bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of patient satisfaction with a self-completed tablet-based digital questionnaire for collecting the patient’s medical history in an emergency department
Authors: Melms Leander , Schaefer Juergen R. , Jerrentrup Andreas , Mueller Tobias
Published: July 2021

Background

The increasing popularity and availability of tablet computers raises questions regarding clinical scenarios. This pilot study examined the patient’s satisfaction when using a tablet-based digital questionnaire as a tool for obtaining medical history in an emergency department and to what extent gender, age, technical competence and mother tongue influence the user satisfaction. Patients were asked to complete three consecutive questionnaires: The first questionnaire collected basic epidemiological data to measure past digital usage behaviour, the second questionnaire collected the patient’s medical history, and the third questionnaire assessed the overall perceived user satisfaction when using the tablet-based survey application for medical anamnesis.

Results

Of 111 consenting patients, 86 completed all three questionnaires. In summary, the user evaluation was positive with 97.7% (n = 84) of the patients stating that they had no major difficulties using the digital questionnaire. Only 8.1% (n = 7) of patients reported a preference to fill out a paper-and-pen version on the next visit instead, while 98.8% (n = 85) stated that they would feel confident filling out a digital questionnaire on the next visit. The variables gender, age, mother tongue and/or technical competence did not exert a statistically significant influence towards the defined scales usability, content and overall impression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, self-administered tablet-based questionnaires are widely accepted tools for collecting medical information in the emergency room across all ages and genders, regardless of technical competence.
The ESCRT-0 subcomplex component Hrs/Hgs is a master regulator of myogenesis via modulation of signaling and degradation pathways
Authors: Coudert L. , Osseni A. , Gangloff Y. G. , Schaeffer L. , Leblanc P.
Published: July 2021

Background

Myogenesis is a highly regulated process ending with the formation of myotubes, the precursors of skeletal muscle fibers. Differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes is controlled by myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) that act as terminal effectors of signaling cascades involved in the temporal and spatial regulation of muscle development. Such signaling cascades converge and are controlled at the level of intracellular trafficking, but the mechanisms by which myogenesis is regulated by the endosomal machinery and trafficking is largely unexplored. The Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) machinery composed of four complexes ESCRT-0 to ESCRT-III regulates the biogenesis and trafficking of endosomes as well as the associated signaling and degradation pathways. Here, we investigate its role in regulating myogenesis.

Results

We uncovered a new function of the ESCRT-0 hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate Hrs/Hgs component in the regulation of myogenesis. Hrs depletion strongly impairs the differentiation of murine and human myoblasts. In the C2C12 murine myogenic cell line, inhibition of differentiation was attributed to impaired MRF in the early steps of differentiation. This alteration is associated with an upregulation of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and a downregulation of the Akt2 signaling both leading to the inhibition of differentiation. The myogenic repressors FOXO1 as well as GSK3β were also found to be both activated when Hrs was absent. Inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway or of GSK3β by the U0126 or azakenpaullone compounds respectively significantly restores the impaired differentiation observed in Hrs-depleted cells. In addition, functional autophagy that is required for myogenesis was also found to be strongly inhibited.

Conclusions

We show for the first time that Hrs/Hgs is a master regulator that modulates myogenesis at different levels through the control of trafficking, signaling, and degradation pathways.
Circulating vitamin C concentration and risk of cancers: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Fu Yuanqing , Xu Fengzhe , Jiang Longda , Miao Zelei , Liang Xinxiu , Yang Jian , Larsson Susanna C. , Zheng Ju-Sheng
Published: July 2021

Background

Circulating vitamin C concentrations have been associated with several cancers in observational studies, but little is known about the causal direction of the associations. This study aims to explore the potential causal relationship between circulating vitamin C and risk of five most common cancers in Europe.

Methods

We used summary-level data for genetic variants associated with plasma vitamin C in a large vitamin C genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis on 52,018 Europeans, and the corresponding associations with lung, breast, prostate, colon, and rectal cancer from GWAS consortia including up to 870,984 participants of European ancestry. We performed two-sample, bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses using inverse-variance-weighted method as the primary approach, while using 6 additional methods (e.g., MR-Egger, weighted median-based, and mode-based methods) as sensitivity analysis to detect and adjust for pleiotropy. We also conducted a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials to examine the association of vitamin C intakes with cancer outcomes.

Results

The MR analysis showed no evidence of a causal association of circulating vitamin C concentration with any examined cancer. Although the odds ratio (OR) per one standard deviation increase in genetically predicted circulating vitamin C concentration was 1.34 (95% confidence interval 1.14 to 1.57) for breast cancer in the UK Biobank, this association could not be replicated in the Breast Cancer Association Consortium with an OR of 1.05 (0.94 to 1.17). Smoking initiation, as a positive control for our reverse MR analysis, showed a negative association with circulating vitamin C concentration. However, there was no strong evidence of a causal association of any examined cancer with circulating vitamin C. Sensitivity analysis using 6 different analytical approaches yielded similar results. Moreover, our MR results were consistent with the null findings from the meta-analysis exploring prospective associations of dietary or supplemental vitamin C intakes with cancer risk, except that higher dietary vitamin C intake, but not vitamin C supplement, was associated with a lower risk of lung cancer (risk ratio: 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.71 to 0.99).

Conclusions

These findings provide no evidence to support that physiological-level circulating vitamin C has a large effect on risk of the five most common cancers in European populations, but we cannot rule out very small effect sizes.
Novel method of real-time PCR-based screening for common fetal trisomies
Authors: Kim So Yeon , Lee Seung Mi , Kim Sun Min , Kim Byoung Jae , Koo Ja Nam , Oh Ig Hwan , Oh Sohee , Park Chan-Wook , Jun Jong Kwan , Lim Ji Hyae , Ryu Hyun Mee , Park Joong Shin
Published: July 2021

Background

The non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) is based on next generation sequencing (NGS) and is used for screening for fetal trisomy. However, it is time-consuming and technically difficult. Recently, peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was developed. This study aimed to examine the performance of the RT-PCR-based NIPT for screening of common fetal trisomies

Methods

From stored maternal plasma, RT-PCR was performed using Patio™ NIPT Detection Kit. In melting curve analysis, the height of melting peaks of target chromosome and reference chromosome was calculated as a peak ratio. The adjusted peak ratio of 8 markers with correction factors in each target chromosome was summated and calculated to z-score. The cut-off value for each target chromosome was established for classification (low risk vs. high risk for trisomy) whose performance was obtained in the validation phase.

Results

330 plasma samples from pregnant women with normal fetus and 22 trisomy cell-line samples were used to establish the optimal cut-off values for z-score of each target chromosome. In the validation phase, 1023 samples from pregnant women including 22 cases with fetal trisomy and 1001 cases of normal control were used. The RT-PCR-based NIPT showed 95.45% sensitivity [95% confidence interval (CI) 77.16–99.88%], 98.60% specificity (95% CI 97.66–99.23%), and 98.53% accuracy (95% CI 97.59–99.18%) for the identification of trisomy 21, 18, or 13. Of 1023 samples, fifteen cases were mismatched for classification [one case as a false negative (false negative rate: 4.5%) and 14 cases as false positives (false positive rate: 1.4%)].

Conclusion

The RT-PCR-based NIPT showed high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of common fetal trisomies and it could be a feasible alternative to NGS-based NIPT.
A proposed prognostic prediction score for pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis
Authors: Kinoshita Yoshiaki , Ikeda Takato , Miyamura Takuto , Ueda Yusuke , Yoshida Yuji , Kushima Hisako , Fujita Masaki , Ogura Takashi , Watanabe Kentaro , Ishii Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

Background

Clinical course of pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) shows considerable variation among patients, but there is no established prognostic prediction model for PPFE.

Methods

The prediction model was developed using retrospective data from two cohorts: our single-center cohort and a nationwide multicenter cohort involving 21 institutions. Cox regression analyses were used to identify prognostic factors. The total score was defined as the weighted sum of values for the selected variables. The performance of the prediction models was evaluated by Harrell’s concordance index (C-index). We also examined the usefulness of the gender-age-physiology (GAP) model for predicting the prognosis of PPFE patients.

Results

We examined 104 patients with PPFE (52 cases from each cohort). In a multivariate Cox analysis, a lower forced vital capacity (FVC [defined as FVC < 65%]; hazard ratio [HR], 2.23), a history of pneumothorax (HR, 3.27), the presence of a lower lobe interstitial lung disease (ILD) (HR, 2.31), and higher serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) levels (> 550 U/mL, HR, 2.56) were significantly associated with a poor prognosis. The total score was calculated as 1 × (FVC, < 65%) + 1 × (history of pneumothorax) + 1 × (presence of lower lobe ILD) + 1 × (KL-6, > 550 U/mL). PPFE patients were divided into three groups based on the prognostic score: stage I (0–1 points), stage II (2 points), and stage III (3–4 points). The survival rates were significantly different in each stage. The GAP stage was significantly associated with the prognosis of PPFE, but no difference was found between moderate (stage II) and severe (stage III) disease. Our new model for PPFE patients (PPFE Prognosis Score) showed better performance in the prediction of mortality in comparison to the GAP model (C-index of 0.713 vs. 0.649).

Conclusions

Our new model for PPFE patients could be useful for predicting their prognosis.
Histone H2A.X phosphorylation and Caspase-Initiated Chromatin Condensation in late-stage erythropoiesis
Authors: Jeffery Nazish N. , Davidson Christina , Peslak Scott A. , Kingsley Paul D. , Nakamura Yukio , Palis James , Bulger Michael
Published: July 2021

Background

Condensation of chromatin prior to enucleation is an essential component of terminal erythroid maturation, and defects in this process are associated with inefficient erythropoiesis and anemia. However, the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon are not well understood. Here, we describe a potential role for the histone variant H2A.X in erythropoiesis.

Results

We find in multiple model systems that this histone is essential for normal maturation, and that the loss of H2A.X in erythroid cells results in dysregulation in expression of erythroid-specific genes as well as a nuclear condensation defect. In addition, we demonstrate that erythroid maturation is characterized by phosphorylation at both S139 and Y142 on the C-terminal tail of H2A.X during late-stage erythropoiesis. Knockout of the kinase BAZ1B/WSTF results in loss of Y142 phosphorylation and a defect in nuclear condensation, but does not replicate extensive transcriptional changes to erythroid-specific genes observed in the absence of H2A.X.

Conclusions

We relate these findings to Caspase-Initiated Chromatin Condensation (CICC) in terminal erythroid maturation, where aspects of the apoptotic pathway are invoked while apoptosis is specifically suppressed.
Low complexity sparse beamspace DOA estimation via single measurement vectors for uniform circular array
Authors: Zhao Di , Tan Weijie , Deng Zhongliang , Li Gang
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we present a low complexity sparse beamspace direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation method for uniform circular array (UCA). In the proposed method, we firstly use the beamspace transformation (BT) to transform the signal model of UCA in element-space domain to that of virtual uniform linear array (ULA) in beamspace domain. Subsequently, by applying the vectoring operator on the virtual ULA-like array signal model, a novel dimension-reduction sparse beamspace signal model is derived based on Khatri-Rao (KR) product, the observation data of which is represented by the single measurement vectors (SMVs) via vectorization of sparse covariance matrix. And then, the DOA estimation is formulated as a convex optimization problem by following the concept of a sparse-signal-representation (SSR) of the SMVs. Finally, simulations are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that without knowledge of the number of signals, the proposed method not only has higher DOA resolution than the subspace-based methods in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), but also has far lower computational complexity than other sparse-like DOA estimation methods.
Statistical convergence in probabilistic generalized metric spaces w.r.t. strong topology
Authors: Abazari Rasoul
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the concept of probabilisticg-metric space with degreel, which is a generalization of probabilisticG-metric space, is introduced. Then, by endowing strong topology, the definition ofl-dimensional asymptotic density of a subsetAof$\mathbb{N}^{l}$Nlis used to introduce a statistically convergent and Cauchy sequence and to study some basic facts.
Modern international large-scale assessment in education: an integrative review and mapping of the literature
Authors: Hernández-Torrano Daniel , Courtney Matthew G. R.
Published: July 2021

Research in international large-scale assessment (ILSA) has become an increasingly popular field of study in education. Consequently, interest and debate in the field by practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and the public has grown over the past decades. This study adopts a descriptive bibliometric approach to map modern research on ILSA in education and provide an up-to-date picture of the recent developments and structure of the field. The analysis of 2,233 journal articles indexed in the Web of Sciences database revealed that ILSA research in education is an emerging field in a stage of exponential growth that has become increasingly international with recent substantive contributions from China, Spain, and Turkey. Research in the field is currently produced by a tupid network of scholars with diverse geographical backgrounds that engage frequently in national and international research collaborations. Also, the field is relatively interdisciplinary and has developed grounded on nine differentiated historical paths. The PISA program has received the greatest attention in the field, and a wide variety of topics have been addressed in the literature in the last decades, including equity and quality education, globalization and education policy, measurement and statistics, student motivation and self-concept, and interpersonal relationships. The paper concludes by pointing to the potential of future ILSA research to make use of new more relevant instrumentation, data linkages, and trans-regional collaborations.
Optimization of SPECT/CT imaging protocols for quantitative and qualitative 99mTc SPECT
Authors: Kupitz Dennis , Wissel Heiko , Wuestemann Jan , Bluemel Stephanie , Pech Maciej , Amthauer Holger , Kreissl Michael C. , Grosser Oliver S.
Published: July 2021

Background

The introduction of hybrid SPECT/CT devices enables quantitative imaging in SPECT, providing a methodological setup for quantitation using SPECT tracers comparable to PET/CT. We evaluated a specific quantitative reconstruction algorithm for SPECT data using a 99mTc-filled NEMA phantom. Quantitative and qualitative image parameters were evaluated for different parametrizations of the acquisition and reconstruction protocol to identify an optimized quantitative protocol.

Results

The reconstructed activity concentration (ACrec) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of all examined protocols (n = 16) were significantly affected by the parametrization of the weighting factor k used in scatter correction, the total number of iterations and the sphere volume (all, p < 0.0001). The two examined SPECT acquisition protocols (with 60 or 120 projections) had a minor impact on the ACrec and no significant impact on the SNR.

In comparison to the known AC, the use of default scatter correction (k = 0.47) or object-specific scatter correction (k = 0.18) resulted in an underestimation of ACrec in the largest sphere volume (26.5 ml) by − 13.9 kBq/ml (− 16.3%) and − 7.1 kBq/ml (− 8.4%), respectively. An increase in total iterations leads to an increase in estimated AC and a decrease in SNR. The mean difference between ACrec and known AC decreased with an increasing number of total iterations (e.g., for 20 iterations (2 iterations/10 subsets) = − 14.6 kBq/ml (− 17.1%), 240 iterations (24i/10s) = − 8.0 kBq/ml (− 9.4%), p < 0.0001). In parallel, the mean SNR decreased significantly from 2i/10s to 24i/10s by 76% (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Quantitative SPECT imaging is feasible with the used reconstruction algorithm and hybrid SPECT/CT, and its consistent implementation in diagnostics may provide perspectives for quantification in routine clinical practice (e.g., assessment of bone metabolism). When combining quantitative analysis and diagnostic imaging, we recommend using two different reconstruction protocols with task-specific optimized setups (quantitative vs. qualitative reconstruction). Furthermore, individual scatter correction significantly improves both quantitative and qualitative results.
Adapting sudden landslide identification product (SLIP) and detecting real-time increased precipitation (DRIP) algorithms to map rainfall-triggered landslides in Western Cameroon highlands (Central-Africa)
Authors: Ngandam Mfondoum Alfred Homère , Wokwenmendam Nguet Pauline , Mefire Mfondoum Jean Valery , Tchindjang Mesmin , Hakdaoui Sofia , Cooper Ryan , Gbetkom Paul Gérard , Penaye Joseph , Bekoa Ateba , Moudioh Cyriel
Published: July 2021

Background

NASA’s developers recently proposed the Sudden Landslide Identification Product (SLIP) and Detecting Real-Time Increased Precipitation (DRIP) algorithms. This double method uses Landsat 8 satellite images and daily rainfall data for a real-time mapping of this geohazard. This study adapts the processing to face the issues of data quality and unavailability/gaps for the mapping of the recent landslide events in west-Cameroon’s highlands.

Methods

The SLIP algorithm is adapted, by integrating the inverse Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to assess the soil bareness, the Modified Normalized Multi-Band Drought Index (MNMDI) combined with the hydrothermal index to assess soil moisture, and the slope inclination to map the recent landslide. Further, the DRIP algorithm uses the mean daily rainfall to assess the thresholds corresponding to the recent landslide events. Their probability density function (PDF) curves are superimposed and their intersections are used to propose sets of dichotomous variables before (1948–2018) and after the 28 October 2019 landslide event. In addition, a survival analysis is performed to correlate landslide occurrence to rainfall, with the first known event in Cameroon as starting point, and using the Cox model.

Results

From the SLIP model, the Landslide Hazard Zonation (LHZ) map gives an overall accuracy of96%. Further, the DRIP model states that 6/9 ranges of probability are rainfall-triggered landslides at99.99%, between June and October, while 3/9 ranges show only4.88%of risk for the same interval. Finally, the survival probability for a known site is up to0.68for the best value and between0.38and0.1for the lowest value through time.

Conclusions

The proposed approach is an alternative based on data (un)availability, completed by the site’s lifetime analysis for a more flexibility in observation and prediction thresholding.
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in HCV-positive Egyptian patients: the impact of HCV eradication on plasma BNP levels
Authors: Nada Ali , Sabry Aliaa , Elabd Naglaa S. , Abdu Allah Azza M. , Elnaidany Nada , Abbasy Mohamed
Published: July 2021

Background

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a major health-related burden in Egypt. HCV is considered as a major cardiovascular risk factor. BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) has been determined as a credible diagnostic and prognostic cardiac biomarker. We aimed to assess plasma BNP in HCV-positive Egyptian patients prior and after HCV eradication by direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy. Eighty-nine chronic HCV-positive patients were enrolled in our prospective research. They were provided with DAAs therapy in the form of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir without or with ribavirin for 12 weeks. History, clinical evaluation, and laboratory assessment: CBC, liver and kidney function tests, viral markers (HCVAb, HBVsAg, and HIVAb) by ELISA, HCV RNA by real-time PCR, and BNP by ELISA were assessed. FIB-4 and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) scores were ranked.

Results

Plasma BNP displayed a non-significant (p = 0.124) increase of its serum mean values in post eradication of HCV than its baseline values. Baseline BNP exhibited a significant positive correlation with FIB4 (r = 0.411, P < 0.001) and APRI score (r = 0.418, p < 0.001) with a considerably negative correlation with platelets (r = − 0.274, p = 0.009), in addition to higher pretreatment BNP values in cirrhotic than in non-cirrhotic patients (p < 0.001), while non-significant relations were found regarding sex, BMI, and drug regimen (with or without ribavirin) (p = 0.950, 0.845, and 0.738, respectively). Additionally, plasma BNP values considerably decreased post-treatment in patients presented with higher baseline BNP values and more advanced liver disease (higher FIB4, APRI, and the presence of liver cirrhosis).

Conclusion

Our findings propose on the one side, the necessity of cardiac monitoring during chronic HCV infection and, on the other, the valuable impacts of HCV eradication on HCV-associated cardiac morbidities.
Smooth pyroelectric luminescence in β-BaB2O4 single crystals via Fowler-Nordheim tunneling
Authors: Swaisi Mohamed , Katoch Rajesh , Dörfler Andreas , Ruediger Andreas
Published: July 2021

The smooth pyroelectric luminescence in β-BaB2O4 single crystals is investigated for low ambient pressures (down to 10-6 mbar) and temperature changes, in particular between 235–250 K for heating and 240–255 K for cooling cycles respectively. This faint, continuous emission of light due to temperature-induced changes of permanent polarization is brought about by charge carrier recombination inside the crystal, contrasting the well-known spike-like emission due to discharges in the ambient atmosphere. A microscopic model of the luminescence allows the description of the time-dependent pyroelectric luminescence, in particular the determination of deep trap potentials that are otherwise inaccessible to thermal activation. Using this model, we show that the behavior of this emission in the polar β-BaB2O4 crystals is consistent with the release of trapped electrons by Fowler-Nordheim tunneling under the influence of intense electric fields generated due to the pyroelectric effect. We also discuss the barrier lowering of both Coulomb and Dirac potentials through the Poole-Frenkel emission but only achieve good fitting of the experimental data for unrealistic combinations of values of the electron emission rates, capture cross-section, activation energies and high-frequency permittivity.
Local Experiences of Imperial Cultures
Authors: Hanifi Shah Mahmoud
Published: July 2021

The constitutional history thread woven through Faiz Ahmed's Afghanistan Rising: Islamic Law and Statecraft between the Ottoman and British Empires unites Afghan, Indian, Ottoman, Islamic, modernist, and other strands of analysis. Hanifi's essay addresses issues relevant to the comparative study of Afghanistan, namely, epistemology, class, culture, and empire. It explores how urban Persianate state elites in Kabul exploited imperial opportunities, especially educational opportunities, over the century since constitutional independence.
Success, Failure, and Other Historical Crafts
Authors: Ahmed Faiz
Published: July 2021

The author of Afghanistan Rising responds to our critical review essays by six scholars of diverse historical expertise, from the late Ottoman and Habsburg Empires to Southeast Asia, and Islamic legal history to the political economy of the British Raj and Indo-Afghan frontier. Centering administrative and constitutional developments in Afghanistan within broader regional and global currents connecting the Balkans to Indian Ocean at the turn of the twentieth century, Ahmed reflects on what it means to write “a history that most people do not think exist.”
Chk2-p53 and JNK in irradiation-induced cell death of hematopoietic progenitors and differentiated cells inDrosophilalarval lymph gland
Authors: Nguyen Tram Thi Ngoc , Shim Jiwon , Song Young-Han
Published: July 2021

Ionizing radiation (IR) induces DNA double-strand breaks that activate the DNA damage response (DDR), which leads to cell cycle arrest, senescence, or apoptotic cell death. Understanding the DDR of stem cells is critical to tissue homeostasis and the survival of the organism. Drosophila hematopoiesis serves as a model system for sensing stress and environmental changes; however, their response to DNA damage remains largely unexplored. The Drosophila lymph gland is the larval hematopoietic organ, where stem-like progenitors proliferate and differentiate into mature blood cells called hemocytes. We found that apoptotic cell death was induced in progenitors and hemocytes after 40 Gy irradiation, with progenitors showing more resistance to IR-induced cell death compared to hemocytes at a lower dose. Furthermore, we found that Drosophila ATM (tefu), Chk2 (lok), p53, and reaper were necessary for IR-induced cell death in the progenitors. Notably, IR-induced cell death in mature hemocytes required tefu, Drosophila JNK (bsk), and reaper, but not lok or p53. In summary, we found that DNA damage induces apoptotic cell death in the late third instar larval lymph gland and identified lok/p53-dependent and -independent cell death pathways in progenitors and mature hemocytes, respectively.
The Norwegian public’s ability to assess treatment claims: results of a cross-sectional study of critical health literacy
Authors: Dahlgren Astrid , Furuseth-Olsen Kjetil , Rose Christopher James , Oxman Andrew David
Published: July 2021

Background: Few studies have evaluated the ability of the general public to assess the trustworthiness of claims about the effects of healthcare. For the most part, those studies have used self-reported measures of critical health literacy. Methods: We mailed 4500 invitations to Norwegian adults. Respondents were randomly assigned to one of four online questionnaires that included multiple-choice questions that test understanding of Key Concepts people need to understand to assess healthcare claims. They also included questions about intended behaviours and self-efficacy. One of the four questionnaires was identical to one previously used in two randomised trials of educational interventions in Uganda, facilitating comparisons to Ugandan children, parents, and teachers. We adjusted the results using demographic data to reflect the population. Results: A total of 771 people responded. The adjusted proportion of Norwegian adults who answered correctly was > 50% for 17 of the 30 Key Concepts. On the other hand, less than half answered correctly for 13 concepts. The results for Norwegian adults were better than the results for Ugandan children in the intervention arm of the trial and parents, and similar to those of Ugandan teachers in the intervention arm of the trial. Based on self-report, most Norwegians are likely to find out the basis of treatment claims, but few consider it easy to assess whether claims are based on research and to assess the trustworthiness of research. Conclusions: Norwegian adults do not understand many concepts that are essential for assessing healthcare claims and making informed choices.Future interventions should be tailored to address Key Concepts for which there appears to be a lack of understanding.
Accumulation of essential (copper, iron, zinc) and non-essential (lead, cadmium) heavy metals in Caulerpa racemosa, sea water, and marine sediments of Bintan Island, Indonesia
Authors: Raza’i Tengku Said , Thamrin . , Nofrizal . , Amrifo Viktor , Pardi Hilfi , Pangestiansyah Putra Imam , Febrianto Try , Fadhli Ilhamdy Aidil
Published: July 2021

Background: Heavy metals are materials naturally occurring in nature and increase with a rise in human activity. Ex-mining areas and domestic waste from human settlements are sources of heavy metal contamination that enter and pollute water, which then accumulates in various organisms including the Caulerpa racemosa community. The accumulation of heavy metals in C. racemosa has a wide impact on the food chain in aquatic ecosystems and humans because this alga is a consumptive commodity.  

Methods: Sampling of C. racemosa was carried out at seven sites on Bintan Island, Indonesia covering the eastern (Teluk Bakau, Beralas Pasir, Malang Rapat), northern (Berakit and Pengudang), western (Sakera), and southern parts (Tg. Siambang). Sampling was carried out during different monsoons, and heavy metals in water and sediment samples were measured to determine the heavy metal concentration. Heavy metals were analyzed by a spectrophotometric method using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.  

Results: The results showed that heavy metal concentrations fluctuate according to changes in the wind season, which carry currents and spread pollutants into the water. The concentration of metal in the water is also from anthropogenic activities. The heavy metal content of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in C. racemosa is high in locations close to settlements. Meanwhile, in seawater samples, Fe and Zn metals have the highest concentrations compared to others. 

Conclusions: Ex-bauxite mines are a source of Fe and Zn metal contamination in the environment, especially at Tg. Siambang. The levels of these heavy metals in the sediment are also high, as surface particle deposits accumulate at the bottom of the sediment. In general, the levels of heavy metals Cd, Pb, Cu, Fe, and Zn increase in the northern monsoon because the dynamics of the water transport greater heavy metal pollution.
Low back pain and associated risk factors among medical students in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sany Shabbir Ahmed , Tanjim Taukir , Hossain Md Ikbal
Published: July 2021

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Different studies showed the high prevalence of LBP among medical students. However, no study has been conducted on Bangladeshi medical students to estimate the prevalence of LBP. This study evaluated the prevalence, characteristics, and associated risk factors of LBP among medical students in Bangladesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 among randomly selected 270 medical students and medical interns in Faridpur Medical College, Bangladesh, using an online questionnaire. In data analysis, chi-square test and binary logistic regression were performed, and a p-value of < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.

Results: A total of 207 participants responded fully to the survey, and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 22.36 ± 1.915 years. The point, 6-month, and 12-month prevalence of LBP was 25.6%, 46.9%, and 63.3%, respectively. In most participants, LBP was localized (53.2%), recurrent (64.9%), undiagnosed (70.8%), affected for a short period (55%), and relieved without receiving any treatment (60.4%). Participants who had a significantly higher 12-month prevalence of LBP included females (72.2% vs 52.2%), with BMI >25 kg/m2 (73.2% vs 56.7%), those who performed physical activity at low to moderate frequency (72.4% vs 29.5%), those who spent > 6 hours/day by sitting (71.3% vs 45.3%), and those who did not have enough rest time (92.7% vs 56%). Ergonomic features of chairs, such as having back support, adjustable back support, and adjustable sitting surface, significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the outcomes.

Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among medical students in Bangladesh was high, and most of the risk factors associated with the high prevalence of LBP were modifiable. Hence, LBP can be prevented by implementing preventive strategies and providing ergonomic training and physical activity facilities.
Looking in the medicine cabinet: methods for using real-world data to assess the impact of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and recombinant adjuvanted varicella-zoster vaccines on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention and case fatality
Authors: McNair Douglas , Hu Hao , Selwyn Casey
Published: July 2021

Background: Analysis of real-world data can be used to identify promising leads and dead ends among products being repurposed for clinical practice for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).  This paper uses real-world data from Cerner Labs collected from 90 source institutions in the United States to assess the potential impact of two viral vaccines on COVID-19 case fatality rates.

Methods: We identified 373,032 polymerase chase reaction (PCR)-positive COVID-19 cases in the Cerner Labs database between 01-MAR-2020 and 31-DEC-2020 and identified patients that had received measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) or a recombinant adjuvanted varicella-zoster vaccine within the previous 5 years. We calculated heterogeneity scores to support interpretation of results across institutions, and used stepwise forward variable selection to construct covariable-based propensity scores. These scores were used to match cases and control for biasing and confounding issues inherent in observational data.

Results: Neither the recombinant adjuvanted varicella-zoster vaccine nor MMR showed significant efficacy in prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We could not derive clinically significant results on the impact of MMR for case fatality rates due to persistently high rates of heterogeneity between institutions. However, we were able to achieve acceptable levels of heterogeneity for the analysis of the recombinant adjuvanted varicella-zoster vaccine, and found a clinically meaningful benefit of reduced case fatality rate, with an odds ratio of 0.43 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38 – 0.48).

Conclusions: Using propensity score matching and heterogeneity statistics can help guide our interpretation of real-world data, and rigorous statistical methods are needed to reduce bias or disparities in data interpretation. Applying these methods to the impact of viral vaccines on COVID-19 case fatalities yields actionable findings for further analysis.
Więzienie w Guantanamo jako przykład biopolitycznego paradygmatu globalnej wojny z terroryzmem
Authors: Kania Magdalena M.
Published: July 2021

Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp as an Example of Biopolitical Framework of Global War on Terror The aim of this article is to introduce the problem of indefinite detainees of Guantanamo Bay into the framework of biopolitical interpretation of Global War on Terror (GWOT). From the very first days of GWOT, the George W. Bush administration mobilized all available resources to fight with everyone suspected as a potential terrorist in all areas, including legal area. The intentional consequence of this fight was the elimination of political rights for indefinite detainees. Potentially risky individuals were suspected in the context of normal law – what can be perceived as a visible result of sovereign’s decisions and actions – and were transformed into bare lives, figure of homini sacri. Homo sacer means an individual being excluded from the society and social order; it means the situation of being deprived of personal political rights, where the essence of human existence is diminished to physical aspects exclusively. According to Giorgio Agamben and his concept of biopolitics, the camp per se, is the paradigm of modernity. It is the place of permanent production of bare lives, the materialized place of state of exception, the place of law suspension. In the context of post-9/11, Guantanamo detention camp became the pure exemplification of Agamben’s biopolitical camp.
Koncepcja wielkiego człowieka – wybrane zagadnienia
Authors: Kałabunowska Agata
Published: July 2021

The idea of the Great Man – selected issues The paper analyses the importance of an individual in history making. It summarizes both psychological and historical reasons of people’s admiration towards specific individuals who are considered to have enormous influence on history. It presents research in different kinds of scientific fields with the emphasis on political science. The paper compares a number of approaches to the Great Man Theory, stressing the importance of Thomas Carlyle’s and Gieorgij Plechanow’s interpretations. It presents counterarguments and theories claiming a decline in the importance of the individual per se and the individual in history making.
Quantitative Communication Research: Review, Trends, and Critique
Authors: Levine Timothy R.
Published: July 2021

Trends in quantitative communication research are reviewed. A content analysis of 48 articles reporting original communication research published in 1988-1991 and 2008-2011 is reported. Survey research and self-report measurement remain common approaches to research. Null hypothesis significance testing remains the dominant approach to statistical analysis. Reporting the shapes of distributions, estimates of statistical power, and confidence intervals remain uncommon. Trends over time include the increased popularity of health communication and computer mediated communication as topics of research, and increased attention to mediator and moderator variables. The implications of these practices for scientific progress are critically discussed, and suggestions for the future are provided.
On-Demand Public Transit: A Markovian Continuous Approximation Model
Authors: Silva Daniel F. , Vinel Alexander , Kirkici Bekircan
Published: July 2021

With recent advances in mobile technology, public transit agencies around the world have started actively experimenting with new transportation modes, many of which can be characterized as on-demand public transit. Design and efficient operation of such systems can be particularly challenging, because they often need to carefully balance demand volume with resource availability. We propose a family of models for on-demand public transit that combine a continuous approximation methodology with a Markov process. Our goal is to develop a tractable method to evaluate and predict system performance, specifically focusing on obtaining the probability distribution of performance metrics. This information can then be used in capital planning, such as fleet sizing, contracting, and driver scheduling, among other things. We present the analytical solution for a stylized single-vehicle model of first-mile operation. Then, we describe several extensions to the base model, including two approaches for the multivehicle case. We use computational experiments to illustrate the effects of the inputs on the performance metrics and to compare different modes of transit. Finally, we include a case study, using data collected from a real-world pilot on-demand public transit project in a major U.S. metropolitan area, to showcase how the proposed model can be used to predict system performance and support decision making.
Mapeamento das ações de educação em saúde, alimentação e nutrição no período de distanciamento social pela pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Marra Raphaella Leão , Bernardes Milena Serenini , Souza Camila Maciente , Toloni Maysa Helena de Aguiar
Published: July 2021

Introdução: Em dezembro de 2019, um novo vírus infeccioso denominado Sars-Cov-2 e relacionado à Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave foi identificado na China. A Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) designou como Covid-19 a infecção causada por esse vírus. Diante da rápida propagação, no dia 11 de março de 2020, a OMS declarou estado de pandemia e exigiu que medidas de isolamento social fossem tomadas com o intuito de evitar sua disseminação. Nesse cenário, várias mudanças ocorreram no cotidiano das pessoas, inclusive em relação à alimentação. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar as ações de educação online relacionadas a saúde, alimentação e nutrição durante o isolamento social devido à pandemia da Covid-19, com o intuito de descrevê-las conforme público-alvo, objetivos e meios de comunicação. Métodos: Estudo exploratório, que dispõe de pesquisas sobre ações em saúde, alimentação e nutrição realizados durante a pandemia do novo coronavírus em plataformas digitais oficiais. Resultados: Cinquenta e três ações identificadas atenderam aos critérios de inclusão do estudo e foram divididas em quatro grandes temas: Higiene e manipulação de alimentos; Patologias específicas de interesse da área de Alimentação e Nutrição; (In)segurança alimentar, aleitamento materno e gestação; e Educação alimentar e nutricional e orientação para profissionais da área de nutrição. Conclusão: É necessário elaborar instrumentos de comunicação e educação em saúde, com o objetivo de apoiar profissionais e demais indivíduos durante as práticas de saúde. Nesse contexto, os materiais expostos no presente estudo são importantes para amenizar as consequências da pandemia.
Dimensões da escala brasileira de insegurança alimentar na atenção primária à saúde
Authors: De Araújo Melissa Luciana , Mendonça Raquel De Deus , Lisboa Pereira Simone Cardoso , Lopes Aline Cristine Souza
Published: July 2021

Objetivo: Analisar a relevância das dimensões da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA). Método: Conduziu-se estudo a partir da linha de base com amostra representativa de usuários do Programa Academia da Saúde de Belo Horizonte-MG. A mensuração da insegurança alimentar foi obtida pela EBIA. Utilizou-se análise fatorial para identificar as dimensões da EBIA relevantes para os usuários do Programa. Resultado: Verificou-se elevada prevalência de insegurança alimentar (31,1%), sobretudo entre as famílias com menores de 18 anos (41,0%). Foi identificada redução do percentual de respostas afirmativas segundo a gravidade de insegurança alimentar implicada na questão, sendo que itens relacionados à insegurança alimentar leve (preocupação e acesso à alimentação saudável) apresentaram maior percentual de respostas afirmativas, enquanto aqueles correlatos à insegurança alimentar severa (fome e perda de peso), menores percentuais. Foram identificados três fatores relevantes da EBIA para famílias com menores de 18 anos: preocupação, privação e crianças/adolescentes; e para as demais famílias: preocupação, privação e fome. Conclusão: Sugere-se, assim, o uso da EBIA na Atenção Primária, visando avaliar o risco de insegurança alimentar e o delineamento de ações de promoção da saúde mais abrangentes.
AS REPERCUSSÕES DA PANDEMIA DE COVID-19 NO TURISMO DOS PRINCIPAIS DESTINOS DO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE
Authors: Todesco Carolina , Fonseca Maria Aparecida Pontes da , Fonseca Itamara Lúcia Da , Dantas Fernanda Raphaela Alves
Published: July 2021

O ano de 2020 vivenciou uma crise histórica, desencadeada pela pandemia de Covid-19. O turismo está entre as atividades econômicas mais atingidas pela crise e sendo o estado do Rio Grande do Norte (RN) um importante destino turístico brasileiro, o presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar as repercussões desta crise no setor de turismo dos principais destinos do RN, ao longo do ano de 2020. A pesquisa é de natureza exploratória e explicativa, com análise qualitativa e quantitativa de dados primários e secundários. Os resultados mostram que o ano de 2020 pode ser dividido em dois diferentes momentos: o primeiro se refere ao 1º semestre de 2020, período de acirramento da crise, com altas taxas de desemprego no setor e dependência dos trabalhadores autônomos e informais das redes de solidariedade e das políticas de seguridade social; o segundo momento se refere à retomada do turismo regional/rodoviário a partir de julho de 2020 e, posteriormente do turismo nacional/aéreo, que reaquece o mercado de trabalho do setor, mesmo ainda em tempos de pandemia.
North central London elective orthopaedic network and health service innovation to improve the quality of NHS patient care
Authors: Thompson Joshua W. , O'Brien Alice , Stewart Anna , Hurd Rob , Haddad Fares S
Published: July 2021

Health service innovation is required to meet the ever-growing demands of modern medicine. This editorial discusses the transformation of the north central London elective orthopaedic network and the essential principles which future integrated care systems could incorporate.
Enhanced healthcare in care homes for people with dementia: the Admiral nursing offer
Authors: Dening Karen Harrison , Aldridge Zena
Published: July 2021

Background

The UK older population is higher than the global average. Over the next 20 years, England will see an increase in the number of older people who have higher levels of dependency, dementia and comorbidity, many of whom will require 24-hour residential care. It is estimated that 70% of residents in nursing and residential care homes either have dementia on admission or develop it while residing in the care home, many of who will have complex needs with high levels of multimorbidity. However, there is a lack of consistency in the provision of primary care and specialist services to this population and a known gap in knowledge and skills of dementia care in care home staff and primary care teams.

Methods

This article considers the current health policy drivers to enhance integrated health and social care provision to care homes and proposes a model of care that would support the aims of the NHS Long Term Plan for care to be delivered closer to home and improve out of hospital care which includes people who live in care homes by introducing Enhanced Health in Care Homes. It is crucial that such a model includes the correct skill mix to meet the needs of the care home population.

Conclusions

There are currently gaps in service provision to many care homes. Admiral nurse case managers and specialists in dementia care, are well placed to support the delivery of Enhanced Health in Care Homes and improve access to specialist support to care home residents, their families, care home staff and the wider health and social care system.