bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized trial on the efficacy of split-body versus full-body resistance training in non-resistance trained women
Authors: Pedersen Helene , Fimland Marius Steiro , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Iversen Vegard Moe , Cumming Kristoffer Toldnes , Jensen Susanne , Saeterbakken Atle Hole , Andersen Vidar
Published: May 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a 12-week upper/lower split- versus a full-body resistance training program on maximal strength, muscle mass and explosive characteristics. Fifty resistance untrained women were pair-matched according to baseline strength and randomized to either a full-body (FB) routine that trained all of the major muscle groups in one session twice per week, or a split-body program (SPLIT) that performed 4 weekly sessions (2 upper body and 2 lower body). Both groups performed the same exercises and weekly number of sets and repetitions. Each exercise was performed with three sets and 8–12 repetition maximum (RM) loading. Study outcomes included maximal strength, muscle mass, jump height and maximal power output.

Results

No between-group differences were found in any of the variables. However, both FB and SPLIT increased mean 1-RM from pre- to post-test in the bench press by 25.5% versus 30.0%, lat pulldown by 27.2% versus 26.0% and leg press by 29.2% versus 28.3%, respectively. Moreover, both FB and SPLIT increased jump height by 12.5% versus 12.5%, upper-body power by 20.3% versus 16.7% and muscle mass by 1.9% versus 1.7%, p < 0.01, respectively.

Conclusions

This study did not show any benefits for split-body resistance-training program compared to full-body resistance training program on measures of maximal- and explosive muscle strength, and muscle mass.

Trial registration: ISRCTN81548172, registered 15. February 2022.
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for efficient degradation of 4-fluorophenol
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Peng Rihe , Tian Yongsheng , Xu Jing , Wang Bo , Han Hongjuan , Fu Xiaoyan , Gao Jianjie , Yao Quanhong
Published: May 2022

As a kind of refractory organic pollutant, 4-fluorophenol (4-FP) can be degraded by only a few microorganisms with low efficiency because of the great electron-withdrawing ability of fluorine atoms. So it is necessary to artificially construct engineered strain to improve the degradation efficiency and meet the requirements of pollutant degradation. In this study, four genes (fpdA2, fpdB, fpdC, and fpdD) for 4-FP degradation from Arthrobacter sp. strain IF1 were optimized and synthesized and then reconstructed into Escherichia coli by a multi-monocistronic vector to obtain recombinant BL-fpd that could degrade 4-FP efficiently. Under optimized induction conditions (inducing the strain by 2 g/L L-arabinose and 1 mM IPTG at 37 ℃), BL-fpd could completely degrade 2 mM 4-FP, 4-chlorophenol, 4-bromophenol, and 4-nitrophenol into β-ketoadipate, which could be further metabolized by the bacteria. FpdA2 showed the highest activity towards 4-bromophenol. The strain could completely degrade 1 mM 4-FP in industrial wastewater within 3 h. This study provided a promising strain for the degradation of 4-FP and some other 4-substituted phenols. The construction technologies of multi-monocistronic expression vector may also be used to construct other organic pollutants degrading bacteria.
Development of a perfusion process for serum-free adenovirus vector herpes zoster vaccine production
Authors: Sun Yang , Huang Lingling , Nie Jianqi , Feng Kai , Liu Yupeng , Bai Zhonghu
Published: May 2022

Herpes zoster is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Researching and developing a herpes zoster vaccine will help to decrease the incidence of herpes zoster. To increase the bioreactor productivity, a serum-free HEK293 cell perfusion process with adenovirus vector herpes zoster (rAd-HZ) vaccine production was developed efficiently using the design of experiment (DoE) method. First, serum-free media for HEK293 cells were screened in both batch and semi-perfusion culture modes. Then, three optimal media were employed in a medium mixture design to improve cell culture performance, and the 1:1 mixture of HEK293 medium and MCD293 medium (named HM293 medium) was identified as the optimal formulation. On the basis of the HM293 medium, the relationship of critical process parameters (CPPs), including the time of infection (TOI), multiplicity of infection (MOI), pH, and critical quality attributes (CQAs) (adenovirus titer (Titer), cell-specific virus yield (CSVY), adenovirus fold expansion (Fold)) of rAd-HZ production was investigated using the DoE approach. Furthermore, the robust setpoint and design space of these CPPs were explored. Finally, the rAd-HZ production process with parameters at a robust setpoint (TOI = 7.2 × 106 cells/mL, MOI = 3.7, and pH = 7.17) was successfully scaled-up to a 3-L bioreactor with an alternating tangential flow system, yielding an adenovirus titer of 3.0 × 1010 IFU/mL, a CSVY of 4167 IFU/cells, a Fold of 1117 at 2 days post infection (dpi). The DoE approach accelerated the development of a HEK293 serum-free medium and of a robust adenovirus production process.
Transcriptomic analysis of Stropharia rugosoannulata reveals carbohydrate metabolism and cold resistance mechanisms under low-temperature stress
Authors: Hao Haibo , Zhang Jinjing , Wu Shengdong , Bai Jing , Zhuo Xinyi , Zhang Jiaxin , Kuai Benke , Chen Hui
Published: May 2022

Low temperature is an important environmental factor that restricts the growth of Stropharia rugosoannulata; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying S. rugosoannulata responses to low-temperature stress are largely unknown. In this study, we performed a transcriptome analysis of a high-sensitivity strain (DQ-1) and low-sensitivity strain (DQ-3) under low-temperature stress. The liquid hyphae of S. rugosoannulata treated at 25 °C and 10 °C were analyzed by RNA-Seq, and a total of 9499 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that these genes were enriched in “xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism”, “carbohydrate metabolism”, “lipid metabolism” and “oxidoreductase activity”. Further research found that carbohydrate enzyme (AA, GH, CE, and GT) genes were downregulated more significantly in DQ-1 than DQ-3 and several cellulase activities were also reduced to a greater extent. Moreover, the CAT1, CAT2, GR, and POD genes and more heat shock protein genes (HSP20, HSP78 and sHSP) were upregulated in the two strains after low-temperature stress, and the GPX gene and more heat shock protein genes were upregulated in DQ-3. In addition, the enzyme activity and qRT–PCR results showed trends similar to those of the RNA-Seq results. This result indicates that low-temperature stress reduces the expression of different AA, GH, CE, and GT enzyme genes and reduces the secretion of cellulase, thereby reducing the carbohydrate metabolism process and mycelial growth of S. rugosoannulata. Moreover, the expression levels of different types of antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins are also crucial for S. rugosoannulata to resist low-temperature stress. In short, this study will provide a basis for further research on important signaling pathways, gene functions and variety breeding of S. rugosoannulata related to low-temperature stress.
Protocol for the systematic review of return-to-activity criteria in adolescent patients following an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Romanchuk Nicholas J. , Livock Holly , Lukas Kenneth J. , Del Bel Michael J. , Benoit Daniel L. , Carsen Sasha
Published: May 2022

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is a debilitating knee injury associated with sequela such as joint instability and progressive degeneration. Unfortunately, following surgical ACL reconstruction in adolescents, the rates of ACL graft failure range from 17 to 19%. A contributing factor to the high reinjury rate in this population may be the limited evidence regarding appropriate criteria for allowing unrestricted return-to-activities (RTA) postoperatively. Several systematic reviews have already sought to develop a consensus on what criteria should be utilized for releasing patients to unrestricted sports activities; however, these reviews have focused on adult populations, a group at much lower risk for reinjury. Our objective is to systematically examine the literature and identify the criteria used when determining unrestricted RTA following an ACL reconstruction in an adolescent population.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic search will be performed of the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus electronic databases. Searches will be conducted from January 1, 2000, until submission of the final review. Studies will be identified that include adolescent patients (10–18 years old) undergoing a primary ACL reconstruction and which have specified the criteria used to determine RTA. Each article will be independently screened by two reviewers. To supplement the electronic database search, citations within all included studies will be manually reviewed. Reviewers will record the RTA assessment utilized and the rates of ACL reinjury through a standardized data extraction sheet. Reviewers will resolve full-text screening and data extraction disagreements through discussion. Synthesis of the collected data will focus on compiling and mapping the most commonly used types of RTA criteria.

Discussion

This systematic review will determine the most commonly used RTA criteria in adolescent patients post-ACL reconstruction. This will help future interventions build more effective adolescent-specific RTA assessments through the validation of current RTA criteria as well as the implementation of new criteria according to the identified literature gaps.
Economic evaluations of health care interventions in oropharyngeal dysphagia after stroke: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Marin Sergio , Serra-Prat Mateu , Ortega Omar , Clavé Pere
Published: May 2022

Background and purpose

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) affects 40–81% of patients after stroke. A recent systematic review on the costs of OD and its main complications showed higher acute and long-term costs for those patients who developed OD, malnutrition and pneumonia after stroke. These results suggest that appropriate management of post-stroke OD could reduce clinical complications and costs. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the available literature for healthcare interventions that are efficient or cost-effective in the management of OD.

Methods

A systematic review on economic evaluations of health care interventions will be performed on post-stroke patients with OD following PRISMA recommendations. Four bibliographic databases will be searched and a subsequent reference check will be done. English and Spanish literature will be included without date restrictions. Studies will be included if they refer to economic evaluations or in which cost savings were reported in post-stroke patients suffering OD. Studies will be excluded if they are partial economic evaluation studies, if they refer to esophageal dysphagia, or if OD is caused by causes different from stroke. Evidence will be presented and synthetised with a narrative method and using tables. Quality evaluation will be done using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) statement.

Discussion

The protocol for this systematic review is the first step to assess the cost-effectiveness of the healthcare interventions that have been described as potential treatments for post-stroke OD. This systematic review will summarise the current evidence on the relation between cost and benefits associated with the appropriate management of OD in post-stroke patients.

Trial registration

PROSPERO CRD42020136245
Oligodendrocyte lineage is severely affected in human alcohol-exposed foetuses
Authors: Marguet Florent , Brosolo Mélanie , Friocourt Gaëlle , Sauvestre Fanny , Marcorelles Pascale , Lesueur Céline , Marret Stéphane , Gonzalez Bruno J. , Laquerrière Annie
Published: May 2022

Prenatal alcohol exposure is a major cause of neurobehavioral disabilities. MRI studies in humans have shown that alcohol is associated with white matter microstructural anomalies but these studies focused on myelin abnormalities only after birth. Only one of these studies evaluated oligodendrocyte lineage, but only for a short period during human foetal life. As data are lacking in humans and alcohol is known to impair oligodendrocyte differentiation in rodents, the present study aimed to compare by immunohistochemistry the oligodendrocyte precursor cells expressing PDGFR-α and immature premyelinating/mature oligodendrocytes expressing Olig2 in the ganglionic eminences and the frontal cortex of 14 human foetuses exposed to alcohol from 15 to 37 weeks’ gestation with age-matched controls. The human brains used in this study were obtained at the time of foetal autopsies for medical termination of pregnancy, in utero or post-natal early death. Before birth, PDGFR-α expression was strongly increased in the ganglionic eminences and the cortex of all foetuses exposed to alcohol except at the earliest stage. No massive generation of Olig2 immunoreactive cells was identified in the ganglionic eminences until the end of pregnancy and the density of Olig2-positive cells within the cortex was consistently lower in foetuses exposed to alcohol than in controls. These antenatal data from humans provides further evidence of major oligodendrocyte lineage impairment at specific and key stages of brain development upon prenatal alcohol exposure including defective or delayed generation and maturation of oligodendrocyte precursors.
Dynamics of dengue and SARS-COV-2 co-infection in an endemic area of Colombia
Authors: Acosta-Pérez Tomás , Rodríguez-Yánez Tomás , Almanza-Hurtado Amilkar , Martínez-Ávila María Cristina , Dueñas-Castell Carmelo
Published: May 2022

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, millions of people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 around the world. An area of epidemiological relevance is Latin America, tropical regions, due to the distribution of endemic diseases such as chikungunya, dengue (DENV), malaria, Zika virus, where febrile disease abounds. The early signs and symptoms of DENV and COVID-19 could be similar, making it a risk that patients may be wrongly diagnosed early during the disease. The problem increases since COVID-19 infection can lead to false positives in DENV screening tests. We present two cases of acute undifferentiated febrile syndrome that were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 and DENV co-infection, confirmed by ELISA and RT-PCR for both viral pathogens. The occurrence of simultaneous or overlapped infections can alter the usual clinical course, severity, or outcome of each infection. Therefore, epidemiological surveillance and intensified preparation for those scenarios must be considered, as well as further studies should be done to address cases of co-infection promptly to avoid major complications and fatal outcomes during the current pandemic. Other endemic tropical diseases should not be neglected.
Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection worsens anxiety-related patient-reported quality of life
Authors: Hengel Richard L. , Schroeder Claudia P. , Jo Jinhee , Ritter Timothy E. , Nathan Ramesh V. , Gonzales-Luna Anne J. , Obi Engels N. , Dillon Ryan J. , Van Anglen Lucinda J. , Garey Kevin W.
Published: May 2022

Background

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is associated with high recurrence rates impacting health-related quality of life (HrQOL). However, patient-reported data are lacking particularly in the outpatient setting. We assessed changes in HrQOL over time in patients treated with bezlotoxumab at US infusion centers and determined clinical factors associated with HrQOL changes.

Methods

The HrQOL survey was conducted in adult patients with CDI, who received bezlotoxumab in 25 US outpatient infusion centers. The survey was adapted from the Cdiff32 instrument to assess anxiety-related changes to HrQOL and completed on the day of infusion (baseline) and at 90 days post bezlotoxumab (follow-up). Demographics, disease history, CDI risk factors, and recurrence of CDI (rCDI) at 90-day follow-up were collected. Changes in HrQOL scores were calculated and outcomes assessed using a multivariable linear regression model with P < 0.05 defined as statistically significant.

Results

A total of 144 patients (mean age: 68 ± 15 years, 63% female, median Charlson index: 4, 15.9% rCDI) were included. The overall mean baseline and follow-up HrQOL scores were 26.4 ± 11.5 and 56.4 ± 25.0, respectively. At follow-up, this score was significantly higher for patients who had primary CDI (34.5 ± 21.7) compared to those with multiple rCDI (24.7 ± 21.0; P = 0.039). The mean HrQOL change at follow-up was significantly higher for patients without rCDI (34.1 ± 28.8 increase) compared to patients with rCDI (6.7 ± 19.5 increase; P < 0.001), indicating improvement in anxiety.

Conclusions

Using the Cdiff32 instrument, we demonstrated that HrQOL worsened significantly in patients with further rCDI. These findings support the use of Cdiff32 in assessing CDI-related humanistic outcomes.
Clinical and biochemical outcomes of Sodium-Glucose CoTransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients as a fourth oral anti diabetic medicine
Authors: Saleem Muhammad , Khan Sajjad Ali , Suchal Zafar Aleem , Ram Nanik
Published: May 2022

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and biochemical effects of (SGLT2) inhibitors as a fourth oral anti-diabetic drug in patients with Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: In a tertiary hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, a retrospective assessment of patient medical records was conducted from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020.A total of one hundred patients (mean age [Standard Deviation]: 53.8 [9.63] years) with poorly controlled T2DM were included. Data was collected before the SGLT-2 inhibitor was added, as well as three and six months after the medicine was started. Weight, BMI, blood pressure (BP), HbA1c, SGPT, and Creatinine were measured at the start and during the study.

Results: There was a significant reduction in HbA1c (p-value < 0.001) with a mean reduction (MR) of 0.81+1.02% at three months and 1.07+1.11% at six months. A mean weight reduction (p-value < 0.001) of 1.83+2.32 kg at three months and 4.02+6.04 kg at 6 months, respectively, was recorded. A mean BMI reduction of 0.69+0.95 kgm-2 at three months and 2.13+3.41 kgm-2 at six months of follow up, respectively were recorded. A systolic blood pressure (SBP) also showed a significant reduction (p-value < 0.05) with a MR of 5.9+15.76 mmHg at three months and 6.37+18.33 mmHg at 6 months, respectively. Non-significant variation in creatinine and SGPT was also noted.

Conclusions: SGLT-2 is an effective oral anti-diabetic medicine that can help individuals with diabetes who are currently using glucose-lowering oral anti-diabetic medications. These medications can help diabetic patients stick to their regimen.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5034

How to cite this:Saleem M, Khan SA, Suchal ZA, Ram N. Clinical and biochemical outcomes of Sodium-Glucose CoTransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients as a fourth oral anti diabetic medicine. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5034

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Improvement of fertility outcomes using dexamethasone / antibiotic adjuvant therapy following hysterosalpingography in infertile females: A randomised trial
Authors: El-Kharoubi Amin-Florin , Florin Szasz
Published: May 2022

Objectives: To evaluate the benefit of modified hydrotubation with dexamethasone and antibiotics after hysterosalpingography in improving pregnancy rates in women with infertility issue.

Methods: This retrospective study conducted at County Emergency Clinical Hospital Oradea, Bihor, Romania, between January 2017 and December 2019. One hundred twenty infertile females were investigated, as part of their evaluation, Hysterosalpingography was performed. After the investigation 97 patients had taken utero-tubal instillations with (Ceftriaxone 1 gr. [Cefort] and 4 mg of Dexamethasone, Lidocaine 1% 10 ml, and a Sodium chloride 0.9% 10 ml), and 23 patients were included in the control group which didn’t receive utero-tubal instillations. Number of obtained pregnancies by natural way over the next year was compared in the two groups.

Results: From all participants in this study, 30 women became pregnant during the study. In addition, 29 out of 30 pregnant women had taken hydrotubation procedure. The significant statistical difference was observed between the groups p=0.011 (p<0.05), and the odd ratio was less than one (OR=9.3, 95%, CI:1,207 to 72.926). We also found an indirect correlation between abortion in the past and the pregnancy ratio (r=-0.21).

Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrated that the application of modified hydrotubation with the administration of dexamethasone and antibiotics in patients who had at least one patent fallopian tubes, can increase the chance of fertility.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5432

How to cite this:Amin-Florin EK, Florin S. Improvement of fertility outcomes using dexamethasone / antibiotic adjuvant therapy following hysterosalpingography in infertile females: A randomised trial. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5432

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Diagnostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, lymphocyte-to-monocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio among patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: A retrospective study
Authors: Long Xiaoping , Zhang Ting , Duan Shan
Published: May 2022

Objectives: Our study was aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of the patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and research new diagnostic methods for the disease.

Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of 46 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (NCIP) patients and 30 healthy individuals in the two multiple hospitals from January 2020 to March 2020 were studied. Clinical characteristics, chest computed tomographic (CT) scans, medicine treatment and laboratory information were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were evaluated.

Results: The main symptoms of the patients with NCIP were fever (100%), cough (82.6%), anorexia (37%), expectoration (34.8%) and fatigue (21.7%), dyspnea (15.2%). Ground glass opacity (GGO) with patch shadow was the main observation of the CT imaging (43.4%), followed by GGO (21.7%), patch shadow (19.5%), GGO with consolidation (8.7%) and GGO with reticular pattern (2.1%). The median white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte count, platelet, and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) in NCIP group were all significantly lower than in control group (p<0.001, for all comparisons), while the median neutrophil-monocyte ratio (NLR) and platelets-monocyte ratio (PLR) were both significantly higher (p<0.001, for both comparisons). Median WBC count, lymphocyte count, and platelet count on discharge were significantly higher than on admission (p<0.05). Median PLR was significantly lower two weeks after discharge (p<0.001), while NLR remained the same. The area under the curve (AUC) value of WBC, lymphocyte and platelet counts, NLR, LMR and PLR were 0.766, 0.931, 0.655, 0.780, 0.847 and 0.845, respectively. Early stages of the disease were associated with quick changes in WBC, lymphocyte, and platelet levels. However, NLR did not recover even two weeks after the discharge.

Conclusion: Changes in WBC, lymphocyte, and platelet counts, as well as NLR, LMR and PLR are strongly associated with COVID-19 pneumonia. Monitoring blood markers may assist in evaluating the progression of the disease

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5798

How to cite this:Long X, Zhang T, Duan S. Diagnostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, lymphocyte-to-monocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio among patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: A retrospective study. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(5):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5798

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Assessment of the effectiveness of physiotherapy in children with cerebral palsy in the opinion of the parents
Authors: Łentek Monika , Zdziarski Krzysztof
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Many specialists have studied cerebral palsy. Currently, the most accurate definition is that proposed by Bax, who defines cerebral palsy as a disorder of posture and movement caused by damage to the brain.  The factors that predispose to the development of this disorder include: pre-contraceptive, prenatal, perinatal and postnatal. Symptoms indicating the possibility of cerebral palsy can be observed already in the neonatal period, therefore it is important to follow pediatric visits, and in case of alarming symptoms, consult a neurologist.  Early diagnosis of the disorder will allow the introduction of quick, individualized child physiotherapy, which may strengthen the child's psychomotor development.

Aim of the research: to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy in children with cerebral palsy in the opinion of the parents.  Material and methods: the proprietary questionnaire and two certified scales were used: Gross Motor Classification System to determine the degree of motor disorders and Manual Ability Classification System to check the degree of manual skills.  Results: 67% of parents support the high effectiveness of physiotherapy. Therapeutic sessions most often take place 3-5 times a week (51%); moreover, 97% of children perform rehabilitation exercises at home. Conclusions: Physiotherapy is an effective form of exercise therapy for children with cerebral palsy.  The most popular of the methods used in working with children is NDT-Bobath.  The desirability of early diagnosis of cerebral palsy is associated with the possibility of quick therapeutic sessions, which translates into benefits in psychomotor development and significantly improves the quality of life.
Factors affecting sexuality of elderly people and sexual dysfunctions
Authors: Fronc Kamila , Zielińska Patrycja , Kędziora-Kornatowska Kornelia
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Sexuality of elderly people is often an omitted topic. There isn’t a compact definition of sexuality of seniors. The available data shows that there are many factors influencing sexual activity in later life. There are also specific changes which contribute sexual dysfunctions.
Purpose: The aim of present is to investigate what factors are related with decreased sexual activity of seniors, biological basis of sexual dysfunctions and how many elderly people it affects.
Materials and methods: There were analyzed publications from 2007 to 2022 from PubMed and Google Scholar using phrases: older adults, elderly people, sexuality of elderly people, factors influencing sexuality, sexual dysfunctions.
The state of knowledge: Almost half of people above 60 years old are sexually active. There are factors like low availability of partner, stereotypes, chronic diseases and treatments that contribute worse quality of sexual life. There are reports that communication between doctor and patient on the topic of sexuality is not sufficient, even more positive attitudes towards sexuality of seniors. Biological changes like lower hormone levels in women as well as in men contribute sexual dysfunctions. There are almost one in five women above 57 years old who feel pain during intercourse and there are about 43% of men above 65 with erectile problems. The awareness of sexual dysfunctions could make it easier to treat them.
Conclusions: It is essential to pay attention to psychological, social, cultural and attitudes of health professionals towards sexuality of elderly people to diagnose sexual dysfunctions. Understanding biological basis of  sexual dysfunction can facilitate matching appropriate treatment. Education can improve seniors’s quality of life and sexual functions.
A literature review of the factors influencing the development of paternal symptoms of depression during the perinatal period
Authors: Kennedy Lauren , Ashmore Russell
Published: May 2022

Background/Aims

Depression during pregnancy and following the birth of a child is now also recognised as a paternal issue. However, the evidence has received little attention compared to maternal depression. The aim of this article was to systematically review the available evidence examining factors that influence the development of depressive symptoms in men during the perinatal period.

Methods

A systematic search of six electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Internurse, Intermid and Maternity and Infant Care) from the period 2010–19 was undertaken. A total of 20 studies were identified using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Findings were synthesised using thematic analysis.

Results

A total of five synthesised risk factors were identified as pregnancy and infant, individual, social and relationship, psychological and demographic.

Conclusions

Expectant fathers are vulnerable to the development of depressive symptoms during the transition to parenthood. Mental health organisations should deliver services to support fathers during the perinatal period.
Staff and service users' experiences of the self-harm pathway on an acute inpatient ward
Authors: Parker Beth , Swift Elaine , Gkika Styliani
Published: May 2022

Background/Aims

A female acute inpatient mental health ward developed a care pathway to support women who self-harm during their admission. This service evaluation was the first to explore staff and patients' experiences of the care pathway using qualitative methods.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were completed with eight staff members and five patients. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data.

Results

Themes that developed from staff interviews were about effects on staff and staff support, enabling patients to manage self-harm autonomously and the ward environment. Themes developed from patient interviews included enabling engagement, putting skills into practice and least restrictive practice. Staff and patients viewed the pathway as effective in reducing self-harm incidents and levels of restriction on the ward.

Conclusions

The pathway was viewed positively by staff and patients, although improvements could be considered to increase its efficacy.
Positive psychology pioneers: Mihaly Csiksentmihalyi's power and potential to influence mental health nursing
Authors: Macfarlane Jan
Published: May 2022

This article is the second in a series that celebrates the work of positive psychologists and how their work has the power and potential to influence mental health nursing practice. Focusing on Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (1934–2021) and his work on flow will help to bring interest and understanding to this exciting and developing area of mental health nursing practice. The practical activities provided in the article will help the reader increase their own awareness of flow to develop its use and transferability within their own life.
Revisiting the Functionally Generated Path Technique: Is this an Aid to Predictable Digital Occlusal Design? Part 1: Introduction and Background
Authors: Bereznicki Tom , Patel Rohit , Clark Megan
Published: May 2022

Registering a pre-existing occlusal scheme is paramount to the long-term success of a fixed restoration(s) and a requirement when working conformatively, whether in analogue or digital format. Part 1 of this two-part series highlights those occlusal schemes that provide difficulties using established techniques in arriving at a predictable restoration requiring minimal occlusal adjustments chairside. Part 2 introduces the theory of the functionally generated path (FGP) technique, and two cases involving implant-retained restorations will be used to highlight the benefit of adopting this technique into the digital workflow in the provision of occlusally precise restorations.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article provides an overview of difficult occlusal schemes and identifies those that would benefit from using the functionally generated path technique in the provision of occlusally correct restorations.
The non-operative management of primary osteoarthritis
Authors: Furey Joseph , Graziadei Vivien , Pilkington Isobel , Waterman Jacqueline
Published: May 2022

Osteoarthritis is a syndrome characterised by joint pain, resulting in functional limitation and a decreased quality of life. This chronic condition is one of the major public health problems facing society today and is likely to become more prevalent. The expected increase is because of the primary causative factors, advancing age and obesity, becoming increasingly prevalent in society. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis can be made clinically when activity related joint pain is present, alongside morning joint stiffness that lasts for less than 30 minutes. However, a radiological diagnosis can also be made.

This article examines the current management strategies, as outlined by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for osteoarthritis. Although numerous surgical options are available, this article focuses on the non-operative strategies currently used. The emphasis in this article is on general principles of treatment rather than treatment options for specific joints.
The Effect of Empowerment Program on Health Education Teachers with Health Insurance Education
Authors: Tung Chen-Yin , Chang Chia-Chen
Published: May 2022

Taiwan has been promoting its national health insurance (NHI), which provides people with appropriate medical resources; however, health insurance education is missing from schools, and teachers lack relevant teaching abilities. This study describes the development of the health insurance education empowerment program (HIEEP) to promote effective teaching on educators. A two-group parallel-controlled trial was conducted with health education teachers, in which participants learned to discuss its importance through demonstration and practice. The questionnaire measured their teaching effectiveness in HIEEP using a baseline measurement and a one-week follow-up measurement. Of 196 people that started the trial, 186 completed it. The intervention effects were evaluated using the Johnson-Neyman method. The results showed that in the experimental group, the program raised all teachers’ variable scores, which evaluated health insurance meaning, teaching competence, self-determination, and impact. The empowerment program can provide teachers will allow for more effective health insurance education.
Developing Competency Evaluation of Pre-service Science Teachers in Industrial Revolution 4.0: Revealing Pedagogic and Professional Competencies
Authors: Susantini Endang , Kartowagiran Badrun , Hamdi Syukrul , Hadi Samsul , Jaedun Amat , Wesnawa I Gede Astra , Sunendar Dadang , Laliyo Lukman Abdul Rauf
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to develop an instrument to assess science teacher candidates’ professional and pedagogical competence in the Industrial revolution 4.0. The instrument consisted of 30 questions and was used in the main study, which was analyzed using the Rasch model to unravel the reliability and empirical validity. The questions were developed based on a predetermined grid including the skills and literacy aspects used in the industrial revolution 4.0. The 30 revised questions were then tested on 60 students of Science Education at two State universities in Indonesia who were in their third year of study times. The Rasch model was employed to test its reliability and empirical validity that included Wright map analysis, item difficulty level, distractor analysis, and item suitability with the Rasch model. The results showed that the reliability value of the professional aspect was .95 and classified as an excellent category. Moreover, the pedagogic aspect obtained .93 and was classified as a very good category. Only one question was the most difficult and did not fit the Rasch model, while the others already fitted. This reliable and valid instrument is suggested to be useful in assessing pre-service science teachers’ competence.
How Critical Thinking Skills Influence Misconception in Electric Field
Authors: Maison Maison , Hidayat M. , Kurniawan Dwi Agus , Yolviansyah Fauziah , Sandra Rizka Octavia , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to determine the influence of critical thinking skills on misconceptions using a five-tier instrument in mixed-method research. The sampling technique used is simple random sampling. The data collection instrument used a critical thinking skills questionnaire, a misconception test of electric field material, and interviews. Data collection begins with quantitative data, providing a misconception test sheet and a critical thinking skills questionnaire. After that, the researcher took qualitative data in the form of interviews to strengthen data that had been obtained previously. Then from the results of the regression coefficients, there is an influence of critical thinking skills on misconceptions. The descriptive results of critical thinking skills data show that the mean of critical thinking skills is 68.50, which means that students' critical thinking skills are in a good category. Then from the results of the regression coefficients, there is an effect of critical thinking skills on a misconception, with the probability number obtained being significant. The limitations of this study are only to identify and see the impact.
The Effectiveness of the Link2Success Program on Freshman Level Math Course Achievement
Authors: Lu Ming-Tsan Pierre , Setayesh Shaghayegh
Published: May 2022

To improve college students’ achievement and success rate in the College Algebra course, a new program called Link2Success (L2S) was implemented in several sections of the course at the study’s university. The program required students to increase their class time to six hours. Three of those hours were spent with certified tutors who helped students with the content preview and homework preparation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Link2Success program based on the achievement of College Algebra students. One College Algebra class with embedded L2S and one College Algebra class without L2S were randomly chosen and the grades of several assignments and exams were compared. A survey was given to L2S students to explore their experience and opinion about the program. Another survey was given to non-L2S students to find out if they felt that learning with an L2S program was beneficial to them and would have improved their grades. The results showed that L2S did not have a positive effect on the College Algebra students’ achievement. However, L2S students felt more confident and rated the program highly where as non-L2S students felt they would have benefited from the program if it were implemented in their class.
Terahertz photoconductive antenna based on antireflection dielectric metasurface with embedded plasmonic nanodisks: erratum
Authors: Jiang Xiao-Qiang , Fan Wen-Hui , Song Chao , Chen Xu , Wu Qi
Published: May 2022

This erratum reports corrections in Figs. 5 and 8 of our previous paper
[Appl.
Opt. 60, 7921
(2021)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.431678].
Machine Learning Techniques Applied for Exploring Heart Disease and Classifying Stages through ECG Signal
Authors: Babu K. , Marikkannu Dr.P.
Published: May 2022

Electrocardiogram (ECG) has given crucial data concerning various heart attack criterion of the human heart this examination can be the key goal of the research for the detection and prevention of cardiac circumstances frighten. The proposed method using machine learning techniques for classifying and analyzing ECG signal processing and this research mainly developed for early discovery of heart diseases and also the prediction of stages level. The dataset was utilized as a person ECG signal of Heart Database which was taken from the UCI repository of Machine learning dataset vault. In this paper, a simple algorithm is presented for to discover R-peaks automatically from a single lead digital ECG data. The proposed method detecting the time interval of the ECG signal from the R-peaks level next level with the double squared difference signal is used to localize the region of QRS which is the time interval between the binary data. this method consists of different stages of sorting from the raw data for reducing nosier signal, threshold a difference signal of ECG by analyzing the time interval of QRS, and finally a comparison of relative magnitude to detect the region of interval processing to analyze accuracy result. The proposed research novel machine learning techniques of the multi-module neural network system (MMNNS) is used to analyze the imbalance problem form the ECG signal classification if the wave was abnormal then the user of dataset patients will be affected by heart diseases. Using the time interval varies from the range of QRS then it analyzes the abnormal of ECG by MMNNS algorithm to define the classification result and finally analyze the stages. If the patients were presented an abnormal ECG signal compared with a normal ECG signal wave graph then they were affected by heart diseases if whether they patients were affected then finally classify the stages of heart diseases whether they are predictable/unpredictable stages. The examination result is completed among two strategies on the better accuracy premise and effective training time of the process.
Oil temperature prediction of power transformers based on modified support vector regression machine
Authors: Xi Yu , Lin Dong , Yu Li , Chen Bo , Jiang Wenhui , Chen Guangqin
Published: May 2022

Power transformer is an important part of the entire power grid and the normal operation of the power transformer can ensure the normal operation of the entire power grid. The oil in the transformer plays a non-negligible role in the transformer. There are a lot of machine learning methods to predict oil temperature of power transformer. The work of this paper is to predict the oil temperature based on support vector regression machine (SVM) with three-phase power load, while particle swarm optimization (PSO) is employed for the model parameter optimization. As there are many influential factors for oil temperature prediction, confidence intervals are introduced to determine the prediction results. The experimental results show that the prediction accuracy reaches 90 with 85% confidence level. For the sample points falling outside the prediction interval, they can be regarded as the abnormal transformer status in time. The experimental results verified that the proposed oil temperature prediction method for power transformers based on modified SVM is effective and feasible.
Modal Metaphysics and the Existence of God
Authors: Sijuwade Joshua R.
Published: May 2022

In this article, I seek to assess the extent to which Theism, the claim that there is a God, can provide a true fundamental explanation for the existence of the infinite plurality of concrete and abstract possible worlds, posited by David K. Lewis and Alvin Plantinga. This assessment will be carried out within the (modified) explanatory framework of Richard Swinburne, which will lead to the conclusion that the existence of God provides a true fundamental explanation for these specific entities. And thus, given the truth of this type of explanation, we have another good abductive argument for God’s existence and grounds for affirming a weaker form of the principle of methodological naturalism in our metaphysical theorising.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of a diffusive predator–prey model with fear effect
Authors: Liu Jia , Kang Yun
Published: May 2022

This paper concerned with a diffusive predator–prey model with fear effect. First, some basic dynamics of system is analyzed. Then based on stability analysis, we derive some conditions for stability and bifurcation of constant steady state. Furthermore, we derive some results on the existence and nonexistence of nonconstant steady states of this model by considering the effect of diffusion. Finally, we present some numerical simulations to verify our theoretical results. By mathematical and numerical analyses, we find that the fear can prevent the occurrence of limit cycle oscillation and increase the stability of the system, and the diffusion can also induce the chaos in the system.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Levels in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alsharoh Hasan , Ismaiel Abdulrahman , Leucuta Daniel-Corneliu , Popa Stefan-Lucian , Dumitrascu Dan L.
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims: Several studies have investigated the role of multiple proteins in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); one that has recently gained attention is plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). However, studies evaluating PAI-1 levels in NAFLD demonstrated conflicting results. Our objective was to understand the role of PAI-1 in NAFLD more clearly by carrying out a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: We gathered evidence by performing a systematic search on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, through using a predefined search string. The included studies diagnosed NAFLD through either liver biopsy, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance spectroscopy, or using one of the latter methods with blood parameters. Studies had to fulfill predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. To assess the quality of the studies included, we used the NHLBI quality assessment tools. The main summary outcome was the mean difference (MD) in serum PAI-1 levels reported as ng/mL

Results: 33 articles involving 10,840 subjects fulfilled our inclusion criteria and were systematically reviewed. 11 studies were included in our meta-analyses. We found a significant MD in PAI-1 levels in NAFLD patients vs. controls [17.147 (95%CI: 7.720–26.574)]. Moreover, subgroup analysis evaluating PAI-1 levels in biopsy- proven NAFLD vs. controls remained significant [24.086 (95%CI: 3.812–44.361)], as well as in CT-diagnosed NAFLD [15.523 (95%CI: 7.163–23.883)]. However, no significant MD in PAI-1 levels was found in ultrasound- diagnosed NAFLD patients vs. controls [10.394 (95%CI: -13.335–34.123)]. No significant MD in PAI-1 levels in NASH patients vs. controls was observed [26.835 (95%CI: -0.879–54.549)].

Conclusions: In summary, elevated serum PAI-1 levels are associated with adult NAFLD (biopsy-proven and CT-diagnosed). However, no significant difference was found in ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD and NASH patients. Nonetheless, the included studies have methodological variance, dictating that the obtained results should be carefully interpreted.