bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Fast Cognitive Evaluation (FaCE): a screening tool to detect cognitive impairment in patients with cancer
Authors: Baghdadli Amel , Arcuri Giovanni G. , Green Clarence G. , Gauthier Lynn R. , Gagnon Pierre , Gagnon Bruno
Published: January 2023

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is one of the most concerning conditions experienced by patients living with cancer and has a major impact on their quality of life. Available cognitive assessment tools are too time consuming for day-to-day clinical setting assessments. Importantly, although shorter, screening tools such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment or the Mini-Mental State Evaluation have demonstrated a ceiling effect in persons with cancer, and thus fail to detect subtle cognitive changes expected in patients with CRCI. This study addresses this lack of cognitive screening tools by developing a novel tool, the Fast Cognitive Evaluation (FaCE).

A population of 245 patients with 11 types of cancer at different illness and treatment time-points was enrolled for the analysis. FaCE was developed using Rasch Measurement Theory, a model that establishes the conditions for a measurement tool to be considered a rating scale.

FaCE shows excellent psychometric properties. The population size was large enough to test the set of items (item-reliability-index=0.96). Person-reliability (0.65) and person-separation (1.37) indexes indicate excellent internal consistency. FaCE’s scale is accurate (reliable) with high discriminant ability between cognitive levels. Within the average testing time of five minutes, FaCE assesses the main cognitive domains affected in CRCI.

FaCE is a rapid, reliable, and sensitive tool for detecting even minimal cognitive changes over time. This can contribute to early and appropriate interventions for better quality of life in patients with CRCI. In addition, FaCE could be used as a measurement tool in research exploring cognitive disorders in cancer survivors.
The association between reattempted suicide and incoming calls to the brief contact intervention service, VigilanS: a study of the clinical profile of callers
Authors: Rusé Jeanne , Clenet Adeline , Vaiva Guillaume , Debien Christophe , Arbus Christophe , Salles Juliette
Published: January 2023

Background

Suicide is a major health problem globally. As attempted suicide is a major risk factor for suicide, specific prevention strategies have been designed for use thereafter. An example is the brief contact intervention (BCI). In this regard, France employs a composite BCI, VigilanS, which utilizes three types of contact: phone calls, postcards and a ‘who to contact in a crisis’ card. Previous studies have found that this system is effective at preventing suicide. Nevertheless, VigilanS was not effective in the same way for all the patients included. This observation raises the question of specific adaptation during follow-up for populations that were less receptive to the service. In consideration of this issue, we identified one study which found that incoming calls to the service were linked with a higher risk of suicide reattempts. However, this study did not document the profiles of the patients who made these calls. Better understanding of why this population is more at risk is important in terms of identifying factors that could be targeted to improve follow-up. This research therefore aims to bring together such data.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 579 patients referred to VigilanS by Toulouse University Hospital (France). We examined the sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, and follow-ups in place and compared the patients who made incoming calls to the service versus those who did not. Subsequently, we conducted a regression analysis using the significantly associated element of patients calling VigilanS. Then, in order to better understand this association, we analyzed the factors, including such calls, that were linked to the risk of suicide reattempts.

Results

We found that 22% of the patients in our sample called the VigilanS service. These individuals: were older, at 41.4 years versus 37.9 years for the non-callers; were more likely to have a borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis (28.9% versus 19.3%); and had a history of suicide attempts (71.9% versus 54.6%). Our analysis confirmed that incoming calls to VigilanS (OR = 2.9) were associated with reattempted suicide, as were BPD (OR = 1.8) and a history of suicide attempts (OR = 1.7).

Conclusion

There was a high risk that the patients calling VigilanS would make another suicide attempt. However, this association was present regardless of the clinical profile. We postulate that this link between incoming calls and reattempted suicide may arise because this form of contact is, in fact, a way in which patients signal that a further attempt will be made.
When schools were open for in-person teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic - the nordic experience on control measures and transmission in schools during the delta wave
Authors: Rotevatn Torill Alise , Nygård Karin , Espenhain Laura , Legarth Rebecca , Møller Karina Lauenborg , Sarvikivi Emmi , Helve Otto , Aspelund Guðrún , Ersson Annika , Nordahl Marie , Greve-Isdahl Margrethe , Astrup Elisabeth , Johansen Tone Bjordal
Published: January 2023

Background

Extensive measures to control spread of SARS-CoV-2 have led to limited access to education for millions of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Education and access to schools is vital for children and adolescents’ learning, health, and wellbeing. Based on high vaccine uptake and low incidence levels, the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) decided to start the academic year 2021/22 with schools open for in-person teaching and moderate mitigation measures. We describe trends in SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccination coverage among students during the first 12 weeks of the fall semester.

Methods

In this multinational, retrospective, observational study, we have used surveillance and registry data from each of the Nordic countries to describe vaccine uptake (≥12 years), infection incidence (whole population) and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among students. The study period, week 30 to 41 (Jul 26th – Oct 17th), represents the autumn semester from immediately before school started until fall break. In addition, we collected information on mitigation measures applied by the respective countries.

Results

There were slight variations between the countries regarding existing infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, testing strategies and vaccination start-up among adolescents. All countries had high vaccine uptake in the adult population, while uptake varied more in the younger age groups. Incidence in the school-aged population differed between countries and seemed to be influenced by both vaccine uptake and test activity. Infection clusters among school-aged children were described for Denmark and Norway, and the number of clusters per week reflected the incidence trend of the country. Most events consisted of only 1–2 cases. Larger clusters appeared more frequently in the higher grades in Norway and in lower grades in Denmark.

Conclusion

Data from the Nordic countries indicate that vaccination of adults and adolescents, in addition to mitigation measures, enabled full in-person learning. As SARS-CoV-2 infection does not represent a severe medical risk for most children as previously thought, measures targeting this group should be carefully adjusted and kept at a minimum. Our data add to the evidence on incidence and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among students in schools open for in-person teaching, and may be valuable for decision makers worldwide.
Evaluation of the coracoid bone tunnel placement on Dog Bone™ button fixation for acromioclavicular joint dislocation: a cadaver study combined with finite element analysis
Authors: Gao Rangshan , Zhang Wendong , Yang Yuxia , Zhang Yucheng , Hu Yangyang , Wu Honghai , Liu Mingsheng , Fei Wenyong , Wang Jingcheng
Published: January 2023

Background

Dog Bone™ button fixation is frequently used to treat acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation. However, various studies have reported complications after fixation.

Objective

To investigate the effect of the coracoid bone tunnel location on the treatment of ACJ dislocation through single-tunnel coracoclavicular (CC) ligament fixation with the Dog Bone™ button.

Methods

Six cadaveric shoulders were used. Each specimen was subjected to five testing conditions in the following order: (1) normal ACJ (Gn); (2) acromioclavicular and CC ligaments were removed (G0); (3) CC ligament reconstruction was performed using the Dog Bone™ technique, and the coracoid bone tunnel was at the center of the coracoid base (G1); (4) reconstruction was performed at 5 mm distal from the G1 site, along the axis of the coracoid (G2); (5) reconstruction was performed at 10 mm distal from the G1 site, along the axis of the coracoid (G3). The angles of pronation and supination of the clavicle under the same load (30 N) were measured. Next, a finite element (FE) model was created using computed tomography (CT) images of the normal shoulder. Model 1 (M1), model 2 (M2), and model 3 (M3) correspond to G1, G2, and G3, respectively. A force of 70 N was applied as a vertical upward load to the distal clavicle. Subsequently, the von Mises stress, the strain LE along the FiberWire, and the displacement nephogram of the three models were obtained.

Results

After single-tunnel CC ligament fixation using the Dog Bone™ technique, the clavicle in the G2 group (20.50 (19.50, 21.25) °, 20.00 (18.75, 21.25) °) had the best rotational stability. The peak von Mises stress, the strain LE along the FiberWire, and the maximum displacement were smaller in M2 than in M1 and M3.

Conclusions

When the coracoid bone tunnel was located 5 mm anterior to the center of the coracoid base (along the axis of the coracoid), the clavicle showed greater rotational stability.
Age and sex trend differences in hemoglobin levels in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Su Fan , Cao Lei , Ren Xia , Hu Jian , Tavengana Grace , Wu Huan , Zhou Yumei , Fu Yuhan , Jiang Mingfei , Wen Yufeng
Published: January 2023

Background

Both age and gender are the influence factors of hemoglobin concentration. However, the changing trend of hemoglobin levels between males and females with age remains unclear. This study aimed to explore their changing characteristics in different genders.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Physical Examination Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College in Wuhu, China from 2014 to 2016. The generalized linear model was applied to explore the relationship between age, gender and hemoglobin levels.

Results

Among the 303,084 participants, the mean age for females and males was 46.9 ± 13.4(15–98) and 48.1 ± 13.7(14–98) years old, respectively. Generalized smoothing splines showed that hemoglobin levels increased up to age 25 and then decreased in men; in women the levels increased up until age 20, and then decreased, with slight increase again (β = 0.244, P < 0.01). After dividing all participants into hyperglycemia and normal groups, only the normal female group showed a significant upward trend (β = 0.257, P < 0.01) between ages 50–59.

Conclusions

Hemoglobin concentration changes with age and the curve is different in males and females. The slightly upward trend of female hemoglobin in the age range of 50–59 years old should be considered in developing the reference range of hemoglobin making.
Development of a real-world database for asthma and COPD: The SingHealth-Duke-NUS-GSK COPD and Asthma Real-World Evidence (SDG-CARE) collaboration
Authors: Lam Sean Shao Wei , Fang Andrew Hao Sen , Koh Mariko Siyue , Shantakumar Sumitra , Yeo See-Hwee , Matchar David Bruce , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Poon Ken Mei Ting , Huang Liming , Harikrishan Sudha , Milea Dominique , Burke Des , Webb Dave , Ragavendran Narayanan , Tan Ngiap Chuan , Loo Chian Min
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The SingHealth-Duke-GlaxoSmithKline COPD and Asthma Real-world Evidence (SDG-CARE) collaboration was formed to accelerate the use of Singaporean real-world evidence in research and clinical care. A centerpiece of the collaboration was to develop a near real-time database from clinical and operational data sources to inform healthcare decision making and research studies on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

Our multidisciplinary team, including clinicians, epidemiologists, data scientists, medical informaticians and IT engineers, adopted the hybrid waterfall-agile project management methodology to develop the SingHealth COPD and Asthma Data Mart (SCDM). The SCDM was developed within the organizational data warehouse. It pulls and maps data from various information systems using extract, transform and load (ETL) pipelines. Robust user testing and data verification was also performed to ensure that the business requirements were met and that the ETL pipelines were valid.

Results

The SCDM includes 199 data elements relevant to asthma and COPD. Data verification was performed and found the SCDM to be reliable. As of December 31, 2019, the SCDM contained 36,407 unique patients with asthma and COPD across the spectrum from primary to tertiary care in our healthcare system. The database updates weekly to add new data of existing patients and to include new patients who fulfil the inclusion criteria.

Conclusions

The SCDM was systematically developed and tested to support the use RWD for clinical and health services research in asthma and COPD. This can serve as a platform to provide research and operational insights to improve the care delivered to our patients.
Investigating sex-specific associations of lipid traits with type 2 diabetes, glycemic traits and sex hormones using Mendelian randomization
Authors: Yang Guoyi , Schooling C. Mary
Published: January 2023

Background

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol is positively associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and inversely associated with type 2 diabetes, which could detract from lipid modification. Here, we examined whether lipid traits potentially relevant to CVD aetiology, i.e. apolipoprotein B (apoB), triglycerides (TG) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] exhibited the same associations. We investigated sex-specifically, including the role of sex hormones, because sex disparities exist in lipid profile and type 2 diabetes. We also replicated where possible.

Methods

We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to examine sex-specific associations of apoB, TG and Lp(a) with type 2 diabetes, HbA1c, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, testosterone and estradiol in the largest relevant sex-specific genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in people of European ancestry and replicated where possible. We also assessed sex-specific associations of liability to type 2 diabetes with apoB, TG and Lp(a).

Results

Genetically predicted apoB and Lp(a) had little association with type 2 diabetes or glycemic traits in women or men. Genetically predicted higher TG was associated with higher type 2 diabetes risk [odds ratio (OR) 1.44 per standard deviation (SD), 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26 to 1.65], HbA1c and fasting insulin specifically in women. Higher TG was associated with lower testosterone in women and higher testosterone in men, but with lower estradiol in men and women. Genetic liability to type 2 diabetes was associated with higher TG in women, and possibly with lower apoB in men.

Conclusions

Lipid traits potentially relevant to CVD aetiology do not exhibit contrasting associations with CVD and type 2 diabetes. However, higher TG is associated with higher type 2 diabetes risk and glycemic traits, which in turn further increases TG specifically in women, possibly driven by sex hormones.
Effect of Ivermectin® on survivorship and fertility of Anopheles arabiensis in Ethiopia: an in vitro study
Authors: Eba Kasahun , Habtewold Tibebu , Asefa Lechisa , Degefa Teshome , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Duchateau Luc
Published: January 2023

Background

Innovative vector control tools are needed to counteract insecticide resistance and residual malaria transmission. One of such innovative methods is an ivermectin (IVM) treatment to reduce vector survival. In this study, a laboratory experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of ivermectin on survivorship, fertility and egg hatchability rate of Anopheles arabiensis in Ethiopia.

Methods

An in vitro experiment was conducted using 3–5 days old An. arabiensis adults from a colony maintained at insectary of Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University (laboratory population) and Anopheles mosquitoes reared from larvae collected from natural mosquito breeding sites (wild population). The mosquitoes were allowed to feed on cattle blood treated with different doses of ivermectin (0 ng/ml, 5 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml, 20 ng/ml, 40 ng/ml and 80 ng/ml). During each feeding experiment, the mosquitoes were held in cages and blood-fed using a Hemotek feeder. Mortality and egg production were then recorded daily for up to 9 days. Time to death was analysed by a Cox frailty model with replicate as frailty term and source of mosquito (wild versus laboratory), treatment type (ivermectin vs control) and their interaction as categorical fixed effects. Kaplan Meier curves were plotted separately for wild and laboratory populations for a visual interpretation of mosquito survival as a function of treatment.

Results

Both mosquito source and treatment had a significant effect on survival (P < 0.001), but their interaction was not significant (P = 0.197). Compared to the controls, the death hazard of An. arabiensis that fed on ivermectin-treated blood was 2.3, 3.5, 6.5, 11.5 and 17.9 times that of the control for the 5 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml, 20 ng/ml, 40 ng/ml, and 80 ng/ml dose, respectively. With respect to the number of hatched larvae, hatched pupae and emerged adults per fed mosquitoes, a significant difference was found between the control and the 5 ng/ml dose group (P < 0.001). The number of hatched larvae and pupae, and emerged adults decreased further for the 10 ng/ml dose group and falls to zero for the higher doses.

Conclusion

Treating cattle blood with ivermectin reduced mosquito survival, fertility, egg hatchability, larval development and adult emergence of An. arabiensis in all tested concentrations of ivermectin in both the wild and laboratory populations. Thus, ivermectin application in cattle could be used as a supplementary vector control method to tackle residual malaria transmission and ultimately achieve malaria elimination in Ethiopia.
Food insecurity and its determinants among adults in North and South India
Authors: Ganpule Anjali , Brown Kerry Ann , Dubey Manisha , Srinivasapura Venkateshmurthy Nikhil , Jarhyan Prashant , Maddury Avinav Prasad , Khatkar Rajesh , Pandey Himanshi , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Mohan Sailesh
Published: January 2023

Background

Food insecurity is a major public health problem worldwide. In India, there are limited food insecurity assessment studies using a conventionally accepted method like the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), developed by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). This study aims to measure food insecurity using the FIES and explore its determinants and association with body mass index (BMI) among Indian adults. 

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, we used FIES to measure food security in a sample of 9005 adults residing in North and South India. Using questionnaires, socio-demographic factors, dietary intake and food security data were collected. The dietary diversity scores (FAO-IDDS) and food insecurity scores (FAO-FIES) were calculated. Body size was measured and BMI was calculated. 

Results

The mean age of the study participants was 52.4 years (± 11.7); half were women and half resided in rural areas. Around 10% of the participants reported having experienced (mild or moderate or severe) food insecurity between October 2018 and February 2019. Dietary diversity (measured by FAO’s Individual Dietary Diversity Scores, IDDS) was low and half of the participants consumed ≤ 3 food groups/day. The mean BMI was 24.7 kg/m2. In the multivariate analysis, a lower IDDS and BMI were associated with a higher FIES. The place of residence, gender and wealth index were important determinants of FIES, with those residing in South India, women and those belonging to the poorest wealth index reporting higher food insecurity.

Conclusion

Food security is understudied in India. Our study adds important evidence to the literature. Despite having marginal food insecurity, high prevalence of low diet quality, especially among women, is disconcerting. Similar studies at the national level are warranted to determine the food insecurity situation comprehensively in India and plan appropriate policy actions to address it effectively, to attain the key Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Safety and antitumor activity of GD2-Specific 4SCAR-T cells in patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Liu Zhuohao , Zhou Jiayi , Yang Xinzhi , Liu Yuchen , Zou Chang , Lv Wen , Chen Cheng , Cheng Kenneth King-yip , Chen Tao , Chang Lung-Ji , Wu Dinglan , Mao Jie
Published: January 2023

Background

This study aimed to validate whether infusion of GD2-specific fourth-generation safety-designed chimeric antigen receptor (4SCAR)-T cells is safe and whether CAR-T cells exert anti-glioblastoma (GBM) activity.

Methods

A total of eight patients with GD2-positive GBM were enrolled and infused with autologous GD2-specific 4SCAR-T cells, either through intravenous administration alone or intravenous combined with intracavitary administration.

Results

4SCAR-T cells expanded for 1–3 weeks and persisted at a low frequency in peripheral blood. Of the eight evaluable patients, four showed a partial response for 3 to 24 months, three had progressive disease for 6 to 23 months, and one had stable disease for 4 months after infusion. For the entire cohort, the median overall survival was 10 months from the infusion. GD2 antigen loss and infiltrated T cells were observed in the tumor resected after infusion.

Conclusion

Both single and combined infusions of GD2-specific 4SCAR-T cells in targeting GBM were safe and well tolerated, with no severe adverse events. In addition, GD2-specific 4SCAR-T cells partially mediate antigen loss and activate immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. Validation of our findings in a larger prospective trial is warranted.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03170141. Registered 30 May 2017.
‘We don’t live in a harm reduction world, we live in a prohibition world’: tensions arising in the design of drug alerts
Authors: Volpe Isabelle , Brien Rita , Grigg Jasmin , Tzanetis Stephanie , Crawford Sione , Lyons Tom , Lee Nicole , McKinnon Ginny , Hughes Caitlin , Eade Alan , Barratt Monica J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Drug alerts designed for health and community workforces have potential to avert acute harms associated with unpredictable illicit drug markets, by preparing workers to respond to unusual drug-related events, and distribute information to service users. However, the design of such alerts is complicated by diverse needs of individuals, and broader socio-political contexts. Here, we discuss the tensions that arose in the process of co-designing drug alert templates with health and community workers.

Methods

We conducted five in-depth digital co-design workshops with 31 workers employed in alcohol and other drug and urgent care settings. Our approach to analysis was informed by Iterative Categorisation and reflexive thematic analysis methods.

Results

We identified five key tensions. First, there is a need to provide comprehensive information to meet the information needs of a diverse group of workers with varying knowledge levels, while also designing alerts to be clear, concise, and relevant to the work of individuals. Second, it is important that alerts do not create ‘information overload’; however, it is also important that information should be available to those who want it. Third, alert design and dissemination must be perceived to be credible, to avoid ‘alert scepticism’; however, credibility is challenging to develop in a broader context of criminalisation, stigmatisation, and sensationalism. Fourth, alerts must be carefully designed to achieve ‘intended effects’ and avoid unintended effects, while acknowledging that it is impossible to control all potential effects. Finally, while alerts may be intended for an audience of health and community workers, people who use drugs are the end-users and must be kept front of mind in the design process.

Conclusions

The co-design process revealed complexities in designing drug alerts, particularly in the context of stigmatised illicit drug use, workforce diversity, and dissemination strategies. This study has highlighted the value of developing these important risk communication tools with their target audiences to ensure that they are relevant, useful, and impactful. The findings have informed the development of our drug alert prototypes and provide local context to complement existing best-practice risk-communications literature.
The semi-automated development of plant cell wall finite element models
Authors: Sayad Andrew , Oduntan Yusuf , Bokros Norbert , DeBolt Seth , Benzecry Alice , Robertson Daniel J. , Stubbs Christopher J.
Published: January 2023

This study presents a methodology for a high-throughput digitization and quantification process of plant cell walls characterization, including the automated development of two-dimensional finite element models. Custom algorithms based on machine learning can also analyze the cellular microstructure for phenotypes such as cell size, cell wall curvature, and cell wall orientation. To demonstrate the utility of these models, a series of compound microscope images of both herbaceous and woody representatives were observed and processed. In addition, parametric analyses were performed on the resulting finite element models. Sensitivity analyses of the structural stiffness of the resulting tissue based on the cell wall elastic modulus and the cell wall thickness; demonstrated that the cell wall thickness has a three-fold larger impact of tissue stiffness than cell wall elastic modulus.
Searching for online information on the fit of children's footwear during the COVID‐19 pandemic: an analysis of Google Trends data
Authors: Price Carina , Morrison Stewart , Haley Michael , Nester Christopher , Williams Anita
Published: January 2023

Background

Selecting footwear with appropriate fit in children is challenging due the changes with foot size and dimensions which occur throughout childhood. Access to appropriate footwear is important but recent challenges with the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in closure of retail stores for prolonged periods where parents/carers could not physically purchase footwear for their children and the footwear industry suffered disruption to their supply chain, and falls in retail sales. Simultaneously increased use of social media platforms for health information seeking throughout the pandemic have been documented. This likely would have included parents/carers seeking information online to support footwear purchases for their children. The primary aim of this work was to explore how searches for online fitting information for children changed throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown periods. A secondary aim was to identify how searches were influenced by footwear style.

Methods

We employed Google Trends to obtain search engine traffic related to footwear fitting information for children. We collected data spanning the three years pre, during and post the main national lockdown for three eight‐week windows: (1) first eight weeks of the U.K. national lockdown; (2) the first eight weeks of the calendaryear; (3) the eight weeks leading up to children going back‐to‐school for the new academic year in the U.K. The search terms reflected parents/carers searching for footwear fit information relating to children and were grouped by style of footwear: children, infants, babies and toddlers as well as school shoes.

Results

We identified increased searching for footwear fit information for children during the pandemic, which reduced following post pandemic in all except the searches which related to school shoes. We saw reductions in searching related to fit of school shoes as schools closed indefinitely and an increase in online searches with the pandemic. This was also maintained post‐pandemic despite shops reopening, suggesting that some of these changes in information reflect new consumer behaviours which may continue.

Conclusions

Increased searches for online resources regarding footwear fit highlights the importance of ensuring high quality accessible online information on footwear fit is available to support those buying footwear for their children.
Developing a Women’s Health track within addiction medicine fellowship: reflections and inspirations
Authors: Laks Jordana , Walley Alexander Y. , Bagley Sarah M. , Barber Cecily M. , Gaeta Jessie M. , Neville Linda A. , Peterkin Alyssa F. , Rosenthal Emily , Saia Kelley A. , Weinstein Zoe M. , Harris Miriam T. H.
Published: January 2023

Background

Women who use drugs face sexism and intersectional stigma that influence their drug use experiences and treatment needs. There is a need to build the capacity of addiction medicine specialists who can deliver gender-responsive services and advance research and policy in women-focused addiction care. We describe the development of a Women’s Health track within an addiction medicine fellowship program and reflect on successes, challenges, and future directions.

Main body

The Women’s Health track was developed in collaboration between program leaders in Addiction Medicine and Obstetrics/Gynecology. Implementing the track led to the development of women-focused rotations and continuity clinics, as well as enrichment of women’s health didactic education for all fellows. The fellowship track spurred interdepartmental mentorship and collaboration on research and advocacy projects.

Conclusion

Addiction medicine fellowships can replicate this curriculum model to advance women-focused education, research, and policy. Future curricula should focus on structural sexism in drug use and addiction treatment throughout a woman’s life course.
How to diagnose iron deficiency in chronic disease: A review of current methods and potential marker for the outcome
Authors: Rohr Martina , Brandenburg Vincent , Brunner-La Rocca Hans-Peter
Published: January 2023

Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide. It is often observed in patients with chronic diseases, such as heart failure (HF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cancer. ID is associated with poor clinical outcome, including poor performance, reduced quality of life, as well as increased hospitalization and mortality. The aim of this review is to provide an overview about the role of ID in chronic diseases (HF, CKD, IBD, cancer) regarding their current definitions and clinical relevance; diagnostic accuracy of iron parameters in chronic inflammatory conditions and its potential as prognostic markers. Due to different definitions and guideline recommendations of ID, various laboratory parameters for ID diagnostic exist and there is no general consensus about the definition of ID and its treatment. Still, a general trend can be observed across all investigated indications of this review (HF, CKD, IBD, cancer) that serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) are the two parameters mentioned most often and emphasized in all guidelines to define ID and guide treatment. The most commonly used threshold values for the diagnosis of ID are TSAT of < 20% and serum ferritin of < 100–300 µg/L. Noteworthy, both TSAT and particularly ferritin are frequently applied, but both may vary due to inflammatory conditions. Studies showed that TSAT is less affected by inflammatory processes and may therefore be more accurate and reliable than serum ferritin, particularly in conditions with elevated inflammatory state. A low iron status and particularly a low TSAT value was associated with a poor outcome in all investigated indications, with the strongest evidence in HF patients. Routine surveillance of iron status in these groups of patients with chronic conditions is advisable to detect ID early. Depending on the inflammatory state, TSAT < 20% may be the more accurate diagnostic marker of ID than ferritin. Moreover, TSAT may also be the more reliable estimate for the prognosis, particularly in HF.
Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Asagirt District, Northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Tahir Muhidin , Asnake Hiwot , Beyene Tadesse , Van Damme Patrick , Mohammed Amin
Published: January 2023

Background

The people in Ethiopia have developed their own specific knowledge to use, manage and conserve plant resources, giving traditional medicine its diverse nature. Documenting and investigating the traditional and cultural use of remedial plants is vital to extract bioactive chemicals and preserve plant species. This research was conducted with the aim of documenting ethnobotanical and associated knowledge on medicinal plants in Asagirt District, northeastern Ethiopia.

Methodology

The study was conducted from September 27, 2018, to April 9, 2019. A total of 367 informants (244 males and 123 females) were involved in the interviews. General informants (n = 349) were randomly selected, whereas key informants (n = 18) were selected purposively. Data were collected by using semistructured interviews, group discussions and guided field walks. We performed direct matrix ranking and preference ranking, and calculated the fidelity level and informant consensus factor (ICF). Descriptive statistics, including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent sample t-test were used to analyse the data.

Results

Overall, 103 medicinal plant species belonging to 96 genera under 45 plant families were recorded to be used by Asagirt people to alleviate different health problems. The species used to heal human diseases only were (64%, 66 species) followed by both livestock and human ailments (31%, 32 species) and livestock diseases only (5%, 5 species). Asteraceae and Fabaceae were best-represented (10.7%, 11 species each). The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (28%, 29 species), followed by seeds (16%, 17 species). The most important method of herbal remedy preparation was crushing (20.4%, 21 species). The common route of administration was oral (46.6%, 48 species), followed by dermal (22.3%, 23 species). Febrile illness, fever, headache, amoebiasis, typhoid and diarrhoea ailment categories had the highest ICF value (0.99). Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex Benth. scored the maximum fidelity level value (98%).

Conclusion

Asagirt District is comparatively rich in medicinal plants and their associated knowledge. However, firewood collection, construction, the expansion of agricultural activities and timber production are the major challenges to medicinal plants. Hence, joint management with the people in Asagirt District in overall medicinal plant conservation would save medicinal plant resources.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis following the COVID-19 vaccine Ad26.COV2.S, a case report
Authors: Gustavsen Stefan , Nordling Mette Maria , Weglewski Arkadiusz
Published: January 2023

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been leading to dramatic health, social and economic problems around the world. It was necessary to introduce worldwide vaccination program against SARS-CoV-2 virus. Vaccination of billions of people around the world leads to many questions about risk of vaccines and possible side effects. It is well known that acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare, but possible complication of vaccines. Previously, cases of ADEM following various COVID-19 vaccines, including the vaccines from AstraZenica, Pfizer, Sputnik V, SinoVac, Moderna, Sinopharm, have been described. In this case report, we present the first documented case of ADEM following the COVID-19 vaccine Ad26.COV2.S from Johnson & Johnson.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 31-year-old female with gradually progression of right-sided weakness and numbness during a three-week period. Four weeks prior to symptom onset, the patient received the single-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccine Ad26.COV2.S. Neuroimaging revealed five large juxtacortical T2 FLAIR hyperintense lesions with incomplete contrast enhancement on post-contrast T1 images located supratentorial: one in the right cerebral hemisphere and four in left cerebral hemisphere. The patient was followed up for four months. Symptom debut, clinical picture and MRI were typical for ADEM and the patient completely recovered after high dose intravenous methylprednisolone treatment.

Conclusions

This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first case report of ADEM following the COVID-19 vaccine Ad26.COV2.S. This case illustrates, although ADEM is a rare complication following SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, the necessity of maintaining a vaccine safety monitoring system to identify patients at high risk from developing severe complications from the vaccines.
MycoNews 2022: editorial, news, reports, awards, personalia, and book news
Authors: Hawksworth David L.
Published: January 2023

This fourth annual edition of MycoNews starts with an editorial asking if mycology is approaching a tipping point, and note of the journal’s 2021 Impact Factor almost doubling from 2020. Updated information and new speakers for IMC12 in 2024 is presented. Reports are provided for the Rise of the Fungi symposium in Amsterdam and of MycoRiseUP! in Warsaw in 2022. Information on activities of the International Commission on the Taxonomy of Fungi (ICTF) in the last two years are presented, including the formation of new Working Groups. Procedures for the nomination of IMA awards and for nomenclature proposals to be presented at IMC12 are provided. The Westerdijk Institute awards to Feng-Yan Bai and Marc Stadler are recorded, and Michael Wingfield and Geoffrey Kibby are congratulated on special awards they have received. Tributes are paid to the passing of two distinguished mycologists during the year, John Parmelee and John Pitt. Reviews of six mycological books published in 2021–22 are also provided.
Walking Duermevelas with Luisa
Authors: Llenín-Figueroa Beatriz
Published: January 2023

Luisa Capetillo’s revolutionary power was recognized in her time by allies and detractors alike, both in Puerto Rico and abroad. The scarcely examined archive of Puerto Rican and US-based newspaper coverage between 1911 and 1913 shows the significance of Capetillo’s gesta (heroic feat) and gestos (gestures, movements), offering a powerful trace of her subversive walks and an instance of her own argument. Through her deliberately clothed and performed walks—as part of worker-led and anarchist manifestations and, on her own, as a de facto feminist statement—Luisa Capetillo became/was becoming an other woman. Not a single acera (sidewalk) or calle (street), nor any protest in the archipelago taking the form of a walk against power, has ever been the same after Luisa and her faldapantalón (skirt-pant). Attempting to reflect this premise, this essay traverses, on dreamy foot and bilingually, the author’s past-and-present walking duermevelas with Luisa alongside the newspaper archive.
A Return to the Anticolonial
Authors: Diptée Audra A.
Published: January 2023

This essay presents a strategy for putting anticolonial thought in praxis through the critical application of historical thought. It suggests a method of inquiry that is problem oriented and geared toward countering hegemonic discourses. The methodological approach proposed argues for an analytical framework that is transnational in its framing, lines of inquiry that are grounded in historically informed interdisciplinarity, and analyses of the ways power interacts with memory and historicity in hegemonic discourses.
Παιδαγωγική αξιοποίηση παιδικών ταινιών στο πλαίσιο της Περιβαλλοντικής Εκπαίδευσης στο Νηπιαγωγείο
Authors: Βαρσαμά Μαρία , Δημητρίου Αναστασία
Published: January 2023

Το παρόν άρθρο εξετάζει την αξιοποίηση παιδικών ταινιών  στην περιβαλλοντική εκπαίδευση μαθητών προσχολικής ηλικίας. Αναφορά γίνεται στον τρόπο που ο εκπαιδευτικός μπορεί να αξιοποιήσει παιδαγωγικά μια ταινία ως μέσο για να εισάγει τα νήπια σε έννοιες σχετικές με το περιβάλλον και συναφή ζητήματα. Αναπτύσσονται τα βήματα που πρέπει να ακολουθήσει ο εκπαιδευτικός σχεδιασμός για την αξιοποίηση των ταινιών  στη τάξη. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό υλοποιήθηκε έρευνα, σκοπός της οποίας ήταν να εξεταστεί εαν το περιεχόμενο δύο τέτοιων ταινιών («Happy Feet» και «Finding Nemo») είναι ενημερωμένο επιστημονικά. Για τον λόγο αυτό χρησιμοποιήθηκε η μέθοδος της ανάλυσης περιεχομένου. Στόχος ήταν να συγκεντρωθούν πληροφορίες για το θέμα που πραγματεύεται η κάθε ταινία, να αναδεχθεί ο τρόπος που το βιώνουν οι πρωταγωνιστές, να επισημανθούν οι  πεποιθήσεις και  οι αξίες που αναδεικνύονται και να αποδοθούν οι  ερμηνείες που παρέχονται από τον σκηνοθέτη και τον σεναριογράφο. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας έδειξαν πως οι προαναφερθείσες ταινίες μπορούν να αξιοποιηθούν στην εκπαίδευση για το περιβάλλον και είναι ικανές να επικοινωνήσουν σημαντικά αειφορικά μηνύματα στα παιδιά. Ο τρόπος που επιλέγει ο  εκπαιδευτικός να διαχειριστεί την ταινία καθορίζει την παιδαγωγική της αξία. Η προφορική αφήγηση, η προβολή μόνο των σημαντικών σημείων και η απόδοση πιθανών λύσεων για το περιβαλλοντικό ζήτημα από τα παιδιά είναι κάποιοι τρόποι παιδαγωγικής αξιοποίησης παιδικών ταινιών στο Νηπιαγωγείο. Τέλος, φάνηκε πως οι παιδικές ταινίες αρέσουν στα νήπια γεγονός που επηρέασε αυξητικά την συμμετοχή τους στη διάρκεια της παρέμβασης.
 
This article focuses on the preschool education for sustainability with the use of children’s movies. Educational design needs to be based on the messages conveyed to the viewers. A way of integrating these messages into the learning process is suggested and the importance of preparing for an effective teaching is highlighted. The research goal was to examine whether the movies’ environmental content was scientifically valid, this is why semantic analysis was employed. The aim was to gather information about the subject matter of the movie, how it is experienced by the protagonists, the beliefs and values that emerge, and the interpretations provided. Two movies, "Happy Feet" and "Finding Nemo", were analyzed. The study’s findings declare that simply watching the movies is not enough for the messages to be communicated to the students without any input from the teacher. Therefore the pedagogical value is added by the teacher and the way s/he chooses to handle it. The results show that oral narration, concentrating only on the important points and engaging the children to give possible solutions to the environmental issues, are some effective strategies to use in preschool education.
Συζητώντας για το παρελθόν: διαλογικές ψηφιακές εμπειρίες στην εκπαίδευση της ιστορίας
Authors: Σέρβη Κατερίνα , Κατηφόρη Ακριβή , Ρούσσου Μαρία , Πετούση Δήμητρα
Published: January 2023

Η κοινωνική αλληλεπίδραση είναι παρούσα σε πολλές πτυχές της καθημερινότητας μας, ιδιαίτερα δε στον τομέα της εκπαίδευσης. Όπως δείχνουν οι έρευνες επηρεάζει θετικά τη μάθηση σε μουσειακό περιβάλλον, ενώ ο διάλογος, ως μια συνηθισμένη μορφή κοινωνικής αλληλεπίδρασης, αποτελεί αναπόσπαστο μέρος της συνεργατικής μάθησης, ειδικότερα στο πλαίσιο της εκπαίδευσης της Ιστορίας. Στο άρθρο αυτό εξετάζουμε τη χρήση συνεργατικών και διαλογικών εμπειριών σε χώρους πολιτισμού, παρουσιάζοντας δύο εμπειρίες που δημιουργήθηκαν για τον αρχαιολογικό χώρο της Αρχαίας Αγοράς της Αθήνας. Η πρώτη είναι μια δραστηριότητα συνεργατικής διαδραστικής ψηφιακής αφήγησης (storytelling) που αφορά τον χώρο της Αγοράς, στο πλαίσιο της οποίας οι χρήστες συζητούν στα σημεία επιλογών και παίρνουν αποφάσεις από κοινού. Η δεύτερη είναι μια συζήτηση με chatbot, το οποίο λειτουργεί ως διαμεσολαβητής, οδηγώντας τους συμμετέχοντες σε διάλογο γύρω από θέματα που σχετίζονται με την προαναφερόμενη ψηφιακή αφήγηση και την αρχαία Αθήνα, ενώ παράλληλα είναι σύμφυτα με σύγχρονους προβληματισμούς του ανθρώπου, όπως η ελευθερία, η θρησκεία, η κοινωνική δομή κ.α. Οι μαθητές εμπλέκονται σε εποικοδομητικό διάλογο μεταξύ τους, μέσα από τη λήψη προοπτικής, τη συλλογική δημιουργία νοήματος και τις συνδέσεις με το παρόν, με διαφορετικό τρόπο στην κάθε εμπειρία. Η συγκριτική παρουσίαση των δύο εμπειριών έχει ως στόχο να συμβάλει στην κατανόηση του τρόπου με τον οποίο τα χαρακτηριστικά κάθε εμπειρίας συνδέονται με την ανάπτυξη ιστορικού αναστοχασμού, ενώ παράλληλα υπογραμμίζει την αξία των διαλογικών και συνεργατικών προσεγγίσεων για την επαφή των μαθητών με τα πολιτιστικά αγαθά.
Entrepreneurial leadership and global management of COVID-19: A bibliometric study
Authors: Mendo Andi Yusniar , Singh Sanju Kumar , Yantu Irwan , Hinelo Raflin , Hakri Bokingo Agus , Febriani Dungga Elvie , Juanna Andi , Kusuma Wardhana Ahmad , Niroula Ballav , Win Thinzar
Published: January 2023

Background 

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused uncertainty in many economic sectors. An entrepreneurial leadership style can become an alternative method of leadership for facing uncertainty.   

Methods  

This study uses secondary data from the Scopus website as samples. The samples are papers from Indonesia, China, and the USA. Data were collected through the Scopus website, using keywords entrepreneurial and leadership, saved into a CSV file, and processed using VOSviewer. The findings were analyzed using a systematic search.  

Results  

Entrepreneurial leadership as a topic was more prevalent in China than Indonesia and the USA. There were 101 papers from Chinese authors, 28 from Indonesian authors, and 575 from USA authors. However, there was no topic of entrepreneurial leadership connected to the strings of the topic of COVID-19. This study also found that inclusive leadership was used in China and local government leadership was used by the USA government to anticipate the impact of COVID-19.  

Conclusions  

Entrepreneurial leadership was not used for COVID-19 pandemic management in USA, China, and Indonesia as a research trend.
Protocol for a scoping review of work system design in health care
Authors: Okunade Oladunni Sarah , Oladokun Victor O. , Iwu-Jaja Chinwe Juliana , Jaca Anelisa , Wiysonge Charles Shey
Published: January 2023

Background: Delivery of safe and reliable healthcare to patients and the healthcare workforce shortage amidst growing demand has been major challenge to the healthcare system. Addressing this challenge calls for designing or redesigning of healthcare work system. Work system design which is usually associated with productivity in manufacturing offers a wide spectrum of applicability in addressing this challenge of healthcare system. Despite the availability of primary studies on work system design in healthcare, there are sparse published reviews in specific contexts. This scoping review explores the existing evidence to understand the state of the art of work system design in healthcare. 

Methods: The scoping review adopts the methodology of Joanna Briggs Institute for scoping review which is based on the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley. The search will be done on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for the identification of eligible studies. A grey literature search will also be performed. A two-phase screening and extraction of data will be done by two independent reviewers. Data extraction will be done on a pre-piloted data extraction form. The findings will be presented in tables, figures, and a narrative summary. The scoping review will highlight the state of the art, gaps in knowledge and provide directions for future research. 

Ethics and dissemination: This is a scoping review of primary studies and therefore ethical approval is not required. The report of the findings will be presented in line with the PRISMA reporting guidelines for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal for publication and presented at relevant conferences.