bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L‐PRF in extra‐oral wound care
Authors: Pinto Nelson , Yu Jize , Koirala Sushil , Mourão Carlos Fernando , Andrade Catherine , Rescigno Enrico , Zamora Yelka , Pinto Diego , Quirynen Marc
Published: September 2024

Leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐PRF), a by‐product of centrifuged autologous whole blood, contains high concentrations of platelets, leukocytes, and fibrin (the latter spontaneously creating a strong 3‐D network (a membrane)). L‐PRF membranes possess several characteristics essential in wound healing, including a barrier function, an antibacterial and analgesic activity, and the release of growth factors enhancing tissue regeneration and neo‐vasculogenesis. This review investigated the role of L‐PRF in treating non‐responding chronic wounds such as diabetic foot, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, complex wounds, leprosy ulcers (Hansen's Disease), and other demanding wounds. Chronic wounds affect millions worldwide, negatively impacting their quality of life, productivity, and life expectancy while incurring high treatment costs for themselves and private and public health systems. L‐PRF has demonstrated clear adjunctive advantages in treating chronic skin wounds, shortening the time to complete wound closure, and improving patient‐reported outcome measures (including reducing pain and minimizing the need for analgesics). Also, in other demanding wounds, L‐PRF facilitates healing. To help clinicians, this article also proposes recommendations for the use of L‐PRF in the treatment of extra‐oral wounds.
Not just the nation's hostess: First Ladies as policy actors
Authors: Anderson Mary , Lewallen Jonathan
Published: September 2024

The position of First Lady is typically viewed as ceremonial and a reflection of marital and maternal roles: some combination of “the president's wife,” the “nation's social hostess,” and the “Mom‐in‐Chief.” Yet modern First Ladies often develop their own policy priorities and programs, and the Office of the First Lady is integral to modern presidential administrations. We make a case for studying First Ladies as policy actors by systematically measuring the audiences to which First Ladies speak, the roles they adopt in doing so, and the degree of substantive policy content in their remarks. Using data from public speeches and statements from 1993 to 2022 we demonstrate that First Ladies over the past 30 years have been active in adopting a policy role and speaking to policy‐focused audiences. First Ladies frequently speak to national, organized interest groups and adopt a policy role more often than not across most of their audiences. Our data highlight the importance of studying First Ladies in the policy process.
Business models for the sharing economy: charting the multidisciplinary research field
Authors: Dabić Marina , Kraus Sascha , Clauss Thomas , Brem Alexander , Ritala Paavo
Published: September 2024

In recent years, sharing economy business models (BMs) have gained substantial research attention. This stream has led to several important insights, but due to its practical nature and diversity, it has provided limited conceptual integration. This introductory article conceptualizes the research field of sharing economy BMs and their implications for market dynamics, digital technology, and sustainability. Furthermore, we summarize the six articles published in the special issue of sharing economy BMs and discuss how each of them pushes the boundaries of empirical and conceptual insights in the field. Overall, this special issue contributes to a deeper understanding of research in the intersection of the sharing economy and business models and develops a call for future research across the three dimensions of market dynamics, technology, and sustainability.
Advancing the health and well‐being of boys and men: Lessons from the social cure and curse framework
Authors: Van Rossum Aster , Van Laar Colette , Scheepers Daan
Published: September 2024

Although (cisgender, heterosexual) men are generally seen as the advantaged group compared to other genders, research has documented health and well‐being disadvantages specific to men. We present an integrative model of social identity mechanisms for (cisgender) men's health and well‐being. We integrate research on men and masculinities with research on group memberships as “cures” and “curses,” outlining social psychological mechanisms that may account for beneficial and adverse health and well‐being outcomes in men through cure and curse pathways. We focus on the roles of gender norms, social support, stigma, and social identity threats resulting from men's precarious personal manhood status and their declining societal status. We present a framework of theory‐based tools for turning curses into cures by using existing gender norms, cha(lle)nging gender norms, increasing social support, and reducing social identity threats, providing concrete recommendations for policy and practice.
The Local Party Branch and the Council Party Group: Who Governs?
Authors: Hansen Vibeke Wøien , Mjelde Hilmar , Saglie Jo , Segaard Signe Bock
Published: September 2024

The relationship between the local party branch organisation and local councillors has been left largely unexplored in the party literature. We explore how this relationship varies within the case of Norway – a multi‐party system with large variation in municipal size. Based on a survey of leaders of municipal party branches and local lists, as well as qualitative interviews with branch and list leaders, we analyse the causes of variation regarding two dependent variables: the degree of integration between the party branch and council group and the involvement of party branches in council work. The overall picture is that work in branches and council groups is strongly integrated. However, local branches of left‐of‐centre parties are likely to be more involved in council work and less likely to be fully integrated with their council groups. The left‐of‐centre tradition of giving more power to extra‐parliamentary organisation seems to prevail.
Storage properties of platelet concentrates from umbilical cord blood prepared using three different methods
Authors: Cortesi Valeria , Lopriore Enrico , Cavallaro Giacomo , Bontekoe Ido J. , van der Meer Pieter F. , Fustolo‐Gunnink Susanna , Raffaeli Genny , Ghirardello Stefano , Klei Thomas R. L.
Published: September 2024

Background

Thrombocytopenia, common in preterm newborns, may increase bleeding risk and is often treated with transfusions. Recent studies reveal that transfusing platelets at a high threshold worsens outcomes, possibly due to a “developmental mismatch” between adult‐derived platelets and neonatal hemostatic system. Cord blood‐derived platelet concentrates (CBPCs) could be an alternative for newborns. Our study aims to produce and evaluate the quality parameters of CBPCs during storage.

Study Design and Methods

Cord blood was collected from placentas after near‐term and full‐term pregnancies. Several production methods were attempted to obtain CBPCs, varying centrifugation settings, filtration, and dilution procedures. Adult‐derived platelet concentrates (PCs) processed with the same methods, and standard PCs from five buffy‐coats were used as controls. Storage tests were performed on days 2, 4–5, 7 from the collection.

Results

CBPCs parameters were compared with adult‐derived PCs, and no significant differences were found for mean platelet volume (MPV), swirling, morphology, glucose, lactate, pCO2, and pO2. pH and bicarbonate were lower in CBPCs. Some significant differences between methods in CD62P expression and JC‐1 ratio were observed. Compared with standard PCs, CBPCs showed lower platelet concentration, pH, and JC‐1. Additionally, both in CBPCs as well as in control PCs, the apoptosis marker phosphatidylserine was elevated.

Discussion

CBPCs were of comparable quality to control PCs during storage. However, apoptosis markers in both groups were elevated, suggesting processing and storage of low volumes of PCs require further optimization. Also, filtration of low volumes leads to significant platelet loss, an issue that requires remedy.
Racial and ethnic differences in transfusion rates in adolescent scoliosis surgery: Preoperative anemia as a mediator of disparity
Authors: Fisher Sophie , Chihuri Stanford , Guglielminotti Jean , Li Guohua , Eisler Lisa
Published: September 2024

Background

Pediatric patients from minoritized racial and ethnic groups receive red blood cell (RBC) transfusions more frequently while undergoing major surgical procedures. Our objective was to identify the contribution of preoperative anemia to racial and ethnic differences in RBC transfusion rates in adolescent spine surgery.

Study Design and Methods

This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database, 2016 to 2021 for patients in the United States and Canada.

Results

Adolescents identifying as non‐Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and other race/ethnicity presented with higher rates of preoperative anemia than non‐Hispanic White adolescents (16.3%, 10.6%, and 9.9%, vs. 7.8%, respectively; p < .0001) and were transfused at higher rates (14.4%, 11.9%, 16.5%, vs. 10.0%, respectively; p < .0001). Minoritized groups demonstrated higher adjusted odds of RBC transfusion compared with non‐Hispanic Whites (non‐Hispanic Black: aOR 1.45 95% CI 1.26–1.65, Hispanic: aOR 1.17 95% CI 0.96–1.41, other race/ethnicity: aOR 1.63 95% CI 1.26–2.09). Of the total effect of minoritized race and/or ethnicity on RBC transfusion, 13.9% was attributed to the indirect effect through preoperative anemia.

Discussion

In this cohort study, patients from minoritized racial and ethnic groups received RBC transfusions at a higher rate than non‐Hispanic White patients, and the difference was partially mediated by preoperative anemia. Future efforts to minimize transfusions and improve health equity should target this modifiable risk factor alongside other sources of disparity and discrimination.
Countably tight dual ball with a nonseparable measure
Authors: Koszmider Piotr , Silber Zdeněk
Published: September 2024

We construct a compact Hausdorff space such that the space of Radon probability measures on considered with the topology (induced from the space of continuous functions ) is countably tight that is a generalization of sequentiality (i.e., if a measure is in the closure of a set , there is a countable such that is in the closure of ) but carries a Radon probability measure that has uncountable Maharam type (i.e., is nonseparable). The construction uses (necessarily) an additional set‐theoretic assumption (the principle) as it was already known, by a result of Fremlin, that it is consistent that such spaces do not exist. This should be compared with the result of Plebanek and Sobota who showed that countable tightness of implies that all Radon measures on have countable type. So, our example shows that the tightness of and of can be different as well as may have Corson property (C), while fails to have it answering a question of Pol. Our construction is also a relevant example in the general context of injective tensor products of Banach spaces complementing recent results of Avilés, Martínez‐Cervantes, Rodríguez, and Rueda Zoca.
Asociación entre las dimensiones antropométricas de la mano y la fuerza de agarre en un grupo de trabajadores administrativos de la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Monroy Siva Magda Viviana , Zea Forero Christian Ricardo , Rodríguez Silva Luisa Alejandra , Vargas Sánchez Karen Daniela
Published: September 2024

El ser humano en su proceso evolutivo ha convertido a las manos en un instrumento fundamental para su supervivencia y relación con el entorno. La fuerza de agarre de la mano es un indicador de capacidad física y de bienestar del ser humano, por lo cual es relevante caracterizarla. El objetivo de este artículo fue determinar la asociación existente entre la fuerza de agarre y las medidas antropométricas de la mano en un grupo de trabajadores administrativos de la ciudad de Bogotá.  Participaron 315 personas entre 18 y 63 años, a quienes se les midió ocho dimensiones de la mano y la fuerza de agarre en las dos manos.  Mediante una regresión lineal se estableció que las medidas antropométricas que tienen relación significativa con la fuerza de agarre son AMM, EM, DA y CMM para la mano dominante, y AMM, EM, DA para la mano no dominante. Se determinó que las medidas antropométricas tienen un 52% de incidencia en la fuerza de la mano dominante, y un 50.6% para la fuerza de la mano no dominante. Asimismo, se concluyó que los hombres reportan mayor fuerza que las mujeres, y en general se presenta mayor fuerza en la mano dominante.
Aumento del pH del agua residual del beneficio húmedo del café, utilizando cáscaras de huevo
Authors: Ospina Zúñiga Oscar Efrén , Aldana Giraldo Alejandra , Rojas García Omar Eduardo
Published: September 2024

En la investigación se utilizará el cascarón de huevo de gallina aprovechando su alto contenido de carbono de calcio, para tratar el pH del agua producto residual del proceso convencional de beneficio húmedo del café, arrojada detectada en fuentes hídricas con consecuente contaminación química de cuerpos de agua Mediante pruebas experimentales y proceso exploratorio, se trituró y maceró el cascarón de huevo, pasó a través de tamices de la clasificación ASTM, para determinar el tamaño de partícula y las dimensiones más indicadas para tratar el pH ácido de agua residual, cuyo valor es de 4,05 y tomada de la zona cafetera del municipio de Líbano, Tolima, Colombia.Se neutralizó el pH ácido del agua residual mezclando con cascarón de huevo con tamaño máximo de partícula de 0,15 mm, que corresponde al que pasó el tamiz No.
Un modelo de enlaces inductivos asimétricos para aplicaciones de transferencia de energía con receptores miniaturizados*
Authors: Fajardo Jaimes Arturo , Cabrera Fabian Leonardo , De Sousa Fernando  Rangel
Published: September 2024

Actualmente, se pretende dotar de autonomía energética y movilidad a los dispositivos electrónicos. Por ejemplo, las baterías en implantes miniaturizados pueden evitarse usando sistemas de transferencia de energía inalámbrica basados ​​en enlaces inductivos asimétricos eficientes. En estos enlaces, el inductor del transmisor funciona cerca de su frecuencia de auto-resonancia. Objetivo: Se presenta un modelo circuital novedoso de un enlace inductivo asimétrico basado en inductores planos cuadrados de una vuelta (PSOI). Este modelo se basa en un modelo de PSOI y una expresión de inducción mutua, que fueron reportados en trabajos anteriores. A diferencia de los modelos disponibles, el modelo propuesto es preciso cuando sus inductores operan cerca de sus frecuencias de auto-resonancia. Además, se propone un método para medir el nivel de acoplamiento de enlace asimétrico (i.e., factor A) utilizando un analizador de redes vectorial. Materiales y métodos: El modelo propuesto fue simulado y probado experimentalmente utilizando un caso de estudio con un PSOI operando cerca de su frecuencia de auto-resonancia. Resultados: Las predicciones del modelo del enlace bajo prueba fueron consistentes con sus simulaciones y los valores experimentales. Conclusiones: El modelo capturó el proceso de transferencia de energía del caso de estudio.
Mechanical, Thermal, and Acoustic Properties of Mortars and Concretes Modified with Furcraea Cabuya Trel Juice (Fique Juice)
Authors: Herrera Ortiz Julián Orlando , Cruz Hernández Ricardo Alfredo , Begambre Carrillo Oscar Javier , Zapata Orduz Luis
Published: September 2024

Nowadays the use of synthetic additives for mortar and concrete is widespread; on the contrary, the alternative use of plasticizers and pore generators from plants or natural waste is not common. In this work, the effect of the addition of fique juice on mortars and concretes was evaluated. The compression strength of mortars was calculated, also their thermal conductivity, and acoustic impedance. Furthermore, the compressive strength of concrete (added with fique juice) was evaluated under a fire condition. Mortars were manufactured with several fique juice dosages ranging from 3% to 9% by weight of cement, and concretes were cast with 5%, 7%, and 10% of fique juice at water-cement ratio of 0.40. Results showed a reduction of the thermal conductivity of the modified mortars, and an increase in their acoustic absorption for frequencies lower than 1000 Hz with respect to the control (unmodified mortar). On the other hand, concrete modified with fique juice was subjected to temperatures of 200, 600 and 1000 °C, obtaining greater thermal insulation. The loss of compressive strength, due to fire, showed an inversely proportional relationship with the percentage of natural additive used. It means that for the same fire temperature, the concrete without juice lost 11% of its resistance, while the concrete modified with 10% juice only decreased its compression strength by 5%.
Prospects of the Agro-Industrial Cluster for the Commercialization of Bananas. Case Study in Ecuador
Authors: Pancorbo-Sandoval José Armando , Tinoco González Jorge Luis , Leyva Ricardo Sonia Emilia , Ruiz Cedeño Sebastiana del Monserrate
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study is to identify the feasibility prospects of a cluster to be implemented as the business development model of a business association in the La Concordia region of Ecuador based on a logistic model that enables the appropriate use of resources. The methodological design of this study comprises the application of surveys, interviews, the geo-marketing technique, and the open space model, thus establishing a procedure that, given qualitative and quantitative variables, enables mapping production and commercialization areas and identifying an appropriate location for constructing a collection center. The model proposed aims to leverage the advantages of the chosen location, reduce the technological gap, and promote technological innovation in business management to enhance productivity and competitiveness in the region.
The model proposed is aimed at using the advantages of the chosen location, reducing the technological gap, and promoting technological innovation in business management, in order to enhance productivity and competitiveness in the region.
A QUECHERS method for sample preparation in the analysis of pesticides in tomato
Authors: Tuárez-Benitez Sofía Consepción , Dueñas-Rivadeneira Alex , Ruiz-Reyes Enrique , Rodríguez Díaz Joan Manuel
Published: September 2024

The tomato is one of the crops that is likely to be attacked by pests. The use of pesticides during its harvest has consequently increased in recent years. This use has raised concerns about the presence of chemical contaminants in food, which may have harmful effects on health. To identify and determine the presence of pesticides efficiently and reliably at any of the stages: washing, peeling and sterilization, a fast, easy, cheap, effective, robust, and safe methodology (QuEChERS) is created. Today, it is successfully implemented for the monitoring of these residues in tomato with recovery percentages and relative standard deviations according to international standards. This review analyzes the application of the QuEChERS methodology for the identification and determination of pesticides in tomato, through a review of the literature in recent years. In addition, a bibliometric analysis of the Scopus database between 2007-2021 is performed, finding that the most published areas are Chemistry and Agriculture, being China the leading country with more publications. It was concluded that in most of research, modifications are made in the methodology such as the use of dicyandiamine sludge, obtaining good results in the extraction and recovery percentages with the advantage of having a lower cost and environmental pollution.
Tailoring an antihyperglycaemic regimen to a monogenic diabetes variant
Authors: Nemiroff Samuel , Goulden Peter
Published: September 2024

Monogenic diabetes mellitus (MDM) is an under-recognised entity that can be effectively treated with personalised therapies tailored to specific variants. Current guidelines suggest considering MDM in antibody-negative, C peptide-retaining patients with impaired glucose metabolism, particularly those with a significant family history and healthy body mass index. Here, we present a case of a patient with an MDM phenotype, treated with otherwise typical escalations in therapy but with adverse side effects and ultimately inadequate glycaemic control. He was subsequently found to have a unique heterozygous genotypic variant, guiding management decisions that have resulted in a now-stable medication regimen with excellent glycaemic control over the ensuing 3 years. Given that MDM has been predicted to account for up to 5% of all diabetes cases, it is important for clinicians to be cognisant of specific presentation features and available screening modalities in order to confirm and treat this diagnosis with the greatest efficacy.
Infection of the ovarian cyst: a rare presentation of extraintestinal salmonellosis
Authors: Pillai Sharanya , Antony Tessa , Godla Usha Rani , Bhaskar Emmanuel
Published: September 2024

A woman in her early 20’s presented with fever and unintentional weight loss of 4 kg over a period of 1 month and abdominal pain for 10 days. Empirical antibiotic therapy administered prior to hospitalisation was not successful. Evaluation for fever was unrewarding except for an abnormal ultrasound which showed two cysts with the largest dimension of 9 cm in the right adnexal region. All blood cultures were sterile. She underwent laparoscopic cystectomy. Bacterial culture of cyst fluid grewSalmonella entericasubspeciesentericaserotype Typhi which was found to be resistant to fluoroquinolones. The case emphasises the fact that localised infection of the ovarian cyst can occur in extraintestinal salmonellosis that can have a negative blood culture and can mimic ovarian malignancy.
Silent stealth: painless aortic dissection masquerading as heart failure
Authors: Riaz Sajeela , Ahmed Dalia , Omoregbee Benjamin I , Butt Hafiz , Naqvi Syed Yaseen
Published: September 2024

A male patient in his 50s presented to the emergency department with a three-day history of shortness of breath, New York Heart Association class IV, and oxygen desaturation. His physical examination revealed a large volume radial pulse with bibasal crepitation in the lungs and a soft diastolic murmur in the aortic area on auscultation of his heart. He was managed on the line of decompensated heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a dissection flap in the ascending aorta with acute severe aortic regurgitation. A subsequent urgent CT angiography of the whole aorta confirmed a complex type A aortic dissection with an aneurysmal ascending aorta. An emergency type A aortic dissection repair (modified Bentall’s procedure) was done. The patient made a good recovery, was discharged successfully 2 weeks after the procedure and was doing well on postoperative follow-up.
Emotional and psychological safety in the context of digital transformation in healthcare: a mixed-method strategic foresight study
Authors: Kuske Silke , Vondeberg Carmen , Minartz Peter , Vöcking Mara , Obert Laura , Hemming Bernhard , Bleck Christian , Znotka Matti , Ose Claudia , Heistermann Peter , Schmitz-Kießler Jutta , Karrenbrock Anne , Cürlis Diana
Published: September 2024

Background

Perceived safety has received attention in the digital transformation of healthcare. However, the impact of perceived safety on the future of digital transformation has not been fully elucidated.

Aim

To investigate perceived safety in the context of the digital transformation of healthcare while considering relevant needs, influencing factors and impacts, including crisis events, to provide recommendations for action based on a participatory, multiperspective, strategic 5-year foresight viewpoint.

Methods

A strategic foresight study is conducted via a participatory mixed-methods design to understand the present related factors that are likely to be relevant to future developments in the digital transformation of healthcare.

Results

We observed that feeling safe plays a complex role in the digital transformation of healthcare. How perceived safety is considered has and will continue to impact the individual, organisational and system levels. Regarding a potential crisis event, controversial consequences have been observed. At its core, digital (health) literacy related to equity of access and human support is one of the crucial aspects in the context of perceived safety related to the successful implementation of digital technologies in healthcare.

Conclusions

The scenarios showed that a continuation of the current situation over the next 5 years may result in partly desirable and partly undesirable outcomes. Concrete key factors should be used in practice to support both education and healthcare quality development and research. The essence of the scenarios should serve as a starting point for research agenda setting and political decision-making in the future. However, additional research is needed to quantify the correlations among the relevant factors.
Association of herpes simplex virus infection with hearing loss: a cross-sectional study using NHANES data from 2011 to 2012 and 2015 to 2016
Authors: Li Yingqiang , Su Bo , Wang Xiaodi , Chu Hanqi , Bing Dan
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between herpes simplex virus (HSV) and hearing loss using comprehensive population-based research.

Design

This cross-sectional study utilised data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to examine the relationship between HSV (types 1 and 2) and hearing loss. The final sample comprised 4608 participants aged 20–49 years. Weighted multivariate regression, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were employed for statistical evaluations.

Setting

Utilising the NHANES data, this cross-sectional study provides insights into the American population aged 20–49 years.

Participants

The study includes 4608 participants from the NHANES 2011–2012 and 2015–2016 cycles, focusing on those with complete data on HSV infection and hearing assessment.

Interventions (exposure)

The study analyses the association between HSV (types 1 and 2) infection and hearing loss, using weighted multivariate regression for statistical evaluations.

Results

We observed an association between HSV-1 infection and an increased likelihood of hearing impairment (OR, 1.4 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.9)). A similar association was noted for those coinfected with HSV-1 and HSV-2 (OR, 1.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.3)). Similarly, higher grades of hearing loss and elevated pure-tone averages were more prevalent in these groups. Notably, the association between HSV-1 and hearing impairment was more pronounced in individuals aged 20–34 (OR, 2.1 (95% CI 1.4 to 3.3); P for interaction=0.020) and those with a body mass index (BMI) below 30 (OR, 1.8 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.8); P for interaction=0.028).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest an association between HSV-1 infection or coinfections with HSV-1 and HSV-2 and the presence of hearing impairment. The association appears particularly pronounced among younger individuals and those with a lower BMI. Further prospective research is needed to explore the causal impact of HSV on auditory function.
Promotion of sports, exercise and physical activity participation during postoperative interventions for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: protocol for an international e-Delphi study
Authors: Tucker Susanna , Heneghan Nicola R , Gardner Adrian , Russell Emily , Rushton Alison , Soundy Andrew
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is present in 2%–3% of those under 18 years old and has a significant impact on pain, function and quality of life. Up to 10% of adolescents with AIS progress to spinal fusion surgery, and of those individuals many experience reduced musculoskeletal function and do not return to sports postoperatively. Physiotherapists have a significant role in promoting participation and offering a graded return to sports, exercise and physical activity. However, there is a lack of evidence and variability between surgeons and physiotherapists worldwide regarding rehabilitation milestones and return to exercise, sports and physical activity. This study aims to reach a consensus on when it is safe and how an individual might begin a graded return to sports, exercise and physical activity.

Methods and analysis

This protocol was written in accordance with the Guidance on Conducting and REporting DElphi Studies (CREDES) guidelines. An international expert sample of surgeons and physiotherapists in AIS will be recruited. This electronic Delphi is anticipated to consist of three iterative rounds. Round 1 will be a series of open-ended questions examining rehabilitation milestones and return to sports, exercise and physical activity postoperatively. Round 2 will commence with a summary of the existing literature for participants to review. Rounds 2 and 3 will involve a collated summary of results from the previous round, including any dissonance. During rounds 2 and 3, participants will be asked to privately rate responses on a 5-point Likert scale. The study steering group and patient and public involvement representative have been involved from conceptualisation and will continue to be involved until final dissemination.

Ethics and dissemination

Full ethical approval has been provided by the University of Birmingham, reference number: ERN_1617-Nov2023. Dissemination will take place through conference presentation and peer-reviewed publications.
Organisational models for managing Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEICs) in the South-East Asia Region (SEAR) nations: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Sharma Rajeev , Chauhan Himanshu , Parkash Surya , Verma Pranay , Sunthlia Avinash , Verma Navin , Bhawalpuria Nishtha , Kathait Anil , Dogra Ajay , Garg Rajat , Kishore Jugal , Jain Shalu , Bhumika T V , Gokhale Runa H , Desai Meghna , Ratnoo Rajendra , Goel Atul
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The current literature suggests that the frequency and complexity of public health emergencies are rising and this trend will likely continue. From 2000 to 2023, seven events have been declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Organisational models such as the Incident Management System, Incident Response System and Incident Command System or country-specific models are essential in managing PHEIC.

The review aims to achieve four key objectives. First, identify and describe the organisational models used in the South-East Asia Region (SEAR) nations defined by WHO as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste and DPR Korea for managing PHEICs. Second, explore the indicators used to gauge the effectiveness of these models. Third, assess how these indicators impact the overall success of organisational models. Finally, the review will delve into the implementation aspects gaining a deeper understanding of how the organisational models are put into practice to manage PHEICs in the SEAR region.

Methods and analysis

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines, a qualitative evidence synthesis will be conducted. A defined search strategy will be employed to conduct a comprehensive literature search of the following academic databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica Database, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, WHO Library Database, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and Web of Science; as well as non-academic databases including Google Scholar, Evidence Aid, Epistemonikos, Shodhganga and ResearchGate. This review will employ the SPIDER-D tool for searching qualitative studies. Two reviewers will check the quality of included studies and will be appraised using standard critical appraisal tools. In case of any difference between the two reviewers, a third reviewer will take the decision.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated through a workshop for stakeholders and policymakers.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023394418.
Which actions contribute to the development of an interprofessional learning and working culture in nursing homes? A realist action study
Authors: Verbeek Frank H O , Nouwens Elvira S , Lovink Marleen Hermien , Huisman-de Waal Getty , Fluit Cornelia R M G , Laurant Miranda , van Vught Anneke J A H
Published: September 2024

Objective

Insights about what actions contributed to the development of an interprofessional learning and working culture were lacking for nursing homes. This study aimed to provide insight into the context and actions that trigger mechanisms for the development of an interprofessional learning and working culture in nursing homes.

Study design

Realist evaluation action research was conducted from 2019 to 2023.

Setting and participants

11 teams in 6 Dutch nursing homes.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Questionnaires, focus group interviews and observations were used to identify actions, context factors and mechanisms. We used retroductive analysis to discuss how actions were related to the development of the culture. Actions were evaluated in terms of context and manner in which they contribute to the development.

Results

21 actions were identified and clustered into two themes. Theme 1: improving person-centred care. Actions activated the mechanisms of critical reflective behaviour and collective ownership in a context of, among other things, clear roles and tasks, a stable and competent team, the presence of case managers and facilitating organisational factors such as time for reflection. Theme 2: getting to know and understand each other’s expertise. Actions activated respectful relationships, collective ownership of goals and feeling appreciated for your work in a context of, among other things, team members who meet regularly and management supporting interprofessional working.

Conclusions

This research sheds light on how and in what manner-specific actions contribute to the development of an interprofessional learning and working culture in nursing homes. Depending on the context, the actions triggered the following mechanisms: critical reflective behaviour, collective ownership of goals, respectful/caring relationships and feeling appreciated for your work. These mechanisms are the underlying drivers of an interprofessional learning and working culture. This study provides valuable guidance for fostering collaborative and effective interprofessional dynamics in nursing homes.
Cohort profile: the PRIMETIME 1 (PRecIsion MEdicine based on kidney TIssue Molecular interrogation in diabetic nEphropathy) cohort – a longitudinal Danish nationwide study of individuals with diabetes and a performed kidney biopsy
Authors: Jensen Karina Haar , Kosjerina Vanja , Hansen Ditte , Persson Frederik , Bressendorff Iain , Møller Marie , Rossing Peter , Borg Rikke
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Individuals with diabetes and chronic kidney disease are at high risk of kidney failure, cardiovascular events and premature mortality and more research is warranted to further improve the prevention and management of complications. The PRecIsion MEdicine based on kidney TIssue Molecular interrogation in diabetic nEphropathy (PRIMETIME) 1 cohort is designed to study clinical characteristics, diagnostic accuracy and prognostic markers in a population with diabetes and kidney disease classified by biopsy.

Participants

This retrospective Danish nationwide cohort includes 2586 individuals with diabetes who have undergone a kidney biopsy between the 1980s and 2022.

Findings to date

By combining multiple registries and medical databases, we comprehensively describe the cohort with data on demographics, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, laboratory measurements, medication use and comorbidity at the time of diagnosis of diabetes and at the time of kidney biopsy within types of kidney disease. In individuals with type 1 diabetes, 132 cases of diabetic nephropathy were identified, with 70.5% of them being men, with a median (IQR) age of 50 (41–59) years at biopsy, and a median (IQR) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 37 (23–5X) mL/min/1.73 m2. Among individuals with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (n=599), 76.8% were male aged 61.9 (55–99) years at biopsy and with an eGFR 40 (24–6X) mL/min/1.73 m2.

Future plans

The national population registries in Denmark provide a long follow-up period and a distinct opportunity to use superior registry data. This cohort offers a unique opportunity to study the prognostic value of findings in kidney biopsies, the impact of comorbidity and the effect of therapy at the time of kidney biopsy, with a follow-up period increasing over time with running updates.
Risk factors and birth outcomes of preterm birth subtypes: a case-control study of singleton natural pregnancy
Authors: Jiang Yonghong , Zhou Fang , Zhang Haokun , Zhang Hui , Chen Songchang , Allen Edward , Chen Hongyan , Xu Chenming , Lu Daru
Published: September 2024

Objective

The objective of the study was to identify the risk factors correlated with spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) and iatrogenic preterm birth (IPTB), as well as to compare the pregnancy outcomes between SPTB and IPTB.

Materials and methods

A total of 1676 (343 SPTB, 144 IPTB and 1189 full-term control group) cases were collected from the International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital of Shanghai between August 2018 and October 2020. A case-control study was conducted to explore the risk factors and pregnancy outcomes of SPTB and IPTB.

Results

The study identified a set of risk factors for SPTB and IPTB, as well as differences in pregnancy outcomes. Reproductive tract infections and myoma of the uterus were the risk factors for SPTB (p<0.05). Fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, fetal distress, placenta abnormality, oligohydramnios and scarred uterus were the risk factors for IPTB (p<0.05). Antenatal haemorrhage and placental abruption were the risk factors both for SPTB and IPTB (p<0.05). The pregnancy outcomes of the two PTB subtypes differed, and birth weight, length and 1-minute Apgar score of newborns were significantly lower in IPTB than in SPTB (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The risk factors of SPTB and IPTB are different, and IPTB is associated with a higher incidence of worse pregnancy outcomes than SPTB.
VPS13C and STING expression in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: unveiling an unbreached territory
Authors: Ebaid Amany M , Zakaria Mohammad A , Mekkawy Enas M , Nageeb Rania S , Elfwakhry Rabab M , Seleem Dina A , Shabana Marwa A , Esawy Marwa M
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To measure the expression level of the vacuolar protein sorting 13 (VPS13) gene and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in patients with SLE with and without reported neuropsychiatric symptoms to establish their possible role in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE).

Methods

This study included 100 subjects: 50 patients diagnosed with SLE and 50 age-matched and sex-matched healthy participants as the control group. The patients with SLE were further subdivided into NPSLE and non-NPSLE groups. All the subjects underwent rheumatological, neurological and psychological evaluation, MRI, VPS13C gene and STING expression assessment via quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

Seventy-eight per cent of the SLE group were classified as non-NPSLE, and 22% were classified as NPSLE. Positive MRI results were found in 55% of the patients with NPSLE and 7.7% of the patients without NPSLE.

VPS13C expression levels were decreased in the patients with SLE compared with the control (p<0.001), while STING expression levels showed higher levels in the patients in comparison with the control (p<0.001). Both markers showed significant differences between the MRI-positive and MRI-negative groups.

At a cut-off value of 0.225 for the VPS13C assessment and a cut-off value of 3.15 for STING expression, both markers were able to distinguish patients with NPSLE from those who were non-NPSLE; however, VPS13C performed better.

Conclusion

The VPS13C expression levels were decreased in patients with NPSLE compared with patients without NPSLE, while STING expression levels showed higher levels in NPSLE. Both were associated with the MRI findings. To distinguish patients with NPSLE from those without it, the VPS13C assessment performed better.
Large deformation analysis of intermittent pile penetration into dense sand incorporating a state-dependent Mohr–Coulomb model
Authors: Ye R.R. , Huang Z.Y. , Yang Z.X. , Guo N. , Jardine R.J. , Fu S.
Published: September 2024

The challenges of predicting the stresses acting around piles driven in sand limits meaningful analysis of their single and group loading responses, aging processes and scale/in-situ stress level dependency. Benchmark local stresses measurements made in the sand mass and pile shaft in Calibration Chamber (CC) models show that sharply different regimes act when the pile is either penetrating or temporarily stationary. This paper presents an Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) finite element simulation of installation into dense sand, highlighting the stress changes developed between intermittent penetration stages and exploring the effects of initial stress level. The installation by cyclic jacking of closed-ended model piles studied in a highly instrumented CC experiments is simulated with a state-dependent Mohr–Coulomb model calibrated to high-quality element tests on the sand employed. The predicted pile head loads and local stresses are compared with the CC experiments, showing generally good agreement over the lower parts of the pile shaft while also matching key field-scale trends from CPT-based practical design approaches. More advanced constitutive modeling appears necessary to eliminate discrepancies noted over the higher shaft levels, which may be linked to currently neglected aspects of the sands’ highly nonlinear behavior, including grain crushing and hysteresis under cyclic loading.
Parental care of underwater egg clutches in Andean water frogs (Anura: Telmatobiidae)
Authors: Brunetti Andrés E. , Muñoz-Saravia Arturo , Barrionuevo J. Sebastián , Amanda Delgado C. J. , Vargas Victor J. , Faivovich Julián
Published: September 2024

The most generalized reproductive mode in anurans is the deposition of egg clutches in water that develop into exotrophic aquatic tadpoles. Yet, despite this extended distribution, cases of parental care on submerged egg clutches are poorly documented. Because of its high diversity, its aquatic habits, and reports on males of two species standing next to the clutch, the Andean genus Telmatobius Wiegmann, 1834 offers an excellent model to examine the evolution of such behavior and the factors influencing it. Here, we combine field and laboratory studies to describe the breeding biology and parental care behavior in Telmatobius culeus (Garman, 1876), Telmatobius hintoni Parker, 1940, Telmatobius intermedius Vellard, 1951, Telmatobius jelskii (Peters, 1873), and Telmatobius oxycephalus Vellard, 1946. Our findings indicate that these five species have prolonged breeding season, and use concealed underwater shelters between rocks or macrophytes for mating and egg deposition. We showed that clutches of 35–560 eggs are deposited in these shelters. Males were observed next to the egg clutch and defending it aggressively against intruders, including conspecifics. Females were, on average, larger than males supporting the hypothesis that competition among males does not drive sexual size dimorphism in the genus. Our findings provide meaningful data to use in conservation programs, given that most species of Telmatobius are considered endangered and fill a significant information gap in understanding parental care’s origin in Nobleobatrachia.
Embeddings Between State and Action Based Probabilistic Logics
Authors: Das Susmoy , Sharma Arpit
Published: September 2024

This paper defines embeddings between state-based and action-based probabilistic logics which can be used to support probabilistic model checking. First, we slightly modify the model embeddings proposed in the literature to allow invisible computation steps and the preservation of forward and backward bisimulation relations. Next, we propose the syntax and semantics of an action-based Probabilistic Computation Tree Logic (APCTL) and an action-based PCTL* (APCTL*) interpreted over action-labeled discrete-time Markov chains (ADTMCs). We show that both these logics are strictly more expressive than the probabilistic variant of Hennessy-Milner logic (prHML). We define an embedding
aldl
which can be used to construct APCTL* formulae from PCTL* formulae and an embedding
sldl
from APCTL* formulae to PCTL* formulae. Similarly, we define the embeddings
aldl
′ and
sldl
′ from PCTL to APCTL and APCTL to PCTL, respectively. We also define the reward-based variant of APCTL (APRCTL) interpreted over action-based Markov Reward Models (AMRM), and accordingly modify the logical embeddings
aldl
′ and
sldl
′ which allows us to take into account the notion of rewards. Additionally, we also show that the idea of rewards can be used to reason about the bounded until operator in PCTL and APCTL. Finally, we prove that our logical embeddings combined with the model embeddings enable one to minimize, analyze, and verify probabilistic models in one domain using state-of-the-art tools and techniques developed for the other domain. In order to validate the efficacy of our theoretical framework, we apply it to two case studies using the probabilistic symbolic model checker (PRISM).
Challenges and Opportunities in Mobile Network Security for Vertical Applications: A Survey
Authors: Sobrinho Álvaro , Vilarim Matheus , Barbosa Amanda , Candeia Gurjão Edmar , F. S. Santos Danilo , Valadares Dalton , Dias da Silva Leandro
Published: September 2024

Ensuring the security of vertical applications in fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems and previous generations is crucial. These systems must prioritize maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of services and data. Examples of vertical applications include smart cities, smart transportation, public services, Industry 4.0, smart grids, smart health, and smart agriculture. Each vertical application has specific security requirements and faces unique threats within the mobile network environment. Thus, it is essential to implement comprehensive and robust security measures. This approach helps minimize the attack surface and effectively manage risks. This survey thoroughly examines mobile networks and their security challenges in vertical applications, shedding light on associated threats and potential solutions. Our study considers the interplay between security considerations in 5G, legacy networks, and vertical applications. We emphasize the challenges, opportunities, and promising directions for future research in this field and the importance of securing vertical applications in the evolving landscape of mobile technology.