bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Contribution of Psychological Symptoms to Cognitive Difficulties in Youth With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Chronic Pain
Authors: Tsai Owens Michele , Fischer Philip R. , Sim Leslie , Kirsch Alexandra , Homan Kendra , Zaccariello Michael , Sawchuk Nicholas , LeMahieu Allison , Geske Jennifer , Harbeck-Weber Cynthia
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Subjectively experienced cognitive difficulties are common in youth with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. The pathophysiological and psychological contributions of these cognitive impairments remain unclear.

Method

Participants were 96 adolescents and young adults diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and admitted to an intensive pain treatment program. Participants completed cognitive assessment and measures of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome symptoms, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression, and functional disability.

Results

Self-reported autonomic symptom intensity, but not severity of heart rate change, was associated with cognitive performance. Symptoms of depression were associated with decreases in most measures of cognitive functioning. Pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and depression but not cognitive scores and physiological measures, were significant predictors of disability.

Conclusion

Depression appears to be a significant contributor to the cognitive difficulties in youth with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. These findings highlight the importance of assessing and treating affective symptoms in this population along with medical and lifestyle approaches to treating postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome symptoms.
Ferritin Levels on Hospital Admission Predict Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy in Patients After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Prospective Observational Single-Center Study
Authors: Nickelsen Swantje , Grosse Darrelmann Eleonore , Seidlmayer Lea , Fink Katrin , Britsch Simone , Duerschmied Daniel , Scharf Ruediger E. , Elsaesser Albrecht , Helbing Thomas
Published: May 2024

Aim

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major health concern in Western societies. Poor outcome after OHCA is determined by the extent of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Dysregulation of iron metabolism has prognostic relevance in patients with ischemic stroke and sepsis. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum iron parameters help to estimate outcomes after OHCA.

Methods

In this prospective single-center study, 70 adult OHCA patients were analyzed. Serum ferritin, iron, transferrin (TRF), and TRF saturation (TRFS) were measured in blood samples drawn on day 0 (admission), day 2, day 4, and 6 months after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The association of 4 iron parameters with in-hospital mortality, neurological outcome (cerebral performance category [CPC]), and HIE was investigated by receiver operating characteristics and multivariate regression analyses.

Results

OHCA subjects displayed significantly increased serum ferritin levels on day 0 and lowered iron, TRF, and TRFS on days 2 and 4 after ROSC, as compared to concentrations measured at a 6-month follow-up. Iron parameters were not associated with in-hospital mortality or neurological outcomes according to the CPC. Ferritin on admission was an independent predictor of features of HIE on cranial computed tomography and death due to HIE.

Conclusion

OHCA is associated with alterations in iron metabolism that persist for several days after ROSC. Ferritin on admission can help to predict HIE.
Tight Versus Liberal Blood Glucose Control in Patients With Diabetes in the ICU: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Defante Maria L. R. , Mendes Beatriz Ximenes , de Souza Mariana de Moura , De Hollanda Morais Beatriz Austregésilo de Athayde , Martins Otávio Cosendey , Prizão Vitória Martins , Parolin Salma Ali El Chab
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Glycemia is an important factor among critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). There is conflicting evidence on the preferred strategy of blood glucose control among patients with diabetes in the ICU. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis comparing tight with liberal blood glucose in critically ill patients with diabetes in the ICU. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing tight versus liberal blood glucose control in critically ill patients with diabetes from inception to December 2023. We pooled odds-ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with a random-effects model for binary endpoints. We used the Review Manager 5.17 and R version 4.3.2 for statistical analyses. Risk of bias assessment was performed with the Cochrane tool for randomized trials (RoB2). Results: Eight RCTs with 4474 patients were included. There was no statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.95-1.28; P = .18; I² = 0%) between a tight and liberal blood glucose control. RoB2 identified all studies at low risk of bias and funnel plot suggested no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion: In patients with diabetes in the ICU, there was no statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality between a tight and liberal blood glucose control. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023485032.
A novel nano-drug delivery system of glycyrrhetinic acid-mediated intracellular breakable brucine for enhanced anti-hepatitis B efficacy
Authors: Guan Qingxia , Liu Yumeng , Xia Zhaorui , Zhang Yue , Wang Liping , Wang Yanhong , Zou Shujun , Lv Shaowa , Zhou Xiaoying
Published: May 2024

Background: Glycyrrhetinic acid-mediated brucine self-assembled nanomicelles enhance the anti-hepatitis B properties of brucine by improving its water solubility, short half-life, toxicity, and side effects. Brucine (B) is an indole alkaloid extracted from the seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica (Loganiaceae). Purpose: To assess the efficacy of the Brucine-Glycyrrhetnic acid-Polyethylene glycol-3,3’-dithiodipropionic acid-Glycerin monostearate (B-GPSG) in treating hepatitis B, its potential to protect against acute liver injury caused by d-galactosamine and its anti-hepatoma activities were studied. Research Design: The concentration of B-GPSG used in the in vivo and in vitro experiments was 0.63 mg/mL. The rats injected with d-GalN (450 mg/kg) were used as liver injury models. The rats were separated into normal, model, positive, positive control, B-PSG and B-GPSG groups. Hepatoma cells expressing HBV HepG2.2.15 were used for in vitro experiments. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, plate cloning, Hoechst staining and flow cytometry were conducted to explore the mechanism of B-GPSG against hepatitis B. Results: Compared with the model group, the liver coefficient of B-GPSG group decreased (4.59 ± 0.17 vs 5.88 ± 0.42), the content of MDA in rat liver homogenate decreased (12.54 ± 1.81 vs 23.05 ± 2.98), the activity of SOD increased, the activity of ALT and AST in rat serum decreased. In vitro, the IC50 values of B-GPSG group decreased. B-GPSG group effectively inhibited the proliferation and migration of HepG2.2.15 cells. Conclusions: The hepatoprotective effects of B-GPSG nanomicelles, which are attributed to their GA-mediated liver targeting and synergistic actions with brucine, suggest their therapeutic potential against hepatitis B. This development opens up new possibilities for the application of traditional Chinese medicine and nanomedicine in anti-hepatitis B.
Transgender Lived Experience in Social Work: A Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Spoth A.P.
Published: May 2024

To date, social work literature regarding transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals situates TGD individuals as objects of social work knowledge and intervention. While this existent work represents an important foundation, it may foreclose other positionalities for TGD individuals. Therefore, this feminist critical discourse analysis of social work literature utilizes professionalization and transnormativity as conceptual anchors to explore the phenomenon of “transgender lived experience” in social work literature in order to understand both the nature of transgender lived experience and who is permitted to have it. Ultimately, this project found that transgender lived experience within social work is a totalizing discourse centered on a wholly painful experience of othering that can only be ameliorated through medical intervention. While this experience can confer expertise upon some individuals, transnormativity and professionalization operate in concert with this discourse to situate TGD people as transgender in the first place, foreclosing any other subjectivity. Therefore, future inquiry into the experiences of TGD individuals in social work must be willing to embrace epistemic perspectives and methodologies that emphasize the nuance and diversity of individuals’ experiences and resist totalizing grand narratives.
Low-Income Participants’ Preference Between Financial Incentives for Behavioral Goals vs Weight Loss Targets and Associations With Behavioral Goal Adherence
Authors: Adhiyaman Akshitha , Jay Melanie , Chung Un Young Rebecca , Gronda Andres N. , Tseng Chi-Hong , Wylie-Rosett Judith , Wittleder Sandra , Wali Soma , Ladapo Joseph A. , Orstad Stephanie L.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Examine associations between whether participants’ were matched to their preferred financial incentive design and behavioral goal adherence in a weight management intervention.

Design

Secondary quantitative analysis incorporating qualitative survey data.

Setting

Primary care clinics in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities in New York City and Los Angeles.

Subjects

668 participants (mean age 47.7 years, 81.0% female, 72.6% Hispanic) with obesity were enrolled in the Financial Incentives foR Weight Reduction (FIReWoRk) intervention.

Measures

We explored qualitatively participant’s reasons for hypothetically choosing a behavioral goal-directed vs a weight loss outcome-based financial incentive program. Additionally, behavioral adherence to different goals was collected at the 6-month timepoint, categorized by match to preferred financial incentive design.

Analysis

Logistic regression was used to examine if participants with certain demographic and higher psychosocial factors were more likely to choose goal-directed over outcome-based incentives. Additionally, logistic regression was used to test for associations between preference and behavioral adherence, using incentive type as an interaction term.

Results

60.2% of participants preferred the goal-directed incentive, with the majority stating that it was more structured. Married participants were more likely to prefer goal-directed incentives (OR = 1.57, CI = 1.06-2.33, P = .025). Moderation analysis revealed that participants who preferred goal-directed and were matched to goal-directed had greater rates of behavioral adherence for program attendance and self-weighing, but not dietary tracking and physical activity tracking, compared to those who preferred outcome-based and were matched to outcome-based.

Conclusion

Receiving one’s preferred incentive design may not play a strong role in behavioral goal adherence during financially incentivized weight loss interventions.
Increase in gonococcal arthritis in Madrid, Spain, 2022-2023
Authors: Maldonado-Barrueco Alfredo , Sanz-González Claudia , Rico-Nieto Alicia , Grandioso-Vas David , Ruiz-Bastián Mario , Falces-Romero Iker , Cacho-Calvo Juana , Quiles-Melero Inmaculada
Published: May 2024

In recent years, there has been an increase in Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in Europe and Spain. Disseminated gonococcal infection is an uncommon clinical presentation that includes gonococcal arthritis. Improved antibiotic treatment has reduced the incidence of gonococcal arthritis. However, the increase in gonococcal infections may have increased the frequency of this clinical entity in recent times. We report five cases of gonococcal arthritis in patients in a tertiary-care hospital in the northern area of Madrid (Spain) from October 2022 to October 2023. Major cases occurred in male patients with unprotected sex and polyarticular symptoms requiring hospital admission and treatment with ceftriaxone and cefixime. The use of molecular techniques has allowed the detection of a greater number of culture-negative cases of gonococcal arthritis, as well as the detection of mutations associated with resistance to fluoroquinolone for switching to oral treatment.
Examining the crucial societal incentive approaches and their impact mechanisms to enhance the purchase intention of carbon-labeled products: A conjoined application of PLS-SEM and NCA methodologies
Authors: Li Chuang , Wang Xiaoman , Wang Liping
Published: May 2024

Enhancing consumers’ purchase intention for carbon-labeled products is crucial for the sustainable development of the market economy. This study aims to address a key challenge by exploring the often-overlooked impact of external incentive mechanisms in the existing literature. Utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and necessary condition analysis (NCA), the research dissects survey data from 730 Chinese consumers. It reveals the complex influence of four social incentives (i.e., monetary incentives, price incentives, spiritual incentives, and information incentives) on purchasing intentions from the perspective of perceived value. The results indicate that consumers’ awareness and trust in carbon labels are highly important but show modest performance. To be specific, among the four incentive measures, information incentives significantly promote purchasing intentions, followed by spiritual incentives. Interestingly, although the price incentives are a key precondition for increasing purchasing intentions, they do not show a direct and statistically significant effect. Besides, monetary incentives specifically facilitate the formation of purchasing intentions by enhancing consumers’ perception of the efficacy of carbon-labeled products, while information incentives promote intentions by influencing consumers’ desire for value expression. Benefiting from these four incentive measures, this study provides valuable insights to help develop effective strategies for promoting carbon labeling and green products, refine the design of environmentally friendly choice architectures for public policy, and enhance our understanding of consumer behavior in contemporary culture.
Coping strategies and interventions to alleviate moral distress among pediatric ICU nurses: A scoping review
Authors: Chen Junqing , Lin Nan , Ye Xian , Chen Yangxiu , Wang Yi , Xu Hongzhen
Published: May 2024

Backgrounds

Moral distress significantly affects pediatric ICU nurses, leading to nurse burnout, increased turnover and reducing patient care quality. Despite its importance, there’s a notable gap in knowledge on how to manage it effectively.

Aims

This review aimed to systematically identify and analyze coping strategies and interventions targeting moral distress among pediatric nurses in ICU, uncovering research gap and future studies directions.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted followed framework by Levac, Colquhoun, and O'Brien and Arksey and O'Malley. Searches were performed in 11 electrical databases, like PubMed and China Biology Medicine disc, within a timeframe of the database construction to November 2023, and performed literature screening and data extraction.

Results

Sixteen articles were ultimately included. Coping strategies adopted by pediatric ICUs nurses can be categorized into adaptive and maladaptive strategies, with the latter including passive acceptance, taking leave, and drinking, while the former involve pursuing interests outside of work, reflection and philosophizing, and communication. Nine articles described and evaluated the effectiveness of interventions for moral distress, categorizing them into individual and institutional levels. Individual-level interventions include Interprofessional Perspective-Taking, the PICU Resiliency Bundle, Ethics Education/Skills, and the Center for Caring. Institutional-level interventions encompasses Comprehensive Care Round, Goals of Care Conversations, Pediatric Ethics and Communication Excellence Rounds, Nursing Ethics Council, and Medical Ethical Decision-Making, though not all were effective in alleviating moral distress.

Conclusions

Nurses often use self-adjustment strategies for moral distress, institutional ethical support focusing on enhancing nurses’ moral resilience, promoting reflective thinking and improving communication remains crucial. Various interventions for moral distress are currently available, but nurse engagement is low and their effectiveness remained to be verified. Future studies should explore what aids or hinders these interventions. There’s also a need for large, multicenter trials and ongoing evaluations to create effective support systems for pediatric ICU nurses.
The Importance of the Product Development Process for Companies: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Stage-gate Model
Authors: Moreira Luis Fernando , Vidor Gabriel
Published: May 2024

The article aims to present a bibliometric study that sought to identify the profile of scientific articles in the Scopus database on the term Stage-gate, in the period from 2013 to September 2023, analysing how the evolution of the dissemination of international scientific studies for the area of product development. The research methodology is quantitative through bibliometrics that evaluates scientific metrics. The author who published the most was Robert Cooper with 12 documents, the journal that most addresses the term Stage-gate is Research Technology Management with nine documents and the keyword amiss cited is Stage-gate with 9% of the citations. The country that contributes the most and contributes to the Stage-gate method is the United States with 78 documents. In conclusion, the results presented highlight the relevance of this model, the contribution of different authors, the diversity of academic sources, and the global dispersion of this concept.
Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care on Retinopathy of Prematurity in Neonates Less Than 1,800 g or Below 34 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Singh Chetan , Arya Sugandha , Chellani Harish , Anand Pratima , Singhal Richa
Published: May 2024

Introduction

KMC (Kangaroo Mother Care) is an established intervention to reduce mortality and morbidity in low birth weight (LBW) neonates. A multitude of risk factors and preventive strategies for ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) have been studied, however, the effect of KMC on ROP has not been reported. This study aims to study the effect of KMC on ROP in neonates with birth weights between 1,000 and 1,800 g.

Methods

The babies who received effective KMC (>6 hours per 24 hours for three consecutive days) were analysed in the intervention group and those with ineffective KMC were analysed in the control group. Variables significant in univariate analysis were entered into backward regression models in multivariate analysis. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. P values < .05 are taken as significant.

Results

Of 783 neonates enrolled, 66 (8.4%) developed ROP (any stage). The incidence of ROP requiring intervention was 1.02%. Effective KMC reduced the risk of ROP by 95%, RR 0.05 (0.02–0.12) and number needed to treat = 5. The proportion of neonates with ROP in zone 1 and stage 3 was more in the ineffective KMC (42.4% vs. 1.5%) group than in the effective KMC group (51.5% vs. 0%) ( P < .001). Ineffective KMC, gestation <30 weeks, small for gestation, obstetric complications, asphyxia, sepsis, higher initial PEEP and lack of breastfeeding were significant risk factors for developing ROP.

Conclusion

KMC, an effective intervention to improve the mortality and morbidity in LBW neonates, was significantly associated with the reduction of any stage ROP and ROP needing intervention, potentially preventing a significant cause of childhood blindness.
Intraoperative intravenous versus periarticular injection of glucocorticoids in improving clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective, randomized and controlled study
Authors: Li Qingtian , Fang Guibin , Liao Weihong , Chen Binlong , Yang Yuhui , Liao Junxing , Fu Guangtao , Ma Yuanchen , Zheng Qiujian
Published: May 2024

Background

Glucocorticoids have been widely used in perioperative period for postoperative pain relief after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the optimal administration protocols of glucocorticoids remain controversial. This study aims to compare the efficacy of glucocorticoids between intravenous and periarticular injection on clinical outcomes.

Methods

A total of 114 patients were randomly assigned to intravenous (IV) group ( n = 57) and periarticular injection (PI) group ( n = 57). The IV group received 10 mg dexamethasone intravenously and the PI group received periarticular injection of 10 mg dexamethasone during the procedure. The clinical outcomes were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS), knee society score (KSS), range of motion (ROM), knee swelling, inflammation markers and complications after TKA.

Results

The VAS score during walking at 2nd day postoperatively was lower in the PI group compared with the IV group (2.08 ± 1.45 vs 2.73 ± 1.69, p = .039), and there was no significant difference at the other time points of VAS score in two groups. The inflammation markers, knee swelling, knee ROM and KSS score were not statistically different. Vomiting and other complications occurrence were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Intraoperative periarticular injection of glucocorticoids has similar analgesic effect compared to intravenous in the postoperative period following TKA and may be even more effective on the second postoperative day. In addition, periarticular injection of glucocorticoids does not impose an excess risk or complication on patients.
Assessing Tobacco Treatment Engagement in Assertive Community Treatment Programs
Authors: Okoli Chizimuzo T. C. , Abufarsakh Bassema , Seng Sarret , Robertson Heather , Almogheer Zainab
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Despite high tobacco use prevalence among those with serious mental illnesses, few Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs provide tobacco treatment. Understanding the factors associated with the intentions to engage in tobacco treatment from both provider and consumer perspectives is important. The purpose was to examine ACT providers’ intention to provide and consumer intention to engage in tobacco treatment.

Method:

A cross-sectional survey of ACT program providers ( N = 51) and consumers ( N = 43) from four community mental health centers. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with the intentions to provide or engage in tobacco treatment from among attitudinal, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control variables.

Results:

Providers reported positive attitudes, high degree of perceived behavior control, and high intentions for delivering tobacco treatment, but poor perceptions of subjective norms. These results were like consumers’ intentions to engage in tobacco treatment. In regression analysis, only subjective norms and perceived behavior control were significant predictors for providers’ intentions to provide tobacco treatment, but there were no significant predictors of consumers’ intentions to engage in tobacco treatment. Both providers and consumers endorsed poor implementation of evidence-based tobacco treatment.

Conclusion:

Poor engagement in tobacco treatment within ACT programs indicates the need for policymakers to support tobacco treatment within the services. This finding calls for training of mental and behavioral health providers while supporting tobacco-free initiatives in ACT treatment service settings.
Inhaled corticosteroids on mortality in COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yang Fen , Wang Guizuo , Han Dong
Published: May 2024

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on mortality in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). A systematic search was made of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov, without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of COVID-19 with ICS were reviewed. Studies were pooled to risk ratios (RRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eleven RCTs (enrolling 5832 participants) met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in COVID-19-related death (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.38–2.04), all-cause death (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.49–2.23), and invasive ventilation (RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.60–2.62) between the two groups. ICS was not associated with reduced mortality and invasive ventilation in patients with COVID-19.
Commentary: Perceiving Innovation: Unveiling the Impact on Market Performance
Authors: Andreassen Tor W.
Published: May 2024

The new challenge confronting leaders is investing in improving customer satisfaction or perceived innovativeness. The challenge also reflects the focus of leadership: to make operations more efficient and effective or invest in tomorrow's solutions? Intuitively, both are linked to the financial impact of the firm. In this article, the author explores the mechanisms “behind the scenes” driving perceived quality, and customer satisfaction on one side, and perceived innovativeness and relative attractiveness on the other side. Both routes are linked to customer loyalty, customer lifetime value, customer equity, and firm value. The findings underscore the importance of customer-centric innovation for market performance, suggesting that innovations must resonate with customer needs and expectations to foster market adoption and growth. The article advocates for the extension of this research into global contexts and digital transformation, highlighting the potential for these insights to inform strategi decision-making in an increasingly digitalized business environment. Bridging academic theory with practical application, the article offers a nuanced understanding of how innovation perceptions influence market outcomes. It suggests future research directions, including exploring strategies to enhance customer perception of innovation and leveraging these perceptions for competitive advantage.
Analysis of the diameter of the distal radial artery at anatomic snuffbox by ultrasonography in patients scheduled for coronary intervention
Authors: Chen Tao , Huang Hui , Li Lamei , Yang Anni , Shi Ganwei , Li Feng , Lu Wei , Xu Lingxia , Cai Gaojun
Published: May 2024

Background:

Assessing the size of the distal radial artery (DRA) in anatomic snuffbox (AS) before coronary intervention is extremely important in the selection of suitable patients, improving the success rate of puncture and reducing the complications.

Objective:

To evaluate the diameter of the DRA in AS and its influencing factors in Chinese patients scheduled for coronary intervention.

Methods:

Ultrasound was used to detect the inner diameter of vessels. A total of 1182 patients were involved in the study.

Results:

In all patients, the mean inner diameters of the DRA, conventional radial artery (CRA) and ulnar artery (UA) were 2.00 ± 0.43 mm, 2.38 ± 0.51 mm and 1.99 ± 0.47 mm, respectively. The proportion of DRA diameter ⩾2.0 mm was 53% (in all patients), 64% (in males), 36% (in females), respectively. The DRA/CRA ratios were 0.85 ± 0.13 in all patients, 0.86 ± 0.13 in males and 0.84 ± 0.13 in females. The diameter of the DRA was strongly positively correlated with the diameter of the CRA ( r = 0.750, p < 0.05), and weakly correlated with the body mass index ( r = 0.303, p < 0.05) and the diameter of the UA ( r = 0.304, p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that female sex, age ⩾60 years, body mass index <24 kg/m2, previous CRA/DRA access and history of coronary artery disease were independent predictors of the DRA diameter <2.0 mm.

Conclusion:

Measurement of the diameter of the DRA by ultrasonography may offer important information prior to coronary catheterization.
Prevalence of Open Defecation Practice and Associated Factors Among Households in Geshiyaro Project Implementation Sites in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alemu Zinabu Assefa , Adugna Ermias Alemayehu , Kidane Abel Weldetinsae , Girmay Aderajew Mekonnen , Weldegebriel Mesay Getachew , Likasa Badasa Wagari , Serte Melaku Gizaw , Teklu Kirubel Tesfaye , Alemayehu Tsigereda Assefa , Liyew Ewnetu Firdawek , Tasew Geremew , Mehari Zelalem , Tollera Getachew , Tessema Masresha
Published: May 2024

Background:

Open defecation is a significant global challenge, impacting public health, environmental sanitation, and social well-being, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. It is the second-largest cause of disease burden worldwide by facilitating the spread of germs that cause diarrhea diseases. Studies examining open defecation practices are insufficient, especially in areas implementing Ethiopia’s Geshiyaro project. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the status of open defecation practice and associated factors in the study area.

Method:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2023. The total number of households included in this study was 7995. A structured questionnaire and observational checklist were used to collect data. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA version 16.

Results:

The study found that 16.5% of households practiced open defecation. The following factors were significantly associated with the occurrence of open defecation: residence (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.26-1.92), education (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.49-0.72), age (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.41-0.69), knowledge on diarrhea prevention (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.17-1.50), marital status (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.32-1.97), and awareness creation about WASH services (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.71-2.25). On the other hand, no significant association was observed between the occurrence of open defecation and the household’s income (AOR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.93-1.23) or the head of household sex (AOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.78-1.12).

Conclusion:

Open defecation remains a critical public health concern in Ethiopia’s Geshiyaro project sites. Various factors influencing this practice have been identified. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance access to safe sanitation facilities and promote awareness of WASH services, aligning with SDG 3 target 3, and SDG 6 target 2.
Retinal small vessel pathology is associated with disease burden in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wicklein Rebecca , Kreitner Linus , Wild Anna , Aly Lilian , Rueckert Daniel , Hemmer Bernhard , Korn Thomas , Menten Martin J , Knier Benjamin
Published: May 2024

Background:

Alterations of the superficial retinal vasculature are commonly observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) and can be visualized through optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine changes in the retinal vasculature during MS and to integrate findings into current concepts of the underlying pathology.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, including 259 relapsing–remitting MS patients and 78 healthy controls, we analyzed OCTAs using deep-learning-based segmentation algorithm tools.

Results:

We identified a loss of small-sized vessels (diameter < 10 µm) in the superficial vascular complex in all MS eyes, irrespective of their optic neuritis (ON) history. This alteration was associated with MS disease burden and appears independent of retinal ganglion cell loss. In contrast, an observed reduction of medium-sized vessels (diameter 10–20 µm) was specific to eyes with a history of ON and was closely linked to ganglion cell atrophy.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest distinct atrophy patterns in retinal vessels in patients with MS. Further studies are necessary to investigate retinal vessel alterations and their underlying pathology in MS.
Adaptive semiactive control of structure with magnetorheological dampers using wavelet packet transform
Authors: Chha Haylim , Peng Yongbo
Published: May 2024

Conventional active controllers generally adopt initial dynamic properties of intact structures to calculate optimal control force for magnetorheological damper, which eventually leads to ideal damping force of the device. Also, they cannot assure trade-off between damping force and response reduction under non-stationary excitations. To this end, an adaptive semiactive control algorithm for magnetorheological damper is proposed. Using wavelet packet transform, an improved control law determines optimal control forces in terms of resonant and non-resonant frequency bands in time interval. Both frequency bands are established based on natural frequency(ies) of structures, making damping force rely on actual structural properties and achieving trade-off under non-stationary disturbances. A refined clipped-optimal control algorithm is then deployed to convert optimal control force to the device’s voltage. A numerical study of a six-degree-of-freedom structure under four near- and far-fault ground accelerations reveals that the scheme outperforms existing controllers while attaining cost-effectiveness of damping force versus response alleviations.
A mini-review on wrinkled nanofibers: Preparation principles via electrospinning and potential applications
Authors: Zaarour Bilal , Liu Wanjun , Omran Waad , Alhinnawi Mohammed Firas , Dib Fadia , Shikh Alshabab Mahmoud , Ghannoum Samir , Kayed Kamal , Mansour Ghaytha , Balidi Ghofran
Published: May 2024

Tailoring the surface morphology of nanofibers determines its application to an excessive extent. At present, different structures of nanofibers have been produced such as wrinkled, grooved, porous, rough, etc. Amongst them, wrinkled nanofibers have attracted the attention of researchers due to their exceptional structure and properties such as coarse surface, high surface energy, high specific surface area, excellent mechanical properties, and good piezoelectricity resulting in serving successfully in various fields such as energy harvesting, air filtration, water filtration, gas sensors, biomedical applications, fuel cells, and energy storage. Therefore, this work aims to spotlight the importance of the wrinkled structure, methods, and strategies used for producing electrospun wrinkled nanofibers of various materials. This review focuses on the materials, preparation methods, and applications of the electrospun wrinkled nanofibers. This review can serve as an essential reference for the materials, formation methods, and applications of wrinkled nanofibers prepared via electrospinning.
Obstinate Memory: A Radical Participatory Film-Based Research Approach
Authors: Fero Ken , Hutnyk John
Published: May 2024

Obstinate memory is an insistent resource for communities. Migrant Media advocates the methodology of a “documentary of force” as a research tool for filmmakers and academics. As a U.K.-based collective of filmmaker-activists involved in community struggles, Migrant Media’s resistance-based work uses cameras and screens to challenge racism and police violence. Drawing on film documentary history from figures as diverse as Dziga Vertov, Jean-Luc Godard, Black Audio Film Collective, and Third Cinema, the Migrant Media story is revealed through attempts to ban the 2001 film Injustice and a more recent series filmed with nurses during the coronavirus pandemic. We suggest some directions for further research at the end.
Linking Respiratory Challenges in KCNQ2 Encephalopathy to “Phox2b” Neurons in the Retrotrapezoid Nucleus
Authors: Gu Bin
Published: May 2024

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Not a Victim, Not a Survivor
Authors: Warner Meghan
Published: May 2024

Young people who have experienced sexual violence describe themselves as stuck between two seemingly opposing stereotypes: the “broken” victim and the “healed” survivor. Their responses to these labels are shaped by and shape how they feel about their other social identities.
Transformations in Queer Placemaking
Authors: Bridges Tristan , Ota Kendall
Published: May 2024

Tristan Bridges and Kendall Ota on Who Needs Gay Bars? and Long Live Queer Nightlife.
The Archival Phase in Feminist Organizations: Methodological Suggestions
Authors: Eyal Hedva , Aharoni Sarai B. , Preser Ruth
Published: May 2024

The article is based on a series of interviews (61) and a multi-sited ethnography conducted during 2019–2021 which traced archival records of 20 feminist organizations in Israel: local women’s peace organizations (FPAs) and Rape Crisis Centres (RCCs). We describe the study and the complex methodological concerns and meta-questions relating to the study of feminist community archives in relation to content (types of testimonials or records), method of organization (archival practices like cataloging or digitization) and activists’ perspectives concerning future preservation and access. In order to overcome these challenges, we suggest six methodological principles which may apply to the study of civil society organizations that were established between the 1970s–1990s: the importance of identifying researchers’ positionality vis a-vis the archive; the politics of knowledge and intersectional identities; avoiding judgment of informal archival practices; identifying who sets the rules; silence and self-silencing; and recognition of invisible labor.
Dynamic analysis of composite flywheel energy storage rotor
Authors: Wang Yajun , He Mingming , Zhang Rui , Zhang Haosui , Liu Yibing
Published: May 2024

Dynamic analysis is a key problem of flywheel energy storage system (FESS). In this paper, a one-dimensional finite element model of anisotropic composite flywheel energy storage rotor is established for the composite FESS, and the dynamic characteristics such as natural frequency and critical speed are calculated. Through the analysis of acceleration transient response, it is found that the flywheel rotor have two critical speeds during acceleration or deceleration process, which are prone to resonance and damage the bearing. Therefore, in order to avoid resonance or reduce resonance peak, the influence of bearing support stiffness, damping and speed-up rate on the critical speed and resonance peak is studied. The calculation results show that the first two order critical speed are affected by the support stiffness. When the stiffness increases, the critical speed of the flywheel rotor increases, but the growth rate decreases. When the damping increases, the critical speed is basically not affected, and the vibration amplitude decreases rapidly. In addition, the resonance peak value of transient response can be effectively reduced by increasing the speed-up rate.
Reduced capsaicin-induced mechanical allodynia and neuronal responses in the dorsal root ganglion in the presence of protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 6 overexpression
Authors: Vroman Robin , Ishihara Shingo , Fullam Spencer , Wood Matthew J , Adamczyk Natalie S , Lomeli Nolan , Malfait Fransiska , Malfait Anne-Marie , Miller Rachel E , Markovics Adrienn
Published: May 2024

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a nonselective cation channel expressed by pain-sensing neurons and has been an attractive target for the development of drugs to treat pain. Recently, Src homology region two domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1, encoded by Ptpn6) was shown to dephosphorylate TRPV1 in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, which was linked with alleviating different pain phenotypes. These previous studies were performed in male rodents only and did not directly investigate the role of SHP-1 in TRPV-1 mediated sensitization. Therefore, our goal was to determine the impact of Ptpn6 overexpression on TRPV1-mediated neuronal responses and capsaicin-induced pain behavior in mice of both sexes. Twelve-week-old male and female mice overexpressing Ptpn6 (Shp1-Tg) and their wild type (WT) littermates were used. Ptpn6 overexpression was confirmed in the DRG of Shp1-Tg mice by RNA in situ hybridization and RT-qPCR. Trpv1 and Ptpn6 were found to be co-expressed in DRG sensory neurons in both genotypes. Functionally, this overexpression resulted in lower magnitude intracellular calcium responses to 200 nM capsaicin stimulation in DRG cultures from Shp1-Tg mice compared to WTs. In vivo, we tested the effects of Ptpn6 overexpression on capsaicin-induced pain through a model of capsaicin footpad injection. While capsaicin injection evoked nocifensive behavior (paw licking) and paw swelling in both genotypes and sexes, only WT mice developed mechanical allodynia after capsaicin injection. We observed similar level of TRPV1 protein expression in the DRG of both genotypes, however, a higher amount of tyrosine phosphorylated TRPV1 was detected in WT DRG. These experiments suggest that, while SHP-1 does not mediate the acute swelling and nocifensive behavior induced by capsaicin, it does mediate a protective effect against capsaicin-induced mechanical allodynia in both sexes. The protective effect of SHP-1 might be mediated by TRPV1 dephosphorylation in capsaicin-sensitive sensory neurons of the DRG.
Revisiting representativeness heuristic classic paradigms: Replication and extensions of nine experiments in Kahneman and Tversky (1972)
Authors: Mayiwar Lewend , Wan Kai Hin , Løhre Erik , Feldman Gilad
Published: May 2024

Kahneman and Tversky showed that when people make probability judgements, they tend to ignore relevant statistical information (e.g., sample size) and instead rely on a representativeness heuristic, whereby subjective probabilities are influenced by the degree to which a target is perceived as similar to (representative of) a typical example of the relevant population, class or category. Their article has become a cornerstone in many lines of research and has been used to account for various biases in judgement and decision-making. Despite the impact this article has had on theory and practice, there have been no direct replications. In a pre-registered experiment ( N = 623; Amazon MTurk on CloudResearch), we conducted a replication and extensions of nine problems from Kahneman and Tversky’s 1972 article. We successfully replicated eight out of the nine problems. We extended the replication by examining the consistency of heuristic responses across problems and by examining decision style as a predictor of participants’ use of the representativeness heuristic. Materials, data, and code are available on: https://osf.io/nhqc4/
Serum Aspergillus fumigatus-Specific IgG as a Complementary Biomarker in Differentiating Endotypes of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Study on Its Role and Diagnostic Efficacy in Type 2 Inflammation
Authors: Hung Pei-Tzu , Wang Hsiang-Sheng , Lee Ta-Jen , Huang Chi-Che , Chang Po-Hung , Chen Yi-Wei , Fu Chia-Hsiang
Published: May 2024

Background

Aspergillus is one of the most common pathogens causing fungal allergy in the respiratory tract. Serum Aspergillus fumigatus-specific immunoglobulin G (Af-sIgG) levels have been used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment response monitoring in airway allergic diseases such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis. However, its role in common primary chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) was unclear.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate whether serum Af-sIgG level could serve as a biomarker for the disease presentation of primary CRS.

Methods

We obtained serum Af-sIgG levels from patients diagnosed as bilateral primary CRS refractory to medical treatment and evaluated the correlations between serum Af-sIgG levels and disease severity in patients with type 2 (T2) and non-T2 CRS.

Results

Patients with T2 CRS exhibited significantly higher serum Af-sIgG levels than non-T2 CRS patients. The cut-off value of serum Af-sIgG in T2 CRS was 20.9 mg/L, with an odds ratio of 3.8 (95% CI 1.17-12.20, P = .026). Furthermore, serum Af-sIgG levels were positively correlated with symptom scores evaluated by the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) scores in T2 patients ( P = .009). While stratified by SNOT-22 total scores, patients with severe disease had higher serum Af-sIgG levels only in T2 CRS ( P = .034). In individual domains of SNOT-22 analysis, serum Af-sIgG levels showed a significant correlation with “ear/facial” symptom scores in the T2 group ( P < .001).

Conclusions

Serum Af-sIgG levels may serve as a supplementary objective biomarker that correlates with identification and subjective measurements of T2 CRS, and may be associated with symptoms arising from Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Involvement in cyberbullying events and empathy are related to emotional responses to simulated social pain tasks
Authors: Morese Rosalba , Fabris Matteo Angelo , Longobardi Claudio , Marengo Davide
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study aims to explore the relationship between cyberbullying involvement either as a perpetrator or a victim and emotional responses to virtual social exclusion and inclusion. Previous research has predominantly focused on the impacts of in-person bullying. Our study shifts this focus to the cyber realm.

Methods

A total of 156 adolescents living in northern Italy were recruited ( Mage: 12.26; SD = 0.87; 43% female). After completing measures of empathy and involvement in cyberbullying, adolescents participated in the cyberball tasks. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups.

Results

We found three groups: Class 3, reporting negative responses to the social exclusion tasks and positive responses to the social inclusion tasks; Class 1, reporting neutral emotional responses to social inclusion and negative emotional responses to social exclusion; and Class 2, showing neutral responses to ‘social exclusion’ tasks and strongly positive responses to ‘social inclusion’ tasks. Linear regression revealed that cyberbullies report a typical emotional response to exclusion and inclusion tasks (Class 3), whereas cybervictims are more likely to report negative responses to both exclusion and inclusion events (Class 1). High levels of empathy are associated with the manifestation of a typical emotional response (Class 3), in contrast to an impaired emotional response characterized by neutral or positive responses to conditions of ‘social exclusion’ and positive responses to conditions of ‘social inclusion’ (Class 2).

Conclusion

Results underscore the complex interplay between cyberbullying roles and emotional responses to virtual social experiences. Theoretical implications and limitations of the research are discussed.
An encounter with God’s honored partner: Karl Barth’s Christ-centered philosophy of education
Authors: Thompson John
Published: May 2024

Karl Barth is regarded as one of the most preeminent theologians of the 20th century. While much attention has been given to Barth’s theological writings, little attention has been paid to his teaching practices. However, analyzing a historical narrative of Barth’s teaching career—culled from two highly regarded biographies on Barth—through the lens of Barth’s theology yields a robustly Christian philosophy of teaching that is theologically rooted and practically demonstrated. Viewed in this way, the narrative of Barth’s teaching provides a model for contemporary teachers on how they might connect their Christian faith with their pedagogical practice.