bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Lung Ultrasound Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
A Review Article
Authors: Musa Mustafa J. , Yousef Mohamed , Adam Mohammed , Wagealla Awadalla , Boshara Lubna , Belal Dalia , Abukonna Ahmed
Published: October 2021

:

Lung Ultrasound (LUS) has evolved considerably over the last few years. The aim of
the current review is to conduct a systematic review reported from a number of studies to show the
usefulness of (LUS) and point of care ultrasound for diagnosing COVID-19. A systematic search
of electronic data was conducted, including the national library of medicine, and the national institute
of medicine, PubMed Central (PMC), to identify the articles published on (LUS) to monitor
COVID-19. This review highlights the ultrasound findings reported in articles before the occurrence
of the pandemic (11), clinical articles before COVID-19 (14), review studies during the pandemic
(27), clinical cases during the pandemic (5) and other varying aims articles. The reviewed
studies revealed that ultrasound findings can be used to help in the detection and staging of the disease.
The common patterns observed included irregular and thickened A-lines, multiple B-lines
ranging from focal to diffuse interstitial consolidation, and pleural effusion. Sub-plural consolidation
is found to be associated with the progression of the disease and its complications. Pneumothorax
was not recorded for COVID-19 patients. Further improvement in the diagnostic performance
of (LUS) for COVID-19 patients can be achieved by using elastography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound,
and power Doppler imaging.
Quantifying the Severity of Adverse Drug Reactions Using Social Media: Network Analysis
Authors: Lavertu Adam , Hamamsy Tymor , Altman Russ B
Published: October 2021

Background

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) affect the health of hundreds of thousands of individuals annually in the United States, with associated costs of hundreds of billions of dollars. The monitoring and analysis of the severity of ADRs is limited by the current qualitative and categorical systems of severity classification. Previous efforts have generated quantitative estimates for a subset of ADRs but were limited in scope because of the time and costs associated with the efforts.

Objective

The aim of this study is to increase the number of ADRs for which there are quantitative severity estimates while improving the quality of these severity estimates.

Methods

We present a semisupervised approach that estimates ADR severity by using social media word embeddings to construct a lexical network of ADRs and perform label propagation. We used this method to estimate the severity of 28,113 ADRs, representing 12,198 unique ADR concepts from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities.

Results

Our Severity of Adverse Events Derived from Reddit (SAEDR) scores have good correlations with real-world outcomes. The SAEDR scores had Spearman correlations of 0.595, 0.633, and −0.748 for death, serious outcome, and no outcome, respectively, with ADR case outcomes in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System. We investigated different methods for defining initial seed term sets and evaluated their impact on the severity estimates. We analyzed severity distributions for ADRs based on their appearance in boxed warning drug label sections, as well as for ADRs with sex-specific associations. We found that ADRs discovered in the postmarketing period had significantly greater severity than those discovered during the clinical trial (P<.001). We created quantitative drug-risk profile (DRIP) scores for 968 drugs that had a Spearman correlation of 0.377 with drugs ranked by the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System cases resulting in death, where the given drug was the primary suspect.

Conclusions

Our SAEDR and DRIP scores are well correlated with the real-world outcomes of the entities they represent and have demonstrated utility in pharmacovigilance research. We make the SAEDR scores for 12,198 ADRs and the DRIP scores for 968 drugs publicly available to enable more quantitative analysis of pharmacovigilance data.
The Application of Human-Centered Design Approaches in Health Research and Innovation: A Narrative Review of Current Practices
Authors: Göttgens Irene , Oertelt-Prigione Sabine
Published: October 2021

Background

Human-centered design (HCD) approaches to health care strive to support the development of innovative, effective, and person-centered solutions for health care. Although their use is increasing, there is no integral overview describing the details of HCD methods in health innovations.

Objective

This review aims to explore the current practices of HCD approaches for the development of health innovations, with the aim of providing an overview of the applied methods for participatory and HCD processes and highlighting their shortcomings for further research.

Methods

A narrative review of health research was conducted based on systematic electronic searches in the PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Sociological Abstracts (2000-2020) databases using keywords related to human-centered design, design thinking (DT), and user-centered design (UCD). Abstracts and full-text articles were screened by 2 reviewers independently based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data extraction focused on the methodology used throughout the research process, the choice of methods in different phases of the innovation cycle, and the level of engagement of end users.

Results

This review summarizes the application of HCD practices across various areas of health innovation. All approaches prioritized the user’s needs and the participatory and iterative nature of the design process. The design processes comprised several design cycles during which multiple qualitative and quantitative methods were used in combination with specific design methods. HCD- and DT-based research primarily targeted understanding the research context and defining the problem, whereas UCD-based work focused mainly on the direct generation of solutions. Although UCD approaches involved end users primarily as testers and informants, HCD and DT approaches involved end users most often as design partners.

Conclusions

We have provided an overview of the currently applied methodologies and HCD guidelines to assist health care professionals and design researchers in their methodological choices. HCD-based techniques are challenging to evaluate using traditional biomedical research methods. Previously proposed reporting guidelines are a step forward but would require a level of detail that is incompatible with the current publishing landscape. Hence, further development is needed in this area. Special focus should be placed on the congruence between the chosen methods, design strategy, and achievable outcomes. Furthermore, power dimensions, agency, and intersectionality need to be considered in co-design sessions with multiple stakeholders, especially when including vulnerable groups.
Smartphone-Assisted High-Intensity Interval Training in Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Haglo Håvard , Wang Eivind , Berg Ole Kristian , Hoff Jan , Helgerud Jan
Published: October 2021

Background

Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) experience disease-related barriers to physical training. Compared with the general population, IRD patients are reported to have reduced maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and physical activity levels. Supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is documented to counteract the reduced VO2max and poor cardiovascular health associated with IRDs. However, supervised HIIT is resource demanding.

Objective

This study sought to investigate if self-administered 4×4-min HIIT guided by a smartphone app (Myworkout GO) could yield similar HIIT-induced effects as standard 4×4-min HIIT performed under the guidance and supervision of health care professionals. The effects studied were on VO2max and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

Forty patients (33 female patients, mean age 48 years, SD 12 years; 7 male patients, mean age 52 years, SD 11 years) diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, or systemic lupus erythematosus were randomized to a supervised group (SG) or an app group (AG). Both groups were instructed to perform 4×4-min intervals with a rate of perceived exertion of 16 to 17, corresponding to 85% to 95% of the maximal heart rate, twice a week for 10 weeks. Treadmill VO2max and HRQoL measured using RAND-36 were assessed before and after the exercise period.

Results

VO2max increased (P<.001) in both groups after 10 weeks of HIIT, with improvements of 3.6 (SD 1.3) mL/kg/min in the SG and 3.7 (SD 1.5) mL/kg/min in the AG. This was accompanied by increases in oxygen pulse in both groups (P<.001), with no between-group differences apparent for either measure. Improvements in the HRQoL dimensions of bodily pain, vitality, and social functioning were observed for both groups (P<.001 to P=.04). Again, no between-group differences were detected.

Conclusions

High-intensity 4×4-min interval training increased VO2max and HRQoL, contributing to patients’ reduced cardiovascular disease risk, improved health and performance, and enhanced quality of life. Similar improvements were observed following HIIT when IRD patients were guided using perceived exertion by health care professionals or the training was self-administered and guided by the app Myworkout GO. Utilization of the app may help reduce the cost of HIIT as a treatment strategy in this patient population.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04649528; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04649528
A Theory-Based, Multidisciplinary Approach to Cocreate a Patient-Centric Digital Solution to Enhance Perioperative Health Outcomes Among Colorectal Cancer Patients and Their Family Caregivers: Development and Evaluation Study
Authors: Wan Su Wei , Chong Choon Seng , Toh Ee-Lin , Lim Siew Hoon , Loi Carol TT , Lew Yuen Foong Henry , Chua Matthew Chin Heng , Jee Xin Pei , Liu Guangyu , Zhu Lixia , Pikkarainen Minna , He Hong-Gu
Published: October 2021

Background

Elective colorectal cancer (CRC) surgeries offer enhanced surgical outcomes but demand high self-efficacy in prehabilitation and competency in self-care and disease management postsurgery. Conventional strategies to meet perioperative needs have not been pragmatic, and there remains a pressing need for novel technologies that could improve health outcomes.

Objective

The aim of this paper was to describe the development of a smartphone-based interactive CRC self-management enhancement psychosocial program (iCanManage) in order to improve health outcomes among patients who undergo elective CRC surgeries and their family caregivers.

Methods

A multidisciplinary international team comprising physicians, specialist nurses, a psychologist, software engineers, academic researchers, cancer survivors, patient ambassadors, and ostomy care medical equipment suppliers was formed to facilitate the development of this patient-centric digital solution. The process occurred in several stages: (1) review of current practice through clinic visits and on-site observations; (2) review of literature and findings from preliminary studies; (3) content development grounded in an underpinning theory; (4) integration of support services; and (5) optimizing user experience through improving interface aesthetics and customization. In our study, 5 participants with CRC performed preliminary assessments on the quality of the developed solution using the 20-item user version of the Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS), which had good psychometric properties.

Results

Based on the collected uMARS data, the smartphone app was rated highly for functionality, aesthetics, information quality, and perceived impact, and moderately for engagement and subjective quality. Several limiting factors such as poor agility in the adoption of digital technology and low eHealth literacy were identified despite efforts to promote engagement and ensure ease of use of the mobile app. To overcome such barriers, additional app-training sessions, an instruction manual, and regular telephone calls will be incorporated into the iCanManage program during the trial period.

Conclusions

This form of multidisciplinary collaboration is advantageous as it can potentially streamline existing care paths and allow the delivery of more holistic care to the CRC population during the perioperative period. Should the program be found to be effective and sustainable, hospitals adopting this digital solution may achieve better resource allocation and reduce overall health care costs in the long run.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04159363; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04159363
Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy With Follow-Up Sessions for Pharmacotherapy-Refractory Anxiety Disorders: Protocol for a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sado Mitsuhiro , Ninomiya Akira , Nagaoka Maki , Koreki Akihiro , Goto Naho , Sasaki Yohei , Takamori Chie , Kosugi Teppei , Yamada Masashi , Park Sunre , Sato Yasunori , Fujisawa Daisuke , Nakagawa Atsuo , Mimura Masaru
Published: October 2021

Background

Augmented mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) with treatment as usual (mainly pharmacotherapy) is reported to be effective after treatment for anxiety disorders. However, whether its effectiveness persists in the long term is unclear.

Objective

This study aims to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a follow-up program by conducting a feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compares augmented MBCT with follow-up sessions and that without follow-up sessions in preparation for a definitive RCT.

Methods

The study involves an 8-week MBCT with a 10-month follow-up. Patients aged 20 to 65 years who meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria for panic disorder, agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder, which is not remitted with usual treatment for at least 4 weeks, will be included in the study and randomly allocated to receive augmented MBCT with follow-up sessions or augmented MBCT without follow-up sessions. For this feasibility RCT, the primary outcomes are (1) study inclusion rate, (2) dropout rate, (3) attendance rate, and (4) mean and standard deviation of several clinical measures at 8 weeks and 5, 8, and 12 months.

Results

We started recruiting participants in January 2020, and 43 participants have been enrolled up to January 2021. The study is ongoing, and data collection will be completed by May 2022.

Conclusions

This study is novel in terms of its design, which compares augmented MBCT with and without follow-up sessions. The limitations of the trial are as follows: (1) mixed participants in terms of the delivery mode of the intervention, and (2) lack of a pharmacotherapy-alone arm. Owing to its novelty and significance, this study will provide fruitful knowledge for future definitive RCTs.

Trial Registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000038626; https://tinyurl.com/2p9dtxzh

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/33776
Outcomes of a Blended Care Coaching Program for Clients Presenting With Moderate Levels of Anxiety and Depression: Pragmatic Retrospective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wu Monica S , Chen Shih-Yin , Wickham Robert E , O’Neil-Hart Shane , Chen Connie , Lungu Anita
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Depression and anxiety are leading causes of disability worldwide, but access to quality mental health care is limited by myriad factors. Cognitive-behavioral coaching is rooted in evidence-based principles and has the potential to address some of these unmet care needs. Harnessing technology to facilitate broader dissemination within a blended care model shows additional promise for overcoming barriers to care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of a blended care coaching (BCC) program for clients presenting with moderate levels of anxiety and depression in real-world settings.

METHODS

This study examined retrospective data from US-based individuals (N=1496) who presented with moderate levels of depression and anxiety symptoms and who received blended care coaching services. Using a short-term framework, clients met with coaches via a secure video conference platform and also received digital video lessons and exercises. To evaluate the effectiveness of the BCC program, mixed effects modeling was used to examine growth trajectories of anxiety and depression scores over the course of care.

RESULTS

Out of the total sample of 1496 clients, 75.9% (n=1136) demonstrated reliable improvement, and 88.6% (n=1326) recovered based on either the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (anxiety) or Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (depression). On average, clients exhibited a significant decline in anxiety and depression symptoms during the initial weeks of coaching, with a continued decline over subsequent weeks at a lower rate. Engaging in a coaching session was associated with lower anxiety (b=–1.04) and depression (b=–0.79) symptoms in the same week, as well as lower anxiety (b=–0.74) and depression (b=–0.91) symptoms the following week (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The BCC program demonstrated strong outcomes in decreasing symptomology for clients presenting with moderate levels of anxiety and depression. When clients received coaching sessions, significant decreases in symptoms were observed, reflecting the importance of session attendance. Additionally, the steepest declines in symptoms tended to occur during the initial weeks of coaching, emphasizing the importance of client buy-in and early engagement. Collectively, these findings have implications for addressing unmet mental health care needs in a more accessible, cost-effective manner.
Ethics, Integrity, and Retributions of Digital Detection Surveillance Systems for Infectious Diseases: Systematic Literature Review (Preprint)
Authors: Zhao Ivy Y , Ma Ye Xuan , Yu Man Wai Cecilia , Liu Jia , Dong Wei Nan , Pang Qin , Lu Xiao Qin , Molassiotis Alex , Holroyd Eleanor , Wong Chi Wai William
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the importance of the deployment of digital detection surveillance systems to support early warning and monitoring of infectious diseases. These opportunities create a “double-edge sword,” as the ethical governance of such approaches often lags behind technological achievements.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate ethical issues identified from utilizing artificial intelligence–augmented surveillance or early warning systems to monitor and detect common or novel infectious disease outbreaks.

METHODS

In a number of databases, we searched relevant articles that addressed ethical issues of using artificial intelligence, digital surveillance systems, early warning systems, and/or big data analytics technology for detecting, monitoring, or tracing infectious diseases according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, and further identified and analyzed them with a theoretical framework.

RESULTS

This systematic review identified 29 articles presented in 6 major themes clustered under individual, organizational, and societal levels, including awareness of implementing digital surveillance, digital integrity, trust, privacy and confidentiality, civil rights, and governance. While these measures were understandable during a pandemic, the public had concerns about receiving inadequate information; unclear governance frameworks; and lack of privacy protection, data integrity, and autonomy when utilizing infectious disease digital surveillance. The barriers to engagement could widen existing health care disparities or digital divides by underrepresenting vulnerable and at-risk populations, and patients’ highly sensitive data, such as their movements and contacts, could be exposed to outside sources, impinging significantly upon basic human and civil rights.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings inform ethical considerations for service delivery models for medical practitioners and policymakers involved in the use of digital surveillance for infectious disease spread, and provide a basis for a global governance structure.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42021259180; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=259180
Translating Promoting Factors and Behavior Change Principles Into a Blended and Technology-Supported Intervention to Stimulate Physical Activity in Children With Asthma (Foxfit): Design Study (Preprint)
Authors: Brons Annette , Braam Katja , Broekema Aline , Timmerman Annieck , Millenaar Karel , Engelbert Raoul , Kröse Ben , Visser Bart
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Children with asthma can decrease the impact of their disease by improving their physical activity (PA). However, health care providers lack interventions for children with asthma that effectively increase their PA levels and achieve behavior change. A technology-supported approach can positively influence PA and physical functioning in children.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to develop a technology-supported intervention that facilitates health care providers in promoting PA for children (aged 8 to 12 years) with asthma and to systematically describe this developmental process.

METHODS

Intervention mapping (IM) was applied to develop a blended and technology-supported intervention in cocreation with children with asthma, their parents, and health care providers. In accordance with the IM framework, the following steps were performed: conduct a needs assessment; define the intervention outcome, performance objectives, and change objectives; select theory-based intervention methods and strategies; create components of the intervention and conduct pilot tests; create an implementation plan; and create an evaluation plan.

RESULTS

We developed the blended intervention Foxfit that consists of an app with a PA monitor for children (aged 8 to 12 years) with asthma and a web-based dashboard for their health care provider. The intervention focuses on PA in everyday life to improve social participation. Foxfit contains components based on behavior change principles and gamification, including goal setting, rewards, action planning, monitoring, shaping knowledge, a gamified story, personal coaching and feedback, and a tailored approach. An evaluation plan was created to assess the intervention’s usability and feasibility for both children and health care providers.

CONCLUSIONS

The IM framework was very useful for systematically developing a technology-supported intervention and for describing the translational process from scientific evidence, the needs and wishes of future users, and behavior change principles into this intervention. This has led to the technology-supported intervention Foxfit that facilitates health care providers in promoting PA in children with asthma. The structured description of the development process and functional components shows the way behavior change techniques are incorporated in the intervention.

CLINICALTRIAL

International Clinical Trial Registry Platform NTR6658; https://tinyurl.com/3rxejksf
Predicting Changes in Depression Severity Using the PSYCHE-D (Prediction of Severity Change-Depression) Model Involving Person-Generated Health Data: Longitudinal Case-Control Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Makhmutova Mariko , Kainkaryam Raghu , Ferreira Marta , Min Jae , Jaggi Martin , Clay Ieuan
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

In 2017, an estimated 17.3 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode, with 35% of them not receiving any treatment. Underdiagnosis of depression has been attributed to many reasons, including stigma surrounding mental health, limited access to medical care, and barriers due to cost.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine if low-burden personal health solutions, leveraging person-generated health data (PGHD), could represent a possible way to increase engagement and improve outcomes.

METHODS

Here, we present the development of PSYCHE-D (Prediction of Severity Change-Depression), a predictive model developed using PGHD from more than 4000 individuals, which forecasts the long-term increase in depression severity. PSYCHE-D uses a 2-phase approach. The first phase supplements self-reports with intermediate generated labels, and the second phase predicts changing status over a 3-month period, up to 2 months in advance. The 2 phases are implemented as a single pipeline in order to eliminate data leakage and ensure results are generalizable.

RESULTS

PSYCHE-D is composed of 2 Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) algorithm–based classifiers that use a range of PGHD input features, including objective activity and sleep, self-reported changes in lifestyle and medication, and generated intermediate observations of depression status. The approach generalizes to previously unseen participants to detect an increase in depression severity over a 3-month interval, with a sensitivity of 55.4% and a specificity of 65.3%, nearly tripling sensitivity while maintaining specificity when compared with a random model.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that low-burden PGHD can be the basis of accurate and timely warnings that an individual’s mental health may be deteriorating. We hope this work will serve as a basis for improved engagement and treatment of individuals experiencing depression.
The Burden of Cold Agglutinin Disease on Patients’ Daily Life: Web-Based Cross-sectional Survey of 50 American Patients (Preprint)
Authors: Joly Florence , Schmitt Lisa Anne , Watson Patricia Ann McGee , Pain Emilie , Testa Damien
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare disorder, affecting 15% of patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Few studies have assessed CAD symptoms and their impact on daily life, but these studies did not address the patients’ perspectives.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to increase the knowledge about CAD through a patient-centric survey and to gain a better understanding of the burden of this disease.

METHODS

We conducted an internet-based survey in September 2020 among American patients registered on the CAD Unraveled website and members of the Cold Agglutinin Disease Foundation.

RESULTS

A total of 50 respondents were included in this study. Totally, 90% (45/50) of the patients reported having experienced fatigue. Fatigue was mainly reported on a daily basis, and approximately one-third of these patients (13/45, 29%) said that their fatigue was constant throughout the day. It has also been shown that CAD has a great impact on patients’ physical well-being, emotional well-being, social life, and household finances. The disease varies over time, with or without symptoms. A total of 88% (44/50) of the patients reported previous episodes of the increased intensity or sensitivity of their CAD symptoms, with a mean of 4.5 (SD 5.4) episodes reported during the past year. More than half of the patients (27/50, 54%) considered their disease to be moderate or severe, and 42% (21/50) of the study group reported that their symptoms had worsened since the time of diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has provided new data on CAD symptoms, particularly data on the importance and type of fatigue and the fluctuation of CAD symptoms.

CLINICALTRIAL
Global research status and trends in venous thromboembolism after hip or knee arthroplasty from 1990 to 2021: a new perspective (Preprint)
Authors: Song Wei , Ma Tao , Cheng Qianyue , Wen Pengfei , Wang Qiuyuan , Wu Jiayuan , Hao Linjie , Zhang Binfei , Wang Yakang , Zhang Yumin
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) after hip or knee arthroplasty has attracted increasing attention over the past few decades. However, there is no bibliometric report on the publications in this field.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the global research status, hotspots, and trends in VTE after arthroplasty.

METHODS

All articles about VTE research after hip or knee arthroplasty from 1990 to 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The information of each article including citation, title, author, journal, country, institution, and keywords, was extracted for bibliometric analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1,245 original articles from 53 countries and 603 institutions were retrieved. The number of publications showed a rising trend, with the largest contributions made by the USA. McMaster University in Canada was the leading institution for publications. The most productive author in this field was Eriksson BI, followed by Lassen MR and Dahl OE. The journals with the highest output and highest citation were the Journal of Arthroplasty and the Thrombosis and Haemostasis, respectively. The research hotspots switched from VTE diagnosis and heparin to factor Xa inhibitors (fondaparinux, rivaroxaban, apixaban) and direct thrombin inhibitors (dabigatran etexilate, ximelagatran), and finally to aspirin, risk factor studies, which can be observed from the keyword analysis and co-cited reference cluster analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the past few decades, the understanding of VTE after hip or knee arthroplasty has been improved significantly. VTE prophylaxis agents have attracted tremendous attention, including warfarin, low molecular weight heparin, oral direct factor Xa inhibitors, oral direct thrombin inhibitors, and aspirin. These studies exert a critical influence on decision-making and management for VTE. Additionally, individualized VTE prevention based on risk factors for each patient and the development of new safe, effective, and inexpensive oral agents will be emerging trends in the future.
Concerns Around Opposition to the Green Pass in Italy: Social Listening Analysis by Using a Mixed Methods Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Spitale Giovanni , Biller-Andorno Nikola , Germani Federico
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

The recent introduction of COVID-19 certificates in several countries, including the introduction of the European green pass, has been met with protests and concerns by a fraction of the population. In Italy, the green pass has been used as a nudging measure to incentivize vaccinations because a valid green pass is needed to enter restaurants, bars, museums, or stadiums. As of December 2021, a valid green pass can be obtained by being fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine, recovered from COVID-19, or tested. However, a green pass obtained with a test has a short validity (48 hours for the rapid test, 72 hours for the polymerase chain reaction test) and does not allow access to several indoor public places.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to understand and describe the concerns of individuals opposed to the green pass in Italy, the main arguments of their discussions, and their characterization.

METHODS

We collected data from Telegram chats and analyzed the arguments and concerns that were raised by the users by using a mixed methods approach.

RESULTS

Most individuals opposing the green pass share antivaccine views, but doubts and concerns about vaccines are generally not among the arguments raised to oppose the green pass. Instead, the discussion revolves around the legal aspects and the definition of personal freedom. We explain the differences and similarities between antivaccine and anti–green pass discourses, and we discuss the ethical ramifications of our research, focusing on the use of Telegram chats as a social listening tool for public health.

CONCLUSIONS

A large portion of individuals opposed to the green pass share antivaccine views. We suggest public health and political institutions to provide a legal explanation and a context for the use of the green pass, as well as to continue focusing on vaccine communication to inform vaccine-hesitant individuals. Further work is needed to define a consensual ethical framework for social listening for public health.
Cost–utility analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism panel-based machine learning algorithm to predict risk of opioid use disorder
Authors: Mallow Peter J , Belk Kathy W
Published: October 2021

Aim:
To conduct a cost–utility analysis of a novel genetic diagnostic test (OUDTEST) for risk of developing opioid use disorder for elective orthopedic surgery patients.
Materials & Methods:
A simulation model assessed cost–effectiveness and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for OUDTEST from private insurer and self-insured employer perspectives over a 5-year time horizon for a hypothetical patient population.
Results:
OUDTEST was found to cost less and increase QALYs, over a 5-year period for private insurance (savings US$2510; QALYs 0.02) and self-insured employers (-US$2682; QALYs 0.02). OUDTEST was a dominant strategy in 71.1% (private insurance) and 72.7% (self-insured employer) of model iterations. Sensitivity analyses revealed robust results except for physician compliance.
Conclusion:
OUDTEST was expected to be a cost-effective solution for personalizing postsurgical pain management in orthopedic patients.
PENSANDO PEDAGOGIAS PARA A EMANCIPAÇÃO HUMANA:
Authors: Osório Stumpf Beatriz , Teixeira de Menezes Ana Luisa
Published: October 2021

Este artigo apresenta reflexões em direção a visões educacionais mais ampliadas e profundas, sob a ótica da educação como forma de transcendência e de emancipação humana. As considerações partem de uma investigação de Doutorado que tem como objetivo identificar desafios e potenciais de Licenciaturas Indígenas da América Latina, sendo que neste texto são abordadas potencialidades de programas desenvolvidos em instituições de ensino superior de diferentes regiões do Brasil e da Colômbia, principalmente no que tange a estratégias diferenciadas de formação docente e de formação de formadores/as. É utilizada a perspectiva metodológica cartográfica, a qual permite a abertura para acompanhar processos, sem a determinação previa de regras fixas, com diferentes graus de interação no sentido de colaborar em um campo de forças. A investigação mostra a existência de elementos com potencial de inspiração para propostas educacionais e sistemas de formação docente não indígena, tendo como base a pesquisa, autopesquisa, histórias de ventre, princípios pedagógicos da Mãe Terra e planos e/ou estruturas curriculares em forma de espiral ou de rede. É destacada a importância de que essas estratégias pedagógicas sejam pesquisadas, evidenciadas e experimentadas em outros programas e universidades, visando reinvenções educacionais na direção de mudanças mais amplas da sociedade e da visão de educação, tendo em vista a necessidade de emancipação humana.
TRANSDISCIPLINARIDADE NAS PRÁTICAS DOCENTES DA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA:
Authors: Gomes da Silva Maria de Fátima , Mendonça de Santana Iolanda , Millena Ferreira Rodrigues do Nascimento Jayne
Published: October 2021

Este artigo apresenta resultados de uma pesquisa acadêmica que teve por objetivo investigar como as professoras dos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental do Colégio Municipal Dom Mota, município de Nazaré da Mata – Pernambuco, percebem a presença da transdisciplinaridade no âmbito de suas práticas docentes. O enquadramento teórico deste estudo assenta-se nas ideias de Weil (1993), Nicolescu (2000), Morin (2002), Moraes (2015), Suanno (2015), Machado (2018), entre outros(as). Com relação aos procedimentos metodológicos, fez-se opção pela abordagem qualitativa de pesquisa. Os dados foram coletados por meio da técnica de grupo focal, entrevistando 5 sujeitos, sendo 3 professoras dos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental e duas supervisoras de ensino. A pesquisa foi realizada no período de 16/07/2020 a 24/09/2020. Para a análise dos dados, recorreu-se à análise de conteúdo temático categorial. Os resultados da investigação apontam que a vivência da transdisciplinaridade nas práticas docentes das professoras é concebida por meio de alguns princípios e valores da metodologia transdisciplinar, como a abertura, a tolerância e a integralidade, que possibilitam novos modos de pensar e o despertar de um olhar consciente perante as relações com a natureza, com o ser humano e com a vida.
Leader–member exchange mediates the relationship between workplace fun and employee creativity
Authors: Fang Yuan , Meng Bin , Liu Yitong , Liu Jinhua
Published: October 2021

Although previous researchers have explored positive outcomes of workplace fun, the workplace fun–employee creativity relationship has received little attention. We investigated the link between workplace fun and employee creativity, and the mediating effect of leader–member
exchange (LMX) on this relationship. Participants comprised 226 subordinates and 45 supervisors from Chinese stateowned companies. We employed structural equation modeling analysis to examine the hypotheses. Results show that workplace fun did not have a significant direct relationship with
employee creativity. However, LMX fully mediated the workplace fun–employee creativity link. These results suggest that, to promote employee creativity, organizations should create a fun work environment in which employees can develop high-quality LMX.
Plant community dynamics from the perspective of recruitment networks: introducing the Recruitment and Replacement model (R&R).
Authors: Alcantara Julio
Published: October 2021

The study of plant community dynamics has a long tradition. However,
this field has barely incorporated the tools developed in the modern
study of ecological networks. Key for this incorporation is the
availability of a theoretical model able to incorporate field data about
plant-plant interactions. In this study I introduce the Recruitment and
Replacement (R&R) model that explicitly incorporates empirical networks
of plant-plant interactions that occur during recruitment. The R&R
model is built on fundamental demographic rates and incorporates
competition for space between adults, intra- and inter-specific effects
of established plants on recruitment and the colonization of vacant
space. The basic analysis of the model provides predictions regarding
different aspects of plant community dynamics, like the environmental
conditions and species properties under which facilitation of
recruitment is more likely to occur, the effect of recruitment
facilitation on invasion, the effects of plant-plant interactions on
equilibrium abundances and community stability, and the network
properties that should relate to species equilibrium abundances. Many of
these predictions agree with findings from published meta-analyses,
supporting the general validity of the recruitment networks framework as
a general approach to integrate the study of plant community dynamics
into the study of ecological networks.
Oral manifestations and rehabilitation of a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Milanovic Milena , Beloica Milos , Jovicic Olivera , Mandinic Zoran , Janjic Bojan , Juloski Jelena
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare heritable connective tissue disorder characterized by increased fragility of the bony tissue. The incidence of orofacial alterations associated with osteogenesis imperfecta is variable and includes dentinogenesis imperfecta, malocclusions, hypoplasia of the jaws, delayed dental development and structural abnormalities of the teeth. Case outline. A 22-year-old female was referred to the Clinic for Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry for dental treatment. Enlarged head, triangular-shaped face, mandibular prognathism with excessive maxillary hypoplasia, lowered vertical occlusal dimension were present features. The intraoral findings included dentinogenesis imperfecta with Kennedy?s class IV in the upper jaw and class II in the lower jaw. Panoramic radiograph revealed abnormalities in the crown and root shape, obliteration of the pulp chamber and severe deficiency of alveolar bone mass. Overall treatment involved five phases: I ? preventive and prophylactic treatment, II ? direct restauration of five teeth with glass ionomer cement, III ? extraction of severely damaged teeth, IV ? prosthodontic rehabilitation with removable partial dentures, V ? maintenance and follow-up phase. Conclusion. Low prevalence and wide variety of signs and symptoms make dental treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta overly complex and challenging. Nevertheless, it is essential to improve craniofacial and dental function along with facial aesthetic.
Specific Deletion of CASK in Pancreatic β-Cells Affects Glucose Homeostasis and Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Mice by Reducing Hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Liu Xingjing , Sun Peng , Yuan Qingzhao , Xie Jinyang , Xiao Ting , Zhang Kai , Chen Xiu , Wang Yao , Yuan Li , Han Xiao
Published: October 2021

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK) is involved in the secretion of insulin vesicles in pancreatic β-cells. The current study revealed a new in vivo role of CASK in glucose homeostasis during the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A Cre-loxP system was used to specifically delete the Cask gene in mouse β-cells (βCASKKO), and glucose metabolism was evaluated in βCASKKO mice fed a normal chow diet (ND) or a high-fat diet (HFD). ND-fed mice exhibited impaired insulin secretion in response to glucose stimulation. Transmission electron microscopy showed significantly reduced numbers of insulin granules at or near the cell membrane in the islets of βCASKKO mice. By contrast, HFD-fed βCASKKO mice showed reduced blood glucose and a partial relief of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance when compared with HFD-fed wild-type mice. The IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was upregulated in the adipose tissue of HFD-fed βCASKKO mice. These results indicated that knockout of the Cask gene in β-cells had a diverse effect on glucose homeostasis; it reduced insulin secretion in ND-fed mice but improved insulin sensitivity in HFD-fed mice. Therefore, CASK appears to function in insulin secretion and contributes to hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance during the development of obesity-related T2DM.
Specific Deletion of CASK in Pancreatic β Cells Affects Glucose Homeostasis and Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Mice by Reducing Hyperinsulinemia Running Title: β Cell CASK Deletion Reduces Hyperinsulinemia
Authors: Liu Xingjing , Sun Peng , Yuan Qingzhao , Xie Jinyang , Xiao Ting , Zhang Kai , Chen Xiu , Wang Yao , Yuan Li , Han Xiao
Published: October 2021

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein
kinase (CASK) is involved in the secretion of insulin vesicles in pancreatic
β-cells. The present study revealed a new in
vivo role of CASK in glucose homeostasis during the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A
Cre-loxP system was used to specifically delete the Cask gene in mouse
β-cells (βCASKKO), and the glucose metabolism was evaluated in βCASKKO mice fed a normal chow diet (ND) or a high-fat
diet (HFD). ND-fed mice exhibited impaired insulin secretion in response to
glucose stimulation. Transmission electron microscopy showed significantly
reduced numbers of insulin granules at or near the cell membrane in the islets
of βCASKKO mice. By contrast, HFD-fed βCASKKO mice showed reduced blood glucose
and a partial relief of hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance when compared
to HFD-fed wildtype mice. The IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was upregulated
in the adipose tissue of HFD-βCASKKO mice. These results indicated that
knockout of the Cask gene in β cells had a diverse effect on glucose
homeostasis: reduced insulin secretion in ND-fed mice, but improves insulin
sensitivity in HFD-fed mice. Therefore, CASK appears to function in the insulin
secretion and contributes to hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance during the
development of obesity-related T2DM.
Changes in Pupil Mydriasis as a Marker for Diabetes
Authors: Naveen Kumar Challa
Published: October 2021

Clinical Relevance: Optometrists often are the first to examine previously underdiagnosed diabetic patients because of its ocular manifestations such as a change in refractive status. This study is relevant to help optometrists identify patients with diabetes using changes in pupil mydriasis as a marker. Background: This study compared the pupillary dilatation in subjects with diabetes mellitus and those without diabetes mellitus. The purpose of the study was to use this difference as a diagnostic marker for identification of diabetes in previously undiagnosed subjects who present for eye examination. Methods: An experimental study was conducted involving 40 non-diabetic and 80 diabetic subjects with or without diabetic retinopathy. Baseline pupil diameter was measured using Orbscan and Aberrometer. Mydriasis was elicited using a combination eye drop (0.8% Tropicamide and 5% Phenylephrine). Pupil diameter was measured at 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after the instillation of the eye drops. The difference in pupil diameter amongst the three groups was determined using factorial ANOVA to account for the effect of age. Results: There was no significant difference between the mean pupil diameter among the three groups at baseline when measured with Orbscan (p=0.187) and Aberrometer (p=0.146). There was a significant difference in the mean and mean change in pupil diameter among the three groups with either Orbscan or Aberrometer at 30, 45 and 60 minutes after the instillation of mydriatic drops. The non-diabetics have larger pupil diameter while the diabetics with retinopathy have the least pupil diameter. Conclusion: The study showed that there was a significant difference in pupil diameter between non-diabetics, diabetics without retinopathy and diabetics with retinopathy during mydriasis. Alongside a history of symptoms of diabetes, this difference could be explored as an ocular biomarker to identify previously undiagnosed diabetes in individuals who present for routine eye examination.
Human Dirofilariasis: A Case of Infraorbital Infection
Authors: Shankar Abhijit
Published: October 2021

Background: Human dirofilariasis is not perceived as a serious public health concern in India despite more number of sporadic cases being reported of late. Only a few dozen cases were reported in the first decade of the new millenium, but the number is gradually increasing during the last decade. With a high population of pet dogs & cats and vast number of stray dogs, the State of Kerala could be a potential infective area. Case Report: It is against this background that an interesting case of infraorbital incidence of dirofilaria repens is being reported that was mimicking as periorbital cellulitis. The cyst was surgically excised and sent for histopathological examination. The presence of Dirofilaria repens was confirmed. Conclusion: There has been an increase in the incidence of dirofilariasis in countries that were considered as non-endemic such as India of late. The probable contributing factors are discussed in detail. Coordinated parasite surveillance and preventive vector control measures with active participation from LSGs and local population are suggested.
WAYS AND MEANS OF PRESENTATION OF THEORETICAL MATERIAL WHILE TEACHING HISTORY
Authors: Papoyan H.
Published: October 2021

The article discusses some problems of presentation of theoretical material while teaching history. Some image characterization methods of interpretation, thinking, comparison, generalizing and historical facts are represented in the article. The author substantiates the effective impact on students’ independent cognitive process by examples.
THE DOWERLESS” BY A. OSTROVSKI AND “PEPO” BY G. SUNDUNKYAN
Authors: DOLUKHANYAN AELITA
Published: October 2021

Literary ties exist in all literatures; they can be related to the theme, the content, the ideology, or to all of them. This phenomenon can be observed in Armenian literature of every century. Comparative parallels are being drawn for the first time in this article between Larisa and Kekel, the main female personages of the drama The Dowerless by A. Ostrovski and the play Pepo by G. Sundukyan. Both were deprived of happiness because they were dowerless. Ideological layers in the works of both classical progressive–minded writers put forward demands common to all mankind, which would contribute to protect women’s rights.