bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First seizure in elderly patients: Need to treat? Evidence from a retrospective study
Authors: Linka Louise , Magnus Benedikt , Faiz Nabard , Habermehl Lena , Tsalouchidou Panagiota-Eleni , Zahnert Felix , Moeller Leona , Krause Kristina , Knake Susanne , Menzler Katja
Published: March 2024

Background

The risk of seizure recurrence after a first unprovoked epileptic seizure is reported to be approximately 40%. Little is known about the recurrence risk after a first seizure in elderly patients, who may be at higher risk due to an increased rate of structural lesions, encephalopathy, subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy or brain atrophy.

Methods

In a retrospective approach, the recurrence rate in 304 patients aged 60 years and above who presented with a first seizure between 2004 and 2017 was analyzed. Hierarchical Cox regression was used to investigate the impact of EEG and neuroimaging results, age or the prescription of anti-seizure medication (ASM) on seizure recurrence.

Results

Seizure recurrence rates were 24.5% and 34.4% after one and two years, respectively. Anti-seizure medication was started in 87.8% of patients, in 28.8% despite the absence of clear epileptogenic lesions on neuroimaging or epileptiform potentials in the EEG. Medical treatment significantly reduced the risk of recurrence (hazard ratio = 0.47). Epileptiform potentials in the EEG, epileptogenic lesions in neuroimaging and age had no significant effect on seizure recurrence. Age and the presence of neurodegenerative and psychiatric comorbidities showed a significant association with ASM prescription.

Conclusions

The present data show a strong protective effect of ASM on seizure recurrence in patients above the age of 60, even in the absence of pathologic neuroimaging or EEG results needed for the diagnosis of epilepsy. Treatment with ASM therefore seems beneficial for reducing the recurrence risk in elderly patients. The lack of a significant association between seizure recurrence and epileptogenic lesions might be related to other confounding factors like encephalopathy, subcortical arteriosclerotic encephalopathy, neurodegenerative diseases or brain atrophy.
Effects of concurrent cartilage procedures on cartilage regeneration in high tibial osteotomy: a systematic review
Authors: Han Joo Hyung , Jung Min , Chung Kwangho , Jung Se-Han , Choi Chong-Hyuk , Kim Sung-Hwan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of concurrent cartilage procedures on cartilage regeneration when performed alongside high tibial osteotomy (HTO).

Materials and methods

The systematic review followed the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). A comprehensive search was conducted on databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, covering articles published until August 31, 2023.

Results

Sixteen studies (1277 patients) revealed that HTO, with or without concurrent cartilage procedures, leads to cartilage regeneration based on the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade during second-look arthroscopy. No concurrent procedure showed improvement in ICRS grade (mean difference: − 0.80 to − 0.49). Microfracture (mean difference: − 0.75 to − 0.22), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) (mean difference: − 1.37 to − 0.67), and human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUCB-MSC) (mean difference: − 2.46 to − 1.81) procedures also demonstrated positive outcomes. Clinical outcome assessments for each cartilage procedure were also improved during postoperative follow-up, and no specific complications were reported.

Conclusions

HTO with or without concurrent cartilage procedures promotes cartilage regeneration observed during second-look arthroscopy, with improved clinical outcomes. Future randomized controlled trials on the same topic, along with subsequent meta-analyses, are necessary for conclusive findings.
Unlocking the potential of sacubitril/valsartan therapy in improving ECG and echocardiographic parameters in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HErEF)
Authors: Allam Lamyaa Elsayed , Abdelmotteleb Ahmed Aly , Eldamanhoury Hayam Mohamed , Hassan Hassan Shehata
Published: March 2024

Background

Sacubitril/valsartan therapy has been found to reduce hospitalizations, improve echocardiogram parameters, and improve mortality in HFrEF. The objective is to assess S/V therapy effect on electrocardiogram indices and how those parameters related to echocardiographic parameters.

Results

From June 2022 until June 2023, this prospective study enrolled 100 patients (mean age 56.1, 8.2, 78% male) with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) used PARADIGM-HF criteria: NYHA Class II, III, or IV HF; ejection fraction EF ≤ 40%; and hospitalization for HF within previous 12 months. Before starting S/V therapy, an echo and ECG were performed, as well as 6 months following the optimal dose and if LVEF was improved by more than 5%, they were termed notable S/V treatment responders. Aside from improving echo parameters, ECG parameters improved significantly. The QRS width was reduced from 123.7 ± 20.3 to 117.1 ± 18.8 ms (p 0.00), and QTc interval was reduced from 425.4 ± 32.8 to 421.4 ± 32.3 ms (p = 0.012). QRS width was significantly reduced in patients with LBBB, RBBB, and IVCD based on QRS morphology. QRS width (r = − 0.243, p = 0.016) and QTc (r = − 0.252, p = 0.012) had a negative connection with LVEF.

Conclusion

S/V therapy, in addition to improving echo parameters and NYHA class, improves QRS width and corrected QTc interval on ECG in HFrEF patients. This is an indication of reverse electrical LV remodeling and can be used as an auxiliary prediction for tracking therapy outcomes.
Evaluating left atrial function changes by speckle tracking echocardiography in type 2 diabetes patients in Central Vietnam: a cross-sectional comparative study
Authors: Dang Hai Nguyen Ngoc , Luong Thang Viet , Tran Toan Thanh
Published: March 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that detrimentally affects multiple systems in the body, with a particular emphasis on the vascular and nervous systems. Despite its significant impact, limited studies have explored the influence of this condition on the left atrial (LA) function. To address this gap, our study utilized speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) to assess LA function in patients with T2DM in Central Vietnam.

Results

The cross-sectional comparative study enrolled 134 subjects involving 66 patients with T2DM and 68 healthy individuals meeting the selection and exclusion criteria of the study. In our study, healthy individuals demonstrated higher values for LA reservoir strain (LASr), LA conduit strain (LAScd), and LA contractile strain (LASct), measuring 38.75% ± 5.43%, 19.58% ± 5.91%, and 19.16% ± 4.98%, respectively. In contrast, the T2DM group exhibited lower values for LASr, LAScd, and LASct, which measured 31.2% ± 4.56%, 14.77% ± 6.3%, and 16.36% ± 4.82%, respectively (p < 0.05). T2DM patients with normal LA volume index (LAVI) and normal left ventricular mass index (LVMI), LASr, LAScd, and LASct results were 32.07% ± 5.28%, 16.28% ± 6.95%, and 15.64% ± 5.32%. respectively.

Conclusions

STE of the LA reveals a noteworthy reduction in reservoir, conduit, and contractile functions within the T2DM group when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, these impaired functions persist in T2DM patients even in the absence of increased LAVI and LVMI.
Leveraging human-centered design and causal pathway diagramming toward enhanced specification and development of innovative implementation strategies: a case example of an outreach tool to address racial inequities in breast cancer screening
Authors: Marcotte Leah M. , Langevin Raina , Hempstead Bridgette H. , Ganguly Anisha , Lyon Aaron R. , Weiner Bryan J. , Akinsoto Nkem , Houston Paula L. , Fang Victoria , Hsieh Gary
Published: March 2024

Background

Implementation strategies are strategies to improve uptake of evidence-based practices or interventions and are essential to implementation science. Developing or tailoring implementation strategies may benefit from integrating approaches from other disciplines; yet current guidance on how to effectively incorporate methods from other disciplines to develop and refine innovative implementation strategies is limited. We describe an approach that combines community-engaged methods, human-centered design (HCD) methods, and causal pathway diagramming (CPD)—an implementation science tool to map an implementation strategy as it is intended to work—to develop innovative implementation strategies.

Methods

We use a case example of developing a conversational agent or chatbot to address racial inequities in breast cancer screening via mammography. With an interdisciplinary team including community members and operational leaders, we conducted a rapid evidence review and elicited qualitative data through interviews and focus groups using HCD methods to identify and prioritize key determinants (facilitators and barriers) of the evidence-based intervention (breast cancer screening) and the implementation strategy (chatbot). We developed a CPD using key determinants and proposed strategy mechanisms and proximal outcomes based in conceptual frameworks.

Results

We identified key determinants for breast cancer screening and for the chatbot implementation strategy. Mistrust was a key barrier to both completing breast cancer screening and using the chatbot. We focused design for the initial chatbot interaction to engender trust and developed a CPD to guide chatbot development. We used the persuasive health message framework and conceptual frameworks about trust from marketing and artificial intelligence disciplines. We developed a CPD for the initial interaction with the chatbot with engagement as a mechanism to use and trust as a proximal outcome leading to further engagement with the chatbot.

Conclusions

The use of interdisciplinary methods is core to implementation science. HCD is a particularly synergistic discipline with multiple existing applications of HCD to implementation research. We present an extension of this work and an example of the potential value in an integrated community-engaged approach of HCD and implementation science researchers and methods to combine strengths of both disciplines and develop human-centered implementation strategies rooted in causal perspective and healthcare equity.
Novel approach for solving higher-order differential equations with applications to the Van der Pol and Van der Pol–Duffing equations
Authors: Elnady Abdelrady Okasha , Newir Ahmed , Ibrahim Mohamed A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Numerical methods are used to solve differential equations, but few are effective for nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) of order higher than one. This paper proposes a new method for such ODEs, based on Taylor series expansion. The new method is a second-order method for second-order ODEs, and it is equivalent to the central difference method, a well-known method for solving differential equations. The new method is also simple to implement for higher-order differential equations. The proposed technique was applied to solve the Van der Pol and Van der Pol–Duffing equations. It is stable over a wide range of nonlinearity and produces accurate and reliable results. For the self-excitation Van der Pol equation, the proposed technique was applied with different values of nonlinear damping.

Results

The results were compared with those obtained using the ODE15s solver in MATLAB. The two sets of results showed excellent agreement. For the forced Van der Pol–Duffing equation, the proposed technique was applied with different values of exciting force amplitude and frequency. It was found that for certain conditions, the solution obtained using the proposed technique differed from that obtained using ODE15s.

Conclusions

The solution obtained using the proposed technique showed good agreement with the solutions obtained using ODE45 and Runge–Kutta fourth order. The results show that the proposed approach is very simple to apply and produces acceptable error. It is a powerful and versatile tool for solving of high-order nonlinear differential equations accurately.
Chemical composition and antifungal activity of Teucrium Leucocladum Boiss. essential oils growing in Egypt using two different techniques
Authors: Salah Eman Mohamed , Issa Marwa Y. , Mohamed Tarik A. , Hegazy Mohamed-Elamir F. , Tadros Soad H. , Fathallah Noha
Published: March 2024

Background

Teucrium Leucocladum Boiss. (TL) (family Lamiaceae), indigenous to Sinai, Egypt, and Mediterranean region, is considered a rich source of essential oils (EOs). This study aimed to extract the aerial parts essential oils utilizing hydro-distillation (HD) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and analyze the volatile constituents by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). The antifungal and cytotoxic potentials against Candida albicans (C. albicans) and non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma A549, triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively, were likewise estimated. Subsequently, the three main compounds were docked into the crystal structure of Candida albicansN-myristoyltransferase (NMT) with myristoyl-COA and peptidic inhibitor (PDB 1IYK), and predictions of human absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) were performed to assess the drug-likeness of the compounds.

Results

The chemical profile consisted of monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The MAE oil sample (TLM) yield was found to be double that of the HD oil sample (TLH). TLM afforded an inhibitory diameter (13 mm) comparable to the ketoconazole (20 mm), TLM 100 mg/mL showed the strongest antifungal potential against C. albicans. The cytotoxic assay revealed moderate activity against A549 and MDA-MB-231. In silico studies using molecular docking were processed on the major components in which nerolidol had the best-fitting energy to inhibit C. albicans (− 7.21 kcal/mol), while ADME results established a promising first step for the potential drug bioavailability.

Conclusion

In this research, essential oil acquired from the aerial parts proved to contain monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, which are classes of compounds known for their versatile usage in medicine. In vivo studies on Teucrium Leucocladum Boiss. active metabolites against clinical strains of fungi need to be further studied, as do the effects of combining the active compounds with antifungal agents to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Phytochemical screening, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GCMS) analysis and molecular toxicological potential of Hunteria umbellata aqueous fruit extract against Staphylococcus aureus in accessory gene regulators (AGRs)
Authors: Salisu Titilola Fausat , Fowora Muinah Adenike , Yahaya Tajudeen Olanrewaju , Aina Sulaimon Adebisi , Thomas Benjamin Thoha , Ademola Latifat Aderonke , Jimoh Precious Oluwabukola
Published: March 2024

Background

Fruits of Hunteria umbellata (HU) have been utilized in folk medicine as potent against Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infections, particularly skin and nasal related conditions. However, there is scarcity of literature concerning toxicological evaluation of graded doses of HU fruit, especially at molecular level, specifically targeting the accessory gene regulator (AGR) system to prevent abuse of doses in the treatment of bacterial infections. This research evaluated molecular toxicological property of SA exposed to varied concentrations of aqueous HU fruit extract ranging from 500 to 3.90625 µg/µL using broth microdilution method and quantification of AGR I and II genes’ expression employing two-step reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We first identified quality and quantity of chemical compounds in aqueous fruit of HU using phytochemistry and hybrid gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) technique. Additionally, preliminary bactericidal potential of HU was assessed before molecular toxicology.

Results

Results revealed six phytochemicals and twenty analytical grade compounds from a standard library were identified from chromatograms of HU fruit extract. Some main compounds detected are n-Hexadecanoic acid (25.24%), 2-Pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl (16.08%), Cuparene (16.63%), Tetradecanoic acid (6.21%) and 9-Octadecenoic acid, (E)- (5.70%). Bactericidal activity shows significant (p < 0.05) toxicity in the tested (8) concentrations of HU fruits in a dose-response relationship compared to the controls (positive and negative). The quantified expression of AGR I and II genes in SA was most significantly increased (p < 0.05) at both 250 and 500 µg/µL of HU fruit extract while least significant increase (p < 0.05) was recorded at 125 µg/µL compared to control.

Conclusions

Notably, the study highlighted a potential risk of augmented bacterial infection especially with higher doses of HU extracts during boils’ treatment and other epidermal infections instigated by Staph. Expression of both AGR genes at higher doses (250 and 500 µg/µL) is indicative of further expression of several other genes responsible for virulence factors in a variety of human bacterial infections. Thus, consumption of HU fruit to treat boils and blisters should be with great caution especially at high doses.
Emic definitions of empowerment for just development: learnings from Kenya
Authors: Zaremba Haley , Nchanji Eileen Bogweh , Guettou Djurfeldt Nadia , North Hanna , Slavchevska Vanya , Macchioni Giaquinto Annarita
Published: March 2024

This mixed-methods study examines how men and women of different ages engaged in agriculture in Kilifi and Kiambu counties in Kenya define empowerment and describe empowerment pathways, and how empowered people are perceived by their families and communities. It also examines how emic understandings of empowerment—definitions which originate from within a given cultural context—compare to quantitative empowerment measures based on externally defined indicators from the Project-level Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (pro-WEAI). The study design used mixed methods, with qualitative data collected through focus group discussions, life histories, and community profiles, and quantitative data collected through the pro-WEAI survey tool. Although Pro-WEAI results indicated that women and men in the study communities have achieved gender parity and experience a similar level of empowerment, qualitative findings suggest that experiences of empowerment don’t necessarily fit with Index scores. Rather, conceptualizations of empowerment by people of different ages and genders are highly diverse. Participants of all genders suggested that women’s empowerment is more limited than men’s, as women who are not. Subordinate to men risk being rejected or stigmatized by their communities. Qualitative findings suggest that empowered men are seen as “desirable” by their communities, whereas empowered women are “openly admired” and “treated as a threat/feared” in equal turn. Furthermore, results revealed that the under-involvement of men in empowerment initiatives has contributed to feelings of resentment and neglect. These findings suggest that capturing and accounting for multiple and diverse emic definitions of empowerment for different social groups, which lies beyond the scope of standardized quantitative measures, is essential to measuring and supporting empowerment in ways that are valuable and recognizable to the target group(s) of a given development initiative. Finally, results show that to support the effective empowerment of women and men, there is a need to include men, integrate safeguards for backlash against empowered women, and transform norms that hinder the acceptance of empowered women by their families and communities.
Two nanobody-based immunoassays to differentiate antibodies against genotype 1 and 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
Authors: Chen Xu , Chang Yueting , Zhang Lu , Zhao Xinyu , Li Zhihan , Zhang Zhijie , Ji Pinpin , Liu Qingyuan , Zhao Jiakai , Zhu Jiahong , Liu Baoyuan , Wang Xinjie , Sun Yani , Zhao Qin
Published: March 2024

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection causes significant economic loss to the global pig industry. Genotype 1 and 2 PRRSV (PRRSV-1 and -2) infections have been reported in China, Europe and America. For accurate prevention, nanobodies were first used as diagnostic reagents for PRRSV typing. In this study three nanobodies targeting both PRRSV-1 and -2, two targeting PRRSV-1 and three targeting PRRSV-2, were screened and produced. To develop two competitive ELISAs (cELISAs), the g1-2-PRRSV-Nb3-HRP nanobody was chosen for the g1-2-cELISA, to detect common antibodies against PRRSV-1 and -2, and the g1-PRRSV-Nb136-HRP nanobody was chosen for the g1-cELISA, to detect anti-PRRSV-1 antibodies. The two cELISAs were developed using PRRSV-1-N protein as coating antigen, and the amounts for both were 100 ng/well. The optimized dilution of testing pig sera was 1:20, the optimized reaction times were 30 min, and the colorimetric reaction times were 15 min. Then, the cut-off values of the g1-2-cELISA and g1-cELISA were 26.6% and 35.6%, respectively. Both of them have high sensitivity, strong specificity, good repeatability, and stability. In addition, for the 1534 clinical pig sera, an agreement rate of 99.02% (Kappa values = 0.97) was determined between the g1-2-cELISA and the commercial IDEXX ELISA kit. For the g1-cELSIA, it can specifically detect anti-PRRSV-1 antibodies in the clinical pig sera. Importantly, combining two nanobody-based cELISAs can differentially detect antibodies against PRRSV-1 and -2.

Graphical abstract
Addressing biodiversity conservation, disease surveillance, and public health interventions through One Health approach in Hainan’s tropical rainforest
Authors: Zhang Li , Liu Shoubai , Guo Wenqiang , Lv Chenrui , Liu Xiaomeng
Published: March 2024

This review investigates the utilization of the One Health approach to advance sustainable development and enhance health in the Hainan tropical rainforest, which is a unique ecosystem with significant biodiversity and environmental value. The region is confronted with threats arising from human activities and climate change, impacting both the health of the inhabitants and the ecosystem. The Hainan tropical rainforests create an ideal habitat for the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever and malaria, between humans and animals. The hot and humid climate creates favorable conditions for mosquito proliferation, while increased human encroachment into forested areas escalates the risk of contact with wildlife reservoirs of these diseases. Proactive surveillance of emerging infectious diseases in the forests and animal populations of Hainan is crucial for early detection and swift response to potential public health hazards. By embracing the interdisciplinary and collaborative principles of the One Health approach, this review aims to safeguard the ecosystem while fostering development. The introduction offers insights into the significance of the One Health concept, its relevance to environmental conservation, human health, and animal health. Subsequently, the paper delves into the practical application of the One Health approach in the Hainan tropical rainforest, using it as a case study. This application entails raising awareness of ecosystem health through educational initiatives and public outreach, implementing effective ecological conservation measures, promoting wildlife conservation efforts, and monitoring and preventing potential disease outbreaks. Furthermore, the paper highlights the importance of the One Health approach in achieving sustainable development in the Hainan tropical rainforest. It also explores potential research directions and associated challenges. By prioritizing the collective well-being of humans, animals, and the environment, the One Health approach offers a means to balance ecosystem conservation and human welfare.
Pyroptosis-Derived Long Noncoding RNA Profiles Reveal a Novel Signature for Evaluating the Prognosis of Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ba Yuhao , Liu Shutong , Wei Zhengpan , Zhao Nannan , Qiao Tong , Ren Yuqing , Li Lifeng , Zhang Yuyuan , Weng Siyuan , Xu Hui , Li Chunwei , Ge Xiaoyong , Han Xinwei
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were recently implicated in modifying pyroptosis. Nonetheless, pyroptosis-related lncRNAs and their possible clinical relevance persist largely uninvestigated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sum of 921 samples were collected from three independent data sets. We obtained pyroptosis-related genes from both the Molecular Signatures Database and relevant literature sources and used four machine learning techniques, comprising stepwise Cox, ridge regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and random forest. Multiple bioinformatics approaches were used to further investigate the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

In total, 39 differentially expressed pyroptosis genes were identified by comparing normal and tumor samples. Correlation analysis revealed 933 pyroptosis-related lncRNAs. Furthermore, univariate Cox regression determined 11 lncRNAs that exhibited stable associations with prognosis in the three cohorts, which were used to construct the pyroptosis-derived lncRNA signature. After analyzing the optimal results from four machine learning algorithms, we ultimately selected random forest to develop the pyroptosis-derived lncRNA signature. This signature was proven to be an independent prognostic factor and exhibited robust performance in three cohorts.

CONCLUSION

We provided novel insight and established a pyroptosis-derived lncRNA signature for patients with LUAD, exhibiting strong predictive capabilities in both the training and validation sets.
Cocoa at Work: Materials and Labor in the Making of Global Chocolate
Authors: Macedo Marta
Published: March 2024

This article examines two distant workspaces of cocoa: plantations in São Tomé, a small Portuguese colonial island in the African Gulf of Guinea, and a British chocolate factory. In line with commodity-centered histories, it focuses on the diversity of labor systems, with different levels of coercion, working simultaneously to make cocoa and chocolate available to consumers in the industrial cities of Europe and North America. But this article adds to that literature by embracing the challenge of thinking with materials and the ways they produced specific social worlds. Cocoa and chocolate are understood as “thick things” whose physical attributes allowed or restricted different operations and uses and whose characteristics promoted or obstructed particular labor forms and allowed for the stabilization of different modes of rule. When we take the material properties of cocoa seriously, it is possible to see how mass chocolate production was a technological and scientific enterprise conceived to cope with the constraints of cocoa itself, with profound consequences for the labor forms on the plantation and the factory. Materials bound plantation laborers and chocolate scientists to specific technological, economic and political relations and demanded huge investments and much labor to create alternative ones.
Electric Discipline: Gendering Power and Defining Work in Electric Power Systems
Authors: Kahle Trish
Published: March 2024

In the 1970s, energy conservation was a household idea, but it was also a form of labor discipline. This article shows how one utility, the Pennsylvania Power & Light Company (PP&L), used energy conservation to discipline unwaged workers in the home, upending decades of home economics research that sought to substitute electric energy for human energy in housework. To effectively deploy this strategy, PP&L drew on utilities’ well-established understanding of women's unwaged work in the home as central to balancing the rhythms of power demand. By exploring this history, this article also argues that by adopting a more expansive understanding of labor in energy systems—which I term “energy work”—we can better understand the interrelationship of labor, gender, and power in the operation of energy systems and more fully incorporate the history of unwaged workers into the history of energy.
Physiological Factors Associated with Unsatisfied Inspiration at Peak Exercise in Healthy Adults
Authors: Ferguson Olivia N. , Mitchell Reid A. , Schaeffer Michele R. , Ramsook Andrew H. , Boyle Kyle G.P.J.M , Dhillon Satvir S. , Zhang Julia , Hind Alanna S. , Jensen Dennis , Guenette Jordan A.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Contrary to common belief, a growing body of evidence suggests that unsatisfied inspiration (UI), an inherently uncomfortable quality of dyspnea, is experienced by ostensibly healthy adults during high-intensity exercise. Based on our understanding of the mechanisms of UI among people with chronic respiratory conditions, this analysis tested the hypothesis that the experience of UI at peak exercise in young, healthy adults reflects the combination of high ventilatory demand and critical inspiratory constraints.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis design, data included 321 healthy individuals (129 females) aged 25 ± 5 yrs. Data were collected during one visit to the laboratory, which included anthropometrics, spirometry, and an incremental cardiopulmonary cycling test to exhaustion. Metabolic and cardiorespiratory variables were measured at peak exercise, and qualitative descriptors of dyspnea at peak exercise were assessed using a list of 15 descriptor phrases.

Results

34% of participants (n = 109) reported sensations of UI at peak exercise. Compared to the Non-UI group, the UI group achieved a significantly higher peak work rate (243 ± 77 vs. 235 ± 69 W, P = 0.016, d = 0.10), rate of O2 consumption (3.32 ± 1.02 vs. 3.27 ± 0.96 L·min−1, P = 0.018, d = 0.05), minute ventilation (120 ± 38 vs. 116 ± 35 L·min−1, P = 0.047, d = 0.11), and breathing frequency (50 ± 9 vs. 47 ± 9 breaths·min−1, P = 0.014, d = 0.33), while having a lower exercise-induced change (peak-baseline) in inspiratory capacity (0.07 ± 0.41 vs. 0.20 ± 0.49 L, P = 0.023, d = 0.29). The inspiratory reserve volume to minute ventilation ratio at peak exercise was also lower in the UI vs. Non-UI group. Dyspnea intensity and unpleasantness ratings were significantly higher in the UI vs. Non-UI group at peak exercise (both P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Healthy individuals reporting UI at peak exercise have relatively greater inspiratory constraints compared to those who do not select UI.
Lower Extremity Kinematic and Kinetic Characteristics as Effects on Running Economy of Recreational Runners
Authors: CHEN SHIQIN , SEGERS VEERLE , ZHANG QINGSHAN , ZHANG QIN , DING HAIYONG , LI FEI
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to determine associations between running economy (RE) and running sagittal plane kinematic and kinetic parameters.

Method

A total of 30 male recreational runners (age: 21.21 ± 1.22 yr, V̇O2max: 54.61 ± 5.42 mL·kg−1·min−1) participated in two separate test sessions. In the first session, the participant’s body composition and RE at 10 and 12 km·h−1 were measured. In the second session, measurements were taken for the sagittal plane of hip, knee, and ankle angles and range of motion (ROM), as well as ground reaction force.

Results

Moderate correlations were found between lower energy costs at 12 km·h−1 and smaller hip flexion at toe-off (r = 0.373) as well as smaller peak hip flexion during stance (r = 0.397). During the swing phase, lower energy costs at 10 km·h−1 were moderately correlated with smaller peak knee flexion and smaller knee flexion and extension ROM (r = 0.366–0.443). Lower energy costs at 12 km·h−1 were moderately correlated with smaller peak hip and knee flexion as well as knee extension ROM (r = 0.369–0.427). In terms of kinetics, there was a moderate correlation between higher energy costs at 10 km·h−1 and larger peak active force, as well as larger peak braking and propulsion force (r = −0.470–0.488). Lower energy costs at 12 km·h−1 were moderately to largely correlated with smaller peak impact and braking force (r = 0.486 and −0.500, respectively). Regarding the statistical parametric mapping analysis, most outcomes showed associations with RE at 10 km·h−1, including knee flexion (42.5%–65.5% of the gait cycle), ankle plantarflexion (32.5%–36% of the gait cycle), active force (30.5%–35% of the stance phase), and propulsion force (68%–72.5% of the stance phase). Lower energy costs at 12 km·h−1 were correlated with smaller hip flexion (5.5%–12% and 66.5%–74%) and smaller knee flexion (57%–57.5%) during the running gait cycle.

Conclusions

This study indicates that biomechanical factors are associated with RE in recreational runners. To design effective training methods to improve RE, coaches and runners should focus on the sagittal plane kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle, as well as lower vertical and horizontal kinetic parameters.
When Tariffs Disrupt Global Supply Chains
Authors: Grossman Gene M. , Helpman Elhanan , Redding Stephen J.
Published: March 2024

We study unanticipated tariffs in a setting with firm-to-firm supply relationships. Firms conduct costly searches and negotiate with potential suppliers that pass a reservation level of match productivity. Global supply chains form in anticipation of free trade. Then, the home government surprises with an input tariff. This can lead to renegotiation with initial suppliers or search for replacements. Calibrating the model’s parameters to match initial import shares and the estimated responses to the US tariffs imposed on China, we find an overall welfare loss of 0.12 percent of GDP, with substantial contributions from changes in input sourcing and search costs. (JEL D72, F13, F14, L14, O19, P33)
Rozwój rynków pracy miejskich obszarów funkcjonalnych w Polsce w latach 2011–2020
Authors: Wilk Justyna
Published: March 2024

Miejskie obszary funkcjonalne (MOF) są motorem rozwoju regionalnego, tworząc ponadlokalne rynki pracy. Funkcjonalno-przestrzenne powiązania miasta centralnego i strefy podmiejskiej stymulują rozwój przedsiębiorczości oraz wzrost aktywności zawodowej. Celem artykułu jest zbadanie skali i kierunków rozwoju oraz terytorialnych dysproporcji rynków pracy MOF Wrocław, Kraków, Poznań, Łódź i Trójmiasto w latach 2011–2020. W badaniu zastosowano wielokryterialną analizę porównawczą metodą TOPSIS, a jej wyniki uzupełniono o strukturalne charakterystyki rynków pracy. Wyniki badań potwierdziły dynamiczny rozwój przedsiębiorczości, szczególnie w strefach podmiejskich, choć nadal liderami w tym zakresie są miasta centralne. Przełożył się on na istotne zwiększenie liczby miejsc pracy i ich dywersyfikację oraz rozwiązanie problemu bezrobocia. Gminy słabsze znacznie poprawiły swoją sytuację, co wyraźnie zwiększyło spójność terytorialną i potwierdziło odporność rynków pracy miejskich obszarów funkcjonalnych na szoki gospodarcze.
Validation of Quality-of-Life assessment tool for Ethiopian old age people
Authors: Muhye Ahmed , Fentahun Netsanet
Published: March 2024

Background A valid and reliable quality of life (QOL) assessment tool is critical for identifying health issues, evaluating health interventions, and establishing the best health policies and care plans. One of the tools for this goal is the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Old module (WHOQOL-OLD). It is validated and available in more than 20 languages globally, except Amharic (the widely spoken language in Ethiopia). As a result, the purpose of this study was to translate it into Amharic language and validate it among the elderly people in Bahir Dar City, Northwestern Ethiopia. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 180 community-dwelling old age people in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia, from January 16 to March 13, 2021. Psychometric validation was achieved through Cronbach’s alpha of the internal consistency reliability test and construct validity from confirmatory factor analysis. Results The study participants were aged between 60 and 90 years, with a mean age of 69.44. Females made up 61.7% of the study population, and 40% of them could not read or write. The results showed a relatively low level of quality of life, with a total transformed score of 58.58±23.15. The Amharic version of the WHOQOL-OLD showed a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.96 and corrected item-total correlations of more than 0.74. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the six-domain model with a chi-square (X2) of 341.98 and a p-value less than 0.001. The comparative fit index (CFI) was 0.98, Tucker-Lewis’s index (TCL) was 0.97, and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.046. Conclusion The Amharic version of the WHOQOL-OLD indicated good internal consistency reliability and construct validity. The tool can be utilized to provide care to Ethiopian community-dwelling old age people.
Lower limb rehabilitation using modified constraint-induced movement therapy and motor relearning program on balance and gait in sub-acute hemiplegic stroke: a comparative study
Authors: Chavan Nitika S. , Raghuveer Raghumahanti
Published: March 2024

Background A stroke is described by the World Health Organization as “a clinical syndrome with rapidly developing symptoms that consist of a focal (or global, in a situation of coma) disruption of cerebral function that lasts more than 24 hours or leads to mortality without a known cause other than a vascular origin”. Stroke is the most prevalent cause of impairment and mortality on a global scale. Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) is an approach to therapy for motor disabilities that involves constraining the movements of the nonparetic limb, diligent practice and behaviour modification to extend the time the paretic limb is utilized for daily tasks. The motor relearning program (MRP) method involves many aspects of motor learning theory and is helpful in providing instructions for retraining practical skills (including walking, standing and sitting in balance and transferring abilities). So, the objective of this study is to assess the impact of the MRP and mCIMT on balance and gait in sub-acute hemiplegic stroke patients. Methods In this study, each group will consist of 17 people in total. The randomization procedure will be conducted using a computer-generated random number system. For sample distribution, we will use the sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelope technique. Outcome measures will be as follows: Berg balance scale, Dynamic gait index, Trunk impairment scale, Functional reach test, 10 Meter walk test and Fall efficacy test. Each patient will be evaluated prior to and during treatment at baseline and six weeks later. Conclusions There is sufficient evidence to derive the conclusion that the functional mobility and balance of stroke victims can be improved with physiotherapy. Therefore, this study will try to seek the comparison of mCIMT (group A) and MRP (group B) in sub-acute stroke subjects and compare the two regimes to determine which one will be superior. Registration CTRI (CTRI/2023/05/052674; 16/05/2023).
Uptake of core outcome sets by clinical trialists in China: a protocol
Authors: Qiu Ruijin , Fan Xiaodan , Wang Wenhui , Clarke Mike , Chen Zhuo , Liu Shuling , Williamson Paula , Shang Hongcai
Published: March 2024

Background The concept of core outcome sets (COS) has been introduced in China for about 10 years. In recent years, some Chinese researchers also committed to developing COS, though the majority of COS are ongoing. However, there were more than 500 published COS for research in the COMET database by 2020. The extent of availability of COS for the top 25 diseases with the highest burden in China is unknown. In addition, the uptake of COS in clinical trials for these diseases is unknown, along with the knowledge, perceptions, and views of the clinical trialist community in China on the use of COS in relation to choosing outcomes for their research. Methods The main burden of disease in China will be identified. Then we will search the COMET database to identify if there are ongoing or completed relevant COS research A COS published since 2012 would be preferred to one published before 2012 for the analysis of COS uptake if one meets the eligibility criteria. We will extract scopes of published eligible COS, including condition, population, interventions, and core outcomes. Then we will search the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry using disease names for each disease that has a published COS. We will assess the overlap in scope between clinical trials and COS. Then we will conduct an online survey and semi-structured interviews to identify the knowledge and perceptions of COS among primary investigators of included clinical trials. Discussion This research will fill in gaps between COS and the burden of disease in China. Understanding clinical trialists’knowledge and perceptions of COS may help dissemination and application of COS in the future. Trial registration This research is registered in Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness: https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/2563.
Explicating collegiality and change management in neoliberalism during the dynamics of higher education institutions
Authors: Ani Marlia Makna , Fahmy Rahmi , Lukito Hendra , Games Donard
Published: March 2024

Background This paper discusses the lack of references that comprehensively describe the changes in universities owing to the ideology of neoliberalism. This research also discusses how a university maintains its function and identity when the great wave of neoliberalism massively erodes collegiality as the original philosophy of the university through a case study of the neoliberalism ideology on higher education. This study also provides a comprehensive framework for higher education management and governance changes. Methods We selected all retrieved sources based on the keywords and analyzed all the documents we obtained. This study obtained data from Scopus retrieved on October 27, 2023, using the following keywords: (TITLE-ABS-KEY ("collegiality") OR TITLE-ABS-KEY ("change management") OR TITLE-ABS-KEY ("neolibelism")) AND TITLE-ABS-KEY ("higher education"). This study utilized bibliometric analysis to ensure a structured review of the literature on collegiality, change management, and neoliberalism in higher education. Results The findings show that organizational management, leadership, education, technology, curriculum, innovation, organizational change, decision-making, and human beings are significant trajectories of neoliberalism in higher education. Conclusions This study offers other constructs for accelerating leadership success in higher education. This relates to how change leadership can navigate changes resulting from neoliberal ideology.
Assessment of Immunization Coverage and its Determinants Amongst Children in an Urban Area. Study Protocol of a Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Thakur Janhvi , Choudhari Dr. Sonali
Published: March 2024

Abstract* Introduction The country’s immunization rate is frequently below the international and national goals, and it is not distributed evenly. Children should be immunized for several reasons, chief among them being that it is the main defense against a variety of serious and frequently life-threatening illnesses. Every year, it prevents debilitating illness and disability and saves millions of lives throughout the world. The urban population in India is experiencing exponential growth. However, the public sector’s urban healthcare delivery system has encountered difficulties in keeping up with the rapid pace, exhibiting limitations in its reach and falling short of meeting the increasing demands. There is a need for government to pay attention at immunization rates and related variables in children (12–23 months) in the urban area. Objectives • To assess the overall immunization coverage rate for children in the urban area. • To assess the determinants associated with immunisation coverage in an urban area. • To explore healthcare access and infrastructure: Examine the availability and accessibility of healthcare facilities and vaccination services within the urban area. Method Information will be collected using semi- structured questionnaire in kobo collect tool. The parents of the child will be asked whether they have their immunization cards with complete immunization of their children. Study implications This study seeks to appraise the participant’s current immunization status with association to various determinants related to immunisation coverage. The study will also explore the availability of health infrastructure in association with immunization coverage. Furthermore, the gathered data may be utilized in further studies.
Striving for growth
Authors: Silver Rebecca
Published: March 2024

Rebecca Silver discusses oral health education and career aspirations with Lucy Blodau.
The art of efficient record keeping
Authors: Rozwadowska Ala
Published: March 2024

Ala Rozwadowska speaks with Carla Westwood about the importance of meticulous record keeping in dentistry.
Staff induction: the role of the kidney care leader
Authors: Ellis Peter
Published: March 2024

Peter Ellis takes us through the importance of moral courage in great leaders
A Hypersensitive Intelligent Filter for Detecting Explicit Content in Learning Environments
Authors: Yu Yong , Yin Xiaoguo
Published: March 2024

In today’s digital age, educational institutions aim to ensure safe learning environments in the light of pervasive explicit and inappropriate content. This study proposes an innovative approach to enhance safety by integrating convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for visual analysis with an intuitionistic fuzzy logic (IFL) filter for explicit content identification. Additionally, it utilizes GPT-3 to generate contextual warnings for users. A large-scale dataset comprising explicit and educational materials is used to evaluate the system. The results show that this hypersensitive filter has high accuracy performance, particularly in handling ambiguous or borderline content. The proposed approach provides an advanced solution to tackle the challenges of detecting explicit content and promotes safer learning environments by showcasing the potential of combining generative AI techniques across various domains.
An Evaluation of Low-Grade Red Oak and Soft Maple as Raw Material for Cross-Laminated Timber Panel Production
Authors: Hassler Curt C. , Young Matt , Denes Levente , Bencsik Balazs , McNeel J. F.
Published: March 2024

Utilization of hardwoods in the manufacture of cross-laminated timber (CLT) faces many challenges, one of which is the selection of raw material that is both technically and economically feasible. From an economic perspective, it would make sense to choose species and grades that are both readily available and relatively competitive with softwood species currently used in CLT manufacturing. For the purposes of this study, lower grades (2A Common, 2B Common, 3A Common, and 3B Common) of red oak and soft maple were deemed appropriate in fitting this profile.

All lumber was visually graded according to both National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) and Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (NeLMA) grading rules, as well as nondestructively tested through flatwise bending to determine modulus of elasticity (MOE). The yield distribution of each species and NHLA grade, by visual structural grade, were analyzed. The mechanical testing of each species was analyzed based on the minimum allowable MOE of 1.2 x 106 psi as required by ANSI/PRG-320. Mechanical testing resulted in much higher yields of acceptable CLT material than visual grading, for both species.

A total net worth analysis was conducted to evaluate the value of NHLA graded lumber being processed into structurally graded lumber for both species and both grading methods. Finally, a procurement analysis was conducted to determine the volume of lumber required for both species, in order to achieve a fixed volume of CLT-ready lumber.