bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Plant-Based Diet on the Cardiovascular System: A Narrative Review
Authors: Jangid Gurusha , Popoola-Samuel Helen A. O. , Goda Kausalya , Anamika F. N. U. , Gupta Vasu , Kanagala Sai Gautham , Munjal Ripudaman Singh
Published: September 2023

A plant-based diet (PBD) includes multiple dietary patterns such as vegetarianism, veganism, lacto-ovo-vegetarianism, etc. A well-balanced PBD has positive effects on body mass index, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes, and it is associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Due to its high fiber content, which lowers levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high antioxidant content, which prevents capillary wall damage; the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, improvement in glucose homeostasis through improved insulin sensitivity, and impact on the gut microbiota, it has been proven to be beneficial for the heart. Despite their possible benefits, PBDs can be low in essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, zinc, vitamin D, iodine, and amino acids. This review aims to analyze the influence of PBDs on the cardiovascular system and associated disease progression.
Cone-beam CT-based Navigation With Augmented Fluoroscopy of the Airways for Image-guided Bronchoscopic Biopsy of Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Pritchett Michael A. , Williams Julie C. , Schirmer Charles C. , Langereis Sander
Published: September 2023

Background:

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and augmented fluoroscopy (AF), in which intraprocedural CBCT data is fused with fluoroscopy, have been utilized as a novel image-guidance technique for biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions. The aim of this clinical study is to determine the safety and diagnostic performance of CBCT-guided bronchoscopy with advanced software tools for procedural planning and navigational guidance with AF of the airways for biopsy of peripheral pulmonary nodules.

Methods:

Fifty-two consecutive subjects were prospectively enrolled in the AIRWAZE study (December 2018 to October 2019). Image-guided bronchoscopic biopsy procedures were performed under general anesthesia with specific ventilation protocols in a hybrid operating room equipped with a ceiling-mounted C-arm system. Procedural planning and image-guided bronchoscopy with CBCT and AF were performed using the Airwaze investigational device.

Results:

A total of 58 pulmonary lesions with a median size of 19.0 mm (range 7 to 48 mm) were biopsied. The overall diagnostic yield at index procedure was 87.9% (95% CI: 77.1%-94.0%). No severe adverse events related to CBCT-guided bronchoscopy, such as pneumothorax, bleeding, or respiratory failure, were observed.

Conclusion:

CBCT-guided bronchoscopic biopsy with augmented fluoroscopic views of the airways and target lesion for navigational guidance is technically feasible and safe. Three-dimensional image-guided navigation biopsy is associated with high navigational success and a high diagnostic yield for peripheral pulmonary nodules.
Postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing aortic surgery: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Yan Yan , Zhang Xuebing , Yao Yuntai ,   The Evidence in Cardiovascular Anesthesia (EICA) Group
Published: September 2023

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are among the most common complications after cardiovascular surgery. This study aimed to explore the real incidence of and risk factors for PPC in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) who underwent total aortic arch replacement combined with the frozen elephant trunk (TAR + FET). In total, 305 ATAAD patients undergoing TAR + FET from January 2021 to August 2022 in a single-center were divided into PPCs or non-PPCs group. The incidence of PPCs was calculated, risk factors of PPCs were analyzed, and postoperative outcomes were compared between these 2 groups. The incidence of any PPC was 29.2%. And the incidence of respiratory infection, respiratory failure, pleural effusion, atelectasis, pneumothorax, acute respiratory distress syndrome, aspiration pneumonitis, pulmonary edema and bronchospasm was 23.0%, 12.5%, 10.5%, 1.0%, 0.7%, 1.0%, 0%, 0.7%, 0%, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the history of diabetes, history of renal dysfunction, preoperative SpO2 <90%, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, fresh frozen plasma volume and platelet concentrates volume were independent risk factors for PPCs. Among 2 groups, postoperative ventilation duration, postoperative length of stay in intensive care unit and hospital were (73.5 ± 79.0 vs 24.8 ± 35.2 hours; P < .001), (228.3 ± 151.2 vs 95.2 ± 72.0 hours; P < .001) and (17.9 ± 8.8 vs 11.5 ± 6.2 days; P < .001). There was no difference between 2 groups of in-hospital mortality rate. Additionally, other short-term outcomes were also significantly poorer in patients with PPCs. PPCs are common in ATAAD patients undergoing TAR + FET, and could be multifactorial. PPCs occurrence are associated with poor patient outcomes postoperatively and worth further investigation.
DSKCA-UNet: Dynamic selective kernel channel attention for medical image segmentation
Authors: Shen Longfeng , Wang Qiong , Zhang Yingjie , Qin Fenglan , Jin Hengjun , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2023

U-Net has attained immense popularity owing to its performance in medical image segmentation. However, it cannot be modeled explicitly over remote dependencies. By contrast, the transformer can effectively capture remote dependencies by leveraging the self-attention (SA) of the encoder. Although SA, an important characteristic of the transformer, can find correlations between them based on the original data, secondary computational complexity might retard the processing rate of high-dimensional data (such as medical images). Furthermore, SA is limited because the correlation between samples is overlooked; thus, there is considerable scope for improvement. To this end, based on Swin-UNet, we introduce a dynamic selective attention mechanism for the convolution kernels. The weight of each convolution kernel is calculated to fuse the results dynamically. This attention mechanism permits each neuron to adaptively modify its receptive field size in response to multiscale input information. A local cross-channel interaction strategy without dimensionality reduction was introduced, which effectively eliminated the influence of downscaling on learning channel attention. Through suitable cross-channel interactions, model complexity can be significantly reduced while maintaining its performance. Subsequently, the global interaction between the encoder features is used to extract more fine-grained features. Simultaneously, the mixed loss function of the weighted cross-entropy loss and Dice loss is used to alleviate category imbalances and achieve better results when the sample number is unbalanced. We evaluated our proposed method on abdominal multiorgan segmentation and cardiac segmentation datasets, achieving Dice similarity coefficient and 95% Hausdorff distance metrics of 80.30 and 14.55%, respectively, on the Synapse dataset and Dice similarity coefficient metrics of 90.80 on the ACDC dataset. The experimental results show that our proposed method has good generalization ability and robustness, and it is a powerful tool for medical image segmentation.
Family history of hypertension enhances age-dependent rise in blood pressure, a 15-year follow-up, the Tampere adult population cardiovascular risk study
Authors: Kunnas Tarja , Nikkari Seppo T.
Published: September 2023

A family history (FH) of hypertension is known to predispose to high blood pressure. We wanted to study whether it associates with blood pressure and hypertension in the Tampere adult population cardiovascular risk 15-year longitudinal study. A 50-year-old Finnish cohort having hypertension and their controls was examined retrospectively. The groups were combined and stratified to 396 subjects with a positive FH of hypertension and 384 with a negative FH. A 15-year follow-up was done from their periodic health examinations at the ages of 35-, 40-, 45-, and 50 years. In follow-up from the age of 35 years, systolic blood pressure (P < .001), diastolic blood pressure (P < .001), and the annual increase of systolic blood pressure (P < .010) were higher in the group with positive FH, compared to the negative FH group. Positive FH associated with diagnosed hypertension by the age of 50 years (OR 3.52, P < .001). The FH groups were not associated with body mass index. Our findings show that the prevalence of hypertension at the age of 50 years was significantly higher in those with a positive FH of hypertension. Asking about FH can provide the clinician with a simple instrument for recognition of subjects at risk of hypertension for closer monitoring at a younger age.
Association of lactate/albumin ratio with in-hospital mortality in ICU patients with acute respiratory failure: A retrospective analysis based on MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Ren Jing , Kang Quou , Wang Fangfang , Yu Wencheng
Published: September 2023

We aimed to investigate the association between the lactate/albumin ratio (LAR), and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure. This retrospective cohort study was conducted based on the medical information mart for intensive care-IV database, which included critically ill adult patients with acute respiratory failure whose primary endpoint was in-hospital death. The analyses included curve fitting, a logistic multivariate regression model, and subgroup analysis. In this study, 6028 intensive care unit patients with acute respiratory failure were analyzed. Of these, 1843 (30.57%) died. After adjusting for confounding factors, a nonlinear relationship between LAR and in-hospital mortality was observed, and the risk of death was found to decrease by 81% with a reduction of 1 unit of LAR when it was < 4.46. The association between LAR and in-hospital mortality was not statistically significant when LAR was > 4.46. Hence, the relationship between LAR and in-hospital mortality could only be observed when the LAR was < 4.46. There is a nonlinear relationship between LAR and the risk of in-hospital death in intensive care unit patients with acute respiratory failure, and there is a saturation effect.
Antibody response in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis post-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination: A prospective observational study
Authors: Choi Heejung , Han Sungdam , Kim Ji Su , Park Bumhee , Lee Min-Jeong , Shin Gyu-Tae , Kim Heungsoo , Kim Kyongmin , Park A-Young , Shin Ho-Joon , Park Inwhee
Published: September 2023

Vaccination is important for patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection since they are more vulnerable. However, they exhibit a weak response to vaccines, underscoring the importance of understanding whether antibodies are sufficiently produced and their durability post-COVID-19 vaccination. This prospective observational study assessed the antibody response of Korean patients undergoing HD for 1 year. We compared the antibody responses of patients undergoing HD to the COVID-19 vaccine with those of healthy volunteers from 2021 to 2022. The patient and control groups received 2 doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and mRNA-1273, respectively. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and neutralizing antibody levels were measured weeks or months apart after 2 doses for 1 year using enzyme-linked immunosorbent and fluorescence-based competitive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 neutralizing assays, respectively. We analyzed the third dose’s effect on the patient group by categorizing the group into patients who received the third dose and those who did not since it was initiated midway through the study. In the control group, we enrolled participants who had completed 3 doses of mRNA-1273 since almost all participants received the third dose. Thirty-two patients undergoing HD and 15 healthy participants who received 2 doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and 3 of mRNA-1273, respectively, were enrolled. Although antibody production was weaker in the patient group than in the control group (P < .001), patients showed an increase in IgG levels (0.408 ± 0.517 optical density (OD) pre-vaccination, 2.175 ± 1.241 OD in patients with 2 doses, and 2.134 ± 1.157 OD in patients with 3 doses 1 year after the second dose) and neutralizing antibodies (23 ± 8% pre-vaccination, 87 ± 23% in patients with 2 doses, and 89 ± 18% in patients with 3 doses 1 year after the second dose) post-vaccination (P < .001). In the patient group, 19 patients received a third dose (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273); however, it did not increase the antibody levels (P = 1.000). Furthermore, the antibodies produced by the vaccination did not wane until 1 year. Two doses of vaccination resulted in a significant antibody response in patients undergoing HD, and antibody levels did not wane until 1 year.
Black Families Who Choose Long-Term Breastfeeding
Authors: Acquaye Stephanie N. , Spatz Diane L.
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

Black families face disproportionate rates of poor health outcomes, including low rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration. Some Black mothers make the decision to breastfeed their child beyond infancy and report positive experiences. Understanding their backgrounds, motivations, and characteristics of their breastfeeding experiences may provide insight into what factors facilitate achievement of long-term breastfeeding for Black mothers.

Study Design and Methods:

Surveys were deployed through a variety of methods including social media and emails to organizations that work with breastfeeding families. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey data and the open-ended question was analyzed using a word cloud program.

Results:

Surveys were completed by 194 eligible mothers. Participants had a mean age of 31 years (range: 19-50). Mean breastfeeding duration of their currently breastfed and youngest child was 21 months (median: 19.5, range: 12-57). Primary reasons for breastfeeding beyond infancy included child wants to cuddle (28.9%) and child is tired (24.7%). Fifty-seven percent of participants reported that their child breastfed three to six times per day and 57.2% reported that their child woke up at least two times per night to feed.

Clinical Implications:

Nurses are uniquely positioned to provide anticipatory guidance, resources, and support to breastfeeding parents. Just over half of the mothers in this study had not planned to breastfeed beyond 12 months at the start of their lactation journey. Nurses who work with breastfeeding families could be instrumental in providing resources, support, and tangible assistance for families who may consider breastfeeding beyond 1 year.
Decreasing Radiation Exposure to the Abdomen in Children with Chronic Constipation
Authors: Chun Bennet C. , Chmil Margarita , Ruess Lynne
Published: September 2023

Background:

Bowel management for children with chronic constipation may include repeated single-view abdomen radiographs (AXR) to monitor treatment success. Only one image of the abdomen is needed to include most of the colon, but technologists often make a second (or even third) exposure to be sure they have imaged the entire abdomen. Our quality improvement project aimed to reduce radiation exposure by decreasing the frequency of >1 exposure performed for AXR orders in children with chronic constipation from 27% to <10% by December 2022 and sustain.

Methods:

We counted baseline (01/2020–11/2020) and intervention (12/2020–5/2023) examinations with >1 exposure. Initial interventions were a structured communication to technologists and an article in the monthly department newsletter and later, a technologist education module. Additional interventions included communication to radiologists, project updates and encouragement to all technologists, and individual technologist feedback. A statistical process control chart tracked data to study process changes over time.

Results:

During the baseline and intervention periods, 525/1944 and 1329/8334 examinations, respectively, had >1 exposure performed for AXR orders. Interventions created 2 centerline shifts. Overall, examinations with >1 exposure decreased from 27% to 13.5%.

Conclusions:

Frequency of >1 exposure performed for AXR orders in children with chronic constipation decreased from 27% to 13.5% through education and communication. This was sustained. We plan to assign training modules for all new technologists, policy reminders (annual training in odd years) for all technologists, and continue individualized learning opportunities.
Framework for a living systematic review and meta-analysis for the surgical treatment of bladder cancer: introducing EVIglance to urology
Authors: Wieland Victoria L.S. , Uysal Daniel , Probst Pascal , Grilli Maurizio , Haney Caelán M. , Sidoti Abate Marie A. , Egen Luisa , Neuberger Manuel , Cacciamani Giovanni E. , Kriegmair Maximilian C. , Michel Maurice S. , Kowalewski Karl-Friedrich
Published: September 2023

Background:

Knowledge of current and ongoing studies is critical for identifying research gaps and enabling evidence-based decisions for individualized treatment. However, the increasing number of scientific publications poses challenges for healthcare providers and patients in all medical fields to stay updated with the latest evidence. To overcome these barriers, we aim to develop a living systematic review and open-access online evidence map of surgical therapy for bladder cancer (BC), including meta-analyses.

Methods:

Following the guidelines provided in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement, a systematic literature search on uro-oncological therapy in BC will be performed across various literature databases. Within the scope of a meta-analysis and living systematic review, relevant randomized controlled trials will be identified. Data extraction and quantitative analysis will be conducted, along with a critical appraisal of the quality and risk of bias of each study. The available research evidence will be entered into an open-access framework (www.evidencemap.surgery) and will also be accessible via the EVIglance app. Regular semi-automatic updates will enable the implementation of a real-living review concept and facilitate resource-efficient screening.

Discussion:

A regularly updated evidence map provides professionals and patients with an open-access knowledge base on the current state of research, allowing for decision-making based on recent evidence. It will help identify an oversupply of evidence, thus avoiding redundant work. Furthermore, by identifying research gaps, new hypotheses can be formulated more precisely, enabling planning, determination of sample size, and definition of endpoints for future trials.
Dopamine neuron dysfunction and loss in thePrknR275W mouse model of Juvenile Parkinsonism
Authors: Regoni Maria , Zanetti Letizia , Sevegnani Martina , Domenicale Chiara , Magnabosco Stefano , Patel Jyoti C. , Fernandes Megan K. , Monzani Elena , Comai Stefano , Laura Cherchi , Ciammola Andrea , Valtorta Flavia , Morari Michele , Piccoli Giovanni , Rice Margaret E. , Sassone Jenny
Published: September 2023

Mutations in thePRKNgene encoding the protein PARKIN cause Autosomal Recessive Juvenile Parkinsonism (ARJP). Harnessing this mutation to create an early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD) mouse model would provide a unique opportunity to clarify the mechanisms involved in the neurodegenerative process and lay the groundwork for the development of neuroprotective strategies. We created a knock-in mouse carrying the homozygousPrknR275W mutation, which is the missense mutation with the highest allelic frequency inPRKNpatients. InPrknR275W mice, we analysed the anatomical and functional integrity of the nigrostriatal pathway, including striatal DA content and evoked striatal dopamine (DA) release, as well as the motor phenotype.

We report here thatPrknR275W mice show early DA neuron dysfunction, age-dependent loss of DA neurons in the substantia nigra, decreased DA content and stimulus-evoked DA release in the striatum, and progressive motor impairment. Together, these data show that thePrknR275W mouse recapitulates key features of ARJP. Thus, these studies fill a critical need in the field by introducing a promising new PD model in which to study causative mechanisms of the disease, as well as test therapeutic strategies.
Efficient Search for Circuit Structure by ‘Smooth-Index’ Matrix-Reordering
Authors: Borst Alexander , Denk Winfried
Published: September 2023

Volume electron microscopy together with computer-based image analysis are yielding neural circuit diagrams of ever larger regions of the brain [1-10]. These datasets are usually represented in a cell-to-cell connectivity matrix and contain important information about prevalent circuit motifs allowing to directly test various theories on the computation in that brain structure [11,12]. Of particular interest are the detection of cell assemblies and the quantification of feedback, which can profoundly change circuit properties. While the ordering of cells along the rows and columns doesn’t change the connectivity, it can make special connectivity patterns recognizable. For example, ordering the cells along the flow of information, feedback and feedforward connections are segregated above and below the main matrix diagonal, respectively. Different algorithms are used to renumber matrices such as to minimize a given cost function, but either their performance becomes unsatisfying at a given size of the circuit or the CPU time needed to compute them scales in an unfavorable way with increasing number of neurons [13-15]. Based on previous ideas [16-18], we describe an algorithm which is effective in matrix reordering with respect to both its performance as well as to its scaling in computing time. Rather than trying to reorder the matrix in discrete steps, the algorithm transiently assigns a real-valued parameter to each cell describing its location on a continuous axis (‘smooth-index’) and finds the parameter set that minimizes the cost. We find that the smooth-index algorithm outperforms all algorithms we compared it to, including those based on topological sorting.

Author Summary

Connectomic data provide researchers with neural circuit diagrams of ever larger regions of the brain. These datasets are usually represented in a cell-to-cell connectivity matrix and contain important information about prevalent circuit motifs. Such motifs, however, only become visible if the connectivity matrix is reordered appropriately. For example, ordering the cells along the flow of information, feedback and feedforward connections are segregated above and below the main matrix diagonal, respectively. While most previous approaches rely on topological sorting, our method treats the discrete vertex indices as real numbers (‘smooth-index’) along independent parameter axes and defines a differentiable cost function, thus, allowing gradient-based algorithms to find a minimum. The parameter set at this minimum is then re-discretized to reorder the connectivity matrix accordingly. We find our method to scale favorably with the circuit size and to outperform all algorithms we compared it to.
Spatial transcriptomics and single-nucleus RNA sequencing reveal a transcriptomic atlas of adult human spinal cord
Authors: Zhang Donghang , Chen Yali , Wei Yiyong , Chen Hongjun , Wu Yujie , Wu Lin , Li Jin , Ren Qiyang , Miao Changhong , Zhu Tao , Liu Jin , Ke Bowen , Zhou Cheng
Published: September 2023

Despite the recognized importance of the spinal cord in sensory processing, motor behaviors, and neural diseases, the underlying organization of neuronal clusters and their spatial location remain elusive. Recently, several studies have attempted to define the neuronal types and functional heterogeneity in the spinal cord using single-cell or single-nucleus RNA sequencing in animal models or developing humans. However, molecular evidence of cellular heterogeneity in the adult human spinal cord is limited. Here, we classified spinal cord neurons into 21 subclusters and determined their distribution from nine human donors using single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. Moreover, we compared the human findings with previously published single-nucleus data of the mouse adult spinal cord, which revealed an overall similarity in the neuronal composition of the spinal cord between the two species while simultaneously highlighting some degree of heterogeneity. Additionally, we examined the sex differences in the spinal neuronal subclusters. Several genes, such as SCN10A and HCN1, showed sex differences in motor neurons. Finally, we classified human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons using spatial transcriptomics and explored the putative interactions between DRG and spinal cord neuronal subclusters. In summary, these results illustrate the complexity and diversity of spinal neurons in humans and provide an important resource for future research to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying spinal cord physiology and diseases.
Parents' and teachers' perceptions of the Australian primary school food provision venues and food-related policies
Authors: Nanayakkara Janandani , Booth Alison O. , Worsley Anthony , Margerison Claire
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to gain an understanding from parents and teachers about the types of food provision practices and venues, and the food-related policies and rules in primary schools in Australia; and investigate any differences in the presence of policies and rules based on the school location and school type.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via two online surveys from August 2019 to March 2020. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse quantitative responses. Respondents' written responses to food-related policies were categorised into groups.

Findings

The two most common food provision services were canteen and lunch order services (mentioned by 72 and 55% of respondents, respectively). Of the 425 respondents whose schools had a canteen (parents and teachers together), 62% reported their school implements a healthy school canteen policy. Significantly more parents compared to teachers, and more respondents from government schools compared to non-government schools stated that their school had implemented such a policy. Approximately half of the respondents (47%) stated their school had implemented other food-related policies and/or rules. These policies or rules belonged to four categories: avoiding certain foods, avoiding food sharing, avoiding food packages and promoting healthy eating.

Originality/value

This study shows the disparities exist in implementing food-related policies among primary schools in Australia. Nutrition promoters and policy planners should consider these results and find the best mechanisms to minimise the gaps in policy implementation.
Can internet adoption promote the productivity of firms in China: evidence from a longitudinal study
Authors: Zhou Dong , Wang Wenwen
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct research to examine the impact of Internet adoption on the productivity of firms in non-urban China.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigates the impact of Internet adoption on firms' productivity in non-urban China. More specifically, the authors conduct a comprehensive and rigorous study while addressing concerns related to firm-level endogeneity by utilizing firm-level panel data. Information on firms in non-urban areas is collected from China's Annual Surveys of Industrial Firm data. For robustness, the authors implement the instrumental variables approach and propensity score matching estimations to strengthen the evidence for suggestive causal inference. Furthermore, the authors also examine the mechanisms and group heterogeneity.

Findings

Evidence indicate that the adoption of Internet technology positively impacts the total factor productivity (TFP) of firms in non-urban areas. According to the heterogeneity analysis, the marginal effect of Internet adoption is more significant and pronounced for labor-intensive, private and small-scale manufacturing firms. Moreover, additional evidence suggest that Internet adoption is beneficial for non-urban firms in expanding their business and enlarging their market. It has also been found that the positive effect of Internet adoption on firms' TFP is amplified by expanding public infrastructure.

Originality/value

The current study supports that the informatization strategy benefits non-urban firms and promotes rural revitalization. The findings suggest the possibility of firms borrowing market size from the closest cities and supporting the ongoing policies of investing in broadband infrastructure to narrow the urban-rural digital gap in China.
The interrelationship between corruption and the shadow economy: a perspective on FDI and institutional quality
Authors: Nguyen Giang Ngo Tinh , Liu Xianmin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study explores the relationship between corruption and shadow economy (SE) by examining the potential links and interactions between these two phenomena to see whether it is a one-way or two-way relationship and a complementarity or substitution linkage.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a dataset comprised of 145 countries all over the world between 1996 and 2015, the authors apply the simultaneous two-step system generalized method of moments approach to address the research question.

Findings

The study findings support a positive bidirectional relationship between corruption and SE. As such, this study has provided evidence supporting the complementarity association. In the authors' further analyses, they point out that several factors can moderate this positive bidirectional linkage. In particular, while Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows strengthen it, it is weakened by other institutional factors such as civil liberties and political rights. Finally, by splitting the full sample into three different subsamples and then examining countries at varying stages of economic development, the authors can gain valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the relationship between corruption and SE. Specifically, while the authors observe that the positive direction of corruption to SE remains unchanged across different nations, they observe that the positive influence of SE on corruption is strongest among developed economies only.

Practical implications

The study findings provide an important policy implication. This study highlights the synergistic relationship between SE and corruption, indicating that reducing corruption will reduce the size of the SE. Consequently, this reduction in the SE can mitigate the adverse effects of corruption on economic development.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first empirical studies that critically investigate the interrelationship between SE and corruption. It then explores how this two-way linkage is conditional on some factors, such as economic development levels and institutional quality indicators.
Real-time tactile biofeedback device use for improving balance control of an adolescent with medulloblastoma
Authors: Argunsah Hande , Yalcin Begum
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Biofeedback is used for regulating vestibular adaptation and balance by providing real-time stimulus to the individual during physical activities. This study aimed at (1) developing a wearable device, which tracks balance, counts the number and the direction of balance losses and provides haptic biofeedback through real-time vibration stimulus (2) investigating device efficacy on an adolescent medulloblastoma patient during static and dynamic tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

A 16-year-old medulloblastoma patient used the device during 10-m walking and single-leg stance tests. The knee joint kinematics and the number and direction of balance losses were recorded for “with” and “without” biofeedback conditions.

Findings

The device helped regulate the knee joint kinematics and reduce the number of balance losses of the medulloblastoma patient. The knee joint movement pattern similarity of the control subject was highly correlated (R2 = 0.997, RMSE = 1.232). Conversely, medulloblastoma patient knee joint movement pattern similarity was relatively weak (R2 = 0.359, RMSE = 18.6) when “with” and “without” biofeedback conditions were compared. The number of balance losses decreased when the medulloblastoma patient was guided with biofeedback.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this pilot study is the lack of a large and homogeneous number of participants. The medulloblastoma patient used the device while walking after she was given enough time to get used to the tactile biological feedback, so the long-term effect of the device and biofeedback guidance were not investigated. Additionally, the potential desensitization with prolonged use of the device was not evaluated.

Practical implications

Biofeedback reduced the number of balance losses; additionally, the knee joint movement pattern was regulated during static and dynamic tasks. This device can be integrated into the physical therapy of patients with balance, vestibular and postural control impairments.

Social implications

This is compact and has an easy-to-wear design, patients, who have balance and postural control impairments, can practically use the device during their activities of daily living.

Originality/value

The device promotes physical activity adaptation and regulates gait through continuous and real-time balance control. Its design makes it simple for the user to wear it beneath clothing while using the sensor.
A visual method for achieving stakeholder consensus on the specifics of change: a case study
Authors: Suchdeo Masoom , Lowalekar Harshal , Banerjee Durba
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Different stakeholders frequently disagree on what the true problem is that must be solved and what specific actions must be taken during a change exercise. This article demonstrates a visual method for getting buy-in from stakeholders on the specifics of change using a systems thinking tool known as the current reality tree (CRT).

Design/methodology/approach

This study illustrates the use of a systems-thinking methodology to achieve consensus among stakeholders on “what is the real problem?” when envisioning a change. The authors illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach using a real-life case study in the context of contract catering.

Findings

The CRT enables diverse stakeholders to visualize the cause-and-effect relationships between various problems in a given system and assists them in identifying the set of actions that can address a large number of problems through the change program.

Originality/value

There is little discussion in the literature on change management of a systematic approach to get agreement from stakeholders regarding what the real problem is. This article demonstrates, by way of a case study, how change agents can not only determine which actions will have the greatest impact, but also garner the support of diverse stakeholders.
Coping with the post-COVID-19 pandemic: perceived changes of older adults in their life satisfaction, depression, and quality of life
Authors: Al-Ghafri Bushra Rashid , Al Nabhani Maram Qasim , Al-Sinawi Hamed , Al-Mahrezi Abdulaziz , Al Ghusaini Zahir Badar , Al-Harrasi Ahmed Mohammed , Al-Saidi Yaqoub , Chan Moon Fai
Published: September 2023

Purpose

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have implemented preventive measures that may negatively affect the physical and mental health of older adults. This study aims to investigate the changes in life satisfaction, depressive symptoms and quality-of-life (QoL) of older adults during the post-COVID-19 pandemic in Oman.

Design/methodology/approach

A prospective four-week follow-up study was conducted in one health-care center in Muscat, Oman. Convenience sampling was used, and the recruitment was from November 2021 to October 2022, with 38 participants aged 60–81, of whom 36 completed the study. The study evaluated changes in psychological well-being over time and analyzed gender differences.

Findings

The study revealed a positive impact of the preventive measures on the QoL (F = 3.08, p = 0.032) and a reduction in depressive symptoms (F = 3.09,p= 0.045). However, there was no significant change in life satisfaction (F = 1.90,p= 0.165). In particular, older women reported decreased depression (F = 5.31,p= 0.006), while older men reported improved QoL (F = 4.27,p= 0.025).

Practical implications

Few studies have reported on the well-being issues of older adults in Oman during the pandemic. Thus, the findings of this study can contribute to the international understanding of the impact of pandemics on the well-being of older adults in Oman and help health-care professionals tailor health-care programs for older adults in the community setting.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights into the well-being of older adults in Oman during the pandemic. Understanding the effects of long-term health hazards is crucial for developing community-level intervention plans and strategies for older adults in the community setting.
Visual tools for supporting interviews in qualitative research: new approaches
Authors: Olmo-Extremera Marta , Fernández-Terol Lucía , Amber Montes Diana
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to describe and evaluate various visual and creative tools for supporting the in-depth biographical interview aimed at analyzing educational communities and their stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Researching educational spaces today requires new ways of understanding, analyzing and studying. The complex characteristics, functions and realities demand research that responds to educational singularities. It is a matter of deeply understanding the educational phenomenon's peculiarities. For these purposes, instruments and research paradigms are needed to extract data and reach information saturation regarding the data obtained from the proposed objects of study. With this in mind, the following paper suggests reflecting on data collection tools that can complement the interview and biographical-narrative research approach. The authors highlight the use of photo-elucidation, the biogram-based timeline, the organigram and the flight of the geese, all of which are instruments endowed with a visual character that allows a deeper understanding of the object studied.

Findings

The main contribution of this paper is to unpack the uses and applications of four visual tools that support the interview technique. First, photo-elucidation is presented as a sensory strategy to stimulate the narrative during the dialogical exchange of the interview. Next, the timeline is described as a visual concretization of the traditional biogram widely used in educational research. Next, the authors unravel the uses of the organizational chart in educational research, which, due to its nature and utility, provides a glimpse of the organizational functioning of an institution and is particularly suitable for research in institutional frameworks. Finally, the tool known as the flight of the geese is presented. This tool is recommended for use in educational leadership and teamwork studies due to its simplicity and high representativeness of the hierarchy of roles and functions.

Originality/value

Researching educational spaces today requires new ways of understanding, analyzing and studying. The complex characteristics, functions, and realities demand research that responds to educational singularities. It is a matter of deeply understanding the educational phenomenon's peculiarities. For these purposes, instruments and research paradigms are needed to extract data and reach information saturation regarding the data obtained from the proposed objects of study. With this in mind, the following paper invites us to reflect on data collection tools that can complement the interview and biographical-narrative research approach. The authors highlight the use of photo-elucidation, the biogram-based timeline, the organigram, and the flight of the geese, all of which are instruments endowed with a visual character that allows a deeper understanding of the object studied.
Adopting normalized full gradient method for regional‐scale gravity modelling: A case study for Northwestern Iran
Authors: Alipour Ako , Motaghi Khalil , Mousavi Zahra , Cheraghi Hamideh , Saadat Seyed Abdoreza
Published: September 2023

The normalized full gradient was developed to determine anomalous bodies, such as oil and gas fields or simple geological structures studies. We believe that even in complicated geology, normalized full gradient is practical. We introduce data preprocessing and use step‐by‐step simple‐to‐complicated synthetic tests to develop previous researchers’ ideas for regional‐scale gravity modelling. One of the most important steps of the normalized full gradient is the determination of the N optimum value. We found that prevalent methods such as the standard spectral or maxima method are feasible in simple structures only. So, we have suggested the imaging criteria routine for complicated cases. We trace maximum normalized full gradient responses to detect the normalized full gradient responses at the increasing harmonic numbers as the transition of the extensive part of the anomaly to the sharp part of that. With imaging criteria for the determination of N optimum values, the complicated synthetic test results show the success of the normalized full gradient to understand complicated gravity signals. In the real case, we have studied the Northwestern Iran normalized full gradient model of the Bouguer ground gravity data beneath the seismic profile and prepared a P receiver function depth section to uncover the geometry of the Moho boundary and important interfaces in the crust. We suggest the inferred synthetic model from the Bouguer ground gravity anomaly and P receiver function depth section to normalized full gradient trustworthy test in real cases. According to the synthetic test results, we understand the frame of the normalized full gradient responses in the semi‐real case and truthful responses in the real case. Along with this, we study the second ground gravity profile of Northwestern Iran in a good resolution to uncover the deeper structures. The real case results show the possibility of Moho offset and thinning lithosphere beneath the North Tabriz Fault lithospheric boundary, the possible source of Sahand volcanic centre at the west side of the Moho offset beneath North Tabriz Fault, the deep root of the Sabalan volcanic centre in the lower crust and the lithospheric and asthenospheric wedge with the density contrast beneath Sahand–Sabalan volcanic centres. One of the most important results of our study is the lithosphere–asthenosphere boundary offset and stepped Moho possibility beneath the Talesh Mts next to the South Caspian Basin boundary.
Cellular and molecular evidence that synaptic Schwann cells contribute to aging of mouse neuromuscular junctions
Authors: Hastings Robert Louis , Avila Mary Flordelys , Suneby Emma , Juros Devin , O'Young Anson , Peres da Silva Jason , Valdez Gregorio
Published: September 2023

Age‐induced degeneration of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is associated with motor dysfunction and muscle atrophy. While the impact of aging on the NMJ presynapse and postsynapse is well‐documented, little is known about the changes perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs), the synaptic glia of the NMJ, undergo during aging. Here, we examined PSCs in young, middle‐aged, and old mice in three muscles with different susceptibility to aging. Using light and electron microscopy, we found that PSCs acquire age‐associated cellular features either prior to or at the same time as the onset of NMJ degeneration. Notably, we found that aged PSCs fail to completely cap the NMJ even though they are more abundant in old compared with young mice. We also found that aging PSCs form processes that either intrude into the synaptic cleft or guide axonal sprouts to innervate other NMJs. We next profiled the transcriptome of PSCs and other Schwann cells (SCs) to identify mechanisms altered in aged PSCs. This analysis revealed that aged PSCs acquire a transcriptional pattern previously shown to promote phagocytosis that is absent in other SCs. It also showed that aged PSCs upregulate unique pro‐inflammatory molecules compared to other aged SCs. Interestingly, neither synaptogenesis genes nor genes that are typically upregulated by repair SCs were induced in aged PSCs or other SCs. These findings provide insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms that could be targeted in PSCs to stave off the deleterious effects of aging on NMJs.
Nationwide and regional trends in distance and near visual acuities during 2000–2017 in Finland
Authors: Purola Petri , Koskinen Seppo , Uusitalo Hannu
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To evaluate time trends in distance and near vision at the national and regional levels during 2000–2017 in Finland.

Methods

We used three cross‐sectional, nationwide health examination surveys representing the Finnish adult population aged 30 years or older in 2000, 2011 and 2017. Bilateral, habitual distance and near visual acuity (VA) were measured in all three surveys.

Results

The prevalence of good distance vision (VA ≥ 1.0) increased from 76.7% to 81.3% during 2000–2017 while the prevalence of weak or worse distance vision (VA ≤ 0.5) decreased from 7.6% to 3.7%. The improvements were largest among those aged 85 years and older: the prevalence of distance VA ≤ 0.5 decreased from 71.8% to 28.3%. Near vision showed improvement to a lesser extent in the total population; nevertheless, among those aged 85 years and older the prevalence of weak or worse near vision (VA ≤ 0.5) decreased from 62.3% to 27.1%. A similar positive time trend was observed in all main regions of Finland, and differences between urban and rural regions were small.

Conclusion

During the past two decades, the overall vision level has improved among the adult population. This is explained mostly by a positive shift from lower to higher vision levels among older age groups, indicating that people live longer with good or adequate vision. This positive trend showed remarkable similarity throughout different regions in Finland, highlighting the importance of equal and accessible eye care throughout the country.
Finnish children who needed long‐term home respiratory support had severe sleep‐disordered breathing and complex medical backgrounds
Authors: Järvelä Mervi , Katila Maija , Eskola Vesa , Mäkinen Riikka , Mandelin Paula , Saarenpää‐Heikkilä Outi , Lauhkonen Eero
Published: September 2023

Aim

No studies have described long‐term paediatric home respiratory support in Nordic countries. We examined the clinical characteristics and long‐term outcomes of paediatric patients who received continuous positive airway pressure, non‐invasive‐positive‐pressure ventilation and invasive ventilation from a multidisciplinary home respiratory support team.

Methods

Retrospective tertiary‐level data were collected between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020 in Tampere University Hospital. These comprised patient demographics, treatment course and polysomnography‐confirmed sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB).

Results

There were 93 patients (63.4% boys). The median age at treatment initiation was 8.4 (range 0.11–16.9) years. The patients had: neuromuscular disease (16.1%), central nervous system disease (14.0%), developmental disabilities and congenital syndrome (29.0%), lung‐airway conditions (11.8%), craniofacial syndrome (15.1%) and severe obesity (14.0%). More than two‐thirds had severe SDB (66.7%) and the most common one was obstructive sleep apnoea in 66.7%. We found that 92.5% received long‐term therapy for more than 3 months and the mean treatment duration was 3.3 ± 2.7 years. A non‐invasive mask interface was used in 94.7% of cases and 5.3% needed tracheostomy ventilation. More than a quarter (26.7%) achieved disease resolution during the study period.

Conclusion

Most children who needed long‐term home respiratory support had complex conditions and severe, persistent SDB.