severe fear of COVID-19.

Conclusion

In this study significant predictors of severe fear of COVID-19 were female gender, pre-existing state and trait anxiety, as well as severe health anxiety. The finding of significant predictors of fear of COVID-19 might contribute to detect people who might suffer most from severe, overwhelming fear of COVID-19 at an early stage.
Machine learning predicts cancer subtypes and progression from blood immune signatures
Authors: Simon Davis David A. , Mun Sahngeun , Smith Julianne M. , Hammill Dillon , Garrett Jessica , Gosling Katharine , Price Jason , Elsaleh Hany , Syed Farhan M. , Atmosukarto Ines I. , Quah Benjamin J. C.
Published: February 2022

Clinical adoption of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer management has highlighted the interconnection between carcinogenesis and the immune system. Immune cells are integral to the tumour microenvironment and can influence the outcome of therapies. Better understanding of an individual’s immune landscape may play an important role in treatment personalisation. Peripheral blood is a readily accessible source of information to study an individual’s immune landscape compared to more complex and invasive tumour bioipsies, and may hold immense diagnostic and prognostic potential. Identifying the critical components of these immune signatures in peripheral blood presents an attractive alternative to tumour biopsy-based immune phenotyping strategies. We used two syngeneic solid tumour models, a 4T1 breast cancer model and a CT26 colorectal cancer model, in a longitudinal study of the peripheral blood immune landscape. Our strategy combined two highly accessible approaches, blood leukocyte immune phenotyping and plasma soluble immune factor characterisation, to identify distinguishing immune signatures of the CT26 and 4T1 tumour models using machine learning. Myeloid cells, specifically neutrophils and PD-L1-expressing myeloid cells, were found to correlate with tumour size in both the models. Elevated levels of G-CSF, IL-6 and CXCL13, and B cell counts were associated with 4T1 growth, whereas CCL17, CXCL10, total myeloid cells, CCL2, IL-10, CXCL1, and Ly6Cintermediate monocytes were associated with CT26 tumour development. Peripheral blood appears to be an accessible means to interrogate tumour-dependent changes to the host immune landscape, and to identify blood immune phenotypes for future treatment stratification.
Tra (s)cortesia e salvataggio della faccia: l’evidenzialità in Aristofane
Authors: Napoli Maria
Published: February 2022

Questo articolo ha come obiettivo quello di porre in correlazione la teoria della (s)cortesia con l’analisi della categoria linguistica dell’evidenzialità, secondo una prospettiva che non è mai stata adottata negli studi sul greco antico, quantomeno a nostra conoscenza. Attraverso l’analisi di passi tratti da due commedie di Aristofane, Le Nuvole e Lisistrata, cercheremo di dimostrare come la necessità di evitare un attacco alla propria faccia positiva, per tutelare i propri interessi pragmatici e scongiurare situazioni di conflittualità, possa essere un fattore chiave nella scelta di forme di evidenzialità di tipo indiretto o diretto. In quest’ottica, l’evidenzialità può essere interpretata come strategia preventiva di salvataggio della faccia nel contesto del dialogo realizzato sulla scena teatrale.
Análisis del diálogo de Odiseo y Nausícaa (Od. 6.148-197) desde la perspectiva de la cortesía verbal
Authors: Martos Fornieles Marina
Published: February 2022

El presente trabajo se centra en el análisis y estudio de una secuencia de actos de habla de súplica entre Odiseo y Nausícaa desde la perspectiva de la (des)cortesía verbal. Las secuencias de actos de habla de súplica presentan una serie de estrategias que tienen como fin garantizar el éxito de los propósitos del hablante. En este trabajo se presenta un análisis semántico, sintáctico y pragmático que permitirá determinar, entre otros factores, el estilo o estilos comunicativos de las intervenciones de uno y otro personaje.
Introduction
Authors: Redondo Moyano María Elena
Published: February 2022

Dosier “New Insights into Politeness and Impoliteness: Studies in Ancient Greek Literary Dialogues”. Introduction
Akvakultúra fejlesztés Laoszban magyar részvétellel
Authors: Bozánné Békefi Emese , Gyalog Gergő , Váradi László
Published: February 2022

A világ növekvő népességének élelmiszerellátása a jövő egyik nagy kihívása tekintettel az erőforrások szűkösségére és a globális klímaváltozásra. A hal és más vízi élelmiszerek kiemelkedő szerepet játszhatnak az élelmiszerellátásban különös tekintettel arra, hogy az akvakultúra ökológiai lábnyoma lényegesen kisebb, mint más élelmiszertermelő rendszereké. Bár a tengeri akvakultúra termelése növekvő tendenciát mutat, a világ akvakultúra termelésében meghatározó marad az édesvízi élőlények termelése, különösen a fejlődő országokban. A világ szegényebb országai élelmiszertermelésének a jövőbeni kihívásokkal szembeni ellenállóképessége igen gyenge, ezért számos nemzetközi projekt próbál a helyzeten javítani. A világ legfejletlenebb országai közé tartozik Laosz, ahol az akvakultúrának fontos szerepe van a halellátásban és a foglalkoztatásban. Laoszban több nemzetközi projekt segíti az agrárgazdaság és az élelmiszerellátás fejlesztését, azonban Magyarország az egyik legnagyobb donor e területen, tekintettel a két ország közötti hagyományos agrár kapcsolatokra és a stratégiai együttműködésre. Laoszban a gazdag vízi erőforrások jó lehetőséget biztosítanak a halászat és az akvakultúra fejlesztésére, azonban a lehetőségek kihasználását számos tényező nehezíti. Olyanok, mint például a minőségi ivadék- és takarmányellátás hiánya, a fejletlen infrastruktúra és intézményrendszer, a finanszírozási problémák, illetve a képzett munkaerő hiánya. A magyar kormány által Laosz számára biztosított kötött segélyhitelek kiemelt célja az élelmiszerbiztonság és az élelmiszerellátás biztonságának javítása. E programokban a hal értéklánc fejlesztésének fontos szerepe van, amely nemzetközileg is példaértékű. A magyar projektek segítik azt is, hogy magyar intézmények, illetve kis- és közepes vállalkozások erősíthetik jelenlétüket Délkelet Ázsiában, amelyik a világ egy gazdaságilag dinamikusan fejlődő régiója.
De un encuentro entre la filosofía y la poesía, a un proyecto de puesta en escena Jasmintime
Authors: Jovanovic Jasmina , Molina García Erika Natalia
Published: February 2022

En este artículo doy cuenta de los intercambios que sostuve con el filósofo Jean-Luc Nancy respecto a mi producción poética. La experiencia misma de la escritura se encuentra problematizada en este artículo, a la luz de las nociones claves de la obra filosófica de Henri Maldiney. Restituyo igualmente en ese movimiento un camino que me llevó a un proyecto de puesta en escena teatral de mis poemas y que analizo.
El viaje del Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga de Oriente a Occidente: la emergencia del cuerpo en la práctica
Authors: Palavecino Celeste , Galak Eduardo
Published: February 2022

Se despliega un estudio sobre los orígenes del Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga en India, su exportación a Occidente como práctica corporal y, con ello, la emergencia de particulares significaciones sobre el cuerpo. Se propuso un recorrido por las lógicas del concepto de cuerpo en los contextos en donde fue practicada, procurando interpretar aquellos elementos que sirvieron para la construcción de un modo de corporalidad ashtangui. La metodología consistió en una revisión bibliográfica sobre la historia del yoga y cómo fue su traducción a Occidente. Se concluye que el carácter polisémico de las maneras de entender los cuerpos en el yoga implicó que su exportación desencadenara prácticas nuevas. De ello se desprenden tensiones entre prácticas pensadas según su comercialización o según un posicionamiento filosófico-espiritualista, lo cual deriva en prácticas corporales articuladas con habitus particulares dotados de visiones del mundo que (re)producen modos de corporalidad específicos.
De territorios y gestión cultural
Authors: Paola Mendoza Ivonne
Published: February 2022

Artículo de reflexión en torno a la experiencia de la gestión de las políticas culturales desde el ejercicio de lo público. El documento reconoce el cuerpo ciudadano como el principio y el fin de las acciones de las instituciones del Estado, y lo localiza en un espacio específico: Bogotá, ciudad de múltiples matices y territorios, que configura un reto para la gestión política y administrativa de la cultura, y que divaga entre las incoherencias, los sentires ciudadanos y las tensiones del poder. En este escenario, el texto presenta los antecedentes, los principios y las reivindicaciones del Modelo de Gestión Cultural Territorial. Se caracterizan las nociones de ciudadanía, interculturalidad, amor y respeto por lo público como sus piedras angulares, y la cercanía con los cuerpos artísticos, culturales y públicos de la ciudad, como su principal estrategia y pauta para trazar el “giro corporal” hacia una cultura de paz y reconciliación.
Línea # 193. La experiencia de investigación-creación de un pasajero de autobús en la ciudad de Bogotá
Authors: Cortés Durán Lorena
Published: February 2022

Haber pasado cerca del 38% del tiempo activo de mi vida dentro de un bus urbano junto a miles de ciudadanos más, me ha convertido en una investigadora territorial formada desde las artes. Por ello esta indagación se sitúa desde un cuerpo que al desocupar la arquitectura de la ciudad se amolda a un puesto apretujado con la mirada puesta en la ventana como único escape corporal. Entre eternos trancones y afanosas avenidas, se emprenden trazados colectivos cada vez más indignantes sobre las vías de Bogotá y desde ellos este artículo aborda la posibilidad de concebir una sistematización territorial que reconozca modelos distintos a los que plantean los cánones hegemónicos de ciudad o el acoso empresarial de la movilidad urbana. Este artículo persigue, desde la línea y el dibujo como método principal de indagación, un trayecto cotidiano reteñido desde la acción de una población que, desde la visual del bus, se hace experto en el ingenio popular desarrollado a la par de una ciudad salpicada por la diversidad, el conflicto armado y la intención de ser la gran capital.
La performance como ruta pedagógica para la infancia en condición vulnerable y migrante en la escuela
Authors: Suárez García Sandra Cecilia
Published: February 2022

Este artículo presenta los resultados parciales de una investigación en curso que, desde las intersensibilidades performativas, estudia la condición de infancia como condición de vulnerabilidad y que plantea la performance como ruta pedagógica de investigación-creación para aprender a habitar la escuela. A través de una exploración genealógica y autoetnográfica en torno a la experiencia de ser infante de la propia investigadora, se analiza el lugar de la performance en los procesos de reparación, y en cómo esta ha permeado las metodologías desarrolladas con niños y niñas, durante veinte años de trayectoria como docente de artes y actual administradora de una institución educativa de Bogotá. A esta condición de vulnerabilidad de infancia, en la que están presentes prácticas de violencia normalizadas, se suma el fenómeno de la migración que actualmente atraviesa el país y que demanda nuevas rutas de acción en el contexto escolar.
Algorithm to Automatically Extract Body Sizes and Shapes
Authors: Nguyen Mong Hien Thi , Vo Tuong Quan , Bui Mai Huong , Pham Van Anh
Published: February 2022

This study presents an algorithm to automatically extract the size and body shape of a 3D scanned model. The methods used in this research include factor analysis, linear regression equation, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis. These are used to analyze the body’s shape and choose the best primary dimensions for establishing the sizing system table. Authors use fuzzy logic to establish the mathematical model. In this model, the input variables are the inseam height and the neck girth measurements, and the output variables are the numbers of the human size coding and body shape. In addition, the rotation matrix and the optimal function are used to write an algorithm to estimate the neck girth and inseam measurements. Furthermore, a simple approach based on vertices and surface normal vector data, together with optimal searching, is adapted to estimate the primary dimensions. This estimation algorithm, combined with the fuzzy logic model, makes the automated process of extracting the size and body shape possible. The findings of the study suggest a new research method for quickly informing people about their body shape. This supports purchasing clothes and designing tailored clothing. The automatic algorithm will be very useful for buying clothes face-to-face or online.
Modeling for the Prediction and Evaluation of the Crimp Percentage of Plain Woven Fabric Based on Yarn Count and Thread Density
Authors: Beyene Kura Alemayehu , Korra Chirato Godana
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, modeling is used for evaluating and controlling the weft crimp percentage before and after manufacturing plain woven fabrics. Also, modeling assists in estimating and evaluating crimp percentage without complex and time-consuming experimental procedures. The purpose of this study is to develop a linear regression model that can be employed for the prediction and evaluation of the weft crimp percentage of plain woven fabric. For this study, nine plain woven fabrics of 100% cotton were produced with three different wefts thread densities and weft yarn linear densities. From the findings, the effects of weft count and weft density on the weft crimp percentage of the fabrics were found to be statistically significant with a confidence interval of 95%. The weft crimp percentage showed a positive correlation with weft count and weft density. The weft count and weft density have multicollinearity in the model because the variance inflation factors (VIFs) values are greater than one, which are 1.70 & 1.20, respectively. The model was tested by correlating measured crimp percentage values obtained with a crimp tester instrument to the crimp percentage values calculated by a developed linear model equation. The result disclosed that the model was strongly correlated, with a confidence interval of 95% (R² of 0.9518). Furthermore, the significance value of the t-test is not significant for both the measured weft crimp percentage values and the calculated weft crimp percentage values, which means that they do not differ significantly. Crimp percentage is impacted by fiber, yarn, fabric structural parameters and machine setting parameters. This makes the crimp percentage difficult to control and study, but this developed model can be easily used by manufacturers or researchers for controlling and studying purposes. Thus, the model can be used to produce a fabric with a pre-controlled weft crimp percentage. It can also be used to evaluate and predict the weft crimp percentage before and after fabric production.