bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Oklahoma Pediatricians Who Dismiss Families for Refusing Vaccines
Authors: Nguyen Christine G. , Pogemiller Mark I. , Cooper Michael T. , Garbe M. Connor , Darden Paul M.
Published: July 2022

Vaccine refusal is increasing. Objectives were to assess frequency of declining or dismissing patients who refuse vaccines, which vaccine(s) prompt pediatricians to decline/dismiss patients, and demographics of pediatricians who decline/dismiss patients. Active members of the Oklahoma American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) were surveyed. Chi-square tests with non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals compared proportions of providers across various metrics. In all, 47% (48/103) versus 35% (34/98) reported declining versus dismissing patients for refusing vaccines, respectively. Pediatricians were unlikely to decline/dismiss patients if they refused influenza, human papilloma virus (HPV), or MenB vaccines. Pediatricians with more years in practice were less likely to decline 15% (9/62) versus 44% (16/36), P = 0.002 and dismiss 8% (5/62) versus 33% (12/36), P = 0.002 patients. Rural pediatricians were less likely than urban to decline 12% (2/17) versus 29% (26/89), P = NS and dismiss patients 0% (0/17) versus 21% (19/89), P = 0.04. Dismissing/declining patients for vaccine refusal is more common among Oklahoma pediatricians than nationally reported. Patterns differ by practice setting, years in practice, and specific vaccine refused.
Relationship Between Hypovitaminosis D and Fractures Among Adolescents With Overweight or Obesity
Authors: Segal David , Ziv Adi , Meisman Andrea , Fry Jordan , Altaye Mekibib , Gordon Catherine M.
Published: July 2022

Adolescents with overweight/obesity are at risk for vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. Both overweight/obesity and vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency may predispose to fractures. We enrolled 103 participants (53.3% females, 15.9 ± 2.2 years) in a retrospective case-control study to determine whether an association exists between fractures and a low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) among adolescents whose body mass index (BMI) ≥ 85 percentile. Cases (n = 28) sustaining a low/medium impact fracture were matched to controls (n = 75) without a fracture history. A conditional-logistic regression analysis addressing the common vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency cutoffs was used. Overweight, obesity, and significant obesity rates were 10.7%, 53.4%, and 35.9%, respectively. Mean (±SD) 25(OH)D was 16.5 ± 6.4 ng/mL. In all, 25(OH)D insufficiency rates (level <20 ng/mL) were 70.5%. Matched cases and controls had similar 25(OH)D insufficiency/deficiency rates ( P > .05). Controlling for race and seasonality showed no association between fractures and 25(OH)D insufficiency/deficiency ( P > .05). These data suggest that fractures are not associated with low 25(OH)D levels among adolescents whose BMI ≥ 85th percentile.
Impacts of a Multicenter Medical Education Curriculum for Training Pediatric Residents on Tobacco Cessation for Adult Caregivers of Pediatric Patients
Authors: Gribben Valerie , Kosack Amanda , Garell Cambria , Shaikh Ulfat , Huang Maria , Chang Andrew Y. , Rasmussen Jennifer , Tebb Kathleen , Marbin Jyothi
Published: July 2022

The Clinical Effort Against Secondhand Smoke Exposure (CEASE) is an evidence-based framework that increases pediatric providers’ ability to address secondhand smoke exposure of minors. Physician champions at 4 University of California sites conducted regular 1-hour didactic trainings on CEASE principles to pediatric residents as part of a longitudinal curriculum. At the conclusion of the academic year, 111 of 284 residents (39%) completed an anonymous survey. CEASE-trained residents reported significantly higher rates than untrained residents of counseling on smoking cessation (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 4.50, P = .009), and referring to the smokers’ quitline (adjusted OR 3.6, P = .007) to 50% or more of their patients’ caregivers who smoked. In addition, among CEASE-trained residents, there were significant increases in multiple post-training knowledge and self-efficacy items. Our results show that a brief educational curriculum can be helpful in changing pediatric residents’ attitudes and behavior toward assisting adult caregivers to pediatric patients in smoking cessation.
Towards a relational environmental labour studies
Authors: Stevis Dimitris
Published: July 2022

This essay builds on the contributions to this special issue to advance a historical relational approach to labour studies, industrial relations, and Environmental Labour Studies (ELS) while differentiating it from the interactional approaches currently dominant. Central to this choice is that relational approaches provide more empirically compelling explanations of the choices of labour, capital, and state because they take into account that the choices of these social entities are embedded within their mutual and uneven constitution. From that starting point I reflect upon the five articles in this special issue on climate change and industrial relations and examine how I see them contributing to such a relational approach even though it is not their explicit strategy. I close by briefly restating my view that a historical relational approach is empirically more complete while alerting us to our axiological and epistemological preferences.
Choice Architecture for Healthier Insurance Decisions: Ordering and Partitioning Together Can Improve Consumer Choice
Authors: Dellaert Benedict G.C. , Johnson Eric J. , Duncan Shannon , Baker Tom
Published: July 2022

Making good health insurance decisions is important for health outcomes and longevity, but consumers’ errors are well documented. The authors examine whether targeted choice architecture interventions can reduce these mistakes. The article examines the interaction of two choice architecture tools on improved consumer insurance decisions in online health care exchanges: (1) ordering the options from best to worst based on a high-quality user model and (2) partitioning the total set of options. Although ordering and partitioning do not always improve choices separately, the authors use one field study and three experiments to identify the conditions that allow the combination to greatly improve health insurance decisions. Findings indicate that when options are ordered such that the best options appear at the beginning of the presented list, partitioning nudges consumers to focus on the best options. However, if the best options are not at the top of the list, partitioning discourages search and can impair consumers’ discovery of the best options. Process data show that these effects are achieved by focusing consumers’ limited attention on higher-quality options. These results suggest that wise choice architecture interventions need to consider the joint effect of choice architecture tools as well as the quality of the firm's user model.
Comprehensive noise reduction performance of polyurethane/ferroferric oxide/activated carbon fiber felt coated flexible composites
Authors: Peng Min , Zhao Xiaoming , Li Weibin
Published: July 2022

Aiming at poor noise reduction performance of light and thin fiber aggregate materials, the polyurethane/ferroferric oxide/activated carbon fiber felt coated flexible composite materials were prepared by coating composite method. The effects of composite structure, ferroferric oxide particle content (10–25%), and coating thickness (0.25–1 mm) on the composites' sound absorption and sound insulation properties were systematically studied. The results show that with the increase of coating thickness and ferroferric oxide particle content, the sound absorption curve of the composite obviously moves to low frequency, and the resonance frequency decreases. When the particle content increased from 0% to 20%, the resonance frequency shifted 967 Hz. When the ferroferric oxide content is 25%, the maximum sound absorption coefficient and maximum transmission loss of the composite are 3.5 times and 25 times of that of the fiber felt, respectively. When the polyurethane/ferroferric oxide film thickness is only 0.1 mm, the maximum sound absorption coefficient and the average sound absorption coefficient of the composite are 3.5 times and 2.3 times of those of activated carbon fiber felt, respectively. Compared with single fiber felt, the composite material has better sound absorption, sound insulation, and mechanical properties while maintaining the thin and soft characteristics of the fiber felt.
Acute care surgery in a Malawian district hospital: Epidemiology, outcomes, and assessment of operative capacity
Authors: Yohann Avital , Kayange Linda , Purcell Laura , Gallaher Jared , Charles Anthony
Published: July 2022

District hospitals (DHs) care for the majority of surgical patients in Malawi, but data on district hospital surgical capacity are limited. We sought to evaluate the management and outcomes of surgical patients presenting to Salima District Hospital (SDH) in Malawi. Using the SDH surgery registry, we compared patients managed operatively and those non-operatively and performed logistic regression to identify factors associated with operative management. We then compared cases performed at SDH with procedures recommended to be performed at DHs. We included 1374 patients, of whom half were managed operatively. The most common procedures performed were abscess drainage and wound debridement. Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with abdominal diagnoses were least likely to be treated operatively. Though SDH performs most procedures recommended for the district hospital level, patients requiring laparotomies were most likely to be transferred to a referral hospital. Future studies should assess barriers to performing laparotomies at SDH.
Congenital Tuberculosis: A silent foe
Authors: Shambhavi  , Kumar Avinash
Published: July 2022

Tuberculosis is a very common disease in India affecting thousands of people, though congenital transmission is very rare and not well known to most clinicians. We present a ten week old infant who presented with marked cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, failure to thrive, hepatosplenomegaly, and bilateral chest crepitations. Investigations were positive for mycobacterium tuberculosis. The baby showed signiﬁcant improvement to treatment and could be discharged home.
Acute myocardial infarction in a young adult with hyperhomocysteinaemia secondary to tropical sprue
Authors: Vasireddy Anila , Mehta Ami Mehul , Acharya Raviraja V , Singh Brij Mohan Kumar , Madhyastha Sharath P
Published: July 2022

Coronary heart disease and its complications remain the most common cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. In addition, its incidence among adults <45 years of age has also been steadily increasing in the past few decades. Besides the typical aetiology such as coronary artery abnormalities or autoimmune disorders, increasing rates can be attributed to escalating trends of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and illicit abuse of drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines in the younger population. 1 Every cardiovascular event in a young adult must be thoroughly investigated as the aetiology is typically unconventional. Our case reports a young man who developed an acute inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI) in the setting of hyperhomocysteinaemia secondary to vitamin B12-folate deficiency itself due to tropical sprue.
Effects of core training on trunk function, balance, and gait in stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Moreno-Segura Noemí , Martín-San Agustín Rodrigo , García-Bafalluy Sira , Escriche-Escuder Adrián
Published: July 2022

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) includes determining the effects of core training alone or combined with conventional therapy on trunk function, balance, and gait in stroke patients; analysing these effects considering the stroke stage and the core training type; establishing the methodological quality of the studies published to date; and knowing the best dosage and type of exercise these aspects.

Data source

Cochrane Library, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct were searched from inception to January 2022.

Review method

A review and meta-analysis of RCTs about core intervention effects on trunk function, balance, and gait in stroke patients was carried out following the Preferred Items for Reporting in Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias and internal validity of the included studies.

Results

Twenty-nine studies were included (1030 stroke patients). The mean age of the participants was 58.46 ± 9.89 years, and the average time since the stroke incident was 308.64 ± 175.52 days. The meta-analysis results showed significant improvements in core interventions for trunk function ( P ≤ 0.008) and balance ( P < 0.00001) but not for gait performance ( P = 0.11 in chronic and P = 0.06 in pooled cases). In relation to the differential meta-analysis between training performed on stable and unstable surfaces, no significant differences were found in trunk function ( P = 0.06) or balance measures ( P = 0.05).

Conclusion

Core training improves trunk function and balance in acute and chronic patients, but no changes were found in gait performance.
Evidence for the beneficial effect of ketamine in the treatment of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Albuquerque Thaís Rodrigues de , Macedo Luis Fernando Reis , Delmondes Gyllyandeson de Araújo , Rolim Neto Modesto Leite , Almeida Thales Marcon , Uchida Ricardo Riyoiti , Cordeiro Quirino , Lisboa Kenya Waléria de Siqueira Coelho , Menezes Irwin Rose Alencar de
Published: July 2022

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder with manifestations somatic resulting from reliving the trauma. The therapy for the treatment of PTSD has limitations, between reduced efficacy and “PTSD pharmacotherapeutic crisis”. Scientific evidence has shown that the use of ketamine has benefits for the treatment of depressive disorders and other symptoms present in PTSD compared to other conventional therapies. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the available evidence on the effect of ketamine in the treatment of post-traumatic stress. The systematic review and the meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines and RevManager software, using randomized controlled trials and eligible studies of quality criteria for data extraction and analysis. The sample design evaluated included the last ten years, whose search resulted in 594 articles. After applying the exclusion criteria, 35 articles were selected, of which 14 articles were part of the sample, however, only six articles were selected the meta-analysis. The results showed that the ketamine is a promising drug in the management of PTSD with effect more evident performed after 24 h evaluated by MADRS scale. However, the main limitations of the present review demonstrate that more high-quality studies are needed to investigate the influence of therapy, safety, and efficacy.
Rare and fatal complications of tonsillectomy: sudden pneumothorax and extensive subcutaneous emphysema
Authors: Liu Yanquan , Yan Zhimin , Guo Huidong , Xu Qinglin , Li Zuotao , Lin Jie
Published: July 2022

Tonsillectomy is a common, minimally invasive, and relatively safe surgical operation. Although the surgical technology for such minor operations is mature and widely available in most countries worldwide, postoperative adverse complications occur and may be hazardous and fatal. Our article presents the details of a 4-year-old boy who suddenly developed pneumothorax and systemic extensive subcutaneous emphysema after tonsillectomy. He received professional treatment from a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) and timely rescue in our hospital; however, he died tragically. To this end, there is an urgent need to raise clinicians’ awareness of the potentially fatal and rare complications that can occur after tonsillectomy.
Gingival metastasis from primary hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Huang Yuan , Bao Yanqiu , Xu Dongyuan , Liu Lan
Published: July 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide; however, cases with metastasis to the oral cavity are extremely rare. Herein, we report a 68-year-old man who was diagnosed with HCC. Ten months after surgical removal of the right half of his liver, the patient developed gingival metastasis. Unfortunately, the patient died 4 months after the diagnosis. We discuss treatment options, pathological results, and disease prognosis. When a mandibular gingival mass is found, metastatic tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis. In this regard, the patient’s medical history and physical examination are valuable indicators for the diagnosis of mandibular gingival metastasis. This case provides a basis for the clinical diagnosis of metastatic HCC involving the oral cavity.
Stress concentration in shape memory alloy sheets with circular cavities: Effects of transformation, saturation, and plasticity
Authors: Hosseini Sayyed Mohammad , Ashrafi Mohammad Javad
Published: July 2022

The analysis of stress concentration in geometrically heterogeneous smart structures is of great importance. In this study, by utilizing a recent constitutive model which considered both transformation and plasticity of shape memory alloys (SMAs), the stress concentration factor (SCF) in plates with circular cavities is investigated and the effect of phase transformation, saturation, and plasticity which may occur locally is studied. The results show that the conversion of the austenitic phase to the martensite leads to a reduction in SCF. After saturation of phase transformation at the stress concentration point, the SCF increases until the entire sheet enters the martensite phase. In the example under study, the SCF reaches 5.8 which is greatly higher than the elastic SCF. By entering the plastic region locally, the SCF reduces. Also, the modeling of sheets with more than one cavity has been done. It is concluded that extra hole, as a stress relief method, has a stronger effect on decreasing maximum stress concentration of shape memory alloys (considering transformation and plasticity) compared to purely elastic stress concentration studies.
Individualized Prospective Prediction of Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Liu Yang S. , Kiyang Lawrence , Hayward Jake , Zhang Yanbo , Metes Dan , Wang Mengzhe , Svenson Lawrence W. , Talarico Fernanda , Chue Pierre , Li Xin-Min , Greiner Russell , Greenshaw Andrew J. , Cao Bo
Published: July 2022

Objective

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder with a problematic pattern of opioid use, affecting nearly 27 million people worldwide. Machine learning (ML)-based prediction of OUD may lead to early detection and intervention. However, most ML prediction studies were not based on representative data sources and prospective validations, limiting their potential to predict future new cases. In the current study, we aimed to develop and prospectively validate an ML model that could predict individual OUD cases based on representative large-scale health data.

Method

We present an ensemble machine-learning model trained on a cross-linked Canadian administrative health data set from 2014 to 2018 ( n  =  699,164), with validation of model-predicted OUD cases on a hold-out sample from 2014 to 2018 ( n  =  174,791) and prospective prediction of OUD cases on a non-overlapping sample from 2019 ( n  =  316,039). We used administrative records of OUD diagnosis for each subject based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes.

Results

With 6409 OUD cases in 2019 (mean [SD], 45.34 [14.28], 3400 males), our model prospectively predicted OUD cases at a high accuracy (balanced accuracy, 86%, sensitivity, 93%; specificity 79%). In accord with prior findings, the top risk factors for OUD in this model were opioid use indicators and a history of other substance use disorders.

Conclusion

Our study presents an individualized prospective prediction of OUD cases by applying ML to large administrative health datasets. Such prospective predictions based on ML would be essential for potential future clinical applications in the early detection of OUD.
Extended producer responsibility in developing economies: Assessment of promoting factors through retail electronic firms for sustainable e-waste management
Authors: Faibil Daniel , Asante Richard , Agyemang Martin , Addaney Michael , Baah Charles
Published: July 2022

The adoption of the extended producers’ responsibility (EPR) principle as a mitigation strategy for e-waste management has gained impetus over the past few years. However, e-waste management in developing economies through retail electronic firms’ or producer responsibility organization is still inceptive. This study identified and analysed promoting factors of EPR principle adoption through retail electronic firms in the Ghanaian electronic industry. Through extant literature and stakeholders’ perspectives, 15 factors were identified as strategic and operational promoting factors, which were evaluated by experts. Subsequently, the grey Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory technique was used to analyse the data obtained. The outcome of the study suggests that operational factors have more influence than strategic factors to determine the adoption of the EPR principle. In addition, most of the important operational factors tend to be enabled by both push and pull measures by supply chain stakeholders. In the short term, adopting an advanced deposit recycling refund scheme tends to be the most effective elementary operational factor, which can push retailers to adopt the EPR principle. The significant pull elementary factors that need short-term attention include the opening up and creation of new market opportunities for e-companies as well as resilient and effective resources management. The study findings suggest that Ghana’s present policy framework is limited for the adoption of the EPR principle by retail electronic firms. The study contributes to identifying promoting factors for adoption of the EPR principle from the perspectives of both the external and internal stakeholders in the electronic industry with emphasis on push and pull strategy.
Ultrasonic and phased-array inspection in titanium-based alloys: A review
Authors: Shi Hongyuan , Ebrahimi Mahmoud , Zhou Peng , Shao Kangchen , Li Jie
Published: July 2022

Ultrasonic testing procedures are among the most extensively used techniques in non-destructive testing and non-destructive evaluation systems. Meanwhile, phased array inspection or phased-array ultrasonic testing techniques as a well-known type of ultrasonic testing in advanced non-destructive testing systems are utilized in numerous applications, including oil and gas, medical imaging applications, railway, automotive, marine, and aviation industries. Phased-array ultrasonic testing-based methods can also be used in a variety of weld inspections, bond testing, thickness profiling, flaw detections, corrosion inspections, and in-service crack detection. The rapidity, safety, easiness, affordable price, and accurate visualization of phased array in measuring the defect characteristics such as size, shape, depth, and orientation allow its wide usage and even as a substitute for other inspection methods like radiographic methods. In phased array methods, more than one sound wave is employed to enhance the reliability and flexibility of inspection through the operation of several transducer assemblies, involving 16 to 256 small individual elements. Titanium having many desirable properties like high strength to weight ratio found many industrial applications, which highly necessitates its persistent inspection. For this aim, the present study focuses on the application of the phased-array ultrasonic testing technique for inspecting Ti components specifically in additive manufacturing, welding inspections, and defect detection of complex geometries and composites. Moreover, modern applications and improved computation methods are discussed. The development of phased-array ultrasonic testing inspection systems, particularly high throughput and efficient in situ and mobile equipment, and new computation methods will open new horizons toward the highly sophisticated inspection procedures.
Distributed adaptive dynamic event-based consensus control for nonlinear uncertain multi-agent systems
Authors: Shahvali Milad , Naghibi-Sistani Mohammad-Bagher , Askari Javad
Published: July 2022

In order to tackle the real network constraints such as unknown state time-varying delays and limited communication resources, this article proposes a dynamic event-triggered control framework to satisfy the distributed consensus of heterogeneous strict-feedback multi-agent systems. Each follower agent is subject to nonlinear-in-parameter uncertainties regardless of satisfying the Lipschitz condition. Having considered the follower’s uncertainties, the adaptive neural network strategy is used to approximate uncertain functions. To further simplify the controller form, the minimal learning parameter technique is introduced to evade the updated information of the neural network weight vectors. Graph-based Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals are utilized to handle the unknown state time-delays. A command filter dynamic event-triggered control scheme is then introduced to remove the complexity explosion regardless of global information of network. Different from the existing triggering strategies for the strict-feedback multi-agent systems, the proposed triggering mechanism is proved to include a positive bounded dynamical variable which results in the exclusion of the Zeno phenomenon and reducing the communication load in the controller to actuator channels. That can lead to the save of energy and communication resources, which are meaningful for employing the proposed scheme in the real practical applications. It is eventually proved that under the proposed approach, all the closed-loop network errors converge to a small neighborhood of the origin. A simulation example is finally given to show the effectiveness of the control scheme.
Evil Challenges and the Economy of Ethiopia at the Era of COVID-19
Authors: Wana Hika , Ababulgu Nasir , Kudama Gezahagn , Gebissa Bacha , Abajobir Nugusa
Published: July 2022

This article aimed to investigate the challenges that Ethiopia faces during COVID-19. The article looks highly at COVID-19, political instability, desert locust and the ideal conflict between Ethiopia and Egypt on the great Ethiopian renaissance dam. Economic rescission, food insecurity and internal war are also the main topics clearly discussed. The results revealed that unemployment, inflation and income inequality are aggravated as pandemics arise. Thousands were killed and others were displaced due to internal political instability. Output reduction and famine resulted due to desert locust infestation. Bad political spirit is also one fact in Ethiopia due to ideal conflict with Egypt. Consequently, thousands have been arrested; killing innocent people, food insecurity, economic depression and displacement were highly aggravated. While other countries have been moving to prosperity, the Ethiopian economy has been challenged with stagnation. Therefore, the authors suggest that there should be strong intervention from both non-governmental organisation and the government of Ethiopia. Let Ethiopia’s recovery come to tell new development.
From Stepmonsters to the Family’s Saving Grace: Viewer Perceptions of Stepfamilies, Stepfathers and Stepmothers in Media
Authors: Punyanunt-Carter Narissra M. , LaFreniere Jenna R. , Norman Mary S. , Brammer Sydney E. , Colwell Malinda J.
Published: July 2022

Research has shown that media portrayals greatly influence viewers’ beliefs, but few have studied stepfamily portrayals or how viewer demographics might impact what they notice. In this exploratory sequential mixed methods research, undergraduates reported perceptions of media portrayals of stepmothers, stepfathers and stepfamilies in 107 narratives. Those categories created a way to quantitatively distinguish between perceptions based on viewer sex and family type in the second study with 341 college student participants. The first study revealed that perceptions of stepparent portrayals in media might often align with stereotypes (e.g., stepmonsters) while also highlighting a mix of negative and positive perceptions and narratives about the depicted normalcy of stepfamilies. Study Two identified that sex or family type might slightly influence what some notice in television portrayals. However, media often portrays unambiguous views of stepfamilies, and these portrayals are noticed and remembered by viewers with only a slight impact from demographic differences.
Boxing, myths and reality building in sport for development programmes
Authors: Matthews Christopher R , Hurrell Ashleigh , Oliver Thomas B , Channon Alex
Published: July 2022

The training regimes which are associated with boxing are thought to impart lessons in discipline that are particularly valuable for social groups often associated with the sport. This leads to a variety of sport for development programmes that seek to leverage this potential in one way or another. Research which is conducted on such programmes is often produced internally without academic support. We argue it is possible, and perhaps likely, for such research to evidence, justify and recreate sporting myths. To this end, we explore the allure and apparent utility of boxing as a sport for social development. We then consider how people involved in such programmes attempted to evidence their passionate beliefs in boxing's positive potentials. Rather than considering myths as being completely unfettered from objective reality, we have explored how they are part of an interactional process that can produce stubbornly persistent accounts of the world. We present this analysis as evidence of the ways that myths can become embedded in people’s lives and, as such, must be conceptualised accurately, accounted for empirically and explored using considered research strategies. Our observations paint an awkward picture of the validity of the evidence-base upon which boxing programmes boasted of their success. That is, embracing personal biases and avoiding rigorous, critical research methods were being financially incentivised, with no external accountability for challenging pre-conceived ideas and a priori conclusions. Our concluding remarks situate these claims within ongoing ontological, epistemological and axiological debates which sport development scholars have developed.
The safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification surgery in uncomplicated cataracts with and without an ophthalmic-viscosurgical-device
Authors: Akmaz Berkay , Kilic Deniz , Duru Necati
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To compare and evaluate the results of phacoemulsification surgery involving and not involving an ophthalmic-viscosurgical-device (OVD).

Methods

A prospective, randomized controlled trial included 60 eyes of 60 patients scheduled to receive phacoemulsification surgery. In order of presentation, patients were randomized into two groups to undergo different surgical techniques: the OVD-free group ( n = 30) and the OVD group ( n = 30). Each patient’s operating time, total ultrasonography (U/S) time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), aspiration time, and volume of balanced salt solution (BSS) aspirated were recorded. At 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months postoperation, measurements of endothelial cell density (ECD) and intraocular pressure (IOP), were taken and compared between the groups.

Results

Total U/S time ( p  =  .567) and CDE ( p  =  .168) were similar between the groups. In the OVD group, operating time ( p  =  .011), aspiration time ( p  <  .001), and volume of BSS aspirated ( p  <  .001) were greater than in the OVD-free group. The change in ECD between the groups was not statistically significant at all visits ( p  =  .433, p =  .147, p = .379, p = .534; respectively). Although IOP increased in the OVD group at 1 day postoperation ( p  =  .001), no difference emerged between the groups at 3 months postoperation ( p  =  .121).

Conclusion

Phacoemulsification surgery without an OVD took less time than with the OVD and caused no significant loss in ECD. Surgeons concerned about elevated IOP following cataract surgery should apply the OVD-free method.
Inadvertent intra-arterial catheterisation using ultrasound guidance and endocavitary electrocardiography in a paediatric patient
Authors: Musella Giuseppe , Crespi Andrea , Apostolou Garyfalia , Azzari Serena , Ambrosoli Andrea Luigi
Published: July 2022

Venous access in small infants is difficult and central venous catheter placed into the brachiocephalic vein is often the preferred approach. Ultrasound guided vein cannulation is standard practice and endocavitary electrocardiography is a reliable catheter tip location method. We report a not immediately recognised 2 month old case of inadvertent intra-arterial catheterisation with a 3 Fr – 8 cm catheter during right innominate vein cannulation under ultrasound guidance. Endocavitary electrocardiography showed an increased amplitude P wave with a low P/R wave ratio but further insertion of the catheter resulted in a reduction of the P wave amplitude. At ultrasound re-evaluation of the innominate vein, the catheter seemed to be inside the vessel into the proximal part of the vein, but distally appeared to surpass the vein to get into the brachiocephalic artery at the level of the bifurcation of the right common carotid artery and the right subclavian artery. Cardiac ultrasound from the suprasternal notch view identified the catheter into the aortic arch. Contrast-enhanced CT scan with 3D reconstruction confirmed the intra-arterial catheterisation and showed that the innominate vein was shifted and partially compressed but not transfixed by the catheter. The catheter was non-surgically removed uneventfully. During innominate vein cannulation the catheter cannot always be visualised into the distal tract of the vein and the maximal P wave may have a low P/R ratio; a chest X-ray can identify intra-arterial but false negative results are possible. We recommend always using a real time ultrasound tip navigation and location protocol, like the Neo-ECHOTIP protocol, to confirm the correct position of the guidewire and the catheter. If the catheter cannot be identified inside the venous system, we suggest systematically visualising the aortic arch from the suprasternal notch view and the aortic root from the parasternal view to identify arterial malposition.
Prediction of relapse activity when switching to cladribine for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zhong Michael , van der Walt Anneke , Monif Mastura , Hodgkinson Suzanne , Eichau Sara , Kalincik Tomas , Lechner-Scott Jeannette , Buzzard Katherine , Skibina Olga , Van Pesch Vincent , Butler Ernest , Prevost Julie , Girard Marc , Oh Jiwon , Butzkueven Helmut , Jokubaitis Vilija
Published: July 2022

Background:

Patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis commonly switch between disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Identifying predictors of relapse when switching could improve outcomes.

Objective:

To determine predictors of relapse hazard when switching to cladribine.

Methods:

Data of patients who switched to cladribine, grouped by prior disease-modifying therapy (pDMT; interferon-β/glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, fingolimod or natalizumab (NTZ)), were extracted from the MSBase Registry. Predictors of relapse hazard during the treatment gap and the first year of cladribine therapy were determined.

Results:

Of 513 patients, 22 relapsed during the treatment gap, and 38 within 1 year of starting cladribine. Relapse in the year before pDMT cessation predicted treatment gap relapse hazard (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI)  = 1.03–5.71). After multivariable adjustment, relapse hazard on cladribine was predicted by relapse before pDMT cessation (HR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.01–4.02), treatment gap relapse (HR = 6.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.65–14.41), switch from NTZ (HR compared to injectable therapies 4.08, 95% CI = 1.35–12.33) and age at cladribine start (HR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.91–0.99).

Conclusion:

Relapse during or prior to the treatment gap, and younger age, are of prognostic relevance in the year after switching to cladribine. Switching from NTZ is also independently associated with greater relapse hazard.
Investigating inflammation in depression in the chronically ill: Theoretical model and perspectives
Authors: Clesse Christophe , Yaqoob Muhammad Magdi , Jayakumar Simone , Bhui Kamaldeep , Carvalho Livia A
Published: July 2022

Background:

Inflammation is a risk factor for chronic physical illnesses. Evidence is building that inflammation is also a risk factor for mental illnesses making inflammation a common mechanism which could explain the high comorbidity between mental and physical illnesses.

Methods:

Based on a systematic search, a review on factors associated with inflammation in the depressed chronically ill has been conducted. Relevant articles have been selected according to the methodological considerations (scope, sample size, type of analysis and bias).

Results:

Five categories of factors mediate the association between chronic physical and mental illnesses: (1) social–demographic factors, (2) social–economic background, (3) adverse health behaviours, (4) psychological stress and (5) genetics. Psychological therapies and medication also moderate this association. A theoretical model of the interplay between inflammation, depression and chronic physical illness is then presented.

Discussion:

Inflammation contribute to both chronic physical and mental illnesses. These conclusions support future advances in clinical and research practice, as well as training and education.
Antiviral activity of medicinal plant-derived products against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: de Oliveira Jonatas Rafael , Antunes Beatriz Sales , do Nascimento Gabriela Oliveira , Kawall Jaqueline Cadorini de Souza , Oliveira João Victor Bianco , Silva Kevin Gustavo dos Santos , Costa Mariana Aparecida de Toledo , Oliveira Carlos Rocha
Published: July 2022

This review presents information from several studies that have demonstrated the antiviral activity of extracts ( Andrographis paniculata, Artemisia annua, Artemisia afra, Cannabis sativa, Curcuma longa, Echinacea purpurea, Olea europaea, Piper nigrum, and Punica granatum) and phytocompounds derived from medicinal plants (artemisinins, glycyrrhizin, and phenolic compounds) against SARS-CoV-2. A brief background of the plant products studied, the methodology used to evaluate the antiviral activity, the main findings from the research, and the possible mechanisms of action are presented. These plant products have been shown to impede the adsorption of SARS-CoV-2 to the host cell, and prevent multiplication of the virus post its entry into the host cell. In addition to antiviral activity, the plant products have also been demonstrated to exert an immunomodulatory effect by controlling the excessive release of cytokines, which is commonly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Flight dynamics of ski jumping: Wind tunnel testing and numerical modeling to optimize flight position
Authors: Barnes Jason , Tuplin Simon , Walker Alastair Duncan
Published: July 2022

Ski jumping is a highly competitive sport, where the distance jumped is greatly dependent on the aerodynamic effects of the athlete’s posture. In the current paper a wind tunnel experiment was conducted to generate a parametric database of the effects of posture on aerodynamics and to compute the aerodynamic force coefficients. The parameters considered were varied over ranges representative of modern ski jumping and included the ski incidence angle, the ski V-angle, the leg-to-ski angle, and the hip angle. Measured force data were then used to simulate ski jumping flightpaths via a numerical model, allowing for the effects of posture on jump distance to be investigated. The model was able to simulate single and multi-posture flights to suggest both static and dynamic optimums. It was found that the ski jumping system generated lift in previously unreported, non-linear methods, enabling the flow to stay attached at much larger incidences than traditional wings. When optimizing posture for distance, it was found that neither lift nor efficiency (lift-to-drag ratio) should be maximized, due to the reliance on both qualities for a successful jump. However, when considering multi-posture flight, it was found that the lift-to-drag ratio should be maximized immediately after take-off, to maintain horizontal velocity. Lift should be maximized as the athlete approaches landing, due to the highly curved flightpath reducing the negative impact of drag. Realistic recommendations have been made on the postures that athletes should utilize to improve their performance. This includes a single position optimum, a “safe” optimum which allows some variation in an athlete’s ability to hold posture, and a further optimum should the athlete be skillful enough to dynamically alter posture as the jump progresses.
Nanotechnology as a tool to advance research and treatment of non-oncologic urogenital diseases
Authors: Loloi Justin , Babar Mustufa , Davies Kelvin P. , Suadicani Sylvia O.
Published: July 2022

Nanotechnology represents an expanding area of research and innovation in almost every field of science, including Medicine, where nanomaterial-based products have been developed for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Because of their small, nanoscale size, these materials exhibit unique physical and chemical properties that differ from those of each component when considered in bulk. In Nanomedicine, there is an increasing interest in harnessing these unique properties to engineer nanocarriers for the delivery of therapeutic agents. Nano-based drug delivery platforms have many advantages over conventional drug administration routes as this technology allows for local and transdermal applications of therapeutics that can bypass the first-pass metabolism, improves drug efficacy through encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs, and allows for a sustained and controlled release of encapsulated agents. In Urology, nano-based drug delivery platforms have been extensively investigated and implemented for cancer treatment. However, there is also great potential for use of nanotechnology to treat non-oncologic urogenital diseases. We provide an update on research that is paving the way for clinical translation of nanotechnology in the areas of erectile dysfunction (ED), overactive bladder (OAB), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Overall, preclinical and clinical studies have proven the utility of nanomaterials both as vehicles for transdermal and intravesical delivery of therapeutic agents and for urinary catheter formulation with antimicrobial agents to treat non-oncologic urogenital diseases. Although clinical translation will be dependent on overcoming regulatory challenges, it is inevitable before there is universal adoption of this technology to treat non-oncologic urogenital diseases.
Analyzing households’ food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of public policies to mitigate it: evidence from Ceará, Brazil
Authors: Santana Onélia Maria Moreira Leite de , Sousa Luiz Vinicius de Alcantara , Lima Rocha Hermano Alexandre , Correia Luciano Lima , Gomes Laécia Gretha Amorim , Aquino Camila Machado de , Rocha Sabrina Gabriele Maia Oliveira , Araújo David Augusto Batista Sá , Soares Maria Dagmar de Andrade , Machado Márcia Maria Tavares , Adami Fernando
Published: July 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the association of conditional cash transfer policies to mitigate the food insecurity (FI) among families living in poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ceará, Brazil.

Methods:

An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out through telephone contact during the period of May–July 2021, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ceará. Families in a situation of high social and economic vulnerability participated in this study (monthly per capita income of less than US$16.50). FI was assessed using the EBIA, a Brazilian validated questionnaire. The participation of families in government programs and public policies was also investigated. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of the several factors assessed with food insecurity.

Results:

The prevalence of any food insecurity in this sample was 89.1% (95% Confidence interval (95% CI: 86.2 – 92.1) and of severe food insecurity, 30.3% (95% CI: 26.0 – 34.6). The Mais Infância card program, adopted as a cash transfer supplement in the state of Ceará, was significantly associated with food insecurity (OR 4.2 (95% CI: 1.7 – 10.2), with a p-value of 0.002. In addition, families affected by job losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic presented higher odds of FI.

Conclusions:

In this study, 89% of evaluated families presented food insecurity. Conditional cash transfer programs were associated with FI. We highlight the need for policies and interventions to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity. Such policies can adopt appropriate criteria for defining the participants, as well as connect the participants to an appropriate set of broader social protection measures.
Gender and early-career faculty disparities in hematology and oncology board review lecture series
Authors: Syaj Sebawe , Al-Kraimeen Leen , Akhdar Marah , Abushukair Hassan , Mohty Razan , Al Hadidi Samer
Published: July 2022

Participation of women and early-career faculty in hematology and medical oncology board review lecture series has not been studied previously. We aimed to evaluate gender and early-career faculty disparities in hematology and medical oncology board review lecture series. Speakers at major hematology and/or oncology board review lecture series meetings in the United States were analyzed in this cross-sectional study during a 5-year period from the years 2017 through 2021. Data about the lecture topic, field, speaker’s gender, years of experience, and the frequency at which the lecture was given by the speaker were collected. Of 386 speakers participating, 315 (81.6%) were ABIM (American Board of Internal Medicine)-certified. A total of 1,224 board review lectures were given in the studied period, of which 1,016 (83%) were given by an ABIM-certified speaker. Women constituted 37.7% of all speakers, with less than 50% representation in five out of six courses. Lectures discussing malignant hematology topics had the lowest proportion of women presenters (24.8%), followed by solid tumors (38.9%) and benign hematology lectures (44.1%). Faculty with more than 15 years since initial certification presented more than 50% of lectures. The median time from initial hematology or medical oncology certification to lecture presentation was 12.5 years and 14 years, respectively. A positive trend in the participation of women was found at all board review conferences across the studied period. Our data suggest that women and early-career faculty participation in hematology and oncology board review series is inadequate.