bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Percutaneous Image-Guided Rupture of Lumbar Facet Cysts: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ishihara Yohei , Morishita Masutaro , Kanzaki Koji
Published: March 2023

Background. Percutaneous rupture of lumbar facet cysts (LFC) is the only nonsurgical treatment which is effective in directly reducing cysts. However, this is not yet a common procedure, and its effectiveness, including the associated complications, remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous rupture for LFC and elucidate whether this minimally invasive procedure could become an alternative to surgeries for cases resistant to conservative treatments. Methods. This study investigated 57 symptomatic patients with LFC for whom conservative treatments were ineffective and underwent percutaneous rupture of the LFC. All patients were followed up for >2 years posttreatment. Clinical evaluations (visual analogue scale (VAS) and recovery rate calculated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores) and radiographic evaluations (size of LFC based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) were performed from pretreatment to the final follow-up examination. Results. Successful LFC rupture, without hospitalization and general anesthesia, was achieved in 48 patients. No severe complications occurred during treatment through the last observation. Satisfactory clinical results with significant improvements in the VAS and JOA scores were obtained (VAS: pre/posttreatment: 80.7 mm/11.2 mm, JOA: pre/posttreatment: 15.6 points/26.7 points, and recovery rate: 82.3%). A significant reduction in the LFC was also observed in all cases based on the posttreatment MRI findings. No successful rupture cases required subsequent surgical treatments, although four cases of LFC recurrence required additional percutaneous rupture treatment. Conclusions. Percutaneous rupture for LFC is not only a safe and minimally invasive procedure without any severe complications or requirements for hospitalization and general anesthesia but also a beneficial procedure that can eliminate the need for surgery in cases resistant to conservative treatments.
The Effect of Active Chitosan Films Containing Bacterial Cellulose Nanofiber and ZnO Nanoparticles on the Shelf Life of Loaf Bread
Authors: Bakouei Mehrasa , Sadeghizadeh Yazdi Jalal , Ehrampoush Mohammad Hasan , Salari Mahdieh , Madadizadeh Farzan
Published: March 2023

Due to the disadvantages of synthetic packaging materials such as migration, environmental pollution, lack of easy recycling, and high production costs, natural polymers have received much attention as safe and biodegradable alternatives to plastics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the active film of chitosan (CH) containing bacterial cellulose nanofiber (BCNF) and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPCs) on the shelf life of loaf bread (toast, baguette, and sandwich-type bread). The results showed that ZnO NPCs significantly reduced the thickness and water vapor permeability (WVP) and increased the opacity of films

p
<
0.05

. CH-BCNF-ZnO 2% NPCs film had the lowest thickness and WVP and the highest opacity. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) showed that ZnO NPCs increased the thermal stability of chitosan films. CH-BCNF-ZnO 1% NPCs had the highest melting point (148.66°C) and melting enthalpy (ΔHm). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed the good distribution of ZnO NPCs in the chitosan film. The higher concentrations of ZnO NPCs formed aggregates in the polymer. ZnO NPCs had a significant effect on the physicochemical properties of bread. The highest moisture content and water activity

a

w

were observed in CH-BCNF-ZnO 2% toast and control toast, respectively. CH toast showed high ash and insoluble ash. CH baguettes and control baguettes showed the highest pH. As the ZnO NPCs concentration increased, the nanoparticle migration increased. The highest migration was observed in CH-BCNF-ZnO 2% baguette. The highest and lowest hardness was observed in CH-BCNF-ZnO NPCs 2% baguette and CH-BCNF- ZnO NPCs 1% toast bread, respectively. Composite films decreased the microbial population in all bread samples except sandwich-type bread. It can be concluded that BCNF and ZnO NPCs improve the physical properties of chitosan film and can be suggested as active packaging in bread.
Effect of V-Shaped Groove Microstructure on Blood Flow Resistance in Bionic Artificial Blood Vessels
Authors: Li Zhou , Gu Yunqing , Yu Lingzhi , Yin Zhuofan , Wang Wenting , Wu Denghao , Mou Jiegang , Zheng Shuihua
Published: March 2023

This study aims to investigate the blood flow in bionic artificial blood vessels and to reduce the resistance to blood flow, the drag reduction characteristics of V-shaped groove drag reduction microstructures in artificial blood vessel structures were investigated in depth. By varying the parameters of incoming flow velocity, groove width, and groove depth, the effect of various variable conditions on the drag reduction effect of the grooves was investigated, and the flow field characteristics and drag reduction effect of the V-shaped groove microstructure in the artificial blood vessel were obtained. A detailed analysis of the effect of velocity and groove size on the drag reduction effect of the groove was also carried out to demonstrate the drag reduction mechanism of the V-shaped groove microstructure and to summarize the variation law of the drag reduction rate of the V-shaped groove. The results show that the resistance reduction rate of the V-shaped groove microstructure decreases with the increase of blood flow velocity, increases with the increase of groove width, and increases and then decreases with the increase of groove depth. The velocity range used in this paper is 0.3–0.6 m/s, the groove width varies from 0 to 0.3 mm, and the groove depth varies from 0 to 0.3 mm.
Novel Arginase Inhibitor, AZD0011, Demonstrates Immune Cell Stimulation and Antitumor Efficacy with Diverse Combination Partners
Authors: Doshi Aatman S. , Cantin Susan , Hernandez Marylens , Srinivasan Srimathi , Tentarelli Sharon , Griffin Matthew , Wang Yanjun , Pop-Damkov Petar , Prickett Laura B. , Kankkonen Cecilia , Shen Minhui , Martin Maryann San , Wu Song , Castaldi M. Paola , Ghadially Hormas , Varnes Jeffrey , Gales Sonya , Henry David , Hoover Clare , Mele Deanna A. , Simpson Iain , Gangl Eric T. , Mlynarski Scott N. , Finlay M. Raymond V. , Drew Lisa , Fawell Stephen E. , Shao Wenlin , Schuller Alwin G.
Published: March 2023

Antitumor immunity can be hampered by immunosuppressive mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment, including recruitment of arginase (ARG) expressing myeloid cells that deplete l-arginine essential for optimal T-cell and natural killer cell function. Hence, ARG inhibition can reverse immunosuppression enhancing antitumor immunity. We describe AZD0011, a novel peptidic boronic acid prodrug to deliver an orally available, highly potent, ARG inhibitor payload (AZD0011-PL). We demonstrate that AZD0011-PL is unable to permeate cells, suggesting that this compound will only inhibit extracellular ARG. In vivo, AZD0011 monotherapy leads to arginine increases, immune cell activation, and tumor growth inhibition in various syngeneic models. Antitumor responses increase when AZD0011 is combined with anti–PD-L1 treatment, correlating with increases in multiple tumor immune cell populations. We demonstrate a novel triple combination of AZD0011, anti–PD-L1, and anti-NKG2A, and combination benefits with type I IFN inducers, including polyI:C and radiotherapy. Our preclinical data demonstrate AZD0011’s ability to reverse tumor immunosuppression and enhance immune stimulation and antitumor responses with diverse combination partners providing potential strategies to increase immuno-oncology therapies clinically.
EUS-Guided Choledochoduodenostomy after Failed Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Distal Malignant Biliary Obstruction
Authors: Tarrio Isabel , Moreira Marta , Araújo Tarcísio , Lopes Luís
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Malignant biliary obstruction drainage is essential, since jaundice is associated with morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the recommended procedure for biliary drainage, with percutaneous biliary drainage being the classic alternative in cases of unsuccessful ERCP. Recently, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage has been emerged as a new option, with EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) being considered an effective and safe method in the drainage of distal obstructions of the common bile duct. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EUS-CDS performed in patients with distal malignant biliary obstructions, after failed ERCP. Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study between July 2017 and June 2022 including all consecutive patients submitted to EUS-CDS in our center. The primary outcomes were “technical success” and “clinical success,” defined as “resolution of jaundice or improvement in total serum bilirubin level above 50% at 7th day and above 75% at 30th day after the procedure.” Secondary outcomes were procedure-related adverse events, endoscopic reintervention, and survival time. Results: EUS-CDS was performed in 20 patients (65.0% male; median age 76 years). The most frequent etiology for the biliary obstruction was pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 17; 85.0%), and most patients presented at advanced stages of cancer (12/60% in stages III or IV). ERCP failure was mainly due to the presence of obstruction in the duodenal lumen (n = 11; 55.0%). Fully covered metallic stents were used in all patients, mostly HotAxiosTM (n = 15; 75.0%). The technical success rate was 100%, and the clinical success rate was 89.5% (n = 17/19) at 7th day and 93.3% (n = 14/15) at 30th day. Four patients (20.0%) developed cholangitis within the first 30 days after the procedure; there were no late complications, and no patient died as a complication of the procedure. In 2 patients (10.0%), endoscopic reintervention was necessary due to stent migration, incidentally detected. Median survival was 93 days (minimum 5–maximum 751). Conclusion: EUS-CDS was effective in biliary decompression of malignant obstructions of the common bile duct, with high clinical success and a favorable safety profile.
Ensino e educação com igualdade de gênero na infância e na adolescência: guia prático para educadores e educadoras
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas, Rossini Rosa Ester , Saidel Rochelle G. ,   Remember the Women Institute, Calió Sonia Alves
Published: March 2023

Esta terceira edição da publicação Ensino e Educação com Igualdade de Gênero na Infância e na Adolescência - Guia Prático para Educadores e Educadoras é o resultado de experiências acumuladas por professoras e professores, pesquisadoras e pesquisadores que estudam as questões de igualdade, equidade e diversidade de gênero. Foi idealizado como um instrumento de orientação e de autoavaliação para docentes da educação básica, auxiliando o desenvolvimento de práticas didáticas que contribuam para extinguir os preconceitos de todas as naturezas na formação de crianças e adolescentes, adquiridos tanto por herança cultural da sociedade, quanto por menções e concepções equivocadas eventualmente presentes nos materiais educacionais. O conteúdo deste Guia não pretende ser exaustivo, nem portador de receitas mágicas. É, antes de mais nada, provocativo para a reflexão e propositivo para a aprendizagem por interação e participação.
A Taxonomia de Bloom como estratégia de aprimoramento aos livros didáticos para o ensino crítico de LE (italiano)
Authors: Mendes Ana Paula Miranda , Freitas Paula Garcia de
Published: March 2023

Costumeiramente, os livros didáticos são materiais pedagógicos postos como elementares no ensino/aprendizagem de línguas estrangeiras (LE). Entretanto, na abordagem comunicativa, tais materiais acabam sendo criticados por não auxiliarem integralmente os professores/alunos a alcançarem o objetivo primeiro, que é desenvolver as quatro habilidades na LE. Sem alcançar essas quatro habilidades, torna-se ainda mais difícil que o professor consiga desenvolver alunos críticos, capazes de analisar, avaliar situações e efetivamente agir na LE. O seguinte trabalho visa a apresentar análise de dois livros de italiano como língua estrangeira: Al Dente 1 (2017) e Arrivederci 1 (2011), fundamentada na Taxonomia de Bloom Revisada (FERRAZ e BELHOT, 2010), que procura classificar, ordenar e categorizar hierarquicamente os objetivos de aprendizagem de acordo com os níveis de complexidade cognitiva desejados e planejados nas atividades propostas em sala de aula (MENDES, 2019). A observação desses resultados permitiu concluir que, embora os livros se apresentem como materiais que ajudam no desenvolvimento das quatro habilidades, a maior parte das atividades parece apontar para o desenvolvimento das habilidades de compreensão, pois os comandos dados aos alunos estão, principalmente, nas duas primeiras categorias propostas por Bloom: Lembrar e Entender. É a partir dessa análise, que surge uma proposta de aprimoramento aos livros didáticos em que os demais objetivos cognitivos da Taxonomia sejam amplamente trabalhados, ajudando os alunos a desenvolver a capacidade de analisar as situações comunicativas criticamente.
Satyr-Play in the Statesman and the Unity of Plato’s Trilogy
Authors: El Murr Dimitri
Published: March 2023

At Statesman (Plt.) 291a–c and 303c–d, Plato compares the so-called statesmen of all existing constitutions to a motley crew of lions, centaurs, satyrs, and other beasts, and the entire section of the Statesman devoted to law and constitutions (291c–303c) to a satyr-play of sorts. This paper argues that these thought-provoking images are best understood as literary devices which, in addition to other dramatic elements in the Theaetetus and Sophist, help to bolster the unity of the Theaetetus-Sophist-Statesman trilogy and its apologetic agenda concerning Socrates.
Essentialism in the Categories
Authors: Shapiro Gabriel
Published: March 2023

According to the Categories, predicates can be ‘said of’ their subjects or they can be ‘present in’ their subjects. The said-of relation has received relatively little scholarly attention, and scholars disagree on the answers to four foundational questions about the relation. (i) What is it? (ii) Is it an essential relation? (iii) How is it related to predication? (iv) Is it primitive? I argue that A is said-of B just in case A is a formal part of B. On this account, said-of is an essential relation and it is definable, but it is not defined in terms of predication.
Keeping treasure safe: Eurasian red squirrels cache valuable food far from the food source with low canopy cover
Authors: Takahata Yu , Uchida Kenta , Shimamoto Tatsuki , Kutsukake Nobuyuki
Published: March 2023

Scatter-hoarding animals decide their food hoarding location by assessing food quality and pilfering risk. Previous studies have proposed two non-mutually exclusive hypotheses; the optimal density model (ODM) and the habitat structure hypothesis (HSH). The ODM proposes that animals utilize low cache density to protect their valuable caches by transporting food far from food sources. The HSH proposes that animals utilize predation risk to protect their valuable caches by hoarding food in open areas. Here, we investigated the hoarding behaviours in Eurasian red squirrels Sciurus vulgaris by experimentally providing high-quality (walnuts) and low-quality (acorns) food, to examine if they follow ODM or HSH. Compared to acorns, squirrels hoarded walnuts in places further from the area where food was provisioned and in areas with low canopy cover. These results agree with both ODM and HSH, providing the first evidence that hoarding behaviour in Eurasian red squirrels is shaped by multiple factors.
Seeking Justice for Women: Potential and Limits of International Solidarity Movements
Authors: Marconi Rachele
Published: March 2023

The contribution aims at analysing the role of international solidarity movements in seeking justice for international war crimes against women. Through the example of the ‘comfort women’ case, the article examines the ways in which these international solidarity movements have used international law instruments and institutions to promote the idea of an individual right to reparation as a means by which victims can obtain justice. Two specific legal features of this case show the international solidarity movements’ engagement with international law over the last decades: first, the establishment of the Women’s Tokyo Tribunal, and, second, the judicial mobilisation of international civil society actors before national courts. It is argued that the international solidarity movements have informed the legal concepts, paradigms, and language used to legally analyse the ‘comfort women’ case, and, to a certain extent, they have influenced some recent jurisprudential developments, especially in the legal arguments invoked by the national courts that have decided on the claims of ‘comfort women’. Ultimately, the ‘comfort women’ case demonstrates how the solidarity of international civil society actors towards a specific group of victims can be essential in order, first, to achieve post-conflict justice and, second, to progressively develop international law towards the advancement of legal standards of protection for individuals.
Taking Illegal Amnesties Seriously: Threefold Approach to the Admissibility Test before the International Criminal Court
Authors: Ochi Megumi
Published: March 2023

The current oversimplification of the amnesty issue has created a narrative that international law prohibits granting and admitting the effect of amnesties for core crimes. However, even if a domestic amnesty is found illegal under international law, it is still valid at the national level. The International Criminal Court (icc) cannot ignore the existence of and the legal consequences of such ‘illegal’ amnesties in assessing the admissibility of a case. This article categorises amnesties into three types and clarifies the legal and factual effects of internationally illegal domestic amnesties for the icc and the legal logic under which the icc treats such amnesties at the admissibility stage based on the developing applicable laws. This study provides clear guidelines on the conditions that would make a case inadmissible before the icc for both the chambers and the domestic policy makers and legislators who design amnesties.
The sociopragmatics of compliment in the media discourse
Authors: Tang Chihsia
Published: March 2023

This study investigated whether and how the gender of the judges in the TV talent competitions affects the pragmatics of the compliments in their evaluative comments addressed to the contest participants. The explicitness of the compliments, the distribution of positive semantic carriers and intensifiers, the personal focus of the compliments, and the supportive discursive moves in the male and female judges’ complimenting speech events were qualitatively analysed and statistically compared. Results, however, do not support the general belief that women’s complimenting style is more socioemotional than men’s. The function of the compliments that the judges would like to accentuate in the formal institutional setting appears to have a greater impact on their linguistic performances than their gender role. The male and female judges’ complimenting styles seem to be strategic manoeuvres to create their preferred social image in the public media discourse.
The Influence of Mongolian Nomadic Cattle Breeding on Language Use
Authors: Oberfalzerová Alena
Published: March 2023

The Mongolian nomads’ way of life and perception of the outside world is directly reflected in their thinking and use of language. In the following article, I apply an ethnolinguistic approach to the study of the Mongolian language. I find the theoretical basis in the ethnography of communication (Dell Hymes 1962), which allows for the communication behaviour of nomads to be revealed. The given examples of idioms, phrases, sayings, and proverbs relate to cattle breeding, the essence of nomadic life, and reveal the linguistic means of their metaphorical expression. The article builds on my previous ethnolinguistic research on the colloquial language and is based on material collected during long-term field research, which was subsequently consulted in detail with native speakers.
On a Sound Change in Proto-Turkic
Authors: Ünal Orçun
Published: March 2023

The present paper argues for two radical consonantal changes in Late Proto-Turkic, which can be formulated as *t₁ > g /V_iVr₁/₂ and *d₁ > g /V_iVr₁. Using this new sound law, some lexemes that have the phonemic shape /°VgVr/ or /°VgVz/ in Common Turkic are etymologised as being derived from verbs ending in °t- or °d-. The reconstructed Turkic forms are also partly supported by Mongolic data.
Corporate Governance and Corporate Political Responsibility
Authors: Ali Hesham , Adegbite Emmanuel , Nguyen Tam Huy
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the pivotal policy question of whether a firm’s corporate governance influences its political spending disclosures. Using a sample of S&P 500 firms from 2011 to 2019, we find empirical evidence that a board of directors’ monitoring and resource provision roles affect a firm’s political spending disclosure. Extending agency theory-driven expectations, we provide evidence that measures of a board’s monitoring role such as female monitoring directors, shorter board tenure, audit committee size, audit committee meetings, and audit committee education enhance a firm’s political spending disclosures. Second, drawing from resource dependence theory and examining a board’s resource provisions, we find evidence that female advisory directors, CEO duality, additional directorships, and audit committee characteristics (i.e., size, number of meetings, age, and education) promote political spending disclosures. The study contributes to corporate governance and corporate political activity literatures by outlining different types of governance that may drive a firm’s political spending disclosures, a key component of a firm’s political responsibility.
Technology for Adults with Intellectual Disability: Secondary Analysis of a Scoping Review
Authors: Johnson Khalilah R. , Blaskowitz Meghan G. , Mahoney Wanda J.
Published: March 2023

Background. Technologies are embedded in all daily life activities and are utilized by occupational therapy practitioners to facilitate participation; evidence on technology for adults with intellectual disability (ID) can support practice with the population. Purpose. Summarize the evidence on technology to support adults with ID. Method. Secondary analysis of a scoping review of articles published between 2002 and 2018. Articles in the original scoping review addressed participation, assessment, or interventions with adults with ID. Authors completed a secondary analysis of 159 articles to identify articles with information on technology. Findings. In total, 56 articles met the inclusion criteria. Technology categories were cognitive supports, mainstream technologies, supplemental communication, aids for daily living, seating and mobility, control interfaces, and preparatory technologies. Implications. This secondary analysis demonstrates the range of evidence identifying technology as a key support, the impacts of the proliferation of technologies, and the need for occupational therapy practitioners to advocate for accessible technologies.
How Do We Move in Front of Art? How Does This Relate to Art Experience? Linking Movement, Eye Tracking, Emotion, and Evaluations in a Gallery-Like Setting
Authors: Kühnapfel Corinna , Fingerhut Joerg , Brinkmann Hanna , Ganster Victoria , Tanaka Takumi , Specker Eva , Mikuni Jan , Güldenpfennig Florian , Gartus Andreas , Rosenberg Raphael , Pelowski Matthew
Published: March 2023

Embodied cognition claims that how we move our body is central for experience. Exploring dimensions of bodily engagement should, therefore, also be central for engaging art. However, little attention has been paid to the actual ways viewers move in front of art and how this impacts experiences. We aim to close this gap, using a new paradigm in a gallery-like setting in which we tracked movements of participants that engaged an abstract artwork. Guided by a literature review, we relate objective movement factors and subjective body awareness to mobile viewing behavior, art experience, and expertise. We also—for the first time—define shared movement patterns employing principal component/cluster analysis and relate these to experience outcomes, noting, for example, that moving more/more dynamically related to more reported insight. As a proof-of-concept paper, we hope to support a more embodied, enactive understanding of art engagements, and provide practical guidelines for future research.
Economics, ideas or institutions? Agencification through government-owned enterprises in illiberal contexts: The case of Hungary
Authors: Hajnal György , Hajnal Aron
Published: March 2023

Corporate state agencies (CSAs) are government/state-owned enterprises (GOEs) that perform public tasks. The main objective of this article is to better understand the drivers of governments’ changing reliance on CSAs in performing public tasks. We pursue this ambition in a particular context: one characterized by the illiberal transformation of political and state institutions. Based on a review of the applicable but thus far largely disconnected streams of research we proposed and subsequently tested several hypotheses using a unique data set of Hungarian corporate state agencies that existed between 1995 and 2014. The empirical analysis revealed, firstly, that in line with theories rooted in mainstream economics, economic factors do affect governments’ reliance on this type of agencies (albeit to a limited extent). Secondly, we conclude that organizational myths such as the “myth of central control” of Viktor Orbán’s governments explain a large proportion of changes in our outcome of interest. However, notably, we found no direct empirical support for either the effect of illiberal transformation of government or administrative reform doctrines.
‘Once upon a time’. Exploring the possibilities and limitations for inclusive PE through creative writing: A tale of exclusion, integration and inclusion
Authors: Martos-Garcia Daniel , Lozano-Sufrategui Lorena , Drew Kevin J
Published: March 2023

This article aims to show and make explicit the exclusion sometimes experienced by children with disabilities and obesity in physical activity (PA) and physical education (PE). Using empirical data from our previous qualitative work, we have engaged in a process of creative writing to present a tale that exhibits how exclusion is experienced by students in PA and PE, as well as ways in which students’ integration and inclusion could be fulfilled. The tale presented in this article draws from data generated in in-depth interviews, focus groups and field notes to recreate the experiences of three composite characters: Will, a student with osteogenesis imperfecta; Ella, a wheelchair user; and Josh, a child with obesity. To conclude, we present some evidence-based pedagogical approaches that may be useful for PE teachers, PA practitioners and other stakeholders to foster inclusion, social justice and equality when working with children with disabilities and obesity.
The variability of diagnosed migraine epidemiology amongst different municipalities in southern Israel
Authors: Peles Ido , Asla Mohnnad , Abayev Mariya , Gordon Michal , Alhoashle Ali , Novack Victor , Ribalov Rinat , Lengil Tamar , Maor Ron , Elizur Mayera , Ifergane Gal
Published: March 2023

Background

Appropriate and timely diagnosis is one of the most important milestones in effective migraine care and is affected by public awareness, access to medical care, health care systems, and physicians’ knowledge. We assessed the variability in migraine diagnosis rates in different communities under universal national health coverage in Israel.

Methods

In this population-based retrospective, observational, cohort study, adult (≥18 years) migraine patients were identified in the computerized database of the southern district of the Clalit Health Services Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) based on recorded diagnosis and/or purchase of specific anti-migraine acute medication (triptans). Migraine prevalence in 2018 was calculated in the entire study population and in different municipalities. We utilized a standardized (age and gender) mortality ratio (SMR) approach for comparison among the municipalities.

Results

In 2018, a total of 29,938 migraine patients were identified out of 391,528 adult HMO members, with an overall prevalence (per 10,000) of migraine of 764.64 (7.65%), 1143.34 (11.43%) for women, and 374.97 (3.75%) for men. Among the municipalities, adjusted prevalence (per 10,000) ranged from 386.15 (3.86%) to 1320.60 (13.21%). The female-to-male ratio ranged from 1.8:1 to 5.1:1. Prevalence rates were positively associated with the socioeconomic status of the municipalities (Spearman rho = 0.472, P = 0.031).

Conclusions

High variability in the prevalence of diagnosed migraine suggests underdiagnosis. Resources for awareness and educational programs should be directed to low diagnosed prevalence communities.

Graphical Abstract
Sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors as factors related to depression and health-related quality of life among older women living alone: a population-based study
Authors: Jang Soyoung , Yang Eunjin
Published: March 2023

Background

Although the number of older women living alone (OWLA) has risen steadily in aging societies, and research has been conducted on depression and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among older adults, research is scarce on the health behaviors of OWLA, including their sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors. Hence, we aimed to identify factors related to depression and HRQoL among this subset of the population, focusing on their health behaviors, using Andersen’s model as a research framework.

Methods

Data for secondary analysis were from the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020). The inclusion criteria were (1) women aged 65 and older and (2) those living alone. We included 794 older South Korean women living alone from 31,051 respondents. We used hierarchical regression analysis, considering sampling weight and a complex sample design, to identify factors related to depression and HRQoL.

Results

Among the health behavior factors of Andersen’s model as a research framework, sleep was associated with depression, whereas physical activity and sedentary behaviors were related to HRQoL. Subjective health status, limited activity, and perceived stress were associated with both depression and HRQoL. Household income, as an enabling factor, was only associated with HRQoL. The final regression model explained 39% of the variance in depression (p < 0.001) and 37% of the variance in HRQoL (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study highlights the importance of strategies to improve specific healthy behaviors that affect depression and HRQoL in OWLA. Appropriate interventions that target increasing physical activity and quality of sleep, and decreasing sedentary behaviors, will be effective to enhance the well-being of OWLA. Healthcare providers should comprehensively understand the characteristics of OWLA and pay more attention to enabling, need, and health behavior factors.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of Mn-doped Cs2KBiCl6 double perovskite phosphors
Authors: Zhong Qinghua , Yu Shuai , Zheng Quanwei , Zhang Leilei , Zhang Xiaowen
Published: March 2023

Novel lead-free double perovskite phosphors of Mn-doped Cs2KBiCl6 (Cs2KBiCl6:Mn2+) have been facilely synthesized by using typical hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and photoluminescence measurements confirm that the synthesized Cs2KBiCl6:Mn2+ phosphors behave double perovskite structure, good morphology, excellent stability, and superior optical properties. An optimal doping concentration of Mn/Bi = 0.4 is achieved in Cs2KBiCl6:Mn2+ phosphors, showing maximum photoluminescence quantum yield of 87.2%, lifetime of 0.98 ms, and orange-red fluorescence with the emission peak at 595 nm under UV light excitation. The probable luminescence mechanism could be ascribed to excitation energy transferring from Cs2KBiCl6 to Mn, and accordingly contributing to the 4T1–6A1 transition of the Mn d electron. Superb optical properties provide much room for in-depth fluorescence researches and potential applications of Cs2KBiCl6:Mn2+ phosphors.
Shattering and yield expression of sesame (Sesamum indicum L) genotypes influenced by paclobutrazol concentration under rainfed conditions of Pothwar
Authors: Ahmed Jahangir , Qadir Ghulam , Ansar Muhammad , Wattoo Fahad Masoud , Javed Talha , Ali Baber , Marc Romina Alina , Rahimi Mehdi
Published: March 2023

Seed shattering is a critical challenge that significantly reduces sesame production by 50%. These shattering losses can be reduced by selecting shattering resistant genotypes or by incorporating modern agronomic management such as paclobutrazol, which can boost productivity and prevent seed shattering in sesame. Two-years of field trials were conducted to examine the effect of sesame genotypes, environment, and paclobutrazol (PBZ) concentrations. Twelve sesame genotypes were used in a four-way factorial RCBD with three replications and five PBZ concentrations (T0 = Control; T1 = 150; T2 = 300; T3 = 450; and T4 = 600 mg L− 1) under rainfed conditions of Pothwar. The findings revealed significant variations in the major effects of all examined variables (genotypes, locations, years, and PBZ levels). Sesame genotypes PI-154304 and PI-175907 had the highest plant height, number of capsule plant− 1, seed capsule− 1, 1000 seed weight, biological yield, and seed yield, while also having the lowest seed losses and shattering percentage. Regarding environments, NARC-Islamabad generated the highest plant height, number of capsule plant− 1, shattering percentage, and biological yield; however, the URF-Koont produced the highest seed yield with the lowest shattering percentage. Additionally, plant height, capsules plant− 1, and biological yield were higher in 2021, while seed capsule− 1, 1000 seed weight, seed losses, shattering percentage, and seed yield were higher in 2020. PBZ concentration affected all measured parameters; plant height and number of seed capsule− 1 decreased with increasing PBZ concentrations. 450 mg L− 1 PBZ concentration generated the highest biomass, number of capsules plant− 1, and seed yield. At the same time, PBZ concentration 600 mg L− 1 generated the smallest plant, the lowest seed capsules− 1, the greatest thousand seed weight, and the lowest shattering percentage. The study concluded that paclobutrazol could dramatically reduce shattering percentage and shattering losses while increasing economic returns through better productivity. Based on the findings, the genotypes PI-154304 and PI-175907 with paclobutrazol level 450 mgL− 1 may be suggested for cultivation in Pothwar farming community under rainfed conditions, as they showed promising shattering resistance as well as enhanced growth and yield.
Correlation and influencing factors of preoperative anxiety, postoperative pain, and delirium in elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery
Authors: Liu Qing , Li Liheng , Wei Jingwen , Xie Yubo
Published: March 2023

Background

The correlation and influencing factors of preoperative anxiety, postoperative pain, and delirium in elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery were explored with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scale, 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Confusion Assessment Method Chinese Reversion (CAM-CR) scale.

Methods

A total of 120 patients aged 65 years old who receiving gastrointestinal cancer surgery were enrolled in the study. Perioperative anxiety, pain, and delirium were assessed by the BAI scale, VAS scale, and CAM-CR scale, respectively. The correlation and influencing factors of preoperative high anxiety, postoperative high pain, and postoperative delirium were analyzed.

Results

Preoperative high anxiety had a moderate positive correlation with postoperative high pain (P < 0.001, r = 0.410), and had a weak positive correlation with postoperative delirium (P = 0.005, r = 0.281). postoperative high pain had a weak positive correlation with postoperative delirium (P = 0.017, r = 0.236). Type of cancer and surgical approach were considered to be independent risk factors of preoperative high anxiety (P = 0.006 and P = 0.021). Preoperative high anxiety was considered to be an independent risk factor of postoperative high pain (P< 0.001). Age and preoperative high anxiety were considered to be independent risk factors of postoperative delirium (P< 0.001 and P = 0.010).

Conclusions

Elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery had a higher incidence of preoperative anxiety, as well as first-day postoperative pain and first-day postoperative delirium. Factors such as type of cancer, surgical approach and preoperative anxiety had been identified as influencing preoperative anxiety levels; preoperative anxiety had been linked to postoperative pain; and age and preoperative anxiety have been identified as influencing factors of postoperative delirium.

Trial registration

hiCTR2000032008, 17/04/2020, Title: “Effects of different analgesic methods on postoperative recovery of elderly patients with digestive tract tumor”. Website: https://www.chictr.ogr.cn.
Fragment length profiles of cancer mutations enhance detection of circulating tumor DNA in patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nguyen Van-Chu , Nguyen Trong Hieu , Phan Thanh Hai , Tran Thanh-Huong Thi , Pham Thu Thuy Thi , Ho Tan Dat , Nguyen Hue Hanh Thi , Duong Minh-Long , Nguyen Cao Minh , Nguyen Que-Tran Bui , Bach Hoai-Phuong Thi , Kim Van-Vu , Pham The-Anh , Nguyen Bao Toan , Nguyen Thanh Nhan Vo , Huynh Le Anh Khoa , Tran Vu Uyen , Tran Thuy Thi Thu , Nguyen Thanh Dang , Phu Dung Thai Bieu , Phan Boi Hoan Huu , Nguyen Quynh-Tho Thi , Truong Dinh-Kiet , Do Thanh-Thuy Thi , Nguyen Hoai-Nghia , Phan Minh-Duy , Giang Hoa , Tran Le Son
Published: March 2023

Background

Late detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results in an overall 5-year survival rate of less than 16%. Liquid biopsy (LB) assays based on detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) might provide an opportunity to detect HCC early noninvasively. Increasing evidence indicates that ctDNA detection using mutation-based assays is significantly challenged by the abundance of white blood cell-derived mutations, non-tumor tissue-derived somatic mutations in plasma, and the mutational tumor heterogeneity.

Methods

Here, we employed concurrent analysis of cancer-related mutations, and their fragment length profiles to differentiate mutations from different sources. To distinguish persons with HCC (PwHCC) from healthy participants, we built a classification model using three fragmentomic features of ctDNA through deep sequencing of thirteen genes associated with HCC.

Results

Our model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88, a sensitivity of 89%, and a specificity of 82% in the discovery cohort consisting of 55 PwHCC and 55 healthy participants. In an independent validation cohort of 54 PwHCC and 53 healthy participants, the established model achieved comparable classification performance with an AUC of 0.86 and yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 81%.

Conclusions

Our study provides a rationale for subsequent clinical evaluation of our assay performance in a large-scale prospective study.
Knowledge of retinopathy of prematurity among pediatricians in King Abdulaziz University hospital in Jeddah: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Al Attas Khadijah , Roblah Tala , AlSwealh Salma
Published: March 2023

Background

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal vasoproliferative disorder that affects preterm infants. ROP is a cause of preventable blindness in both developed and developing countries. Pediatricians play a major role in the early detection of ROP, which leads to better overall outcomes for these infants. However, various studies in the literature have reported poor knowledge of the risk factors, prevention, screening, and treatment modalities of ROP among pediatricians. Hence, this study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of ROP among pediatricians in Jeddah.

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional study performed among 66 pediatricians at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed, and data were collected from March 2022 to October 2022. The questionnaire included sex, level of training, years of practice, and questions that assessed pediatricians’ knowledge of the risk factors for ROP, screening guidelines, referral facilities, and barriers to referral.

Results

Sixty-six pediatricians were included in this study. The cohort showed an equal distribution of males and females (50% each). All of the participants knew that ROP affects the retina (100%). Furthermore, the majority knew that screening should be performed by an ophthalmologist (89.4%), were aware of the risk factors (87.9%), knew that ROP is treatable (90%), and knew that ROP is preventable (70%), and some reported facing obstacles when consulting ophthalmologists (10%). The lack of knowledge was more prevalent among junior residents (56.5%) than among consultants (6%).

Conclusion

This is the first study in the western region of Saudi Arabia to assess the knowledge of ROP among pediatricians. The results showed that a lack of knowledge of screening guidelines and service delivery for ROP exists among pediatricians. Hence, awareness of ROP among pediatricians should be raised since pediatricians play a pivotal role in the early detection of ROP.
Exploring medical and veterinary student perceptions and communication preferences related to antimicrobial resistance in Ontario, Canada using qualitative methods
Authors: Primeau Courtney A. , McWhirter Jennifer E. , Carson Carolee , McEwen Scott A. , Parmley E. Jane
Published: March 2023

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens our ability to treat and prevent infectious diseases worldwide. A significant driver of AMR is antimicrobial use (AMU) in human and veterinary medicine. Therefore, education and awareness of AMR among antimicrobial prescribers is critical. Human and animal health professionals play important roles in the AMR issue, both as contributors to the emergence of AMR, and as potential developers and implementers of effective solutions. Studies have shown that engaging stakeholders prior to developing communication materials can increase relevance, awareness, and dissemination of research findings and communication materials. As future antimicrobial prescribers, medical and veterinary students’ perspectives on AMR, as well as their preferences for future communication materials, are important. The first objective of this study was to explore medical and veterinary student perceptions and understanding of factors associated with emergence and spread of AMR. The second objective was to identify key messages, knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) methods, and dissemination strategies for communication of AMR information to these groups.

Methods

Beginning in November 2018, focus groups were conducted with medical and veterinary students in Ontario, Canada. A semi-structured format, using standardized open-ended questions and follow-up probing questions was followed. Thematic analysis was used to identify and analyze patterns within the data.

Results

Analyses showed that students believed AMR to be an important global issue and identified AMU in food-producing animals and human medicine as the main drivers of AMR. Students also highlighted the need to address society’s reliance on antimicrobials and the importance of collaboration between different sectors to effectively reduce the emergence and transmission of AMR. When assessing different communication materials, students felt that although infographics provide easily digestible information, other KTT materials such as fact sheets are better at providing more information without overwhelming the target audiences (e.g., professional or general public).

Conclusion

Overall, the study participants felt that AMR is an important issue and emphasized the need to develop different KTT tools for different audiences. This research will help inform the development of future communication materials, and support development of AMR-KTT tools tailored to the needs of different student and professional groups.
Health system characteristics and COVID-19 performance in high-income countries
Authors: Moolla Iris , Hiilamo Heikki
Published: March 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken everyday life causing morbidity and mortality across the globe. While each country has been hit by the pandemic, individual countries have had different infection and health trajectories. Of all welfare state institutions, healthcare has faced the most immense pressure due to the pandemic and hence, we take a comparative perspective to study COVID-19 related health system performance. We study the way in which health system characteristics were associated with COVID-19 excess mortality and case fatality rates before Omicron variant.

Methods

This study analyses the health system performance during the pandemic in 43 OECD countries and selected non-member economies through three healthcare systems dimensions: (1) healthcare finance, (2) healthcare provision, (3) healthcare performance and health outcomes. Health system characteristics-related data is collected from the Global Health Observatory data repository, the COVID-19 related health outcome indicators from the Our World in Data statistics database, and the country characteristics from the World Bank Open Data and the OECD statistics databases.

Results

We find that the COVID-19 excess mortality and case fatality rates were systematically associated with healthcare system financing and organizational structures, as well as performance regarding other health outcomes besides COVID-19 health outcomes.

Conclusion

Investments in public health systems in terms of overall financing, health workforce and facilities are instrumental in reducing COVID-19 related mortality. Countries aiming at improving their pandemic preparedness may develop health systems by strengthening their public health systems.